New York Amsterdam News Issue: Feb.24-March 2, 2022 Issue

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Vol. 113 No. 8 | February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

THE NEW BLACK VIEW

©2022 The Amsterdam News | $1.00 New York City

NYC HOMELESS

A SUBWAY SERIES

(Dave Goodson photo)

New Yorkers debate Adams’ plan for subway homelessness and crime fighting

By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff And

By NAYABA ARINDE Amsterdam News Editor

Eric Adams focused on the issue dominating New York City conversation: crime.

Crime on the subway more pointedly.

When he unveiled his preTherefore, Adams said he liminary budget plan last is focusing on homelessness week, New York City Mayor and the subway crime that

sometimes goes with it.

He announced on Tuesday 2.22.2022, that six problem lines—A, E, N, R, 1, 2, 3—will receive extra law enforcement and social service attention, Adams’ Subway Safety Plan stated, “We will begin enforc-

The Amsterdam News makes Black history with new Blacklight investigative unit AmNews Staff Reports The New York Amsterdam News recently announced the formation of a first of its kind in29 The Blacklight will produce long form and investigative journalism which will focus on Black and Brown communities in the New York region and beyond.

“In the words of the publishers of the first Black newspaper, Freedom’s Journal, ‘We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for

(The Blacklight logo by Arielle Ray)

us.’ With the creation of The Blacklight we are reclaiming our narrative and continuing our 100plus year history of speaking truth to power,” said AmNews Publisher and Editor in Chief Elinor R. See BLACKLIGHT on page 29

ing the subway system’s rules of conduct, and do so transparently and fairly. We will also recognize: enforcement without short- and long-term support, from mental health care to housing, will not solve this challenge.”

“That’s the focus, we must look at street homelessness, and then we want to create partnerships, to help those who are dealing with areas of depression and other issues around mental See SUBWAY on page 6

Ahmaud Arbery’s killers convicted of violating his civil rights and lesser charges

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews The palindromic Twosday (22/22) was not good news day for Greg and Travis McMichael nor for William “Roddie” Bryan.

All three white men, convicted of murdering 25-year-old

Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man two years ago, were found guilty of federal hate crimes and other lesser charges.

Not only did the jury find them guilty of violating Arbery’s civil rights and targeting him because he was Black, they were See ARBERY on page 32

2 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

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INDEX Arts & Entertainment �������������Page 15 » Astro/Numerology ����������������Page 18 » Food ����������������������������������������Page 20 » Travel ��������������������������������������Page 19 Caribbean Update �������������������Page 14 Career/Business ���������������������Page 29 Classified ����������������������������������Page 30 Editorial/Opinion ����������������Pages 12,13 Education ���������������������������������Page 24 In the Classroom ��������������������Page 22 Out & About ��������������������������Pages 8,9 Religion & Spirituality �������������Page 28 Sports ����������������������������������������Page 36 Union Matters ����������������������������Page 10 MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS INFORMATION U.S. Territories & Canada weekly subscriptions: 1 year $49.99 2 Years $79.99 6 months $30.00 Foreign subscriptions: 1 year $59.99 2 Years $89.99 6 Months $40.00

International International News

SUPERSTAR ANGELIQUE KIDJO ON AFRICA: ‘WE NEVER HAD INDEPENDENCE’ (GIN)—For those unfamiliar with African superstar Angelique Kidjo, her unflinching views on everything from the colonial mentalities of her French schoolmates to African politics and American history and her decision to call out slavery in her music can be found in a recent freewheeling interview with a New York magazine.

“People were very ignorant about Africa,” she recalled of her early encounters at a school in France.

“They asked me, “When you’re grocery shopping, do you go there on the back of an elephant?” And I said, “Yes, and I have monkeys that carry my groceries!”

Kidjo has strong opinions on climate justice, police brutality in Nigeria, corruption in Africa and the United States which she shared in an openended discussion with staff reporter Julian Lucas of The New Yorker early this month.

“I knew more about the country of my fellow students at the Centre d’informations musicales, a jazz school, than they knew about my country,” she declared. Later, classmates told her that jazz wasn’t for Africans. “That was funny,” she said. “But nothing stopped me. I feel sorry for people who are ignorant. If you don’t see the beauty in Africa, there’s no beauty in you.”

Kidjo continued to defy expectations during her stay in France (she now lives in Brooklyn). When recording her first album, “Batonga” she chose her own outfit for the cover “because of all the clichés and exoticism around African women.” People had expected her to wear a boubou. “My parents didn’t raise me in a village,” she pointed out. “They raised me in a city. You ain’t gonna put me in no boubou, man!”

Kidjo takes up climate change on her new album “Mother Nature.” She sees it impacting the poorest of the poor in Africa. “We know it’s bad to cut trees. But what alternatives are we offering? To tell poor people, on top of poverty,

you have to watch yourself die from hunger?”

Her views turn to politics.

“We never had independence in Africa,” she says bluntly. “I don’t know how we ended up being the richest continent on Angelique Kidjo

the planet, with our resources controlled by a mafia of rich countries and CEOs. “We’ve accepted that Africans have to live in poverty for the rest of the world to live large—but that’s not going to work. Unless rich countries take responsibility for their impact on the lives of poor people and build a system where resources are shared equally, we are not going to survive.”

Kidjo can be seen in the movie “The Woman King” starring Viola Davis and John Boyega. Inspired by actual events, the movie dramatizes the exploits of the Dahomean Amazons, a legendary all-female military unit in what is now southern Benin.

at the Dangote Industries Zambia Limited cement plant outside Ndola, the country’s Copperbelt province, won an increase of $55 a month, according to the Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ). The (GIN photo)

EDITORIAL News@AmsterdamNews.com Arts@AmsterdamNews.com Josh.Barker@AmsterdamNews.com (212) 932-7462

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

workers were seeking monthly minimum wage hikes of $136. An average monthly salary is US $210 or 3,530 Zambian kwachas.

About 1,300 workers are employed at the plant mainly through subcontractors, with Dangote only employing 178 workers directly. Most of the direct employees are part of management.

MUZ, affiliated with IndustriALL Global Union, has 445 members at the plant and signed a recognition agreement with the employer.

Workers initially rejected the 15% wage increase offered by the employer during negotiations, demanding minimum monthly wage increases from K1000 (US $55) to K2500 (US $136).

AFRICAN BILLIONAIRE TARGETED BY According to the final setUNION SEEKING DECENT WORKING tlement between the union CONDITIONS AND MORE PAY and the employer, workers’ (GIN)—Africa’s richest wages were increased by US man is in the sights of a labor $55 across the board. union in Zambia where his For years, MUZ has camcement plant has been out- paigned for the workers to sourcing labor that pays low be directly employed by wages for its 1,300 workforce. Dangote Cement instead of After a wildcat strike last employment through a third month, unionized workers party. Although the work-

ers at the plant work for Dangote, their legal direct employer is the subcontractor, Silondwa Engineering, which has a contract to “supply labor services.” The contract is limited to three years, meaning that workers’ contracts are short-term and provide no job security.

Dangote, a Nigerian and one of the world’s wealthiest men, had a net worth of $19.05 billion at the start of 2022, making him the richest man in Africa and the 94th wealthiest man in the world.

One of the earlier contracts between Dangote and Silondwa Engineering contained blatantly anti-union clauses, according to the union, stating that “the contractor shall ensure that its employees are not involved in union activities and strikes that lead to stopping of work.”

Further, according to MUZ, Silondwa Engineering tried to entice workers to join a sweetheart union liked by management, but workers responded with stiff resistance.

Joseph Chewe, MUZ president, congratulated the workers on their victory. “We expect pan African companies like Dangote Cement to provide living wages and decent working conditions.

However, we are appalled, and our expectations are dampened, by the precarious working conditions and poor working conditions at the Masaiti cement plant.”

“We call upon Dangote to provide decent working conditions by creating permanent jobs in Zambia,” said Paule France Ndessomin, IndustriALL regional secretary for Sub Saharan Africa.

Subcontracting is widely practiced in Africa with multinational cement giants LafargeHolcim and HeidelbergCement carrying out subcontracting schemes in Africa and the Middle East and laying off union leaders amidst a pandemic that continues to destroy millions of jobs and incomes worldwide.

Countries affected include Uganda, Mauritius, Togo, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Pols see ‘promising start’ to Adams’ prelim budget

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Mayor Eric Adams released his $98.5 billion preliminary city budget for Fiscal Year 2023 last week, which reduced spending by $2.3 billion by prioritizing savings. Parts of the budget seemed to satisfy public officials.

Adams said his main focus is taking steps to create a more just, safer, and prosperous city during such a transformative moment.

The prelim budget aims to target economic areas of the city still struggling, including the financial district, real estate, job recovery and the restaurant and retail industries. It prioritizes funding for public safety and the ‘Blueprint to End Gun Violence,’ low-income commuters using lower cost MetroCards, summer jobs for city youth, more healthcare screenings, and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit that applies to low- to moderate-income workers with qualifying children.

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Councilmember Justin Brannan, who chairs the Finance Committee Chair, said in a joint statement that Adams was off to a “promising start” to the budget process. “As our city looks ahead to a post-pandemic recovery, we must strive to adopt a budget that promotes equity, health and safety for all New Yorkers,” they said. “We must continue investing in NewYork City’s families and workforce, while ensuring affordable housing, health equity, small businesses and mental health care are priorities.”

Adams and Brannan applauded funding for the Fair Fares program to help support public transit access for low-income New Yorkers and the “historic investment” in summer youth employment. They said they also appreciate the mayor’s proposals for new family health services and the expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The city’s economy had slowed due to COVID-19’s Omicron variant, in-person office vacancies, and job recovery. As a result, Adams’ budget aims to save money on spending through the Program to Eliminate the Gap. He increased budget reserves to a total of $6.1 billion, meaning $1 billion in the General Reserve, $1 billion in the Rainy Day Fund, $3.8 billion in the Retiree Health Benefits Trust, and $250 million in the Capital Stabilization Fund.

Adams had said in the presser that the city must do better to prepare for the uncertainties of the future, and that his administration is examining the last of the stimulus dollars

and then supporting the passage of the Build Back Better Bill for more funding.

“The goal of the budget was to—as I stated in my speech—was to really go at the underlying reasons of that we’re seeing the institutional poverty and inequality in this city,” said Adams in a presser. “Remember, we’re going to lose this stimulus from the federal government, we’re not going to continue to have it. So, we have to get it right in 2022 and lay the foundation for ’23 and two fiscal years ’23 and ’24.”

Of course, the budget was still criticized by many as not being big enough or cutting too much.

Housing advocates and schools with low enrollment rates saw their pieces of the budget get smaller.

Freshman Councilmember Shahana Hanif explained in her community newsletter that the slightly decreased budget had positive investments that she supported, such as improving maternal health disparities for women of color, increasing summer youth employment, and improving tax abatements for childcare centers.

She said all the positives don’t hide the cuts made to school staff, the halt on the city’s composting program, and the elimination of thousands of open positions across the city including some agencies with serious staffing shortages.

“This is a budget without real investments in our city’s immigrant communities and one that doubles down on putting more cops on our streets to create the illusion of safety,” wrote Hanif. “I was elected to help our city thrive again, not oversee an austerity budget.”

The prelim budget will be edited and reviewed plenty of times before its City Council vote on a final budget in June. It’ll go into effect July 1.

“The Council looks forward to fulfilling its role in examining this Preliminary Budget through hearings and other efforts. We as leaders have a responsibility to ensure that our FiscalYear 2023 budget advances equity, fiscal responsibility, and a strong recovery for New York City,” said Speaker Adams and Brannan in a joint statement.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about culture and politics in New York City for The Amsterdam News.Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w

Affirmation Tower hits roadblock

By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff Hoping to grace the New York City skyline, Affirmation Tower is set to make history as the first skyscraper built by Blacks in the Big Apple; however, a recent roadblock for the project is now putting the building’s fate in jeopardy.

Affirmation Tower is set for location at 35th and 36th streets, 11th Avenue and Hudson Boulevard West—across

the street from the Jacob Javits Center, one block from the High Line, Hudson Yards and the No. 7 subway line. The project will sit on 1.2 acres and include a 1,663-foot tower, two hotels, an observation deck and skating rink as well as commercial office spaces.

The dream team of Black developers working on the project include architect Sir David Adjaye; real estate firm The Peebles Corporation, led by Black multi-millionaire R. Donahue See TOWER on page 32

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 3

MetroBriefs `

Israeli Consulate awards Ritchie Torres, Vanessa Gibson MLK Award Rep. Ritchie Torres and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson were honored by the Consulate General of Israel with the 2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Award. Gibson took office as Bronx borough president in January, following a seven-year stint as a New York City Councilmember. She is the first female and African American borough president in the Bronx.

Torres represents the 15th Congressional District, having been elected to that office in November 2020. Torres has been a public servant for his community in the Bronx for much longer than that. When he was just 25 years old, he was first elected to the New York City Council. Torres will be traveling to Israel for a week-long trip this Saturday, continuing to show his support for the Jewish state.

Eric Adams/Summer Youth Employment opportunities Mayor Eric Adams announced that this summer the city will support a record 100,000 summer job opportunities annually for young people ages 14-24, with 90,000 of the opportunities stemming from the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and 10,000 opportunities coming from other city programs.

The 90,000 opportunities through SYEP is the largest number of jobs ever made available in the program’s 60-year history. The record number of opportunities—an increase from the previous record of nearly 75,000—is possible in part due to a $79 million investment that will be made in the mayor’s upcoming Fiscal Year 2023 Preliminary Budget.

The expansion is a key part of an overall strategy to keep the city’s youth engaged and active over the summer months when crime spikes— and is a preventive action outlined in Mayor Adams’ Blueprint to End Gun Violence.

New York Community Trust grants Black Public Media $223,000 The New York Community Trust (NYCT) has awarded $223,000 to Black Public Media (BPM) to help Black documentary filmmakers create films about climate change and environmental justice.

The Trust, a grantmaking foundation dedicated to improving the lives of residents of New York City and its suburbs, recently announced the funding, which will allow BPM to support creatives documenting how Black communities are impacted by and combating the effects of environmental crises taking place across the globe.

BPM is a Harlem-based national media arts nonprofit dedicated to creating and producing media content about the Black experience. With the NYCT trust funding, BPM will provide grants, networking, technical assistance, and promotional support to Black independent, emerging, and mid-career directors whose projects explore how issues like industrial pollution and natural disasters affect Black communities.

Applications open for NYUL’s Whitney M. Young Scholarship The New York Urban League (NYUL) is inviting students to apply for the 2022 Whitney M. Young Jr. Scholarship that is named after Whitney M. Young Jr., who was the executive director of the National Urban League.

The scholarship program is open for the citizens of New York City who identify as African American, Latino, or Native American. The application deadline to submit is Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.

One-time scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 will be awarded to college bound students starting college in Fall 2022.

NYUL is hosting two scholarship information sessions to support students in preparing for the scholarship application process. The first session will take place on March 2 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the second session will take place on March 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Go to nyul.org for more information.

Afro Day being celebrated in the Bronx Afro Day is being celebrated in the Bronx on Monday, Feb. 28, starting at 10 a.m. at Fordham Leadership Academy (500 East Fordham Road).

The event is in celebration of Black History Month. Attendees are being asked to come and show their afros and natural hairstyles.

—Compiled by Cyril Josh Barker

4 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Biden said that Russia has committed ‘a flagrant violation of international law’

NewJerseyNews

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

Viral video of arrest of Black teen at NJ mall ignites outrage

The world was waiting for the next shoe to fall in Ukraine as the Russian war machine ineluctably surrounded this eastern European nation. On Monday, it fell as Russian forces, under the pretext of protecting citizens of two separatist regions, launched an initial invasion.

An immediate reaction came from President Biden, who charged that President Putin had committed “a flagrant violation of international law.”

Biden added that “Russia just announced that it is carving out a big chunk of Ukraine. He’s setting up a rationale to take more territory by force, in my view. This is the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.”

Since the inception of the Russian advance in the region, Biden has promised to implement sanctions and if the aggression increases, that “Russia will pay an even steeper price.”

Meanwhile, former President Trump, during a podcast interview on Tuesday, called Putin a “genius” in his political and military moves. “Here’s a guy who’s very savvy,” Trump added, “I know him very well.” He later claimed in a written statement that what Putin

is doing now would have never occurred under his administration.

In a response to these comments, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the administration tries “not to take advice from anyone who praises President Putin and his military strategy, which I believe is what happened there, expresses an openness to lifting sanctions about the seizing of territory and Crimea, or at any point in time told leaders of the G7 that Crimea is a part of a Russia, regardless if they are a former president.

“So, there’s a bit of a different tactic, a bit of a different approach,” Psaki added.

“And that’s probably why President Biden and not his predecessor was able to rally the world and the global community in taking steps against Russia’s aggression.”

Several GOP stalwarts weighed in on the recent invasion, stating that Biden has not delivered on his promise of “swift and severe” response.

On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered U.S. troops and aircraft to redeploy within Europe to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank. This action includes about 800 troops from Italy to the Baltic States as well as eight F-35 fighter planes from Germany. According to the Pentagon, these moves are temporary among the 90,000 U.S. troops in Europe.

Free the Pill offers oral contraceptives to address barriers faced by women of color

By M’NIYAH LYNN Special to the AmNews Advocacy for an over-the-counter oral contraceptive has been rising over the years. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s 2020 KFF Women’s Health Survey, 65% of reproductive-aged women are comfortable with pharmacists prescribing birth control and 70% support the idea of having access to an over-the-counter pill without a prescription. Free the Pill, a campaign to educate and engage the public in support of over-the-counter birth control pills in the United States, is one of many other organizations that are trying to minimize the barriers women of color are facing in contraceptive care.

Free the Pill doesn’t support any one specific oral contraceptive; they are generally supporting an oral contraceptive to be available over-the-counter that is affordable, covered by insurance and available to people of all ages. Free the Pill educates the public by answering common questions, citing studies, sharing voices and listing resources.

Free the Pill originated out of the Oral Contraceptives Over-the-Counter Working Group, which was established in 2004. The working group is a coalition made up of over 100 reproductive health, rights and justice organizations, advocacy groups, researchers, etc.

Birth control pills have been shown to be effective. According to BedSider, a free birth control support network, the pill is

99.7% effective when tested in clinical trials and 93% effective in real world use.

Historically, Black women and other women of color have experienced exploitation and racism in the healthcare system. In fact, in the 1990s, state policies pressured women to accept sterilization or get the Norplant implant in order to receive public benefits or avoid incarceration, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda said.

Black women faced misinformation about oral contraceptives, coercive practices and often unethical testing methods for decades. This exacerbated racism in the healthcare system and created disparities that are still seen today.

“I would say difficulties in getting birth control and health care broadly fall harder on people of color, Black women, indigenous peoples, young people, immigrants and people in the LGBTQ community,” Victoria Nichols, project director of Free the Pill, said.

Today, there are disproportionate barriers in access to prescription birth control. Some factors include lack of insurance coverage, the inability to go to appointments because of needing to take off work or school, mistrust with healthcare providers and cultural or linguistic barriers for immigrant women.

The 2020 KFF Women’s Health Survey found that “Four in 10 women (44%) rate their provider’s contraceptive counseling as excellent, but the share rating See FREE THE PILL on page 27

By Cyril Josh Barker Amsterdam News Staff

say the officers exhibited discriminatory treatment and should be disciplined.

“It’s because he’s Black,” is what “Our criminal justice system cries someone is heard saying in the back- out for meaningful reform. Indeed, a ground of a viral video showing the Black youth in New Jersey is almost arrest of a Black teen at the Bridge- 18 times more likely to be locked water Commons Mall. up than their white counterpart – The video captured last week on the highest racial disparity rate in a cellphone shows a confrontation the country,” the statement said. between a Black teen and white “How did we get here? It starts with teen before the two begin fighting. the racist stereotype of Black youth Two white Bridgewater police of- as ‘super predators,’ with research ficers arrive on the scene and im- showing that Black boys and girls mediately pin the Black teen to the ground and put him in handcuffs while the white teen sits on a couch.

Several Black organizations in New Jersey are calling the arrest racist because officers treated the two teens differently. The family of the Black teen and local leaders are calling for and investi- are seen as less innocent and more gation and for the officers involved mature than their white peers.” to be disciplined. The family has The NAACP said the video is a blaretained civil rights lawyer Benja- tant example of how law enforcemin Crump to be their attorney ment treats Black people differently.

“They basically tackled me to “When Bridgewater police found the ground and then the one – the two youths fighting, the immediate male officer put his knee in my reaction was to aggressively throw back and then he starts putting the Black child to the ground, me in cuffs,” Z’Kye Husain, 14, knee placed around the neck area said in one interview. “And then and cuffed behind the back,” said the female officer came over and Richard T. Smith, president of the put her knee on my upper back too NAACP New Jersey State Conferand started helping putting cuffs ence. “At the same time, the white on me. And while [the other teen- youth, at least equally at fault for ager] was just sitting down on the the fight as his Black counterpart, couch watching the whole thing.” was carefully eased onto a couch Last Saturday, The People’s Orga- and treated like a victim.” nization for Progress (P.O.P.) and acIn a statement posted on social tivists from various areas of tNew media, the Bridgewater Police DeJersey held a press conference con- partment said they are investigating demning the arrest. the officers’ actions on the video. The “We are having this press confer- department says they called for an ence to publicly condemn the police internal affairs investigation. response to the Bridgewater Mall “The officers were able to refight and how they interacted with spond quickly to this incident and Z’kye Husain, a fourteen year-old stop it from escalating because of African-American teenager. We be- a tip we received from the comlieve the way they handled the sit- munity,” the department said. “We uation was a case of racial profiling have requested that the Somerset and police brutality,” stated Law- County Prosecutor’s Office assist rence Hamm, Chairman, People’s us in this matter and are requestOrganization For Progress. ing patience as we strictly adhere In a joint statement, several to the New Jersey Attorney Genergroups in the United Black Agenda al’s Internal Affairs Directive.”

“Our criminal justice system cries out for meaningful reform. Indeed, a Black youth in New Jersey is almost 18 times more likely to be locked up than their white counterpart—the highest racial disparity rate in the country.”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 5

Michael Lindsey’s calling was born out of observation

By STEPHON JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

Dr. Lindsey was named the first Black dean of NYU’s McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research (Courtesy of: New York University)

Dr. Michael A. Lindsey, PhD, MSW, MPH has lived the American Black experience in every way, shape and form. Family members going to the military for discipline. Some falling victim to the streets; the glue that holds the family together passing away. The other missing piece of the Black experience: being the first in his family to go to college.

“All of that had a really intense impact on me in a sense of just wondering why, you know, why is it hard for some people to stay on a path and not be consumed by, you know, things around them?” said Lindsey. “And then why was this happening to our community? The legislative response to all of this was more punitive as opposed to undergirding the community with the resources that it needed to to sustain itself.”

Dr. Lindsey was recently named the dean of New York University’s McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research. He’s the first Black person to hold the position. He currently serves as the school’s executive director.

Lindsey, who was raised in southeast Washington, D.C. in a workingclass environment, saw the pitfalls of what was happening around him. He grew up in the eye of the crack epidemic. He saw the fear adults had with letting their kids play outside or go to parties out of fear of violence. He saw neighbors fall victim to addictions.

He also wanted to extend his reach and look out for marginalized people of all kinds.

He found it at Morehouse College. There, he learned about leaders throughout Black history, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which inspired him to dive face first into his mission to help others.

“As I learned more about luminaries like King and other great men of Morehouse who graduated and had gone out into the world to make a difference, I think it was somewhat of a requirement of us as students at Morehouse— more apt to go out into the world to change it to do something. If you see an issue, do something about it.”

Lindsey’s journey took him back home to Howard University for his master’s degree in social work, focusing on mental health, and then the University of Pittsburgh for his master’s in public health and a doctor of philosophy degree in social work.

Mark Tatum

APARTMENT FOR THE ELDERLY

Seagirt Senior Housing, LP 1915 Seagirt Boulevard Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Beginning February 24th, 2022, Seagirt Senior Housing, LP is accepting a limited number of applicants by lottery for placement on the waiting list for studio and onebedroom apartments.

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Lindsey wasn’t done academically.

He became a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.

But reminders of the old neighborhood were never that far behind.

“I remember sitting in a substance abuse group with one of my clinical supervisors, and then came one of my childhood best friend’s moms. She was in the group,” he said. “And she had been addicted to crack and I just almost wanted to cry because she was a neighbor.

I hadn’t seen her in about maybe 10 years or so, maybe longer than that. And I had not known that her life turned in that direction. That made me want to learn more about addictions, counseling and doing that work, because I saw one of my childhood friend’s mom come in the group and I’ve just almost lost it at that moment.”

Currently residing in the West Village not too far from NYU’s campus, Lindsey considers himself a foodie and loves shopping.

“Social work is really about dignity.

It’s about helping someone reclaim or to claim a sense of dignity in their lives,” said Lindsey. “And I feel incredibly honored to be a part of that process. I realize that it’s bigger than me. It’s bigger. There are larger, very looming implications. And I feel honored and a sense of responsibility.”

Dr. Lindsey turned tragedy to triumph.

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by March 26th , 2022. The waiting list will be closed as of March 26th, 2022. Application submission will be returned if they are sent certified, registered, priority, or express mail, or if they are received after the above deadline. We will select applications by a lottery-based random selection process, the site will only select 700 applications.

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6 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

Subway Continued from page 1

health crisis. And then we need to go beyond it,” said the mayor. “We’ve sat down with leaders in this field across the country, using telemedicine could also be used during mental health crises.

“We don’t do that, we are afraid to think differently,” said Adams.

There has been deadly crime on the subway system recently. But there are also the everyday interactions that have raised fear of violence, harm, or compromised health.

Wearing holey hospital socks, a torn dingy T-shirt and ripped pants, a man seemingly with an open sore on every exposed part of his body got on the A -train at rush hour one morning at 59th Street. He stretched out a gnarled hand and asked a rider for some money.

There was nowhere for the rider to go. To the right a woman had taken over the train car with a shopping cart and mounds of tattered belongings. To the left a group of men looked like they were about to get into something. Then the man began coughing.

A lot. Sans mask.

Then there was the casual smoker lighting up defiantly on the moving 6 train. No one said a word. Not one.

“There is no way at this present time you should walk on a train and not see a presence of a police officer. The subway system needs a deterrent to all this crime,” said Daniel Goodine, community activist and cofounder of Men Elevating Leadership.

He added, “As much as our community has a justified contradiction with them, they should still be on their job in the transit system.

“If you claim that the issue is so much homelessness and mental illness on the streets, why are we not combining agencies to deal with the issues? We need to see an immediate change. This goes back to Bloomberg and de Blasio. It’s alright on a cold night to send out the cavalry to make sure nobody freezes to death or to count people, yet it does not filter down on a regular night, or the other 364 days of the year.”

Adams just announced with New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul a “zerotolerance” policy on subway homelessness.

Following their announcement, over the past weekend, there were six notable violent incidents in the subway. Six people were stabbed and/ or slashed in a subway or on a train including a 74-year-old man.

“This is a place where there have been heinous acts of crime and that the homeless have been finding that that’s where they’re congregating and living,” said Hochul last week. “And that’s not a place that they need to be, they should be. They need to get services, they need direct interventions.”

However, Adams’ budget includes

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS a lot of cuts that had an anonymous public figure calling him a “Republican in Democrats’ clothing.” According to City Limits, the mayor’s budget plan calls for $615 million in cuts from homeless services bringing the funding down to $2.15 billion from $2.8 billion.

Shelly Nortz, deputy executive director for Policy with Coalition for the Homeless, said, however, that Adams is approaching this issue with a technique that’s never worked.

“Repeating the failed outreachbased policing strategies of the past will not end the suffering of homeless people bedding down on the subway,” Nortz stated. “It is sickening to hear Mayor Adams liken unsheltered homeless people to a cancer. They are human beings. The mayor’s own police department recently noted that those who shelter in the transit system are there because they believe they have no safer alternative. Criminalizing homelessness and mental illness is not the answer.”

Nortz pointed to a piece she wrote in the New York Daily News calling for more help for mental illness along with “the restoration of 600 NYC psychiatric inpatient beds previously converted to COVID-19.”

Mayor Adams told the Amsterdam News, “We have to deal with the mental health crisis, that’s what you see on the streets. When you see street homelessness, you’re really dealing with a mental health crisis.”

He noted, “As we emerge from COVID-19, the subway system is a crucial piece of our economic recovery.” Adams is responding to the concerns of riders by stating in his Subway Safety Plan: “We will state without reservation that our subways exist to move paying customers from one point to another. They are not meant to house individuals or provide recreational space, and we will make it clear our stations and trains are not intended—or available—as an alternative.”

With the tag “One City Working Together,” the new Adams administration determined, “The city will deploy up to 30 inter-agency collaborative teams that bring together the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and community based providers in highneed locations across our city. To expand the number of clinicians who can refer individuals for assessment in hospitals, staff across agencies will be trained in 9.58 assessments—enabling better engagement and evaluation with individuals experiencing homelessness, their needs and connecting them to advanced services better suited to triage and provide for their care.”

But some New Yorkes jumped into the mix to let Adams know that he was running with the ball the wrong way.

“Mayor Adams’ budget proposal ce-

ments what we already knew: criminalization and policing will come first, and investments in services and care will pale in comparison,” stated Jawanza Williams, director of organizing at VOCAL-NY. “Continuing to funnel money to the NYPD’s bloated budget at the expense of life-saving services will only increase violence and put low income communities at further risk. Mayor Adams is well aware of the solutions we’ve been demanding for years, but we have yet to see those investments materialize.

Put simply: this proposal flies in the face of calls from leaders and progressive lawmakers to create a caring and compassionate city.”

Williams also said that Adams’ policies will accomplish the opposite of his wishes and cause more violence while not investing in the community.

So, what community does Adams’ team hope to build after he takes the homeless out of the subways and out of the streets? When the AmNews contacted the mayor’s office, they sent a copy of their “Subway Safety Plan.” Particularly, the section labeled “Places.”

This section of the subway plan states that City Hall would create “Drop-in-Centers” to “provide a pathway” for people to come indoors and set them up close to subway stations known for high numbers of homeless individuals. The administration wants to also provide mobile health care for homeless New Yorkers on the subway, increase safe haven beds and stabilization beds. The plan also calls for the expansion of supportive housing.

Adams told the Amsterdam News that many people dealing with mental health illness on the street, “don’t even realize they are homeless. They have normalized living on the streets, begging for money, living in the subway system and parks.” He noted that sometimes when offered an alternative way of housing, “you have some people who become extremely agitated, and in some cases violent, when you try and take them out of what they consider to be their norm.”

Detailing part of his subway crime solution, Adams said, “What we must do is approach it in a very real way.

We have to try using the Kendra’s Law better for those who need to be on medication; we have to compel them to do so. We need to look at psychiatric facilities and we are really moved away from that. A lot of the advocates feel that it is inhumane to put people into psychiatric facilities when they are a danger to themselves. But, I think it is inhumane to have people sleeping on the streets.

“We need to look into successful organizations like Fountain House…

I think if we focus more on building trust, and it’s not one day going out there. It is going out there every other day giving people food, socks, coats… and building trust so we can talk them off the streets.”

As New Yorkers are confronted with the burgeoning issue of homeless

fellow New Yorkers in every walk of life on a daily basis, the mayor said he wants to meet the crisis with a compassionate approach.

“There must be trust to get the people the wraparound services that are available for them. And people don’t trust now.”

However, while getting subway and street homelessness away from New Yorkers, a new crop could emerge in its place. On Wednesday, New York Comptroller Brad Lander, New York City Council Member Pierina Sanchez, The Legal Aid Society and other housing advocates held a news conference at 2265 University Ave. in the Bronx to call on state government to pass “Good Cause” legislation that would give tenants in unregulated units the basic protections needed to avoid “unwarranted” evictions and rent increases.

The rally comes after news of private equity firms buying up buildings and filing post-moratorium evictions.

As he celebrated his role in the sold-out success of the virtual play, “Addressless—A Walk in Our Shoes,” advocate for the homeless Shams DaBaron said, “As a formerly homeless New Yorker, I support this plan and I’m going to work with the administration to make sure it’s successful and implemented in a humane way.” DaBaron is one of the 60-plus men forced to leave the Upper West Side Lucerne hotel last year.

DaBaron, who is also known as Da Homeless Hero, is an experience-informed activist for the unhoused.

“I’m glad to see the mayor is adding 500 safe haven and stabilization beds, which will give people more privacy and dignity than congregate shelters. But I’ll be trying to get more of these beds because current figures indicate we need at least 2,000. Most people choose to sleep on the subway because they feel safer there than in congregate shelters which I call death traps so it’s great to see we now have a mayor who understands the value of housing first and is committed to housing over shelters…I’m glad to see that mental health workers and peer specialists will be on the outreach teams in subway stations. The issues that we are encountering are very complex and the result of long term systemic issues that have not been addressed up until now.”

Sounding optimistic, DaBaron added, “I applaud Mayor Adams for having the ability to see a need to fix these broken systems, and the fact that he has invited me to have a seat at the table is a serious win for all homeless New Yorkers, in that he’s looking to hear from and have the input of directly impacted people who know the issues. I look forward to working with the administration and all stakeholders to make sure the plan works and ultimately leads to permanent homes for my homeless brothers and sisters. Housing is the only way to end homelessness.”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 7

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8 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Out & About

Community comes out to celebrate Viola Plummer’s 85th birthday

Community organizations celebrate Lunar New Year in Sunset Park

(Nayaba Arinde Photos)

By Nayaba Arinde Amsterdam News Editor Family, friends and 50-year-colleagues gathered at Bed Stuy’s Sista’s Place to celebrate the 85th birthday of Sista Viola Plummer. Dozens of masked, asked and COVID-protocol observing supporters came out to show love, appreciation to the international activist and co-founder of the grassroots, global/national/ local community action group the December 12th Movement. Many brought the youthful Mother of the Movement her roses and flowers so she could smell them, and absorb the gratitude which symbolized that of people from multiple nations where the organization had assisted politically, economically, socially and culturally. Attendees included elected former Assemblyman/Councilmember Charles Barron, former Councilwoman Inez Barron, and radio icon Bob Law. A good time was had by all

(Lem Peterkin photos)

as accolades flowed from friends and comrades such as Roger Wareham, Ahmed Abdullah, Monique Ngozi Nri, Omowale Clay, Erica Ford, and Tahira Moore. The Rev. Herbert Daughtry said on Facebook, “Happy birthday, my sister and friend.”

The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Butler said, “Viola Plummer, thank you for your many years of committed, effective leadership. I’m grateful for the many years we have struggled together. It’s been a long journey and the end is yet. Many more victories ahead of us! God you and your family. Sis Viola, Birthday greetings to you. You still have that revolutionary fire burning for justice. In love and solidarity.”

Tyrone Shakur, son of incarcerated activist Mutual, sent the message, “Peace and blessings Queen Viola, my father and I wish you all the blessings you deserve for your birthday day. We love you and continue pushing straight ahead.”

Don Hong, president of UA3 of Canal Street, invited Daniel Goodine, co-founder of the Brownsville community based organization Men Elevating Leadership (MEL) to his Lunar New Years event in Sunset Park.

Hong said, “We all had a chance to talk with the new BBP. [Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso]. [We] want to make sure [the] Brownsville team is working with local elected officials to make sure we are all working well together for the best of the community.”

Hong and UA3 distributed food to dozens of community groups across the city.

They did the same in Ozone Park, alongside 2020 COVID Hero-awardees MEL, they gave out pounds of vegetables and healthy food to community based organizations, as well as to the Lions Club and the Bangladesh Club. Sen. Chuck Schumer also showed up to support the effort.

Goodine said, “MEL has for two years worked with UA3 to provide healthy food to millions of people…

We are here to support the city. We have never been paid for the work in the past, but provide and work to put food on many tables.”

(Bro Ayerounde Davis Photos)

(Lem Peterkin photos)

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS O U T & A B O U T

Parents Helping Parents Nightlife

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 9

Written by David Goodson

Thank you for your R&B Verzuz Anthony Hamilton vs Musiq Soulchild The National Basketball Association continues to blaze genius marketing trails when it comes to interactive methods to engage fandom. It could be argued that for an overall entertainment value, the NBA All Star Weekend may have been a little better than what

latter point, Hamilton offered, “Musiq got hits. You can’t play with him. I had to come with it.” As it played out, Hamilton went into his bag and came out with his DJ Jermaine Dupri, The Hamiltones, Big V of the Nappy Roots, Leela James, Donnell Jones and his

Under the banner “Parents Helping Parents,” Councilmember Kristin Richardson Jordan and other activists held a rally and a march to celebrate the life of Malcolm X on the 57th year of his death—February 21, 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom. Harlemites marched from the Adam Clayton Powell State Building on 125th Street to St. Nicholas Park at 135th Street.

(Dave Goodson photos)

the NFL displayed for their annual tour de force level of events surrounding Superbowl L the week prior.

The one hiccup that needs to be addressed in the eyes of the public is a renovation of the once vaunted Slam Dunk Contest, which at one point was THE must watch event of the showcase. In a symbolic occurrence Obi Toppin, victoriously repped the hometown NewYork Knicks in what was deemed as possibly the worst outing in the history of the event. Having such an integral piece of the puzzle come under such negative scrutiny had little to no effect however as another event was introduced that had social media ablaze with excitement and praise. That came in the form of the Bleacher Report/Verzuz collaborative presentation of a highlight showdown of two of the 75 Greatest Players to don a basketball uniform in Tracy McGrady VS Allen Iverson.

Despite the level of positivity generated by this new Verzuz entity, this was the second-best competitive performance of the series in a week. Crazy as it sounds the parity was usurped a few days prior as the original rendition of the franchise presented one of the best clashes in their brief history dubbed Anthony Hamilton vs Musiq Soulchild Valentine’s Day Special: a showdown on the designated day of lovers.

Going in, the consensus of those of us in attendance at the Avalon Theatre in Hollywood, was that while their stellar catalogs were comparable, one of the two may have fared marginally better on the charts and possible individual sales (Musiq), while the other had a wider, more vast collaborative history (Hamilton), allowing for an element of surprise that can be used to sway the audiences favor. In support of the (Bill Moore photos)

partners on a remix of the single “Lessons” Eric Roberson, Kevin Ross, and Raheem Devaughn. Expressed Roberson, “What a night! What an honor.

If you tuned it, my brother for life @ anthonyhamiltonofficial invited us to sing “Lessons (Remix)” for the world to see. Thank you for allowing me this special opportunity to showcase this amazing song for the world to see. I’m forever grateful. And special thanks to my brothers.” The casket would have probably closed on Musiq, had the King of Verzuz Jadakiss appeared for their pairing of “Why.” Or perhaps not. Soulchild had in his chamber hits with Mary J Blige and Jill Scott who both had Los Angeles ties who could have touched down. While those did not happen, we were blessed with Robert Glasper “Ah Yeah” and Lucky Daye who provided his ode to “Half Crazy” with his single “Over.”

Neither of those things mattered as much as the precedent that was set.

On a platform that has developed such a niche audience the two combatants seized the opportunity to show how dynamic real soul/R&B could be. For the artist themselves, another layer was revealed: confirmation! The ebbs and flows of the industry can weigh heavily on the relevance of an artist in not just the present landscape but perhaps past laurels. In an episode of “The Fat Joe Show,” Musiq revealed, “I needed this. I needed this for my own piece of mind because I was two seconds away from saying F this, I don’t want to do this no more. This is dumb.” He continued with gratitude, “But when I did it, I saw you got all these people that rock with you!”

Fo Sho. Over and out. Holla next week. Until then, enjoy the nightlife.

10 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Union Matters 1199 SEIU’s new campaign pushes for guaranteed fair pay for homecare workers

By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff 1199 SEIU took their issues about fair pay for homecare workers public this week.

Using television, digital and radio ads, the union leaders have made the push statewide to gain support for an increase in homecare worker pay seeking more money in the soon-to-be-revealed 2022-2023 state budget.

They’re calling for a permanent increase and have spent seven figures in ad money to get their point across.

Rona Shapiro, executive vice president of 1199 SEIU’s homecare division, stated that unions that represent frontline employees during the pandemic have the right and the leverage to push for more pay.

“This campaign is a chance for patients, family members, labor leaders and advocates to stand together with homecare workers, and call for a sustainable and permanent pay raise,” said Shapiro. “Too many of our workers have reached a breaking point where they have to choose between barely scraping by to do a job they love or

(Photo courtesy of 1199 SEIU)

Homecare workers want the pay they feel they deserve.

leaving the profession altogether. We can’t afford to lose one more homecare worker to low wages. We cannot afford to be silent.”

The union has already released several ads online with each focusing on a homecare worker or patient extolling the virtues of the job.

“Today, I’m able to stay in my home because of home care,” said an elderly woman named Sally in one of the ads. “Right now,

there’s a shortage of home healthcare workers and that’s because they don’t have a decent hourly wage.”

“As a homecare worker, I look after my clients in their homes,” said homecare worker Sandra Diaz in another ad. “Then I come home to look after my son and elderly father.

“With the pandemic it’s scary, but I still have to work. I have bills to pay,” Diaz said.

According to the language of the Fair Pay

For Home Care Act (Senate Bill S5374A), sponsored by State Sen. Rachel May and co-sponsored by senators Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Fred Akshar and Alessandra Biaggi, it “enacts provisions to provide minimum wages for home care aides; requires at least 150% of minimum wage or other set minimum; directs the commissioner of health to set regional minimum rates of reimbursement for homecare aides under Medicaid and managed care plans.”

The bill would pay homecare workers a living wage of at least $22.50 an hour. That is $10 to $12 more than the average homecare workers make now, according to 1199 SEIU officials. Working with the elderly and the disabled took on a new significance when the COVID-19 pandemic shut the city down. Nurses, doctors, subway workers, doorpeople and homecare workers alike were still expected to head to their jobs.

They were labeled heroes by the public and now want to be treated as such.

“Home healthcare is not an easy job.

The commute is difficult—whether it snows or there’s sunshine, you have to be there. Without us, without me, the person cannot survive for the day,” stated worker Lilleth Clacken. “We were doing this work before the pandemic. We will be doing this work after the pandemic.

So we ask the governor and Albany to raise our wages permanently.”

Alabama Amazon workers sue Amazon, claim misconduct in election rerun

By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff Alabama Amazon workers are crying foul, once again, at the corporate giant for interfering with the union vote.

They’re accusing management of removing pro-union literature from non-work areas where anti-union literature had been posted. Amazon’s Bessemer’s management had also been accused of organizing “Captive-Audience Meetings” which workers were coerced into joining to hear about the reasons not to join a union. They’re also being accused of promulgating a new rule that limits workers’ access to the facility for more than 30 minutes before and after their shift. It’s not in the job’s policy handbook.

“Being forced to attend the captive-audience anti-union trainings was degrading,” stated Roger Wyatt, a BAmazon Union Worker Organizing Committee member and Amazon BHM1 associate. “Amazon treated us like mindless robots, downloading mis-information to us. And the irony is, these meetings are the longest I’ve ever gotten to sit at work. If it’s impossible to allow me adequate break and bathroom time, why is it possible, let alone mandatory, for me to sit through hours of anti-union trainings? It should be our choice if we have to sit through one side’s arguments or not, it’s protected under the law and needs to be stopped permanently.”

An Amazon spokesperson said they haven’t seen Tuesday’s filing and that

into their decision to let Bessemer workers get a second chance at a vote.

“By installing a postal mailbox at the main employee entrance, the employer essentially hijacked the process and gave a strong impression that it controlled the process,” read part of the NLRB’s solution. “This dangerous and improper message to employees destroys trust in the Board’s processes and in the credibility of the election results.”

Over the past year, Amazon’s organizing workers have received public support from elected officials, Amazon workers in Bessemer claim that the company interfered with elections again. the NFL Players Association, the Writers Guild of America “we’re confident that our teams have fully Last year, workers in Bessemer had orga- East and West, and U.S. President Joe Biden. complied with the law. Our focus remains nized what they felt were enough people to Biden’s support marked the first time a on working directly with our team to make vote but were thwarted when they lost the president publicly advocated for unions.

Amazon a great place to work.” election to form a union. This brought about “Removing union literature from break In late January, members of the BAmazon accusations of interference against Amazon rooms, limiting workers’ ability to talk with Union Worker Organizing Committee held for violating Section 7 of the National Labor each other, compelling attendance at capa media briefing on the filing of the union’s Relations Act. Workers called out Amazon tive audience meetings to listen to anRequest for Review of the National Labor for moving the needle on election results by ti-union messages—all of these actions Relations Board (NLRB) Notice of Election. installing security cameras to monitor the expose Amazon’s undisguised efforts to In the Notice of Election, there was not a suf- voter collection box in the job site’s parking stifle workers’ voices and its contempt for ficient remedy to the mailbox, which was lot, threatening workers with layoffs and their rights to join together,” he stated. the main focus of the objections to the first with closing the facility, and threatening “What’s Amazon afraid of?” said Wilma election and the NLRB’s decision to grant workers with docked pay and less benefits. Liebman, former member and chairman, workers a re-run election.

It’s something NLRB officials factored NLRB. “What’s Amazon afraid of?”

(Photo courtesy of Lawrence Glass via iStock

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 11

Your health is your greatest legacy.

Black people are generally at higher risk for many heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and more. Let’s change the story together.

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12 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Opinion No free lunch in good cause eviction protection

By BROTHER PAUL MUHAMMAD

in PL ACE” theor y. I have submitted this plan to several elected officials. I will share later.

In theory “Good Cause Eviction Protection” The idea is to create a sustainable program to is a good cause. However, the reality is there is pay the rent of tenants who are living in the no such thing as a free lunch or a free apart- apartments and are not paying, or cannot pay. ment. Somebody has got to pay the rent, wheth- Poor small homeowners are not sheltering loer it is the city, state or federal government. cations—our constitutional rights are being Small homeowners and tenants are being pitted trampled upon. against each other to pay the rents, so we can The Rezoning Plan (PLOT) of former Mayor save our homes—our generational wealth.

“Developer” de Blasio along with the “AGGRESThe state and city should adopt a “SHELTER SIVE” Tenant Protection law circa 2018 created the “Perfect Storm” of factors that are and have financially devastated small Black and Brown homeowners!

Black and Brown small homeowners The testimony of several witnesses in the federal trial of were faced with the deed theft, badgerthe three white men who killed Ahmaud Arbery left little ing and conniving tricks of developdoubt about their racism. There was evidence that they ers/speculators who descended upon had been harboring racial animus for years, and finally Black and Brown communities before had an opportunity to violently express it and vio- and after the rezoning, destabilizing late Arbery’s civil rights. the truly AFFORDABLE apartments When Kim Potter was punished with only a 24in small owner-occupied buildings. month sentence, eight of them on probation, for The small homeowners also faced killing Daunte Wright in Minnesota, there was an the skyrocketing costs of utilities, outpouring of disgust with many asserting another water, city regulations. Who allowed miscarriage of justice. this? New York City Council memNow we wait to see what will happen in the civil bers capitulated to, conspired with rights case of three former Minneapolis police offi- and CO-SIGNED the rezoning of poor cers connected to the murder of George Floyd in 2020. The communities in 2016. judge in the Potter case took time to draw some distinctions Many small homeowners such as between the two tragedies. myself are owed tens of thousands of How these two cases will bear on the officers in Minne- dollars in back rent (and we owe the apolis has a number of complicated factors with Derek banks), and are stuck with professionChauvin being the one convicted of applying the knee al ‘non-paying’ tenants! The ERAP compressing Floyd’s neck leading to his death, and others program is a joke and broke. Fundcharged with failing to give Floyd medical aid, or in the ing is depleted. It only allows for 12 case of two other officers failing to intervene in Chauvin’s to 15 months of rental arrears MAX, use of unreasonable force. and then forces you to keep the Common to each of these incidents is the case of three tenant WITHOUT future guarantee Black men having their lives ended by bullets or a knee of rent payments. A lot of the tenants from a white man and a white female officer, who unlike the we are stuck with owe 20, 24 up to 36 others demonstrated some remorse for her actions.

MONTHS arrears. HOW? Some landMany have raised questions that in any of these instances lords like myself have been stuck with if the victims had been white would they be dead now. For tenants who were in arrears in 2019 too many white folks, a Black man is a mortal threat, a po- and in court, but due to the purposetential beast that can snuff out their lives. ful manipulation by city-appointed Across more than five centuries of American history this judges and city-appointed lawyers for fact has been a reality and to think it can be rectified in the tenants [have caused] longer drawn courtrooms is ludicrous. But to some extent that is the only out cases; delaying JUST EVICTIONS, mercy available, something we have to live with and, when preventing poor landlords from getit does not exist, as in the case of George Floyd, die from. ting possession of RENT from RENT As they deliberate in Minneapolis, let us hope that PAYING TENANTS! the jurors there won’t need a chorus of witnesses testiEvictions [were] stalled in 2019. By fying about the racist behavior of the officers to deliv- the beginning (COVID-19 moratoer a just verdict. rium) of 2020 evictions were halted, making poor small landlords unpaid adjunct shelters who faced huge

Uncivil rites EDITORIAL

unpaid utility bills, and water and sewer and mortgage arrears. Now in 2022, there are pending foreclosures, which is an eviction of tenants and small homeowners who are landlords, from where they both call home.

In an article written by Emma Whitford for the Gothamist, entitled “Report : Cost of Renting Hotel Room for Homeless People Has Risen 600% Since 2015,” it was explained that the average nightly cost of housing homeless people in commercial hotel rooms, increased $82,214 to $576,203 per night, city-wide.

There is a solution to this problem, it’s in the “Win-Win-Win” housing plan. The contract between landlord and tenant is the most common deal made in New York State. When you stabilize the homeowner, you stabilize the tenant, and in that effort you stabilize the community. The proposal of the Win-Win-Win Housing Plan is an agenda to redistribute money to homeowners, to pay rent for tenants until disputes are resolved in tenant court. This is not only an idea of current substance and action, but it is a strategic plan for the betterment of our communities and a catalyst for building future generational wealth. The initial win is giving landlords, who are the anchors and major shareholders in the Brooklyn communities of Brownsville, East New York, Crown Heights, and Ocean Hill, the stability and leverage to continue to uphold their homes and meet their financial obligations, including paying mortgage, taxes, home maintenance and water bills. This will give landlords the opportunity to establish and maintain generational wealth. The second win is providing tenants a safe environment for shelter that they are familiar with. The third win is providing homeowners stability, and thus encouraging community morale, enabling landlords to timely and effectively meet their obligations, which eventually leads to a decrease in foreclosure and encouraging landlords to continue to rent to residents, decreasing evictions.

Remember, now in 2022 there are pending foreclosures which are the evictions of tenants and landlords of their homes.

Brother Paul Muhammad is the student protocol director, Nation of Islam, Mosque No. 7c; co-chair of public safety quality of life of Community Board 5 Steering Committee; land use committee member of Community Board 5 Steering Committee; and cofounder of the Coalition for Community Advancement for East New York/Cypress Hills and vice-chair of the Community Advisory Board Gotham Health ENY Diagnostic Clinic. Paul Muhammad can be reached at Generalorders@verizon.net

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

This Black History Month, let’s make history DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the New York Amsterdam News. We continue to publish a variety of viewpoints so that we may know the opinions of others that may differ from our own.

ARMSTRONG

WILLIAMS

As we celebrate Black History Month and the great accomplishments of African Americans to the United States since its founding, I wanted to take a different perspective, one that focuses on what Black Americans must do to achieve economic and generational prosperity.

We must be concerned about the plight of many Black communities in the United States, which are plagued by high poverty, high crime, and dismal educational systems. We must first recognize

that must be addressed during Black History Month and beyond.

It is no longer sufficient to invest in initiatives that do nothing to alleviate poverty or provide young men with a better and more productive way to channel their energy that does not result in the disintegration of their communities through violence, crime, and drugs. We must consider how we might provide opportunities, conditions, and incentives to help many poor Black communities escape poverty and succeed.

One primary focus which must be made by lawmakers and community leaders is that of education. Education has, for millennia, been the primary means of lifting people out of poverty. When a Black child is equipped with the skills and knowledge that a proper education provides, boundless opportunities will actualize, and the good he will do for both his community and the world will be inevitable. When our Black youths can learn to turn to words instead of violence, and a book instead of a gun, it will be then that we will see what the future has in store for these children. Statistics show that poor education plagues Black youths, and it is precisely this issue that we must address first in order to lift future generations within the Black community out of poverty.

Facilitating these opportunities will demonstrate that Black Americans can achieve economic empowerment and development with the correct leadership and assistance, and it will aid in the recovery of many distressed communities across the United States. A large majority of Black Americans need and desire positive and significant change. However, we must accept that some people are oblivious of the options available to them because they have been exposed to a recurrent cycle of terrible examples of what not to do to be successful.

And, with such a strong focus on racial injustice, we must consider what other injustices we are obliv-

"When our Black youths can learn to turn to words instead of violence, and a book instead of a gun, it will be then that we will see what the future has in store for these children." that these issues are not ordained nor inevitable, but rather require significant transformation. This is accomplished by emphasizing faith, family, and education as key ingredients in lowering crime, reducing poverty, and developing individuals who are ready to compete aggressively in the complicated and tough global economy.

We all know that acquiring a decent education is directly linked to lower crime rates. We also know that the family unit is an important framework for providing the necessary support and balance for children to thrive. These are the issues

ious to that cause incongruence in our ostensibly righteous actions. We all know that injustice doesn’t just happen in one place or among one group of people.

If there is a systemic problem, it will eventually affect everyone; the thinking, conscientious individuals among us are well aware of this.

Some people are going to disagree with my solutions to some of these problems, and that’s fine.

Acceptance does not necessarily imply agreement; that is, we can accept problems because they are directly in front of us, but that does not mean we must always agree on how to solve them. It is precisely this notion that so frequently divides us, and now is the moment to work together, not apart, so that we may reflect on the past during Black History Month and take the necessary steps in the present to change the future.

Black people must never think of themselves as victims, but rather as champions. “We cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them,” Albert Einstein said. To move the needle forward, we need fresh ideas nurtured by a new generation of thinking leaders. People must trust in themselves and understand that their circumstances do not determine their fate. There is also a need to recognize the value of working together as a society to uplift everybody rather than fighting against one another in a tribal manner for personal greed and selfishness. Whether we recognize it or not, our joint success is contingent on society elevating and empowering those who are in need—when this occurs, people cease being victimized, and everyone gets the potential to prosper as a result of our shared ideals of success.

I am convinced that the Black community can progress and live up to the standards set by so many former Black icons. But that transformation must begin with each of us as individuals, regardless of skin color. As the old adage goes, we are our brother’s keeper.

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

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 13

How are you sleeping?

CHRISTINA GREER PH.D.

Lately, quite a few of my friends have expressed frustration at how poorly they have been sleeping. Many of our brains are racing at night worrying about loved ones, our health, finances, the state of the world, and so much more. I believe in creating an environment for the best sleep hygiene, so I have compiled a short list of suggestions to help you maximize your sleep at night. I hope some of these suggestions help you clear your mind and (finally) get a good night’s sleep.

If possible, do not keep your phone in the bedroom and do not use your phone at least 30 minutes before heading to bed. In addition, do not use social media at least an hour before bedtime. Reading about the ills of the world or Facebook dramas do not help settle your mind or spirit.

I also like to use lavender lotion on my temples, hands, and feet to create a soothing sleep environment. It works for babies so why not adults?

One of my best discoveries has been the use of Brown noise. You can type it in on Spotify or find a free app on your phone. This has been a game changer.

White and Pink noise have frequencies that are too exciting (for me) to sleep.

I invested in a good eye mask with deep inset eye sockets so I can open my eyes fully while still wearing the mask. I also got fitted for a proper mouth guard at my dentist to help curtail grinding my teeth at night. I was told the cheap mouthguards for purchase at your local drugstore can cause long term damage to your gums, so choose your mouth guard well.

So many of my friends are obsessed with their weighted blanket. They feel like the lead apron from the dentist’s office when you sleep, and it definitely relaxes you. If your apartment is dry, I suggest investing in a humidifier or at the very least placing a pot of water on your radiator to moisten the air in your room.

Lastly, if your mind is still racing then try a gratitude journal you keep by the bed. List 15 items each night in a little journal chronicling items you are thankful for (large and/or small). I have found it is so helpful to cleanse my mind with gratitude.

This is literally my regime almost every night.

I ebb and flow with the journaling and I must admit, I keep my phone by my bed in case I need to be reached. However, find what works best for you. Changing pillows, sheets, comforters, or even your bed can also add to a more productive night’s sleep. Essentially, try to clear your mind as much as possible before bed so your mind and soul can be at rest for a few hours.

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

14 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Caribbean Update

In-person Caricom summit signals slow but sure reopening

By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews Caribbean Community leaders will next week head to Belize for their first in person summit in two years in the clearest signal yet that the region is slowly but surely moving to the post pandemic recovery phase.

And as widely expected, the main agenda item of the two-day meeting starting on March 1 will be discussions centered around strategies for economic recovery for most of the 15 member nations, as the majority of them are dependent on tourism and related services.

Once the Caricom summit ends, regional leaders will meet with their Central American counterparts on March 3 for a day of talks regarding multilateral cooperation, including exchanging notes on strategies to recover from two tough years. Caricom and the Central American Integration System (SICA) have not met in recent years. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres will attend that conference.

Despite being in Central America, Belize’s British colonial past ensures it is both in Caricom and in SICA. Prime Minister John Brecino is the current bloc chair.

The travel, tourism and entertainment sectors were among the worst affected

globally once the World Health Organization had declared the coronavirus a world pandemic back in early 2020.

Governments across the world shuttered airports, cruise and other commercial ships headed to berthing ports, airports closed and streets emptied as authorities struggled to cope with alarming infection rates, rising fatality levels and

people in affected sectors to cope with temporary unemployment while still being under pressure to fund COVID test kits, acquire expensive vaccines and other medical supplies.

The in person summit comes as governments across the bloc are relaxing some of the stringent pandemic protocol rules which have

“Just this week, schools in Barbados moved to a phased reopening, while some like Guyana and the Eastern Caribbean have already done so.” vastly reduced revenues streams.

The shutdown permanently closed some hotels and entertainment spots across the region, forced others to let go of thousands of workers—some of whom have not returned to stations— and pushed others into offering early retirement packages to eligible staff.

And while key revenue streams dried up or reduced to a trickle, governments were still forced to find millions in grant aid schemes to help

been in place in the past two years.

For example, Suriname, Barbados, Guyana, The Bahamas and other member nations have either abandoned night-time curfews altogether or have allowed social activities up to midnight in gradual moves to restore some semblance of normalcy.

Just this week, schools in Barbados moved to a phased reopening, while some like Guyana and the Eastern Caribbean have already done so. Officials

like Education Minister Kay McConney in Barbados say the time has come for a resumption even as daily infection rates continue to worry officials.

“The ministry is mindful that some of our Barbadian students have to take the same external exams at the same time as others in the region.

Their counterparts in the region are already in significant part back to faceto-face-school, benefitting and advancing in ways that our Barbadian students would also like to benefit and advance.

My informal conversations with students bear out their concern. And, their perspective must also be taken into consideration,” the minister stated.

Other key agenda items including the situation in Haiti as the region’s most populous country tries to recover from the early July assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the pandemic and its extremely low vaccine availability and inoculation rates, an earthquake that killed hundreds in August, and a hit by a storm during last year’s season.

This is in addition to continuing squabbles as to who should lead the country, when to have elections, and the growing strength of armed gangs as was seen in the bold abduction of more than 20 Americans last year and ransom demands for their release.

Will the Biden administration respond to this Black History Month challenge?

FELICIA PERSAUD

IMMIGRATION KORNER There are mere days now left in Black History Month 2022 and the Biden administration has been given a challenge that it should respond to urgently, if it was sincere in its promise to Black voters who helped them win in 2020.

Last week, several top U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to President Joe Biden calling on the administration to review the “disparate treatment of Black migrants” throughout the immigration system.

You have read many such calls in this column over the years, including under this administration. But this letter, signed by more than100 lawmakers in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, highlighted the issue of the inhumane treatment of Black and mostly Haitian immigrants at the Southern border last September, when they were chased, ridden down, grabbed and even lassoed by white border agents on horseback.

The lawmakers told Biden that

they “would like to work with your administration to chart a new way forward rooted in equal treatment and protection of human rights.”

The question is, will the administration respond positively or continue more of its Trump-like policies?

The letter pointed to the long history of inhumane treatment of Black migrants, which is particularly evident in the historic mistreatment of Haitians. It cited data that showed that Black immigrants comprise just 5.4% of the unauthorized population in the United States, and 7.2% of total non-citizen population, but made-up 10.6% of all immigrants in deportation proceedings between 2003 and 2015.

The letter also cited a recent report from researchers at the University of California that found that those detained from Africa and the Caribbean— predominantly Black regions—made up just 4% of those in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody from 2012 to 2017, but 24% of all solitary confinement detentions.

That report also found that Black migrants are also likely to remain in detention longer than other migrants and pay significantly higher bonds for release.

But there was more. The lawmakers

pointed to the horrifying reports that emerged in 2020, that migrants from Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo were not given a fair opportunity to seek asylum and were forcibly coerced into signing voluntary departure orders after protesting inhumane detention conditions.

They also cited the recent removals and expulsions of migrants to Haiti by the Biden administration.

“To that end,” the lawmakers are urging the administration to end the use of Trump’s Title 42 authority which they noted: “… is depriving legitimate asylum seekers the opportunity to pursue their claims, contrary to our obligations under international and domestic law.”

Interestingly, as we celebrate Black History Month, the lawmakers wisely reminded Biden, and hopefully his immigrant roots veep and immigration czar, that America must “… also be accountable for our political decisions and the decades of intervention by the United States, including a military occupation from 1915 to 1934, that has contributed to the political destabilization, impoverishment, and ecological vulnerability of Haiti.”

In addition to stopping removals to regions such as Haiti that face serious insecurity, the congressional and

senate members also urged Biden to take steps to address the systemic challenges Black migrants face to receiving equal treatment. They urged him to have his Department of Homeland Security, in concert with the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), conduct a holistic review of the disparate treatment of Black migrants throughout the U.S.’ immigration system, make available to the public the results of this review, and take steps to remedy disparities at each step of the immigration enforcement process.

“It is essential that we recommit ourselves to reversing anti-Black policies, including by adopting a human-rights centered approach to supporting immigrants and people seeking asylum in the United States,” the signatories to the letter concluded.

The question now is, will Biden listen or will his need to, like Barack Obama, show he is strong on immigration and the border, override commonsense and the promises he made to Black voters to secure the White House? We will have to wait and see.

So far, the White House has not made any public response to this letter.

The writer is publisher NewsAmericasNow.

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Arts & Entertainment Film/TV pg 15-16 | Theater pg 17 | Travel pg 19 | Jazz pg 21

Pg. 18 Your Stars

Oscar-shortlisted filmmaker develops Sun Ra doc

By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH Special to the AmNews Documentary filmmaker, Stanley Nelson, whose current documentary “Attica” is shortlisted for an Academy Award has announced that his production company Firelight Films is developing a new documentary about the other-worldly experimental jazz musician Sun Ra. The film, entitled “Sun Ra and the Rise of Afrofuturism,” will feature the only surviving member of the original Sun Ra Arkestra, 98-year-old Marshall Allen who is set to perform at Carnegie Hall’s Afrofuturism city-wide event series in New York City with the current Arkestra lineup.

Sun Ra is hailed to be one of the early creators within the genre of Afrofuturism. “Anchored by archival footage of Ra and his performances as well as interviews with musicians who performed with him over the years, ‘Sun Ra and the Rise of Afrofuturism’ will live up to the second half of its title by exploring how the theory and practice of Afrofuturism

evolved, diversified and developed from Ra’s foundational concepts through interviews with contemporary writers, visual artists, musicians and curators,” Reelscreen reports.

This documentary is very timely as the world begins to recognize the importance and poignancy of Black historical figures who have been largely left out of the Western music and arts canon. This is largely due to the post-George Floyd international awakening toward racial justice and the newfound desire to reexamine and update historical documentation that includes Black innovators and visionaries.

“Without Sun Ra, it is hard to understand George Clinton, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monáe, Ras G, Kamasi Washington, Shabaka Hutchings, Moor Mother, Black Panther, Lovecraft Country, [or] Afrofuturism itself,” expressed Nelson. “Ra was part mystic, genius, showman and possibly alien. He was one of the most prolific, creative and visionary musicians the world has ever known.”

The Criterion Channel has released a series, “Black History Rising: Documentaries by Stanley Nelson,” featuring five of his films, “The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords,” “A Place of Our Own,” “Freedom Summer,” “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution” and “Tell Them We Are Rising.” His most recent documentary “Attica” explores the five-day rebellion at upstate New York’s Attica Correctional Facility in 1971, which can be streamed for free on Showtime’s YouTube channel until the end of Black History Month.

American jazz musician Sun Ra in a publicity photo promoting the 1973 reissue of his album “The Magic City” through Impulse! Records and ABC/Dunhill Records (Public domain: https://commons.wikimedia. org/wiki/File:Sun_Ra_(1973_publicity_ photo_-_Impulse_ABC_Dunhill).jpg)

Ebony ’s iconic Test Kitchen on view in Harlem Ebony Magazine’s Test Kitchen

(Clay Williams photo)

The iconic Ebony Magazine Test Kitchen—saved from wreckage thanks to preservationists Landmarks Illinois—is now accessible to the public as part of a first-of-itskind exhibit.

Presented in partnership with the Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD), “African/American: Making the Nation’s Table”—displayed within the newly-constructed home of partner The Africa Center at Aliko Dangote Hall (1280 5th Avenue, New York)— reveals the stories of innovators, cooks, mixologists, and entrepreneurs as it emphasizes that African American food is American food.

Curated by Dr. Jessica B. Harris, widely considered the world’s preeminent expert on the foods of the African diaspora, this exhibition celebrates the countless contributions of Black chefs, farmers, and food and drink producers who have laid the foundation for American food culture—recognition that is long overdue. Understanding the rich and expansive stories

underlying any good meal, African/American seeks, in its immersiveness and historic scope, to offer a portrait of the immense breadth of African American traditions and innovations in cooking.

The centerpiece of the exhibition, the Legacy Quilt—illustrated by Adrian Franks, sewn by the quilting collective Harlem Needle Arts using period-appropriate fabrics, and featuring blurbs on each block

by writer Osayi Endolyn— depicts, through traditions stitched together and interconnected across the Diaspora, space, and time, a selection of hundreds among countless stories that deserve recognition. This awe-inspiring artifact stands 14 feet tall and nearly 28 feet wide. The Legacy Quilt also includes an interactive, virtual experience whereby people can submit their own stories of African American culinary

heroes to add—emphasizing that these culinary histories are not finite, that the work of documenting and celebrating them is ongoing.

Visitors are then carried through four centuries of influence on agriculture, culinary arts, brewing and distilling, and commerce. The movement of people, whether enslaved Africans across the Atlantic or over 6 million Black Americans from the

South to the North during the Great Migration, and in turn, their food traditions across place and time, is a central theme of the exhibition.

While the Legacy Quilt offers a breathtaking panorama, the Ebony Magazine Test Kitchen offers immersion into a specific institution (and its vivid, Afro-Modernist aesthetic representation of its historic moment) that served as a culinary touchstone for more than two generations of African Americans. Described by The Chicago Tribune as “the most distinctive test kitchen ever created,” it was the site where recipes from Ebony food editors—from oyster gumbo to sweet potato pudding— came together for the iconic “A Date With A Dish” column.

The multisensory experience features a soul-stirring soundtrack curated by musician, farmer, and chef Kelis, and video interviews with former Ebony food editors.

For more information and for tickets, visit www.theafricacenter.org.

16 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

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Tonya Lewis Lee, Paula Eiselt talk Sundance doc, ‘Aftershock’

By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH Special to the AmNews

Amsterdam News: How did you find out about this chilling story?

Tonya Lewis Lee: For me, I can talk about how I found out about the U.S. maternal mortality crisis. In 2007, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services asked me to be a spokesperson for an infant mortality raising campaign they were launching here in the United States and I had the pleasure to travel the country. I did know about the health issues that this country had, but I did not know that Black babies were dying at three times the rate of white babies in this country. So, inevitably I found myself immersed in the world of women’s health, specifically the health of Black women and I made a film back then called “Crisis in the Crib” about the mortality issue and began hearing about Black women dying from childbirth complications. I talked to lots of women and inevitably someone would tell me a story about a friend, a cousin, a sister, someone who had died from childbirth complications. So, I’ve been

(Image courtesy of Sundance Film Festival)

Directors Tonya Lewis Lee and Paula Eiselt present an entrancing new documentary about Black women’s maternal and reproductive health in America. This emotionally powerful film presents statistical and informational details about the increasing numbers of deaths of Black women by following the lives and deaths of two women: Shamony Gibson and Amber Rose Isaac. Both mothers were healthy and vibrant before entering the hospital to have their children.

The fathers of both children, along with other family members of the women, reveal their indescribably painful experiences of loss while the film expands to tell a number of stories focused on this public health crisis.

“According to the CDC, the maternal mortality rate was significantly higher in 2019 (754 deaths) than 2018 (658 deaths). The increase was statistically significant for non-Hispanic Black women, whose maternal mortality rate was 2.5 times that of non-Hispanic white women and 3.5 times that of Hispanic women. But both knew they would need to go beyond the statistics for their film to be compelling,” reports the Associated Press.

Both directors created ‘Aftershock’ to speak out against this serious epidemic of Black maternal death by offering a clear, potent and realistic view of the issues that are plaguing America today.

Tonya Lewis Lee and Paula Eiselt spoke to the Amsterdam News about their journeys of making this film.

Omari Maynard and Bruce McIntyre in “Aftershock,” a powerful new documentary directed by Tonya Lewis Lee and Paula Eiselt.

wanting to tell this story but knew I AmNews: What do you want audineeded a partner because it’s such a big ences to take away from this film? issue. I didn’t want it to be a survey film and so I was really happy to meet Paula Lewis Lee: I think I want people to and come together with her creatively come away from this film really ready and make this film. to have a conversation. My hope is that audiences think about what it means Paula Eiselt: I came to this story, the to give birth in America and I want topic of maternal health, because of people talking about why our birthmy own experiences in the maternal ing outcomes are so bad. We’re all in health system. I had traumatic expe- this together and we need to figure riences carrying and birthing my chil- out how to come together. The way to dren so I was already tied in and felt do that is for us to talk about it and get a connection to the topic of maternal into action. health. I also made a previous film that dealt with women’s health care called Eiselt: We want people to feel in“93Queen” and women, especial- spired and empowered to take that ly marginalized women is something action for themselves, their families I’m specifically connected to as well. and for others, and come away with In 2017, I started reading about the some things that they didn’t know U.S. health crisis when a slew of arti- about before about the options that cles came out and when I was reading they have and the different routes they them, especially the story of Shalon can take, and take the initiative to have Irving in particular, I realized that what conversations and do more research I went through on an individual level and do something about this. is really endemic to Black women and that we are in a national crisis and I AmNews: Talk about the aesthetic really wanted to use my skill set to help and how you wanted the film to look. shed light and uplift the work that was Did you want it to be stark and realbeing done to combat this crisis. So, I istic or stylized? What were your ideas was a fellow at Concordia Studio and on the visual aspect of the film? had a project for development funds and started to research the topic. And Eiselt: We were really clear that our very early on in that process, at one of shared vision was a vérité film that folthe very first shoots I met Tonya. We lowed families and real people and bumped into each other and I was subject collaborators on the ground up thrilled to connect with her and one and close. We did not want a “talking thing led to the next thing and we de- heads” expert film. We wanted to tell cided to birth this baby together. And the story of the maternal health crisis, here we are. not just the topic of it. We wanted

people to feel the consequences of it and also the power that you can have through one of our character’s birth experiences that we had there too. So, that was a very conscious choice that we made.

Lewis Lee: We wanted it to feel real more than anything. We wanted our interviews to look really nice but we wanted the film to feel real. We wanted people to go through the experience as we were experiencing them.

AmNews: How supportive was Sundance of this film? It must have been an exciting experience to be selected.

Lewis Lee: Sundance is a wonderful community. This is my second time at Sundance. As a producer, I brought my film “Monster” in 2018 and Paula and I also financed the film going through Sundance Catalyst so we’ve had a lot of support from Sundance. It is a wonderful community for artists and we really appreciate how respectful they are of our process and of the work. It’s thrilling to have our film premiering at the Sundance Film Festival and Competition. We are excited that there is this virtual element so that there are people who may not otherwise have been able to see the film Eiselt: Very few organizations [have] artist support like Sundance. They’re so artist-focused and it’s a privilege to be there and have this platform.

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February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 17

‘The Music Man’ is a MUST! Hugh Jackman, Sutton Foster, and the cast of “The Music Man”

(Joan Marcus photo)

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews I felt such joy and nostalgia when I heard that “The Music Man” was being brought back to Broadway. I grew up with this musical and I’m sure that most fans of the show know the songs and the scenes by heart.

Well, the opening night at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway and 50th Street, had a buzz of excitement in the air. The lead role of Harold Hill was to be played by Hugh Jackman, and Marian Paroo by one of the most vocally, comedically awesome, talented actresses Broadway has to offer— the one-and-only Sutton Foster.

Everyone was thrilled to be there for this momentous event!

The energy in the air was shared by the entire company as number after number were performed flawlessly, starting with the amusing song performed by the traveling salesmen as they go to Iowa. Every word, every pitch and tone of their voices was just right. The song “Iowa Stubborn” was also beautifully performed by the company. “Goodnight, My Someone” was a lovely song sung

by Marian and her student Amaryllis, performed by Foster and African American Kayla Teruel. “SeventySix Trombones” put chills in the air and got hands clapping. “Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little” performed by the gossiping women of the town and “Good Night Ladies,” performed by the School Board quartet, are some of the beloved numbers that I know I was looking forward to. When Foster sang “Till There Was You,” I sat there in stunned appreciation of her magnificent instrument! I love her voice “’til I die”! There was a delightful

chemistry between Jackman and Foster. “The Music Man” is such a fun time at the Theatre.

What I truly loved and appreciated about this “Music Man” is that it depicts Black people in Iowa. Not only are they in Iowa, they are part of the School Board quartet—namely Phillip Boykin and Nicholas Ward. And, one of the most refreshing castings that I also noticed was that not only is Amaryllis a young Black girl, but so is the mayor’s daughter Zaneeta, marvelously played by Emma Crow.

My favorite moments were every single time that Sutton Foster sang.

Foster is absolutely fantastic and her vocal instrument epitomizes what a Broadway caliber voice MUST BE! All the scenes with the School Board were also marvelous, not just because they were amusing, but these men’s harmonies were spectacular. The other two members of the School Board quartet included Eddie Korbich and Daniel Torres. Some other featured cast members include Jefferson Mays as Mayor Shinn and Jayne Houdyshell as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn. The creativity for this musical was shining throughout the presentation, especially the scene with the Wells Fargo wagon. I just won’t give it away. Marie Mullen was absolutely adorable as Mrs. Paroo, Marian’s mother. Benjamin Pajak was priceless as Winthrop Paroo.

The feeling throughout the musical was one of fun and high spirits. It is charming to watch as conman Professor Harold Hill sells naïve Iowa residents positions for their sons to be in a Boys Band that he will lead, complete with instruments, music books and uniforms. Only to find that love finds him with his foot caught in the door. While I enjoyed this production

immensely, I must admit that Jackman seemed to be straining as he performed from the first number to the last. Foster and the rest of the company, however, were TERRIFIC! “The Music Man” is a must! “The Music Man” has a book, music and lyrics

by Meredith Willson, and a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey, with fun choreography by Warren Carlyle and riveting direction by Jerry Zaks.

For more info and for tickets, visit www.musicmanonbroadway.com/

FEB 24-26 | 2022

Three nights of incredible music by bassist, vocalist, and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello inspired by influences from jazz drummer Max Roach, to writer and activist James Baldwin, and a curated evening of music by Ndegeocello favorite, The HawtPlates.

For $10 off your ticket, use code AMSTERDAM at checkout.

Photo credit: Charlie Gross

IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAM TICKETS ON SALE NOW! SYMPHONYSPACE.ORG | 95TH & BROADWAY | 212.864.5400

18 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

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HOROSCOPES BY KNOWYOURNUMB3RS

KYA FRENCH

February 24, 2022 — March 2, 2022

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B S

The universal divine protection is among you. Give it your undivided attention and respect to assist you on your journey. When Spirit speaks to you to make a move—go Vinateria here, go there, do this, then call this person—follow the information. Information is coming in piece by piece, and when you see it pick up on it and take heed. The details are the context clues to the puzzle to be solved. Financially, spiritually, emotionally, and vocationally, development and expansion are occurring. The behind-the-scenes folks have been scouting and observing to pull the best from you, be it Alpha as well as the Omega, going through its metamorphosis. Surrender to the higher forces within you.

Capricorn

The universe is preparing a special recipe for you.

The ingredients are a result of experiences after the test trials.You’re now equipped with the kind of information needed to proceed to the next stage. As Dottie’s people stated in her music, “On Time God.” This cycle, Cappy, things are right on time to execute your mission. Relax and watch the magic occur out of nowhere. No need to strong-arm anyone, just being prepared is enough. Partnerships may be in question, and people are asking questions seeking information. Just relax until the full context clues come to you before making a final decision.

Dec 22 – Jan 21

This is a week, as well as a month of devotion, to do the work that deserves your attention. In Jan 22 – Feb 19 this cycle, semi-legal matters may arise. This also includes submitting the paperwork required for the completion of your process or project. A genuine conversation with a friend will spark an awareness that may broaden your perspective on life. Look deeper into the partnerships you value, questioning whether they are bringing you value. Are you learning, and are you appreciative of the friendships you developed? Or are you just seeking information for personal gain and insight in a dishonest way to make you look good? Question your actions, and the answers will come to you.

Aquarius

s d r h r w This is a time to finally decide which direction Cancer when your back is against the wall. Your faith is June 22–July 23 being tested and you’ve come very far from where v you started. Make amends to clear your path and obtain a new adventure in s your life. The process is one where you have to carry your own weight to receive c a genuine feeling of being independent. There’s no running now so don’t give c t up. You must stay the course in order to see what’s up the road. o

Leo

Unexpected events can occur as a screen test.

The question is how you’re going to order your steps towards the path you envisioned while being true to yourself? A meeting of the mind, and your higher self-interest steps into play bringing more clarity of your purpose. You have the information and it’s time to execute the mission with no time for looking back as the divine Creator is now guiding you every step of the way. Listen, trust the process and information given to you. When your mind and heart are in sync nothing can stop your shine.

July 24 – Aug 23

The universe has its way of showing you signs and messages through all forms of expression in your daily affairs. You walk by faith and lead by example as we all have flaws that balance our actions. Everyone on this earth is a walking testimony, and no one is perfect as we improve on our imperfection throughout our journey. You have a mission to carry out this week. Trust and believe, the rewards are much greater than the outcome. As you reflect on the s process, recognize that you in fact are the reward. g g l You may feel pressure is being applied, rather Libra than that you are applying pressure to others. The a Sept 24 – Oct 23 universe has a way of revealing itself to you when f change is inevitable. Go with the flow as you may feel your back is up against the s walls. You can feel it, sense it, and understand you have a higher purpose, as some run from it and others run towards their soul mission. Going in the same revolving cycles only and receiving the same outcome in different forms, has come to a halt. The divine creator presents an offer that feels like The Matrix with the red or blue pill. Do what’s best that’s embedded in your heart and turn the page to a new chapter in your life. Surrender yourself to the divine power.

Virgo

The pace is moving swiftly to make a difference in your life to continue to follow your agenda. Be ready to make your move without hesitation coming straight from the heart. Work, family, and personal relationships with heavy responsibilities are present, knowing when to set boundaries with others. Your time and energy are valuable. This week whatever you invest your time in will be reciprocated. Think about the work you applied this month knowing rewards are on the way within a twinkle of an eye.

Pisces

Feb 20 – Mar 20

A week of fulfillment is in all areas of your life, especially a higher love for yourself. This cycle week Mar 21 – Apr 21 includes a bit of everything from romance, work, travel, rest, rewards, resolving legal entanglements, family issues, as well as personal affairs to clear up any past misunderstandings. A deep feeling of change is sparking within that you can’t deny any longer. Think before you act. This is a week to gain financially from the effort and sweat equity you invested in yourself.

This is all due to your belief in your ability to will it into existence.

Aries

You have come to a fork in the road. You made it this far despite the storms, challenges, and setbacks. You even experienced the losses, and now you made it through. Victory is on its way and all you have to do is decide on the new route. Perseverance is the key, with a touch of faith, and belief, plus the experiences you’ve encountered to be where you are today. Walk thru the doors of opportunities and on to the new ground. The universe is filled with a plethora of greatness which is installed in the human spirit being on this earth.

Taurus

i a w b m t e F h f t t t B

Aug 24 – Sep 23

As resourceful as you are you know the value of when to excel to reach your full potential. This cycle Oct 24 – Nov 22 week is proven as life may seem a bit shaky for the moment, making that sharp turn up the road. Once you make the turn the road is smooth. The process of letting go is more rewarded, so always be your authentic T self. Prioritize your schedule accordingly to your plans. Organization and struc- e n ture is key this week while positioning yourself to higher levels. p t Laying the foundation is the main piece that bonds Slowly, yet surely, the snail reaches the finish line.

Gemini Sagittarius everything together making it stronger, and finer as The experience of this process is most beneficial, t Nov 23 – Dec 21 May 22 – June 21 time goes by. You see it’s worth every time you look at plus the investment is about believing in yourself, o what you’ve created which recalls your memory of the process and seeing the current first and foremost. As you can feel, sense, hear, taste, smell, envision and touch. b results. Know your work and also your value, and what you’ve done to make a difference Just like the deep breath you inhale, within the stillness is when you can receive s in your life as well as others. You’re a genius in communications, yet don’t get beside the message meant for you. All the stars are in motion now, and the universe is s i yourself and take advantage of people as it will return to sender. . .you. showering gifts, and shining its light on the world to rise up. d a WWW.KYAFRENCH.COM | CONSULTATIONS 866-331-5088 f Apr 22 – May 21

Scorpio

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 19

Resort & Travel

Stay safe! Travel scams to look out for You may not have been traveling much since the pandemic so your guard may be down, but even if you have been on the road, a reminder is in order: scammers have not taken a vacation from trying to rip you off while you are in the midst of a wonderful adventure.

The last thing you need is drama on vacay. While some old-school scams are still around, thieves are clever and keep coming up with new tactics and are especially taking advantage of any opportunity created from COVID. Here’s what to look out for so you can protect yourself.

Fake travel insurance Many people are choosing to buy travel insurance for the first time. “COVID and all of its uncertainties is the main reason why, but extreme weather has become a big reason as well. Unfortunately, scammers know that more people are wanting to buy travel insurance, and they know exactly what type of coverage they want.

Fraudulent travel insurance packages have been popping up that people are falling victim to––giving their money to these scammers and then going on their trip thinking they are protected when they aren’t protected at all,” says Kristen Bolig, CEO of SecurityNerd.

She cautions, “When buying travel insurance make sure to do so through legitimate companies. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Also, most legit travel insurance packages don’t actually offer direct COVID coverage, so if you find a plan that says it does, it’s probably a scam,” says Bolig.

(Pixbay photo)

Vaccine shenanigans David Adler, founder and CEO of The Travel Secret, says one scam that has emerged during the pandemic is companies trying to sell vaccine ID’s or vaccine passports. “The vaccine cards are free to this day, so there’s no need to pay for one.”

Not only are you paying for something that is free, but the transaction can open you up to fraud. “Most scams can be avoided with a few simple steps. You should only make purchases through secure websites. Look for a padlock icon in the address bar of your browser. That indicates the site is secure. Another way to avoid this is to never give out personal information online,” says Adler.

The great pretenders There’s a spike in travel scams, according to Pauline Manu, the consumer advocate manager at Sitejabber, a consumer protection site backed by the National Science Foundation.

What stories are they hearing? “Scammers are creating fake websites and emails, posing as Airbnb, other travel sites and agencies, and targeting potential travelers. The scammers are either providing fake travel accommodations or intercepting travel plans and conning people out of more money,” she says.

The best way to avoid phishing scams is to know the red flags in order to avoid them.

“Before you click on the email––is this a sender you don’t recognize? Is it an unusual email address? Is it sent to multiple unfamiliar recipients? If any of these answers are yes, you may not want to open the email,” says Manu.

Airbnb also provides a list of official Airbnb domains, so avoid any other senders, she says.

Manu says to pay close attention to the contents of the email. “Are they claiming there’s some suspicious activity or there’s a problem with your account, and you’ve either never signed up with them or don’t recognize the email domain? Is there poor grammar and messaging? Is it giving you a booking link to an unfamiliar website, or using a deceiving domain name? If so, send the email straight to spam!”

When someone has clocked visits to over 40 countries, they know a thing or two about traveling. Becky Moore is the founder of the GlobalGrasshopper blog.

In all her years of traveling she’s seen some stuff. Now she warns that there are scammers pretending to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and asking for personal information like Social Security numbers. Another she says, is people being offered fake opportunities to be evacuated from areas affected by the pandemic, such as Italy when it was in crisis, for a large fee. Then there were crooks making like they were from the World Health Organization or other legitimate organizations and asking for money in order to help with the pandemic. Lastly, she adds that some folks offer fake flights or hotels at a discount, but then require payment up front and never deliver.

Know mask rules Tyler Rice, founder of Camp Van Life, an online community for nomads living in vans, RVs and other vehicles, says one of the most common scams he has seen emerging in developing countries is getting “fined” for not wearing a mask in your vehicle.

“Local police will target vehicles that are occupied by multiple tourists and pull them over for not wearing masks inside the vehicle––which is not a problem for locals. This is simply an

easy way for the local police to shake down tourists and get some extra cash in their pockets,” says Rice.

His advice? “Check the local mask laws. Wear a mask inside a vehicle in certain developing countries that are popular with tourists, and place only small bills in your wallet with your main cash in a safer location. If it comes down to it, simply opening your wallet and only having $5 to give is much better than opening your wallet and a local cop seeing that you have $40 to give up.”

No such thing as a free lunch Be leery of “free hotel” bookings. “Since everyone is so excited to travel, scammers use free hotel booking as their way to phish information from people. They offer this but request the ‘winner’ give their personal details and use these to access their personal accounts and perform their illegal transactions,” says Anton Radchenko, founder of AirAdvisor, a resource for passengers looking for compensation for flight disruptions.

Crooks capitalize on trends A growing number of scam sites are targeting travelers eager to secure an expedited screening process through airport

security, via services like TSA Precheck and Global Entry. Phony versions of these sites charge travelers an “application fee” or “service fee” and by the time they’re done, fraudsters will have landed not only the victim’s credit card information but passport and social security number as well, warns Lynette Owens, global director, Internet Safety at cybersecurity firm Trend Micro.

With car rental rates up 30% over the same time last year, consumers are hankering for a good deal. “In typical fashion, we’re seeing scammers rushing to take advantage of the demand by creating deceptive online ads that direct would-be customers to a hotline where a ‘representative’ will request the victim’s credit card information or offer a ‘special deal’ in exchange for a gift card or prepaid debit card,” says Owens.

The rise of Airbnb and Vrbo has consumers increasingly more comfortable booking vacation rentals on secondary markets like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. However, says Owens, “We’re seeing scammers using fake listings to rent out properties that don’t actually exist.”

The bottom line––get out there and have your fun, but keep your eyes open and your head in the game.

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By SHERYL NANCE-NASH Special to the AmNews

20 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

AmNews FOOD

New Caribbean restaurant in Crown Heights opens with familiar faces

By ASAR JOHN Special to the AmNews Traveling down Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, you might notice a variety of storefronts that include restaurants, bakeries, jewelry shops, 99 cents stores and much more. Some are longtime staples of the eight-mile Brooklyn thoroughfare and others have recently debuted, like Gee’s Caribbean Restaurant in Crown Heights (@geescaribbean on Instagram).

Located between Sterling and St. John’s Places on Nostrand Avenue, Gee’s Caribbean opened for business in late December and is run by the manager and former staff members of Gloria’s Caribbean Cuisine, which shuttered in 2020 as a result of a long and complicated legal battle. What some would call a “resurrection” of the community staple known as Gloria’s, is a “blessing” to Gee’s manager, Wayne Smith.

“We’re not allowed to speak about what happened at Gloria’s—it is beyond our control,” said Smith, who is a father, former manager

(Asar John photo) (Wayne Smith photo)

of Gloria’s and Crown Heights resident for over 40 years. “Gee’s Caribbean is our new venture, so we’re back on the block, and we’re fortunate to be back at a new spot again, and only God is in control of that.”

Gee’s is located at 770 Nostrand Ave., just three storefronts down from where Gloria’s stood for almost 20 years.

“People would see me every day after what took place and would say, ‘Hey, what’s going on, are you guys coming back?’

And I would just tell them I don’t know but God is good and maybe one day,” said Smith, According to Smith, that day came when a local investor spoke to him about giving the old Gloria’s team a chance to bring back an “icon” of Nostrand Ave. that was lost.

“When you become an icon, that’s a pillar that you can’t remove,” said

Smith. “The embracement in the neighborhood is like we never left.”

According to Smith, all but one of the current employees at Gee’s were members of Gloria’s staff. He is currently looking to fill positions such as servers and roti makers— the latter of which is vital, as roti is a staple dish of the Caribbean.

“We’re known for the rotis, our stew chicken and rice and peas,” said Smith, who mentions that while it is difficult to say what his favorite dish is off the menu, his go-to Sunday meal would be oxtail, rice and peas, callaloo, macaroni pie and potato salad.

Smith said this is the dish he prepared for the late Anthony Bourdain on a visit to Gloria’s for a food tour in 2012 with Michael Kenneth Williams.

Many of the same hearty Trinidadian and general Caribbean dishes that were seen at Gloria’s can be found at Gee’s: different curries, soups with pigtail, fish broth or cow heel, and dinners with a choice of meat and sides of veggies such as callaloo, plantains and dhal. Customers such as Rhonda Barclifft and her daughter returned to Gee’s after a hefty and enjoyable meal they had last week.

“When I stepped upon this place I ordered an oxtail roti and oxtail dinner with

a passion fruit juice and a sorrel,” said Barclifft, a resident of Crown Heights. “It was really delicious and that’s why I’m back for lunch again today. Everything was really delicious and I thank them for coming into our community.”

Wayne Smith says that he plans for Gee’s to be involved in community outreach.

“We are a community-based restaurant; if it wasn’t for the community we would not be here,” said Smith, who plans to cater for local entities like the Brooklyn Childrens’ Museum and churches in the area, another activity that the team partook in at Gloria’s. “On Thanksgiving, we will give away food to the public for free because we believe in giving back to the community.”

Smith says the importance of Gee’s is in the culture and well-being it provides to the surrounding Caribbean community.

“Culture is based on growth, where you are from and where you are at right now,” said Smith.

“Gee’s is a place where the employees have been here selling the same food for over 25 years that we are all known for. It’s a difference in where you can go get a hamburger and french fries versus a proper meal of stew chicken and rice and peas that gives you more nutrients.”

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

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February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 21

DONALD HARRISON, NDEGEOCELLO, BARRY HARRIS TRIBUTE how soul music and the Black voice can be heard. “Jason and I worked on the [James] Baldwin music a few years ago,” says the bassist. “Their music is along the lines of Max’s ‘We Insist,’ acapella, shouts, hollas and improvisational moments.”

The singer/songwriter’s creative activism sojourn closes Feb. 26 with No More Water/The Fire Next Time,

ed by you.” Her music will be just as potent and just as swinging.

For tickets visit boxoffice@symphonyspace.org or call 212-864-5400.

a tribute to revolutionary wordsmith, playwright, novelist and essayist James Baldwin. The music will premiere songs from her Baldwin project that began in 2016, delivering the same deliberate rocking awareness projected in his works. Inspired by Baldwin’s empowering written word, the songwriter persists with bold lyrics which often examine dark interpersonal issues, and then her kickbutt badass bass playing.

“I wanted to play some good music to a live audience, my first opportunity since COVID broke out, and celebrate our resources, women, food and water.” That should be repeated, some seem to forget without women there is no life, without Black women there are no warriors. She is also celebrating her good friend and journalist and author Greg Tate. “He was my first champion, the first person in my life I chose to love,” said the songwriter. “I feel as though I have woken up from the illusion. I am no longer reacting and no longer being distract-

Neal has brought together a variety of students who attended Harris’ workshops dating back to 1974, in Manhattan. The virtual event will take place Feb. 27, at 6 p.m.

Some of the former students performing will be Ray Blue, Bahati Best, Kate Cosco, Eugene Ghee, Daralyn Jay, Kim Clarke and Richard Clements.

Neal was one of Harris’ many students, and under his tutelage he became a serious vocal student and singer.

The pianist and composer boasts a host of prominent students from John Coltrane, Rodney Kendrick, Frank Foster, Bill Saxton and Motown Records’ cookers bassist James Jamerson and pianist/organist Earl Van Dyke. Harris was keeper of the bebop tradition, educator and inspiration to seven generations of aspiring musicians with more yet to come from his spirited music magic.

To watch the free virtual live stream visit Youtube: https://bit.ly/RNBPJ or www.romeneal.com

For Black History month (which is celebrated daily throughout the year) Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin Jazz will present “A Tribute to our Father Who Art in Heaven…Dr. Barry Harris.”

(Charlie Gross photo)

while still battling the COVID-19 pandemic. “The music presented for the coming nights focus on my well-being,” explained Ndegeocello during a phone interview. “Selfishness plays a part in how we feel but it gives us a Saxophonist, composer, and NEA chance to feel better to help others.

Jazz Master Donald Harrison is an Mental health is real; we have a right innovator who from the beginning to be healthy and have joy, self-care is chose not to follow that well traveled, very important.” traditional path. Instead he stayed Meshell Ndegeocello true to his native New Orleans soul, a gumbo music whose recipe could not be duplicated. In the early ’80s he created Nouveau Swing, a combustive blend ignited with modern jazz rhythms, sizzling funk, hip hop beats hittin’ big doses of soul. Little did quantum physicist John Dalton realize that jazz would be active in his realm of reality. Harrison connected the quantum leap with jazz in 2000, when he understood how to move music from a two-dimensional state into a four-dimensional state. Quantum physics underlies how atoms work, and so why chemistry and biology work as they do. Yeah, sounds real deep but the truth—you, me and the gatepost at some level at least, we’re all dancing to the quantum tune, dig.

For a limited engagement Feb. 22-26, Harrison will bring his quartet into Birdland (315 West 44th Street), the jazz club named after his jazz hero Charlie Parker. Big Chief Donald Harrison Quartet consists of multi-generational members: pianist Dan Kaufman, bassist John Benitez and drummer Mike Clark (a former member of Herbie Hancock’s fusion funk jazz ensemble The Headhunters). The multi-faceted band will play everything from Harrison’s quantum physics concept to Nouveau Swing, a taste of his Big Chief New Orleans culture to some down home Second Line throw down and of course some mean jazz riffs representative of Charlie “Bird” Parker.

Ndegeocello will kick off her residency For reservations visit the website on Feb. 24, performing music inspired birdlandjazz.com or call 212-581-3080. by jazz activist drummer and composer Max Roach’s “We Insist: Freedom Now The bassist, singer/songwriter Suite” (Candid Records, 1960), a swingMeshell Ndegeocello continues to be ing food for immediate thought album, a lightning rod, drawing from her lim- addressing slavery, emancipation, and itless reservoir of music that reflects civil rights. “Max’s ‘We Insist’ was recordher ongoing experiences as a Black ed in real time, a strong deliberate statewoman existing and interacting on ment similar to our present situation,” this planet. Ndegeocello’s journey is said Ndegenocello. “I insist that people a funk ride of soul with jazz rhythms look at things in a certain way, we haven’t flying down the rails on hip hop speed dealt with the trauma of our history and taking reggae curves, yeah mon with now I must insist we resist this negative some rock to keep it all in perspective. part of society. The media is filled with She can’t be categorized and why try, doom and gloom but offers very few anher canvas is an abstraction of varied swers on how to make it better. We have colors, Black music crossing genres to create new rituals for ourselves to get with joyful abandonment. this trauma off our minds and body.”

Ndegeocello will offer various On Feb. 25, Ndegeocello presents shades of her music as she performs The HawtPlates, a family singing a three-night residency at Sympho- group consisting of Justin Hicks, Jade ny Space (2537 Broadway at 95th Hicks, and Kenita Miller-Hicks. They Street), Feb. 24-26. Her music reper- play within and outside of the traditoire is most apropos for these en- tion of Black singing styles, repetition, during times that has us involved in a experimentation with text, and deep 21st century Black power movement listening; their style pays homage to

22 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

IN

THE

CLASSROOM

Abram Hill, playwright, director and avatar of Black theater

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

Federal Theater Project where among his duties was one as a script reader; the FTP soon gave him opportunity to write for the group, including “Stealing Lightning” and “Hell’s Half-

and his voice? How did he carry himself?” Rivers: “Every time I was in his presence, I always thought that I was around a professor at a college, because that’s the kind of stature that he held.

It was quite predicable in writing an obituary on Sidney Poitier as we recently did that Abram Hill would get at least a mention since he played a crucial role in the great actor’s early years at the American Negro Theater. Like Frederick O’Neal, Hill was inextricably connected with creating the theater, and under his supervision a countless number of aspiring thespians learned the craft and went on to Abram Hill rehearsing scenes with performers in one of his plays greater acclaim.

Acre.” Success followed when He was a very conservative guy, Abram, sometimes known his plays were produced by the always in a suit. Never saw him as Ab Hill, was born on Jan. 20, Unity Players of the Bronx, all without his suit and tie on.” Lee: 1910, in Atlanta and spent most of which proved rewarding and “Never. Never once.” Rivers: “He of his early years there. He was helped him to receive the The- was dapper. He held up that traseven when he first stepped on resa Helbrun Scholarship at dition of what esteemed Black stage in a Morehouse College the New School for Social Re- men during that period would Theatre production. At the age search where he studied under look like. Everything about him of 13 his family moved to Harlem John Gassner and Erwin Pisca- was very serious. and he enrolled at DeWitt Clin- tor. He continued to be a reader “Not only did Abram Hill talk ton High School in the Bronx. of plays but found time to write about the fundamentals of theCity College was his next stop for his own productions—“Walk ater, he also talked about the retwo years before he moved on Hard,” “Liberty Deferred” and, sponsibility of being advocates to Lincoln University in Penn- the most popular of his cre- for our culture, to also articulate sylvania from which he grad- ations, “On Strivers Row.” and advance the Black moveuated with a B.A. in 1937. Even In an interview conducted by ment in arts and culture and in as a college student, Abram was Trymaine Lee of MSNBC with civil rights.” Lee: “Mr. Rivers deindustrious and was hired to theater authority Voza Rivers, cided to follow the example set teach drama with the CCC (Ci- ANT and Abram were evoked. by Abram Hill.” Rivers: “The first vilian Conservation Corps). He Lee: “So you actually had Mr. thing that I knew was I had to also directed several plays at this Hill there with you, helping to, have a commitment to the comprogram created to provide the like, shape this thing. What was it munity. Most of my work was unemployed with some form of like, actually working with him?” done, and there was no admisfinancial assistance.

Rivers: “Well, he gave notes and sion at all.”

His stay at Lincoln was re- you listened. ‘I want to change Abram was among a coterie markable and he was soon an this setting. I want to change the of artists who found themselves assistant in the school’s Theater lighting. This is the kind of cos- without meaningful employArts program. Lucrative, too, tume that I want the costume de- ment after the government’s was his stint with the signer to dress people in.’” Lee: relief program closed “What was his personality like,

SPONSORED BY

down. He soon was working with Frederick O’Neal at the American Negro Theater that was based at the Schomburg Center.

Not only was it established to help the beleaguered theatrical workers but it was a place where a fine competitive spirit was established, thereby allowing those involved to refine their skills.

This was certainly a vital benefit for Poitier, his close friend and often rival for parts, Harry Belafonte, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis.

At ANT budding young actors, directors, and producers had a path that otherwise existed in the New York world of drama. ANT’s motto was: “to break down the barriers of Black participation in the Theater; to portray Negro life as they honestly saw it; [and] to fill the gap of a Black Theater which did not exist.”

At the very start of this pursuit, ANT garnered considerable praise, particularly in Black theater. They produced more than 20 plays from 1940 to 1950, the bulk of them original. Impressive numbers also occurred for those interested in attending one of the shows, and it was cited that more than 50,000 people were in the audience for the productions.

Abram often stated that ANT: “…

Sent a wagon up and down the streets of Harlem with somebody beating a drum…We passed out handbills on the street corners.

And we had a family night. We let in five members of the family for a dollar.” It was very similar to the free plates, bowls, and kitchen items given on special occasions by the movie houses in the ’40s and ’50s to expand the audience.

By the late 1940s Abram ended his affiliation with ANT and began working as a director with the Lincoln University Players as well as teaching in the New York public school system. He was active in this behalf when he died October 13, 1986. He and ANT were recalled in 2015 when the Schomburg Center launched an exhibit entitled, “The 75th Anniversary of the American Negro Theater.”

ACTIVITIES FIND OUT MORE There are extensive discussions on Abram and the ANT on practically every website dealing with Black theater.

DISCUSSION The attempt to present excerpts from “On Strivers Row” were unsuccessful, though there are several places online to get some idea of how he handled this satire in Harlem.

PLACE IN CONTEXT The significant development about Abram and the ANT occurred in Harlem in the ’40s and ’50s.

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY Feb. 21, 1965: The great leader Malcolm X was gunned down at the Audubon Ballroom in upper Manhattan.

Feb. 23, 1868: Eminent scholar and activist W.E.B. Du Bois was born in Great Barrington, Mass.

Feb. 23, 1942: Dr. Haki Madhubuti, acclaimed poet and publisher, was born in Little Rock, Ark.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 23

OK, who celebrates fifth?

Bank of America does.

For the fifth year in a row, Bank of America has shared the success of our company with our employees with a valuable Sharing Success compensation award.

To recognize the team’s hard work, this award is over and above regular compensation. And this year, we’re proud to commemorate a first — nearly all these awards are in Bank of America stock.

That means 97% of our employees shared $1 billion worth of Bank of America stock this year, above regular compensation.

“I want to thank my teammates here in New York City for their continued hard work and dedication.

While other banks might make awards like ours every once in a while, I’m proud to work for an organization that has rewarded our employees for five years in a row.

Because success is better when it’s shared.”

José Tavarez President, Bank of America New York City

What would you like the power to do?® Learn more about how we’re investing in our local communities at bankofamerica.com/metroNY Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender © 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

24 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Education OUTNUMBERED: The story of NYC’s Black and Brown public school teachers

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Paul Darden, 38, is an author and middle school history teacher at M.S. 180 in the Bronx’s Co-op City. It’s after school hours. He’s standing in the front entryway of the middle school building tucked behind Harry Truman High. Wearing a black fitted cap and a collared, brown checkered shirt sans a tie, Darden is reminiscing about one of the two male teachers of color that he can remember having while growing up in the city. One was Dominican in high school, he said, and the other was a guidance counselor at Bronx Community College. “He taught me how to tie a tie,” said Darden. “I never forgot it.”

The lack of teachers of color, especially men, to match the racial makeup of the city’s schools remains a problem, according to an analysis of data by the Amsterdam News. This despite unanimous agreement on the importance of students of color seeing people like themselves at the front of the classroom and a variety of initiatives to address the shortfall.

Out of the city’s 1.1 million students, about 25% are Black and 40% are Hispanic/Latino. In an informal poll conducted by the Amsterdam News via social media, some said they couldn’t recall having a Black teacher more than once or twice past a certain grade.

And, over the last 20 years or so, data from the New York State Education Dept (NYSED) indicates that teachers who identify as Black/African American or Hispanic/ Latino in the city’s public schools account for less than 18% of the total teaching staff.

The majority of teachers have been and still are those who identify as white.

The state’s numbers show that the proportion of white teachers in public schools has decreased from 58% to 55% over the last four years, while the number of Hispanic/Latino teachers has gone down from 15% to 14% and Black teachers has gone up overall from 17% to 18%.

The New York City Education Dept (DOE) said the “percent of teachers that are non-white” citywide is at 46% for 2022, having gone up steadily from 42% in 2017-2018. The DOE did not provide a specific breakdown of non-white races or ethnicities by school year. A spokesperson for the DOE said that she “can’t speak to the State’s data” regarding a discrepancy in teacher totals. The state’s data team said that data collection methods changed over the last two decades, but shouldn’t be any less accurate.

At the college level, City University of New York (CUNY) said they saw a slight overall reduction in teachers from 2020, but not “a reduction in the representation of faculty of color.”

“Representation matters and it is important for our students to see people who [look] like themselves as educators and role models more broadly,” said Councilmem-

ber Rita Joseph, who chairs the education committee. She was a teacher at P.S. 6 in Brooklyn for 22 years, before running for city council last year. “This disparity means that students often do not have role models in academic settings that look like them.”

Councilmember Farah Louis said that in a multicultural city, it’s crucial that representation and cultural competency are a part of enriching the educational experience for students. “Our children deserve to see themselves in positions of leadership so that they can be inspired to pursue their dreams without hesitation,” said Louis in a statement.

Louis said that diversity within the teaching profession does exist, but cannot improve if the city fails to address the existing challenges hindering recruitment of more men and educators of color. She said it’s also important to allocate funds to support teachers’ salaries and give them more resources.

Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse, another member of the education committee, said that she will aim to enact measures that will make teachers reflective of the population of the city. “Until that occurs, New York City deserves an ‘F’ for failing to recruit and attract people of color into the noble profession of teaching,” said Narcisse.

Joseph added that studies show that kids do better in school when teachers look more like their students. “We need more qualified, driven teachers of color in our public schools which is why I support actively recruiting teachers at a wide variety of schools, including HBCUs,” she said. The DOE spokesperson agreed that research showed students of color doing better academically with teachers of color.

“And this administration is committed to recruiting educators that reflect the rich diversity of New York City,” said the DOE. Councilmember Alexa Aviles said it’s important to promote career pathways and recruitment programs that invite, invest in, and support diversity in schools, like NYC Teaching Fellows and the Leaders in Education Apprenticeship Program (LEAP). The fellowship helps prepare college graduates and career changers to become teachers, and LEAP is a graduate program that prepares teachers to become assistant principals and principals. The DOE said that in 2019 and 2020, 20% of participants in these kinds of teaching training programs identified as men of color and 70% as people of color.

“If our kids don’t see themselves reflected in teaching staff, school leadership, or curriculum, how can we expect them to be invested in and connected to their work?” said Aviles.

L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy, an associate professor at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, said that it’s a lot harder for groups that have been marginalized by racism to make it to college or graduate school. “Those same structures of racism and classism and gender inequity play

out there,” he said, “so by the time you get to who gets hired out of college, the people doing the hiring predominantly are middle class and up, or from white backgrounds.”

Historically, said Lewis-McCoy, prior to desegregation Black students often had Black teachers from their local community who could serve as role models. “One of the things that was an outgrowth of desegregation in pursuit of integration was the demolition of not only all-Black schools in many cases but the reduction of the Black teaching force.”

Resources were taken away from the Black community and its schools. Teachers lost their livelihoods, said Lewis-McCoy. The city’s public school system is also a wildly different landscape in 2022 than the one teachers were operating in even 20 years ago, thanks in large part to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, shifting ideas about curriculums, and the advancement of technology over time. But, anecdotally, teachers aren’t exactly sticking around and reaching tenure as much as they used to said interviewees.

Janella Hinds is the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) vice president for academic high schools and a social studies teacher at Public Service High School in Brooklyn.

Students compete to get into one of nine specialized high schools in New York City.

Hinds has championed equity for students, leading the 2014 UFT specialized high school task force that called for the elimination and revamping of the controversial single-test admission process for specialized high schools (SHSAT).

The test itself is highly criticized for not adequately representing Black and Brown students, and admitting only a tiny fraction of them, as in 7 or 8 students, into the city’s most elite schools each year. “It’s not an intuitive test. If you knew strategies and were able to practice, you’d do well,” said Hinds. “I think that specialized high schools don’t reflect the talent and the brilliance of NYC students. And that assessment, whether or not it’s racist, I think the impact of the test has played out in ways that are racist.”

Hinds’ father was also a public school teacher. She used to work for a youth nonprofit and became a teacher like him in 1997. Hinds said that there was definitely work to be done around recruitment and retention of teachers in the city as well.

She said the move to remote learning because of the COVID crisis in 2020 was deeply “destabilizing” for a majority of teachers. That sense of going into a building and coming home to constant, ongoing access to students and families felt like an erosion of boundaries, and has left people uncomfortable. She wasn’t sure that teachers were actually leaving as much as voicing their frustration or retiring early because of it.

There’s about 78,000 teachers employed in the city’s public schools, said the DOE. Amsterdam News inquired how many

teachers, particularly teachers of color, have left or retired since 2020. A DOE spokesperson said that teacher retention “remains strong and is similar to our overall teacher retention rate of 94%.”

Pre-pandemic, Darden, Hinds, and Lewis-McCoy spoke of a turnover happening in schools. “Growing up in the 2000s, late ’90s, you could go back to your school, 5, 6, 7, 10 years after, and go see your favorite teacher who was still there teaching. Now, after you graduate you might have an entire new roster of teachers,” said Darden.

Lewis-McCoy used to work at CUNY’s City College and now researches the intersecting roles of race, class, and place for NYU. He made the move to NYU because he got married, had two children, and his salary and benefits at CUNY weren’t suitable to survive rent and childcare costs in the city, he said.

CUNY said that in fall of 2021, the university system had 7,110 full-time faculty and 11,892 part-time. About 39% of the fulltime faculty (up from 35% in 2016) and 43% of part-time faculty are minority, meaning Asian, Black, Hispanic, American Indian or other. CUNY also has seven Black college presidents, which is unprecedented.

Lewis-McCoy said he often has to explain that his interactions with students of color are fundamentally different when it comes to conversations about race and school.

“Many scholars haven’t even come to embrace the reality that you can’t get the same answers from everyone because who’s asking the questions matters,” he said. “So when I have gone to places and given talks one of the first things that people ask me is, ’you study race, identity, and class. Isn’t this ‘me-search’ instead of research?’”

It’s called perceived legitimacy, and it’s something that comes up in the hiring process, he said. That is to suggest that the research Black scholars do about their own communities “isn’t taken seriously” because it’s not seen as rigorous or objective enough by white scholars. Those kinds of barriers led to less Black faculty and adjuncts being hired, said Lewis-McCoy. “Thanks to the governor’s support, the university will also be hiring approximately 540 new full-time faculty which will also end up helping our ongoing efforts to increase the diversity of our faculty,” said CUNY’s press office in response to an Amsterdam News inquiry.

Lewis-McCoy pointed out that another major issue that does get overlooked are the power and gender dynamics in play when hiring or advancing the careers of Black men versus Black women in academia. “While Black men are less represented in the teaching profession than Black women, they move up the administrative ladder faster than Black women,” said Lewis-McCoy. He said that because of gender stereotyping, many Black male teachers are “pushed” into administrative or disciplinary roles whether they want to be there or

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

not. Sometimes it’s a negotiating point in terms of salary or position because there are so few in the city, and the “glass escalator’’ which describes professions traditionally dominated by women, moves men up more quickly.

“People say there’s a Black male in the building so if there are Black boys he can keep them in order. There’s some gender stereotyping that we have to be mindful of,” said Lewis-McCoy. “I’m hopeful that the kind of partnerships that the new Chancellor [David Banks] stresses and maximized in his previous work will be incorporated into many more school communities,” said Hinds.

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 25

Schools Chancellor David C. Banks was appointed by Mayor Eric Adams this January. Banks already had a long history of championing high school reform initiatives a nd empowering Black and Brown youth, especially boys, through education.

To many, both he and Adams represent the hope that things are finally changing.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about culture and politics in New York City for The Amsterdam News.Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Health Factcheck: COVID-19 vaccines were not ‘Developed too quickly’ Myths about mRNA vaccine research misinform the Black community

Claim: COVID-19 vaccines were developed too quickly

Factcheck: False. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are the result of decades of fundamental research by hundreds of scientists which allowed the vaccines to be put into production quickly

By HEATHER M. BUTTS, JD, MPH, MA Special to the AmNews By last spring the myth that COVID19 vaccines were created too quickly or needed more research had become so pervasive that New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital uploaded a video created in-house to their Facebook page aptly entitled “Was the COVID#19 vaccine made too quickly?” Jemilat Siju, RN, the vice president and chief nursing officer for ambulatory care for the Mount Sinai Health System made a particularly compelling point, stating that when it came to creating COVID vaccines “all hands were on deck to find the solution, to find the answer. So, it wasn’t the typical, it’s in a queue and we’re waiting until we get to it. Everybody was focused on making this happen. So, it’s not so much that the process was rushed, but we dedicated all of our resources into making this happen within a reasonable amount of time.”

A common misinformation tactic around COVID-19 vaccines is to cast doubt on the speed of their development and therefore their safety. While many around the world hoped that a vaccine would be developed quickly, once multiple vaccines were indeed developed in record time many people were, and still are, concerned about the development process. A common false theme spread by disinformants that has taken hold in many communities of color centers around the incorrect idea that a vaccine developed so quickly cannot be safe.

In fact we know that COVID-19 vaccines, over ten billion doses of which have been given around the world, have very few documented side effects.

While most people had not heard of mRNA––the technology behind the Pizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines––until 2020 when the first vaccines were being announced, scientists have been exploring its possible uses for the better part of two decades. According to research-

“Canaries in the Coal Mine: COVID19 Misinformation and the Black Communities” authored by Brandi Collins-Dexter, a visiting fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy.

Collins-Dexter’s solution? “To stop the unchecked spread of COVID-19 and other medical disinformation in the Black community, tech companies must change their design to clamp down on violent rhetoric that A tweet from Black conservative activist Candace Owens repeats many common antidrives up hate crimes and they must vaccine talking points including the false idea that COVID vaccines were rushed. completely remove, not just label, deers Norbert Pardi and his colleagues, this has happened so quickly, Ompad bunked conspiratorial framing that “Vaccination with mRNA offers sev- stated that “it is the confluence of de- compromises public health. They eral advantages over other vaccine cades of research on the possibility also have to provide trustworthy inplatforms....” This quote is not from of MRNA vaccines with the pandem- formation for the Black community.” last month or even 2020, but from a ic. We have all these biologists and scholarly article entitled “Zika virus molecular biologists who basically Local community leaders are also protection by a single low dose nu- put everything on hold to dedicate stepping up to fight COVID misinforcleoside modified mRNA vacci- as much time as possible, different mation and to provide New Yorkers nation” published on February 2, labs around the world all working si- with accurate information. National 2017, well before the COVID pan- multaneously to leverage the exist- Congress of Negro Women (NCNW) demic had begun. ing technology for MRNA vaccines Co-op City Section President Sheila for the COVID vaccine.”

Richburg was so concerned about The authors of the article relied on COVID myths within the Black coma plethora of research going back demunity, that she and her NCNW seccades, which involves various diseastion held a webinar on the topic. es including Ebola, the flu, and rabies.

Richburg told the AmNews “we had Their assertion that mRNA vactwo medical professionals to talk cine research was occurring decades about COVID and treatment and before the COVID mRNA vaccines is answer community questions rebolstered by Dr. Danielle C. Ompad, garding their concerns.” With regards associate dean for education and asto the specific myth that the vacsociate professor at New York Univercine was created to quickly, Richburg sity’s School of Global Health. told AmNews that particular myth “was one of the major concerns and In an interview with the AmNews, it probably still is but we tried to exDr. Ompad first explained how vacplain that it seemed like it was quickly cines work, stating “there are differ- Memes can be funny but are not reli- manufactured but a lot of [obstacles] ent approaches to making a vaccine that would have delayed the vaccine able sources of information ;) depending on the disease. Somewere removed.” times it’s the actual virus and they Fighting COVID misinformation killed it. Sometimes it’s the actual “The Black community online is Ultimately, when asked to respond virus and they weakened it. Some- awash in medical misinformation to people who would say the vactimes it’s parts of the virus.” Ac- about the coronavirus pandemic. cine was developed too quickly, Dr. cording to Ompad, the Pfizer and Even as Black people are dispropor- Ompad of NYU replied: “It seems like Moderna COVID vaccines are mRNA tionately dying from the virus due it happened overnight. But honestly, vaccines. “What people need to real- to systemic racism, harmful inaccu- mRNA vaccines as a possibility have ize is that the technology for mRNA racies about how to keep from con- been waiting in the wings for their vaccines is not new. The COVID tracting COVID-19, how to treat it, moment. This was the right moment.” vaccine absolutely is new, but [re- and where it comes from are metastasearchers] have been working on this sizing in Black online spaces, putting Do you have something that you technology for more than 20 years.” people at even greater risk.” This is want fact checked? Send an email to With respect to why it seems that the Executive Summary of the report factcheck@amsterdamnews.com

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Free the Pill Continued from page 4

counseling as excellent is lower among Black (36%) and Hispanic (38%) women, as well as low-income (35%) and uninsured (28%) women.”

Over-the-counter oral contraceptives are backed by the medical community. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Medical Association are all in agreement that Americans should have access to over-the-counter oral contraceptives.

“A potential way to improve contraceptive access and use, and possibly decrease the unintended pregnancy rate, is to allow over-the-counter access

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 27 likely to continue taking the contraceptive over time and they may have issues with costs because of pharmacy consultative services or being uninsured, ACOG said.

In 2022, Free the Pill anticipates that an application will be submitted to the Food and Drug Administration to move oral contraceptives over-thecounter.

“Over-the-counter birth control pills are really overdue in the United States,” Nichols said.

More than 100 countries offer birth control pills overthe-counter, including Russia, nered support from a variety of Brazil, Morocco and Mexico. medical professionals and or“The ability to plan and ganizations and are seemingly space out a pregnancy and effective, some oppose moving pursue your goals should them over-the-counter. belong to EVERYONE, regardOne argument is that women less of who they are or where may not take the medicine they live,” Dr. Raegan McDonproperly. Other arguments in- ald-Mosley, CEO of Power to clude that women may be less Decide, said in a tweet.

“A potential way to improve contraceptive access and use, and possibly decrease the unintended pregnancy rate, is to allow overthe-counter access to OCs.” to OCs,” ACOG said in their committee opinion from 2012.

Planned Parenthood, a nonprofit organization that provides reproductive health care, also supports eliminating health barriers through accessible oral contraceptives. “Birth control pills have

been around for 60+ years.

But, people still face barriers to accessing them—barriers rooted in systemic racism that began with the pill’s development and continue to this day,” they said in a tweet.

Although over-the-counter oral contraceptives have gar-

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28 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Religion & Spirituality Revealing Malcolm X’s true assassins

By AUTODIDACT 17 Special to the AmNews Monday marked the 57th anniversary of Malcolm X’s assassination.

Last November’s exonerations of Muhammad Abdul-Aziz (Norman 3X Butler) and Khalil Islam (Thomas 15X Johnson), wrongfully convicted for the murder, fuels decades-old suspicions. While their names have been cleared in court, it has rekindled the question, “Who’s really responsible?”

“There are many questions that are going to be asked about the culpability of the N.Y.P.D., and F.B.I.,” stated David B. Shanies, Aziz’s and Islam’s estate attorney. “I can say, as a general matter, our clients support any effort to get to the truth.”

Malcolm X was gunned down Feb. 21, 1965, before several hundred Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) members at Washington Heights’ Audubon Ballroom (3940 Broadway).

Malcolm’s bodyguard, Rueben Francis, shot assassin Thomas Hagan/Talmadge Hayer (now Mujahid Abdul Halim) as he attempted to flee, who was promptly pummeled by OAAU supporters, before being rescued by police outside. He’s the only suspect publicly revealed. However, O.A.A.U. members, Herman Ferguson and James 67X Shabazz tell a different story.

“I saw the second person Rueben shot,” Ferguson once recalled.

“Within seconds, this policeman

Honoring Malcolm X’s day February 21, 2022, at the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center

(Seitu Oronde photo)

came back, supporting someone who was obviously in great pain, holding his midsection. I never found out who that guy was. The police were in a hurry to get him out of there.”

The following morning, the Associated Press reported “two men were taken into custody,” but later that day, daily newspapers only mentioned Hayer’s arrest—who was a Muslim from the Nation of Islam’s Newark Mosque No. 25. Butler and Johnson (died in 2009), from Harlem’s Mosque No. 7, were arrested days later.

Butler, Johnson, and many witnesses denied their presence at the Audubon that day. During their 1966 trial, Hayer admitted guilt and testified that the two Harlemites didn’t participate with him. All three were convicted and given life sentences.

Initially, Hayer refused to cooperate with authorities, but in 1977, at the behest of civil rights attorney William Kunstler, he named Benjamin Thomas, Leon Davis, William Bradley, and Wilbur McKinnley as accomplices, in an affidavit. None were ever formally charged with murdering Malcolm.

Butler and Johnson weren’t permitted

to present Hayer’s affidavit as evidence and their appeals were repeatedly denied. Judge Harold Rothwax rejected a motion to reopen the case.

Aziz was paroled in 1985, and Islam in 1987. Bradley (Al-Mustafa Shabazz) passed in 2019, and the others are believed to also be deceased.

In 2011 some valuable documents were un-vaulted which contained notes from a March 6, 1965, OAAU meeting where Japanese American activist Yuri Kochiyama scrawled a message reading: “Ray Woods is said to have been seen also running out of Audubon; was one of two picked up by police. Was the second person running out.”

Gene Roberts, Tony Bouza and Woods, were among several undercover NYPD agents with the clandestine Bureau of Special Services and Investigation (BOSSI), which had infiltrated and were monitoring Malcolm’s OAAU. “The investigation was botched,” Bousa noted, and a “parallel tragedy lies in the NYPD’s obvious stonewalling of any release of records.”

Also in 2011, the Justice Depart-

ment responded to requests to implement the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act to reinvestigate the case, saying “the matter does not implicate federal interests sufficient to necessitate the use of scarce federal investigative resources into a matter for which there can be no federal criminal prosecution.”

Paula Johnson, co-director of the Syracuse Cold Case Justice Initiative, said the “purpose of the Emmett Till Act is to fully investigate and resolve just such killings.” Reports that placed Wood at the scene, “warrants further investigation into the knowledge or role of law enforcement in Malcolm X’s death,” she explained.

Malcolm’s supporters note the difficulty in obtaining NYPD and FBI surveillance files which aren’t heavily redacted, and speculate about what evidence lies behind the blacked-out bars.

“We want to know the truth. We want to know why our father was killed and who did it,” daughter Ilyasha Shabazz said on ABC News Primetime special, “Soul of a Nation Presents: X/onerated.”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Blacklight Continued from page 1

Tatum. “As the Amsterdam News continues our revival it is essential that we create the capacity to do the important, in-depth journalism that holds the powerful to account and helps our community thrive,” she added.

The Blacklight unit will be led by the AmNews’ first Investigative Editor and longtime contributor Damaso Reyes.

Reyes first appeared in these pages as a highschool student and for more than 25 years has contributed stories and images from New York City as well as from areas throughout the United States, Rwanda, Tanzania, Indonesia and Europe.

“I am excited to help the Amsterdam News blaze a new trail in investigative journalism and to create a space where journalists, especially journal-

ists of color, can do the important work of helping to preserve our democracy,” Reyes said.

First year funding for the unit is being provided by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and will provide capacity for The Blacklight to investigate the impact of COVID, and COVID misinformation on our communities. The Amsterdam News is actively seeking funding to pursue additional projects as well.

“The Blacklight is the latest manifestation of the Amsterdam News’ long legacy of fighting for Black and Brown communities,” said Siobhan “Sam” Bennett, Amsterdam News Foundation CEO and AmNews Chief Revenue Officer. “Along with our revamped website, the return of our daily newsletter Editorially Black, and our expanding partnership with Report for America, the AmNews is once again becoming the essential Black voice.”

Long the preserve of large and largely white-led media institutions, investi-

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 29

gative journalism and the prestige that comes with it have been held out of reach for many journalists of color. Recently the National Association of Hispanic Journalists tweeted “A new @ latimes internal diversity report shows that as of 8/31/21 there were zero Latinos/as on the @latimes investigative, food, features/lifestyle, politics, and audio desks.”

While American media outlets have been on notice since the Kerner Commission Report over 50 years ago, not nearly enough substantive change has occurred. As Paul Delany wrote in USA Today in 2018 “The American Society of Newspaper Editors... pledged in 1978 to push for a newsroom workforce that reflected the racial makeup of their communities by the year 2000; when that goal was not reached, ASNE leaders set a new deadline, 2025. Its officials now concede that even that deadline will be missed.”

“Journalists of color are tired of wait-

ing for a seat at someone else’s table,” said Tatum. “The creation of The Blacklight unit shows that Black journalists can and must create their own spaces and capacity to do the work our communities need.”

In addition to the investigative unit’s work being published at amsterdamnews.com/blacklight, stories will also be distributed through Word in Black, the groundbreaking Black newspaper collective Publisher Tatum conceived and is now helping to lead.

“There are journalists who are content to cloak themselves in the words ‘neutrality’ and ‘objectivity’ but in doing so they placate the powerful and unwittingly keep intact a system of racialized and gendered oppression that has harmed our communities for centuries. The Blacklight is committed to rooting out oppression, injustice and fraud wherever it lives and exposing whoever commits it,” declares The Blacklight’s mission statement.

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imum on all ads except spirituals CLASSIFIED DISPLAY and horoscopes (14 lines).

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Displayor picture) advertisements take the (boarder or picture) advertisementsearned one column regular rate ofwide theirmust clasbe 14 Display lines (boarder deep; ortwo sification. piccolumns, 28 linesone deep; 3 ture) advertisements column columns, linesdeep; deep. wide must be56 14 lines two Classified Display (boarder or columns, 28 lines deep; 3 colpicture) placed as close to umns, 56 lines deep. Classiclassifications as rules and fied Display (boarder or picture) makeup permit.

placed as close to classifications asCLASSIFICATIONS rules and makeup permit.

All advertisement accepted CLASSIFICATIONS for publication is classified according to the standard All advertisement accepted l a s s i f i isc classified a t i o n sac. forc publication Misclassification is not cording to the standard permitclass ted.

i f i c a t i o n s . Misclassification OF CHARGE is BASIS not permitted.

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Pursuant to resolution adopted by with the Town The Town of meeting on Tuesday, were filed the nization 07/28/21. location: on NY (SSNY) 2/22/21 NYLLC ofSecy.Board, of State of NY (SSNY) 08/04/21. January Office Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) State of NYOffice (SSNY) on of State of on NY (SSNY) on York County.

SSNY desigas agent of with the ignated of Division State ofofNY (SSNY) Office location: NY Office location: LLC formed in DE on NY 11/09/20.

12/10/20.

County.

Babylon, Commissioner of General Services, Purchasing, 16th at 6:30pm.

The meeting willtheon Hand delivered sealed bidsLLC for Project described below will beNY Secy.

Secretary State New 12/21/20. location: NY 1 County.

SSNY fice location NY County.

(SSNY) on 08/05/21.

Office location: NY County.

07/02/21.

Office location: 2 /0 5whom /1 7 . of O ffic e loagainst cofa tio n it: nated as Office agent of designatthe LLC process upon on 01/18/22.

Office location: County.

SSNY designated as County.

LLC formed in 11/02/2020.

SSNY is desigwill receive sealed proposals for: SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF BRONX received by representatives of the Contracts Section, Office of the Agency be held at 1 East 104th Street County.

LLC in NY (SSNY) on 10/27/2020 YorkCounty. aswhom agent of formed LLCagainst upon SSNY has been designated formed in Delaware (DE) on NY County. LLC formed in location: NY County. Princ. ed Princ. officemai of upon process may be served and shall NY County.

Princ. office of whom agent ofContracting LLC upon whom pro- FloorDelaware (DE) on 11/04/77.

12/01/20. nated as agent upon whom Officer, Ground Bid Window 55 on Water Street, 4thChief Floor New York, NY 10029.

Delaware (DE) on 11/10/20.

Office Location: New York process against it may as agent upon whom process office of LLC: 30 Hudson 08/04/21.

SSNY designated (KY) Kentucky L C : 3 2to: 3 5The G rLLC, a n d 347 C o nE. i t m a y b e s e r v e d . S S N Y Lprocess BIDW. NO.LLC: 18G230 New York, NY 10041 until 11:00 on the date indicated below when Hudson Yards, 72nd cess against itupon may beAM SSNY office of LLC: 125 against theNA, LLC may Princ. process rd Princ. office of of LLC: c/omail ArCounty.

SSNY has been desWells Fargo Bank, Plaintiff be served.

SSNY shall against it may be served and Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY as agent of LLC whom designated as agent of c o u r s e , 1 A A , B r o n x , N Y shall mail copy process to 53 ST, PHB, NY, NY 10022. bids willSSNY be publicly opened and read in55th Bid Room, address REQUEST FOR FOR ARCHITECTURAL, NY, NYSSNY 10001.

SSNY served. be shall mail proSt.,same NY, NY PROPOSALS 10019. Fl., served. shall mail gent Ventures LLC, 551 5th as agent upon whom ignated to c/o Cohen & Coprocess shall mail a copy of any pro10001.

SSNY designated as process against it may be LLC upon whom process 10468.

SSNY designated as t h e L L C , 5 W e e h a w k e n Purpose: any lawful act.

I, ISAIAH MESSADOService TIMOENGINEERING BID PHASE SERVICES, agent of LLC cess toSSNY Corporation as agent of designated to:asCONSTRUCTION The LLC, 777 hen, SSNY process On: Januaryagainst 14, 2020designated Ave., LLP, NY, 10176. process it may be 767 Third Ave., agent cess against theupon LLC served agent of LLC upon whom proserved. shallwhose mail proitth mayDESIGN, be served. of against LLC w hom Street, UnitNY 3B, New SSNY York, AGAINST th THY JOHNSON adupon process against it 31st ADMINISTRATION ANDtoINSPECTION SERVICES Co., 80 State St., OF Albany, NYth, 175 LLC whom process Thirdwhom Ave Ste 2503, NY, NY andupon 180 BRIDGES REHABILITATION EAST 169 designated of PurLLC process The PostLLC: adserved.

Fl., NY,as NYagent 10017. upon is C/O the Tyece cess against it FOR may be cess c/o shallSTREET mail process against itOffice may be NY 10014. d re s stoisPurpose: 4 1 9Michael W e s t METRO-NORTH 1Gold2 9 th SSNY th of BCP OVER RAILROAD may be served.

SSNY shall SHORELINE STABILIZATION ROAD ELEVATION OF 12207. against 10017.

Any lawful it may be served.

Address required to Notice of Qualification upon whom process against itl sSmith, dress to which the SSNY pose: Any lawful activity.

143 W 140 Street, the served.

SSNY shall mail prosmith, Sills Cummis & Gross KY addr. of LLC: 1387 E. e r v e d .

S S N Y s h a ll m a il P u r p o s e : A n y l a w f u Lawson Ho-Shing a/k/a209 Lawson Ho-Shing;Audrey Ho-Shing Contract Nos. HBX1670, HBX1215 and HBX180 Street, Manhattan NY 10027 process toin Corporation shall mail to mail maintained DE: Or- H. activity.

SSNYCircle be ROAD SPECIAL may be served. SSNY shall process shall York, mailto aOPPORTUNITIES copy10030. of Michaeany PurproNew NY cess to Corporation Service P.C., 101 Park Ave.,N.Y.C 28thP.I.N. Fl., 84118BXBR272 New Rd., process Ste.CAPTREE 135, Philip J. purpose. a/k/a Audrey Scarlett-Ho-Shing; al., process Defendant(s) proclaim my Free National Service Co., State St., AlService Co. St. 80 Wilmington de et c/o Corporation ange80 FUND II GP LP Appl. for mail to the LLC at against the LLC served cess pose: Any lawful activity.

Co., State St., Albany, NY NY, NY 10178.

DE addr. of KY 40505.

Cert. of Lexington, Notice of formation of Viento ls , c /o N o rto n R o s e F u llNa m ebid asubmitted s I S Amust I A of Hbe11E78 T R I - (CSC), until am on for THURSDAY, 1, 2018 at Town bany, NY 12207.

Asthe amend19801.

80 State St., Cert of Purpose: Formation filed Media Notice of Formation filed withisSecy. of State Auth.

Each accompanied by a 10:00 certified check 2%Albany, of the of FEBRUARY the princ. of Org. the LLC. upon him/her 36 West Form.

12207-2543.

Any LLC: Corporation Service filed with Secy.

LLCoffice Arts. of filed bright LLP, 1301 Ave.47th of FORCE accord200 East Highway, New York, 11757 at amount ofJOHNSON the proposal, orof alternatively, aHall, bid 12207-2543. bond not less Sunrise than 10%addr. of the of Lindenhurst, NY withbyDE DE Div. of Corps, ed Cert.

Amendment LLC Cert.

ConREALTY Pursuant to a of Judgment of401 Foreclosure dated NYUS (SSNY) on York, 11/06/19. of DE addr. ofF o LLC: Street, W03, lawful activity.

State, Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., P.O. Box 1150, FrankN o t ithe c eand o fSale m a Cogency t (SSNY) i o n o f tNotice with Secy. ofrduly NY he Am e rformation i c New a sNY , N of Y , One NNY Y amount offiled therules proposal, payable toof the Comptroller ofCSC, the City251 of New York. ing to the and usage which time they will be publicly opened and read in the Division of of filed with SSNY on 01/19/22, c/o Little Falls St., Suite 4, Dover, LLC: Federal version with Secy.

May 11, 2017 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public Office location: County.

Global Inc., 850 New Burton 10036. Purpose: The principal busiWilmington, DE 19808. Cert. fort, KY 40602-1150. PurPikMyBrain, LLC Arts. of on 03/26/2021 NY office loca10019.

Any lawful of THE such TRIFORCE office. DE and Only Management Group changed to ELLIOTT Dr., DE 19901.

Wilmington, 19808. name Purpose: Any ofISAIAH NY (SSNY) on pose: State auction the Bronx County Courthouse, 851 Grand Conformed in Cayman Islands LP NYCDOT DIVISION OFSecy.

BRIDGES ISPurchasing SEEKING QUALIFIED BIDDERS/ Rd., Ste. 201, Dover, DE Notice ofatQualification of HVS ness address of the LLC is 36 of Form. filed with DE Electrical contracting Org. NY filedCounty. with Secy. of State tion SSNY has activity.

JOHNSON. LLC of Org. W03, filed with DEVELOPER, LLC. Form. filed with THIS Secy. FULTON Purpose.

Cert. of Lawful 12/01/20, 11 and course, Room 600, Bronx, New York on January 27, 2020 at CONTRACTORS THEJohn ABOVE REFERENCED CONTRACT. on Princ.New of(C.I.) 19904.

Cert. ofon Form. filed XLII Appl. for Auth. filed 47th02/06/19.

Street, WestArts. of State, Div. converting of FOR Corps., sub-contracting work, of NY (SSNY) 12/27/17. designated as an agent been (1) original and tenFOR (10) copies ofLLC both technical and cost the Secy. of NY (SSNY) on PROCUREMENT IS SUBJECT PARTICIPATION Purpose: Any lawful activity. ofOne State, Div. of GOALS Corps., John 78TH STREET CO. to TOand EAST 2:00PM, premises known as 1312 Needham Avenue, Bronx, of LP: 650 Madison Ave., fice with DE Secy. ofNY State, Div. with Secy. of State of NY NY 10036.

Purpose York, G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Fedall activities and purposOffice location: County. upon whom process against it proposals.

TheAND/OR Technical and CostNY Proposals shall be in seperate MINORITY OWNED LLC. BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (MBEs) WOMEN 06/08/2021 NY office location G. Townsend Bldg., 401 FedREALTY Office 11E78 10469.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the NY 10022.

Duration of NY, of Corps., John G. Townsend 08/17/21.

Office may any lawful act or essealed related thereto.and eral St., Dover, 19901. (WBEs) NOTICE OF DE SALE O TIC E O FSSNY FOactivity.

Rhas M ATIO N be designated served and shall mail N as agent OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AS REQUIRED SECTION containers may be hand(SSNY) delivered on orofmailed to the above Notice formation of SSNY NY County. been St., Dover, BYDE 19901. location: NY lawful County.

Princ. eral buildings improvements situate, lying and being LP3P is Perpetual.

SSNY Bldg., 401 Federal St., Dover, of location: NYQualification County.

LLC Purpose: Any activity.

Notice ofand oferected, Associates, LLC.desigArts copy ofupon any process against a of LLC whom process 6-129 (Local Law 1 of 2013) OF THE NEW YORK CITY ADMINISTRATIVE address.

Proposals will not be accepted after 10:00 am on the LLC Arts. of Org. ScratchFoto designated as an agent upon Purpose: Any lawful activity. of LLC:Goal c/o Friedman office in the Borough and County of Bronx, and NY,LLC: nated asfiled agent LP upon DE City 19901.

Purpose: Any of formed Delaware (DE) Do on CODE (Target/COURT for M/WBE can be seen in the B of the Bid SUPREME COUN-in 1989 CONEY O rgprocess wagainst ithof Secy. of LLC C/O the against it ismState ay beof served.

Kennedy Lewis Ac- JOKR date ofSchedule bid opening.

NOBook EXCEPTIONS WILL BE GRANTED. filed with the Secy ofApproximate StateISof the whom it may Notice of1 of Qualification of 3 Azimut Management 770 LexBlock: 4711 Lot: 75. amount judgment whom lawful activity.

04/19/21.

SSNY designated Subject to APPRENTICESHIP 2).Co., This Contract is alsoNotice TYNumber OF BRONX, CITIBANK, LAND LLC States United t aserved t e process of N Y against (shall S S Nmail Yit) may o na SSNY shall mail Corporation process to S of the formation of Cielo cess Fund III GP LLC Auth. not remove any pages; all proposals are to AVENUE, be submitted intact.Appl.

For New York (SSNY) on be and TIMES SQUARE LEASEington Ave., NY, NY 10065. $705,125.24 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold served.

SSNY shall mai be th PROGRAM and the NYC Comptrollers Labor Law 220 prevailing wages 107 ADOPTION as agent of LLC upon whom Auth. filed with Secy. of Agents, N.A., Plaintiff, vs. for ESTATE Inc. 7014 13 Ave., Av- 11/17/2017.

Office location. the LLC , 1025 Fifth Disaster Operations/LoAzul filed w/ SSNY Off. inThefor information call 7/29/21.

(631) 957-3025.

Town reserves the right to filed reject NY Office loca6/24/2020. copy of any process against HOLD LLC asAppl.

Auth.

SSNY asNagent subject provisions Judgment Index# 380685-13. process to the Partnership at requirements described inA the Solicitation Materials. process it of may be oftoagainst NY County.

(SSNY) on OF E Ldesignated LSecy.

A BR OW /of A NY enue, Suite County.

SSNY A p t .to3the E FReferee S o202, u t h will , Brooklyn, N be Y , acN Y NY gistics Cert of FormLLC. filedArts w/ State anyCo. andConsultants all proposals. tion: New York SSNY the LLC is C/O theofdesignatLLC: 595 filed with of State of/ KNY the princ. office the LP. upon whom process LLC Only cash or certified funds payable Notice of formation of lawful Grits Single woman looking to build served.

SSNY shall mail proMINORITY OWNED AND WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES 02/07/22.

Office location: NY E L L A M A E B R O W N , E T NY 11228.

Purpose: Any lawed agent upon whom pro10028.

Purpose: Any of Org7/1/21. filed with Secy. of cepted SSNY desig.

SSDE has designated as agent Baltic Street, Brooklyn, NY (SSNY) on 07/29/21.

Office and addr. of each genName against it may be served. as a deposit in the amount of ten percent of the purEntertainment LLC Arts of family by adoption.

Any her cess Corporation Service (M/WBE) will be afforded full opportunityState submitof bids NY and the(SSNY) City ofbeNew LLC formed in ful AL., Defendant(s). activity. c11217. e s s partner m Purpose: a y b e are s eAny rvavailable e dlawful and activity. on County.

Proposal may examined and to obtained at the Town Hall asto agt. ofdocuments LLC whom process whom process against upon location: NYnotifies County.

LLC eral SSNY shall mail process to chase price. ethnicity York hereby all bidders that it7/29/20. will affirmatively ensure that anyNY Delaware Co. (CSC), 80 State St.,4:30 Al-it Org filed with the Secy of shall (DE) on 06/29/21. mailwelcome, copy of expenses process Office location: Purchasing between hours of 9:00 a.m. and be served & shall mail the may may beNY served.

SSNY desigactivity. formed Delaware (DE) thecontract LLCinentered at theintoaddr. oftoon its from SSNY. C.I. addr. of LP: State of NY (SSNY) on NY paid.

Please call (347) pursuant this advertisement willDepartment be awarded to the bany, 12207-2543.

DE SSNY as and agent of Notice of formation of 560 a g a in s t L L C to : U S C470Persuant to a Purpose: Judgment of o rp County.

SSNY designated as p.m. daily except Sundays anddesignated Holidays, on after process c/o Universal Regas agent upon whom nated 07/27/21.

Princ. office LLC: lowest office. responsible bidder of without discrimination onto the basis ofSaturdays, race, color, princ.

Any c/o Corporate SerOffice NY orInc., my7014 attorney: (800) 5228Maples Frank D. Lombardi, Esq., addr. of LLC: c/omay CSC, 251 N o t i c location: eNECK o f F oRD r mCounty. aLLC t i o nArts. o f Agents LLC upon whom process F osex, rc loactivity. s u reManagement a n d S a lenational d u ly origin, 13th Ave., whom process agent TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2018. documents also Referee bebe LITTLE istered Inc., 26 Proposal process against it may sexual orientation, age upon orAgents, place of residence. c/o Rudin Co., lawful SSNY has been designated vices Limited, PO Box 309, 582-3678 Dr., Wilmington, of formation of Ripka T aOrg. k a mfiled i c h i B e athe u t ySecy.

R o o of m Notice BK, itl o may filed on June 01, 2017 NY 11228.

Prinmay and of ddirected o wbe n l served oto a the d eE. drequirements aGreenbush, t tshall h e Tmail o w n against oLittle f B a bFalls yand nshall ’ s wbe email b sserved. i proces te at Prospective bidder's is alsoCarville of Ln, served Inc., 345 Park Ave.,attention NY, and NY as an Arts. agentofwith upon whom pro- #202, House, Grand Ugland DE 19808.

Cert. ofprocess Form. filed Arts LLC Arts. address: of Org. Cayfiled Shapiro, Dicaro Barak, LLC LLC. Org.07/14/2021 filed with shall mail& to NY anschedule O rder ppointing S uccipal business 300 ofparticipation process LLC SSNY copy "B"AinQualification the proposal concerning M/WBE the contract.

(SSNY) www.townofbabylon.com.

12061.

Add.inagainst maintained against the LLC served upon 10154.

SSNY designated as cess against itoon may be served Notice of of NY man,the C.I., KY1-1104.

Cert. o with Secy. of State of DE, with Secy. of NY (SSNY) Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff N Y D e p t . f S t a t e o n c/o C T Corporation System, participation to be St, submitted by theNY The of schedule of proposed M/WBE cessor Referee dated NoE. 74th #10A, NY, NY to 220 60th #3k, NY, location NY County.

NY in DE: EisUniversal Registered the LLC: 88Dover, Greenwich is C/O agent LLC upon whom proandoffice shall Office mail alocation: copy of any 1711 RETAIL, LLC Appl. for filed St., with Registrar of LP 06/14/2021 401 Federal St., DE apparent low bidder within sevenun(7) calendar days after the date of opening on NY office loca175 Mile Crossing Boulevard 10/3/17.

NY 28 Liberty St., NY, NY 10005. vember 28, 2017, I, the 10021.

10022.

R/A: VB&T Certified SSNY has been designated Agents, Inc., 300 Creek View Street, Apt 714, New York, process against the LLC to Partnerships C.I., 133 Elgin cess against it may be Auth. filed with Secy. of State of bids. The M/WBE goal for thissell project Public isSPECIAL 24 %. Accountants, 19901.

Purpose: Any lawful NOTE: These projects shall be funded in part through tion NY County.

SSNY has Rochester, New York 14624 C ounty.

Princ. bus. addr.: DE addr. of LLC: The Corpodersigned Referee will 110 SERVICES Purpose: any lawful act.

PLLC, as an agent upon whom proRd, Ste. 209, Newark, DE NY 10006. Purpose: Any law- C/O the LLC Angela Polite Ave., Box 123, Grand Cayserved.

SSNY shall proon mail 11/23/20. of NY (SSNY) activity. been designated as an agent the W New State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (877)430-4792 Trust Co., Corp.

Trust 283 Decatur St., Brooklyn, a t Non-compliance p utoblocation: l iGoldfarb c a uwith c tNY i o& n7 day a tsubmittal t h e requirement, 57 St,&Ste NY, ration 250 the thethYork stipulations of1632, Schedule against may2G be served cess 19711.

Name add. of auth. ful activity. cess Fleece 231 w.

149thit St. NY, NY upon Office County.

C.I.& process KY1-9000.

VIAGRA CIALIS!against 60 Purpills whom it Disaster Recovery and Federal Funds through Com m unity 1209 Orange St., and N Y shall 1 1 2Purpose: 3mail 3 . S eaccopy . Documeno f of S ta te man, "B" orAttn: submittal of bids in which any of theofficer prices forinlump sumwhere or unitany items are Bronx County Courthouse, NY 1017.

Purpose: lawful any DE Cert of Center, LLP, Partner-in-charge 10003 LLC formed in Delaware (DE) pose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of ETER100 pills for of $150 for $99. significantly unbalanced to the potential detriment of the Department may be cause may be served and shall mail Wilmington, DE 19801.

Cert.

Development Block Grants.

A project funded by and conceived d e s ig n a te d a g e n t o f L L C Notice of Form ation 44 act.

Room 600, 851 Grand Conagainst the LLC is process Form filed: DE Sec. of State, Dated: November 18, 2019 #98015 of matters, 560 Lexingtary.

11/17/20.

SSNY designatonRudin for a determination ofNY non-responsiveness and the rejection of the NIS FINE CHEMICALS USA shipping.

Money back aFREE copy 75TH of any STREET, process against Form. withprogram DEofSecy. through NYbid.

Rising Community Reconstruction of uponthe whom against LLC course, Bronx, on C/O LLC: process 620 W 42nd St EAST Notice offiled Formation SIGofofthe Corp, John G. of ton Ave., 6th of Fl.,LLC NY,JanuNY Div. ed as agent upon Notice formation of of Jess LLC Arts.Div. ofProposers filed with Formation of BRG WESTguaranteed!

1-855-579-8907 the LLC is C/O thewith LLC: 175 of State, ofOrg. the Governor’s Office Storm Recovery. mJohn ust it may be served and shall of Org. filed Secy. arySolicitation 29,process 2018 atof2:00 documents (Specifications ONLY) will be available for 21A, New York, NY Arts.

SP 5,Corps., LLC Arts. of Apt NATURE Townsend Bldg., POArts.

Box 10022.

DE addr.

LLC: Corth against itp.m., may whom Trayah Interiors LLC of Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) SIDE LLC filed with the Secy.

West 12 Street, Apt. 4B, G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Feddownload free of charge starting December 9, 2019 for the full duration of comply with any and all funding agency requirements, as well as mail process to: 263 Bowof State of NY (SSNY) on p re served. m is eService s kSSNY n o wCo., n a 251 s 1 mail 5Lit5 0 898, Dover, DE 19903. Any Notice Purpose: Any of lawful Org. filed with Secy. of of State poration of Qualification 79 10036.

Notice of Qualification 980 be DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Org filed with the Secy. of or on 08/02/21.

Office location: the Solicitation Timeshall from the City Record Website at City Record Onof State of NY (SSNY) on New York, NY 10011.

PurNotice is hereby given that a eral St. Ste. 4, Dover, DE any other State, County, Town local government or agency ery, 2nd Fl., NY, NY 10002.

1 2 /0 4 /1 7 .

O ffic e lo c a tio n: U nionport R oad, U nit N o. activity. of NY (SSNY) on 11/19/20. purpose. tle Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE lawful PLACE OWNER CLIFTON RAIL PROPERTY LLC Appl. process to c/o Anbau Enter+ $14.95 High Channels State of NY (SSNY) on Line (https://mspwvw-dcscpfvp.nyc.gov/CROLPublicFacingWeb/) NY County.

SSNY designat11/21/19.

Office loc.: NY license, number 1324834 for NY pose: Any lawful activity.

19901.

Purpose: Any lawful rules and regulations. A goal of 15% for New York State Certified Purpose: any lawful activity.

County.

SSNY designat6A, Bronx, cerlocation: NY County.

Office 19808.

Cert. of All Form.

LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with for Auth. filed with Secy. of prises, 11 E.NY. 26th St.,that NY,filed NY 11/12/2020.

Speed Internet.

Free InstallaNY office locaed as agent of LLC upon SSNY designated as County. liquor license, has been ap- ed as agent of LLC upon Minority Businesses and A15% activity. for Newof York Drawings areofnotState available download and MUST be purchased. tain plot, or of SSNY designated asCertified agent of Notice of formation of 68with Secy. of for the Secy.

StateState of NY (SSNY) State of NY 18 (SSNY) on agent DEpiece addr. of parcel LLC: 251 10010.

Includtion, Notice of Formation of CLIFtion: NY County. has has whom process against it this may 1509 ofpLLC plied for Marilyn Rest Inc. printed copy the of thebuildings solicitation and drawing setom can be O purchased New York W en w ned Bat:SSNY usinesses been established for w h o mSmart rformation o c HD eupon s s DVR awhom gofa RIGHT in sprot it land, with and LLC upon whom process ESTATE LLC Arts. of State of DE, John G. Notice of on 11/06/19.

Office location: Office location: NY 11/04/19.

Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, ed, Fee Voice Remote.

FORD HOUSE PRESERVAas agent been be served.

SSNY shall mail of thedesignated Agency Chief Contracting itSSNY maySome be cess d/b/a Don RisN O TIC E O F Giovanni FO RM ATIO N may project.

Proposers must demonstrate their good-faith efforts to beagainst served. shall i mCity p19808. r Department o v e Bldg., m e noftof sTransportation, t hFederal e r efiled o nOffice may be served. against filed with the Secy. of Townsend 401 ofitto Qualification of LAUNDRY GROUP County.

LLCCorporation formed in Org. NY County. formed in WAY DE Cert.

Form.

1-888-609restrictions TION, L.P. Cert. ofNew LPYork, filedit Notice upon whom process against Officer/Contract Management Unit, 55 Water Street, Ground Floor, process c/o served.

Theapply. address SSNY torante sell liquor at retail OF A to P.LLC LEE PRODUCT achieve these goals. m ail Arts. process to c/o P eter erected, situate, lying and SSNY - shall mail to NY (SSNY) on 12/03/2019 St., Dover, DE 19901.

PurJOKR 475 9TH AVENUE, LLC of Org. filed with Delaware (DE) onprocess 10/23/19.

(DE) on 10/31/19.

Delaware with Secy. of between State, Div. of - 3:00 New York 10041 9:00 a.m. p.m., Monday to Friday, excludes 9405 Secy. of State of NY with may be served and shall mail Service Co., 80 State St., Alshall mail process to Benin a restaurant under the AlLLCoffice Arts.location of Org.NY filed with Low, 44 E. 75th St., NY, NY b eholidays. i n gAny i401 nThe t hentrance e B o risolocated u g hSte. o fthe South Side of the Building facing the Corporation Service Co., 80 NY County. pose: lawful activity.

Appl. filed with the Secy. of NY425 (SSNY) on Princ. office ofwithLLC: 1120 ast a agent Corps., Federal St., on (SSNY) 08/05/21.

Office copy ofonany process to the aThe bany, NY 12207-2543.

Pur- SSNY Madison jamin Town will not reimburse any LLC individual or for firmAuth. any costs coholic Control tSSNY h e S designated e cBeverage y been . of S t e ooff 10021.

Bronx, County of Bronx,You City St., Albany, NY 12207State of Get Sinanaj, DIRECTV! ONLY has designated ndthe building without Vietnam Veterans Memorial. will not be allowed Secy.

State of activity.

NY (SSNY) 07/13/2021 NY office location of the Americas, Ste. NY(SSNY) Ave. LLC upon whom process 4, Dover, DE 19901.

Purlocation: County.

LLC: 520NY 2inwith Ave, SuitePrinc.

20B,of their pose: Any lawful Ave., Ste. 1001, New York, Law at 358 W 44th Street, associated the preparation proposal. has been desigNotice of Qualification of Purpose: Any lawful activity. a n d S t a t e o f N e w Y o r k , 2543.

Purpose: Any lawful 155 Channels & $35/month! government issued identification (driver's license, etc.). 30 Hudson on an agent upon be whom pro02/07/22. location: County.

SSNY has NY, NYOffice 10036.

SSNY as pose: Any lawful activity. of LP: office New passport, York, NY 10016. Pur- 1803, New NY NY 10017.

Purpose: Any lawnagainst a t e against dYork, a its amay afor g ebe npremises tserved. u p o n Bronx MONTICELLO STRUCBlock 3943 and Lot 2867 toactivity.

1000s of Shows/Movies On itn may served NY County.

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Notice of Formation of HAN consumption. ful activity.

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PLUS cluded the is Notice of may Formation of SIGorLLC money order payable tointhe Notice New LP York City Department of is SSNY designated as agent of process may beof served and shall mail may filed be served.

SSNY shall 80 State St., Albany, (CSC), address BIG RED UMBRELLA, LLC dissolve Org. with Secy. ofof State th S Q U A R E D D O M I N O Office to which the with Secy. of No State ofPersonal NY the Notice of Formation THE Gensler, LLC. Arts of Org BOND RATING KROLL the Common Elements.

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CorporaNY 12207-2543.

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Arts. of Org. filed with Office Secy. 12/31/2119.

SSNY designatThe Town SP reserves the right any or(SSNY) all bids. of NYprocess OPPORTUNITY LP (SSNY) on amount 08/02/21.

SSNY shall mail a for copy of filed BOROUGHS LLC with ofII, State NY LLC Appl.

Auth. proximate of judgesuant to Secy. law, that the Cert.

NYC Screens Simultaneously a Street, New York, NY 10023.

Org. filedagent Secy. of2019 State against it may be State served. the LLC is C/O the LLC: tion Service Co.,GOLF, 80 St., AGENCY, LLC: CSC, 251 Little Falls of NY (SSNY) AState Pre-Bid of meeting (Optional) hason beened scheduled forwith December 16, as of LP upon Office location: NY County. o f L P file d w ith S e c y . o f location: NY County.

LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. any process against the on 01/15/21.

Office Secy. of State ofLLC NY (SSNY) m ent is AM $119,173.75 plus Department of Cost.

Consumer AfCall DINo Additional Purpose: Any lawful activity. ofTheresa NYprocess (SSNY) on 11/19/20. at 10:00 in thelocation: Agency Chief Contracting Officer Bid against Room, Ground Albany,office Dr., with NY mail 12207-2543.

DE Wilmington, DE 19808. shall process to filed 1604 Williamsbridge Rd, Office NY 11/06/20.

Sabatino it may SSNY whom 110 SERVICES Princ. of LLC: 307 W. S t a t e o f N Y ( S S N Y ) o n formed in Delaware (DE) on of State of NY (SSNY) on s e r v e d .

S S N Y s h a ll m a il location: NY County.

SSNY on 01/11/22.

Office (SSNY) interest and costs.

Premises fairs willNY hold a Public HearRECTV 1-888-534-6918 Office location: NY County.

Floor, 55 Water Street, NYC. All prospective bidders are requested to addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. c/o C T Corporation System, Bronx, 10461.

Purpose: County.

SSNY designated as Commissioner of General Services be served.

SSNY shall mail 38th St., Office NY, NY 10018.

07/29/21.

Princ.

LLC: 1 2 /1lawful 5 /1Wednesday, 7 . activity.

O e lo cJanuary aupon tio n : NY location: 11/23/20. process 660 Nereid Ave asfficagent NY County.

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Any LLC upon whom pro-connection, agent process to Corporation SerSSNY designated as of formed 600 Third Ave., 21st Fl., NY, County.

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2020process at 2:00 at be 42 LLC whom process NYC Arts.

FRANKLIN of Form. filed with Cert. addr. of LLC: The Corpocess against it designated may be Date: January 9,State 2018 vice Co., 80later St., Al- DE LLC upon whom process th NY 10016.

SSNY 56 Leonard St., Apt. 39W, L P : c / o A s c e n d A m e i cofa name(s) of attendees to the Project Manager no than two (2) 10470. and 5 shall mailon copy officeAny of State LLC: d e x # SSNY 3 8 0 2 4shall 6 / 2 0mail 1 2 . proN o bany, Floor, ar perBroadway, FREE! may be served. against Org. filed Princ. with Secy. of of State, John Townsend Purpose: law- served DE 19901.

Trust Co.,G.Corp.

Trust 11/12/10. served.

NYit12207-2543.

Name ration against it may be served. business days prior to the pre-bid meeting date.

Savings Includelawful an American Fl., Walk-In Tubs as agent of LLC upon whom NY 10013.

SSNY desigNY, L L C , 6 3 5 M a d i s o n A v e ., Notice of Formation Purpose: Any activity process against LLC to 110 805 Third Ave., 29th NY, Cash to willFredda be Accepted. to SSNY shallofmail process to Center, (SSNY) onToilet08/12/21. tition thfor CASA AZUL. INC of 1209 Orange St., Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, of ful NY activity. cess Herzmay Brown, Standard Right Height and addr. each general SSNY shall mail to process against bewriting nated as agent ofprocess LLC upon STERNBUCH FAMILY Ste. NY,Apt NY2B, 10022.

871300, Street, New NY 10022.

SSNY designated FREE! ($500 Value) WALK-INW BATHTUB SALE! SAVE $1,500 All questions shall beitsubmitted in to the designated person indicated establish, maintain, and operCorporation Service Co., 80 Wilmington, Office location: NY County.

DE 19801.

Cert.

DE 19901.

Purpose: Dover, 450 E. 83rd St., Apt. 16A, partner are available from DeFoe Corp. invites all inDeFoe Corp. invites all inCorporation Service Co., 80 served.

SSNY shall process against it may as whom PROPERTIES LLC Purpose: Arts. of Latest date on which the LP 10024. agent of LLC upon whom of is December 20, 2019.

L abelow. u NY r a Deadline C . B r for o wsubmission n email , E sproq questions . , SSNY. unenclosed sidewalk ate anNY NY designated as agent of York, SSNY DE lawful activity.

NY, 10028.

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by American years cess to the LLCPurpose: at the princ. served. shall be N o t i c eupon o against f F o whom r m a titi o nmay o f 2✔be 4Backed 6 any Org. filed with is ofof may dissolve 12/12/2117. lawful act. cafe' at Standard’s 369 7Secy.

Ave inState the Referee 2543. Purpose: Any lawful Mr. Hari Velkur, LLC process State, Div.SSNY oftoOperations Corps., John lawful activity. experience activity.

MWBE firms to submit pro- of 2543.

Purpose: of MWBE firms submit prooffice of the LLC. DE addr. of process to Sarika Singh at SPRING STREET CONDOMINIof NY (SSNY) on 07/12/21.

SSNY designated as agent served.

SSNY shall mail proBorough Brooklyn Director of Engineering and Construction Programs, ACCO, activity.for against it may be served.

Townsend Bldg., 401 Fed✔ Ultra low entry for easyof entering & exiting for a posals the following NYS G. restaurants. posals to the following LLC: the St. princ. office the NYS LLC. Office location: NY process County.

UM (NEW BORROWER, of LPDrain upon whom to shall theYORK) LLC the princ.

Management two years. term K n u cc/o k lof eCorporation sFormation , KFinance, o m o s Contracts iService n s kBIOi && Program ® mailat process SSNY eral - ent Ste. 4, of Dover, DE cess Notice of Formation of Technology ✔ to Patented Quickof Notice of Departm ent ofFORMATION: TransportaDepartm NOTICE OF Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., A of golfTransportasimulation Purpose:Purpose: Princ. office of LLC: 276 LLC Arts. ofGutman, Org. filed with Secy. against it m ay be served.

New York City Department of Transportation office of the LLC. DE addr. of 122-124 W 124TH ST LLC, M a n fr o , L L P , 5 6 5 T a x te r Barbara 4 Bryant 19901.

Any lawful ✔ Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, JONES CHRYSTIE LLC Arts.

PROTECTORS, LLC Arts. of New Notice of Qualification of ALNotice ofrelated Formation ofproject: CLIF- LLC: tion project: tion Best Value Bid Mental Health CounAbbott 55 Water Street, 8th Floor, York, New York 10041 Wilmington, DE 19808.

Cert. and golf retailer.

Riverside Dr., Ste. 2-G, NY, o f S t a t e o f N Y ( S S N Y ) o n Corporation Service SSNY shall mail process to Arts. of Org. filed with the activity.

INCLUDING labor backed

by American Standard Road, Ste. 590, Elm sford, 9th Fl., NY, NY 10018.

Park, of Org. filed with Secy. of Org. filed with Secy. of State TOUR HOLDINGS, LLC ApFORD HOUSE PRESERVATelephone No. 212-839-9403, Fax No. 212-839-4241 seling, PLLC. Articles ofOffice Org. of NY 10025.

SSNY designated 1 2 /1 2 /251 1 7 . Any OLittle fficlawful e loFalls c aactivity. tio n :Dr., N44 Y Hydrotherapy Co., the Partnership, 635 Madion 08/19/2021. ✔ jets forNY ancopies invigorating Request for ofmassage the reN YForm.

1 0 (SSNY) 5 2filed 3 , Awith t on t o rDE n e ySecy. s hvelkur@dot.nyc.gov f o r SSNY Purpose: State of (SSNY) on NY 12/03/19. of pl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of TION GP, LLC Arts. of Org. Email: C o n t r a c t # D 2 6 3 6 3 4 filed NY w/ Secretary of State of C o n t r a c t # D 2 6 3 6 3 0 th- Wilmington, of State, 401 Federal St. Ste. loc. as agent of upon whom 19808.

Cert.

County. Princ.DE office of LLC: 246 01/19/22.

A ve., SLLC te. location: 1300, NNY Y, County. SSNY has consent agreemen vocable Plaintiff Office Office location: NY County.

State of filed NYwith (SSNY) on son Notice ofof Qualification 80 filed Secy. of at State ofLLC, NY Bridge Replacement, I-84 Notice Bridge Repairs 3 of LocaYESwith MAMA CREATIVE 9/9/2020.

Office NY (SSNY) Qualification of of 4, Dover, DE 19901.

Pur- been process against itto: may be Form.

Secy. of Spring St., NY location: 10013.

SSNY NY 10022.

Name and addr. as agent may be addressed DepartBill de Blasio, Mayordesignated SSNY designated as office of LLC: 1305 FulPrinc.Any Office NY 11/07/19.

REALTY Notice ofNY, Qualification of County.

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Eastbound & York W estbound tSTREET i o n sof i on n L08/05/21. o nBROADWAY, g ILLC swith l aOffice nAppl. dthe- State, Org. filed Arts. location: New County.

JOKR 2409 pose: lawful activity. served.

SSNY shall mail pro401 Federal St., Ste. 4, designated as agent of LLC upon of each general partner are whom process against upon ment of of LLC Consumer Affairs,proupon whom ton St., Rahway, Polly NJ Trottenberg, 07065. Commissioner County.DE LLC in agent for Auth. filed with filed Secy. of Dover, SoulCycle LLC formed Appl. for location: NY County. o v e rLLC M e tmay r o Nbe oas r t agent h R a of i l LLC Towns of Babylon & Princ.

HunSSNY on 06/10/2020.

Office SSNY designated Appl. for Auth. with cess toagainst Jacob M. Weinreb at 19901.

Purpose: whom process against itofmay be cess served. available from PurATTN: Foil Officer, 42 itSSNY. mayBroadbe SSNY of designated as agent of the Notice Qual of KING PENDelaware (DE) on 08/21/17. ofState NYofCity (SSNY) on Any State Auth. filed with Secy.

State office LLC: 30 Hudson Road -upon Tow n of Fishkill, tington &County. the of Glen loc: NY SSNY has Or pose: visit: www.walkintubinfo.com/nypress whom process PLLC shall Secy. ofof NY (SSNY) the princ. office of the LLC. lawful activity. served.

SSNY shall mail process SSNY mail process to: Any lawful activity. way, New York, NY SSNY shall 10004. mail proupon whom process LLC OPPORTUNITY GUIN FUND NY office ofonLLC: 1270 served.

Princ.

11/08/19.

Office location: NY of NY (SSNY) 08/16/21.

Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY designated as agent been Cove, NY against it may be served. on 02/07/22.

Office location: Purpose: Any lawful activity. to T h of e location: Bthe o a rd of M a n aCounty. g e rs NY o f cess LLC, 271 New York Av- 10001. to Corporation Service against may befiled served.

III LLC,axitAuthority with The Ave. Americas, NY, County.

LLC formed in Office NY SSNY designated as whom process against upon shall mail copy of pro- NY SSNY Brooklyn, County.

LLC formed in Carem professional Trump SoHo Hotel Condominium NY 11213.

80 State St., Albany, NY shall mail processserto enue, SSNY the SSNY onArts.

07/27/2021.

OfSSNY designated as Co., Notice of formation of 10020.

(DE) on 05/05/99.

Delaware formed in Delaware (DE) agent of LLC upon whom proAdditional inform ation PurmAve ay Delaware the LLC may be served.

Additional inform ation m ay LLC cess to: 315 Madison (DE) on 08/06/21.

N O TIC E O F FO R M ATIO N vices LLC. of org. filed Purpose: Any Lawful NY at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful OF FORMATION Corporation Co.,LLC 80 NOTICE fice loc: NYService County. agent Celebrity of LLC upon whom pro- 12207.

Advisors LLCof Appl.

SSNY designated as agent of Notice Notice the qualification Re03/25/11.

SSNY designaton cess against may be be obtained from David Amshall from mailitas process to: SSNY be obtained David AmofAny Formation of RIVER #1501B, New York, NY SSNY designated agent of OF BPBB Media, LLC. Arts with the SSNY on 10/19/17. pose.

Purpose: lawful activity.

Albany, NY 12207. OF State St., formed in DE on 04/16/2015. cessas against for O mayupon be activity.

Auth. filed with Secy of upon whom LLC source LLC ed agent ofit LLC served. a t o AMERIGO a t Purpose: 9 1 4 - 6 HOLDINGS 9any 9 - 7lawful 4 4 0 LLC The LLC, 299 12 a to a tSSNY 9 1 whom 4 -shall 6 9West 9mail -process 7 4pro4 0th SOUTH PRESERVATION 10017. upon process of rg Energy filed wSystems, iththe Secy. of O f f i c eis: designated N e w lawful YFORMATION o r kactivity. . Sagent S N Y LLC Articles of Org. filed with NOTICE OF Purpose: Any SSNY as served.process SSNY shall pro- S State off NNY (SSNY) against it defoecorp.com may be served.

Application for of may whom cess Service damato@ defoecorp.com or against StreettoApt 3J, NY, NYserved.

10014. damato@ or CLASS B, LLC against Arts.mail ofit Org. activity. itCorporation may be tate o Y (Certificate S S N Y ) oon n d e s ALLTID i gwhom n a formation t e dprocess a g e noftagainst uFIVE p o n Notice Notice of of formation ofofof FIVE Secretary of State NY the SPIRITS LLC. OF Notice of Formation 277 upon to c/o Corporation SerN.Y. Office location: cess 10/29/19 SSNY shall mail process to Authority filed with the Secy be served.

SSNY shall mail Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY bids@ defoecorp.com Purpose: Anymail lawful purpose. bids@ defoecorp.com withofSecy. of Stateofof 319 NY KINGLET SSNY shall process to filed 1 2 / 1 9 / 1 7FILMS . O f f i cLLC. e l o cArt. : Nof Y Notice Formation whom process against the IRON GOLF SHELBY LLC. GOLF SUBURBAN (SSNY) onformation 11/5/2019.

Arts of Org filed with Secy of IRON LLC Arts.ofofOffice Org. c/o FIFTH the LLC may be served.

FEYNMAN POINT LLC, Arts.

Notice 35A of Signs vice New York County.

SSNY has Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Gideon Rothschild, Moses & of State of New York (SSNY) to c/o Corporation process 12207-2543.

Purpose: Any filed SSN with Ythedesignated SSNY on C T Corporation System, (SSNY) C ounty.

W e s t 1on 0 6 t 01/11/22. h12207-2543.

S t r e e t ,Office L LDE C Org. LLC afiled y filed bmail ewith s(SSNY) eprocess rthe vSecy. e dSSNY a to: n d LLC. Arts of m Org with of Arts of County.

Org filed with NY location: Albany, NY State of NY on filed with Secy. ofArts State of NY 28 lawful activity.

SSNY shall Org. LLC. ofSSNY Org of Candles designated agent been LLP, 405 NY Lexington Singer on 05/18/2021.

NY as office loService Co. (CSC), State Bid Date: January 25, 2018 Bid Date: January 24, 2018 location: Office: NEW NY filed County.

Princ.

Liberty NY, 10005. agent upon whom process Art. ofofOrg. with80 Sec. of 01/25/2022. shall mail process against to Secy. th St., State NY on of State NY on designated as agent CSC, Little addr.Albany, 11/7/19.

Office location: NY (SSNY) on 08/02/21.

The LLC, 369(SSNY) West 126th on filed with 09/22/2020.

Office loc: Secy. of (SSNY) StateofOffice ofLLC NY DE upon whom process Ave., 12is Fl., NY,The NY Corpo10174. cation NY County.

SSNY NY 12207-2543.

St., Notice given that a office YORK County.

SSNY of LLC: LLC: 30 251 Hudson addr. ofhereby LLC: m a y b e s e rv e d a nagainst d desigs hhas a llit State of NY (SSNY) on SepLegal Corp Solutions LLC, 01/08/2021.

Office location: Office location: 01/06/2021. upon whom process against it ration Notice is hereby given that a Falls SSNY Dr., Wilmington, DE County.Mgmt NY5/29/20.

County.Office Princ.

Street, Suite, NY, desNY location: SSNY hasdesignated been (SSNY) on lomay be served.

The Post OfDE addr. of LLC: c/o Corpobeen designated as an agent DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, license, number 1331331 for as agent of the LLC 72nd Fl., NY, NY Trust Co., Corp. Trust Yards, mail copy ofprocess process against tember 15, 2017.

Office in nated 11Broadway Sterequired 615 New NY County.

SSNY designatCounty.

SSNY designatbe served. shall Center, may license, serial #1338366 for 10001. rate agent upon whom process 19808.

Cert. ofDr., Form. filed 251 office of LLC: 277SSNY Fifth Ave., 10027.

Address to NY as agent upon whom NY County.

SSNY ignated cation: address to which the fice whom upon whom against 251 Little Falls WilmingliquorService license, has beenLittle ap1209 Co., Orange St., against itit LLC to:shall USprocess Corp.

Agents, N Y DE CDE oSSNY uSecy. n t y . designated S N Y d sDiv. ias g . upon York, New York 10004. ed asmaintained agent upon whom asprocess agent upon whom promail to: Justin L. Galbeer & wine has been apton, be served and shall mail ofSwhom State, may with Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE agent #35A, NY, NY 10016.

SSNY 19808.

Cert. of Form. be in DE: 108 ed process against the LLC promay designated as agent upon SSNY mail ashall copy of may be served and mail The New York Amsterdam News plied for Kem Rest Inc. d/b/a Wilmington, DE 19801.

Cert. may be served.

SSNY shall of LLC upon pro7014 13th Ave.,the #202, agent of Jeffrey LLC upon w hom Inc. Purpose: Any activity. cess may be served and shall may beas served and 52process Downs Avenue, letti, plied for by the undersigned of13th process against LLC copy Of Corps., John G. Townsend 19808.

Cert. of Form. filed agent of shall LLC designated filed with W. Bullock, West St.,lawful Wilmington, be served.

SSNY shall mail cess whom may be of any process against LLC a copy of any process against Don Giovanni Ristorante to cess Form. filed with DE Secy. mail copy toc ip the against may K , LLC N Yupon 1of 1 2process 2 8C/O . P rthe inis al pBldg., r o c eof s sState m a yofitbthe eSt., sState eSte. r v ebe dof mail copyto: ofCert process against copy ofclosed process against Stamford, CT 06902.

PurDE 19801. of Formation sell beer wine in served. to principal business 401 Federal 4,. B with Secy.

State of DE, upon whom process against it to Secy. will be Monday, January 15, 2018 in Daniel L.address: Kesten, mail and shall mail copy of process served served is LLC the served upon C/O sell liquor at&of retail inataretail restauState, Div. of Corps., John 7014 13TH AVENUE shall business address: 562 W,.

S S NDiv. Y SSNY sDE hofa ll19901. m a il mail cPurpose: o p yproo f LLC, th 883 Avenue LLC to c/o of LLC to c/o 883 LLC Avenue of of Any lawful activity.

The pose: filed with Div. 27D, of Corps, aCorp. bakery under the 401 ABCBldg., Law cess W. 57DE Street, New 601 Dover, Dept., Townsend may be served.

SSNY Corps., John G. DE, ESQ. C/O Pryor Cashman process against to shall 2010 Alton Rd, #3305, Miam 450 the LLC: CT Corporation Sysrant under the Alcoholic BevTo advertise your G. Townsend Bldg., Fed202t . , # 2 6 , N Y , N Y to Corporation Service 1 48th process to: 163 W. 74th St., SUITE the Americas, 3Fl, New York, Americas, 3Fl, New York, observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day LLC is to be managed by one at 115 St., 401 St., Suite 4, the York, NY 10019.

Purpose: purposes, specificalAll legal Dover, process to the LLC at eral DE 19901.

Purpose: mail Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal LLP, 7and Times Square, NY, Grand Ave, Apt 1C, Bronx, Beach, 33139.

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Contact: Phone:this (212)620−0938 Under agreement rates ar Fax#: of a cancellation befor event Email: rate charged will be based up Agency: −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− PUB ZONE EDT AMNEWS TP RUN CORPORAT DATES _____________________________ AN A 97 S 01/07,14 FREDERICK DOUG Name (print2340 or type) −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− NEW YORK NY 10 (212)932−740 .

Under this agreement rates ar ORDER CONFIRMAT event of a cancellation befor rate charged will be based up Salesperson: Not Applicable Print −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− Acct #: 370 Ad #: _____________________________ Name (print or type) MORRISON & TENEBAUM Start 87 WALKER STREET Times NEW YORK NY 10013 STD 1 .

Total Class Rate:

Contact: Ad De Phone: (212)620−0938 Given Fax#: P.O. Email: Creat Agency: Last −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− PUB ZONE EDT TP RUN DATES AN A 97 S 12/31 01/07 −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− AUTHORIZATIO

Under this agreement rates are subject to ch event of a cancellation before schedule comp rate charged will be based upon the rate for

101 LEGAL NOTICE

888-609-0248 _____________________________________ _____ Name (print or type) Name

.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

110 SERVICES

110 SERVICES

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------x Citibank, N.A., Plaintiff, -againstCeleste Friedlender a/k/a Celeste Santo Domingo, as Heir to the Estate of Daniel Friedlender, Nessia Friedlender, as Heir to the Estate of Daniel Friedlender, Adriel Friedlender, as Heir to the Estate of Daniel Friedlender and Daniel Friedlenders unknown heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in the real property described in the complaint herein, Kenneth Sussmane, as nominee, Board of Managers of The Trafalgar House Condominium, New York City Environmental Control Board, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, New York City Transit Adjudication Bureau, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, United States of America,, John Doe (Refused Name), Defendants.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------x Index No.: 850222/2019 Filed: 11/2/2021 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Plaintiff designates New York County as the place of trial.

Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $750,000.00 and interest, recorded in the office of the clerk of the County of New York on August 23, 2007 in CRFN 2007000437864, covering premises known as 120 East 90th Street, Apartment 15E, New York, NY 10128.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: Bay Shore, New York November 2, 2021 Frenkel, Lambert, Weiss, Weisman & Gordon, LLP /s/ BY: Linda P. Manfredi Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 (631) 969-3100 Our File No.: 01-091675-F00 Notice of Formation of RIVER SOUTH DEVELOPER, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/11/22. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 30 Hudson Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of NMV, LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State NY (SSNY) on 11/16/21. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 100 John St, Apt 1815, NY, NY 10038. R/A: US Corp Agents, Inc. 7014 13th Ave, #202, BK, NY 11228. Purpose: any lawful act

Watermill Crossing LLC. App. for Auth. filed with the SSNY on 12/03/20. Originally filed with Secretary of State of Delaware on 08/14/2019. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 1035 5th Avenue, Apt 15B, New York, NY 10028. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Kelicam Logistics & Trucking LLC Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 7/8/2021. Office Location: Bronx County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Kelicam Logistics & Trucking LLC c/o United States Corporations Agents, Inc 7014 13th Ave, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 31

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195 HELP WANTED

Arbery

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS was jogging through the mostly white neighborhood of Brunswick, Georgia when he was pursued in a pickup truck by the McMichaels. They were subsequently joined by Bryan in his pickup truck whose recorded video captured the entire incident.

During the federal trial, the defense attorneys argued that their clients were not motivated by race but merely chased Arbery because they thought he had committed a crime.

On Monday, a jury of eight white people, three Black people, and one Hispanic received the case after a weeklong trial in U.S. District Court.

Attorney Benjamin Crump,

who has stood with the Arbery family since the beginning of the crime, said that “Ahmaud Arbery was lynched.” After the verdict was delivered, he noted that it was two years since Arbery “was stalked, trapped, and murdered in cold blood as he jogged through his Brunswick neighborhood. And today, after much sorrow, grief and pain, Ahmaud’s family can finally put this chapter behind them.” He emphasized how the family has endured his murder and then being demonized in the court.

Several witnesses during the trial testified they heard the McMichaels’ racist statements firsthand. One woman who served

under Travis McMichael in the U.S. Coast Guard 10 years ago said he called her “n____r lover,” after she had dated a Black man. Another woman testified the elder McMichael had ranted angrily in 2015 when she remarked on the death of civil rights leader Julian Bond, saying “All those Blacks are nothing but trouble.”

“Ahmaud Arbery was denied the opportunity to define his own legacy,” Crump declared, “but America, we have the power to ensure that it is one that propels our fight for equal justice and dispels hate from this world.

That is how we continue to honor Ahmaud and make sure his death was not in vain.”

with a commitment of 35% in contracts to people of color totaling more than a billion Continued from page 3 dollars. However, Craig Livingston, managing partner Peebles; century-old Black and for Exact Capital Group, told woman-owned design con- the AmNews that the RFP was struction firm The McKiss- canceled.

To display your ack Group; real estate investor “We heard that the RFP was classifieds ad Steven Charles Witkoff, found- pulled so that the governor contact er of the Witkoff Group; and could re-evaluate it in line with Exact Capital. her priorities,” Livingston said.

Ali Miliner The team made its presen- “And today we are still waiting (212) 932-7435 tation to the Empire State for that to be clarified and arali.milliner@ Development Corporation ticulated and for the RFP to be last October in response to a re-issued.” amsterdamnews.com request for proposals (RFP) Craig explains that when government agencies have a contract that they Invitation to Prequalify and to Bid want to award, an Rehabilitation and Flood Mitigation of the New York Aquarium, Brooklyn, NY: Turner Construction Company, an EEO Employer, is currently soliciting bids for the RFP will Rehabilitation and Flood Mitigation of the New York Aquarium from subcontractors and be issued. vendors for the following bid packages: Interested BP #047C– Epoxy Flooring (Bid, Payment & Performance Bond Required) parties will BP #047A – Resinous Matrix Terrazzo Flooring (Bid, Payment & Performance Bond Required) respond to the RFP BP #047B – Rubber Flooring (Bid, Payment & Performance Bond Required) with their BP #050 – Specialties (Partitions, FEC & Extinguisher) (Bid, Payment & Performance Bond Required) proposal Only bids responsive to the entire scope of work will be considered and, to be successful, bidders must and those be prequalified by Turner. Certified M/WBE and Small Business (13 CFR part 121) companies are proposals encouraged to submit. are evalIn order to receive the bid packages, potential bidders either (1) must initiate the prequalification uated by process by submitting a Subcontractor/Vendor Prequalification Statement to Turner, or (2) must be prequalified based on a prior submission to Turner. (Note: Prior prequalification submissions that staff or remain current will be considered as previously submitted or may be updated at this time.) All bidders members must be prequalified by the bid deadline: April 11th, 2022 and initial submission of a prequalification of the issustatement not later than April 11th, 2022 is strongly encouraged. All bidders must have an acceptable EMR, and will be subject to government regulations such as 44 CFR and Federal Executive Order 11246. ing agency.

Successful bidders will be required to use LCP Tracker compliance verification software. Note that while After that, this is a New York City prevailing wage project, union affiliation is not required for BP #047C, #047A, #047B and #050 there’s usually an inA Webcast about the above Bid Package/s will be held on March 11, 2022. Attendance is optional for all; the Webcast is designed to assist potential M/WBE subcontractors/vendors. terview of various Link: Please join this meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetupteams and join/19%3ameeting_YWVhMTM0ZTktYTliZC00ZDkyLThiYjQtMTkwMWE4ZWIyZmFj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3 follow up a%2220e27700-b670-4553-a27c-d8e2583b3289%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22732a90ce-24b7-42eb-bf78-d638e2a629ac%22%7d questions.

To obtain further information about contracting opportunities and/or the prequalification package and bid solicitation package/s, please contact Lyndsey Spangel, lspangel@tcco.com 646-842-1659.

The project is then The date for the virtual public opening at the Turner Construction Company office located at 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York, is April 12th, 2022 10 AM awarded to the group Link: Please join this opening meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetupthat was join/19%3ameeting_YWVhMGQ2ZjctNDk0OC00MDcwLWJlOTctNzJhNGU4OTczYTdk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b presenting %22Tid%22%3a%2220e27700-b670-4553-a27c-d8e2583b3289%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22732a90ce-24b7-42ebbf78-d638e2a629ac%22%7d a proposal that creat-

ed the most public benefit for the citizens of the city or state.

Livingston said he and his colleagues are not clear as to why this process did not work for Affirmation Tower.

“With this project, you had the first opportunity in New York State for the government to demonstrate a paradigm shift with how economic opportunity and just business opportunities are awarded,” he said. “Unfortunately, members of our community are often left out of that conversation. We put together a phenomenal team of developers, architects, builders, and our team is 80% Black.

We were contributing over a billion dollars to MWBE contracting and paying a king’s ransom to the state for the development rights.”

There are conversations about whether or not Affirmation Tower will build affordable housing in the Hudson Yards area, which the initial plans do not contain. Livingston feels it’s not appropriate for the site because it’s across the street from the Jacob Javits Center, which is one of the largest convention centers in the nation.

The team is not ruling out the possibility of adding a plan to build affordable housing for the project, however, Livingston believes that the characteristics of the Hudson Yards area makes it hard to envision.

“I think there’s some demand for affordable housing in every community in New York City across and the country, but we have to do it smartly in a way in which we can incorporate residential use appropriately,” he said.

What are the next steps? Livingston says the plan to build Affirmation Towers is far from over.

“We remain completely focused [and] more motivated than ever to make sure we represent our idea of creating this international landmark,” he said. “We can demonstrate Black excellence and also be drivers of a huge paradigm shift to finally open up economic opportunities of this scale. Our entire team remains committed to the project.

We’re continuing to refine our vision and we look forward to the RFP being re-issued so that we can respond and ultimately prevail.”

In the meantime, the team behind Affirmation Tower remains hopeful that the RFP will be re-issued by the ESD and is preparing to resubmit once it’s reissued.

In a statement, ESD Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-Designate Hope Knight said the RFP for Affirmation Tower was pulled to get a better understanding of the community’s needs.

“In light of today’s changed economic environment and in keeping with Governor Hochul’s commitment to building a thriving and equitable New York, Empire State Development is rescinding the current RFP for Site K, one of the last remaining Stateowned parcels in Manhattan, to reassess inclusive development priorities and solicit more input from the local community and other stakeholders,” she said. “It is critical that this site fulfill the governor’s goal of delivering on the needs of New Yorkers today and into tomorrow.”

ESD gave no further updates on when the RFP would be reissued.

The AmNews reached out to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office about the project but did not get a response at press time.

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also guilty of attempted kidnapping, and the McMichaels guilty of the use of a firearm while committing the crime.

Critical to their conviction were the number of text messages and social media posts in which Travis and Bryan used racist slurs and other derogatory comments about Black people. More evidence against Greg McMichael was not obtainable since his phone was encrypted.

Back in February 2020, Arbery

Tower

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 33

Bubba Wallace narrowly misses a victory at the Daytona 500 Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., the only fulltime Black driver on the NASCAR circuit, needed just a half of a foot of a lead or less to be the first driver to cross the finish line at the Daytona 500 on Sunday, NASCAR’s biggest race.

But rookie driver Austin Cindric, a Team Penske racer, was .036 seconds ahead of Wallace at the checkered flag, speeding through the finish for a thrilling photo finish victory.

The Daytona 500, first held in 1959, is a 500mile race that takes place annually at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Since 1982, it’s been the season-opening race of the National Associ-

(Wikipedia photo)

By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews

Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s only full-time Black driver, finished second in the Daytona 500 last Sunday, the circuit’s season opening and most well known race

ation for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) series.

“Damn, I wanted to win that one,” said Wallace, who heads the Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin race team.

“I think I’d rather get wrecked out than finish second,” Wallace joked. It was Wallace’s second time as the runner-up at Daytona. He also finished second in his rookie season of 2018. Driving car No. 23, a number Jordan made famous playing for the Chicago Bulls, this is Wallace’s fifth year driving the circuit full time, his second year with the Jordan-Hamlin 23XI racing team.

“I didn’t have a fighting chance the first time in 2018,” Wallace reflected.

“This one, being that close, is just like a gut punch. So going from all the confidence in the world to literally having it ripped out from underneath you is a

really [expletive] feeling.”

With a little assistance from Penske teammate Ryan Blaney, also trying to reach the finish line, Cindric was able to out-maneuver three different challengers on the final lap to outrun Wallace for the victory.

Wallace has compiled four top-5 finishes at Daytona, and was second last August in a 400-mile race before getting his first Cup victory at Talladega Superspeedway in October. His story as one of the few Black drivers in the history of NASCAR has been well documented.

The 28-year-old Wallace, the son of a Black mother and white father, is the most successful African American driver in the history of NASCAR. His activism on racial justice issues led to NASCAR strengthening its policies in an effort to end the negative images, including the banning of the Confederate flag at races.

NASCAR has long been associated with racism, dating back to the circuit’s first Black driver, Elias Bowie, and its most famous, Wendell Scott, whose experiences were portrayed by Richard Pryor in the 1977 dramatization “Greased Lightning.”

The Steelers’ hiring of Brian Flores doesn’t signal change or progress NFL owners have no commitment or intention to improve the expansive and growing racial gap that exists in its head coaching ranks.

League commissioner Roger Goodell continues his redundant and empty rhetoric regarding addressing the issue while the owners conduct business as usual, keeping franchises’ most important non-executive leadership position overwhelmingly white.

Goodell provides the cover for owners to evade transparency and explicitly explain, stating factors, facts and data, why they continue to pass over highly qualified Black candidates for less experienced and accomplished white coaches.

If you are one of the skeptical observers that is viewing the hiring of Brian Flores by the Pittsburgh Steelers through a conspiratorial lens, your thoughts are warranted even if unfounded.

When it was announced on Saturday that Flores will be the Steelers’ senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach, electronic and print media outlets, social media and direct conversations this writer had with some who have fol-

lowed the goings-on of Flores’ federal suit against the NFL and three of its member teams, put forth multiple theories as to what led to Flores’ newest job.

Some have speculated that the long, close relationship between the Rooney and Mara families, owners of the Steelers and New York Giants respectively, is a plausible reason for the hire. The Giants are a plaintiff in Flores’ suit, as are his former employers, the Miami Dolphins and the Denver Broncos. By hiring Flores, cynics conjecture, the Steelers are attempting to mitigate some of the negative optics the Giants have had to confront.

Flores maintains Mike Tomlin, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach since 2007, is one of race was the decid- only two Black head coaches in the NFL ing factor in him not being offered the Giants’ head is Flores was added to their that title since 2007, and is one coaching job which instead coaching staff because he is of only two Black head coaches was extended to Brian Daboll, one of the most competent in the NFL—the other is Lovie a white former offensive co- and effective practitioners in Smith of the Houston Texans— ordinator for the Buffalo Bills. the sport. has the gravitas and ethical Of all the motives ascribed to Current Steelers head coach compass to put aside the polthe Steelers, the most logical Mike Tomlin, who has held itics of football and do what’s (Bill Moore photo)

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

best to improve his team.

The move will not alter the distrustful tenor the NFL’s deplorable record of its franchises bypassing Black men for head coaching jobs has spawned.

Nor will it minimally influence Flores’ fight for accountability and systemic change.

“We congratulate Coach Flores on his new position with the Steelers and thank Coach Tomlin and the organization for giving him this great opportunity,” said Flores’ attorneys, John Elefterakis and Douglas H. Wigdor, in a statement on Saturday.

“While Coach Flores is now focused on his new position, he will continue with his race discrimination class action so that real change can be made in the NFL.” It’s incidental that the Rooney Rule, established in 2003 and requiring NFL teams to interview ethnic-minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operation positions, is named after the former Steelers owner Dan Rooney, who was the chairman of the league’s diversity committee.

The committee has failed miserably in increasing the number of Black NFL head coaches as the league’s nominal racial equality initiatives have produced regressive results.

34 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

St. John’s track team readying for the Big East Championships (St. John’s Athletics photos)

(Photo on left) Graduate student Avon Samuels is aiming to leave her mark; (photo on right) Mandana Vouillemin finds inspiration at St. John’s

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

Grateful that the NCAA granted all student-athletes an additional year of eligibility, St. John’s University graduate student sprinter Avon Samuels is determined to make the most of it. “I’m taking the opportunity to showcase my abilities,” said Samuels, who majored in business administration and is now studying for her master’s degree. “It’s been hard, but I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity.”

Having a fifth year is enabling Samuels to continue to improve her start

and her speed. She’s also working on her endurance in the 400 meters to close strong in the final 50 meters.

“Coach Pompey has been working with me to make sure that I’m fit enough to run the personal best that I want to achieve,” said Samuels.

Samuels spent her first two years as a student-athlete at Monroe College. Now in her third year at St. John’s, she feels a deep bond with her teammates. “These girls are phenomenal,” Samuels said. “It’s a great atmosphere. I feel that’s one of the most exciting things our team has accomplished so we can practice with a good spirit and a good heart and be

excited for each other.”

Growing up in Guyana, Samuels worked hard on the track and in the classroom to earn an athletic scholarship in the U.S. “My coach back home had a vision, and we had goals…which is why I’m here today,” she said.

Sprinter and long jumper Mandana Vouillemin from France also dreamed of competing in college track and field in the U.S., but unfortunately the first university she attended was not a good fit. When she was looking to transfer, St. John’s seemed ideal. “It was a dream since I was little to run in New York and have a New York life,”

she said. “I sent an email to Coach Pompey, and she responded.”

Now Vouillemin is feeling the good vibrations of training and being part of the Red Storm. She’s been running in the relays and is starting to learn the hurdles. “To find this rhythm is really hard for me, but I’m trying,” said Vouillemin, who is studying political science and government and has found her courses interesting. Her long-term goal is to work in international affairs, perhaps at the United Nations.

St. John’s track team heads to Chicago this weekend for the Big East Championships.

DeLisha Milton-Jones elected to the Women’s Hoops HOF

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

because she played in the shadow of legendary players Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker and Tina Thompson.

Last week the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame announced its class of 2022, which will be officially inducted this June in Knoxville, Tennessee. Among the eight people named is DeLisha Milton-Jones, two-time WNBA Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist who is currently in her second year as head coach at Old Dominion University.

“I feel so blessed to have my career come to this point to where I’m being recognized for all of my sacrifices and efforts that were made over my 17-year tenure in the WNBA,” said Milton-Jones. “To be able to do it domestically and internationally…I’m tickled pink that I was able to do it for so long and at such a high level.”

Milton-Jones played in a then recordsetting 499 WNBA games. In addition to WNBA veteran DeLisha Milton-Jones her two WNBA titles with the Los AngeBasketball Hall of Fame les Sparks, she won professional titles overseas, including the prestigious EuroLeague Championship. Despite inter“When I look over my career, if I had national and domestic success, she was it all to do again, I would do it the exact largely overlooked for WNBA honors same way—giving everything that I had

in every moment and never being selfMilton-Jones gave abundant praise to ish,” she said. “I had the ability to take her husband, Roland Jones Jr., who not over a game, but I did what’s best for the only helped her develop her game, but also pushed her into coaching. “It’s awe(Old Dominion Athletics photo) some when you can go on a journey that I’ve been on and you are able to share that space with someone you love,” she said. The first team she coached was Jones’ American Basketball Association team, and he took her critiques in stride. Her ODU team is having a winning season and aiming for a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

“It motivates me to be even better in whatever capacity that I can be as their leader and that living example for them,” said Milton-Jones, who is thrilled to share this moment with her ODU players. “I’m hoping that one day one of them can be showered with an award and an honor like this.”

Other honorees include former Liberty player Becky Hammon, now an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs and is being inducted into the Women’s recently named head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, and Penny Taylor, a threetime WNBA Champion with the Phoenix team. As a result, my sacrificing allowed Mercury. Also, Title IX, which celebrates for us to have opportunities to call our- 50 years this year, is the recipient of the selves champions.”

Trailblazer of the Game award.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022 • 35

Skater Surya Bonaly’s story told in illustrated book

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews As people note the absence of Black figure skaters at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, they also remember and celebrate one of the greats of the sport, three-time Olympian Surya Bonaly of France.

Known for her jumping prowess and incredible backflip, which she learned how to land on one foot, Bonaly’s story is captured in the new illustrated book, “Fearless Heart: The Legacy of an Olympic Figure Skater.”

Bonaly, 48, is touched that people remember her skating and amused that new fans enjoy videos of her competing and performing. “I can see now people recognize and appreciate more than when I was [competing], enjoy and really realize what was happening,” said Bonaly, who ended her Olympic career in 1998 with a rules-defying backflip. “Back

then it was maybe not as free.”

Now a coach living in Las Vegas, she still doesn’t see many young skaters of color, but at a recent book signing in Austin, Texas, she met several people of color who asked questions about her career.

“It’s coming little by little,” she said. “I teach the Learnto-Skate program at my rink in Las Vegas, and I do see a few kids of color. It’s nice to see.”

Longtime children’s book writer Frank Murphy contacted Bonaly about doing the book. She was a bit stunned that he wanted to write about her. “He said, ‘I want you to be involved.

We have to write it together,’” she recalled. “I thought it was nice. I didn’t know him and he’s not involved in skating, but apparently he was inspired by the 2018 Olympics.”

Bonaly said Murphy was very enthusiastic and he found the publisher, Triumph Books. Although it’s geared for young

readers, anyone touched by Bonaly’s skating will appreciate it. “Fearless Heart” is illustrated by Anastasia Magloire Williams. Bonaly finds Williams’ work amazing—both artistic and true to life. They spoke many times so Williams could create illustrations accurate to Bonaly’s recollections.

“So far, people like it,” said Bonaly, who will be a spectator at the upcoming 2022 World Figure Skating Championships in Montpellier, France, and is looking forward to seeing the current generation of competitors. “It was great timing for the book to come out just before the Olympics.

It’s great inspiration.

“It’s nice because the story is true,” she added.

“Sometimes people try to do something sensational and change the story. That is not me. This story is what really happened.”

Meyers Taylor sets new Winter Olympics standard for Black athletes

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

(Team USA photo)

Olympians. By garnering a orated Black Winter Olympics bronze medal on Saturday in athlete. the two-woman sled with Sylvia The victory gave Meyers five It was a historic showing for Hoffman, the former president medals, her first coming at the Black women at the Beijing of the Women’s Sports Foun- 2014 Sochi Olympics in Russia Winter Olympics. dation became the most dec- when she won silver in the First, Ocala, Florida native Erin Jackson became the first Black woman to win a speedskating medal at an Olympics, capturing gold in the 500-meters on Day 9. On the same day, bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor, at 37, became the oldest American female athlete to win a medal at the Winter Olympics, earning silver in the monobob.

The monobob was one of seven new events held in Beijing and was exclusive to women. Men have had the four-man sled dating back to the first Winter Olympics held in 1924 and subsequently the two-man sled added at the 1932 Olympics. But prior to this past Winter Olympics, which concluded on Sunday, their female counterparts were limited to just the two-woman sled, introduced as an Olympic sport in 2002.

After finishing second in the monobob to Canadian born Kallie Humphries, who became a U.S. citizen in early December 2021, making her Bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor became the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics history eligible to compete for Team after winning silver and bronze medals at the recently USA in Beijing, Meyers set a concluded competition in Beijing, China new standard for Black winter

two-woman sled, surpassing groundbreaking speed skater Shani Davis, who attained his four medals at the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics.

“It’s so crazy to hear that stat and to know that I’m part of a legacy that’s bigger than me,” said Meyers after her unmatched accomplishment.

“Hopefully it just encourages more and more Black athletes to come out to winter sports and not just Black athletes, winter sports for everybody.

“We want everybody to come out regardless of the color of your skin,” said the George Washington University graduate, where she played for the softball team. “We want winter sports to be for everybody, regardless of race, regardless of socio-economic class. I think the more diversity we have, the stronger our sport can be.”

Meyers has been a highly visible and active proponent of racial equity and equality. An article written by her and published by Team USA on June 26, 2020, titled “Even Olympic Medals Can’t Save You From,” details Meyers’ personal experiences and broader perspective of racism. She wrote, “In just his four short months of being alive, I can tell when my son Nico needs me. I can hear it in his cry when he just wants to be held by mommy.

“Nico was born pre-maturely.

He spent eight days in the NICU and during that time I watched helplessly as my tiny, newborn baby fought for every breath. It nearly broke me.

“George Floyd fought to breathe while the knee of a police officer squeezed his neck. As he gasped for air and fought to live, he called for his mother.

“George Floyd…was once someone’s Nico...I was five years old when I was first called the n-word... I had always believed that once I reached the elite level of sport people wouldn’t care about the color of your skin.

“As a Black pilot, I’m able to buy most sleds in the world except one—and that one manufacturer currently makes one of the fastest sleds on tour. But I wouldn’t buy it even if I could.

“This one manufacturer refuses to sell to Black pilots and has been quoted saying ‘if I wanted to see a monkey drive a sled, I’d go to the zoo.’”

Meyers has risen above the vitriol but continues the battle against racism. She ended the Beijing Olympics as Team USA’s flag bearer at the Closing Ceremony. Chosen to be this country’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony, she tested positive for COVID and was quarantined for the celebration.

36 • February 24, 2022 - March 2, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Sports The Knicks need changes but firing Thibodeau isn’t the answer

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

(Bill Moore photo)

Quickley, Obi Toppin, Quentin NEWS Grimes and Cam AM Reddish) still finding their way.01/06/22 The high expectations So ascribing the Knicks’ many Knicks fans held struggles to head coach Tom for their team coming Thibodeau is an exercise in into this season were misplaced frustration. Yes, myopic, clouded by unthe Knicks need changes, but usually fortuitous cirfiring Thibodeau shouldn’t cumstances last season be on the to-do lists of owner NEWS that resulted in a 41-31 James Dolan andAM team presregular season record ident Leon Rose.01/13/22 Thibodeau and No. 4 seed in the deservedly won NBA Coach Eastern Conference. Unof the Year honors last season fortunately, the Knicks’ and is capable of producing unforseen pre-playoff positive outcomes when supsuccess was not a reliplied with elite talent as he had able index of where they in Chicago when Rose was in were in the process of his prime.

AM NEWS being a sustainable postWhile he plays some startseason contender. ers too many 01/20/22 minutes, a Their 4-1 first round Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has faced criticism for the fault he has carried with him series loss to the Atlanta throughout his head coachteam’s current 25-34 record after winning NBA Coach of the Hawks was a more coning career, and has been stubYear honors last season clusive indicator of areas born and resistant to allocate of strengths and weaknesses, and a painBy and large, they are what their record more time to Toppin and Reddish, and ful examination of a roster that was and says they are. The Knicks are composed of seemingly has not even considered giving remains in dire need of an infusion of trans- a one-time All-Star in Julius Randle who rookie point guard Miles McBride a look, AM NEWS formative talent at the top of its roster. The would be slotted as the third or fourth best no combination of young players and vet01/27/22 harsh truth is the Knicks, 25-34 coming out player on a championship contender, a erans would significantly alter the Knicks’ of the All-Star break and 12th in the confer- promising but inconsistent young guard downward trajectory. What would alter ence, aren’t equipped to challenge the top in RJ Barrett who is no lock to make an All- it are stars, a fundamental must for any dogs in the East as currently constituted. Star team in his career, several good role team with championship aspirations.

They’ll host the Miami Heat tomorrow at players (Mitchell Robinson, Evan Fournier, Here is the cumulative record from 2014 the Garden and the Philadelphia 76ers on Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel), aging veter- to 2020 of Thibodeau’s predecessors Derek Sunday at MSG before going on a 12-day, ans (Kemba Walker, Taj Gibson and Derrick Fisher, Jeff Hornacek and David Fizdale, in NEWS seven-game road trip.

Rose) and developing players (Immanuel addition to interim coaches KurtAM Rambis and

02/03/22

Mike Miller, who briefly took over after Fisher and Fizdale were fired: 147-329.

The recur01024 AM NE ring theme is they all failed to have a winning 01/06/ 0 in any season they coached 7 record and had a 74470 22784 combined zero playoff appearances.

The hook was warranted for Fisher and Fizdale. Hornacek was the victim of a philosophical battle with then-team president Phil Jackson, who was married to the triangle offense and brought in Fisher, his former 01034 Los Angeles Lakers point guard, in a disasAM NE trous experiment to implement the system.

01/13/ 0 7 74470 22784 Rose decided to forego making an impactful move at the NBA trade deadline and wait for the upcoming off-season to bolster the Knicks’ roster. But it is incumbent on him to acquire game changers. No Knick should be deemed untouchable. Red Auerbach, Pat Riley or any of the all-time great 01044 NBA coaches would find it an arduous enAM NE deavor to move this season’s Knicks team 01/20/ 0 7 74470up22784 much further in the standings.

Last May, ahead of Tim Duncan’s enshrinement into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, who won five NBA championships with Duncan, explained succinctly why he is considered one of the best coach01054 es in the history of the game.

AM NE 01/27/ “The no 0 most concise way 7 to put it is, 74470 22784 Duncan, no championships!”

An immutable NBA axiom is players make coaches. Thibodeau’s charge is to be more flexible. Rose’s obligation is to stock the roster with the requisite talent to contend for a title. Neither has yet to prove willing or capable.

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The Nets don’t have much time to form chemistry ahead of the postseason Returning from the NBA All-Star break, the Brooklyn Nets now embark on the last quarter of their season. It begins tonight at home against the Boston Celtics and moves on to Milwaukee Saturday night where they will face the Bucks. The Nets, who led the Eastern Conference six weeks ago, went into the break 31-28, losers of 12 of their past 14 games and the 8th seed in the East.

Nets head coach Steve Nash expressed optimism after his team’s final game before the break, a 117-103 loss to the Washington Wizards at the Barclays Center last Thursday.

“Hopefully, we have a good run of health where we can really build something in a short period of time and get a better seed,” he said.

With 23 regular season games remaining, 10 at home and 13 on the road, the Nets don’t have the luxury of time to develop chemistry with many new additions to the team. The 13 road games could have been key because New York City COVID vaccine

restrictions still do not allow Kyrie Irving to play home games.

But Irving will not be allowed to play in two of those 13 games, March 1 in Toronto against the Raptors and April 6 against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Canada has nation wide regulations prohibiting unvaccinated players from performing.

Hampered by injuries for most of this season, the Nets will soon have the services of superstar Kevin Durant, who is close to returning from a sprained left MCL. The injury happened Jan. 15 in a 120-105 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant has been out for over a month. But they have reshaped their team after trading James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers at the Feb. 10 NBA trade deadline. The Nets received Ben Simmons, Andre Drummond and Seth Curry.

Then on Monday they signed 35-year-old veteran free-agent guard Goran Dragic, who was agreed to a

(Bill Moore photo)

By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews

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buyout with the San Antonio Spurs after being traded to them by the Raptors at the trade deadline.

Dragic has only played in five games this season, the last in November.

01074 He averaged 8 points, 2.8 rebounds, AM NE 1 assist and 18 minutes per game.

In 02/10/ 0 7 74470 22784 the 50 games he played last season with the Miami Heat, Dragic averaged 13.4 points and 4.4 assists. Dragic reportedly was also pursued by several top contenders.

Dragic has history with Nash, serving as his back-up for four seasons with the 01084 Phoenix Suns when he first joined the AM NE league.

He was also a teammate of former 02/17/ 0 7 74470 22784 All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire with the Suns and Heat. Stoudemire is currently a Nets player development assistant.

AM NEWS

Newly acquired Nets forward Ben Simmons has a short period02/24/22 of time to get acclimated to his teammates with only 23 regular season games remaining

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