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International News

SOUTH AFRICANS WEIGH NATION’S GAINS AND LOSSES AS VOTING NEARS

(GIN)—As South Africa’s democracy turns 30, Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress (ANC) party faces its toughest election yet.

While the streets may be plastered with campaign posters of smiling politicians promising “A Job in Every Home” or to “Rescue South Africa,” many things have not improved. To many young South Africans, the ANC party is linked to today’s problems. Two decades of economic stagnation mean half of its young people are unemployed, the vast majority of them Black.

The ANC has also become more identified with corruption, violent crime, and incompetent management than the liberation struggle.

“Everywhere in the country, crime is the thing that people talk about, whether you’re Black or white,” said William Gumede, executive chairperson of the Democracy Works Foundation and associate professor at the University of Witwatersrand.

Yet South Africa is still a vibrant democracy, with a free and fearless press and an independent judiciary. Human rights, including LGBTQ

rights, are—unlike in many countries on the continent—enshrined in the constitution.

“We want to see job opportunities coming and basically, general change in every aspect,” ANC supporter Ntombizonke Biyela said.

“Since 1994, we have been waiting for the ANC—it has been long. We have been voting and voting, but we see very little progress as the people. Only a special few seem to benefit.”

While conceding to some failures, the ANC maintains that South Africa is a better place than it was during apartheid, when a set of race-based laws oppressed the country’s Black majority in favor of a small white minority. The ANC is also widely given credit for expanding social support, housing, and other services for millions of poor South Africans in the decade after apartheid, even if critics say it has lost its way recently.

“There are many problems in South Africa, but nobody can deny the changes that have happened since 1994, and that was because of the ANC,” said 42-year-old Eric Phoolo, another supporter of the ruling party. “These other parties don’t have a track record of bringing change to the country.”

At the final 2024 ANC rally, the FNB stadium in Johannesburg was awash with the party’s yellow and green colors. With a capacity of 94,736, it’s the biggest stadium in Africa and the fourth-largest soccer stadium in the world. At the final rally, an impressive 60,000 to 70,000 ANC followers showed up. But with its popularity steadily declining

U.N. event celebrates Africa Day 2024

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

The role of women had front-row visibility when this year’s Africa Day, an observance marking the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) May 25, 1963, was celebrated at the United Nations last Friday, during an event hosted by the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN). A series of speakers focused on current and impending visions for the continent. Attendees reflected on the prospects for success for continental and diasporan African women.

“On a Friday afternoon before Memorial [Day] weekend in the United States, it’s amazing to see so many of you come and be present in this room today,” Djibril Diallo, president and CEO of the ARDN, told the crowd in opening greetings. “This is the United Nations headquarters. We have 690 participants in person… [for] this global commemoration of Africa at the United Nations. I wanted to make sure that we say a big ‘thank you,’ a warm ‘thank you,’ for your making the effort to come here.”

Among those delivering remarks were Diamane Diome, Senegal’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations; Saturnin Epie, United Nations Population Fund; U.N. Assistant Sec-General and Acting Executive Director of U.N.-Habitat Michal Mlynár; Xinhua News Agency journalist Martin Jiangang Wang; and photographer Chester Higgins Jr.

A youth panel of three young people were featured speakers, discussing African development issues and the importance of education, particularly as it relates to agriculture.

“Africa, according to Bloomberg, has the highest ratio of food importation to food con-

sumption in the world,” ARDN board member Dr. Gordon Tapper noted in his introduction of the three young speakers. “They’re bringing in too much, importing too much food, and that is something that needs to be addressed: It is not sustainable; we can do better. …the African Union has established a theme for Africa Day 2024 as ‘Educating an Africa fit for the 21st

century.’ [This means] educating an Africa for Africa––not [for someone who will] migrate to Canada, United Kingdom, France, or the United States. Africa for Africa.”

“Self-sufficiency in Africa is not a distant dream,” said Wantoe Wantoe, one of the youth panelists, representing Ethiopia. “It is

(GIN photo)

Young people Lyzianah Emakoua, Wantoe Wantoe, and Oumou Haidara lead panel discussion on the importance of education and the independence of Africa. (Karen Juanita Carrillo photos)

(T) Dr. Leonard Jeffries and (B) Dr. Rosalind Jeffries at U.N.’s Africa Day celebrations.

DOI investigation details NYCHA’s missteps for Jacob Riis Houses water contamination scare in 2022

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

Nearly $500,000 went down the drain after a costly NYCHA’s water-testing mishap in September 2022. The findings come from the Department of Investigation (DOI) and former federal monitor Bart Schwartz in a report released May 16. The probe traced how a lab error that incorrectly found arsenic in the drinking water supply of the Jacob Riis Houses in the East Village is tied directly to the public benefit corp’s loose oversight of one of its contracted vendors.

In reality, a broken house pump caused the tenants’ discolored-water complaints. But the false positive turned a routine repair into a multi-day crisis of “unquantifiable stress” for public housing residents informed that they likely ingested the toxic metal. NYCHA rescue plan architect Greg

Russ stepped down as CEO in the ensuing months (he remained as chairman initially, before also departing from that role last year). Resident concerns about drinking water safety persist to this day.

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber told the Amsterdam News that a “series of missteps” and “instances of mismanagement” led to the blunder beyond just the false positive.

Between June and July, many residents reported “dirty or brown water” to NYCHA.

Except, according to the DOI report, the water was actually cloudy, an important distinction when identifying the discoloration source— and a distinction that couldn’t be made in NYCHA’s service portal, according to DOI.

Cloudy water is frequently the product of aeration—air circulation through liquids—and often used as an indicator of problems with the water distribution system.

According to the DOI, the Riis Houses

See RIIS HOUSES on page 25

NYC’s Section 8 waitlist portal reopens June 3. Here’s how to apply

By TANDY LAU

Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waitlist reopens for applications next Monday, June 3 at 12 a.m. for the first time since Dec. 2009. Qualifying renters have until June 9 at 11:59 p.m. to apply for a chance to get in line for the elusive vouchers.

The federally funded, NYCHA-administered housing assistance program provides qualifying low-income households with subsidies to rent in their neighborhood of choice from participating landlords. Participants typically contribute 30% of their monthly income towards rent.

NYCHA said applying online is the easiest method and suggested those without internet access to apply at a public library.

The 20-minute application can be found at https://on.nyc.gov/section8-applica-

tion when it opens. Paper applications can be requested between June 3 to 7 by calling (718) 218-1525 or visiting NYCHA application offices in Brooklyn or the Bronx. Paper applications need to be postmarked by June 28.

Applicants should qualify for the Section 8 waitlist if they earn less than the income limit, which sits on a scale based on household size and is generally based on falling under 50% of the area median income. The cap for applicants living alone is $54,350 while families of eight cannot make more than $102,500. Mobility-impaired applicants currently in “inaccessible housing” receive first priority, followed by older people (ages 62 and over) and people with disabilities. There is no New York City residency requirement to apply. Applications cannot be expedited. All members of applying households will need to provide their date of birth, social security

number, disability status, and racial, ethnic and gender identity. Heads of household will also be required to provide information on the family’s gross income, pregnancy status, sex offender status, eviction history, and reason for applying.

When the portal closes on June 10, NYCHA will begin the selection process and said the waitlist will be established no earlier than Aug. 1. While applicants will be notified of their status, they can check themselves through https://selfserve. nycha.info/. Those selected on the waitlist will be interviewed and asked for additional information.

“As the largest landlord in New York City, NYCHA understands firsthand the importance of affordable housing for New Yorkers and the need to use every available tool to connect more families with a safe place to call home,” said NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt over an email statement. “We

are proud to administer the most expansive Section 8 program in the nation and look forward to reopening the waitlist for this critical rental subsidy.”

Brooklyn’s NYCHA application office address is 787 Atlantic Ave. 2nd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11238.

Bronx’s NYCHA application office address is 478 East Fordham Road, 2nd floor, Bronx, NY 10458.

Author’s Note: A roundtable featuring Bova-Hiatt will be held after press time. Please check this article on AmsterdamNews.com for updates on the Section 8 waitlist.

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.

Bills strengthening citywide gun buybacks reintroduced to city council

By TANDY LAU

Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Councilmembers Carlina Rivera and Rafael Salamanca Jr. reintroduced a pair of bills that would mandate NYPD-hosted gun buyback events at least once a month and ratchet up outreach to New Yorkers on how to properly surrender their firearms without the fear of criminal charges. Such programs allow anyone to turn in guns in exchange for cash or gift cards anonymously. The collected weapons are subsequently melted down and destroyed. While the NYPD’s Cash for Guns program allows New Yorkers to similarly surrender

Attorney’s

guns to any precinct for $200, buybacks provide a centralized location and limit intera ction with law enforcement that could otherwise dissuade someone from bringing in a weapon. Non-police groups like clergy and nonprofits typically facilitate the events, with officers usually in the background to collect and transport the guns.

The legislation would also schedule the monthly buybacks to rotate borough-by-borough, allowing more neighborhoods to turn in guns. Transporting firearms is a particular concern in New York City, given the sizable number of families without a car that take public transit. In fact, even legal firearms are now banned in subway stations following

Mayor Eric Adams stops by NYCHA’s Jacob Riis Houses in Manhattan and drinks the water to show there are no issues. Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office)

Manhattan District

Office gun buyback held in Harlem on June 10, 2023. (Tandy Lau photo)

Biden has a few things to crow about

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

Despite things being less than rosy in the Middle East and the U.S. midwest, particularly in Ohio, the Biden administration can crow about a few developments. Recent stops on the campaign trail at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, a commencement address at Morehouse, and a speech at the Detroit branch of the NAACP fueled his attempt to appeal to Black voters, and on Wednesday he announced another round of student debt cancellation.

He may have to hold off the crowing on student loan cancellation since his administration is being sued by 18 Republican-led states challenging Biden’s SAVE plan. If this effort makes it through Congress, some 160,000 borrowers will receive financial relief. And their votes will be vital in November.

“From day one of my administration”, Biden said in a recent statement, “I promised to fight to ensure higher education is a ticket to the middle class, not a barrier to opportunity. I will never stop working to cancel student debt, no matter how many times Republican-elected officials try to stop us.”

This latest round is slated to impact 54,000 borrowers enrolled in Biden’s new income-driven repayment plan, along with 39,000 enrolled in earlier plans. An additional 67,000 who are eligible through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program can expect relief. The proposed plan will erase $7.7 billion in federal student loans, bringing the overall cancellation of student debt to $167 billion for nearly 5 million Americans through several programs.

On the international front, Biden applauded Kenyan President William Ruto for deploying Kenyan forces to Haiti to quell the alarming spread of gang violence. He also defended his position to withhold sending American troops to the turmoil.

“Haiti is in an area of the Caribbean that is...very volatile,” Biden said at a joint news conference with Ruto, the first state visit to the U.S. by an African leader in more than 15 years. “There is a lot going on in this hemisphere. So we’re in a situation where we want to do all we can without us looking like America once again is stepping over and deciding this is what must be done.”

Sheila Walker….following the African diaspora road

By JESÚS CHUCHO GARCIA

Special to the AmNews

Translated by KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

I first met Dr. Sheila S. Walker in 1994 at the UNESCO World Conference about “The Slave Route” in Ouidah, Republic of Benin. Since then, we have traveled together to various parts of the world. But who is she?

Walker is the director of Afrodiaspora Global LLC (afrodiasporaglobal.com), a nonprofit organization. “I created [this nonprofit] to educate the public about the African diaspora, which contributed to the formation of global civilization,” she said. “One fundamental understanding we teach is that every nation in the Americas––from Chile to Canada––has a population of African descent with a culture that defines their identity.”

Walker holds a B.A. cum laude from Bryn Mawr College. She spent her junior year studying in France at the Institut d’Études Politiques and at the Sorbonne, and earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in cultural anthropology at the University of Chicago.

Walker was most recently named to serve as chair of the international academic council of the Pan-African Heritage Museum (PAHM), which is being established in Ghana to reflect on the realities of the global African diaspora and make visible the historical and present creativity of Africans and people of African

descent, and their contributions to global civilization.

AmNews: Tell us about your first connection with Africa.

Sheila Walker (SW): I was the only Black person in my class at an elite white university, and I needed a cultural balance to protect me against the alienation of a privileged upbringing that had taught me nothing about my reality. I spent two months in Cameroon in a student exchange group, living with a wonderful family in the Bamum Kingdom. This family knew their culture well and was proud of it. They were also Pan Africanist. It was in that context that I discovered that there was an African diaspora, of which I was a part, and I wanted to get to know it, so I did research first on the African diaspora in the Americas and then in the world.

AmNews: Where did you teach African Studies?

SW: I taught at the University of California at Berkeley and the College of William and Mary in Virginia. I was director of the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for African and African American Studies and director of Spelman College’s African Diaspora and the World. I have been a member of the Scientific Committee of the UNESCO Slave Route since its creation in 1994 and worked on that for about 10 years. The idea for the project was to make visible the process and results of the enslavement of Africans. I protested from the beginning against the name of the project because of the use of the word “slave.” In the end, they changed the name to Routes of Enslaved Peoples.

AmNews: Can you tell us about your academic and activist connection with African diasporic brothers and sisters in Latin America?

SW: While I was teaching at Spelman College, I found out about a

grant from an African American foundation that supported projects at our universities: the United Negro College Fund Global Center. It was a mission to create curricular materials about Afro Latinos. Since I couldn’t imagine creating a project about other people, since I am not Afro Latino, I invited Jesús Chucho Garcia from Venezuela to collaborate with me, so it would be a project with, rather than about, Afro Latinos.

The problem was that you have to have a knowledge base to create curricular materials, but there was only a Eurocentric “knowledge” that denied the existence of Afrodescendants in certain countries and minimized and distorted the history of those who existed in others. Mr. Garcia and I invited representatives from the nine Spanish-speaking countries of South America to a meeting in San Jose de Barlovento, Venezuela (where the name of our group, Grupo Barlovento, comes from), to talk about our realities.

In our discussions, we realized that we did not know our history, and that we needed to “generate knowledge from within,” using a comparative perspective, since our compulsory schooling systems throughout the Americas did not teach us about our true history. We created the first book where African Americans tell their own stories to inform honest curriculum: “Conocimiento desde adentro: los afrosudamericanos hablan de sus pueblos y sus historias” (“Knowledge from Within: Afro-South Americans Tell the Stories of Their People”).

Sub-Saharan Africa’s tallest model wants his shadow embraced in the diaspora

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

Bakare Mubarak wants to be an ambassador for Africa. The 28-year-old Nigerian is on a mission to develop more international connections and create new pathways for Africans and African diasporans to unite.

“We want to do business with the world,” Mubarak explained. “We want to be able to catalyze and be impactful by virtue of collaboration. The resources are there and, to cap it all, we are now top on the youth population index across the world.

“There is no part of the world that has as much of a youth population––youthful populations that are very vibrant, you know, and energetic––as the African continent,” he added. “So, it is important for us to utilize that for the better. And how can we do this? We can’t do it alone. It is important that we synergize with our brothers and sisters outside of the African continent, who’ve got the expertise, who’ve got the financial and other resources. When we begin to synergize, we begin to collaborate for the betterment of all.”

For Mubarak, this is an exciting See MUBARAK on page 27

Jesús Chucho Garcia with cultural anthropologist and documentary filmmaker, Dr. Sheila Walker. (Jesús Chucho Garcia photo)

Bakare Mubarak wants to help bridge cultural and business relationships between Africans and the diaspora. (Karen Juanita Carrillo photo)

The big fight: Mental conditioning trainer and author Elliot Allen

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

Some of the hardest fights are not necessarily on a battlefield or in a boxing ring, but in the mind. For innovative mental health coach and author Elliot Allen, 50, this idea is rooted in the belief that true empowerment begins with a resilient mindset, particularly when it comes to Black men and some of their struggles tied to mental health.

Through mental conditioning, he offers help with personal, academic, and career goals. Allen is the author of the recently released title, “12 Rounds of Mental Conditioning: Us vs LIFE ‘The Big Fight,’” which discusses how to confront myriad challenges that can affect one’s mental state using four fundamental principles: self-evaluation, decision-making, big-picture thinking, and staying the course. His principles draw inspiration from boxing and fighting disciplines.

“When you watch a boxing match, most people just see two people going in there and throwing punches at each other,” Allen said. “But it’s a very technical sport; my dad taught me that. You have to know what you’re doing and really be thinking under the most stressful situations. It’s very similar to life.”

A Queens native, Allen grew up in the

Cambria Heights neighborhood. Though Allen didn’t box himself, he played basketball in his youth and admired athletes, including Muhammad Ali. After graduating from college, Allen became a computer engineer and business owner. He bought the house he was raised in by his parents and ended up marrying the girl next door. He was successful for a number of years until his business soured, he said.

His next career move led him to law enforcement, where he is currently a NYPD detective. Allen spent 19 years going into jail cells, interviewing Black and Brown men about the circumstances that led them to be arrested or imprisoned. In doing so, he discovered a passion as a mental health speaker and wellness advocate. He found that the concept of mental training and boxing analogies helped his target audience be more comfortable with discussing mental health. Allen has months to go before his slated retirement this year, and has decided to pursue writing and advocacy full time.

“For Black men in our society, we have to understand how to really train our minds to have a clear big picture because the road is very difficult, the fight is going to be tough. We’re going to get knocked down more than any other group of people,” said Allen. “No question about it.”

Allen’s book signing and launch will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the famous Gleason’s Gym on 130 Water Street in Brooklyn. Go to mentalconditioningmovement.com to RSVP.

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.

Join the MSK Ralph Lauren Center, The International Myeloma Foundation, and the Abyssinian Baptist Church for a

Community Health Education Panel & Dinner

At this event, you can:

• Learn how multiple myeloma impacts the Black community.

To honor Black Family Cancer Awareness Week (June 13-19). This free educational dinner in Harlem will provide information about the disease multiple myeloma – the most common blood cancer in African Americans.

• Hear how food can improve health.

• Ask experts your questions.

Event details: Thursday, June 20, 2024 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

To register for this event or to learn more about it, point your smartphone camera at the QR code and tap the link. Email communityaffairs@mskcc.org for more information.

Photo of Elliot Allen (Contributed photo by NetStruc PR Sharon Leid)

New Yorker

UNREAL: Trump backers use AI images to suggest strong Black support

By ANGELINA HICKS and VANI SANGANERIA Special to the AmNews

As the U.S. enters its first presidential election in which convincing misinformation can be created by artificial intelligence (AI), supporters of former President Donald Trump are spreading AI-generated images of him posing with Black celebrities, historical figures, and ordinary Black people.

Trump backers often used the fake images to illustrate and amplify a genuine trend: polls showing growing, although still modest, support for Trump among Black voters.

Some of the photos, which can look strikingly real, began as parodies but ended up being used for political persuasion in posts viewed by millions of people. At least one photo was used in a dubious fundraising scheme by a person purporting to be a top Trump advisor.

The New York Amsterdam News has identified AI-generated images by using a variety of established methods, including running the images through AI image detection tools. Our methods can be found in the online version of this story.

In 2020, only about 12% of Black voters cast their ballots for Trump, according to exit polls—the lowest among any major ethnic group. But last fall, the New York Times trumpeted a poll conducted with Siena College that found 22% of Black voters in swing states would support Trump this time around. While the results suggest growing support for Trump among Black voters, only 403 Black voters were polled from the six swing states, making it hard to draw firm conclusions.

The NYT poll was followed by one from NBC News showing that 20% of Black voters would consider supporting Trump, although it included only about 120 Black people.

Despite their limitations, these polls received widespread attention. Not long after the NYT poll was released, internet personality and conspiracy theorist Dom Lucre, who has 1.2 million followers on X, posted an AI-generated image of Trump marching in a huge crowd of Black men. The caption read, “President Trump can’t lose” because he has “n*****” backing him in this election. The post was viewed more than 11

million times.

The same image—this time with a grayscale filter—was also posted by Vernon Jones, a former Georgia state representative and vocal Trump supporter with more than 633,000 followers on X. He posted, “We’re coming, and we’re bring [sic] Black MEN voting with us!”

The image was viewed more than 83,000 times.

Lucre and Jones did not respond to requests for comment.

Diara Townes, a research consultant for the Disinfo Defense League, said such posts show an intent to “reverse reality” and sway Black voters.

“When you see AI images being produced from a party that doesn’t normally get that kind of support, you can see that the intent is to basically revise reality,” Townes said.

Two days after the NBC poll, a Trump-focused account on X with more than a million followers posted NBC’s headline superimposed on an AI image of Trump grinning in a crowd of smiling Black men.

That account, @PapiTrump, says it engages in parody. Most of its posts appear to support Trump, and the account was reportedly popular among followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory.

The person or people behind @ PapiTrump could not be reached for comment, but the post with the real headline on the phony photo racked up more than 200,000 views. Replies showed that while some people recognized the photo as fake, others apparently did not.

“Awesome pic! Beautiful smiles,” said one reply

“Imagery can make things feel more real, more palpable, more vivid,” said Kurt Sampsel, who focuses on disinformation and community engagement at PEN America. “I think that that is a big part of what’s going on here.”

A new riff on an old theme

While generative AI is new, Black voters have been targets of election disinformation campaigns time and time again. A U.S. Senate report found that Russian interference in the 2016 election mainly targeted Black voters in an attempt to divide the U.S. electorate and encourage more support for Trump.

In 2020, two right-wing political operatives launched a robocall campaign designed to keep Black voters in New York, Ohio, and other states from voting. The calls falsely warned voters that mail-in voting would reveal their person-

a residential address associated with Perez to the address listed on Trump History’s merchandise website. Perez declined an interview in an email to the Amsterdam News and did not respond to a list of questions, but he wrote, “I suppose I have to update the merch store! I didn’t know that you can see my personal info there!”

In an email, a spokesperson for Prager said it is not affiliated with the Trump History account “in any capacity.”

Brogan Wassell, who used to work with Perez at PragerU as an “AI-integration consultant,” said in an interview with the Amsterdam News that he collaborated with Perez on Trump History. Wassell said Perez owns and runs the account, adding that he had trained Perez in Midjourney, a popular AI imagery tool, and had also generated several images on the Trump History account himself.

al information to police departments and credit card companies. In connection with that scheme, Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman pleaded guilty to a felony fraud charge in Ohio and were fined more than $5 million by the Federal Communications Commission, among other penalties.

Some of today’s most widely spread AI-generated images of Trump weren’t created by foreign actors or clearly identifiable political operatives. Instead, many originated from accounts labeled as satire.

One of the most prominent is @ Trump_History45, or Trump History, which has accounts on X, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, and Truth Social, with the X account having the biggest following— of more than 142,000 followers. Since its first post in August, the account has been run anonymously, but the Amsterdam News discovered that Trump History is owned and operated by Joseph Perez, a social media coordinator for PragerU, a popular conservative media organization with more than 2.2 million followers on Instagram that has featured prominent right-wing figures such as Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens.

The Amsterdam News matched

“There’s a sort of symbiotic relationship that happened, because I joined Prager [U] to integrate AI tools into the pipeline at the company,” Wassell said in an interview with the Amsterdam News. “I looked over at what Joe was making, because I’m also active on Twitter in the AI community, and I noticed one of the images that had been generated by [Perez] was on the Trump History account.

“I put two [and] two together, and I walked over to his office, and I was like, ‘Nice job,’” Wassell said.

Trump History posts AI-generated images of Trump as Santa Claus, Trump with Harry Potter, and Trump as the first man on the moon. The account also posts less fantastical AI-generated images of Trump with Black people, often engaged in activities like posing outside, walking in a march, or eating a meal together. Often, Perez captions images that depict Trump with his Black “supporters” or “homies.”

Wassell described Perez as the “ideas guy” behind the account, which took off when right-wing political influencers such as Jack Posobiec and the Krassenstein brothers started retweeting their images.

In one post of Trump posing with a thumbs up in front of a group of Black people, some dressed in traditional African attire, Trump History captions the image, “Donald Trump

Continued on next page

takes a photograph with his supporters outside of the Fulton County Jail - August 24th, 2023.”

A Trump History image of Trump holding up a fist next to Black men is captioned, “No one has done more for the black community than Donald Trump.” The caption next to an image of Trump and Black men eating watermelon reads, “Donald Trump is the least racist person of all time.”

One AI-generated image depicts Trump posing with a group of Black men, with the caption “Joe Biden would NEVER take a picture like this.” Wassell said Perez was “making a joke about gangster, thug Trump, or hood Trump,” something that is “ridiculously over the top” because Trump is not from “the backwoods or hood or any ghetto.”

Wassell described Perez as “a bit of a jokester,” a “very nice guy” with a troll-ish streak, and as someone much smarter than most people give him credit for. He said the satirical context of their work is important, which is why they apply a Trump History watermark to their AI-generated images.

While Wassell said that he can tell Trump History’s AI images are “too real to the point where it doesn’t reflect reality,” he acknowledged that “there’s people who get tricked.” He said “we live in a social ecosystem now where you can influence—very, very drastically—perceptions” and warned people to “be careful what you look at.”

In December, the anonymous Instagram account @trapfortrump, which often posts memes and other content involving Trump with Black people, reposted the image without a watermark, making it more difficult to understand that the image is not real.

“A fantastic picture,” one comment reads. “Those men next to Trump. Amazing.” Another addresses the questionable photo: “Is this real? Anyways how can I get this pic to put up at my house?”

In response to the image, another comment references recent polls about Black support, writing that “media like Fox is talking about the increase of black male voters but not black women.”

Trump History’s AI-generated images of Trump and Black supporters are “clearly designed and purposely made for satire,” Wassell said, but also act as political commentary on why “Trump gets a super-high percentage of the

Latino and Black vote compared to” other Republican presidential candidates such as George W. Bush and Mitt Romney

When users repost Trump History’s AI-generated images to signal Black support for Trump, “the imagery definitely enhances the message you’re trying to carry,” Wassell said.

Disinformation expert Townes said some viewers of this kind of imagery could be fooled into thinking it’s authentic.

“If you showcase imagery that looks like that, and people who are exposed to that imagery don’t know that it’s AI, they can then be deceived into believing that, ‘Oh, [Trump] does have support. Maybe I should take the time to look into this candidate again,’” she said.

In multiple posts, the user behind @trapfortrump, which has more than 30,000 followers on Instagram, asserted that the images are real. In one post featuring an AI-generated image of Trump standing in front of a grill surrounded by Black people, a user in the comments asked, “Is this real? Lol.” The @trapfortrump account replied simply, “Ya.”

Another AI-generated image shows Trump playing cards with a group of Black men. “Who took this pic?!” one user commented. “Me, n****,” replied @trapfortrump.

Wassell said he and Perez never intended to deceive viewers or for the images on Trump History to be taken as real. The account exists in the “meme universe,” he added.

For some users, depictions of Trump with Black voters can be monetized—whether by directly selling merchandise emblazoned with the AI-generated images or peddling catch phrases associated with them. @Trump_History45, for example, has a website selling T-shirts with AI-generated images of the former president, including one of Trump posing with a group of Black men.

The image on that T-shirt had appeared on iFunny early last August with a satirical caption about Trump posing with the WuTang Clan in 1989. X user and self-described “Trump loyalist” @ Antunes1 then reposted it without the satirical caption and with the slogan, “N***** FOR TRUMP,” which received more than 72,000 views. @Antunes1 did not respond to requests for comment.

About six months later, the image got called out as fake. X user,@LgqLana, a left-leaning influencer with 75,000 followers,

tweeted, “Dang, how many hoods does Trump want us to believe he visited? This is some desperate disrespectful shit. Republicans have such a low view of Black men that they couldn’t even AI-generate Black men in suits.”

But that didn’t stop pro-Trump internet personalities from using it. In September, Stephanie Bush, the creator and self-proclaimed “AI artist” behind the YouTube channel Surviving the Phuckery, used the image in a thumbnail for a video titled “Blacks Support React and Rally Around Donald Trump,” which has received more than 350,000 views.

The video displays the AI-generated image next to a TikTok clip by a Black creator, who calls on viewers to “free Trump” because “we need him out of jail.”

Bush uses the AI-generated image again in a sequel. This time, she stitches the image together with a clip from comedian Theo Von’s podcast, in which a guest says Black voters began to love Trump “once he started getting Black people out of jail and giving them free money.” The sequel has received about 333,000 views.

Bush’s videos are mostly illustrated with AI-generated art, imagery, and memes of Trump with Black people she generated herself or discovered online. She also uses a cartoonish AI-generated avatar to represent herself and her voiceovers.

Her channel—which has around 30 videos and nearly 1.5 million views—helps reach its audience by using tags such as “blacks4trump,” “n***** for trump,” and “black people who love trump,” as well as “gays against groomers,”

“texas border invasion,” “transgenders in womens sports,” “bill gates lab grown meat,” and “latinos for trump.”

“I never thought this channel would go as quickly as it’s going,” Bush said in a video

An AI image advertises fundraising scheme

In March, Marcia Ann Mims Coppertino, founder of the Coppertino and Associates Consulting Group, posted the AI-generated image featuring the NBC News tweet on Facebook and LinkedIn. According to her website, her organization is a marketing firm and alleges to be a “Trump Congressional District Focus Group.”

Coppertino used the AI-generated image to advertise an alleged fundraising event in Torrance, Calif., for the Trump campaign. Her ad calls on voters, particular-

ly “Black entertainers and sports figures,” to raise $500 million to “help President Trump step out of hell with demons on his trail.”

Coppertino lists a variety of suggested donation amounts— ranging from $100 as Trump’s “volunteer team” to $1 billion as Trump’s “Deliverer.”

In an interview with the Amsterdam News, Coppertino said, without evidence, that Trump “refers to me as his most trusted advisor” and claimed, “I’m part of what we call the ‘incoming political appointees group’ from the White House.”

Told that no public records or articles mentioning her and Trump were found on any news sites, Coppertino insisted her role as a trusted advisor is “accurate.”

Coppertino used that AI image of Trump surrounded by a group of young Black men to convey what she called a conservative political awakening among Black voters.

“We wanted to make sure that the message was that Blacks were there for him,” Coppertino said. “And you can see the smile on Trump’s face.”

At first, Coppertino insisted that the AI-generated image was not only real but familiar. “There’s about two out of that crowd that I knew personally,” Coppertino said, adding that one was a Trump donor who attended her fundraiser. Coppertino did not specify which men in the image she knew, nor did she give their names; she said she could “put that in an email” but never did. Later, she wrote, “I am not sure where any images have come from.”

Coppertino claims that her fundraiser brought in between $500,000 and $1 million, but declined to be more specific. An online search of Federal Election Commission records turns up no results for either “Coppertino and Associates Consulting Group” or Marcia Coppertino. She said “about 65 people” attended the event, of whom 80% were Black, and 12 were allegedly staffers from the official presidential campaign. Coppertino did not provide any names, details, or documentation of the event or funds she said she collected. In public campaign finance records, the Amsterdam News found no political contributions made by her or her consulting company to the Trump presidential campaign. Later, in response to questions, Coppertino said that if parties involved with fundraising “do not report back with docs, paperwork, or information that such events took place…we do not pressure them.”

Officials from the Trump presidential campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Over the last four decades, public records show, Coppertino has been an executive or founder of more than a dozen other nonprofits or corporations. At least 11 of these, including her consulting company, went defunct after tax board suspensions She reposted the AI-generated image and link to the fundraising event through one of her nonprofits, Mercy Mission Bear Hospital

Go With The Flo

ANTHONY

Birthday celebration for artist Haile King Rubie

Artist Haile King Rubie celebrated his 34th birthday with a month-long celebration alongside family, friends, and community—all in support of his travel to

Germany to exhibit his work. The artist has exhibited all over New York City: at Harlem’s Renaissance Hotel and at his studio, which has propelled him to this

monumental chapter in his career. His supporters at the Renaissance Hotel and at his Brooklyn studio included Mike Garlick, Roz Nixon, Lisa Rector, and his family.

Congratulations to Steph and Ayesha Curry. The Golden State Warriors star’s wife gave birth on May 11 to their fourth child, a baby boy named Caius Chai Curry. The couple announced on Instagram, “Our sweet baby boy decided to make an early arrival. He’s doing great and we are finally settling in at home as a family of 6! So grateful!” The little one joins the couple’s three older children: daughters Riley and Ryan, and son Canon. The couple met as teenagers in a church youth group and have been married since 2011........

Former Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson had a medical emergency caused by an ulcer on board a flight from Miami to Los Angeles on May 26, according to multiple outlets. Said an eyewitness, “Mike had some kind of medical emergency on the plane and paramedics boarded. Before the paramedics arrived, the flight issued an announcement asking for a doctor—the message even came on everyone’s screens.” Prior to takeoff, the plane was delayed two hours because the plane was hot due to the intense Florida weather. The spywitness said Mike was on board American Airlines Flight 1815 sitting in First Class. Once the plane landed at LAX airport, it was delayed another 25 minutes as the passengers waited for the paramedics to come on board to tend to Tyson. His reps told In Touch, “Thankfully Mr. Tyson is doing great. He became nauseous and dizzy due to an ulcer flare up 30 minutes before landing. He is appreciative to the medical staff that were there to help him.” This incident comes two months before Tyson’s upcoming fight against Jake Paul on July 20 in Dallas. On May 27, Paul told the press the medical incident will not stop the boxing event from moving ahead.......

Speaking of the Fight Game, the National Boxing Hall of Fame, which Yours Truly was inducted into in 2022, is producing an original documentary, a film by Drewin B. Young, “Sweet Magic,” the inspiring true story of Eva D. Jones-Young. The documentary follows the life of multiple World Boxing & Martial Arts Champion /Hall of Famer JonesYoung, and her life journey as a pugilist. This documentary will show what it is to persevere in the face of adversity. As a fighter, Jones-Young’s motto was to “just keep moving.” This is “Sweet Magic!”........

L.A. Focus Newspaper’s 26th Annual First Ladies High Tea was the place to be on May 18 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The presenters, performers and honorees included actresses Wendy Raquel Robinson, Yvette Nicole Brown, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and musical artists Major and Lena Byrd Miles. Brown received the Spirit Award. Said “The Game” star Robinson, who co-hosted the event, “The First Ladies High Tea is absolutely one of my favorite events to host. It’s a deeply moving and immensely powerful experience and I am astounded by the remarkable women gathered in that room.” The Afternoon Tea hosted 800+ attendees and served a traditional Afternoon Tea Menu..... FLO

(Bill Moore photos)

Colin Kaepernick and NAACP’s Myrlie Evers-Williams honored at Gordon Parks

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

The annual Gordon Parks Foundation Gala featured star-studded guests to honor modern-day civil rights icons and activists this Wednesday, May 21, at Cipriani 42nd Street.

Photographer Gordon Parks began documenting American life and culture, turning his lens to the burgeoning movements in social justice, race relations, and civil rights in the 1940s. He was hired full-time by Life magazine in 1948.

Parks became the first Black person to write and direct a major feature film in 1969 with “The Learning Tree.” A few years later, Parks again made cinematic history, along with his life-long friend actor Richard Roundtree, when he released “Shaft” in 1971.

“Gordon Parks was a legend and a social justice warrior. Tonight, all the artists and activists come together to remember him, to support the next generation of young artists who are our fellowship and scholarship students,” said Foundation Executive Director Peter W. Kunhardt Jr. His grandfather, Philip Kunhardt, co-founded the foundation with Parks in 2006 and struck up a friendship with him while they worked together at Life. “And tonight is really about looking at these great giants at the cross-

sections of art, philanthropy, and athletes.”

Parks continued photographing, publishing, and composing until his death in 2006.

“[Gordon’s] camera was his weapon of choice to fight racism and poverty— he knew that art could be a powerful weapon, more potent than violence, and that through pictures and words, he could open our eyes,” Kunhardt said at the start of the festivities.

The dinner was a lavish affair that brought together some of the most prestigious and important Black talent in the worlds of photography, philanthropy, fashion, film, music, business and the arts. Celebrities, including singer and performer Usher and journalist Gayle King, owned the red carpet before the sit-down dinner and auction, which was catered in-house by Cipriani 42nd Street.

The event honored the life of Roundtree, who died last year, with tributes from actors Tim Reid and Sherry Bronfman. Roundtree’s daughter, Kelli, accepted an award on his behalf.

Others honored at the event were Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of civil rights activist Medgar Evers and former chairperson of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); mixed-media artist Mickalene Thomas; athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick; and Grammy Award-winning singer and song-

writer Alicia Keys with her husband, Kasseem Dean (aka Swizz Beatz), who received the Patrons of the Arts Award.

“There is nowhere that we don’t belong,” said Keys in her acceptance speech.

Keys and Dean are avid art collectors and have been longtime supporters of the foundation and Parks’s work. The couple acquired what is now the largest private holding of Parks’s images, which is a part of the Dean Collection, currently on display at the Brooklyn Museum, according to the foundation.

In accepting their award, the cultural icons also spoke about growing up in Hell’s Kitchen and the Bronx, the importance of photography and the arts, and recognizing the next generation of artists and changemakers.

“This evening is special because of who it’s named after: Gordon Parks,” said Reena Denise Evers-Everette, who accepted the award on behalf of her mother, Evers-Williams. “He was a phenomenon. Still is in the African American community, [and] worldwide. He had a special relationship with my mom, too, and I’m here to represent her because she cannot be here.

“She’s just overjoyed and so is the family. Just overjoyed with everything that is with this honor and knowing that it’s with the Gordon Parks Foundation, and what they do, and what we try to do to uplift everyone.”

Kaepernick closed out the night with an emotionally charged speech. “Nights

like this also make me think about all the people who aren’t here,” he said. “All the doors, all the barriers that we still have to kick down so everybody else can come through. When we leave here today, I ask for one thing.” that all of us walk in that power. Kick those doors down.”

DJ D-Nice brought things home with a medley of lively music.

The event auction raised more than $2.3 million for the foundation with one of Parks’s auctioned works alone bringing in more than $200,000. All proceeds from the event support the foundation’s year-round fellowships, prizes, scholarships, and educational programming.

In partnership with the foundation, Steidl released an expanded edition of the 1971 book, “Gordon Parks: Born Black, A Personal Report on the Decade of Black Revolt 1960–1970,” the first book to unite Parks’s writing and photography and the first to provide a focused survey of Parks’s documentation of a crucial time for the Civil Rights and Black Power movements.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member who 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

Red carpet arrivals (left to right) Jennifer Goicoechea, Usher, Gordon Parks Foundation Executive Director Peter Kunhardt, and Leslie Parks-Bailey at 2024 Foundation Awards Dinner & Auction on Tuesday, May 21. (Ariama C. Long photos)

Gordon Parks Foundation Executive Director Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr. (left) and activist Colin Kaepernick (right) at 2024 Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Dinner & Auction at Cipriani 42nd Street on Tuesday, May 21.

Award-winning singer and performer Usher (left) and award-winning journalist Gayle King (right).

Award-winning producer and rapper Kasseem Dean (aka Swizz Beatz, left) and Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Alicia Keys (right) on red carpet at Cipriani on May 21.

Sen. Cory Booker questions U.S. prison labor policies, calls for change

By MARGIE MASON and ROBIN McDOWELL Associated Press

Prisoners should be learning professional skills that help prepare them for their release instead of being forced to work, such as sometimes picking crops in triple-digit heat for pennies an hour or nothing at all, said Sen. Cory Booker , D-N.J., at a Senate judiciary subcommittee hearing on prison labor Tuesday.

America locks up more people than almost any other country in the world— nearly 2 million a year—and they are disproportionately people of color. Those who refuse to work can be punished, including being thrown into solitary confinement, Booker noted, and those injured or killed often do not have access to the most basic rights and protections guaranteed to other American workers.

“Our prisons should reflect the best of who we are—they should reflect our values,” Booker said. “And they should, in my strong opinion, be places that are not just for punishment, but for rehabilitation and for creating roads of redemption.”

While most incarcerated workers today help maintain correctional facilities, others are leased out to private companies or take part in work-release programs. As part of an ongoing two-year investigation into how prison labor is quietly entering the supply chains of some of America’s most recognized companies and brands, the Associated Press found that companies such as McDonald’s, KFC, Walmart, Cargill,

and Tyson Foods have benefited from the multi-billion-dollar industry.

Booker, chair of the Senate’s subcommittee on criminal justice and counterterrorism, was speaking during a hearing aimed at looking at ways to rethink prison labor, from making jobs voluntary and boosting wages to protecting

workers against injuries and abuse.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) pushed back, saying prisoners are dangerous people housed in dangerous facilities where “idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” He added that prison labor is a way for inmates to give something back to the society they wronged. “And if that means scrubbing

toilets, mopping floors, or picking up the garbage,” he said, “then so be it.”

American prisoners were being put to work in the early 1800s, but the practice ramped up after the Civil War with passage of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which contained a loophole: It ended slavery for everyone except those convicted of a crime. For decades after emancipation, Black men were rounded up—often for petty crimes—and put to work under brutal conditions during the convict leasing era. The practice lined the coffers of industrial giants such as U.S. Steel and Tennessee Coal, Iron, and Railroad Company, while helping to rebuild the South’s broken economy.

Andrea Armstrong, a law professor at Loyola University New Orleans, said incarcerated workers are sometimes given dangerous assignments with little or no training, leading in some cases to painful and lifelong, debilitating injuries, and even death.

That, she said, was never intended to be part of their sentence. She listed a number of prisoners who have died preventable deaths while working behind bars. She also highlighted work by the AP about the issue.

“Refusing to work in dangerous conditions could even lead to new criminal charges and new sentences in some states,” she said. “We, the general public, have no idea because this forced labor occurs in spaces that lack oversight, transparency. and accountability.”

Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism Chair Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., speaks at a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, to examine forced labor in prisons (AP Photo/Susan Walsh photo)

Andrea Armstrong, law professor at Loyola University New Orleans, said incarcerated workers are sometimes given dangerous assignments with little or no training, leading in some cases to painful and lifelong, debilitating injuries, and even death (AP Photo)

Opinion

And so it goes!

We are not surprised, nor should you be, upon learning on Thursday that the Supreme Court, at least its conservative members, rejected a lower-court ruling that said the district discriminated against Black voters. In a 6 to 3 vote, a margin we have endured again and again, the Court held that South Carolina’s Republican-controlled legislature did nothing wrong in redistricting when it strengthened Rep. Nancy Mace’s hold on the district by moving 30,000 Democratic-leaning Black residents of Charleston out of the district.

In a state that was pivotal in Biden’s 2020 victory, it is a troubling signal of what may happen in other regions. President Biden immediately responded. “The Supreme Court’s decision today (Thursday) undermines the basic principle that voting practices should not discriminate on account of race and that is wrong,” he said.

Justice Samuel Alito, himself charged with flying the American flag upside down, wrote the majority opinion, criticizing the lowercourt judges for their “misguided approach.” In effect, he agreed with the state that partisan politics, not race, was a major factor in the decision.

The decision may not have much impact on the upcoming presidential election, though it could be crucial in the South Carolina legislature. We are reminded of the 2013 Shelby v. Holder case in which the court eviscerated the Voting Rights Act of 1965, ruling that Sections 4 and 5 were unconstitutional.

A lower court had ordered South Carolina to redraw the district after it found that the state used race as a proxy for partisan affiliation in violation of the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.

Race and politics, as we have come to learn in America, are inextricably linked, like Trump to the Proud Boys.

To this end, we agree wholeheartedly with the dissenting justices and their warning that the court was insulating states from claims of unconstitutional racial gerrymandering. “And so it goes,” as one great American writer mused.

Lawmakers must tackle long-standing racial inequities head-on

By Senator KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND

Not too long ago, I had the honor of meeting with the Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green, who leads the Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem. We spoke about a handful of issues, but one that stood out was how many of his congregants continue to face the lingering effects of COVID-19.

Although the pandemic is behind us, many Americans, especially those in underserved communities, still haven’t been able to fully recover. Others are struggling to make ends meet as prices remain high on everything from housing to food. Small businesses are fighting to stay afloat. Many families, especially in the African American community, are still grappling with the widening racial wealth gap, poor health outcomes, a rise in maternal mortality, scourge of gun violence, mass incarceration, and continuing effects of environmental inequality.

While the pandemic greatly exacerbated many of these challenges, it did not create them. Members of the African American community have long dealt with the consequences of systemic racial inequities. It’s about time more legislators tackled this problem head-on.

The racial wealth gap has made it significantly more challenging for African Americans to build generational wealth. In 2020, the wealth gap between Black and white Americans was about as bad as it was in 1950. Much of that has to do with systemic inequalities that make it difficult for African American business owners and entrepreneurs to get funding and support.

To address this, I’ve called for more than $400 million to help entrepreneurs in underserved communities get more access to capital. This includes resources to support community development financial institutions, a growth accelerator fund, and a microloan program for small businesses.

These sorts of federal initiatives will help communities build wealth and spur economic growth in New York.

Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher and Editor in Chief

Damaso Reyes: Executive & Investigative Editor

Editor

As just one example of this, New York community development financial institutions provided $4.3 billion in loans between 2003 and 2018.

This funding helped borrowers start or expand small businesses, create affordable housing, and

provide health care and day care services to their communities. This, in turn, created more than 60,000 jobs across New York State.

Another issue that comes up repeatedly in my conversations with Black constituents is that of maternal mortality and the disproportionate impact it has on the African American community. Just recently, the Centers for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics released a report finding that the maternal mortality rate among Black women in the U.S. stands at 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is more than double the national average. What’s even more troubling is that four out of five of these pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.

I wrote a bill—the Into the Light for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Act—to address this rising problem and establish a maternal mental health hotline for pregnant and postpartum women. I’m proud that this bill passed in 2022 and the hotline has, to date, received more than 33,000 contacts.

As we fight to reduce health disparities, we must also do more to address gun violence, which affects the African American community disproportionately. Long before the racially motivated mass shooting that killed 10 innocent Black people at a grocery store in Buffalo, gun violence was devastating New York communities, sowing fear among families, workers, and businesses.

Shortly after I became a senator, I met the parents and classmates of Nyasia Pryear-Yard, a 17-year-old victim of gun violence from Brooklyn. Nyasia had such a bright future ahead, and her life was taken far too soon. Her friends and family told me their concerns about the illegal guns flooding Brooklyn’s streets and motivated me to introduce legislation that would ban interstate gun trafficking once and for all. Finally, after more than a decade of sustained advocacy, the core of my gun trafficking bill was included in the bipartisan gun safety package that was signed into law in June 2022. Since then, my anti-gun trafficking statute has been used to charge more than

380 suspected firearms traffickers and take more than 2,600 illegal guns off our streets.

Addressing the gaps in our mental health care system is another key part of our fight against gun violence. The bipartisan gun safety law awarded nearly $100 million to New York State and New York-based organizations for mental and behavioral health services and programming, including multiple nonprofits and schools in New York City. For example, Fordham University was awarded nearly $250,000 to train teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors at dozens of Bronx public schools to recognize the signs of mental illness in children and offer referrals to licensed mental health providers.

These types of initiatives will broaden access to the mental health supports we need to help curb gun violence and offer early intervention for those suffering from serious mental illness.

We must also do more to help right the wrongs of the past. One way to do this is to combat mass incarceration and criminal justice policies that have disproportionately harmed African Americans.

While many failed policies enacted over the course of many decades have contributed to this inequity, one major failure

Kirsten Gillibrand (U.S. Senate Photography photo)

The American spirit of resilience

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

Change is not only inevitable in the rapidly evolving world of today; it is a constant. Just consider the contrast between the state of our nation two decades ago and what it is now. We are continuously learning fresh ideas and integrating them into our daily lives.

The United States was established on the principles of adaptability, innovation, resilience, and change. Our Constitution was crafted to be able to adjust to technological and ideological shifts. It is unchanging in that it represents a set of fundamental values, but it is constantly evolving as it applies those values to new ideas.

Consider the technological innovations that have profoundly changed our daily routines. The digital era has introduced unparalleled convenience since the dawn of this century, enabling us to purchase goods and services from the comfort of our homes, entertain ourselves constantly, and work as productively from outside the office as we do in the office. However, it has also introduced new challenges, including the proliferation of social media, which has eroded the minds of our youth, and the development of new, sophisticated warfare capabilities that present a perpetual and evolving threat to our nation.

The emergence of AI platforms such as ChatGPT, which have made AI’s capabilities publicly accessible and free to everyone with an internet connection, has propelled artificial intelligence to the forefront of the world’s consciousness in the past year. The question of what a future with intelligent computing systems will look like has been spurred by the ability of these new tools to adapt to new situations in the same way as humans. Undoubtedly, artificial intelligence is a concern that our founding fathers did not anticipate. However, this is also the case for all forms of advanced technology that are currently in use, such as computers and other sophisticated systems.

For example, thermal imaging devices are capable of reading heat signatures through walls. The Supreme Court was able to effortlessly interpret our Constitution in the presence of a technology that our founding fathers would have been unable to comprehend. The court determined that our fundamental constitutional principle of prohibiting searches without warrants was applicable to the technology.

When thinking of these technological advancements, we are at a juncture where the traditional

methods of doing things are no longer adequate. We must retain the principles that have made our nation great while taking a bold step into the future, armed with the ingenuity that has always characterized the American spirit.

Our educational system is one such area that is particularly ripe for transformation. Schools throughout the country are failing to adequately instruct children about even the most fundamental concepts. However, with the advent of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual classrooms, and online learning platforms, children now have the ability to learn at their own pace and in the manner that is most conducive to their learning, in environments that are most familiar to them. By using technology, it is possible to democratize education to the extent that even the most underfunded school systems can compete with those in the wealthiest neighborhoods in terms of their educational capabilities. This has the potential to result in a population that is significantly more educated and has a more diverse array of leaders.

The necessity of strong, principled leadership is at the core of this transformation. It is imperative that our elected officials tran-

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Let’s get ready for June

GREER, PH.D.

scend the partisan bickering that has characterized our nation for the past decade and instead concentrate on the common good and the future of our nation. They must establish policies that promote innovation and safeguard the general public from technology-related activities that violate their rights. It is a precarious balance, but it can be attained by uniting around a common vision of a more promising future. Change should be welcomed rather than feared. It is the lifeblood of our nation and the engine of progress. We must bear in mind that our capacity to adapt and thrive is the foundation of our strength as we navigate the intricacies of the 21st century.

We honor the legacy of those who preceded us and establish a path for future generations by accepting change. The American spirit is characterized by resilience, and it is this spirit that will serve as our guide as we confront the obstacles and successes that await us.

Armstrong Williams (@ ARight-Side) 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.howardstirkhold ings.com

I cannot believe how quickly this year is flying by. It seems like just yesterday we were ushering in the new year, and now we are prepping for summer. June is always such a busy month for many, with the school year coming to a close, preparing for camp, developing a voting plan (June 25 for New Yorkers), dealing with allergies as the seasons change, and reflecting on how the year has been and what you want to accomplish in the upcoming months. There are so many interesting things to celebrate in June and since the days are long, there is plenty of time to step out of your comfort zone and participate in a few.

Did you know there is a Global Day of Parents on June 1, Hug Your Cat Day on the 4th, National Best Friends Day on the 8th, National Corn on the Cob Day on the 11th, National Weed Your Garden Day on the 13th, National Photography Day on the 15th, National Go Fishing Day on the 18th, National Onion Rings Day on the 22nd, National Chocolate Pudding Day on the 26th, International Body Piercing Day on the 28th, and Meteor Day on the 30th, to name just a few?

in the Northern Hemisphere and will mark midsummer: the longest day and shortest night of the year.

Throughout the month of June we will also celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month, Caribbean Heritage Month, and African American Music Appreciation Month. June is also PTSD Awareness Month, Rebuild Your Life Month, and Zoo and Aquarium Month. I guess it is a perfect time to visit one of the many zoos in NYC or take stock of what is or is not working in your life. I am always looking for ways to “reset” and make sure I am focused on what is real and true and productive in life. I look forward to the start of each new month so I can focus my energy on something new or recharge as I continue to work on various projects. Hopefully the month of June is filled with a sense of purpose, not chaos, as we figure out next steps now that the school year has ended and the weather is getting hotter with each passing day. As we move deeper into 2024 and prepare for the Nov. 5 election, it is my sincere hope that you will use June to reflect and recharge.

There are so many days each month dedicated to fun and sometimes wacky items, I find it’s a great way to continue to celebrate throughout the year with family members and students.

I also look forward to the Summer Solstice each June. This year the summer solstice will take place on June 20

Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC and host of The Blackest Questions podcast at TheGrio. She is a 2023-24 Moynihan Public Scholars Fellow at CCNY

CHRISTINA

Caribbean Update

U.S. governors, lawmakers demand release of Americans in Turks and Caicos Islands

BY BERT WILKINSON Special to AmNews

A David vs. Goliath scenario is playing out between U.S. lawmakers, governors, and authorities in the tiny British Caribbean dependency of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) over the detention of half a dozen American tourists for bringing small amounts of ammunition to the country in their luggage.

In the past week, three state governors— Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, and Glenn Youngkin of Virginia—sent a letter to their counterpart in the TCI demanding the release of the Americans and their speedy repatriation back to the American mainland.

To authorities in the idyllic Caribbean tourism destination, where NBA starter Le Bron James and his family recently vacationed, the three governors are either disrespectful of officials and the judicial system there or prepared to ignore the fact that a local governor cannot instruct a magistrate or judge to release defendants because American governors so demand. They cite the same separation-of-powers doctrine as in the U.S., so a standoff is brewing.

Some of the lawmakers who have also

traveled to the TCI to demand the release of the Americans have not lost the opportunity to remind this tourism-dependent group of small islands near Puerto Rico that the U.S. could crush its lifeline industry if authorities fail to cooperate and release the group of six forthwith.

One of the defendants, Mike Lee Evans, was jailed back in December for possession, while the others were arrested between February and early May, triggering a mini uproar among lawmakers and governors. Laws demand up to 12-year sentences.

The governors and lawmakers involved say prosecutorial discretion can be in play, given the small amounts of ammunition in these cases.

So far, TCI authorities are defiant that the Americans must face the law as it applies to illegal possession of ammunition. In all of the cases, each defendant admitted that they had forgotten the small amounts of bullets—fewer than 10 in each case—in their luggage and had traveled overseas, breaching TSA scanners and other security checkpoints in the U.S. Most were nabbed while returning.

“We respectfully request that you reconsider the charges against Bryan Hagerich,

Tyler Scott Wenrich, and Ryan Tyler Watson and expedite their release back to their respective states and families as soon as possible. This action will create the necessary recognition of your laws that will impact the future actions of travelers and continue our mutual interest in justice and goodwill between our jurisdictions,” the letter to TCI Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam stated.

In response, the government has already told the Americans that the concept of separation of powers also applies in the TIC, preventing the TIC from interfering in the work of the judiciary, a development that appears to be lost on the Americans, apparently because of the size of the islands.

Aware of such strict anti-gun and ammunition laws, the State Department has repeatedly warned Americans to be careful when traveling to the TCI, noting that they should “carefully check their luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing from the United States. Firearms, ammunition (including stray bullets), and other weapons are not permitted in Turks.”

Last Monday, yet another American tourist, Sharitta Shanise Grier of Florida, was arrested and placed on $15,000 bail for possession of two bullets as she was preparing

to leave the TCI.

Meanwhile, local lawmaker Alvin Garland said the behavior of the American governors and others is appalling because they did not even bother to get the protocol right and were basically ordering locals around on this issue.

“They had the unmitigated gall to try to press Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam to inject herself and office into our legal process in favor of three U.S. citizens, presently on bail while awaiting sentencing for illegal possession of ammunition,” he said in a column in the Sun newspaper.

“What makes this American-sourced initiative even more galling, is that it came after the authors had professed to ‘understand and appreciate the critical importance of upholding the laws and regulations of your territory for the protection of your citizens. We humbly ask that your government—in its wisdom— temper justice with mercy and recognize that these men made mistakes but had no apparent malicious intent. We respectfully request that you reconsider the charges against these three already convicted Americans and expedite their release,’” he said in referring to the letter to the local governor.

Immigrants are again political football this silly season

As of May 25, 2024, we were 164 days away from the general elections on November 5. Yet, it is already the “silly season,” and immigrants are once again being used as political pawns in a landscape where the American voter’s choices are limited to two elderly white men—who arguably should have retired long ago, considering America’s own retirement age. On one side of the political field is Joe Biden, who leveraged the immigrant vote in 2020 by promising to overturn Donald Trump’s xenophobic policies. To date, we are still waiting for that promise to be fully realized. Biden has adopted a stance on immigration that mirrors Trump’s, including the deportation of Haitians back to Haiti—a country the U.S. has deemed unsafe for travel since July 2023, even airlifting out all non-essential embassy staff

in March.

Three years into his administration, Biden’s actions indicate a commitment to continuing harmful and ineffective immigration policies rather than supporting and welcoming immigrants as he pledged during his 2020 campaign. His administration continued to enforce Title 42, a Trump-era policy ostensibly aimed at protecting public health but primarily intended to limit immigrant entry. It was ended by the courts, not Biden.

The White House is also considering executive action to restrict migrants’ ability to seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border if they crossed illegally—a maneuver reminiscent of controversial action in the Trump era. Biden also endorsed a bipartisan Senate border bill that includes funding for the Trump border wall, which he previously vowed not to finance.

On the opposing side is the former president, the Xenophobe-in-Chief, who continues to rally his base with divisive, racist, and xenophobic rhetoric. His inflammatory statements, such as claiming immi-

grants are “poisoning the blood of our country,” cater to his followers’ racist inclinations. He has promised to implement unprecedented measures against both legal and unauthorized immigrants, including a massive deportation blitz.

The indicted former president and frontrunner for the Republican nomination is relying on the same hard-line immigration tactics he used in his 2016 campaign. He has pledged to build more miles of border wall and impose strict limits on asylum, including reviving a program that required migrants to await their asylum hearings in Mexico.

Trump has also vowed to execute the “largest deportation operation” in U.S. history, modeled after the Eisenhower administration’s infamous Operation Wetback in 1954, which deported hundreds of thousands of Mexican immigrants and American citizens. To facilitate these mass deportations, he plans to authorize the National Guard and state officials to arrest and deport immigrants living in the U.S. in an undocumented capacity, a move that

would challenge long-standing legal limits on the military’s involvement in domestic law enforcement.

Trump has also pledged to invoke the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 to deport suspected migrant gang members, a law cited during World War II to justify the surveillance and detention of Italian, German, and Japanese immigrants.

While Trumpy is barking away like a fat Chihuahua, it is funny to note that Barack Obama deported more immigrants than Trumpeto, despite the latter’s policies of caged children and Muslim bans.

And so the political theater continues unabated. Who will emerge victorious in this match-up remains to be seen. For now, immigrants will continue to be scapegoats and political footballs, with the justice system being their only potential safeguard. Who can immigrant voters trust in this fraught political landscape come November 5? That remains the billion-dollar question.

Felicia J. Persaud is the publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com, a daily news outlet focusing on Black immigrant issues.

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine graduates 120 new doctors at the Apollo

The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) Harlem awarded Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degrees to 120 new doctors on Thursday, May 16, in festive ceremonies at the Apollo Theater, across the street from the medical school.

The 14th annual commencement began with a traditional academic procession of faculty and administration, accompanied by a grand marshal and bagpipes. The Class of 2024 settled into the front rows, with their

friends and families joining them behind and above to fill the 1500-seat theater.

President addresses polarization

In congratulatory remarks to the class, Touro University President Dr. Alan Kadish reminded the graduates that there will be new pressures as they enter the professional world and they will have to figure out how to balance work with family, friends, and issues important to them in an increasingly complex environment.

“As physicians, we have a right and responsibility of caring for everyone without prejudice. [In] an increasingly polarized society, the idea that we treat every patient as an equal and with respect has never been more important,” Kadish said.

Awards and accolades

Graduates took to the stage to accept numerous awards for their accomplishments, including academic achievement, develop-

ment of clinical skills, community service, achievement in public health, and research.

Geoffrey Campbell, who will start a pediatrics residency at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, won the Research Award.

“I’m very excited, and I feel like I’m well-prepared to begin the journey,” Campbell said after the event. He also said that Kadish’s remarks resonated with him. “His speech was really excellent for the time and the climate we are in, especially when he talked about the need to have physicians who care about their patients no matter what their backgrounds are.”

TouroCOM Executive Dean Dr. Kenneth Steier congratulated the class on their acceptance to residency programs all over the country to train in a variety of specialties. The class achieved a match rate of 97%, with 82 graduates staying in the TriState Area (65 in New York City). Half the class chose to train in primary care specialties such as internal medicine, family medicine, and OB-GYN, with the remainder in other areas, such as emergency medicine, psychiatry, and anesthesia.

Eric Adams Mayor

Health

Helene Fuld College of Nursing celebrates Nurses’ Week

By HEATHER BUTTS Special to the AmNews

The Helene Fuld College of Nursing celebrated National Nurses Week with a reception and book signing on May 9 and commencement speech at the May 10 graduation ceremony with journalist and author Sarah DiGregorio. Nurses Week, which runs from May 6 to 12, is one part of the larger Nurses Month and recognizes the service and dedication of nurses as well as highlighting their dedication to their patients and the larger community. DiGregorio recently published the book “Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change the World.” The AmNews covered DiGregorio’s book signing on May 9 and spoke with her and several of the school’s leaders about the legacy of Helene Fuld College of Nursing, the importance of the book, and the future of nursing.

According to president and CEO of the nursing school Joyce Griffin-Sobel in an interview at the book signing with the AmNews, it was important to have DiGregorio speak to the student body.

“We have brought in a journalist [Sarah DiGreggorio] who wrote this amazing book ‘Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change Our World’ about nurses, particularly talking about nurses that never got any kind of recognition through the years,” she said.

Board chair James C. Frauenthal continued with this theme, stating to the AmNews that “it’s important that people know about us and we do such important things and such good work for a lot of people that it’s nice when we’re recognized. We’ve been in the community for almost 80 years…we’ve graduated thousands of nurses who do great work.”

Michele Flynch, associate professor director, Generic Bachelor of Science (GBS) and assistant dean of professional development and leadership told the AmNews that “Sarah DiGreggorio’s ‘Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change Our World’ offers a profound exploration of the critical role nursing plays not just within healthcare settings but in shaping societal health outcomes. Her insights are invaluable for our students at Helene Fuld College of Nursing because they underscore the depth and breadth of nursing’s impact. By sharing her book with our community, she provides a unique lens through which our students can view their future profession— a lens that magnifies the profound connections between personal patient care and global health trends.

Flynch pointed out the importance of highlighting accomplishments of nurses and the work they do on a daily basis, stating to the AmNews that “DiGreggorio’s narratives about the challenges and triumphs in nursing resonate deeply with our educational philosophy, which emphasizes resilience, innovation, and empathy. Her discussion will not only inspire our students but also reaffirm their commitment to the nursing profession. It will also encourage them to think critically about their potential to influence and transform healthcare through compassionate, informed practice. Hosting an author and advocate like DiGreggorio enriches the academic environment, allowing students to engage with

contemporary issues in healthcare through the powerful stories of nurses themselves. This aligns seamlessly with our goal to develop knowledgeable, thoughtful, and proactive healthcare professionals.”

President Griffin agreed, stating that “our students need exposure to the world around them. There’s so much depth to this book about the nurses in their own community. I wanted to make sure that our students were exposed to it. We gave them all a book…We want them to have this kind of exposure.”

As to the future, DiGregorio said that “my hope for the book is that it will help people understand the power of nursing and how nurses have used their insight and knowledge throughout time to create more justice

and more health in their communities. The reason I am so happy to be here is I know that this college is serving this community providing a pathway to really excellent careers for people and also we need more nurses at the moment registered nursing is disproportionately white and it’s a problem because everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the people caring for them so I am happy that this college is contributing to diversifying the nursing workforce and I think the work they do here is really important.”

To learn more about the history of the Helene Fuld College of Nursing, please visit: https:// www.helenefuld.edu/about-the-college/

Nurse Dorothy Hill is shown outside the South Health Center in Los Angeles. Author Sarah DiGregorio stated that “my hope for the book is that it will help people understand the power of nursing and how nurses have used their insight and knowledge throughout time to create more justice and more health in their communities.” (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Tribeca Festival 2024: The rundown

By NADINE MATTHEWS

Special to the AmNews

The upcoming 23rd annual Tribeca Film Festival, presented by OKX, returns to New York City June 5–16. As always, it boasts the highest-quality, most-anticipated narrative and documentary film and episodic programming—the best in music, virtual reality, gaming, and audio storytelling, along with a host of panel discussions offering something for everyone.

With more than 100 films in its lineup, Tribeca 2024 kicks off on Wednesday, June 5, with the world premiere of “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge,” an intimate look at the life of the fashion designer and cultural luminary. Whitney Houston fans know her as the designer of the red dress the singer wore when she won a then record-breaking 11 Billboard awards in 1993.

Many of this year’s slate of films, with titles such as a “Hacking Hate,” which questions the role of social media in amplifying hate speech and extremism; “McVeigh,” which portrays rightwing extremism with chilling modern implications; and “America’s Burning,” which explores the economic root of hate and division. These are, thematically, a frank acknowledgment of the fraught sociopolitical zeitgeist.

As in previous years, programming is divided into sections according to theme and whether projects are domestic or international. Tribeca Immersive delivers

eight large-scale artworks from six boundary-pushing digital artists that will be on display at the Immersive art exhibition at the Tribeca Festival hub, Spring Studios, and will feature a series of free artist talks and events from June 6–8.

DeNiro Con celebrates 80 years of legendary actor, Tribeca Festival co-founder, and Oscar winner Robert DeNiro. It consists of a screening series with 13 classic De Niro films, live conversations with long-time collaborators, an exhibit of never-before-seen materials from De Niro’s personal archive, the world premiere of the immersive short film “De Niro, New York,” and exclusive fan experiences. Celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg, John Turturro, Nas, Chazz Palminteri, and others will be part of the celebrations.

versations after screenings, music documentaries will be screened such as “Satisfied,” about singer actress Renée Elise Goldberry (Hamilton, Girls 5Eva), and “Desire: The Carl Craig Story,” about the renowned techno producer.

The Tribeca festival has always had vibrant musical offerings, but this year is the first that Tribeca Music will host an online music competition, featuring Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Tyla, the Black Crowes, and others. “They All Came Out to Montreux” with Prince, Carlos Santana, Aretha Franklin, and others will also be screened.

As part of the Spotlight+ section, which is one of Tribeca’s most popular sections and includes con-

Highlights of this year’s Shorts section include “Motorcycle Mary,” the untold story of legendary motorsports pioneer Mary McGee, and the Viewpoints section, which features bold new independent films. Be on the lookout for “Searching For Amani,” “Era Oculta,” and “Color Book,” all stories about relationships between fathers and sons.

The Escape from Tribeca section is edgy fare made for the adventurous. Check out “She Loved Blossoms More,” about a grieving family that constructs a machine to bring their beloved mother back from the dead.

For night owls and horror fans, the Tribeca Midnight section is for you;

thriller “The Weekend” will slake your thirst for edge-ofyour seat thrills.

Spotlight houses some of the most buzzworthy titles.

Spotlight Narrative this year includes “Memes & Nightmares,” exec-produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter; thriller “The Wasp,” starring Naomie Harris (“Moonlight”); and the romance “Winter Spring Summer or Fall,” starring Jenna Ortega (“Wednesday”).

The Spotlight Documentary section standouts are “The Black Table,” chronicling the experiences of students in Yale’s class of 1994, “Missing From Fire Trail Road,” about the case of missing Native American Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis; “Slave Play. Not A Movie. A Play,” a self-portrait of playwright Jeremy O. Harris, and “Luther: Never Too Much,” about the R&B great.

International Narrative features the inspiring “Samia,” based on the life of the Olympic athlete.

The Documentary section boasts “Debutantes,” about a group of Black Ohio debutantes.

In U.S. Narrative, there’s the intriguing “The Knife,” written by, directed by, and starring Nnamdi Asomugha (“Sylvie’s Love”), about a hopeful young family rocked to its core by the appearance of a mysterious stranger, also starring

Aja Naomi King (“How to Get Away with Murder”) and Melissa Leo “(Wayward Pines”); and comedy debut “The Other, Gold,” about a Black TV writer trying to survive in Los Angeles.

Other offerings include The NOW Showcase, which highlights independent episodic work; Tribeca Audio, which consists of audio narration such as podcasts; Tribeca Games Gallery; and Tribeca X, a speaker series focusing on the intersection of advertising. This year’s speakers include Terry Crews and media mogul Byron Allen.

In addition to being entertained, festival-goers can learn more about the craft and business of it all during Tribeca Talks. Guests include Emmy Award-winning actor, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Kerry Washington in conversation with producer, bestselling author, and former U.S. ambassador Nicole Avant. Grammy Award-winner Jon Batiste will join music journalist Marcus J. Moore to celebrate legendary crooner Nat King Cole and actress Laverne Cox.

In its Retrospectives and Reunions section, Nas will help Tribeca celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic crime thriller “Mean Streets,” starring Robert DeNiro and directed by Martin Scorcese, and the 40th anniversary of the pioneering hip hop film “Beat Streets.” There also will be a premiere of a newly restored 70 mm version of the Hitchcock spy classic “North by Northwest.” For more info, visit www.tribecafilm.com/festival

Still from “Satisfied”

Still from “The Other, Gold”

Stills from the dream hampton doc, “It Was All A Dream” (All images courtesy of Tribeca Film Festival)

DanceAfrica 2024: A celebration

By NADINE MATTHEWS Special to the AmNews

The most recent DanceAfrica opening night event, held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)’s Howard Gilman Opera House, provided several show-stopping performances. The full evening, emceed by Artistic Director Abdel Salaam, combined honoring ancestors with dance, drama, music, and song.

The collaborative, communal affair featured the DanceAfrica Council of Elders (including all living DanceAfrica dancers), DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers dance group, Women of the Calabash, the Billie’s Youth Arts Academy Dance Ensemble, and Siren Protectors of the Rainforest. They came together to deliver performances woven together by the vision of Salaam.

The theme of this year’s event was “The Origin of Communities/A Calabash of Cultures,” as Salaam said in his opening remarks: “We will bring the rainforest to Brooklyn Academy of Music. The Baka People. They are the beginnings, the genesis of what we know to be humanity, and everybody has come from these people.”

Salaam and members of his company, the DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers, have been to Cameroon’s rainforest. He reported that six companies auditioned in Cameroon to perform at DanceAfrica this year. What Salaam and his company saw and learned became the core of this year’s opening night event and the theme of the overall festival this year.

The calabash is symbolically a mystical vessel as well as one

that provides nourishment and is a featured element of culture in multiple ways.

Apart from the dancing, the way the other elements came to the fore and transformed the night into one bigger than mere en tertainment, and made it into a spectacular celebration, can’t be overstated. The set design, light ing, and audio elements trans ported the audience to the rainforest. Costumes rooted in African culture—grass skirts of various kinds, earth- and jew el-toned costumes, vibrant ly colored and patterned bubas and gelees, toghus, traditional West African jew elry, masks (including an arresting antelope mask)— provided an air of authen ticity and magic all at the same time, and conveyed the majesty and power of Cameroonian history, people, and culture hon ored at the event.

The other element was the audience. Part of what makes DanceA frica so special is the emphasis on, and re ality of, community. Enthusiastic audience response marked the performance to the point where the au dience became part of it. From begin ning to end, there was clapping, hooting, hollering, shouts of encouragement, and

even some “skeeweeing” in response to the action on stage.

The element of community ran through the production itself. After a moving, almost ethereal procession by the Council of Elders, with participants dressed all in white, some with candles, from the back of the orchestra to the front of the theater, Salaam offered opening comments and made way for the first group, the Billie’s Youth Arts Academy Dance Ensemble. They executed an electrifying ballet that melded seamlessly into the next group, DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers, who performed to Natema and MOB’s “Desert Soul,” a hypnotic Electro House track that evoked some of the mystical elements associated with the calabash and the mystery, significance, and majesty of the rainforest, finally rising to a smashing crescendo.

The piece evolved into a sprawling, complex affair, part outright dance, part choreopoem, illustrating the meeting of the diasporic culture with traditional Cameroonian history, myth, and culture.

More ancestors were honored in the midst of the performance. Over the music,

there was narration—a litany of names of well-known African Americans who died in the last year, such as Ron Cephas Jones and Andre Braugher. The ancestors were repeatedly invoked, their presence and participation taken as a given. Later, the Women of the Calabash performed, using harmonic song; their hands and feet; and traditional African gourd musical instruments such as the shekere, caxixi, hoshos, and mbira. The overall mood was sacred, spiritual even, but there was also a hint of the throughline to the soulful sounds of the diaspora.

Three guest drummers then took center stage and segued into the piece de la resistance: a performance by Spirit Protectors of the Rainforest with New Orleans-based stilt walker Niya Zulu as their special guest. Zulu performed some gravity-defying, awesome displays. She, or rather her character, was also a playful, mischievous, and at times imperious yet charming counterpoint to the humble joyfulness of Siren.

This part of the performance also suggested the throughline from traditional African culture adopted across the diaspora and even hinted at the universality of culture, with parts of their performance echoing that of regions as far-flung as Polynesia.

The evening ended with all the groups coming together, entertaining together, followed by an intimate introduction to all of the various dance groups by Salaam, further solidifying the feeling of community and a wonderful calabash of cultures indeed.

DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers performing scene from “Rainforest Dreams” for DanceAfrica 2024: The Origin of Communities/A Calabash of Cultures. (Tony Turner photos)

Protectors of Rainforest members Mafor Mambo Tse and stiltwalker

Niya Zulu performing a scene from “Siren” during DanceAfrica 2024: The Origin of Communities/A Calabash of Cultures.

DanceAfrica 2024 kicked off the Memorial Day weekend with a vibrant celebration of African and diasporic cultures, shining a spotlight on the heritage of Cameroon. From soul-stirring dance performances in the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House to the bustling energy of the DanceAfrica Bazaar, the festival showcased the vibrancy and diversity of African culture.

Artistic Director Abdel R. Salaam curated an unforgettable lineup, featuring performances by DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers, the Women of the Calabash, the Billie’s Youth

Arts Academy Dance Ensemble, and Siren: Protectors of the Rainforest.

The festival’s anchor performance, The Origin of Communities/A Calabash of Cultures, highlighted the interconnectedness of dance, music, and culture.

The DanceAfrica Bazaar transformed the streets around BAM into a vibrant marketplace, attracting more than 30,000 attendees who immersed themselves in African, Caribbean, and African American food, fashion, artifacts, jewelry, and crafts.

(Contributed press release)

The DanceAfrica Bazaar (Tony Turner photos)

The Origin of Communities/A Calabash of Culture

DanceAfrica Libation Ceremony

HOROSCOPES BY KNOWYOURNUMB3RS

SUPREME GODDESS KYA

By

May was a month for self improvement, to network, to ask, to receive, and gain the tools and resources needed to assist you on your mission. June is for building the foundation with what you have, and everything else will follow. Continue to persevere and know that if any unexpected events pop up it’s all a test, knowing no weapon formed against you shall prosper. From June 3 around 1:55 a.m. until June 5 around 4:27 a.m., stay focused on the mission because things are changing, and rewards, appreciation, recognition, and support of some kind are due. Patience is key and what you do in the patience process is vital.

People are like places and things, they have a different energy by way of look, smell, walk, structure, operation, and what they provide. Life is an exchange of spiritual wealth manifesting in the physical realm. Think about the reason you take your time to pick out your outfit, hairstyle, or fragrance for the day, just the simple things you do. You are what and who you are and the things you adorn yourself with should match that. May was informative and business-oriented with sparks of rebirth and expansion in business endeavors, and a sense of destiny. The days leading up to June 5 around 4:36 a.m. come with an ending and beginning of the lesson learned. It’s time to take ownership like a captain does with their boat, knowing they are guided spiritually because they are the captain of their soul.

What are you waiting for? Neptune is in Pisces, giving you the vision, soul mission, and transformation of self to create the life you envision. What you create, propose, outline, it’s time to apply the action work after you lay the foundation. The resources you need are available to utilize. Submit whatever you need to submit and complete any paperwork to move the process forward. No need to wait; Neptune in Pisces is slowmoving enough. It’s time to finalize your craft for completion soon or by September. From May 28 around 8:33 p.m. until May 31 around 11:19 p.m.,when you believe, forward progress is the only way to elevate yourself and in return more confidence and wisdom is added. Smile through the toughness of the roughness this month.

When you elevate in life, everyone you started with might not be there for whatever reason. Those who are there are meant to be, to assist and guide you, as some will try to challenge you. May was a month to construct the building blocks of your foundation. June is the change effect, with rapid decision making that needs your approval. From May 31 around 11:28 p.m. until June 3 around 1:46 a.m., get clear and concise on what you need in your life. Is it the flexibility, adaptability, and stability to transform anything you need at a moment’s notice? No need to look for anything; change will find you to test your growth. Follow your heart and allow your passion to lead the way.

May was a month of birthing new things, exploring new places, seeing new faces and feeling new or the need of something new. Basically you planted a new seed that needs germination in June. In June, nurture yourself just as you planted the seed. June will be slow with all types of signs, feelings, messages, counsel from colleagues, teachers, gurus, friends, and family. The main take is how you relate to the inner growth taking place to sprout up from that seed. From June 3 around 1:55 a.m. until June 5 around 4:27 a.m., channel your emotions, learn to take your time, and be able to recognize and respect the process. Rome and even you weren’t built in one day. Life is about timing.

In the midst of the dark there is light, and in the midst of light there is darkness. Both the energy of light and dark balance human beings. It affects our mood and ability to adapt to certain situations. That experience is stored within the body so when you are ever in a similar situation, you can navigate better and experience a new outcome. In the days leading up to June 5 around 4:36 a.m., it’s up to you to bring your vision into focus; no matter the situation, there are always lessons, blessings, reasons you are experiencing something.

There’s a shift in energy occurring on all levels. Everything in this world vibrates, even you. During the month of June, operate as you normally do, just with more emphasis on your outcome. Be as relaxed as possible to allow distractions to pass you by, to be able to sense what you need to know. What’s for you is for you.

What’s it like to feel, operate in, and be in tune with your god-given gift? Have you thought about taking things to a higher level from where you are now? From May 28 around 8:33 p.m. until May 31 around 11:19 a.m., visualize where, what, when, why, and who is in the picture to make it a reality. It’s time to step your game up on all levels in your life. Do your due diligence before you hit the ground running. Gather all your facts.

You may experience the feeling of living in two worlds combining together. At one point you ask, “Is this real? Can this be happening? Is it all in my head?” The answer is no, what you see is what you get. What’s been shown to you is you vibrating on a higher realm. Allow your senses to direct you in this midst of exciting change, and experiment. Great bountiful rewards are due, as is an ascension to your personal and business life. Keep living and you will see life expressing itself to you in ways where words are not needed. From May 31 around 11:28 p.m. until June 3 around 1:46 a.m., it’s a chance to change your diet and appearance, attend exercise programs, go back to school, relocate, etc. Follow up your words with action. As slow as things may become in June, it’s for your benefit; in due time you will know the reason why.

Building a foundation attracts detours in the agenda, with folks wanting to test or distract you to engage in their activities. You have to be strong enough to stay concentrated on your vision, mission, and purpose. In reality you will find people who are for you and those who are against you. From June 3 around 1:55 a.m. until June 5 around 4:27 a.m., continue to lay the groundwork, either solo or with a team. In June, allow yourself to remove the old shackles that you are comfortable with and switch up like you switch lanes when you are driving. Life allows us to have different experiences to see different versions of ourselves manifest, and to learn from each experience to elevate higher.

The things you are putting into action are yielding quick results, leading to high turnovers for some specific reason. It must be preparation for something upcoming and you need all the tools to be ready. When you speak it, you are planting seeds in the minds and hearts of folks. By July things are working out, and all you need to do is set the foundation. When you have a foundation and system in place your operation runs smoothly, quickly, and quietly. In the days leading up to June 5 around 4:36 a.m. you have the recipe, so make something out of it and allow it to take shape. Once it takes form, you have a product. Proceed to the next level.

May taught you invaluable lessons, including planning, structure, prioritizing, responding, accountability, oppositions, and learning to trust the process. June will bring many opportunities for travel and flexibility. Follow up on meetings, calls, and emails to keep the lines of communication open, to stay informed, and to inform others.

From May 28 around 8:33 p.m. until May 31 around 11:19 a.m., decisions need to be made at a moment’s notice, so just ensure you gather all your facts before taking off. This decision will lag for a minute to fully manifest itself later in the year. It will pay off handsomely. June is a busy month, so find time for rejuvenation and self care after assisting everyone else. Your needs are a priority.

It’s time to raise the bar this week. You have a date with Destiny; some type of way, something unique will occur. Preparation is in progress that requires work, effort, and time. Tough lessons are in place to ensure you learned the lesson. Ready or not, dodge the bullcrap and continue on the progress to stay focused on the mission. From May 31 around 11:28 p.m. until June 3 around 1:46 a.m., mentally weed out anything that serves no value. The revolving cycle is ending. It’s time to forge a new beginning and a new attitude with grace, mental power, ease, and joy. You have everything to gain, even if you have to start from scratch.

AfroPoP’s ‘Can You Bring It…’ episode wins Peabody Award

By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH Special to the AmNews

The critically acclaimed documentary “Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man in the Waters,” part of Black Public Media (BPM) and WORLD’s AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange series, has received a Peabody Award. Directed by Rosalynde LeBlanc and Tom Hurwitz, the film delves into the powerful story behind choreographer Bill T. Jones’s groundbreaking dance piece created during the AIDS crisis.

“Can You Bring It” opened season 15 of AfroPoP and has garnered widespread acclaim for its poignant exploration of the healing power of art in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of the AIDS pandemic, the documentary chronicles Jones’s creation of “D-Man in the Waters,” a ballet that was a testament to resilience and hope during tragedy.

The film takes viewers on a journey through LeBlanc’s dance studio at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where

her students grapple with learning Jones’s tour de force ballet. It also transports audiences back

to 1989, when the dance was first conceived, capturing the poignant reflections of members of

the Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Company, who were personally affected by the AIDS crisis. In honor of its Peabody Award win, “Can You Bring It” has been re-released on WORLD’s YouTube channel, allowing viewers to experience this powerful documentary for free. Audiences can also watch the film on the BPM website and WORLDchannel.org until July 9, 2024. The documentary not only celebrates the legacy of “D-Man in the Waters," but also provides a platform for dialogue about the power of dance and art in addressing social issues. Viewers are invited to delve deeper into

these themes through an AfroPoP Artist Chat featuring Jones and LeBlanc, available on the Black Public Media YouTube channel.

Since its premiere in 2008, AfroPoP has been dedicated to showcasing stories from throughout the African diaspora, presenting 91 feature and short films that highlight diverse perspectives and experiences. The series is executive-produced by BPM Executive Director Leslie Fields-Cruz and “WORLD” Editor-in-Chief and Executive Producer Chris Hastings, with Denise A. Greene serving as series director and producer, Carol Bash as series associate producer, and Ashton Pina as series writer.

The Peabody Award, one of the highest honors in broadcasting and storytelling, recognizes excellence in television, radio, and digital media. The award will be presented at the 84th Annual Peabody Awards on Sunday, June 9, at the Beverly Wilshire hotel in Beverly Hills, California. It is a standout achievement in the realm of arts and culture.

Melanin magic needs protection, too: Black Girl Sunscreen debunks the myth

By MAGRIRA

Special to the AmNews

Do people with darker skin tones actually need sunscreen? That’s the question I posed to the team behind Black Girl Sunscreen (BGS).

Their story began with a need: for a sunscreen brand that caters specifically to women of color. We’ve all experienced, or perhaps participated in, trying to protect our complexions from the harsh sun. Visions of aunties carrying large, expensive umbrellas to the beach and other home remedies come to mind. Many of us have also dealt with the white residue left by some sunscreens and how it ruins makeup.

Shontay Lundy, founder of Black Girl Sunscreen, decided in 2016 to create a solution. BGS launched with a 30 SPF lotion formulated for women of color. Made with melanin-rich skin in mind, BGS dries completely clear and protects melanated skin without the white cast.

Today, BGS is sold online and on the shelves at Target and Ulta, and the global expansion of Black Girl

Sunscreen has grown exponentially because it works.

Positive word-of-mouth is driving sales. The goal is to start a global conversation about sun safety to educate and protect melanin-rich skin worldwide. With all their products, BGS emphasizes that melanin-rich skin is susceptible to damage, and it’s in our power to protect it.

Here’s what the team at BGS told the Amsterdam News about sunscreen, the sun, and our skin.

AmNews: Why do people with darker skin tones need sunscreen?

BGS: We get sunburned, too! No matter the season, there’s always a reason to protect your skin. SPF is a crucial step in skincare that should never be skipped. Reduce your risk of skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles by applying Black Girl Sunscreen’s broad-spectrum SPF as part of your daily routine.

AmNews: How should we apply it? Does it fit into a traditional makeup routine?

BGS: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reap-

ply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel-drying, and at least every two hours. Sunscreen should go on before starting your typical makeup routine and can even serve as a moisturizer. BGS’s Make it Matte is a favorite for those who wear full-face makeup because it serves as an amazing protector from the sun and a makeup primer.

AmNews: Do we only need it in the summer?

BGS: Sunscreen should be worn daily, all year long.

AmNews: What beauty products does CEO Shontay Lundy love for our skin?

BGS: BGS SPF 30 is Shontay’s favorite skincare product. When she isn’t wearing makeup for professional shoots, etc., she only uses the SPF 30 because it serves multiple purposes, including moisturizing, sun protection, acne prevention, and helping to fight hyperpigmentation.

For more info, visit www.blackgirlsunscreen.com.

Bill T. Jones in rehearsal doing Astaire steps with students Brandon and Nicole. (Photo courtesy of Rosalynde LeBlanc)

(Image courtesy of BGS)

‘Uncle Vanya’ is hilarious, entertaining at Lincoln Center, thru June 16

BY LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” has been spun into a new, hilarious, and stunning version by Heidi Schreck. As I sat at the Vivian Beaumont in Lincoln Center Theater, I could not stop laughing. The play has one of the most entertaining ensemble casts you will see on a stage and I loved its non-traditional casting.

The cast is led by ridiculously zany Steve Carell. His Vanya is a performance richly filled with humor, depth, and passion; Carell proved that he can do it all.

The play is set in the family’s country estate and working farm. Vanya has family members visiting, as well as other people who live and work on the farm.

Alfred Molina portrays Alexander, Vanya’s former brother-in-law, a writer and formerly successful college professor, now a man who thinks too highly of his own self-worth and is oblivious to the feelings and sacrifices of others around him. He is visiting with his new wife Elena, non-traditionally cast with Anika Noni Rose. Rose embodies this character with passion, pain, and conviction. She is a young woman in a loveless marriage, living with a man who has only bitterness in his heart.

Alison Pill poignantly plays Sonia, Alexander’s daughter and Vanya’s niece, whose mother has died and who has always stayed on the family farm and worked it to send money to her father.

Jayne Houdyshell is charming, funny, and

feisty as Maria, Vanya’s mother. Mia Katigbak is quite funny as Marina, the housekeeper and cook. Spencer Donovan Jones is amusing as Neighbor, as is Jonathan Hadary as Waffles.

William Jackson Harper plays Astrov, the local doctor who often comes by to visit with the family. Harper is absolutely captivating in scenes with Rose. As the doctor, he does not care much about relationships, but once he sees Elena, he changes his mind. He is drawn to her for not only her outer beauty, but her inner beauty. The

electricity between the two characters is illuminating and passionate.

This story lets the audience see how a person can take other people for granted, even those who have sacrificed all their lives for that person. In this case, Vanya, his niece Sonia, and his mother Maria have always sent money to Alexander, even though it meant that they went without. Finding that he is no longer famous or popular, Alexander decides that there is a way to guarantee that he stays financially solvent, no matter what that might mean

Drama Desk nominations acknowledge Black talent

BY LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

The 68th Annual Drama Desk Awards, which spotlight excellence on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway, has announced its nominees for this theater season—and many African American performers and productions have made the cut. The awards will be presented on Monday, June 10, at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (556 LaGuardia Place). Looking at the list of Black nominees, one has to smile. In the category of Outstanding Play, there is “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” by Jocelyn Bioh. Anyone who saw this production knows that it put a spotlight on the lives and struggles of the women who do African hair braiding in Harlem. This production truly got our people to come out to the theater.

For Outstanding Revival of a Play, there are “Appropriate.” written by Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins, and “Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch,” written by the late, great Ossie Davis. Both of these plays told African American stories on Broadway in their own unique ways.

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play nominations include Leslie Odom Jr. for “Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch” and William Jackson Harper for “Primary Trust.” Maleah Joi Moon earned a nomination for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical for her role in “Hell’s

Kitchen.” Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play earned nominations for Kara Young for “Purlie Victorious: A NonConfederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch” and Brittany Adebumola in “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.”

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical shined a light on three African

in the lives of his late wife’s family.

The humor, tension, and passion in this production will captivate audiences from start to finish. The production has superb direction by Lila Neugebauer. Every technical aspect is engaging, including sets by Mimi Lien, costumes by Kaye Voyce, lighting by Lap Chi Chu and Elizabeth Harper, and sound by Mikhail Fiksel and Beth Lake.

“Uncle Vanya” is worth your time and then some. It is playing through June 16. For more information, visit www.lct.org.

Americans performers: Dorian Harewood in “The Notebook”; Kecia Lewis, “Hell’s Kitchen”; and Natalie Venetia Belcon, “Buena Vista Social Club.”

Outstanding Direction of a Play has Kenny Leon up for “Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch.” People who saw this play know that Leon took directing to another level, doing it with respect, love, and pride for this classic story and bringing it back to life for a new generation to appreciate.

Outstanding Choreography has put a spotlight on nominee Camille A. Brown for “Hell’s Kitchen.” Outstanding Costume Design of a Busical has nominations for Dede Ayite for “Buena Vista Social Club” and Paul Tazewell for “Suffs.”

Outstanding Wig and Hair has two nominations for Nikiya Mathis, for “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” and “The Harriet Holland Social Club Presents the 84th Annual StarBurst Cotillion in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Hotel.”

This year’s Drama Desk Awards will also honor Lady Irene Gandy, press agent for more than 50 years and a Broadway producer.

See you at the Skirball Center!

Scene from “Uncle Vanya” at Lincoln Center Theater, Steve Carell (Marc J. Franklin photos)

Alfred Molina and Anika Noni Rose in “Uncle Vanya”

Cast of “Purlie Victorious” at Music Box Theatre (Marc J. Franklin photo)

‘Clearly Me’ vibrantly portrays psoriasis patients

By BRENIKA BANKS

Special to the AmNews

Posters and advertisements portraying people with various medical conditions typically show misery. It’s unusual for a campaign to show lively subjects with a condition like psoriasis. AbbVie, a biopharmaceutical company that creates medicines and solutions for their patients, took a different direction recently with their new exhibit, “Clearly Me,” at the High Line Nine Galleries in NYC’s Chelsea district. The exhibit features four personal stories and lifestyles of people living with psoriasis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, and scalps. This condition also goes through cycles, flaring for weeks to months with no cure. AbbVie’s goal is to enlighten the world about psoriasis through portraits by award-winning photographer Lindsay Adler.

“I think that’s the goal— to elevate people, give them the same treatment they’ll get if they were a supermodel,” said Adler. She said AbbVie approached her about how they wanted this executed. “When it came down to it, the discussion was, ‘We want you to create a project that feels like fine arts, that elevates these individuals, that tells their vibrant stories,’ and it was a combination of, ‘Yes, include your style, but let the subjects lead the way.’”

beautiful world, it has so many turns and twists and different information about it every single day.”

held back by our psoriasis diagnosis,” said Lowes. The ABC series “Scandal” actress was once embarrassed by her condition and overcame it through self-empowerment and self-care. She was pleased by how artistically Adler captured important life moments. Those included Lowes filming her mom podcast, acting, and studying script lines. She enjoyed being a muse for “Clearly Me,” unlike when she would initially hide her psoriasis in 2010.

Now, as an open advocate for herself, Adler impressed Lowes. “She’s amazing; it’s been the best,” said Lowes. “I feel so honored to be in this collection of people; from Lindsay to the whole campaign, everyone was so aligned with the messaging.” She hopes this exhibition inspires more people to visit psoriasis.com and become more educated. “I think if even one person were to walk through this gallery shoot and be inspired to do the same, it will have been effective.”

“My favorite part of the evening has been…watching people walk in and see the work,” said Patrick. The New Jersey-based mother, National Psoriasis Foundation mentor, and founder of “Sistas with Psoriasis” created a space specifically for women of color with psoriasis when she discovered the lack of information and resources.

Patrick praised Adler for capturing the four stories in “such a beautiful way.” She

was encouraged to see visitors coming into the High Line gallery, receiving the portraits well, and learning more about the medical term. “As soon as you walk in, (you) see everyone and know that the goal has been achieved because they’re coming in and they just see us.”

Patrick would like to work with everyone from “Clear Me” again. “I think collaboration in general is something that is necessary and needed within the community,” she said. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be alongside AbbVie and urged readers to visit thepsoriasiscollective.com (https://thepsoriasiscollective.com/), especially those living with the condition. “I really want the viewers to know that there are many resources out there [and] to utilize the resources.”

Patrick, along with the entire campaign, understands the impact they all will make beyond this project. She also mentioned attending another event recently with Cherry in Texas.

Cherry encouraged the Amsterdam News audience to embrace and love themselves whether they have psoriasis or not. “You are your longest and strongest relationship; learn who you are so the world can appreciate you better.”

For more information, visit https://www. psoriasis.com/ and https://thepsoriasiscollective.com/.

The intent was for Adler to authentically capture the true stories of patients DaQuane Cherry, Ayesha Patrick, Katie Lowes, and Joanna “JoJo” Pomerantz.

Cherry, a New York-based artist and painter who has been living with psoriasis for more than 10 years, appreciated his studio time with Adler. “Lindsay did amazing with the execution of telling everybody’s story,” said Cherry. He was pleased about being photographed spiritedly and not sadly because of his circumstances. “To see my face in this type of neighborhood…it’s so crazy to see that I am now in that space, doing these types of events.”

Cherry was satisfied with the turnout of friends and supporters at the exhibit. He encouraged everyone to be “clearly” themselves, with or without the diagnosis. “I’m still learning myself when it comes to having psoriasis,” said Cherry. “In such a

“First of all, [DaQuane] is gorgeous— he’s a gorgeous person in his appearance but also, he glows,” said Adler. “He has his own sense of style, he has his own sense of esthetic, and so…he was kind of easy [to shoot] because he came prepared as someone who is visually compelling.” Cherry’s confidence worked well for him and Adler. She said Cherry presented an excellent story, beauty, and esthetic.

Cherry explained how a life with psoriasis affected him as an artist. “Having psoriasis helped me build confidence within myself and really be in love with who I am in my skin,” he said. His self-love has grown, regardless of flare-ups. “Really loving me helped me love my work and love my process and love who I am.” He is delighted by the “beautiful relationship” he has built with the team at AbbVie. He appreciates their connection via the disorder and what it’s like to genuinely have it, without restrictions.

“If you look at all four of us, I feel like we lead very full, vibrant lives that aren’t

Take a Breath

JUNE 8 AT 2:00PM

Music, Mindfulness & the Community

Join us for the final event of this three-part series that helped us come together as a community.

Led by expert facilitators from Northwell Health and featuring performances by NY Phil musicians and the Unsung Collective, this interactive workshop explores how music can help ease anxiety and put us on a path to wellness. Plus, enjoy the chance to learn about and play with violins and cellos!

FREE and open to the public on a first-come, first-seated basis. Mother AME Zion Church 140 West 137th Street

Ayesha Patrick posing for AbbVie’s “Clearly Me” psoriasis photoshoot (Lindsay Adler photo)

Kiane Zawadi, consummate saxophonist, dies at 91

Kiane Zawadi, the trombonist who tamed the awkward euphonium into an acceptable jazz instrument, and who played with a wide variety of artists such as Charles Tolliver, Hank Mobley, Joe Henderson, Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra, Areatha Franklin, Clark Terry, and Archie Shepp, died on May 21 at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn. He was 91.

His transition was confirmed by Ima Zawadi, his wife of 53 years; no cause of death was given.

An activist who was committed to community involvement, Zawadi worked with Jazzmobile as a performer and as one of the organization’s music workshop instructors. He was co-founder of the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium and the Collective Black Artists, also in Brooklyn. He was born Bernard Atwell McKinney on November 26, 1932, in Detroit, Mich., to a musical family: His father, Herman McKinney, was a school music teacher and conducted private lessons, and

his mother, Bessie, was an accomplished musi cian. He was one of 10 siblings (seven boys and three girls). Some of his siblings were also prom

“Kiane was a very quiet and gentle man, who knew a lot without flaunt ing it. He’s from a family of fine musicians called the McKinneys,” noted saxophonist Bill Saxton. “He knew how to get to the point without wast ing a lot of notes. I am honored to have shared the bandstand with him on many occasions. He was truly a giant.”

The young trombonist attended Northwestern High School and Wayne State University, major ing in music composi tion and theory. Anxious to begin his music career, he discontinued his college studies for the live-in-the-moment bandstand experience. With a good mu sical perception and command of his in

“My friend Kiane Zawadi has left the planet, but he will always be remembered as one of my best friends,” said trombonist and composer Dick Griffin. “When I came to New York, he was so helpful and kind to

me, always very professional, and paid me to sub for him when he could not make a rehearsal.”

His 1964 “DownBeat” magazine award as an “Artist Deserving of Wider Recognition” rather sums up Zawadi’s career. He was a musician who deserved wider recognition from the media, but as far as his many fellow musicians whom he performed and recorded with and his many fans, he was an incredible musician, a quiet genius who exposed a greater light. He was an exceptional musician who processed a warm lyrical vocabulary that reverberated into outrageous riffs, whether on straight-ahead jazz compositions or the edge of avant garde. As a multi-instrumentalist, he would grab his trusty euphonium and drift into the blues or a soothing ballad.

“Kiane Zawadi was a man who shared his wisdom on life’s challenges and rewards of being a musician. He shared his vast expertise on music in a non-egotistical way,” said saxophonist Patience Higgins. “We played many times with the large and small ensembles of Dr. Barry Harris. Barry had the utmost respect for him. Kiane and I recorded on the classic album ‘Live in Harlem at the St.Nick’s Pub.’ Kiane was a man whose spirituality was personified in all aspects of life.”

As time went on, he had a stint with saxophonist and composer Benny Golson and Art Famer, the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra from 1963–72, and the Clifford Jordan Big Band. He also served as trombonist for the Larry Ridley Jazz Ensemble. In 1969, Zawadi married his Detroit sweetheart, Ima. They met while she was a senior in high school, at the World Stage, introduced by trumpeter Donald Towns.

“He was always a gentleman and exceptional musician. The world needs more people like him,” said NEA Jazz Master Golson.

In 1978, Zawadi played in the pit orchestra for the Broadway production of “Dancin’.” He appeared at a Charlie Parker tribute at Town Hall in New York City in 1985.

“Kiane Zawadi was one of the great ones! Early on, he played with the Sun Ra Arkestra; however, I came to know him from his work with Roland Alexander. They had a group that worked together for years and as music director of Sistas’ Place, I had the pleasure of booking them many times. Even after Roland left the planet, we continued to book Kiane. The history of the music was in his sound.”

Throughout his career, Zawadi appeared on more than 50 albums with a varied host of legendary musicians, too many to name. He is survived by his wife Ima, son Kiambu Zawadi, daughter Kaia Zawadi, and sister Carol Robinson.

Funeral services will take place on June 3 from 5-8pm at English Brothers Funeral Home, located at 2203 Avenue Z, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11235

Kiane Zawadi (Photo courtesy of the Zawadi family)

Riis houses

were operating without a superintendent or assistant superintendent during a portion of that summer. A new super was promoted on July 25, 2022. He previously serviced the Lower East Side Houses, a development without a water tank. When he moved to the Riis Houses, he did not receive relevant training on the new system according to the report. The DOI investigation points to the new superintendent’s inexperience with water tanks as why NYCHA did not initially identify the broken house pump’s role in clouding the water supply.

Low water levels caused by the broken pump would usually prompt an alert, but the alarm was also not working, according to the findings. When the hatch of a roof water tank was found to be “erroneously” left open, NYCHA officials suspected contamination may have caused the water discoloration and ordered testing for E. coli and coliforms. At the time, an arsenic test was not planned. But without specific procedures for what to test for, NYCHA set itself up for failure.

“Essentially the vendor was allowed to be the decision-maker as to what contaminants should be tested for here,” Strauber said in a phone interview. “There was not sufficient oversight by the NYCHA executives and senior management in terms of what was being tested for. There were cer-

tainly communications and information that we obtained that suggested that they did not initially plan to test for arsenic. And the testing for arsenic ultimately was not the appropriate testing to be done here.”

Basically, Strauber said, the wrong tool was used for the job. In a “good faith” attempt to address the resident complaints immediately, NYCHA scrambled to enlist a vendor without the specific contaminant expertise to perform the needed tests on August 12, 2022. The buck was then passed to a subcontracted lab that was not state-certified to perform the broad-spectrum water testing for arsenic and other contaminants, unbeknownst to NYCHA at the time.

By Aug. 13, NYCHA suspected the house pump may have caused the discoloration. Two days later, the pump was fixed and water quality complaints “significantly” decreased, according to the report.

The testing error wasn’t a simple mistake; according to Strauber, multiple samples were tested and all came back falsely finding arsenic at levels of concern by state and federal safety standards. The report points to the subcontracted lab running the variable and the fixed solution at different dilutions as what caused “molecular interference indicating a false arsenic positive.”

NYCHA received the pair of erroneous testing results on Aug. 29 and Sept. 1 and informed both residents and officials. Subsequent water-sample tests soon disproved the findings and the lab then retracted its results. By Sept. 10, NYCHA

informed residents they could safely drink the development’s water.

Last March, NYCHA calculated $352,810.78 in costs due to the error. By the time invoices were finalized last summer, it counted the expense up to $482,506.45, including 1,684 payments of $200 to residents.

A NYCHA spokesperson responded over email:

“The Department of Investigation’s report reaffirms that there is no—and never was any—arsenic in the water at Riis Houses and demonstrates that NYCHA acted in good faith to respond quickly to what we now know was a laboratory error. The process has been investigated and put through rigorous evaluation, with robust public transparency, and in the months since this incident, NYCHA has taken many steps including the establishment of the Office of Water Quality, to strengthen and improve its internal processes as we continue to move the Authority forward.”

When asked about NYCHA’s response, Strauber generally agreed with the assessment, specifically crediting how it notified residents as soon as the lab “confirmed” arsenic in the water supply. The residents were informed via robocall of the test results and the systems were flushed. Spanish and Chinese language interpreters were on site to notify non-English speaking residents. More than 380,000 water bottles and cans were distributed to residents. The DOI found NYCHA’s outreach following the false positive as not only compliant, but “above

and beyond” to both federal and state enforceable standards.

“We did find that NYCHA acted in good faith and we say that in our report: there certainly was a lab error that caused false positive results,” she said. “But that’s not everything that the report concludes. We also conclude that there was a series of missteps or instances of mismanagement within NYCHA that resulted ultimately in the the decision to test the water for arsenic [and] in the use of a lab that was not state certified and that did make mistakes.”

Twenty-three recommendations were made to NYCHA following the contamination scare, ranging from procuring new contracts when seeking services not covered by current vendors and groundskeeping safeguards for when a development’s superintendent quits. The housing authority accepted almost all suggestions. But NYCHA rejected a recommendation for regular house pump inspections by its Heating Management Services Department and instead plans to deploy supers on a weekly basis, electricians monthly and plumbers quarterly for routine checks and maintenance.

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

CLASSROOM IN THE

Marie Bryant, singer, dancer, and teacher of Hollywood greats

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

In the movie “They Live by Night” (1948), Farley Granger and Peggy O’Donnell are on the lam from the law. They halt their flight and settle into a roadside inn where Marie Bryant is singing “It’s Your Red Wagon.” This is one of the standard cameos of relief from a harrowing script and Bryant takes full advantage of this moment. At one time, she was among the most vivacious performers in the ’40s, physically endowed with an array of seductive movements and a formidable vocal range. This is her only scene in the film, but she has other memorable moments in her brief filmography, including “The Duke is Tops” with Ralph Cooper in 1938.

Bryant was born in Meridian, Miss., in 1917 or 1919, depending on the source. She was still a child when her family moved to New Orleans, but by 10 years of age, her

impersonations of Josephine Baker charmed spectators. As a teenager, she studied under Mary Bruce and was selected for the annual show at the Regal Theater in Chicago. She made her professional debut with Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong at the Grand Terrace Cafe in 1934. Her performances were so compelling that she became a regular singer and dancer at the cafe.

When Bryant’s performances came to the attention of Lionel Hampton, he hired her for dates in Los Angeles. Duke Ellington followed suit, securing her for appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem. During this phase of her career, Bryant was also a featured attraction at the Apollo Theater. In 1941, she performed in Ellington’s musical revue “Jump for Joy” and her rendition of “Bli Blip” became a popular request wherever she performed.

Bryant’s popularity grew immensely and soon she was a star

and leader of a dance troupe featured in several films—“Carolina Blues” in 1944 and the same year in “Jammin’ the Blues,” where she was accompanied by jazz legend Lester Young and guitarist Barney Kessel. Two years later, she was back with Ellington for a star turn in “Beggar’s Holiday,” a musical show with Ellington’s tunes and lyrics by John LaTouche.

When she wasn’t on the road, Bryant was a teacher at dance schools operated by Katherine Dunham and Eugene Loring. Among a coterie of Hollywood notables who perfected their dance steps with her tutelage were Marlon Brando, Debbie Reynolds, Betty Grable, Ava Gardner, and Cyd Charisse. These lessons may have been the conduit to the movie industry, giving her opportunities to get in films and work with Gene Kelly, who praised her as “one of the finest dancers I’ve ever seen.” Paramount, MGM, 20th Century Fox, and Columbia all hired her

as a top dance coach, where she developed a teaching style she called “controlled release.”

Bryant continued to perform in various musicals for the next decade or so, touring with the Harlem Blackbirds in 1952, where she met and married the company manager, John A. Rajakumar.

London and Europe beckoned, as well as other parts of the globe. One of the venues included South Africa and it was here that she caused quite an uproar with her version of “The Plea,” a calypso song that ridiculed the racist prime minister. When her husband became ill, she returned to the States. He died in 1965.

Bryant opened her dance studios in the 1970s and was the understudy for Pearl Bailey in the stage show “Hello, Dolly!” Most of her time was spent teaching and working as a choreographer in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

She died of cancer in Los Angeles in 1978 at the age of 58.

ACTIVITIES

FIND OUT MORE

Bryant is mentioned in several books about notable Black women, most extensively in Jessie Carney Smith’s encyclopedia, published by Gale in 1996.

DISCUSSION

More needs to be said about the controversy in South Africa and how that affected her career.

PLACE IN CONTEXT

Bryant came of age at the end of World War I and the brutal summer of 1919.

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY

May 24, 1918: Coleman Young, Detroit’s first Black mayor, was born in Tuscaloosa, Ala. He died in 1997.

May 25, 1949: Author Jamaica Kincaid (Elaine Potter Richardson) was born in Antigua.

May 27, 1975: Rapper and musician André 3000 was born in Atlanta, Ga.

Still image from “They Live by Night” (Public Domain photo)

Education

More companies offer on-site child care. Parents love the convenience,

By JACKIE VALLEY The Christian Science Monitor

LAS VEGAS — They operate in places like an airport, a resort, and a distribution center, tucked away from the public eye but close enough for easy access. They often emit laughter — and the sound of tumbling blocks, bouncing balls, and meandering tricycles.

They’re child care centers based at workplaces. And in the fraught American child care landscape, they are popping up more frequently.

Skyrocketing child care costs and staffing shortages have complicated arrangements for working parents. Some have left jobs after struggling to find quality care. Employers, in turn, view their entry into the child care realm as both a competitive advantage and a workplace morale booster.

“In the absence of government intervention and investment, a lot of businesses have been stepping up to make sure that their employees can access affordable child care,” says Samantha Melvin, an assistant research professor at the Erikson Institute, an independent graduate school for early childhood education.

Parents benefiting from child care at their work sites praise its convenience and affordability.

Frances Ortiz, who works in accounting at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas, can’t imagine a better option. She says her 3-year-old daughter has gained independence and language skills—with mom not far away—at the property’s on-site child care center for employees.

“She runs in here,” Ortiz says. “She grabs my badge. She has to open the door for herself.”

In September, the Pittsburgh International Airport added on-site child care. The center serves children of Allegheny County Airport Authority employees, as well as those of select airport workers, such as food and beverage workers, ground handlers, and wheelchair attendants.

Airport officials say the idea stemmed from wanting to bring more women and people of color into the aviation workforce. Plus, the airport sits 17 miles outside of downtown Pittsburgh, making child care logistics challenging for employees. So far, it’s operating at about half capacity.

“It’s certainly an important proof point to our team that we mean it when we say that we’re invested in them and in what they need,” says Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, which operates the airport.

Child care costs can eclipse rent or mortgages, if parents can access care in the first place. Many find themselves on waitlists.

but is it a long-term fix?

Experts caution against an overreliance on businesses filling the void. Philip Fisher, director of the Stanford Center on Early Childhood, says doing so could undercut efforts to recognize child care as a public good.

“There’s a lot of well-intentioned people who are thinking this is a really good idea, and for those who would benefit from it, it could be,” he says. “Again, there are lots of downsides even in the short term.”

One of those potential pitfalls, he says, is instability if a parent suddenly loses their job and then has to find new child care and a new job.

The assistance offered by public and private employers runs the gamut. Some run their own centers. Others outsource the operations and management.

The financial arrangements also differ. Many companies and organizations don’t disclose the exact discounts offered to employees.

Walmart, for instance, recently opened an on-site child care center at its massive Bentonville, Arkansas, campus. The Little Squiggles Children’s Enrichment Center charges a monthly rate of $1,117 to $1,258 based on

the child’s age, which company officials tell the Monitor in an email is “at market rate or below regional levels for comparable care.”

Another method gaining steam: employers providing subsidies for families to use toward child care options within their own communities.

KinderCare, a large child care operator with locations nationally, partners with more than 600 businesses and organizations to provide employee-sponsored child care, up from 400 in 2019, says Dan Figurski, president of KinderCare for Employers and Champions. Those employers represent the technology, medical, banking, academic, and public service industries, among others.

In Nevada, the Venetian Resort’s child care center, run by KinderCare, sits in a back-of-house hallway steps away from Las Vegas Boulevard.

All employees can enroll their children, as long as space allows, at a cost that’s generally 35% to 40% lower than KinderCare’s normal rate, says Matt Krystofiak, the Venetian’s chief human resources of -

ficer. The company also offers subsidies for employees who want to enroll their children in an off-site KinderCare closer to their homes.

“We’re doing this because this is what our team members want,” Krystofiak says. “This is what our team members need.”

Some businesses view investments in child care as a reflection of their company culture.

Patagonia’s foray into child care began in 1983 when some of the company’s original employees started having children. As the clothing retailer grew, so did its child care footprint. Nowadays, it operates three child care centers—two in southern California and one in Reno, Nevada—serving roughly 200 children.

The company charges employees in each location what leaders describe as an “average market rate.” Subsidies are available based on household income, says Sheryl Shushan, Patagonia’s director of global family services. The child care teachers are employed by Patagonia, so they receive corporate benefits as well. At the outdoor classroom at Patagonia’s distribution center in Reno, children spend hours digging in sand, riding bikes, playing with water, or climbing natural and humanmade objects. Patagonia leaders say the benefits on their end are stronger employee retention, a can-do spirit in the workplace, and a greater sense of community.

For Alyssa Oldham, a classroom manager in Reno, the job and child care benefit meant rethinking her family size. She and her husband originally envisioned being a one-child family, given child care costs.

Now she comes to work with her 4-yearold son and 1-year-old daughter.

“Working here, I was like, ‘We could have another child,’” she says.

This series on how the child care crisis affects working parents—with a focus on solutions—is produced by the Education Reporting Collaborative, a coalition of eight newsrooms, including the Hechinger Report, AL.com, the Associated Press, the Christian Science Monitor, the Dallas Morning News, Idaho Education News, the Post & Courier, and the Seattle Times.

Children color at the KinderCare Child Development center in Las Vegas. Just under 100 children of employees were enrolled at the Venetian Las Vegas’ center as of mid-April. (Jackie Valley/The Christian Science Monitor via AP)

Africa Day 2024

Continued from page 2

a tangible goal that many of our nations are actively pursuing. We are striving to transition from dependency on foreign aid and to model a world where we are self-reliant, selfsufficient, and capable of feeding ourselves.”

As the continent marches toward self-sufficiency, the youth advocated for members of African nations to be granted a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.

Lyzianah Emakoua, who is originally from Cameroon, called “the African Union 2063 Vision agenda…a vision for a prosperous, peacefully integrated continent driven by citizens. However, climate change poses a significant threat to achieving this vision. While African countries have contributed only 2 to 3 percent of the global greenhouse gas emis-

Gun buybacks

Continued from page 3

the 2022 Bruen Supreme Court decision that struck down a century-old state gun licensing law.

“We’re really trying to gear this program towards parents and young people specifically,” said Rivera over the phone. “We want to make sure that they know this is going to be as close to [them] as possible. We don’t want anyone not participating for fear of consequences

sions, we are still at the front line of the crisis. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change, yet they remain underrepresented in the climate and agricultural decision-making processes.”

New York-born/Mali-raised Oumou Haidara said she believes colonialism remains the biggest act of terror ever imposed on the continent. Import trades, which keep African nations at the mercy of former colonial rulers who are now supposedly trading partners, are impoverishing local people, she said. “[We are importing] everything that Mali already makes. Why are we having those exported in? We don’t need those. We don’t need to be exporting anything that we can make ourselves,” she said.

Some of the elders in attendance at the U.N.’s Africa Day celebrations were political scientist professor Dr. Leonard Jeffries and his wife, art historian Dr. Rosalind Jeffries. He told the audience that it is vital to celebrate the individuals

before they even get to the location itself.

“And we want people to know that this is a space where they can actually turn in the gun without fear of law enforcement and the incentive is granted immediately to get the guns off the street.”

Currently, most gun buybacks are held periodically by law enforcement and prosecutors. Rivera points to the annual Manhattan District Attorney’s Office buyback, which will be held on June 22 at Holyrood Episcopal Church in Washington Heights. The bill introduced by Salamanca would

who helped establish the OAU and those who have worked to restore pride in the cultures and legacies of Africa: “I do want to call out that you cannot talk about Africa in any way without understanding the work of the great Cheikh Anta Diop. You have to understand—the legacy that we stand on is an enormous legacy. It’s not a game that we’re playing; it’s the reality. Without great African leadership, male and female, inspiring the youth, we cannot expect to make the moves that we need to make.”

Dr. Rosalind Jeffries added that working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art allowed her to witness a sign being placed that acknowledged the African origins of civilization. “[That] means that the public schools throughout the world have a right to talk about the African origin of civilization, and the work that the mothers, the grandmothers, the aunts [do] in raising your children, [and] how important that is for developing nationhood,” she said.

establish the monthly police-run buybacks.

The NYPD would decide the compensation amount per weapon. Law enforcement, current or former, would not receive any payouts for turning in a gun.

Rivera’s bill would have the NYPD run a public awareness campaign “to inform the public about each gun buy-back program event held by the department.” The citywide outreach would target neighborhoods most impacted by gun violence. Information provided includes buyback locations and dates, partnering organizations and

The ARDN’s Diallo framed the Africa Day celebration as an opportunity to “increase public awareness of the crucial role that women play in agriculture and [in] the economic and social dimensions of African countries and the African diaspora.” With women playing such a vital role, their limited access to land, water, seeds, fertilizers, markets, credit, and other financial services hurts people of African descent, Diallo said. Africa and its descendants won’t thrive in the 21st century nor will the continent reach its Sustainable Development Goals by the year 2030 or the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals if Africandescendant women are not adequately supported. One way Black women can be centered is by raising awareness of campaigns to end gender-based violence. The ARDN placed copies of its signature Red Card campaign pledge cards throughout the event meeting room, while Diallo led attendees in a pledge to have “zero tolerance for gender-based violence.”

rules explaining “that a person who surrenders a gun or parts thereof shall not be subject to criminal or civil penalties for unlawful possession of such gun or parts thereof surrendered.”

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

FAIR FARES ELIGIBILITY HAS EXPANDED!

Religion & Spirituality

Shunned for centuries, Vodou grows powerful as Haitians seek solace from unrelenting gang violence

By DÁNICA COTO

Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The Vodou faithful sing, their voices rising above the gunfire erupting miles away as frantic drumbeats drown out their troubles.

They pause to swig rum out of small brown bottles, twirling in unison as they sing in Haitian Creole: “We don’t care if they hate us, because they can’t bury us.”

Shunned publicly by politicians and intellectuals for centuries, Vodou is transforming into a more powerful and accepted religion across Haiti, where its believers were once persecuted. Increasingly, they seek solace and protection from violent gangs that have killed, raped and kidnapped thousands in recent years.

The violence has left more than 360,000 people homeless, largely shut down Haiti’s biggest seaport and closed the main international airport two months ago. Basic goods including food and life-saving medication are dwindling; nearly two million Haitians are on the verge of famine.

From January to March alone, more than 2,500 Haitians were killed or injured, up more than 50% from the same period last year, according to the U.N.

Amid the spiraling chaos, numerous Haitians are praying more or visiting Vodou priests known as “oungans” for urgent requests ranging from locating loved ones who were kidnapped to finding critical medication needed to keep someone alive.

“The spirits help you. They’re always around,” said Sherly Norzéus, who is initiated to become a “mambo,” or Vodou priestess.

In February, she invoked Papa Ogou, god of war and iron, when 20 armed men surrounded her car as she tried to flee the community of Bon Repos.

Her three children and the two children of her sister, who died during childbirth, sat next to her.

“We are going to burn you alive!” she recalled the gunmen yelling.

Gangs had invaded their neighborhood before dawn, setting fire to homes amid relentless gunfire.

“I prayed to Papa Ogou. He helped me get out of the situation,” Norzéus said.

When she opened her eyes, the gunmen signaled that she was free to leave.

Vodou, a religion born in West Africa and brought across the Atlantic by enslaved people, was at the root of the revolution that led Haiti to become the world’s first free Black republic in 1804.

The syncretic religion that melds Catholicism with animist beliefs has no official leader or creeds. It has a single God known as “Bondye,” Creole for “Good God,” and more than 1,000 spirits known as the lwa— some that aren’t always benevolent.

During Vodou ceremonies, lwa are offered treats ranging from papayas and coffee to popcorn, lollipops and cheese puffs. A ceremony is considered successful if a Vodouist is possessed by an lwa.

Some experts consider it a religion of the exploited.

“Vodou is the system that Haitians have developed to deal with the suffering of this life, a system whose object is to minimize pain, avoid disaster, soften losses, and strengthen the survivors as much as the survival instinct,” Haitian sociologist

Laënnec Hurbon wrote in a recent essay. Vodou began to take shape in the French colony of Saint-Domingue during funeral rituals for enslaved people and dances called “calendas” that they organized on Sunday evenings. It also was practiced by slaves known as Maroons who escaped to remote mountains and were led by François Mackandal, a Vodou priest.

In August 1791, some 200 slaves gathered at night in Bois-Caiman in northern Haiti for a Vodou ceremony organized by Dutty Boukman, a renowned enslaved leader and Vodou priest. They sacrificed a pig, drank its blood and swore to keep secret an imminent revolt against slavery, according to a surgeon present at the ceremony.

After a 13-year revolution, Haiti became independent, but Vodou remained oppressed.

The country’s new leaders condemned Vodou worship, as did the Catholic Church.

Catholic leaders demanded parishioners take an oath renouncing Vodou in 1941.

Thousands of Vodou followers were lynched and hundreds of symbolic spaces destroyed in what became the most violent attack in Haiti’s history against the religion, according to journalist Herbert Nerette.

But Vodou persisted. When François Duvalier became president in 1957, he politicized the religion during his dictatorship, appointing certain oungans as its representatives, Hurbon wrote.

By 2003, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a Salesian priest who became Haiti’s first democratically elected president, recognized Vodou as one of Haiti’s official religions.

Despite the formal recognition, Vodou remains shunned by some Haitians.

Vodou is attracting more believers given the surge in gang violence and government inaction, said Cecil Elien Isac, a 4th-generation oungan.

“Whenever the community has a big problem, they come here, because there is no justice in Haiti. You find it in the ancestral spirits,” he said.

When Isac opened his temple years ago in Port-au-Prince, about eight families in the area became members. Now he counts more than 4,000, in Haiti and abroad.

“We have a group of intellectuals who have joined,” he said. “Before, it was people who couldn’t read or write. Now it has more visibility.”

Credited with that turnaround are thinkers like Jean Price-Mars, whose 1928 book, “So Spoke the Uncle,” visualized Vodou as a religion, “without making the Haitian elites blush,” wrote sociologist Lewis Ampidu Clorméus.

“Until the 1920s, Haitian Vodou was generally regarded as a string of superstitions, witchcraft and ritual cannibalism,” Clorméus wrote. “Talking about Vodou constituted a shame for Haitian intellectuals.”

Vodou has since become a key ingredient in Haiti’s rich cultural scene, inspiring music, art, writing and dance.

It’s unknown how many people currently practice Vodou in Haiti, but there’s a popular saying: “Haiti is 70% Catholic, 30% Protestant and 100% Vodou.”

Vodou also has countless lwas, although Ogou Je Wouj—the god of red eyes—has grown more significant to Haitians given the lack of security in the country, said Erol Josué, a singer,

See VODOU continued on next page

A Vodouist clad in white invokes a gede spirit during the Saint George celebration, in Portau-Prince, Haiti. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, File photo)

AI Images

Continued from page 7

and Adoption Agency, which had previously launched a fundraising campaign for a children’s hospital, according to an archive of the website. The nonprofit’s legal address belongs to an Extra Space Storage Facility, and its “hospital annex” address, according to the archived website, belongs to a pest and termite control company. Informed of this, Coppertino later said that the legal address had been used to “store overflow teddy bears.”

In her interview, Coppertino said she heard Trump was getting behind reparations—which he isn’t—and she thinks he will deliver a 21st-century redemption for Black voters, akin to the Emancipation Proclamation. “He’s a white man,” she said, “but he’s also a white God.”

What the platforms can do about AI imagery

Whether spread by dubious advisors or internet influencers, AI-generated images should be moderated by the social media platforms they spread on, according to Nora Benavidez, a disinformation specialist and director

Lawmakers

Continued from page 12

of digital justice and civil rights at Free Press, a nonprofit that researches and campaigns for platform accountability and free expression on the internet. Benavidez said today’s technology is refined enough to create generative content, but not enough to detect it reliably.

Many automated tools can “miss some of these [images] or even flag false positives,” Benavidez said. “Humans must be part of reviewing content and auditing the results of automated AI detection tools.”

Last year, X owner Elon Musk laid off a significant portion of the platform’s content moderation team, leading to the resignation of the team’s top executive. Shortly after, YouTube discontinued its election integrity policy, leaving up false claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election and other U.S. elections.

A blanket ban might not be the answer to curbing misleading content or ensuring free expression. Marking images as AI-generated could be one way to ensure that parody does not devolve into disinformation. Benavidez noted that many governments require basic disclosures in certain sectors, such

has been the criminalization of marijuana possession. Even while rates of marijuana use are similar between Black and white Americans, Black Americans are 3.64 times more likely to be arrested for possession. It’s a major reason why I’m fighting to deschedule marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act. I recently convened leaders in Harlem to call on the Biden administration to take action swiftly. While I’m grateful that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is moving to reclassify marijuana, I won’t stop fighting until we remove it from the list of federally controlled substances completely.

Another way that legislators can help right the wrongs of the past is by addressing the damage done by mid-20th-century infrastructure projects like I-81 in Syracuse, the Kensington Expressway in Buffalo, and the Cross Bronx Expressway in the Bronx. These projects divided Black and Brown communities, and cut them off from the local economy. Decades later, these communities continue to struggle, so I supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has delivered billions of dollars to redesign and replace these and other similar structures. So far, this has included $180 million for I-81, $150 million for the Cross Bronx, and $55 million for the Kensington Expressway. I’m also proud that this transformative

as food companies that must disclose ingredients in their products.

“We have to get to the point where the use of a machine to create content is widely labeled and known,” she said.

While AI-generated images may not change Black voters’ minds en masse, a March poll of nearly 2,500 adults by the American Press Institute found that Black voters were more likely than any other major race or ethnicity group to have a great or moderate amount of confidence in election information from social media. In swing states such as Georgia and Arizona, which Biden won in 2020 by slim margins of nearly 12,700 and 10,500 votes, respectively, small influences could have an impact on national outcomes.

“I don’t believe, at the end of the day, our little account is going to swing an election,” Wassell said about the Trump History account. “But I do believe in the power of ideas. We’re in uncharted territory.”

This story was made possible through a partnership between the AmNews and the investigative and OSINT reporting program of the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

legislation included key provisions from my bill to encourage state and local governments to train and hire local workers for these infrastructure projects, helping to ensure that the communities most harmed by the projects in the past will be the same ones that benefit most in the future.

We also need to do more to make sure Black and Brown communities can make their voices heard in the legislative process. For too long, lawmakers in many states have been systematically restricting and obstructing the right to vote in ways that disproportionately affect these underserved communities. It’s why I was proud to work with the late Congressman John Lewis on the Voter Empowerment Act, a bill that would modernize voter registration, expand and protect early voting and vote-by-mail, ban deceptive practices that keep people away from the polls, and get us one step closer to guaranteeing equal access to the ballot box. If we win back the House and expand our Democratic majority in the Senate, protecting voting rights will be the first vote after we remove the filibuster in the Senate.

These are just some of the legislative solutions I’ve been working on to help address these deep inequities. I’m continuing to push for other policies to support and lift up the voices of Black New Yorkers. I plan to fight hand in hand with my constituents to make real progress in our quest for justice.

Kirsten Gillibrand is a U.S. Senator representing New York State.

Vodou

Continued from page 30

oungan and director of Haiti’s National Bureau of Ethnology.

Ogou Je Wouj is a manifestation of the god of war and is believed to wield a machete.

“They want power in their body and in their mind,” Josué said of those who seek the god.

While spirits infuse believers with energy and hope, Vodou priests warn they don’t perform miracles.

“We’re praying, but we’re also taking precautions,” Isac said.

“There are a lot of lwas to protect you from kidnapping, but if you walk through certain areas, no lwa is going to protect you.”

On a recent afternoon, hundreds of Haitians gathered on a steep hill and squeezed into a small church to celebrate St. George, a Christian martyr believed to be a Roman soldier revered by Catholics and Vodouists alike.

They offered him money and prayers in hopes they would make it through Haiti’s deepening crisis.

“It’s very important to be

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here,” said Hervé Hyppolite, a chef who practices Christianity and Vodou. “You find force, courage and also protection.”

Surrounding him was a sea of people clad in khaki and red, the saint’s colors. Some held candles as a handful of women danced nearby. “St. George!” the priest leading the celebration yelled. The crowd shouted in response, “We need you!”

Josué, the singer and oungan, noted that some young people becoming Vodouists are trying to change traditional prayers or certain practices, but he said oungans and mambos are not embracing the push.

“We make them understand that those spirits are a symbol of resistance of the Haitian nation,” he said. “There’s a lot of substance in Vodou that can lead to a renaissance of Haiti.”

Associated Press reporter Evens Sanon contributed to this report.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK: COUNTY OF NEW YORK. JY TANGEROUS L.P., Pltf v. SIXTH STREET COMMUNITY CENTER, INC, et al., Defts. Index No. 850041/2021pursuant to the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 16, 2023 and entered on October 12, 2023, I will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse, at the Courthouse located at 60 Centre Street, New York, New York, room 130 on June 26, 2024 at 2:15 p.m., prem. k/a 638 East Sixth Street, New York, New York 10009, Block 387, Lot 128 (the “Property”). Approx. amt of judgment is $ 1,483,225.50, plus costs, attorneys’ fees and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Paul Sklar, Esq., Referee. Jacobowitz Newman Tversky LLP, Attys. for Plaintiff, 377 Pearsall Ave., Ste C, Cedarhurst, NY.

KREISMANN ADR SERVICES, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 5/09/2024. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 2500 Westchester Ave, STE 117, Purchase, NY 10577. Purpose: Any lawful act.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK HSBC Bank USA, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Rahul Kotwal, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 16, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse in Room 130, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on June 12, 2024 at 2:15PM, premises known as 45 Park Avenue, Unit 1203 and Parking Unit 7, New York, NY 10016. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City, and State of New York, BLOCK: 892, LOT: 1359 and 1408. Approximate amount of judgment $1,633,685.57 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850122/2019. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NEW YORK County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts. gov/Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Clark Whitsett, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-091241-F00 79783

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its Individual Capacity but Solely as Trustee of Homeward Opportunities Fund Trust 2020-BPL1, Plaintiff, vs. 203 W. 139th St. Realty Corp., ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on November 28, 2022 and an Order to Substitute Publication duly entered on January 12, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse, Courtroom 130, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on June 12, 2024 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 203 West 139th Street, New York, NY 10030. 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 of New York, City and State of New York, Block 2025 and Lot 28. Approximate amount of judgment is $2,009,861.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850046/2022. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale.

Paul Sklar, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 213217-1

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

EMIGRANT BANK, Plaintiff -against- MARCO CASELLA, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 28, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on June 12, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, known as "The 75 Wall Street Condominium" in the Condominium Building known as Unit 38M. Together with an undivided 0.20188% interest in the General Common Elements and .34107% interest in the Residential Common Elements. Block: 31 Lot: 1333

Said premises known as 75 WALL STREET, UNIT# 38M, NEW YORK, NY 10005 Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850121/2022.

SOFIA BALILE, ESQ., Referee

Terenzi & Confusione P.C.

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

401 Franklin Avenue, Suite 304, Garden City, NY 11530

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK LINKER NOTES, LLC, Plaintiff, Against MARC SCOTT KALLMAN, ET AL

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 01/25/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at the New York County Supreme Courthouse, in Room 130 at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on 6/26/2024 at 2:15PM, premises known as 52 East End Avenue Ph 2, Manhattan, NY, 10028 And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in The Condominium Unit (Hereinafter Referred To As The "Unit") Know As Unit No. PH-2 In The Building (Herinafter Referred To As The "Building") Known As 52 East End Avenue Condominium And By The Street Number 52 East End Avenue, Borough Of Manhattan, County Of New York, City And State Of New York.

Block 1578 Lot 1083

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $618,916.49 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 850273/2019

Mark L. McKew, Esq., Referee. Richland & Falkowski, PLLC, 28-07 Jackson Avenue, 5th Floor, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101

Dated: 3/4/2024 File Number: KALLMAN CA

Notice is hereby given that Application ID Number NA-034024-117482 for a On-Premises Restaurant license has been applied for by the undersigned to permit the sale of beer, wine and spirits at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at Buffalo Wild Wings Bar & Grill located at 139 Flatbush Avenue, Floor 2, Brooklyn in Kings County for on-premises consumption. Munson of Atlantic Terminal Wings LLC, 139 Flatbush Avenue, Floor 2, Brooklyn, NY 11217-1450.

Notice of Formation of LINDEN DIGS, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/04/24. Office location: NY County. 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: Any lawful activity.

Supreme Court-New York County - Hilton Resorts Corp., Pltf. V. JIM YOUNG LIM, if living, and if they be dead, any and all persons unknown to Plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally 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, et al., Deft. - Index # 850560/2023. The foregoing supplemental summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Honorable FRANCIS KAHN, III, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, dated the 9th day of May 2024 and duly entered the 10th day of May 2024 in the office of the Clerk of the County of New York, State of New York. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff's attorney, within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State) In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is for the foreclosure of an undivided 0.00493200000 tenant in common interest in 57TH STREET VACTION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street NY, NY. Mortgage bearing the date of November 12, 2021, executed by Jim Young Lim to Hilton Resorts Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, to secure the sum of $23,639.65, and interest and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of New York County on June 2, 2022, in CRFN 2022000221254. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the Mortgaged Premises as described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK-COUNTY OF ORANGEIndex No. EF007582-2023-Date Purchased 11-03-2023-SUMMONS WITH NOTICE- Plaintiff designates Orange County as the place of trial - Basis of venue: Plaintiff's Residence-James Cade, Plaintiff-againstStephanie Mack aka Stephanie Mack-Cade, Defendant-ACTION FOR DIVORCE-To the above named Defendant YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to serve a notice of appearance on the plaintiff's attorney within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons is complete and in case of your failure to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the notice set forth below. Dated: May 30, 2024, Melville, New York, by Roy F. Gerard, Esq., Plaintiff's Attorney, 68 South Service Road, Suite 100, Melville, New York 11747, (800)495-8028, NOTICE: The nature of this action is to dissolve the marriage between the parties on the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment by the Defendant against the Plaintiff pursuant to DRL Section 170 (1). The relief sought is a judgment of absolute divorce in favor of the plaintiff dissolving the marriage between the parties in this action. NOTICE OF AUTOMATIC ORDERS: Pursuant to domestic relations law section 236 part b, section 2, the parties are bound by certain automatic orders which shall remain in full force and effect during the pendency of the action. NOTICE OF GUIDLELINE MAINTENANCE: Pursuant to Chapter 269, Laws of 2015. NOTICE OF ELECTRONIC FILING: Uniform Rule Section 202.5-b. For further details on any of the preceding you should contact the clerk of court, Supreme Court, 285 Main Street, Orange County Government Center, Goshen, New York 10924, Tel: (845) 4763500.

DRL 255 NOTICE: Please be advised that once a judgment of divorce is signed in this action, both you and your spouse may or may not continue to be eligible for coverage under each other's health insurance plan, depending on the terms of the plan.

Notice of Formation of EH DOMINION HOLDING COMPANY, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/29/24. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 55 Water St., NY, NY 10038. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Attn: Jeffrey Chansler at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

TOP CHOICE SERVICING, LLC. App. for Auth. filed with the SSNY on 05/14/24. Originally filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware on 9/27/2023. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 1500 Broadway, 2022, New York, NY 10036. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Supplemental Summons And Notice Of Object Of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of New York Action to Foreclosure a Mortgage Index #: 850626/2023 Wilmington Savings Fund Society, Fsb, D/B/A Christiana Trust, Not Individually But As Trustee For Pretium Mortgage Acquisition Trust Plaintiff, Vs Peter N. Weiner Aka Peter Weiner Individually And As Heir To The Estate Of Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner, Joshua L Weiner As Heir To The Estate Of Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner If Living, And If He/She 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 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, Alexis M Holton As Heir To The Estate Of Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner, Unknown Heirs Of Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner If Living, And If He/She 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 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 The Pickwick House Condominium, Board Of Managers Of Bethune Street Condo, David F. Eisner, Karen Lehmann Eisner, Theodore Haber, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, United States Of America On Behalf Of The Irs, People Of The State Of New York, New York Supreme Court, Lawyers Fund For Client Protection For The State Of New York, Christopher Aidun John Doe (Those Unknown Tenants, Occupants, Persons Or Corporations Or Their Heirs, Distributees, Executors, Administrators, Trustees, Guardians, Assignees, Creditors Or Successors Claiming An Interest In The Mortgaged Premises.) Defendant(S). Mortgaged Premises: 35 Bethune Street, Apt. 1b New York, Ny 10014 Aka 33/35 Bethune Street, Unit 1b, New York, Ny 10014 To The Above Named Defendant: You Are Hereby Summoned To Answer The Complaint In This Action, And To Serve A Copy Of Your Answer, Or, If The Complaint Is Not Served With This Supplemental Summons, To Serve A Notice Of Appearance, On The Plaintiff(S) Attorney(S) Within Twenty Days After The Service Of This Supplemental Summons, Exclusive Of The Day Of Service (Or Within 30 Days After The Service Is Complete If This Supplemental Summons Is Not Personally Delivered To You Within The State Of New York). In Case Of Your Failure To Appear Or Answer, Judgment Will Be Taken Against You By Default For The Relief Demanded In The Complaint. The Attorney For Plaintiff Has An Office For Business In The County Of Erie. Trial To Be Held In The County Of New York. The Basis Of The Venue Designated Above Is The Location Of The Mortgaged Premises. To Joshua L Weiner As Heir To The Estate Of Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner, Unknown Heirs Of Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner Defendants In This Action. The Foregoing Supplemental Summons Is Served Upon You By Publication, Pursuant To An Order Of Hon. Francis A Kahn Of The Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, Dated The Ninth Day Of May, 2024 And Filed With The Complaint In The Office Of The Clerk Of The County Of New York, In The City Of New York. The Object Of This Action Is To Foreclosure A Mortgage Upon The Premises Described Below, Executed By Peter N. Weiner Aka Peter Weiner And Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner (Who Died On March 20, 2020, A Resident Of The County Of New York, State Of New York) Dated The June 16, 1999, To Secure The Sum Of $551,000.00 And Recorded At Book 2904, Page 672 In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County On June 30, 1999. The Consolidated Mortgage Was Subsequently Assigned By An Assignment Executed May 25, 2001 And Recorded On August 31, 2001, In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County At Book 3351, Page 463. The Consolidated Mortgage Was Subsequently Assigned By A Gap Assignment Executed February 26, 2020 And Recorded On May 17, 2021, In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County At Crfn 2021000180314. Plaintiff Is Also Holder Of A Mortgage Dated June 18, 2001 Executed By Peter N. Weiner Aka Peter Weiner And Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner To Secure The Sum Of $206,760.59 And Recorded At Book 3351, Page 466 In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County On August 31, 2001. Said Mortgage Was Consolidated With The Mortgage Referred To At Book 2904, Page 672 By A Consolidation, Extension And Modification Agreement Executed By Peter N. Weiner Aka Peter Weiner And Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner Dated June 18, 2001 And Recorded August 31, 2001 At Book 3351, Page 493 In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County To Form A Single Lien In The Amount Of $750,000.00. The Consolidated Mortgage Was Subsequently Assigned By A Gap Assignment Executed August 19, 2020 And Recorded On May 17, 2021, In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County At Crfn 2021000180315. The Consolidated Mortgage Was Subsequently Assigned By An Assignment Executed July 13, 2003 And Recorded On July 10, 2003, In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County At Crfn 2003000223378. Plaintiff Is Also Holder Of A Mortgage Dated January 24, 2003 Executed By Peter N. Weiner Aka Peter Weiner And Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner To Secure The Sum Of $209,900.63 And Recorded At Crfn 2003000223379 In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County On July 10, 2003. Said Mortgage Was Consolidated With The Mortgage Referred To At Book 3351, Page 493 By A Consolidation, Extension And Modification Agreement Executed By Peter N. Weiner Aka Peter Weiner And Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner Dated January 24, 2003 And Recorded July 10, 2003 At Crfn 2003000223380 In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County To Form A Single Lien In The Amount Of $950,000.00. The Consolidated Mortgage Was Subsequently Assigned By An Assignment Executed July 29, 2005 And Recorded On March 10, 2006, In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County At Crfn 2006000136531. The Consolidated Mortgage Was Subsequently Assigned By A Gap Assignment Executed November 17, 2020 And Recorded On November 30, 2020, In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County At Crfn 2020000337168. Plaintiff Is Also Holder Of A Mortgage Dated August 4, 2005 Executed By Peter N. Weiner Aka Peter Weiner And Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner To Secure The Sum Of $572,990.62 And Recorded At Crfn 2006000136532 In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County On March 10, 2006. Said Mortgage Was Consolidated With The Mortgage Referred To At Crfn: 2003000223380 By A Consolidation, Extension And Modification Agreement Executed By Peter N. Weiner Aka Peter Weiner And Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner Dated August 4, 2005 And Recorded March 10, 2006 At Crfn 2006000136533 In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County To Form A Single Lien In The Amount Of $1,500,000.00. The Consolidated Mortgage Was Subsequently Assigned By An Assignment Executed November 29, 2007 And Recorded On November 21, 2007, In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County At Crfn 2007000581072. Plaintiff Is Also Holder Of A Mortgage Dated September 5, 2007 Executed By Peter N. Weiner Aka Peter Weiner And Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner To Secure The Sum Of $160,834.90 And Recorded At Crfn 2007000575041 In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County On November 19, 2007. Said Mortgage Was Consolidated With The Mortgage Referred To At Crfn: 2006000136533 By A Consolidation, Extension And Modification Agreement Executed By Peter N. Weiner Aka Peter Weiner And Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner Dated September 5, 2007 And Recorded November 19, 2007 At Crfn 2007000575042 In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County To Form A Single Lien In The Amount Of $1,750,000.00. The Consolidated Mortgage Was Subsequently Assigned By An Assignment Executed July 2, 2015 And Recorded On July 20, 2015, In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County At Crfn 2015000249598. Said Mortgage Was Subsequently Modified By A Loan Modification Agreement Executed By Peter N. Weiner Aka Peter Weiner And Susan N. Weiner Aka Susan Weiner On June 15, 2017 And Recorded August 17, 2017 In Crfn 2017000308213 In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County. The Consolidated Mortgage Was Subsequently Assigned By An Assignment Executed January 30, 2020 And Recorded On May 17, 2021, In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County At Crfn 2021000180317. The Consolidated Mortgage Was Subsequently Assigned By An Assignment Executed June 17, 2019 And Recorded On May 17, 2021, In The City Register Of The City Of New York, New York County At Crfn 2021000180318. The property in question is described as follows: 35 Bethune Street, Apt. 1B, New York, NY 10014 AKA 33/35 Bethune Street, Unit 1B, New York, NY 10014 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 your mortgage company will not stop this 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: May 13, 2024 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 80873

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

JOSEPH NATHANSON, Plaintiff -against- THE NORA GROUP, LLC, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated February 5, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on June 26, 2024 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, known and designated as Block 2059 and Lot 43. Said premises known as 453 WEST 144TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10030

Approximate amount of lien $204,394.08 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850205/2020.

PAUL R. SKLAR, ESQ., Referee

The Law Office of Jason Chang, Esq.

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 252 West 37th Street, Suite 600, New York, NY 10018

Notice of Formation of LP PRESERVATION

MANAGER LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/03/24. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 116 E. 27th St., 11th Fl., NY, NY 10016. 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: Real estate investment/development.

ARDA Consulting LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 2/26/2024. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 72 Morningside Ave, New York, NY, 10027. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Jenko Consulting LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/22/2024. Office: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to: 217 E 33rd St, Apt 6FE, New York, NY 10016. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of COFFEE AND TV LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/05/24. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 02/22/24. Princ. office of LLC: 1285 Ave. of the Americas, NY, NY 10019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Every Impossible Choice LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/12/2024. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: P.O. Box 1043, New York, NY 10014. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Harvest NP in Psychiatry, PLLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 3/19/2024. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 7014 13th Ave., Ste. 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Qualification of SOLAR DG NY SUNNYSIDE 1, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/16/24. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 02/01/22. 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 Secy. of State of the State of DE, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of SOLAR DG NY SUNNYSIDE 2, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/16/24. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 02/01/22. 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 Secy. of State of the State of DE, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Sophie Amelkin Music LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on April 14, 2024. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 110-20 71st Avenue, Apt 204, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Lanark Consulting LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 3/18/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 983 Wyckoff Ave #1, Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Qualification of ARTEMIS OUTDOOR HOLDINGS, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/14/24. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/07/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of LLC

Name: 216 E 6 Street LLC Articles of Organization filed by the Department of State of New York on: 04/03/2024 Office location: County of New York. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: c/o The Sabet Group, 38 West 31 Street, Suite 3, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: Any and all lawful activities.

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

OCTAVIA CONDOMINIUM, BY ITS BOARD OF MANAGERS, Plaintiff -against- AASH TWO CORP., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 2, 2024 and entered on February 6, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on June 26, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, known as Unit No. 6B in the premises known as Octavia and by the Street Number 216-218 East 47th Street, Borough of Manhattan, together with an undivided 1.69% interest in the common elements. Block: 01320 Lot: 1310 Said premises known as 216 EAST 47TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10017

Approximate amount of lien $89,663.03 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 154684/2023. SOFIA BALILE, ESQ., Referee Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP

Rake Eats LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/05/2024. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 154 Attorney Street, Unit 702, New York, NY, 10002. Purpose: Any lawful act.

APM LUXURY LIMO LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 2/4/2024. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 205 W 115 St Suite 4A, NY, NY 10026. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of MAD RIVER MANOR PRESERVATION GP, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/16/24. 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.

Pure Holding LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/08/2023. Office: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to: 7 Sutton Square, NY, NY 10022. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 444 Madison Ave., 6th Floor, New York, NY 10022 McDonough Engineering Practice, PLLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/27/2023. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 3528 80th Street, Jackson Heights, New York, 11372. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Application of Authority of Limited Liability Company Zen Org LLC (“LLC”). LLC Application for Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on February 13, 2024. N.Y. Department of State Office location: One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany NY 12231. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against LLC served upon it is c/o the LLC: Zen Org LLC, 401 Ryland Street, Suite 200-A, Reno, NV 89502. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION OF AUTHORITY IN NEW YORK BY A FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

Name: JANS Investment Company LLC. The fictitious name which the LLC will use in the State of New York is AntNick Company LLC. Application of Authority filed with sec. of state of NY (SOS) on 4/24/24. Office location: New York County. SOS is designated as agent of LLC for service of process. SOS shall mail copy of process to 105 Fifth Ave, 5D, NY, NY 10003. Purpose: All lawful purposes.

Notice of Qualification of 499 GRAND ST, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/10/24. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 01/23/24. NYS fictitious name: GB 499 GRAND ST, LLC. 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, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of THIRD PRIME CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P. Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/02/24. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/29/16. Duration of LP is Perpetual. SSNY designated as agent of LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 3, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of COMBINED BUILDING SERVICES, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/07/24. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 06/24/86. Princ. office of LLC: 150 E. 42nd St., Fl. 7, NY, NY 10017. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

111 CHAMBERS STREET LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/01/24. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 111 Chambers Street, Apartment 3, New York, NY 10007. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of MH Equestrian, LLC. Appl. for Auth. filed with NY Dept. of State on 8/15/23. Office location: New York County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to The LLC, c/o Monica L Halem, MD, FAAD, 988 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10075. DE addr. of LLC c/o Vanguard Corporate Services Ltd, 3500 S Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Sec. of State, 401 Federal St, Dover, DE 19901 on 8/9/23. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Ambitious Soule L.L.C. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/08/2024. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & mail a copy to: 7014 13th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Qualification of BST KNOX LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/01/24. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/22/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o 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 Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of ARTEMIS MANAGEMENT MERGER SUB, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/14/24. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/07/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. DE addr. of LLC: CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Harolds Cargo LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 3/7/24. Office location: Bronx County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 4372 Wickham Ave, Bronx, NY 10466. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of LLC

Name: 329 E 17 Street LLC Articles of Organization filed by the Department of State of New York on: 04/03/2024. Office location: County of New York. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: c/o The Sabet Group, 38 West 31 Street, Suite 3, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: Any and all lawful activities.

Notice of Formation of DD BEDFORD PARKING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/09/24. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 7 Penn Plaza, Ste. 600, NY, NY 10001. 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: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of 2125TH9B LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/01/24. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 212 Fifth Ave., 9B, NY, NY 10010. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Purpose: Rental.

Notice of Qualification of ARTEMIS INVESTOR HOLDINGS, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/14/24. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/07/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of PRIVACORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/02/24. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 02/05/24. Princ. office of LLC: 1411 Broadway, 17th Fl., Ste. B, NY, NY 10018. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Investment advisor.

Notice of Qualification of Cameron Enterprises A Limited Partnership filed with the NY Secretary of State on January 30, 2024, Office Location New York County. LLC formed in Oklahoma (OK) on 2/18/1986. Secretary of State of New York is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Secretary of State of New York shall mail process to 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005. Oklahoma address of LLC is 9000 Cameron Parkway, Oklahoma City, OK 73114. Certificate of Formation filed with OK Secretary of State, 421 NW 13th St., Ste 210/220, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of NORWALK NORTH HOUSING CLASS B, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/20/24. 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.

Zyero LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 4/7/2024. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 228 Park Ave S PMB 416142, New York, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Pars Abode, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/11/2023. Office: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to: 29 Burt Ct, Valley Stream NY 11581. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of NORTHCREST GARDENS HOUSING GP, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/17/24. 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.

Jamie Samantha Glass LCSW PLLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/03/2024. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 228 Park Ave S, #941255, New York, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Uptown Clay LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/22/2024. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 14 Bogardus Pl. #5W, NY, NY 10040. Purpose: Any lawful act.

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TAMARES CORNER OF MAIN LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/20/19. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Braunstein Turkish LLP, 7600 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 402, Woodbury, NY 11797. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Or you can schedule your own Legal and LLC

CM Narcisse DOE bill looks to spotlight sickle cell trait

By ARIAMA C. LONG

Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Drawing on her years of experience in the medical field, Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse has put forth a bill that would report on the city’s rate of sickle cell disease and trait among students, which now awaits the mayor’s signature.

Sickle cell is a genetic blood disease that disrupts how red blood cells deliver oxygen throughout the body, and disproportionately affects people of African descent. It can lead to stroke, eye problems, infections, and chronic pain.

“As a former triage ER nurse, I know that you first must gather information prior to treating an issue,” Narcisse said in a statement. “The passage of this bill represents a significant step forward in ensuring that our schools are equipped to support every student’s health needs effectively. By mandating comprehensive reports on the prevalence of sickle cell disease, we can use this information to make informed decisions that can lead to better health outcomes for our students.”

The bill, Introduction 341-A, would require the Department of Education (DOE) to provide an annual report to the City Council on the total number of students diagnosed with sickle cell disease

or sickle cell trait. Such reporting is particularly significant for DOE schools, as nearly 65% of DOE students are Black or Brown, and sickle cell disease and trait is most prevalent in people of African ancestry, said the City Council.

Narcisse previously sponsored an important bill also centered around rooting out sickle cell disease last year. Introduction 968-B requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to create culturally sensitive guidance for the city’s medical professionals and the public about the sickle cell trait and disease, often found through genetic screening and pain management of the condition.

Supporting efforts to find a cure for the disease has also increased in priority at the White House.

Back in January, President Joe Biden announced an initiative to increase access to sickle cell disease

treatments and experimental gene therapies through the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model, which is a financing model meant to help people on Medicaid.

Gene therapies could be life-saving for sickle cell patients but are often a costly form of treatment that most patients can’t access because of their insurance. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), at least half of the people living with sickle cell are enrolled in Medicaid and their hospitalizations “cost the health system almost $3 billion” annually. The CGT is designed to reduce long-term health spending on state budgets and standardize access for patients in need.

There is still no universal cure for sickle cell, but this May marked the first positive development for gene therapy treatments.

Kendric Cromer, a 12-year-old Black boy from Washington D.C., was the first person to undergo the gene therapy known as Lyfgenia. His insurance agreed to cover the $3.1 million procedure.

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.

Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse (William Alatriste/NYC Council Media Unit)

over the last two decades, this Wednesday’s vote could be a landmark moment if the party once led by Nelson Mandela drops below 50% of the vote for the first time.

South Africans vote for parties and not directly for their president in national elections. Parties then get seats in Parliament according to their share of the vote and the lawmakers elect the president, which is why the ANC losing its majority would be so critical to the hope of the 71-year-old current president, Cyril Ramaphosa, of being reelected for a second and final five-year term.

Older voters and those in rural areas may continue to support the ANC with a “better the devil you know…” attitude to politics, but the urban, educated middle class and the young “born frees” are less likely to share this view.

Among the most popular parties of the opposition that have drawn votes from the ANC is the Economic Freedom Fighters, a Pan-Africanist party headed by Julius Malema that promises to tackle corruption, provide quality social housing, and provide free primary healthcare and education for all, as well as proposing to expropriate white-owned farmland and double welfare grants and the minimum wage.

The new uMkhonto WeSizwe Party is the party of former South African president and ANC leader Jacob Zuma. He promises to build factories, create jobs, and offer free education.

The Democratic Alliance, the biggest opposition party, broadly centrist, headed by John Steenhuisen. They oppose Black race quotas in employment and pledge to “rescue South Africa.”

BIDEN CARRIES OUT PLEDGE TO DEFUND UGANDA PROGRAMS OVER PUNITIVE GAY LAWS

(GIN)—Uganda, which expected to receive $18 million from the U.S. for peace efforts in Sudan, Somalia, and other countries, is said to be shocked that President Biden has now pledged the money to Kenya. This was announced during a bilateral meeting with President William Ruto at his recent state visit, where Kenya was named a non-NATO partner. Uganda was one of the primary beneficiaries of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, but the funding now hangs in the balance as the U.S. continues to accuse Uganda of human rights abuses.

For years, the United States identified President Yoweri Museveni and his government as strategic partners in East Africa for fighting global terrorism and advancing regional stability. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush bankrolled Uganda to advance peacekeeping efforts and democracy in the region. President Biden formally removed Uganda from the list in January 2024. “Uganda has engaged in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights,” Biden said. He specifically cited Uganda’s crackdown on the gay community and threats to impose the death penalty on members of the LGBTQ.

DENTAL Insurance

(GIN)—It was Christmas 100 times over at the recent White House dinner for Kenyan President William Ruto—one of the largest-ever state dinners, with a guest list of 500, and the first for an African leader since Ghana’s John Kufuor in 2008.

Luminaries from politics, cultures, and the arts arrived at the residence of President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were in attendance, as well as Hillary Clinton, Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, and members of the cabinet, along with actor LeVar Burton and his wife Stephanie, journalist Lester Holt and his wife Carol, and civil rights leader Al Sharpton and his companion Aisha McShaw.

The dinner was an opportunity for Biden to express appreciation for a growing security partnership between Kenya and the U.S., just as Niger and Chad, among other African allies, were breaking ties with the U.S. and allying themselves with Russia and China.

Since his election in 2022, Ruto has been speaking up about climate issues and calling for the reform of global financial institutions. He hosted the inaugural Africa Climate Summit last year, and made numerous high-profile trips, including a visit to China in October last year. This visit is expected to highlight Kenya as one of America’s closest allies on the continent.

the planned deployment to Haiti of 1,000 Kenyans from the Administrative Police Unit, leading 1,500 soldiers and police officers from other countries, for a total intervention force of 2,500. A six-member delegation from Kenya, has said Haiti lacks equipment to accommodate a deployment of Kenyan soldiers.

The team is due to arrive back from Haiti this week after recommending a deployment delay that was later announced by the president. A senior Kenyan official said the bases are still under construction and crucial resources, including vehicles, are needed before deployment of the first 200 police officers from Kenya can take place.

The U.S. is not planning to send any troops to the island, although U.S. contractors have been in Haiti for weeks now, building the operations base and securing supplies for the incoming police force. U.S. officials have reportedly also been training personnel in Kenya for their deployment for months, according to the Al Jazeera news service.

Meron Elias, a researcher at the International Crisis Group, noted in an interview with Al Jazeera that Kenya is “demanding the U.S. do more to rally financial support for the UN basket fund that will cover the mission’s costs. Kenya also wants the U.S. to commit greater backing to stemming the flow of arms into Haiti, including from U.S. ports in Florida.”

While Ruto’s trip may have thrilled American dinner guests, Kenyans at home were disappointed by their president’s failure to address recent catastrophic flooding, which has taken close to 200 lives. Staff and visitors have been left stranded and buildings submerged at Kenya’s Maasai Mara nature reserve. The Horn of Africa, a region of East Africa that includes Kenya, is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world. Heavy rains have also affected Tanzania and Burundi.

Perhaps on the top of the two presidents’ immediate concerns, though, is

Elsewhere on the island, in a breaking news development, the Associated Press has reported that the local director of a mission group in Haiti and a missionary couple from the U.S. were attacked and fatally shot by gang members after leaving a youth group activity at a church, a family member told the news service.

Jude Montis, local director of Missions in Haiti Inc., and Davy and Natalie Lloyd, a young couple from the U.S., were killed in the community of Lizon in northern Portau-Prince as the capital crumbles under violent gangs that control 80% of the city while authorities await the arrival of a police force from Kenya as

of

deployment.

BIDENS THROW FABULOUS STATE DINNER IN A FIRST FOR AFRICAN LEADER

Kenyan President William Ruto stands alongside his wife, Rachel Chebet Ruto, U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. (GIN photo)

East-West Classic in Cooperstown, NY, this past weekend in honor of Negro Leagues. Participants included C.C. Sabathia (left) and Ken Griffey Jr. (MLBbro.com photo)

East-West Classic honors Negro Leagues

By KEVIN MOORE MLBbro Special to the AmNews

This past Saturday, there was a special baseball game at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, N.Y., home of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The 2024 Hall of Fame East-West Classic featured 30 former Black Major League Baseball players honoring the history and legacy of the Negro Leagues, representing the long and deep tradition of the American cultural institution by wearing the jerseys of Negro Leagues teams. More than 5,700 fans came out to watch former AllStar and Hall of Fame players.

The East defeated the West 5-4 in six innings.

Philadelphia Phillies legend Ryan Howard, the 2005 National League Rookie of the Year, 2006 National League MVP, and 2008 World Series champion, was named the Classic’s MVP after hitting a goahead three-run homer in the fifth inning to give the East the lead.

“It’s always been a fraternity,” Howard said after the game. “The cool part about it is you have your teammates that you play with

coming up in the Minor Leagues, and a lot of the guys you play against at each level in the Minor Leagues, so in a sense, you’re coming up together with them, as well…And just to have this kind of brotherhood and continue to have it is special.”

Curtis Granderson, a 16-year MLB veteran from 2004–19, during which he was a three-time All-Star, hit the first home run of the 2024 game, wearing a Newark Eagles jersey.

“It’s cool,” he said. “Anytime I got a chance to play in these [Negro League throwbacks] throughout the course of a season, I always looked forward to it and loved it, so I’m happy to get a chance to put it back on again today.”

Edwin Jackson, who pitched for more than a dozen MLB teams from 2003–19, registering 1,508 career strikeouts, took the mound to start the game. The home run derby contest preceded the game as Adam Jones, who is most remembered for his years (2008–18) with the Baltimore Orioles in a career that spanned from 2006–21, defeated Prince Fielder.

The son of Cecil Fielder (1985–98), a two-time AL home run leader and 1996 World Series champion

with the New York Yankees, Prince Fielder had a notable career. He played in MLB from 2005–16 and was a six-time All-Star.

One player who received a lot of recognition from the crowd was Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., widely considered one of the greatest players in baseball history.

Along with the game, the weekend featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the “Souls of the Game” exhibit. Rowan Ricardo Phillips, an award-winning poet, was one of the consultants who was included in the development of the project, and he was pleased to see the support.

“The fact that people really want to start and think about the roots of the story, the voices, from the beginning, people we don’t often think about—Bud Fowler, Octavius Catto, those types of players—it really excites me,” he said.

“I think what’s really wonderful about the exhibit is, we can rethink the story of baseball that we want to tell to ourselves and to our future selves, instead of thinking, ‘Well, let’s pick this up from 2020 or 2024 or whatever.’”

For more about the East-West Classic, visit MLBbro.com.

Yankees’ pitching depth is crucial to the team’s winning ways

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

The Yankees just keep winning. They began a three-game series Tuesday night on the road versus the Los Angeles Angels with Nestor Cortes’s turn in the rotation holding a 1 1/2 lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East division standings. The Yankees were 37-18 and 11-3 in their 14 previous games, a sizzling clip for a club that has only lost three straight games once this season, from April 14-16, over six weeks ago.

The Yankees have been bolstered by their depth of talent of position players and pitchers. They have been one of the best teams in Major Leag ue Baseball despite being without their ace Gerrit Cole, the 2023 Cy Young Award winner. Cole has yet to make his 2024 regular season debut as he works his way back from right elbow nerve inflammation and edema. On Saturday, the 33-year-old righty threw two innings against minor league players at the Yankees player development facili-

ty in Tampa, Florida. Last season, Cole was arguably the best pitcher in MLB, registering 33 starts, a 15-4 record, 2.63 ERA, 0.981 WHIP and 222 strikeouts. His 209 innings pitched were the second most in Cole’s 11-year career.

In his absence, the Yankees’ pitching staff went into Tuesday with the lowest ERA (2.77) in MLB.

The collective five man rotation of Cortes, Marcus Stroman, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil has been capable but surpris-

ingly superlative. As of Tuesday, all but Cortes, at a solid 3.29, had ERAs under 3. Long Island native Stroman, who the Yankees signed to a two-year, $37 million free-agent deal in January, has epitomized the team’s strength and resolve

in withstanding Cole’s injury. The 33-year-old Duke University alumnus is scheduled to start tomorrow on the road against the San Francisco Giants boasting a 4-2 record with a 2.76 ERA.

Stroman, who had a combined 44 starts for the Mets in 2019 and 2021, and a member of the Chicago Cubs in 2022 and 2023, giving them 50 starts, went six innings allowing just three hits and no runs last Saturday in his most recent appearance in a 4-1 Yankees victory over the Padres in San Diego.

“The other starters have been incredible,” Stroman said following the win. “We’re all doing this without having the best pitcher in baseball, Cole, who we’re all dying to get back.”

The Yankees end a three-game series against the Angels today and will play the Giants three games tomorrow through Sunday. They are back home in the Bronx for a three-game set beginning Tuesday versus the Minnesota Twins before the World Series favorite Los Angeles Dodgers visit New York for three June 7 through June 9.

Yankees starter Marcus Stroman, scheduled to take the mound tomorrow night in San Francisco versus the Giants, has been a valuable addition to the ballclub this season, posting a 4-2 record with a 2.76 ERA. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Equestrian standout Hazel Pratts continues to rise in the sport

By LOIS ELFMAN

Special to the AmNews

With her freshman year of high school at a Pennsylvania boarding school completed, 14-year-old Hazel Pratts is looking forward to demonstrating her equestrian skills this summer.

At age 4, the Brooklyn native revealed to her parents a desire to learn how to ride a horse, which proved more than a simple childhood wish. She has since immersed herself in equestrian competitions, winning major events for her age group.

The lessons of riding competitively have been significant to her social and academic development—she ended the school year with a 3.7 GPA. The high achiever transfers her love of being a rising equestrian scholar-athlete to her classmates and teammates.

“I actually really do like watching my friends ride, and cheering them on is my favorite thing,” said Pratts. “Also, recording them—I love getting good videos and talking about them after the horse shows. I really do enjoy winning and (take away) from losing because it’s all about the improvement.”

Pratts explained that she has a visceral connection to the horses she rides and feels their energy and spirit. “Mine is very energetic, very friendly, and very emotional,” she said. “It’s really cool being around so many horses. You can see the different types of emotions and back stories just by looking at them.”

Hazel’s mother, Hasoni Pratts, a member of the New York State Board of Regents, told

the AmNews that her daughter has been committed to riding ever since she was first introduced to colts.

“Hazel truly knew what she wanted to do,” said Pratts. “Her father (Michael Pratts) and I thought maybe when she had to clean stalls, that would change her mind, but it didn’t deter her at all. She soaked up every experience of being around stables.”

The young Pratts found it challenging to fulfill her desire to become an accomplished equestrian within the five boroughs, so the family decided that she would attend an equestrian boarding school. There, Pratts was assigned a horse and she said they

clicked instantly. The school is also academically demanding, which she appreciates, and the opportunity to ride during the school day is gratifying.

“I couldn’t ask for more,” she said.

Pratts competes year-round. The school arranges for the students to attend shows, to which she and fellow students travel as a team. Pratts said she was fortunate to ride in multiple shows. She also participates in individual competitions, in two divisions. One is equitation, a discipline in which judges focus on how the rider controls the horse and executes movements.

“Showing is the best thing,” Pratts said. “No

matter what, riding is amazing, but showing is incredible. I’m very competitive.”

Her immediate goal is to jump higher and then move to a higher level of competition. Her career goal is to become a veterinarian. She doesn’t anticipate riding during college, but will resume afterward.

“I always want to be a part of the equestrian world,” Pratts said.

Baseball Hall of Famer and former Met Pedro Martinez reflects on his career

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

Pedro Martinez is an iconic former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1992 to 2009. He was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, winning Cy Young Awards in 1997, 1999, and 2000.

Born and raised in Manoguayabo, Dominican Republic, a suburb of Santo Domingo, the island nation’s capital, Martinez the first pitcher to earn the award in both the American and National Leagues. He won his first and only World Series title with the Boston Red Sox in 2004. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.

The Amsterdam News spoke exclusively with Martinez at the Sports Emmys last week at Jazz at Lincoln Center about his time playing for the New York Mets from 2005 to 2008, memorable battles against the New York Yankees throughout his career, and the pitchers he enjoys watching the most in today’s game.

“Just the fans, the atmosphere,” Martinez, who had a career record of 219-100, said of his time playing at Shea Stadium, former

home of the Mets. “I remember the fans not really being all that demanding. Not really expecting all that much, even though we went really far. But I remember just how happy everybody was just to see us on the field, just to see each one of us.

“Believe it or not, I really enjoyed my time in Queens. I really enjoyed the atmosphere with the fans and the back and

forth. The kids (were) always fielding balls in the outfield. I used to love flipping balls all over the bleachers just to see the kids catch (them). I love the way they behave over there in Queens.”

Martinez, who is now a baseball analyst for Turner Sports, also looked back on facing the Yankees nearly two decades ago.

“I had the saddest moment in my career

at Yankee Stadium in (2003) and also the happiest moment in (2004), when we were able to come back from 0-3 and beat them in their own stadium,” Martinez said. “That was like it for me. The biggest highlight of my career is always going to be being able to beat the Yankees after being (down) 0-3 (in the American League Championship Series) and doing it in the old Yankee Stadium before they tore it down.”

As MLB has evolved and rules were implemented to increase the pace of the game, including a pitch clock, which limits the time pitchers can take between pitches, the eight-time MLB All-Star discussed some of the men who command the mound in the current era whom he finds compelling.

“Right now, I’m really getting to enjoy Tyler Glasnow,” Martinez said of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher. “I believe Tyler Glasgow brings back some memories because he’s a bully. I love Gerrit Cole, (Justin) Verlander, all those guys. Jacob deGrom—I love deGrom. I don’t get enough of deGrom, but he needs to be healthy.

Right now, I’m really intrigued about Tyler Glasnow finishing the entire season and seeing what he’s capable of doing.”

Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher and current Turner Sports baseball analyst Pedro Martinez with his wife, Carolina Cruz Martinez, at Sports Emmys last week at Jazz at Lincoln Center. (Derrel Johnson photo)

Brooklyn native Hazel Pratts, seen in competition at equestrian event, has become one of the sport’s promising riders.

Hazel Pratts with her ribbon wins. (Photos courtesy of Hasoni Pratts)

Governors Cup soccer tournament takes center stage

this weekend

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

This weekend on Governors Island, roughly half a mile from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and a quarter mile from Brooklyn, NYC Footy will welcome approximately 1,200 players and 100 teams to compete in its annual co-ed Governors Cup, which began in 2019.

NYC Footy was launched in 2010 to bring better organization to recreational soccer.

“As a player in numerous rec (recreation) leagues prior to starting NYC Footy, I was seeking a more professional experience at the rec level,” NYC Footy CEO and Co-Founder Tarek told the AmNews. “Rec leagues are notorious for being one small step above organized pickup, and it was evident that to experience something more polished and professional, we’d need to create it ourselves. What we didn’t anticipate was just how much our vision for recreational soccer was almost universally shared by the soccer community here in New York City.”

The Governors Cup will feature seven-on-seven soccer teams composed of both men and women, as opposed to the 11-on11 format of professional games.

Pertew said the unprecedented success of the Governors Cup is the byproduct of bottling the appealing attributes of rec soccer into one jam-packed day.

“It offers the best elements of physical and mental wellness—friendly competition, camaraderie, social interaction, and outdoor play—and puts it into overdrive for a full day of soccer stimulation,” he said. “It’s become such a can’t-miss event that players will schedule major summer plans, including weddings, around the Governors Cup. Some folks request a delayed start to their internship, others return from a summer overseas.”

The event offers plenty of entertainment for spectators.

“As a soccer-loving spectator, there is probably no better place to be on June 1 or 2 than the Governors Cup,” Pertew said. “Our sponsors have become more numerous and the off-field activities have become more entertaining.

We have fun sport-related activities from the likes of BetterPlayer, NYCFC, and Gotham FC, and product activations from Waterloo, Modelo, BodyArmour, and VAE Labs. Plus, this year, we are streaming the Champions League

Emily Li of No Hands FC reflected that “our team’s first year competing at (the) Governors Cup (in 2022) was right after our very first season competing as a team, including our first championship

win. We were so excited to keep up the momentum, and the Governors Cup was the perfect opportunity to do so in-between seasons.” For more information about the Governors Cup, visit nycfooty. com or govcup.org.

Team USA fencers prepare for the Paris Summer Olympics

By LOIS ELFMAN

Special to the AmNews

The 20 members of the U.S. Olympic fencing team met with the media at the New York Athletic Club to share details of their training, preparation and goals for the Paris Olympics this summer. The team includes fencers with New York City roots, high academic achievers and some future physicians.

Miles Chamley-Watson is headed to his third Olympics— having captured a bronze medal in the men’s foil team event in 2016. At 34, ChamleyWatson said that despite also finding success in the fashion/ modeling world, he has found a new love for the sport. He acknowledged being a Black man in a predominantly white sport comes with unique pressure, but he sees that as a privilege.

“I’m dealing with the celebrity world—the last couple of years

my life has taken a turn for the best and I’m very grateful— and juggling all that is pretty exciting,” he said. “I’ve won everything in the sport (Chamley-Watson has two World Championship gold medals)— Grand Prixs, World Cups—winning an Olympic gold medal would be a dream come true.”

Among the youngest members of the team is Queens native Lauren Scruggs, who comes from a fencing family. She began fencing at a club in Brooklyn and as she progressed found her way to The Fencers Club in Manhattan.

The Harvard University student-athlete is an alumna of the famed Peter Westbrook Foundation, a six-time world champion and 2023 NCAA women’s foil champion.

“The style I developed in fencing is, I think, quite unique for a woman’s foil,” said the 21-year-old Scruggs. “I like

competing, I like winning, I think it’s fun. … I think I bring a youthful energy to the squad. I’m a little silly, while some of the older fencers might be more serious, which is needed, obviously. It’s fun to compete with them.”

Another New Yorker is Anne Cebula, epee, a 2020 graduate of Barnard College/Columbia Athletics. She has spent the past four years training while also working to support herself, including some modeling. With no pro fencing circuit, Cebula sees this Olympic opportunity as the pinnacle of the sport.

“Because you can’t go pro, you learn from a very young age that you can’t just be a fencer; we want to excel in school,” said Cebula. “This past year, I put everything on pause and trained. I told myself either I was going to make the Olympics or not, but I’m going to retire after this.”

Final in our Beer Garden.”

More than 100 soccer teams are scheduled to compete in Governors Cup on Governors Island this weekend.

(NYC Footy photo)

Queens native and Harvard University student-athlete Lauren Scruggs is a six-time world champion. (Lois Elfman photo)

Sports

Jaylen Brown shrugs off snubs and leads Celtics to the NBA Finals

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown was overlooked by voters, composed of writers and broadcasters, for this season’s three All-NBA teams, 15 players in total, and the league’s first and second All-Defensive teams, made up of 10 players.

“We’re two games from the Finals,” said Brown of his omission following a 40-point outing in the Celtics’ 126-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers last Thursday in Game 2

The

of their Eastern Conference Finals matchup.

“Honestly, I don’t have time to give a f—k.”

But after a stellar showing in the best-ofseven series, in which Brown proved to be one of the game’s best two-way practitioners in averaging 29.8 points as the Celtics produced a 4-0 sweep over the Pacers, he walked away with a more meaningful—at least in the moment—honor.

Subsequent to scoring 29 points, grabbing six rebounds, and affirming his defensive bona fides with a critical block with 65 seconds remaining in the fourth

quarter to help cement the Celtics’ 105102 Game 4 win, Brown was presented with the Larry Bird Trophy as the Eastern Conference Finals MVP by team radio announcer Cedric Maxwell, the 1981 NBA Finals MVP with the Celtics. It was fitting and ironic that the award is named after one of the greatest players in the history of both the franchise and the sport.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all. I never win sh—t,” Brown caustically expressed. His teammate, Jrue Holiday, amplified Brown’s sentiments.

Liberty try to stay near the top of WNBA East

Liberty forward Nyara Sabally goes up for a shot attempt in a 84-67 loss to the Minnesota Lynx last Saturday. (Brandon

By LOIS ELFMAN

Special to the AmNews

After opening the 2024 WNBA season on a four-game winning streak, the New York Liberty went into last night’s (Wednesday) game at the Barclays Center versus the Phoenix Mercury with a record of 4-2 looking to end a two-game losing slide. They began this week second in the Eastern Conference behind the Connecticut Sun, which were 5-0 when they tipped off against the Mercury at home on Tuesday at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The Liberty fell to the Chicago Sky 91-80 last Thursday in front of a sellout crowd at the Barclays Center and two days later lost a road game to the Minnesota Lynx 84-67. Starting forward Jonquel Jones, who was averaging 13.5 points and eight rebounds before facing the Mercury, was uncharacteristically held to eight and four points respectively by the Sky and Lynx. “They played her really physically,” said Lib-

erty head coach Sandy Brondello after the loss to the Lynx. “They didn’t allow her to get the ball. There were three people around her every time she caught it. I thought Minnesota’s defense was extremely good with their activity and their pressure and physicality. In the end, we need to work out how do we get her more open looks and get her into the game because she’s important. If we get her scoring, it will help the rest of us.”

Liberty newbie Leonie Fiebich, who before joining New York played overseas in Europe and Australia dating back to 2016, had 11 points versus the Lynx. Brondello said the solid outing will increase Fiebich’s confidence, which will be beneficial as the season progresses.

“For me, it’s always fun to be on the floor, to be around my teammates,” said Fiebich. “I love to cut; I love to shoot the ball, and they put me in a good spot today. It certainly helps that the shots go in. I will continue to fill gaps, whatever the team needs, and be tough on defense.”

Reigning WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart had strong showings in both losses, posting 18 points and 10 rebounds against Chicago and

“It felt great…It’s even better because he didn’t expect it. That really means, it didn’t matter to him. It’s about winning, whatever it took, however long it took, that’s what was important to him. I think when you have that mentality and mindset you see great people get rewarded for the things that they do.

“It just brings joy so I’m super excited for him. He’s been first team all NBA for the entire season and I wish he would have got that but to see him get this award is big time.”

The NBA Finals begin next Thursday in Boston.

20 and 11 in the Minnesota defeat. However, Brondello emphasized that the Liberty’s defense needs to be better.

“We’ll go back and watch the film and work on areas we have to get better at,” said Brondello. “We have a few holes at the moment, but still believe in this team. Facing some adversity now is not a bad thing for us. It will help us grow.”

The Liberty are back on home court tomorrow night against the Washington Mystics and on Sunday against the Indiana Fever. The team then heads out on a three-game road trip taking on the Sky next Tuesday, the Atlanta Dream next Thursday and the Connecticut Sun next Saturday, June 8. They return home on Sunday, June 9 to host the Mystics.

Todd/New York Liberty photo)

Dallas Mavericks guards Kyrie Irving (right) and Luka Doncic looked to close out the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night taking a 3-0 lead into Game 4 of their Western Conference finals series. (AP Photo/ Abbie Parr)

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown celebrates with his teammates after a 105-102 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night gave them a 4-0 series win in the Eastern Conference finals.

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)