New York Amsterdam News: Issue Dec 14-20, 2023 by AmsterdamNews

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Vol. 114 No. 50 | December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023

THE NEW BLACK VIEW

THEY BEST NOT MISS: CHALLENGERS START TO CIRCLE

(See story on page 6)

Reparations bill proponents convene (See story on page 4)

Mayor’s office updates mental illness plan (See story on page 3) (Amanda Ulloa illustration)

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2 • December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023

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U.S. CASTS SOLE VOTE AGAINST A GAZA CEASEFIRE (GIN photo)

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(GIN)—A resolution that would have demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza was vetoed by the U.S. in a special U.N. Security Council meeting called Saturday by the Secretary General. It was the sixth meeting of the Council to discuss temporary stops to the fighting since war started in October, but it has succeeded only once. Saturday’s resolution won support from all 13 Council members, including three permanent members (China, France and the Russian Federation), all three members from African nations, with one permanent member (United Kingdom) abstaining.

Presented by the United Arab Emirates, the resolution would have also demanded immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access. Secretary-General António Guterres said he called the special meeting by invoking Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations, “because we are at the breaking point.” “There is a high risk that the total collapse of humanitarian systems could have devastating consequences,” he said. “The threat to the safety and security of U.N. staff is unprecedented. More than 130 of my colleagues have already been killed, many with their families. This is the largest single loss of life in the history of our organization.” Article 99 enables the U.N. chief to call the Security Council on any matter which in his opinion may threaten maintaining international peace and security. The resolution presented by the United Arab Emirates was cosponsored by some 97 member states within 24 hours, said Mo-

News

hamed Issa Abushahab (UAE). The text was rushed to the floor after 63 days of conflict and more than 18,000 people killed. Carolyn Abena Anima OppongNtiri of Ghana, one of the three African delegates, explained her vote addressing the quickly deteriorating situation in Gaza. She urged the Council to “act as an honest broker for the peaceful settlement of the Israel-Palestinian question based on the two-state solution.” Michel Xavier Biang representing Gabon said his delegation voted for the ceasefire due to a sense of responsibility to put an end to the bloodbath. “We are very clear that we want an immediate ceasefire,” he said decisively to a scrum of U.N. reporters. As talks at the Climate Summit enter their final stage, negotiators remain far apart on the future role of fossil fuels. Oil producer group OPEC headed by Saudi Arabia, along with Russia and others oppose any language targeting fossil fuels in a final document, while China’s top climate envoy said on Saturday that a deal

can only be considered a success if it includes an agreement on fossil fuels. He called this the hardest climate summit of his career. Without an agreement among the members on Sunday, negotiators will have just one full day to resolve differences ahead of the conference’s scheduled end on Tuesday before noon. “It’s getting close to the end point, so that new text really has to find areas of convergence that’s much beyond where we are right now,” said Rachel Cleetus, policy director at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Targets of the conference currently include tripling renewable energy and nuclear power deployments, slashing coal use, and curbing emissions of the powerful greenhouse gas methane. If honored, these targets could lower global-energy related greenhouse gas emissions by 4 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2030. However, that number represents only about a third of the emissions gap that needs to be See INTERNATIONAL on page 31

Shaquana Folks (212) 932-7412 Shaquana.Folks@AmsterdamNews.com

Afrodescendants and human rights in Latin America

CIRCULATION / SUBSCRIPTION

By JESÚS CHUCHO GARCIA Special to the AmNews

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Translated by KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff Almost immediately after the end of World War II, the United Nations issued the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at its General Assembly on December 10, 1948. Seventy-five years have passed since this Declaration, which has served to safeguard that most sacred of all human rights: the right to be treated as a dignified human being without any discrimination and to a guaranteed right to life, regardless of skin color, nationality, social and economic status, sex, religion, political opinion, or any other condition. Today the world in general is shaken by wars. Painful ones like the Israeli massacre of Palestinian people, and silent (or ignored) wars like those in the Sudan, Ukraine, or Russia. In these 75 years, more people have been killed in local, national, and international conflicts than in WWI and WWII. This situation can only be compared to the shameful trade and enslavement of African people which the World Conference against Racism (WCAR) de-

Afro Venezuelans demonstrated in support of reparations for slavery during the U.N. declared Decade for People of African Descent. (Jesús Chucho García photo)

clared a crime against humanity cial self-identification questions in during its 2001 meeting in Durban, population and housing censuses South Africa. now provides answers to the most elementary questions: how many Current status of Afrodescen- people are of African descent and dants in Latin America where are they?” ECLAC noted in its International economic analy- “Afrodescendants and the matrix of sis organizations such as the Inter social inequality in Latin America” American Development Bank report, published in 2021. “These (IDB), World Bank, and United Na- data are crucial, not just as basic tions Economic Commission for inputs for public policy and planLatin America and the Caribbean ning but also because they serve to (ECLAC), all concur that in Latin confirm the existence of the AfrodeAmerica there are more than 100 scendent population and make it million Afrodescendants. “The visible to States and societies that progressive inclusion of ethno-ra- deny its existence. Based on avail-

able census figures, Latin America’s estimated Afrodescendent population is currently 134 million people, accounting for 21% of the region’s total population.” Afrodescendent organizations have regularly challenged the census counts of their populations in several countries. They have claimed that their community populations are underreported. ECLAC acknowledges that census statistics have been shown to change when Latin American Black communities are properly educated about See AFRODESCENDANTS on page 29

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

December14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 3

NYC mayor’s office provides updates on mental illness plan; 6,100+ street homeless moved into ERs and shelters By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Last November, Mayor Eric Adams announced a plan to move unhoused people on streets and subways with severe mental illness involuntarily to hospitals and shelters for services. Advocates were in an uproar. A year later, his office released the long-promised data showing how the program is running. “One year ago, we made a commitment to New Yorkers that the days of ignoring the mental health crisis playing out on our streets were over,” said Adams. “I’m proud that a year into this effort, we have made progress helping and housing a significant number of those most in need of care and support.” New York City’s homeless population is notoriously hard to quantify in numbers. But the most up-to-date data suggest that more than 85,000 homeless people are sleeping in the city’s main municipal shelter system, said the Coalition for the Homeless (CFTH). Their research shows a large majority of the street homeless have severe mental illness or other significant health prob-

Homeless Outreach personnel reach out to a person sleeping on a bench in the Manhattan subway system, Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, in New York. New York’s latest plan to tackle crime and homelessness in subways was rolling into action Monday after police logged more than a half-dozen attacks in trains and stations over the holiday weekend. (AP Photo/John Minchillo; STRF/STAR MAX/IPx)

lems. A substantial majority of those affected by homelessness are Black and brown New Yorkers: about 56% are Black, 32% are Hispanic/Latinx, and 7% are white. Adams has maintained that “walking past” people living on the street is “unacceptable” and will continue to be a focus for his administration. The city is investing in training first responders, bringing psychiatric beds online, and strengthening inter-agency coordination, all of which took a serious hit during the COVID pandemic, he said. The plan is for mobile teams to lean into the most challenging cases with engagement, compassion, and support. He wants to move away from relying on incarceration and jails like Rikers Island for dealing with mentally ill people on the street. On a weekly basis, the city is bringing an average of 137 homeless people believed to See PLAN UPDATES on page 25

New city jails commissioner is Caribbean American lawyer Lynelle Maginley-Liddie By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Mayor Eric Adams appointed Lynelle Maginley-Liddie as the new NYC Department of Corrections (DOC) Commissioner this past Friday, Dec. 8. She becomes the second Black woman to serve in the role, moving up from her previous post in the department as first deputy commissioner under her predecessor, Louis Molina, who now works at City Hall. The new commissioner also headed the department’s diversity efforts before her promotion. Maginley-Liddie underscored her Carribean heritage and experience as a firstgeneration American throughout Friday’s appointment. “I came to this country as an immigrant from Antigua more than two decades ago to pursue my passion for law and public service,” she said. “My parents and family have supported me in every step of that journey and I owe them everything. My journey is not unique—it is the embodiment of the American dream.” The new commissioner first entered the DOC as an agency attorney back in 2015. Previously, she worked at the law offices of Leader Berkon Colao & Silverstein LLP, ac-

cording to the Mayor’s Office. “Lynelle Maginley-Liddie has spent the better part of a decade at the Department of Corrections, and I [am] confident that she is the right person to lead the department going forward,” said the mayor. But Maginley-Liddie inherits a slew of Rikers Island-related concerns, including mounting detainee deaths, federal receivership hearings, and the legally mandated jails closure by 2027. The new commissioner said she would focus on the “restoration and investment in a safe, secure, humane, and environment” for every person in DOC custody. Last year, 19 people died in or immediately after DOC custody. Nine people died this year, bringing the total of known deaths since the Adams administration took over to 28. When asked about receivership, Maginley-Liddie said it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that the federal judge overseeing the Nunez litigation would appoint a third-party receiver to temporarily take over Rikers and see through the necessary reforms. The Legal Aid Society, which co-represented the Nunez plaintiffs, welcomed Maginley-Liddie’s appointment with an optimistic statement, pointing to her years See JAILS COMMISSIONER on page 25

Mayor Eric Adams (right) announces the appointment of Lynelle Maginley-Liddie (center) as the 38th commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction (DOC). Friday, December 8, 2023. (Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.)

4 • December 14 2023 - December 20, 2023

Rudy v. Ruby By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews As mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani had a contentious relationship with the Black community, and those differences continued as he charged that Black Lives Matter was a racist movement. Now, he stands trial this week in a defamation case brought by two Black women from Georgia. According to Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea (Shaye) Moss, Giuliani spread lies that they tampered with votes as poll workers during the 2020 election, and the false accusations inspired people to threaten them with violence. Von DuBose, an attorney for Freeman and Moss, in his opening statement on Monday, played some of the messages the women had received. “Have a nice life. What’s left of it,” a person said on one recording. He said it was just one of hundreds they had received. Giuliani also claimed that a video showed the two women passing a USB drive like “vials of cocaine or heroin,” although they were exchanging a mint. Giuliani, who was acting as an attorney for Donald Trump, has finally conceded to making false statements against Freeman and Moss as part of his efforts to overturn the state’s 2020 presidential results. “Defendant Giuliani made the statements of and concerning plaintiffs...and he does not dispute this litigation...that the statements carry meaning that is defamatory,” according to his court filing several months ago. Freeman and Moss are seeking $43 million in damages. Back in the summer, Giuliani admitted that he made the false statements, and Judge Beryl Howell ruled against Giuliani after he failed to provide information demanded by subpoenas. At stake now is how much Giuliani owes the women. They are seeking between $15 and $43 million. Whatever the amount he has to pay will increase his legal bills, which his lawyers claim he can’t afford to pay.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

‘Everyone benefits’: Reparations bill proponents convene and await Hochul’s signature after supportive findings by NYC comptroller By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member There’s no equity in equity without reparations, according to the NYC Comptroller’s new report on the state’s racial wealth gap, released last Wednesday, Dec. 6. The findings point to homeownership, along with retirement funds, investment assets, and student debt, as factors exacerbating the wealth gap created by historical injustices—63% of white New Yorkers own their primary residence compared to just 24% of Black New Yorkers. “If you’re not already a homeowner, the prices have skyrocketed and you can’t possibly afford to become one,” said NYC Comptroller Brad Lander. “You’re stuck continuing to rent, you’re not building up any equity in your home, and things get worse across generations. Where your connection to reparations is…the legacy of slavery and systemic racism and Jim Crow has historically made it much more difficult for people to buy a home [or] to have any money to invest.” He added that white homeowners, himself included, have seen property values steadily rise, in-

(From left to right) NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, State Senator James Sanders Jr. and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams answer questions at the inaugural reparations symposium. (Tandy Lau photo)

creasing their net worth and creating generational wealth that is then used to further invest and send their children to college without incurring mounting student debt. Ultimately, those factors create a frightening disparity: The median white New York State household boasted a net worth of $276,900 in 2021, while the median Black household only owned $18,870, according to data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation.

The report argues that reparations would both close the gap and benefit both white and Black New Yorkers. Lander connected financial security to lower crime rates and more homeownership to economic growth, which he sees as attainable through financial disbursement to those affected by systemic racism. “On the one hand, reparations are the opportunity [to address] injustice, but they’re also an opportunity to unlock this solidarity dividend and wind up with a safer

and more thriving city, state, and country for everybody,” he adds. Lander’s report came at the behest of State Senator James Sanders Jr., sponsor of a reparations bill establishing a task force to review potential compensation to address the historical wrongs of slavery that passed this year and awaits Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature. She has until December 31 to sign it into law. This past Monday, Dec. 11, Sanders gathered the bill’s stakeholders See REPARATIONS BILL on page 27

‘That’s on period’— NYC councilmembers pass menstrual equity legislation By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member The New York City Council recently voted to pass a package of bills centered around menstrual products, education, access, and language stigmatization. The bills aim to address the disproportionate burden of accessing menstrual products faced by people who menstruate who are living below the poverty line. All things considered, New York City and State are fairly progressive when it comes to menstrual equity. The city was the first in the U.S. to pass bills mandating that menstrual products be freely available for shelter residents, students, and incarcerated people in 2016 under former Mayor Bill de Blasio. Then the state implemented a ban on “pink tax,” which was basically the practice of overcharging goods or services marketed to women or girls, in 2021 under former Gover-

nor Andrew Cuomo. Still, according to the research, about 1-in-5 teens couldn’t afford period products during the COVID-19 pandemic and that hasn’t changed much in the years since. The current bills, sponsored by Councilmembers Tiffany Cabán, Amanda Farías, and Carmen De La Rosa, would require that educational materials in schools and jails use the gender-inclusive term “menstrual product” rather than “feminine hygiene product”; products be available for students beginning at the fourth-grade level rather than the sixth; and menstrual

See MENSTRUAL EQUITYon page 27

City Council Press Conference on Menstrual Equity on Dec 6, 2023. (Gerardo Romo / NYC Council Media Unit photo)

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

December14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 5

Christmas business in Bed-Stuy with Dale Charles By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member For the past two years, Dale Charles, executive director of the Bed-Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District (BID), has been at the helm of revitalizing the neighborhood with innovative events and festivities, including this month’s “Winter Wonderland on the Block” at Marcy Plaza. The wonderland features dozens of local businesses from Fulton Avenue on a rotating basis throughout December. Charles has even donned a “Mrs. Claus” ensemble on her birthday this past weekend to hand out free toys to kids from an elaborate throne inside of a wooden workshop. She embraced every child who wandered in out of the cold with their parents and posed for pictures for hours on end. Afterward, she floated through the vendor booths with a jovial ease, ensuring everything was safe and secure for passersby, vendors, and customers alike. “From Troy [Avenue] to Classon, we have over 400 businesses that we take care of. We find resources and we find help, especially now after COVID,” said Charles. A Brooklyn native, Charles owned a nail salon in a storefront more than 20

years ago. She found that resources for her small business were always scarce and eventually had to move out because of high rents. After that, she went on to be Economic Development director of IMPACCT Brooklyn in 2001. She joined Bed-Stuy’s BID team in 2021. Charles is committed to seeing other small businesses thrive, she said. This year, the BID partnered with Wells Fargo to surprise eight local small businesses with $5,000 grants, wrapped and distributed free toys, and covered costs for the Winter Wonderland decorations and set-up. “This is not just for the children— it’s for the businesses,” said Charles. “Every day is a different vendor—that’s the nice part about this. And we literally give them back their money. They pay fees for the booth and once it’s all over with at the end, we give them back their funds. We’re not here to take. We’re here to give. Give support, give new resources for the holidays.” Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member who writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/ amnews1.

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Executive Director of Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Dale Charles dresses as Mrs. Claus for Winter Wonderland festival at Marcy Plaza. (Ariama C. Long photo)

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6 • December 14 2023 - December 20, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Polls, trolls, or…bias? A look at Mayor Eric Adams’ approval ratings and early polling for 2025 election By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Will Mayor Eric Adams, the city’s second Black mayor in its history, be a one-term leader or is it far too early to tell? Polls say yes, bring on the challengers. Some Black voters and electors say nah. Seemingly in response to Adams’ burgeoning sexual assault allegation trouble and a overhanging FBI investigation into his campaign finances, as well as his handling of the asylum seeker crisis and constant budget cuts, a slew of new polling has slated Adams as losing his re-election to a whole host of rumored challengers. So far people have speculated that Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Senator Zellnor Myrie, Senator Jessica Ramos, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams (in the event that Adams resigns), former city Comptroller Scott Stringer (who already lost to Adams once), and even former Governor Andrew Cuomo could potentially replace Adams as mayor. To his credit, Adams appears unrattled about an election that’s still technically two years out. At least not publicly where reporters can scribble about it in notebooks and tweets. “This is the game of politics, and some people are going to politicize this moment,” said Adams at a presser on Dec 5. “I have to govern this city. That’s what we’re doing, and all of the crises that are coming with it. And every mayor I spoke with told us about these moments where a lot of things happen at one time and you have to be focused and disciplined enough to be able to still manage the city. And that’s what we’re doing, and that’s my focus on continuing to manage this city. New York is a big place, and you have to have big ideas to move us forward.” He firmly believes that he will be the mayor for two terms and has said he has no plans on changing that. “So, if you are not planning your career, shame on you. But you know, running for mayor and managing a city of this level of complexity is different from having an idea, you have to actually be able to execute all the layers of doing so,” said Adams about his potential competitors. He also doesn’t put a whole lot of stock in polling numbers,

Mayor Eric Adams and senior administration officials hold an in-person media availability. City Hall. Tuesday, December 5, 2023. (Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.)

pointing to when he was trailing far behind in the mayoral race in 2021. “Do you remember that day when that guy had me by 13 points in the poll, Andrew Yang? He was so happy on skateboards and you know, cheery-faced, and all of a sudden people heard my message and those 13 points went to one point and then all of a sudden I was up,” said Adams. To the pollsters: isn’t it too early for this? There’s a few polls circulating from different sources: Quinnipiac University, Slingshot Strategies, and Marist Institute for Public Opinion are all based in New York and nonpartisan. The Republican-leaning polling site American Pulse, who’s lead pollster Dustin Olson is a regular commentator on Fox News, reportedly put out a hypothetical matchup between Cuomo and Adams which was paid for by affiliates of Curtis Sliwa. Slingshot also posed this matchup question in their polling. For context, Marist’s poll was released in November and it surveyed mostly white Democrat women over the age of 60. Slingshot’s poll was released in the beginning of December and surveyed mostly heterosexual, white, Catholic, moderate Dems, 35 to 44 years olds, and renters in Brooklyn respectively. Quinnipiac has a specific methodology that relies on a random sample size that statistically adjusts for things like race and gender. Founding Partner of Slingshot Strategies Evan Roth Smith is confident about his methodology and Marist and Quinnipiac findings that show Adams with “declin-

ing favorability” and “low approval ratings across the board.” Smith doesn’t think it’s too early to get valuable perspective on what voters think and want in times of political uncertainty. “These similar findings across multiple pollsters are clearly reflective of broader trends among voters, far beyond the impact that coverage of the polls themselves could have. And, of course, all polls go in the field before they go public, so the numbers we’re reporting all reflect the political reality prior to the poll being released,” said Smith. “Right now there is an ongoing federal investigation into the administration and the 2021Adams campaign, and it’’ important to know how voters feel about that and how they would react to different possible outcomes.” Smith said that he definitely would like to do a poll that focuses solely on the perspective of Black and brown New Yorkers but until “things are more concrete we’ll likely stick to citywide polling.” Quinnipiac University Poll Assistant Director Mary Snow said in a statement that: “There’s no good news for Mayor Adams in this poll. Not only are voters giving him poor grades on the job he’s doing at City Hall, their views on his character have dimmed. As the city faces across the board budget cuts while dealing with a migrant crisis, headlines about a federal investigation into the mayor’s 2021 campaign and an accusation of sexual assault leveled against him from 30 years ago are taking a toll.” Quinnipiac’s polling points out quite starkly that “the mayor receives his only positive rating from Black voters who approve of the job he is doing 48 - 38%”

Mayor David Dinkins was Wright said that Dinkins took one-term critical steps to implement community policing initiatives that It’s long been acknowledged that brought crime down. Similargoverning New York City is one of ly, he said, Adams took the reins of the single hardest jobs one can vol- the city during a tumultuous time unteer to do. Most who have had when crime and joblessness was the job liken it to tirelessly run- high because of the COVID panning a small country, and then are demic. People needed hope. Now, struck with the inexplicable notion crime is statistically trending down that they should then run the entire this year and jobs are on the rise. He country—only to inevitably fail in feels there’s a definite correlation in their run for presidency. how the media covered them, but Only one other person had to declined to say that the city has an deal with being a Black man while unconscious bias towards Black in the role though: former Mayor mayors. “Managing this city is inDavid Dinkins. He was elected in credibly difficult and I think that the 1990, and served one controversial current Mayor is doing his best to try term, before being voted out. The and manage the city in the middle city then elected two Republican of a migrant crisis and getting out of mayors for the next 20 years. COVID,” said Wright. Derek Perkinson, NYC NationWright also doesn’t have a lot of al Action Network (NAN) field di- faith in polling, especially this early rector, said that Dinkins faced a lot in Adams’ mayoralty. of challenges and discrimination, “Eric’s facing a lot of multiple tenbut it was the visceral racial tension sions on different levels and it’s really in the city that was his “downfall.” unfair that that is who God calls to be It’s similar to the issues Adams has in leadership at these tough times, faced over the asylum seeker crisis you know, with the migrant crisis. and the Israel-Hamas war, he said. He’s done a great job,” said PerkinBefore Dinkins was elected, son. “He’s trying to do a lot of things the unwarranted death of Yusuf and I don’t think he’s getting a lot of Hawkins, a 16-year-old Black boy help and cooperation.” murdered by a white mob in BenPerkinson added that Adams’s sonhurst, Brooklyn, set off a series nightlife “rubs people the wrong of protests in 1989. Later, a year into way” and that the FBI probe is “not Dinkins’s term, the circumstances a good look.” of the deaths of Gavin Cato, a sevNAACP New York State Conferen-year-old Black boy, and Yankel ence President Dr. Hazel Dukes, in Rosenbaum, a Hasidic Jew, sparked a statement, threw in her support the infamous Crown Heights race for Adams in response to polling riots of 1991. as well. She said they are workFormer Assemblymember Keith ing with the Adams administraL.T. Wright, who is also Manhattan tion to improve education, ensure Democrat County Leader, worked public safety and justice, and confor Dinkins and later worked with tinue delivering for working people Adams. He described Dinkins as across the city. “The influx of mismart, disciplined, and dignified, de- grants coming into New York City spite the fact that he yelled at him has affected all of the city’s servicoften. More importantly, he believed es, and I am confident in Mayor that Dinkins was not at fault for the Adams’s ability to continue leading race riots in Brooklyn and “it was very and working with all New Yorkers to unfair for him not to be reelected.” ease the burden that has been imHe drew a few comparisons be- posed on us,” said Dukes, “We know tween Dinkins and Adams. we have a blue-collar mayor fight“When David was the mayor, ing for us, and we need him to conwhen he first got elected there was tinue that fight every day.” a whole lot of hope and a whole lot of pride and a lot of communiAriama C. Long is a Report for ties taking ownership,” said Wright. America corps member and writes “And remember he came in at a about politics for the Amsterdam time when there was really no News. Your donation to match our money, a real fiscal crisis that his RFA grant helps keep her writing predecessor had left him. Ed Koch. stories like this one; please consider And crime was up, though crime making a tax-deductible gift of any had been up but all the media and amount today by visiting https://bit. newspapers wanted to blame him.” ly/amnews1.

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December14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 7

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Individuals or households who meet the income and household size requirements listed in the table below may apply. Qualified applicants will be required to meet additional selection criteria. Applicants who live in New York City receive a general preference for apartments.

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A percentage of units is set aside for: o Mobility–disabled applicants (5%) o Vision/Hearing–disabled applicants (2%) Preference for a percentage of units goes to: o Residents of Manhattan CB 11 (50%) o Municipal employees (5%)

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$ 29,418 - $ 42,360

5 people

$ 29,418 - $ 45,750

3 people

$ 34,012 - $ 38,130

4 people

$ 34,012 - $ 42,360

5 people

$ 34,012 - $ 45,750

6 people 7 people Household Size2

→

Annual Household Income3

$922

50% AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI) UNITS

Studio

30% AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI) UNITS

Unit Size

Units Available 13

Household Size2

→

Annual Household Income3 Minimum – Maximum4

1 person

$ 34,183 - $ 49,450

2 people

$ 34,183 - $ 56,500

1 person

$ 42,720 - $ 49,450

2 people

$ 42,720 - $ 56,500

3 people

$ 42,720 - $ 63,550

2 people

$ 51,223 - $ 56,500

3 people

$ 51,223 - $ 63,550

4 people

$ 51,223 - $ 70,600

5 people

$ 51,223 - $ 76,250

3 people

$ 59,178 - $ 63,550

4 people

$ 59,178 - $ 70,600

5 people

$ 59,178 - $ 76,250

$ 34,012 - $ 49,140

6 people

$ 59,178 - $ 81,900

$ 34,012 - $ 52,530

7 people

Minimum – Maximum4

$ 41,452 - $ 59,340

2 people

$ 41,452 - $ 67,800

1 person

$ 51,806 - $ 59,340

2 people

$ 51,806 - $ 67,800

3 people

$ 51,806 - $ 76,260

2 people

$ 62,126 - $ 67,800

3 people

$ 62,126 - $ 76,260

4 people

$ 62,126 - $ 84,720

5 people

$ 62,126 - $ 91,500

3 people

$ 71,760 - $ 76,260

4 people

$ 71,760 - $ 84,720

5 people

$ 71,760 - $ 91,500

6 people 7 people

$1,384

$1,590

Annual Household Income3

1 person

$1,161

Monthly Rent1

Units Available

$1,834

110% AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI) UNITS

Monthly Rent1

$2,300

$2,750

→

Household Size2

→

$ 59,178 - $ 87,550 Annual Household Income3 Minimum – Maximum4

1 person

$ 65,452 - $ 108,790

2 people

$ 65,452 - $ 124,330

1 person

$ 81,772- $ 108,790

2 people

$ 81,772- $ 124,330

3 people

$ 81,772- $ 139,810

2 people

$ 98,058 - $ 124,330

3 people

$ 98,058 - $ 139,810

4 people

$ 98,058 - $ 155,320

5 people

$ 98,058 - $ 167,750

3 people

$ 113,315 - $ 139,810

4 people

$ 113,315 - $ 155,320

5 people

$ 113,315 - $ 167,750

$ 71,760 - $ 98,280

6 people

$ 113,315 - $ 180,180

$ 71,760 - $ 105,060

7 people

$ 113,315 - $ 192,610

$3,169

→

Rent includes secure in-unit access to broadband internet Tenant is responsible for electricity, including cooking range (excluding AC). 2 Household size includes everyone who will live with you, including parents and children. Subject to occupancy criteria. 3 Household earnings includes salary, hourly wages, tips, Social Security, child support, and other income. Income guidelines subject to change. 4 Minimum income listed may not apply to applicants with Section 8 or other qualifying rental subsidies. Asset limits also apply.

How Do You Apply? Apply online or through mail. To apply online, please go to https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/. To request an application by mail, send a self-addressed envelope to: Sendero Verde Phase II / Murray Hill PO BOX 2051 New York, NY 10016. Only send one application per development. Do not submit duplicate applications. Do not apply online and also send in a paper application. Applicants who submit more than one application may be disqualified. When is the Deadline? Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than 2/9/2024. Late applications will not be considered. What Happens After You Submit an Application? After the deadline, applications are selected for review through a lottery process. If yours is selected and you appear to qu alify, you will be invited to an appointment of eligibility to continue the process of determining your eligibility. Appointments are usually scheduled from 2 to 10 months after the application deadline. You will be asked to bring documents that verify your household size, identity of m embers of your household, and your household income. Español

Presente una solicitud en línea en nyc.gov/housingconnect. Para recibir una traducción de español de este anuncio y la solicitud impresa, envíe un sobre con la dirección a: Sendero Verde Phase II / Murray Hill PO BOX 2051 New York, NY 10016. En el reverso del sobre, escriba en inglés la palabra “SPANISH.” Las solicitudes se deben enviar en línea o con sello postal antes de 2/9/2024.

简体中文

访问 nyc.gov/housingconnect 在线申请。如要获取本广告及书面申请表的简体中文版，请将您的回邮信封寄送至：Sendero Verde Phase II / Murray Hill PO BOX 2051 New York, NY 10016. 信封背面请用英语注明“CHINESE”。必须在以下日期之前在线提交申请或邮寄书面申请 2/9/2024.

Русский

Чтобы подать заявление через интернет, зайдите на сайт: nyc.gov/housingconnect. Для получения данного объявления и заявления на русском языке отправьте конверт с обратным адресом по адресу Sendero Verde Phase II / Murray Hill PO BOX 2051 New York, NY 10016. На задней стороне конверта напишите слово “RUSSIAN” на английском языке. Заявки должны быть поданы онлайн или отправлены по почте (согласно дате на почтовом штемпеле) не позднее 2/9/2024.

한국어

nyc.gov/housingconnect 에서 온라인으로 신청하십시오. 이 광고문과 신청서에 대한 한국어 번역본을 받아보시려면 반송용 봉투를 Sendero Verde Phase II / 으로 보내주십시오. 봉투 뒷면에 “KOREAN” 이라고 영어로 적어주십시오. Murray Hill PO BOX 2051 New York, NY 10016 온라인 신청서를 제출하거나 소인이 찍힌 신청서를 보내야 합니다 2/9/2024.

Kreyòl Ayisyien

Aplike sou entènèt sou sitwèb nyc.gov/housingconnect. Pou resevwa yon tradiksyon anons sa a nan lang Kreyòl Ayisyen ak aplikasyon an sou papye, voye anvlòp ki gen adrès pou retounen li nan: Sendero Verde Phase II / Murray Hill PO BOX 2051 New York, NY 10016. Nan dèyè anvlòp la, ekri mo “HATIAN CREOLE” an Anglè. Ou dwe remèt aplikasyon yo sou entènèt oswa ou dwe tenbre yo anvan dat 2/9/2024.

‫العربية‬

‫ تقدم بطلب عن طريق اإلنترنت على الموقع اإللكتروني‬nyc.gov/housingconnect. ‫ أرسل مظروف يحمل اسمك‬،‫للحصول على ترجمة باللغة العربية لهذا اإلعالن ولنموذج الطلب الورقي‬ 25‫وعنوانك إلى‬: Sendero Verde Phase II / Murray Hill PO BOX 2051 New York, NY 10016. ‫ اكتب باللغة اإلنجليزية كلمة‬،‫" على الجهة الخلفية للمظروف‬ARABIC". ‫ يجب إرسال نماذج الطلبات عن طريق اإلنترنت أو ختمها بختم البريد قبل‬2024/9/2 ،‫فبراير‬

Governor Kathy Hochul • Mayor Eric Adams • HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrion Jr. • HDC President Eric Enderlin

8 • December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023

Go With The Flo

FLO

ANTHONY Just a couple of days after Cardi B announced that she is single, and she and Offset have gone their separate ways, the Migos rapper was reportedly spotted walking through Kanye West’s listening party in Miami hand-in-hand with model London Perry. Meanwhile, Kanye took over Miami with the first party being held for his and Ty Dolla $ign’s collaboration Vulture at Wynwood Marketplace in the wee hours of December 12. Chris Brown, Timbaland, and Kodak Black all attended. So did Kanye’s wife, Bianca Censori, along with his children Saint, Chicago, and 10-year-old North, who made her musical debut on one of the soon-to-be released tracks. Before that, on December 10, Kanye played the new album for fans at Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen. He moved on to LIV nightclub later that night, where he played a medley of the new songs, reports the Miami Herald. This will beYe's first release since “Donda” in 2021… Just days after she showed off her baby bump, covered with gold embellishments, at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Color Purple,” in which she portrays the adult Nettie, Ciara gave birth to a baby girl, Amora Princess Wilson. The songstress/actress/entrepreneur shared the exciting news of her fourth child’s birth, who is the third child she and Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson share. Her eldest child, Future, Jr., is with rapper Future, Sr. Ciara posted on social media on December 11, next to a photo of the bundle of joy, “Baby girl weighed in at 9 lbs and 1 oz. We love you so much.” Legendary bandleader Robert “Kool” Bell, co-founder of Kool & the Gang, is taking his Le Kool champagne brand to the New Jersey-based Cool Vines Wine locations in Jersey City and Newark this month. Both teams have come together to give back to their respective communities in New Jersey, as well as help raise funds for the Bell family’s not-for-profit music education program, the Kool Kids Foundation. As part of the Le Kool Champagne Holiday Takeover, Bell will appear at the Cool Vines locations for a meet-and-greet and sign bottles on December 14 at Cool Vines Powerhouse (350 Warren Street in Jersey City) from 7:30 p.m.–9 p.m.; December 15 at Cool Vines Grove (276 Grove Street in Jersey City) from 5 p.m.–7 p.m.; and finally on December 22 at Cool Vines Newark (625 and Broad Street in Newark)... Grammy, Soul Train, and eight-time Image Award-nominated soul singer Major has released a new song, “Joy in the Battle,” from his recent new album “The Hope of My Soul,” which is dedicated to love, hope, and mental wellness. “Joy in the Battle” was written and produced by Roc Nation’s Joaquin Bynum. Said Major, “In this crazy season and time, we’re all fighting for something better—but that doesn’t mean our JOY won’t carry us through to the other side. ‘Joy in the Battle’ is my new hope anthem for the world to keep our hearts and eyes set on getting there!”...

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS W I T H T H E F L O

Community thanks Councilmember Kristin Richardson Jordan Community members, supporters, and staff gathered recently to say thanks to Councilmember Kristin Richardson Jordan as she readied to leave office. Harlem’s 9th District member served her community well, and wellwishers were on hand to show her love for her two years of service. (Bill Moore photos)

Advocates for justice

Common Justice advocates who called for passage of the Victim Compensation Act (S214) held a meeting recently at the office of Councilmember Kristin Richardson Jordan. Advocates urged Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the Act before the end of the year. Advocates for the Fair Access Act, including Marquis Jenkins, Robert Jackson, David Hopper, John England, Cade Terada, and Clarence Lumford, were in attendance. (Bill Moore photo)

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS C O U M M U N I T Y

Reason for the season (L-R): Paul McIntosh, Millie Korewa, Karen Smith,Valerie Jo Bradley, NYS Sen. Cardell Cleare, and Lady Leah (Bill Moore Photos)

December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 9

The Marcus Garvey Park Alliance and Pelham Fritz Center recently hosted a community tree lighting, along with a jazz concert, at Mt. Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church, presided over by Rev. Patricia Wilson with songs by Charlotte Eley & Lee Tucker of the Greater Tabernacle Baptist Church. Hats, gloves, scarves, and refreshments for unhoused people and migrants were provided. Special thanks goes out to all the event’s volunteers; Valerie Jo Bradley, president of the Alliance; and NYS Senator Cordell Cleare. Swing dancers

Marcus Garvey Park tree lighting

The Lady Leah Trio

Community groups come together for the holiday

Santa’s helpers—Harlem’s Go Hard Dance studio recently hosted a toy and coat drive with support from the 244 Club, 92.6 WKBP radio station, and community activist Robert Jackson. The toys are for children at Harlem Hospital, and coats will go to the Henry Street Settlement. (Bill Moore photo)

10 • December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Unions Matter

Resolutions are In Alabama, accusations of Black anything but resolute enslavement for profit from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” Maya Angelou noted, “I’ve President, Teamsters Local 237 learned that people and Vice President at-Large on the will forget what you General Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters said, people will forget what you did, Here we are, facing a new year. but people will never forget how We can’t help but think about the you made them feel.” year gone by…and the new one Mark Twain suggested that approaching. For some, there “New Year’s Day is the acceptare feelings mixed with sadness, ed time to make your regular regrets, and anxiety. For many annual good resolutions. Next others, a new year means a fresh week you can begin paving start and a new beginning. It’s a hell with them as usual.” Rita tradition to make a resolution, Moreno told her fans to “Smell offer a wish or a prediction for the the roses. Smell the coffee. Whatnew year, or lend advice about ever it is to make you happy.” how best to navigate the new year. Rev. Al Sharpton said, “I have Topping the list: Lose weight, two resolutions. One, I am going stop smoking, spend less money, to maintain my health regimen, become better organized, listen working out every morning and to your spouse, be nice. We know keeping my vegetarian diet, and when we make resolutions they two, that I am going to try and are, at best, wishful thinking that pull the city together to equally hold no penalties if they don’t last, deal with criminal justice reform and most people won’t mention and to stop gun violence.” them again once the holiday decJohn Lennon advised, “Count orations are put away. your age by friends, not years. For sure, resolutions are any- Count your life by smiles, not thing but resolute and bind- tears.” Michelle Obama encouring…and although we may make aged youngsters to “Choose them with sincerity and plan to people in your life who lift you keep them in earnest, there’s the up.” Muhammed Ali gave this sense of relief that we can always advice: “I hated every minute of make them again next year. In training. But I said, don’t quit. fact, 88% of New Year’s resolu- Suffer now and live the rest tions fail—80% of them are over, of your life a champion.” Dr. forgotten, or just abandoned by Martin Luther King, Jr. counMarch of the new year. seled his followers to “Take the But new year’s resolutions can first step in faith—you don’t serve a purpose. Although per- need to see the whole staircase, haps uttered at a euphoric time, just the first step.” when we celebrate with noisy Frank Sinatra sang, “The best horns, silly hats, and a glass of is yet to come, babe, and won’t it wine or two, they give insight into be fine. You think we’ve seen the our real selves—who we are, what sun but you ain’t seen it shine.” we’d like to be, what we’d like to “Today” show host Hoda Kotb do, and—most important—what gave some advice with her reswe wish for others. For sure, for olution, saying, “My New Year's some, resolutions, even for the resolution is to always be clear. moment, reveal our better angels. Just to do everything with intenOf course, there are always ce- tion and clarity, so people know lebrities who weigh in with their exactly what you mean when you new year’s hopes, predictions, as- say something.” pirations, and advice. Maybe it’s And even Dr. Seuss chimed in an opportunity to keep it real. For with this philosophical thought: others, it may be just a way to add “Sometimes you will never know to their followers. the value of a moment until it beOprah Winfrey famously said, comes a memory.” “Cheers to a new year and anothThree years of the coronavier chance for us to get it right.” rus and its variants; headlines Albert Einstein advised, “Learn See TEAMSTERS on page 29

Gregory Floyd

Lakiera Walker says she was forced to work 12 hours a day at the SouthEastern Meats warehouse.

Alimireo English, a plaintiff against the Alabama Department of Corrections, has been incarcerated for 13 years.

Janet Herold, legal director of Justice Catalyst Law, represents plaintiffs suing Alabama Department of Corrections (Karen Juanita Carrillo photos)

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

eo English, and Toni Cartwright. Their complaint alleges that while imprisoned, inmates––over half of whom are Black––are being forced to work long hours in jobs where they are leased out to the franchisees of major companies like Budweiser, McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, and Wendy’s. Although companies pay employees at the prevailing wage, Alabama takes out fees for transportation to and from work, laundering of clothes, and other incidentals from inmates’ work-release wages. Those fees can total up to 40% of a paycheck, often leaving inmate workers earning only $2.06 an hour. The prison-work program is generating $450 million for the state, lawyers for the plaintiffs say. When inmates refuse to work, they claim they are punished with more time in prison and often threatened with physical attacks, which can sometimes lead to death. “Today, in the 21st century, the state of Alabama has resurrected this highly profitable system of convict leasing,” said Janet Herold, legal director of Justice Catalyst Law, which is representing current and former inmates, during the press conference announcing the lawsuit. “We are not talking here today about a new Jim Crow. We’re talking here about the old Jim Crow. Gov. Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall, and the Alabama Department of Corrections coerced labor and sustained this forced labor scheme by maintaining brutal,

horrific conditions inside state prisons, and directly and often severely punishing anyone who refuses to work or even anyone who encourages people to refuse work. “Since 2018, they have grown this forced labor system by replacing evidence-based parole decisionmaking with a highly discriminatory parole system that favors white people over Black people for lease at a rate of 2-to-1. “The suit we filed alleges this forced labor scheme violates the U.S. Constitution, the Alabama Constitution, and a host of federal laws, including the Ku Klux Klan Act and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. What we see today in Alabama is a system that implicates some of the largest private employers in the world.” The plaintiffs are being supported in their lawsuit by The Woods Foundation (TWF), a nonprofit that fights wrongful convictions in Alabama; the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU); Union of Southern Service Workers (USSW); and AFL-CIO.

Major labor unions have linked with Black communities in Alabama and area civil rights organizations to denounce a statewide prison-work release program that they say is basically enslaving incarcerated workers. In a new federal class action lawsuit filed December 12 against the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC), current and formerly incarcerated Alabamians claim the state’s prison system remains as infamous as it was at the turn of the 20th century: “a system of ‘convict leasing’ in which incarcerated people are forced to work, often for little or no money, for the benefit of the numerous government entities and private businesses that ‘employ’ them. “They live in a constant danger of being murdered, stabbed, or raped that is so profound that the federal government has sued Alabama for inflicting cruel and unusual punishment, and if they refuse to work, the State punishes them even more. They are trapped in this labor trafficking scheme.” Those statements are from the introduction to the class action complaint filed by 10 plaintiffs: Robert Earl Council (a.k.a. Kinetik Justice), Lee Edward Moore Jr., Lakiera Walker, Jerame Apprentice Cole, Frederick Denard McDole, Michael Campbell, Arthur Charles Ptomey Jr., Lanair Pritchett, Alimir-

Forced, unpaid labor Alabama’s prison system infamously prospered from a forced convict leasing system from 1846 through 1928. Black people were routinely arrested, sent to prison, and then hired out to work for local employers who paid the prison for See ALABAMA on page 31

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

No victims found after Bronx apartment building collapses Associated Press—First responders work at the scene of a collapsed building in the Bronx borough of New York on Monday, Dec. 11. Firefighters said they didn’t find anybody trapped in an enormous mound of rubble after a corner of the seven-story Bronx apartment building collapsed, leaving apartments

exposed like a stack of shelves and a convenience store partly buried under bricks and wood. Buildings Department records show the structure has nearly 50 apartments. Residents were being directed to a school to get help, and the city was parking buses near the building as a place to stay warm.

December14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 11

Affordable Housing for Rent

Vista65 56 NEWLY CONSTRUCTED UNITS AT 97-12 65th Rd, Queens, NY 11374 Rego Park

Amenities: Covered parking*, bike storage* outdoor terrace*, gym*, yoga room*, lounge*, storage*, children’s playroom*, laundry on-site*, small pets allowed. (*additional fees apply). INCENTIVES: 1 Month Free on a 2 year lease for the initial lease-up. Transit: E/F/R train. Q38/QM11/Q36/QM18 bus. LIRR-Forest Hills. No fee to apply • No broker’s fee • Smoke-free building • More information: https://vista65lottery.com This building is anticipated to receive a Tax Exemption through the 421a Tax Incentive program of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Who Should Apply?

AVAILABLE UNITS AND INCOME REQUIREMENTS

(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Studio

1 bedroom

2 bedroom

130% AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI) UNITS

Unit Size

Monthly Rent1

Units Available

$2,250

$ 2,695

$ 3,295

House-hold Size2

→

Annual Household Income3 Minimum – Maximum4

1 person

$ 77,143 - $ 128,570

2 people

$ 77,143 - $ 146,900

1 person

$ 92,400 - $ 128,570

2 people

$ 92,400 - $ 146,900

3 people

$ 92,400 - $ 165,230

2 people

$ 112,972 - $ 146,900

3 people

$ 112,972 - $ 165,230

4 people

$ 112,972 - $ 183,560

5 people

$ 112,972 - $ 198,250

Tenant responsible for household electricity, including electric for cooking, heating, and cooling. 2 Household size includes everyone who will live with you, including parents and children. Subject to occupancy criteria. 3 Household earnings includes salary, hourly wages, tips, Social Security, child support, and other income. Income guidelines subject to change. 4 Minimum income listed may not apply to applicants with Section 8 or other qualifying rental subsidies. Asset limits also apply. 1

How Do You Apply? Apply online or through mail. To apply online, please go to https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/. To request an application by mail, send a selfaddressed envelope to: MGNY Consulting, c/o Vista65, 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York NY 10003. Only send one application per development. Do not submit duplicate applications. Do not apply online and also send in a paper application. Applicants who submit more than one application may be disqualified. When is the Deadline? Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than February 5th, 2024. Late applications will not be considered. What Happens After You Submit an Application? After the deadline, applications are selected for review through a lottery process. If yours is selected and you appear to qualify, you will be invited to submit documents to continue the process of determining your eligibility. Appointments are usually scheduled from 2 to 10 months after the application deadline. You will be asked to bring documents that verify your household size, identity of members of your household, and your household income. Español

简体中文

Presente una solicitud en línea en https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/. Para recibir una traducción de español de este anuncio y la solicitud impresa, envíe un sobre con la dirección a: MGNY Consulting, c/o Vista65, 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York NY 10003. En el reverso del sobre, escriba en inglés la palabra “SPANISH.” Las solicitudes se deben enviar en línea o con sello postal antes de 4 de febrero 2024. 访问https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ 在线申请。如要获取本广告及书面申请表的简体中文版，请将您的回邮信封寄送至：MGNY Consulting, c/o Vista65, 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York NY 10003. 信封背面请用英语注明“CHINESE”。必须在以下日期之前在线提交申请或邮寄书面申请2024年2月

5日 Русский

한국어

Чтобы подать заявление через интернет, зайдите на сайт: https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/. Для получения данного объявления и заявления на русском языке отправьте конверт с обратным адресом по адресу MGNY Consulting, c/o Vista65, 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York NY 10003. На задней стороне конверта напишите слово “RUSSIAN” на английском языке. Заявки должны быть поданы онлайн или отправлены по почте (согласно дате на почтовом штемпеле) не позднее 5 февраль 2024. https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ 에서 온라인으로 신청하십시오. 이 광고문과 신청서에 대한 한국어 번역본을 받아보시려면 반송용 봉투를MGNY Consulting, c/o Vista65, 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York NY 10003으로 보내주십시오. 봉투 뒷면에 “KOREAN” 이라고 영어로 적어주십시오.

2024년2월5일까지 온라인 신청서를 제출하거나 소인이 찍힌 신청서를 보내야 합니다. Kreyòl Ayisyien Aplike sou entènèt sou sitwèb https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/. Pou resevwa yon tradiksyon anons sa a nan lang Kreyòl Ayisyen ak aplikasyon an sou papye, voye anvlòp ki gen adrès pou retounen li nan: MGNY Consulting, c/o Vista65, 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York NY 10003. Nan dèyè anvlòp la, ekri mo “HATIAN CREOLE” an Anglè. Ou dwe remèt aplikasyon yo sou entènèt oswa ou dwe tenbre yo anvan dat fevriye 5, 2024. ‫اﻟﻌرﺑﯾﺔ‬ Polskie Français

বাংলা

MGNY Consulting, c/o :‫ أرﺳل ﻣظروﻓًﺎ ﺑﺎﻟﻌﻧوان إﻟﻰ‬، ‫ ﻟﺗﻠﻘﻲ ﺗرﺟﻣﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻟﻌرﺑﯾﺔ ﻟﮭذا اﻹﻋﻼن واﻟﺗطﺑﯾﻖ اﻟﻣطﺑوع‬.https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ ‫إرﺳﺎل طﻠب ﻋﺑر اﻹﻧﺗرﻧت ﻋﻠﻰ‬

5 ‫ ﯾﺟب ﺗﻘدﯾم اﻟطﻠﺑﺎت ﻋﺑر اﻹﻧﺗرﻧت أو ﻋن طرﯾﻖ ﺧﺗم ﺑرﯾدي ﻗﺑل‬."ARABIC" ‫ اﻛﺗب ﺑﺎﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻹﻧﺟﻠﯾزﯾﺔ ﻛﻠﻣﺔ‬، ‫ ﻋﻠﻰ ظﮭر اﻟﻣظروف‬.Vista65, 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York NY 10003 .2024 ،‫ﻓﺑراﯾر‬

Aby złożyć wniosek online, przejdź na stronę https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/. Aby uzyskać polskie tłumaczenie tego powiadomienia oraz wniosek w wersji wydrukowanej, wyślij kopertę z własnym adresem: MGNY Consulting, c/o Vista65, 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York NY 10003. Wpisz słowo „POLISH” w j. angielskim na odwrocie koperty. Wnioski muszą posiadać stempel pocztowy lub zostać przesłane online nie później niż 5 luty 2024. Pour déposer votre demande en ligne, rendez-vous sur le site https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/. Pour recevoir une traduction en français de cet avis ainsi qu’un dossier de demande papier, envoyez une enveloppe libellée à votre nom et votre adresse à l’adresse suivante : MGNY Consulting, c/o Vista65, 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York NY 10003. Inscrivez le mot « FRENCH » au dos de l’enveloppe. Les demandes doivent être envoyées par la poste ou soumises en ligne au plus tard le 5 février 2024 le cachet de la poste faisant foi. অনলাইেন আেবদন করেত, অনু হ কের https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ এ যান। এই িব ি র বাংলা অনুবাদ এবং আেবদন ট ছাপােনাভােব পেত এই ঠকানায় এক ট সে ািধত খাম পাঠান: MGNY Consulting, c/o Vista65, 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York NY 10003। খােমর িপছেন “BENGALI” শ ট ইংের জেত িলখুন। অ াি েকশন িল অবশ ই

‫اردو‬

ফ য়ারী 5, 2024এর মেধ পা মাক করেত হেব বা অনলাইেন জমা িদেত হেব।

‫ ﭘﺮ ﺟﺎﺋﯿﮟ۔ اس ﻧﻮﭨﺲ ﮐﺎ اردو زﺑﺎن ﻣﯿﮟ ﺗﺮﺟﻤہ اور ﭘﺮﻧﭧ ﺷﺪه درﺧﻮاﺳﺖ ﻣﻮﺻﻮل ﮐﺮﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ‬https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ ‫ ﺑﺮا ِه ﮐﺮم‬،‫آن ﻻﺋﻦ اﭘﻼﺋﯽ ﮐﺮﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﯿﮯ‬ ‫ ﭘﺮ ﺑﮫﯿﺠﯿﮟ۔ ﻟﻔﺎﻓﮯ ﮐﯽ ﭘﺸﺖ ﭘﺮ‬MGNY Consulting, c/o Vista65, 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York NY 10003 :‫ اﭘﻨﮯ ذاﺗﯽ ﭘﺘﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺣﺎﻣﻞ اﯾﮏ ﻟﻔﺎﻓہ‬،‫ﻟﯿﮯ‬ ‫ ﺳﮯ زﯾﺎده ﺗﺎﺧﯿﺮ ﺳﮯ آن ﻻﺋﻦ ﺟﻤﻊ ﻧہ ﮐﺮاﯾﺎ ﺟﺎﻧﺎ ﻻزم ﮨﮯ۔‬2024 ،‫ ﻓروری‬5 ‫" اﻧﮕﺮﯾﺰی ﻣﯿﮟ ﺗﺤﺮﯾﺮ ﮐﺮﯾﮟ۔ درﺧﻮاﺳﺘﻮں ﮐﮯ ﻟﯿﮯ ﭘﻮﺳﭧ ﻣﺎرک ﮐﺮده ﮨﻮﻧﺎ ﯾﺎ‬URDU" ‫ﻟﻔﻆ‬

Mayor Eric Adams • HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr

12 • December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Opinion Shut up and pay up, Why millions of New Yorkers are Rudy! celebrating Clean Slate EDITORIAL

“Whosoever diggeth a pit, shall fall in it,” according to scripture and what Bob Marley confirmed in song, seems to be the destiny of Rudy Giuliani, who continues to shovel himself deeper into an inescapable hole. Inside and outside the courtroom in Washington, D.C., where his defamation trial is underway, the former mayor of New York City continues to spew venom and lies about his role in attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Despite an increasing mound of cases and evidence against him, Giuliani remains as undaunted and unrestrained as ever, and you can glean more information about his current legal morass in our story. But some of his customary pugnacity has been diminished and with each walk to the courtroom, he appears to be haggard and defeated. Tuesday afternoon, for example, he told reporters outside the courtroom, “It was a pretty boring day,” which was a far cry from the truth, particularly when you consider the testimony from Shaye Moss, a former employee of the Fulton County elections department and the daughter of Ruby Freeman, who have brought the defamation complaint against

him. “They’ve been debunked,” Moss said, “but they’re powerful people.” Moss was referring to Team Trump, which has been taking decisive blows on several fronts, and the current trials are just a harbinger of what awaits them around the bend. Giuliani’s financial situation is being portrayed as bad—but it’s hard to believe he’s anywhere near being broke after compiling millions of dollars from his international dealings and association with Trump. Some of his comments to reporters have probably dismayed his lawyers, and where they have tried to add a note of contrition, Giuliani has maintained he told “the truth” about what the women did. In response to his continued claim that the election was stolen, as well as the maligning of Moss and Freeman, a motion has been filed seeking to limit Giuliani’s accusations. Judge Beryl Howell found it incredulous that their attorney would want to confiscate Giuliani’s shovel, which only serves to dig him deeper into “additional punitive damages.” Giuliani can be glad this is not a bench trial and that the damages to be paid will be determined by a jury. Shut up and pay up, Rudy!

Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher Member

Alliance for Audited Media

and Editor in Chief

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

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

By ISMAEL DIAZ, JR.

conviction will be automatically sealed for most civil purposes— like employment and housing— after they complete a waiting

ing period starts after sentencing or release from incarceration, By signing the Clean Slate Act into whichever is later. Sex offenses law, Governor Hochul has made it and non-drug Class A felonies are clear: New York believes in not eligible for sealing. real opportunity, for all. The Clean Slate Act will When I was released from significantly reduce the prison in 2016, my single barriers to securing meanfocus was to find a steady ingful employment, housjob that would allow me to ing, and education for more take care of my family and than 2 million New Yorkers rebuild my life, while satiswith conviction records. fying strict parole requireAccording to one study, it ments. On paper, at least, I will boost New York’s econwas overqualified for a lot omy to the tune of $7.1 bilof the minimum wage jobs lion annually in additional for which I was applying: I revenue for the state. had finished my associate’s Significantly, it will also degree while incarcerated, end the cycle of employand was one class shy of a ment and housing rejecbachelor’s degree. I also had tion that plagues so many more than a decade of exformerly incarcerated New perience in working for and Yorkers like me, who want running small businesses to rise up and become leadbefore my incarceration. ers in business, in their I applied everywhere I communities, and in life. could find. I went through Since I was locked out of three rounds of interviews the mainstream economy, I for a janitorial position at had to create my own jobs. I a supermarket, only to be started a laundry service and later rejected because of an empanada business, and my conviction, so when I hired other formerly incarwas hired by a company cerated individuals to work after disclosing my record, alongside me. I was elated. I felt like I was I feel lucky that I was able turning a new page when to get back on my feet, but after just 30 days on the my journey after incarcerjob, I received a citation for ation didn’t have to be this excellent work and a raise. hard. That’s why I’ve been But my performance sharing my personal story didn’t matter. Ten days to advocate for the Clean later, I was fired beSlate Act. cause of the results of a Today, I am a communibackground check, even ty organizer at the Center though the company had for Community Alternatives known about my felony all (CCA). Our work aims to end along. mass incarceration and proI thought that I had paid mote safety and justice in my debt to society. In truth, New York State. We know that I was serving a second, it is investments in housing, silent sentence: a lifetime education, jobs, and combar from steady and gainmunity-based services—not ful employment. perpetual punishment—that Now New York is finalkeep communities safe and ly turning a new page. By allow them to thrive. signing the Clean Slate Act I am so proud to have into law, Governor Hochul played a part in passing the has said “no more” to perClean Slate Act and buildpetual punishment, and “yes” to period of three years for a mis- ing a more equitable and prosexpanded opportunities for all. demeanor and eight years for perous New York. The future is Under this new law, a person’s a felony conviction. The wait- looking brighter than ever.

“I thought that I had paid my debt to society. In truth, I was serving a second, silent sentence: a lifetime bar from steady and gainful employment.”

“Now New York is finally turning a new page. By signing the Clean Slate Act into law, Governor Hochul has said 'no more' to perpetual punishment, and 'yes’ to expanded opportunities for all.”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS O P I N I O N

Biden’s fragile hold on young voters 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.

December14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 13

Election pop quiz CHRISTINA

GREER, PH.D.

ARMSTRONG

WILLIAMS

A startling development has emerged from the shadows of political analysis. Recent Times/ Siena polls have unveiled a surprising and perhaps unsettling trend: the narrowing gap between President Biden and Donald Trump among young voters, a demographic traditionally tethered to the Democratic camp. This trend not only casts a shadow of doubt over Biden’s reelection prospects in 2024, but also signals a possible seismic shift in the political landscape. For decades, young voters have been a reliable bastion for the Democrats, often delivering them decisive margins. The current data, however, paints a different picture, indicating a growing disenchantment with the Biden administration among these voters. This trend is particularly perplexing, and while skepticism toward polls is understandable, the consistency of this pattern in various surveys cannot be easily dismissed. Polls, although not foolproof, are a barometer of public sentiment. When multiple polls converge on a similar trend, it suggests a reality that demands attention. This isn’t a case of isolated

data but a chorus of statistical voices pointing toward a realignment of young voters’ political inclinations. The crux of the matter lies in deciphering what is driving this unexpected shift. President Biden, despite his victory in 2020, has struggled to kindle the same level of enthusiasm among young voters. Issues such as his age and approach to certain policy areas, including foreign policy, have not resonated positively with this demographic. Moreover, Trump’s surprising gains among nonwhite voters, who constitute a significant portion of the youth vote, have further complicated the narrative. This drift among young voters is not merely a reflection of transient political moods, but indicates deeper undercurrents reshaping the political landscape. It’s a scenario that transcends the traditional dichotomy of party loyalty; it’s about a generation of voters wrestling with complex issues, seeking solutions that neither of the major political candidates fully provide. Such a scenario is inherently volatile, with the potential for dramatic shifts as the election campaign

intensifies. A crucial aspect to consider in this dynamic is the potential for low youth voter turnout. The consequences for Biden could be far-reaching if the young voters are indifferent or uncommitted to the election. The Times/Siena polling data shows that Biden’s position improves among young voters who are more likely to vote and weakens among those less likely to vote. Opinion polls, although far from very precise predictions about the final election, should not be ignored. These insights are important for both political campaigns because they provide a critical understanding of the underlying political condition and the opinion of the people. These signals might be the stimulus that the Biden administration needs to readjust their approach applied in the 2024 election. As the elections approach, the political scene will keep on changing and become influenced by other factors, including possible legal processes against Trump. They offer critical insights into the current state of political affairs and voter sentiments— insights that are invalu-

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able for both political campaigns. For political strategists and voters, those trends are more than just statistical data; they represent the shifting preferences of a pivotal voting bloc that could shape the 2024 presidential race. For President Biden and the Democratic Party, the future trends of young voters will be difficult to handle. These shifts will be crucial in shaping understanding and responses as the 2024 election looms. The political environment is changing, and the decisions young voters take in the next several months will determine the direction of American politics. The Democratic party, traditionally reliant on the youth vote, now faces the task of re-engaging this critical demographic, a task that will require introspection, adaptation, and perhaps a redefinition of their political message. Armstrong Williams (@ ARight-Side) is manager / sole owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations and the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the year. www. armstrongwilliams.co | www.howardstirkholdings.com

All of my students know that I am a firm believer in being an active participant in upholding our democratic values. As we have seen these past few years, so many of the freedoms and liberties we enjoy and have enjoyed are actually quite tenuous. We’ve seen the erosion of so many principles we held dear. Hard-fought civil rights battles are being overturned state by state, and we must be sure to pay attention to what is happening around us. We are all incredibly busy, but we cannot be too busy to know who represents us, what issues are being discussed, and what cases are making their way through the various court systems. So, a quick pop quiz: Can you name not just the president and vice president, but the following: your two U.S. senators, your representative in the House, your state representative and your state senator, and your city council member? Do you know when each of these individuals is up for re-election; do you know their voting record and signature pieces of legislation? If you like their policies and work ethic, have you donated to their campaigns or found ways to volunteer to assist in their reelection efforts? If you do not like their behavior or policies, have you researched their opponents and paid attention to their upcoming challengers? We must remember that our democratic republic is fragile. We cannot look at the strides we have made, pat ourselves on the back, put our accomplishments in a frame, and put them in a wall and walk past them

each day. If this country is to work, we must get to work and stay diligent about making it work. Keeping our freedoms involves paying attention and voting for people who will uphold these values. That also means paying attention to what is going on in other cities and states across the country so we can support elected officials doing the work. We can do that by making sure we donate to campaigns, inform family and friends living in particularly vulnerable states, and educate ourselves on issues so we can assist in educating others. In the next few months, there will be primary elections across the country. You can do your part by making sure you and your family and friends are registered to vote. We must be proactive in making sure our democracy does not slide into fascism. We must make sure we take time out of our busy lives to educate ourselves about the many issues around us. Lower-level judges on our ballots often make their way through the system and can become judges who make decisions that will affect our lives forever. It is never too late to begin to educate ourselves and participate in our political future. Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC and host of The Blackest Questions podcast at TheGrio; and a 2023–24 Moynihan Public Scholars Fellow at CCNY.

14 • December 14 2023 - December 20, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Caribbean Update

Barbados raises reparations invoice with Britain BY BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews A regional prime minister assigned the task of leading the reparations fight for the Caribbean, has served notice to Britain about the amount of reparation money its owes to the island nation for the brutal transatlantic slave trade. Mia Mottley of Barbados says the United Kingdom and other countries owe the Eastern Caribbean tourism paradise nation of Barbados at least $4.9 trillion, and that even if there is an agreement reached, Barbados does not expect that all would be frontloaded in one lump sum payment. The outspoken regional PM and global repatrations and climate change advocate recently met new British Foreign Secretary David Cameron while in London and though the two did discuss the issue, no details have been provided. The region has been stepping up the fight to make Britain and other former slaveowning and trading nations like The Netherlands, France, Spain and Portugal among others pay for the sins of the past by serving demand letters, requesting a summit meeting to talk reparations, enlisting the African Union in the fight, and hiring a British law firm to pursue the case in law courts. The region has also been seeking out European families who are now living on the wealth

“We’re not expecting that the reparatory damages will be paid in a year, or two, or five because the extraction of wealth and the damages took place over centuries. But we are demanding that we be seen and that we are heard.” their foreparents earned from slavery to pay reparations. “We’re not expecting that the reparatory damages will be paid in a year, or two, or five because the extraction of wealth and the damages took place over centuries. But we are demanding that we be seen and that we are heard,” she said. “The conspiracy of silence for years has diminished the horror of what our people faced.” Mottley added that the conversation on reparations must

commence, no matter how difficult or time consuming. The PM had previously cited a figure of $24 trillion based on a standard definition of damage but has trimmed it down now to about $5 trillion. “I’m not going to get into the details of our conversation but suffice to say, I think the foreign secretary [Cameron] will take his lead from his majesty,” she said. Mottley mentioned that King Charles had referred to the issue during a

speech in Rwanda last year while he was still the Prince of Wales noting his “personal sorrow at the suffering of so many” and that he continues to “deepen his understanding of slavery’s enduring impact. To forge a common future that benefits all our citizens, we too must find new ways to acknowledge our past.” Meanwhile, in recent weeks, Caribbean researchers have come up with actual figures owed to the region and descendants of slavery. The calculations were compiled by the Brattle Group of American economists and consultants with help from Caribbean attorneys, historians, politicians, and history students. For example, Britain’s tab to Caricom is tallied at $24 trillion, while Spain’s is $17 trillion. Portugal specifically would have to come up with $20 trillion to Brazil. The Netherlands’ tab is $5 trillion—$3 trillion of which should go to Caricom member nation, Suriname, and $50 billion to neighboring Guyana. The recommendation from the researchers is that the money be paid over a 10 to 20-year period by a mutually binding agreement. A draft demand letter is being finalized for signature and presentation to European nations. Back in February, the African Union had approved a resolution mandating its secretariat to collaborate and liaise with Caricom on reparations and slavery.

Biden admin finally takes tough stance against some Israelis FELICIA PERSAUD

IMMIGRATION KORNER With no end in sight to the war on Palestine, and with over 17,000 civilians dead and attacks rising in the West Bank, the Joe Biden administration is finally taking a tough stance against some Israelis since it gave the country the green light to go after Hamas following the Oct. 7 attack. The U.S. has informed Israel that it will implement visa bans on Israeli extremist settlers involved in violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. This decision was reportedly communicated by a senior State Department official, according to the Guardian. During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly conveyed that the United States would take action against an undisclosed number of individuals. Israeli citizens meeting the criteria for the ban and holding U.S. visas will receive noti-

fications regarding the nullification of their visas. Individuals who do not possess a visa and apply for one will have their applications denied. While the primary focus of the policy is not on Palestinians, those found to have engaged in violent acts will likewise encounter these consequences. Additionally, blacklisted settlers will be rendered ineligible for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, a visa waiver program introduced by President Biden for Israelis in September. The ban may also apply to immediate family members of settlers who engage in violence. It is unclear how many people the ban would cover, but since the October 7 Hamas attacks in southern Israel, an average of seven cases a day of settler violence against Palestinians have been reported in the West Bank, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Before October 7, there were an average of three cases a day in 2023. The U.S. State Department said the ban could affect “dozens” of settlers and their families although it did not give a more accurate number or identify anyone the ban

would target due to confidentiality rules. Estimates suggested that at least 200,000 Israeli American dual nationals live in Israel. Overall, Israel has more than 700,000 settlers spread across 150 government-authorized settlements and 128 unauthorized outposts around the West Bank and East Jerusalem. In 2015, an Oxford University professor’s research showed that 60,000 of the Israeli settlers in the West Bank also held U.S. passports. It is unclear how much that number has changed over the past eight years. Since Israel occupied the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War, Israelis have built settlements that most countries deem illegal. Israel rejects such characterizations on the grounds that it has historical ties to the land. The West Bank, a territory where Palestinians seek statehood, has witnessed a surge in violence in recent months, partly due to the expansion of Jewish settlements and a long-standing impasse in U.S.-sponsored peace efforts. This violence reached a more than 15-year high earlier this year and escalated further following Israel’s military response to an attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which resulted in

the deadliest day of terror in Israel’s history. The United States has repeatedly expressed concern over the escalating violence in the West Bank and called for it to cease. President Biden, in a November 18 op-ed in The Washington Post, threatened to take action against those responsible for extremist violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, including the issuance of visa bans. An Israeli government spokesman, Eylon Levy, did not comment specifically on the visa bans, but affirmed Israel’s condemnation of vigilantism, hooliganism, and individuals taking the law into their own hands. Many of Israel’s far-right politicians, however, have signaled support for settler activities, and accountability of such events is rare and often overseen by the Israeli military. A U.S. State Department official, speaking anonymously to the Guardian, emphasized Washington’s desire for Israel to prosecute the perpetrators but noted that such steps had not yet been taken. The visa bans are expected to be imposed in the coming weeks. The writer is publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com, the Black Immigrant Daily News.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

December14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 15

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16 • December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

My Bklyn. My Care.

Health Patients of color more often brace for unfair treatment in health care, survey finds A nurse checks vitals of 33-yearold woman in Shreveport, Louisiana. A survey by KFF, a health policy research group, found 60% of Black patients said they prepare for insults or feel they have to be careful about their appearance to be treated fairly by health providers (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

By DEVI SHASTRI AP Health Writer

MORE EXPERTS THAN BROOKLYN HAS BAGEL AND SCHMEAR COMBOS. No two Brooklynites are the same. That’s why Maimonides is made up of 2,000+ care providers and experts in surgery, cardiology, oncology and dozens of other specialties. So no matter what you’re dealing with, we can put together a specialized team to provide the one-of-a-kind care you need.

A trip to the doctor’s office comes with a bit of preparation for most, maybe even an internal pep talk to prepare for being told to get more exercise or calm a simmering fear of needles. But dressing well in hopes of warding off unfair treatment—or even bracing for being insulted? A newly released poll by KFF, a health policy research group, found many patients of color—including three in five Black respondents—take such steps at least some of the time when preparing to see a doctor. The poll found that 55% of Black respondents said they feel like they must be very careful about their appearance to be treated fairly at medical visits. That’s similar to the rate for Hispanic and Alaska Native patients—and nearly double the rate for white patients. Nearly 30% of Black respondents prepare to be insulted, also about double the rate for white patients. “It’s exhausting,” survey respondent Christine Wright, 60, told the Associated Press. Wright, who is Black, said she’s faced years of discrimination, including once being called a racial slur by a nurse. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and recently found a doctor she trusts, but she still makes sure to dress well for any medical appointments, putting on jewelry and a nice coat, and making sure her hair is done. She braces herself for looks and comments from doctors and staff. “‘They don’t control you,’” she tells herself.

“‘They don’t. Doesn’t matter what they’re saying about you, because you’re not that.’” While more than 90% of those polled said they were not treated unfairly or with disrespect in a healthcare setting because of their race or ethnic background in the past three years, the anticipation of unequal treatment can influence patients’ interactions with their doctors, experts say. That’s a particular concern because of the wide disparities in health outcomes along racial lines in the U.S. “This survey shows the impact racism and discrimination continues to have on people’s healthcare experiences,” said KFF President Drew Altman. Dr. Allison Bryant, an obstetrician at Massachusetts General Hospital who was not involved in the survey, said it provided important, although not necessarily surprising, results. Bryant, who also serves as her hospital system’s associate chief health equity officer, said she has heard similar stories from patients of color and seen it in the system’s own patient satisfaction data. As a Black woman, she lives the experience herself, often double-checking she has her ID or wedding ring visible to ward off assumptions from others. “I think everybody experiences that to some extent, but I understand why it’s more exaggerated in individuals of color, who have a legacy of not being treated well,” Bryant said. The behavior indicates a deeper problem, Bryant said—one that can influence critical interactions between a doctor and patient. If you anticipate someone may treat you badly, you may be more tense; you may not See HEALTH on page 29

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Arts & Entertainment Film/TV pg 17 | Trends pg 21 | Jazz pg 24

December14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 17

Pg. 20 Your Stars

81st Golden Globe noms unveiled amidst controversy, surprises, snubs, and new categories Cedric The Entertainer and Wilmer Valderrama (Photo courtesy of the Golden Globes)

By MAGRIRA Special to the AmNews Despite the ongoing controversy encircling the Golden Globes, the entertainment industry continues to view the acclaimed award show as a pivotal precursor to other prestigious accolades, notably the revered Academy Award nominations. The nominations for the 81st Golden Globe Awards were announced by Cedric The Entertainer and Wilmer Valderrama. The award show is scheduled for January 7, 2024 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. This year’s ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS, showcasing outstanding achievements in both film and television, curated by a panel of 310 international

journalists. This reshuffling comes after the dissolution of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which led to the redistribution of its assets. This edition of the Golden Globes introduces two new distinguished awards: Cinematic and Box Office Achievement in Motion Pictures, and Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television. Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner of White Cherry Entertainment (WCE) will executive produce the show, with Weiss also directing. Among the noticeable snubs are notable contenders like “The Color Purple” and “I’m A Virgo” (Prime Video) that failed to secure nominations. Films like “Ferrari” and “The Iron Claw,” aiming to ignite their Oscar campaigns, were also notably overlooked.

While “The Color Purple” managed acting nominations for Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks, it surprisingly missed out on nods in key categories such as Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy and a supporting actress acknowledgment for Taraji P. Henson. The Golden Globes, striving to mend their tarnished reputation following the highly publicized controversies that led to the broadcast being pulled off air in 2022, have undertaken significant changes. The awards body faced severe scrutiny in 2021 after revelations from the Los Angeles Times exposed the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s lack of diversity, financial irregularities, and allegations of intimidation towards poten-

tial members. NBC aired the Globes in 2023 under a one-year contract, but the upcoming ceremony is set to be broadcast on CBS. Since then, the Globes have made strides toward diversifying their voting body. In a recent update by Variety, the voting group has expanded to 300 members, with 47% being female and 60% representing diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Ownership of the Golden Globes rests with Dick Clark Productions and Eldridge. Following Penske Media’s joint venture with Eldridge, IndieWire’s parent company subsequently acquired Dick Clark Productions. The link to the full 2024 Golden Globe Awards nominations is https://deadline.com/2023/12/ golden-globe-nominations-2024-1235660995/

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Empowering holiday spending: Supporting ‘Buy African and African American’ initiatives By MAGRIRA Special to the AmNews

KAYALI Eden Sparkling Lychee (Courtesy Photo)

PIXEL PRO 8 (Courtesy Photo)

Being conscientious about your holiday spending takes on added significance when you consider where your hard-earned dollars go. One of the most important ways to uplift is by flexing your economic power and supporting companies that are created, owned, and operated by Africans and African Americans. These purchases are more than just the presents; it’s about aligning your choices with values that resonate with you. Your money, earned through hard work, can significantly affect these communities by supporting products and companies you trust. Thoughtful decision-making becomes pivotal, weighing not only product quality but also the credibility and commitment of these businesses to their causes. Perfumes KAYALI Eden Sparkling Lychee— 39 Eau de Parfum—by Huda Kattan This fragrance drop stands out as one of the year’s finest. It belongs to the fruity floral category, featuring prominent notes of Blackcurrant, Sparkling Lychee, and Candied Violet. The top notes are of Blackcurrant, Sparkling Lychee, Italian Lemon, and Red Apple. Its heart reveals a blend of Rose Damascena, Candied Violet, and Jasmine Sambaco. The base notes linger with Sugared Amber, Cedarwood, Musk, Vanilla Absolute, and Sandalwood, delivering a truly captivating and nuanced scent experience.

community comprising both consumers and merchants dedicated to breaking barriers, questioning established norms, and advocating boldly for the enhancement of economic sustainability among Black-owned businesses. Within this community, members actively participate by voting on partnering companies and sectors. They also influence the selection of products and experiences they desire access to, contributing significantly to shaping the economic trajectory of Black-owned businesses. Visit https://club.buyblack.org/login to join this impactful movement.

Want to support Black women? Buy from a Black Woman Black women have been leading the way in starting businesses, but annual sales for Black Women Business Owners are five times smaller than those of all womenowned businesses due to a lack of support and awareness. That’s where Buy from a Black Woman comes in. Since 2016, Buy From A Black Woman has empowered, educated, and inspired Black women business owners and the people who support them. Buy from a Black Woman ensures that Black women have the Buy Black all year tools and resources necessary for The BuyBlack Club is a thriving their success. Through educational

Best Phone for Social Media 2024 PIXEL 8 Pro The Google Pixel 8 Pro was designed for social media content creators. Complete with Google AI, it also includes a 50 MP camera, 48 MP ultra-wide camera for improved macro focus, and a telephoto camera zoom, along with the 10.5 MP front camera for sharp selfies. The Pixel 8 Pro camera delivers stunning photo quality from dusk until dawn with Night Sight and astrophotography.

programs, an online directory, and funding, Buy from a Black Woman continues to grow as a trusted resource that supports Black women in business. creates lotions and salves for the body, hands, and lips—perAll African- or African Ameri- fect for winter. The brand, foundcan-owned ed by three sisters from Ghana, is paving the way for other women Auvere and Black founders in the skincare Founded by Gina Feldman Love, world. Auvere produces stunning 22 and https://www.mykarite. 24 karat gold pieces, along with com/?sscid=c1k7_7bvil& some silver and gemstone-laden items. 54kibo Bringing African style into evLove Vera eryday life, 54kibo offers designs Specializing in lingerie, Love from more than 54 countries in Vera is dedicated to supporting Africa, including lighting, rugs, Black women in fashion and busi- furniture, and gifts for all occaness. sions. Silver & Riley Lola Banjo founded Silver & Riley, which crafts handbags and other leather goods in Italy using premium leather. Banjo, a world traveler, draws inspiration from global influences in her designs.

Edloe Finch Founded by the husband-andwife duo Darryl Sharpton and Jessica Ross, Edloe Finch sells furnishings for every room in the home, including Mid-Century Modern chairs, tables, couches, and more.

Pipcorn These snacks have earned a spot Linoto on Oprah’s Favorite Things list Founded by Jason Evege, Linoto several times, offering a convinc- is a company that creates stuning reason to give them a try. ning linen sheets in the USA, eliminating the need to purchase from Karité Europe or incur high shipping Focused on shea butter, Karité costs.

Ten Wilde https://tenwilde. com/?sscid=c1k7_7c2rj& Founded by Tenisha Wilde and based in Los Angeles, Ten Wilde specializes in personalized jewelry, earrings, waist beads, and more.

Loci Wear Loci Wear creates shoes for both men and women using premium vegan leather, maintaining an eco-friendly approach while aiming to protect wildlife and uphold top sustainability practices.

Bakes Cravings Founder Craig Watson— a father—addressed his kids’ severe allergies by creating a delicious alternative. The online bakery sells 100% nut-free items.

Egunsifoods This is a delicious subscriptionbased soup and sauce company bringing the flavors of West Africa to your door. The New York-based company specializes in a “graband-go” style of soup. https://egunsifoods. com/?sscid=c1k7_7diji&

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December14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 19

New Black historical nonfiction, Part 1 By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH Special to the AmNews It is always exciting to see new Black-centered historical books written and curated by gifted Black authors and dedicated Black editors who pour themselves into telling a story that brings clarity, and a balanced narrative that honors the voices, lives, and bodies of those who have lived, loved, and survived before us. “Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America” by Michael Harriot and “Our History Has Always Been Contraband: In Defense of Black Studies” are

strikingly honest and profoundly necessary Black historical texts that have emerged into existence after two centuries of our stories being obscured or omitted.

erasure of the Black experience in America has been ongoing, and “Black AF History”sets out to rectify this historical injustice. The narrative not only exposes the flaws in traditional historical acBlack AF History: The Un-White- counts, but also engages readers washed Story of America by Mi- with its humor and storytelling. chael Harriot (Dey Street Books) Harriot’s voice is sharp, insightWithin the pages of “Black AF ful, and at times humorous, History,” Harriot makes it clear making the book a pleasure to that the dominant narrative of read even as it tackles challenging American history is riddled with subject matter. inaccuracies, errors, and oversights that have persisted because Our History Has Always history books have traditionally Been Contraband: In Defense been written from the perspective of Black Studies by editors of white men. The devaluation and Colin Kaepernick, Robin D. G.

Kelley, and Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor (Haymarket Books) “Our History Has Always Been Contraband” is a powerful and timely anthology that stands as a defiant response to the ongoing attempts to undermine and erase the significance of Black studies in American education. This collection of texts and prominent thinkers in Black studies includes Frederick Douglass, James Baldwin, Angela Y. Davis, Toni Cade Bambara, and many others. The editors provide a comprehensive view of Black studies that spans literature, political theory, sociology, gender and sexuality studies,

and more. This book is an incredible rallying cry against efforts to diminish the importance of African American history and culture. The book’s origin was born out of the urgent need to address the removal of content from an AP African American Studies course. It explores the ongoing battle for the recognition and inclusion of Black history in our educational system. Let us continue to remind ourselves, as a collective culture throughout the future, of the profound relevance of our past being written and taught about from our own perspectives.

20 • December 14 2023 - December 20, 2023 A

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HOROSCOPES BY KNOWYOURNUMB3RS

By SUPREME GODDESS KYA WWW.KYAFRENCH.COM | CONSULTATIONS 866-331-5088

Rebirth of A New Nation: December is the last month of the year and this week before a change in energy of the Christmas holiday. On December 13, 2023, Mercury in Capricorn retrogrades at 8 degrees, then there is a new moon in Sagittarius at 20 degrees on December 12 signifying a new approach in your perspective and patience. Be courageous, buoyant, creative, grounded, and pace yourself in order to not to be overly active. Give yourself some attention of PEACE to retrograde and recoup your energy which allows you to see facts and things you didn’t see before. In the movie “Soul,” when Joe Gardner was standing in front of the chalkboard, there was a quote that said, “Things ain’t what they used to be.”

In the Bible, Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it shall be given to you;

You possess all the tools within and outside of you. Gather up the resources, tools, and information you have at your fingertips. Make the necessary phone calls, meet up with people, attend events that you never imagined Dec 22 June 22 the vibration to manifest. Write the things out on paper, be it what but that your spirit pulls you to do. It’s a week to be seen in the public arena, Jan 21 July 23 you need or an inventory of the home and business. Organization is and also publicly in the private sector. From December 17 around 2:58 p.m. key for concentration, so write out one of your masterpieces. From until December 19 around 5 p.m., work comes easy, and some comes with December 13 around 10:31 a.m. until December 15 until 12 p.m., stay in prepara- a price tag attached with an offer based on your experience and work ethic. Have your pation for your progress, even when it seems like you are taking steps back. Eventu- perwork in order, including special permits, certificates, and contracts. ally, you will move forward once you accomplish the mission. People are requesting you to show up here and there, or you are travFeatured are family obligations, community commitment, nurtureling short distances just to separate personal from business. It’s a week ing yourself, and covering up your ears, nose, and throat when you of running errands, and even your family needs your help and support. Leo go outside. You will see that some things you applied for months or Know your boundaries. While attending events that you have an interJuly 24 Aquarius weeks ago are now available to you. Partnership is a concern now, est in, you may just bump into someone you haven’t seen in a while with Aug 23 Jan 22 mostly regarding what role you are playing. From December 15 connections and resources. From December 19 around 5:47 p.m. until Feb 19 around 12:56 p.m. until December 17 around 2:00 p.m., you have December 21 until 9 p.m., things you began in March are now showing up. Review what the option to change and operate in a role where people see more occurred to paint the picture. of your talent. Changing your perspective is key to your progress to see both sides of the view. Heading in a new direction is a game for you as change initiates growth and inner standing. You can keep the same recipe, though the It’s a cycle week of planning and being innovative in your thoughts texture may be different depending on how you mix and deliver the serVirgo to make a conclusion on a project. Now that you have the pieces you vice or product. Be courageous to embark on a new journey to add more Aug 24 need, the work ethic must follow to see the whole picture. What’s texture, color and shapes to the story you are presenting. You may just Sept 23 Pisces the trailer of the full movie that paints the picture? From Decemmake a movie one day on how you piece information together. DecemFeb 20 ber 17 around 2:58 p.m. to December 19 around 5 p.m., you will see ber 13 around 10:31 a.m. until December 15 until 12 p.m., remixing and remaking has Mar 20 a change within your spiritual self, finances and perspective, ac- been a part of the culture of music, so why not give the people energy that sparks someknowledging what parts of you need to grow. Letting go is part of your growth, thing inside of themselves to recognize? preparing you for the next level; like a tune-up of your car, once it’s done the car runs better and feels better. All sorts of newsflashes are being broadcast to you by phone call, a sudden meeting, email, or text. The real news is the news you already You have the concept and people advising you—a full team. Now it’s felt from within that confirms some of what you are receiving from Libra up to you to follow through on submitting the paperwork. A heavy asothers. The show still goes on like life or death and the world clock— Sept 24 signment to complete comes with counting every penny, nickel, dime time stops for no one. The earth must keep moving on its axis like night Oct 23 Aries and dollar, as well as personal and business essentials, all obligations and day; even when the planet retrogrades, nothing stops. Young Thug Mar 21 to complete the mission. From December 19 around 5:47 p.m. until has a song called “Digits” where he asks “Why not risk life when it’s gon keep goin?” Apr 21 December 21 until 9 p.m., the details are important in applying more From December 15 around 12:56 p.m. until December 17 around 2:00 p.m., everything emphasis on what you are presenting; similar to when you order from a menu and is in motion, so whatever you do, keep moving with consistency. The deja vu you expehow your food is presented to you. Apply the footwork to the seed you planted to rienced: how did it make you feel when you realize what just happened? see the outcome. When things are working out in your favor from the work you put in, No need to rush, everything is working out accordingly. You were sudden blessings are showing up. Blessings come in many ways and given an assignment, mission or journey this week without knowsometimes through people. People are walking devices like the cell ing the inner work. Sometimes in life we are put in a class or situaphone you carry. Humans have a mechanism about them that attracts Scorpio Taurus Oct 24 tion without knowing all the facts and reasons. Let’s put it this way: based on the frequency of their vibration. From December 17 around Apr 22 Nov 22 your elders and ancestors needed you to sit in briefly on a board 2:58 p.m. until December 19 around 5 p.m., what’s the vibration you May 21 meeting or any meeting for you to hear it first. From December 13 are emitting that makes people attracted to you and you to them? It around 10:31 a.m. until December 15 until 12 p.m., take heed of the data given. can vary, from an exchange of information, or communicating a signal and needs your presence for the host to carry out its mission. The universe works in mysterious ways. It’s a cycle week to show and prove to yourself what you can do before helping someone else. A magical week where things you iniSag season is coming to an end, moving forward to the next zodiac sign. tiated back in late November are flowing. You already planted the It’s time to get a move on things, perhaps what you were doing in March seed, now what is the lesson plan, blueprint or curriculum to your this year. What kind of work, conversation, and things were you contemGemini May 22 assignment? From December 15 around 12:56 p.m. until December 17 Sagitarius plating? A remuneration of what you did, things you put together and the June 21 Nov 23 around 2:00 p.m., an offer or opportunity may arise, or simply change facts, figures you stumbled over may come through. From December 19 Dec 21 the way you do things, similar to changing the furniture around in around 5:47 p.m. until December 21 until 9 p.m., you are now ready to your house. It’s a different feeling in the home. It is the same when you change. Orproceed to begin matching up the information in the chronological order ganization is key and helps with clarity. you feel is right. Ask, command, demand and see what information is revealed.

 seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” ComCapricorn mand the order, but also your energy must match the frequency of

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December14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 21

Trends

A tribute to designer Stephen Burrows at FIT By RENEE MINUS WHITE Fashion & Beauty Editor Designer Stephen Burrows was recently honored by the Fashion & Arts Xchange Group (FAX) at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Morris W. & Haft Auditorium, to celebrate the historic 50th anniversary of the “Battle of Versailles, “ which occurred on November 28, 1973. Burrows, now 80 years old, was the only Black designer in the famous Versailles group of designers, and he’s the last living designer of the group. He was honored for his remarkable career and contributions to the world of fashion. Founded by Gwen Sergeant, the Fashion & Arts Xchange Group (FAX) is a nonprofit (501(c)3) organization that creates opportunities for Black and brown students and professionals in the business of fashion. Burrows is a genius. He appeared on the fashion scene with several Black designers in the late 1960s. He graduated from FIT in 1967, and first arrived at Bendel (East 57th Street, New York City) in the early 1970s. His knits were hits right away. “They are particularly for the city and particularly for this city,” said Geraldine Stutz, owner of Bendel back in 1977, about Burrows’s spring line. Burrows won three Coty Awards. In the Palace of Versailles, his American collection was a historic success. “It was never a battle, but a faceoff between American and French designers,” explained Burrows. Eleanor Lambert, fashion publicist, organized the international fashion revelation at The Versailles Palace in France for American and French designers to showcase their designs. In addition to Burrows, the American designers included Anne Klein, Bill Blass. Halston, and Oscar de la Renta. The top American models included Alva Chinn, Norma Jean Darden, Beth Ann Hardison, Billie Blaire, Barbra Jackson, China Machado, Pat Cleveland, Ramona Sanders, and Charlene Dash. In comparison to the professional shows of French designers, the American ateliers presented their collections simply with beautiful, diverse models and the latest soundtrack of music. Models strutted on the runway and struck a pose. Versailles paved the way for Black models in the 1980s in Europe. “After Stephen Burrows’s show, the audience erupted,” said Darden. “Models didn’t wear underwear while modeling Stephen’s slinky styles. He didn’t want any bra and panty lines to show,” recalled Chinn. Burrows is known for his impeccable tailoring and styling abilities, color-block basics, slinky chiffons, and sexy knits with contrastcolor lettuce edges and threads. He was one of the first Black designers to have a boutique in

FAX panel for Stephen Burrows’s celebration (L-R): Harriette Cole, Burrows, Alva Chinn, Norma Jean Darden, Nicole Fischellis, Audrey Smaltz, and Freddie Leiba. (Photos by Noir Photography, courtesy of Fashion Arts Xchange Group) B) Stephen Burrows receives award from Gwen Sargeant, FAX founder

a store. The rich and famous Studio 54 crowd wore his clothes. “In the ’70s, while at Henri Bendel, Stephen Burrows presented the first street fashion show—57th Street from 5th to 6th Avenue was closed. It was fabulous,” recalled Smaltz. Smaltz also noted that “Stephen B, a perfume created by Stephen Burrows, was introduced by Max Factor and sold at Lord & Taylor.” What about skirt length? “It depends on the wearer,” Burrow replied. “A woman should wear a length that makes her feel pretty.”“ Over the years, Burrows created costume designs for the off-Broadway production of Vy Higginson’s “Mama I Want to Sing,” and his designs were featured in a major exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. His designs are still strong sellers today, as he collaborates with retailers like Target. Former

First Lady Michelle Obama wore one of his green outfits while in the White House. The program included an enlightening panel discussion with Burrows and Versailles models Chinn, Darden, Smaltz, Nicole Fischelis, and Freddie Leiba. Harriette Cole was the moderator. A video featured Burrows, Higgenson, Veronica Jones, panelists, designer Jeffrey Banks, and Burrows’s family members. Guest speakers included Joyce F. Brown, president of FIT; Sargent, Carly Cushnie, and Constance White. Fern Mallis, G. Keith Alexander, Walter Greene, and other fashion notables were in the audience. At the end of the event, Darden of Spoon Bread Restaurant and Chinn were whisked away to another Battle of Versailles celebration that evening at the Parson’s New School of Design.

Sketched Design by Stephen Burrows

22 • December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023

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BK Navy Yard’s community driven ‘Wonderland’ brings out thousands for 6th annual Holiday Market The Brooklyn Navy Yard’s sixth annual Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market on Sunday, Dec. 3. (Brenika Banks photos)

Caisy’s Closet owner Caisy Frank with momager Sherese Shorter.

Clothing from brand, “Never Settle”.

By BRENIKA BANKS Special to the AmNews

and food. According to Stephanie Baez, SVP of external affairs at the Yard, most people stayed for two to three hours. “We want to make this an all-day experience,” she said. “The Next Generation Corner” represented the makers of tomorrow, strategically not excluding the young creators, Baez explained. One very ambitious youth vendor, Caisy Frank, is the 11-year-old CEO of her own business, Caisy’s Closet. She is extremely involved in every aspect of her company with her mother and manager, Sherese Shorter by her side. Frank revealed that she was inspired to start her own clothing brand at age 7. “My mom used to buy me a lot of clothes and I used to get my fashion from her, so I wanted to make people happy by finding their style for them,” she said. She and her mother were excited to be

The holiday spirit was present on the historic East River waterfront this past weekend. Brooklyn Navy Yard’s sixth annual Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market took place on Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3. The community-driven celebration welcomed 200+ vendors in a 100,000-square-foot space, making it the biggest year yet. Although Building 293, where the festivities were held, is far into the yard, Saturday brought out about 4,200 people, while Sunday had about 3,000 people despite the rain. The Holiday Market’s goal was to spotlight and support small BIPOC and women entrepreneurs, especially Black women-owned businesses. Ethnic diversity was evident

in the crowds of attendees, which included Asians, white, Hispanic and Black people. “We are proud to empower our unique Yard-based businesses and bring together a community of vendors […] while welcoming New Yorkers and visitors from across the globe,” said Lindsay Greene, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. Her team worked hard to ensure the attendees and vendors enjoyed the event while supporting small businesses during the two days. The diverse crowd was drawn in by a variety of vendors and activities at the largest pop-up holiday market in Brooklyn. Many vendors sold food, including one with a full bar, clothing, jewelry and accessories. There was a DJ, youth activities, and youth vendors selling clothing

at the market for the first time. Frank shared her interest in studying cosmetology one day. She also shared her desire for pursuing entrepreneurship at a young age because, “I like to make people happy [when they receive their orders].” The festive holiday market has an established partnership with The Lay Out, founded by Emily Anadu, who along with CEO Lindsay Greene, made their partnership official at last year’s holiday market. Anadu is grateful for a second year to impact entrepreneurs making money, networking, and growing. “When I think about this year compared to last year, my number one concern with the brands is always did they do well?” she asked. “Was it worth it for them to come out [and] haul their things from all over the city?”

The marketing and community leader started The Lay Out in 2020 after George Floyd’s murder. “Feeling that kind of isolation [from the shutdown] and then watching George Floyd be murdered was just too much,” said Anadu. The Lay Out was named after the Houston, Texas concept of “The Let Out,” not having to do anything but exist and be Black. Anadu aims to understand her vendors, especially the ones without the brickand-mortar space. “I want them to know that I’m looking out for them and have their best interest in mind,” said the CEO. “I don’t do well unless they do well.” Although she is pleased by the growth of 80 brands this year, Anadu’s priority is catering to her vendor’s needs. “The growth is great but

See WONDERLAND continued on next page

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Oreo and strawberry shortcake cheesecake from Brownstone Cheesecakes. (Brenika Banks photos)

December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 23

Emily Anadu, founder of The Lay Out (left), posing with Janyce Hunt, (right) Director of Special Events & Partnerships with the special section for The Lay Out vendors behind them.

Brooklyn Chckn ‘N’ Lbstr’s food on display at The Brooklyn Navy Yard’s sixth annual Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market.

Caisy’s Closet owner Caisy Frank with momager Sherese Shorter.

Continued from previous page

more importantly the trust in The Lay Out is even more important,” she said. She strategically provided her vendors with their own section at the Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market. “I feel like I’m living my purpose,” said Anadu. One person who is unapologetically living in their purpose is Yvette Ervin, also known as Chef Deliche. The celebrity chef, who helped rapper Busta Rhymes with his meal preps during his fitness journey, brought high energy to the market. The owner of Brooklyn Chckn ‘N’ Lbstr was inspired by her grandmother’s southern cooking. “By force of habit, I had to somehow get caught up in the kitchen,” said Ervin. The chef describes her experience at the holiday market as “amazing,” particularly because the restaurant’s food sold out on both days, according to Ervin. “Honestly, we had

Yvette Ervin aka Chef Deliche talking an order for her restaurant, Brooklyn Chckn ‘N’ Lbstr.

a really great turn out,” she said. Ervin’s plan is to find endless opportunities to market her businesses, as well as gain more social media followers. Brooklyn Chckn ‘N’ Lbstr is in Brownsville, and Ervin believes, “if people know there’s good food there, then they’ll come check us out.” Wallabout Wonderland Hol-

iday Market provided the perfect space to promote her restaurant, and her future food services of mass distributed meal preps. “It’s about expanding, getting more customers and reaching more markets.” For more info, visit https:// www.brooklynnavyyard.org/ and https://www.the-lay-out.com/

24 • December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023

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Smoke, Sista’s Place, Smalls/Mezzrow, Nilu NiLu owners Mark Pinn and Katrina Parris (Ron Scott photo)

Referring to trumpeter and composer Marquis Hill as daring and exciting is a statement of fact. He is a musician who consistently ventures into the realm of newness (new concepts, new sounds). His most recent albums, “Rituals and Routines” (2023) and “New Gospel Revisited” (2022), both on Edition Records, demonstrate his commitment to moving the music in a multitude of directions. On December 13–17, Smoke Jazz & Supper Club (2751 Broadway) welcomes Hill. The trumpeter will be joined by his adventurous band of cohorts, who are all innovative leaders in their own right: vibraphonist Joel Ross, pianist Michael King, bassist Junius Paul, and drummer Kendrick Scott. All are Chicago natives, with the exception of Texas-born Scott. These musicians create music as a living art with a combination of R&B, Chicago swing, and jazz tradition. For reservations and showtimes, visit the website smokejazz.com or call 212-864-6662. Sista’s Place in Brooklyn (456 Nostrand Avenue), where the soul of jazz speaks with a revolutionary flare, will be cookin’ on December 16, when trumpeter and composer Eddie Henderson takes to the stage with his all-star line-up, featuring pianist Pete Zac, bassist Gerald Cannon, and drummer Mike Clark. Zac is the youngest of the quartet, while Cannon and Clark are longtime bandmates of Henderson. The latter two also recorded with Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi fusion band. During Henderson’s six-decade career, he has established an insurmountable discography, having recorded more than 30 albums as a leader and recordings with such notables as Kenny Barron, Gary Bartz, a regular collaborator with the all-star Cookers, Benny Golson, Archie Shepp, Leon Thomas, and Butch Morris. The repertoire will be something special, swinging, and memorable—he usual summation when Henderson holds down the stage. Two shows. at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Call 718-398-1766 for more information. During the late 1990s and now, Smalls Jazz Club, the cozy little-

basement room at 183 West 10th Street, remains one of my favorites. During that earlier period, it was a spot where you could check out live jazz damn near 24/7. It was the ultimate jazz hangout, without a liquor license, cover charge didn’t exist— just a modest admission. Mitch Borden, who founded the club in 1994, is a devout jazz enthusiast, who gave the musical community priority. His openness to musicians quickly made the club a homebase for young generations looking to hone their creative craft. Some included Jason Linder, the Strickland brothers, and Claudia Acuna. On many nights, the house band included such established musicians as the great drummer Jimmy Lovelace and saxophonist Charles McPherson. During 2007, pianist Spike Wilner and poet Lee Kostrinsky joined in a partnership with Borden (restoring the club and securing a liquor license). In recent years, the latter two partners have retired, leaving Wilner as Smalls’ sole-proprietor. Today, under Milner, Smalls represents that same eagerness to nurture new generations of talented young musicians while supporting those already established. On December 16, Smalls presents baritone saxophonist Jason Marshall performing two sets, at 10:30 p.m.

and 12 midnight. Marshall swings hard with a big, bold sound that ignited Roy Hargrove’s Big Band, RH Factor, and Sun Ra Arkestra, as well as leading his own band, Overt Negritude. He, like Hamiett Bluiett, is moving the instrument into new dimensions. On December 17, Smalls welcomes its regular guest pianist, the Sullivan Fortner Trio (featuring bassist Tyrone Allen, and drummer Kayvon Gordon), with two sets, at 10:30 p.m. and 12 midnight. The second set will be followed by an open jam session until 3 a.m. For ticket information, visit rservations@smallslive.com or smallslive.com. Mezzrow, established in 2014 (at 163 West 10th Street), is a piano room that boasts the perfect ambience for music lovers to have an intimate experience with the performing artists. It is owned and operated by Wilner from Smalls Jazz Club just next door, with the same goal of promoting a musical environment run by musicians for musicians. For two nights, December 15–16, Mezzrow presents the all-star-collaborative trio of pianist George Cables, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Jerome Jennings, with two shows, at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Later that evening, the Johnny O’Neal Trio performs two sets, at

10:30 p.m. and 12 midnight. O’Neal has an extraordinary touch—he can swing or sing a ballad to stop listeners in their tracks. He is one of the most under-rated pianists in jazz. Anytime he performs, your presence is mandatory. For a calendar and reservations, visit facebook.com. or smallslive.com. The NiLu Gift Boutique (191 Malcolm X Blvd.) is more than a mere gift shop. Upon entering, customers step into a transcendental moment, as smooth as Miles Davis’s “Birth of the Cool,” while looking for something special like Lee Morgan on his album “Search for a New Land.” The shop has unique and intriguing gifts to purchase in the realm of cultural Blackness. Katrina Parris and her husband Mark Pinn opened NiLu in 2015. Parris says that while attending many of the trade shows at Jacob Javits Center and others around the country, she likes working with independent sellers and artists, some of whom reside in the Harlem community. NiLu’s exclusive Romare Bearden print selection represents a partnership with the Romare Bearden Foundation and the varied book selection, from W.E.B Dubois at the Paris Exposition 1900 Black Lives to Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem: A Memoir, are a result of

working with different publishers. “I like producing NiLu’s housebranded line of prints and journals,” said Parris. “Before the shop, I made greeting cards for real life and invitations that became a great creative outlet for me and my first entrepreneurial venture.” Julian Michael Caldwell, a salesperson at NiLu who also plays a key role in the boutique’s operation, hones his persona as JSWISS MC when not working at the shop. He operates at the intersection of jazz and hip hop, touring West Africa and Europe or working with such musicians as Nicholas Payton and Marcus Strickland. He also coordinates the shop’s music playlist, which ranges from John Coltrane to R&B chill music to Steely Dan and contemporary. “He’s all about the culture and understands what we are trying to do,” said Parris during our interview, next door at Café Latte. “Julian is NiLu—he is what’s going on in Harlem now.” Before opening NiLu, Parris, a graduate of CCNY, owned a floral shop—Katrina Parris Flowers at 7th Avenue and 113th Street. She eventually moved the shop to its present location on Malcolm X Blvd. “As gentrification persisted, Mark and I realized we were in a gift desert. Pop-up spaces were beginning to happen as platforms for local creative folks to sell their wares,” said Parris. “We decided to sell the florist business and convert the space into a gift shop, which is named for our sons Nigel and Luke.” As an active member of the community, NiLu is a sponsor of Soap Box Presents, a nonprofit organization that presents live free concerts (dance, spoken word, and music) by local artists during the months of May through October at 120th Street and Malcolm X Blvd., only steps away from NiLu. “When you think of Harlem’s totality, you have to mention jazz, the roots of Harlem,” said Parris. “The photo of ‘A Great Day’ in Harlem is Harlem.” NiLu is blocks away from the now defunct Lenox Lounge, a popular Harlem jazz club where Billie Holiday and her friend Langston Hughes often hung out. What differentiates NiLu from most gift shops is that customers are likely to purchase gifts for themselves, as well as for others. Parris hosts a weekly 8 p.m. Wednesday night talk show on Instagram, @shopnilu. Visit the NiLu website at shopnilu.com.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

December14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 25

Plan updates Continued from page 3

have untreated severe mental illness into hospitals for evaluations, said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. She said more people are trusting outreach workers and coming in for services. “Every person we have supported has friends, family, or loved ones [who] can now witness them in a safe, stable place receiving the care they need,” said Williams-Isom. “While we know there are many more out there [who] need support, we come together today to recognize the incredible interagency work that has made this all possible and to affirm that this work will continue to help New Yorkers in need.” BronxWorks Assistant Executive Director Scott Auwarter said there has been “unprecedented progress in the coordination of services with hospitals and mental health teams” in the Bronx. “Most of our clients subject to removal orders are now receiving comprehensive inpatient treatment and are now able to stabilize, so they can succeed in transitional and permanent housing,” said Auwarter. So far, 54 formerly homeless people now have apartments and are stabilizing their lives in a hospital or supportive setting, said Adams. The early numbers—a 145% increase in connections over the prior year—have been encouraging. He’s also looking to support and pass the Supportive Interventions Act sponsored by Assemblymember Edward Braunstein in Albany. “It will address a series of flaws and gaps in New York State mental hygiene law that are making it more difficult to

help those who don’t know they need help, and it would further clarify the role of city services and provide assistance for those who cannot take care of themselves,” Adams said about the bill. Williams-Isom added that the current law makes it impossible to deploy the number of certified clinicians needed to engage the large number of street homeless people with mental illness. She said the program needs legislative fixes and more help from private hospitals to run more effectively. Before Adams’s plan, data about the removal process was not tracked consistently, according to the city. Agencies were not comprehensively tracking the number of involuntary removals being performed, which made monitoring and measuring progress nearly impossible. In response to the Amsterdam News inquiring about the racial and ethnic breakdown of the new involuntary removal data, Williams-Isom said that is a current concern and she will look into the numbers. They were not readily available by press time. The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) requested records through the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) on December 13, 2022. According to records given to the AmNews recently, individuals were moved under the NYC Mental Health Involuntary Removals Policy since November 29, 2022, but the hospital said it either didn’t keep information about race or there were so few categorized that way that accounting for them would “constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.”

Jail commissioner Continued from page 3

in the DOC as providing confidence in her knowledge of “the long-standing issues plaguing the city’s jail system” and looked forward to working with her. But the organization argued that no single person can fix the “deterioration” of city jails and maintained the need for a receiver. The Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association (COBA), the union representing DOC staff, also commended Maginley-Liddie’s experience. “Obviously, we are living in one of the most challenging times in the history of our agency, and these difficult times call for strong leadership from someone who knows our jail system very well,” said COBA President Benny Boscio in a statement. “We have enjoyed a productive relationship with Lynelle MaginleyLiddie while she served as first deputy commissioner and we look forward to working with her in her new role as the head of our agency.” Freedom Agenda co-director Darren

Mack, spokesperson for the Campaign to Close Rikers, maintained the unfixable nature of Rikers Island and the need to close the jails by the scheduled deadline. “Rikers is irredeemable no matter who is running it,” Mack said in a statement. “Any commissioner who is committed to transparency and safeguarding the rights of people in custody will recognize that an isolated penal colony built on toxic land could never be consistent with those goals. We hope Commissioner Maginley-Liddie will focus on getting Rikers closed while reducing harm in every way possible for people there now, instead of trying to hide and justify its abuses.” Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member who 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.

Homelessness continues to be an ongoing social issue in New York City. (AP Photo/ John Minchillo; STRF/STAR MAX/IPx)

“Being able to look at the trends and the data is how we’re making sure that we are getting people the help that they need,” said Williams-Isom. The AmNews also raised the question of tracking instances when any restraint methods are used to move people into facilities that could be potentially traumatizing. “New York City Police Department members are acutely aware of this longstanding, highly complex issue and are proud to be part of the significant advances already being made in our city,” said Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Edward Caban in a statement. “We work closely with our many partners each day and night to ensure that all New Yorkers, especially our city’s most vulnerable populations, can access the services they require and deserve. Essential to this vital undertaking is

the ongoing support and attention of our collective efforts.” People have been moved mostly to H+H hospitals such as Bellevue, Jacobi, South Brooklyn, Harlem, Queens, Metropolitan, Elmhurst, and Lincoln, according to the FOIL records. The city has partnered with the state and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to offer extended hospitalization to people brought in for care. Patients are being transferred to the state’s new Transition to Housing Unit. The city has now opened two Extended Care Units, at H+H/Kings County and at H+H/Bellevue. All H+H psychiatric beds that were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic will be brought back online by the end of 2023, bringing psychiatric capacity to 1,000 beds. In addition, since the launch of the Subway Safety Plan in February 2022, more than 6,100 New Yorkers have checked into shelters. Williams-Isom said that there are plans to open a new, hybrid low-barrier drop-in program near Jamaica Center in Queens in the coming weeks. Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member who writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/ amnews1.

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Ellen Holly, accomplished, barrier-breaking actress By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

Ellen Holly (Courtesy of publicist Cheryl Duncan)

As many of you know, this column each week is dedicated to rescuing rather obscure but remarkable Black Americans from obscurity. There have, however, been several occasions when a celebrity dies and we can depart from our normal process to let an obituary do double duty for the paper. The death of actress Ellen Holly on December 6 in the Bronx at Calvary Hospital, at 92, provides such a moment for reflection and condolence. First and foremost, Holly was a phenomenal actress whose role on the ABC soap opera, “One Life to Live,” was a breakthrough for an African American in a leading role on daytime television. She was born on January 16, 1931, in New York City, and “at the age of seventeen,” she noted in her memoir, “One Life: The Autobiography of an African American Actress,” “I moved into a world of professionals: actors, singers, dancers, playwrights, and poets. Each nursed some vision that could not be realized in the white world but could be nurtured in the hothouse of exploding Black creative energy…” It was during this period that she met Harry Belafonte. When the book was published in 1996, readers couldn’t wait to see what she had to say about her relationship with Belafonte, which, for the most part, was an off-and-on romance that ended up a bitter disappointment for her. At the end of the book, she wrote: “I will never defend the trivializing of Black women. It was wrong for Harry to treat Eartha Kitt and me like hookers.But that is a different issue. Where the central issue is concerned, I am quite clear about the fact that one of the freedoms I must help the Black man to secure, if that freedom is to have real meaning, is the freedom of a Harry Belafonte to choose not Black Ellen but White Julie as his Holy Grail if that is the quest his head and his heart compel him so

absolutely to undertake.” None of this was discussed in Belafonte’s memoir “My Song,” nor was her name mentioned. But back to the arc of Holly’s life and her student days at Hunter College, where she starred in such productions as Electra in “Daughters of Atreus”; Tituba in “The Crucible”; and the adolescent Olivia in Moss

Hart’s play, “Climate of Eden.” In 1956, Holly debuted on Broadway in a play by South African writer Alan Paton. The audience was not aware that she had darkened her light skin with a dye concocted by her chemist father. Despite the rave notices, she wrote in her autobiography, in audition after audition, she was

told she was too fair-skinned and too elegant to play a real Black woman. Holly got her most significant role as Carla Gray in 1968 in “One Life…” She was 37 and the part would be hers for 12 years and another two more years from 1983–85. She got this role as a result of a letter to the editor of the New York Times about the challenges a lightcomplexioned actress faced. Agnes Nixon, creator of the soap, created the role for Holly. Some of Holly’s mixed ancestry appears in “Pound for Pound,” a biography of Sugar Ray Robinson. Edna Mae Holly, Sugar Ray’s wife, was Ellen Holly’s younger cousin— and that’s just the middle of a very complicated family tree that, at some points, includes Sidney Poitier and Bishop James T. Holly, the first Black Episcopal bishop in America. According to Wikipedia, Holly’s great-great-grandfather was Sylvanus Smith, one of many leaders encouraging African American people to purchase land in Kings County, N.Y. (later known as the Weeksville Settlement). Her maternal aunt was Anna Arnold Hedgeman, a civil rights leader, politician, educator, and writer who served under President Harry Truman as executive director of the National Council for a Permanent Fair Employment Practices Commission. The issue of her color was of no consequence in Holly’s role in Spike Lee’s “School Daze” (1988), in which skin color is ironically a theme but has nothing to do with her character. Holly never married or had children, and other than her love affair with Belafonte, only the actor Roger Hill, her co-star on “One Life to Live,” is listed among her paramours. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. In the 1990s, according to her publicist, she took the civil service examination and became a librarian, serving as such for many years at the White Plains (N.Y.) Public Library. In her autobiography, she referred to her years there as some of the happiest of her life.

ACTIVITIES FIND OUT MORE The best source is Ellen Holly’s autobiography, which is quoted here. Contact with Cheryl Duncan will put you in touch with other reliable notices. DISCUSSION Some portions of Ellen Holly’s relationship with Harry Belafonte are divulged here, but there is much more about their romance in her autobiography. PLACE IN CONTEXT Having lived a long life and been a member of a prominent family, there is much that can be gleaned from Ellen Holly’s nearly a century among us.

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY December 10, 1971: Nobel Peace Prize recipient and notable diplomat Ralph J. Bunche died at New York Presbyterian Hospital. He was 67. December 11, 1872: PBS Pinchback was sworn in as the nation’s first Black governor, in Louisiana. He died in 1921 at 84. December 11, 1928: Blues singer Willia Mae “Big Mama” Thornton was born in Montgomery, Alabama She died in 1984.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

December14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 27

Menstrual equity

Reparations Bill

Continued from page 4

cups, a cost-effective alternative to pads, be included in city facilities that have to stock menstrual products. “Menstrual equity stands as a fundamental pillar of gender justice in New York City,” said Farias in a statement. “Access to menstrual hygiene products is not merely a matter of personal convenience, which far too few women have access to—it is a matter of dignity, health, and equality. The ability to manage menstruation with dignity and without financial burden is an essential aspect of ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of gender, which is a key component of our bill package.” Speaker Adrienne Adams added that expanding equitable access to menstrual products is definitely a priority. Despite the menstrual equity bills passed in 2016, many girls still do not have access to menstrual products because many begin menstruation before sixth grade, said Adams. She pointed out that one of Farias’s bills was prompted by a young girl in her district in Southeast Jamaica, Queens. She affectionately referred to it as Sydney’s Law. The bills have been well-received and commended as a win for menstrual equity, with support from the mayor’s office and other advocate groups. “The NYC Commission on Gender Equity is committed to advancing genderequitable policies for our city, and menstrual equity is a critical component of gender and racial equity,” said NYC Chief Equity Officer and Commissioner Sideya Sherman, from the mayor’s equity office, in a statement. “Many people, especially marginalized people who experience poverty [or] housing insecurity, or are justiceinvolved, also experience period poverty, or the lack of access to menstrual products, related education, or a safe space to manage their menstrual cycle.” Menstrual activist Cece Jones-Davis said that the passage of these bills by a womenled City Council is “badass and revolutionary, to say the least.” She began her work in activism back in 2014 after learning about the local and global impact of period poverty. At the time, she said, there weren’t a lot of Black women advocating despite being one of the most affected groups. She’s ecstatic about the progress that’s been made for Black and brown people who menstruate. “This legislation, championed by four women of color, underscores the fact that details really do matter,” said Jones-Davis. “It matters how we talk about an experience common to so many human beings. It matters that nobody is left out—regardless of identity, age, race, socio-economics, or where a person is incarcerated…More than 800,000 people across the world are menstruating on any given day. It matters that we are as thoughtful and inclusive and detailed as possible about honoring peo-

ple’s right to dignity and healthy menstrual management.” Jones-Davis said that the language, in particular, is important to destigmatizing menstruation. The “hygiene” part of feminine hygiene products suggests that there’s something “unhygienic” or “unclean” in religious notions about menstruation, she said. She loves the idea of changing the words to make the topic easier to talk about. The 2023 State of the Period is a study from Thinx and an organization called PERIOD tracking the impact of period poverty. It reports that there’s better communication about the often-taboo subject of menstruation; however, lower-income teens, as well as Black and Hispanic teenagers, are less likely to feel comfortable about dealing with periods at school and adults in their communities “are less likely to feel comfortable communicating about periods.” “There [are] certainly family trends that are linked to demographic trends about period stigma,” said Michela Bedard, PERIOD’s executive director. “Period stigma isn’t something that’s just in the overall culture. It can be within families and tradition. If it is not spoken about openly to you, from caregivers or family members, at a young age, you may be unlikely to bring it up.” De La Rosa concurred that reproductive cycles are still a “taboo topic,” which does a great disservice to young people who must face this central experience of their health and human experience in the dark. “No one, especially our city’s youth, should grow up without the materials and education to address their health in a comfortable and supportive setting,” said De La Rosa. “We welcome the NYC Council being so progressive in addressing menstrual equity in their institutions and hope this is a blueprint for other city councils and states to follow,” said Ina Jurga, founder and international coordinator of Menstrual Hygiene Day, the largest campaign in menstrual health and hygiene, via email. “Menstruation is no choice—and providing menstrual products should be treated the same as providing free toilet paper to all." Her organization, which began in 2014 and is based in Berlin, Germany, doubly supports the legislation and changing the language about period stigma. Jurga said that the term “menstrual products” is already standard in places like the UK, and has been promoted by retailers and pharmacies like Boots, Asda, and Aldi. Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member who writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

at the NYCLU’s Financial District offices to discuss next steps, given the looming deadline and potential for a “pocket veto” if the governor does not address the measure by the new year. Attendees included Lander, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Long Island Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, who sponsors the State Assembly’s corresponding version of the bill. The measures A7691/S1163A would address “the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery in the City of New York and the State of New York” through a reparations commission similar to the one California established in 2020. Such a task force would examine the state’s historical role in profiting from chattel slavery and what measures it could take to “reverse such injuries.” During the symposium, Sanders hoped “Santa” Hochul would bring the gift of a first step toward statewide reparations and reminded her that Black New Yorkers made up the most steady voter base for a Democratic governor. “We want to be able to brag about this governor…we look forward to telling people that they have a reason to vote, and this certainly gives them a reason to vote,” said Sanders. “Sometimes they vote with their feet, sometimes their feet lead them

to a voting booth, sometimes [they don’t].” Solages advised applying pressure for Hochul to sign the bill, asking proponents to call her office. She added that the commission’s creation would only be the first step. “I truly believe we can get the whole piece of the pie,” she said. “We don’t need to dilute the vision.” Divine Pryor, a spokesperson for Hazel Dukes, said the NAACP New York State had reservations about how the proposed committee would handle upstate Black New Yorkers and dissenting Black voices opposing reparations. Williams called reparations a no-brainer, pointing to the history of nearby Wall Street, where a slave market was once held, as evidence of the state’s quiet complicity. He also dismissed the current debate about who should receive reparations as a distraction intended to shut down the conversation. “There’s always something you need to deal with,” said Williams. “The ancestors dealt with more.” Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member who 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.

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28 • December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023

Education

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

College bound teens get educated about financial literacy Admission Director Sophea So-Sainsurin and financial aid team meet with Harlem teens about next step after high school on December 5, 2023 (Sherica Daley Photos)

By SHERICA DALEY Special to the AmNews Getting ready for college can be a daunting prospect for many students, but the recent College and Career Pathways: Get-toKnow Guttman Community College event, in partnership with the New York Public Library (NYPL) College and Career Pathways Initiative, provided guidance for those seeking help. The session was held at the new Macomb’s Bridge Library Teen Center, which opened in January of 2020, caters to teens ages 13–18, and is dedicated to being a vibrant space for the city’s teens to meet, socialize, and connect. The teens met with Guttman Community College President Larry D. Johnson, Admission Director Sophea So-Sainsurin, and the financial aid team, who spoke about the next step after high school. “Our goal is to provide teens across New York City with knowledge about all of their options after high school, and [let them] know that CUNY, including Guttman Community College, is a high-quality, affordable option,” explained Rachel Roseberry, associate di-

rector of Young Adult Program & Services at the NYPL. The school representatives introduced students to the Guttman admission process by completing applications and focusing on deadlines. “Now you are entering adulthood, so you have to be responsible for getting things done,” So-Sainsurin told the attendees. She went in-depth about the documents needed to apply for early and regular admission to Guttman for the next academic semester. The teens were introduced to the campus life and the programs that Guttman offers. First is the Woman of Gratitude, Resilience, Integrity, and Talent mentorship program, a social group open to women and women-identified students, with a focus on being a support system for women of all races and gender identities. Guttman also offers the United Men of Color Program mentorship program, which was founded to help men of all minorities overcome enrollment and meet the ultimate goal of graduation. The most crucial part of the session was about financial aid through a detailed walkthrough of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA). Students were given a break-

Teens receive free giveaways in swag bags on December 5, 2023

down about resources such as Pell Grants, TAP, and WorkStudy. Financial aid representatives went into detail about what is required, the documents needed from legal guardians, deadlines, and the need to complete the financial aid package every year. Guttman Community College Financial Aid also provides on-site assistance at financial.aid@guttman.cuny.edu. Johnson’s visit was part of a tour of Harlem to reach out to the teens in the community, visiting all the branches in Harlem, ending with Macombs Library. “I wanted to build more press and exposure for the college. I wanted to get the Guttman name out there,” said Johnson. The event ended with teens receiving a fun swag bag filled with T-shirts, flags, stationery, and hoodies. “The teens enjoyed hearing about the campus life that Guttman has to offer,” said Anisha Hoffman, senior librarian at the Teen Center at Macombs Library.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Afrodescendants Continued from page 2

their heritage and critically evaluated. “In seven countries in the region, it is possible to compare the census figures for the 2000s with the census figures for the 2010s,” ECLAC’s report notes. “In six of these countries, the Afrodescendent population has increased, in both absolute and relative terms, at a higher growth rate than that of the national population (Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Honduras, the exception being Colombia). Although fertility and mortality are the main components of a country’s population growth, they fail to explain the high growth of the Afrodescendent population between one census and the next because, although the fertility rate among Afrodescendants tends to be higher

Health

Continued from page 16

speak properly, she said. “There are deep harms that are associated with this that go beyond what it might look like at the surface, which is like, ‘I put on some high heels and I put on some lipstick.’” Jeymie Luna Roldán, 45, also participated in the survey. She thinks her previous lack of health insurance or her imperfect English contributed to her bad experiences at the doctor’s office. She spoke to the AP in Spanish. “In my case, I’m Latina, so when I have an appointment, I have to dress up a little—put on earrings, makeup—so that they don’t see me in my work clothes,” said Roldán, of Lake Worth, Florida. “There’s a saying that goes, ‘Como te miro, te trato.’” That translates to: “You're treated how you look.” Despite high percentages of people

than among the rest of the population, it is still relatively low. Thus, a significant part of this growth has to be the result of increased Afrodescendent self-identification, which itself reflects the mobilization and growing political role of the Afrodescendent population whose demands are emerging from the democratic recovery.” The term “Afrodescendants” was created by Latin American social movements during a WCAR preparatory conference in Santiago de Chile in December 2000. The countries with the largest Afrodescendant populations in Latin America are Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. Generally, though, all Latin American countries have Afrodescendant populations. This year, the U.N. tried to have nations implement three principles concerning

Afrodescendants: dignity, freedom, and justice. But these principles were not entirely fulfilled.

saying they prepare for insults or feel their appearance can influence how they are treated at the doctor’s, 93% said they have not felt they were treated unfairly or with disrespect in a healthcare setting because of their race or ethnic background in the past three years. But there were still wide differences among racial groups. Asians and Hispanics were three times more likely to say they had been treated badly in a healthcare setting because of their race than white respondents and Black respondents were six times more likely. Beyond the doctor’s office, 58% of American Indians and Alaska Natives, 54% of Black respondents, 50% of Hispanics, and 42% of Asians said they experienced at least one type of discrimination in daily life at least a few times in the past year. That includes getting poorer service at stores and restaurants; being threatened, harassed, or treated like they are not smart; or being criti-

cized for speaking a language other than English. While this shows health care is just one of the settings where discrimination is persistent, Bryant said, being treated with disrespect at a car dealership or profiled at a department store poses a different type of risk. A dismissive cardiologist not ordering the right tests because a patient doesn’t “look the part” is potentially more dangerous. “The consequences in health care are really striking and very frightening, honestly. [It’s vital] to understand what people need to do to be taken seriously, to be seen as a whole person,” Bryant said. “I think these data really speak to that.”

A decade without concrete results The U.N. Decade for People of African Descent, decreed in 2014, is coming to an end in 2024 and it has gone almost unnoticed because its implementation has been disastrous. Here are a few observations: During the previous Brazilian government headed by then-President Jair Bolsonaro, Afro Brazilians suffered persecution, assassinations, and prohibitions of their ancestral religious practices. In Colombia during the Iván Duque and Álvaro Uribe administrations, the vast majority of the almost 200 massacres were carried out in Afro Colombian territories, provoking massive displacement because of confrontations between the guerrillas, paramilitaries, and

AP video journalist Mary Conlon contributed to this report. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 29 the army. In Honduras during the previous government of Juan Orlando Hernández, the Garifuna people were dispossessed of their land and, alongside the eco-militant leader Berta Cáceres, have fought to keep it from being transformed into a space for the drug trafficking trade. Today Juan Orlando Hernandez is in prison for drug trafficking in the U.S. Afrodescendants in Latin America live mostly below the poverty line. This situation will worsen in 2024, because they generally have no access to education and, if they have it, it is of low quality as shown by institutional indicators. Those most affected are Black children and Black women who are mostly heads of households. We must reconsider the issue of human rights for Afrodescendants in Latin America in these troubled times of war, climate crisis, migration, and xenophobia.

Teamsters Continued from page 10

blaring with examples of harm and hate throughout the world that were previously unimaginable or hopefully, never to be revisited again, have changed many things. There’s a “new normal” that is anything but normal. The devastating and continuing impact on lives and livelihoods would probably be on everyone’s list of “to end” and the wish to move on to a better time. Returning to traditions where predictions, resolutions, and prayers have a place, even for a brief moment, gives us a much-needed respite from the chaos, and even a chance that they could last. Resolutions are anything but resolute, but wouldn’t it be great if they were? Gregory Floyd is president of Teamsters Local 237 and vice president at-large of the General Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

30 • December 14 2023 - December 20, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Religion & Spirituality

Lord Graceful Malik Allah Brother Joshua Nasir Farrakhan joins the ancestors returns to the essence By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews

By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews

On Sunday, Nov. 19, several Aalikes and friends gathered at Harlem’s Erudite Academy to reflect on the legacy of street scholar and native Brooklynite Lord Graceful Malik Allah-64, who had returned to the essence on September 9 at his Bronx home. Ever since the mid-1970s, he had devoted his life to researching hardto-find info about Black heritage, and freely disseminating his findings to the general public. For many years, he could be found at various libraries and bookstores in New York City, researching archived newspapers and magazines, as well as vintage documentaries, regarding Black history and heritage. He visited Harlem’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture consistently. That’s where he became acquainted with its national membership chair, poet Maya Angelou, during the 1990s, who was so impressed with his research that she called him the Chancellor of Black Journalism. Vintage Lord Graceful Malik Allah reflection at his Lord Graceful was very unselfish native Bed Stuy, Brooklyn home. (Photo courtesy with the info he unearthed, comof Yameeka Earth) piling and sharing it in his monthly no-fee journal, Food for Thought. At the dawn of the new millennium, he began ghettos at the time. conducting in-person lectures at Long “Lord Graceful is my big bro, mentor, and Island University and similar platforms, educator in all aspects of life,” reflected speaking about numerous subjects rang- Blackseed Allah, whose family grew up with ing from Black history to conspiracy theo- Malik in Bed-Stuy. “He’s a great researcher ries and current events. of the 5% Nation of Gods & Earths, and a “Graceful knew the history of the Garvey- righteous Blackman.” ites, Moors, Nation of Islam, Five PercentMalik collected volumes of literature on ers, hip hop, you name it,” recalled K.O.S. & various subjects, including chattel slavery Effect Allah. “He had knowledge on lots of in the United States, cultures and religions subjects relevant to us.” relevant to Americanized-Africans, and the He’d often be found on Harlem’s 125th dangers of eating grafted foods. He also had Street, engaging in lively conversations respect from the halls of academia, thanks with people from various walks of life. He to building alliances with African scholarbegan his journey in Brooklyn’s Bedford warriors like Dr. Ben and Dr. Leonard JefStuyvesant, educating many local youths fries, among others. during the late-1970s about the Islamic culRemembered in Perfection 7! ture, which was prevalent in New York City’s

A grand celebration of life was conducted on November 25 at Chicago’s Mosque Maryam for Brother Joshua Nasir Farrakhan, the 64-yearold son of Nation of Islam (NOI) leader Minister Louis Farrakhan and his wife Khadijah, who joined the ancestors on November 18 after “suffering a massive heart attack after being taken to the hospital for chest pains,” revealed a report on finalcall.com. A host of friends, relatives, and NOI members attended the janazah (funeral) service. “Josh, Joshi, Joshua was loved by so many,” said Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad, national assistant to Minister Farrakhan, at the service. “Do you know why? It is because his heart was good. If his heart was dark, he couldn’t be loved by so many.” He recalled Joshua helping his father resurrect the NOI in 1977, two years after its previous leader, Elijah Muhammad, passed. “[ Joshua] made invaluable contributions to the Nation. He was there before [many] of us!” Muhammad recalled. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 25, 1959, Joshua attended Chicago’s Kenwood Academy High School and Muhammad University of Islam. He married

Elijah’s daughter, Marie, in 1978, resulting in six children. “Nothing really prepares us for death,” Muhammad said, “but faith and belief in Allah gives us the spirit to handle a loss of a loved one. Each of us are on this Earth on borrowed time. What are we doing with our time?” He added that Joshua was “a kind and generous man” who struggled with “internal and external forces,” but “all of us stand in need of God’s mercy and his forgiveness.” He then urged those in attendance not to judge others. The janazah prayer was recited in Arabic by NOI Student National Imam Sultan Muhammad. Immediately after the service, a caravan of vehicles trekked 62 miles to Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo, Michigan. When the casket was lowered into the ground, Joshua’s father graced it with some soil. Brother Joshua Nasir Farrakhan is survived by his parents; eight siblings; eight sons: Joshua Jr. (Anne), Elijah, Louis (Kristy), Fard, Muhammad, Amey, Khalifah, and Sharrieff; his youngest daughter, Olivia Bender; and a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his daughter Melia and brother Louis Farrakhan Jr.

“Nothing really prepares us for death, but faith and belief in Allah gives us the spirit to handle a loss of a loved one.”

HAVE YOUR LOVED ONES MEMORIALIZED IN THE AMSTERDAM NEWS’ OBITUARY SECTION. FOR MORE INFO EMAIL: William.Atkins@amsterdamNews.com

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

International Continued from page 2

closed in the next six years to limit warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels as agreed to in the 2015 Paris Agreement. ISRAEL SIGNS UP AFRICAN YOUTH FOR FARM JOBS AMIDST ONGOING WAR (GIN)—Thousands of young Malawians are packing their bags for a chance to make serious money in Israel working on farms and orchards. Some 15,000 Palestinian workers recently lost their jobs when they were barred from entering the occupied West Bank. “If I’m successful going to Israel, I will gain a lot of experience and possibly open my own farm,” said Blessings Kanyimbo, a young applicant. “It’s everyone’s dream to acquire capital.” An article in Malawi’s The Nation newspaper, quoting the Israeli ambassador, Michael Lotem, called the deal a “win-win” for both countries. Malawian President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera is reportedly planning to send more young people who will get paid $1,500 a month—a fortune in a country struggling with inflation and poor management of the economy. Israeli recruitment agents have been advertising for people aged 25 to 35. Chikumbutso Mtumodzi, director of Information in Malawi defended the transfer. The young people will be engaged in agricultural activities, which is part of the labor export, a private sector-driven initiative with the Malawi government coming in as a regulator of labor-related issues, he said. “When they go there, they are also paid,” stressed Mike Ching’amba, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources lecturer. “They are not just going there for internship and work. They get paid.” Sounds good? Kondwani Nankhumwa, leader of the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party doesn’t think so. Nankhumwa, speaking in parliament, questioned the secrecy of the deal, which he described as “an evil transaction.” “[The] government has gone into such an agreement with Israeli companies when it is fully aware that there is war. No sane parent can send his or her child to work in a country that is at war,” Nankhumwa told journalists after. Leaders of the Defenders Coalition and Center for Social Accountability and Transparency, among other groups, have demanded that the Malawian government release the agreement under which the recruitment drive is happening. Authorities from the two countries have made assurances that the recruits will not be involved in warfare. But some are wondering if Malawi can repatriate its citizens if anything goes wrong as the war continues. “Anything can happen anywhere but we are assured [by Israel] that the same level of safety that is being accorded to Israelis will be accorded to Malawian citizens,” said Moses Kunkuyu, a government spokesman. Victor Chipofya, a political science lecturer at Blantyre International University, was not

satisfied. “Everybody, including Thai(GIN photo) land, is pulling out their people from Israel,” he told Al Jazeera by phone. “How come Malawi is the only country taking our people to Israel? These are the questions that we’re supposed to be asking ourselves.” According to the Israeli diplomat, foreign workers are needed to plug the gap created by 350,000 Israelis recruited into the military. This left a gap in some sectors, he said. In addition, Malawi faces a foreign exchange shortage that has disrupted businesses and led to the scarcity of essential commodities like fuel. The country is also experiencing a cost-of- summit to strike oil deals with foreign digliving crisis further exacerbated by the cen- nitaries. While regions like the EU have altral bank devaluing the national currency, the ready pledged to support a “phase out” kwacha, by 44% “to counter supply-demand agenda, the head of OPEC on Friday rallied imbalances.” members to oppose any resolution with the The deal with Israel is an attempt by the “phase out” wording. Chakwera government to create jobs for its The Climate Conference of the Parties young people—half of Malawi’s 19 million (known as COP28) marks the first time the people are 18 or below—and generate foreign summit debated food systems, with more than exchange. According to the authorities, only 9% 130 countries signing a resolution acknowledgof its 20 million people are formally employed. ing the impact of meat production on greenLast year, the U.S. came across with a $350 house gas emissions. million infrastructure grant from the MillenAfter a months-long effort by the youth-led nium Challenge Corporation (MCC) for the Food@COP campaign, Mariam Almheiri, the Government of Malawi. “This agreement United Arab Emirates environment minister, opens a new chapter in the partnership be- announced last month that two-thirds of the tween the United States and Malawi,” said food served at the event would be plant based. Secretary Antony Blinken, who chairs MCC’s “We know that our food systems are inboard of directors. trinsically linked to the fate of our natural The money is supposed to pay for the up- world, and so we have made the progressive grade of more than 300 miles of roads to con- decision to ensure that we explore how the nect farmers to markets and strengthen the catering provided across the event can be recountry’s land administration. sponsible and climate conscious,” Almheiri In a related development, Kenya’s Labor said in a press release. Ministry announced this week that the counThe resolution called on wealthier country will also send 1,500 farm workers to Israel tries to encourage citizens to eat less meat as to be employed on three-year renewable one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions contracts earning $1,500 per month. can be attributed to food, with meat and Dr. Ekuru Aukot, leader of Kenya’s Thirdway dairy accounting for the lion’s share while Alliance party, questioned President William providing just 18% of the world’s calories. Ruto’s jobs policy. He told the news agency Meat and dairy production are also leading Semafor Africa that the president’s focus on causes of deforestation, biodiversity loss, panjobs abroad was an indictment of his adminis- demic risk and water pollution. tration’s “failure to create jobs which he promDespite the “long overdue” conversation, ised during his campaign in 2022,” further as one expert said, it’s unlikely that developed warning that the policy could deprive Kenya’s nations like the U.S. will actually implement workforce of energetic, young talent. the recommendations. In addition, the decision to send farm workOther observers argued the proposals “ignore ers to Israel during the conflict was “irrespon- the complexity of food systems,” including sible.” Both Malawi and Kenya, however, insist issues like power imbalances, industrial food that workers will be sent to safe areas. production, and climate change’s disproportionate effect on the Global South. NEXT CLIMATE CONFAB WILL EXPLORE THE Meat and dairy are driving the climate NEGATIVES OF EATING MEAT crisis. So why won’t world leaders at COP28 (GIN)—As the Dubai conference on climate do anything about it? winds up, some difficult issues may remain on Meanwhile, the next climate summit is althe table for future debates—namely fossil fuel ready shrouded in geopolitical controversy. controversies to geopolitical tensions. Per U.N. rules, COP29 should take place in The central debate among countries is Eastern Europe, but Russia has been blockwhether to “phase out” or “phase down” fossil ing all EU member bids over their opposifuels. Despite their known impact on cli- tion to the war in Ukraine. mate change, debates on the future of fossil The frontrunner is now Azerbaijan, but fuels only became a fixture at the summit at critics say that a Baku summit will only be COP26 in Glasgow two years ago. another win for petrostates. And as AzerbaiThe issue has become more contentious jan builds stronger ties with Russia, many under the UAE Presidency, with the state are worried that Moscow’s own energy goals oil company chief allegedly using this year’s will dominate the conference.

December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 31

Alabama Continued from page 10

their labor. Even after the leasing program was outlawed, the state worked inmates in chain gangs that employed them on public works projects for years. This new class action lawsuit aims to stop Alabama from prolonging the imprisonment of inmates and force it to grant all eligible paroles, as well as compensate workers who have been exploited. A few of the lawsuit plaintiffs sent audio and video statements for the press call. Lakiera Walker said that when she was imprisoned, she worked at a SouthEastern Meats warehouse: “It was a freezer. We worked from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., 12 hours a day, with no sufficient clothing to accommodate this job. Some days, you were freezing, freezing cold. It was between 30 and 40 degrees inside. And if you didn’t work, you would risk going back to the prison or getting a ‘disciplinary.’” Walker worked like this for years, she said, because, like others, she didn’t want to jeopardize her chances of being able to see her family during visitations, receive phone calls, or visit the canteen. “You did what you had to do to survive. And I did that for 15 years. And I just—I want it to be different. I’m out, but my heart is still there with my friends and family who have to suffer and try to get through it.” Plenty of inmates in ADOC want to speak out about the forced work conditions they face, but they fear retaliation, she added. Alimireo English, a plaintiff who has been incarcerated for 13 years, said one reason the imprisoned remain behind bars is because their labor benefits prison staff. “Inmates and maintenance have keys to [the] gates and doors, work 12 to 14 hours, and still be on call, getting paid only peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches and leftovers from their supervisor’s lunch,” he said. “I personally oversee an entire dorm of 190 men [who were] being looted, robbed, and abused before I took over and implemented structure and began enforcing the rules of the faith dorm…, which I also helped rewrite this year. My work allows the prison administration to use their limited staff to [take care of] the more unstructured dorms or give relief and days off for the stressed employees.” RWDSU, one of the labor unions that joined the lawsuit, termed this case a fight for social and economic justice that merges with a fight for racial justice. “What’s happening in Alabama is one of the most egregious violations of the rights of Black workers happening today, incarcerated or not,” said Adam Obernauer, RWDSU’s director of organizing. “When workers cannot control and sell their labor or wage, then it is slavery––period. But let me be crystal clear: Forced and unpaid labor is never acceptable. Alabama’s shameful modern-day slavery scheme is a clear violation of human rights. When labor is owned by others, rather than the workers [who] produce the labor, they’re simply unable to attain rights owed to them in this country.”

32 • December 14 2023 - December 20, 2023

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100 101 PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, Plaintiff -against- ADEWALE GEORGE, ENATA GEORGE, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 25, 2023 and entered June 1, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on January 4, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. premises 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 undivided 0.00986400000% interest in the common elements. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37. Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY. Approximate amount of lien $38,780.17 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850060/2022. PAUL R. SKLAR, 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 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff -against- JEFFREY A. HILLS, PATRICIA E. HILLS, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 7, 2023 and entered on April 10, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on January 3, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, 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 .015838% 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. Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY. Approximate amount of lien $17,683.86 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850073/2020. DORON LEIBY, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. FELIX R. SANCHEZ, NYC PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU, NYC TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, NYC ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SERVICES, CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK SUPREME COURT, Defts. - Index # 850098/2018. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 8, 2003, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse located at 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided .09864% 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 $12,839.39 plus costs and interest as of October 26, 2017. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY. SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. CARL T. ANDERSON, PATRICIA ANN ANDERSON, NY STATE OF TAXACTION AND FINANCE, NYC TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, Defts. - Index # 850400/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 9, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.0519144314871446% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as HC SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the America, New York, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $75,344.14 plus costs and interest as of August 15, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

101 LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK HNY CLUB SUITES OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff -against- WILLIAM D. VONVOSS, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 18, 2023 and entered on July 20, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on January 10, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant undivided 1.4182% common interest percentage. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442513 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1303. Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, UNIT HU2, NEW YORK, NY. Approximate amount of lien $17,119.13 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850042/2020. TOM KLEINBERGER, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. MARTIN J. COYNE, Defts. - Index # 850415/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 9, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse located at 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 11, 2024, 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 $132,551.49 plus costs and interest as of August 16, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Matthew D. Hunter III, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY. SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. JULIA FAIRBANKS, Defts. - Index # 850419/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 9, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse located at 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 11, 2024, 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 $46,108.24 plus costs and interest as of August 16, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Matthew D. Hunter III, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY. SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. ALAN ROGER EFRON, MARGARET HOBLIT, Defts. - Index # 850175/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 9, 2003, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 8,000/28,402,100 tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as HNY CLUB SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the America, New York, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $69,746.92 plus costs and interest as of August 10, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Elaine Shay, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY. SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. KIM RENAYE NWAGWU, GORDIAH NWAGWU, Defts. - Index # 850402/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 9, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.00493200000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57TH STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $20,587.05 plus costs and interest as of August 10, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

101 LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK 21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION AS MASTER SERVICER FOR CHRISTIANA TRUST, A DIVISION OF WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB AS TRUSTEE FOR KNOXVILLE 2012 TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST JIN HUA LIN, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 19, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse in Room 130, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on January 10, 2024, at 2:15PM, premises known as 44-46 MARKET STREET, UNIT 10A, NEW YORK, NY 10002. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City, and State of New York., Block 274, Lot 1216. Approximate amount of judgment $831,930.17 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850085/2018. 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. Clark Whitsett, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19002279 77271 NOTICE is hereby given that a license, number 1356078 for liquor, wine, beer & cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, wine, beer & cider at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 1455 St Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10033, New York County for on premises consumption. Casa Latina Restaurant NYC LLC d/b/a Sofia Bar & Grill Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #23-149240 for beer, wine & liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine & liquor at retail in a restaurant under the ABC Law at 206 210 W 118th St., NYC 10026 for on-premises consumption; Legacy Hospitality Group LLC

NOTICE is hereby given that a license, number 1348260 for liquor, wine, beer & cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, wine, beer & cider at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 2014 29th Street, Astoria, NY 11105, Queens County for on premises consumption. PFE Group NY LLC d/b/a Queens Hidden Treasure

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

101 LEGAL NOTICES

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. SAIF A. AMAN, Defts. - Index # 850037/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 24, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 5,000/28,402,100 tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as HNY CLUB SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $32,542.31 plus costs and interest as of March 29, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Allison M. Furman, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

NOTICE OF SALE RSS CD2017-CD-4-NY T5B, LLC, A NEW YORK LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. THOR 50 BOND STREET LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on September 21, 2023, and an Order Substituting Plaintiff and Amending Judgment Caption Nunc Pro Tunc duly entered on October 25, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse, Room 130, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on January 17, 2024 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 50 Bond Street, Unit C-1, New York, NY 10019. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, Block 530 and Lot 1301 together with an undivided 14.00 percent interest in the Common Elements. Approximate amount of judgment is $10,995,481.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850068/2022. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. Jeffrey R. Miller, Esq., Referee Duane Morris, LLP, 1540 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, Attorneys for Plaintiff

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 2018 G-CTT, Plaintiff AGAINST Latasha O’Bryant; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 2, 2023 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at Room 130 at the Supreme Court, New York County, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on January 17, 2024 at 2:15PM, premises known as 297 West 137th Street, Unit No. 2574D a/k/a 2574D, Frederick Douglas Boulevard, New York, NY 10030. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, Block 2023 Lot 1114. Approximate amount of judgment $459,098.00 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 850120/2019. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the First Judicial District. Jeffrey R. Miller, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: August 30, 2023

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. JOHN THOMAS SHAPAKA and PATRICIA ADELE SHAPAKA, Defts. - Index # 850038/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated September 5, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 7,000/28,402,100 tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as HNY CLUB SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $10,845.39 plus costs and interest as of March 29, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Sofia Balile, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY. SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. JOSEPH G. DONOVAN, PATRICIA A. DONOVAN and BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF 57TH STREET VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Defts. - Index # 850217/2021. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 9, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided .015838% 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 $38,019.21 plus costs and interest as of May 5, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Roberta Ashkin, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY. SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. SEAN PATRICK FRANCIS, CATHERINE ELAINE FRANCIS and NYC TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, Defts. - Index # 850039/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 24, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 4, 2024, 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 $29,758.29 plus costs and interest as of March 29, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Allison M. Furman, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. MARIO ROMO AHUMADA and TAMMY ANN AHUMADA, Defts. - Index # 850408/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 9, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.00493200000% 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 $29,797.40 plus costs and interest as of August 11, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Roberta Ashkin, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. PATRICK FRANK ROSS and CARLA HENRIQUES-ROSS, Defts. - Index # 850403/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 9, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.00493200000% 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 $15,278.67 plus costs and interest as of August 15, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Roberta Ashkin, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

Notice of Qualification of FOCUSED RESEARCH ORGANIZATION FOR IMMUNOLOGY, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/31/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/05/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, Plaintiff -against- GEORGE FUBARA TOLOFARI, WOBIA ALEXANNEDRA TOLOFARI, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 6, 2023 and entered on June 7, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on January 3, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. premises 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 undivided .009864% interest in the common elements. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37. Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY. Approximate amount of lien $45,569.06 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850097/2022. CHRISTY M. DEMELFI, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF M. Perotti LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/08/2023. 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 her is: United States Corporation Agents, 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn NY 11228. The principal business address of the LLC is 320 W 38th Street, New York, NY 10018. GCW & Associates LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/29/2022. Office: NEW YORK County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. NIROLA GOLF LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/14/2023. Office: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to: UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC., 7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202, BROOKLYN, NY, 11228. Purpose: To teach golf or to engage in any lawful act.

Notice of Qualification of CORIO GENERATION USA LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/22/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/25/23. Princ. office of LLC: One Lincoln St., Ste. 2400, Boston, MA 02111. 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, Wilmington Office, 820 N. French St., 10th Fl., Wilmington, DE 19801. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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101 LEGAL NOTICES

NYS BOARD OF REGENTS VACANCY Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York, effective April 1, 2024, for one representative from Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schoharie, Sullivan, or Ulster County for a five- year term; one representative from Richmond County for a five-year term; and two at-large representatives for a five-year term. Additionally, effective immediately, one representative from Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, Onondaga, or Oswego County for the remaining two years of a five-year term, and one representative from Kings County for the remaining year of a five-year term. Positions are non-paid. A public interview process is required. The applicant must be a resident of New York State and, where applicable, one of the above-listed counties. Resumes must be submitted by January 22. Applicant must submit a resume to BOTH: NYS Assembly and Room 513, Capitol Albany, NY 12248 boardofregents@nyassembly.gov

NYS Senate Room 433, Capitol Albany, NY 12248 boardofregents@nysenate.gov

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff -against- ANYA SARA HORWITZ A/K/A ANYA SARA HORWITZ LYONS AS CO-EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF CRYSTAL M. HORWITZ, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 22, 2023 and entered on August 30, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on January 3, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, 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 .009864% 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. Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY. Approximate amount of lien $16,794.56 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850072/2020. GEORGIA PAPAZIS, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 Notice of Qualification of THE HEAVY JAMZ LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/23/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 07/05/23. Princ. office of LLC: 111 E. 10th St., #8, NY, NY 10003. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Jeffrey W. Bullock, Secy. of State DE, 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Crowdwork Hack LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/18/2023. Office: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 685 Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. CREEK CAPITAL, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/8/2023. Office: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to: 180 WATER ST APT 810, NEW YORK, NY 10038. Purpose: Any lawful act. MHO - My Humble Opinion LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/02/2023. Office: NEW YORK County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 200 E 62ND ST APT 16B, NEW YORK, NY 10065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of JDW SOCIAL, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/11/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: John David West, 536 W. 47th St., Apt. PHE, NY, NY 10036. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Qual. of MOSTLY TRUE FILMS LLC Auth. filed with SSNY on 09/21/2023. Office location: New York. LLC formed in TX on 06/08/2022. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to: 66 Leonard Street, New York, NY 10013. Arts. of Org. filed with TX SOS. P.O. Box 13697, Austin, TX 78711-3697. Any lawful purpose. Snackbasket LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/03/2023. Office: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to: MYCOMPANYWORKS, INC., 187 E. WARM SPRINGS RD. SUITE B, LAS VEGAS, NV, 89119. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of QBV CAPITAL LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/21/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated an agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 1 Union Square, South 210, New York City, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful act.

34 • December 14 2023 - December 20, 2023

101 LEGAL NOTICES

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

101 LEGAL NOTICES

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS IN THE 25TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF HAMPTON Case No.: 2023CP2500241 WILHELMINA RICE - Plaintiff vs. GENEVA WARE, JEANNETTE SMART GOINGS, ROBERT STINSON, JR., PRENETTA RICE, JAMES SAMUEL STINSON, SR., DERRICK STINSON, DEXTER STINSON, STEVE BRODUS WILLIAMS, all in their personal capacities and as heirs of the ESTATE OF FRANK DEVESE, JR.; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ESTATE OF FRANK DEVESE, JR; HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES “JIM” DEVESE; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES “JIM” DEVESE; HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MEDILEE DEVESE, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MEDILEE DEVESE, HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIE DEVESE; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIE DEVESE; THE HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTINE BAILEY DEVESE, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTINE BAILEY DEVESE, THE HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF JESSE DEVESE, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF JESSE DEVESE, THE HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF ALICE DEVESE STINSON, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF ALICE DEVESE STINSON, THE HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLIE DEVESE, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLIE DEVESE, THE HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MURRAY J. HALL, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MURRAY J HALL, THE HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF ALICE DEVESE, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ALICE DEVESE, and JOHN DOE, a class made up of all unknown parties who may have or claim some right, title, or interest in the property subject to this action, and Richard Roe, infants, insane persons and Incompetents being fictitious names, designating as a class any person, who may be an heir, devisee, widow, widower, assign, administrator, executor, personal representative, creditor, successor and issue, issue and alienee and all other persons or legal entities, known and unknown, owning, having and claiming any right, title and interest in the parcels of land described in the complaint herein or any part thereof; and JANE DOE, a class made up of all unknown parties who are in the United States military who may have or Claim some right, title, or interest in the subject property - Defendants SUMMONS: TO: THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE NAMED YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint herein, which was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Hampton County and to serve a copy of your Answer to the said Complaint upon the subscriber at his office, situated at Post Office box 1346, Orangeburg, South Carolina, 29116, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof upon you, exclusive of the day of such service. If you fail to answer the complaint within the time aforesaid, the Plaintiff will apply to the Court for the relief demanded therein. NOTICE OF FILING: TO: THE ABOVE – NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the original Summons and Complaint and in the above entitled action were filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Hampton County, South Carolina on August 11, 2023, the object and prayer of which is to obtain Declaratory Judgment/Quiet Title/Possession of real property located in Hampton County, South Carolina, and other relief as set forth in the Complaint. LIS PENDENS: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT an action has been or will be commenced in this Court upon Complaint of the above-named Plaintiff against the above-named Defendants and against the following property located in Hampton County: Property Address: The exact address is unknown but the property is in Hampton County, South Carolina. Case No. 2023LP25-00016. ORDER DIRECTING SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION: ON CONSIDERATION OF THE FOREGOING PETITION of Glenn Walters, Sr., on behalf of the Plaintiff(s), praying that an Order Directing Service of Process by Publication be granted in the cause of action referenced in the motion and it appearing that such procedure is both necessary and proper, IT IS ORDERED that service of the SUMMONS, LIS PENDENS, NOTICE OF FILING, GUARDIAN AD LITEM NOTICE NISI, ORDER DIRECTING SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION and NOTICE OF INTENT TO REFER in this action be made on each Defendant listed hereinabove, by publication in a newspaper of general circulation for Hampton County, South Carolina, or as most likely to give notice to Defendants; and IT IS ORDERED that publication be made at least once per week for three weeks in a newspaper of general circulation for Hampton County, South Carolina, or as most likely to give notice to Defendants. IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Mylinda D. Nettles, Hampton County Clerk of Court ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM AND ORDER OF PUBLICATION: Upon reading and filing the petition of the Plaintiff for the appointment of KOREY L. WILLIAMS, Esquire as Guardian Ad Litem Nisi and attorney for the unknown Defendants who are minors and unknown Defendants under legal disability, If any, herein collectively designated as John Doe, Richard Roe and Jane Doe, and it appearing that the names and addresses of such minors, or other persons under legal disability, if any, whether residents or non-residents of the State of South Carolina are unknown to the Plaintiff and cannot with reasonable diligence be ascertained, and that said KOREY L. WILLIAMS, Esquire is a suitable and competent person to understand and protect the rights and interest of said minor Defendants and others under legal disability, if any, and has no interest therein adverse to the interest of said minors or Defendants under disability, if any, and is not connected in business with Plaintiff in this action or with their counsel. IT IS, THEREFORE, ORDERED that the said KOREY L. WILLIAMS, Esquire, 450 Summers Avenue, Orangeburg, SC 29115, be, and he is hereby, designated and appointed guardian ad litem nisi for said unknown minor Defendants and those other Defendants under legal disability if any, herein collectively designated as John Doe, Richard Roe and Jane Doe and he is hereby authorized to appear and defend said action on behalf of said Defendants, unless said minor Defendants, other Defendants under legal disability, if any, or either of them shall within twenty (20) days after the service of a copy of this Order upon them, exclusive of the day of service, as herein provided, procure to be appointed a guardian ad litem for said minor Defendants or other Defendants under legal disability, if any, for the purposes of this action. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this Order shall be served upon unknown Defendants, unknown minor Defendants and other unknown Defendants under legal disability, if any, herein collectively designated as John Doe, Richard Roe and Jane Doe, by publication of such notice of this Order is required by law in a newspaper of general circulation published in Hampton County, South Carolina, once a week for three successive weeks as well as any other state or county known to Plaintiff. s/Mylinda D. Nettles, Hampton County Clerk of Court NOTICE OF NISI: TO: ALL DEFENDANTS, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, AND SUCH OF THE DEFENDANTS JOINED IN THE ABOVE ACTION WHO MAY BE INFANTS, INSANE PERSON AND INCOMPETENTS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there has been filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Orangeburg County, State of South Carolina, an Order, appointing for you as Guardian-ad-Litem, Nisi, Attorney KOREY L. WILLIAMS, whose address is 450 SUMMERS AVENUE, ORANGEBURG, SC 29115, which appointment shall become absolute upon the expiration of thirty (30) days following the last day of the publication of a copy of the filed Summons, Notice of Intent to Refer, and Notice Nisi, herein, unless you or someone in your behalf, on or before the above mentioned date, procure someone to be appointed as the Guardian-ad-Litem to represent you and your interest in the above entitled action. NOTICE OF INTENT TO REFER: TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that upon the expiration of thirty (30) days following the service of a copy of the Notice of Filing Complaint, Summons, Lis Pendens, Notice of Order Appointing Guardian Ad Litem, Notice of Intent to Refer, and Order of Publication herein upon you, the Plaintiff, through her undersigned attorney, will appear before the Honorable Presiding Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Hampton, State of South Carolina, and will move His Honor for an Order, referring the above entitled matter to the Master in Equity for Hampton County, with finality of authority, and for any appeal to be taken from the Final Judgment and Decree of the Master of Equity for Hampton County, shall be directly to the Supreme Court of South Carolina. /s/ Glenn Walters, Sr. Esquire_____ GLENN WALTERS, Sr., Esquire Post Office Box 1346, Orangeburg, SC 29116 Phone: 803 531-8844 Attorney for Plaintiff Dated: 08/11/2023 - At Orangeburg, SC

Notice of Formation of WEST 48 MASTER TENANT LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/10/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 7 Penn Plaza, Ste. 600, NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Jeffrey Levine at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of WILLETS TRIANGLE HOUSING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/09/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 30 Hudson Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of HabSchu Holdings, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/21/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 311 11th Ave., Apt. 5306, NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Attn: Brian Haber at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of TET FIFTH AVENUE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/05/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 6400 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22182. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: To own and hold real estate investments.

101 LEGAL NOTICES

Notice of Qualification of RGNMCA ITHACA I, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/01/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/27/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporataion 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., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of (C)worthy, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/14/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/05/23. Princ. office of LLC: 1909 Broadway, Ste. 200, Boulder, CO 80302. 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, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Charitable and scientific purposes.

Notice of Formation of 163 CSTREET LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/21/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 121 Varick St., 4th Fl., NY, NY 10013. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Qualification of RGNMCA BOWMANSVILLE I, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/26/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/25/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Qualification of STRENTA PHILANTHROPIC GRANTING SERVICES, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/27/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 11/10/20. Princ. office of LLC: 600 Brickell Ave., Ste. 1720, Miami, FL 33131. 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, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Qualification of SUGAR FOODS LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/01/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 09/18/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity. WORKSHOP DIGITAL LLC. Arts of Org filed SSNY 10/13/23, NY Co. SSNY desig. agent for process & shall mail to: US Corp Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave, #202, BK, NY 11228. Purpose: General.

AC TAXPROS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 8/07/2023. Office: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to: 157-16 45th Avenue, 1st floor, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: Any lawful act. Notice of formation of Hagley's West 137 Management LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 5/11/2023. Office: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to: 226 West 136th St, Apt 1R, New York, NY 10030. Purpose: Any lawful act. Notice of Formation of TrayScapes LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/25/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Kent Beatty & Gordon, LLP, 11 Times Sq., 10th Fl., NY, NY 10036. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of 17 EAST 70TH HOLDINGS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/28/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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Columbia alum Camille Zimmerman wins gold with USA Basketball By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews On December 3, Columbia University Class of 2018 graduate Camille Zimmerman won a gold medal with USA Basketball’s 3x3 Team at the AmeriCup held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The final was a dramatic 21–20 win over Brazil. Playing alongside WNBA standouts, Katie Lou Samuelson, Kelsey Mitchell and Dearica Hamby (2022 WNBA Champion), Zimmerman played a valuable role throughout the tournament, especially since she has had extensive 3x3 experience this year. Three years ago, Zimmerman, Columbia’s all-time leader in scoring and rebounds, got involved in a 3x3 pilot program that had the objective of growing the game in the U.S. It debuted in the Olympics in 2021 with the U.S. team winning gold. “I fell in love with 3x3,” said Zimmerman. “Luckily, I got called up for USA [Basketball] a couple of times in the first one or two years. Then, this past season I got to play the whole pro circuit with USA and then got called for AmeriCup.” The 3x3 game is different from the 5x5 game of basketball played in the college and pro worlds. It is played on a halfcourt and play is continuous. The first

team to score 21 points is victorious. If the time ends before a team reaches 21, the team with the higher score wins. Coaches are not on the court. Players in 3x3 have to stay involved every moment, Zimmerman said. She even gets to use “a little bit of my Ivy League brain” figuring out strategies. “It’s really cool to play [with these WNBA players],” said Zimmerman. “They’re very skilled. This group was probably the most skilled players I’ve ever gotten to be with. … It was pretty cool seeing how they handled themselves. Getting to play with them is awesome.” Zimmerman has played 5x5 professionally overseas since graduating from Columbia, and probably will do so again this winter. If her AmeriCup play leads to a WNBA tryout, she certainly would be happy. Most importantly, she has her sights set on representing the U.S. in the 3x3 tournament at the Olympics. “If I had the ability to play in the Olympics, that is what I am going full force for right now,” said Zimmerman. “Even if it’s a 1% chance, I’m…going to work as hard as I can to pursue that dream. … My current pursuit is getting as good as I can at 3x3 skillswise, knowing the game so I can be a coach on the floor.”

The victorious U.S. women’s team at the 3x3 AmeriCup. (USA Basketball photo)

St. John’s and Fordham to meet at Madison Square Garden this Saturday St. John’s Jordan Dingle releases a jumper and scores 17 points versus Sacred Heart in the Red Storm’s 85-50 win on December 6 (Redstormsports.com photo)

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor When Rick Pitino took over as the head coach of the St. John’s Red Storm men’s basketball program last March, the 2013 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame inductee vowed to make Madison Square Garden their de facto home and restore it to a semblance of the prominence attained in decades past under legendary coaches Joe Lapchick, Frank McGuire and Lou Carnesecca. The Red Storm are in the rebuilding stage in Pitino’s first season and will be at the Garden this Saturday to battle another New York program, the Fordham Rams. St. John’s enters the match up 6–3 after an 86–80 loss to former Big East Conference rival Boston College on the road. The Eagles are now in the Atlantic Coast Conference, having moved there in 2005. Following their game against Fordham, St. John’s will begin their tough Big East schedule versus Xavier at Carnesecca Arena on the school’s Jamaica, Queens campus. Currently, there are three Big East teams ranked in the top 10 in the country—UConn (No. 5), Marquette (No. 7) and

Creighton (No. 8). St. John’s was picked to place fifth in the conference in the preseason coaches’ poll, in large part based on Pitino’s track record. The Rams, guided by second-year head coach Keith Urgo, who came to Fordham’s Bronx Rose Hill campus in 2022 after 10 years as the associate head coach for Penn State, have started this season 5–5 and finished last season 25–8, making it to the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament semifinals, in which they lost to Dayton. The core of St. John’s team consist of transfers, including Jordan Dingle, last year’s Ivy League Player of the Year at the University of Pennsylvania, guard Daniss Jenkins, who came with Pitino from Iona after the pair won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title last season, and highly sought after forward Chris Ledlum, who played three years at Harvard. The Red Storm’s leading scorer (17.9) and rebounder (10.6), center Joel Soriano, is a holdover and fifth year senior who transferred to St. John’s after playing two years for Fordham. He was a preseason First Team All Big East selection. Pitino has been blunt about the Red

Storm’s collective deficiencies, particularly on the defensive end. “We are not going to win until we get committed to defense,” he said after his team squandered a 10-point second half lead to Boston College. “And this group is not.” Pitino angrily underscored his players’

overemphasis and reliance on offense. “It’s partially our fault. We recruited offensive basketball players. [And are] trying to teach 23-year-olds about defense and it cost us tonight…We’re trying to win with offense and you can’t win with offense. So we’re disappointed. Very disappointed.”

38 • December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 In his new role coming off of the bench, Knicks guard Quentin Grimes scored a season high 19 points against the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. (Bill Moore photo)

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

The Knicks reconfigure their lineup with Mitchell Robinson sidelined By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor The Knicks have entered a perilous period of their season. In the race for one of the top six seeds in the Eastern Conference to guarantee a playoff spot and avoid the NBA play-in tournament that is composed of the 7 to 10 seeds, the Knicks began a four-game, six-day Western Conference road trip last night (Wednesday) facing the Utah Jazz. They will also play the Phoenix Suns (tomorrow), Los Angeles Clippers (Saturday) and Los Angeles Lakers (Monday), before returning to New York to meet the Brooklyn Nets next Wednesday at the Barclays Center. After that, the Knicks will have two straight match ups at Madison Square Garden on December 23 and Christmas Day versus the Milwaukee Bucks. It’s still early in the season, with a little over 25% of games played, but a review of the standings reveals a highly competitive race in both the Eastern and Western Conferences that will likely remain tight over the next four months until the closing days of

the regular season. The Knicks were 13–9 and the No. 6 seed prior to playing the Jazz. But they went into the game without starting center Mitchell Robinson and he’ll be sidelined for the next 8–10 weeks recovering from ankle surgery. The 25-year-old 7-foot center injured his left ankle in the first half of the Knicks’ 133–123 loss to the Boston Celtics on the road last Friday. In this his sixth season in the league after being drafted by the Knicks in the second round (36th) in 2018, Robinson has emerged as one of the league’s best defenders and statistically the best offensive rebounder averaging 5.3 per game and 10.3 overall. “It’s hard when you lose a player like Mitch, but you don’t replace him with one guy,” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau prior to Monday’s 136–130 win over the Toronto Raptors at the Garden. “You replace him with everybody. That’s the way we’re approaching it. We feel strongly that we have more than enough. … We’re capable of playing great team defense. We’ve been an outstanding rebounding team the entire year.” Thibodeau has inserted Jericho Sims, a 2021 second round selection (58th) into the starting lineup and kept Isaiah Hartenstein as a key reserve to maintain continuity. However, the veteran coach began having guard Quentin Grimes come off the bench

last Friday in Boston due to Grimes’ offensive struggles; Donte DiVincenzo is now with the first unit. Grimes responded to the challenge on Monday by scoring a season high 19 points against the Raptors. Heading into last night’s game versus the Jazz, for the season, the 6-foot-5-inch, 23-year-old Grimes, the Knicks’ best perimeter defender, was averaging 6.9 points on just 39.5 % shooting in part due to his limited touches. He was only putting up 6.2 shots per game compared to 8.5 last season. “You’re making a great point about Quentin,” said Thibodeau to reporters on Monday regarding Grimes’ assertive offensive performance against the Raptors. “Quentin’s playing terrific. He’s just playing. He’s aggressive, and he’s making real good decisions, he’s shooting when he's open, he’s making plays when he’s guarded, he’s playing great defense. Our whole bench unit; I’m very, very pleased with how they’re playing. “Deuce [McBride] filled in and did a terrific job and Isaiah is playing with both groups and Josh plays with both groups and you add Quentin and RJ [Barrett] playing with both groups and RJ had a really strong game as well. You need everybody, we’ve got to get everyone playing well together to bring the best out in each other and if we do that, we’ll have a good chance to win.”

The Nets try avoid falling below .500 on five-game road trip The Nets hope starting guard Cam Thomas will get on track after shooting just 34.2% in his team’s first four games of this month. (Bill Moore photo)

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews The Nets began a five-game road trip on Monday with a 131– 118 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Prior to the defeat, the Nets had won three games in a row and six of their previous seven. During that two-week stretch, the Nets raised their record from 6–8 to 12–9 before falling to the Kings. They now are trying to stay at or above .500 out west. The Nets faced the 13–10 Phoenix Suns last night (Wednesday) and have the Denver Nuggets (tonight), Golden State Warriors (Saturday) and Utah Jazz (Monday) before returning to Brooklyn to host the Knicks at the Barclays Center next Wednesday. Nets forward Mikal Bridges spoke about the team’s goals ahead of the trip after their 124–97 win at home last Friday over the Washington Wizards. “Go out there, play, and win games,” he said. “It’S going to be

tough, but I know we’re ready for it. I’m excited. I like playing on the road. I think we all do. So go out there, get some wins. For me, just don’t come back less than .500. That’s how I feel. But obviously, I want to win every single game. But that’s just a mindset.” Helping the Nets’ record rise— they were 12–10 and No. 8 in the Eastern Conference going into last night’s game—Bridges was averaging 29.3 points per game over the past four games before taking on the Suns, his former team before being traded to the Nets last February in the Kevin Durant deal. “I feel like I’ve always been an efficient person my whole life and even coming over here last year, I think I was getting a little inefficient,” he said. “I was scoring, I was scoring a lot, but having more on my shoulders. But I think my efficiency was dropping a little bit and obviously I was happy my scoring was going up, but I still didn’t like how much I was missing at times. I want to get to and just continue to work through-

out the season and getting that feel. I think it’s just more reps, more reps. And then games help.” Brooklyn’s starting guard Cam Thomas hasn’t been efficient as of late, shooting just 34.2% in the Nets’ first four games of December, including 8–21 versus the Kings. “I think it’s going to be varied obviously,” said Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn. “The way Atlanta started against him (a close 114–113 win on December 6), I think overall the judgment of the looks, he’ll continue to learn from…So it’s gonna take some more of us being together and understanding when those shots are going to be okay to take.” Vaughn thinks his team is still trying to find the right balance. “At the end of the night,” Vaughn continued,” I really trust that these guys will make the right decision with the basketball, but sometimes it’s just appetizing and appealing when that one-on-one matchup is there. Now we just got to continue to grow and make the right decision every time.”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023 • 39

St. John’s women’s volleyball team wraps a solid season By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews It wasn’t the trip to the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Tournament that the team from St. John’s University hoped for, but despite the relatively small roster size—just 12 players—the team played a solid season of which they can be proud. Erin Jones and Lucrezia Lodi were both named to the Big East’s All Conference Team, and Jones was also named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) East Coast All-Region Team. Coach Joanne Persico was named AVCA East Coast Region Coach of the Year. “This group was very coachable,” said Persico, who is in her 30th season coaching the Red Storm. “We had a small number, but everyone dominated their role and we continued to improve. We prospered through injuries. We made adjustments, one girl had COVID in the middle of the season (thankfully no one else tested positive). There were a lot of ups and downs, but this team

was able to be resilient and found its rhythm. We made it to the Big East Final.” St. John’s volleyball went 13–5 in Big East Conference play. The team was strong in the Big East Tournament, winning its first two matches before dropping the title game to powerhouse Creighton University. The team advanced to post-season action in the National Volleyball Invitational Championship, defeating a strong Howard University team in its first match and then pushing South Florida University to five sets before succumbing to fatigue and defeat. They finish with a sense of pride in sticking together. “We’re better as a group than individually,” said Persico. “Our synergy and our ability to be better as a team. We were really a team. We all needed each other.” Persico described Jones as “the most versatile player I’ve ever had.” With the season now done and a couple of months until spring training and competition resumes, Persico is now in recruiting mode, searching for student-

St John’s setter and right side hitter Erin Jones (St. John’s Athletics photo)

athletes who will join Jones and four weekend matches. the other nine returning players “I never stop recruiting,” Pernext season. Spring training in- sico said. “I look at videos. I get cludes eight weeks of training and emails. I respond. I physical-

ly go out when I’m close to signing someone. I go out in February, March and April. … To me, sports is problem-solving, like life.”

Devin Haney dominates Regis Prograis to become two-division champion By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews This past Saturday at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Devin Haney, stepping up to fight at the 140-pound weight class for the first time, dominated Regis Prograis in 12 rounds despite a historically low punch count, dropping him in the third and winning every round on all three scorecards for a 120–107 unanimous decision to capture the WBC super lightweight championship. Haney (31–0, 15 KOs) set a record for the lowest number of punches landed over a twelve-round fight ever recorded by CompuBox, connecting on just 36. Still, with the win, the 25-year-old who was born in San Francisco and raised in Oakland, became a two-division champion. He previously was the undisputed lightweight world champion. The 34-year-old Prograis, from New Orleans, dropped to (29–2, 24 KOs). “That’s a good record to set,” Haney said. “That was part of the game plan. Go in there, handicap him of his best things. His best thing was his left hand. That was his bread and butter. And we took it off the table. I don’t even think he landed that many punches.” Haney said he was expecting a favorable outcome moving up to 140. “No, I wasn’t surprised,” he said. “I knew that if I went in there and stuck to

the game plan and I was in there disciplined it would work out. But like I said, I knew I was a level above him. These guys, I’m levels above them. “You know, I was killing myself to make 135 so much,” he explained, “so when I would get into a fight, I would go into the fight and I would be depleted. I wouldn’t be my best self. So now, I’m able to go in there and be the real Devin Haney.” Looking forward, there are potential fights against WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, and even the possibility of moving up to 147 lbs to face unified champion Terence Crawford. A fight against Garcia appears to be the most likely of those three. On Saturday in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Rafael Espinoza (24–0, 20 KOs) captured the WBO featherweight championship with a 115–111, 114–112, 113–113 majority decision win against Robeisy Ramirez (13–2, 8 KOs). “I didn’t think about anything in here,” Espinoza said of his focus. “I think I’ve had a broken foot since the second round. But what kept me on my feet was my daughter, my parents, my wife, and my family. I knew that all of Mexico was watching me. And I knew that I had to become a world champion.” In the co-main event, Xander Zayas (18–0, 12 KOs) defeated Jorge Fortea (24–4–1, 9 KOs) by fifth-round TKO.

Devin Haney (right), defeated Regis Prograis Saturday night in San Francisco to win the super lightweight championship. (Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing photo)

40 • December 14, 2023 - December 20, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Sports The Jets and Giants quarterbacks author feel good wins By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor In the midst of disappointing and vexing seasons, the Jets and Giants both experienced sweet victories at MetLife, their shared home stadium, over a two-day period. With quarterbacks who assuredly will not be their starters next season, they defeated teams fighting for playoff spots. On Sunday, Zach Wilson, who had been demoted to the Jets’ News ahead of their Week third-stringAM quarterback 12 loss on November 24 against the Miami 06/01/23 Dolphins, was back as the starter—theoretically—and led the team to a 30–6 win over the Houston Texans, who came into New Jersey 7–5 and 4–1 over the previous five games. The Jets are 5–8 with four games remaining, beginning with the Dolphins on the AM News road this Sunday (1 p.m.). For the Giants, also 5–8, rookie Tommy 06/08/23 DeVito, who played collegiately at Syracuse then Illinois, has become a cult hero. The 25-year-old QB grew up in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, only 11 miles from MetLife, and now has won three games in a row as the Giants AM News starter in place of the injured Daniel Jones and primary backup Tyrod Taylor, the latter 06/15/23 who was activated from injured reserve and cleared to play against the Green Bay Packers on Monday night after recovering from a rib

Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito led the team to its third straight win on Monday night, defeating the Green Bay Packers 24-22 (Giants.com photo)

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cage injury suffered in Week 8 versus the Jets. Instead, Giants head 08/24/23 coach Brian Daboll elected to go with DeVito, who led the offense on a eight-play, 55-yard drive, culminating with a game-ending 37-yard field goal by Randy Bullock to give the Giants a 24–22 win. DeVito was 17–21 for 158 yards AM News and ran for 71 on 10 rushes. “It's his job,” said Daboll of DeVito following the comeback victory. 08/31/23 “Third game of over a hundred quarterback rating. He made good decisions, took

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when you are losing, everything is low. So, as a quarterback you have to be able to stay even through it all,” said DeVito. “So, I take pride in that, it’s something that I’ve grown over, obviously over time, from when I was playing from when I was five. Throughout high school and college, just continuing to grow that part of my game.” It’s been a tumultuous three seasons with the Jets for Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and the Jets’ would-be AM Newsfranchise quarterback. Yet, his performance the Texans was noteworthy. He was 11/2/23against 27–36 for 301 yards, two touchdowns and just as significantly, no interceptions. Wilson played decisively, freely and confidently, characteristics that have eluded him during his time trying to establish himself as AM Newsa competent practitioner of football’s most care of the ball, used him in the run game. consequential position. Just keep developing him. He’s improv11/09/23“He was really, really good man,” said ing. Still got stuff to work on, but like I said Jets head coach Robert Saleh of Wilson. “… two or three times last week, I think he’s a After watching the tape and looking at it in young player that’s doing the right things more detail, it was the best game he has ever and making the most of his opportunity. played in my opinion.” He earned the right to play today, and he “The three years here have been chalAM Newslenging,” acknowledged Wilson. “I think earned the right to play the next week.” The Giants will face the New Orleans Saints what matters is focusing on what really 11/23/23 this Sunday on the road (1 p.m.). matters, keeping my circle tight and “You know, because when you are winning knowing the guys that matter, in the locker like we are right now, everything is high and room, they got my back.”

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WNBA All-Star Taj McWilliams-Franklin to01364Be Inducted into WBHOF 01254 09/07/23 01474 06/22/23 11/23/23 AM News

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

Taj McWilliams-Franklin’s professional playing career was illustrious. But when the two-time WNBA champion and six-time allAM News star, received a call from Big East Commissioner Val 06/29/23 Ackerman (former president of the WNBA), she assumed it was related to a current college player. In fact, Ackerman and broadcaster Debbie Antonelli wanted to tell her that she is being inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (WBHOF). AM News “I’m so thankful that there is a space for a single parent, Black woman, NAIA school [player] to 07/06/23 have the opportunity to be exposed to this great game,” said McWilliamsFranklin. “It’s the ‘well done’ and the pat on the back from the community that you inhabit. That’s what makes it such a huge honor.” McWilliams-Franklin’s AM News path to her professional career, which lasted for 22 years, was fraught07/13/23 with obstacles. She was a single mother at 17 but refused to give in to negative stereotypes. Her college experience didn’t go well, so she moved, went to work and eventu-

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Other members of the WBHOF class of 2024 include her Lynx teammates, Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus. After retiring from playing professionally, McWilliams-Franklin coached and then AM Newstook part in the NBA’s Basketball Operations Associate program. Since 2020, she has worked at the WNBA as the Player Rela11/30/23 tions and Development Manager. Part of her multifaceted position involves helping players plan for life after basketball. “It’s really about helping players figure out what they want to do when they’re done playAM Newsing while they’re still playing,” said McWilliams-Franklin. “So, when it’s time for the next 12/07/23 part of their careers, they’re equipped.”

Taj McWilliams-Franklin (second from left) with other panelists at Brooklyn Nets’ Women’s Empowerment Night (Brandon Todd/Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty photo)

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ally found her way back to college. In her 30s, she met and married, becoming a mother again and navigating pro hoops as a working wife and mom. AM News “It is my greatest joy to know that I can be a positive blueprint for people that look like 09/28/23 me and that may be in circumstances like mine,” she said. “The fact that I was successful could give them hope for the future.”

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Throughout her career, she worked hard and did the best that she could because she loved the game of basketball. In 2008, McWilliams-Franklin was traded to theAM Detroit News Shock late in the season, quickly becoming a vital part of the Shock’s third WNBA12/14/23 title. In 2011, she was signed by the Minnesota Lynx as a free agent and was crucial in bringing the Lynx the first of four championships.

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