New York Amsterdam News June 9-15, 2022 by AmsterdamNews

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Vol. 113 No. 23 | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

THE NEW BLACK VIEW

SUMMER MADNESS GUN VIOLENCE INCREASES (See story on page 6)

Gun Violence activist A.T. Mitchell, newly appointed czar of Mayor Eric Adams' Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, is calling for change (Bill Moore photo)

Eric Adams’ gun violence prevention task force faces uphill challenges (See story on page 6)

EricAdams (Credit:Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

Assembly and Senate leave out wrongful convictions, Clean Slate Acts (See story on page 4)

Sharonne Salaam, mother of Yusef Salaam Exonerated 5 (Photo by Ariama C. Long)

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg announces gun violence prevention fund (See story on page 3)

- one of the

DA Alvin Bragg (Campaign photo)

Policing Our Way Out of School Shootings Won’t Work Urban Agenda by David R. Jones, President and CEO of the Community Service Society of New York - See page 5

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

TERRORISTS SHOOT 70 WORSHIPPERS DEAD DURING MASS IN NIGERIA (GIN with additional reporting by Amsterdam News Editor Nayaba Arinde, Morning Star News, and Jayson Casper)

Over 70 people were killed and/or injured after gunmen shot at worshippers at a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State on Sunday, June 5, and detonated explosives during a Pentecost Mass. The terrorists attacked the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo at about 9 a.m., church leaders and residents told local media in text messages shortly after the attack. Police said the assailants approached the church during the Mass and started shooting while others, numbering about four, shot directly at worshippers. A priest at the church, Andrew Abayomi, said that as the worship service was coming to an end, the terrorists threw explosive devices and shot at the congregation. “Some of us hid inside the church as they shot randomly at us. This lasted for about 20 minutes before they retreated.” Circulated videos showed bloody images of men, women, and children laying out among the pews.

Nigerian shooting (GIN)

The Associated Press reported that one kidnapping victim was the presiding priest. Pope Francis was aware, stated the Vatican, and is said they are praying. “The massacre in the Roman Catholic church was no doubt a targeted attack by the marauding Fulani herdsmen, who have been terrorizing the entire west African region in the past few years with the determined intention to Islamize the region,” said Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe, a USA-born Nigerian activist and journalist who is the publisher of 247ureports.com Ezenekwe told the Amsterdam News: “The Nigerian government under the Buhari administration has shown actions that indicate or sug-

gest that they may be encouraging the jihad-like activities of these terrorists. Since the arrival of Buhari to the seat of power, the northern borders of Nigeria were opened up for the terrorists to flood Nigeria from Niger Republic, Chad, Mali, and other Muslim republics that surround the northern boundaries of Nigeria. In the last seven years, the activities of these herdsmen have caused over 2,000 deaths, of which none has been solved or any of the culprits arrested. It goes to expose the injustices suffered by non-Muslims in Nigeria.” Some published reports said that Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith last year at 4,650 (from Oct. 1, 2020, to Sept. 30,

International DISTURBING REPORTS REVEAL HORRIFIC ATTACKS AGAINST PEOPLE WITH ALBINISM (GIN)—On Dec. 18, 2014, the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming June 13 as International Albinism Awareness Day, designed to protect and preserve the rights of persons with albinism to life, dignity and security, as well as their right not to be subject to torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. This year, at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, attorney MulukaAnne Miti-Drummond gave her first report as the Independent Expert on the status of human rights of people with albinism. “Only a few days ago, I received disturbing reports of attacks and abductions of persons with albinism, in two different countries, both of which had little or no known attacks against persons with albinism until the recent months,” said Miti-Drummond. “One of the victims was a child

whose body was reportedly thrown into a river after her eyes and organs had been removed, no doubt for ritual purposes.” In the past decade, U.N. Human Rights has received reports of more than 600 attacks against children and adults with albinism. Witchcraft was identified as one of the root causes of these attacks, as some believe that the body parts of people with albinism can bestow fortune on those who possess them. Miti-Drummond called the shocking attacks against people with albinism, such as the incidents she described to the Council, “hate crimes and harmful practices.” Albinism is a genetic condition resulting in little or no pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes. The most common and most severe type in sub-Saharan Africa is ocular albinism which gives people white hair, pink skin, low vision or blindness and a greater susceptibility to skin cancer. Albinism is genetically inherited

2021), up from 3,530 the previous reporting period. The West African nation’s 470 attacks on churches trailed only China’s tally. Meanwhile, the Ondo governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, said it was a “black Sunday” in Owo. “Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people,” said Akeredolu in a press statement. “This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state. … I am shocked to say the least. “Nevertheless, we shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay,” said the governor. “We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolve to rid our state of criminals.” Odili Obi told the Amsterdam News from London, that he like Nigerians the world over, is stunned by “the mass killings of over 50 people and over 100 injured people in Owo Ondo State in Nigeria, who got up on Sunday morning to attend church following a terrorist attack, marks another dark day in the country. Citizens all over the country are not safe, and the government whose responsibility is to See NIGERIA on page 31

News

and, while prevalence varies from region to region, some of the highest rates are found in sub-Saharan Africa. Thousands are living with albinism in Senegal, in Kenya, and Tanzania reportedly has the highest number of people living with albinism. The Cameroon Association for the Promotion of Albinos has reported that neglect by parents upon the birth of their child with albinism and infanticide is common. According to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, albino hunters sell an entire human corpse for up to $75,000, while an arm or a leg could fetch about $2,000. It is also common that albino graves are dug up and desecrated to procure body parts. Albinism is profoundly misunderstood, socially and medically. The physical appearance of persons with albinism is often the object of erroneous beliefs and myths influenced by superstition, which foster their marginalization and social ex-

clusion. This leads to various forms of stigma and discrimination. Salif Keita, a Malian singer-songwriter and a member of the Keita royal family of Mali, has routinely used his star status to raise awareness about albinism. “The situation of albinos must be better known throughout the world,” the acclaimed Malian singer said. “The defense of the cause of albinos requires more support in all forms in order to be able to deter those involved in inhumane treatment. “I was born an albino and my life has not been easy,” he said. “I tried to live conscious of this reality and established this foundation. I tried to do something for especially children, people with albinism that had no access to education.” People with albinism in Africa face a range of prejudices and social stigmas. They are often dismissed as belonging to another race, or as ghosts or spirits. This year, five albinos were sacriSee INTERNATIONAL on page 31

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg announces gun violence prevention fund By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

This summer, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office will hand out $20,000 to up to 10 nonprofits each for employing at-risk youngsters on projects pertaining to gun violence prevention. The fund was announced last week by Bragg at a press conference and applicants can send in proposals to CJII@islg.cuny. edu until June 27. The plan is to put New Yorkers ages 15-26 to work from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, with at least three-fourths of each community organization’s fund going toward paying them. These summer jobs can be anything gun violence

prevention-related, but one example floated by the DA was beautifying “hot spots,” or places where shootings statistically happen the most. “Research shows that if you enhance the space, whether it’s a garden or some other enhancement, that gun violence will reduce in the surrounding area by about 30%,” said Bragg. “That’s the heart of it, we want to get our youth engaged, and really looking not just at youth broadly, but youth that are at risk for gun violence.” Bragg specifically highlighted those with the trauma of witnessing gun violence in the past or who intimately know someone who has been arrested for gun-related crimes as the initiative’s targets. He estimates roughly 200 young New Yorkers will participate in

the program. Additionally, East Harlem, Central and West Harlem, Washington Heights and the Lower East Side are specifically targeted by this initiative. Nonprofits from these four neighborhoods receive priority when applying. Fittingly, the announcement was made on 124th Street, where several leaders, including Congressman Adriano Espaillat, endorsed the plan. “I commend Manhattan District Attorney Bragg on today’s initiative to support community-based organizations in their efforts to address gun violence and prevention among youth across our city,” said Espaillat at the press conference. “Gun violence affects everyone, and See BRAGG on page 25

Richardson-Jordan, Barron on One45 project withdrawal in Harlem By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

response to Amsterdam News’ inquiries, “and if the developers are willing to work with me and the community on something that matches our The developers behind the pro- needs better, I look forward on workposed One45 project at 145th Street ing with them in the future.” and Lenox Avenue withdrew their The initial plans for the developplans for the site in Harlem just before ment project included three mixedthe land use vote last week. Council- use buildings with two towers, one 27 member Kristin Richardson Jordan, stories and the other 31 stories high, and brother-in-arms Councilmem- that spanned five lots of land space ber Charles Barron, applauded the de- on 145th Street between Lenox Ave./ cision. They said they stand resolutely Malcolm X Boulevard and Adam by the choice to fight for more truly af- Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard. The fordable housing in the community as site, according to the city’s Zoning opposed to more “gentrification.” and Land Use map (ZOLA), had a “Doing a big project in that space C8 commercial overlay often used in with great affordability is not impos- heavy commercial and manufactursible when we take greed out of the ing facilities, like in Bay Ridge, Brookequation,” said Richardson Jordan in lyn and Castleton Corners on Staten

Island. These C8 districts are mapped mainly along major traffic arteries, such as Boston Road and Jerome Avenue in the Bronx and Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn. Developers’ plans also included a new National Action Network headquarters signed off on by the Rev. Al Sharpton, a green energy component, and after much heated debate, a portion of affordable housing that wasn’t market rate. On March 10, Richardson Jordan attended a public hearing with the zoning committee, to hear concerns about the One45 project. A majority of community members present testified either against the development or for See ONE45 on page 25

Meet State Assembly District 57 candidate Olanike Alabi By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member In the upcoming June Primaries, several state assembly seats will be contested. In Assembly District 57, District Leader Olanike Alabi is running against the incumbent Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest. The district covers Fort Greene and Clinton Hill as well as parts of Bed Stuy, Prospect Heights and Crown Heights. Alabi has served as district manager of Community Board 2, a 57th Assembly Female District Leader, and has worked with healthcare unions. In June 2003, Alabi was “illegally terminated” from her district

manager position on the community board. She battled it out in the courts, resulting in the city issuing proper guidelines for terminating a community board employee. She also took on a case in housing court against a Brooklyn based property owner charging too much rent and won in 2005. “Whether it was in my professional life or just being a public community servant, I have been well equipped and well prepared for this moment,” said Alabi. Her main platform includes a focus on immigrant rights, affordable housing, seniors aging in place, opportunities for children and adolescents, and servicing those who are uninsured or don’t have access to quality health care.

Locally, she has sponsored legal clinics, town hall meetings and community forums on public education, housing, public safety, the healthcare system, domestic violence, redistricting, “Stop-and-Frisk,” electoral politics and many other topics. As far as going up against a Democratic socialist like Forrest, Alabi said that no one party owns an issue. “Anyone has the right to advocate and support an issue or platform that they want,” said Alabi. “This race isn’t so much about leadership position as it is about leadership performance.” Alabi criticized her opponent for not being on the See ALABI on page 32

June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022 • 3

MetroBriefs Metro Briefs Juneteenth Parade and Street Fair set for June 18 The Juneteenth Committee of Masjid Malcolm Shabazz is hosting the 2022 Juneteenth Celebration Parade and Street Fair on Saturday, June 18, in Harlem from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Festivities will start at 116th Street at Malcolm X Boulevard. The Juneteenth holiday is Sunday, June 19, and commemorates the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas learned they were free. Slavery in the states in rebellion against the United States had been outlawed two and half years earlier by the Emancipation Proclamation, but the proclamation had no real effect until the end of the Civil War in 1865. Call 212-662-2200/01 or email msmosque@aol.com for more information on the parade and festival.

Legislation strengthens fire safety enforcement and education in wake of Bronx apartment fire Mayor Eric Adams signed five pieces of fire safety legislation into law, strengthening enforcement, education, and outreach efforts in the wake of the tragic Bronx apartment fire this past January. The laws include shortening the timeline of re-inspection for self-closing door violations, increasing the fine for building owners who do not cure violations, banning the sale of certain space heaters that do not meet certain safety standards, and codifying increased fire safety outreach. The signing of these bills into law followed Mayor Adams’ signing of Executive Order 12 in March that strengthened fire safety enforcement and outreach to increase coordination between FDNY and HPD inspectors to identify safety violations earlier, as well as increased fire safety compliance.

Wes Jackson named president of BRIC

Brooklyn arts and media insulation BRIC announced Wes Jackson will be appointed president of the organization, effective July 18. Jackson has over 25 years of experience as a leader, entrepreneur, innovator, creative and executive in entertainment and academia. Jackson comes to BRIC from Emerson College where he was the director of the Business of Creative Enterprises Program and senior executive in residence. While at Emerson, he was instrumental in increasing enrollment fivefold, launching the graduate degree, founding The Future of Creative Industries Conference, and the Global BA degree. He is an alumnus of BRIC Arts Media and has collaborated with the organization as a creator and speaker in several capacities since 2016. Jackson succeeds Kristina Newman-Scott who was preceded by Leslie Griesbach Schultz. BRIC House is a 40,000-square-foot arts-and-media complex that brings BRIC’s year-round live performances, visual arts exhibitions, media making and education programs together under one roof. It attracts 100,000 visitors each year, and is a cornerstone of the Brooklyn Cultural District.

Black Health Matters Spring Health summit 2022 draws attendees to a lively day of health awareness More than 680 in-person and virtual attendees were at the Black Health Matters (BHM) Spring Health Summit, held on Saturday, April 30. The free health forum took place at the Riverside Church in Harlem and was also live streamed. The BHM Health Summit Series is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive health symposia centered around African American health and wellness, and this first-ever hybrid event brought together several of the nation’s top doctors, nurses, scientists, celebrities, and health influencers. The day was highlighted by engaging presentations by Dr. Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; S. Epatha Merkerson, actor and diabetic – Type 2; Matthew Knowles, PhD, founder of MusicWorld Entertainment and breast cancer survivor; MalikYoba, actor and mental/heart health advocate; Tatyana Ali, actor and maternal health advocate; and Jermaine Hogstrom, D.O. and Jeremy Hogstrom, D.O., the “Twin Doctors J,” internal medicine residents with 2.9 million social media followers. In-person attendees had the opportunity to visit a Live Exhibit Hall with sponsor, vendor, and community partner booths; view exciting stage presentations; experience morning and afternoon workout sessions; take advantage of on-site health screenings, including prostate cancer, HIV and COVID-19; and be treated to swag bags, raffles, prizes, and meal vouchers. —Compiled by Cyril Josh Barker

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Nine, not the Supreme Court justices, to begin Jan. 6 hearings this week

NewJerseyNews

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

CPAs: NJ’s economy will worsen the rest of the year

Nine noted Americans will begin hearings on the fate of those who stormed the Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021. No, we are not talking about members of the Supreme Court but a House Committee set to start hearings on Thursday to investigate an insurrection mainly organized to challenge the outcome of the presidential election and keep Trump in office. Rep. Bennie Thompson, 74, (D-Miss) will chair the committee that is composed of seven Democrats and two Republicans. Almost 100 people involved in the upheaval, many of them closely allied with white nationalists organizations and calling themselves patriots, have been subpoenaed and will be questioned on their role in the mayhem. Thompson has openly accused Trump of inciting the uprising and conspiring with various extremist groups such as the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers. He is sure to pull no punches when it comes to interrogating the accused instigators.

Most of the hearings will probably pivot on which Trump records are made available. The other members of the committee include Republican Liz Chaney, 55, of Wyoming, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Chaney and the vice-chair of the committee; and Adam Kinzinger, 44, of Illinois, who was appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after Rep. Kevin McCarthy pulled his five appointees from sitting on the panel. He was one of the 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump. There is no fear of retribution for his outspoken criticism of his party since he is not running for re-election. But another member of the committee, Rep. Elaine Luria, 46, (D-Va.) is seeking to return to office in a district that is increasingly red. She is a retired Navy commander and actively sought to be a member of the committee. Rep. Jamie Raskin, 59, (DMd.) garnered national attention after he was the House’s impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment. In draft of the impeachment articles against Trump he minced no words. Like Kinzinger, Rep. Stephanie

Murphy, 43, (D-Fla.), is not seeking to return to office after this term. The public awaits to hear some of the shocking things she told the press she had learned about the insurrection and those involved. The only Latino on the committee is Rep. Pete Aguilar, 42, (D-Calif) and he is also the youngest. He has been very vocal about the insurrection, which he said left five dead and more than 140 police officers injured and a nation mortified. Rep. Adam Schiff, 61, (D-Calif) gathered recognition for his leading role in Trump’s first impeachment case. He chairs the House Intelligence Committee and has won favor with a number of African Americans for his praise and quotes of poet Amanda Gorman. Like Thompson, Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) is 74 and aggressively sought Trump being impeached. She chairs the House Administration Committee, and we can expect her to be no less prosecutorial during the hearings. To no one’s surprise the hearings to be covered by all the main media platforms will not be carried by Fox News, which in its absence confirms its hostility to democratic proceedings.

‘Don’t split us up’: NYC City Council redistricting begins public hearings By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member The decennial census count kicked off a whole slew of redistricting processes, including redrawing all 51 New York City Council districts. The City Council Districting Commission had its first call for public input and testimonies last Thursday, May 26. For three full hours, residents

across the boroughs provided testimonies on behalf of their neighborhoods, outlining what they ideally would like to see in their districts. There was a strong showing from the city’s Asian, South Asian, Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Indo-Caribbean, Filipino, Latino, Yemeni, Black, Guyanese, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Jewish communities. Many of the residents that spoke were from Queens, Brook-

lyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island, and members of the local coalition pushing for an equitable “unity map” for all communities of color called the APA Voice Redistricting Task Force. A desire to remain together in their neighborhoods and not be split up was a common theme among all their testimonies. “In Queens the most prominent community of interest are South Asians, predominantly Punjabi, See REDISTRICTING on page 27

Assembly and Senate leave out wrongful convictions, Clean Slate Acts By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Last week, the New York State legislative session wrapped with key criminal justice bills left out. Electeds and advocates in the city had rallied huge support for The Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act and Clean Slate Act, which are dead in the water for the time being.

Rebecca Brown, director of policy at the Innocence Project, said they were waiting with “bated breaths” last Friday when the legislative session came to a close. Brown explained that the Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act is about getting back into court to prove one’s innocence. The Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act passed in the state assembly. However it was not approved in the senate.

Prior to a few years ago, the law stated that if you plead guilty and didn’t have DNA evidence, then you had no access to the courts to appeal and clear your name later on. The bill changes that law and allows convicted individuals to petition the court if DNA evidence emerges in their cases. It specifically relates to “the requirements of discovery” in their court case, or what the prosecution has to show See WRONGFUL on page 27

By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff New Jersey’s economy is expected to get worse during the second half of the year, according to nearly 65% of the 441 certified public accountants (CPAs) surveyed by the New Jersey Society of CPAs (NJCPA) in May. An even larger percentage of respondents—68%—believed the economic conditions in the United States would get worse over the remainder of the year. Out of nearly 240 respondents who work in public accounting, the majority said they had advised an individual client to consider moving out of the state due to the high cost of living in New Jersey, while 54% advised a business client to consider relocating. Those who commented noted that taxes combined with the higher cost of living were factors. “About 20 years ago I obtained a Florida CPA license due to the migration that was heading south. It comforted my clients to know I had it,” added one respondent. Over the next 12 months, the majority of respondents said the most helpful governmental steps for businesses would be inflation-fighting measures; reducing burdensome regulations; and keeping the corpo-

rate tax rate low. As one respondent noted, “The government must make fighting inflation the biggest priority. If not, we will return to years of stagflation.” Compared to a survey completed last year at this time on the economic outlook, this year’s respondents were decidedly more negative. Last year, more than 40% of respondents said they believed the economic conditions in the U.S. would improve, and 35% believed the New Jersey economy would improve. This year, those numbers were only 9% and 7%, respectively. More than 40% of respondents considered New Jersey’s fiscal health to be fair and 39% poor. “CPAs tirelessly serve businesses and individuals throughout the state. Surveys like this give a great indication of what the business community thinks of the current environment for doing business and the potential for improvement,” said Ralph Albert Thomas, CPA (DC), CGMA, CEO and executive director at the NJCPA. The biggest challenge for the respondents’ businesses was inflation. Additional challenges cited were the availability of skilled personnel; state and fiscal policies that are unfriendly to businesses; supply chain problems; and regulatory requirements.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr.’s inaugural gala raises over $536,000 in support of city’s youth By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff More than 700 attendees celebrated Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr.’s inauguration at his “Together We Rise” Inaugural Gala, held at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City last Saturday. The after party featured a special guest appearance by Grammy Award-winning artist Mary J. Blige. The black-tie gala kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony including the mayor, his family, and executives from Harrah’s Resort, which was followed by a red carpet entrance for VIPs, local dignitaries, celebrity guests and members of the community. Small announced a goal of raising $500,000 with the gala; that target was exceeded, with the charity event raising over $536,000 for several Atlantic City youth organizations. One hundred percent of the gala’s pro-

ceeds went to the Greater Atlantic City Youth Association, Inc., a nonprofit that will provide the funds to the Atlantic City Dolphins, Atlantic City Police Athletic League, Boys & Girls of Club of Atlantic City, Empowerment Tools Coalition, and Omega by the Sea Foundation. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to raise this much money to support the youth in Atlantic City,” said Small. “I made it clear from the start that this would not be a political event, but rather a fundraiser. To have raised more than $536,000 for the children of our great city shows what can happen when great people work together for the good of Atlantic City and its future. Together, we will rise indeed.” Blige’s appearance at the official after party, also held at Harrah’s Resort, was capped off by Small presenting her with a key to the city.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Breaking barriers at Brookdale with Dr. Sandra Scott By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Dr. Sandra Scott is the executive director of the One Brooklyn Health (OBH) Brookdale Hospital Medical Center. She was appointed last June to the position, making her the first woman, physician, and person of color to have the job in the 100 years since the hospital was founded. “It wasn’t at the forefront of my mind,” said Scott about her role. “I realized that public policy and legislation really drives how health care is delivered on the frontline. And so I know there needs to be more diversity at the table when policies are made that impact communities.” Scott was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Baton Rouge. In her 20s she attended Louisiana State University for undergraduate schooling, and attended medical school in Houston, Texas. Her first job as an emergency physician was at Kings County Hospital, which is classified as a safety net hospital. A safety net hospital is a medical center mandated to treat a patient regardless of insurance and is often located in underserved communities, likely comprised of racial and ethnic minorities. “I went to Kings County in the late ’90s and that was a time when there was a lot of trauma,” said Scott. “You meet people for the first time in that very stressful encounter for them, the patient. They have to wake up and decide to come to the emergency department or they just woke up in the emergency room.” Scott said that she loves emergency medicine and having direct patient care. The bulk of the trauma people experience at Kings County, she said, is unfortunately gun violence and adamantly agrees that gun violence is indeed a public health crisis. She said that there is not enough conversation about how gun violence directly and indirectly impacts the physical, emotional, and mental health of whole families within a community. Throughout her career, Scott said she has only ever worked in safety net hospitals such as Kings County and Brookdale. Her goal is to serve and uplift communities with health and equity disparities both in the U.S. and abroad. Her first position at Brookdale was heading all three emergency departments in

Dr. Sandra Scott (Contributed photo)

June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022 • 5

THE URBAN AGENDA

By David R. Jones Policing Our Way Out of School Shootings Won’t Work

Like many others who saw the reports coming out of Uvalde, Texas, I am heartbroken and irate. The senseless murder of 19 children and two adults at Robb Elementary School, perpetuated by a young person just barely entering adulthood himself, inspires emotions that are difficult to process. Indeed, many of us have yet to process the terror that took place in Buffalo, New York just a few weeks ago, where an avowed white supremacist inspired by the great replacement theory, murdered 10 black people. Weeks have passed since the shootings in Uvalde and Buffalo. With time to reflect on this tragedy, the obvious question is how do we stop mass shootings in our schools? How do we protect our children? According to some politicians, the answer is fight fire with fire. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz conveyed this message simply in his comments on the Uvalde shooting: “We know from past experience that the most effective tool for keeping kids safe is armed law enforcement on campus.”

Black

New Yorker

Brownsville. Now she runs Brookdale Hospital from a more executive and less hands-on role, but she’s excited about the opportunity to effect change. Scott said she is appreciative of the inclusion of funding for safety net hospitals and OBH in the state’s budget. With that money, Scott said they have been busy making much needed improvements to the hospital’s infrastructure and hyper focusing on efficiency for patients. “My goal is to make some significant impact on Brookdale and OBH. There’s a lot of work to be done around on access to care,” said Scott. “I’m really focused on getting the work done that I want to accomplish here.” 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

To be sure, the Texas senator is an odious figure who has debased himself to the point of irrelevance. Even so, to some his response may seem rationale: Police stop bad guys, so get more police. However, as I recall my conversation last year with Alex Vitale, Professor of Sociology and Coordinator of the Policing and Social Justice Project at Brooklyn College, this common-sense policing solution seems disconnected with the problem at hand. Details from Uvalde confirm it. We now know that there were police officers at the scene for over an hour before they killed the shooter. Students in the classroom were calling the police actively – even as they saw their fellow classmates being killed – and the police on the scene did not act. Throwing police at this problem will not solve mass shootings at schools. Something Governor Kathy Hochul tacitly acknowledged this week when she signed a comprehensive package of gun laws that, among other things, ban the sale of semiautomatic weapons to people under 21. We applaud the governor and state legislature for enacting gun safety measures that can be a model for other states. Yet, when it comes to our schools, the evidence suggests an armed presence is not a deterrent. A 2019 study of 179 schools found that there was no relationship between the presence of school resource officers (school safety agents in New York City) and the severity of school shooting incidents. In fact, evidence suggest that the presence of armed officers may even be detrimental to the safety of young people when there is a school shooting. A recent study

in 2021 found that when there was a mass shooting at schools with an armed guard the rates of death were 2.83 times greater than schools without one. The racial dimension of policing is another factor. Think about how quickly police use violence against unarmed Black men and how slowly they did the same when an armed individual was actively shooting children in a classroom. Think about the history of policing and its origins to the “Slave Patrols,” its role in the violent suppression of unions, and its evolution into the enforcers of Jim Crow laws. Think about the 2005 Supreme Court ruling that decided police are under no obligation to protect people from harm. Think about how in New York City, punitive disciplinary policies targeting young Black and Brown male students as well as the policing of school age children ushers our young people into the school-to-prison pipeline. To be clear, this is not an attack on law enforcement. But we must think differently about policing, and we need to listen to true experts on school safety – students. For years, young people have organized and advocated for the reforms that would best serve their needs. A policy brief from New York City’s own Urban Youth Collaborative in collaboration with the Center for Popular Democracy recommends research-based preventative solutions such as guidance counselors, social workers, restorative justice, and a mental health service continuum. These sorts of interventions and support help build community and create safe spaces in our schools. Instead of pumping police into schools, we also need to improve economic conditions for our young people and their communities. Mayor Adams deserves praise for expanding the summer youth employment program. But let’s not stop there. How about subsidizing high-quality childcare, making CUNY free, and helping African Americans who were systematically excluded from homeownership buy a home and build wealth? The main takeaway here is that we need to invest in preventative measures and resist the reactive, knee-jerk forces that push us towards increased policing as a policy response. We must keep in mind that police budgets are higher than they have ever been and so are mass shootings. If we want to end the cycles of violence we see every day, we must break our old patterns and do something new. If you want to learn more about police reform, violence reduction, and restorative justice, check out the Community Service Society’s database.

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

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Eric Adams’ gun violence prevention task force faces uphill challenges after tragedy-filled weekend By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member The start of National Gun Violence Awareness Month did not halt shootings around New York City as at least 19 people were injured or killed by firearms this past weekend. Just a few days earlier, Mayor Eric Adams announced the formation of a task force to prevent such tragedies. “It’s not a big city problem, it’s an America problem,” said Adams at the press conference. “The proliferation of guns that are impacting our communities and the rise of radicalization…and so today I am announcing a new task force to formalize my Executive Order 19, it will be co-chaired by A.T. Mitchell.” The founder of the East New York community organization Man Up!, Andre T. Mitchell will serve as Adams’ new “gun violence czar.” Joining him will be Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who will serve as co-chair on the

(Bill Moore photo)

task force. Their work will be with prevention—stopping the shootings before the guns are picked up. That means job programs, youth sports and generally anything to keep at-risk youngsters busy during the hot summer months when gun violence rates

2022

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tend to spike. “There’s nobody that wants gun violence to end more than the young people who come from the neighborhoods and the people who live in this community every single day,” said Mitchell during his appointment. “And so this is

a community-driven approach. When you hear about the state or the feds and now the city, now include the community.” But Mitchell, Wright and the rest of the task-force have their work cut out for them. On Saturday, three gunrelated incidents across three different boroughs occurred, all before the sun came up. At around midnight, a 25-year-old man was shot in the Bronx after a dispute. He suffered non-life-threatening injuries. In Manhattan, three people were shot on West 129th in Harlem on Saturday. The victims are in stable condition, according to police. On the same morning, a man was shot and killed in Brooklyn: 34-year-old Bronx native Terry Webb was found unrespon-

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sive on the Cypress Hills intersection of Jamaica Avenue and Miller Avenue, later dying at Brookdale Hospital. Police are investigating all three shootings and no arrests have been made. On Sunday, two people were shot on the sidewalk in Hamilton Heights, on the intersection of West 145th and Amsterdam. The victims’ conditions are not known yet. And the weekend ended tragically with another fatal shooting. Twenty-one-yearold Brooklyn native Tyda Darden was shot and killed outside of a recording studio in Queens on the Ridgewood intersection of Summerfield. The victim and his girlfriend were expecting a child. Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member and writes about public safety for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift today by visiting: https://tinyurl. com/fcszwj8w

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

Go With The Flo FLO

L O

Music, food and friendly fandom with Super Eagles of Nigeria vs. La Tri of Ecuador

ANTHONY show’s creator, executive producer and Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall posed with Megan Thee Stallion, who has an original song on the series soundtrack. Other notable partygoers included City Girls, Wendell Pierce, Savannah James and Tasha Smith. The crowd noshed on soul food, which included shrimp and grits, crab cakes and macaroni and cheese. Patience Higgins

According to multiple media outlets, Michael B. Jordan and Lori Harvey are back on the market. In fact, the “Black Panther”/“Creed” star is no longer on the Instagram model’s social media. An insider told People they made the tough decision to end their relationship after a year and a half of dating. Rumors swirled that the duo were an item in November 2020 when they were photographed in Atlanta getting off of a private jet for Thanksgiving, before finally going public with their romance in early 2021. “Michael and Lori are both completely heartbroken,” says an insider. “They still love each other.” The source continued, “Michael matured a lot over the course of their relationship and was ready to commit for the long term. He let down his guard with her, opening up emotionally in a romantic relationship for the first time. They had great times together and brought out the best in each other.” Jordan is currently filming “Creed III.” STARZ celebrated the world premiere of “P-Valley” Season 2 on June 2 at the Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles. Members of the cast of the series, which is about a strip club in Mississippi, who attended the star-studded soiree included Nicco Annan, Elarica Johnson, Brandee Evans, Shannon Thornton and J. Alphonse Nicholson. The

Emmy award winning executive producer Tracey Washington Bagley is set to make her directorial debut with “Niko Newark.” The film is currently in pre-production and is set to start filming this summer. The focus of the film is the racial tensions leading up to the riots that gripped the city of Newark in 1967. This tragic coming-of-age film is inspired by true events that took place at City Diner in downtown Newark, New Jersey, and will be brought to audiences by Nick Dessipris of New Ark Productions in partnership with producer Rhyan St. Clair of Little King Studios. Produced by Roz Live, “Celebrating Grover” features Patience Higgins in a show that salutes the groundbreaking music of composer, producer and musician Grover Washington Jr. Producer Roz Nixon has loved Washington’s music since her childhood and she felt Higgins would bring her vision to life…and he has by encompassing Washington’s memorable top-of-the chart hits, such as “Winelight,” “Just the Two of Us” and “Mr. Magic.” On June 12, as part of an Outdoor Festival at the Black Spectrum Theater in Queens, Higgins will be joined by musical director, Daryl Johnson on piano, Thomas Gooding on bass, Kelton Cooper on vocals and lead guitar, Jason Patterson on drums and Kevin Williams on percussion for “Celebrating Grover.”

By OLAYEMI ODESANYA Special to the AmNews On Thursday, June 2, The Super Eagles of Nigeria played a friendly game against La Tri of Ecuador at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. Twenty-five thousand fans filled the stadium. They were mostly in the bright yellow shirts of the Ecuador team. Green and white Nigerian flags peppered the crowd. In the parking lot with music, and a DJ and food, Nigerian fans enjoyed the whole pageantry and friendly interaction with the Ecuadorian fans. It was a whole example of a positive international experience. This game was the first time both nations had ever played against each

other. Ecuador took the win in a score of 1-0. Within the first five minutes, Ecuador scored a point after a great cross from Angel Mena and Pervis Estupiñán. Estupiñán scored a free kick after evading his marker Chidozie Awaziem. The Super Eagles did however try to recover and played a good game but were unable to score. It was a very physical game in the second half, as the Eagles struggled to get the ball in the back of the net. This is Nigeria’s second loss in efforts to compete in the 2022 FIFA World Cup under their new coach Jose Peseiro. The Super Eagles lost to El Tri of Mexico in a score of 2-1 earlier this month. Nigeria is now currently ranked at 30th in the

FIFA ranking. “I believe we played a good game,” team captain William Troost-Ekong told the Amsterdam News. “There were a few team members we were told to look out for as we the played the game.” Ecuador earned their spot to compete in the 2022 World Cup as the

final four. They will be placed in Group A along with teams from Senegal, Qatar and Netherlands. Nigeria will compete on June 9 against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria in efforts to compete in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

(Nayaba Arinde photos)

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS O U T & A B

Harlem hosts Juneteenth Flag Raising honoring enslaved Africans who built the nation

June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022 • 9

Nightlife

Written by David Goodson

HERE IS BIG BLACK MUSIC MONTH

Harlem hosted a Juneteenth Flag Raising at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Harlem State Office Building on June 6, 2022. “Juneteenth Freedom Jubilee Celebration is to share ‘The History of Slavery’ and to memorialize its ending,” said Debra Oguamah, founder/CEO of Creating Unity in the Community and National Juneteenth Observance Foundation NYC chapter leader. “The celebration is to honor the sacrifice of our ancestors and to share the cultural heritage of slaves.”

(David Goodson photo)

(Bill Moore photos)

East Harlem hosts Stop Shooting/ Start Living march/rally East Harlem SAVE held a march/rally and Stop the Violence event in East Harlem. Nicole Myers, president of SAVE, organized a community rally on East 117th Street between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue, on June 6, in this Gun Violence Awareness month. The aim was to repeat the cry to stop the shootings. Community members and electeds spoke, including DA Alvin Bragg, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. The event was part of National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

(Bill Moore photos)

With June upon us it’s not out of the realm of thinking to assume a steady stream of 80 degree days to accompany Black Music Month!! To paraphrase Black Thought, it’s time for “that Hot Music, that Hot Music.” Actually, we got to hear him spit that in his comfort zone as the 14th Annual Roots Picnic returned in front of a live audience for the first time after 2 years of virtual performances at The Mann at Fairmount Park. For 2022 the fest was expanded to two days ( June 4th & June 5th) and the music palate of jazz (Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper), hip hop (Chief Keef, Freddie Gibbs), R&B ( Jasmine Sullivan, Summer Walker, Keisha Cole, Musiq, Durand Bernarr) and gospel (Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett) was expanded to country (Mickey Guyton). In retrospect, the weekend's highlight was the versatility of Black Thought as he demonstrated why he’s considered the emcee’s EMCEE! In one of the featured sets Black Thought’s Live Mixtape with DJ J Period, he was able to match flow, content, and theme with a diverse lineup of elite rhymers like Pharoahe Monche, Rick Ross, Benny the Butcher and M1 of Dead Prez, while reemerging later in the night with headliner Mary J Blige to admirably fill in the rap verses of her classic “What’s The 411?” For clo-

sure he returned a day later to pay homage and share space with pioneers DJ Jazzy Jeff and Rakim. This Monday, The Roots make their way down the turnpike and will grace the stage as one of the featured acts, along with special appearances by Stephanie Mills, Kamasi Washington, Ogi and Derrick “D-Nice” Jones for the 2022 Apollo Spring Benefit, the historic Theater’s largest annual fundraising event. Hosted by Emmy Award winner and SNL Cast member Kenan Thompson, the celebratory benefit concert for the iconic non-profit Theater will honor filmmaker, actor and philanthropist Tyler Perry with the Impact Award to be presented by Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg. Global investment and merchant banking firm LionTree will receive the Corporate Award. Aside from the top flight entertainment aspect or the recognition usually associated with the Apollo Spring Gala community was and remains the main impetus of the event. In light of the nation’s fiscal health, producing a fundraiser was sure to have significant hurdles. Jonelle Procope, president & CEO, Apollo Theater, provides insight, “Fundraising is always challenging but the Apollo is fortunate to See MUSIC on page 30

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Union Matters

Co-op City essential workers authorize a call to strike

32BJ workers voted to authorize a strike on Co-op City management Riverbay Corporation for a new contract (Photo courtesy of 32BJ)

By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff It’s time for a new contract, and Co-op City workers in the Bronx are looking for improvements. Late last week, hundreds of superintendents, handypersons, porters and other essential workers in the Bronx voted in favor of authorizing a strike if their needs aren’t met on a new contract with Co-op City’s management, Riverbay Corporation. “Health care is a cornerstone of

32BJ. We’ve had to fight for everything we have in our union contract: paid days off, health care, workplace protection, a pension,” stated 32BJ President Kyle Bragg. “We have no intention of giving up this battle, especially here in the Bronx—a borough that disproportionately bore the pandemic’s burden and economic downturn. We are thankful for the support of all our allies and partners as we fight for a just city and stand with us as part of that fight.” 32BJ SEIU members were joined

by elected officials and labor leaders, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, New York City Council Member Kevin Riley (D-12), from Bronx Residential and Hudson Valley District Shirley Aldebol, 32BJ Secretary-Treasurer Manny Pastreich, and others. Union leaders said they looked around the city for inspiration. All essential workers up for a new deal want wage increases and full health care with no givebacks. They saw other workers win a new contract with the

Real Estate Advisory Board. Co-op City recently refinanced loans and acquired $124 million for repairs and building improvements. Noel Ellison, general manager for Riverbay Corporation, said that there’s nothing to worry about. “We recently got their proposals; we are reviewing them,” said Ellison. “We intend to negotiate in good faith and then we tend to believe that it won’t be much of an argument of where we’re going to go and I doubt that, that there’ll be a strike. But I think, you know, we’re feeling positive that we’ll be able to reach an agreement with the union shortly.” Co-op City worker and 32BJ bargaining committee member Kimberly Hutchinson said the union had zero intention of dealing with pandemic-related economic and health recovery without a new contract that addresses their needs. “When the Bronx bounces back,

it will be because of the efforts of working people like myself and my colleagues,” stated Hutchinson. “It’s time for building management to acknowledge that truth and come to the table with a contract that respects our union and its members.” For Ellison, everything is noise and theater and the deal will get done in no time. “I think we’ve had a decent history of negotiating with 32 BJ,” said Ellison. “Number two: I think, you know, we recognize the good work that our 32 BJ workers have done particularly during this pandemic. So if there’s any issues we have, it’s monetary and we’ll review the proposals and basically, compare it to our budget. I’m not inclined to believe that if we’re going to be going to war over a contract I think we can come to an agreement relatively quickly.”

Unions celebrate passage of several bills the cost of health care, and putting affordable, quality care out of reach for hardworking individuals, including the half a million working people represented by 32BJ and the Coalition for Affordable Hospitals,” said 32BJ President Kyle Bragg. “Passing the Hospital Equity and Affordability Law (HEAL) is a significant step towards creating a more equitable healthcare 32BJ and RWDSU leaders celebrate new labor and income-friendly bills system for all New (Photo courtesy of Lepusinensis via iStock, via Twitter) Yorkers.” Albany legislators By STEPHON JOHNSON Sen. Andrew Gournades and State looked to 32BJ as inspiration Amsterdam News Staff` Assembly Member Catalina Cruz for the bill. The union’s Health (both Democrats), the HEAL Act Fund “offers prenatal and postThe end of last week/beginning “prohibits certain provisions in natal care and delivery at partof this week marked a good one health plan contracts including ner hospitals for as low as $40 for 32BJ and RWDSU. most-favored-nation provisions total out-of-pocket costs.” Last week, right before recess, and restrictions on disclosure of 32BJ, and other unions, celethe New York State Senate actual claim costs, prices or qual- brated the passing of the Wareand New York State Assembly ity in certain situations.” house Worker Protection Act, passed the Hospital Equity and The bill would go into effect Jan. which is designed to make public Affordability Law (or HEAL Act) 1, 2023. It awaits New York State the quotas that companies like that would keep health care af- Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature. Amazon use in the hopes of not fordable for low-income, mar“New York’s private hospitals interfering with “legally protectginalized New Yorkers. have gotten away with quiet- ed breaks.” New York State Sen. Sponsored by New York State ly raising their prices, escalating Jessica Ramos and State Assem-

bly Member Latoya Joyner (both Democrats) sponsored the bill, and unions and community organizations were pleased with the legislation pushing through before recess. “The warehousing industry is one of the most dangerous as well as one of the fastest growing in New York. Amazon alone opened an additional 30 facilities over the last 12 months, and we know that the serious injury rate at Amazon is 54% higher than the state’s entire warehousing industry,” stated Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) President Stuart Appelbaum. “High injury rates and dangerous work quotas, especially at Amazon, simply need to be addressed and thankfully the Warehouse Worker Protection Act helps address this urgent problem.” “For too long, Amazon has profited off the backs of workers, putting their health and safety at risk,” stated ALIGN Executive Director and New Yorkers for a Fair Economy coalition leader Maritza Silva-Farrell. “The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is a great first step to empower workers, and paves the way for New York to lead with labor in the face of corporate abuse.” ALIGN is a group made up of

small businesses, local community organizations and workers. The new legislation requires that major warehouse companies show quotas and provide copies of said quotas to workers when they’re hired and/or when the law goes into effect for current workers. This is designed for workers’ rights for lunch, bathroom and work breaks. Ramos and Joyner worked with the coalition to create language for the bill and lobby in its favor in Albany. It also awaits the governor’s signature. According to a study by the National Employment Law Project (NELP), injuries increased at New York’s Amazon warehouses by 64% during the first wave of the COVID19 pandemic. During that period, Amazon reinstated its quotas. When the AmNews contacted Amazon numerous times over the course of the past several months, the company reminded us of what they sent before. “Our teams are always thinking about new ways to help employees engage with each other,” said a spokesperson in April. “Our focus remains on working directly with our team to make Amazon a great place to work,” said a spokesperson in February.

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Opinion ‘Now they would get upset if Black people called it gerbilpox’ By JAMES C. MCINTOSH, M.D., Psychiatrist

“In my opinion, the term monkeypox is intended to be absolutely derogative,” said Boles. At a virtual conference on Op- Boles went on to say that she betimal Black Health Care during lieves the media, in their persisCOVID, held on Saturday May tent depictions of the African 28, by the Committee to Elimi- child in connection to this outnate Media Offensive to African break, is “calling the little Black People (CEMOTAP), the scien- child monkey.” Boles further tist Dr. Velva Boles, M.D., Ph.D. pointed out that the recent cases expressed her disgust with the of this disease that the media has fact that the media continues discovered were in white males. to show pictures of African chil- She might have also added, white dren covered with pustules in males with a history of male-totheir discussion of so-called male sex contact. monkeypox even though, she says, “the monkey… has little or They don’t see race or murder, nothing to do with the disease.” but they do see color

Politicking in 2022 That the bastion of constitutional rights, the veritable citadel of democracy, is attacked by a mob of angry Americans, claiming to be patriots on Jan. 6, 2021 remains, particularly for Black Americans, a sad and tragic reminder of the distance yet to travel to the promised land. If no more than to experience our democracy in action and revel in the words of Rep. Bennie Thompson and Pete Aguilar, Black and Latino Americans should give more than an occasional brush with the upcoming hearings. Like the Trump impeachment trials, which are sure to be mentioned in these proceedings, the hearings should prove to be another civic lesson, among those many of which were missed during our school days. So often, if you pay close attention, these moments can provide a motherlode of information that will not only help explain what’s at stake

from the hearings but putting that horrific uprising in context of American history. Many other similar incidents, even riots and rebellions, will be voiced and brought into play as the committee members interrogate the marauders, particularly those who have been subpoenaed for their role in the confrontation with officers trying to deflect and stop the invasion. It should be several days of the rewarding commentary, riveting exchanges to suggest again that past is prologue, and no moment more demonstrative of the nation’s divide than the agony of the Civil War. There is much to make of the insurrection and we are convinced that we have the interrogators to distill and cull from the testimonies critical lessons in the democratic process, one that is still in process, and possibly in progress through these hearings.

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To be sure, many if not most whites would not consider the monkey misnomer racist. We can suspect this because whites don’t even see the murder of Blacks as either racist or murder. Forty-six percent of Republicans and 10% of Democrats who witnessed Derek Chauvin murder George Floyd over and over on TV not only didn’t see anything racist going on but also disagreed with the guilty murder verdict. Yet imagine the furor if the Black Press used pictures of white male same sex practitioners with every mention while using the term “gerbilpox.” For those who don’t understand the reference look up “gerbilling.” It is an alleged sex act––according to PBS, on May 23, 2022, “In an interview with The Associated Press, Dr. David Heymann, who formerly headed WHO’s emergencies department, said the leading theory to explain the (current) spread of (so called) monkeypox was sexual transmission among gay and bisexual men at two raves held in Spain and Belgium.” CNBC reported

on May 25, 2022, that “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday alerted gay and bisexual men that monkeypox appears to be spreading in the (gay) community globally.”

stick out or when they put things in their noses.” In white media, Africa is always scapegoated and used as the toilet for all negative white impulses and all unpleasant issues. The decline in pollinating bees in the U.S. was “Africa, according to white attributed to African killer bees scientists, is the Petrie dish in- and the origin of COVID-19 has fecting the world” been attributed to African bats, Infectious diseases are rela- which if we follow the logic were tively nondiscriminatory if a apparently eaten by Chinese in person comes into contact with Wuhan, China. an infectious agent. Even so, from its outset to the present, “Isn’t white research and bioAIDS continues to be a disease warfare a simpler explanation?” mainly among men engaged These bizarre explanations for in male-to-male sex contact. the African origin of disease are a Yet, in 1987, Africa was again reflection of both European culscapegoated in the white press pability and white supremacist as they quoted one of the now defensive projection. There are widely discredited so-called more reasonable explanations discoverers of the AIDS virus, for the origins for all of these who blamed Africa. He attrib- diseases. Yet these explanations uted the origin of AIDs to the have been labeled conspiracy strange practices of Africans theories by whites. For instance, with the African Green Monkey. the first case of monkeypox was He was quoted on Aug. 9, 1987, discovered in research monkeys by David Remnick in the Wash- at a lab in Copenhagen, Denington Post as saying, “They do a mark in 1958. However, the first lot of funny things in Africa, like human case was not discovered when they make the lower lip See GERBILPOX on page 29

National Black Political Convention Aug. 2022 in Newark, NJ: Refocused By Brother RONALD X STEWART

The National Black Political Convention (NBPC) planned for August 2022 in Newark, New Jersey is long overdue and a much-needed active affair; it features a refocused agenda for the future of Blacks in America. The first two NBPCs took place over 50 years ago. Several generations of our people are not even aware that these events took place. The first NBPC was held in 1972 in Gary, Indiana Feb. 10-12 hosted by Gary’s first Black Mayor Richard Hatcher, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Black activist Amiri Baraka. In attendance were a cadre of politicians, religious leaders, and activists that included: Congresspersons John Conyers (Mich.) Barbara Jordan (Texas), Charles Diggs (IL), Shirley Chisholm (NY), Ron Dellums (CA); Dick Gregory, Julian Bond, Queen Mother Moore, Bobby Seal

of the Black Panther Party, Betty Shabazz, Coretta Scott King; Mayors Maynard Jackson (ATL) and Coleman Young (Detroit); also there was Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam and National Urban League President Whitney Young. The NAACP refused to attend because whites were not allowed. More than ten thousand Blacks from throughout America attended, and the theme of the convention was: IT’S NATION TIME. The 1974 NBPC was held in Little Rock, Arkansas, March 15-17 and co-chaired by Amiri Baraka, Mayor Hatcher, with participation of Daisy Bates of the NAACP and members of the Little Rock Nine. This convention theme was “Unity without Uniformity.” Many of the prominent Black leaders and politicians failed to show up. Both NBPCs debated and argued many issues, many that

were not resolved but all agreed to continue in unity for the liberation of Black people, “at home and abroad.” I included this brief history about the conventions for those who don’t know and those who have forgotten. Since these two important conventions happened, a number of Black leaders and delegates who attended, have passed. The August 2022 NBPC will take place at NJ Institute of Technology in Newark, organized by Mayor Ras Baraka and Mississippi Mayor Chokwe Lumumba. The artist and activist James Mtume was also a co-organizer, but he passed January 9, 2022. These organizers and the committed Black delegates and participants have a chance to fulfill what the two other conventions were unable to do. With the massive problems See NBPC on page 29

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS O P I N I O

June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022 • 13 N

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

ARMSTRONG

WILLIAMS

PlayStation, Nintendo and XBOX—we all recognize these names and know the iconic brands, Sony and Microsoft that are behind them, in fact almost every American has probably had their hands on a controller at some point. The gaming industry and game systems themselves have advanced since the days of the Atari and as a result, the impact that they’re having on kids today is distinctly different than merely providing a source of entertainment. Today, games such as Grand Theft Auto and first person shooters such as Call of Duty, two of the most popular games ever made, ushered in a new reality, a reality that fetishizes violence, murder, blood and gore. These games have desensitized our children and have glorified the horrors of war and gang violence. They promote these violent extremes as a mere novelty to have fun and it’s time for parents and society to ask ourselves, is this what we want our children to be consuming on a regular basis and are we prepared for the continued negative consequences that may come as a result? There is a reason our kids are becoming more aggressive and violent towards each other and even towards their own parents. Exposing children to a constant tirade of violence poses a serious risk. In fact, according to 40 years of psychological research by Brad Bushman and Craig Anderson, chronic exposure to violent media makes children more prone to exhibit aggressive and violent behavior. The research concludes the obvious, violent video games are having serious effects on our children. “Children may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others. Children may be more fear-

ful of the world around them. Children may be more likely to behave in aggressive or harmful ways toward others.” There is a reason our young people are killing each other instead of talking their problems out, there are reasons now some kids are even going to the extreme of harming their own parents over a mere disagreement. In 2010, psychologist Craig A. Anderson concluded that “the evidence strongly suggests that exposure to violent video games is a causal risk factor for increased aggressive behavior, aggressive cognition, and aggressive affect and for decreased empathy and prosocial behavior.” We have seen an increase in mass shootings by young people and gang and street violence are rising back up to levels not seen since the 1980s when crime was rampant. When I was growing up, no one could have ever imagined that we would live in a world where young people would go to school and shoot their peers because of a disagreement. We were taught to talk it out and in some instances some of the boys would certainly fight it out but they would ultimately shake hands and move one. No one ever resorted to gun violence. Those days of civility among our young men in particular are long gone. Today our kids and young people are clearly crying out for help, they’re begging us to rescue them from the trenches of violence that are a very lonely and dark place. Their behavior tells us everything we need to know, if only we would listen and help figure out ways to redirect that anger and change what types of media our kids are allowed to access. Most kids playing video games are boys whose ages range from

8 through 17 years. If a young boy starts playing video games as early as 8, imagine the impression it’s going to leave in their developing minds once they become teenagers, all they will know is violence. They will associate violence as the appropriate way to handle themselves or to solve problems, such as the case on Grand Theft Auto, where you physically assault people at will. What type of messages are these continuous images putting into the minds of our young people? In the wake of the horrific elementary school shooting in Texas on May 24, 2022, the question is, what are we going to do about this problem? Parents need to put pressure on political leaders to demand standards about the types of material our kids can have access to. How can companies market such violence to young and impressionable people while knowing that their minds are still developing and that they are still learning the ropes of life? Parents need to put pressure on gaming manufacturers to make it clear to them that standards must be raised and young kids and young teenagers should not have access to games that promote violence and death. The key lies with the parents and it’s up to parents to stand firm and say we must protect our children and the materials that they consume. What do these stalking men acting alone and beset with inscrutable motives have in common: whether in Buffalo, NY, Texas, California, or Florida? A home with no father. Sigmund Freud asserted that we become burdened with conscience or “Super-Ego” largely through father. Over the past 50 years we have seen father disappear into the mist and we are left with all manner of human misery, among which are these lonely, brooding killers. 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

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month CHRISTINA

GREER PH.D. I recently learned that June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. It seems like each week a friend has shared that a loved one is in the process of living with Alzheimers. As many know, Alzheimer’s is defined as a disease that is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia—a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that affects a person’s ability to function independently. So many friends have shared their struggles taking care of loved ones who slowly lose the ability to remember basic facts, events, friends, and even family members. With more than 3 million cases diagnosed in the U.S. alone, this disease has caused great strain on families as they try to figure out the best path of care for their loved ones. The seven signs of Alzheimer’s disease include: memory loss that affects daily life, loss of problem-solving ability, confusion about times and places, limitations with language, misplacing things, poor judgement, and personality changes. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses slowly in three general stages: early, middle and late. The stages are sometimes referred to as mild, moderate and severe in a medical context. It is important to remember that each person may experience symptoms differently. Individuals may also progress through the stages differently. Since Alzheimer’s affects people in different ways, each family may struggle or cope with Alzheimer’s disease in

different ways, and the financial toll on families may also be different. During the month of June, the Alzheimer’s Association is asking people to wear purple to raise awareness of the disease that has increasingly touched more and more communities. June 21st is the longest day of the year and is also the day with the most light, most commonly known as the summer solstice. So, on June 21st the Alzheimer’s Association is asking people from across the world to help fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice. On their website, www.alz.org, you can find resources and ways to participate at home, online or in-person. They have several ideas and ways to engage family and friends in their efforts. Whether you are personally touched by Alzheimer’s disease or just want to learn more, go to www.alz.org. You can also use #ENDALZ on social media and share why you raise awareness for Alzheimer’s. And as a preview, if you are not able to mobilize your efforts in June, September is World Alzheimer’s month. The global organizers want to shine a purple light for the 35.6 million people globally afflicted with Alzheimer’s. Whether here or abroad, we can do our part to help support individuals and families finding ways to live and thrive while dealing with Alzheimer’s. Let’s all do our part. 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 cohost of the podcast FAQ-NYC.

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Health 6 steps to get your health back on track

Since the start of the pandemic, Americans have been postponing routine care. With more Americans vaccinated against COVID-19, medical experts are urging patients to return to routine health care and get caught up on delayed or foregone preventive health screenings. “While we know that prevention is the best medicine, the pandemic has caused many Americans to delay important routine health services vital to keeping themselves and their families healthy, particularly critical

immunizations and preventive cancer screenings. We urge everyone to get up to date on their routine health care needs,” says Gerald E. Harmon, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA). According to the AMA, you and your family should take these six steps to get your health back on track: 1. Get screened: Estimates based on statistical models show that since April 2020, 3.9 million breast cancer, 3.8 million colorectal cancer and 1.6 million prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disruptions. Check in with your healthcare provider. If you’re due for preventive care, tests or screen-

ings, make an appointment. These measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious. 2. Don’t wait: An estimated 41% of adults with one or more chronic health conditions reported delaying or forgoing health care since the pandemic started. Additionally, one in three of those adults reported that doing so worsened one or more of their health conditions or limited their abilities to work or perform other daily activities. Whether you have a chronic health condition or not, don’t wait until something is wrong before seeing a doctor. If something does feel off, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. 3. Consider telehealth: If you’re uncomfortable or unable to go in person to your physician’s practice, check on telehealth options, which have greatly increased over the past two years. 4. Visit your pediatrician: During

VACCINES BRING US CLOSER Vaccination protects you from getting very sick from COVID-19.

GET VACCINATED AND STAY UP TO DATE WITH YOUR BOOSTERS. To find a vaccination site, visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4NYC.

the pandemic, pediatric immunizations decreased. As public health measures are rolled back, people gather in groups, and traveling resumes, non-COVID-19 infections that decreased during the pandemic are likely to increase again. Well-child visits and recommended vaccinations are essential to helping ensure children stay healthy and protected from serious diseases. If your child is due for a checkup, schedule one immediately. 5. Get vaccinated: Adolescents and adult immunizations also sharply declined during the pandemic and an estimated 26 million recommended vaccinations were missed in 2020 as compared to 2019. Get up to date on vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone who’s eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, including booster doses, should get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones. If you have questions, speak with your physician and review

trusted resources, including www.getvaccineanswers.org 6. Don’t neglect mental health: While mental health screenings via digital health tools are up, routine care for mental health is down. Approximately 52% of adults with mental health conditions delayed or forewent care since the pandemic began. Given the adverse effects the events of the past two years have had on mental health, such as increasing anxiety, depression and loneliness, it’s especially important to prioritize this aspect of your health now. For more resources, visit www. ama-assn.org “We encourage everyone to contact their trusted medical professional to schedule their annual physical and other vital care to help prevent serious health repercussions that could potentially last long past the pandemic,” says Dr. Harmon. (StatePoint)

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June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022 • 15

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AMERICANS FOR NONSMOKERS’ RIGHTS

BIG CITIES HEALTH COALITION

PROTECT KIDS. ADVANCE HEALTH EQUITY. SAVE LIVES. THE FDA HAS OUR FULL SUPPORT TO PROHIBIT MENTHOL CIGARETTES AND FLAVORED CIGARS. For decades, Big Tobacco has targeted Black Americans, kids and other communities with menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, profiting at the expense of lives and health. By advancing rules to prohibit these flavored tobacco products, the FDA is taking historic action to save lives and protect future generations from addiction. This lifesaving policy must be finalized and implemented without delay.

TOBACCOFREEKIDS.ORG/STOPMENTHOL Paid for by Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund

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Caribbean Update

Dirty race, slavery row erupts in Trinidad By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews A nasty race row between the Indo leader of Trinidad’s main opposition party and a cabinet minister over Blacks and slavery has led to widespread condemnation and political unease in the twin island republic with Tobago that is already plagued by serious racial distrust between the two main racial groups. The latest row has its genesis in remarks made by former prime minister and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the weekend when she attacked Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis, telling her that she is proud of her own Hindu ancestral name compared to the minister who has long lost her African roots and heritage because of slavery. Persad-Bissessar had accused the minister of repeatedly and unnecessarily calling her name at public campaign forums but more

importantly, some political activists and members of her own United National Congress (UNC) are openly accusing her of race-baiting as preparations for the 2025 general elections slowly crank up. Like in neighboring Guyana and Suriname with large Asian Indian populations, lingering and sometimes bitter tensions between the two race groups date back decades to the immediate post slaveryemancipation period when the British brought Indian indentured servants from the continent, treated them better than freed slaves, and did all in their power to stir animosity between them. Persad-Bissessar’s party is also fighting to take political control of Trinidad in much the same way fraternal parties have done in Guyana and Suriname where they have dislodged Afro governing parties in recent years. These three countries are by far the most resource rich in the 15-nation Caribbean

“The latest row has its genesis in remarks made by former prime minister and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the weekend when she attacked Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis.” Community (Caricom). Many who listened to the former PM’s remarks seem to think that she deliberately made the point to both strengthen her position in the party and to rally her base ahead of internal party elections in the coming weeks. Some influential Indians have even started an online petition to have her removed as the UNC leader, aware of the damage that she could have done to race relations and the party’s chances in the next election. They also think these remarks will come back to haunt her going forward. “What problem you have with my name? What’s

wrong with my name? Camille, at least I have the name of my ancestors. Where you got yours from? Your name is that of a slave-master,” she said to dropped jaws. The African Emancipation Committee says it is at a loss to make the link between simple political attacks on the campaign trail and an open reference to race at the most basal level. “In an environment of racial division and sensitivities forged in the cauldron of colonial divide-and-rule, it is advisable that highly sensitive cultural issues not be reduced to political jabs by persons who are seen as

leaders, and more so when they are seen as leaders of ethnic groups,” Guardian Media quoted the body as saying. “In fact, the minority whites who colonized and exploited us both saw advantage in using cultural differences to maintain their control. The after-effects of the process that forced us to abandon our names, languages, spiritual beliefs and even our positive emotional connection to the African continent are still with us.” As the campaign heats up, the governing Afro-dominated People’s National Movement (PNM) which has a three-seat majority in

the 41-member parliament is expected to use Kamla’s outburst to good effect, but whether this will increase political and racial tensions is left to be seen. The Express newspaper, for example, quoted former UNC minister Devant Maharaj as questioning Kamla’s judgment in a number of areas over the years, contending that her latest outburst makes her unfit to lead in a multiracial society. “This is the same Kamla that spoke about a ‘Blackman’ not ‘blankman’ in the 2020 elections and aired a number of racist advertisements that depict Afro-Trinidadians in a derogatory manner. How can Kamla’s UNC hope to attract any substantial potential voter when there is this continuous racial undertone on the platform of the UNC?” Locals are adding to the online petition with each passing hour even as the party prepares for internal elections in a matter of days.

Caribbean American Kamala’s snub FELICIA PERSAUD

IMMIGRATION KORNER It’s another National Caribbean American Heritage Month in the United States, the 16th since it was proclaimed by President George W. Bush in June 2006 to celebrate the millions of Caribbean Americans in the U.S. and those who have been here since slavery, including Denmark Vesey. It’s also National Immigrant Heritage Month, Pride Month and Black Music Appreciation Month. However, as far as the U.S.’ Caribbean American, Black and Asian VP is concerned, it’s only Pride Month, a.k.a., Lesbian,

Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, And Intersex Pride Month, 2022. VP Kamala Harris’ snub of Caribbean American Heritage Month, and even National Immigrant Heritage Month and Black Music Appreciation Month, comes despite her strong roots in the Caribbean through her Jamaican father, her Black race due to him, and most of all her immigrant heritage, thanks to both parents. Add to that the fact that she is supposedly the nation’s immigration czar and one can see how politically unsound Harris’ action is, to say the least. However, on Twitter, Harris has gone ahead and changed her cover on the social media platform to state simply: “Happy Pride

Month” as of June 1st. I’m assuming she will be keeping it that way all month. Harris has also chosen to simply ignore the other months as she tweeted only: “For me, Pride Month has always been a joy-filled celebration. It is also a reminder that the fight for full LGBTQI+ rights continues. This month, and every month, let us continue to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community and march ahead. Happy #Pride.” Her actions come despite the fact that President Joe Biden, in the White House’s own proclamation on National Caribbean American Heritage Month, pointed to Harris’ Caribbean heritage as part of the administration’s recognition of Carib-

bean Americans this June. “This month, our nation also celebrates the extraordinary leadership and achievements of Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black American of Jamaican heritage to hold this high office,” the proclamation stated, while also adding: “Every day, we see the invaluable contributions Caribbean American communities have made to our country.” Perhaps this proclamation was missed by Harris or is not important enough in “Harris’ America.” But did she also miss the proclamations on National Immigrant Heritage Month, and Black Music Appreciation Month or is she just simply unaware that June is also a cel-

ebration of other segments of Americans? I have nothing against the LGBTQ community, and they have a right to be celebrated with their own month. But let’s also remember that there are Black, Caribbean and immigrant people who also deserve to be celebrated in June. Harris, as the immigration czar, should know that––at least if she has a renewed ambition to be president. If President Biden decides to not run for re-election in 2024, Harris would very well be the obvious heir apparent. But her track record to date proves she will be a very weak candidate and likely invite multiple highprofile challengers from her own Party line.

Many political strategists also don’t think she has the juice to compete in a general election against Republican candidates such as Donald Trump, should El Trumpeto run again. I have to agree. Harris’ latest snub, plus her track record––or lack of it since becoming veep––is reason for Democrats to worry. One thing is clear––she will not be able to get the massive outpouring of Caribbean or immigrant votes as the ticket did in 2020. She has done zero for this block and deserves nada. The reality is we are all in big trouble come 2024, all because of Kamala Harris. The writer is publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com – The Black Immigrant Daily News.

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Arts & Entertainment

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Dance pg 17 | Music pg 19 | Food pg 22 | Jazz pg 23

Your Stars

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater spotlights love

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey’s “Revelations” (Dario Calmese photo)

BY ZITA ALLEN Special to the AmNews One of the most beloved dance companies in the world today, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, is spotlighting “LOVE” during its upcoming New York season, June 15-19 at Lincoln Center with works that reassure us that love, actually, is all around us. The season kicks off Wednesday, June 15, with the Contemporary Creators program featuring the world premiere of AAADT Resident Choreographer Jamar Roberts’ “In a Sentimental Mood.” Described as an intimate scene from the domestic life of a couple that becomes an exploration of love and desire, the work promises to reflect Roberts’ marvelous mix of lushly imaginative movement and mesmerizing musicality. It’s set to an original composition by Duke Ellington and four jazz standards given an avant-garde twist by composer Rafiq Bhatia. Sharing the program is Aszure Barton’s “Busk,” an episodic look at the nature of performance and the artists’ onstage vulnerabilities, and Ailey’s masterwork “Revelations,” which is an inspiring finale for each performance. The Contemporary Creators program re-

peats on June 18 which has been dubbed Ailey Pride Night, with a Dancers Responding to AIDS appeal to raise funds essential for those battling the illness. The season also includes a Masterful Movement program on Friday, June 17, which highlights 20th century trailblazers with the company premiere of Paul Taylor’s “Duet,” Battle’s “Mass” and Ailey’s brilliant fusion of classical ballet, modern dance and jazz in “The River,” which he choreographed in 1970 for American Ballet Theatre. Friday also features a love-infused farewell celebration of long-limbed, dynamic AAADT dancer Jacqueline Green who has dazzled audiences for over a decade. Audiences will be treated to Green’s artistry in “The River,” “Mass,” and “Revelations.” Other season highlights include an Ailey Spirit Gala, on Thursday, June 16,, showcasing the AAADT, rising stars of Ailey II, gifted young dancers from The Ailey School, and blossoming talents from AileyCamp, spotlighting and celebrating Battle’s 10th anniversary as artistic director. Battle’s warm and charismatic leadership continues to nurture and sustain the Ailey legacy and its celebration culminates

Artistic Director Robert Battle with the cast of “Love Stories” finale (Paul Kolnik photo)

on Saturday, June 18, during the Family Matinee with such Battle beauties as “Ella,” “For Four,” “In/Side,” “Love Stories” finale, “Mass,” “Takademe,” a new production of his swirling duet “Unfold,” and a postperformance discussion with Battle. Just as this season highlights Battle’s choreographic brilliance it also spotlights his phenomenal leadership which is reflected both in the performances as well as in his continuation of another aspect of the Ailey legacy, the nurturing of dancers’ choreographic talent. Evidence of that is reflected in the resident choreographer slot currently filled by Jamar Roberts whose previous works on the company have included the critically acclaimed ”Members Don’t Get Weary” (2017), “Ode” (2019), “A Jam Session for Troubling Times” (2020), “Holding Space” (2021) and “Gemeos,” which was set on Ailey II. Roberts has smoothly transitioned from a critically acclaimed career as an Ailey dancer performance to that of choreographer for the AAADT and others. While he has received commissions from companies as diverse as the New York City Ballet, BalletX, The Juil-

Resident Choreographer Jamar Roberts and Artistic Director Robert Battle (Andrew Eccles photo)

liard School and Fall for Dance, creating “In a Sentimental Mood” for the AAADT feels, Roberts says, like home. Of course, he’s thrilled at the opportunity to work with such a stellar roster of companies and, judging by the way the dancers from those companies sing his praises saying his choreography provides space for their skills and souls to shine, the feeling is mutual. Working with other companies can sometimes seem “like a blind date” where everyone has to get to know one another yet Roberts, ever the thoughtful gentle giant, maintains his focus as well as a strong sense of who he is and what he wants to say. His works for

the AAADT, however, seem borne of a certain kind of intimacy—after all this is family. Now, with this new piece Roberts says he wants to “channel love.” Indeed the entire AAADT season seems designed to show that in these challenging times, love seems to be a revolutionary concept. “I was reading the late culture theorist bell hooks’ ‘All About Love,’ and there’s a quote where she says she feels that the United States are moving away from love and in some ways I think that making a dance about love comes from a very deep place,” Roberts says, capturing the essence of the upcoming Ailey season’s celebration.

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

June 2022 Dance Calendar By CHARMAINE PATRICIA WARREN Special to the AmNews

more information visit https:// Park Picnic Performances, Tif- edu/culturearts/events/pernewdancealliance.org/perfor- fany Rea-Fisher curates the forming-arts.shtml mance-mix-festival/ Contemporary Dance series June 14-16 – At Roulette, June 9-11 – Danspace Proj- with contemporary dance Nami Yamamoto will presTopping this month’s calen- ect’s Platform 2022: The Dream from EMERGE125 under ar- ent “Trooper’s Brother,” a work dar is Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane of the Audience (Part II) con- tistic director, Rea-Fisher and that began in 2018 and was enCompany (June 9-12) at PEAK cludes with the premiere of tap from Ayodele Casel (6/10), couraged by one of YamamoPerformances in Montclair “Sensoria: An Opera Strange,” then Ballet Hispánico’s social to’s dancers, Anna Vomacka. New Jersey with the world pre- a new work by mayfield brooks. Latin dance class, tap from The dancers will explore movemiere of “Curriculum II.” Conceived and directed by artistic Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Company’s “Curriculum II” (Maria Baranova photo) director, Jones, choreographed by Jones with associate artistic director Janet Wong and the Company, “Curriculum II” is described in the release: “A poetic quilt of text, narration as philosophical lecture, live singing, and soundscore, ‘Curriculum II’ features the rich archive of Jones’ movement phrases, which are mostly non-theatrical, non-psychological, nonnarrative, and made with the intention of clarity and form.” Jones adds, “I have oscillated between two or more polarities my entire career: love, mortality, and what it means to be human.” “Curriculum II” is also a highlight of the Company’s 40th anniversary season. For more information visit https:// www.peakperfs.org/event/curriculum-ii/2022-06-09/ ALSO THIS MONTH: June 7-16 – National Stardust’s The Future Is…Festival which supports work by composers and choreographers developing new work through residencies co-produced with the Center for Ballet and the Arts at NYU will feature composer Molly Joyce and choreographer/dancer Jerron Herman (6/9), plus conversations and inventive brainstorming with Miriam Parker, Brianna Mims, Alice Sheppard, Nona Hendryx, and many others (6/14 and 6/15). For more information visit https://nationalsawdust.org/ June 9-12 – New Dance Alliance (NDA) returns with the 36th annual Performance Mix Festival bringing together 30 artists curated by New Dance Alliance founder and director Karen Bernard and artist panel including Martita Abril, Leslie Cuyjet, Camilo Godoy, Johnnie Cruise Mercer, and Marion Spencer. The festival will take place at Abrons Arts Center’s Experimental Theater and Amphitheater. For

Audiences are encouraged to arrive at sunset, by 7:30 p.m. The series is curated by Judy Hussie-Taylor, the Platform marked Danspace’s return to live performance after 2 years. For more information visit https://danspaceproject.org/ calendar/mayfield-brooks/ June 10 – In associati on with Dance New Jersey, NJPAC will present the winners of the Jersey (New) Moves Fellowship Program with choreographers Hillary-Marie, Sameena Mitta, Katelyn Halpern, Kristilee Maiella and Kiana Rosa Fischer. They will be mentored by New Jersey professionals Carolyn Dorfman, Sam Pott, and Andy Chiang. For more information visit https://www.njpac.org/ event/jersey-new-moves/ June 10-11 – As part of Bryant

Music From the Sole and ’ contemporary dance from Dance Heginbotham (6/11). For more information visit https://bryantpark.org/programs/contemporary_dance June 11 – Dancing in the Light at St. Nicholas Park will feature performances by Music from the Sole, Jerome Hunter of LaRocque Bey School of Dance Theatre, Sonia Olla & Ismael Fernandez Flamenco Company and Les Ballet Afrik. For more information visit https://citycollegecenterforthearts.org/shows/3319/ June 12 – Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company will celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival and more in an afternoon performance at Hostos Center for Arts and Culture. For more information visit https://www.hostos.cuny.

ments by manipulating objects from body parts with Takemi Kitamura and Leah Ogawa. For more information visit https:// roulette.org/event/nami-yamamoto-troopers-brother/ June 14-18 – Gibney Company will have their season titled Up Close at NYLA with three world premieres: “Re | Build | Construct” by Rena Butler, “Dance Me to the End of Love” by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano, and “A Measurable Existence” by Yin Yue. For more information visit https://newyorklivearts.org/event/up-close/ June 15-19 – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts after a three-year absence that caps a decade of Artistic Director Robert Battle’s leader-

ship. Featured works for the season is Ailey Resident Choreographer Jamar Roberts’ “In a Sentimental Mood,” Paul Taylor’s “DUET,” Aszure Barton’s “BUSK,” plus the Ailey Spirit Gala which brings together dancers from Ailey II, The Ailey School, and stu-

dents from AileyCamp, and so much more. For more information visit https://www. davidhkochtheater.com/tickets-and-events/alvin-aileyamerican-dance-theater June 16-18 – At Gibney, as part of the Spotlight Series, Soles of Duende artists Amanda Castro (Tap), Arielle Rosales (Flamenco) and Brinda Guha (Kathak) will present the evening titled Can We Dance Here? For more information visit https://gibneydance.org/ event/spotlight-soles-of-duende/2022-06-18/ June 21-26 – At The Joyce Theater, see Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana in “FRONTERAS” created by flamenco artists José Maldonado and Karen Lugo, with live accompaniment and an original score by

Jose Luis de la Paz. For more information visit https://www. joyce.org/performances/flamenco-vivo-carlota-santana June 22-25 – For their 46th season, the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center will present their PEEKS Works-InDevelopment program featuring works by Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Dylan Santos, plus works by Winston Dynamite Brown, Courtney Renee Cochran, Tommie-Waheed Evans and Francesca Harper. Performances will be held at the Mark O’Donnell Theater. For more information visit https://www. thelmahill.org/events June 22-25 – The Chocolate Factory Theater will present the world premiere of Protecting Complexity with the Star Pû Method, a new eveninglength performance by Larissa Velez-Jackson. For more information visit www.chocolatefactorytheater.org June 22-26 (Virtual) –WHITE WAVE Dance presents the 21st annual Virtual Dumbo Dance Festival featuring 60 national and international companies including Buglisi Dance Theatre, A.L.A.H., Limón2, Hyonok Kim Dance Arts and two of the most eclectic companies from South Korea: chagmu center|KIM / MEA JA, UBIN Dance|Na-Hyun Lee, WHITE WAVE Young Soon Kim Dance Company and more. For more information visit www.whitewavedance.org June 24-26 – At Abrons Arts Center, see “Heera,” a duet created and performed by choreographer Mariana Valencia and Abrons Arts Center Urban Youth Theater student Heera Gandu. According to the release, “Heera” “uses dance and dialogue to share stories about the role of public space in coming of age.” For more information visit https://www. abronsartscenter.org/program/heera/ June 27 – Choreographer Parijat Desai with her Company, parijatadancecompany will offer an in-process showing of “How Do I Become WE” at Gibney Dance Center. For more information visit https://www.parijatdesai. org/events/2022/5/30/howdo-i-become-we-in-processshowing

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June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022 • 19 I

Nikki Giovanni, Javan Jackson talk ‘The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni’ By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH Special to the AmNews Nikki Giovanni is known for her profound presence as a groundbreaking Black poet. Considered the “Poet of the Black Revolution” for her leading role in the Black Arts Movement which stemmed from the powerful era of the Black Power and Civil Rights Movement, Giovanni has given the world over 20 poetry collections from 1986 through 2020. Musically, she has recently decided to explore a collaboration with jazz saxophonist, Javon Jackson, who in 1987 played as a member of the iconic jazz group Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Both artists, musician and poet, have come together to create an album of gospel and Black spirituals under the title “The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni.” The music is transcendent and Giovanni takes a moment to lend her singing voice to a small portion of the mainly instrumental jazz record which also includes pianist Jeremy Manasia, bassist David Williams and drummer McClenty Hunter. Giovanni and Jackson spoke to the Amsterdam News about their new album and the impact of their joining as one of this project. The group will perform at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on June 11 with Little Simz.

much to be brought—I don’t want to say up-to-date because they’re never not going to be not up-to-date. Anything that gives you comfort for 300 years, it ought to give you comfort now. Those songs offer so much. When I hear “Don’t Open My Mouth to the Lord/ That I never will turn back/I shall go see what the end shall be.” I thought, yeah you need that because that gives you the strength to go and see what the end will be.

Nikki Giovanni and Javon Jackson (Shaban R. Athuman photo)

me with the doctorate, one of [Jackson’s] students (Michael) sat down at the piano—there’s a baby grand there. He started playing spirituals. We had been hearing “Steal Away” on the way over, and I had commented to Javon how much I love spirituals. And Michael sat down and started playing it. I guess there were about five or six of us. We started singing… well, I can’t sing. They started singing! I was singing along with them and it was just wonderful. [Before] we had to leave Javon said, “We ought to do something.” And I said, “My goodness, yes!” You know how people say it but they don’t mean it? We heard back from him; he said “Send me some of your [favorite spirituals].” And I did. [To Jackson] I was listening to us, Javon, and I realize AmNews: How did this proj- you tell a story. You’re not just ect, ‘The Gospel According showing off; you’re telling a to Nikki Giovanni” come into story with that sax. fruition? Javon Jackson: Well, I’m Nikki Giovanni: [After] humbled by that. I appreciate Javon had invited me up to the that. school to speak to his students, [To Jordannah Elizabeth] I think he twisted the arm of Like you’re a fan, your mother’s his president to honor me with a fan, I’m a fan. I wanted Nikki an honorary doctorate. Which to come to the university and was wonderful. speak to the students about It was a really, really snow her first-hand thoughts on day up there in Massachu- things, and her life, from her setts. I thought, “Oh, nobody’s own lips. For me it’s been such gonna come out.” Actual- a blessing from that point; now ly, we had a wonderful group. to continue to have a relationAfter the president presented ship with her, to have done

music together (we got some touring coming up)…I’m on cloud nine. AmNews: How did your experience and understanding of Black spirituals inspire this project? Giovanni: We moved to Cincinnati [when] I was a baby. There was no Baptist church near where we lived, so Mama became AME. But my grandmother—I lived with my grandmother most of my teenage years—and Grandpa were Baptist. And of course church opened every Sunday. I’m always sad when children don’t go to church be-

cause they think church has something to do with religion, which maybe it does. But mostly church has something to do with community. The kids had to go to Sunday school, which we did. You get ice cream at Carter-Roberts drug store but you had to be back at church on time. You had to be sitting down when the choir walked through. I always sat with Grandma; Grandpa was a deacon, so he sat with the deacons. And you heard “What a Fellowship.” I know the Jazz Messengers and I know saxophones. When we started talking about this project, I really wanted some of the songs that I love so

Jackson: I agree with everything Nikki mentioned. For me it’s been interesting because once I got these choices of Nikki’s it gave me a chance to go back and do some listening to these incredible artists. Whether it’s Sweet Honey and The Rock, Moses Hogan, Jesse Norman, Etta James. It gives me such great appreciation of these lyrics, sung by these incredible people. When I got these choices I just wanted to make sure that I could at least have the proper emotion and the delivery that these artists do when they deliver these lyrics. They’re telling a story and also sending messages to each other during that time, about what they were enduring. We see one side, which is the tremendous strife struggle. And then the other side is the hope and love, belief that things will get better. Not for them maybe, but they got better for us. So we’re trying to do our best, for what we’re enduring, to make it better for the rest. And that’s the reason I reached out to someone like Nikki to talk to the students. It’s time for us to take the baton. She passed it. It’s time for the rest of us to run the race.

you take him at his word and do your part. Take advantage. There are so many talented people in the younger generation. It’s time for you all to hook up and take a chance. Javon could have said “I wish I had time…” He had another album planned and he made the change to be able to work with me on this. And that was a dare that he took with his career. And I’m just so proud he was willing to share it with me. We have one song on the album, “Night Song,” that is not a spiritual. But Nina Simone was a friend of mine and it was her favorite song. So I said to Javon “Do you think we can add this?” He said yes. I said “Do you think I can sing it?” And he was kind enough and said yes (because I’m not a singer). But his saxophone is so beautiful behind it. I wanted to do that for Nina. I’m so sorry Nina is listening to it in Heaven and not on Earth because she would just love it. Javon says “Night Song” is the highlight of the album.

Jackson: Everyone likes “Night Song” the best because it was such a shock to see this piece being sung by Nikki. On The New York Times it was a Top Select in [their] Gospel Journal. Everyone says it’s very reminiscent of Billie Holliday. Billie Holiday to me was a storyteller through her words. Music is an aural art, and so it comes from the ear. The music is passed on from wordof-mouth, generation passing it on the [next] generation. Reach out to these incredible folks that we stand on the shoulders of—they’re right in front of us. Connect. We have the same kind of belief in love. I’m very honored; we haven’t AmNews: Nikki, what would started touring yet. I’m lookyou like the next generation to ing forward to it. The CD came take from this album? out about a week ago. We got a lot more things to do publicly Giovanni: When you find with it. The band is so happy— someone as incredible and they’re going to be on-stage wonderful and as talented as with Nikki! Javon Jackson, who’s willing to work with you, who says “Why For more information about don’t we do something?”— their show visit: www.bam.org

20 • June 9, 2022 - June 15, 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 9, 2022 — June 15, 2022 Rebirth of a New Nation:Mercury stationed direct on June 3 at 26 degrees in Taurus. Then, Saturn retrograde began on June 4 at 25 degrees Aquarius, joining Pluto in retrograde at 28 degrees Capricorn in the ethers.

Mercury delivers the message, with lessons loud and clear, felt in the heart, minds, and souls of folks from the Goddess, Gods, and rulers. Now, Saturn is passing out the homework assignments to work out any issues at hand, then reviewing the assignments before going direct again on October 24, 2022. Make amends, cutting the ties that bind you, and finalize projects and bets. Work on decoding and knowing your numerical vibration. It’s time for healing and affirming yourself moving forward, and Pluto is active to drop and burn the excess deadweight to let it go for once and for all, for the progression forward. Messages, codes, symbols, Vinateria signals, ancestors, spirits guides, and angels are all floating while dropping jewels into the physical realms. Keep your head up on a righteous path. “Signs and symbols rule the world, not words nor laws.”—Confucius

When starting a new agenda or going in a new direction, first When one’s mind is made up, you act upon it, upping take baby steps before you can see results. In the process of dethe ante of your return on investments. Be mindful of the words you choose, and the tone of the vibrations that go Capricorn velopment, you may trip, stumble, shake, crawl, walk, skip, and Cancer hop before things take off running on a smooth path. Just before with them. Things are revealed to you when you’re ready to Dec 22 June 22 Jan 21 July 23 your very eyes the things you envision in your mind become a rereceive them when you open your heart. You got an inkling ality. The main ingredients are you and your growth with the reabout something, so follow up on that hunch. You’re a maslationships to have faith; even when the tough was getting tougher you never termind now so get it done. gave up. You became resistant to the resistance, becoming unstoppable. Keep climbing Cappy. The universe conspires in what you ask for. Serendipity plays a role in this cycle in your affairs. Whatever news, projects, or guests show up this week are a divine The best part about this cycle is following your gut instinct. play from the universe. Exploit what talents or ideas are Leo When you do, it’s a double-win situation. You’ll notice you given to you that add to your creation. What may seem like July 24 being more in tune with other folks’ emotions, due to your a force to be reckoned with, is working with the energy preAug 23 Aquarius strong intuitive nature. People will seek your counsel and vice sented on a plane that advances to the next phase. Money Jan 22 versa on a project or for a second opinion. Be mindful of talkcomes in an unforeseen way. Give thanks to the ancestors Feb 19 ing on the phone and cooking, leaving things on the stove, for having the eyes to see and bring forth gifts at a moment’s notice. and burning the pots and pans in the kitchen. Watch your step as well: you may notice slight bumps or cuts and bruises, as a result of being a bit When you formulate your recipes into a product or serclumsy, occurring this week. May the gift of gab be with you this cycle. vice for purchase, it’s a win-win situation. You’re now ready to take on a much bigger role. You’ve taken off the training Money coming in and out. When you spend money, you receive wheels, and now riding with no hands as your body steers Virgo Aug 24 more money at a fast and or slow pace depending on what obliyou in the direction where you need to go. You understand Sept 23 gations and lessons needed to be learned. A thorough evaluation the power within you is being activated to share your knowlPisces of your habits, finances, business, home, and personal relationedge. In addition, offers classes, courses, and sample demos Feb 20 ships, has your attention. Think your way through the situation to guide others on their journey. Mar 20 as the answers you seek are within. Get out of your own mind. These weekly cycles may consist of death, rebirth, transformation, rearrangPublishing, finances, relationships, and personal matters ing the home, revamping your appearances, and changing your dietary laws. are all in transit for modification and change. This is a cycle of fulfillment, endings, or receiving messages beyond the Libra This week may find you on the go here, and then being pulled infinite realms contacting you about things forthcoming Sept 24 in one direction after another. There’s a message from the globally, also as a personal favorite. Women play a huge role Oct 23 divine creator where you need to find time and sit in silence during this weekly cycle, as someone may need counsel. You Aries to be on the receiving side. You are fast to sleep this cycle, and need a favor, or someone else needs something done. WorkMar 21 Apr 21 then suddenly rejuvenated with a jolt of energy. Prioritize your ing in unity or partnership is the key. Classified information may happen schedule so there’s nothing overlapping. You’re in the spotlight to hit your ears while minding your own business, or through no fault of so give it your best shot this week. your own.

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It’s time to change the game even more now to rebuild its Out of all the signs, you’re the deep penetrating one who structure to guide a new era of a rising generation. It’s giving the sees through a person from a distance. Mercur y, the mesnew generation the truth to see the light, and darkness within senger of Gods, is here to deliver you a message. This is Scorpio themselves to reconstruct from within with the tools needed. high telepathy, clair voyance, and a surreptitious kind of Apr 22 Oct 24 May 21 Not the tools provided by society. The kind of tools you teach in week where you almost drop the hot pot on the floor. Slowly Nov 22 person, and guide them by their faith, and not by sight. You have digest the news, as it will come in all forms by way of prothe vision to give it shape, expression, and meaning. Making it make sense phetic visions. No need to sound the first Saturday of the as it appears that common sense has been thrown out the window nowadays. month alarm. It is what it is.

 Taurus

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Mentally, you’re on a roll with an arrogant attitude in your deSuccess is written in the stars in many forms through netlivery. At this point, you’re not here to play games, but rather to working, with a har vest bearing fruit where things that were teach folks something to their benefit that’ll knock their socks off. postponed are now being processed. You’re taking the lead Gemini Information that comes from you is spread far and wide and inSagitarius by all means necessar y. You got the power of information May 22 ternally, reaching the ears of folks. This is your harvest month to and know-how to bring folks together for a common cause Nov 23 June 21 Dec 21 receive great returns from the previous seven months. You’ve apand effect. Your heart and mind being balanced are key plied yourself, plus equipped yourself with a vast array of knowlduring this cycle to keep you level-headed. You have nothedge. You know exactly where you’re heading. ing to lose and all things to gain with experiences as your teacher.

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

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

June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022 • 21 I

Donna Brazile, Michael Steele talk election reform at 92Y By NADINE MATTHEWS Special to the AmNews In the spirit of trying to find common ground on election reform, Donna Brazile and Michael Steeel recently came together for a free online conversation for the 92nd Street Y’s website. A member of the Democratic Party, Brazile was the first African American woman to direct a major presidential campaign, acting as campaign manager for Al Gore in 2000. She is also a political analyst for ABC News and has twice been chair of the Democratic National Committee. Michael Steele is the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, was the first African American chair of the Republican National Committee, is a political analyst for MSNBC and is a regular columnist for The Root. He is also host of the Michael Steele Podcast. Steele and Brazile sat down to discuss election reform, an issue made all the more urgent in the midst of midterms, and the allimportant 2024 election looming on the horizon. The talk was

ticipate in this wonderful, wacky experiment we call America, then this doesn’t work.” The discussion also touched on HR4 also known as The John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which aims to restore enforcement provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that were struck down in 2013 by the Supreme Court. The Senate failed to vote for it, with House Minority Leader Mitch McConnell reasoning that since it is already against the law to discriminate in voting based on race, the bill is unnecessary. Steele chimed in with his opinion on McConnell stating, “He’s dead wrong. He knows it and everyone knows it.” Later discussion pointed to the changing demographics of the country as the real reason for Mc(L-R): Donna Brazile, Michael Steele, and Jacqueline Adams (www.92Y.org photo) Connell and his party’s current moderated by Emmy Award-win- widespread fraud in the 2020 elec- that has been weakened, and it’s stance. “There is no spirit inside ning journalist Jacqueline Adams. tions and even that Joe Biden was being drained of trust. And if we the party to engage in that space They focused on three key areas: not legitimately elected as presi- don’t take proven steps to revital- in a vigorous way. In other words, faith in elections, federal election dent. ize our democracy, I think we’re in to fight for that to support the law reform, and new state election Brazile replied, “There are many trouble.” John Lewis Act,” stated Steele. “So reforms. steps that we can take, but we Added Steele, “If you don’t fun- it is incumbent now on others to Adams pointed out that con- have to get as much of a partisan- damentally believe that those do that. And that falls back on we trary to overwhelming evidence ship out of it as possible and we’ve who don’t look like you, live where the people.” of the opposite, many Americans got to focus on it in terms of de- you are, do not come from your Brazile agreed with Steele’s continue to believe there was mocracy itself. This is a system background, have any role to parSee 92Y on page 23

22 • June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

AmNews FOOD NYC Vegetarian Food Fest goes beyond food (Eileen Barett photos)

Healing with Michelle of The Noble Touch

Enjoying the vegan Southern fried chicken

By EILEEN BARETT Special to the AmNews What should have been a 25minute commute took well over an hour, because the city was abuzz with street fairs and mini parades. As I sat in traffic, I thought to myself, “This better be good.” What I (eventually) experienced was a wellness event that had something to satisfy not only my palate, but my mind and body as well: The 10th anniversary of the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival (NYCVFF) whose theme was “Heal NYC.” As someone who is sensitive to certain textures of food, I entered the festival with an open mind and a willingness to try new things. My first stop was SAMall Marketplace run by husband-and-wife team Chevoy and Chantel. They

create and sell all-natural products for all skin types with a focus on healing for melanated skin. In addition to their product line, they have a diversity group and marketplace to help advance community and workplace equality. Check them out at www.TheSAMall.com. After picking out some bath salts for myself, I was ready to try some food and I made my way over to the Philadelphia-based I Love Joose company. They were serving up lemonades made with sea moss and a vegan southern fried chicken that made me want to shimmy. My favorite part of the day was an energy healing session at the Noble Touch booth, a non-profit that empowers individuals to take control of their own healing. For 15 minutes, I sat with my eyes closed as one of their healers worked with me. In the

Stuffed sweet plantain

midst of that crowded room filled with chatter, I experienced tranquility and comfort. The healer, Michelle, even reached out to me days after the event to see how I was feeling. The Noble Touch hosts community meditation and virtual healing sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays. Visit www.TheNobleTouch.org for more information. The vegetarian food festival is not just for vegetarians. NYCVFFS is a community event that aims to educate the public on sustainability and the benefits of living a plantbased lifestyle. The event featured specially curated food and lifestyle vendors, cooking demos of delicious plant-based fare, world-class speakers, entertainers, chefs, classes, activities and so much more! I walked into the Metropolitan Pavilion expecting a basic food festi-

val and I was pleasantly mistaken. If you are a proponent of conscious living, wellness, a foodie, or just curious about what a plantbased lifestyle has to offer, I highly recommend you pencil this festival into your calendar for next year. I will see you there. Stay up to date at www. nycvegfoodfest.com

A farm blooms within a jungle By EILEEN BARETT Special to the AmNews

NYC is lovingly nicknamed the Concrete Jungle. Did you know that amongst the concrete sidewalks, steel skyscrapers, brick buildings and brownstones there are several urban farms? Some may wonder what exactly an urban farm is. For years I have heard and read about successful urban farms built on rooftops or in empty lots in Brooklyn. Imagine my surprise when while walking through the NY Vegetarian Food Festival + Symposium I stumbled upon Harlem Grown.

Harlem Grown is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010 in the heart of Harlem, where they are “planting fruits and vegetables and growing healthy children and sustainable communities.” They operate five farms, one green house and one annex. They provide free youth programming that includes hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition. In addition to growing fruits and vegetables as well as composting, Saturdays are a big day: now through Oct. 22 you can join story time, cook-

ing demos, free lunch, farming workshops, and arts and crafts at the farm, located at 118 W. 134th St. If you prefer something a bit more zen, you can join them at their 77 W. 127th location for free yoga for all ages and welcoming all skill levels. Visit www.harlemgrown.org/saturdays-on-thefarm for more information. Research shows that urban farms add and preserve green space in cities. They also improve air quality and create more safe spaces for neighbors to congregate. I am excited to have found a farm amongst our jungle.

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

June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022 • 23

ELI FOUNTAIN PERCUSSIONIST, VIBRAPHONIST DIES AT 64

Eli Fountain, the multi-instrumentalist, composer and educator who defied the concept of categorization, having played with a varied list of renowned artists that included Glenn Campbell, Aretha Franklin, Butch Morris, James Carter and Sam Rivers Rivbea All-star Orchestra, died May 17, in New York. He was 64. Fountain spent some time in a rehab/ nursing home in New Rochelle last year but a specific cause of death was not given by his longtime partner Cheryl Foster. While Fountain did not have a string of recorded albums as a leader, he did appear on a host of albums with such artists as Geri Allen, Lena Horne, Charlie Persip and Superband. He was a first call musician for any genre of music which was part of the surprise, you never knew where he would be heard next—could be pop, avant garde, jazz or gospel with Shirley Caesar. The multi-instrumentalist who doubled playing vibraphone and percussion was leader of the innovative ensemble Percussion Discussion and the Organizers. This improvisational group offered Fountain the opportunity to play a variety of percussive instruments from all over the world. Under the ensemble’s name, he composed the music for their CD “Masterpiece.” “Not only was he a versatile musician, he was a deeply informed scholar and conversant on social and po-

92Y

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assessment, stating that in the area of voting rights in recent years, “The Republican Party has made a total reversal. We have work to do. And the first thing we should do is restore the Voting Rights Act as an anti-discrimination act. That should not be diluted.” The discussion also veered to the recent shocking discovery that the Republican Party is training its poll watchers to be poll workers, placing them in Democratic areas, increasing the likelihood of baseless accusations of fraud. Stated Brazile of the practice, “This is a cynical, nefarious scheme that is targeted toward minority communities in places like Detroit and Philadelphia.” Steele explained the ultimate goal of the policy: “The soughtafter outcome is to create chaos in that precinct; it is to create confusion in that precinct. It is to gum up the works as much as possible.” Steele also pointed out Republicans are going much further than

litical affairs,” stated author, journalist and longtime friend Herb Boyd. His love for classical music and arranging found him composing his first ballet “Play” that was performed by The Complexions Dance Company and choreographed by Dwight Rhoden. His ballet (SIC) was performed by Daniel Squire’s Dance Company. His last ballet entitled “Change” was choreographed by Dianne McIntyre and performed by Dance Theater of Harlem. Eli Fountain Jr. was born on July 13, 1958, in Detroit, to parents Janet and Eli Fountain, who was a noted session saxophonist for Motown Records. It is his father’s saxophone heard on the opening of Marvin Gaye’s single “What’s Going On.” His father often added an “e” to his last name. The young Fountain graduated from Cass Technical High School (that included such alumni as Regina Carter, Geri Allen, Ron Carter and Alice Coltrane). After graduation he attended Cincinnati Conservatory of Music where he met Max Roach, who recommended he check out New York. After spending a little time in Denver, he followed Roach’s advice, in the early 1980s. Once in New York he connected with drummer Warren Smith, a friend of Roach’s. “Once we met, the friendship never ended, he stayed at my studio [WIS] for a few years before moving uptown,” said Smith. “He became an original member of the Composers Workshop Ensemble. We never stopped playing together.” Roach immediately took Fountain under his tutelage and became a member of his now legendary M’Boom. While playing in Harlem clubs, he met saxophonist Pa-

that. “They’re gaming the system on the front end. They’re grooming the lawyers, they’re grooming the police. They’re trying to groom the judges. So when all that confusion is created in that precinct gets processed through, those ballots are not going to get counted. They’re doing it in Detroit. They’re doing it in Philadelphia, they want to do it in Atlanta. They want to do it where Black and Brown voters are, because they can’t get those votes.” Brazile felt the weakness of the United States system is in its decentralization: “We shouldn’t have 50 different types of voting systems in this country. Because of that, the power rests with the states and the governor and the lawmakers. And of course, the municipalities.” Brazile added, “We are breaking down our system to where only a few people will be able to participate. This notion of fraud is a big lie. There was no fraud. In fact, it’s rare in American politics.” The discussion of state election reform centered around gerrymandering and its alienation of many

tience Higgins and became an original member of his Sugar Hill Quartet (along with bassist Andy McCloud III, pianist Les Kurtz). “We played together in the Broadway show ‘Jelly’s Last Jam’ and the Apollo Theater’s production of ‘Dreamgirls.’ We will miss Eli, he was an incredible human being, he left us far too soon.” Fountain toured the world playing in Russia, Italy, Germany, and South Korea. He was Savion Glover’s dynamic percussionist and music director. Fountain was also proficient on the xylophone, timpani, and numerous other percussion instruments. He was a long-time instructor and clinician at Harlem School of the Arts, Juilliard, University of Massachusetts, Jazzmobile, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Fountain is survived by his longtime part-

voters at the primary level. Stated Brazile, “Gerrymandering has rendered us to essentially two major minority parties when indeed nonaligned voters, independent voters, outnumber both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.” Ultimately concluded Brazile, “We need to educate, we need to put civics back into our conversation not just in the classrooms, but also in our community. We need to provide people with the tools they need, give them the opportunity to cast their ballots when they have the time to cast their ballots. There are ways in which we can increase access, make it fair and transparent enough so that we increase voters’ trust in our system.” On Tuesday, June 21, the 92Y will also host U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, live on stage and online, for a talk on his new memoir, “A Way Out of No Way,” and his vision for the future of American democracy. Joining him in conversation will be Presiding Episcopal Church Bishop, the Rev. Michael Curry. For more info and for tickets, visit www.92ny. org/event/senator-raphael-warnock

ner Cheryl Foster, his mother Janet, his brothers Gary, Leslie, Marcus and Myron, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Eli was predeceased by his father, Eli. Fountain’s funeral was held at the Northwest Church of Christ, in Detroit.

Free Juneteenth Holiday Jazz Fest on tap On Saturday, June 18, the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market, on 116th Street between 5th and Malcolm X Blvd., will host a Juneteenth Celebration Concert from 1:30-6 p.m. featuring the jazz and soul music of the John Satchmo Mannan Band, Alvin Flythe, and Tarik Campbell. For info, call 212-662-4493 or 646-539-9641. The concert is free and will be livestreamed. Supporters include The Jazz Foundation Of America and Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman Personal Injury Law Firm.

24 • June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

THE

CLASSROOM

Sgt. William Henry ‘Black Death’ Johnson, celebrated ‘Hellfighter’ By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews Black Americans, particularly those interested in the military with family members having served in the armed forces, will welcome news that several U.S. Army bases are being renamed to honor African American war heroes and sheroes. Two of the nine bases have a special resonance for this writer since Fort Rucker in Alabama is where my father spent some time, along with the noted Judge Bruce Wright, Keith Wright’s father. And Fort Polk in Louisiana is where I did basic training. It will be named for Sgt. William Henry Johnson, the World War I hero who, with Needham Roberts, another member of the legendary Hellfighters of Harlem, distinguished himself against a squadron of German soldiers. Johnson, at one time armed with only a bolo knife, subdued a gaggle of enemy troops. Both were awarded the Croix de Guerre from the French government for their bravery under fire, and Johnson later would be awarded a Medal of Honor. Johnson and Roberts have been profiled here before as have Lt. Col. Charity Adams, who will share her name with Lt. Col. Arthur Gregg in the renamed base at Fort Lee, Virginia. Johnson was born in WinstonSalem, North Carolina in 1912 and moved with his family to New York City in 1917 just as World War 1 was taking shape as well as the American draft board. As a member of the 369th Regiment that included Noble Sissle, the talented musician who partnered with pianist Eubie Blake to write a corpus of memorable songs, Johnson and his comrades were sent to Spartanburg, South Carolina for basic training. Normally, you got six weeks of basic military drilling before being dispatched to other bases, but the Hellfighters, refusing to buckle under the Jim Crow laws, were soon deployed to Europe and into the heat of battle weeks in advance of basic instruction.

Things were no better at Fort Polk, where I had my introduction to Army life, and racist officers and

during the encounter, and his act of valor earned him the nickname “Black Death” and several commendations,

Sgt. William Henry Johnson

NCOs who did everything possible to provoke you into action that would inevitably lead to the stockade. The only relief from the drudgery and relentless harassment from them was a weekend pass to Leesville where “ladies of the night,” 2.5 beer and a jukebox took your mind for a moment off the advanced infantry training and preparation for your graduation to Vietnam. Johnson would have probably been just as defiant at the fort to be named in his honor as he was in Spartanburg, and he apparently relieved some of his anger on the battlefield in combat against the German forces. Several years ago in this column, I wrote this about Johnson’s heroics: On a spring night in 1918, he was assigned to an observation post when a platoon of Germans attacked him. Armed with a few grenades, a rifle that was soon out of ammunition, a bolo knife, and his bare fists, Johnson captured the raiding party. His courageous combat was decisive in rescuing his fellow soldier, Needham Roberts, who had joined him to fight off the Germans before he was wounded. Johnson suffered 21 wounds

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including the Croix de Guerre, the highest honor for a soldier in combat and a first for an American soldier. Over the years, Americans have learned of the gallantry and bravery of Sergeant York, Audie Murphy, and other white military heroes, but Johnson and Needham’s story of valor is just as worthy of films, books, and articles. In fact, it was an article that appeared in the Saturday Evening Post by Irvin Cobb that highlighted Henry’s amazing feat. When the war was over, Johnson was one of hundreds of returning soldiers who marched in a victory parade in Manhattan that ended in Harlem. There is a photo in the James Van Der Zee collection of Johnson and Needham Roberts posing in his shop, each decorated with the medals that saluted their bravery during the war. Because of their celebrity, they were often asked to speak at various events, which helped them financially and further endeared them in the hearts and minds of Americans. But not all was rosy for listeners who turned out to hear them, and one memorable occa-

sion Johnson graphically depicted the abuse they suffered from white soldiers who refused to fight alongside them. As expected, a backlash emanated for Johnson to be arrested for wearing a uniform beyond the prescribed date of his commission. The move also led to the termination of his paid engagements. The cancellation of his speaking tour was hurtful both from a fiscal and emotional standpoint, both of which contributed to his declining health and prosperity. It is still debated the extent to which he received “permanent and total disability” from the Veterans Administration as a result of his tuberculosis. According to Veterans Bureau records, Johnson was awarded monthly compensation and regular visits by Veterans Bureau medical personnel until his death on July 1, 1929. He was only 36 and is interred in the Arlington National Cemetery. In 1996, Johnson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart by President Bill Clinton. He received a Medal of Honor in 2015 from President Barack Obama. A number of honors commemorating his life and legacy have been given, including a monument erected in Albany, New York’s Washington Park in 1991; and a section of Northern Boulevard was renamed Henry Johnson Boulevard. In December 2004, the Postal facility at 747 Broadway was renamed the “United States Postal Service Henry Johnson Annex.” On Sept. 4, 2007, the Brighter Choice Foundation in Albany dedicated the Henry Johnson Charter School. Johnson’s granddaughter was in attendance. In December 2014, the City School District of Albany established a Junior Reserve officers’’ Training Program (JROTC) at Albany High School named the Henry Johnson Battalion in honor of Johnson. Currently the program enrolls over 100 cadets. In 2017, Albany, NY area PBS station WMHT aired a documentary about Henry Johnson entitled “Henry Johnson: A Tale of Courage.”

ACTIVITIES FIND OUT MORE There are numerous books and articles that include the heroic moments by Johnson and Needham Roberts, including one on the Hellfighters by Bill Harris. DISCUSSION If there is still no film about their bravery, you wonder what filmmakers are waiting for since they’ve done flicks on Audie Murphy, Sgt. York and “The Red Badge of Courage.” PLACE IN CONTEXT Johnson came of age at the dawn of the 20th century but lived only long enough to enjoy the first decades.

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY June 5, 1945: Olympic great John Carlos was born in New York City. He is remembered for a raised fist in Mexico on the victory platform alongside Tommy Smith in 1968. June 5, 1969: Grammy nominated rhythm and blues singer Brian McKnight was born in Buffalo, N.Y. June 5, 1973: Doris A. Davis of Compton, Calif. became the first African American woman elected mayor of a major city.

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Bragg

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Distributed by the DA Office’s Community Justice Investment Initiative, the fund Continued from page 3 is one of many ways the city is during Gun Violence Aware- prepping for a summer spike in ness Month, we must work to- gun violence in an already traggether to end gun violence and edy-ridden year. But it’s also an keep our communities safe.” opportunity for the kids to earn

some spending money this summer. In fact, the thought has the district attorney feeling quite wistful of his youth. “I remember my summer jobs and some of the work was meaningful, some of it was not, but the check was always ap-

preciated,” said Bragg, laughing. “We’re not naive. We know this is not a panacea. But this is a piece of the puzzle. And this is why we in government want to get the funding to the community-based organizations who are working with our youth

every day and can identify who would most benefit from this, then connect with them so that we can have a productive summer.”

One45

“It was too rushed at the end.” Levine said the city put in resources to the developer’s “bottomline” so that they could accommodate the agreed upon 50% affordability. At the moment the future of the few 1-story buildings, NAN Headquarters, Islamic Center, stores, restaurants, vacant gas station, abandoned storefronts, and a large vacant lot currently on the 145th block is uncertain. Levine theorized that nothing is likely to happen on the vacant land in the next few years, except possibly a storage facility and about 50 market rate apartments. He said the developers have indicated they have no intention of coming back with a renewed proposal at the time. Richardson Jordan has expressed interest in working with the developers again on

a “better project that matches community needs in the future.” She also noted that industry insiders have told her that the 145th block would be a great site for an ELLA Term Sheet/ Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) project. An ELLA is the construction of a low-income multi-family rental project where a minimum of 80% of the units are at low income rents for people earning up to 80% of the AMI, said HPD. Barron called Richardson Jordan a “she-ro” for advocating for her community. He balked at the project and all of its supporters because of its inevitable “gentrification” of the neighborhood. Barron made an unsubstantiated claim that local civil rights leaders and the speaker of the city council were in cahoots to push the land use application

through. Barron added that the “arrogant developer” was concerned with how he was going to make money off the project in a confrontation he had with them. “Once the land use chair said he wouldn’t support it, the chair of the zoning committee said he wasn’t going to support it, and the local council woman, Kristin, said she wasn’t supporting it,” said Barron. “There’s no reason the application should have been submitted.” Barron seconded the idea to support smaller story buildings with 100% or closer to 100% affordability. “On May 31st, we withdrew our applications pending before the City Council for land use actions in connection with the ONE45 project,” posted the Pointsfive developers on the One45 website. “Despite our best efforts it is

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more supportive and affordable housing to current residents in the neighborhood. One45 developers shared last minute changes in the plans to include more green energy and sustainability built into the building, but that didn’t satisfy many at the hearing. After multiple contentious meetings, Richardson Jordan had asked developers to pull plans and start over with more affordable housing. Towards the end, developers had conceded at least to including 50% affordable housing to the Area Median Income level of residents within the community. However, they decided to call off the project hours before the land use vote. Manhattan Borough Presi-

dent Mark Levine said that he certainly still had “outstanding questions” about the project as it was going into the final hours. He said with the need being so great, it was incumbent on everyone to push for more housing. Community Board 10 especially, said Levine, worked really “long hours” poring over development plans. As the proposal evolved to include more affordable housing units, Levine said he heard from community members who were “rethinking” the project more positively. “That happened so late in the game. That really happened on a Friday night before a three-day weekend, Memorial Day weekend, when the final vote was on that Tuesday. That was just too late for the community to be working through,” said Levine about finally getting 50% affordability.

writes about public safety for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible Tandy Lau is a Report for gift today by visiting: https://tiAmerica corps member and nyurl.com/fcszwj8w not possible to proceed with a project that would have created an unprecedented and enormous amount of truly affordable housing, high paying union jobs, yearround paid youth internships, access to health care, career training and NYC 1st Green Energy District for the village of Harlem,” said the development company. Sharpton’s office didn’t respond in time to a request for comment. 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 taxdeductible gift of any amount today by visiting: https://tinyurl. com/fcszwj8w

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Department of Social Services

26 • June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

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Education

Unions, elected officials, activists clap for cap of class size By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff While many New Yorkers paid attention to the extension of mayoral control of schools, others focused on capping size classes in New York City. Both emerged victorious. Right before the state legislature went into recess, the State Assembly passed a bill capping the number of students allowed in each classroom depending on grade. Sponsored by New York State Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos, MSW (District 72), the schools chancellor would work in tandem with teacher and principal unions. Those plans come with specific class size targets based on grade level with a deadline of September 2027. The plan would also include exemptions to places with limited space, places that are economically distressed, that have large student enrollment, or that have a shortage of teacher licenses. “Based on my decade of experience as a school social worker, I know that capping the size of classes in city schools will be transformative in improving academic performance for students who need it most,” stated De Los Santos. “My legislation would ensure that the New York City School District is making meaningful progress towards that goal.” But De Los Santos wasn’t the only elected official who played a role. During last week, United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew said that other elected officials listened and then acted on parent and teacher concerns. “New York City’s public school community can thank the leadership of the New York State Legislature, as well as NYC Education

Chair State Senator John Liu and Assembly Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto, and Member of the Assembly Education Committee Manny De Los Santos, lead champions of this legislation, who have heard the call of parents who have been demanding reasonable class sizes for our city’s children,” stated Mulgrew. State Senators Robert Jackson (D-31) and Kevin Parker (D-21) co-sponsored the legislation as well. Mulgrew, like many of his constituents in the UFT, believes that private schools with smaller classes have shown that when you have more time to devote to students, they’ll perform better in class. According to the union, state’s figures show that 663 of New York’s 675 public school districts have lower class size than New York City. The union also used a Department of Education’s space survey to show that close to 90% of the system’s current buildings could adopt the new class size guidelines, which could bring elementary to junior high school classes from an average of 25 students to 20 and high school classrooms from 34 to 25. The plan also makes the neediest schools the priority in dealing with class sizes. Members of activist organizations were pleased with the bill taking positive steps for confirmation in Albany. Leonie Haimson, executive director of Class Size Matter, stated that this legislation would help students of color the most since they make up the majority of New York City public school students. “If this law is enacted, it will transform New York City schools by finally ensuring smaller classes in all grades,” said Haimson. “For too long, city students have struggled in classes that are 15 to 30 percent

PUBLIC NOTICE Dated: Monday, June 6th 2022

DEMOCRACY PREP NEW YORK SCHOOL MEETING OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES Pursuant to Section 104 Public Notice of the Open Meetings Law, and pursuant to Executive Order 202.1, this notice is to inform the public that the board of trustees of Democracy Prep New York School will hold a remote meeting by teleconference on: June 14th, 2022 at 8:00 am., local time, + 1 646 558 8656, Meeting ID: 872 1204 8191, Password: 746010.

larger than those in the rest of the state. These excessive class sizes have deprived them of the close feedback and support of their teachers that they need to succeed, a glaring inequity.” “For years, parents, educators and advocates have fought to reduce class sizes in NYC public schools in order to ensure stu-

dents get the individualized attention they need to succeed,” added Jasmine Gripper, executive director for the Alliance for Quality Education. “Senator Robert Jackson stood with parents to lead the fight to fully fund Foundation Aid to ensure NYC schools would have the resources to significantly lower class sizes.”

UFT, educational activists and others clamor for smaller class sizes. (Photos courtesy of Liderina, paulaphoto & Nattakorn Maneerat via iStock)

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Redistricting Continued from page 4

and Indo-Caribbean communities in Richmond Hill and South Ozone park,” said Jagpreet Singh, political director for Desis Rising up and Moving (DRUM). “This community has decades old ties to this area, has built religious institutions, commercial hubs, and cultural centers, and is vital to the diverse fabric of our city.” Victoria Leahy is a chief of staff at Youth on The Move, which is a grassroots organization focused on bolstering Filipino culture. “Woodside and Elmhurst, Queens is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that is home to several immigrant communities, many associated with the Filipino community ‘Little Manila,’” said Leahy. “As of right now we ask the commission to keep our community of interest whole to the extent possible.”

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to the defense. Brown said that in these cases where DNA isn’t available, which is the “lion’s share of wrongful conviction claims,” people can introduce evidence that can include recantations, other witnesses who came forward after the fact, and videotape. It also establishes a right to counsel or an attorney for those with wrongful conviction claims. Many times people are filing by themselves without legal help, said Brown. “Before 2019, people were not getting information when they were pleading guilty,” said Brown. “They were just making uninformed plea decisions, thinking ‘even if I’m innocent I’m facing 40 years if I go to trial or I could take this deal for 10 years now.’” Brown said in about 98% of cases in New York State the outcome is a plea agreement and not trial. She believes that it’s grossly underreported how often innocent people are taking plea agreements or giving false confessions. She said at the time it seems like the “rational choice” for people in dire situations just wanting to avoid Rikers Island. The National Registry of Ex-

gressional, state senate, and assembly maps that incited partisan bickering since their inception. After months of punting the maps around like a political football, it was finally left up to the courts and an out-of-state ‘special master’ to draw final voting lines. A decision heavily criticized by advocates and electeds alike for its lack of community input. Ben Weinberg, director of public policy at Citizens Union, testified that public faith in the redistricting process has been shaken this year. “We’re keenly aware of the negative experience that many New Yorkers have had with the state redistricting process. For many it’s fostered negative cynicism towards redistricting processes in general,” said Weinberg. “Given that context it is important the commission take more steps to ensure the public trusts the process and engages with it.” The city council commission

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Caribbean Equality Project Founder Mohamed Q. Amin, as well as several others, advocated to make the Lil’ Guyana community in Richmond Hill, Queens its own district and protect South Asian communities in Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park. “How unjustly divided these neighborhoods are into city council districts 28, 29, and 32,” said Amin. Several Elmhurst, Queens community members, such as Phil Wong, spoke specifically about District 30 and 25. Residents asked to move a sliver of District 25, by Grand Avenue and Queens Boulevard that was redistricted 10 years ago, back into District 30. Wong and others maintained their part is mainly residences and single- to three-family homes. “Unfortunately, we were taken out from District 30 and we became part of this district, but we are so different from the rest of the district,” pleaded Wong.

“Every time I call my councilman’s office, they don’t understand our problems.” The redistricting process for city council districts varies a bit from the state’s redistricting process. The City’s Charter, or constitution, requires that the city council and Mayor Eric Adams appoint a bipartisan Independent Districting Commission that reviews population, census data, laws, and most importantly public testimonies, before producing new redistricting maps. After a series of public hearings and meetings, the commission is supposed to develop a final plan, which must be submitted to the City Council to be voted on. The Mayor isn’t included in the vote. Unfortunately this collaborative process between communities of interests, the state’s independent commission, and the state legislature had a breakdown this year. New York State ended up producing con-

started the meeting with a vow to hold meetings at more convenient times, accept testimonies online and in-person, and listen to the public so as to avoid what’s been happening with the state’s redistricting process. “The redistricting process is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for every New Yorker to help shape the future of our local democracy,” said Dennis M. Walcott, chair of the Districting Commission. “The best way to ensure communities across the five boroughs are properly represented at City Hall is to participate, provide and submit testimony in the redistricting hearing process. This is an important opportunity to determine the future of our City Council, including how funding is allocated and which bills may be passed into law.” Executive Director of the Districting Commission John Flateau added that the theoretical number of 173,000 residents is

the fair goal of representation they are striving to have in all 51 city council districts as they consider reshaping the voting lines. The reality is that barely any of the districts are evenly represented as they are now, said Flateau. The commission asks for residents from all boroughs to submit their testimonies either online at the email publictestimony@redistricting.nyc.gov or individuals wishing to speak at the hearing may attend in-person, or pre-register to speak remotely by visiting www.nyc. gov/districting.

onerations (NRE) reported, based on data from exonerations in the U.S. going back to 1989, that “nearly three quarters of those false confessions were in homicide cases.” The NRE surmises that “innocent suspects” who have the right to remain silent often confess because they are “terrified and confused and exhausted; because they are deceived or tricked; because they don’t understand what they are doing; because they feel hopeless and helpless and isolated.” In 2017, the NRE also reported that Black Americans are seven times more likely to be wrongfully convicted of murder than whites. “It’s no secret that certain communities, mainly Black and Brown ones, are overpoliced and so you’re going to see a disproportionate number of Black and Brown people fighting with claims of innocence,” said Brown. “This is very much a racial justice issue.” The Wrongful Convictions bill is sponsored by Sen. Zellnor Myrie and Assemblymember Dan Quart. “New York is the wrongful convictions capital of the United States—robbing the innocent of their freedom, allowing the guilty to go free and wasting vital resources. I’m glad the Assembly passed our important legislation this year

and look forward to continu- and we know that we will win. for America corps member and ing to make the case to my col- Clean Slate can’t wait,” contin- writes about culture and polleagues next year,” said Myrie ued the coalition. itics in New York City for The in a statement. Amsterdam News. Your donaMyrie also sponsored and Ariama C. Long is a Report tion to match our RFA grant championed the Clean Slate Act, S1553C/A6399B, which automatically seals certain conviction records and addresses the systemic barriers people with old conviction records face in regards to getting jobs, housing and education. The bill passed in the senate, but not the assembly. “Despite overwhelming support, and passage of the bill in the State Senate earlier this week, the Assembly failed to bring Clean Slate to the 3 ways you can support floor for a vote before the legthe small businesses that islative session ended today. 2.3 million New Yorkers and make our city a unique their families will continue to place to live: face barriers to good jobs, safe and secure housing, and edu1 Shop safely in person or online cational opportunities,” said 2 Buy a gift card the Clean Slate NY coalition in a statement. 3 Order delivery or curbside pickup “We are outraged and heartbroken, but undaunted. All New Yorkers deserve a fair chance to provide for our families and fully contribFind options to help you ute to our shared communities. This fight is not over. We Shop Your City at are grateful to our partners, legislative sponsors, and evnyc.gov/ShopYourCity eryone who helped lead this critical effort. We demand the legislature pass Clean Slate on the first day it reconvenes—

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

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

SHOP YOUR CITY

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Religion & Spirituality Dr. Samella Lewis, a champion of Black art and artists

Dr. Samella Lewis (Photo courtesy of Facebook)

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews “The art community in general and the African American community in particular are fortunate to have Dr. Samella Lewis, for she has developed an unusual authority in the area of African American art. I know that ‘African American Art and Artists’ will be of great value educationally and that it will offer a stimulating and rewarding experience to all who have the opportunity to share in its contents,” wrote the great artist Jacob Lawrence in a blurb jacket for Lewis’ canonical “African American Art and Artists” in 2003. Such glowing testaments marked her productive path as an artist, printmaker, art historian, teacher, and author, and many of them will be renewed as we mourn the passing of Dr. Lewis on May 27 at a hospital in Torrance, Calif.

According to her son, Claude, she was suffering from a kidney ailment. She was 99. Born Samella Sanders in New Orleans on Feb. 27, 1923 or 1924, she was the daughter of a farmer and a seamstress. Her artistic journey began when as a high school student she met Alfredo Galli, an Italian portrait painter. He took an interest in her after seeing some of her draftsmanship and began teaching her and a classmate friend with no charge for two years. Samella disclosed this information in an oral history interview. Galli, she related, “…really worked with us and warned us against the evils of modern art. But he taught us technique, and that was priceless.” Some of those lessons were absorbed and refined in her work during her student years studying art at Dillard University in New Orleans. Her studies were vastly improved when she took classes from Elizabeth Catlett, who at that time wasn’t married to the artist Charles White. Catlett, Samella told HistoryMakers.com, “really changed the course of my life in terms of, of making decisions. When I left Dillard, she got me a scholarship to Iowa, University of Iowa. And I came to Chicago and made a decision that I was going to go on and I got one at Hampton also. She got me a full scholarship to Hampton and a full scholarship to Iowa. But I decided that I wasn’t going to go to Iowa because there might be too many people there who

would impede my progress. And I think I was right. And I went to Hampton,” in effect following Catlett and White who had secured teaching jobs at the school. Besides her study with Catlett, she was soon under the tutelage of Viktor Lowenfeld, an art educator, who she said “taught me to paint from the heart,” in an interview to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. In 1945, she received her bachelor’s degree and continued her studies in the fine arts at Ohio State University, later earning a master’s degree and a doctorate in fine arts in 1951, the first African American woman to achieve this distinction. With her impressive credentials to bolster her confidence, Samella began her involvement in organizations, helping to launch the National Conference of Artists, all the while heading the fine arts department at Florida A&M University. Complementing her teaching and artwork, Samella began her pursuit as a curator and the founder of galleries, which by the mid-1960s in Los Angeles morphed into the creation of the city’s Museum of African American Art. Meanwhile, there ensued the publications, including her historical surveys of African American art and artists as well several textbooks. These endeavors as multifaceted as they did not keep her from the easel, and many of her works can be found in collections and museums across the country. She

made short documentaries about sculptors, including one on the renowned Richmond Barthe. “Thanks to Samella Lewis,” artist and art historian Floyd Coleman wrote in a preface to the 2003 edition of the book, “we gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the richness and diversity that the African-American art adds to American civilization.” In the early ’60s, Samella began her study of East Asian art and traveled to Taiwan on a Fulbright scholarship. And in 1970, at Claremont College she was the school’s first tenured African American professor and taught art history there for 15 years. Her scholarly activities never ceased and no better testament of that is her establishment of the International Review of African-American Art in 1976. Two years later she published what may be her crowning achievement “African Art and Artists” that has been viewed as a continuation of the groundbreaking research of James Porter. The awards and commendations she received are much too extensive to list here, but Scripps College named an academic scholarship in her honor. Much of this was accomplished in partnership with her husband, Paul Lewis. They were married in 1948 and raised two children. He died in 2013. Right to the end of her life, Samella was active and she viewed her life as inextricably linked to her art.

Malcolm X Day 2022: A life of transforming By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews One of the oldest tributes commemorating the legacy of an African American ancestor occurred Thursday, May 19, in acknowledgement of the 97th physicalday anniversary of Malcolm X, a.k.a. El Hajj Malik El Shabazz. Sponsored by Malcolm X’s Organization of AfroAmerican Unity [OAAU] and the Sons of Africa, the 57th annual pilgrimage

to his and his wife’s, Dr. Betty Shabazz’s, gravesites at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale N.Y., left from Harlem’s 125th St. and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. that morning. Several other events at uptown’s Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Center, Schomburg Center, and Brooklyn’s Sister’s Place also recognized the occasion. Sons of Africa President Dr. Reggie Mabry, opened by explaining how Malcolm’s sister, Ella Collins, established

the tribute in 1965 before OAAU President Baba James Small, stated: “Malcolm was a man that showed you when you transform yourself through the appropriate teaching, ethical moral development, you can do extraordinary things in teaching your people to stand up against the enemy.” He relayed Malcolm’s relationship with Harlem street legends, Bumpy Johnson and Sonny Malik, prior to assessing: “He allowed himself to be trans-

formed into a better person so that he could do better with his life, and that’s what it’s really about. He gave himself a purpose to imitate the instructions of the divine in transforming himself into a better human being. He was the best example. Let us be better examples.” Small explained how Malcolm X, as a devout Muslim, also incorporated aspects of Pan-Africanism: “He said put

See MALCOLM X on page 30

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monkeys don’t get it and are not the natural host reservoir for the virus. Similarly, the AmeriContinued from page 12 can discovery of the AIDS virus was until 12 years later. Where? — in discovered in a National Cancer InDemocratic Republic of Congo. stitute lab whose location was the Ironically those natural cases prior site of the American Biological were contracted from rodents Warfare Unit on Ft. Detrick, Maryand not monkeys. Other than land. This biowarfare unit was supmonkeys in white research labs, posedly shut down in 1969 by order

of Richard Nixon. Let’s just call that “Coincidence Theory.” When asked about research to make the coronavirus more dangerous gain-offunction research Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which is part of the NIH, told Congress in May (2021) that the NIH “has

not ever and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology.” Yet Richard Ebright, board of governors’ professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Rutgers University and laboratory director at the Waksman Institute of Microbiology, told Newsweek documents

obtained in a Freedom of Information Act request show “unequivocally” that assertions by the NIH director, Francis Collins, and the NIAID director, Anthony Fauci, that the NIH did not support gain-of-function research or potential pandemic pathogen enhancement in Wuhan are untruthful.

al countries around the world. Rightly guided and directed, we could address and eliminate many of our financial problems while creating millions of businesses and jobs. This kind of fiscal organizing and fiduciary investment power will attract others outside our community who will be thirsty to do business with us. EDUCATION: In order to produce well-rounded thinkers and skilled professionals, we must teach and train our youth, starting from the cradle. We must not allow those who don’t have the love, compassion, and best interest of our people to have access to the minds of our babies. There is a saying: “He who controls the diameter of your thinking, controls the circumference of your

movement.” Simply put, we must control and finance, without interference, our own educational institutions. In most inner cities across America, our Black children make up the majority of students in public schools. With a good scientific educational plan, we can produce brilliant, powerful, and well-trained scholars, helping to end growing violence and gang activity. Our children are waiting for us to start the process. HEALTH: It’s often said, wealth without health is death. Currently the health of Black America is quickly declining; with COVID-19 pandemic and all illnesses we suffer from, the grave is awaiting to claim many of us. We suffer from di-

abetes, kidney failure, heart disease, prostate cancer, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, lupus, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and a host of other illnesses with no names. Of course, drug and alcohol addiction continue to plague our community. A taskforce of doctors and health experts (physical and mental) can turn these conditions around. These health warriors need to be called together, and with the trillions of dollars we possess, along with combined research, analysis, and diagnoses, they can go to work in treating and preventing the causes of the many health problems that exist among our people; and eventually restoring our community to proper health, while establishing health institutions to edu-

cate our children to teach and maintain a healthy, conscious community. Let me add that the coming NBPC would not work or be complete without the guidance of our spiritual and faith leaders, all of whom must be exclusively in and from the Black community. With or without the three mentioned planks I suggest, the success of this anticipated NBPC will depend on our Black community’s support and participation.

Gerbilpox

NBPC

Continued from page 12

Black America currently faces, I am sure there will be a host of issues and platforms that will be dealt with at the upcoming convention. However, I encourage the organizers to prioritize three major platforms which supremely impact the Black community, those being: Economics, Education, and Health I believe these three entities are essential to our movement for independence, but not limited to all the other topics that need to be addressed in order to maintain our existence in America. ECONOMICS: We have a buying power of more than $3 trillion. This is more than sever-

Ronald X Stewart is currently the coordinator of the Step Up Project, a unit of the Coney Island Anti-Violence Collaborative. He is a retired New York State parole officer, and community activist in southern Brooklyn.

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Music

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have many loyal donors, who understand our mission and look forward to participating in this event and we are so thrilled that they have stepped up to support the Apollo’s artistic, educational and community programs.” The Apollo season’s theme, “The Renaissance is Now!,” and its presentations expanded the non-profit theater’s role as a partner, commissioner, and co-producer of programming that centers Black artists and voices from the Af-

Malcolm X Continued from page 28

your religion in the closet, he didn’t say throw it away. It’s the struggle to transform you into a better African being that’s going to be the successful revolution, and that’s what he showed us. He has grown after he left, physically.” African scholar warrior, Dr. Leonard Jeffries, also spoke about Malcolm X’s “transformation,”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS rican diaspora, while tackling social issues that are important to Harlem, New York, and the nation. “The Apollo has long been at the intersection of artistry and activism, and this season paid special tribute to our incredible community of artists with timely presentations that honored our past, examined our present, and looked ahead to our bold future,” said Apollo Theater Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes. “From the inspiring new projects by our Apollo New Works artists to the annual Kwanzaa Celebration and Apollo education events that serve students across the city, both at the Apollo, in the com-

munity at large and on our digital platforms, we continue the Apollo’s legacy in this time of renewal and renaissance.” So steadfast is the belief of the donors to the mantra of the new season, we heard rumblings that The Apollo has already exceeded the fundraising goal, raising the most in the event’s history. Confirming this incredible achievement Procope shares, “I have to thank the Spring Benefit chairs, Kwanza Jones and Jose E. Feliciano. Pam and Jon Henes and Pat and Al Zollar. They have worked very hard to ensure the success of our fundraising. Our premier sponsors BNY Mellon, LionTree LLC and Su-

before urging: “Step into your African shoes, and move. You’re going to have to transform and continue transforming.” Sister Lenora, who has been attending this event since she was a youth and is now a proud mother of two young children, acknowledged her grandmother, Mama Laurie’s presence prior to saying: “Malcolm X was one of my father’s while growing up. I read his autobiography and was also around a lot of people who met him, and he helped develop

me into the woman I am today. If we’re not helping our elders in passing the baton to younger people, then we’re failing them.” During Mama Rosalind Jeffries’ invigorating dissertation, she stated: “Thank God for Malcolm X who taught the women to dress in dignity and pride, and to cover up the wrong essence of the flesh so that right spirit does not have to be strangled.” Imam Talib Abdur Rashid, representing the Mosque of Islam-

percharged by Kwanza Jones also played an important role in this accomplishment. And of course, I want to thank the Apollo’s special events staff who do a wonderful job raising money and organizing the evening. Funds raised support Apollo programs like School Day Live, Pathway to the Arts (the Pathway) program, and Half off for Harlem.” The Apollo season’s theme, “The Renaissance is Now!,” and its presentations expanded the nonprofit theater’s role as a partner, commissioner, and co-producer of programming that centers Black artists and voices from the African diaspora, while tackling ic Brotherhood, which succeed Malcolm X’s Muslim Mosque Inc., revealed that Malcolm’s youngest surviving daughter, Malaak, survived a recent fire. “By the grace of God, her family was spared yet another tragedy for that blessed family. She’s now healing.” He added: “We need to always lift up the women in the life of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, because if you study his life, you will see the critical importance of women in the development of who he was, and who he

social issues that are important to Harlem, New York, and the nation. Tickets for the Apollo Spring Benefit are now on sale. To purchase Benefit tickets or to make a donation to the Apollo Theater, please email special.events@apollotheater.org. Proceeds from the Apollo Spring Benefit support the Theater’s year-round performing arts programming, innovative education initiatives, and community programs. For more information, visit www.ApolloTheater.org The Apollo is now officially back. Hope to see and feel you there. Over and out. Holla next week. Til then enjoy the nightlife. became to be.” He mentioned Malcolm’s mother, Louise, sister, Ella, who “joined the NOI before the rest of her family and left and embraced Sunni Islam before them. And you need to know the importance of Sister Betty Bahia Shabazz in that man’s life.” Back in Harlem, later that afternoon, the December 12th Movement orchestrated their Black Power Shut’em Down economic boycott of all businesses along 125th Street from 1-4 p.m.

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Nigeria Continued from page 2

secure lives and properties have failed its people. Nigeria has become a country where life is cheap, and all the politicians are thinking about are the next elections in 2023. My heart goes out to the families of the deceased and may their souls rest in peace.” Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s president, condemned the atrocity. “No matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome light,” Buhari said. “Nigeria will eventually win.” Nigeria is long seen by colonizing nations and their cohorts to be the lynchpin to a stable, secure and resisting continent. Keen observers have long noted that destabilizing Africa’s powerful, and most popular nation is the only way they can successfully recolonize the continent. “I don tire,” a New Jerseybased businessman choos-

ing the moniker Frustrated Nigerian, told the Amsterdam News. “The current government has abandoned any pretense about executing its primary responsibility to its citizens. Peace, security, safety, well-being, and enabling environment for livelihood to its citizens, have all been abandoned. “ Straight to the point Twitter user Colin Udoh wrote on social media, “We don’t want to hear any stupid platitudes about thoughts and prayers and saddened or whatever else. We want you to get off your useless behinds and stop these killings. Find murderers, prosecute them, hang them publicly or shoot them by firing squad! We don’t care, just do it!” “How do we get here?” asked Lookman Oluwafemi Afolayan, owner of Nigerian restaurant Bukanewyork in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn. “Nigeria, a beautiful, great country and I must say peaceful too. Our problem used to be corrupt politicians, but we the people decided long ago to find our own part and build us without the help

from no government, and at it we are very good. That’s why we excel anywhere we go in the world,” said Afolayan. “But now our leaders have moved their post forward. They don’t just steal money anymore; they turn to dangerous criminals. The army that used to be a respected institution, is now worse than the police. “How can these ragtag criminals overrun our beautiful country with so few much consequences? They got help from the top. It’s time for every state in the union to have their own local control security stuff. The protection of their citizens should be their first priority, and seriously co-signed.” Afolayan concluded, “We are at war people, we must join hands to defend our Motherland from the north to the south, not one inch of Nigeria should be given to these bastards. May God be with the family of those who are gone and may God almighty protect us all. God bless my wonderful home—Nigeria.”

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

International Continued from page 2

ficed in Mali. During election time, the situation is more serious. “When there is an election, we try to keep them safe to avoid the worst,” said Keita. “When a big personality asks to sacrifice an albino, he is not punished because he has the power. We need the rest of the world to join our cause so that we can punish those involved in albino sacrifices.” KABILA CRONY LINKED TO ‘IRREGULARITIES’ UNCOVERED AT DRC MINING COMPANY (GIN)—The anti-corruption agency of the Democratic Republic of Congo has identified numerous irregularities in the management of the stateowned mining company, Gecamines, which it says has caused the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars. The report covered the years 2010 to 2020 and was completed on May 31, according to the weekly Jeune Afrique which first published the findings. Among the “irregularities” were a “lack of transparency in

June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022 • 31 the signing of contracts,” “prejudices in the transfer of rights,” “failure to pay taxes due to the Treasury,” “presumption of embezzlement of public funds,” “selling off of the real estate of the company.” Further, in particular, the “Inspection Générale des Finances” or “IGF” says it has not been able to trace more than $400 million out of a total of some $600 million in tax advances and loans to the state. The mining company has pushed back with a report that seeks to debunk the allegations of corruption and missing millions. The 60-page report begins with an introduction from Albert Yuma-Mulimbi, a close ally of outgoing President Joseph Kabila and the chairman of the board for the state-owned mining giant in Democratic Republic of Congo. Albert Yuma was ousted last December as head of the company by the government of Félix Tshisekedi. J. Peter Pham, a former U.S. special envoy, immediately welcomed the departure, hailing it as a “break” with the Kabila era. Also in the anti-corruption report are allegations of “undue

benefits” paid to executives and the “payment of exorbitant snacks.” “During the period under review, Gécamines generated 2 billion U.S. dollars in own resources,” IGF boss Jules Alingete told AFP. However, he said, “1.5 billion was used to pay management bonuses and snacks.” From 2012 to 2020, “Gécamines’ partners have achieved a global turnover estimated at $35 billion,” while the company “has only received $564 million in royalties from these partnerships, or 1.6%.” The financial watchdog is also looking into the minerals-forinfrastructure deal signed with China in 2008. The IGF believes that there has been “no serious monitoring of the investments made by the Chinese partners and the income generated by the Sicomines joint venture.” In May 2021, Félix Tshisekedi announced his intention to renegotiate the mining contracts, particularly those concluded with China by Joseph Kabila. The DRC’s subsoil is rich in minerals, and the country is the world’s largest producer of cobalt and Africa’s largest producer of copper.

32 • June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

Alabi

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Alabi is a native to Clinton Hill in Brooklyn. Her parents are West African immigrants. Continued from page 3 “What a beautiful commuground enough or accessi- nity. It’s a place that taught me ble to community members some of the greatest lessons during her term. in life,” said Alabi about Clin32 • May 26, 2022 - June 1, 2022

ton Hill. “The neighborhood has changed somewhat since I grew up there but there’s still a lot of great people who have been there for many, many years. I’ve also met a lot of new people in this very

vibrant, historic community.” Alabi has been endorsed by clergy leaders, tenant associations, political clubs, and labor unions like DC37 and Alliance of South Asian American Labor.

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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June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022 • 33

CLASSIFIED ADS 100 PUBLIC NOTICES

RULES AND REGULATIONS CANCELLATIONS must be made in writing by 12 Noon Monday. The forwarding of an order is construed as an acceptance of all advertising rules and conditions under which advertising space is sold by the NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS. Publication is made and charged according to the terms of this card. Rates and regulations subject to change without notice. No agreements as to position or regulations, other than those printed on this. Til forbid orders charged for rate earned. Increases or decreases in space take the rate of a new advertisement. The New York AMSTERDAM NEWS reserves the right to censor, reject, alter or revise all advertisements in accordance with its rules governing the acceptance of advertising and accepts no liability for its failure to insert an advertisement for any cause. Credit for errors in advertisements allowed only for first insertion. CLASSIFIED • Classified advertisements take the regular earned rate of their classification. Four line minimum on all ads except spirituals and horoscopes (14 lines). CLASSIFIED DISPLAY • Classified Display (boarder or picture) advertisements take the regular earned rate of their classification. Display (boarder or picture) advertisements one column wide must be 14 lines deep; two columns, 28 lines deep; 3 columns, 56 lines deep. Classified Display (boarder or picture) placed as close to classifications as rules and makeup permit. CLASSIFICATIONS All advertisement accepted for publication is classified according to the standard classifications. Misclassification is not permitted. BASIS OF CHARGE Charges are based on point size and characters per line. Upon reaching 15 lines the rate converts to column inch. Any deviation from solid composition such as indentation, use of white space, bold type, etc., will incur a premium. In Case of error, notify the Amsterdam News 212-932-7440

100 PUBLIC NOTICES This is to announce that the next meeting of the Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy I Charter School Board of Trustees will be held remotely on Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 at 7:30 am. The minutes of the meeting will be posted on our website at https://hczpromise.org/community/board-meeting-documents/ This is to announce that the next meeting of the Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy II Charter School Board of Trustees will be held remotely on Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 at 7:30 am. The minutes of the meeting will be posted on our website at https://hczpromise.org/community/board-meeting-documents/

101 LEGAL NOTICES 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 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 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.

101 LEGAL NOTICES

Substantial Amendment to New York States Consolidated Plan, 2021 Annual Action Plan & HOME ARP Allocation Plan NOTICE of Public Participation Opportunity

New York State is creating a substantial amendment to its approved 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan and 2021 Annual Action Plan in order to address the following changes: Addition of clearance-only activity under the Slum/Blight national objective for CDBG; Provide a process by which qualified non-profits may apply for and achieve official designation as a Community Based Development Organization (CBDO) under 105(a)(15) of the HCDA; memorialize a risk assessment and monitoring process for awarded CDBG projects; and the addition of the HOME ARP Allocation Plan. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) provides funding to assist individuals or households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations, by providing housing, rental assistance, supportive services, and non-congregate shelter, to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability across the country. In accordance with HUD guidelines, Rules sections 91.115(b)(4), substantial amendments to the 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan and 2021 Annual Action Plan must be published for public comment. This 30-day public comment period will begin on June 22, 2022 and extend through close of business on July 22, 2022. Beginning on June 22, the HOME Allocation Plan and the substantial amendment to the 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan may be viewed on and downloaded from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) website at www.hcr.ny.gov. In addition, electronic copies of either document can be requested from either email listed below. In addition, The State of New York has prepared an Allocation Plan for the administration of the HOME ARP program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The program aims to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability across the State. The State of New York seeks to obtain the views of citizens and interested parties on the HOME ARP Allocation Plan. In addition to accepting comments, the State will conduct a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, July 12, 2022 at 10 am EST to give an overview of the HOME ARP Allocation Plan and accept verbal testimony from any interested party. Hearings may be attended virtually or at any of the four following Housing and Community Renewal offices: 641 Lexington Avenue in New York City; 38-40 State Street in Albany; 620 Erie Boulevard West in Syracuse; and 535 Washington Street in Buffalo. Information on how to participate in the virtual public hearing may be found at https://hcr.ny.gov/pressroom or by emailing Rachel.Yerdon@hcr.ny.gov. Reservations will be REQUIRED for individuals wishing to attend the hearings in person. If you would like to attend in person, please RSVP at the email below or by calling (518) 486-3452 no later than 5:00 pm July 8, 2022. Written comments can be sent throughout the comment period and can be mailed to 38-40 State Street, Albany NY, 12207; or e-mailed to HCRConPln@hcr.ny.gov or Rachel.Yerdon@hcr.ny.gov. All comments must be received by close of business July 22, 2022. 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-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 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.

101 LEGAL 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.

Salesperson: No Notice of Formation of ASBURY PRESERVATION −−−−−−−−−−−−−−− CLASS B, LLC Arts. of Org. Acct #: of626 filed with Secy. 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.

JOSHUA PERLMAN APT 12N 20 W 64TH ST NEW YORK NY 100

Notice of Formation of AS-

BURY DEVELOPER, LLC Contact: Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. Phone: (800) of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/04/22. Office location: NY Fax#: County. Princ. office of LLC: 30 Hudson Yards, 72nd Fl., Email: NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon Agency: whom process against it may −−−−−−−−−−−−−−− be served. SSNY shall mail process toZONE CorporationEDT SerPUB vice Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: AN A 97 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.

Under this agre event of a canc rate charged wi

_______________ Name (print or .

Notice of Formation of JOSHUA PERLMAN & ASSOCIATES LLP Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 4/12/22. Office Location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 20 W 64th Street, Apt 12N, New York, New York, 10023. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

34 • June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

101 LEGAL NOTICES

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

101 LEGAL NOTICES

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

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. 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 of Qualification of REBEL GAIL, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/26/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in New Jersey (NJ) on 10/13/15. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, Attn: Nancy Caravetta, 153 W. 27th St., #202, NY, NY 10001. NJ addr. of LLC: 466 Ridgewood Rd., Maplewood, NJ 07040. Cert. of Form. filed with Elizabeth Maher Muoio, State Treasurer, 125 W. State St., Trenton, NJ 08608. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of STONOVER MEDIA, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/26/22. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Anthony Bonsignore, 200 Park Ave. S, Fl. 8, NY, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 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 STR8LINE INSURANCE ENTERPRISES, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/27/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Idaho (ID) on 04/22/16. Princ. office of LLC: 2005 Vista Pkwy., Ste. 200, W. Palm Beach, FL 33411. NYS fictitious name: STR8LINE INSURANCE AGENCY LLC. 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. Cert. of Form. filed with ID Secy. of State, 700 W. Jefferson St., Rm. E205, Boise, ID 83702. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 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. 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. 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 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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The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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36 • June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

HENRY PHIPPS PLAZA SOUTH KIPS BAY, MANHATTAN WAITING LIST OPENING

Henry Phipps Plaza South, located in the Kips Bay area of Manhattan, is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the studio, one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments for the waiting list. Households must meet the below income and family size requirements.

Unit Size1

Studio

1 Bedroom

2 Bedroom

3 Bedroom

4 Bedroom

Household Size2

Annual Household Income3 Maximum4

1 Person

$56,040

2 People

$64,080

1 Person

$56,040

2 People

$64,080

3 People

$72,060

2 People

$64,080

3 People

$72,060

4 People

$80,040

3 People

$72,060

4 People

$80,040

5 People

$86,460

6 People

$92,880

4 People

$80,040

5 People

$86,460

6 People

$92,880

7 People

$99,300

8 People

$105,660

THE PANDEMIC HAS SHOWN THAT SUPPORTERS LIKE YOU UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL NEWS AS A SOURCE OF RELIABLE INFORMATION. YOUR DONATION TO THE BLACKLIGHT INVESTIGATIVE UNIT, VIA THE LOCAL MEDIA FOUNDATION, WILL DIRECTLY SUPPORT THIS JOURNALISM.

Household size includes everyone who will live with you. Including parents and children. Subject to occupancy criteria 2 Rent subject to change and includes heat, hot water, electricity, and gas for cooking 3 Household earnings include salary, hourly wages, tips, Social Security, child support, and other income for household members. 4 Maximum Income guidelines adjusted for family size 1

Interested parties can complete an application online at: https://www.waitlistcheck.com/NY3141-3915 If you have a disability and need assistance with the application process or to request a paper application, please contact Phipps Rentals at 646-388-8227.

SCAN the QR Code to donate. Or TEXT “blacklight” to (202) 858-1233 https://amsterdamnews.com/blacklight-donate/

Paper applications must be mailed to 2 East 28th Street, PMB 428, New York, NY 10016, and must be postmarked by September 20, 2022. Duplicate applications will not be accepted. Qualifications will be based on Section-8 and Low-income Housing Tax credits. Federal guidelines and additional selection criteria. Please note that applications will be selected via a lottery and placed on the waiting list. Applications will be interviewed based on the future availability of vacant units. APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET BACKGROUND CHECK & ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA NO BROKERS FEE. NO APPLICATION FEE. SUPERVISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HUD

The Local Media Foundation/New York Amsterdam News Blacklight Project will shine a light on the problems plaguing our communities and highlight solutions. Donations to the Local Media Foundation for this project are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. No goods or services are provided in exchange for contributions. Please consult a tax advisor for details. The program is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #36-4427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with the Local Media Association.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

Liberty bounces back from slow start By CHRISTOPHER PERSLEY and PEPPER PERSLEY Special to the AmNews It’s been a rollercoaster season so far for the New York Liberty. After losing seven of its first eight games this season, the Liberty has started to find its way as a team, with the squad bouncing back to win two straight before losing a tough one on Sunday to the Minnesota Lynx. The Liberty came within one point after being down 19 in the second half, but couldn’t finish the comeback. After the game, Rebecca Allen talked about the Liberty’s improved play. “I just think we’ve been playing a lot harder. We’ve been playing with grit, and the full 40 minutes are being used defensively,” Allen said. The Liberty is still without Jocelyn Willoughby and DiDi Richards and just learned All-Star Betnijah Laney will be out for another two

months. The Liberty is receiving an extra boost from Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Howard. Sabrina Ionescu is averaging 26 a game over the last three, while Howard has dropped 17.6 a game. Sunday featured a homecoming celebration of HBCUs. Second year forward Michaela Onyenwere was moved by the singing of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” before the game. “It was obviously a great tribute. Being a Black person in this country, it’s good to see that represented. I’m really happy to be a part of an organization that encourages and celebrates that,” she said. These games against the Lynx also marked the last two in which the Liberty home crowd can watch the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder, 2x Champion, 4x Olympic gold medalist and 2017 WNBA MVP Sylvia Fowles. Fowles finished Sunday’s game with a typical stat line of 18 points

June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022 • 37 Natasha Howard brings power for the Liberty (Credit: New York Liberty)

and eight rebounds. Natasha Howard, who has played with Fowles, shared, “She had a huge impact in the WNBA since she stepped foot into the WNBA. Playing with her when I played in Minnesota. How she put me underneath her wings and just guided me to becoming the next great post player in the WNBA as well. I really appreciate everything that she’s done in the league.” Stefanie Dolson added, “It’s been incredible to play against her and with her during USA Basketball. She’s an amazing player. Her career has been incredible. You know all the accolades she has as a post player. I’ve looked up to her, and she’s an inspiration to a lot of bigs.” The Liberty defeated the Lynx 88–69 on Tuesday night. Five Liberty players scored in double figures. The Liberty returns to Barclays Center on Sunday afternoon to take on the reigning WNBA Champion Chicago Sky.

Break dancing, an Olympic sport in 2024, convenes in the Bronx By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews Last Saturday, break dancers from around New York and beyond came together at Bronxlandia to compete in the Red Bull BC One Bronx Cypher. A cypher is a gathering of people dancing or making music together, often with spectators present. Red Bull BC One is one of the biggest break dancing competitions with thousands of people vying for spots in the World Final. One of the participants in Saturday’s event was Bronx native Eliazer “Damien” Chapman, a professional break dancer/b boy who has been breaking most of his life. As a kid, he and his family spent several years living in a shelter. Dancing was his outlet, and eventually he made enough money as a street performer to get his family to a better place. “It was great for this event to be in the Bronx,” said Chapman, 25. “There was a lot of energy. A lot of people came out. It was

a great turnout. I was cheering on everybody.” Break dancing will be a competitive event at the 2024 Olympics, and Chapman said the athletic aspect of it keeps him inspired. He also loves this style of dance, with its inventive and dramatic movement. “We came from nothing, so we had to create,” he said. “I love that it brought me around the world and changed my life. I can’t really repay hip hop. That’s the way it repaid me.” Chapman has won awards and appeared on the TV show “So You Think You Can Dance,” earning praise from the judges. He works with a group called Acrobat All-Stars. Despite his busy schedule, he was happy to return to the Bronx and represent. Winning the World Final has been a long-time dream of his and Saturday’s event was very satisfying. “I wanted to go and be around the people I grew up

Bronx native Damien returned home to compete in a break dancing competition; break dancing will be an Olympic sport in 2024 (Photo credit: Officialjpnyc)

with,” Chapman said. “It was great to be around everybody and represent.” He has worked with Missy Elliott and Lady Gaga, but still has a love for street performing. “I’m big on never forgetting where you come from. The inspiration and motivation that we give to the kids,” said Chapman, who has four battles (competitions) in July. “Dancing is how I fuel my life. I street perform and I do gigs. I perform all over America.”

One of the competitors at the cypher (Photo credit: Officialjpnyc)

38 • June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

Four Howard Bison punch tickets to track championships By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews The women of Howard University’s track and field team have proved that last year’s trip to the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships was not a once in a lifetime experience. The formidable quartet of Jessika Gbai, Ameenah Saalih (New Jersey native), Ozioma Scott and Jessica Wright will make a return appearance in the 4x400 relay. In addition, Wright will compete in the 400meter hurdles and Gbai has a berth in the 200 meters. “Their ability to be able to compete at this level and the things they’ve been able to do has made this team extremely special,” said associate head coach Jessica Cousins. “We’re going to be sad for them to go because we know where they came from. Three of them were walk-ons. What they’ve been able to do, you don’t see that often.” Of the four women in the relay, only Wright was recruited. Due to the extra year of eligibility granted because the 2020-21 year was impacted by the pandemic, Wright has one more year to compete. The other three took their fifth year this year, so the

Howard University’s 4x400 team earns a return trip to the NCAA Championships (Photo Credit: Howard Athletics)

pearance was getting a foot in the door. “This year is about making some noise,” she said. Staying focused on training during the last two years took a lot menAssociate head coach tally, but she and Jessica Cousins (Photo her teammates Credit: Howard Athletics) forged through. Gbai said being a walk-on surrounded by recruited student-athletes her freshman year pushed to prove herself. Earning spots in the relay and the 200 meters showed her the hard work was worth it. “Our group of 4x400, we instantly connect,” said Gbai. “We can trust each other. [The fifth year] allowed me to get some unfinished business in. Having a fifth year, brought my whole journey on Howard track and field to a complete circle.” Once the NCAA Championships are done, competition will continue for Wright, who has qualified NCAA Championships will be able to get back on campus and of those things played a role in us for the U.S. Track & Field Outdoor their final appearances as Bison. get in the groove of things. Class- being able to have the success Championships, and Gbai, who “Training has gone very well es were [mostly] back in person. we’ve had indoors and outdoors.” will represent Ivory Coast at the for us,” said Cousins. “We were That provided a lot of stability. All Gbai said last year’s NCAA ap- World Athletics Championships.

Peres Jepchirchir, the 2021 New York City Marathon women’s winner, will look to capture the New York Mini 10K this Saturday in Central Park (Photo credit: Wikipedia Gr5555, Peres Jepchirchir, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Olympians and Paralympians headline NYRR mini 10K By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor Some of distance racing’s most prominent athletes will be shoulder to shoulder in Central Park this weekend to compete in the 50th anniversary of the Mastercard New York Mini 10K operated by the New York Road Runners. Founded in 1972, it is the original women’s-only road race. Twelve Olympians and five Paralympians will vie for the title and spot on the podium in the women’s open and wheelchair divisions. Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir, the 2021 New York City Marathon winner and reigning Boston Marathon champion will headline a strong women’s contingent. She will be challenged by a formidable American group of runners led by Olympians Emily Sisson,

Molly Seidel, Aliphine Tuliamuk, and Rachel (Schneider) Smith. Veteran marathoner Edna Kiplagat of Kenya, who won the New York Mini 10K in 2012, will look to reclaim the top spot a decade later. The 42-yearold two-time world marathon (2011 and 2013) champion’s resume includes victories in the New York (2010), London (2014) and Boston (2017) marathons. “Winning the New York City Marathon 12 years ago changed my life, and now, 10 years after also winning the Mini 10K, I still enjoy my racing and am happy to still be competing at a high level,” Kiplagat said. “NYRR always invites the highest quality fields, so I always like lining up in New York with the best in the world. There are so many inspiring women who have participated in this

race over the years who set a positive example for everyone—both runners and non-runners—and I’m lucky to be part of such a prestigious group.” In the professional wheelchair division, competitors will attempt to defeat Susannah Scaroni, the only champion in the event’s short fiveyear history. She has won every race since the inclusion of the wheelchair division in 2018. “The Mastercard New York Mini 10K is a special one to me for so many reasons, and I’m excited at the chance to race on what will be a milestone day for women’s running in Central Park,” said Scaroni. “…It is also one of the only women-only wheelchair races at the present time, which will hopefully pave the way for future generations of women’s wheelchair racers in the next 50 years.”

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MLB-leading Yankees’ hitting and pitching remains in sync By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews The Yankees played the second game of a threegame series last night on the road against the Minnesota Twins riding a seven-game winning streak. They had Major League Baseball’s best record at 10-4. Gerrit Cole is scheduled to start tonight seeking his sixth victory in 12 starts. The righty is 5-1 with 81 strikeouts in 64.2 innings pitched. The Yankees will welcome the Chicago Cubs to the Bronx tomorrow for a three-game interleague homestand. It’ll be the only time these two teams meet this year during the regular season. The Cubs, projected by some baseball analysts to win their divi-

sion this season, sat fourth in the National League Central at 23-33 when they played the Baltimore Orioles on the road last night. The Yankees have relied on starters Cole, Luis Severino, Jordan Montgomery and Jameson Taillon to get off to a blazing start. The 4-1 Severino will be on the mound tomorrow to open up the Cubs series. He earned his fourth victory last Saturday (4-1) against the Detroit Tigers in a 3-0 shutout. Severino struck out 10 in seven innings walking just one batter. “He was very dominant,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch of Severino’s outing. “He got us to chase when he needed it.” The night before, Cole pitched perfectly into the seventh inning, backed

by 13 runs from the Yankees hitters in a 13-0 win. It was the Yanks’ largest margin of victory since 2009, the last year that they won a World Series. During a seven-game period from May 31 through this past Tuesday, all wins, the Yankees outscored their opponents 39-11, the pitching and hitting both clicking. Following the Cubs series, the Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Yankee Stadium.

Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole, who is 5-1 with 81 strikeouts in 11 starts this season, is scheduled to take the mound for the Yankees tonight versus the Minnesota Twins (Photo credit: Wikipedia All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA)

Thriving Mets find balance on West Coast road trip By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor The Mets have met or arguably surpassed their fans’ expectations in the first two-plus months of this season. They held the best record in the National League and second best in all of baseball behind the New York Yankees— who were 40-15 as of last night—when they played the seventh game of a 10game West Coast trip late yesterday evening versus the San Diego Padres. The Mets were 38-20 and 3-3 out West with one more game in San Diego before three with the Los Angeles Angels tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. They began the trek by losing the first two games

of a four-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers but rebounded to take the final two. The Mets then defeated the Padres 11-5 on Monday behind third baseman Eduardo Escobar going 4-5 and hitting for the cycle, and also knocking in six runs. The next night Padres starter Yu Darvish stifled the Mets’ bats, giving up just two hits in seven innings en route to a 7-0 Padres shutout. The Mets also lost first baseman Pete Alonso in the second inning when he was hit by a pitch on his right hand. As of early yesterday the Mets stated X-rays were negative but Alonso’s status for the final game of the series had not been communicated by the

team. In the same inning, outfielder Starling Marte exited with left quadriceps tightness. Alonso and Marte have been mainstays of a productive Mets lineup. Alonso was tied with the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts for the National League lead in home runs when last night’s slate of games began and led all of Major League Baseball with 54 RBI. Marte was batting .277 with seven homers and 33 RBI. After Tuesday’s game, Mets manager Buck Showalter took a pragmatic view of the injuries. “The front office has been ahead of the game keeping us equipped to compete and we’ll continue to do that.”

Mets third baseman Eduardo Escobar hit for the cycle against the San Diego Padres on Monday night to lift his team to a 11-5 win (Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

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June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022 • 40

Sports The Celtics look to establish consistency against the potent Warriors By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor Boston Celtics center Al Horford is a 15-year veteran seeking his first NBA title. It’s been a long journey for the native of the Dominican Republic who won back-to-back NCAA championships with the University of Florida in 2006 and 2007. The current NBA Finals is the 35-year-old Horford’s first time playing in the last round of the postseason. His second go-around with Celtics after three seasons with the franchise from 2016 through 2019 could prove to be the most rewarding of his career. But defeating the Golden State Warriors four games in the best-of-seven series may be the most arduous challenge Horford has faced as a pro. Perhaps the most critical el-

ement in Horford and the Celtics attaining their goal is maintaining positive consistency and avoiding costly letdowns. Throughout this postseason, the Celtics have alternately been the best team in basketball and a careless squad seemingly lacking the requisite focus and precision execution of a champion. Entering Game 3 last night in Boston, the series was tied at 1-1. The Celtics’ dominant fourth quarter in Game 1 last Thursday, in which they left the Warriors shellshocked, bombarding them with 9-11 threepoint shooting and outscoring Golden State 40-16 to snatch a 120-108 victory, displayed their soaring capabilities on both ends of the floor. Horford led the way with 26 points on 12 shots, making nine and hitting six of eight three-

pointers. Three nights later in Game 2, he was on the other end of the production scale, taking only four shots and registering just two points as the Warriors turned the tables, running away with a 107-88 win to earn a split at home at the Chase Center in San Francisco. “We just have to play at our own pace, make sure that we’re driving the ball, driving and kicking,” said Horford afterwards. “When we play like that, that’s when we’re really at our best.” Horford wasn’t the only Celtic who had a significant drop-off. Starting point guard Marcus Smart went from 18 points in Game 1 to two in Game 2. Yet throughout this postseason, with the Celtics’ two young stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown being the driving forces

behind the team’s success, Horford’s play has been the barometer for how well Boston performs. After registering 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game during the regular season, he had raised those numbers to 12.1 points on an efficient .512 overall field goal percentage and a sizzling .463 on threepoint attempts in addition to 9.3 rebounds per game prior to Game 3. The series will remain at TD Garden in Boston for Game 4 tomorrow night and move back to Golden State’s home court for Game 5 on Monday. Game 6 if necessary will be back in Boston next Thursday.

After scoring 26 points in Game 1 of the NBA Finals versus the Golden State Warriors but only two in Game 2, Celtics center Al Horford looked to bounce back in Game 3 last night in Boston (Bill Moore photo)

Momentum and defense are critical to the Warriors’ success By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews

their perimeter attack. They held just a 52-50 lead at halftime but stretched it out to With Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Finals 87-64 by the end of the third played last night in Boston and Game on the way to a 107-88 victory. 4 scheduled for tomorrow also at TD The Warriors also had a douGarden, home of the Celtics, the Golden ble-digit lead (92-80) to start State Warriors have a key stat in their the fourth quarter in Game but favor. The Celtics lost two games in couldn’t hold it as they were their building in the previous two bestblitzed by the Celtics 40-16 of-seven series. over the last 12 minutes. After sweeping the Brooklyn Nets “They made a lot of shots,” in the first round of the postseason, said Curry, who dropped 34 Boston had lost four games at home points in Game 1 and 29 in AM NEWS AM NEWS 01154 with the Finals tied at 1-1 heading into Game 2. “It seemed like they AM NEWS 04/07/22 06/02/22 last night. didn’t miss til deep into the 04/07/22 0 7 They dropped Games 1 and 5 versus fourth. When you have a team 74470 22784 the Milewaukee Bucks in the Eastthat just finds a little bit of ern Conference semifinals and Games momentum like they did, and 3 and 6 against the Miami Heat in the they keep making shots, it’s conference finals. Until last Thursday’s tough to kind of regain that 120-108 Game 1 loss to the Celtics, the momentum.” Warriors were undefeated at home in After allowing a combined the playoffs in their three series before 65 points in Game from AM NEWS AM 1NEWS 01164 the Finals. starters Al Horford (26), AM NEWS night 04/14/22 Heading into Game 3 of the NBA Finals last04/14/22 06/09/22 The Warriors rode momentum and de0 7 State Warriors Marcus Smart (18) and Derin Boston versus the Celtics, Golden 74470 22784 fense in Game 2 and must continue to guard Klay Thompson had missed 25 of 35 attempts in rick White (21) coming off of have scoring waves while applying deGames 1 and 2 (Bill Moore photo) the bench, the Warriors shut fensive pressure on the Celtics to stop them down in Game 2. Hor-

ford had only two points on 1-4 shooting, Smart two points on 1-5 from the field, and White 12 making just three baskets on 13 attempts. The return of Warriors defensive specialist Gary Payton II in Game 2 from an elbow injury suffered against the Memphis Grizzlies in their West semifinals series was a factor. Expect Payton to continue to see time guarding the Celtics’ point guard Smart, as well as explosive scorers Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Moving forward, the Warriors will have to get Klay Thompson in a 01234 good rhythm AM NE and consistent to counter the Celtics’ 06/02/2 0 7 scorers. 74470 Thompson 22784had 15 in Game 1 but shot 6-14 and in Game 2 was terribly off, missing 15 of 19 attempts, including 1-8 from on 3-pointers.

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