New York Amsterdam News July 20-26, 2023 by AmsterdamNews

ADAMS TAPS NEW TOP COP

MAYOR ERIC ADAMS APPOINTS EDWARD CABAN AS FIRST LATINO NYPD COMMISSIONER

Ghostbusters: Gillibrand touts legislation banning 3D printed guns

(See story on page 3)

Union boss Gregory Floyd happy with migrant shelter security contract bid

(See story on page 10)

Council vote beats mayor’s CityFHEPS bills veto

(See story on page 15)

America, Manhood and Violence - Building Strong

and

Loving Boys

Urban Agenda by By Khary Lazarre-White, Executive Director & Co-Founder, The Brotherhood Sister Sol - See page 5

The Amsterdam News | $1.00 New York City Edward Caban is appointed NYPD Commissioner. (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office) (See story on page 3) (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office) (Gerardo Romo/NYC Council Media Unit) (Tandy Lau photo)

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INDEX

Arts & Entertainment Page 17

» Astro Page 20

» Books Page 19

» Jazz Page 24

Caribbean Update Page 14

Classified Page 32

Editorial/Opinion Pages 12,13

Education Page 28

Go with the Flo Page 8

Health Page 16

In the Classroom Page 26

Nightlife Page 9

Religion & Spirituality Page 30

Sports Page 40

Union Matters Page 10

International News

tive organization Family Watch International. Family Watch is run by the executive’s wife and has been actively lobbying high-ranking African leaders and lawmakers to deny the rights of the LGBTQ community. It is described as a “hate group” by the U.S. civil rights group Southern Poverty Law Center.

Swiss bankers, American investors, and global lenders, has been extradited to the U.S. where it is hoped that justice will finally be served.

PAINFUL COST OF LIVING HIKES SPARK VIOLENT PROTESTS ACROSS KENYA

(GIN)—Kenyans are preparing for tough times after lawmakers approved tax increases that are unpopular even with supporters of the president, who once vowed to reduce the cost of living. William Ruto’s election win was attributed to his appeal to voters as a fellow “hustler” who rose from a humble background to senior roles in government, including as Jomo Kenyatta’s vice president.

“He said he was going to make life easier for us hustlers. We are now unable to afford food. Prices are higher than they were before elections,” hairdresser Evelyne Adhiambo told a reporter.

Protests against the taxes led by opposition leader Raila Odinga have turned violent. Stone-throwers have clashed with police in Kenyan cities during a second round of demonstrations within a week.

According to local media reports, three schoolchildren were rushed to the hospital after police sprayed tear gas into their school while dispersing protesters. At least six people were killed during protests against the taxes.

Kenya’s High Court suspended the tax hike pending a legal challenge, but the government raised gas prices anyway.

Ruto campaigned on a platform of reducing the cost of living. He accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of letting food costs “skyrocket because he has never slept without food in his life, as he was born in a wealthy family.”

Christian and Muslim leaders have now been urging the president to repeal the finance bill, warning that Kenyans face a level of hopelessness that “can easily inspire insurrection.” Ruto said new taxes were the only way to reduce borrowing for a government with a public debt of $67 billion.

Economist Aly Khan Satchu called the gas tax a reform that the

International Monetary Fund (IMF) was championing for some time and may have been a “soft precondition” for a $1.1 billion IMF package recently announced for Kenya.

According to writer Patrick Gathara, “The ability to command the loyalty of a police force that can kill and brutalize your perceived enemies and a compliant, corrupt parliament that can give your oppression the veneer of law, in the end, will only delay an inevitable reckoning with the people.

“Winning an election may give one access to public power, but that access has to be constantly negotiated during one’s term. And the people’s consent can be withdrawn at any time, with or without an intervening election. That is the essence of government by consent rather than by coercion. It is not about how many MPs support you. Rather, it is about how many Kenyans do.”

AFRICAN RIGHTS GROUPS PRESS U.S. CORP TO DISMISS EXEC FOR ‘SPREADING HOMOPHOBIA’

“Family Watch International has sponsored trips for politicians and diplomats from Kenya, Uganda, and other African countries to… train them on their extremist agenda against homosexuality, sexuality education, and reproductive rights,” said Jedidah Maina of the Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health, the Kenyan nonprofit that filed the petition.

The U.S. group has been active in other countries, such as Ghana and Kenya, which have witnessed moves to introduce similar legislation over the past year.

Family Watch International’s website carries a denial of the claims against them. “Despite media reports to the contrary, Family Watch has never advocated for or lobbied in favor of any anti- efforts in Africa to promote anti-homosexual bills.”

But rights groups insist that the opposite is true. “There is nothing organic about the wave of anti-homosexuality bills we are seeing,” said Muthoni Ngugi, head of the East Africa Legal Service Network, one of the organizations supporting the petition.

Data shared with the Guardian newspaper by the Kenya National Human Rights Commission shows that at least 356 cases of physical, verbal, cyberbullying, and death threats to members of the community have taken place, with nearly a dozen anti-LGBTQ+ rallies in major cities.

With the money he obtained from allegedly committing fraud and money laundering, the exminister from Mozambique, Manuel Chang, claimed he was going to buy a tuna fish factory for his very poor country with about $2 billion in borrowed money.

Chang won over American investors, the political elite, Swiss bankers, and current Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi. Three Credit Suisse bankers signed on, as did Russian lender VTB.

Some money was indeed used to buy ships and other things related to the project. However, the ships were never used and are rotting away in Mozambique’s ports. Also, they were not bought at normal prices but at hugely inflated prices.

The promised benefits for Mozambique were not realized at all. There was no added value. Instead, a huge mountain of debt was created. The cost so far is about USD $11 billion or the country’s entire gross domestic product in a year.

The economic consequences will cost many people their lives, or already have.

Now, after sitting in a jail in South Africa since December 2018, Chang has another place to go: a prison in the U.S., where he is expected to await charges in the U.S. relating to loans obtained from Credit Suisse and Russia’s VTB bank that were guaranteed by the Mozambican government.

(GIN)—More than a dozen organizations have signed to a petition seeking the removal of a senior employee of the multinational Intel Corporation for allegedly spreading anti-LGBTQ sentiment in several African countries.

The rights groups allege that Intel’s vice president of global regulatory affairs has been “actively responsible for exporting, financing and spreading hate, homophobia” on the continent for decades through the American conserva-

An Intel spokesperson said: “Intel is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion. We also understand that our employees have diverse opinions and viewpoints. We respect the rights of our employees to disagree with Intel’s policies or undertake outside activities as long as they treat their fellow employees with respect and act in accordance with Intel’s code of conduct.”

MOZAMBICAN EX-MINISTER FACES U.S. TRIAL OVER $2 BILLION ‘TUNA’ SCAM (GIN)—A former government minister reputed to have orchestrated the embezzlement of over $2 billion and the fabrication of a daring conspiracy whose victims were

The son of Mozambique’s former president received a 12-year jail sentence over the $2.2 billion fishing project scandal that triggered an economic crisis in the country.

Chang is accused of receiving bribes of up to $18 million and has pleaded not guilty in a federal court in New York.

The former minister had fought his extradition to the U.S. and

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS 2 July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023

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(GIN photo) (GIN photo) (GIN photo)

Mayor Eric Adams appoints Edward Caban as the first Latino NYPD Commissioner

By NAYABA ARINDE Amsterdam News Editor And By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Hollywood is striking, so fittingly, Edward Caban lost the acting part of his title. He’s now officially the NYPD Commissioner, Mayor Eric Adams announced this past Monday, July 17. Caban stepped into the role after his predecessor Keechant Sewell abruptly resigned last month, previously serving

under her as First Deputy Commissioner.

“The NYPD is the most consequential police department in all of law enforcement,” said Caban. “Its storied history is a living legacy of valor, bravery, and sacrifice — of ordinary New Yorkers who did extraordinary things. When a person in need rings the bell, you can always count on the NYPD to answer the call. Together, we will build upon our successes and continue to drive down crime and improve the quality

See CABAN on page 27

Ghostbusters: Sen. Gillibrand touts proposed federal legislation banning 3D printed gun blueprints

By TANDY LAU

T20 World Cup games in Van Cortlandt Park

New York City is reportedly planning to build a 35,000 seat “temporary” stadium on the Bronx’s Van Cortlandt Park parade ground to serve the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup games, organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The T20 is a cricket world cup and is scheduled to be jointly hosted by the West Indies and the United States. The city wants to put its best foot forward because the T20 would be the first ICC World Cup tournament in the U.S.

Amsterdam

News Staff, Report for

America Corps Member

Getting a gun in New York City is easier with a router than through Ruger, so Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) hopes the 3D Printed Gun Safety Act of 2023, which bans internet distribution of blueprints for 3D printed firearms, will suppress the burgeoning illegal pipeline of homemade, untraceable “ghost guns,” both locally and nationwide.

Gillibrand announced the bill this past Monday, July

17, at the Detectives’ Endowment Association’s Manhattan headquarters alongside state lawmakers, gun violence prevention advocates, and union president Paul DiGiacomo.

“Let me be clear: We aren’t just talking about water pistols here,” said Gillibrand.

“We’re talking about real, fully operational semi-automatic firearms like AR-15 rifles and Beretta M9 handguns. Because many of the 3D printed guns are made of plastic, they can bypass metal detectors commonly

See GHOSTBUSTERS on page 35

East Flatbush toddler fatally falls from window, sparking age-old concerns

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for

America

And Corps Member By TANDY LAU

Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps

Member

Yet another small child has fallen from a window in New York City. This time, a four-yearold boy, has tragically fallen out of a building window in East Flatbush. has tragically fallen out of a building window in East Flatbush. This tragic death highlights an ongoing problem with sufficient window guards and child safety.

“Jonathan was a very sweet boy, lovely, intelligent, and willing to learn. He just graduated from Pre-K a couple of days ago. He is the most beau-

tiful little boy you could ever meet,” said Pouchinara Severin, a family member who helped organize the GoFundMe page.

Police say they responded to a 911 call last Monday afternoon, where they discovered Pierre with “injuries indicative of a fall from an elevated location.” The child was taken to Kings County Hospital where he was pronounced dead. This time of year, as temperatures rise to unparalleled heights in the city, people are scrambling to keep cool with open windows and air conditioning and are ignorning window safety. Several children have fallen out of windows this year, including a 3-year-old girl in Harlem.

See WINDOW on page 35

But Bronx representatives Congressmember Ritchie Torres, Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Councilmember Eric Dinowitz have expressed a need for caution before the go-ahead is given for this project. “While we are heartened to see Van Cortlandt Park recognized as the gem it is, and we appreciate the communication and briefings we have had with the administration,” we have also raised concerns with them about how this proposed temporary 34,000-seat stadium and its construction would impact the park and the community,” the three wrote in an open letter.

While the stadium is being built, locals would be unable to use that section of the park; once it is built and cricket fans come to attend the T20, parking and security upgrades will be needed; and the Van Cortlandt Park parade ground and its underlying infrastructure could be damaged during the construction process—and that damage could extend to the nearby Enslaved African and Kingsbridge Burial Ground, which contains the remains of enslaved Africans who once labored on the Van Cortlandt family plantation.

Shirley Chisholm monument for Prospect Park

A monument to honor Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman ever elected to serve in Congress, is still having its design tweaked before it gains final approval to be constructed in Prospect Park.

During a July 11 meeting at Assemblymember Brian Cunningham’s district office, a mockup of the 32-foot-tall monument, created by artists Amanda Williams and Olalekan B. Jeyifous, was shown. The monument and a new park welcome center with information about the famed politician are set to be a featured gateway into Prospect Park at its Parkside entrance. Bedford-Stuyvesant’s late, great former Congressmember Shirley Chisholm came to political leadership in 1968, she represented New York’s 12th Congressional District. Chisholm’s

monument is part of former NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray’s She Built NYC

See METRO BRIEFS on pag 35

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 3

Metro Briefs

Young Boy Watches the March from His Window (William Alatriste for the New York City Council photo) Mary Hernandez (center), CEO and Founder of Angellyh Yambo Foundation, recalls losing her niece to gun violence during briefing for Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (right) (Tandy Lau photo) New York City Mayor Eric Adams announces the appointment of Edward A. Caban as the 46th commissioner and Tania Kinsella as 45th first deputy commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) outside of the 40th Precinct in the Bronx where Commissioner Caban first served, on Monday, July 17, 2023 (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office photo)

Another third party problem?

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

Both President Joe Biden and former President Trump are flawed, according to Dr. Cornel West. In a move to distance himself further from the other presidential candidates, West is running on the Green Party and/or the People’s Party ticket. In his denouncements, he cited Biden’s past “connections” to segregationists, and Trump’s views on racial matters.

During an appearance on Fox News ’ “Hannity” on Monday, West stated that his bid for the Oval Office was as “serious as a heart attack.”

To clarify his charge of Biden’s connection to segregationists, West cited that in 2008, Biden reportedly called the former Mississippi Sen. John Stennis, “a hell of a guy.”

West is also accusing Biden of “crimes against humanity,” against African Americans, confirming a report that appeared in the New York Post. When Hannity noted that minority voters were mainly tied to the Democratic Party, West said it was as broken as the GOP, both he charged are in the pocket of “big money” and corruption.

Whether the Green Party or the People’s Party, West’s bid is getting the attention of Democrats, many of whom are recalling 2016 and the third-party campaign. “This is not the time in order to experiment. This is not the time to play around on the margins,” warned DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison, a close Biden confidant, over the weekend.

Harrison is perhaps referencing Hillary Clinton’s race against Trump when considerable votes went to Jill

Stein, the Green Party candidate. Such a spoiler was also noted by David Axelrod, Barack Obama’s chief strategist. “Now, with Cornel West as their [Green Party] likely nominee, they could easily do it again. Risky business.”

“What we see is a lot of folks who want to be relevant and try to be relevant in these elections and not looking at the big picture,” Harrison said.“We got to reelect Joe Biden.”

There are marked differences between Clinton’s run seven years ago and West’s current bid, mostly between the candidates themselves. West may be popular on the left and in academic circles, he in no way brings the same kind of political background Stein possessed. Even so, there is a large swath of Democrats concerned about Biden’s age and his policies.

Rev. Jackson steps down and designates Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III, to lead Rainbow PUSH Coalition

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

On June 15, the Rev. Jesse Jackson announced plans to retire as President and CEO of Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

A month later he named Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III, as his successor. Dr. Haynes was officially installed at the organization’s national convention on Sunday, July 16, with Vice President Kamala Harris as a keynote speaker.

Assuming the helm of Rainbow PUSH is a leadership role he is familiar with since he is the senior pastor at Friendship-West Baptist Church, a megachurch in Dallas with more than 13,000 members. A press release stated that Dr. Haynes will continue as senior pastor at the church.

“Rev. Jesse Jackson has made the world a better place, breaking down barriers, opening previously locked doors of opportunity, fighting for justice, and refusing to take ‘no’ for an answer on behalf of those who have no voice,” said Dr. Haynes. “Rainbow PUSH has been the organizational vehicle that he has driven in the movement for justice. I am honored and humbled that he has tapped me to serve as his successor as the president and CEO of this great organization.”

At the convention, Rev. Jackson, 81, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017, entered the Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn, Chicago in a wheelchair, leaned on the lectern, and with his usual eminence stated: “I am not retiring. I am pivoting.” He promised to remain actively involved in the movement.

After his son, Rep. Jonathan Jackson, reflecting on his father’s immense legacy, introduced Vice President Harris, she

also embellished Jackson’s prominence.

“Today we celebrate one of America’s greatest patriots, someone who deeply believes in the promise of our country, a fighter for freedom and human rights for all people,” Harris said. “At the core of Rev’s work is the belief that the diversity of our nation is not a weakness or an afterthought, but instead, our greatest strength.” She underscored the importance of Rainbow PUSH in the fight against “the extremists and their agenda to divide us as a nation.”

Dr. Haynes seems well eminently qualified to replace Rev. Jackson with his as-

sociation with a number of national social, political, and religious organizations, including the founding in 2003 of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference along with Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. and Dr. Iva E. Carruthers. Dr. Haynes currently serves as co-chairman of the board. He is also on the board of the Conference of National Black Churches, the National Action Network, and the IC3 Church Growth and Development Conference. He also serves as a member of the board of trustees of Paul Quinn College, an HBCU in Dallas, Texas where he has served as an adjunct professor.

Virtual forum on the ‘Faith of Malcolm X’

On Sunday, July 23, the Malcolm X Commemoration Committee (MXCC) will host a moving virtual teach-in on “The Faith of Malcolm X.” The forum starts at 2 p.m.

It will feature pioneering Islamic Women’s Rights champion and archivist Aisha AlAdawiya and Schomburg Scholar-in-Residence Yannis Mahil.

Al-Adawiya, a pioneering champion of women’s rights in Islam, is the founder of Women in Islam, Inc. She is the recently retired coordinator of Islamic input for the Preservation of the Black Religious Heritage Documentation Project at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, has appeared in numerous international forums, and has served on a number of boards, including that of the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center.

Yannis Mahil is winding down his stay at the Schomburg Center as its scholar-in-residence. He is a native of Morocco and is currently working on his own book on Malcolm X.

Beloved elder freedom fighter and cultural worker Bilal Sunni Ali will also be a special guest on behalf of Imam Jamil Abdullah AlAmin, the gathering’s political prisoner spotlight. Coming from a Garveyite family, joining NY chapter of the Black Panther Party, surviving being targeted by the state, and performing with the late Gil Scott Heron — what has Bilal Sunni Ali not done?

Al-Amin is fighting for his release after having been framed for killing a police officer in Georgia two decades ago. Best known as H. Rap Brown from his legendary presence in the Civil Rights Movement, Imam Jamil has endured and continues to face serious health issues, including cancer and a stroke. A full-fledged campaign to secure his freedom is in motion and is coordinated by the Imam Jamil Action Network (https://imamjamilactionnetwork.org/).

Please register for this moving talk at this Eventbrite link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZMvceCurz0rHdR3w6ddUgA-70ULUYtQ-wk6

Downtown Newark’s Halsey Festival

Come to Downtown Newark’s iconic Halsey Street on Saturday, July 22nd from noon to 5 p.m. for the Halsey Festival, a free, open-to-the-public outdoor celebration. The BrownMill Anniversary Block Party x Halsey Fest will be a full day of curated cultural experiences for children and adults under the backdrop of Newark-based artists, creators, and small businesses selling one-of-a-kind goods.

Children will have empowering, quality hands-on experiences to channel their innate curiosity and creativity. Adults will have the opportunity to be inspired by the community organizations, makers and businesses that fuel Newark’s unwavering creative energy.

For more information, visit: www.halseyfestival.com

4 • July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

NewJerseyNews

––compiled by Karen Juanita Carrillo Rev. Jesse Jackson (Damaso Reyes photo)

Kenneth “C.J.” Bazemore: Giving back with photography

By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews

East Harlem-native Kenneth “C.J.” Bazemore has been visually capturing Harlem and hip-hop history for several decades He has been instrumental in photographing the local New York hip-hop music scene, and documenting the genre more broadly.

“I always wanted to be a photographer,” he said. “God put the camera in my hand to get me off the streets. Photography saved my life.”

He bought his first camera, a Canon AE-1, out of a local pawn shop during the early 1990s, and hasn’t stopped since. He developed his craft as a means to avoid the many pitfalls which surrounded him, and just started taking photos of his neighbors in Wagner Houses and charging $2 per flick.“Not for the money, just to develop the pictures,” he explained. He became well known locally and soon was asked to cover events like weddings and Sweet 16s. His photographer friend, T.C., from the nearby Lincoln Houses, started bringing him to the Apollo Theater to take pictures of celebrities. “Bernard worked at the Apollo and gave us access,” Bazemore added. And when Spike Lee was filming “Malcolm X” on Third Ave. in the early 1990s, Bazemore started to capture some of the actors, and develop his craft.

Soon thereafter, he began heading to various video shoots with his camera to flex his lens, and make contacts. A video shoot for a song off Jay Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt , and Big Pun’s funeral were memorable moments for him.“I’d go and take pictures of the bodyguards with the celebrities and tell them it’s for their portfolios,” Bazemore explains.“Then I’d give them the pictures and they would grant me access to events.”Several of his photos from Pun's funeral were prominently featured in The Source Magazine the following issue, opening many doors for him. Bazemore’s photos have

THE URBAN AGENDA

By Khary Lazarre-White Executive Director & Co-Founder, The Brotherhood Sister Sol

America, Manhood and ViolenceBuilding Strong and Loving Boys

Violence is a national scourge in America. This is the America we have wrought.

Mass shootings occur on a daily basis across this nation. So many of the residents of our city feel that violence permeates their community. Many of the young people I work with believe having young friends who have been killed by gunfire is a normal occurrence. And even those who have avoided the actual violence live in haunted skittish fear of the possibility of violence that pervades their communities. There are those who see this issue only through the lens of urban violence, one of only low income Black and brown communites. However, the majority of violence in America, and nearly all mass shootings, are committed by white men. The foundation of domination and celebrated nature of violence – the realites of acts committed and of myths aspired towere created by white men.

that is based on defending any perceived slight, any form of disrespect, with violence. But underneath, they have a profound need to be acknowledged, for their power to be recognized, for their voices to be heard.

America’s problem with violence, it’s pervasive obsession with physical power, it’s level of homicidal violence that is unequaled by any in the so called “developed” world, is one reflected in the fact that so many of our boys have never been taught alternative standards of manhood. They have adhered to a definition of manhood that so often leads to either to bravado laced violence against other men, or the physical abuse of women.

also been featured in F.E.D.S. Magazine , Felon Magazine , and High Times , and the Amsterdam News . Bazemore recalled bumping into the iconic lens man, Gordon Parks, early in his career and asking him for some advice.“He said, ‘Just shoot what you love,’”Bazemore began.“At first I didn’t get it, but as time went on I understood what he meant.”His finger got trigger happy and he began shooting many prominent artists of that era onward. “Name them and I got them: Jay Z, Busta Rhymes, Black Rob, Kanye, Grandmaster Caz, DJ Hollywood, Crash Crew, Rakim, Cam’ron, Ma$e, Dip Set, Puffy, Biggie, Red Alert. I got them all!”Bazemore also mentioned recently doing a shoot with Grandmaster Melle Mel, the importance of inspiring younger generations, and never forgetting where you came from.“It’s not even work. It’s an opportunity to have fun,”Bazemore said “The camera took me to places I never thought I’d be. Hip-hop should be documented cuz it changed a lot of people’s lives. We were able to tell our story and it’s important to document it. I give back with photography.”

And so, while violence crosses ethnic and racial lines and economic strata – it is an act almost exclusively perpetrated by men. America’s identity as a nation is interwoven with toxic masculinity - a conquering of land and of bodies, a history of dominance and misogyny, a continued celebration of guns and the power that comes with them. This ethos has bled into all communities that now call this nation home. It affects how boys develop and to what they aspire - it warps personal identity, confines and distorts how men see ourselves, our roles and responsibilities

There has been much written about the need for gun control and for policy efforts to control violence in America. I have written such essays myself. There is no one single answer to this scourge: we must respond with education and legislation, gun control, a complete reimagining of the criminal justice system which constitutes a form of state violence itself, and yes, we must also recognize personal responsibility. We must not avoid the responsibility we have as citizens, as Americans, to raise boys to be healthy and strong men who do not see violence as their first form of communication when they are angry, wounded, or confused. For, tragically it almost always is boys who commit the violence.

We must confront this nation’s obsession with violence, the fact that all too often in America we believe that the answer to conflict is found in a gun. We have too often raised our boys into misguided men. Boys, lost and scared children inside, who present a false tough exterior, and in a tragic series of learned and deep seeded responses, they adhere to an honor code

It is essential that we guide boys and young men to help them become men capable of better navigating destructive concepts of masculinity, to claim an identity that is embracing and reflective of their full selves - human beings capable of intimacy and vulnerability, as well as of autonomy and independence, caregivers as well as care receivers, fathers and sons, lovers, brothers and friends who express, offer and need love. It is the only form of manhood that is potentially radical and liberating.

We all, but especially men, must educate boys about an ideal of masculinity that allows them to be all of the diverse and full people they deserve to be. Masculinity is not an inherently negative concept or behavior - there are many wonderful qualities associated with masculinity, but the restrictive notion of masculinity too often celebrated is one that is profoundly problematic. It leads to war, violence of all kinds, distortions of all of our characters across gender identities. This is work we have done at The Brotherhood Sister Sol since 1995 – this kind of edcuating and guiding, a curriculum and youth development approach that is liberating, empowering and allows boys and young men to heal and be whole.

Frederick Douglass, a man who, many years before other leaders, saw the interconnected struggle for Black freedom and the women’s movement for empowement and equality, wrote: “It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men.” The work of building boys who reject a destructive predetermined idea of manhood, those who reject a definition of masculinity based on domination and violence, those who will chose paths other than guns and destruction, is profoundly moral and ethical and necessary work. It may be difficult, but the benefit to society, to families, and to our communities is immeasurable. We must build strong and loving boys.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023• 5

Khary Lazarre-White, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Brotherhood Sister Sol, is a writer, organizer, social entrepreneur, attorney and author of the novel Passage. The views expressed in this column are solely those of the writer. The Urban Agenda is available on CSS’s website: www.cssny.org.

Black New

Kenneth “C.J.” Bazemore (Courtesy photo)

Yorker

Kings County Dem Exec Director Yamil Speight-Miller talks diversity on the bench

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

People and politics are complicated, often criticized as a source of corruption and immorality. Executive Director of the Kings County Democratic Party (Kings County Dems) Yamil Speight-Miller, appointed in October 2022, along with current Brooklyn Party boss and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, are trying to inch the county a little further in the right direction—starting with diverse candidates for judgeships.

“The role of the executive director is to ensure that the institution is still alive with the mission of the party,” said Speight-Miller at the party’s headquarters in Downtown Brooklyn. He and Dana Rachlin, dedicated district leader for Assembly District 50, sat across from one another and first explained the state of the county party in recent years.

Particularly in Brooklyn, the county party is quite confidently referred to as the “Democratic machine” with a reputation for descending into madness. In 2013, former Brooklyn Party boss and Assemblymember Vito Lopez re-

signed after a huge sexual harassment scandal. Years later, the COVID outbreak and a racially charged atmosphere certainly didn’t help the “frustration” involved with efforts to organize voting processes or onboard new district leaders, said Speight-Miller.

Frank Seddio, who replaced Lopez after his resignation, was a marked improvement and touted reforms. However, he was briefly accused of mishandling party funds before resigning in 2020. Even the former Kings County Dem Exec Director Andy Marte, who was a registered Republican before switching parties, resigned abruptly in 2022.

“Chaos, confusion, disagreements, uprising, disparity is all going to come but it is essential that the executive director remain neutral,” continued Speight-Miller. He was in public service for over 20 years and with the New York State Department of Health, before he was tapped to be the interim executive director after Marte left. By September 2022, he oversaw a series of hourslong and chaotic county committee meetings, where officers could barely vote because of difficulties with equipment and location.

Speight-Miller feels that he and Bichotte Hermelyn, the first boss of color of the party, have the re-

sponsibility of essentially righting a sinking ship. Speight-Miller is not deterred, though. His vision is to have more transparency and diversity, period. He feels the hardest part about implementing a new vision is encountering old mindsets—for example, when it comes to screening qualified candidates for judgeships.

“We’ve taken something like our screening panel and said ‘OK, we understand the past and what happened but turn that over to our ad hoc judiciary committee,’” began Speight-Miller. “And let us get data that we can now flip to the public and work together as a party.”

Rachlin, who runs the ad hoc judiciary committee, was appointed as a district leader to fill a vacancy. District leaders usually take a vote on who gets to run for judgeships. She said that voting for judges is an incredibly important role for an unpaid volunteer and she didn’t see her colleagues taking it seriously.

Civil court candidates aren’t sitting judges already so it’s a little harder to gauge where they would fall on issues, said Rachlin.

Part of her job now is to connect the candidate judges with more community members, who are likely to be justice-involved and

therefore directly impacted, and create spaces for conversation at forums and with questionnaires. Her job also involves educating more residents about the covert process of judicial elections— which run differently than standard political elections—and informing citizens about how long judgeships are, and how that impacts the democratic process.

“During that process I was a little disturbed, because I felt that we were making decisions that would be quite impactful on many, many people for many, many years through the lens of niceties, friendships, or alliances,” said Rachlin.

Speight-Miller said that it’s imperative that diversity on the bench be a priority because Black and brown people are disproportionately judged in the courtroom.

Rachlin added that civil court judges, who can sign warrants and may be placed in criminal courts setting bail, are a huge issue when it comes to racial justice.

“Because there are judges who are aggressive in their rulings, who are punitive in their rulings, who are often found to not be right and we don’t see them on the cover of newspapers or losing their seats,” said Rachlin. “We don’t see the kind of fear in judges like that, that we

do in judges that are trying to apply the law in a just and fair way.”

In this year’s primary, the Kings County Dems backed four Black women judges for county wide civil court: Judges Monique Holaman, Betsey Jean-Jacques, Marva Brown, and Turquoise Haskin. With 32.79% of the votes, Haskin lost to Judge Linda Wilson, another Black woman, who had 65.62% of the vote.

“The Brooklyn Democratic Party is proud to have endorsed a slate of highly-qualified and diverse judicial candidates for Civil and Surrogate’s Court—including four civil court candidates who are all women of color,” said Bichotte Hermelyn. “We’re endorsing culturally competent judges who were selected through a thorough vetting process and unprecedented community feedback to serve the needs of all Brooklynites fairly and impartially.”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS 6 July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews (left) Executive Director of the Kings County Democratic Party Yamil Speight-Miller and (right) District Leader for AD 50 Dana Rachlin pictured. (Ariama C. Long photo)

Brooklyn’s ‘Last Living Landmark,’ the race to save the Magnolia Tree Earth Center

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

In the heart of Bedstuy, Brooklyn, grows a southern magnolia tree that is over 40feet tall and protected by three historical brownstone buildings. The landmarked tree has survived there for the last 140 years, inspiring and serving the community that sprung up around it. Sadly, the Magnolia Tree Earth Center is in danger of losing the site if they don’t raise enough money for much-needed repairs.

“Magnolia Tree Earth Center has been serving the community for 50 years, providing exceptional environmental and workforce development programming,” said chairman of the Magnolia Tree Earth Center Wayne Devonish. “Now we need the community to support us.”

The Center has owned all three buildings for the past 50 years and urgently needs to raise at least $350,000 to pay for required repairs to the front facade of the brownstones and to take down the scaffolding, said Devonish.

“In Bedstuy, at this point in time, the Black history is being eroded daily. Institution after institution is falling. Another few years, you’re not going to know there was a Black community here,” he said. “We are going to work extremely hard to make sure this institution not only survives another hundred years but thrives.”

The Center was founded by the late Hattie

‘The Tree Lady’ Carthan to preserve the magnolia tree and its brownstones. She was the driving force behind getting the site’s landmark designation in 1970.

“She was from the South, and she saw that a tree was about to get knocked down, the Magnolia grandiflora, and the buildings,” said Devonish. “She remembered those trees from her childhood in the South. And she said, ‘There’s no way you’re going to knock that down’.”

The tree itself is not normally found this far north of Philadelphia because the con ditions are not ideal. Carthan learned that the brownstones kept the tree warm and out of harsh and cold winds. Devonish said the buildings were abandoned and in dis repair then, so they were originally slated to be destroyed to make room for a parking lot and new apartments.

Carthan rallied to raise what money she could to protect the tree from the city. She aimed to build a wall around it for $20,000. Factoring in inflation costs, that would be about $157,270 today. It was an ambitious undertaking, to say the least, for the struggling community of Bedstuy residents, but they persevered in raising about $7,000 ($55,000), which the Horticultural Society in New York matched to the dollar, said the city.

By 1976, the plans to develop the block changed, and Carthan was able to buy the brownstones altogether and renovate them.

Devonish said she dedicated her senior

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 7

See MAGNOLIA TREE on page 29 SUMMER FOR THE CITY LINCOLN CENTER’S JUN 14–AUG 12 THE ULTIMATE NEW YORK FESTIVAL SummerForTheCity.org FREE OUTDOOR EVENTS ALL SUMMER LONG! MAJOR SUPPORT BY MADE POSSIBLE BY

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso held a conference about preserving Bed-Stuy’s Magnolia Tree Earth Center July 12. (Contributed from the Office of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso)

Go with the Flo

FLO ANTHONY

Another day, another Diddy deal. Revolt reports that Sean “Diddy” Combs recently launched Empower Global, a digital marketplace aimed at helping consumers discover and support Black-owned businesses by providing opportunities to help Blackowned brands reach a larger consumer base. Empower Global already boasts more than 70 Black-owned brands, including Scotch Porter, Buttah Skin, Cool Creative Clothing, and Coco and Breezy Eyewear. Currently, more than 1,000 items are available for purchase on the platform.

Kimora Lee Simmons, accompanied by her and ex-husband Russell Simmons’s 20-year-old daughter, Aoki Lee Simmons, looked stunning at the HollyRod Foundation’s annual Design Cares Gala in Los Angeles July 15. Other guests at Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete’s soiree included three of Diddy’s kids, twins Jessie and D’Lila, and Christian Combs; Tina Lawson; “Soul Food” actress Vanessa Williams and her former castmates Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe; and Tiffany Haddish. The event celebrated heroes and angels who support, care for, and supply resources for Autism and Parkinson’s disease.

Harper Celebrate, a gift book imprint of Harper Collins Focus, has announced a forthcoming book with six-time Grammy Award-winning musical icon Dionne Warwick. Set to release in January 2025, the full-color book—tentatively titled “What the World Needs Now: Messages of Love and Hope (But No Advice ’Cause No One Listens Anyway)”—will include heartfelt, humorous, and wisdom-filled stories from Dionne’s personal affirmations, and classic Dionne-isms. Said Warwick, “Harper Celebrate is giving me an opportunity to give you an insight into my feelings about love, joy, hope, and inspiration. Some quite serious and most with a touch of humor. I’m excited to share with all of you.”

Pastor Mike Jr., dubbed the “new king of Urban Inspiration,” swept the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, winning eight categories, including Artist of the Year for a third time in a row. The ceremony will air Sunday, August 6, at 8 p.m. EST, 7 p.m. CDT on BET. His current album, “Impossible,” features 15 stand-out tracks of encouragement in collaborations with Tamela Mann, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, James Fortune, Adia, 1K Phew, and Angela McClure.

Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. holds book signing at NAN

First Corinthian Baptist Church Senior Pastor Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. held a book signing for his new tome, ‘Searching for Agabus,’

at Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) in Harlem. Dozens waited to speak with the nationally popular cleric, affectionately

known as Pastor Mike, as they purchased his work, which offers to help folk with “Embracing authenticity, and finding your way to you.”

Grants Tomb brings out the Jazz lovers

Jazz lovers packed Grant’s Tomb for Summerfest and Jazzmobile concerts to hear

and see 88-year-old Jazz Master Houston Person. The beloved jazz performer and his group delighted the crowd as they kept the music playing.

8 • July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS GO WITH THE FLO

Rev. Michael Walrond signs his book at NAN (Seitu Oronde photos) (Bill Moore photos) Rev. Michael Walrond with Rev. Al Sharpton at NAN

Bahamian Diaspora Celebrates 50 years of Independence

The Bahamas Consulate General and the Bahamian Diaspora celebrated 50 years of independence with a flag raising ceremony at River Bank State Park in Harlem, NYC Mayor Eric Adams presented a Proclamation from the City, alongside NYS Sen. Cordell Cleare, Bahamas Consul Gener-

al Leroy Major, and the H.E. Hon. Wendall Jones.

Major presented Mayor Adams with a proclamation for the 50th year. There was a performance by the National Youth Choir and Dancers, Junkanoo Parade, and the Royal Bahamas Police Band.

Leroy Major, NYS Sen. Cordell Cleare, Mary Sweeting, and Hon. Wendall Jones

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023• 9

OUT & ABOUT

CGBNY, Hon. Leroy Major and Mayor Eric Adams (Bill Moore photos) Bahamas Junkanoo Dancers

Matters

Union boss Gregory Floyd happy with sidelines for migrant shelter security contract bid

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff and TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Teamsters Local 237 union president Gregory Floyd stood by and expanded on recent public comments he made about safety concerns presented by the city’s migrant shelters, including claims that gang members were among those staying in such facilities.

The union’s representation of 24,000 local government agency employees includes unarmed peace officers such as school safety agents. Some members are security staff at city homeless shelters where asylum seekers are placed, but there are none at the Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers (HERRCs) that are directly designated to house the city’s incoming migrants.

“I’m not going to have a discussion with the city about a better arrangement. It’s not my place to have a discussion with the city,” said Floyd to the Amsterdam News. “I made my opinion known and

the city has opened up shelters outside of where our members work, and our members are not employed there, so we’re fine with the current arrangement.”

Such an arrangement includes Health + Hospitals (H+H) opening up bids for security staffing at the HERRCs by private, nonunion vendors earlier this month. The contract is expected to start in October.

According to Floyd, his anxieties about gang members at such facilities stem from a single altercation between a Teamster security guard and a migrant, who other shelter residents later warned was an MS-13 gang member before coming to the United States. But Floyd argues that his comments aren’t intended to demonize or generalize migrants.

Floyd added that union members are not trained to work in migrant shelters, nor “do they speak the same language[s] as the migrants.” There’s a specific emphasis in the city’s request for proposals on seeking staff who speak Spanish, Wolof, French, and Creole, along with Russian, Turk-

ish, and Georgian. Last year, southern border states began busing significant migrant populations to New York City, leading to the creation of multiple HERRCs, including the now-defunct “tent city” on Randall’s Island. The arrivals grew in number due to the end of Title 42—a Trump-era policy preventing the legal right to asylum under the pretense of COVID-19 spread—earlier this summer.

Anthony Gentile, associate director of the John Jay College Center for Private Security and Safety, said Floyd’s comments bely a potential for underlying concerns over unarmed guards thrust into an unfamiliar environment, along with the hefty, around-theclock duties required to oversee a migrant shelter. He pointed to a blend of school safety agents and NYPD officers at New York City schools as a potential short-term

model for migrant shelters, although he acknowledged the current police staffing issues.

“The [school resource officers] are being supported by the public safety officer in a school environment, and I believe that would be the most effective and best way forward for the shelters, at least initially,” said Gentile.

The Request for Proposals details security duties at HERRCs as 24/7 coverage without gaps “even in the event of call outs, holidays, extreme weather scenarios, or other possible disruptions.” An exact number of staff was not divulged. Instead, manpower (and womanpower) requirements for security teams will be determined after vendors tour the shelters with H + H personnel.

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

Claude Cummings Jr. elected first Black CWA union president

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

“You know, when I began this journey, nearly four decades ago in Houston, Texas, by following in my father’s footsteps in [the] CWA, I never dreamed that I would have the chance to be standing here as the first Black president of CWA,” Claude Cummings Jr. proclaimed on July 12 after he was elected to serve as president of the Communication Workers of America (CWA), the D.C.-based AFL-CIO–affiliated union that represents people who work in media, tech, telecommunications, public service, education, and related fields. Cummings was elected to take over the leadership position during the union’s 79th convention in St. Louis, Mo., which took place July 10–12. Elected over Ed Mooney by a margin of 59% to 41%; Cummings is the first Black person elected to serve as CWA

president in the union’s 85-year history.

Ameenah Salaam was elected to serve as the CWA’s secretary-treasurer, and is the first Black woman

to serve in that position. Cummings called Salaam “a powerhouse who understands the type of effective leadership our union needs.”

In his address to the CWA after his convention win, Cummings gave a speech that emphasized the importance of unity and the necessity of bridging any differences so the union can do the progressive work it needs to do.

One major issue CWA members want addressed is the way companies are confronting remote work issues. Although worker opportunities to have work-from-home (WFH) days became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are now demanding that workers return to their office buildings. Cummings, who is an at-large member of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, an African American trade unionist group, and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, has pledged to fight for the maintenance of WFH for union members.

“I’ve already talked to AT&T management this morning, and they’re getting a schedule togeth-

er so we can meet with [AT&T CEO John Stankey] and the rest of the senior vice presidents…about the issues that are important to us. And we’re bringing the VPs into those meetings so we can lay out to them what we’re not going to do,” Cummings told the convention.

“Our values of community and solidarity are the foundation of our strength as a union.”

In his presidential acceptance speech, Cummings emphasized that “is why, at this very moment, we all have to commit to coming together as one union, one family, and together fight for what we collectively believe in. That I am Black may be historic in the eyes of others, but for CWA in District 6…this milestone is just a continuation of our legacy of open-door opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other differences that may separate us but do not divide us.”

10 • July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS Union

Claude Cummings Jr. is new president of Communication Workers of America (CWA convention photo) Migrants arriving at temporary HERRC in Red Hook’s Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in January (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office photo)

Wheelie Bad: NYPD ticketed Black and other nonwhite cyclists disproportionately in 2022, says nonprofit TransAlt

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

“Easy as riding a bike” means different things to different New Yorkers, depending on their skin color and ZIP code. The nonprofit Transportation Alternatives (TransAlt) recently determined that New Yorkers of color are overwhelmingly ticketed for bicycle-related offenses. Em Friedenberg, the organization’s senior research coordinator, funneled NYPD numbers from last year into a spatial data map that pointed to significant disparities in cyclist enforcement.

“We analyzed every bicycling on sidewalk citation from 2022 and the results were appalling, yet unsurprising,” said Friedenberg. “More than 90% of these tickets were given to New Yorkers of color and 90% were issued on streets without a separated or protected bike lane. When the city builds safe places to bike, biking on the sidewalk drops dramatically.”

Friedenberg noted that a twoway protected bike lane on Prospect Park West reduced sidewalk riding by 97% and said by designing streets that give options for all road users, traffic fatalities go down. She believes that the mayor must invest in self-enforcing streets and protected bike lanes.

“Instead of ticketing people just for getting around, the city should build essential, lifesaving

infrastructure,” she said. Last year, 47.5% of people issued a “bicycling on the sidewalk” ticket by the NYPD were Black and 8.3% were white, per TransAlt. The biking law states that New York City cyclists must remain on the streets at all times, with the exception of youngsters age 12 and under with 26-inch diameter wheels or smaller. Of the NYPD’s 722 total bicycle-related tickets, 102 were issued by Brook-

lyn’s 70th Precinct, which covers Midwood, Fiske Terrace, Ditmas Park, and Prospect Park South, where 61% of residents are nonwhite. Of those, 60 were for bicycling on the sidewalk—with 40 issued to Black cyclists. That’s a significant departure from second-most, Harlem’s 28th Precinct, with 42 tickets issued, and only one for bicycling on the sidewalk.

Most tickets issued by 70th are

clustered just outside Prospect Park, where there are safe places to bike. When cyclists spill out onto the nearby streets, there’s little dedicated infrastructure to keep them safe and off the sidewalks, said a TransAlt spokesperson.

The NYPD responded to the disparities arguing that the department “does not engage in racially based enforcement,” adding that body-worn cameras capture police interactions and are reviewed by supervisors.

“There has been an increase of enforcement of bicycle-related summons year-to-date in the confines of the 70 Precinct due to both community complaints involving bicycles being ridden on sidewalks in a reckless manner and the use of bicycles in violent crimes by suspects,” said the department spokesperson.

Community Board 14, which largely overlaps on the map with the 70th Precinct, ranks 43rd out of 59 in protected bike lanes.

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023• 11

HOW

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LEARN

Bike memorial at DOE Brooklyn Adult Learning Center (Nayaba Arinde photos) See BIKE on page 31

A monument at last for Shirley Chisholm!

Finally! After four years of higgling and haggling, the Public Design Commission has approved a statue to honor the political career of Rep. Shirley Chisholm of Brooklyn. The 32-foot-tall yellowand-green steel sculpture, 8 feet smaller than the original proposed by the artist Amanda Williams and Olalekan B. Jeyifous, will rise in a plaza in Prospect Park.

When completed, it will be the first permanent artwork in the borough dedicated to a woman in history, and it’s a good choice for a representative who was “unbought and unbossed,” as she proclaimed in her autobiography. Chisholm, who died in 2005 at 80, was the first African American congresswoman, as well as one of the first women and the first African American to run for president.

The monument, which in many ways is similar to the one in Harlem by Elizabeth Catlett honoring Ralph Ellison, will stand as a companion tribute to the Shirley Chisholm State Park, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the Empire State Building, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the New York Harbor, and Jamaica Bay—all in keeping

with Chisholm’s ever-widening perspective on civil and human rights.

“This administration is committed to working to tell a more complete story surrounding the trailblazing women who have shaped our city, and we are ready to get more of these projects back underway,” said Laurie Cumbo, New York City’s current commissioner of Cultural Affairs, of the monument.

In 2019, the Chisholm monument was proposed as the headliner of She Built NYC, an ambitious program created by the Bill de Blasio administration and led by the former first lady, Chirlane McCray, to diversify the city’s sculptures with a commitment of up to $10 million over four years.

When Williams and Jeyifous presented their proposal and rendering, which they titled “Our Destiny, Our Democracy,” McCray said, “Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s dynamic leadership and activism continues to inspire all who learn her story, and her service deserves public recognition. This artwork will be bright, bold, and makes a statement—just like Chisholm herself.”

Yep, just like the undaunted, redoubtable Shirley!

Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher and Editor in Chief

By NEW YORK CITY MAYOR ERIC ADAMS

One of my most sacred obligations as Mayor is keeping our children safe from harm. And one of the leading risks to their health is nicotine-based products—including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, also known as vapes.

We have made great progress, as a city and nation, keeping our youth safe from traditional cigarette smoking—bringing down youth smoking rates from 23% in 2000 to 2.3% in 2021. But with the rise of vaping, nicotine addiction among middle and high school students is once again on the rise. Vapes are packed with nicotine, a toxic and highly addictive chemical that is particularly damaging to adolescent minds and bodies.

Worse still, companies are luring our children by advertising youthfriendly vape flavors such as “strawberry milkshake,” “cola,” and “pina colada.” Their product packaging often features colorful, child-friend-

ly cartoon characters designed to catch the eye of young people.

This is illegal. And my administration will not stand by while companies put our children at risk.

Last week, we announced a major, federal lawsuit against four distributors of flavored, disposable e-cigarettes. Our lawsuit names four distributors of flavored vape that are putting profits over people and hurting our young people. We are seeking a court order that will prevent these distributors from further delivering their dangerous flavored products into New York City. And we are asking them to pay for the harm they have already caused our children.

When children see youth-friendly packaging, they may think “This is something I’d like to try. This is something that won’t hurt me.” Families should be clear. That is 100% false. Nicotine may affect the ability to learn and concentrate. And withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, and depression, worsening mental

health at a time when our young people are already struggling.

In 2021, more than 1 in 10 public high school students across the country reported using e-cigarettes in a 30-day sample period. And flavored e-cigarettes with their colorful packaging and appealing flavors are the gateway to long-term e-cigarette use. 81% of first-time users, ages 12 to17, started with flavored products. Most have never previously smoked. An overwhelming majority of youth e-cigarette users choose to vape because they were attracted to the flavors.

We will not allow this greedy, harmful, and openly illegal behavior to continue. We will not allow these nicotine-pushers to harm the health of our children, to put our students on the path to addiction, make them customers and users for life, and expose them to unknown long-term health effects.

We will do whatever it takes to keep our children safe, and our lawsuit seeks to stop these four companies dead in their tracks.

Society doesn’t define my Blackness

By CHRISTOPHER HUGGINS BROWN

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, the place we are supposed to be United right? like the times we have to fight for our rights

the times we are brutally attacked by police because of the color of our skin

the times minority groups are often overlooked: LGBTQ rights, Trans rights, women’s rights, so many rights have been waived for what? white supremacy?

through the roof but what can i do…we pledge to this flag

Full of lies and betrayal…we see stereotypes all over this country putting individuals into boxes. We are fully attentive with what’s going on but why can’t we stop this? Are you hearing this? Are you seeing this? Are you actually listening to this?

The nation doesn’t represent our worth because we are so much more than just a stereotype

these white officers in the street to make MY money while y’all work a 9-5, I stay overtime to make sure the depressed aren’t becoming mentally sane & the hungry will never be fed. This is society for you, better yet capitalism.

We love to hear Black don’t crack but society TRIES to break our melanin like glass.

Alliance for Audited Media Member

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

We see as the world is corrupted somehow men aren’t able to show vulnerability oftentimes making them feminine. Women can’t choose what and what not to do with their bodies.

Time ticking heart pounding blood rushing we often see news after news killing sprees, depression rates increasing, suicide rate

Mental health is never spoken about nor does anyone see signs of people hurting everyday in silence probably because of how wide and big the smiles are but no this is not a numbered list poem this is a eulogy for those swallowed in their own minds.

You are my puppet and I have you held up by the strings keep that gun to the temple of your head, the devil himself has nothing on me because I gave birth to slavery myself, I keep

Running in circles trying to find my purpose, my worth, my character through societal issues, what can I do? We pledge to this flag time after time, days after days, weeks turn into months which turn into years but still who are we to judge One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Christopher Huggins Brown is a young poet. He plans to continue to write about topics that aren’t often brought into light, he also wants to major in psychology and become a mental health therapist.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS 12 July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

Protecting our youth from flavored vapes

Informal Censorship Is Worse Than Book Burning—And It’s Here

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

Suppose the President of the United States voices concern over media concentration. The president promises to consider antitrust suits to break up newspaper monopolies and retroactive legislation prohibiting newspapers from owning radio or television stations, including the remedy of divestment.

Suppose the Washington Post or New York Times, intimidated by the president’s Sword of Damocles, and to appease the United States government, daily shared their contemplated published letters to the editor, op-eds, and indeed, their entire newspapers for vetting by the White House or executive departments or agencies to delete viewpoints or assertions that the government decreed adulterated the cognitive infrastructure of the American people with bad ideas.

Is there any doubt that the described, informal, viewpoint censorship would violate the First Amendment’s protection of free speech and of a free press? The United States Supreme Court condemned a comparable scheme of informal government censorship in Bantam Books v. Sullivan (1963). There, a Commission to Encourage Morality in Youth provided booksellers with a list of prohibited books that should be withdrawn from circulation with an implied threat of prosecution if they were not. The Court held the Commission’s de facto censorship of books with no trial to adjudicate whether they were protected by the First Amendment was unconstitutional.

Now fast forward to the digital age and the rise of social media behemoths. President Joe Biden openly flirts with anti-monopoly suits against Facebook, Google, and the usual suspects. The president also voices support for amending section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to dimmish the legal safe harbor social media companies enjoy from publishing the postings of third par-

Friendship and BBQ

ties. Additionally, the White House and a cavalcade of executive branch agencies snarl in high octaves against social media for insufficient content monitoring and removal of postings or users who contradict the government’s orthodoxies about COVID-19, election integrity, and the cognitive infrastructure of the American people that the government finds appealing, taking George Orwell’s “1984” to a new level. The social media companies approached included Facebook/Meta, Twitter, YouTube/Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, WeChat, Tik Tok, and other online platforms.

In response, all targeted social media meet or otherwise communicate daily with putative Platonic Guardians housed in the executive branch to delete disfavored posts or users. The overwhelming majority are conservative. The social media has become virtual stenographers of the Biden administration’s version of truth. A free marketplace of ideas is annihilated.

What you have read is not fiction. It is a summary of the decision of United States District Judge of the Western District of Louisiana, Terry A. Doughty, on July 4, 2023, in State of Missouri, et al., v. Joseph R. Biden, et al. The Court chronicled in 100 pages of factual findings industrial scale suppression on social media of content or users the Biden administration found were politically obnoxious, a synonym for conservative dissent or dissenters. Biden engaged in the broadest violation of free speech in history, far worse than the Index of Forbidden Books or book burning. Judge Doughty preliminarily held the censorship unconstitutional.

The Biden administration’s informal censorship with ulterior partisan political motives is deplorable. But it is symptomatic of a disease inescapable with our Leviathan regulatory state endowed with limitless, unreviewable, discretionary power

to financially cripple or boost any substantial business in the nation. Think of the vast expanse of Alphabet agencies: the FTC, the FCC, the FED, the FDIC, the Comptroller of the Currency, the SEC, the CPSC, the IRS, the FAA, the EPA, OFAC, CFPB, the FDA, the procurement arms of the Pentagon. They need to stay on the good side of the United States government to avoid financial strangulation.

The FDA screens drugs for safety and effectiveness before marketing can begin. The median cost of conducting the necessary clinical trials to satisfy the safety and effectiveness threshold average is approximately $20 million. An FDA denial is virtually unreviewable in court under the Administrative Procedure Act. No drug company—even Pfizer— would dare risk awakening the ire of its overseers by criticizing any FDA policy or the White House.

In other words, the mere existence of the FDA endowed with formidable regulatory discretion suppresses the free speech of the regulated. A host of other regulated industries are similarly silenced by the mere existence of their regulators: financial institutions, insurance, oil and gas, motor vehicles, aircraft, defense contractors, and every business that may confront a tax issue or a need to sell securities.

In sum, if we wish free speech to flourish, the regulatory state must be vastly scaled back. This is an issue upon which both liberals and conservatives should agree. To crucify free speech on a cross of administrative regulation is a Faustian bargain that should not be entertained.

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

I recently had the opportunity to interview awardwinning and acclaimed actor Anthony Anderson and comedic icon and sitcom star Cedric the Entertainer on my podcast, “The Blackest Questions with the Grio.” I invited them on to play my Black history trivia game, but I also wanted to learn more about their upcoming television show and line of barbeque rubs for our summer cookouts. As I spoke to the two legends, I realized that so much of life is spending time with the friends you love, people with whom you can embark on new adventures, and folks who will keep you laughing and challenging yourself.

I was curious to know more about how these two actors decided to launch a show about … barbeque!

Anderson hails from Compton, C.A., but his father grew up in Arkansas and thus is partial to a more dry rub style barbeque. Cedric is from St Louis, M.O., and prefers the Texas style barbeque so many people rave about. He likes that brisket style where it’s a little charred at the tips and you can dip it in the sauce. These two have launched AC Barbeque, a new barbeque rub that can be found in Walmart stores, and www.acbarbeque.com lets you know exactly which Walmart stores carry their new rubs. The three flavors are “Put Me on Errrything,” “Midnight Smoke,” and “Lemon Stepper.”

These two have been friends for well over two decades, cooking, golfing, laughing, and barbequing together. They also

have a show on A&E Network series “Kings of BBQ” where they meet pit masters, sample “non-traditional” parts of the pig, and travel the country to showcase all of the diverse styles of barbeque found in the United States. The show also delves into the ways different regions prepare foods, build community, socialize, and take care of one another.

So much of our Black history is tied to food and community. We must learn the history of why we eat certain foods or why our ancestors prepared certain foods to nourish us. The concept of whole animal cooking has been a journey for me, and I am still discovering more delicacies passed down from our ancestors.

I definitely plan on picking up some of the AC Barbeque rubs, not just for my ribs, but also for my pork loins and fish. As I prepare for more summer fun with friends and family, I hope we will take the time to do a little more research on the history of some of the foods we love. I also hope the friendship or Anthony and Cedric inspires you to give an old friend a call or a text. And don’t forget to check out “Kings of BBQ” on A&E and snag some of the rubs for your summer gatherings.

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

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 13 OPINION

CHRISTINA GREER, PH.D.

Caribbean Update

Caricom determined to push for reparations

BY BERT WILKINSON

Special to the AmNews

When it comes to highly controversial issues that could affect the economic prosperity of The Bahamas, successive governments have opted for the measured and conservative approach, being well aware that tourism and international business are key to economic survival of that mini archipelago off Florida.

But in recent months, the cabinet of Prime Minister Phillip Davis has moved to take a more strident stance on some important issues, including sending security personnel to strife-torn Haiti and now demanding that Europe complies with demands from the Caribbean for compensation for the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Davis was a keynote speaker at a sustainable goals conference in The Bahamas in the past week when he went into detail about the region’s position regarding reparations from former European slave trading nations. He told the audience that demands for reparations are regarded as the “boogeyman” at climate change negotiations, but the region plans to press ahead regardless.

“I can tell you that we are committed to reparations, not just for the trans-atlantic slave issue. In fact, we recommitted ourselves at our last heads meeting [of Caricom] last week in

Trinidad. There was a question of reparations. We had last year written to the United Kingdom government, to the Netherlands government, to the Portugal government stating our case in respect to reparations, insofar as the slave trade is concerned.”

Regional leaders had briefly discussed the issue at their three-day meeting earlier this month, but they were also bogged down with efforts to find a solution to Haiti and to get free movement of Caribbean nationals of all categories of persons.

Still, Davis argued that there has been some amount of progress in recent months in terms of getting Europe, commercial entities, and religious organizations to acknowledge their tragic and brutal role in the slave trade, something he appears to regard as a

positive beginning of an engagement.

“We have now the apologies of the Anglican Church, the Anglican Communion in England. They did their study that’s been published, recognized their role in it. Some families, wealthy families in England have now taken up the cause to assist in promoting reparations.”

The region has also engaged King Charles in the discussions.

“They were sympathetic to the thought. The king has kindly considered to facilitating scholarships for our region and, in particular, The Bahamas for studying at any of the major universities, Cambridge, Oxford. We’re talking about that. Also, he has commissioned a study to determine the role they would’ve played as a monarch in this whole issue.”

The PM’s remarks come about six months

after outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte formally apologized for the role of The Netherlands in the slave trade, saying the nation was willing to begin formal engagements with the Caribbean and other affected nations in the near future. Reacting to the apology in late December, the umbrella Caribbean Reparations Commission (CRC) wasted no time in identifying The Dutch as the pioneers of slavery, being among the most brutal and the one which perhaps had benefited the most commercially.

At the beginning of July, Dutch King WillemAlexander also apologized. “I stand before you as king and a member of the government and apologize to you personally. I feel this deeply in my heart and soul. Of all the ways in which a person can be robbed of their freedom, slavery is surely the most painful. The most degrading. The most inhuman.”

The bloc of 15 nations has long asked Europe for a formal summit on slavery and reparations, but authorities say the Europeans have made no effort to convene such a conference. In the meantime, however, Caricom has hired a British firm, which had won millions for Kenyan tribesmen who were slaughtered by British soldiers during the colonial era, to represent them. Initial reports are that the regional case is very strong.

J.B. Pritzker – the antithesis to Ron Death Santis?

FELICIA PERSAUD IMMIGRATION KORNER

When it comes to immigration, Illinois

Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) is swiftly establishing himself as the polar opposite of Florida›s Gov. Ron Death Santis (R). Illinois is home to over 1.8 million immigrants, with an estimated 425,000 identifying as undocumented. In comparison, Florida is estimated to have 4.6 million immigrants, with 725,000 reportedly undocumented.

The response to handling the issue of immigration couldn›t be more different in the two states. While Death Santis has implemented some of the most stringent immigration rules, causing immigrants to leave Florida and leaving many employers without employees, Pritzker is focused on creating a more welcoming environment for undocumented immigrants in Illinois.

While Florida is now rejecting driver›s licenses issued by certain U.S. states, including Connecticut, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and Vermont, immigrants in Illinois, regardless

of their immigration status, will be able to obtain standard driver›s licenses for identification purposes.

Pritzker recently signed House Bill 3882, eliminating the «Temporary Visitor Driver›s License» (TVDL) that non-citizens, including the undocumented, previously used to legally drive in Illinois. This new legislation enables them to obtain regular driver›s licenses instead.

Pritzker emphasized:“This legislation is a significant step towards removing the barriers to opportunities faced by many undocumented immigrants. We are ensuring that every eligible individual can obtain a driver›s license, making our roads safer, reducing stigma, and creating more equitable systems for all.”

Furthermore, starting from January 1, 2024, Illinois landlords will be required to rent or sell property to undocumented migrants. Protections will be implemented under the Illinois Human Rights Act, addressing housing discrimination based on immigration status and discriminatory advertising. The law will include immigration status as a protected class. Additionally, Illinois passed a bill allow-

ing certain immigrants, including those with legal authorization to work or who are protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Act, to apply for police officer positions. This legislation circumvents the federal law that prohibits non-U.S. citizens from becoming police officers.

And since August of last year, over 11,000 migrants, mainly from Central and South America, have arrived in Illinois, with many being transported from Texas after crossing the southern U.S. border illegally.

In contrast, Death Santis supports the idea of sending migrants from Texas to states like Illinois and California and has been accused of engaging in human trafficking himself by officials in Texas and California and civil rights attorneys in Massachusetts, even though his immigration bill makes says he is fighting human trafficking in Florida.

He criticizes sanctuary cities like Chicago, blaming them for exacerbating the migration problem, and advocates for “closing the border.”

Pritzker’s support for immigrants, however, has garnered recognition. Last

month, he received an award from the national bipartisan PAC Immigrants’ List for his advocacy of immigrant rights, including the signing of legislation that supports immigrant families. The immigration council commended Pritzker for signing bills that severed ties with federal immigration enforcement, recognized immigration status as a potential motive for hate crimes, and established protections against workplace discrimination.

Pritzker has openly criticized Death Santis on numerous occasions, even during a visit to the Sunshine state last year, where he headlined a Florida Democratic Party event. In a passionate speech, Pritzker accused Death Santis of attempting to disguise covert racism, homophobia, and misogyny as a more reasonable form of Trump Republicanism.

It›s unfortunate that Pritzker is not running for president; a clash between these two contrasting state leaders would undoubtedly be intriguing.

The writer is publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com – The Black Immigrant Daily News. She can be reached at felicia@caribpr.com

14 • July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

“The PM’s remarks come about six months after outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte formally apologized for the role of The Netherlands in the slave trade, saying the nation was willing to begin formal engagements with the Caribbean and other affected nations in the near future.”

Overridden, Overruled: City Council vote beats mayor’s CityFHEPS bills veto

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

Housing and addressing the homelessness crisis has been a sore spot of contention between Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council. In their most recent battle last week, Speaker Adrienne Adams and the City Council held a majority vote of 42–8 to override the mayor’s attempt to derail the council’s City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (CityFHEPS) legislative package on July 13.

The bills include removing shelter stay as a precondition to eligibility for CityFHEPS, giving people the ability to demonstrate risk of eviction by presenting a rent demand letter, and changing the eligibility for vouchers from 200% of the federal poverty level to 50% of the area median income.

“New York City is in the midst of an intense eviction crisis that

risks pushing more people into homelessness,” said Speaker Adams in a statement. “These bills are aimed at removing barriers faced by the lowest-income New Yorkers to accessing vouchers that can help them avoid losing their homes and becoming unhoused. During a time of

record homelessness, it is critical that we respond with the urgency and strength needed to address the scale of this crisis.”

The contention stems from the asylum seeker crisis, where thousands of migrants have arrived in the city for the past year, and other compounded housing

issues that put a substantial strain on the city’s resources and lowerincome individuals and families. Leadership can’t seem to agree about how to solve the problem.

Back in May, Mayor Adams filed an application controversially seeking “modification” and “relief” from the city’s

long-held right-to-shelter law. A few days later, the City Council passed the CityFHEPS bills to remove barriers to voucher eligibility and rental assistance, immediately putting the mayor’s more reserved camp at odds with the more liberal council.

The bills were considered “vetoproof,” but Mayor Adams argued that the laws would do more harm than good and implemented his veto anyway on Friday, June 23. He did, however, agree with ending the 90-day city shelter stay eligibility mandate. In an op-ed for the Daily News, he explained that the other bills in the legislative package would cost the city “$17 billion over the next five years.”

By July, organizations like Women in Need (WIN), the largest provider of shelter and supportive housing for homeless families, and the Community Service Society of New York (CSSNY) came out with their own cost projections for the

East West Bank opened our doors in 1973 with the mission of serving people who were often overlooked by mainstream banks. Even as we’ve grown, we’ve stayed true to our roots, helping minorities and underserved populations connect to new opportunities.

Your goals are our motivation. Your success is our mission.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 15

When you’re ready to buy your first home, we’ll help you reach further. Visit eastwestbank.com/homebuyer or call 888.726.8885. Your story is our story. All rates, fees, products and program guidelines are subject to change or discontinue without prior notice. Other limitations and restrictions may apply. All loans are subject to East West Bank’s application, underwriting, appraisal, and credit approval. Program is available in selected counties of California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Texas and Washington. Brooklyn 5801 8th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11220 718.435.1288 1322-1328 Ave. U, Brooklyn, NY 11229 718.998.2218 Flushing 135-11 Roosevelt Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 718.640.9388 38-05 Union St., Flushing, NY 11354 718.961.4966 Manhattan 208 Canal St., New York, NY 10013 212.710.2913 77 Bowery, New York, NY 10002 212.966.3303 Member FDIC NMLSR ID 469761 Equal Housing Lender Housing rights rally at City Hall Park on July 13 (Gerardo Romo/ NYC Council Media Unit photo) see CITYFHEPS on

page

Factcheck: False: People routinely contract COVID through blood transfusions

that “the impact of the COVID19 pandemic continues to have an enormous effect on supply and the need for donations.” In March of 2023, the NYBC declared a blood emergency citing several contributing factors, and the summer has seen nationwide calls for blood donations. COVID’s impact not only led to myths around blood transfusions but blood donations as well.

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

As we enter this new phase of living with COVID-19, myths persist. One false rumor is that people can contract COVID through the blood supply.

According to researcher Sonia Bakkour, in a press release promoting her research study, she states that “[o]ther studies have shown that in rare cases where a blood sample tested positive, transmission by blood transfusion has not occurred…Therefore, it appears safe to receive blood as a transfusion recipient and to keep donating blood, without fear of transmitting COVID-19 as long as current screenings are used.”

The press release continued: “Researchers concluded the likelihood of a transfusion recipient receiving blood with trace amounts of SARS-CoV-2 was approximately .001%—a little over 1 in 100,000— and that the likelihood of SARSCoV-2 transmission by blood transfusion was insignificant compared to airborne transmission.”

Dr. Bruce Sachais of the New York Blood Center (NYBC) adds to this, telling the AmNews “COVID is not transmitted via blood…that’s not a way that people get this or other respiratory viruses.” Sachais continues, saying that individuals contract COVID-19 “ through the breathing in of the droplets, being exposed to those droplets that contain the virus and the blood is not infected.”

The Canadian Blood Services supports this conclusion, ex-

(Image By Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

plaining in the article, “Why you won’t get COVID-19 from a blood transfusion” that “[v] iruses rely on ‘binding sites’ on their host cells…The binding sites for COVID-19 are located in the respiratory tract, especially the lower lung, and the digestive system. There is no evidence this coronavirus targets blood cells, or even uses plasma to move around and invade other organs...Blood cells don’t have the binding sites COVID-19 is looking for. The virus is focused on attacking the respiratory and digestive systems.”

As to concerns that individuals may have regarding the safety of blood donation centers, Andrea Cefarelli, senior vice president of NYBC, spoke to the AmNews about the safety measures that were taken to safeguard individuals at the height of the COVID

pandemic: “[we] implemented several…practices…both our staff and our donors were safe and these were very similar to other practices for frontline staff…we increased the distance between our donor beds [and] some simi-

lar precautions that other organizations were following.”

In January of this year, the New York State Department of Health issued a statement encouraging individuals to donate blood for Blood Donor Month and stating

“I would just add that the pandemic sort of devastated the foundation on which we collect blood so pre-pandemic about 25 [percent] of our blood supply came from young donors who donated at high school or a college among their peers…having a fun experience for their first donation among friends and then the work from home, which is kind of here to stay or a blended work schedule is making corporate blood drives different and so, the need for blood and disaster preparedness was really heightened coming out of the Pandemic,” Cefarelli said.

For additional resources about Blood Donations in NYC, visit https://portal.311.nyc.gov/ article/?kanumber=KA-01419.

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

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS 16 July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023

Health

Claim: People routinely contract COVID-19 through blood transfusions.

Factcheck: False. While COVID-19 is a contagious disease, contracting the disease through blood products or blood donations is unproven and not supported by current science.

YOUR

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

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DONATION TO THE BLACKLIGHT INVESTIGATIVE UNIT, VIA THE LOCAL MEDIA FOUNDATION, WILL DIRECTLY SUPPORT THIS JOURNALISM.

Arts & Entertainment

Octavia Butler’s vision honored in Lincoln Center’s “Parable of the Sower”

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

Deciphering Octavia Butler’s books has never been easy, and the operatic version of “Parable of the Sower” with music and lyrics by Toshi Reagon and her mother, Bernice Johnson Reagon, is no less challenging or engaging. Rather than a hard copy playbill, the audience had to scan a barcode to determine who the performers were and, most importantly, what the opera was about. Many of the older members of the audience were not accustomed to this new process. Moreover, they were not sure when the performance actually began, when to applaud, or when the exact ending of the show was. There was perhaps some uncertainty about the actors running from the stage and down the aisles, particularly, when they were confused with late arrivals searching for their seats in the packed David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center Thursday evening.

One thing for certain you cannot quibble about is the powerful musical score, an olio of gospel and spiritual songs, folk, contemporary pop, and a dollop of hiphop. The protagonist, Lauren Olamina, a woman possessed with an unusual trait of hyper-empathy like a Corsican twin, has a voice of special resonance, at times a throaty quaver, and then a mellifluous swell of passion. She is the literal embodiment of the hurt her neighbors have en-

dured. Her delivery often blends with the chorus and diverts dramatically from the sermon-like tonality exuded by Jared Wayne Gladly (Rev. Olamina).

When Toshi asked for a show of hands of those familiar with the “Parable of the Sower,” only a few were seen, but more were apparently aware of Butler’s literary legacy.

Butler, (1947-2006), was a trailblazing sci-fi or Afrofuturism author, and her far-seeing prescience was never more phenomenal than in the “Parable of the Sower,” practically to the very day (her book published in 1993 begins July 20,

2024). It highlights some of the current social, political, economic, and post-apocalyptic dystopic suffering, mass shootings, police abuse, poverty, climate change, and racism. The opera has grown considerably since I first saw it in Abu Dhabi at the invitation of my nephew, who was associated with the NYU campus there in 2017.

Since then, the show has grown exponentially, with a finer distillation of the narrative and plot, to say nothing of the expansive cast, which, when many of them began mounting the stage at the conclusion, might have again puzzled the audience. Much of this perhaps emerged from

the imagination of the Reagons and the production’s co-directors Signe Harriday and Eric Ting.

But their joining the regular cast members underscored the Reagons’ vision of a “congregational” motif, a veritable community sing guided by a young woman determined to rescue her followers from the detritus and malevolence of so-called modern-day America. Lauren is determined to lead them to “a new world a coming” as one of the songs promises.

Those ardent fans of Toshi and her mother’s Sweet Honey in the Rock must have felt

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 17

Books pg 19 | Travel pg 21 | Theater pg 23 | Jazz pg 24 Pg. 20 Your Stars

Full cast and community choir, Octavia E. Butler’s ‘Parable of the Sower’ at Lincoln Center (Lawrence Sumulong photos)

See PARABLE on page 25

Full cast, Octavia E. Butler’s ‘Parable of the Sower’ at Lincoln Center

Uptown Triennial captivates spectators in an artistic, sonic world

By BRENIKA BANKS Special to the AmNews

Visual arts and sounds make for a perfect match with Uptown Triennial 2023’s summer debut. This artistic tribute to the sonic world opened on June 23 at Columbia University’s Lenfest Center for the Arts, where the exhibit explores dimensions of music, soundscapes, and spoken word honoring Harlem. Director and Chief Curator Betti-Sue Hertz aimed to create an exchange of ideas that transcend any concept of what is possible when visual artists account for the significance of the sonic sphere, according to their site.Underrepresented Black communities propel the exhibit’s audience to learn essential knowledge enriching Harlem’s artistic impact. Multidisciplinary artist and curator Dianne Smith’s collaborative standout piece with Carl Hancock Rux is sure to teach. “Amin Shelah” is a three-channel video installation with a Jerusalem-inspired prayer wall made from brown butcher paper, where visitors are encouraged to leave behind written prayers and good thoughts. Smith, who credits herself as the conceptualizer of the display, describes her combined art with Rux as bringing ideas into fruition aesthetically. “[Carl] and I have worked symbiotically where I’ve been able to bring his vision to life,” said Smith. She contributes visual articulation to Rux’s ideas by incorporating a projector showing moving images amplifying Afro-Judaism. “This is a community that is not talked about enough,” said Smith. Harlem is home to Black Jewish people, and once housed the second largest population of Jews in America—about 175,000, according to religionnews.com. However, data and information about the Afro-Jewish is very difficult to find. “Amin Shelah” is made to transport viewers into an awareness of African-descendant Jewish people that they may have not known about prior. “We are everywhere, the diaspora is everywhere,” said Smith. The main sounds in this display are Hebrew chants and Carl Hancock Rux’s spoken voice over the chants, ending with wellknown Harlem Renaissance singer Paul Robeson singing Jewish songs. This sonic installation enhances significant music, voices, and prayers of the Black Jewish population in Harlem. The significance of music from African Americans hits a monumental point this summer as hiphop celebrates its 50th anniversary. The genre went from rhythmic scratches on turntables locally in the Bronx to becoming a global top-seller. Graffiti art and

boomboxes were heavily associated with hip-hop’s beginning stages. Multimedia artist Bayeté Ross Smith’s piece, “HipHop 50 Boombox” is creatively made from sugar cane, cotton, wood and metal as hip-hop music plays from within. He painted the sculpture with the Pan-African color scheme of black, green, and red, along with gold and white. “It plays a soundtrack that’s made up of people’s favorite freedom and liberation songs, as well as accounts from historians about the role of the sugar and cotton industries building the billion-dollar wealth of western economies,” said Ross Smith. The New York City native uses photography, film, and visual journalism to tackle and enhance his exploration of social systems, racial issues, and Black culture. Ross Smith’s talks with Uptown Triennial curators led to his sculpture being featured. His art adds to different cultural experiences and framing of the diaspora as it resonates with Harlem. He cleverly intertwines the magnitude of sugar and cotton with Black culture’s—specifically hip-hop’s—correlation to Black labor. “In both of these cases, you have these billion-dollar economies based on Black labor and Black ingenuity building intergenerational wealth that few Black people, whether they’re Black Americans [or] Afro Latinos, are actually sharing in,” said Ross Smith. His unique perspective brings attention to where wealth is flowing. Most of the time, the money isn’t shared with the Black communities despite their hard work, which in the case of hip-hop has certainly surpassed what its founders could have ever imagined.

“It’s grown to be one of the most profound cultural movements in the history of humanity,” said Ross Smith. Architect and fine-art photographer Ruben Natal-San Miguel has his photograph, “R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (Aretha Franklin, 1942-2018) on display. The Puerto Rican artist enjoys photographing people, yet his pieces for this exhibition, including “Lenox Lounge (Before),” were famous Harlem buildings known for music.

“The great thing about the Apollo is that when [legendary singers] die, they honor [them],” said San Miguel. Lenox Lounge was a well-known jazz club for many years in Harlem.These iconic buildings were fascinating to him and influenced his move to Harlem. “Imagery and places make a lot of people want to move to New York City because of what they see,” San Miguel said, adding that he’s grateful for his images being in a show like this because he “never thought in a billion years” this could be a possibility

18 • July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT See UPTOWN on page 25

Multimedia artist Bayeté Ross Smith’s piece, “Hip-Hop 50 Boombox.” (Brenika Banks photos) Artist Dianne Smith’s collaborative three-channel video installation with Carl Hancock Rux called “Amin Shelah.”

New hip-hop lit: ‘Titles Ruin Everything,’ ‘The Book of HOV,’ ‘Welcome 2 Houston’

By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH Special to the Amnews

This year is hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, and the genre is more alive and vibrant than it has been in all of its history. Yes, there can certainly be a debate about the content and context of lyrics, musical style, and cultural landscape in which the music continues to form; more on that in the coming weeks. But for now, we have two new hip-hop literary and nonfiction offerings and a historical exhibition on display at the Brooklyn Public Library’s main branch.

Aubrey Graham, also known as Drake, and his longtime songwriting partner Kenza Simir, have written a new collection of colloquialisms titled “Titles Ruin Everything: A Stream of Consciousness” that is presented as the duo’s first public effort at poetry. A new mixed-media installation, “The Book of HOV: A Celebration of the Life and Work of Shawn ‘JAY-Z’ Carter,” is being shown at Brooklyn Public Library. The University of Illinois has published an exciting nonfiction hip-hop work entitled “Welcome 2 Houston: Hip Hop Heritage in Hustle Town,” named after Houston’s own Slim Thug’s 2009 song.

“Titles Ruin Everything: A Stream of Consciousness” by Aubrey Graham & Kenza Samir (Phaidon)

“Titles” is an interesting book. It has been described as a poetry book by the authors and many others, and Graham is without a doubt a

modern-day poet, a great songwriter and troubadour of our times. But it is safe to say that this book is a seed of what is to come from Graham and Samir. Each page of the book has a sentence of only three to 10 words, and the lines are witty, honest, funny, and sometimes painful to read. Graham’s pain and alienation from romance and traditionalism, specifically the construct of marriage, make you feel a bit saddened. You almost want to read the lines where he is happy—but that doesn’t occur. There are just bars of competitiveness, social comparisons, and his disdain for women who have broken his heart. With this said, it is likely that Graham has learned from the reception to this work and will show us what he can do with stanzas, rhymes, alliteration, style, and storytelling in fully developed poems. I somewhat wish the duo’s editor

had guided them and advised them to push and challenge themselves more.

Let’s hope we see Graham and Samir stretch themselves to stand next to Voltaire, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovani, Dickenson, and others. No pressure. This is, though, a fun first effort.

“The Book of HOV: A celebration of the life and work of Shawn ‘JAY-Z’ Carter” | Brooklyn Public Library

“The Book of HOV” is an interactive exhibition that you can view both online and in person at Brooklyn Public Library’s main branch. The collection displays Jay-Z’s gold and platinum albums, music, oral history, and visual art. Curated by Roc Nation, HOV gets to express himself in the exhibition freely as opposed to hiring

a highly credentialed contemporary art curator. It is accessible and immersive, full of pride (in a good way), and right on time for the 50th Anniversary of hip-hop. It’s possible that this year brought on the idea, but what is most important is that young people, and people of all walks of life, are going to be exposed to one of hip-hop’s icons.

“Welcome 2 Houston: Hip Hop Heritage in Hustle Town” by Langston Collin Wilkins (University of Illinois)

“Welcome 2 Houston” is a new academic, scholarly work from Houston native and assistant professor of folklore and African American studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Langston Collin Wilkins. Wilkins begins by defining the word heritage, then theorizes about and ties in hip-hop culture to create the foundation of the book’s thesis of hip-hop heritage. What does it look like in H-Town? Through literary storytelling that includes Wilkins’s personal history, you get a historical and geographical view of Houston’s hip-hop scene, beginning with blues musicians who laid the foundation for the scene to emerge.

Esthetically, the lettering is a bit small, and there aren’t as many names mentioned as there could be, but the conclusion notes the influence of Travis Scott and features chapters about Iceberg Slim and Block Boyz Click. It also gives a lot of attention to New York rappers in the fifth chapter. The book, all in all, is tied together well, and easy to follow.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 19

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

HOROSCOPES BY

KNOWYOURNUMB3RS

By SUPREME GODDESS KYA

July 20, 2023—July 26, 2023

Rebirth of a New Nation: July is wrapping up with a plethora of goodies, treats, bombshells, whistleblowers, and sudden departures aligned with separations on the way to a destination. The planetary alignment showers us with poetic rhythm, songs, and dances to get into the state of receiving grace and blessings in the spiritual, physical, and astrological realm. Pay attention to the sequences and patterns of alignment coming up for you as an indication of what’s in store for you. Although we may not always see the spiritual alignment in our heart, humanity can feel it. Venus will retrograde from July 22 until Sept. 3, 2023; find a way to express yourself and heal your relationship with self and others. Utilize your creativity within to start a business or new adventure. “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” Albert Einstein

The out-of-the-ordinary and ordinary occurs in the department of finances, romances, business, health, and sudden meetings. The word “home” takes on a different meaning on an interior, exterior, and soulful level. “Out with the old news” comes with new news, with new alliances, and with an alignment of opportunities. Your presence is known and appreciated. Women will assist to show you the ropes and are happy to share their wisdom with you. From July 20th around 1:13 p.m. until 1.54 a.m. on July 23rd listen as information travels to you from Spirit.

It’s an interesting ride where your health, work, personal, and business experience the lows before the highs. It’s just how the process works: it takes you for a loop, skip, hop, and jump, then twirls you around and rewards are received. The universe teaches us to dance, sing, and work with it to make things happen. This cycle week, apply trust and faith in your progress and put the past behind you, as you can not undo yesterday’s business. From July 23rd around 1:34 a.m. until 12:55 p.m., check on how you are feeling.

You’re sitting at the table with bosses, CEOs, and founder of corporations with a plan to invest in yourself as a team member. Take good notes and listen to how the people talk and watch how they move when entering a room. It’s inspiring, motivating, and uplifting, so if you give input, speak clearly to make it plain, short, and sweet like a businessperson. Finances are looking bright to build with others. From 12:55 p.m. on July 25th until 8 p.m. on July 27th, it takes a strong mind and willing body to make a bold move. Stand firmly on the ground with your agenda and let no one interfere.

You made it this far now: it’s time to pull your bra strap up, tie your shoelaces, adjust your hat, straighten your posture, and make a move as your ancestors are clearing your path. Whatever choice you make, it is all for the betterment of your development. Let go and allow the divine creator to intervene, showing you clues to the puzzle. What movie is playing out in your mind or in your dream state? Take notes, as it holds dates to retrieve for a later time. In the days leading up to July 27th, are your thoughts aligned with your actions and the words you utter? Just know the universe will test you.

Do you feel that shift taking place? It feels like your throat chakra is adjusting, your body is aligning differently to realign and restore certain DNA within you. That knee jerk chemical chain reaction is a biology upgrade on purpose. Tap in within your environment; the information will come to you. Much love and rewards are given to those who listen and connect with their spirit, soul and walk the unknown. From July 20th around 1:13 p.m. until 1.54 a.m. on July 23rd, a private invite and certain knowledge is granted to you. Revelation at its finest.

What lesson did you learn, as bumping your head too many times is a sign to operate differently? Make better decisions and follow things intuitively, instead of what you used to do. There are signs, symbols, messages, and conversations mentally and emotionally pulling you to listen closely. Invest in yourself and educate yourself on different tools and resources to utilize in your repertoire. It’s not fun when you are running from your shadow. From July 23rd around 1:34 a.m. until 12:55 p.m., what you direct your mind to will send a command for the things to appear.

The new moon in Cancer on July 17th is assisting with the program of a big journey ahead. When you question something, that is usually a sign that you sense something isn’t right or needs more proof before going further. This weekly cycle is about faith, as the blueprint has been given to you regarding a research project or an idea of a new quest. Travel is indicated as well as being mindful of the food you consume; it may not agree with your tummy. From 12:55 p.m. on July 25th until 8 p.m. on July 27th, what areas in your life need to be nourished and nurtured?

When you are mentally and emotionally in alignment, you bring the passion out of the lion heart to exhibit the willpower to just do. During this weekly cycle, when it feels you are going against the grain, that’s when you push the agenda to a new departure reaching a new destination. Travel to where you’ve only ever imagined such a utopian place in your mind. Plan a roundtable discussion with your team members or family and those you network with to collaborate on an event. In the days leading up to July 27th, once one identifies with self, it sparks you to help the people in the community one by one.

Your mind is your greatest mental weapon, yet your words are more powerful due to the energy and vibration of the tone you speak. Before you speak, take a deep breath to get your words out as they may not come out as you intend. Be mindful of how you express yourself with your hands when you are talking. It’s a weekly cycle to take your time and examine yourself in the areas where you want to improve. Most importantly, listen to the words spoken from the spirit upon meeting someone or simply see if they have information for you. From July 20th around 1:13 p.m. until 1.54 a.m. on July 23rd, change starts within you, and it’s a great week to soak your feet.

How are you feeling as this week is slowly progressing like a snail or turtle crawling to the river for a sip of water? It’s a weekly cycle to allow things to develop, and to see the result of certain details regarding a project. Review your plans and check things off as you go, so you know what you need to do. Finances are slow-moving due to there being a lesson in between the blessings upon arrival to you. Matters of the home and heart need to be discussed to clear the air to progress forward. From July 23rd around 1:34 a.m. until 12:55 p.m., the node of the moon switches to the Aries/Libra axis for 18 months: you have twice the time of a woman’s pregnancy to birth a new agenda, building a foundation of your kind as a finished product.

There is always someone who has a story to tell, and some are exclusive and juicy to share with others to help on their journey. What is your story? Have you had a sitting moment where you shared your growth on where you are now? Well, it’s story time for your children or with friends over tea, or during a pajama party. From 12:55 p.m. on July 25th until 8 p.m. on July 27th, when we investigate the details of something, it’s like looking in the mirror, seeing the inside express the outside in a unique way, knowing there is something else there expressing itself naturally.

It is all about how you are feeling and applying that feeling into a creative endeavor. Express yourself as you position to receive the facts, tools, and resources needed to start and complete a mission. Smile and dance about the big adventure plans to upgrade yourself. Think grandly and connect with those in higher positions, joining them on a particular new development. Add your expertise and background, and bring your portfolio to the table as an exhibit. In the days leading up to July 27th, when your mind and heart are aligned, you can climb a mountain and weather any storm.

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

20 • July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

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Travel

Six jazz festivals to put on your midsummer night’s dream list

By TRACY E. HOPKINS Special to the AmNews

The hazy days of summer are moving swiftly, but there’s still plenty of time to get back outside and enjoy the sunny season. To make the most of hot fun in the summertime, here are six jazz music festivals to consider attending.

Caramoor Jazz Festival in Katonah, NY (July 22, https://caramoor.org/event/ jazz-festival-summer-2023/)

Hop the free shuttle from Metro North’s Katonah train station to attend this annual cultural highlight at the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Daytime artists include the Anthony Hervey Quintet and the New Jazz Underground. Evening attendees will be caught up in the rapture of multiple Grammy Award-winner and MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Cécile McLorin Salvant. The late, great diva Jessye Norman praised McLorin Salvant’s voice as being “supported by an intelligence and full-fledged musicality, which light up every note she sings.”

While at Caramoor, explore the lush grounds, which are free and open from Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where to stay: To make it a weekend getaway, get a posh room at the Opus Westchester in White Plains, featuring the luxury Opus Spa and fine dining at Red Horse by David Burke.

Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa Valley, CA (July 28–30, https://www.bluenotejazz.com/jazz-festival-napa/?)

There are plenty of chances to eat, drink, and turn up at this festival, hosted by comedian Dave Chappelle. Each day, a Grammy-winning Blue Note artistin-residence, Robert Glasper, collaborates with a special musical guest: De La Soul on July 28, Lalah Hathaway, Terrace Martin on July 29, and Bilal on July 30. This year’s hot ticket lineup also includes headliners Mary J. Blige, Nas, and Chance the Rapper, as well as sets by George Clinton, Big Freedia, Meshell Ndegeocello, Digable Planets, and Rakim & DJ Jazzy Jeff. Select single-day, twoday, or three-day passes.

Where to stay: At press time, rooms were still available at the River Terrace Inn - A Noble House Hotel. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and free parking, and is a short walk from the Napa Valley Wine Train, a 36-mile round-trip discovery to St. Helena and back with stops at celebrated wineries along the way.

Chicago Jazz Fest in Chicago, IL (August 31–September 3, https://www. chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_ info/chicago_jazz_festival.html)

This free annual music event in Millennium Park is a Labor Day weekend tradition. The festival draws a diverse crowd

and promotes the beloved American art form of jazz with a lineup of local and national talent. General and accessible seating in Jay Pritzker Pavilion is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visitors can also bring chairs and picnic blankets for seating on the lawn.

Where to stay: While you’re in town, pick theWit (a Hilton hotel) for its striking architectural design and location in the heart of Chicago’s downtown theater, arts, and shopping district.

DC JazzFest at the Wharf in Washington, D.C. (September 2–3, https://www. dcjazzfest.org/dcjazzfest)

The District of Columbia comes alive on Labor Day weekend with this annual jazz festival on the Wharf, a bustling waterfront neighborhood south of the National Mall. Lineup highlights include Samara Joy, Kenny Garrett and Sounds from the Ancestors, and the Orrin Evans Quintet with special guest Sy Smith. Ticket options range from standing to seated and VIP.

Where to stay: Treat yourself and book the DC JazzFest package at the Salamander Washington Hotel, which includes luxury accommodations, a $200 hotel credit, jazz-inspired Afternoon Tea for two, and valet parking for one vehicle, as well as specially curated menus and soulful jazz performances on the hotel’s Garden Patio and in the Lounge.

Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival in Pittsburgh, PA (September 14–17, https://pittsburghjazzfest.org/)

Visit author August Wilson’s hometown to hear the jazzy and soulful sounds of Ledisi, Gregory Porter, Somi, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis with Friends. As a travel option to the festival, folks in the tri-state area can hop aboard the “Jazz Train,” which will depart from Amtrak stations in New York, Newark, and Philadelphia before arriving in Pittsburgh September 14 and departing September 18.

Where to stay: The Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown offers a special rate for festival-goers, along with perks like free Wi-Fi, complimentary hot breakfast, free midday popcorn, and a 5:30 kickback with free food and drinks. The hotel is also close to the festival’s late night jam sessions at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

Monterey Jazz Fest in Monterey, California (September 22–24, https://montereyjazzfestival.org/)

Celebrate summer’s end at this acclaimed festival with performances by jazz luminaries Dianne Reeves, Herbie Hancock, Samara Joy, Thundercat, and Terence Blanchard.

Where to stay: Get a room with a view at the Inns of Monterey, a collection of five unique boutique hotels, including the Wave Street Inn, minutes from Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 21

Anthony Hervey (Photo courtesy of Caramoor) Cécile McLorin Salvant (Shawn Michael Jones photo)

Ebony G. Patterson’s fantastical art showcased at NYBG

By RENEE MINUS WHITE Fashion & Beauty Editor

Ebony G. Patterson, the first African American visual artist featured at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), flaunts a flare of flowery fantasy that’s complemented with life-size sculptures of glittery vultures and beautiful horticultural installations. Patterson’s extraordinary exhibits are held at the NYBG’s Conservatory and Library, and this magical site-specific presentation is extended now through October 22, 2023. It’s a must-see for the entire family.

Founded in 1891 and located in the Bronx, The New York Botanical Garden is the most comprehensive botanical garden in the world and is an integral part of the cultural fabric of New York City.

On the path to tthe Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, you will be delighted to spot Patterson’s life-size sculptures of black vultures, which are glamorously glittered and interspersed throughout her amazing floral arrangements. Inside the conservatory, there’s a vast collection of a variety of plants, trees, and flowers.

A series of Patterson’s latest works, on paper and in installations, is on display in the Mertz Library building, along with archival multimedia work exploring both gardens and uncultivated, wild nature, where visitors will find magnificent floral sculptures and displays that explain the materials she uses to create her masterpieces. Because of the heat, it’s best to take the tram up to the Mertz Library building, which is also in the garden area.

The title of Patterson’s exhibit is, “...things

come to thrive…in the shredding…in the molting…” The entire presentation is a result of a yearlong engagement with the botanical garden to explore its collections and settings. During this time, she explored LuEsther T. Mertz Library’s special collections of historic and rare botanical books. In recent years, Patterson has reengaged with paper, her primary medium as an art student, in the development of entangled three-dimensional collages.

Patterson received her BFA in painting from Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica, in 2004 and an MFA degree in 2006 in printmaking and drawing from the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washing-

ton University in St. Louis. She is the first visual artist ever to be embedded within the institution for an immersive residency, and she worked directly with the garden’s grounds and collection to form her new bodies of work. The collection includes sculptures, installations, and interventions with living plants. The scents of the flowers are fresh and fragrant. She brings a new perspective on formal gardens to life in the galleries and landscape of the garden’s 250acre National Historical Landmark site. Her work is also exploratory and gives way to processes of healing, regeneration, and beauty. The exhibition celebrates the contemplation of what lies beneath and helps viewers think about sustainability.

“We’ve been thrilled by the reception to Ebony G. Patterson’s work and the indepth engagement with the Garden and the landscape it has inspired. Extending the exhibition into autumn will not only provide an opportunity for more visitors to see this important work, but also allow for the landscape to evolve in different ways,” said Jennifer Bernstein, CEO and The William C. Steere Sr., President of The New York Botanical Garden. “This artwork is looking deeply at cycles of growth, decay, and regeneration, and we look forward to being able to contemplate these themes into another season.”

For more info, visit www.nybg.org/event/ ebony-g-patterson.

22 • July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS Trends

Visual art designs by Ebony G. Patterson (Renee Minus White/A Time To Style photos) Ebony G. Patterson (Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden)

‘being chaka’ is a deep production

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

There are shows you come across that you have to allow to marinate in your mind, soul, and heart. That is what happened to me when I saw “being chaka,” a play that dealt with a young Black high school student from the ghetto suddenly finding himself in a private, mainly white high school, and having to decide whether his story brings with it the baggage of slavery and the pain from his father’s death, or whether he can decide on his own future based on who he is as an individual, learning the lessons from his heritage.

This work was very involved and engaging to behold. It was created by Chuk Obasi, Vieve Radha Price, Nalini Sharma, Talya Mar, and Tara Amber—who is also one of the writers, along with Obasi and Sharma, and stars in the production. It was developed by TEA Artistry and produced by TEA Artistry and Mieka Stan.

Presented by the New Ohio Theatre at 154 Christopher Street, “being chaka” truly shared the feelings and

dilemma that not only Black students face trying to find their identity, but other minority groups in this country as well. If a student was born and raised here, but their family is from another place, is their history American history?

To help students at the high school feel comfortable, teachers were asked to hold groups with the minority students and groups with the white students for the youth to talk about the racism they felt exists in this country and their experiences with it. The groups made a safe place for the minority students, while the white students were made to feel uncomfortable. This caused Caroline, one of the more vocal, rich, white mothers, to take issue with the project and protest through a letter to the New York Times.

As Chaka explored his roots, he was able to connect with a Black couple who had an infant who had become ill and died. The rich white woman had purchased the crib of that infant some time ago and now decided to donate it to the private school for auctioning off as a fundraiser for the school. That made

Chaka furious and he set out on a mission to get the baby bed. This young man felt outraged that this Black baby’s bed was just a possession to this rich white woman, who could never realize the importance of this small piece of furniture.

Kaheim Rivera delivered Chaka with depth and layers. The questions at hand included: How does he define who he is? Does being himself mean being his authentic self or does it mean assimilating with the white people in his environment? You could feel this young man’s confusion, anger, frustration, and determination to right what he felt was a wrong against the ancestors.

Tara Amber as Kunzang was amusing, at times poignant and candid about her views on the racism that was part of U.S. culture and the culture at the high school.

Colin DePaula played Ethan and Annie Hartkemeyer played his sister Maddy, the two children of Caroline, the rich white mother played by Joey Brenneman. This character’s racism was consistently blatant.

Miriam Tabb was memorable as Inaya, Chaka’s mother. She was

moving as she tried to console her son over his father’s death, but also let him know that he could be his own man.

Joy Kelly played Annalisa, the Black history teacher who led the groups with the minority students. Chuck Montgomery played Gunnar, the white gym teacher, who led the groups with the white students, trying to get them to see things from the sides of the minority students, but without much success.

LaWanda Hopkins played Purilla and Jae Jackson played Willy, the Black couple whose baby had died

and who connected with Chaka to share their story and grief. Hopkins and Jackson delivered stunning performances that showed a deep love for and dedication to their child, and their uncontrollable grief when not only did their baby die, but no white doctor would even attempt to come over and look at the baby.

The play had powerful direction by Vieve Radha Price and Chuk Obasi. It is very interesting to have the creatives of a show play so many multiple roles, as happened with this production. It also succeeds in delivering a consistency to its storyline.

‘Primary Trust’—beautiful and touching production at the Roundabout

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

“Primary Trust,” which recently played at the Roundabout Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre (W. 46th Street), was the Roundabout play debut for African American playwright Eboni Booth. I hope she will be bringing a lot more work in the future. This play used humor, tragedy, trauma, mental illness, and finding a way to take another path in life to beautifully deliver a message of hope.

There were times when the audience was smiling and laughing; other times you could hear sniffling. There were times when the lead character, Kenneth, let himself become vulnerable and spoke directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall; at times he cried as he shared his traumatic life experiences.

Kenneth walked through the audience onto the stage, looked at everyone, and shared his name and that he is a 38-yearold man. He described the small town that he lived in as Cranberry, New York, a suburb of Rochester. He lived a very lonely life. He had been through trauma since the age of 10 and it had forced his mind to create a means to cope that included an imaginary best friend named Bert. Although Kenneth is now a grown man with a job, Bert is still his best and only friend.

Kenneth was raised by a single mother who moved him to this small community as a child. They were very close. In fact,

he shared that he feared his mother would leave him at daycare and not come back.

At the age of 10, Kenneth found himself in a world that was foreign and frightening. His mother became ill and died; he was placed in the system, and eventually was helped to get a job at a bookstore in town. Kenneth had a routine in his sad life for some time.

On Fridays, he would go to the local Tiki restaurant and drink Mai Tais alone. He would talk to his best friend, the imaginary Bert. When the bookstore owner had to close the store and move to Arizona for health reasons, Kenneth was not sure what would become of him. (The bookstore owner and his wife had accepted Kenneth’s talking to Bert while in the store.)

Throughout the play, we saw Kenneth and

his awkwardness in public, even at his favorite Friday night spot, ordering his favorite drinks. Slowly, Booth has the character reveal all that happened when his mother died and why Bert truly exists and continues to be in Kenneth’s life.

This play was movingly written and touched the heart. It made you realize that people can go through experiences in their lives that you couldn’t begin to imagine or understand. Those experiences then lead them to find ways to cope in day-to-day life.

This play truly made one realize that you should not judge anyone, because you don’t know where they’ve been. We all deserve a chance at some type of happiness and normalcy, but when life does not afford you that, what might you be forced to do to face each day?

I loved the fact that when Kenneth does end up getting a job after the bookstore closes, he is hired by a man who is sympathetic to his unique, shy, guarded persona. His new boss wanted to give him a chance and that was amazing.

When Kenneth talked to the audience, you almost felt like a therapist listening to a patient vent and wanting so much to give them helpful advice. You wanted to say, “You’ve been through so much, but you can make it. You are important! You are seen! And you can contribute to society!”

The cast was absolutely stunning. William Jackson Harper delivered a phenomenal performance as Kenneth. He took us on an emotional rollercoaster that made us have to strap in tight and hold onto the belt so that we wouldn’t be thrown from the ride. He brought every ounce of passion, vulnerability, sadness, grief, and anger to the role.

Eric Berryman played Bert, Kenneth’s imaginary friend, and was marvelous.

April Matthis played multiple roles with great ease. She is such a gifted actress in anything that she takes on. In this production, she delivered several characters with humor, kindness, and sympathy.

Jay O. Sanders was completely incredible in the multiple roles that he played. This theater veteran always brings his A-game to the stage!

Luke Wygodny provided musical accompaniment and sound effects, which moved the action along. The direction of Knud Adams was powerful.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 23 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Jay O. Sanders, William Jackson Harper, and Eric Berryman (l-r) in scene from from ‘Primary Trust’ (Joan Marcus photo) Annie Hartkemeyer, Tara Amber, Colin DePaula, and Kaheim Rivera in scene from “being chaka” (Kevin Condon photo)

Dizzy’s, Ahmed Abdulah, Wilder Honored

Charles McPherson, one of the great alto saxophonists of the 20th century— who continues to exhibit his brilliant nuances on how the instrument should be played, from amazing riffs to his melodic phrasings—will celebrate his 84th birthday at Dizzy’s on July 20-23 with his wellabled Quintet featuring trumpeter Terell Stafford, pianist Jeb Patton, bassist David Wong, and drummer Billy Drummond. The group will perform two sets each night at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (Sunday 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.).

In 2019, McPherson and McCoy Tyner were both honored by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, with Wynton Marsalis offering new arrangements of their many compositions. McPherson, while acknowledged as an outstanding musician whose magical improvisations dance in bebop distinction to straight-ahead, has yet to receive his just desserts, but you can see him yourself and be Dazzled!

A native of Joplin, Missouri, McPherson grew up in Detroit and studied under the bebop ballad navigator Barry Harris and began playing professionally at age 19. As a versatile musician and prolific composer, he is now Resident Composer for the San Diego Ballet, where he has written three original suites for chamber music and jazz combos. McPherson had the honor of being the subject of the Ph.D. candidate Dr. Donnie Norton’s doctoral dissertation: “The Jazz Saxophone Style of Charles McPherson: An Analysis through Biographical Examination and Solo Transcription.”

Check him at Dizzy’s to see why he warrants a dissertation and rave reviews. With standing ovations around the world, shouldn’t the committee of NEA Jazz Masters be calling? For more information and tickets, visit jazz.org.

Jazz enthusiasts know trumpeter and composer Ahmed Abdulah as a musical instigator, who crashes the demarcation lines of avant-garde and traditional jazz.

On July 23, Abdulah will celebrate his debut memoir “A Strange Celestial Road: My Time in the Sun Ra Arkestra”(Blank Forms 2023), with a book signing at Sista’s Place (456 Nostrand Avenue).

During our recent conversation, Abdulah explained to me he actually started writing this book in 1997 and finished shortly afterward. “I had just left the Sun Ra Arkestra, and I wanted to share my valuable experience of working with him and his understanding of who we are as Black people,” stated Abdulah.

The trumpeter toured extensively with Sun Ra and appeared on more than 25 of his recordings. He joined the Arkestra in

1975 and worked with them intermittently until 1993, when Sun Ra transitioned.

“Sun Ra often told us [band members] he was doing music for the 21st century.” And now, in this 21st century, the Sun Ra Arkestra remains fueled under the direction of its original member, alto saxophonist Marshall Allen, at the age of 99. Sun Ra sparked the beginning of the Afrofuturism movement from wardrobe to the space age philosophy and the study of Egyptology.

In 2019, Abdullah and his band Diaspora collaborated with former Sun Ra comrade Francisco Mora Catlett’s ensemble AfroHORN to form Diaspora Meets AfroHORN. They created the first recording for Melchizedek Music Productions: ”Jazz: A Music of the, Spirit / Out of Sistas’ Place.

Sista’s Place is Abdulah’s music shrine where every weekend he is the club’s celebrated host. He also serves as music director responsible for bringing some of

the most renowned jazz musicians to the Brooklyn jazz oasis. Call (718) 398-1766 for more information or visit sistasplace.org.

Just last week Monday, the trumpeter, bandleader and composer Joe Wilder was posthumously honored with a Congressional Gold Medal in Harlem at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. His widow and daughter were presented with the medal, one of the highest civilian honors. Wilder was recognized for his service and personal sacrifice during World War II.

Wilder enlisted in the Marines and was sent to Jacksonville, North Carolina (a racially segregated base), for training with the first 1,000 Black men to become Marines, known as the historic Montford Point Marines. The base was a brutally hot, snake-infested, substandard facility. He was originally trained as a sharpshooter, but his musical talents led him to become a trumpet soloist and then

Marine Corps assistant bandmaster, the first Black man to hold that position. His daughter noted her father often said, “the Marine Corps gave him a sense of duty and discipline.”

Following the war, Wilder was a member of such illustrious orchestras led by Jimmie Lunceford, Lucky Millinder, Noble Sissle, Dizzy Gillespie, and the Count Basie Orchestra. He was one of the first Black musicians (1957 to 1974) to do studio work for WABC-TV, (New York City), and sat in prestigious pit orchestras for Broadway musicals. His boundless musical concepts made him a first call musician for NEA Jazz Masters Hank Jones, Gil Evans, and Benny Goodman. His understated tone made him a favorite with vocalists like Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Johnny Mathis, Harry Belafonte, Eileen Farrell, and Tony Bennett. Wilder was honored with the NEA Jazz Masters Award in 2008.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS 24 July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Ahmed-Abdullah (Ehab Omar photo)

Parable

Continued from page 17

have felt a warm kinship in the music that was decisive in keeping viewers in touch with the intricate unfolding of events, where the repetitive cry of “God is Change!” is heard.

There were moments that may have escaped even the most devoted readers of Butler's books. However, when the the choir swelled in voice and number at the end of the opera, the symphonic crew had accomplished what Butler had envisioned many years ago when she wrote: “So today, we remembered the friends and the family members we’ve lost. We spoke our individual memories and quoted Bible passages, Earthseed verses, and bits of songs and poems that were favorites of the living or the dead. Then we buried our dead and we planted our trees.

“Afterward, we sat together and talked and ate a meal and decided to call this place Acorn.”

Whether Earthseed or Acorn, the opera is a magnificent tribute to Butler and honors her vision in word, deed, and most memorably in song.

Uptown

Continued from page 18

for him. Possibilities are endless when it comes to the Harlem-based mixed media and contemporary artist Beau McCall. However, the popularly known “Button Man” didn’t have his button pieces at the forefront for his Uptown Triennial artwork. Instead, he used music inspired pictures titled, “Strange Beauties XIII: Antoine aka DeeDee Somemore, Tracy Monroe, and Beau McCall” and “Moi Renee II” with his images representing the Black LGBTQ+ community in music during the 1980s.

“Music is a very powerful thing, no matter what color you are, no matter what language you speak, music brings people together,” said McCall. He is thrilled that gay artists like him and San Miguel have more opportunities to share their art. “I think it’s great being included and being embraced at this point in time.” He expressed his gratitude for his punk group’s photo inclusion with this exhibition, knowing that this opportunity would have been way less likely 20 years ago. The exhibit will be on display at Columbia University until September 17.

For more information, visit https:// wallach.columbia.edu/exhibitions/ uptown-triennial-2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 25

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Alina Carson in Octavia E. Butler’s ‘Parable of the Sower’ at Lincoln Center (Erin Patrice O’Brien photo) (L to R) Shelley Nicole, Toshi Reagon, Helga Davis in Octavia E. Butler’s ‘Parable of the Sower’ at Lincoln Center (Lawrence Sumulong photo) UP TRE PIC 8 - Musica Dominicana in NYC: An Archival Revision Board, 2023 by artist Carlos Jesus Martinez-Dominguez/Feegz (Brenika Banks photo)

CLASSROOM IN THE ACTIVITIES

Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson, former City Council Member and ardent advocate for reparations, dead at 72

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

This week’s profile is a twofer since it was originally published in the Detroit Metro Times . That JoAnn Watson deserves more mention is in keeping with the national and international reputation she burnished during her seven decades with us. In so many vital ways as a minister, public servant, political leader, and community activist, she was unstinting—to say nothing of her commitment to reparations. Here is how her obituary appeared last week in the Metro Times

“The Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson’s legend reached well beyond the precincts of Detroit, where she was a formidable political leader of the City Council. In the vast realm of Black liberation, selfdetermination, and the reparations movement, she was a remarkable clear-eyed visionary, and the notice of her death also brings in its wake a storehouse of fond memories. Rev. Watson was 72 years old. The cause of death has not yet been made public.”

A flood of condolences and encomiums have since come, and quite deservedly for a woman who strode passionately in the political, activist, and religious sectors of our society. She recounted many of these experiences in the foreword of the paperback version of “Black Detroit,” a book she praised that captured her own history in the city, “particularly when the Young administration was running the city and when I was a City Council Member.”

She dashed off the introduction with her usual speed and flair, giving the book additional heft and insight. This was the JoAnn that resonated first for me, bringing back those moments when we traveled to Durban, South Africa, in 2001 as delegates to the United Nations World Conference Against Racism. I can still see her standing with Reparations Ray at the Million Man March in 1995.

And on many occasions, I was a guest on her radio program and television show “Wake Up Detroit” or in

her classroom when she was a professor at Wayne County Community College. There was even a memorable encounter with her at the West Side Unity Church, where she was an associate pastor.

A cursory glance at her impressive résumé denotes her unwavering commitment to reparations, often sharing the podiums and pulpits with the late Rep. John Conyers and Dr. Ron Daniels of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century. Her ideological prowess touched on several prominent formations, including the Republic of New Afrika, the Shrine of the Black Madonna, and the League of Revolutionary Black Workers. She had a

way of lending a personal touch to the differences between these entities, thoughtfully finding a way for mutual accord in their struggle for total liberation.

Already the people she represented and pastored have offered their reflections on a life well-lived. “Her dedication to the betterment of the city and her fearlessness in challenging unjust systems have left a lasting impression. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for others to continue the important work she started. May JoAnn Watson’s memory be cherished, and may her contributions continue to resonate within the community she served,” said Wayne County Executive Warren Evans.

My good friend and longtime associate, Danny Aldridge, recalled his first days with JoAnn when she was a student at Central High School. “She was a very perceptive and actively engaged student, and I wasn’t surprised later when she worked with my aunt Dorothy Height and the National Council of Negro Women.”

Yes, there will be tears for JoAnn, but those who came to know her unflinching resolve to bring about change in Detroit and other communities in need of comfort will remember all those joyful moments when her powerful spirit lifted the downtrodden. May she rest in peace and power.

FIND OUT MORE

In various church files, city council records, local newspapers, and magazines, along with clips from her broadcasts on radio and television, Rev. Watson’s life and legacy can be duly accessed.

DISCUSSION

Other than her attendance at Central High School, there is nothing about her early years, which we may be able to gather in the coming weeks from correspondents in Detroit.

PLACE IN CONTEXT

JoAnn was a child of the ‘50s and came of age in the dynamic ‘60s and ‘70s where she assumed a leadership role in politics and religious affairs, principally in Detroit.

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY

July 16, 1969: Actress Rain Pryor, daughter of Richard Pryor, was born in Los Angeles.

July 16, 1968: NFL great Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions was born in Wichita, Kansas.

July 16, 1947: Born JoAnne Byron, Assata Shakur, a political activist, was born in New York City.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS 26 July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023

Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson (Photo courtesy of the Detroit Metro Times)

Caban

of life in our communities.”

The storied NYPD critics are waiting in the wings with their “policy over personnel” outlook.

In a movie-esque, uber-produced press conference outside the 40th Precinct, Mayor Adams formally made the announcement.

Caban is the city’s first Latino police commissioner. The Bronx-born Caban is of Puerto Rican descent and the son of a transit cop. He joined the force in 1991. His predecessor Sewell was the city’s first Black woman police commissioner and was also appointed by Adams.

“The appointment of Ed Caban to police commissioner is not only historic, but it is a move to ensure structural stability, and instill confidence within the rank and file,” declared retired detective Marquez Claxton. Claxton, the co-founder of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, told the Amsterdam News , “Following the successful term of Keechant Sewell, it was important to put in place a well respected, well known and well liked, top tier law enforcement professional. He has strong supportive relationships in every nook and cranny of the NYPD. Eddie Caban is the perfect choice to move the Department forward.”

The Eric and Eddie show is not getting universal citywide applause though, especially with four teens shot within hours of the spectacular press conference announcing Caban as the new police commissioner; three in Times Square under the gun free zone sign, and the deadly broad daylight shooting of a teenager in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

“I am unimpressed by ‘the first person of a race’ strategy in a position. I am more concerned with how a person thinks and operates,” said Nova ‘Nana Asare’ Felder. The human rights activist told the Amsterdam News, “Caban may be an excellent administrator and may have been an excellent police officer, but those factors do not address systemic issues within policing. We as a community have to stop playing the politics of what someone looks like as a strategy, at least in NYC, it has failed our community.”

“Announcing a new head if the NYPD does nothing to alleviate the problems that the city is facing,” City Councilman Charles Barron told the Amsterdam News . “We need a change in policy, not personnel. There are a slew of issues that are hampering New York, including: increased homelessness exacerbated by the migrant issue; and crime is rampant from the streets to the subways no matter what Mayor Cop Eric Adams’ stats report. On top of that, there is a deteriorating relationship between the police and the community, and having a new person in place means nothing if there is not a radical change in strategy

and emphasis. In order to address these big issues there needs to be a multimillion dollar anti-poverty initiative to help the youth and low income families in particular.”

Felder continued his analysis, “We have an African American mayor, a Caribbean American public advocate, a police force that is 16% African American, a city council that is majority women, Black and brown and now a police commissioner who is Puerto Rican, and we still have economic issues, public safety issues, issues in education and all other areas of human interaction that are negatively affecting our community.”

The former Medgar Evers College educator told the Amsterdam News that the community feels if Caban can address these issues and “make a difference in moving us away from the status quo, and makes police officers real members of the society in order to transform a system based in punishing the weakest of us, then we are on board. If his administration is just the same old, same old with a brown face then we are out on him too. We are out on anyone that pushes the inequity of any system, regardless of their ethnicity, race and/or color.”

A number of seemingly excited electeds offered praise with eager anticipation however. “History was made… with the swearing-in of Edward Caban, a 30year Bronx veteran in the NYPD, who will serve as our city`s first Latino police commissioner,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson over email.

“As public safety remains a top concern for many New Yorkers, I look forward to working with our new commissioner in ensuring we invest in our communities with resources for our residents and families to feel safe in their neighborhoods without the fear of violence.”

“As a fellow Bronxite and Boricua, it is with great honor and orgullo that I congratulate Commissioner Caban on becoming the New York Police Department’s first Latino police commissioner,” stated Councilmember Marjorie Velázquez. “Commissioner Caban is an excellent role model for our youth and an inspiration to our community, a shining example of the heights we can reach when given opportunities to show what we can do. Commissioner Caban’s and his family’s dedication to public service and community is unmatched.

As a Parkchester native, and having risen through the ranks of NYPD, Commissioner Caban brings a unique perspective to the job, understanding both the needs and concerns of our community as well as the needs of his fellow officers.”

“I want to personally congratulate the new commissioner on his historic appointment,” activist AT Mitchell told

the Amsterdam News . The Adams-appointed anti-gun violence “czar” said, “I look forward to respectfully bridging the gap between community and police during his tenure. We are making some improvements in this area but still have a long way to go. I will remain optimistically cautious until further notice.”

Meanwhile, Caban’s appointment coincides with a new president of the Police Benevolent Association, the union representing most NYPD officers. Patrick Hendry replaced long-time head Patrick Lynch at the start of this month.

“We congratulate Commissioner Caban on his permanent appointment,” said Hendry in a statement. “We know he knows what New York City police officers are going through right now, and that strong leadership is needed to reverse the current staffing crisis. There is no time to waste. We look forward to getting back to work with him immediately to improve quality-of-life for our police officers and ensure public safety for our entire city.”

Roughly a quarter of those employed by the NYPD in 2021 identify as Latino, according to data from the NYC Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity.

Caban inherits concerns of rising index crime and continued—albeit NYPD-reported statistically declining— citywide gun violence his predecessor Sewell was tasked with confronting. There were multiple shootings on Caban’s first day. Some were in areas traditionally spared by gun violence, like Bensonhurst, where a 15-year-old was killed and Times Square, where three teens were wounded in the famously designated “gun free zone.”

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), who recently touted federal legislation banning blueprints for 3D printed guns, said Caban will play a significant role in curbing shootings and getting illegal firearms off the street.

“Tackling the epidemic of gun violence will take strong, decisive action from every level of government, from federal to state to local,” said Gillibrand. “I plan to continue to work with the NYPD, including Commissioner Caban, and other local leaders to develop comprehensive strategies to get illegal guns off our streets and help save lives.”

On Tuesday night, one person died while three others were stabbed in Williamsburg — putting an exclamation point on the ongoing city violence. Stepping into Caban’s former seat is Tania Kinsella, the new first deputy commissioner, who is tasked with the endeavor of fighting crime.

Adams said, “Why is her appointment so significant? The NYPD has a great crime fighting profile, but it has an image problem. When you look at

the department, you don’t see youthfulness, you don’t see the diversity at the top….She brings 20 years of experience to the job. I use this term often, symbolism and substance. I saw her during my 18th month on the streets of the city. Her poise, her character, her ability to lead from the front with a level of dignity and caring was just unparalleled… The first time I saw her when I responded to a job, I made a note in my diary.

I said, ‘One day she’s going to be my first deputy commissioner.” Kinsella joined the NYPD in 2003, working out of the 120th Precinct in Staten Island. She was promoted to captain in 2016, became an executive officer for the chief of patrol, and subsequently a deputy chief last year.

“Aside from being a mother, working as a police officer is the most deeply rewarding job I can imagine, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to do even more for the city I love,” said Kinsella. “From the very first moment I joined the NYPD 20 years ago, it was love at first sight because being a police officer is about so much more than keeping people safe. It’s about building community, helping others from all walks of life, and making a difference in people’s lives, especially those in need.” Bragging on his published stats, Adams said, “Our summer safety plan is already showing strong results. Major crimes are down in all 68 enforcement zones because of your leadership. Commissioner Caban has had a strong hand in these historic achievements. And will continue this legacy of success going forward, bringing crime down, continuing our progress on reducing transit crime, and car thefts, enhancing the department’s focus on quality of life issues like retail theft. And above all, supporting our officers in doing everything in their power to keep our city safe, and our men and women safe.”

But as criminal and social justice remains a hot button issue in the five boroughs and beyond, Felder pointed out, “Instead of talking about Caban as ‘The first’ Latino police commissioner,’ the real story from this week is the U.S. Attorney of Manhattan, Damian Williams putting a motion for a federal takeover of the entire NYC Department of Corrections. His office has called the federal partnership with the NYC DOC efforts over the last eight years a ‘failure.’ This announcement comes in the wake of the death of William Johnstone, the 25th person to die in Rikers Island this year.”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 27

Continued from page 3

Christian Cooper talks the magic of birding at 92 Street Y

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

New York-based science writer and famed bird enthusiast Christian Cooper was at the 92nd Street Y on July 12 to talk about his hosting of Nat Geo WILD’s new show, “Extraordinary Birder,” and writing his memoir, “Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World.”

During a talk hosted by actress Whoopi Goldberg, Cooper spoke about how birdwatching became a central part of his life at a young age and how he got caught up in the world of birding.

When Goldberg asked Cooper to explain the difference between a “spark” bird and a “life” bird, Cooper said in birding lingo, a spark bird “is the bird that got you started—the bird that made you say, ‘Wait. What is this? What is this bird? And why am I noticing birds now and why can’t I stop?’”

His own spark bird was a red-winged blackbird. “When I was a kid, at about 9 or 10 years old, I put a bird feeder up in the backyard and kept wondering what all these crows with red in their wings were. I thought for a couple of seconds that I had discovered a whole new species of crow,” he said. But his research led him to understand that he was actually seeing a red-winged blackbird.

A life bird is a bird that you’ve never seen before, Cooper said. These are the birds that dazzle bird enthusiasts and draw them in, because it makes them realize there will always be a new bird to watch out for. No birder has seen every bird in existence, so there’s always a new life bird to pursue. “Some of them become like holy grail birds: You really want to see it one day,” he mused. “And then, one day, here it is and it kind of blows your mind. And that’s one of the best feelings in birding.”

On his “Extraordinary Birder” program, Cooper was able to see one of the life birds he’d

been searching for: the small, brightly colored, Puerto Rican tody. When the series went birdwatching in Puerto Rico, Cooper got to see the tody and was blown away. “It is adorable: it’s kind of green above, white-ish below, some red on it,” he reminisced. “And this oversized head with the oversized orange beak––it’s just the cutest thing alive. The great thing is this bird wanted to try and lead us away from its nest, so it was putting itself in our face so that we would follow it instead of going toward its nest.”

Being able to travel across the nation with his new show has exposed Cooper to a larger variety of birds than had become routine when he mostly did birding activities along the U.S. East Coast. Some of the other locations his show takes viewers to are Alabama,

Hawaii, Palm Springs, and Washington, D.C.

The sounds that birds make add to the attraction. “First of all, birds definitely have different dialects,” Cooper said. “I was down birding in Maryland a couple of years ago when I heard this bird sing and I was like, ‘What the heck is that?’ It was a cardinal. I know the cardinal sounds cold, but this cardinal was a southern cardinal. It literally had a southern dialect.”

Birds across the U.S. are as distinct as the people and the environments they live in. Birding and learning about birds is fascinating, and it’s a peaceful pastime that many Black bird enthusiasts and ornithological professionals participate in. Cooper lauded some of the less popularly known but important Black birders who are contributing to the

field: Clemson University’s wildlife ecologist, J. Drew Lanham, who last year won a MacArthur Genius award on the basis of his writings about Black birders and Black nature enthusiasts; Scott V. Edwards, a Harvard University professor of organismal and evolutionary biology; and the self-styled “Hood Naturalist” Corina Newsome, who is one of the co-organizers of Black Birders Week.

“I may be, at the moment, the most visible,” Cooper said about being a recognized Black birder. “But you know, there are tons of us. There should be more. And that’s one of the things I hope that I am carrying forward. I’m hoping that with a Black man––a Black person––being the face of this major birding show, that a lot of Black and brown kids might look at it and say, ‘Maybe I can do that too.’”

Amsterdam News brings on Shannon Chaffers to report on gun violence

By HELINA SELEMON Blacklight Science Reporter

Upon getting the job at Amsterdam News, Report for America corps member Shannon Chaffers found a family connection to the paper.

“My grandmother and my grandfather are both from New York and my grandmother’s from Harlem,” Chaffers says. “Apparently, they used to get the Amsterdam News delivered to their apartment, according to my mom.”

“So that was a cool connection that I think gives me a little bit of a connection to the paper.”

Chaffers is deepening that connection as she joins the Amsterdam News’ Blacklight investigative team as its first gun violence reporter.

A Massachusetts native, Princeton graduate and Fulbright scholar, Shannon brings a passion for racial justice reporting to the burgeoning team.

“We are thrilled to have Shannon join The Blacklight and Amsterdam News family,” said The Blacklight’s founding editor Damaso Reyes. “She will add important reporting capacity to our Beyond the Barrel of the Gun reporting initiative and help us better serve our community by highlighting solutions to gun violence.”

Born and raised in the Wellesley suburb of Boston, she graduated from Princeton University in 2022 with a degree in sociology and certificates in journalism, African American studies and German. Her passion for journalism began in high school when she joined her

school’s paper.

“When I was little, I would be writing stories with my twin sister and we just love[d] exploring the world, and writing about it in various ways,” Chaffers said. Joining her high school newspaper set her on the path to becoming a journalist. “Journalism is a cool way to combine my love of writing, and my general curiosity about the world,” she added.

She later sought out journalism classes at Princeton and joined the university paper, writing for and eventually editing the opinion section— an experience that she said helped her develop her voice and learn how to make a convincing argument. Her first journalism course was an investigative journalism class.

“That was my first introduction to… a different kind of journalism than I was used to,” she

said. “It was inspiring to see that this was a type of journalism that I wanted to do.”

She recalls when then-Washington Post investigative reporter Kimbriell Kelly visited her class and talked about her project “Murder with Impunity.” With that project, Kelly was trying to expose how homicides, especially in Black communities, were going unsolved in Washington, D.C. Kelly’s work and the class propelled Chaffers to dive into local issues impacting people of color in New Jersey.

The combination of Amsterdam News’ legacy of unabashed and intrepid reporting, the mission driving The Blacklight, the paper’s new investigative unit, and Beyond the Barrel of the Gun, a three-year endeavor by the Amsterdam

28 • July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS Education

CHAFFERS

See

continued on page

Whoopi Goldberg interviews Christian Cooper at 92nd Street Y (Contributed photo)

Magonlia tree

Cultural Affairs Commissioner

Continued from page 7

Laurie Cumbo, who’s been a huge cheerleader for saving the center.

As of this Monday, the Center’s GoFundMe has raised $54,420, and last week, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso pledged $20,000 toward building repairs.

preserved and rehabilitated. “We thank Borough President Reynoso for his commitment and look forward to securing all the necessary resources to get this job done,” said Ossé.

Continued from page 2 years to planting over 1,500 trees in the community and turning the Center into an environmental, education, and community hub. Carthan is considered one of the first Black community-based ecology activists.

“The Magnolia Tree Earth Center is a treasure for the community of Bed-Stuy, a place that embodies the pioneering spirit of service and environmental stewardship of Hattie Carthan,” said

CityFHEPS

Continued from page 15

council’s bills. They found that there could be an “annual savings of $730 million given the estimated costs of the current system and potential reform of CityFHEPS.”

The council also posted a rebuttal that went through the op-ed almost line by line, refuting each of the mayor’s arguments with support from plenty of on-the-ground nonprofits.

“During his campaign, Mayor Adams publicly pledged to give youth experiencing homelessness in the Department of Youth and Community Development shelter system access to CityFHEPS vouchers within the first hundred days of his term,” said Executive Director of the Coalition for Homeless Youth Jamie Powlovich in a statement. “Not only did he fail to keep his promise, but he also vetoed the bills that will satisfy that pledge.”

Murad Awawdeh, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), said the mayor’s emergency approach to housing immigrants during the asylum seeker crisis has remained short-sighted, costly, and ineffective. He thanked City Council members for the vote to

“Hattie Carthan recognized that taking care of our environment was a collective act of love for one another and the neighborhoods we call home,” said Reynoso in a statement. “This isn’t just about Hattie’s legacy of environ-

mentalism; it’s also about what drove her advocacy: community power, nature as a force for the education of our young people, and our right to breathe clean air, find solace on a hot summer day, and walk streets lined with the same beauty that sits in the soul of Brooklyn. If we all pitch in, we can deliver on Hattie’s vision for our borough and help Magnolia Tree reach its full potential.” Councilmember Chi Ossé added that the center is a “historical anchor and neighborhood centerpiece” that must be

the Mozambican government’s own attempts to have Chang face trial in Mozambique. Some groups opposed his return to his country because of concerns he would probably be treated leniently. He has also been denied bail. The judge, citing the amount of money involved and the gravity of the charges, agreed with prosecutors that he could be a flight risk.

At least 10 people have already been convicted and sentenced to prison by a Mozambican court over the scandal, including Ndambi Guebuza, the son of former Mozambican president Armando Guebuza, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for receiving up to $33 million from the corrupt deal.

The consequences of the crime “will last generations,” the judge said.

override the mayor.

“This has ultimately exacerbated the load on our alreadyoverburdened shelter system,” said Awawdeh. “Thanks to NYC Council Speaker Adams and the NYC Council, more New Yorkers will finally be able to leave,… skip entering our overburdened shelter system, and get into permanent housing and on the road to self-reliance and stability. By relieving pressure on the shelter

system, we hope that this will mean a reduction in the use of HERRCs, which are often located in neighborhoods with poor access to public transportation [and] essential services, and don’t always have basic amenities like showers or proper access to bathrooms, making them ineffective locations for both the short-term and longterm needs of new arrivals.”

As imagined, Mayor Adams

was less than pleased with the override. He said that his administration’s efforts on housing have been working since he agreed to lift the 90-day rule a few weeks before the override, and have put a “record number” of people into permanent housing using CityFHEPS vouchers last fiscal year.

“The good news is that our ef forts to house more New Yorkers, even in the midst of a humani

tarian crisis, are working,” he said in a statement. “Unlike the council, we do not, however, believe that New Yorkers should spend $17 billion on a package of bills that would put New Yorkers in shelter at the back of the line for a CityFHEPS voucher and make it harder for them to find permanent housing. We will continue to do all that we can to build more housing and tackle decades of exclusionary zoning policies that have prevented our city from building an adequate housing supply. We are reviewing our options and next steps.”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 29

International

Housing rights rally at City Hall Park on July 13 (Gerardo Romo/NYC Council Media Unit photo)

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Religion & Spirituality

WCBS meteorologist Elise Finch dies at age 51

AmNews Staff Reports

Elise Finch, an award-winning meterologist for WCBS New York, has died. She had been a staple at the station for 16 years. Finch was 51.

The station reports that Finch died at a local hospital, and that

the cause of her death has not yet been determined.

Finch came to CBS from NBC where she served as a meteorologist for the “Early Today” show, MSNBC and NBC Weather Plus. During her career, she also worked in Phoenix, Az, Youngstown, Ohio and Austin, Minn. Finch began

her career in television behind the scenes at E! Entertainment Television.

Raised in Mount Vernon, N.Y., Finch graduated from Mount Vernon High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University, where she received an illustrious Presi-

dent’s Award. She went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University. Finch completed the Broadcast Meteorology Program at Mississippi State University and obtained the seal of approval from the American Meteorological Society.

“Elise was a gifted and consummate professional who took great care with her work,” WCBS said in a statement. “She was also a wonderful ambassador in the community, including her hometown of Mount Vernon.”

Funeral arrangements were not announced at press time.

30 • July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Elise Finch (CBS News photo)

Bike

Continued from page 11

But in Greenpoint, 37% of residents bike at least once a month, according to the Health Department, although the study did not indicate whether hipster unicycles were included.

That is more than double the citywide average, according to TransAlt, yet not a single ticket was issued in the Brooklyn neighborhood last year. Greenpoint is majority white and only 3.8% of residents were Black in 2017–2021 when counted with Williamsburg’s population, according to American Community Survey data examined by the NYU Furman Center.

Despite the disparities in ticketing for “bicycling on sidewalk” offenses, there was just one more crash between bicycles and pedestrians in the 70th Precinct last year than in the 94th, where Greenpoint is located, according to the DOT. The 78th—which contains the actual Prospect Park—and 84th were the only two Brooklyn precincts with double-digit crashes between bicycles and pedestrians, easily ranking first in incidents borough-wide. Between the two, 17 bicycling on the sidewalk tickets were issued. Both are majority white neighborhoods.

Of tickets for bicycling on sidewalk, 13.5% were also issued within 50 feet of

NYCHA developments, which only cover roughly 1% of city land, and 95% of those ticketed were nonwhite.

And the absence of bike lanes can be deadly: The New York City Department of Transportation found in 2017 that n ine out of 10 citywide cyclist fatalities occur where there’s no dedicated space for bicycles, and 15 of the 18 New York City bicyclists killed last year were involved in a crash involving a motor vehicle, according to the NYPD.

“All New Yorkers deserve access to bike infrastructure, and DOT is on target to install a record number of bike lanes and protected bike lane miles this year,” said DOT spokesperson Monica Bruno.

“Under the Adams administration, equity is a key factor in how we locate new bike lanes, with a new formula for determining project locations that considers community demographics and whether neighborhoods have been historically underserved.”

The half-century-old TransAlt is a long-time proponent of bike lanes and critic of “car-centric” infrastructure.

Chaffers

Continued from page 28

News to report deeply on the root causes, impacts and solutions for gun violence, caught Chaffers’ attention and got her really excited about the role.

“I think that’s a really important approach,” she said. “Coming from more of an opinion background, I had some issues with the objectivity framework, which I think became nationally apparent, like during the Black Lives Matter protests.”

“But I think if you start from an approach of, we know this is an issue that deserves attention, then I think, as long as you’re doing fact-based and data-backed articles… it’s stillworthy journalism. And I think the paper understands that,” she added.

Shannon will join an all-Black, multi-generational investigative team, an environment she said she’s looking forward to growing in.

Coming fresh from her Fulbright research residency in Berlin, Germany, she said that she got “a global perspective” on the issue of gun violence and the importance of linking the history and root causes of the issue in the U.S. into

her work.

As the first gun violence reporter for the team, Chaffers said she’s passionate about the contributing factors that impact gun violence, from criminal justice and gun control to housing inequality.

“I’m definitely interested in all aspects of the beat, from looking at the root causes to the impacts,” she explained. “‘And then also solutions, I think [are] really important too.”

When she’s not reporting,Chaffers hopes to find a soccer league to join in the city. Aside from being a huge Arsenal fan (“That should be in the piece,” she said), Shannon enjoys visiting museums and perusing through bookstores, hitting up the science fiction and narrative nonfiction sections to see what catches her eye.

If you would like to support Shannon’s work, please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting bit.ly/amnews1.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023• 31

Follow The Blacklight and Amsterdam News on Twitter and subscribe to our newsletter, Editorially Black, to keep up with our reporting. Shannon Chaffers joins the Blacklight Investigative Unit (Image courtesy of Chaffers) 8 kids a day are accidentally killed or injured by FAMILY FIRE.

ENDFAMILYFIRE.org

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

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SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. JON HUTCHESON AS TRUSTEE OF HUTCHESON FAMILY TRUST, and JON HUTCHESON IN HIS INDIVIDUALLY CAPACITY, Deft. - Index # 850271/2017. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 26, 2023, I will sell at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 8,000/28,402,100 tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as Phase I HNY CLUB SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $107,511.37 plus costs and interest as of March 28, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Hayley Greenberg, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. MARILYN YVONNE DUNN and CHARLES BARRYAN DUNN, JR., Deft. - Index # 850011/2021. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated April 28, 2023, I will sell at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 0.00986400000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57TH STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $25,614.25 plus costs and interest as of February 8, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Jerry Merola, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. ANNA PRESTEL VEACH a/k/a ANNA PRESTEL HORWATH, Deft. - Index # 850154/2020. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 22, 2022, I will sell at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 0.00986400000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57TH STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $159,086.61 plus costs and interest as of October 6, 2021. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Hayley Greenberg, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE 200 CHAMBERS STREET CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff -against- ERIC R. BRAVERMAN, DARYA BRAVERMAN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 24, 2022 and entered on March 21, 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 August 16, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, Unit being designated and described as Unit No 26C in the condominium known as "The 200 Chambers Street Condominium" together with an undivided 0.8256% interest in the common elements. Block: 142 Lot: 1183. ALSO, Unit being designated and described as Unit No. ST14 in the condominium known as "The 200 Chambers Street Condominium" together with an undivided 0.0103% interest in the common elements. Block: 142 Lot: 1375. All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and 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 200 CHAMBERS STREET, UNIT 26C, NEW YORK, NY and UNIT ST14 (a storage unit), 200 CHAMBERS STREET, NEW YORK NY. Approximate amount of lien $702,840.07 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 162556/2015.

MARK MCKEW, ESQ., Referee

Armstrong Teasdale LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

7 Times Square, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10036

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. SHANNON PARA, Deft. - Index # 850179/2020. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 12, 2021, I will sell at public auction Outside the Portico of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.0271980765638990% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as Phase I of HNY CLUB SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $39,988.85 plus costs and interest as of February 26, 2021. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Mark Mckew, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS WITH NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, -against- LARS J.A. JOHNSON A/K/A LARS J. JOHNSON if living and if dead, the respective heirs-atlaw, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, lien or otherwise any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the amended complaint; MARETA K.A. JOHNSON AKA K.A. MARETA JONZON GRONDAL AKA MARETA JONZON GRONDAL AKA MARETA JOHNSON if living and if dead, the respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, lien or otherwise any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the amended complaint; THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF SAGA HOUSE CONDOMINIUM; NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; Defendant(s). Index No. 850240/2022 Date Filed: 11/11/2022 Plaintiff designates NEW YORK County as the place of trial based on the location of the mortgaged premises in this action. We are attempting to collect a debt, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. To the above-named Defendant(s): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the amended complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the amended complaint is not served with this supplemental summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the plaintiff's attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this supplemental summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this supplemental summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) or within (60) days after service of this supplemental summons if it is the United States of America; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the amended complaint. NOTICE: YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this supplemental summons and amended complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the supplemental summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing supplemental summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Honorable Francis A. Kahn III, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, dated the 23rd day of June, 2023 and duly entered in the office of the Clerk of the County of New York, State of New York on the 23rd day of June, 2023. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT This is an action to foreclose a mortgage lien on the premises described herein. The object of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage executed by Lars J.A. Johnson and Mareta K.A. Johnson, as Mortgagors, to Merrill Lynch Credit Corporation, a Mortgage to secure $268,000.00 and interest, dated February 4, 1994, (the Mortgage), which was recorded in the Office of the City Register of New York County on February 9, 1994 in Reel: 2056, Page: 2025 which was assigned to Bankers Trust Company of California, N.A., as Trustee, Under That Certain Pooling and Servicing Agreement Dated as of March 1, 1994, For Senior/Subordinate Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 1994-F, a New Jersey Corp by Assignment of Mortgage dated April 15, 2002, which was recorded in the Office of the City Register of New York County on June 25, 2002 in Reel: 3546, Page: 2104 which was assigned to Merrill Lynch Credit Corporation by Assignment of Mortgage dated September 26, 2008, which was recorded in the Office of the City Register of New York County on March 24, 2009 in CRFN: 2009000084626 and a second mortgage to Merrill Lynch Credit Corporation executed by Lars J. Johnson, to secure $15,104.16 and interest, dated September 29, 2008 (The “Second Mortgage”), which was recorded in the Office of the City Register of New York County on March 24, 2009 in CRFN: 2009000084625 which loan was consolidated by a Consolidation, Extension & Modification Agreement dated September 29, 2008, executed by Lars J. Johnson, which consolidated the First Mortgage and the Second Mortgage to form a single lien in the amount of $225,500.00 which was recorded in the Office of the City Register of New York County on March 24, 2009 in CRFN: 2009000084624 which was assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. by Assignment of Mortgage dated September 20, 2022, to be recorded in the Office of the City Register of New York County and, covering premises known as 157 EAST 74TH STREET, UNIT 9B, NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NY 10021 (Block: 1409 Lot: 1021). The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above. The Plaintiff also seeks a deficiency judgment against the Defendant, LARS J.A. JOHNSON A/K/A LARS J. JOHNSON, for any debt secured by said Mortgage which is not satisfied by the proceeds of the sale of said premises, unless discharged in bankruptcy. SEE SCHEDULE A ANNEXED HERETO Block: 1409 Lot: 1021

SCHEDULE A DESCRIPTION OF MORTGAGED PREMISES The Condominium Unit ("the Unit") known as Unit No. 9B in the Building known as the Saga House Condominium, said Unit designated and described as Unit No. 9-B in the Declaration establishing a plan for condominium ownership of said premises under Article 9B of the Real Property Law of the State of New York (the "New York Condominium Act") dated 3/6/86 and recorded in the New York County Office of the Register of the City of New York (the "Register's Office") on 4/29/86 in Reel 1056 Page 514 and also designated as Tax Lot 1021 in Block 1409 of Section 5 of the Borough of Manhattan on the Tax Map of the Real Property Assessment Department of The City of New York and on the Floor Plans of said building, certified by Stephen B. Jacobs and Assoc., P.C. Architect on 3/31/86 and filed with the Real Property Assessment Department of The City of New York on 4/28/86 as Condominium Plan No. 299 and also filed in the Register's Office on 4/29/86 as Condominium Plan No. 299 Map No. 4452. Together with a 2.09% interest in the common elements. The land on which said condominium is located is described as follows: ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situated, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the northerly side of East 74th Street distant 101 feet easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of East 74th Street with the easterly side of Lexington Avenue; RUNNING THENCE northerly parallel with Lexington Avenue and part of the distance through a party wall 102 feet 2 inches to the center line of the block; THENCE easterly along said center line of the block 69 feet no inches; THENCE southerly parallel with Lexington Avenue and pact of the distance through a party wall 102 feet 2 inches to the northerly side of East 74th Street; THENCE westerly along the said northerly side of East 74th Street 69 feet no inches to the point or place of BEGINNING. Premises: 157 East 74th Street, Unit 9B, New York, NY 10021 Tax Parcel ID No.: Block: 1409 Lot: 1021 Dated: Manhasset, New York June 29, 2023. DAVID A. GALLO & ASSOCIATES LLP By: /S/ DAVID A. GALLO, DAVID A. GALLO, ESQ. Attorneys for Plaintiff, 47 Hillside Avenue - 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030, (516) 583-5330, (516) 583-5333 – fax.

32 • July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

PUBLIC NOTI CES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

100

101

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. ALAN E. EDWARDS, Deft. - Index # 850153/2020. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 13, 2021, I will sell at public auction Outside the Portico of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.00986400000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57th STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $44,849.40 plus costs and interest as of February 23, 2021. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Mark Mckew, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff -against- JILL M. BOSSERT-SQUERI, STEVEN J. SQUERI, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 21, 2023 and entered on February 23, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on August 23rd, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided .01995% common interest percentage. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37. The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 1st Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies and Foreclosure Auction Rules. All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction. Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY. Approximate amount of lien $21,717.06 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850038/2022.

MATTHEW D. HUNTER, ESQ., Referee

DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, Plaintiff -against- JANET MCCORMICK, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 15, 2022 and entered on November 16, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on August 2nd, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant undivided 0.0381% common interest percentage. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442513 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1302. The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 1st Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies and Foreclosure Auction Rules. All bidders must wear a face mask/ shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction. Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY. Approximate amount of lien $38,930.44 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850016/2015.

ELAINE SHAY, ESQ., Referee

DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

Notice of Application of Authority of Limited Liability Company Feenix Payment Systems, LLC (“LLC”) LLC Application for Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on June 8, 2023. N.Y. Office location: 1201 Broadway, Ste. 701, New York, NY 10001 (New York County).

SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against LLC served upon it is c/o the LLC: Feenix Payment Systems, LLC 1201 Broadway, Ste. 701, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Application of Authority of Limited Liability Company FVP Servicing, LLC (“LLC”). LLC Application for Authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on June 8, 2023. N.Y. Office location: 1201 Broadway, Ste. 701, New York, NY 10001 (New York County). SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against LLC served upon it is c/o the LLC: FVP Servicing, LLC 1201 Broadway, Ste. 701 New York, NY 10001. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC).

Name: Blue Storage, LLC. Articles of Organization filed by the Department of State of New York on: 02/13/2023. Office location: County of New York.

Amendment filed 02/16/2023 changed county to Westchester. Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC 50 West 17th Street. New York, NY 10011.

Purpose: Any and all lawful activities

Notice of Qualification of SyBridge Digital Solutions LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/01/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 11/30/22. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Jeffrey W. Bullock, Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of SOUND BODY LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/24/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/14/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 220 5th Ave., 17th Fl., NY, NY 10001. DE addr. of LLC: c/o Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF CLOUD POWERED SOLUTIONS LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/29/2023. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC. 7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202 BROOKLYN, NY, 11228. The principal business address of the LLC is 228 Park Ave S #322277, New York, NY 10003. Dissolution date: Perpetual. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

PIVOT ADR LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/06/2023. Office: New York County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to U.S. Corp. Agts., Inc., 7014 13TH Ave BK, NY 11228. Business Add: 228 Park Ave S #701467 NY, NY 10003, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activities or acts.

Notice of Formation of Travel Dad, LLC filed with SSNY on 4/30/23. Office: New York County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 87 Barrow St., Apt 4F, New York, NY 10014. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

LMF Consulting Group LLC filed with the SSNY on 3/27/2023. Office loc.: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to: 201 East 69th St., Apt. 12B, NY, NY 10021. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of Kumar and Kumar LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secy. of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 5/1/2023. Office Location: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Thittamaranahalli Kumar, 564 1st Ave, Apt 22F, New York, NY 10016. Name/address of each member: available from SSNY. Term: Continuous. Purpose: Any lawful activity

Galeriana LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/14/2023.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff AGAINST GEORGE BECK, DIANA E. BECK, ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 9, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse on the portico, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on August 23, 2023 at 2:15PM, premises known as 145 EAST 48TH STREET, APT./UNIT 20D, New York, NY 10017. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, Block 1303, Lot 1111. Approximate amount of judgment $832,166.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850001/2020. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NEW YORK County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Allison Furman, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19006449 75795

TEE N' TINGS LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the SSNY on 3/30/2023. Office Location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 217 WEST 140TH STREET #197, NY, NY, 10030. Purpose: any lawful activity.

KANAWA CIRCLE, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/10/23. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, P.O. Box 507, Nyack, NY 10960. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF CINEMAINTENANT LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 20 March 2023. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the served upon him/her is: 1850 Amsterdam Avenue New York NY 10031. The principal business address of the LLC is 1850 Amsterdam Avenue New York NY 10031. Dissolution date: perpetual. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Qualification of PROMETEON TYRE GROUP COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/29/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/22/16. Princ. office of LLC: 100 Pirelli Dr., Rome, GA 30161. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Panchal LLC. Filed: 5/19/22. Office: NY Co. Org. in IL: 5/3/22. SSNY design. as agent for process & shall mail to: 555 10th Ave Apt 47E, NY, NY 10018. Foreign add: 27 Olympic Dr, South Barrington, IL 60010. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy of State, 501 S. Second St. Room 350, Springfield, IL 62756. Purpose: General.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 33 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES

Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Galeriana LLC C/O Victor Tafur, P.O. Box 1642, New York NY 10163. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. BOGO 40% OFF OFFER ENDS 10 /31 888-448-0421 110 SERVICES 110 SERVICES © 2023 Consumer Cellular Inc. Terms and Conditions subject to change. Half the cost savings based on cost of Consumer Cellular’s single-line, 5GB data plan with unlimited talk and text compared to lowest cost, single-line post-paid unlimited plan offered by T-Mobile and Verizon, May 2023. 844-919-1682 EXACT SAME COVERAGE UP TO HALF THE COST.

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used at…secure public areas. People are going into these public spaces and using these ghost guns to commit crimes, and law enforcement is finding it more and more difficult to stop them.

“Our women and men in uniform are now having to deal with illicit guns coming into our city from both the iron pipeline and from private homes.”

Any gun without a serial number is considered a ghost gun, but the definition is becoming more and more synonymous with homemade weapons, given 3D printing’s emergence. According to Gillibrand, the NYPD’s ghost gun seizures are up by 75% and 20 of such illegal firearms were found at the sites of shootings.

Mary Hernandez, CEO and founder of the Angellyh Yambo Foundation, said the legislation would close a “major safety loophole for 3D printed guns, which could be used to kill innocent people.” Her niece—which her organization is named after—was killed last year in the Bronx by a stray bullet shot from a ghost gun.

“Angellyh was just 16 years old,” said Hernandez. “In January 2022, we had just celebrated her Sweet 16. She was a princess. And she was loved by so many. She was beautiful, funny, smart [and a] straight A student.”

Regulations for 3D printed gun blueprints were undercut by the

Trump administration, which shifted governance from the State Department to the Commerce Department. The move lifted pressure to oversee files that weren’t“ready for insertion” into a 3D printer, but could easily be sent by email and converted into the proper format.

The proliferation of ghost guns is particularly concerning in states with stricter firearm regulations, like New York. A 2013 Los Angeles shooting is referenced in the bill, where a 23-yearold man killed five people with a home-assembled rifle constructed of legally purchased parts after he failed a background check when attempting to purchase a gun—the unfinished AR-15 style receiver used to create such a weapon can now be 3D-printed.

New York State criminalized the sale of ghost guns in 2021 through the Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act (NYS State Senate Bill 2021S14A). State lawmakers chimed in on a similar bill introduced in Albany to make the intentional sale of ghost gun assembly instructions a Class A misdemeanor.

“I’m proud to support Sen. Gillibrand’s much-needed federal action on untraceable guns through her new bill, the 3D Printed Gun Safety Act,” said sponsoring State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “Her legislation is an important and necessary complement to our state bill that makes the manufacturing of 3D-printed guns and ghost guns illegal that I drafted with Assemblymember [Linda] Rosenthal

in consultation with Manhattan DA [Alvin] Bragg.”

“Since [the passing of the Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act], hundreds of untraceable firearms have been seized by the NYPD, [and] gun trafficking rings have been busted and prosecuted for peddling firearms,” added Rosenthal. “But we also need to ban the manufacture of ghost guns here in New York State and, of course, across the country.”

“The rapid proliferation of 3Dprinted guns poses a major threat to the safety of Manhattanites – anyone can now manufacture dangerous and deadly weapons right in their own home and apartment,” said Bragg. “One key reason it is so easy to print 3D guns is that detailed blueprints can be shared with just a few clicks over the internet, and I thank Senator Gillibrand for her leadership on this issue at the federal level.

“Earlier this year, my Office announced similar legislation that would make it illegal to share these digital files in New York, which I urge the legislature to make a priority when it returns to Albany next year.”

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

Metro Briefs

Continued from page 3

program, created in 2018 to boost the representation of women in statues across the city.

Nationwide survey of Afro Latino organizations

The Creative Justice Initiative and Afrolatin@ Forum are looking to establish connections among Afro Latino/a/x organizations that are committed to preserving, documenting, and promoting the legacies and traditions of Afro Latino roots and diaspora communities.

They have created an online survey for Afro Latino-oriented organizations to participate in.

Anyone who knows of a group that is helping to connect or service Afro Latinos may encourage them to take this survey: https:// bit.ly/afrolatinaoxorganizationsassessment.

NYS Court Assistant examination

The New York State court system is seeking court assistants for positions in Supreme, County, District, City, and other courts throughout the state. Court assistants perform clerical tasks related to courtroom proceedings. They have a starting salary of around $54,768 to $59,403, depending on location, with 20 paid vacation days the first year, 13 paid holidays annually, health insurance, retirement benefits, and opportunities for promotion.

An applicant must have a high school diploma or the equivalent and two years of clerical experience (or four years of clerical experience), and be a U.S. citizen and New York State resident; 30 college credits may be substituted for each year of work experience.

Continued from page 3

Historically, falls are a concern in the vertically-built New York City, accounting for 12% of deaths for children under 15 during the late 1960s. Such numbers spurred the public health campaign “Children Can’t Fly,” which prompted many of the policies seen today.

City law requires landlords and homeowners to install approved window guards in any apartment with children under 10, and encourages tenants with children to be aware of window safety to prevent falls. One- and two-family homes are not covered. The city first implemented the window guard law in 1976. There were over 100 falls every year prior, according to the city.

Even with the law in place there were still a relatively high number of window falls into the 1980s, prompting then Councilmember Fernando Ferrer to introduce a bill that would hit landlords who failed to install window guards with fines and possible jail time.

“I am extremely grieved by the unfortunate accident that claimed the life of

a four-year-old in East Flatbush,” said Councilmember Farah Louis.“My heartfelt condolences goes out to the family and the Open Eye Church of God, where the family fellowships.”

The building where Jonathan died had window guards that the child somehow bypassed, said the councilmember’s office. The building’s ownership told the Daily News there was recorded documentation of the installation, which was reportedly signed by the tenant. It is also described as pre-war with “lots of natural light” from a StreetEasy listing from two years ago.

Louis vowed to work with the New York City Department of Housing and Preservation Development (HPD) and the Department of Buildings (DOB) to ensure apartments with kids under 10 are inspected for proper window guards.

“Safety is a top priority, and we must do everything possible to avoid tragedies like these,” said Louis.

Assemblymember Monique ChandlerWaterman added that as a mother she could not fathom how Jonathan’s mother, Marie Nicole Rene, was feeling about her son’s death.

“The Assembly District 58 Public Safety

Task Force members are already on the ground using their expertise and experience to provide mental health and other support services to Gabriel’s mother and the community reeling from this traumatic incident,” she said in a statement.

The councilmember’s office said that while the investigation is ongoing, they will be organizing resources for the Pierre family along with the local Crisis Management System (CMS) team. The family also set up their own GoFundMe to help with young Jonathan’s burial.

Outside of New York City, multi-story falls are a problem nationwide for toddlers. Just this week, a 3-year-old girl fatally fell from a balcony in Southside Chicago. Last Wednesday, a 3-year-old boy was injured from falling from a second-story home in Northern California.

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

To take the exam, file on the NYS Courts Careers website at https://ww2.nycourts.gov/careers/exams.shtml before Thursday, August 10. You will receive a link to schedule an exam appointment.

The NYS Court Assistant Examination will be administered at test centers statewide between Wednesday, October 11, and Wednesday, November 1. More information regarding the exams can be found at https://ww2.nycourts. gov/exam-information-content-and-development-exams.

Kayak with us

Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse offers free family-friendly kayaking throughout the summer in Brooklyn Bridge Park on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A Family Program runs on Sundays from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. through September. Kayakers can paddle off Pier 4 Beach for up to 20 minutes. The boathouse will provide the boats, paddles, and life vests. For more information, visit https://www.bbpboathouse.org/ kayaking/#make-reservation.

––Compiled by Karen Juanita

Carrillo

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 35

Ghostbusters Continued from page 3

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The Black baseball renaissance must be televised

By DAVID GRUBB Special to the AmNews from MLBbro

At times, it can be easy to be discouraged.

When we started MLBbro.com in the spring of 2021, baseball was just coming back from the pandemic. The sport was reintroducing itself to the world just as we were making our debut.

Our mission, today as it was then, is to shine a light on the Black and brown players who have made the game what it is today. It’s to tell the stories of the players right now, making their own history. And it’s to let the world know about the ones on the way.

At the start of the 2022 season, Black representation in the big leagues was at 7.2%, the lowest number since data began being tracked in 1991. Then it dropped even further this season to 6.2 percent.

All-Star game lacked melanin—again

With so many players out due to injury or ineffectiveness, the All-Star game had a much different vibe.

Aaron Judge, the reigning American League MVP, (Aaron Judge) didn’t play, and neither did Giancarlo Stanton, last season’s All-Star Game MVP—the perfect representations of both injury and ineffectiveness.

MLBbros went a combined 0–4 at the plate.

Josiah Gray’s single scoreless inning served as the only highlight.

However, hope appears to be on the horizon.

Ten Black players represented their organizations in the Futures Games in Seattle, and the inaugural Swingman HBCU Classic was a resounding success.

Baseball leaders have put forth real grassroots effort to cultivate youth programs in communities where

access has been a problem. Current and former players have made investments of money, time, and have created spaces for kids to fall in love with the game.

From 2012 to 2022, there were 56 Black players taken in the first round of the draft (17.5%). In 2022, three Black players were

selected in the top five, the first time that had ever happened in MLB history. At the MLB Draft combine held last month, 15% of all players in attendance were Black. Ten potential MLBbros were selected in the top 100 of this year’s draft. There were 50 more young athletes were seen

by major league scouts at the Swingman Classic, with two of those going on to be drafted.

While the numbers seem promising, there are numerous socio-economic and racial dynamics that have diverted the pipeline of talent in the Black community away from the sport over the years—many of which are still at play.

What does MLB need to do to increase Black representation?

We still need greater investments at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels. Not only financially, but at developmentally as well. There needs to be a greater investment in coaches who help to create a culture that encourages participation. Baseball sits with basketball and soccer as sports that the world can share in and yet the representation at its highest levels does not reflect

Bro Bombers, the Naylor brothers, make MLB history

By MALIK WRIGHT

Special to the AmNews from MLBbro

The “Naylor Bros,” Josh and Bo of the Cleveland Guardians, became the first pair of brothers to hit multi-run home runs in the same inning as teammates last Friday night in a 12–4 loss. That put a bow on what was an amazing week for their family, which began when their youngest sibling Myles was selected in the 2023 MLB Draft this past Sunday.

In the third inning of the Guardians first game since the All-Star Break, both Naylor brothers launched two-run homers off Rangers starter Jon Gray, whose changeup fell victim on both occasions.

“When I hit mine, we shared a great moment,” Bo told reporters. “I could see how excited he was for me. When he hit his, I was up on the top step waiting for him. Just a cool moment to share with him.”

That was the first time in Major League Baseball’s long history that brothers hit multi-run

home runs in the same inning for the same team. The last set of brothers to homer in the same was Justin and B.J. Upton, playing for the Atlanta Braves in September of 2014. The Uptons did it twice during their stint with the Braves and six in total in their careers.

The Naylor Bros also etched their name alongside the late Aaron brothers: former home

run king Hank and his younger sibling Tommie. On July 11, 1962, 61 years before the Naylors’ shots, both Aarons homered in the ninth inning of a game against the St. Louis Cardinals in an 8–6 Braves win. No Major League players other than Josh and Bo Naylor currently have the fortune of hitting in the same batting practice group with a member of their family,

let alone their brother.

“It is awesome to go behind the cage and have a conversation with him,” said younger brother Bo, 23, a catcher, to MLBbro.com. “To see him doing his thing and working on his craft every round is special, and I love every moment.”

Year five in the majors has been a career year for 26-yearold Josh. As of Tuesday, he ranked seventh in all of baseball

the diverse nations that enjoy and compete in the game.

We have to continue to water the soil, protect the seeds, see what’s been started, and continue to grow and produce for years to come. It isn’t enough to have stars. There was a time when Black players were simply part of the game. They played every position, and some were utility men just making a career for themselves.

You didn’t take notice of how few there were, simply because there were so many.

It can be that way again. And we will continue to celebrate the achievements, note the progress, and discuss the methods that will help extend what we at MLBbro.com believe is a renaissance in Black baseball.

For more coverage of Black and brown Major Leaguers, go to MLBbro.com

in batting average (.310), fifth in RBI (69), 19th (.857) in OPS— on-base and slugging percentage, and fourth among all first basemen.

Myles Naylor

The third Naylor, Myles, is an infielder from Canada who was selected out of high school by the Oakland A’s as the 39th pick in this year’s Major League Draft.

Middle child Bo was able to give MLBbro.com a scouting report on his little brother.

“A guy who can get it done in every phase of the game,” said Bo. “Crazy amount of potential, really good arm, hits the ball to all fields with power, and fields his position well. The sky’s the limit for him.”

If Myles can earn his way to the majors, the Naylor family will enter even more rare company as families with three brothers playing at the same time, joining a small list headlined by the Alous and Molinas.

For more coverage of Black and brown major leaguers, go to MLBbro.com.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 37

SPORTS

Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins is among a small number of Black Major League Baseball players (Elijah Walter Griffin Sr. photo) Brothers Josh (left) and Bo Naylor became first pair of brothers to hit multi-run home runs in same inning as teammates with Cleveland Guardians last Friday. (MLBbro.com photo)

TV drama “Swagger” centers on life and basketball

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

Season two of the Apple TV+ series “Swagger”is underway, following the stories of young hoop stars. Inspired by NBA star Kevin Durant’s AAU experiences, “Swagger”explores the world of youth basketball as well as the daily realities of life in America. The season two premiere screened at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.“Swagger” was created, executive produced and directed by Reggie Rock Bythewood, whose company Undisputed Cinema has extensive film and television credits. Nearly three decades ago, Bythewood was in a play that featured basketball. “You had to make your shots in front of a live audience,” he recalled.“We revisited so much of that in ‘Swagger.’ We did this one hour of the show where the basketball game is all in one shot. We never cut. So, I referenced that particular experience because you have to finish the game.You have to get to the end. If you miss, you had to work your way back into the narrative,” Bythewood said.The character of Jace Carson, played by Isaiah R. Hill, is a central figure in “Swagger.” The predominantly white prep school in the series did not have much success until the school’s athletic director brought in the Swagger players. In one scene, Jace makes

10 consecutive free throws while having a conversation. The scene was shot without cuts, so if Hill missed a shot, he’d have to start from the top and make 10 free throws. A choreographer helped set game action that aligned with the script. Most importantly, the actors had to look authentic.

“There’s nothing more unsatisfying in a sports film than when the actors don’t look legit,” said Bythewood. “It was very important that you really see our players making baskets. … Some of the most fun parts of the sequences are when we would do free play sometimes as well. There would be a couple of unchoreo-

graphed sequences that we were able to use.”

Of course, actors must also give convincing performances. Bythewood said quite a number of young men auditioned to play Jace, some with more acting experience and some with the hoop skills.

“I watched Isaiah’s basketball footage, and when he dunked it had this flair and excitement,” Bythewood said. “In addition, I saw some talent, so we got him an acting coach.While some of my actors underwent three months of basketball training, Isaiah underwent three months of acting training. He was really able to deliver.”

WNBA All-Star Game sees new records and growth of the sport

In many ways, the game was a celebration of Griner’s return. During last year’s All-Star Game, Griner was detained in Russia and her absence was deeply felt. In the second half, all the players wore jerseys with her name and number. To see her eating a plate of bacon, making jokes, dunking, signing autographs, and enjoying hugs was bigger than any basketball game and completely fulfilling.

By LOIS ELFMAN

Special to the AmNews

It has been 24 years since the inaugural WNBA All-Star Game. Some of the players from that magical first game, for which the late Whitney Houston sang the national anthem, were on hand to view this year’s All-Stars show their stuff and cement

their legacies in Las Vegas. Missing from that first All-Star class was Nikki McCray-Penson, who died on July 7.

Technology has improved considerably since 1999, and one of the highlights of the televised coverage was having A’ja Wilson, captain of Team Wilson, and Brittney Griner, a member of Team Stewart—although the captain pre-

ferred it be referred to as Team Stewie—wear microphones while on court. Their commentary, combined with the comments of their teammates, who may or may not have been aware of the mics, was hilarious and embodied the All-Star Game experience.

Jewell Loyd of Team Stewie, who has become the leader of the Seattle Storm after the retirement

of Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart’s move to the New York Liberty, put on an offensive show. Her 31 points set a new All-Star Game scoring record. It wasn’t the 40 points she was aiming for in honor of her parents’ 40th wedding anniversary, but as she got near the record-setting basket, defensive play suddenly appeared from the opposing team.

Team Stewie was coached by Connecticut Sun coach Stephanie White, and Team Wilson was coached by Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon. Team Stewie was pretty dominant throughout. At one point, Hammon’s sons joined her on the sideline and she asked them if they could offer any strategic advice. Alas, they didn’t. Team Stewie prevailed 143–127 over Team Wilson. Loyd was named MVP. The Phoenix Mercury will host the 2024 All-Star Game. It is not yet known whether it will serve as a send-off for the Olympic Games, which take place July 25 to August 11, 2024, in Paris.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS 38 July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023

Reggie Rock Bythewood

SPORTS

“Swagger” basketball action (Apple TV+ photos) Jewell Loyd (WNBA photos) Brittney Griner

The Mets and Yankees continue to weigh second-half options

By RASHID MCDONALD Special to the AmNews

The Mets and Yankees are one week into the second half of this season. The Mets will have 67 games remaining when they host the Chicago White Sox at Citi Field in Queens this afternoon and the Yankees will have 65 when they play the Kansas City Royals at home in the Bronx tomorrow, the start of a three-game series.

The Mets and Yankees will face each other next Tuesday and Wednesday at Yankee Stadium in their second Subway Series this season. They split two games in June at Citi Field. Thus far, it has been a trying season for both teams who were forecast by most close followers of baseball to be World Series contenders.

But the Mets were 44–50, fourth place in the National League East, 17.5 games behind the division leading Atlanta Braves before playing the White Sox Wednesday. They were eight games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for

the third NL wild-card spot. The Yankees were 50–46 when they closed out a three-game road series last night against the Los Angeles Angels. They were last in the American League East trailing the first place Tampa Bay Rays by nine games and 2.5 out of the third AL wild-card position.

The Yankees have been treading water since last season’s AL MVP, outfielder Aaron Judge, sprained ligaments in his right big toe running into the right field fence at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles on June 3. The team was 15–21 prior to yesterday’s game. Besides Judge’s absence, dubious personnel decisions have been a source of the Yankees mediocrity. Now they will look to add players that can help bolster their laboring everyday lineup and pitching staff, with Chicago Cubs’ outfielder Cody Bellinger prominent on their radar.

They have been unable to find consistent pitching and hitting with the exception of the outstanding season put together by starter Gerrit Col and per -

haps infielder Gleyber Torres, with the latter hitting safely in nine straight games going into yesterday’s contest. Cole is 9–2 with a 2.78 ERA and 134 strikeouts. On Tuesday, the Yankees had a season low two hits in a 5–1 loss to the Angels. It was their fifth loss in their previous six games. Meanwhile, the Mets are most likely going to be sellers at the Major League Baseball deadline of August 1. Closer David Robertson and outfielder Tommy Pham are sure to be on their way to new ball clubs, likely playoff and World Series contenders. The Mets have been under .500 since a 6–4 loss to the Braves dropped them to 30–31. Their hitting has been collectively ineffective and the pitching sub-standard, an unexpected development for a team that was 101–61 last season.

Martin hands Harutyunyan his first defeat in lightweight

showdown

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

This past Saturday in Las Vegas, Frank Martin (18–0, 12 KOs) came on strong and dropped the previously undefeated Artem Harutyunyan (12–1, 7 KOs) in the 12th and final round to earn a hardfought 115–112, 114–113, 115–112 win in the lightweight showdown.

“I just knew I wasn’t active enough as I normally am,” said Martin. “I just think my reaction time just wasn’t on point tonight. He definitely was a tough opponent. I wouldn’t say that it was too difficult, it was just my reaction time wasn’t working like it normally does for me.

“He was definitely tough,” elaborated the 26-year-old southpaw. “I hit him with some big shots. He stood up, he bounced around in the ring like a ping pong, but he stood tall. I take my hat off to him.”

The 32-year-old Harutyunyan, who won a bronze medal in the light-welterweight division at the 2018 Olympics in Brazil representing Germany, spoke about his intentions moving forward.

“My plan is to become a world champion, or at least fight for the world title, maybe against Devin Haney or Gervonta Davis. I can go up one weight class, it’s not a problem for me. But I’m so happy to be here and I want to come back.”

Harutyunyan also would accept a rematch with Martin if presented with the opportunity.

On Saturday in Detroit, Alycia Baumgardner (15–1, 7 KOs) retained her WBC, IBF, WBO, WBA, IBO, and the Ring female super-featherweight titles by avenging the only defeat of her career after defeat-

ing Christina Linardatou with a dominant 98–92, 99–91, 98–92 win.

This Saturday, former world lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. returns to the ring after back-to-back losses to Devin Haney to face Maxi Hughes in a lightweight contest. An impressive win over Hughes may lead to a

showdown against undefeated boxing superstar Gervonta Davis, who was recently released from prison following a house arrest violation.

On Tuesday in Japan, WBC and WBO junior featherweight champion Stephen Fulton will go up against Japanese star Naoya Inoue.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 39 SPORTS

Rising ice dancers Anaelle Kouevi and Yann Homawoo (Photos courtesy of Kouevi and Homawoo) Starter Gerrit Cole has been one of the few Yankees to play at a consistently high level this season, posting a 9–2 record with 134 strikeouts. (MLB.com photo)

The Giants amplify the devaluation of Saquon Barkley and NFL running backs

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sport Editor

Message to parents who have sons with NFL potential currently playing high school football. Immediately have them switch positions if they are running backs. Quarterback, wide receiver, safety and linebacker are much more viable options with far longer career spans.

NFL running backs have become greatly devalued over the past two decades while the aforementioned positions have retained their utility, and even increased in earning power and importance. There is no more glaring evidence than the New York Giants.

This past March, the Giants signed 26-yearold quarterback Daniel Jones, who by any objec-

tive measure has been slightly above average in his cumulative four seasons with the franchise since being drafted by them in 2019, to a four-year, $160 million deal that includes $82 million over the first two years. Conversely, the Giants, led by co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch, and general manager Joe Schoen, placed the franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley, at a mandated amount of $10.1million? for the upcoming season after they failed to reach a long-term extension with the 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowl selection by Monday’s 4 p.m. deadline.

Now Barkley, who the Giants, under former general manager Dave Gettleman, drafted with the No. 2 pick in 2018, and the team cannot negotiate a new deal until after the conclusion of the 2023 regular season in January. Comparatively, Barkley has been inarguably and measurably better at his posi-

tion than Jones has been at his.

Yet, the contract the Giants reportedly offered Barkley included $22 million in guaranteed money over the life of the deal, $60 million less than Jones will make in just the first two years of his contract. As inequitable as the two circumstances are, it’s what the economics and market of the NFL bear.

Along with Barkley, the Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, who led the league in rushing last season with 1,653 yards, and the Dallas Cowboys No. 1 back Tony Pollard, were also unable to consummate long-term extensions with their respective teams.

The highest paid backs in annual salary are the San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffrey ($16 million), the New Orleans Saints’Alvin Kamara ($15 million), the Tennessee Titans Derrick Henry ($12.5 million) and the Cleveland Browns’ Nick Chubb ($12.2 million).

Juxtapose those salaries with the Green Bay Packers’ corner-

Liberty show resilience in pulling out tough wins

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

The New York Liberty headed into the All-Star break on an upbeat note after securing a 95–87 overtime win over the Indiana Fever. Sabrina Ionescu was the game’s high scorer with 34 points, which included seven 3-pointers, a preview of what was to come during All-Star Weekend. With the win, New York secured its first trip to the Commissioner’s Cup Championship game, to be played on August 15 versus the Las Vegas Aces. The win brought the Liberty a 14–4 record at the midseason mark. Breanna Stewart received her third Eastern Conference Player of the Week honor.

“We pushed ourselves in practice,” said Ionescu.“The goal is to be the best conditioned team, and that’s something we take pride in. … When we have practice days, going hard to be able to withstand overtime games. …We’ll never let fatigue kick it because that’s something in our control.”

The win over Indiana was a solid game for Jonquel Jones, who had 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists. She agreed with

Ionescu that the Liberty had let its collective foot off the gas, which drove the game to overtime. “I think we have to look in the mirror as individuals and as a team and realize that now it’s happened a few times too many times and understand we have to be better after the break,” said Jones.

“I also feel our chemistry has grown so much,” she continued. “A really good start to the season for the first half, and so much more to improve on that we can be better at and take it to the next level in the second half.

The WNBA All-Star Game proved to bring more firsts to the Liberty when Ionescu won the WNBA Starry® 3-Point Contest with the highest scoring round in league history. This was Ionescu’s debut in this event. Four-time winner Allie Quigley (wife of Liberty guard Courtney Vandersloot) is sitting out this WNBA season, but was on hand in Las Vegas and quick to congratulate Ionescu on her win.

Ionescu said after the All-Star break the Liberty would come back with a lot of momentum leading into the second half of the season. The Liberty returned from the

break yesterday afternoon to face the Dallas Wings at the Barclays, will take on the Mystics in Washington tomorrow night, and have a rematch with the Fever on Sunday in Brooklyn (3 p.m.), a game that will begin a four-game home stand.

After the Fever, the Liberty will play the Seattle Storm next Tuesday, the Atlanta Dream next Thursday and the Minnesota Lynx July 28.

back Jaire Alexander making an average of $21 million per season, the Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith signing a five-year extension last season for $100 million with $45 million fully guaranteed, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill set to cash in on $30 million in the upcoming season, the San Diego Chargers safety Derwin James ready to make $19 million, and the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts poised to take in an astronomical $51 million in the 2023 campaign.

Barkley’s options are to sit out the upcoming season or play on the franchise tag.

“It is what it is” he tweeted soon after the deadline to reach a new deal had expired.

What it is for the many talented young football players coming soon after Barkley and his peers. Playing running back may be a passion and dream, but it is unfortunately an unequivocally a bad business decision.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS July 20, 2023 - July 26, 2023 • 40 AM News 01224 AM News 01234 AM News 01244 AM News 01254 AM News 01264 AM News 01294 06/01/23 06/08/23 06/15/23 06/22/23 07/20/23

Liberty forward Jonquel Jones scored 12 points and had seven rebounds versus the Indiana Fever in a 95-87 overtime win prior to the All-Star break.

Sports

(Brandon Todd/ New York Liberty photo) The Giants and their star running back Saquon Barkley failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension by this past Monday’s NFL deadline (Bill Moore photo)

New York Amsterdam News July 20-26, 2023

ADAMS TAPS NEW TOP COP

America, Manhood and Violence - Building Strong

Loving Boys

382-600/ISSN#00287121

DIRECTORY

INDEX

International News

PAINFUL COST OF LIVING HIKES SPARK VIOLENT PROTESTS ACROSS KENYA

Mayor Eric Adams appoints Edward Caban as the first Latino NYPD Commissioner

Ghostbusters: Sen. Gillibrand touts proposed federal legislation banning 3D printed gun blueprints

T20 World Cup games in Van Cortlandt Park

East Flatbush toddler fatally falls from window, sparking age-old concerns

Shirley Chisholm monument for Prospect Park

Another third party problem?

Rev. Jackson steps down and designates Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III, to lead Rainbow PUSH Coalition

Virtual forum on the ‘Faith of Malcolm X’

Downtown Newark’s Halsey Festival

Kenneth “C.J.” Bazemore: Giving back with photography

THE URBAN AGENDA

America, Manhood and ViolenceBuilding Strong and Loving Boys

Kings County Dem Exec Director Yamil Speight-Miller talks diversity on the bench

Brooklyn’s ‘Last Living Landmark,’ the race to save the Magnolia Tree Earth Center

Go with the Flo

FLO ANTHONY

Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. holds book signing at NAN

Grants Tomb brings out the Jazz lovers

Bahamian Diaspora Celebrates 50 years of Independence

Matters

Union boss Gregory Floyd happy with sidelines for migrant shelter security contract bid

Claude Cummings Jr. elected first Black CWA union president

Wheelie Bad: NYPD ticketed Black and other nonwhite cyclists disproportionately in 2022, says nonprofit TransAlt

A monument at last for Shirley Chisholm!

By NEW YORK CITY MAYOR ERIC ADAMS

Society doesn’t define my Blackness

Informal Censorship Is Worse Than Book Burning—And It’s Here

ARMSTRONG WILLIAMS

Friendship and BBQ

Caribbean Update

Caricom determined to push for reparations

Special to the AmNews

J.B. Pritzker – the antithesis to Ron Death Santis?

FELICIA PERSAUD IMMIGRATION KORNER

Overridden, Overruled: City Council vote beats mayor’s CityFHEPS bills veto

Factcheck: False: People routinely contract COVID through blood transfusions

Arts & Entertainment

Octavia Butler’s vision honored in Lincoln Center’s “Parable of the Sower”

Uptown Triennial captivates spectators in an artistic, sonic world

New hip-hop lit: ‘Titles Ruin Everything,’ ‘The Book of HOV,’ ‘Welcome 2 Houston’

HOROSCOPES BY

KNOWYOURNUMB3RS

July 20, 2023—July 26, 2023

Travel

Six jazz festivals to put on your midsummer night’s dream list

Ebony G. Patterson’s fantastical art showcased at NYBG

‘being chaka’ is a deep production

‘Primary Trust’—beautiful and touching production at the Roundabout

Dizzy’s, Ahmed Abdulah, Wilder Honored

Parable

Uptown

CLASSROOM IN THE ACTIVITIES

Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson, former City Council Member and ardent advocate for reparations, dead at 72

DISCUSSION

PLACE IN CONTEXT

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY

Caban

Christian Cooper talks the magic of birding at 92 Street Y

Amsterdam News brings on Shannon Chaffers to report on gun violence

Magonlia tree

CityFHEPS

Religion & Spirituality

WCBS meteorologist Elise Finch dies at age 51

Bike

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