New York Amsterdam News June 2, 2022 Gov's Gun Battle by AmsterdamNews

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THE NEW BLACK VIEW

Vol. 113 No. 22 | June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022

GOV'S GUN BATTLE

NYS, Hochul beef up anti-gun laws (See story on page 3)

Photo Ghost Guns (Photo curtesy of Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzales)

Don’t forget to vote this June––and in August and November!

Hotels into homes: City rallies behind hotel conversion bill in Albany

(See story on page 3)

(See story on page 6)

(Ariama C. Long photo)

Former Manhattan Borough President and Councilmember Gale Brewer at a hotel conversion rally (Contributed photo)

DanceAfrica 2022 was magnificent (See story on page 8)

(Nayaba Arinde photo)

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International NIGERIA MUST ‘DRAW A LINE’ TO END KILLINGS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN SAYS WOLE SOYINKA (GIN)—As Americans grapple with the proliferation of guns used against minorities, elders, children, immigrants and victims chosen randomly, Nigerian Professor Wole Soyinka has launched a similar campaign against the rising rate of intentional homicides that the Nigerian government has failed to reverse. The Nobel Laureate announced this week the cancellation of an engagement with a school in Anambra State over the murder of a pregnant woman, her four children, and six other persons in Isulo, Orumba North Local Government Area of the state. Soyinka made his decision known in a statement entitled “Drawing the Red Line on Infanticide.” He began, saying: “We must begin somewhere, ‘draw a line’—however individual and limited.” The victims this time were Mrs. Harira Jubril, her four children and six others—gunned down on Sunday, May 22. It caused a wave of outcry. Nigeria witnessed its deadliest week in 2022 (April 10 to 16) as armed non-state actors killed at least 215 people in various attacks. Before the latest tally, the highest figure this year was recorded in the first three weeks of 2022 when at least 486 people were killed. The “horror that was recently afflicted on the people of Anambra and the rest of us was redoubled for me personally because the news reached me outside the country while I was participating in an event of youth empowerment—a college graduation ceremony,” he began. “At the Abuja event, exactly a week ago, I proposed the need to develop the collective sense of a Lowest Common Denominator in the seizure of our humanity. “Any act that attempts to drag us below, or remove that rung of the human ladder should be answered by a total community shutdown—or other equivalence—of its own accord, until that rung is fully reclaimed. “The Anambra infanticidal

News

Wole Soyinka (GIN)

orgy is one such. The mob immolation of Deborah Samuel over allegations of blasphemy, was another. Response to such abominations transcends the mandatory functions of security agencies. “The act constitutes a breach in community ramparts and should be answered by collective action. Again, I insist that it is long past time to move beyond pious denunciations— essential, yes, but insufficient. “We simply must devise ways of making our revulsion so stark, unambiguous, and inclusive. Only then will such pollutants of civic consciousness be brought to rethink, come to understand that it is not just the immediate family, friends and colleagues whose humanity is thus violated, but the totality of cohabitants. “This time, I believe the decision is right, the moment compelling. In empathy with those innocents whose scholastic careers have been so brutally annulled, I serve notice of cancellation of that engagement with the Anambra school, scheduled for August. “The deaths of those innocents cannot be reversed, but we must begin, even yesterday, the process of reversing the mental trajectory that makes death from innocence the current norm of national existence.”

NIGERIAN ‘FRIEND OF THE EARTH’ SCOOPS MAJOR PRIZE FOR HELPING COMMUNITIES IN POLLUTED NIGER DELTA (GIN)—A Nigerian lawyer who took up the cause for delta communities harmed by a subsidiary of the oil conglomerate Royal Dutch Shell will be recognized this year with a “Nobel Prize for grassroots advocacy to protect the environment,” formally known as the Goldman Environmental Prize for 2022. Chima Williams, executive director of Friends of the Earth Nigeria (Environmental Rights Action), was recognized for his role in helping the Goi and Oruma communities of the oil-rich Niger Delta region get

Chima Williams, center (GIN)

justice. The victory came after 13 years of litigation when a Dutch court awarded damages to the communities for oil spills which happened between 2004 and 2007 due to exploration by a subsidiary of the oil giant. It was the first time a parent company was held liable for actions of its subsidiary in the delta. Oil and gas are vital to the Nigerian economy and account for almost half of the country’s GDP. But that wealth was never shared with the delta community. On the contrary, the delta was soon so damaged by frequent oil spills and flares that it was designated one of the most polluted places on earth by Amnesty International. Life expectancy in the region is estimated to be 49 years, 10 years lower than the rest of the country. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Williams described the halcyon days before Shell first found oil in 1956. “Before the advent of oil in commercial quantity,” he recalled, “the Niger Delta used to be known as the most peaceful, the most hospitable, and the most luscious part of the country. “Port Harcourt, seen as Nigeria’s oil capital, was christened ‘the garden city,’ he reminisced. “Landscapes in the Niger Delta were a beauty to behold. The people were fishing folks and farmers, supplying the needs of households and families in the Niger Delta and See INTERNATIONAL on page 31

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NYS, Hochul beef up anti-gun laws By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member After two devastating mass shootings in Buffalo, N.Y. and Uvalde, Texas, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed to strengthen and close loopholes in state gun laws. Statewide efforts include more state police patrols at schools, microstamping, a crackdown on gun-related crimes, and increasing limits on Raise The Age. New York State doesn’t slouch on its current gun laws and has some of the strongest in the nation as it is. The state already requires, among

other things, background checks, licensing, registration, a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, safe storage and child access prevention, mental health reporting, and a gun liability law that allows residents to sue the gun industry for reckless practices. And yet despite these strict “common sense” laws, New York State has continued to suffer from a general uptick in gun violence. Since January 2021, “Gun violence is up 48% in New York City, 22% in Albany, 88% in Buffalo, and 95% in Rochester,” making it an official public health emergency, said a statewide gun violence awareness campaign.

There’s also the disturbing epidemic of mass shootings. “How does an 18-year-old purchase an AR-15 in the State of New York, State of Texas?,” asked Hochul in last Wednesday’s presser. “That person’s not old enough to buy a legal drink. I want to work with the legislature to change that. I want it to be 21.” Hochul intends to alter the Raise The Age law so that only those 21 years old and up are eligible to buy a gun as opposed to 18 years old, the age of both the Uvalde and Buffalo shooters. Additionally, Hochul said that See ANTI-GUN on page 25

Don’t forget to vote this June and August and November! By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member New York City and State have quite a few elections coming up this year. Here’s a short breakdown of all the dates and tidbits voters will likely need to know as we head to the polls. The governor, lieutenant governor, state assembly, and judicial primaries will be on June 28. Due to a legal back and forth on redistricting maps, or the process of creating voting lines, the congress and state senate primaries will be on a separate day on Aug. 23. The general election is still being held Nov. 8. So far Gov. Kathy Hochul is up

against Democrats Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi while still facing notable Republican candidates, such as Andrew Giuliani and U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin. Hochul’s chosen replacement running mate, U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado, is safely on the ballot. The state legislature passed a new law to remove former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin after being arrested for alleged campaign fraud. Delgado will face candidates Diana Reyna and Ana Archila in the primaries. There are several state assembly candidates newly elected in a special election to replace someone who left office, such as Assemblymembers Eddie Gibbs, Monique Waterman,

Cordelle Cleare and Brian Cunnigham. Or there are incumbents running to keep their seats, such as assembly members Clyde Vanel, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Inez Dickens, Vivian E. Cook, and Mathylde Frontus. A huge thing to keep in mind when heading to the polls multiple times this year is that redistricting might have moved around who you can vote for in the state assembly, congress, and state senate. If you’re not super sure where you fall on the new redistricting maps for your neighborhood, check out vote.nyc/page/nyc-district-maps. The deadline to register to vote See VOTE on page 25

Political prisoner-of-war Sundiata Acoli welcomed home By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews On Wednesday, May 25, Black Panther activist, Sundiata Acoli (slave name Edward Clarke Squire) was released from South Woods State Prison in Cumberland County, N.J. after being incarcerated for nearly half a century for the 1973 murder of a N.J. State Trooper. Two weeks earlier, in a 3-2 verdict, a N.J. Supreme Court determined “there was no substantial evidence” to keep him imprisoned any longer and overturned an Appellate Division ruling from 2019 which previously prevented his release. “Sundiata Acoli walked out of prison into the arms of his family and loved ones,” read a statement from the Bring Sundiata Acoli Home Alliance, who also said he’s not granting any media requests. “As you can imagine, after 49 years, Mr. Acoli is finally able to spend time with his family and we want to make sure we respect these precious moments.” Despite opposition by N.J. Gov.

Phil Murphy and various law enforcement agencies, as well as having consistently been denied parole eight times since becoming eligible for it in 1993, the courts finally determined that the 85-year-old former Black Liberation Amy activist was no longer a threat to the general public. His health has been deteriorating in recent years, and he also battled COVID-19. Although convicted for a state crime, he served much time in federal facilities. Reportedly, he was received by several friends and relatives, and is staying with his daughter at a New Jersey residence. “He is beginning the process of becoming his own man,” his attorney, Bruce Afran explained. Just prior to 1 a.m. on May 2, 1973, Black Liberation Army comrades Acoli, Assata Shakur (S/N Joanne Chessimard) and Zayd Shakur (S/N James Costan) were pulled over by State Trooper James Harper, for an alleged broken taillight, near the New Brunswick exit while driving on

the N.J. Turnpike. When backup trooper, Werner Foerster, arrived minutes later, a shootout ensued resulting in the deaths of Zayd and Foerster, and serious wounding of Acoli and Assata. They were convicted for the trooper’s murder in 1974 and sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. “However despised Acoli may be in the eyes of many because of the notoriety of his crime, he too is entitled to the protection of the law, and to the fair and impartial administration of justice,” noted Justice Barry Albin. He added that Acoli acquired a formal education, as well as vocational skills, and has remained infraction-free for two decades, plus, “has renounced violence as an acceptable way to achieve social change.” Assata was liberated from New Jersey’s Clinton Correctional Facility for Women, on Nov. 2, 1979, by fellow BLA comrades, and has resided in Cuba for several decades in political exile.

June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 3

MetroBriefs Metro Briefs Adams announces NYC Test & Trace and DOE have administered over 2 million COVID-19 in-school surveillance tests this school year Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks, the New York City Test & Trace Corps (Test & Trace), and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) announced that the city’s in-school surveillance testing program has administered over 2 million PCR COVID-19 tests to students and school staff this school year. In addition to supporting the city’s “Stay Safe, Stay Open” plan, an additional 4 million at-home tests will be delivered to schools each week until the end of the school year. The city’s school surveillance testing program, an interagency effort coordinated by the DOE, DOHMH, and Test & Trace, manages testing at over 1,900 school locations, conducting nearly 80,000 tests per week to ensure city schools were and continue to be the safest place for young people to be during the COVID-19 pandemic. The school surveillance testing program—the largest in the nation—expanded in February to double the number of individuals tested in each school by including both unvaccinated students and vaccinated students, as well as staff. The random in-school surveillance program continues to provide public health experts with an accurate look at COVID-19 in schools.

Fleet Week returns to NYC

Now in its 34th year, Fleet Week took place May 25-31. The weeklong event is the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services and will include public ship visitations and a variety of military demonstrations. The U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard returned to New York City for Fleet Week after two years of the event being held virtually. Multiple ships and nearly 3,000 sailors and marines visited the five boroughs, marking the beginning of summer and New York City’s continued recovery from the pandemic. The event has been held nearly every year since 1984, and nearly 3,000 sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen participated this year.

New York Blood Center calls for donors after blood supply dips New York Blood Center (NYBC) is calling for more blood donors, due to an alarming drop in blood donations over the holiday weekend. NYBC announced a blood emergency earlier this month, as the blood supply has remained critically low. The region’s blood supply currently stands at a 3-day level, which is well below the ideal level of 5-7-days. Hospitals and patients rely upon a steady flow of volunteer donors to receive life-saving donations, but the recent holiday weekend coupled with school breaks and increased travel have made blood donation less of a priority. In addition to this, the past two years have caused increased volatility in the blood supply, as the pandemic made it difficult for companies and schools to host blood drives. It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions require a blood transfusion. Those in need include: cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.

Survey reveals barriers that prevent Black workers from entering and advancing in tech careers National nonprofit Jobs for the Future (JFF) releases findings from a survey of more than 1,000 Black Americans exploring barriers Black people face to careers in technology. Conducted by consumer research agency AudienceNet, the survey provides crucial insight into the barriers and enablers to career preparation, entry, and advancement for Black Americans in digital and IT professions. The survey reveals that more than 6-in-10 Black adults not working in digital or information technology would consider a career change to work in the sector. However, more than half reported they were unsure where to start (55%) or felt they lacked the financial resources (51%), skills (52%), or industry connections (45%) to launch a tech career. Among the findings, 4 in 10 Black Americans said they work in a digital or IT-related field, they were more likely to be men and between the ages of 1634.Women were more likely than men to report leaving high school with only general technology skills and no access to advanced technology opportunities. Black women also were 10% less likely to report a high level of job satisfaction compared to their male peers. —Compiled by Cyril Josh Barker

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U.S. Supreme Court inching closer to loosening gun laws By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff It’s the nightmare of any Democratic-dominated state or big city. These already have issues with guns being imported from states with looser laws. A U.S. Supreme Court case could forever alter how America operates in the decades to come. In New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. vs. Bruen, gun owners go virtually face-toface with Democrat-dominated states and cities over the right to bear arms in public. The NRA and Co. is touting the second amendment as backup in their argument. States like New York and California don’t allow gun owners to carry in public, but are allowed to keep them in the home. That is not good enough for the NRA. They believe that the law violates the second amendment. During Monday’s news conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said City Hall and law enforcement need to stay alert. He said he’s prepared to take on real guns, ghost guns and all guns. “Open carry is a crisis,” the mayor said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program. “Can you imagine being on the four train as someone openly carrying a firearm? And then, we need to have the coordina-

As usual President Biden is caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to what steps to take to curb gun violence that seems to have no end in mounting casualties. Should he call for a wholesale ban on the assault weapons that have been used repeatedly in mass shootings such as the horrific ones in Buffalo or Uvalde, Texas where 19 children and two adults were killed or accede to Democratic mod-

Murphy urges passage of gun safety reform, social justice groups disagree with enforcement By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff

Courtesy of: vhcal, Motortion

tion between our ATF. Right now, we only have 2,400 ATF agents in our entire country. About 60 of them are here in New York. We have to double their size.” Adams then discussed the scenarios of gang members and other dangerous individuals carrying guns in public. Guns are at the forefront of the American conversation after two high-profile incidents in May. Most recently, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos allegedly shot and killed 19 children (and several teachers) at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Like the tragedy in Sandy Hook, Ramos shot and killed his grandmother before making his way to the school. Ramos had allegedly shown signs of erratic and threatening behavior online, but was never reported to the authorities. Before that, a tragic, racist shooting occurred in East Buffalo where 10 people were killed and three were

wounded outside of a Tops supermarket in the predominantly-Black neighborhood. The shooter, 18-year-old Payton Gendron, drove three hours from Conklin (a town just south of Binghamton) to East Buffalo for the specific purpose of killing Black people. Both Ramos and Gendron allegedly detailed what they were planning on doing in manifestos/comments written online. In April, 62-year-old Frank James allegedly fired 33 bullets from a handgun (and threw smoke grenades) that hit 10, but left several dozen injured during the mass escape out of the 36th Street subway station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. He’d also posted videos online showcasing erratic behavior. The challenge to New York’s gun laws are part of a strategy by gun owners to allow public carry all over the United States. As of this week, 25 of See SUPREME COURT on page 25

Biden between a rock, a hard place, and a filibuster—again By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

NewJerseyNews

erates who have proposed background checks or red flag laws that might appeal to Republicans? Biden realizes that something must be done, even if it’s no more than voicing his outrage and attending the funerals that will come in rapid succession over the next few days. Whatever measures he proposes will have to get 10 Senate Republicans to come aboard in order to break the filibuster. On Monday, Biden said, “I know it makes no sense to be able to purchase some-

thing that can fire up to 300 rounds.” That was in reference in particular to the AR-15 and AK-47 weapons. His statements were echoed by Vice President Kamala Harris, who said, “We are not sitting around waiting to figure out what the solution looks like.” She made this declaration last Saturday at the funeral services for Ruth Whitfield, 86, the oldest of the 10 victims. “We know what works on this. It includes—let’s have an assault weapons ban.” See BIDEN on page 25

Gov. Phil Murphy renewed his call for the passage of the comprehensive gun safety legislative package that he initially proposed in 2021. Murphy urged legislators to pass the same package in April 2022, four months after he was joined by Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin in support of the gun safety bills. If passed by the Senate and Assembly and signed into law, the bill package discussed today would be the third wide-ranging gun safety package signed by the governor since taking office. A press conference was held last week attended by educators and gun safety advocates in the aftermath of the Uvalde, Texas elementary school shooting and the Buffalo supermarket shooting. “From Uvalde to Buffalo, recent tragedies have reaffirmed that, in the absence of substantive reform, no community is immune to the epidemic of gun violence,” said Murphy. “The senseless murders in Texas should fortify our resolve to take action today—to avoid similar horrors not through empty words and promises, but through concrete measures to make every classroom and neighborhood safer. Our children, as well

as the teachers who devote their lives to their education and safety, deserve nothing less.” Among other measures, New Jersey has established a “red flag” law for gun violence protective orders, criminalized firearms trafficking, strengthened background checks, reduced the maximum capacity of ammunition magazines, banned “ghost guns,” established the Gun Violence Research Center to identify evidenced-based solutions to the gun violence crisis, and established a partnership with a coalition of states (Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania) to share crime gun data among law enforcement agencies. In the aftermath of the school shooting in Texas, the New Jersey Attorney General’s office reportedly increased police presence in schools statewide. “County prosecutors will direct their municipal police departments to increase law enforcement presence at schools throughout their jurisdictions,” Murphy said on social media. “We will do everything in our power to ensure students, parents, and educators feel safe at school.” The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, the ACLU of

New Jersey and the Education Law Center responded to Murphy’s decision to increase police presence in schools in response to Tuesday’s tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. “It is imperative that New Jersey take action to ensure the safety of students but adding more police to our schools in the wake of this horrific tragedy is not the solution,” said Joe Johnson, policy counsel at the ACLU of New Jersey. “Increased police presence in schools will lead to more students being introduced to the criminal legal system, especially students of color and students with disabilities. We need a comprehensive plan for student safety that provides real support to our students, including restorative justice practices and access to trained mental health professionals.” Yannick Wood, director of the Criminal Justice Reform Program at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, said clarity is needed in response to the tragedies. “We need to focus and act on the causes of these tragedies, like the availability, on demand, of guns across our country, as well as the lack of access to mental health services. Adding more school security on the backend is not the solution to this problem,” Wood said.

Leaders of Poor People’s Campaign to speak at Newark rally By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff The Rev. Dr. William Barber II and the Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, co-chairs of the Poor People’s Campaign, will speak at a rally against poverty and injustice on Saturday, June 4 at 11 a.m. at the Lincoln Statue, 12 Springfield Ave. in Newark.

The event is being organized by the national Poor People’s Campaign, New Jersey Poor People’s Coordinating Committee and the People’s Organization For Progress (POP). Barber and Theoharis will address growing poverty, economic hardship, racist terrorist attacks like that in Buffalo, gun violence and mass

shootings, ecological devastation, and the need to build a national movement for social transformation. The rally will also highlight The Mass Poor People’s And Low-Wage Workers Assembly and Moral March On Washington and to the Polls that will take place June 18 in Washington, D.C.

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June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 5

‘I AM CARIBBEING’ founder Shelley V. Worrell By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Shelley Worrell is the founder and CEO of ‘I AM CARIBBEING,’ a company that literally defined and spearheaded the development of Little Caribbean in Flatbush, Brooklyn. The term Caribbeing, said Worrell, was constructed from ‘Caribbean’ and ‘being’ which means the nature or essence of a person. It means a 21st century person born in and/or of descent from the Caribbean, an adventure-seeker with a strong desire to travel and explore the Caribbean, and an authentic Caribbean brand. Worrell, a Flatbush native, was born to Trinidadian parents who made the move to the States in the 1960s and ‘70s. Her father is Afro-Caribbean and her mother is Indo-Caribbean. “Before even realizing it I was really immersed in my culture and heritage, and it didn’t occur to me where I was growing up until we moved to South Jersey where there wasn’t any Caribbean culture,” said Worrell. “That’s when I suddenly realized that when I lived there I felt this tremendous void. Because I didn’t feel represented there. No one understood what it meant to be of Caribbean descent. They thought that I was trying to deny my Blackness.”

Worrell said that the Black immigrant and Caribbean experience was unique. So much so that she studied anthropology with a focus on Caribbean studies as an undergrad. She went on to study hospitality and tourism in graduate school. Worrell later switched to a career in media and tech. Since 2018, Worrell has served as the head of Community Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Commerce and formerly held leadership roles in Strategic Partnerships and Global Business Development at Google and A+E Television Networks. Worrell said the idea that sparked Caribbeing into life was initially a film festival held in Flatbush in 2010. “We started off as the Flatbush Film Festival,” said Worrell. “It was a huge flop.” However, after the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti that same year, Worrell screened the documentary about relief efforts on the island. The doc was a huge success and the programming took off from there, said Worrell. “We added art, music, performance, food, and from there the organization just grew into what it is today,” said Worrell. Worrell said she’s incredibly proud of the movement she started to brand Little Caribbean with such a distinct identity and style that has transcended just Flat-

2022

NY PRIMARIES

bush. Their merchandise is available internationally and programming has a global reach. “Our work is really about celebrating Caribbean culture, community, and commerce,” said Worrell. I AM CARIBBEING’s June programming plans to celebrate National Caribbean-American Heritage Month in Prospect Park. On June 28, 30, and throughout the summer, there will be displays in the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens scheduled as well! Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about culture and politics in New York City 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:// tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w

JUNE PRIMARY Early Voting: June 18 - 26 Election Day: June 28 ON THE BALLOT:

This summer, New York will have two primary elections: June and August. Don’t wait until Election Day. VOTE EARLY! • You have 9 more days • Extended hours and weekends to vote • Bring your Fast Pass Tag for faster and easier check in

Find your pollsite and hours: VOTE.NYC or call 866-VOTE-NYC

• Governor • Lieutenant Governor • State Assembly • Judges • Party Positions

AUGUST PRIMARY Early Voting: August 13 - 21 Election Day: August 23 ON THE BALLOT: • U.S. House • State Senate

Shelley V. Worrell (Photographer Arne Vollstedt)

Black

New Yorker

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Hotels into homes: City rallies behind hotel conversion bill in Albany By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member New York City housing advocates, as well as Mayor Eric Adams, Speaker Adrienne Adams and the Hotel Trades Council, are overwhelmingly in support of passing the hotel conversion bill in the state assembly this legislative session to help address the housing crisis. The city’s tourism sector and normally high demand for hotel rooms dropped significantly in the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic and wasn’t really projected to recover until 2025, according to a city planning hotel market analysis. In January 2020, there were 127,810 hotel rooms in over 705 hotel properties citywide that were unceremoniously shutdown, said the analysis. The brightside: some of these hotels helped house homeless individuals during a major crisis and reignited the idea that vacant hotels could be converted into stable, permanent housing in the future. Thus the hotel conversion bill, S.4937/A.6262, gained traction. The bill amends the state’s multiple dwelling law to facilitate conversions of existing distressed hotels to affordable permanent housing. It would work in tandem with the newly passed Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA), which basically funds hotel conversions statewide. Occupants would be able to rent or lease a converted room at 30% of their income, modeled after Section 8 and other public housing rent caps. At the beginning of May, both Mayor Adams and Speaker Adams publicly stated their unwavering support for the idea. “All New Yorkers deserve safe and stable housing, and we have to create more flexibility in our zoning and building codes to allow for the conversion of underutilized and vacant hotels into desperately needed supportive and affordable housing,” said Speaker Adams in a statement. In a presser on May 1, Mayor Adams spoke about how the city is striving to “holistically” solve the housing crisis and aiming to utilize hotel conversions as a

Former Manhattan Borough President and Councilmember Gale Brewer at a hotel conversion rally (Contributed photo)

tool to achieve that while feeding the tourism industry. Adams said the focus is to “repurpose underused hotels” and create supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness, and make more affordable, permanent housing available. “Unlocking hotel conversions is not going after union hotels. It’s going after those hotels that are creating blight,” said Adams in the presser. “They have created conditions in our communities that they use for so many illegal means, and those that are closed, you’re unable to really convert them in a manner that we see so they can be an asset to the community instead of an impediment.” The bill then went on to pass in the Senate. In a recent letter,

former Manhattan Borough President and Councilmember Gale Brewer and other city council members urged the assembly to pass the hotel conversion bill before the session wraps in June. Brewer has been especially vocal on the issue considering a majority of the hotels and hospitality sector are in Manhattan. She said decades ago, in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s these kinds of conversions were allowed. “We have a housing crisis,” said Brewer, “and these hotels can be converted to permanent supportive housing as the Prince George [Hotel], as the Woodstock [Hotel] were 30 years ago.” Brewer said that this past year two non-profits were ready with community support to convert about 500 hotel rooms

into housing units but were halted because the bill hadn’t passed yet. She said rooms will be converted for less than it would cost to outfit a commercial building. She imagines, if the bill passes, that hotel rooms will be outfitted with kitchenettes and amenities in areas like midtown Manhattan. Joe Loonam, housing campaign coordinator for VOCAL NY, pointed out that if the state doesn’t act quickly, it’s likely that unused hotel properties would go to real estate developers looking to install pricey, luxury housing instead. “The thing that folks find really egregious about the shelter system in a lot of cases is the curfews, lack of visitors, the searches as you enter the build-

ing,” said Loonam. “There’s a lot of different things that make it feel more like a jail and less like a home. So the big hook with the conversions is that folks can be in spaces where they have more autonomy in their lives.” Loonam said that he’s confident that the current bill will produce high quality and much needed affordable housing as a result of these conversions. Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about culture and politics in New York City 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:// tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w

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8 • June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS G O W I T H T H

Go With The Flo FLO

L O

500 Men Making a Difference host their 5th annual Ladies Brunch (Bill Moore photos)

ANTHONY Tytyana Miller, the daughter of Master P, whose struggles with addiction were documented on the WE TV Reality series “Growing Up Hip Hop,” has died at the age of 29. According to multiple outlets, the news was announced on Instagram by Master P. While a cause of death was not specified, the rap mogul wrote that “mental illness and substance abuse is a real issue that we can’t be afraid to talk about. Our family is dealing with an overwhelming grief for the loss of my daughter Tytyana. We respectfully request some privacy so that our family can grieve. We appreciate all of the prayers, love and support. With God, we will get through this.” Meanwhile, Tytyana’s older brother, Romeo Miller, who appeared with his sister in a moving episode of “Growing Up Hip Hop,” in which their father encouraged a reluctant Tytyana to go to a rehabilitation facility, also posted on Instagram, “I’m forever grateful for the memories I did have with my amazing sister.” Congratulations to Shaunie O’Neal and Keion Henderson. The “Basketball Wives” creator and star officially tied the knot with the Houston minister in Anguilla on May 28 in front of 200 guests at the Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club. According to People, the beautiful outdoor ceremony took place on the golf course’s tenth hole, with the bride making her entrance as gospel singer Yolonda Adams performed. The bride’s three sons, Myles, Shareef and Shaqir O’Neal walked their mother down the aisle. Bishop TD Jakes of-

ficiated the nuptials. The couple exchanged wedding bands from Jason of Beverly Hills. During the reception, the couple’s friends and family, who included former New York Knick Charles Oakley and his wife, Angela, dined on Anguillian-inspired dishes including local fish and crayfish. Laverne Cox celebrated her 50th birthday with a Barbie-themed party hosted at the Moxy Hotel rooftop in Times Square, complete with wardrobe changes and various bubblegum pink party accessories, reports Glamour. The “Orange Is The New Black” star is the first transgender person to have her own Barbie doll. Cox told People magazine that she was very handson in designing the doll. “I wanted her to wear multiple outfits. You want the doll to be affordable, so I was like, ‘What if she had one outfit that would peel off and become multiple outfits?’ So that’s what we came up with.” Sounds like a good plan that worked! President Barack Obama took New York City by storm on May 25. According to the Daily Mail, the former Potus stopped by the New World Theater on W. 49th Street where he watched “¡Americano!,” a musical about dreamers, for about an hour. From there, Obama was escorted by his Secret Service team along with several members of the NYPD to Portale, an Italian restaurant on W. 18th Street, where he dined in a private room on the eatery’s upper level with several guests, before heading back to his hotel for the rest of the evening.

Recipients of the 500 Men Making a Difference Contemporary Giant Award: Nayaba Ariinde - Amsterdam News Editor, Carlene Beaubrun - Events by Carlene, Alice Lowman - President of Spring Gardens Tenants Association, and Sharon Leid - CEO of NetStruc PR.

By NOSAYABA ODESANYA Special to the AmNews Ask anyone who was there, and they will tell you that the 500 Men Making a Difference 5th annual Ladies Brunch ‘Boss Edition’ on Saturday May 28, 2022, was an outstanding and very enjoyable event altogether. The venue was the Brooklyn Marriott by the Brooklyn Bridge. The brunch was beautifully organized, and had a full house of guests, family and friends. The Rev. Dr. Kim Best prayed over the brunch. Wayne Devonish, chairman of 500 Men, set the tone for the day with generous remarks about the 40 awardees and their work, and Daryl Person delivered opening comments noting that he knew better than to stand between Black folks and their food so he kept it short.The food choices were unlimited starting with fruits, main course meals such as pasta, eggs, sweet potatoes, and snacks like donuts and cookies was satisfying to the taste buds. The music choices were appropriate and pleas-

ant, and consisted of R&B and soul music. Singer Jerena Brown blessed the packed audience with her vocal talent by singing “I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston. The 5th annual Ladies Brunch ‘Boss Edition’ honored 40 amazing women who have positively impacted their community through their hard work and dedication to make a change in the world. 500 Men Making a Difference are firm believers in showing love and appreciation for those who are willing to go the extra mile to help strengthen the community. The award presentation was divided into four categories: Living Legends, Ones to Watch, Greatness in the Making and Contemporary Giants. From Living Legends, some of the honorees were Dr. Kim Best, CEO of Healing Hearts Chaplaincy where she teaches and trains individuals in Chaplaincy, as well as Lisa Evers, Fox 5 news reporter and TV/ radio host of “Street Soldiers.” Evers also delivered a powerful keynote speech about addressing gun violence. From

Ones to Watch, were Abria Jones, future homicide detective, and Renee S. Trotman, director of Constituent Services and Scheduler. From Greatness in the Making, were Khaya Amber Holder and Asia Shields. Last, but not least, from Contemporary Giants, Nayaba Arinde, editor of the Amsterdam News, founder of Square Circles Breast Cancer survivor support group, and the host of radio show Back to Basics on inceptionfm.com. Carline Beaubrun is the founder and creative director of Events by Carline, a 20-year internationally operated, full-service event production company based in Garden City, New York. Sharton Leid worked in the office of D.A. Charles Hynes, and now runs the successful NetStruc PR company, and is also the VP for One Brooklyn Health System. There were dozens of fantastic women with phenomenal sets of skills and experiences. There were 40 awards for 40 amazing women taking a stand and making a difference.

500 Men Making a Difference is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates within the five boroughs of New York City. The organization was founded by Wayne Devonish in 2010. The mission of 500 Men is to recruit, train and match volunteers and mentors to leave an influential impact within the community. By creating a union that stands together, the program engages young men in

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June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 9

DanceAfrica 2022 was magnificent

Nightlife

Written by David Goodson

Cultural Graduation Class of 2022, STAND UP!!!

(Daniel Goodine photo)

By NOSSAYBA ODESANYA Special to the AmNews For years African dancers from all over the country and the world have come to Brooklyn’s DanceAfrica over the Memorial weekend at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, affectionately known as BAM. Founded by the late, great Baba Chuck Davies in 1977, it has been a popular annual event which the community has missed for two years due to COVID. BAM said, “It is a wonderful festival of dance, music and culture which honors the spirit of the traditional and contemporary companies from its first decade, recognizing their achievements over the years and celebrating the artists who now carry the torch.” Their presser said that the performance featured five different guest companies from Brooklyn, Harlem, the Bronx, and Washington, D.C., each offering a homegrown vision of traditional dances. They have brought to the stage movement and musical styles from Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, and the Caribbean, supported by the Arkhestra Afrika, created by members of each company. Plus, the beloved BAM RestorationArt Dance Youth Ensemble marked their 25th anniversary and the DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers’ return! Going 45 years, it was a delighted and proud, African-inspired

outfit-wearing crowd who came daily as DanceAfrica celebrated its “bright future and its deep roots.” From Friday, May 27, to Monday, May 30, audiences flocked to BAM to enjoy performers Bambara Drum and Dance Ensemble, LaRocque Bey School of Dance, Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater, Farafina Kan: The Sound of Africa, and the Harambee Dance Company. And then outside the fun continued; people came from all over the five boroughs, the tri-state, and the country to buy from the many, many vendors. There was delicious food—African, Caribbean, and versions of some soul food. You could buy clothes, jewelry, watches, art, African sculptures and music. There was dancing and drumming outside. It is, as always, a really great community event. Come on back for 2023.

(Nayaba Arinde photo)

Graduation Class of 2022, STAND UP!!! The obstacles and circumstances that were placed in front of you during your trek to this destination were an unprecedented test of mettle, and congratulations on the achievement. These are the good ole days my friends, live it up!!! Hopefully, your futures will be productive and distinctive enough that your alma mater will be as proud of you as you are of it. Double that sentiment if you rep an HBCU! As a Howard Bison glad to see we once again made a significant move that has historic consequences as Howard University and The Gordon Parks Foundation today acquired 252 photographs representing the arc of Gordon Parks’ career over five decades. The breadth of the collection, which spans Parks’ earliest photographs in the 1940s through the 1990s, makes it one of the most comprehensive resources for the study of Parks’ life and work anywhere in the world. The Gordon Parks Legacy Collection, a combined gift and purchase, will be housed in the MoorlandSpingarn Research Center. Organized thematically by subject into 15 study sets, the photographs serve as a rich repository for the development of exhibitions and multidisciplinary curricula that advances scholarship on Parks’ contributions as an artist and humanitarian. Howard University’s acquisition is part of The Gordon Parks Foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that provide access to and deepen understanding of the work and vision of Parks for artists, scholars, students, and the public. Building on this partnership, the Foundation and Howard University are exploring future projects that draw on the collection to catalyze new research and joint programming. In layman’s language, if you’ve ever picked up a Canon or Nikon to express yourself artistically and document this moment in time for historical prosperity, you owe a debt to the legacy of Gordon Parks. This is better articulated by Peter W. Kunhardt Jr., executive director of The Gordon Parks Foundation, who said, “This landmark collection of photographs by one of the great chroniclers of Black American life provides artists, journalists, and scholars at Howard University with a new resource to study and embrace the lasting impact of Gordon Parks. As a photographer working in segregated Washington, D.C., in 1942, Parks established his first connections with Howard, which then embodied many of the values that his work came to represent. For him that was a learning experience, which makes Howard a fitting place to keep his art alive.” “Howard University is proud to be the recipient of such an important collection of work by African American artist and photojournalist Gordon See CULTURAL GRADUATION on page 30

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Union Matters Joining the June 18 March on Washington is a moral imperative GEORGE

GRESHAM On Saturday, June 18, I will join thousands of 1199SEIU healthcare workers from up and down the East Coast as they take buses to Washington, D.C., to attend one of the most important mass demonstrations our nation’s capital has seen since the 1960s civil rights marches. You should be there, too. You need to be there. Why? Because of the nine lives lost on May 14 in the Tops Supermarket in Buffalo, N.Y., at the hands of a white supremacist and the massacre 10 short days later of 19 children and two adult teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Because we are living through a pandemic that has taken over 1 million American lives and where Blacks, Latinos, and Native Americans are two to three times more likely to be hospitalized from COVID than the white population. Because on January 6 of last year a violent mob instigated by the former president attempted to overturn the legitimate results of a national election, and far-right extremist politicians are passing laws across the country to restrict access to the ballot box. Because for the first time in generations, young people are growing up to be poorer than their parents, a fact directly tied to the explosion of inequality and the vast wealth being accumulated by a handful of American oligarchs. It is all related. The Rev. Dr. William J Barber II, one of the greatest civil rights champions of our time, has called for a Mass Poor People’s & Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly & Moral March on Washington on June 18 to draw attention to the urgent crises afflicting our great nation that have sunk millions of families into poverty and despair. Here’s a powerful statement from the Moral March on Washington organizers: “We assemble and march on June 18, 2022, because any nation that ignores nearly half of its citizens is in See JUNE 18 MARCH on page 27

DC 37 endorses Hochul for governor By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff

Last week, District Council 37 endorsed the election of New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul for mayor. “Governor Hochul stepped up when our state needed her the most and ensured that government continued to deliver services as we began to emerge out of the COVID19 pandemic,” stated Henry Garrido, executive director, District Council 37. “She has been a champion for essential workers and has a vision for New York that empowers the middle class. DC37 is proud to support her campaign for a full term as governor of New York and stands ready to help her cross the finish line this November.” If elected, Hochul would serve her first full term as governor following the ushering out of Andrew Cuomo. According to DC 37’s new Political and Legislative Director Odetty Tineo, union

leaders wanted to make sure that they endorsed a candidate who keeps the issues they care about at the forefront. “The union underwent a comprehensive screening process and ultimately chose each candidate based on their commitment to a pro-worker agenda, including fighting the economic and social injustices the pandemic has exposed,” stated Tineo. “We chose these candidates with a focus on endorsing those who prioritize the issues affecting working people and their families. The Green Machine stands ready to organize and engage our membership in support of the candidates we’ve endorsed.” So far, Hochul has survived the scandals that have surrounded her since she became the lieutenant governor under Andrew Cuomo. This includes her boss getting ousted as the result of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct allegations. It also includes her new Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin (who took her place when

she moved up in rank) resigning amid federal bribery and fraud charges. His name is off the ballot for Hochul’s primary/election run. “Our members are dedicated essential workers on the frontlines who provide the vital services that keep New York City running 24/7,” said Garrido. “It’s critical that we elect those who share our values and are committed to providing the resources and support our members need both in the workplace and at home.” Hochul had no problem accepting DC 37’s endorsement. “DC37 is the backbone of New York’s municipal workforce,” said Hochul. “As governor, it’s my job to fight for the union workers who keep our state running and who are the heart of our middle class. I am so honored to earn this endorsement and partner with the hardworking members of DC37 as we continue to rebuild, moving our state forward.”

Chipotle workers protest working conditions, get arrested By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff Last week, Chipotle workers and their allies took to Midtown Manhattan to let the public in on what their employer has done. They rallied in favor of better working conditions, calling for a raise to $20 per hour and stabilizing schedules for those who have other needs to tend to. Those in attendance included former (and current) Chipotle workers, 32BJ SEIU members and leaders, New York State Sen. Jessica Ramos, New York State Assembly Member Latoya Joyner and New York City Council Member Julie Menin. 32BJ President Kyle Bragg said that the fighting and the rallying will continue until the company improves its workers’ conditions and salaries. “Today, we sent a clear message to Chipotle; it’s time to deliver the wages and fair schedules your employees need and deserve,” stated Bragg. “We have no intention of wavering on these basic demands for the working New Yorkers who keep this fast-food giant afloat in the nation’s largest city. Now, it’s incumbent upon Chipotle to embrace the New York tradition of workers’ rights or face a fight that even a multi-billion dollar corporation should not take lightly.” Earlier this Spring, 11 workers filed complaints with the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection agency. They claimed that managers had pressured them to work sick and would look to retaliate or fire them outright if they asked for sick days. Current Chipotle worker Maria Romero, a single mother and CUNY student, said that

Eleven people were arrested at last week’s Chipotle worker demonstration. (Photo courtesy of 32BJ SEIU)

the lack of fixture in her schedule leaves her life in limbo because she has to contend with her child, classes and Chipotle. “I tell Chipotle the shifts I can work but still get scheduled for shifts that don’t work for my schedule,” stated Romero. “Where are my fair schedules? I need higher wages to support my family and 5-year-old son. Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol made $17.9 million last year. I think he can afford to pay us $20 an hour.” Chipotle Worker Ed Dealecio said that all workers deserve respect regardless of where they’re employed. “Pay for people like me is not keeping up with rising costs,” stated Dealecio. “We can turn these into secure jobs with dignity and good wages.” In 2021, Albany legislators passed The New York State Health and Essential Rights Act (or NY HERO ACT). The bill calls for “extensive” new health and safety conditions in response to the coronavirus. The new law is the result of a collaboration between the State Department of Labor and the State Department of Health.

Two elected officials on the scene put their two cents in on the Chipotle situation, “Chipotle is using every dirty trick in the book to avoid paying their workers a dignified wage,” stated Sen. Jessica Ramos, chair of the Senate Labor Committee. “I’ll be clear—the NY HERO Act, Just Cause, and Fair Workweek Laws are not gentle suggestions. Both inflation and corporate profits are spiking without worker pay rising to match, and we in New York cannot allow that to continue.” “Working New Yorkers need and deserve healthy and respectful working conditions on the job, but Chipotle has plainly fallen short of maintaining that standard and ensuring that the rights of their workers are respected on the job,” said Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner (D-Bronx, 77th AD), chair of the Assembly Labor Committee. “With 600,000 alleged violations of the City’s Fair Workweek and Just Cause laws and additional alleged violations still occurring, it is time for Chipotle to clean up their act.” Chipotle has yet to respond to the AmNews’ request for comment.

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June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 11

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12 • June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022

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Opinion Harlem’s St. Nicholas Park needs funding and urgent repairs—it’s not alone By KAREN ASNER For over a century, Harlem residents have relied upon St. Nicholas Park as a central gathering place for joyous events like family celebrations, holiday tree lightings, Easter and Fall festivals, music events, film screenings, public art exhibitions, park volunteer days and more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the park took on heightened importance as a refuge for individuals looking to gather safely with one another and find solace during hard times. St. Nicholas Park is an essential natural resource for our community. However, the City of New York does not see its 2,000-plus parks and open spaces through this same lens—if we judge by the dollars it spends annually on them. Our park is no exception. St. Nicholas is the victim of both a histor-

ic lack of city funding and the city’s broken capital appropriation process for building and repairing public infrastructure. For years, Friends of St. Nicholas Park, a coalition of volunteer residents and community-based organizations of which I am a member, has worked to keep our beloved park clean and beautiful. But years without proper funding have left achieving even basic maintenance of the park unattainable, and a lack of reforms to the capital process are hampering our ability to address pressing construction and renovation needs. A lack of funding impacts not only the basic maintenance of St. Nicholas Park but also the hiring and training of Parks Department staff who oversee our parks. Twenty years ago, all parks’ staff had specialized knowledge, but now community groups like ours increasingly have been forced to take on the funda-

mental responsibilities of the Parks Department. We host bi-weekly volunteer trash cleanups from April to October and our volunteers helped restore five weed-infested garden beds over the last year through funding from Greenacre and other private sources. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged our momentum at the same time parks usage skyrocketed and New York City cut the Parks’ budget by 14%, which led to the worst citywide parks conditions on record in 2020. A walk through St. Nicholas Park today shows large sections of the park that are unmowed, and they will remain that way for much of the summer. Invasive weeds like Japanese knotweed and mugwort are everywhere, smothering plantings and lawns and obstructing sightlines. Every year that passes withSee ST. NICHOLAS PARK on page 27

Assault weapons: Delete EDITORIAL

It’s too bad that the opinions expressed by the majority of Americans are not taken seriously by a majority of elected officials, particularly by Republicans. According to a story in our current edition, President Biden is facing a Hobson’s choice, or no choice at all when it comes to what to do about gun control. Should he push for stronger measures or tack toward the center and follow a more moderate, incremental stance? Most Americans when asked

their opinions on more specific gun policies, according to a recent poll, favor support of universal background checks, keeping guns from those with serious mental problems or not allowing them to purchase them, banning assaultstyle weapons and high-capacity magazines, and “red flag laws” that will allow the police or family members to seek court orders that would temporarily take guns away from those who might do harm to others or themselves. Sounds like a solid step in the right direction, and if the majority of Americans are comfortable

Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher Member

Alliance for Audited Media

and Editor in Chief

Kristin Fayne-Mulroy: Managing Editor Nayaba Arinde: Editor Cyril Josh Barker: Digital Editor Damaso Reyes: Investigative Editor Siobhan "Sam" Bennett: Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Advertising

Wilbert A. Tatum (1984-2009): Chairman of the Board, CEO and Publisher Emeritus

with this, why not have a vote on this, a referendum, thereby allowing the so-called democratic process to take its course? There is, as most of you know, already a process for such a procedure and it exists when you go to the polls, yes those other polls, and choose a candidate who best represents your views on various issues. Even with a popular vote on the issue of gun control, there’s no guarantee of avoiding conflicting views. And if your candidate is in concert with a majority, agreeing to pass stricter gun laws, that may not be enough of a vote to get it onto the books. Consider what Biden is facing right now; if the Senate voted on gun control a minority would hold sway. Biden and Vice President Harris may be in a political bind but more crucially so are too many Americans who nervously await the next round of ammo from assault weapons. If elected officials decided today that we should do away with assault weapons, it would be too late.

Clean Slate will build communities in Harlem By HON. MILTON A. TINGLING (RET.) and RICHARD S. TAFFET

Gov. Hochul and the New York Legislature have the opportunity now to positively change Harlem and other similar communities by passing and enacting the Clean Slate Act before the end of this legislative session. Clean Slate will afford formerly incarcerated individuals to re-enter the community with the opportunity to be productive contributors to the economic, social, and civic vibrancy of Harlem and beyond. Employment, housing, and educational opportunities are the most significant elements for successful re-entry, and while not a panacea, Clean Slate will eliminate systemic and artificial barriers in those areas. As we emerge from the pandemic, we must use every tool at our disposal to support the economic health of all communities and support all those who wish to positively participate having served their time and paid their debt for past conduct. The Clean Slate Act is a major step in this direction. The Clean Slate Act is economic legislation. lt will automatically seal conviction records for 2.3 million New Yorkers, eliminating barriers these records pose to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. ln place of a perpetual cycle of punishment and disassociation from the community, Clean Slate supports positive incentives—real opportunities for a job, a home, and to learn new and productive skills—and the chance to give back. For Harlem and similar communities, creating these incentives is critical. Indeed, for all of New York, breaking the cycle of incarceration and reincarceration, and allowing individuals the opportunity to move forward with their lives and contribute to their communities, increasing workforce participation and driving an inclusive economic recovery, must be embraced.

Whether it is small independent businesses in Harlem, or large multinational corporations headquartered in New York, employers are struggling to fill open positions. We can’t afford to relegate countless New Yorkers who are unfairly restrained by old conviction records to be sidelined from the job market. Over 1 million New Yorkers would be eligible to have their records automatically sealed once the law becomes effective. Removing the roadblocks for these job seekers would help combat workforce shortages and broaden the talent pool for small local businesses and large international companies alike. Clean Slate will potentially bring other meaningful economic benefits once it’s passed. Formerly incarcerated New Yorkers collectively lose $2 billion in wages each year because they are shut out from entering the workforce: this hurts New York’s economic growth and shrinks tax revenue. Those who serve time in prison lose an average of $484,400 in earnings over their lifetime, which entrenches poverty, deepens economic inequality and makes our communities less safe by exacerbating the root drivers of crime and violence. In contrast, opening up access to job opportunities leads to tangible economic gains for individuals with conviction histories, and those increased earnings flow back into local economies. ln Michigan, a state that passed records clearance laws a few years ago, research showed that within one year of clearing their records, people were 11% more likely to be employed, and their average wages increased by 22%. Clean Slate can result in similar gains, which will mean more money in residents’ pockets to be spent in New York City. We applaud the support for Clean Slate that has already come together. We are proud to stand alongside Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft, See CLEAN SLATE on page 30

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS O P I N I O

June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 13 N

Public uninvited to Memorial Day U.S. Capitol celebration 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.

So much to celebrate in June CHRISTINA

GREER PH.D.

ARMSTRONG

WILLIAMS

The annual PBS 2022 Memorial Day weekend concert took place outside the United States Capitol, but you probably weren’t there to witness it. While congressional VIPs and their guests were invited, the exclusive, nationally televised PBS event was closed to the public. Hundreds of armed Capitol Police officers patrolled the perimeter to protect the few people who were allowed to attend. But you would be mistaken if you believed that there was a massive crowd that bad actors would attempt to attack in order to inflict the most harm. In reality, just 500 spectators were permitted to witness the event from a comfortable viewing distance. The rest of us unfortunate, unconnected folks were never informed—unless you happened to stumble upon a specific section of the concert’s website—nor were we offered the option to view it on a large screen from a distance. Thousands of spectators gathered by the Capitol to see a performance which they were not permitted to view. If you are affluent, famous, or just know the right people, you have no cause for concern. You will have the chance to stand and sit close to other affluent, famous, and wellconnected individuals near the stage. While those artists and other celebrities are performing in front of cameras that will air to millions, the tax-paying, common citizens who want nothing more than a night out to watch their favorite artists perform while remembering those who fought and died for their precious rights will not even have the opportunity to watch it in person. Memorial Day honors the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the liberties we enjoy today. The rights to speak our minds, criticize the government, and live the lives we choose. Despite this, the families of troops who sacrificed their lives for these rights, due to the re-

strictions, have invariably been excluded from this celebration. As it turns out, these celebrations of sacrifice are mere fronts for the elites to pat themselves on the back and have their faces plastered on the television screens of millions. What was their reasoning for not inviting the public? A fear of a COVID-19 super spreader. I was able to wander among the crowd outside the barricades, and I interacted with both them and the police officers who were “protecting” the people inside. Indignation, dismay, and shame were prevalent among both the citizens and the Capitol Hill police. Ordinary people showed up expecting to spend a night among the stars, listening to pleasant music, and celebrating the ones who sacrificed their lives for our nation. Yet, each and every one was presented with barricades and police officers preventing their ability to view an event taking place on taxpayer-funded grounds. One officer said, “They should have canceled this,” while another stated, “They’re paying us nearly $1,000 per day plus overtime to protect 500 people.” Indeed, they could not even defend their presence there. Who makes these judgments? Did a boardroom full of seemingly knowledgeable people unanimously—or by majority vote—decide that it would be a good idea to ignore the substantiated science which states that COVID-19 transmission outside is almost impossible, and prevent all but 500 people from witnessing the event live? Did they really believe that this was a suitable action at a celebration for soldiers who fought and died for our nation? Did they not foresee that the relatives of those nonselected veterans would be barred from attending a performance commemorating their sons’ or daughters’ deaths?

I remember celebrities, highranking politicians, and other major actors in the economic and political environment marching with thousands of anti-police brutality demonstrators for months. I recall individuals with advanced scientific and health degrees defending these demonstrations on the grounds that police violence posed a greater danger to the public’s health than COVID-19 (studies show approximately 30,000 individuals have been killed by U.S. police, barring justification, since 1980 while over 1 million have been killed by COVID-19 in the U.S. in around 3 years). I remember that in the aftermath of these rallies, COVID-19 cases skyrocketed without any condemnation from the media or politicians for potentially causing thousands of more fatalities. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but your perspective has no value when it contradicts your other opinions so plainly. I would argue that allowing the public to memorialize troops who fought and died for us is more advantageous to our general health than the implications of COVID-19 spreading at an outdoor event. Now, however, the public, who has been barred from viewing the event, is having hundreds of thousands of dollars drained from their pockets and poured into the wallets of the police who do not even know why they are protecting the elites. Armstrong Williams 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.com | www.howardstirkholdings.com Follow on Twitter: @arightside Certified NMSDC MBE View our sizzle reel: https://vimeo. com/395808816

June is always such a busy month. School is ending and parents are trying to figure out what to do with the kids for the summer. New Yorkers have an election on June 28th to help decide who will be our governor, lieutenant governor, and who will represent us in the legislature and senate in Albany. We will also honor and celebrate all of the fathers and dads in our lives later in the month as well. I like to think of June as a time to celebrate and honor my loved ones who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender. June is Pride Month and was designated by presidential proclamation in 1999 and is a time to celebrate the many contributions of the LBGT community. Even though we have made some great strides towards inclusion and more wide scale acknowledgment and acceptance of our friends and family members who identify as LGBT, we still have a long way to go. Civil rights and civil liberties of LGBT Americans are still not widespread and we must remember that injustice for even one of us is an injustice for all of us. Although many battles have been won, there are still so many prejudices and ways LGBT people are discriminated against. The overall livelihood of so many LGBT-identifying persons in this country and abroad are consistently being threatened from housing discrimination, adoptions, job prospects, and schooling, as evidenced by Florida’s recent “Don’t Say Gay” bill and other attempts to marginalize LGBT people. We must remember that June 28th designates the an-

niversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City, one of the key events in gay/ lesbian civil rights. Since gay men are still discriminated against as blood donors in so many spaces, we can do our part and participate in World Blood Donor Day on June 14th to help increase the supply of blood needed during this crucial time. In addition, World Sickle Cell Day is on June 19th and donating blood can assist those in need, especially since Sickle Cell disproportionately affects African Americans. We can also help bring awareness to National HIV Testing Day on June 27th to help promote health and safety for all people in our communities. There is so much going on in June, I almost forgot about Juneteenth on June 19th, which is also Father’s Day this year. Many of you may remember during the summer of reckoning in 2020, Juneteenth became an integral part of the discussion of the legacy of inequity and anti-Black racism that has permeated this nation for centuries. No matter what you choose to observe or celebrate, June presents a myriad of ways we can contribute to our greater society through awareness, donation, or education to those in our community. It is my hope you will use this month to further educate yourself and spread the word to others. Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University, the author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream,” and the co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.

14 • June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022

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Health Factcheck: False: People do not need to use masks if they have been vaccinated or have had COVID-19 Claim: People who have been infected with COVID-19 or who have been vaccinated are immune from getting COVID-19 and do not need to wear masks. Fact Check: False. People who have had COVID-19 or have been vaccinated can still get COVID-19 and can be reinfected. An important tool against this is wearing masks indoors and when in public.

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

cases are reinfections. COVID19 reinfections are defined as a person testing positive again for COVID-19 90 days or more after Prior to May 2021, less than 2% they first test positive. Accordof new COVID-19 cases in New ing to the New York Health Data York City were reinfections, ac- site, “The number of people who cording to New York State Depart- have been infected with COVID ment of Health data. A year later, for a second time has increased in May 2022, over 12% of new dramatically.” Two crucial fac-

tors contributing to the latest increase in both COVID-19 infections and reinfections are the rise of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, and the relaxing of COVID19 mandates such as mask wearing. There is an increasing body of evidence that the Omicron variant has the ability to reinfect individuals who have previously had COVID-19 in ways that previous variants have been unable to do. According to a paper published in late 2021 the authors found “evidence of a substantial and ongoing increase in the risk of reinfection that is temporally consistent with the timing

of the emergence of the Omicron variant…at least partially driven by an increased ability to infect previously infected individuals. In contrast, we find no evidence that reinfection risk increased as a result of the emergence of Beta or Delta variants.” The World Health Organization has stated that the Omicron variant “can evade previous immunity in people—so it can still infect those who have had COVID-19 in the past, those who are unvaccinated, and those who were vaccinated many months ago. Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 are 3 to 5 times more likely to be reinfected with Omicron compared to Delta.” With Omicron and its subvariants

leading to increased infections and reinfections, how can individuals protect themselves? In an interview for The Capitol Press Room WCNY Radio, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy Distinguished Professor of Epidemiology Dr. Denis Nash said, “I think it remains important to take these other precautions that we know can limit community spread and we know can protect people…if everyone were to be vaccinated and boosted tomorrow it wouldn’t impact what’s going on with community transmission for quite some time so I believe that there needs to be a reliance on many of the other strategies that we know See BLACKLIGHT on page 29

NYC Test & Trace Corps expands online COVID tool for those who are exposed, test positive symptoms consistent with COVID19. “We want all New Yorkers to feel confident they know what to do if they have an exposure to someone with COVID-19, or if they test positive themselves,” said Dr. Ted Long, executive director of the NYC Test & Trace Corps and senior vice president for Ambulatory Care and Population Health at NYC Health + Hospitals. “This new tool offers tailored guidance to you, based on your vaccination status. Now, it also can also immediately connect you to resources you might need to safely separate, or a lifesaving medication that can be delivered to you at home. I encourage you to use this tool to keep yourself and your city safe.” The COVID-19 Quarantine and

(Image by Alexandra Koch from Pixabay)

The NYC Test & Trace Corps announced today that it has expanded its COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Guidance Tool (https:// covid19.nychealthandhospitals. org/COVID19help) to provide New Yorkers direct connections to order care packages to help separate safely and receive COVID-19 therapeutics, including oral antiviral prescriptions and monoclonal antibody treatments. In addition to this critical resource portal, the Quarantine and Isolation Guidance Tool offers personalized guidance to New Yorkers who were exposed to, test positive for or have

Isolation Guidance Tool provides a mechanism for New Yorkers to navigate complex COVID-19 guidance based on their history of infection, date of exposure or positive test, symptoms and vaccination status. After answering a few short questions, users receive quarantine or isolation guidance specific to their circumstances. If eligible, New Yorkers are directed to an order form to request free delivery of a Take Care care package, which contains enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for a household of three for up to 10 days, including medical grade masks, hand sanitizer, a thermometer and two rapid antigen tests. New Yorkers can also arrange to have free meal delivery so they can safely remain at home. To date, Test & Trace has sent over 640,000 care packages and delivered over 2.3 million meals to New Yorkers in quarantine or isolation. In addition, eligible users will be directed to the Virtual ExpressCare website or 212-COVID19

where they can be connected to a clinician who can refer them to monoclonal antibody treatment or prescribe oral antiviral medications like Paxlovid and arrange to have it delivered to their home that same day. If you or a loved one need immediate assistance, please call the NYC Test & Trace Corps COVID Hotline at 212-COVID19. The NYC Test & Trace Corps is the City’s comprehensive effort to provide accessible, no-cost COVID-19 testing, support those infected or exposed to the virus with quarantine and isolation resources, and provide connections to treatment for eligible New Yorkers. Through a partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Test & Trace Corps allows the city to immediately isolate and care for those who test positive for the virus. To help all New Yorkers safely separate and monitor their health status, the Take Care pillar of the Test & Trace Corps also offers free

meal delivery and other quarantine resources. NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public healthcare system in the nation, serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency and MetroPlus health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 42,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ NYCHealthSystem or Twitter at @NYCHealthSystem.

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June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 15

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16 • June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022

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Caribbean Update

Most Caribbean leaders will attend summit after all By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews

says it is in the best interest of the bloc to attend as there are some key issues For several weeks, Ca- the region wants to table. ribbean governments had The conference, the ninth been urging the Biden ad- since the first in Florida ministration not to exclude Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua from this month’s hemispheric summit, some even threatening a boycott if the U.S. persisted but from all indications, the region will have strong representation in California. The leaders had discussed the possibility of staying away at two sessions in the last four months but backroom lobbying from the U.S. and open statements from Cuba and Nicaragua about their disinterest under President Bill Clinin attending might have ton in 1994, starts next paved the way for an ease Monday and runs for the of tensions and appears entire work week. to have opened a door to “After long discussions in those who had previous- Caricom, we’ve decided to ly opposed attending if the allow countries who want three were shut out. to participate to attend this John Briceno, prime summit. I just checked with minister of Belize and the Secretary General Carla chairperson of the 15- Barnett and she said so far nation grouping until Su- seven countries have already riname takes over in July, committed to going. So,

Belize has, we have agreed that Belize will attend the summit. Many countries believe that it is in our interest to be able to attend,” Briceno told LoveFM radio at the

for persuading Washington to ease economic and other pressures on Cuba thanks to backroom lobbying from Caricom in recent months. Cuba and Caricom coun-

scholarships, hence the region’s discomfort with Cuba being shut out. “Because of the lobbying efforts that we’ve been doing on behalf of Cuba,

“The chairman argues that the region needs help dealing with the various waves of the COVID virus and wants to talk about debt among many member states, as well as migration pressures involving Haitians and others.” weekend. The chairman argues that the region needs help dealing with the various waves of the COVID virus and wants to talk about debt among many member states, as well as migration pressures involving Haitians and others. But in a surprising development, he said that the region can take some credit

tries have enjoyed close relations for 50 years when Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados decided to ignore American urges to isolate the island and established diplomatic relations with Havana. Since then, thousands of Caribbean nations have studied medicine, engineering and other disciplines at Cuban schools on largely free

that they’re starting to ease up some of the sanctions like allowing remittances to be able to go into Cuba, to allow more flights to be able to go to Cuba and probably even cruise ships that will be able to create more economic activities for their people. But, unfortunately, they [the U.S.] believe that at this point, they will not be able to invite

Cuba,” Briceno said. In the meantime, Vincentian Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said Monday that Washington was wrong to take the stance that it can cherry pick who should attend and who should not. “That’s not his right to exclude anyone. That’s to be done in the whole of the Americas—he alone can’t make that decision. Whether we should be represented at any lower level is still up in the air. As presently advised, I don’t see how we should go, but I will have further discussions with my cabinet colleagues and also with my colleague heads. I find it is a terrible idea to exclude people. We are still preoccupied with 20thcentury conflicts, and battles in the 21st century. We have now entered the third decade of the 21st century and we have to resolve these problems,” Gonsalves said. Gonsalves and Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua have said they are highly unlikely to attend.

The GOP’s love of guns matches its hate of immigrants FELICIA PERSAUD

IMMIGRATION KORNER In the aftermath of the massacre of innocents in Buffalo and Uvalde, it has become abundantly clear that the Grand Old Party and its band of right-wing replacement theorists are no more going to help change America’s gun laws than it will the nation’s archaic immigration laws. What is obvious is that the GOP’s love of guns, sold to mindless right wingers as a “constitutional right,” matches their hate for immigrants, especially Black and Brown ones, who they feel are threatening their majority control, i.e., replacing them.

Even before details were known about the shooter who killed 19 children and two school faculty at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, the right-wing fringe media were quick to post that the shooter was an “illegal immigrant from El Salvador.” Quickly after the gunman’s name was announced, users on a number of fringe platforms jumped to spout this lie, basing it undoubtedly on the shooter’s Latino surname. Some even claimed that President Biden’s “lax” immigration policies were to blame and as such, “Blood was on his hands.” Others added to the false claim that the shooter was transgender, which coupled with “illegal alien,” was enough to send right wingers through the roof.

However, it was soon announced by the governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, that Salvador Ramos, the murderer, is as American as apple pie. He was born in North Dakota, not El Salvador or any other countries Donald Trump and his toxic band label as s-hole countries. Yet, conspiracist and clickbait nut, Alex Jones, and even Republican Congressmember Paul Gosar, all helped spread the false information on Twitter, Reddit and other social media platforms. Some right-wing users added embellishments, including that he was “on the run from Border Patrol.” “He was an illegal alien wanted for murder from El Salvador,” read one tweet that was liked and retweeted hundreds of times. “This is blood

on Biden’s hands and should have never happened.” Gosar fit both unfounded claims in a single now-deleted tweet that also misspelled the killer’s name. “It’s a transsexual leftist illegal alien named Salvatore Ramos,” Gosar tweeted Tuesday night. Ten days before, white supremacist Payton Gendron, 18, had killed 10 in a Tops Supermarket in Buffalo. In nearly 700 pages of his private diary, dating back seven months, he wrote that he sought to kill Blacks and immigrants because he wanted to prevent white people from losing their rightful control of the country. A recently published poll found that almost half of Republicans believe that immigrants are being brought to the United States as part

of such an effort. Right-wing rhetoricians in the United States portray undocumented immigrants as the primary threat. Fox News host Tucker Carlson, a leading purveyor of replacement theory rhetoric, has promoted the idea on more than 400 episodes of his program, according to an analysis by The New York Times. Representative Elise Stefanik of New York ran paid ads on Facebook during her re-election campaign that combined imagery of immigrants with the accusation that “Radical Democrats are planning their most aggressive move yet: a PERMANENT ELECTION INSURRECTION.” Her ad continued, “Their plan to grant amnesty to 11 MILLION illegal immigrants

will overthrow our current electorate and create a permanent liberal majority in Washington.” By contrast, GOP voters and lawmakers have made gun rights central to everything they do. About 100 midterm GOP ads are proliferated with gun toting wannabelawmakers, or lawmakers, showing how strong they are with a gun. It’s almost as if the subtle message is ‘elect me so we can use our guns to keep out the immigrants and ensure our white majority.’ That’s the love and hate fervor logical Americans and people of color are up against in the war for white supremacy. God help us! The writer is publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com – The Black Immigrant Daily News.

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Arts & Entertainment Film/TV pg 17 | Theater pg 19 | Jazz pg 23

June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 17

Pg. 20 Your Stars

Tribeca Film Fest 2022: Our picks By MARGRIRA Special to the AmNews The 2022 Tribeca Film Festival begins June 9 and runs through June 26. There seems to be something for everyone with selections spanning 10 categories showcasing 111 feature films with 16 online premieres from 151 filmmakers across 40 countries. The lineup includes 88 world premieres, two international premieres, seven North American premieres, two U.S. premieres, and 11 New York premieres. There are 32 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects, and 50 first-time directors. More than 64% (81) of the feature films are directed by female, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ filmmakers—46% (58) female directors, 34% (43) BIPOC directors, 8% (10) LGBTQ+ directors. Some of the world premieres include “Corner Office,” starring Jon Hamm and Danny Pudi, and “Somewhere in Queens,” directed by Ray Romano and co-starring Laurie Metcalf, Tony Lo Bianco, Sebastian Maniscalco, and Jennifer Esposito. Additional films include “American Dreamer,” with Peter Dinklage, Shirley MacLaine, Matt Dillon, and Danny Glover; “The Cave of Adullam,” produced by Laurence Fishburne; “Beauty,” written by Lena Waithe; “Jerry & Marge Go Large” by David Frankel and starring Bryan Cranston, Annette Bening, and Rainn Wilson; “Aisha” with Letitia Wright; “Alone Together,” directed and written by and starring Katie Holmes alongside Jim Sturgess, Zosia

Mamet, and Melissa Leo; “My Name Is Andrea” with Ashley Judd; “Space Oddity,” directed by Kyra

with Clayne Crawford, Jordana Brewster, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan; among many others.

“Nicholas Brothers: Stormy Weather” (Courtesy photo)

rapper Lil Baby’s performance following the world premiere of “Untrapped: The Story of Lil

following the premiere of “Unfinished Business,” LeVar Burton will speak on the importance of children’s literacy after “Butterfly in the Sky,” and tennis legend John McEnroe will sit down for a discussion after the world premiere of “McEnroe.” Here are our selections for the best documentaries screening at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. “Nicholas Brothers: Stormy Weather” created by award-winning filmmakers Michael Shevloff, Paul Crowder, and Diamond Docs/Flat out films. Premiering on June 11, the documentary goes back to the 1940s, when the Nicholas Brothers performed a dance routine so seminal it prefigured hip hop by three decades. Dance legend and Tony Awardwinning choreographer Savion Glover and others guide us along their professional path and assess their legacy, while contemporary dancers Les Twins choreograph and perform their homage to the original.

com/films/nicholasbrothers-stormy-weather-2022

“Liquor Store Dreams” - Viewpoints The debut feature of female Korean American filmmaker So Yun Um. Her film follows the filmmaker and her friend Danny, both “liquor store babies,” the children of Korean parents who made the best of limited opportunities by running liquor stores in Los Angeles. The filmmakers’ voice offers a unique, intimate, and personal look at immigrant dreams and generational divides. Diane Quon (“Minding The Gap”) produces and Nanfu Wang (“One Child Nation”) is a consulting producer. “On The Line: The Richard Williams Story” Spotlight Documentary is directed by Stuart McClave and follows the outspoken patriarch of the Williams family who beat incredible odds to help daughters Venus and Serena become two of the greatest athletes of our time.

“Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power” - Spotlight Documentary Directed by Sam Pollard (“MLK/FBI”) and Geeta Gandbhir (“I Am Evidence”). Produced by Participant (“Flee,” “The First Wave”) and MultiFriday, June 17 at 6 p.m. tude Films (“Pray Away,” Cinépolis Chelsea - Theater 6 “Always in Season”) Followed by Q&A - Screen“Lowndes County and ing in the Shorts: Life, the Road to Black Power” Camera, Action! program tells the story of the courageous campaign of citAt Home Screening At izens and activists in Tribeca Film 2022 Lowndes County, who Monday, June 13 at 6 p.m. faced violence and opSedgwick; “Acidman” Tribeca continues to Baby.” Other special apTribeca At Home (Online pression in the struggle with Thomas Haden present a series of live pearances and conver- Platform) for the right to vote. Church and Dianna conversations and per- sations include host Agron; and “The Integri- formances including members of the WNBA’s Tickets and more info: For more info, please ty of Joseph Chambers” Grammy Award-winning New York Liberty squad https://tribecafilm. visit www.tribecafilm.com. In-Person Screenings At Tribeca Film 2022 Saturday, June 11 at 5:45 p.m. Village East by Angelika - Theater 2 Followed by Q&A - Screening in the Shorts: Life, Camera, Action! program

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS R T S & E N T E R T A

BrooklynFilm Fest returns for 25th edition By MARGRIRA Special to the AmNews The Brooklyn Film Festival (BFF) is now in full force with an incredible film lineup for its 25th edition, themed “Unthinkable.” BFF opens with the world premiere screening of the powerful and nuanced coming of age crime drama-thriller, “Signs of Love” written and directed by Clarence Fuller and produced by David Michaels, starring Hopper Jack Penn (“Flag Day”), Dylan Penn (“Flag Day,” “Elvis & Nixon”), Zoë Bleu, Rosanna Arquette (“The L Word,” “Ratched,” “Crash”), Cree Kawa, and Wass Stevens. All of the key cast and crew, as well as the writer and director, Clarence Fuller, will be in attendance Friday night. Over the course of the 10-day festival, BFF will present 35 two-hour film programs online via the festival website, and the same

vertising campaign created by MullenLowe New York invites people to keep an open mind and consider thoughts, ideas, and nuances that don’t align with their own. If art is raw and unadulterated, and honesty has become offensive, then the Brooklyn Film Festival has something to offend everyone. Promotional spots can be seen here. For further info on all the films, passes, and tickets, visit www.brooklyn“Signs Of Love,” written and directed by Clarence Fuller (Clarence Fuller.photo) filmfestival.org. 35 programs will be shown our indoor venues, check sponsors for 2022 includes Here are some of our selecin person at Windmill Stu- the BFF’s website. WNET’s All Arts, Brooklyn tions for the BFF film festival: dios in Greenpoint, with Along with the film Film Society, Windmill Stuselect programs at Union- screenings, BFF will offer dios, Cinelease, Herc, Upper The World Premiere of Docs in Williamsburg. The events on social media, Market Gallery, Quebec “Signs Of Love” (OPENING online lineup will be avail- such as pre-recorded film- Government, PRG, Xeno NIGHT FILM)—Dir: Clarable 24/7 for the entire 10 maker introductions and Lights, AbelCine, Be Elec- ence Filler festival days. The indoor Q&A sessions on the festival tric, Sixpoint, Final Draft, “Signs Of Love” takes place event will feature five pro- website. The video server MPE, Big Screen Plaza, in the Port Richmond secgrams a day on weekends, will once again be hosted Broadway Stages, Media tion of Philadelphia, a tough and three programs a day by Cinesend. Through the Services, Yelp, Lentini Com- neighborhood where culon weekdays. Each pro- resources of our sponsors, munications, The Pod, Pa- tures mix but the law of the gram is two hours long. BFF will assign to the win- papietro Perry, Blue Table streets still rules. Hopper To find out more in-depth ning filmmakers $50,000 in Post, and Noble Jewelry. Jack Penn stars as Frankie, a how the 25th BFF is going total prizes (cash, products, For the first time work- young man from north Philly to work, both online and at and services). BFF’s list of ing with BFF, the 2022 ad- who dreams of a better life.

World Premiere of “The United States Of Fashion Designer Elie Tahari”— Dir: David Serero, United States, 65 min, 2021, Documentary Feature Fashion designer and mogul Elie Tahari has been living the American Dream for more than 50 years. He came to New York in 1971 with less than $100 in his pocket, slept on benches in Central Park, and went on to build a billion-dollar fashion empire. East Coast Premiere of “Wake Up, Leonard”—Dir: Kat Mills Martin, US , 73 min, 2021, Narrative Feature Part comedy, part selfhelp nightmare, “Wake Up, Leonard” follows one man’s quest for wellness while failing miserably to stay on his vibe. This is the story of a brokenhearted seeker with a tenuous grasp on his mental health, but an admirable faith in the Universe.

American Black Film Fest rocks Miami June 15-19; virtually June 20-30 By MARGRIRA Special to the AmNews

Berkshires to focus on his next album. Director: Diego Ongaro If there was a solid reason Courtesy of Sony Picto jump on a flight and tures Entertainment arrive in Miami, the 2022 American Black Film Fes“Right to Offend: The tival (ABFF) which begins Black Comedy Revolution” June 20-30 just might be a This new two-part docgood enough reason. umentary event explores The Festival Ambassa- the progression of Black dor is Issa Rae and the comedy and the comedifestival is presented by ans who have used pointed HBO Max. humor to expose, chalHere are a few films that lenge and ridicule society’s we found interesting. injustices and to articulate the Black experience in “Rap Sh!t” America. The series examThe film follows two ines Black comedy through estranged high school a unique lens, tracing the friends from Miami. evolution and social awakExecutive Produc- ening of the courageous er/Writer: Issa Rae (for comedians who dared HOORAE) to push against the conCourtesy of Warner Bros. straints of their time and Discovery and HBO Max spoke truth to power. Directors: Mario Diaz “Down With the King” and Jessica Sherif Rap star Money Merc Courtesy of A&E Network (Freddie Gibbs) has been sent by his manager, Paul, “CIVIL” to a rural house in the This film is an inti-

mate vérité look at the life of maverick civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Considered a trailblazer of his field, Crump gives viewers an inside look at his mission to raise the value of Black life. As the civil lawyer for the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Black farmers and banking while Black victims, Crump challenges America to come to terms with what it owes his clients. Directed and Produced by: Nadia Hallgren Courtesy of Netflix For more details on the spotlight screenings see below and visit www.abff. com for the full schedule.

“Civil” (Photos courtesy of www.abff.com)

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June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 19 I

‘Take Me Out’ is terrific!

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews “Take Me Out” is a stunningly powerful play that needs to be experienced! Richard Greenberg has created a piece that looks at what a biracial major league baseball player could go through when he decides to share his sexuality with the world. Darren Lemming plays on the Empires, an MLB team, he is the dream player, he is at the top of his game, but when he announces that he is gay in 2002, he finds that things don’t go smoothly anymore. It’s so eye-opening to see how this man’s admission makes his teammates second guess him in the locker room and treat him differently. As one of the players, Kippy—who is his white, best friend on the team, surmises—now in the shower the men look each other in the eyes. Everyone is self-conscious about their nudity. What’s truly interesting about this story is that Darren’s best friend, Davey, a player on another team, encouraged him to find his truth and share it. However, this was not a truth Davey meant for him to share. In fact, he finds out that Davey didn’t think of it as a truth, but an abomination. Of course, in the Major Leagues you can have white, racist ball players, but the character of Shane from Ar-

kansas, is without a doubt, one of the most despicable, racist whites you could ever meet. Add to that his hatred of gay men and you have the recipe for an explosive situation. I won’t say anymore. “Take Me Out” will have you engaged and laughing, and has quite a few eye-popping scenes, as the shower scenes in this drama literally show… naked men in the shower. Team showers are a community event and you see all the members of that community—live and on the stage! These scenes are not about the nudity however, they’re about the reactions that the men now have towards each other after Darren admitted that he is gay. It’s sad that men can have a game that they love, like baseball, but when homosexuality is introduced, not only can other men turn on that player, even the fans can question his being on the team. They don’t mind him being gay, but they don’t want him playing baseball. Darren ends up with a business manager named Mason, who is a gay, white man, who feels proud of the fact that Darren came out of the closet. He sees Darren’s act as a stand for gay men.

It’s amusing how Mason is like a giddy schoolgirl when it comes to interacting with Darren. However, he is also very level-headed about the advice he gives Darren about his career. Mason is a character that never was in to sports and was an outcast in the gay community. However, encountering Darren inspires him to get into baseball and become a fanatic about watching it, understanding it, and rallying behind it. “Take Me Out” deals with an important subject, but Greenberg does it with such continuous humor that you find yourself laughing and just going with the smooth flow of this play. I love how the character of Kippy plays the narrator and connects all the storyline for the audience. This Second Stage production, playing at the Helen Hayes Theater at W. 44th Street, features a mesmerizing cast that includes Jesse Williams as Darren. He brings such a focused, powerful delivery to this role. Patrick J. Adams is marvelous as Kippy, a best friend to Darren, who truly tries to get Darren to be his true self and support him no matter what. Jesse Tyler Ferguson

is tremendous as Mason, the business manager. I believe the minute Ferguson takes the stage everyone knows he’s going to deliver a first rate performance and he never disappoints. His character is so engaging and has flawless timing with his comic delivery. Brandon J. Dirden is absolutely incredible as Davey, Darren’s friend who pushes him to reveal his true-self, but can’t handle the truth! Dirden is someone most people will recognize as being an actor in August Wilson plays, Dominique Morisseau and Leslie Lee. Every time he’s on the stage he brings an authenticity that stands out. Michael Oberholtzer is complete-

ly engrossing as Shane, the racist, hateful, white player. He oozes racism and ignorance. The rest of this team is stunningly played by Julian Cihi, Hiram Delgado, Carl Lundstedt, Ken Marks, Eduardo Ramos and Tyler Lan-

Scenes from “Take Me Out” (www.2st.com photos)

sing Weaks. Scott Ellis’ impeccable direction successfully brings all these elements of this play together. “Take Me Out” is a homerun! Go experience it before June 11. For more info, visit www.2st.com.

20 • June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS A R T S & E N T E R T A I N M E N T

HOROSCOPES BY KNOWYOURNUMB3RS

By GODDESS KYA June 2, 2022 — June 8, 2022 Rebirth of a New Nation: This cycle week is a spinoff of what occurred this last week of May. What has transpired in your life that has you now going in a different direction? What’s the conversational theme that’s being

talked about in your environment? This is a course for change, discarding things, people, and places that you’ve outgrown. It’s time to upgrade your credentials and requirements, the systems, and foundations as the world and Mother Earth’s frequency is vastly changing. Mother Earth is reintroducing her presence. Can you feel it? As Mercury is preparing for its direct motion on June 3, at 26 degrees in Taurus, and sextile Neptune, and trine in Pluto, certain topics and circumstances can reappear. Reconsideration is taking an effect based upon the experiences, actions, and evidence brought to your attention. Mercury plays mental gymnastics, double-dutch, hopscotch, or hangman for you to figure out. Once you know you’re not immune to the forces ofVinateria nature projected upon you, you become the projector. “We look inside first, decide what kind of world we want to see, and then project that world outside making it the truth as we see it.” Author unknown

This weekly cycle is a second dose to maximize and utilize information in an impactful way. The end of May was a trial to preCapricorn pare you. You got the message and lessons all at once. What’s the blueprint and supporting paperwork to push the envelope a bit Dec 22 Jan 21 further? New adventures, promotions, and partnerships are on their way. This year the spiritual realm is contacting and guiding you, showering you with protection with what you need and need to know. June 6-7’s prolific alignment is in the universe.

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Your vision and dreams are manifesting with a sudden revelation. Mentally, you’re sharp and your ideas and thoughts are piecing together for a final review. Stay ready and stay sharp Aquarius while being clear, concise, and straight to the point. No need Jan 22 to hold anyone up. Integrity, without manipulation goes a long Feb 19 way. June 8-9 will match your words with your actions if you want to receive the reciprocity.

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Cancer June 22 July 23

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It’s a lucrative week in your endeavors and an incentive of compensation has arrived to reward you. You got it going on this week that’s full of divine surprises, compliments of the universe showering you here and there. Be a blessing in someone’s life. June 1-2, the universe reciprocates you in some form or fashion when you assist another. Count your blessings. Your gift is a given. How you apply it to your benefit is not. That part of discovery comes from life’s experiences and what you possess from within to be a beacon of light. Every single being on Mother Earth has a role in this world. This week’s cycle has a connection with a higher purpose within your journey. June 3-5, tap within to access the keys to the knowledge you seek.

Knowledge is power when you put it to good use to fuel your mind, body, spirit, and soul like the fruits and vegetation of Finance, romance, partnerships, publishing, promoting, and the Earth. The seeds you planted are in the development stage, Virgo premiering are highlighting this cycle spreading the word about slowly bearing fruit. Record your growth and process by the Aug 24 upcoming projects. Allow your spirit to guide you where you use of a recorder, or camera, as you put your foundation toSept 23 Pisces need to be, and you’ll attract the people, deals, clients, and opgether. Prioritizing your schedule to address matters of the Feb 20 Mar 20 portunities to you. Faith is strongly required to ride this faith home, heart, and work affairs are key. June 6-7 you’re either train. As the train passes, you’ll be in a better position to catch offline, or online taking a break to regain your focus and then jumping back the blessing as it comes past. Game, recognize game. June 1-2 indicate a on the train. heartfelt message coming through. When one asks a question and you reply in a way that’s uplifting, radiant, and inspirational, reaching the hearts of At times things said or done to you do not need a rebuttal. others, who hears it? First, examine yourself, as it’s a reflection of what you put out into the universe. Don’t sound the alarm so fast. Folks Libra Take your time during this week’s cycle. Don’t allow others to who want to be in confrontation mode will either make you Sept 24 lay their agenda on you as to what you should or should not do. or break you. That all depends on the level of your vibrationOct 23 You already know based on past experiences. Spark up a converal frequency, be it at its lowest or highest point. Burn off that Aries sation with those wise elders who can give you guidance to the energy towards your projects or handle your business for the Mar 21 Apr 21 answers you seek. Re-examine the information of what’s in front purpose of a successful outcome. You’re in the limelight. June 8-9, preparaof you. You’ll soon know whether you’re holding yourself back, tion is key to your manifestation. or whether what you’re doing for others is holding you back. Do what’s in your best interest. June 3-5 may recall a scene you haven’t forgotten about and This week’s cycle may be a little rugged yet durable with the how it made you feel, or the conversations that spark something within you. right winning attitude and looking out for yourself for changes that are outstanding. The situation is what it is, and the divine Scorpio Your intuition is strong this week. Open the dialogue of comCreator takes care of the rest. Your faith is at its all-time high Oct 24 munication with your higher self and allow the spiritual guides to receive that magical outcome that’s been long delayed. Your Nov 22 to speak to you or deliver a message through you. Do not overplan is solid and sticks you to it, your energy is luminous like Taurus work, overpack, or overdue anything—simply improvise. You’re a pregnant woman’s glow. June 1-2, faith and destiny are in a Apr 22 May 21 in the spotlight this week and everywhere you go people seem to position to play the cards dealt to you this cycle. know of you. It’s a grandiose time to promote, sell, share a story, or assist someone by uplifting their spirits. June 6-7 follow your own protocol. Emotionally, practically, mentally, and spiritually, you’re in tune with the abrupt and global changes. You’re using your When your heart and mind are made up it’s time to act. discernment based upon your experiences, and the informaAllow your emotions to be the vessel of change that steers Sagitarius tion with science to back it up, exploring all details and more. you on the right path. That burning desire for things you’ve Your assets are bringing the proficiency of wisdom and knowlNov 23 Gemini Dec 21 been wanting to do now, says it’s your time to see what you’re edge to the table to be shared with your community for their May 22 made of. Put your creativity into drive and get it done. Lose own benefit and comprehension. This week, your senses are June 21 yourself creatively to create a magnificent piece of art. June impeccable with a bit of déjà vu, and your dreams are prolific. June 3-5, your 8-9 your hidden or latent talents are discovered and even you feelings are powerfully felt with the intensity of information channeling in may be shocked at the results. and through you of the forthcoming news.

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WWW.KYAFRENCH.COM | CONSULTATIONS 866-331-5088

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June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 21 I

Carl Hancock Rux curates Juneteenth program at Harlem Stage & more By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH Special to the AmNews

(Image courtesy of Lincoln Center)

It has been reported that the talented artist and author, Carl Hancock Rux has curated a New York City-wide Juneteenth program for the city to experience and enjoy. Harlem Stage, Park Avenue Armory and Lincoln Center are offering a weekend-long series of free events to celebrate this national holiday that highlights the resilience and power of Black Americans all over the country. The series press release shares the schedule and event description of this important NYC event:

Juneteenth: Examined: A Panel Discussion led by Carl Hancock Rux at Harlem Stage Thursday, June 16 at 7 p.m., free Harlem Stage Associate Artistic Director and Curator-in-Residence Carl Hancock Rux moderates a panel discussion featuring Charles Blow, Dr. Indira Etwaroo, and Tavia Nyong’o on some of the myths of the Emancipation Proclamation and the truths of modern-day slavery.

AROUND THE TABLE: STORIES OF THE FOODS WE LOVE

On View June 4–Sept 11 An Exhibition Celebrating the Art and Science of Edible Plants

Archer Aymes Retrospective: A Juneteenth Exhibition at Park Avenue Armory Sunday, June 19 at 3 p.m., free Park Avenue Armory presents an art installation of newly discovered works by Archer Aymes—protagonist of Rux’s Obie-award winning play ‘Talk’—exploring the story of Juneteenth through a critical fabulation of what freedom might have felt like to the emancipated. The immersive art installation is curated by Carl Hancock Rux with Tavia Nyong’o and Dianne Smith, and also features a concert performance by mezzo-soprano Alicia Hall Moran and pianist Aaron Diehl.

I Dream A Dream That Dreams Back At Me: A Juneteenth Celebration at Lincoln Center Sunday, June 19 at 7 p.m., free The culminating event takes place during the evening of June 19, with I Dream a Dream That Dreams Back at Me: A Juneteenth Celebration, curated and directed by Carl Hancock Rux. The site-specific, evening-long event unfolds across Lincoln Center, drawing inspiration from the narratives of enslaved people seeking and finding freedom— from Harriet Tubman to today—and reckoning with the question of whether true freedom has ever fully been achieved. The multipart event includes artists such as Nona Hendryx, Étienne Lashley and The Collective, and Vernon Reid, performing or iginal music including a song by Gordon Chambers and the "Combahee" song, with lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage. The performers wear original paper dress creations by interdisciplinary artist Dianne Smith. The event concludes with a concert by Grammy winner Cedric Burnside, followed by a silent disco dance party from DJ Belinda Becker, honoring contributions of Black Americans to modern music.

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS R T S & E N T E R T A

‘Fat Ham’ is a succulent theatrical treat! (Joan Marcus photos)

Benja Kay Thomas in the New York premiere production of Pulitzer Prize winner “Fat Ham,” written by James Ijames, co-produced by National Black Theatre and The Public Theater

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews I think the Bard would be thrilled to see his classic play Hamlet given a colorful twist by James IJames with his 2022 Pulitzer Prize winning play, “Fat Ham,” playing at The Public Theater. This magnificently creative play that gives “Hamlet” a spin includes an all-Black family, the murder of the cruel patriarch, his brother facilitating it and marrying his widow and the ghost of the patriarch bidding his gay, Black son Juicy to avenge his death, as Juicy prepares the backyard for the wedding reception. Doesn’t sound like Shakespeare to you? Well, this play is one of the most prolific works you will have the incredible opportunity to see. This stunning production shows the gem that emerges when The Public Theater and the National Black Theatre co-produce a work. And it is remarkably directed by The Public Theater Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director—Saheem Ali. What was so engaging about this play is not only are they doing a Black take-off of Hamlet, Juicy tends to quote Shakespeare and many of the actors engage in breaking the fourth wall and speak to the audience. That alone takes this work to an utterly fantastic level. There are a great deal of clever moments. The laughs are off-the-chains. Juicy is a college student who never had the support of his father Papp. He put him down for being gay and used to do cruel things to him. Papp is so hard a person, he killed a man for speaking to him because the man had bad breath! Juicy is comfortable being gay, but the only person who

has always accepted him is her mother Tedra. He is close with his cousin Tio. Tio is quite a character, as he watches porn and demonstrates that he thinks he could do some of the sexual positions. He also loves to get high and play wild video games. Juicy’s uncle Rev, who had his father Papp murdered and married his wife Tedra, is as mean a person as Papp and physical assaults Juicy. He constantly verbally attacks Juicy for his way of dressing and his demeanor. Juicy is decorating the backyard of the house for a wedding reception for his mother and her new husband, his Uncle Rev. Once the ghost of Papp confronts him about his murder, Juicy’s life is not the same. Papp demands that he murder his uncle. Juicy’s other relatives also lend to the drama and comedy of the story as his Aunt Rabby comes for the reception and brings Juicy’s cousin Larry and Opal. Both are not living their truth and Juicy knows it. “Fat Ham” is a tasty tale that will have your pallet for Shakespeare satisfied, your funnybone tickled, your shock enticed and your mind swirling with delectable delight! My daughter Jasmine and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Don’t let it being based on Hamlet fool you. “Fat Ham” has an ending that is nothing less than unexpected and tremendously creative. Marcel Spears as Juicy is absolutely BRILLIANT! He makes that character shine brightly and beautifully represents the Black, gay community and the struggles and degradation they can go through from their own family members. Juicy is also well versed in Shakespeare and does him proud. Nikki

Billy Eugene Jones and Marcel Spears in “Fat Ham”

The cast of Pulitzer Prize winner “Fat Ham”

Crawford as his sexy, supportive mother Tedra is superb in the role of this bumping and grinding temptress. Her character is very funny and over the top, as are all the characters in this play. Billy Eugene Jones proves to be doubly evil and delightful as he portrays both Rev and Papp. Chris Herbie Holland as Tio, the porn watching, drug taking, video game playing cousin and confidente is absolutely hilarious. Adrianna Mitchell is a breath of fresh air as Opal, a lesbian who is made to wear dresses by her mother, Rabby. Rabby is an overbearing woman who doesn’t want to recognize the truth about her daughter or her son Larry. She is marvelously played by Benja Kay Thomas. Rabby is someone who has advice for everyone, but doesn’t see the

trouble in her own household. Calvin Leon Smith is stunning in his delivery of Larry! Seven is definitely a lucky number for “Fat Ham” because this cast of seven brings the laughter, joy, crazy and the frequent breaking of the fourth wall, all of which completely engage the audience and make you want more! You have got to go see “Fat Ham,” extended now through July 3! Take the whole family and let “Fat Ham” be your new means to “brush up your Shakespeare.” When it comes to the question of “To be, or not to be,” I’m so grateful that Ijames chose to let “Fat Ham” BE! The Public Theater is at 425 Lafayette Avenue in lower Manhattan. For more info, visit www.publictheater.org

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS R T S & E N T E R T A

June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 23

HARGROVE BIG BAND, JAZZ FEST, IRREVERSIBLE ENTANGLEMENTS Kenny Garrett performing in 2013 (Jens Vajen (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kenny_Garrett_(2013).jpg), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode)

The trumpeter, composer and arranger Roy Hargrove was always looking to explore all aspects of this music called jazz. In his pursuit he led a straightahead jazz quintet, an Afro-Cuban band, his RH Factor mixed R&B, hip hop, funk and jazz idioms. His big band captured an innovative freedom, a hard bop swing that reminded you of the Billy Eckstein and Jimmy Lunceford big bands. It was in Big Band mold he sang standards like “September in the Rain.” The band’s repertoire was comprised of Hargrove’s arrangement of originals, standards, and new music by band members. They released one album, “Emergence,” under Roy’s leadership The Roy Hargrove Big Band was originally started in the rehearsal space that would later become The Jazz Gallery. The Big Band had its debut performance at the Greenwich Village Jazz Festival in 1995. Since then, the band has toured throughout the United States and internationally with stops in Japan and Europe. Roy Hargrove Legacy LLC, the company founded by his wife, Aida BrandesHargrove and daughter, Kamala, has re-launched The Roy Hargrove Big Band to honor Roy’s legacy and the big band sound that he loved. Performances will feature musicians who played with Roy in the big band and in his other ensembles. Ms. Brandes-Hargrove is the band’s executive director. Bruce Williams, lead alto saxophonist and big band member from 1997 until Hargrove’s death in 2018, is music director. Baritone saxophonist and also long-time big band member Jason Marshall serves as assistant music director. On June 2, the Roy Hargrove Big Band can be found at its monthly residency, the first Thursday of each month at the Jazz Gallery (1158 Broadway, 5th floor) where it all began. Two sets at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. For reservations visit the website jazzgallery.org. The Blue Note jazz club is one of the most storied venues in New York City presenting the renowned musicians of the day from Stanley Turrentine, Roy Haynes to Ron Carter. Some 10 years ago the club birthed the Blue Note Jazz Festival. Each June, Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village presents an array of artists at various noted venues in the city that will include Sony Hall, Summer-

Stage in Central Park, The Town Hall, and Washington Square Park. The first ever Blue Note Jazz Festival was held in 2011, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Blue Note New York. Headliners have included Chris Botti, McCoy Tyner, Dave Brubeck, Bobby McFerrin, Chaka Khan, Charles Tolliver and Stanley Clarke. The Blue Note Festival with its eclectic array of artists kicks off on June 2 with Kenny Garrett still one of the under-rated alto saxophonist composers, who is heavy on improvisational grooves. He tells a story every time he picks up his sax. Garrett performs at the Blue Note jazz club until June 5 with two sets each night at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The Late Night Blue Note will feature the musician for all music from hip hop to funk, jazz and stuff in between that he continues to compose pianist Robert Glasper. On June 7-12, the six-string guitarist Al Di Meola, an alumnus of Return To Forever, performs at the Blue Note. On

June 8 at Sony Hall (235 West 46th St.) the rapper and record producer RAKIM performs with special guest saxophonist Ravi Coltrane. On June 10 at Sony Hall the guitarist, songwriter, composer, and producer Fabrizio Sotti shakes it up with Ice T & M1 of Dead Prez. On June 11 NEA Jazz Master pianist, composer, arranger Herbie Hancock appears at SummerStage featuring trumpeter Keyon Harrold as the opening act. Bilal, who brings another nuance to singing, performs June 13 at Sony Hall plus opener introducing: Bee B. On June 15 George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic w/The Motet + Turkuaz Horn Section, Dopapod, Pimps of Joytime, Blu Eye Extintion will funk-up Summerstage. On June 17 the native of the Crescent City Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott) returns to New York with new music, a new title and more innovative impressions that only he can put together.

For a complete schedule visit the website bluenotejazzfestival.com. On June 11 get in deep and in a new experience with Irreversible Entanglements, a liberated group that cultivates the technologies of jazz with all its roots from the past and present. The band’s uncompromising artistic vision emerges from the experience of its five acclaimed members: poet Camae Ayewa, a/k/a Moor Mother, is a globally leading light of Afrofuturist music, art, and community activism. Bassist Luke Stewart boasts an encyclopedic knowledge of the music from which he draws with focused and thunderous intensity. Saxophonist Keir Neuringer’s prodigious avant garde technique is matched by an urgency in his tone and fierce socio-political determination. Experience their sounds at National Sawdust (80 N. 6th St. in Brooklyn). For more information, visit nationalsawdust.org.

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THE

CLASSROOM

Katherine Massey, a relentless voice for the voiceless By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

Last week one of the fatalities in the Buffalo massacre, Heyward Patterson, reminded us of Haywood Patterson. He was one of the Scottsboro Boys who were falsely accused and imprisoned for raping two white women. Our focus was on Patterson’s mother, Janie, and her tireless advocacy for the innocence of her son and the other eight Black youths. This week we return to Buffalo to profile the remarkable life of Katherine Massey, 72, another one of ten killed in the mass shooting at Tops Market on May 14; several others were wounded. The world learned much more about her selfless dedication to civil rights during her funeral services and the eulogy delivered by Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) on May 23 at Pilgrim Baptist Church. “I am here to celebrate the life of a freedom fighting sister, a courageous Black woman,“ Chavis began. “The question now is what are we going to do in our anger, in our pain? We should learn from Katherine Massey … this African queen. It’s in our tradition that when one is taken from us to pay our respects. But the greatest way we can pay our respects to Katherine Massey is to keep her spirit alive, keep her journalism alive.” That Chavis was there was in a couple of ways fitting— Massey,

Massey’s commitment to racial justice, most notably through her writing. “Kat took her God-given creative writing ability, and she coupled that with a quiet spirit that, paired together, wound up exhibiting in an extremely powerful way without shouting or menacing,” said Sherry Sherrill, 56, of Buffalo. Sherrill is the oldest daughter of Betty Jean Grant, a former Erie County legislator, and a close friend of Massey’s for decades. Grant added, in a comment to WKBW, “She's in a true sense of the word, a warrior. She loved working and she loved helping people.” Sharon Belton-Cottman, a Buffalo school board member and a community activist who worked with Massey in the community group We are Women Warriors, told ABC News that she is dedicated to renaming Massey's street after her late friend. Photo of Katherine Massey in the lower left-hand corner Mayor Brown, during called Kat—worked as a journal- of Massey that, “She was profi- his remarks, noted that Massey ist for the Challenger Communi- cient in her history, proficient was a determined activist in her ty News, a Black-owned paper, in her culture, and a lover of all neighborhood. “She was called and in a letter posted in the Buf- people,” he declared. “She was a the mayor of Cherry Street,” where falo News nearly a year ago, she constant presence in our commu- she lived, he said. “Before that, she voiced her concern about the nity. A warm and welcoming spirit was like a governor. And more than prevalence of gun violence in who had a beautiful and brilliant that, she was a queen mother of the community, noting another smile that could light up the at- this community. She was a leader, shooting that was a “gut-wrench- mosphere, cut through every con- leading with warmth and intelliing account of the escalating gun flict, and warm your heart.” gence and the power of her violence in Buffalo and major Several associates and close pen.” U.S. cities,” she wrote. friends told the press At the services, Buffalo Mayor about Byron Brown said

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ACTIVITIES FIND OUT MORE We were not able to find actual stories published by Kat before going to press but we will continue this pursuit. An obit can be found in the edition posted here. DISCUSSION More vital statistics may come in the future since we’ve reached out to family members and friends. PLACE IN CONTEXT Kat gave us the power of her commitment and insight for more than a half century of activism

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY May 29, 1973: Thomas Bradley was elected the first African American mayor of Los Angeles. June 1, 1942: Alfred Masters of Oklahoma City became the first African American U.S. Marine. June 2, 1863: Abolitionist Harriet Tubman led Union Troops as they attacked plantations on the Combahee River in S.C.

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Anti-gun

targets vulnerable and minority communities on social media platforms. Continued from page 3 Hochul also plans to widen she is directing uniform and the definition of a firearm and plainclothes officers to in- require microstamping, or crease visibility at schools in “fingerprinting” on the bullets, their patrol areas statewide which should help aid in infrom now until the end of the vestigating gun-related crimes school year. The safety teams and trafficking of illegal guns. will combat the rise in domesMeanwhile, anti-gun advotic and violent extremism that cates are nervous about a pos-

sible Supreme Court ruling that stretches all the way back to 2008. It could loosen the state’s tight concealed carry laws and have a tremendous impact on public safety, said Pix11. In a statewide press conference on May 31, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said that he “hopes and prays” the Supreme Court will take into account the recent and tragic

mass shootings when making decisions. Also in the courts, the state’s gun liability law was recently upheld by Attorney General Letitia James. Senator Zellnor Myrie, who sponsored the gun liability law, said resolutely that federal inaction is not an excuse to do nothing when it comes to gun violence. “These have been a dark two

weeks. Black people slain while shopping in Buffalo, a commuter shot dead on the train I take every week in Brooklyn, and children mercilessly massacred in Texas,” said Myrie in a statement. “We passed this first-in-the-nation law for one reason: to protect New Yorkers from gun violence and hold bad actors in the gun industry who help facilitate that vio-

lence accountable.” Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about culture and politics in New York City 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://tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w

and work in the community unencumbered by regulations unnecessary to respond to this tragedy. All of Texas stands with Uvalde, and we are prepared to provide support through all available means.” Several days after the shooting, the NRA held its annual meeting at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. According to Google, it would take someone four hours to drive from Uvalde to Houston. Just one hour less than Gendron’s ride from Conklin to East Buffalo. This is what’s at stake, in some people’s eyes, when it comes to New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. vs.

Bruen. The line between fostering and not fostering an environment for mayhem. “Outside a salon. In a supermarket. A subway. A school. Gun violence pervades every corner of our communities because guns are perversely fetishized and endlessly accessible in our country,” stated New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. “There will be explanations uncovered and excuses put forward for this inexcusable violence, but all are enabled by the weapons in the hands of a shooter, and the people and systems that put them there.”

York Sen. Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, who is deeply concerned about losing control of the senate. “There’s a discussion in the caucus about whether to hold accountability votes and the people who are trying really hard to win tough races have supermajority,” he said. If left to the majority of the American public, especial-

ly to a few polls, more than 65% of registered voters strongly or somewhat support an assault-style weapons ban as well as a solid number of voters favoring banning high-capacity ammunition magazines. Unfortunately, this is not an issue left to polls or to American voters, unless they take it to the candidates on their ballots.

Vote

Supreme court

in person in the primaries is June 3, and the last day to postmark an registration application is June 8. The deadline to register to vote in person in the general election is Oct. 14, and the last day to postmark an registration application is Oct. 19. In order to register to vote in the city, you must be a resident for the last month, at least 18 years old, have citizenship, and not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction. Early voting for the June primaries starts on June 18 to June 26. Early voting hours include:

the 50 states (Georgia being the most recent one) have codified it into law. This comes after the NRA lost a federal bankruptcy request after the group attempted to reorganize in Texas. New York State Attorney General Letitia James can now continue her process of possibly dissolving the organization. The NRA filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2022 to, according to the AG, avoid “New York’s enforcement action.” In a 2016 report, the New York State Attorney Gen-

eral Office found that 74% of guns used in crimes between 2010 and 2015 were imported from areas that have less restrictive gun laws. Chicago, a place that’s become the go-to talking point for political conservatives, has suffered a similar fate. A 2017 Gun Trace Report by the Chicago Police Department, the University of Chicago Crime Lab and then mayor Rahm Emanuel, revealed that 60% of all guns that were recovered in the city came from out of state. Twenty percent of them

came from Indiana, a state that has weaker gun laws. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott said that he was declaring Uvalde a disaster area and that the state would provide as much help as the city needs. “The community of Uvalde has been left devastated by last week’s senseless act of violence at Robb Elementary School and should not have to encounter any difficulty in receiving the support needed to heal,” stated Abbott. “This disaster declaration frees up the many resources available through the State of Texas and local jurisdictions to continue providing much needed support to all who were impacted

Biden

before the tragedy at Robb Elementary school. “I think we are fools to believe anything other than that these weapons of war will continue to be used with greater frequency against our fellow Americans. It’s why I’ve taken the position that I don’t think we should have AR-15s and AK-47s in civilian life. They belong on a battlefield.” That battlefield, meta-

phorically, is now taking place in the Senate, and Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat in Michigan, and chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said he goes along with the strategy of focusing on proposals that can pick up bipartisan support and get passed into law. Peters’ outlook is to a great degree shared by New

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Saturday June 18, 2022 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday June 19, 2022 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday June 20, 2022 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday June 21, 2022 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday June 22, 2022 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday June 23, 2022 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday June 24, 2022 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday June 25, 2022 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday June 26, 2022 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting for the August primaries is from Aug. 13 to Aug. 21. Hours to be announced. Go to findmypollsite.vote. nyc/ to find your polling place. Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about culture and politics in New York City 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 by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w

Continued from page 4

Such action would be in keeping with those voiced by Texas Democrat Beto O’Rourke, now campaigning for governor. He told the press that semi-automatic firearms are “weapons of war.” These words were said

June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 25

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Education

Recent school shooting brings school safety to the forefront By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff Here we go again. Another gun control debate has spawned after the recent school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The good guy with a gun vs. the bad guy with a gun. Arming teachers who have already protested over a lack of school supplies and are being criticized for allegedly teaching critical race theory. So how is the teacher’s union handling the situation? Battling legislation. A spokesperson for the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) said that UFT retirees in Florida and Pennsylvania target federal legislators to demand “rational gun control.” They will mobilize union members to press for gun control and safety here in New York City and New York State and help as much as they can nationwide. “UFT members are joining national protests—this Friday wear orange, as part of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and marching with students as part of the national June 11 March for Our Lives protest in NYC and in D.C.,” said the UFT spokesperson. New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ solution to the school safety issue? More law enforcement. “And yes, during the campaign trail, I was mocked over and over again by my video of examining backpacks,” said Adams during a recent news conference. “How dare Eric talk about examining backpacks? Looking in the rooms of your children, so if you see AK-47s, something is wrong. If you see boxes of bullets, something is wrong. Yes. Should we have to do that? No, we should not. But we have to stop living life the way it ought to be and live life the way it is. Guns are in the hands of our children.” “Lives” is the word of the day, the week and the month for local organizations such as the student-led Urban Youth Collaborative (UYC) who are currently in Albany pushing for legislation that would replace punitive sentences with “restorative justice” in schools. A spokesperson for the UYC pointed to a statement made on social media to explain the activist group’s stance on the latest shooting. “Our hearts are breaking with the news from Uvalde,” read their statement on Twitter. “Schools should be a safe place for ALL children. Yet now, when students are already scared, the heavy police presence many politicians are calling for will be MORE traumatizing and make students LESS safe.” Smitha Varghese, the New York campaign coordinator the Alliance for Quality, added to the idea that more cops isn’t the solution

considering the actions of police in Uvalde. “Since many of the marginalized people in New York come from communities that are police and have no idea what safety

Banks. “Every school at the very least has a school social worker, a counselor. Or some schools have a school based mental health center. And you know what

Local teachers, students and elected officials are stuck on how to keep children safe from school shooters. (Photos courtesy of WoodysPhotos, WDNet (both via iStock))

could look like beyond policing because it’s their communities that are policed,” said Varghese. “So a lot of our parents are, like, literally the Black and Brown mothers who live in these communities. And so there’s a lot of unlearning when it comes to, you know, what really means safety in our schools. So we make space for those conversations, and you know, we’re ultimately supporting the youth. It’s the youth who are demanding cops out of schools.” “We have caring adults in all of our buildings who have the resources to help our kids when they’re down,” said New York City Schools Chancellor David

every school has? Every school has caring teachers and principals. There are caring adults in all of our schools. We have to let them know when you see something that just looks wrong.” But what does he mean by “looks wrong?” “I grew up in New York City. I’m a child of immigrants, came from a low income family. And I was CUNY as well,” stated Varghese. “So, you know, I was suspended in high school. I went to a school that was largely Black and Brown and Jamaica, Queens. And I was suspended because a student hit me. We were both suspended and she was entered into the carceral

system, because after the suspension, the school called me back, and they wanted to identify the young woman. They had these pictures and identify them with the police with like actual NYPD. “She ended up going to juvie. And I think about that now, and I’m like, ‘That was like a violent interaction and nothing was solved,’” continued Varghese. “Like our city is not solving any of the problems at all.” But all issues don’t exist in a vacuum. The New York State legislature tacked on another issue with gun rights, believing that the shooting and the lack of access to improving their situation are one and the same. This week, the New York State Senate passed the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York and asked for the State Assembly to pass the law on June 2. It’s the state’s attempt to re-install elements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 post-2013’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in Shelby v. Holder. This includes protection against voter intimidation, providing help for those whose first language isn’t English, and access to the tools that’ll help them in court should cases arise. One activist felt that it was necessary to help the community with actions instead of pontification. “In the wake of the white supremacist shooting in Buffalo, we applaud the New York legislature for continuing to work to give Black communities what we truly need—not thoughts and prayers, but the power to ensure government is responsive to our needs,” stated Karen Wharton, Democracy Coalition coordinator for Citizen Action of New York. “Power at the local level determines how our youth are educated, and the NYVRA will help Black and Brown communities get fair representation on school boards, city councils, and more.” To State GOP Chair Nick Langworthy, this is just another way for Democrats to get in the way of the freedoms Americans hold dear and turn attention away from the issue at hand. He believes that the problem resides elsewhere. “In typical Albany fashion, Kathy Hochul is following in the footsteps of her mentor, Andrew Cuomo, and focused on making cheap headlines for her primary…,” said Langworthy in an emailed statement. “Case in point: the Domestic Terrorism Task Force that was established and hasn’t even met once since its creation more than two years since its establishment. “This package of bills does nothing to actually address the underlying mental health crisis at the center of the problem nor does it invest in securing our schools. If Hochul and legislative leaders cared about shooting victims, they would vote today to repeal their disastrous bail laws that have turned our streets over to violent criminals.”

June 18 March Continued from page 10

a moral, economic and political crisis. There were 140 million people who were poor or one emergency away from economic ruin before the pandemic. Since March 2020, while hundreds of thousands of people have died, millions are on the edge of hunger and eviction, and still without health care or living wages, billionaire wealth has grown by over $2 trillion.” The June 18 march will “be a generationally transformative declaration of the power of poor and low-wealth people and our moral allies to say that this system is killing all of us and we can’t…we won’t…WE REFUSE TO BE SILENT ANYMORE.” “Generationally transformative” is a great way to describe what the Rev. Barber and the 6/18 organizers plan to accomplish. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s August 1963 March on Washington— when a racial rainbow of protestors

St. Nicholas Park Continued from page 12

out proper maintenance only compounds the spread. Our volunteers can do a lot, but we cannot operate lawn mowers in city parks. On the campaign trail, Mayor Eric Adams committed to 1% for Parks by signing onto New Yorkers for Parks’ Five Point Plan for Park Equity, and it appeared that hope was coming for St. Nicholas. But his preliminary budget fell well short of this commitment, allocating only .6%—which lags far behind other cities across the country that dedicate closer to 2% of their budgets to Parks funding. Further compounding this issue is the city’s inability to efficiently spend the money it has for critical social infrastructure like parks and open spaces through its capital process. It takes far too long, and costs more than it should to build

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS from across the country and world deToday, their singular persistence manded an end to segregation, the to roll back progress has essentially payment of fair wages, voting and gutted the Voting Rights Act and other civil rights, job training and access civil rights protections, stacked the to education and economic justice— courts with ideologues, put women on was generationally transformative and the precipice of losing their reproducushered in tremendous progress for tive freedom, and even made it illegal our nation. in places to give someone waiting in One year later, Congress passed the line to vote a drink of water. Civil Rights Act of 1964, which made it The constant string of mass shootillegal to discriminate against some- ings across the country, the rise of one because of their race, color, reli- white extremist groups promotgion, sex or ethnicity. It was the first of ing gun violence and the stupid idea several laws that truly changed America that equality for non-white people by allowing people of color to live, work, threatens Western civilization—the and define their lives “not by the color of so-called ‘great replacement theory’ their skin but the content of their charac- pushed by so many conservative ter,” to borrow Dr. King’s historic words. commentators—make it clear that But when you look at what we’ll be we would do well to follow another marching against on June 18, it’s like tactic Dr. King used so well in 1963— we’re back in 1963. We live in a coun- coalition building. try that has been blinding itself to how Backed by labor unions, religious orfar the billionaire class and rightwing, ganizations, sororities and fraterniracist extremists are willing to go to ties, the ‘63 march brought a racially rid our country of the labor and civil diverse group to the Capitol grounds rights protections that were hard won to demand all Americans enjoy the from decades of struggle. same basic rights. Look at the picand make the repairs that our parks desperately need, resulting in nearly $6 billion in unmet capital needs alone. Reforms are long overdue to address the existing maintenance backlogs and streamline this process. We have vital capital needs at St. Nicholas Park that haven’t been funded at all, including a playground that desperately needs renovation and lacks safe fencing, inadequate amounts of equipment storage on-site and a closed main staircase that has not been repaired for more than 10 years. As we head into another warm summer and peak parks’ season, without 1% funding for Parks or capital process reform, our parks and open spaces will continue to fall into further disrepair. The funding gap is felt most acutely in communities like ours, which lack the extensive private funding that supports parks in wealthier areas of the city. These commitments by Mayor Adams and the City Council will ensure the basic needs and maintenance of St. Nicholas are met and

allow our community’s vital resource to flourish. We cannot let this crisis compound even further and must stop depending on the good will of community residents, local groups and outside funding for a solvable, policy-based problem that starts with our local government. St. Nicholas Park and other parks across the

June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 27 tures and videotapes. The ‘63 March on Washington showed the world the real face of America in all its beautiful variety and diversity. That collective resolve made it impossible for political leaders to deny their demands. And that’s what we need for June 18, a multiracial, multiethnic crowd, the true face of America, marching to demand that our elected leaders do much more to curb white supremist groups, fix our broken economy, and guarantee all Americans enjoy the principle for which Dr. King gave his life: equality. So come be a part of history and join the June 18 Mass Poor People’s & LowWage Workers’ Assembly & Moral March on Washington. Help transform our nation. Join us.

George Gresham is president of 1199SEIU, the nation’s largest healthcare union representing 450,000 members in New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida, and the District of Columbia. five boroughs can become clean, accessible and safe places that all New Yorkers deserve if our city meets its obligation to fund them as the critical social infrastructure they are for our neighborhoods. Karen Asner is a lawyer and member of Friends of St. Nicholas Park.

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Religion & Spirituality Mother Kefa’s body reinterred in Ferncliff Cemetery By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews Nearly seven years after making her transition onto the ancestral realm, prominent community activist, Mother Kefa Nephtys Jones’ body was exhumed from a nearby cemetery and reinterred at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, N.Y., on Tuesday May 17. Along with her husband, Bill Jones, they co-founded Harlem’s innovative grassroots lecture platform known as the First World Alliance, during the early 1980s. “She led one of the largest educational programs in the city,” recalled African scholar warrior Professor James Small. “We won the case in court, so [we’ve moved] her body from a cemetery in New Jersey to Ferncliff Cemetery near Dr. Ben’s body. Most people don’t know what happened to this lady. [Her neighbors] wrote a fake will and stole her money and valuables. They gave her books to Dr. Jeffries to put in his collection.” After several years dealing with failing health, Mother Kefa passed on Aug. 14, 2015. Not having any immediate relatives

to curate her estate allowed neighbors to loot her apartment, and her memorial services were disorganized and she did not go home in an honorable fashion. Her body was unceremoniously interred at Forest Green Park Cemetery in Morganville, N.J. LaTrella Thornton, Mother Kefa’s spiritual daughter, spearheaded the campaign, and was assisted by Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Prof. Small and Dr. Reggie Mabry. “Something happened that is being rectified,” Mrs. Thornton stated. Adding that she “went to the funeral parlor and they said the funeral had been canceled. We had no idea. Everything we did on the day of the funeral, impromptu. We went every year to visit on her birthday.” She added, “Mother Kefa has been guiding me through this whole process. It has been a long and spiritual journey. She was getting sick and they stole her money, canceled the funeral.” Dr. Mabry explained, “We won the court case and got some money to reinter her. There was no funeral, they dumped the body. We went to a probate and got enough money for a grave and coffin.”

(Mal'akiy 17 Allah photo)

Sonny Abubadika Carson: Urging the relearning of our stolen legacies By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews

ucation and was a prominent force in the People’s Republic of Brooklyn contributing to the cultural, political and social climate On Friday, May 20, several friends re- there. He built alliances with many people flected on the legacy of the uncompromis- from various aspects of society, from local ing Brooklyn activist Sonny “Abubadika” activists and street youths to law enforceCarson, in commemoration of his 93rd physicalday anniversary. Although he transitioned two decades ago, his influences while he was here on the physical plane have continuously influenced generations of African Americans while encouraging them to relearn their past heritage, and are still being felt today. “One of the greatest accomplishments in Abubadika’s life is he took the Sankofa bird, which represents an African people who traveled from Africa who were free,” explains Carson’s comrade, Brother Ali Lamont Jr. “The bird is looking back towards its tail from where it came from.” Throughout his life Carson advocated ed-

ment, politicians, as well as scholars. “That was a journey of Africans who came to the Americas, as a free people looking back to Africa,” Ali Lamont Jr. continued. “That’s why Sonny referred to the prophet Ezekiel when he said, ‘Can these bones live

(Azim Thomas photo)

again down in the valley of the dry bones,’ which is America.” As a primary force behind the community fight to preserve the African Burial Ground in lower Manhattan over two decades ago, he inspired many to stand up and search for their stolen legacy. The power of public protests was a tactic he fully implemented and it almost always yielded encouraging results. “Sonny Abubadika Carson’s dream was for us Black people to re-Africanize ourselves,” expressed his other close comrade, Brother Tarik Haskins. “Training ourselves to again think of ourselves as intelligent and courageous. As Africans, he no doubt wanted us to practice the old modeling way of raising children to ensure that we would forever live in peace. When we remember Abubadika we keep his dream alive and we stay on the road leading out of harm’s way and leading to forever peace.”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Blacklight

Continued from page 14

are useful and effective at controlling community spread and I would put masks in public places right squarely in that group.” Regarding continued COVID-19 disparities, Dr. Nash spoke about the Chasing COVID study he is a researcher on and stated, “You would have expected that the disparities and infection rates… would have started out to be large but go down with time, but in our cohort study, we saw pretty quickly that…the racial and ethnic disparities persisted, the higher rates of COVID in essential workers remained high.” These challenges can also be seen as it relates to mask use. Nash co-authored the article “Household factors and the risk of severe COVID-like illness early in the U.S. pandemic,” which states that “mask use is an effective strategy to both reduce the risk of onward spread from an infected person to susceptibles, and also reduces the risk of infection to the mask wearer. However, infections still can occur when masks are being used by infected and susceptible persons, but these

infections may be more likely to result in asymptomatic or milder SARS-CoV-2 infection, because of a lower infectious dose.” Since masks are a crucial aspect of continuing to protect against community transmission and reinfection, it is important to know that all masks are not created equally. Masks keep us safe, according to Jennifer Veltman, MD, chief of infectious diseases at Loma Linda University Health. The university’s online news site article “Mask myths, double-masking and the truth behind effectiveness” notes that a “good rule of thumb: if you can easily blow out a candle through your mask, it may be too porous and a good idea to find a better quality product.” The Mayo Clinic points out that “if you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public and outdoors in crowded areas or when you are in close contact with unvaccinated people. If you are fully vaccinated and have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may need to keep wearing a mask. You also will still be required to wear a

June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 29

The current COVID-19 alert level in NYC is high, and the Department of Health recommends all New Yorkers, including those previously infected, “wear a mask in any public indoor setting.”

mask on planes, buses, trains and other public transportation traveling to, within, or out of the U.S., as well as in places such as airports and train stations.”

Currently the NYC Department of Health has set the COVID-19 alert level to HIGH and “now advises all New Yorkers to wear a mask in any public indoor setting. People

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30 • June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Cultural Graduation Continued from page 9

Parks,” said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, president of Howard University. “Mr. Parks was a trailblazer whose documentation of the lived experiences of African Americans, especially during the civil rights period, inspired empathy, encouraged cultural and political criticism, and sparked activism among those who viewed his work. Having a collection of his timeless photographs in the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center will allow Howard University faculty, students, and visiting scholars to draw on his work and build upon his legacy of truth telling and representation through the arts.” “I am extremely excited about this historic acquisition by Howard University and this rich addition to Moorland-Spingarn’s collection,” said Benjamin Talton, Ph.D., director of The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University. “The collection fortifies Howard’s place as the preeminent institution preserving the legacy of the global Black experience. In addition to acquiring the nation’s largest Gordon Parks collection, Howard University is gaining a partner in the Gordon Parks Foundation. I am grateful that our students and faculty will have direct access to Parks’ work and the resources of the Gordon Parks Foundation for research and teaching. As a photographer and filmmaker, Parks left us with a unique narrative of the rich diversity that is African American life in the United States

and the beauty and pain of the American story more broadly, during the second half of the 20th century.” “This is a tremendous opportunity for both Howard University and The Gordon Parks Foundation. Gordon Parks’ work helped define American art in the 20th century and there is no better place poised to help safeguard his legacy than the Mecca of Black education,” added Jelani Cobb, board member of The Gordon Parks Foundation. Among the qualities that make this acquisition distinct is the inclusion of photographs created by Parks early in his career, during the 1940s. His portraits of members of Black communities in Minneapolis and Chicago, some of which circulated in Black media outlets of the time, are crucial for understanding Parks’ emergence as a photographer working for the popular press. These communities and the Southside Community Arts Center, where Parks operated his studio and exhibited work, allowed for the creative exchange of ideas and inspiration from the talents it attracted, and this confluence would forge some of Parks’ most consequential relationships. Other highlights of the collection include early portraits of historical figures before they achieved national and international recognition, including Robert Todd Duncan, who is best known for his role as Porgy in the premiere production of “Porgy and Bess” and as one of the first African Americans to sing with a major opera company; Margaret Taylor-Boroughs, visual artist, writer, poet,

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educator, and arts organizer who co-founded what is today the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago; renowned musical conductor Charles Dean Dixon, the first African American guest conductor of The New York Philharmonic; and stage actress Hilda Simms, who played the title role in the boundary breaking all-Black production of Anna Lucasta on Broadway. The collection traces Parks’ progression from these early portraits of rising talents to becoming a leading photographer of Black celebrity through the subsequent decades. Represented are Parks’ mid-career works: Sidney Poitier in “A Raisin in the Sun,” New York, New York, 1959; Duke Ellington in Concert, New York, 1960; Louis Armstrong, Los Angeles, California, 1969; among other photographs of notable figures from the period. Following this arc, the holdings also include photographs taken later in Parks’ career of subjects representing new generations of changemakers at the height of their emergence on the cultural scene, including portraits of the iconic fashion model Iman from the 1970s, and images taken in New York of jazz musician Miles Davis in 1981, and filmmaker Spike Lee in 1990. Using his camera as his “choice of weapons,” Parks chronicled Black America’s struggles and triumphs throughout his career as a means of advancing social justice. This lifelong commitment is reflected in several study sets featured in the acquisition, including select works from Parks’ landmark 1956 color photo essay for Life magazine, later known as “Segregation Story,” which had exposed the daily realities of Black Americans living under Jim Crow law in the rural South. Also represented are Parks’ photographs of the March on Washington and leaders of the Civil rights movement, including Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael. This announcement was made public recently at Cipriani 42nd Street, as The Gordon Parks Foundation celebrated his lasting impact and recognized those continuing his commitment to advancing social justice. The Gordon Parks Foundation Award was presented to artist Mark

Clean Slate Continued from page 12

Verizon and JPMorgan Chase, our fellow Chambers of Commerce in Brooklyn and Rochester, The Business Council of New York and nearly 50 major New York law firms to champion this legislation, all of which recognize the economic benefits and increased access to talent Clean Slate can deliver. We also stand with those organizations that are working tirelessly to support the productive re-entry of formerly incarcerated individuals, including Exodus Transitional, the Fortune Society, Getting Out Staying Out, the Second U Foundation, and others. The efforts by this broad group of businesses and other organizations highlight on a fundamental level why

Bradford, Emerson Collective founder and President Laurene Powell Jobs, film producer Tonya Lewis Lee, director Spike Lee and Ford Foundation President Darren Walker for their roles as changemakers who are carrying forward Parks’ legacy. The Foundation also gave a special tribute to Cora Taylor, who was recently identified as a subject of one of Parks’ best-known images from his 1956 Life magazine essay documenting segregation in the Jim Crow South. The event brought together approximately 500 guests from across the fields of art, film, philanthropy, journalism, and business. The evening raised over $2.2 million to support year-round educational programming and The Gordon Parks Arts and Social Justice Fund, which provides fellowships, prizes, and scholarships to the next generation of artists, writers, and students whose work follows in Parks’ footsteps. Performances by Black Thought of the legendary Roots Crew, opened and closed the evening, which also featured a live auction of photographs by Gordon Parks. Additionally, photographer and 2017 Gordon Parks Foundation Fellow Devin Allen took the stage to reflect on the importance of the fellowship program in championing individuals who share the foundation’s commitment to advancing Parks’ vision for social change, recognizing the 2022 recipients in attendance: artists Bisa Butler and Andre D. Wagner, and author and curator Nicole R. Fleetwood, the inaugural Genevieve Young Fellow in Writing. If you’re on to see Black Thought in his natural element, this weekend, June 4 and 5, Black Thought and the Roots roll out the red carpet to friends and fans as they host the Roots Picnic this weekend a few miles south on I-95 in their hometown of Philadelphia. The sick lineup includes Jasmine Sullivan, Mary J. Blige, Summer Walker, Rakim and many more during the two-day festivities at the Mann, Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Tickets are available at ticketmasters.com. Time to get prayed up!! Buffalo and Texas. We with y’all. Over and out, holla next week. Til then, enjoy the nightlife.

Clean Slate is necessary and can work — when someone has served time, they should be able to move on with their life and have the opportunity to contribute to their communities without facing antiquated barriers. Clean Slate is a huge step in changing a negative paradigm to a positive by giving people the chance to contribute without facing discrimination from conviction records that effectuates the perpetual punishment merry-go-round. This is a critical step forward for renewed prosperity and justice. The time to pass the Clean Slate Act is now. We urge the Legislature and the Governor to utilize this opportunity to pass the original version of the Clean Slate Act and bring relief to millions of New Yorkers and their families. Businesses, our Harlem community and the entire State of New York deserve nothing less.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

International Continued from page 2

across Nigeria. “All those cherished memories of the Niger Delta people have been consigned to the dustbin,” he said bitterly, “because the fishes they catch now are poisonous.” In his acceptance speech, Williams, who lives in Benin City, Edo State, gave thanks to all those who supported the litigation. He called on the global audience to join the campaign for environmental justice. “After all, the environment is our life—a healthy environment breeds healthy people and only healthy people can make a healthy world.” The top environment prize is annually awarded to six grassroots activists—one from each of the world’s continents except Antarctica. In addition to a physical award, each winner receives an undisclosed cash prize. The organization does not make recommendations on how the funds should be used. The award ceremony can be seen online with winners from the U.S., the Netherlands, Ecuador, Thailand and Australia. SWISS FIRM HIT WITH BILLION DOLLAR FINE FOR RUNNING MASSIVE BRIBERY SCHEME ACROSS AFRICA (GIN)—Illicit payments, multiple counts of bribery and market manipulation were among the many misdeeds of Glencore International and Glencore Ltd, a Swiss-based commodity trading and mining company according to numerous reports in the press. Over a 10 year period, bribes worth millions were lavished on government officials of West Africa and Latin America in return for preferential access to oil, according to U.S. court filings. Seven cases of profitdriven bribery and corruption were linked to Glencore Energy UK for payments to officials in Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and

Attorney General Merrick Garland at podium (GIN)

South Sudan. Bribes worth over $25 million won preferential access to oil and reaped profits more than triple that. In the case of Nigeria, Glencore and its subsidiaries paid more than $52 million to bribe Nigerian officials in return for profits of $124 million, the U.S. court filing shows. The former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison Madueke, reportedly a recipient of Glencore monies, is said to be living in Dominica where she is seeking immunity as a political appointee. In Cameroon, $21 million in bribes generated $67 million in profits. In the Ivory Coast, a $4 million investment led to $30 million in profits, according to Bloomberg News. In the DRC, Glencore admitted that it conspired to corruptly offer and pay approximately $27.5 million to third parties, while intending for a portion of the payments to be used as bribes to DRC officials, in order to secure improper business advantages. This week, Glencore entered guilty pleas to multiple counts of bribery and market manipulation and agreed to a settlement of more than $1 billion with the final total expected to be near $1.5 billion— the highest civil monetary penalty in any similar case. “The scope of this criminal bribery scheme is staggering,” said U.S. At-

torney Damian Williams. “Glencore paid bribes to secure oil contracts. Glencore paid bribes to avoid government audits. Glencore bribed judges to make lawsuits disappear. Glencore paid bribes to make money—hundreds of millions of dollars. And it did so with the approval and even encouragement of its top executives.” “The rule of law requires that there not be one rule for the powerful and another for the powerless; one rule for the rich and another for the poor,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. While Attorney General Garland has prioritized holding individuals responsible for corporate fraud, no executives have been charged in the announcement settlements. Meanwhile, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued a warning: “Without question, manipulating oil markets can drive up the cost Americans pay at the pump or to heat their homes. And today my message to the markets is clear: we will continue to pursue even the slightest hint of manipulative, corrupt, or fraudulent behavior.” Gary Nagle, Glencore’s new chief executive, said the company has adopted new compliance rules to eliminate illicit conduct, adding: “It’s a different business model to what we used five to 10 years ago.”

June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 31

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100 PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice of Qualification of 58 PALMETTO LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/14/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/11/22. Princ. office of LLC: c/o Two Sigma Real Estate, 100 Ave. of the Americas, 16th Fl., NY, NY 10013. 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. DE addr. of LLC: Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Real estate.

Notice of Qualification of EP UCB LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/15/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 01/21/22. Princ. office of LLC: 450 W. 33rd St., 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 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of the State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of DW MARCY, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/17/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/04/19. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o 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. 3, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK BOARD OF MANAGERS OF CENTRAL PARK PLACE CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff -againstCHINESE AMERICAN TRADING COMPANY, INC., Defendant. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated March 1, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York on July 6, 2022 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, the Condominium Unit known as Unit No. 50A in the Building known as Central Park Place Condominium, 301 West 57th Street. Together with an undivided .7032% interest in the common elements. All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction. Said premises known as 301 WEST 57TH STREET, UNIT 50A, NEW YORK, NY Approximate amount of lien $179,792.02 plus interest, accrued common charges/assessments, attorneys fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision and Order on Motion and Terms of Sale. Index Number 157856/2020. ROBERTA ASHKIN, ESQ., Referee SMITH, BUSS & JACOBS, LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 733 Yonkers Avenue, Suite 200, Yonkers, NY 10704

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK BOARD OF MANAGERS OF CENTRAL PARK PLACE CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff -againstCHINESE AMERICAN TRADING COMPANY, INC., Defendant. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein on March 1, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York on July 6, 2022 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, the Condominium Unit known as Unit No. 52B in the Building known as Central Park Place Condominium, 301 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019. Together with an undivided .3006% interest in the common elements. All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction. Said premises known as 301 WEST 57TH STREET, UNIT 52B, NEW YORK, NY Approximate amount of lien $207,442.94 plus interest, accrued common charges/ assessments, attorneys fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision and Order on Motion and Terms of Sale. Index Number 157857/2020. ROBERTA ASHKIN, ESQ., Referee SMITH, BUSS & JACOBS, LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 733 Yonkers Avenue, Suite 200, Yonkers, NY 10704 Notice of Formation of ASBURY DEVELOPER, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/04/22. 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.

Formation of 57 READE STREET APT 9E, LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/30/2022. Office loc.: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to Jane Liu, 101 Tournament Dr., Monroe Twp., NJ 08831. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Selvi LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 3/25/22. Office location: NY County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 250 W 89th St, Apt 3H, New York, NY 10024. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

101 LEGAL NOTICES

ADMINISTRATION CITATION File No. 2019-4219 SURROGATES COURT - NEW YORK COUNTY SUPPLEMENTAL CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent, TO: The heirs at law, next of kin and distributees of decedent, Lillian Hester Brown, deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead, to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence, The Public Administrator of New York County, The Attorney General of the State of New York; A petition having been duly filed by ONE 100 STREET CORPORATION, who is domiciled at 148-45 Hillside Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11435, YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogates Court, New York County, at 31 Chambers Street, New York, on June 21, 2021 at 10:00 oclock in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of LILLIAN HESTER BROWN, a/k/a Hester Lillian Brown, lately domiciled at 240 W 132nd Street, New York, in the County of New York, New York, granting Limited Letters of Administration upon the estate of LILLIAN HESTER BROWN, a/k/a Hester Lillian Brown, the decedent, to ONE 100 STREET CORPORATION, for the purposes of prosecuting and performing such actions necessary to confirm and uphold the petitioners title in and to the real property known as and by Block 1937, Lot 48 on the tax map for New York County, City and State of New York, and by the street number 240 W 132nd Street, New York, AND FURTHER, that a kinship hearing be held by the Court to determine the existence, and rights, of any unknown distributees of the decedent. Dated, Attested and Sealed, HON. RITA MELLA, Surrogate May 16, 2022 Diana Sanabria, Chief Clerk (Seal) Name of Attorney for Petitioner: James P Demetriou Tel. No.: 516-5704900 / 407-377-7730 Address of Attorney: 3208 E Colonial Dr, #284, Orlando, FL 32803 New York Address: 200 Old Country Road, Suite 190, Mineola, NY 11501 Note: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney-at-law appear for you.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. LUCKIE PROPERTIES, LLC., A Florida Limited Liability Company, Deft.- Index #850107/2021. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 28, 2022, I will sell at public auction Outside the Portico of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Wed., June 22, 2022, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 0.0519144314871446% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as Phase 1 of HC Suites located at 1335 Avenues of the Americas, in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $70,678.13 plus costs and interest as of October 21, 2021. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Georgia Papazis, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, &amp; Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY. Notice of Qualification of 540 DRIGGS LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/14/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/11/22. Princ. office of LLC: c/o Two Sigma Real Estate, 100 Ave. of the Americas, 16th Fl., NY, NY 10013. 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. DE addr. of LLC: Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Real estate.

Notice of Qualification of EP UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/18/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/30/22. Princ. office of LLC: 450 W. 33rd St., 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 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of the State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of New York Action to Foreclose a Mortgage Index #: 850196/2019 Wilmington Trust, National Association, As Successor Trustee To Citibank, N.A., As Trustee For Bear Stearns ALT-A Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-5 Plaintiff, vs Gregg L. Singer, Eleanor B. Singer Intervives Revocable Trust Agreement Dated 2/26/91 Eleanor B. Singer TTEE, Chesterfield 19, L.L.C., People Of The State Of New York, Board Of Managers Of The Chesterfield Condominium, New York City Environmental Control Board, New York State Department Of Taxation And Finance 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: 180/186 West 80 Street, Apt/Unit 4j New York, NY 10024 AKA 409/417 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024 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 Eleanor B. Singer Intervives Revocable Trust Agreement dated 2/26/91 Eleanor B. Singer TTEE, Defendant 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 Twenty-Eighth day of April, 2022 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 foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated March 24, 2006, executed by Gregg L. Singer to secure the sum of $200,000.00. The Mortgage was recorded at CRFN 2006000451392 in the City Register of the City of New York, New York County on August 10, 2006. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed March 24, 2006 and recorded on August 10, 2006, in the City Register of the City of New York, New York County at CRFN 2006000451394. Plaintiff is also holder of a mortgage dated March 24, 2006 executed by Gregg L. Singer to secure the sum of $235,000.00 and recorded at CRFN 2006000451395 in the City Register of the City of New York, New York County on August 10, 2006. Said mortgage was consolidated with the mortgage referred to at CRFN: 2006000451392 by a Consolidation, Extension and Modification Agreement executed by Gregg L. Singer dated March 24, 2006 and recorded August 10, 2006 at CRFN 2006000451396 in the City Register of the City of New York, New York County to form a single lien in the amount of $435,000.00. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for America's Wholesale Lender by an assignment executed on July 19, 2019 and sent for recording in the City Register of the City of New York, New York County The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Countrywide Bank, N.A. by an assignment executed on July 19, 2019 and sent for recording in the City Register of the City of New York, New York County The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed June 5, 2012 and recorded on June 21, 2012, in the City Register of the City of New York, New York County at CRFN 2012000245247. The mortgage was subsequently modified on May 27, 2014. The consolidated mortgage was subsequently assigned to WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-5 by an assignment executed on July 19, 2019 and sent for recording in the City Register of the City of New York, New York County; The property in question is described as follows: 180/186 WEST 80 STREET, APT/UNIT 4J, NEW YORK, NY 10024 AKA 409/417 AMSTERDAM AVE, NEW YORK, NY 10024 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 3, 2022 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. 71989

Notice of Formation of ASBURY PRESERVATION CLASS B, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/04/22. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 30 Hudson Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of SWEET PLANTASY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/09/2022. Office location: New York county. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc. 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #1346500 for beer & wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer & wine at retail in a Sushi Eatery under the ABC Law at 23 Ave. B, NYC 10009 for on-premises consumption; YS Omakase Inc.

Notice of Formation of WSW PRESERVATION CLASS B, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/09/22. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 30 Hudson Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of WYANDOT SQUARE PRESERVATION CLASS B, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/04/22. 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. Formation of 11 EAST 29TH STREET APT 32C, LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/28/2022. Office loc.: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to Jane Liu, 101 Tournament Dr., Monroe Twp., NJ 08831. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #1346710 for beer & wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer &amp; wine at retail in a restaurant under the ABC Law at 120 Cedar St., NYC 10006 for on-premises consumption; DEK Foods Inc. Ahern Painting Contractors, Inc is seeking DBE Subcontractor proposals for the Project: C-34921 Overcoat Painting and Steel Repair of Elevated Structure Williamsburg Bridge to Myrtle Avenue Jamaica Line. Please contact Anna at 718-639-5880 for details. TITAN MOMENTUM LLC Filed with SSNY on: 05/02/2022 Location: New York County SSNY designated as agent for service of process & shall mail to: TITAN MOMENTUM LLC, 167 Madison Avenue Ste 205 #160, New York, NY 10016 Purpose: Any Lawful. Notice of Formation of DEVONSHIRE HOUSE 2022 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/21/22. 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.

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Notice of Formation of Big Rosie BK LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/16/20. Office location: New York county. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o PO Box 20169, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: Architecture services.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION of FSRNY 22-22, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/28/2021. Office location: New York County. Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SOS shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to: CSC; 80 State Street Albany, NY 12207-2543. Purpose of LLC: For any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of 175 PALMETTO LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/14/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/11/22. Princ. office of LLC: c/o Two Sigma Real Estate, 100 Ave. of the Americas, 16th Fl., NY, NY 10013. 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. DE addr. of LLC: Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Real estate.

Notice of Formation of WSW PRESERVATION GP, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/09/22. 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.

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NOTICE OF QUALIFICATION of Unconventional Minds LLC. Authority filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/23/22. Office location: New York County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 1/6/20. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: InCorp Services, Inc., One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Ave., Ste. 805-A, Albany, NY 122102822. Cert. of Formation filed with DE Secy of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: any lawful activity.

101 LEGAL NOTICES

Notice of Qualification of MOTIF ADVISORS LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/11/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/04/22. 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 of the State of DE, Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

101 LEGAL NOTICES

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Vol. 111 No.

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ne 11, 20

20 - Ju ne 17, 20 THE NEW BLACK VIEW 20

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THE N

EW B$1.00 New York City LAC K VIEW York City

2020 - Jul VIEW y 8, 202 THE NEW BLACK 0 2,

THE NEW

BLACK VI

sterdam

Vol. 111 No. 26

| June 25, 2020

- July 1, 2020

Amsterda

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THE NEWThe ment gets louder, BLAmove CK VIEW

News | $1.00 Ne w

| $1.00 New

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York City

By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff

The$1.00 mNew o York the de vement gets fense is lo greate uder, r

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City Police Department. He said the city would shift the funding from the NYPD to youthBy STEPHO and Responsibility and account- social services, many of whom Amsterda N JOHNSO ability. Some agencies in New are N m Ne ws Staff disproportionately targeted Police De York City have had to work by partmen police. city wo Respons uld shi t. He said the with less, but still uphold their ibility an ft the “The City will find significant from the ability. d accou fun So end of the financial bargain. A savings York Cit me agencies in nt- social ser NYPD to youth ding to the NYPD budget,” y have lack of funds leads to a lack of said vices, ma New are an the mayor.“This funding withwill had to ny of wh d dis les pro s, but stil resources. A lack of resources go work by police portionately tar om end of the towards youth developmen l uphold t . geted led to a lack of services to the and their financia lack of social services for commu“The Cit funds lea l bargain. A people. And, sometimes, lack nities y will find savings resouwill ds to a of color. The amount significa rces. A lac to of services to the people led to be k the nt of NYPD said the led finalized with the City to a lac lack of resource Council encounters with law enforce- during k of ser s go tow mayor.“This fun budget,” people. the budget process.” ding wil ards you And, som vices to the ment who take a significant l th de and of seraway The move to shift funds etimes, vices to lack nit social services velopment sum of taxpayer money. the encoun from the police department for com ies of col ters with people led to muAccording to New York City comes or. The be law amount on the heelsmeofntmasfin aliz enforcewho tak ed Mayor Bill de Blasio and police sive e a sig during the with the City Co will sum of protests against police nif tax icant un bu payer mo reform activists, those days brutality (Cyril Jo The mo dget process.” cil Accordin ney. after the death ofg to sh Barke are over. New Yo from the ve to shift funds George Floyd in Ma r photo yor Bil Minneapork aw ) police On Sunday, June 7, de Blasio lis. reforma l de Blasio and City comes departm ay Floyd’s death sparked na-ivists on po Ramse act (Cyril Josh Barker photo) pledged for the first time to cut tionwide are ovagainst , those lice sive pro the heels of ent y movement er. mastests aga days bru funding from the New York City police Orta, who re inst po See MOVEMEN TOn tality co m onSu page nd 6 George after the death lice pledged ay, June 7, de Ramsey Orta, who recorded Eric By AUTO urder, releas rded Eric Ga Blasio for the firs Flo rner’s Garner’s ed from of and Charles Special DIDACTInez lis. 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Iciss Tillis, WNBA player turned attorney, addresses sports issues in her practice

A s By LOIS ELFMAN p Special to the AmNews l At 6-foot-5 plus high heels, attorney Iciss Tillis is an imposing e figure when she enters a courts room. After several seasons in the WNBA—one with the New York Liberty—as well as overseas, Tillis felt she needed to figure out her future. The Duke University graduate decided to go to law school and then earn a LL.M. in international sports law and a master’s degree in sports management. Today, she is an associate attorney at Hall Estill in the firm’s Labor & Employment group. She chose that area of the law because when a law school professor had her research the commissioners of pro sports leagues, she discovered most of them had been labor and employment attorneys. “It’s not as exciting as seeing me dunk on people on the court, but

it’s a different court,” said Tillis, who retired from pro hoops in 2011. “It is still very exciting; you just have to learn the rules.” She fell off the basketball radar when she decided to pursue the law—although she did do a legal internship at the NBA— but if someone checks out interviews she did during high school and college, she often said she wanted to become an attorney. Tillis spent more than two years at a New York law firm, but when the pandemic hit, she decided to return home to Tulsa, Oklahoma. “It’s a really cool time to watch things develop,” said Tillis about name, image and likeness (NIL). “I was telling the head of our labor and employment practice group that when I was playing, there were so many things I observed, wondered and questioned. “When it comes to things that

June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 37

Iciss Tillis looms large in the courtroom (Photo Courtesy of Hall Estill)

are unfair or unjust, it weighs on me,” she added. “When I made the decision to go to law school, I knew that I was going to be able to put myself in a position to answer a lot of these questions.” Today, Tillis has insight into the workings of intercollegiate athletics as well as professional sports leagues. She is a litigator representing employers, and all the battles in the paint honed her competitive edge. Looking toward making an impact in sports, she hopes to be part of creating a fairer playing field for student-athletes. “I’m able to parlay my experience as a former college athlete,” Tillis said. “We’re at a point where this thing is moving, and we’re not going back. Since we’re going forward, we might as well try to come up with the best solution for the student-athletes so everyone can be successful.”

Around the WNBA: Aces soar, Liberty continues to falter By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews When 6-foot-10 Han Xu, a star on China’s national team, was drafted by the New York Liberty in 2019, expectations were high. Her rookie season took place at a time when the Liberty was in the process of reshaping the team, so she didn’t get a lot of playing time. She skipped the 2020 WNBA wubble season and took off the 2021 season to prepare for the Olympics, so when she arrived in Liberty training camp this season, no one quite knew what to expect. It turns out Xu was ready to fulfill her potential. As the Liberty has continued to struggle—1–7 at the bottom of the WNBA standings heading into last night’s game against the Indiana Fever—Xu has been a consistent and outstanding performer. She was the team’s top scorer in the Liberty’s rough 92–61 loss against the Seattle Storm. The Liberty will be back on home court at Barclays Center on Sunday and Tuesday for

the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, is showing NBA teams what they missed in passing her over for head coaching positions. The Aces sit atop the league and are looking dominant. The Connecticut Sun is also strong, despite the loss of Jasmine Thomas, one of the team’s most consistent players, to a torn ACL. The Atlanta Dream, under the leadership of first-time head coach Tanisha Wright, is looking reinvigorated. While the WNBA and its players continue to address social justice issues, the most pressing issue league-wide is the ongoing detention of Brittney Griner in Russia. Players have been wearing hoodies with her picture on the front. Dawn Staley, coach of the reigning NCAA Champion University of South Carolina and Griner’s coach at last summer’s Olympics, has been games against the Minnesota injury. Didi Richards—who to return from a torn Achilles a consistent voice for GriLynx. Unfortunately, multiple was among the WNBA players tendon, suffered a knee injury ner’s release. Hashtags calling Liberty players continue to be to appear in the recent Sports that will keep her out for about for Griner’s freedom prolifout with injuries. Lorela Cubaj Illustrated Swimsuit Edition— six weeks. erate on Twitter. Hopefully, is out due to concussion proto- is nursing a hamstring. Lastly, Meanwhile, former Liber- there will be a positive turn of col. Betnijah Laney has a knee Jocelyn Willoughby, trying ty player Becky Hammon, now events in the near future. Han Xu continues to be a bright light for the Liberty (Credit: Joshua Huston/NBAE via Getty Images)

38 • June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

Gabe Kapler takes a stand against American carnage By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler announced last week he will no longer be on the field for the pregame presentation of the national anthem as a form of protest in the wake of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting (Photo credit: Wikipedia All-Pro Reels)

American carnage. Whether it is death by handguns on the streets of urban communities or mass shootings carried out using semiautomatic assault weapons, the carnage that is taking place across America’s landscape has disheartenedly become a normalized aspect of this country’s violent culture. Embodying the sentiments of the vast amount of America’s population, San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler deeply desires change, a dramatic course correction that will spare the lives of countless men, women and children who are potential victims of a massacre, a heinous act analogous to the mass shootings that took the lives of 10 Black people at the paradoxically named Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo, New York on May 14, and 21 people, including 19 children, at the predominantly Hispanic Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on May 24. Kapler, the 2021 National League Manager of the Year, informed the media last Friday before his team faced the Cincinnati Reds in Ohio that

Sandra L. Richards, head of Global Sports & Entertainment, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (Photo credit: Morgan Stanley)

he would no longer be on the field for the customary presentation of the United States’ national anthem until for further notice stating, “I don’t plan on coming out for the anthem going forward until I feel better about the direction of our country.” On the same day, Kapler posted an impassioned and reflective essay on his blog, Kaplifestyle, expressing his discontent with elected officials and policies that fail to address and rectify deleterious issues. “The day 19 children and 2 teachers were murdered, we held a moment of silence at sporting events around the country, then we played the national anthem, and we went on with our lives,” wrote the 46-year-old native of Los Angeles, whose deceased father Michael and mother Judy were raised in Brooklyn. “When I was the same age as the children in Uvalde, my father taught me to stand for the pledge of allegiance when I believed my country was representing its people well or to protest and stay seated when it wasn’t. I don’t believe it is representing us well right now… “We elect our politicians to represent our interests,” Kapler expounded.

“Immediately following this shooting, we were told we needed locked doors and armed teachers. We were given thoughts and prayers. We were told it could have been worse, and we just need love…But we weren’t given bravery, and we aren’t free.” There have been varying and conflicting interpretations of what the national anthem, also referred to as the “StarSpangled Banner,” epitomizes since it was penned as a poem in 1814 by Francis Scott Key named the “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” For some, it has meant liberty, equality and opportunity. For others, it is an expression of oppression, hypocrisy and opportunities denied. In honor of Memorial Day on Monday, Kapler made an exception and stood on the field at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia prior to the Giants playing against the Phillies. “The protest was not about the anthem and I think I made that clear as well,” Kapler said from Philadelphia. ”The landscape is ever-changing and these issues are not black and white… “Issues like gun control and in particular gun safety are important to me and I will continue to be expressing my thoughts going forward.”

Richards helps create opportunities for girls and women in sports By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews At the recent day-long Esports Business Symposium presented by Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment and the Esports Trade Association, Sandra L. Richards opened and closed the day with comments about the excitement surrounding Esports. Morgan Stanley has been focused on Esports for a while and certainly the pandemic heightened the focus as people turned to Esports when live sports events were put on hold. “It definitely provides an opportunity for women and diverse populations to be involved in a space that’s growing and a space that has an opportunity for almost an even playing field,” said Richards, a managing director of Morgan Stanley and head of Global Sports & Entertainment and Segment Sales & Engagement Group in Wealth Management.

“As it’s a growing opportunity and a growing industry where you have gamers who are, at a very early age, making certain amounts of money…there’s a level of financial education that needs to come with that,” Richards said. “You have a young audience who’s in this space. Our foundation is about financial education and financial literacy.” Morgan Stanley is working with organizations involved in Esports, and Richards anticipates forging some partnerships related to the rapidly growing Esports competitions in intercollegiate athletics. “There are HBCUs that have created or plan on launching Esports programs,” she noted. “As we do in the collegiate space for basketball and football and across men’s and women’s sports, we do financial education sessions with many colleges right now.” She plays a significant role in discussions about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and there was a panel addressing DEI at the Es-

ports symposium. She also recently took part in the Sports PR Summit, speaking on the Title IX panel. “The focus was on how we continue to hype up women’s sports,” said Richards. There are simple things— buying tickets and merchandise—as well as pushing for more extensive media coverage. “We need to continue to get behind it.” Last week, Richards received the Diversity Award from St. Francis College. Today, she is receiving an honorary degree from Medgar Evers College. She said these honors are testament to the sacrifices her parents, who immigrated from Jamaica in the 1960s, made for her to succeed. Richards played basketball and volleyball in middle school and high school and said sports had a tremendous impact on her in terms of understanding team dynamics and collaboration. She praises today’s athletes for having such a positive impact on discussions around DEI and social justice.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 39

Recent high school graduate Coco Gauff makes deep run at French Open By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews Eighteen-year-old Coco Gauff takes the clay court of the Roland Garros venue in Paris, France today at the French Open, facing Martina Trevisan of Italy in their women’s singles semifinals match. The winner advances to Saturday’s championship. The prize money for the eventual singles champion is $3.35 million. The runner up will receive $1.68 million. The French Open, the only Grand Slam tennis tournament held on clay courts, is the second of the Grand Slam tournaments on the WTA’s schedule, following the Australian Open held in late January. Wimbledon is next beginning at the end of this month and the U.S. Open will take place in August at its customary location, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Gauff’s journey to semifinals featured victories over fellow American Sloane Stephens on Tuesday and Bel-

gium’s Elise Mertens on Sunday. Stephens, 29, who lost in the French Open finals in 2018, fell to the No. 18 seeded Gauff, 7-5, 6-2 in a 90-minute match. Trevisan, ranked No. 59 in the world, has won her last 10 matches including French Open victories over Canadian Harriet Dart, Magda Linette of Poland, Australian Daria Gavrilova, Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Canadian Leylah Anne Fernandez. Gauff, who just graduated from high school last month, and who also excels in doubles, reached the quarterfinals of last year’s French Open, losing to singles champion Barbora Krejčíková. Gauff said her character is what matters more than her performance. “No matter how good or how bad my career is, I think I’m a great person,” she said after a win over her good friend Stephens. “And that’s a message to all young players. Your results, or your job, or how much money you make doesn’t define you as a person. As long as you love yourself, who cares what anyone else thinks.”

American teenager Coco Gauff, pictured at the 2019 French Open, can advance to the tournament’s final this year with a win over Italy’s Martina Trevisan today (Photo credit: Wikipedia DarDarCH)

Mets bats come alive as good news about de Grom arrives By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

Instead of faltering with their starting pitching battling injuries, the Mets have thrived, riding a five gamewinning streak and a 34-17 record, tied with the Yankees for the most victories in Major League Baseball heading into yesterday afternoon’s game at Citi Field against the Washington Nationals. They held a 10.5 lead over the second place Atlanta Braves in the National League East. The Mets have achieved their success in the early part of the season without ace Jacob de Grom pitching a single inning, co-ace Max Scher zer on the injured list since May 19 with a strained oblique, and emerging right handed starter Tylor Megill on the IL since May 15 with biceps tendinitis. De Grom has not pitched since last July with a right forearm and then right shoulder injuries. Schezer could be out up to another month. Megill is close to undergoing rehab starts and optimistically back in the rotation by the third week of this month. The most encouraging news came this week as de Grom has begun long tossing and is expected to be throwing off of a mound soon and perhaps making his season debut in late June or early July. Chris Bassitt, Carlos Carrasco,

Tijuan Walker, David Peterson and Trevoe Williams have more than held the fort, helping drive a bigger gap in the standings between the Mets and Braves in the absence of de Grom, Scherzer and Megill. But the Mets bats also deserve much of the credit for the team’s continued winning. The Mets averaged 10 runs per game in their previous seven games heading into yesterday. On Tuesday night, they bashed the Nationals 10-0 after a 13-5 battering of their NL East opponent on Monday. The Mets’ top of the order, Luis Guillorme, Starling Marte and Francisco Lindor combined to get on base in their first nine times at-bats on Monday, fueling the run barrage. Unfortunately for first baseman/DH Dominic Smith, he hasn’t been a part of the hot hitting and was optioned to the Mets Class AAA Syracuse minor league team on Tuesday. Thus far this season, Smith, who turns 27 on June 15, has hit just .186 in 39 games with no home runs and only 14 RBIs. He was the Mets’ first round pick—11th overall—in the 2013 MLB draft. The Mets begin a 10-game road trip beginning today with four games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, three versus the San Diego Padres and three facing the Los Angeles Angels.

The Mets demoted first baseman/DH Dominic Smith to Triple A on Tuesday after he hit just .186 in 39 games with no home runs and only 14 RBIs (Credit: Wikipedia)

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

June 2, 2022 - June 8, 2022 • 40

Sports The Celtics meet their most difficult playoff challenge in the Warriors By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

The Boston Celtics have demonstrated toughness, resilience, elite young talent and highly competent leadership guided by firstyear head coach Ime Udoka in reaching the NBA Finals. Their victories over the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat in succession should not be minimized, but all of those teams had glaring flaws and or injuries that the Celtics opportunistically exploited. Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors are a different beast. With Game 1 of the NBA Finals starting tonight in San Francisco, the Celtics must contend with a three-time NBA champion with a wealth of experience and supreme ability who are on a mission to indelibly etch themselves among some of the league’s great historical dynasties. Although the Celtics can light up a scoreboard, with two of the planet’s best wing players in All-NBA First Team selection Jayson Tatum and All-Star Jaylen Brown, capable of generating 30- and 40-plus point games, their calling card is defense. Undoubtedly they’ll need an all-time great series on that end of the floor to defeat a Warriors team replete with lethal shooters and athletic slashers that put relentless mental and physical pressure on opponents.

The Celtics’ aggressive switching defense, spearheaded by 6-foot-4 guard Marcus Smart, the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, bodied up Kevin Durant in their opening round series versus the Nets and forced one of the most unstoppable scorers in the league’s 75 years of existence into shooting 38.6% overall and 33.3% on 3-point attempts in sweeping Brooklyn 4-0. While the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo imposed his will and massive skillset on the Celtics, becoming the first player ever to attain 200 or more points, 100 or more rebounds and 50 or more assists in a playoff series, Boston matched the 6-foot-11, 250 pound forward’s punishing physicality, and by Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, a 109-81 win to advance to conference finals, had exhausted the two-time league most valuable player and 2021 NBA Finals MVP. The Celtics’ meeting with the Heat was a battle of attrition with both teams enduring injuries to multiple players. But the Heat’s loss of NBA Sixth Man of the Year Tyler Herro—their second leading scorer during the regular season at 20.7 points per game—to a groin injury that kept him out of Games 4, 5 and 6, and confined the shooting guard to only seven minutes in Game 7, was too much to overcome

against the Celtics’ taxing on ball compression. Even Butler authoring a remarkable legacy defining performance in the series, nearly single-handedly dragging his team past the Celtics with 47 points in Game 6 and 35 in Game 7, wasn’t sufficient. Now the Celtics are confronted with a conundrum. They eliminated a Bucks and Heat team with only one consistent offensive threat each. The Warriors come at opponents in waves with Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole doing damage from every sector of the court, constantly cutting, slashing and hitting unguardable long range bombs. With forward Draymond Green serv- Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka and All-NBA First ing as the orchestrator, the Team forward Jayson Tatum will face their toughest Warriors’ offense is a bastest of the postseason in the Golden State Warriors ketball symphony. (Bill Moore photo) While they are turnover prone, Boston must convert those mis- they are one of the best defensive teams in takes into points. Additionally, while much the NBA applying both analytics and the plaudits are given to the Warriors’ offense, eye-test. The pick here is Warriors in six.

Facing the Celtics, Curry and Thompson chase their fourth NBA title By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews

Celtics’ blow out. Curry sustained a sprained ligament in his left foot in the March meeting and was sideGame 1 of the NBA Finals tonight in San lined for the last 12 games of the regFrancisco begins the conclusion of the ular season. league’s 75th season. The Golden State The Warriors entered the playoffs Warriors of the Western Conference and as the No. 3 seed in the West and the Boston Celtics of the Eastern Conferhave looked like the best team in ence will collide in a best-of-seven series basketball. They are positioned to that features some of the sport’s brightest extend what has become a dynasty stars. Names such as the Warriors’ Stephen under their head coach Steve Kerr, Curry and the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum ring who has been leading them since loudly among followers of the NBA. May of 2014. They won titles in 2015, The Warriors reached this stage by de2017 and 2018, and lost in the Finals feating the Dallas Mavericks 4-1 in the in 2016 and 2019. Western Conference Finals and will be But Curry, the consensus best making their sixth appearance in the NBA shooter to ever play the game, has Finals in the last eight seasons. Golden been the driving force of the WarState’s gentleman’s sweep of the Mavs riors’ success. He topped the team was the third leg of the playoffs after their in scoring in four of the five games victories over the Denver Nuggets in five against the Mavericks and will be games and the Memphis Grizzlies in six.AM NEWS relied upon to disrupt AM the Celtics’ NEWS 01154 During the regular season, the Warriors smothering defense. He has a great AM NEWS Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are seeking 04/07/22 06/02/22 and Celtics squared off twice. The first deal of help, including longtime 0 NBA title with the7Golden State04/07/22 their fourth 74470 22784 game was Dec. 12 in Boston, a narrow running mate Klay Thompson. Warriors when they face the Boston Celtics in the 111-107 Warriors’ win. The rematch was Thompson closed out Game 5 Finals beginning tonight (Bill Moore photo) at Golden State on March 16, a 110-88 of the West finals with a 32-point

game performance, netting 19 in the first half. It was an emotional night for Thompson, who fought back from a torn ACL in his left knee on June 13, 2019, in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, and an Achilles tendon injury which happened in a pickup game in the fall of 2020. He did not return to play an NBA game until Jan. 9 of this year, missing over two and a half years. “It’s hard to put into words,” said Thompson after the Warriors eliminated the Mavericks. “This time last year, I was just starting to jog again, and get up and down the court. Now, to be feeling like myself, feeling explosive, feeling sure in my movements, I’m just grateful.”

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