New York Amsterdam News Issue #March 17-23, " Safe Passage"

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Vol. 113 No. 11 | March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

THE NEW BLACK VIEW

©2022 The Amsterdam News | $1.00 New York City

SAFE PASSAGE? Ukrainians and foreign residents wait for trains inside Lviv railway station, Feb. 28, 2022, in Lviv, west Ukraine. Jarred by discriminatory treatment and left to evacuate themselves from Ukraine, people from African, Asian and Latin American countries who succeed in getting out are forming impromptu networks to help thousands of others hoping to flee.

(AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)

Black coalitions created for #AfricansInUkraine (See story on page 2)

We run this: Women’s History Month (See story on page 11)

Police arrest

‘depraved’ suspect who targeted unhoused in NYC and DC (See story on page 3)

(AP Photo/Gbemiga Olamikan, File)

(NYPD photo)

Courts Become New Battlefield for Housing Crisis Urban Agenda by David R. Jones, President and CEO of the Community Service Society of New York - See page 5

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INDEX Arts & Entertainment �������������Page 15 » Astro/Numerology ����������������Page 18 » Food ����������������������������������������Page 20 » Jazz �����������������������������������������Page 19 Caribbean Update �������������������Page 14 Career/Business ���������������������Page 29 Classified ����������������������������������Page 30 Editorial/Opinion ����������������Pages 12,13 Education ���������������������������������Page 24 Go with the Flo ������������������������Page 8 In the Classroom ��������������������Page 22 Nightlife ��������������������������������������Page 9 Religion & Spirituality �������������Page 28 Sports ����������������������������������������Page 36 Union Matters ����������������������������Page 10

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2 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

International International TRIAL TO SETTLE UNSOLVED MURDER OF BURKINA FASO’S ‘CHE GUEVARA’ (GIN)—It’s been justice delayed for Thomas Sankara, the man they called Africa’s Che Guevara. It should not be justice denied.

Thirty-five years ago, Sankara, an iconic figure of revolution, the youthful president of the West African nation of Burkina Faso, was shot and killed at the height of his popularity. For years, his friend and colleague, Blaise Compaore, was suspected of arranging the killing, but no investigation was allowed and the fiction was promoted that Sankara died of natural causes.

Human rights groups and the victims’ families claimed to know otherwise. Compaore, who ruled with an iron fist, has been overthrown after trying to rewrite the constitution and give himself additional years in power, and his flight into exile in neighboring Ivory Coast has made it possible for a serious investigation to begin.

Compaore’s trial, which began this past October, comes as the West African country reels from its latest military coup last month, brought on by public anger over a stalled economy, entrenched poverty and relentless jihadist attacks in the country.

To the many who remember him, Thomas Sankara was a fiery Marx-

ist-Leninist and a strong voice against imperialism and colonialism. The international community, whose interests were vested in the status quo, was unhappy with Sankara’s radicalism, not least when he started calling for African countries to reject debt repayments.

According to the testimony of some involved in his assassination, Sankara’s death was ordered by former Liberian president Charles Taylor with the support of the French and American governments.

“Sankara rode a bicycle to work before he upgraded, at his Cabinet’s insistence, to a Renault 5—one of the cheapest cars you could find,” recalled Nigerian-born Paula Akugizibwe. “He lived in a small brick house and wore only cotton that was produced, weaved and sewn in Burkina Faso.”

In less than four years under Sankara, Burkina Faso became self-sufficient in food production through the redistribution of lands from the hands of corrupt chiefs and land owners to local farmers, and through massive irrigation and fertilizer distribution programs.

“Feminism was a core element of his political ideology, manifested through improved access to education for girls, and inclusion of women in leadership roles…It was Africa’s greatest success story,” Aku-

News

gizibwe recalled.

If convicted, Compaore faces 30 years behind bars if he returns to Burkina Faso. But even if Compaore’s trial ends with an acquittal or, less likely, a dismissal of all charges, it will still send a message to human rights violators—military or civilian—that it is no longer business as usual in the region.

RUSSIA, CHINA BUILD TIES IN AFRICA AS U.S. FALLS BEHIND (GIN)—In a new “scramble for Africa,” Russia and China are cutting deals, extending loans, making friends and allies across the continent at a time when jihadists in many countries have posed a growing threat to citizens and national security forces.

The original Scramble for Africa, also called the Partition of Africa, or the Conquest of Africa, was the invasion, annexation, division, and colonization of most of Africa by seven Western European powers during a short period known as New Imperialism (between 1881 and 1914).

The 10% of Africa that was under formal European control in 1870 increased to almost 90% by 1914, with only Ethiopia (Abyssinia) and Liberia remaining independent, though Ethiopia would later be invaded and occupied by Italy in 1936.

Then came the Cold War with

communists and “non-communists” vying for influence on the resource-rich continent. Some nations sided with the Soviet Union, while others sided with the U.S. Treating Africa as a venue for superpower conflict rather than a place with intrinsic value distorted U.S. policy in the region. In some ways that legacy continues today.

A new competitor, China, is spending billions on infrastructure projects to secure mineral rights, while Russia provides security through Kremlinallied mercenaries.

“We see and realize that if we withdraw from this competition as liberal democracies, then others are going to fill these gaps,”said Annalena Baerbock, a leader of Germany’s Green Party and the first female foreign minister, as Western diplomats huddled on the Ukraine crisis days before Russia’s invasion.

Unfortunately, knowing about the past does not always prevent repeating it. There are signs that another round of competition in Africa between external powers may be on the way. If history holds, this one could end up as badly for the continent, writes Steven Metz of World Politics Review.

Russian inroads on the continent include Sudan, Mali, the Central African Republic and South Africa. Last See INTERNATIONAL on page 23

Black coalitions created for #AfricansInUkraine

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Special to the AmNews As the third week of the Russian assault on Ukraine begins, the treatment of African refugees in Ukraine remains at the forefront. When the war started, efforts by African and African descendant students and families to escape the confrontation were met with a race-based pushback often caught on video and uploaded to social media sites.

When viewed abroad, it led many to act.

“I’m a volunteer from London,” explains Damilare Arah, a British Nigerian tech designer who has worked in project management and as a business development manager.

Damilare explained to the AmNews

that he woke up on Thursday, Feb. 24 to find out that Ukraine had been attacked. “So, on Thursday and Friday I tried my best to understand the situation fully and to see how best I fit into all of this. And then Saturday I heard…I was just trying to get to grips with understanding how all of this would affect Africa and the businesses and the economies and other things, because I was hearing reports that there’s massive oil wells that Putin might want underneath Ukraine, in the area of Donbass. But that’s when one of my mentors told me that there’s Africans in Ukraine.

“I heard that Africans were being racially profiled, abused and being pushed back in queues for the sake of other Europeans. So, from then I kicked into a crisis management

mode. I know that many people didn’t know that there were Africans in Ukraine so the first thing I had to do was get everybody to know and understand their situation.”

By Saturday, Feb. 26, Damilare had republished photos and videos of Ukrainians blocking Africans from getting on trains under the hashtag AfricansinUkraine. He says he double checked and verified that the videos were taken and recorded on the day they were reported. “The first thing I did was help the community understand that we’ve got to be clean and clear about this situation—that nobody’s going to be able to save us in this instance and we have to all work together to be able to get the message out there.”

By Feb. 27, the rapper Young Thug

had seen the posts and announced on Instagram that he was ready to support the African refugees. “If some of my rap brothers are in, I’m willing to help Africans get out of Ukraine,” he wrote, “however I can sense [sic] they not letting us pass.

“Whoever holds the info for these movements please contact me ASAP,” he added: “I’m ready.”

The singer Beyoncé also expressed concern via her non-profit BEYGOOD, which posted the contact information for embassies with students in Ukraine.

Vukile Dlamini, a medical student from Eswatini who had been studying in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, was able to escape the conflict. She recently helped create the Coalition to See COALITIONS on page 6

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Police arrest ‘depraved’ suspect who targeted unhoused in NYC and DC

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Washington, D.C Mayor Muriel Bowser partnered with both their respective police forces and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms to track down a potential serial killer who targeted homeless men in a series of shootings. In a presser, the mayors gathered in D.C. to disseminate information to the public and call for urgency in catching the suspect.

Both mayors pleaded with the public to come forward with help in identifying the suspect from photos recently released, and offered a $70,000 in total reward for information. As of Tuesday “early morning,” the Metropolitan Police (MPD) arrested the suspect in D.C. The suspect was identified as 30-year-old Gerald Brevard, reported The Associated Press. Brevard lives in the Washington area, and has a criminal history that includes an assault arrest, said the AP. In statements Adams and Bowser credited swift interagency cooperation with multiple cities and the federal government for bringing the suspect into custody on Tuesday morning.

“Excellent detective work, teamwork with our partners from the Metropolitan Police in D.C. at the ATF and the FBI, culminated in the arrest of the suspect in five shootings, including two murders of homeless men in New York City and Washington, D.C.,” said New York City Police Department Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell in a statement following the arrest. “People experiencing homelessness have many worries to cope with every day. Tonight, they will have one less.”

Between March 3 and March 9, three men were shot in D.C. resulting in one death. This weekend, at least two men were shot in New York City also resulting in one death. All victims were unhoused males, outside or sleeping alone in the early morning at the time of the shootings.

“Homelessness should not mean homicide,” said Adams in Monday’s meeting. “This was a coldblooded attack.”

The first victim was found around 4 a.m. with gunshot wounds. MPD Chief Robert J. Contee

III said that it didn’t raise flags right away.

The second victim was found with gunshot wounds around 1:21 a.m. by MPD, and then around 2:54 a.m. a third victim’s remains were found with multiple stab and gunshot wounds. The third victim’s body and tent were also burned, said MPD. Contee said that a police homicide detective working the case, Captain Kevin Kentish, is originally from Queens and made a connection to the recent shootings of two homeless men in New York City via social media.

On Saturday, in the early morning a 38-yearold man sleeping on the street in Manhattan was shot in the right arm, and about 90 minutes later, another homeless man was fatally shot in his sleeping bag, said the AP. Based on images and other evidence they forensically linked the shootings in both cities, and narrowed in on one suspect with one gun in both cities. The suspect’s mental state or motive hasn’t been made public as of Tuesday afternoon.

Adams described the suspect’s actions as “premeditated” and “intentional” in terminating “innocent lives” and that the shooting incidents highlight gun violence in both cities.

He said that neither New York City or D.C. are gun manufacturing cities but have been victims of the iron pipeline, or the flow of guns into communities.

“The overproliferation of guns in our cities is creating an encounter that’s causing bloodshed across our nation. It is time to stop this fixation with guns,” said Adams at the meeting. “There are too many guns on our streets.”

In the meeting, Adams bristled at the “insinuation” that the recent order to concentrate on moving homeless individuals out of the subway system in New York City would contribute to “some sick mind of shooting them.” “It’s something I’m just not going to entertain,” said Adams. Bowser said it was “unconscionable” to attack a vulnerable population and that homeless persons are being encouraged to seek shelter in D.C. She See POLICE on page 6

Adams backs Cunningham in 43rd assembly race to replace Richardson

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Community organizer Brian A. Cunningham scored the Democratic nomination with over 90% of the vote from the Kings County Dems, and then the backing of Mayor Eric Adams this Monday, March 14, in the 43rd assembly district special election in Brooklyn to replace former Assemblymember Diana Richardson.

The flurry snowstorm that wouldn’t end this past weekend may have something to do with the extremely low early voting turnout that began on Saturday. At the wrap of Day 2 of voting on Sunday,

March 13, the Board of Elections announced via Twitter that a grand unofficial total of 39 people had voted so far.

Still, candidates are confident of their chances in the race.

“I understand the pulse of the community,” said Cunningham, “and want to take my skills to echo the voices of our communities and advocate for the changes that they’re asking for whether it be in affordable housing, whether it be access to health care, whether it’s public safety and criminal justice reform, or helping our small businesses recover from a post-COVID environment.”

See ASSEMBLY on page 25

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 3

MetroBriefs Metro Briefs Rev. Jesse L. Jackson hosting 25th annual Wall Street Project Economic Summit The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition are hosting the 25th annual Wall Street Project Economic Summit, Monday, March 21 through Tuesday, March 22. This year’s theme is “The Wall Street Project 25 Years Later: Many Successes, but Our Work to Level the Playing Field Continues.”

The summit will feature a Labor & Ministers Breakfast, Wall Street Project Business Luncheon, and sessions on utilization of diversity broker-dealers and assets managers, sports, hip hop at 50 and transforming Africa economic prospects.

This year’s summit will be a hybrid format. On Monday, the summit will be in-person at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel and on Tuesday the summit will be held virtually. To register, go to www.rainbowpushwallstreetproject.org/registration.html.

Sen. Kevin Parker provides COVID at-home kits and masks to residents in Central Brooklyn As the state reduces mask and vaccination mandates, State Sen. Kevin Parker continues to provide resources to stop the spread.

On Friday, March 11, Parker distributed more than 200 masks and COVID at-home test kits to residents throughout Central Brooklyn outside of his District Office.

“While infection rates have slowed, it is important we continue to take steps to slow the spread so our businesses and schools can stay open and serve families of the 21st District,” Parker said. “My office will continue to host giveaways and provide the necessary resources to residents.”

Board of Regents re-elects Dr. Lester W. Young Jr. and Josephine Victoria Finn to serve as chancellor and vice chancellor The Board of Regents unanimously re-elected Dr. Lester W. Young Jr. and Josephine Victoria Finn to the posts of chancellor and vice chancellor, respectively, Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced today. The chancellor and vice chancellor are the two elective officers of the University of the State of New York, each serving a threeyear term.

Under the leadership of Chancellor Young, Vice Chancellor Finn, and Commissioner Rosa, the Board and Department follow two guiding principles. The first is a commitment to creating equity for all students to prepare for college, careers, and civic engagement— regardless of background, zip code, first language, or ability.

The second strategic priority is to fundamentally change how the Department approaches its mission, shifting focus to a service-oriented approach as part of the statewide teaching and learning community.

Over 100 NYC Parks projects starting construction this spring Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue announced that the city will break ground on 104 previously paused park projects this spring, an incredible 142% increase in parks construction projects compared to 2021.

Adams and Donoghue made the announcement at Saratoga Playground in Brownsville where the city broke ground on a $2.2 million full renovation of the playground. Previously on hold in procurement due to the COVID-19 pandemic-related construction pause, the 100+ park improvement projects, set to start this spring, represent more than $417 million in investments, making the city’s public green spaces more sustainable, accessible, and vibrant.

More than 86% of these projects include sustainability features such as LED lighting, rain gardens, planting of new trees, on-site stormwater capture, and use of recycled and resilient materials. Additionally, 62% of projects are in underserved neighborhoods as identified by the Task Force on Racial Inclusion & Equity.

These projects are expected to take 12-18 months to complete; New Yorkers will be able to enjoy 100 newly renovated park projects in their neighborhoods by summer 2023.

—Compiled by Cyril Josh Barker

4 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Jeffries, House Dems gather for caucus in Philly

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

As the 2022 House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference came to a close last week, leaders discussed the passage of the spending bill on Thursday and the one-year anniversary of the American Rescue Plan.

Chairman and U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries organized the three-day event this year in Philadelphia at the Independence Seaport Museum and Hilton Hotel along the city’s waterfront. Members of Congress and Senate had just passed the $1.5 trillion omnibus spending package in the nick of time for the kickoff of the caucus and to avoid a government shutdown, and President Joe Biden signed it into law soon after.

The spending bill includes $13.6 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine and a $1.5 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act, which is a combination of “non-defense” and “defense” spending.

But most notably is the slashed COVID-19 funding from the 2021 version of the bill. About $15.6 billion in COVID-19 funding was removed from the 2022 version that was passed, reported Investopedia.

“I’m very proud that in a very strong bipartisan way, we took action in the House, this week, to lift the purchase of Russian oil and we have the Magnitsky legislation part of that—renewing that law, and then today we go further,” said Pelosi.

There are also provisions in the bill for a laundry list of things such as housing, urban development, military construction, veteran affairs, strengthening the legislative branch, education, environmental protections, homeland security, small businesses, the integrity and safety of elections, rural development, food benefits, job creation, and clean energy.

“Particularly as we came out of the COVID crisis, or we begin to come out of it,” said U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks on the topic of health, creating jobs, and education during the conference. “We’re look-

ing at health equality, especially in my district in Southeast Queens, that is absolutely essential.

We’re trying to help hospitals and family healthcare centers that serve people and keep people safe and healthy.”

When asked about the loss of COVID-19 funding, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at the conference that what they had in relief was “a good start but not enough” and that there were plans for later legislation to add more.

“I can think of no other time in my life when we have really been faced with real trials. When we look at what’s happening around the world, the war that we all have emotionally attached ourselves to, the challenges that we’ve had coming back from COVID-19 and the future for our children and our grandchildren,” said Majority Whip James E. Clyburn from South Carolina. “These are times that try men’s souls.”

Jeffries and Pelosi were also proud to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the American Rescue Plan.

Jeffries called the bill “a transformative piece” of legislation that saved the economy during the pandemic. He said that it was directly responsible for 7.4 million jobs created during the first 13 months of Biden’s presidency.

“This is something that was—not only helped people survive from COVID-19, something that not only helps them reach their success, it was transformational in how they do so. We want to continue that work in certain aspects of BBB with the Child Tax Credit, universal pre-k, the list goes on, affordable child care,” said Pelosi.

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

Cannabis is here to stay in NY

By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff It took a while, but marijuana dispensaries will soon be seen all over New York State.

What makes this announcement unique is that the New York State Cannabis Management Office said the first 100 retail licenses will go to those who were arrested for marijuana-related offenses and/ or a marijuana-related arrest that impacted their families.

Landon Dais, Esq., cannabis attorney at Forchelli Deegan Terrana and cannabis consultant, said that this shows that New York is ahead of the curve in making sure those hurt by marijuana possessing will now be helped by possessing marijuana.

“This move is a significant signal that NY State CMO, under the leadership of Board Chair Tremaine Wright and Executive Director Chris Alexander, is taking a serious approach towards equity in New York’s marijuana market. Additionally, it is a signal to ‘big cannabis’ that the NY market will favor small businesses,” said Dais. “It is clear Gov. Hochul and Lt. Gov Benjamin support that New York State is the first state to implement a vibrant and impactful social equity program successfully. No state has

been able to launch a viable social equity program to this date, but NewYork will hopefully be the first.”

And the State Senate made sure to make marijuana reform a part of its agenda.

On Monday, the New York Senate Majority released its budget resolution. The one-state house proposal included “allocating $2.5 million for the Cannabis Workforce Initiative to offer training and education in the cannabis industry.” The recently released New York State Assembly’s SFY 2022-’23 budget includes $50 million for the Cannabis Management Program and will assist those socially and economically disadvantaged with establishing dispensaries.

According to COVA, a company with compliant cannabis software that streamlines dispensary management, “The average up-front investment to open a dispensary in California is between $80,000 and $250,000. Ongoing operating expenses will cost you between $30,000 and $70,000 each month.”

NewYork City Mayor Eric Adams appreciates that those who were pushed to the back of the line are now being pushed to the front of the line.

“I don’t recall one corporate executive being stopped on Tremont Avenue and have someone See CANNABIS on page 32

NewJerseyNews Mayor announces Harriet Tubman monument in Newark

By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff In June 2021, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced that Nina Cooke John’s Harriet Tubman monument design, “Shadow of a Face,” was selected to replace a statue of Christopher Columbus that was removed from Washington Park in the summer of 2020.

Over the past several months, community workshops and the Monument Design Team have developed associated curriculum and educational and cultural programming to complement the monument. The groundbreaking for the monument is scheduled to take place in honor of Juneteenth, with a formal unveiling this fall.

Baraka announced last week that in honor of Harriet Tubman Day, the City of Newark received major support from the Mellon Foundation and Audible for the new Harriet Tubman Monument in Washington Park. The park will be renamed Harriet Tubman Square later this year when the monument is permanently installed.

Funds will cover the physical construction of the monument, immersive visitor audio experience, and innovative, educational, cultural, and historical programming in conjunction with the Newark Museum of Art, the Newark Public Library, the Newark City Parks Foundation, Newark Arts,

Rutgers University – Newark, and local artists.

“Newark has continually been recognized for its forward-thinking leadership on reimagining our public spaces and creating public art that inclusively tell the story of our people,” Baraka said. “The Harriet Tubman monument will enable her life of heroic achievement to inspire present and future generations of Newark residents, and add a critical component to their ability to reclaim and tell their own story.

I would like to thank the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Audible, and all of our cultural institution partners for helping us to make this vision a reality.”

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has committed $350,000 to the project as part of its national initiative called the Monuments Project, a $250 million commitment to transform the nation’s commemorative landscape by supporting public projects that more completely and accurately represent the multiplicity and complexity of American stories.

One additional feature, audio stories of Newark residents, will kick off with the opening of a recording booth at the Newark Public Library on Saturday, March 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Collaboration with Audible’s program and content teams is powered by a $300,000 contribution to the construction and audio programming of the Tubman monument.

Melba’s restaurant coming to Newark

By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff Famed Harlem restaurateur Melba Wilson announced that she’s bringing signature Melba’s Restaurant to downtown Newark, with the opening of Melba’s 550 in 550 Broad Street later this year.

The new restaurant will occupy the former First National State Bank space in the historic building, with its own, allnew entrance on Broad Street. The restaurant will offer seating in the original bank vault, providing a unique dining experience. Melba’s will also have a separate coffee shop with a takeout window on Broad Street. Details on the restaurant’s menu and design are still evolving, but Melba said they hope to have the restaurant open in late 2022.

“I eat fried chicken; you eat fried chicken and from that, we’ll build a unique experience that brings everyone together—we’re going to combine our minds and change lives,” said Wilson. “This is a

very exciting moment for us; a Jewish guy from Newark and a Black woman from Harlem are showing that we all have so much in common through our love of food, family and community. The new restaurant will be in Newark, of Newark, and for Newark.”

Wilson is the founder of her eponymous Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem, New York City’s premiere comfort food destination.

550 Broad Street is owned and operated by Fidelco Realty Group, the developer of 1 Washington Park, 494 Broad Street, 15 James Street – Audible’s Innovation Cathedral, RockPlaza Lofts and other landmark Newark commercial and residential renaissance projects. The building is undergoing significant renovation and is positioned to be a business hub and restaurant destination for the neighborhood.

Architect David Rockwell of the award-winning Rockwell Group will be participating in the design of the new restaurant.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Abibat Akinyele, a Dreamer challenging the patriarchy

By M’NIYAH LYNN Special to the AmNews Abibat Akinyele is only 15 years old and is taking advantage of opportunities to inspire those behind her through her career aspirations and achievements. Indicative of her work in the community and pursuit of a rigorous career path, Akinyele was one of a select few students across the country picked to participate in the 15th Disney Dreamers Academy, an educational and mentoring program for students, at the Walt Disney World.

Akinyele was born to Nigerian parents but currently lives in the South Bronx. As a sophomore student at Loyola School, a private Jesuit school, Akinyele does well in her academics. In addition to doing well in her studies, she makes time to give back to the community.

“My goal in life is just to inspire everyone who can relate to me. Definitely, Nigerian women, daughters and nieces, because in the continued patriarchy, people don’t expect you to go to college.

Nobody expects you to be more than a housewife. That’s why I want to be something and someone,” she said.

Akinyele founded the club “Girl-Up in Male-Dominated Fields,” with a United Nations program, she mentioned in the profile about her posted on the Disney Dreamers Academy website. Separate from school, she tutors local students.

Akinyele is inspired by being from the Bronx as well as being Nigerian. “I think my intersectional identity helps me relate to so many different people in so many races and religions,” she said.

Sparked by an interest in challenging societal expectations of women in male-dominated industries, Akinyele said she wants to stand out. Her interests include economics, finance, business and technology. Her dream is to be the CEO of a bank on Wall Street and possibly a hedge fund manager.

Grateful for the Disney Dreamers Academy opportunity, Akinyele was appreciative of the experience because she got to meet and hear from new people. She admitted that in the beginning, she applied for the program relatively last minute, not knowing much about what the program was or did. She heard someone from Harvard talk about their experience in the program and that motivated her to apply. But once she got to experience the program herself, she found it left a lasting impression on her.

“I heard a lot of people speak. I spoke a lot myself. I met amazing kids who were motivated, just like me, and it was great to be in a community where

Abibat Akinyele-Yusifu (Cyril Josh Barker photo)

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 5

THE URBAN AGENDA

By David R. Jones

Courts Become New Battlefield for Housing Crisis New York City housing court is literally bursting at the seams just two months after the COVID-era eviction moratorium was lifted. Court data shows a wave of 18,000 new eviction filings so far this year on top of a backlog of 200,000 pending cases.

Not surprisingly, New York’s eviction crisis did not go away when protections expired that kept countless needy families in their homes for most of the pandemic. Rents are surging. Inflation is spiraling. The emergency simply shifted to the courts.

Black

New Yorker

I felt so accepted and validated in the dreams I have,” she said.

In another five years or so, Akinyele said she hopes to attend an Ivy League college and have some projects up and running. Currently, she is working on a newsletter geared towards spreading awareness about issues that Black women and other women of color experience, such as mental health. By spreading awareness, she wants to empower women and challenge the stereotype that Black women are angry.

She is also considering starting a second newsletter focused on writing about successful women in their respective careers to spread awareness of their impact on society.

“I cry every time I see a hijabi [a woman who wears a hijab] doing something amazing, even if it’s just a TikTok of some girl who got a new job, it makes me so happy. I’m happy they’re getting recognized and going places,” she said.

One hundred students were selected as the 2022 Dreamers Class for the 2022 Disney Dreamers Academy. These students received an all-expensespaid free trip to Disney World where they could discover career opportunities by taking part in workshops, networking and listening to speakers, to name a few activities, according to a press release by BlackPressUSA and published by the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Students included those who were class presidents, who run their own organizations or those interested in STEM careers.

With tens of thousands of households behind on rent, this is an important moment for City Hall and the State Legislature to help at-risk tenants navigate the courts, as well as to prepare for the next phase of the eviction crisis.

In the rush to clear the case backlog, the city’s Office of Court Administration is scheduling cases so quickly that tenants barely have time to secure an attorney, according to testimony at a recent City Council hearing.

What’s alarming is the pending eviction case count does not include at least 32,000 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) households behind on their rent and facing possible eviction. The agency, which was owed more than $364 million in back rent from 2021, thankfully last month dismissed all but 2,300 of the cases. That decision adverted an even bigger court and human disaster.

New York court officials must delay – or at least slow the pace of – eviction cases so eligible tenants can take advantage of New York City’s “Right to Counsel.” The program was established in 2017 to provide publicly funded eviction lawyers for lowincome families. Under the program, a family of four that earns less than $55,000 a year qualifies for free legal representation in an eviction case.

Now is the time to expand “Right to Counsel” statewide. My organization, Community Service Society (CSS), estimates 332,000 additional households would become eligible, including 186,000 in New York City, by a small increase in the income threshold to also make moderate-income families eligible for pro bono lawyers.

Another important step would be full implementation of Local Law 53, which requires the city to work with advocacy groups to educate renters on Right to Counsel. Non-profit, labor unions and social service groups can effectively get the word out to households most in need of help, as well as expand the ranks of probono lawyers.

Albany should also immediately take up the Good Cause Eviction bill, which would require property owners to prove “good cause” — like nonpayment — before evicting tenants. The bill would give tenants the right to a lease renewal in most cases, allow tenants to challenge unreasonable rent hikes in court, and prevent landlords from removing a renter without a court order, even if their lease has expired or they never had a lease.

An old-fashioned political street fight is shaping up over the bill. Major commercial landlords, under the clever name Homeowners for an Affordable New York, hired a lobbyist as part of a well-financed opposition to the anti-eviction measure, which would cover more than a million tenants.

Something must give. New York State’s federally-funded emergency rent program exhausted all $2 billion of its funding and needs another $2 billion to satisfy pending applications. As a stopgap, some renters applied for One Shot Deal, a city program that offers temporary loans to those facing eviction. But the program’s rules prevent most renters from qualifying.

There is a disturbing racial element to the eviction crisis: At the end of last year, a startling number of people of color in New York City reported they were behind on their rent and at risk for eviction, according to CSS’s 2021 Unheard Third survey. The survey found that Black renters were also twice as likely as whites to have no rainy-day savings to fall back on.

In fact, as of early last month, U.S. Census Bureau data showed 13 percent of Black New Yorkers believed they were likely to be evicted in the next two months. That’s compared to seven percent of all New York renters surveyed and just four percent of white tenants.

NYCHA showed good judgement in discontinuing 32,000 pending cases. The city’s public housing authority is the largest single source of affordable housing in a city that desperately needs more of it, with more than 320,000 applicants on a wait list for public housing and Section 8 vouchers, according to the agency. The latest NYCHA figures show the average family income is $25,602 a year, and rent – which is generally capped at 30 percent of a tenant’s income – averages $548.

We must strengthen NYCHA and protect its residents. The last thing New York City needs is the eviction contagion spreading to public housing. Casting NYCHA households into the streets in mass would be a sign that New York City’s affordable housing emergency has crossed a precarious red line.

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

6 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

Coalitions Continued from page 2

Support Black People in Ukraine which is designed to collect goods and funds and help Blacks in Ukraine relocate. According to their GoFundMe page, the Coalition had raised $92,588 towards its $100,000 goal by March 14. “This GoFundMe will help the students there and the ones that are outside of Ukraine,” said Dlamini. “The GoFundMe will also help some of the students whose governments are not helping them with the flight tickets and everything.”

Jamaica is the only Caribbean Community member that had students in Ukraine. After an initial outcry when the government informed their 20 Jamaican students in Ukraine that they were eligible to receive loans to pay for their airfare to

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS get back home, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs flew the students home at government expense.

Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina J. Smith announced that counseling will be made available for all of the students.

On the online messaging app Telegram, people have been organizing by joining specific groups or channels. The #Volunteers Black Foreigners in Ukraine channel listed some of the supplies they are trying to collect, such as first-aid kits, non-perishable foods, light sticks, flashlights, socks, radios, hand warmers, toe warmers, body warmers, water, tents, blankets; jackets, gloves, and hats; charged portable chargers, lighters, and power banks. While in the group #Afro@Ukraine info hub, one person used the hashtag ilove-

blackpeople to ask for “help… in identifying safe places for our fellow Africans in Ukraine.” The posting noted that “I love Black people movement is not promoting any business our main objective of recommending safe places is to help and protect Black people from racism and xenophobia.”

More people concerned about the situation recently came together under the Health N Communication (HNC) room on the audio app Clubhouse to discuss how racism is manifesting during this humanitarian crisis.

Those in the room strategized about how to coordinate assistance.

Shireen Mitchell, founder of Stop Online Violence Against Women Inc. (SOVAW), told the HNC discussion: “In the beginning there was a disinformation

Police

homelessness,” said Bowser in a later statement.

Bowser said that the work continues Continued from page 3 to end homelessness and ensure all concurred with the sentiment of being residents have access to safe and afa ‘right-to-shelter’ city. “We know that fordable housing as well as solving the this experience has been especially gun violence crisis in communities. scary for our residents experiencing Said Contee in a statement following

campaign that was targeted on not only Black Americans but Africans that was telling people that any stories, any videos that were coming from Africans or anyone on the ground who had a different hue from the Ukrainians, that their videos were not to be believed. I’m not going to deny that some of those videos were being manipulated and used for other agendas, but what was happening was happening.

The racism displayed in the videos “has been used to try to discredit or weaponize any support to Ukrainians who deserve that support, who are asking for their sovereignty,” Mitchell added. “It is something that they have been fighting for for quite some time. This has a historical framework: Putin has been very rarely able to tell the truth; we just saw this with the human-

the arrest, “I want to personally thank our community members who submitted tips and information in this case and thank our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts in bringing this individual to justice.”

Ariama C. Long is a Report for Ameri-

itarian corridors where it was deemed to be safe for people to go through and…the students who were at the Sumy University tried to leave and were fired upon. That did happen.

“We now know that an African American basketball player is in Russia locked up because of assumed drug infractions. I’m only saying that story because before that people were telling Black and Brown people to go to towards Russia to get out of Ukraine and I have said several times…do not send Black people to Russia or Belarus: I wasn’t saying that just to be saying it nicely, I was saying that because one of the things that you don’t want to be doing is sending people who are trying to get out of harm’s way to [a place where they would] be in harm’s way.”

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

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• Applicants must be financially responsible.

• Current Shareholders are not eligible to apply • Preference will be given to documented veterans selected in the lottery.

• Any applicant that does not have the proper family composition will automatically be disqualified.

• ONE REQUEST ONLY PER APPLICANT. Any applicant placing a duplicate request will not be entered into the lottery.

An applicant can only submit a paper entry or an on-line entry. If applicants enter on-line and also mail in a letter or postcard, they have submitted a duplicate request and will not be eligible for the lottery.

• Applicants can only be on one waiting list at a development. If applicants have the right family composition, they can apply to more than one lottery. However, if they are selected for more than one lottery, they will have to choose which waiting list they prefer.

• An applicant whose name is selected in a lottery cannot be included in the family composition of any other applicant who is selected in the same lottery for that particular housing company development.

Failure to comply will result in the disqualification of both applicants.

Additional Information: Waiting list will be established by a limited lottery. There will be a limit of 300 applicants drawn from the Studio Lottery. There will be a limit of 250 applicants drawn from the Two Bedroom Lottery.

HOW TO APPLY: ONLINE You can now apply to a lottery online through Mitchell-Lama Connect. Applying is fast, easy and you will be able to check the status of your entry to see if you have been selected. To apply on line go to: https://a806-housingconnect.nyc.gov/nyclottery/lottery.html#ml-home

BY MAIL Mail Post Card or Envelope by regular mail. Registered and Certified Mail will not be accepted.

Clearly print your full first and last name, current address and last 4 digits of your social security number and the bedroom size lottery that you wish to apply for. If you do not include the last 4 digits of your social security number or fail to indicate the bedroom size lottery, you will not be entered into the lottery. Mail post card or envelope to:

Ruppert Housing Studio Lottery P.O. Box 372 114 John Street • New York, NY 10038

Ruppert Housing Two Bedroom Lottery P.O. Box 374 114 John Street • New York, NY 10038

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YOU CANNOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE DEVELOPMENT. • EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY SUPERVISED BY THE NYC DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT Eric Adams, Mayor • Adolfo Carrión, Commissioner • www.nyc.gov/hpd

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 7

New York

Don’t let lawmakers leave New Yorkers out in the cold.

The COVID-19 pandemic hit New York hard. Thousands lost jobs. Many of us fell behind on paying utility bills. And now a shutoff moratorium that prevented providers from turning off our heat and electricity has expired.

Without action from lawmakers, shutoffs could begin any day, leaving more than a million homes without heat, hot water, or electricity. facebook.com/AARPNY @AARPNY aarp.org/NY Paid for by AARP

AARP is fighting to prevent this. But time is running out, and we need your help. Call your state lawmakers and urge them to protect New Yorkers impacted by the COVID pandemic against utility shutoffs: call 844-489-1318.

8 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

Go With The Flo FLO

ANTHONY Nick Cannon’s talk show has been canceled after only one season. For some time now, insiders have been telling me that Cannon’s show was in trouble and had a low audience of only 400,000 viewers per day. Some sources attributed the lack of interest to most daytime viewers being women, and many of them having a problem with the unmarried comedian having seven children with four women, and an eighth on the way with another woman.

Apparently, his ex-wife, Mariah Carey, is not too happy with the situation either. A source reportedly said, “Mariah read him the riot act, asking ‘The Masked Singer’ host, ‘Is this the message you’re sending our children, that it isn’t healthy to fall in love and be faithful to one person?’” “The Nick Cannon Show” will air through November. Also the host of “Wild N Out,” Cannon recently opened a sports bar named after the show in his hometown of San Diego, and has plans to open one in Harlem.

Speaking of talk shows, Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson is coming to daytime this fall with the launch of “The Jennifer Hudson Show” on Fox Television Stations. According to Variety, while the new one-hour talker is not technically Warner Bros TV’s replacement for “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” which is coming to an end this year, Hudson’s show is positioned to be the studio’s new flagship daytime show once Ellen has said her final goodbye after a 19-season run.

Says Hudson, “I have experienced so much in my life, I’ve seen the highest of the highs, the lowest of the lows, and just about everything in between, but my mother always told me, ‘Once you think you’ve seen it all, just keep on living.’”

While enjoying an illustrious career as one of the most sought after drummers in the music business, recently touring with the iconic Nile Rodgers, Ralph Rolle has also become the King of Cookies. In 1996 he founded Soul Snacks Cookies, based in the South Bronx in a 1,250 square foot baking facility. Ralph is now rolling out a campaign that will bring the Soul Snacks Cookies to more than 700 WalMart stores across the country, starting in early April. The company offers a variety of delicious cookies including Georgia Oatmeal Raisin, Down Home Double Chocolate Chip and Miami Raisin Walnut.

Two-time Emmy-nominated actor, producer, comedian, pastor, author and artist Kel Mitchell released his new single “Blessed Mode” featuring nobigdyl and Scootie Wop in all music service streaming platforms on March 11. “‘Blessed Mode’ is the ultimate anthem to make you feel good, whether you’re in the gym, working out at home, or just looking for that pep talk to lift you up and hype you up,” said Mitchell.

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

F

L O

A new Macy’s Inc. platform is all about being a contributive force in society (Photo courtesy of Macy's)

By ASAR JOHN Special to the AmNews This March marks the beginning of a new company-wide venture for Macy’s Inc. that will contribute $5 billion to forming an equitable and sustainable future.

This venture, identified as a “social purpose platform” by the company, is known as Mission Every One. By 2025, the company plans to allocate $5 billion to partners, people, products and programs through Mission Every One. The framework of the program is constructed upon three “pillars of impact”— people, communities and planet.

“Mission Every One creates a brighter future with bold representation for all, that empowers more voice, choice and ownership for colleagues, customers and communities,” said Director of External Communications at Macy’s, Inc. Carolyn Ng Cohen, in an email interview.

According to Ng Cohen, much of the funding for Mission Every One will be supported by Macy’s Inc. itself. A portion will be sourced from its customers and colleague donations alongside corporate grants. Part of the funding going to the “people” pillar will support programs such as the Workshop at Macy’s, a commitment to resourcing women-owned and diverse businesses. Other sub-initiatives in this pillar revolve around raising

minimum wage to $15 per hour company-wide and furthering human rights and racial justice.

“Our cause and community giving initiatives will reflect our belief that today’s young people are leading the positive change for a radically new world that creates a brighter future,” said Ng Cohen. “We will partner with nonprofit organiza-

Girls Inc., an organization focused on female youth empowerment, is one of these nonprofits and is being highlighted by Macy’s Inc. during this Women’s History Month.

“From March 1 through March 31, Macy’s customers can directly impact and empower the next generation of women leaders through a charitable round-up campaign, where donations support Girls Inc.’s STEM and College & Career Readiness Programming,” said Ng Cohen.

She explained that customers can donate online at macys.com or include a donation as part of their in-store purchase and donate the extra change anywhere up to 99 cents, to Girls Inc. Mission Every One’s focus on sustainability lies within the “planet” pillar, representing Macy’s dedication to developing sustainable products and services. Part of this plan goes beyond the goals for 2025, as the company strives to use “100% preferred materials” in its private brands by 2030. This includes cotton, synthetic and wood-based materials.

Ng Cohen also highlights another part of the “planet” pillar that aligns with sustainability.

“Additionally, we’re improving our operations by investing in circularity innovations to help reduce, reuse, and repurpose materials to eliminate waste, and developing Science Based Targets (SBTi) to reduce emissions and align with climate science guidelines,” explained Ng Cohen.

From March 1 through March 31, Macy’s customers can directly impact and empower the next generation of women leaders through a charitable round-up campaign, where donations support Girls Inc.’s STEM and College & Career Readiness Programming tions that specifically empower the emotional well-being, education, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship of youth.”

Even prior to this new venture, the company has offered a hand to businesses that represent diversity. The Workshop at Macy’s began in 2011, and in 2020, the company joined the Fifteen Percent Pledge, a non-profit organization that calls on major retailers to pledge about 15% of their shelf space to Black-businesses.

In some way, the different pillars of action all go hand-in-hand.

Macy’s Inc., focusing their impact on communities, will donate part of the $100 million of the Mission Every One funds to nonprofits that assist underrepresented youth.

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

New councilwoman Kristen Richardson opens Harlem office

U

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 9

T

Nightlife

Good morning gorgeous, Mary J. Blige and R&B greats performing at Mother’s Day festival Fresh off blowing up the spot last weekend at Jazz in the Garden, came word on more moves the Queen of Hip Hop Soul is making. We learned that Mary J Blige in tandem with Pepsi and Live Nation will hold over Mother’s Day weekend, May 6-8, the inaugural “Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit.”

The host city will be Atlanta and will focus in the areas of music, wellness, tech, beauty and financial literacy. In addition to Blige, Chaka Khan, Ella Mai, XSCAPE, City Girls, Baby Tate, Sevyn Streeter, Rubi Rose, Kierra Sheard, Le’Andria Johnson, Omeretta the Great and more are initially asked to perform.

Led by Blige, Vice President of MJB Inc. Nicole Jackson, and Marketing Maven Ashaunna Ayars of The Ayars Agency, the women-run, women-led event is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating women across generations and will also feature dozens of local, minority, and femaleowned businesses for attendees to patronize.

Speaking on her excitement for the upcoming festival, Blige revealed, “The idea for the festival came to us after early listening sessions of my latest album with my family and friends and women in the industry.

Each time, the people in the room would share a story, oftentimes of heartbreak or pain, but they always ended with joy and love and how their girlfriends or mom or sister helped them find their voice and strength.

We felt like after two years of being inside and having to endure so much, that this was the type of experience that people, especially

Recently, Councilwoman Kristen Richardson thanked her community at her brand new office at 181 West 135th St. Here she showed her appreciation to her mother Dr. Lynne Richardson and her life partner as she was welcomed by AG Letitia James. Also in attendance were her family and friends.

(Bill Moore photos)

Written by David Goodson

women, deserved.”

She concluded, “I’m so grateful to all of the performers, vendors, and participants for committing themselves to our inaugural event and I am so excited to do this in a city that has been rocking with me since the very beginning of my career. I am proud to create this with my sisters and I look forward to an undeniably beautiful and special experience.”

As we go to press here is the breakdown thus far: Friday, May 6: Kiana Ledé and Sevyn Streeter will headline a concert at Tabernacle Atlanta, Emotional Oranges, Rubi Rose, Inayah, MK xyz and Omerettá the Great are also scheduled.

A comedy show at the Buckhead Theater features Ms. Pat, Wanda, Just Nesh and Erica Duchess.

Saturday, May 7: Icon Chaka Khan will grace the stage, as well as Xscape, Ella Mai, Queen Naija, City Girls, Baby Tate and of course Mary J Blige.

Lastly Sunday, May 8, a Mother’s Day brunch at City Winery features Kierra SheardKelly and Le’Andria Johnson.

A trip to the A for Mother’s Day might only be rivaled by a trip to New Orleans on the 4th of July weekend. Get ready for the return of the Essence Music Festival!! The actual festival dates take place from June 30-July 3, and the confirmed headliners for the respective nights are Kevin Hart, Nicki Minaj, Janet Jackson and New Edition. More info on that is bound to come in a lil later, but we can start to scrape together the ends now.

Gotta bounce.

Holla next week. Until then, enjoy the nightlife.

10 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Union Matters

REI SoHo workers vote to join RWDSU

By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff

Workers at a Seattle-based retail in lower Manhattan successfully voted to unionize.

Earlier this month, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), announced that 86% (88 out of 102) of workers at the REI Co-Op at Lafayette Street in Manhattan voted to join the RWDSU, making the location the first unionized REI store in the country.

“History was made today! We’re excited to welcome the workers of REI SoHo into

the RWDSU, marking the first-ever unionized REI store in the whole country,” stated RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum. “These workers have vast expertise in their field and have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to serve the outdoor community. They have stuck together through a horrendous union-busting campaign and have come out the other side stronger.

“The workers of REI SoHo are ready to negotiate a strong contract that will allow them to uphold the co-op’s progressive values while providing the top-notch service REI customers have come to expect. With a seat at

REI workers seize their moment Stuart Appelbaum President, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, Twitter: @sappelbaum. www.rwdsu.org

Workers at the REI outdoor sports retail store in Soho have joined the RWDSU, becoming part of a national movement of workers standing up for themselves and demanding a voice at work. Starbucks employees, workers in the tech, new media, and video game industries, and employees at Amazon facilities— all are seizing this moment to improve their jobs and their lives through union membership. Last fall, we saw the “Striketober” wave, where more than 100,000 American workers participated in or prepared for strikes as workers’ leverage increased during the ongoing pandemic.

We are seeing this increased activism because workers are demanding better, and declaring that they are worth more than corporate behemoths have been giving them. Low wages and poor treatment have spurred on the “Great Resignation,” which has caused a labor shortage as working people have stood up and said they’ve had enough.

The 116 retail workers at the REI store in Soho demanded better. They knew that joining the RWDSU could help them deal with workplace issues including pay, a one-year wait for health insurance, scheduling problems, and understaffing. Like so many other working people, they stood up and demanded change at their jobs.

However, like so many other working people, they faced an employer willing to do anything to stop their campaign, rather than addressing their concerns and creating a better workplace. REI touts itself as a “progressive employer” who closes its stores on Black Friday, invests in outdoors

organizations, and above all, puts “purpose above profits.” However, when the workers’ started their union organizing campaign, REI, which claims to be a “different kind of company,” started behaving much like many other companies who have gone to great lengths to crush workers’ union campaigns, including behemoths such as Amazon and Wal-Mart. REI hired union-busting lawyer “consultants” to design and execute a classic union-busting campaign. They halted promotion opportunities for workers and held lengthy mandatory meetings where they spread misinformation about the union. And, in a unique, unprecedented new flourish, REI management produced a 25-minute antiunion podcast. It was all designed to intimidate and frighten workers.

We saw a similar situation in New York last year, when “progressive” employer Housing Works, a nonprofit employing more than 600 new RWDSU members in NYC, engaged in the same kind of unionbusting tactics.

Fortunately, workers at both REI and Housing Works saw through the lies and misinformation, and with the aid of RWDSU organizers, were prepared for the union-busting onslaught. But the fact that these companies—espousing progressive values in progressive NYC—thought they could behave this way is frustrating, troubling, and outrageous.

Workers in America are waking up to the fact they deserve better. And unions such as the RWDSU are fighting to help their voices be heard. But as long as employers feel comfortable lying to employees and intimidating them, it’s going to be an uphill battle for too many workers. We all need to speak out against union-busting dirty tricks, and we need to support these workers as they fight for better jobs and better lives. This is their moment, and with our help, it can grow into a flourishing movement.

the table, workers can REI SoHo workers celebrate the vote to join the RWDSU. (Photo make working at REI courtesy of Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU)) safe and sustainable for years to come.”

Workers said that REI engaged in a union-busting campaign using similar tactics that Amazon used against its workers in Bessemer, Alabama: captive audience meetings, putting the kibosh on promotional opportunities, and upped the ante by making workers listen to a 25-minute wave of unionization efforts that is sweeping union busting podcast. the nation,” stated Claire Chang, member of In a statement, REI officials noted the 14 the REI SoHo Organizing Committee and workers who voted against forming a union. retail sales specialist-visual at REI SoHo. “As “As we have said throughout this process, members of the RWDSU, we know we will be REI firmly believes that the decision of wheth- able to harness our collective strength to advoer or not to be represented by a union is an cate for a more equitable, safe, and enriching important one, and we respect each employ- work environment. A union is necessary for ee’s right to choose or refuse union represen- many of us to achieve more stability and setation,” read REI’s statement. “We are, at our curity in our lives which could allow for us to core, cooperative. Our employees are the heart explore and play more outside of work! of the co-op community, and their expertise, “As green vests, we believe ‘a life outdoors enthusiasm, and joy in helping people get out- is a life well lived’ and in order for that to be side make us who we are. We greatly appre- viable and accessible to us, we need to be at ciate their hard work and dedication through the bargaining table alongside REI leadership what continues to be a remarkably challeng- to work out a collective bargaining agreement ing time in the world.” that works for us,” continued Chang. “Hence, REI is a co-op like operation. Customers are we’re hopeful that REI meets us in good faith pushed to memberships to receive perks and during negotiations for our first contract, while discounts like other retailers. keeping our co-op values in mind and apply“I am proud to be here in this moment with ing them to workers, so we can all demonmy coworkers at REI SoHo as a part of this new strate that we really do go further…together!”

Nonprofit workers rally for ‘fair’ wages at City Hall

By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff Nonprofit workers in New York City took their grievances to City Hall last week, calling for fair wages and benefits.

Earlier this month, over one thousand workers (including employees at food pantries, foster care agencies and domestic violence shelters) rallied in lower Manhattan making the next push in their “Just Pay” campaign to serve nonprofit workers the way they believe to be served.

“We need to ensure our human service workers are at the forefront of all of our conversations about worker justice,” stated Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa, chair of the Committee on Labor. “Our human service professionals are the backbone of our afterschool programs, city agencies, community-based organizations, and our schools. They deserve a living wage, a true

cost of living adjustment, and a comprehensive wage and benefit schedule.”

According to the group, 8 out of 10 human service workers in the five boroughs are people of color and 60% of them qualify for one form of government assistance if not multiple.

“New Yorkers depend on the tireless efforts of human services workers each day, and it is time for the city to pay these workers what they’re worth,” Michelle Jackson, executive director of the Human Services Council, stated. “If the City Council and Mayor Adams truly value their work, they must dedicate resources to ensure these New Yorkers can afford to live in the communities they serve. Human services workers have been essential during the pandemic and they will remain so as our city strives to recover from the ongoing economic, medical and social impacts of COVID-19.”

See WAGES on page 27

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 11

We run this: Women’s History Month

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member In honor of Women’s History Month, the Amsterdam News decided to take a look at Black women business owners impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and their road to recovery.

In New York City, womenowned businesses generate over $71 billion in annual revenue, according to the WE NYC Impact report. There are more womenowned businesses in New York City than “any city in the United States” and that number grew between 2012 and 2019. The lion’s share of these businesses are operated by women out of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, said the report.

Minority/Women-owned businesses (M/WBEs) experienced a jump of 26% from 2007 to 2012, “Significant growth has been much slower than all other businesses and women-owned businesses” for Black women-owned businesses. And during the pandemic, an estimated 25% of M/

Ribbon-cutting at the Therapy Wine Bar 2.0 with owner Angela Terry (Contributed photo)

WBEs shut down between February and March 2020 across the U.S., said the report.

Restaurateur Angela Terry runs the Therapy Wine Bar 2.0 located on Malcolm X Boulevard in Brooklyn. She first opened up in 2009 at a separate location.

In 2017, they moved to the Bedstuy location and built a kitchen in order to offer food. While they were under construction in the pandemic, Terry applied for the Social Justice Fund’s EXCELerate Black and Brown business loan program.

“It’s not easy in terms of inflation and staff. It’s been very, very difficult,” said Terry. “We reopened in November 2021 and that loan helped us.”

Through the loan program, Terry and others were able to get back on their feet at a time when inequitable access to the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) capital was rampant. When the PPP program launched, monies were disproportionately distributed to white or male-run business owners.

Former Small Business Servic-

es Commissioner and Brooklyn native Gregg Bishop, who now runs the Social Justice Fund, said that after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 by police, the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation decided to take an active approach to addressing racial justice by starting the fund for entrepreneurs of color.

Bishop said that roughly two thirds of the program’s initial $2.5 million in funding have gone to Black women business owners in the city so far.

“Black women tend to be overlooked by the financial market for a number of reasons, including the fact that they tend to have more debt, tend to be more educated so they have more student debt,” said Bishop, “or they have challenges getting capital.”

Bishop said that since a large number of the programs loans are going to Black women that indicates a niche market that isn’t being served. “This is why we do this program,” said Bishop.

The Social Justice Fund loan program sets itself apart by relying on a character witness as

opposed to an often discriminatory credit score system and guarantor to assess people’s eligbilty. Terry had a neighborhood pastor write a character-based essay attesting to her work in the business and community to get approved. They also offer additional services to set up business accounts, get technical assistance, or build a budget if needed, said Bishop.

“We want to be able to thrive in this moment and stay afloat, more than stay afloat,” said Terry about what’s next for her business. “Perseverance is key. It’s hard ‘cause it’s cliche, but if you persevere you will definitely see all the benefits at the end.”

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

You may be eligible for COVID-19 Treatment People who have tested positive for COVID-19 may be able to receive outpatient treatment to help symptoms and avoid hospitalization. Treatment works best if you begin it soon after you start feeling symptoms, so get tested right away.

Monoclonal antibody treatment is a one-time IV or injection to help fight COVID-19 while your immune system produces its own antibodies.

Oral antiviral pills are taken for five days and helps stop the virus and keeps it from replicating, which reduces the amount of virus in your body. There are currently two authorized pills - paxlovid and molunpiravir.

Both monoclonal antibody and oral antiviral treatments can reduce your risk of becoming sick from COVID-19 and avoid hospitalization.

COVID-19 treatments are not a substitute for vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots remain the best protection against getting severely sick due to COVID-19.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have tested positive, talk to your doctor, or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).

12 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Opinion Credit card interchange regulation will hurt American consumers and small businesses

By ANGELINO VICEISZA, Ph.D. As a professor of economics, examining the impacts of economic policy on consumers has always been a priority in my research.

Throughout my career I have found that when assessing the effects of economic policymaking, it is critical to determine the potential negative, sometimes unintended, effects a policy could have on consumers, particularly those in marginalized communities.

This past year, part of my research focused on certain credit card policies, namely adding routing mandates to credit card transactions, and placing caps on credit card interchange fees that banks

pay to each other. I explored the impact these policies could have on everyday Americans and discovered some alarming realities.

Routing mandates and interchange fee caps started when Senator Durbin (D-IL) introduced an amendment in 2010 to impose these regulations on the debit market. In response, Senator Tester (D-MT) introduced the “Debit Interchange Fee Study Act of 2011” to research the potential impacts of the amendment before implementing it.

Even though the study created by the bill would have predicted negative impacts on consumers, it was rejected and Congress pushed ahead with routing man-

A senseless, merciless war EDITORIAL

Listening to President Zelenskyy’s speech before the U.S. Congress and watching the interspersed video depicting a beautiful country being reduced to ruin was heartbreaking.

There were moments in the speech that will obviously appeal to those Americans ready to do even more to halt the ongoing atrocity, and at the same time find those unwilling to get more involved that might precipitate a nuclear war with Russia.

In his plea for help Zelenskyy pushed a number of sensitive buttons, and to include Dr. King was certainly an appeal to the millions of Americans who have suffered injustices in this nation. There are sure to be those who believe such a comparison is an inconceivable stretch, but it clearly indicates just how desperate the president is as he witnesses the slaughter of his

people, the total destruction of his country.

What we have to say here will have little impact on what transpires next in the relations between the U.S. and the Ukraine, but the promised aid may be enough to stay the invasion, given the courageous stand taken by the Ukrainian forces.

If not, additional armaments may be necessary, particularly if Putin expands the aggression to include other European nations.

Already there are indications of an incipient advance into Poland and other surrounding nations.

As a newspaper, we should also add our condolences to the families who have recently lost reporters covering the war. Their deaths are as meaningful as the war is meaningless, and they chose to bravely enter the fray to bring us the news that gets more senseless and merciless by the day.

Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher Member

Alliance for Audited Media

and Editor in Chief

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

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

dates and interchange caps.

The point of the Durbin Amendment was to help retailers save money so they could then lower prices for consumers.

Although big box stores made more than $90 billion extra in revenue, a Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond study discovered that 77% of merchants failed to change prices and 21 to 25% actually increased their prices after the Durbin Amendment.

Beyond simply failing its intended purpose, the amendment also had the unintended consequence of harming consumers. In total, a study by Professors Vladimir Mukharlyamov and Natasha Sarin found that consumers lost roughly $3 billion on net annually because of the Durbin Amendment. Durbin may have had good intentions, but the data tell another story.

It is no surprise that the largest companies in the U.S. are currently lobbying Congress to extend Durbin Amendment policies to

the credit card market. However, the data and historical evidence speak for themselves: imposing interchange fee caps and routing mandates on the credit market would again help the largest companies rake in billions in extra revenue at great cost to consumers—these savings would not be passed down.

Small banks and credit unions would again lose money and try to adapt by increasing fees and hiking interest rates. Of course, low-income consumers and consumers of color who already struggle to access credit would bear the brunt of a more restrictive credit market. The Federal Reserve Board reports that African Americans and Hispanic Americans are already more likely than their white peers to be turned down for a credit card (African Americans at 23% and Hispanics at 20%, compared to whites at only 15%).

My research found that extending Durbin Amendment regula-

tions to credit cards would cost consumers between $2 billion and $3.7 billion, depending on interchange fee reductions. Financially marginalized communities would again fare worst of all. Collectively, despite making up only 11.7% of the credit card population, lower-income and low credit households would lose $434 million, close to 22% of the cost borne by all consumers. These numbers do not even account for the additional losses consumers would face if credit card rewards disappeared, worth $50 billion a year to consumers.

Angelino Viceisza is associate professor of Economics at Spelman College and research associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not represent those of the organizations with which he is or has been affiliated. The study that forms the basis for this article can be found at https://bit.ly/3nFo8d6.

Ethiopia’s national dialogue can bring hope to the American Ethiopian community

By WASSY TESFA Ever since the conflict in Northern Ethiopia began in November 2020, the American Ethiopian community has felt perplexed and frustrated. We had to watch the conflict unfold with a sense of helplessness at not being able to save our friends and family.

Our repeated attempts to clarify the situation and secure attention and support from political leaders in the United States have fallen on deaf ears.

However, the diaspora has shown remarkable unity and resilience. We are largely united around our collective desire to see the motherland, Ethiopia, succeed. We have impacted policy changes, we have highlighted the atrocities being committed by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and we have robustly made the case for strengthening U.S.–Ethiopia relations, not weakening them as some would like.

As a community we have been able to put our political

differences aside in the pursuit of peace for Ethiopia. I am the VP of an organization called the Global Ethiopian Advocacy Nexus (GLEAN) and I am a leading member of the American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC). The two organizations have outlined how we believe the U.S. can help secure peace in Ethiopia: disarm the TPLF, stop the TPLF from blocking aid to the people of Afar, Amhara and Tigray, and support the Ethiopian government’s efforts for an inclusive national dialogue.

The proposed national dialogue deserves special attention as a possible way of creating understanding and ending the ongoing and devastating conflict.

The prospect of the national dialogue has ushered in a new era of real hope and peace. The process announced late last year began just a few weeks ago with the confirmation of 11 commissioners who will lead the dialogue and reconciliation efforts.

The Commission has been given

a clear mandate to bring about an end to the political polarization in the country on a range of issues, including the ethnic divisions that plague Ethiopia, the constitution, the type of federalism the country needs to implement, the rights of the individual citizen, the control of the means of production particularly the use and ownership of land, respect for universal human rights, and the implementation of the rule of law, among others.

More importantly Ethiopians at home and American Ethiopians in the diaspora expect the national dialogue to emancipate the nation from a colonialist crafted and TPLF implemented ethnic federalism. The Ethiopian diaspora across the world must closely monitor and get involved in this national dialogue constructively.

The TPLF is yet to see the writing on the wall. Its advance on Addis Ababa failed and their withdrawal, defeated, back to Tigray should have been the start of See OPINION on page 29

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

Where’s Biden’s comprehensive strategy?

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

President Biden lacks a comprehensive strategy. In 24 hours, yet another breathless flip flop on one element of the RussianUkraine policy crisis. Recently, the Biden administration claimed they will restrict Russian oil exports to the United States—or is it to the west in general? Or is it just to limit the purchasing of 500,000 BPD from Russia here in America? Whatever the case, the administration needs to be clear on their strategy to the American people and our allies.

The daily press release from the White House is not how to execute a foreign policy plan in a crisis, while the world sits on the brink of another major military conflagration in Europe.

Does the administration have a comprehensive policy objective and plan for engagement with Russia on Ukraine and the wider Russian national security issues? The short answer is that we see no evidence of any comprehensive strategy being executed. This White House, nor any White House team, cannot survive with poor leadership and no comprehensive strategy. There is only so much bandwidth available in every White House to manage the day-to-day operations. It is well understood in national security policy events, intelligence developments, and primary military operations that your decision-making matrix, regardless of how good it may be, begins to fray and collapse when you have to run at full speed managing from crisis to crisis, with no time to reflect on the impact of your decisions, especially if you’re not operating against a strategic policy objective with a solid plan that everyone supports. Then, as you try to seize the initiative and build momentum for a policy strategy that will diffuse the crisis, it can become like life on a hamster wheel, where no matter how fast you run, you don’t seem to get anywhere.

Biden made a statement earlier in the week threatening to cut off all of Putin’s oil export revenue, or some aspect of that huge policy lever (like so many WH statements, it takes time and revisions to get an accurate read on what was actually said, what it meant, and when it might happen). This impulsive statement is a significant escalation step that should not be taken lightly or impulsively because the noise from Capitol Hill is getting louder. The solution to de-escalation and reaching a cooling-off period with a ceasefire is something that takes a comprehensive series of decisions and international moves in concert with an overt

policy objective. Impulsive, feel-good political pronouncements don’t solve international crisis situations.

Biden needs help. His team is failing. The stakes are high and getting more dangerous by the day. Throwing ideas at the wall to see if one of them sticks is not a policy plan. Instead, it’s a terrifying example of presidential weakness and a team of incompetent political people actually having to act responsibly and effectively in a pressure cooker environment, and they all clearly lack the tools to perform. Some presidents are tested and quickly rise to the occasion like John F. Kennedy after a bumpy start, but the Biden administration looks more and more like the Carter presidency. President Carter took three years before his administration hit the point of no return.

Biden has gotten to that point in 12 months.

Biden has fallen into the policy and management trap of measured response, incremental escalation, crisis decision making, strategic patience, etc. All these word salad phrases were created to describe a weak and ineffective decision-making matrix and personal style. A unique style that is driven by the question, “How is this decision going to play politically?” It doesn’t incorporate the question of “will this work and advance our position in the crisis?” Biden’s strategy is ineffective, and Putin is now and will remain able to anticipate and manage the USG policy of throwing ideas at the wall to see which one sticks. Before Biden makes a decision that causes more problems and complexity, the president should dispatch a presidential envoy who can engage with substance, experience, and most significantly, credibility with the Russian army and Putin. Former secretaries of defense and state, Robert Gates and Condoleeza Rice, come to mind. They are some of our most experienced statesmen. If the White House sent a message to Moscow asking Putin to meet with either, I’m confident they would get a meeting. There are many reasons for this view—some public knowledge, some that are not.

Those of us old enough to remember the Carter presidency watched this current leadership style play out in four short years that destroyed a presidency and changed the world for the worse. We have a fantastic body of research and knowledge on how to examine presidential candidates and the historical precision of records to clearly judge how well they performed and accurately measure success or failure.

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

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 13

Facial recognition technologies harm Black Americans CHRISTINA

GREER PH.D. This week I am turning my column over to Ojani-Pierre Ruphin Walthrust, a MPA student at Columbia SIPA concentrating in Urban Policy. He is a 2020 Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellow and will be entering the Foreign Service as a U.S. diplomat in Fall 2022 after graduating. *The opinions expressed are Ojani-Pierre Ruphin Walthrust’s and not those of the Department of State.* Mayor Eric Adams recently embraced the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) facial recognition technologies by the police in New York City and advocated for their use for “investigative purposes” in order to crack down on the 38.5% rise in major crime. The software has often been used in criminal justice and throws up a flag when it spots a match with a degree of probability, but is not fully accurate. Adams expressed his desire to use “facial recognition” and “new tools that can spot those carrying weapons to identify problems.”

However, his plan fails to consider their disproportionate impact on Black Americans. He must address the systemic bias within AI facial recognition and come up with more concrete, proactive actions before he decides to use it.

Surveillance of Black people in the U.S. dates back to the 18th century lantern laws that demanded Black, mixedrace and Indigenous enslaved people carry candle lanterns with them if they walked around the city after sunset, and not in the company of a white person. Those who did not comply faced many punishments. In the 20th century, the FBI tracked

the political activity of every single Black college student in the country. During the War on Drugs, President Reagan had wiretaps and sneak-and-peak warrants to prosecute people for drug offenses, knowing that this would target Black and Brown people in the U.S. disproportionately.

Black Amer icans have b een su r veilled by th e g over nment for too long and these technolog ies will fu r th er increase th e d ispropor tionate targ eting of people of color, specifically Black Amer icans, and v iolate personal pr ivacy since th ey are larg ely u nreg u lated . Proponents of these technolog ies arg u e that th ey can save law enforcement time and lead to increased pu b lic safety. They also note b enefits in solving b anking frau d . However, the alg or ith ms within th ese tech nolog ies can b e racially b iased b ecau se the prog ram mers often d o not inclu d e a lot of d iverse inpu t d ata. For example, Black scholars Joy Buolamwini and Timnit G ebr u fou nd that facial analysis al g or ithms misclassified Black women about 35% of the time, while nearly always g etting it r ig ht with white men. If th e NYPD u ses facial recog ni tion tech nolog y as is, it cou ld lead to an increase in wrongful arrests, lengthy detentions and potentially more d ead ly police v iolence.

If Mayor Adams wishes to use these technologies, he must first address the problematic history that these AI facial recognition technologies have had on Black Americans. Then, he must form a taskforce with representatives from the NYPD, the community, and tech companies to check their progress and accuracy. Lastly, he should aim to fix the problem systemically by working with the state and federal government and increasing scholarships and grants for programs which attract more data programmers of color and more women.

14 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Caribbean Update

Guns for sale rackets take down top officials

By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews A senior Jamaican cabinet minister has been forced to quit his position in the wake of a probe over the sale of handgun permits to locals including some questionable characters with proven links to the drugs trade and organized crime.

Robert Montague’s weekend resignation as minister without portfolio in Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ office would not have stirred up the level of political drama that it has on the island and in the Caribbean but for the fact that his departure has come in the midst of similar probes in Trinidad and concerns about permits for dollars sale rackets in Guyana and neighboring Suriname as well.

In most countries in the 15-nation Caricom bloc of countries, obtaining a handgun carry license is not necessarily easy, as applicants have to not only be prominent citizens, owners of businesses, farms and other entities, and have the ability to pass background checks, but must also not be regarded as hot tempered and alcohol or substance abusers among other stringent criteria.

The result is that those who are reluctant to go through such stringent, and

sometimes lengthy processes, simply opt to buy the licenses by paying police commanders, establishing links with directors on licensing boards or using connections to politicians to obtain permits, often for a hefty fee. Fees of up to $10,000 have been paid for permits in the region with the money being divided to players at various levels who helped to facilitate permissions.

In Trinidad, Prime Minister Keith Rowley is overlooking a current probe into a similar racket. Preliminary findings from a months-long probe have already resulted in the dismissal of former police chief Gary Griffith late last year as he was cited for administrative negligence linked to the fact that the swirling racket was being conducted “right under his nose” while he publicly clashed with politicians and others on unrelated issues. His contract was not renewed because of the racket, instances of rank disrespect to PM Rowley and other acts of abrasiveness, officials said.

For example, the findings of one investigation noted that there was a “welloiled, white collar criminal enterprise” operating without Griffith’s knowledge.

Rowley said at the weekend that “we are now doing an audit of the firearms department because what we do know

is that there was an enterprise going on inside there, but we did not know the extent, breadth and the effect of it,” the Express newspaper quoted him as saying.

Back in Jamaica, meanwhile, Montague remains in political and criminal hot water because the integrity commission has cited him for granting permits to six applicants with questionable criminal backgrounds while he was security minister several years ago.

As an indication of the extent of the issue, opposition senator and former security minister Peter Bunting is also being asked to quit his post because he had as well granted licenses to ineligible applicants when the People’s National Party (PNP) was in office nearly a decade ago.

Shane Dalling, the chief executive of the Jamaica firearm licensing board, told journalists last month that racketeering was widespread in Jamaica and that more than 200 people with criminal convictions or adverse backgrounds now carry guns because they incorrectly granted permits over a three year period. Some included people who were deported back to Jamaica from the U.S. for felony crimes, murders and district drug dons. Dalling said the racket is a multi-million

dollar business in Jamaica.

“During the period where persons were getting gun licenses under questionable circumstances, everybody made money from it. The ministry of national security was aware of what was taking place. I am a straight shooter and speak my mind openly and forthrightly. I do so without fear or favor,” Dalling said.

In regional headquarters Guyana, a thriving racket continues with applicants paying up to $10,000 to facilitators, many of them high ranking police officers and politicians, for permits. Racketeering is so entrenched that it no longer makes the news media anymore. Few complain about having to pay to play.

Over the weekend, Surinamese President Chan Santokhi proposed that members be added to permits to ease backlogs and to make it easier for spouses to use in the event of an emergency. He also said the entire issuing system needs to be reviewed.

“There will be an integrated policy for firearms ownership and a committee to review everything,” Santokhi said. In the past six months, the public prosecution service had signed 621 hunting rifles and 235 handgun orders, local media reported.

Deportation drop tells the real story of criminal immigrant rates in the U.S. FELICIA PERSAUD

IMMIGRATION KORNER Who remembers the Trump lie about undocumented immigrants killing more Americans than native-born Americans? New data released from the Joe Biden administration is proving this as the Trumpian lie of the century.

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data released March 11, deportation under the Biden administration has reached an all-time low.

Why? Primarily because the agency is focusing more on detaining immigrants convicted of serious crimes, and they are not as many as Trumpeto, Stephen Miller, former Texas state Treasurer Josh Mandel and their right-wing

followers consistently claim.

In fact, ICE conducted 59,011 deportations in fiscal year 2021, an all-time low for deportations period. The previous low came in fiscal year 2004, when ICE recorded 175,106 deportations.

“We are focusing on what we consider quality arrests, sort of the ones that are the most severe threats to our communities,” a senior ICE official said during a recent call with reporters.

And it is reflected in the data, despite malicious claims from Trump and his followers.

ICE arrests of immigrants convicted of “aggravated felonies” were 12,025 in 2021. “Aggravated felonies” are defined as serious, violent offenses like murder and rape, as well as other crimes that are deemed misdemeanors in some states.

Sixty-six percent of the 59,000 immigrants deported this past fiscal year had criminal records, an increase from 56% in 2020, ICE said. The rest were

primarily migrants transferred from border custody. The agency said it also deported 2,718 alleged gang members and 34 suspected terrorists.

Of the immigrants arrested by ICE in fiscal year 2021, 1,506 were convicted of homicide-related offenses, 3,415 sexual assaults, 19,549 assaults, 2,717 robberies and 1,063 kidnappings, the agency said in the report.

Nearly 500 of those arrests occurred during an operation last year targeting sex offenders, 80% of whom had been convicted of crimes involving the victimization of children, the ICE report noted.

However, the agency is currently holding another 18,000 immigrants in detention.

The drop in deportation data as ICE goes after the criminal elements they should and get them out of the country supports all the data, including by Michael T. Light, a University of Wisconsin criminologist,

has found that undocumented immigrants are less than half as likely to be arrested for violent crimes or drug offenses compared to nativeborn Americans.

The data found that between 2012 and 2018, U.S.-born people were twice as likely as the undocumented to be arrested for violent crime in Texas alone, and two-and-a-half times as likely to be arrested for drug crimes.

It has been a myth promoted by the far right and far from empirical realities. The new ICE numbers prove that.

Now its time for the Biden administration to move again towards addressing a path of legalization for the many non-criminal undocumented immigrants in the U.S., who are doing right by the country and their communities daily.

The writer is publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com – The Black Immigrant Daily News.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Arts & Entertainment Dance pg 15 | Jazz pg 19 | Food pg 20

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 15

Pg. 18 Your Stars

Ailey II new season celebrates a homecoming

By ZITA ALLEN Special to the AmNews Think of it as a celebratory homecoming. For two weeks beginning March 23, Ailey II, the exciting 12member company of young, gifted and talented dancers that is the second company to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, presents its spring season at The Ailey Citigroup Theater, LIVE. Yes, Live.

Simply walking through the revolving doors into the AAADT building at the corner of 55th Street and Ninth Avenue and standing in the shadow of the towering portrait of Alvin Ailey himself after all these months is bound to feel special. That feeling promises to intensify once seated inside the jewel box theater viewing the dynamic program that features works by AAADT Artistic Director Robert Battle, William Forsythe, Ailey II Artistic Director Francesca Harper and Ailey company member Yannick Lebrun, and the talented Andrea Miller.

The fact that it’s Harper’s inaugural season as head of this amazingly singular second company makes it even more of a homecoming than usual.

Universally renowned, since Ailey founded the troupe in 1974 as a showcase for merging the spirit and energy of the best young talent destined to tower over tomorrow’s dance landscape, with today’s phenomenal choreographers, Ailey II’s seasons always provide an exciting glimpse into the future of

dance. That future will to both her own work and shine this season with to Battle’s Searchlight, not programs that promise to mention the work of to bring audiences to the Andrea Miller, the other edge of both excitement woman on this season’s and wonder with physiroster of choreographcality that moves beyond ic risk takers whose bold its familiar limits, to insisinnovative voices inevitatent, complex rhythms. bly produce stimulating Programs include programs.

AAADT’s Robert BatRisk taking is also in tle’s “The Hunt,” “TakaHarper’s DNA. It has deme,” and the New York taken her from a profespremiere of “Searchsional career that began light,” inspired by the with the Dance Theater relationship of Ailey II of Harlem and spanned Artistic Director Harper the globe to include Forand her late mother sythe’s Ballet Frankfurt Denise Jefferson, as well (1991-1999), Broadway, as an excerpt of his comHollywood acting, writpany premiere “Alleluing, acting, producing, ia,” which combines the composing and more.

Ailey II, with Artistic Director Francesca Harper and Rehearsal Director Lakey Evans-Peña foot stomping and hand Now, coming full circle, (Nir Arieli photo) gestures of the Baptist in a homecoming that church with classical Baroque and Yannick Lebrun's poetic ode a process that honors the past brings her back to Ailey II while also idioms. As Harper enhances the to French Guiana in “Saa Magn,” while envisioning a better future. bringing audiences, happily, back spirit of homecoming by bringing or Francesca Harper’s elliptical In many ways it sounds like a tes- to in person performances at the together works that speak to her galaxy in an excerpt of her Free- tament to a creative style that is in Ailey Citygroup Theater. own life’s journey, another com- dom Series, titled “Fly.” the Ailey tradition, but how could it “It is a privilege to return to the pany premiere includes William Audiences will also be treated to be otherwise. home that shaped me as an artist Forsythe’s “Enemy in the Figure Harper’s full Freedom Series, which Harper has the Ailey spirit in to accept the honor of leading Ailey (excerpt).” Originally created for takes us on a journey through a her bones. Not only was her late II next era," said Harper. “Ailey II’s his Ensemble Ballet Frankfurt, landscape of memories with a mother, educator Denise Jefferson, mission lies in generating space “Enemy,” the intensely propulsive series of vignettes that embody director of the Ailey School from for human narratives expressed central section of a work of the and imagine a hybrid world where 1984-2010 and creator of the Ailey- through the strength, grace, and same name, oozes energy with a memory strives to influence the Fordham BFA Program, but Harp- versatility of the next generation of percussive and rhythmically driv- future. Harper describes her work er’s first creative home was the Ailey gifted young dancers. As exempliing electronic score by Thom as a collaboration with the Ailey II organization before she went on to fied in this year’s diverse repertory, Willem. The season also examines dancers “that allowed me to get to a stellar professional career. “I think I am looking forward to bringing in dance under a fresh and intimate know them as well as giving them that the fact that I came back to new choreographic voices and prolens in works such as Andrea Mill- a chance to know me.” It is also a Ailey and have such a longstanding gramming works that further an er’s “Psūkhe” (pronounced ‘pSEE- process through which she exam- relationship was a catalyst for a lot ongoing cultural dialogue and conhee’) with its vigorous physicality, ines identity and community using of creativity,” Harper says pointing tribute to social transformation.”

Carnegie Hall presents new event, ‘Journey Into AfroCosmicMelatopia’

By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH Special to the AmNews

ning at 6:30 p.m.

“Journey Into AfroCosmicMelatopia” is “an immersive AfThe world-renowned New rofuturist experience and party York City concert hall Carne- designed and envisioned by artgie Hall is continuing to host ists and creators from the Weill the month-long, expansive Af- Music Institute community,” rofuturism Festival. Along with says a press release. DJ Reborn the incredible lineup of artists and DJ mOma will perform and musicians including Sun live musical sets and the event Ra Arkestra, Moor Mother and promises a unique futuristic exFlying Lotus (the nephew of perience that includes visual Alice Coltrane), there is a de- art and dance installations sirable and interesting event which were curated by Ytasha L. taking place March 25 begin- Womack. “This cosmic event is

designed by the creative studio Intelligent Mischief and Wakanda Dream Lab.” This experiential journey is meant to cater to the senses, causing attendees to engage with an “augmented reality” based on Afrofuturistic artistic styles that promote the advancement of the artistic medium that spans across literature, music, theater, as well as visual art.

This offering to the Black community and beyond

promises to create a realm of Black discovery and speculative awareness of what life can be through the lens of otherworldly expression.

Make sure you put this event on your calendars and enjoy a fun and immersive party. Attendees must be 21 and over.

A purchased ticket will include light food and beverages. For tickets, visit https:// www.carnegiehall.org/.

16 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 A

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

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Harry Belafonte fêted at 95th birthday bash W

Malik Yoba and the Rev. Al Sharpton talk about Mr. Belafonte’s legacy.

Sweet Honey in the Rock

Gina Beafonte, daughter of the actor/singer/civil rights icon Harry Belafonte, on stage at Town Hall during Mr. Belafonte’s 95th birthday celebration (Linda Armstrong photos)

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews Tuesday, March 1 was an evening to remember as actor/ singer/civil rights icon and legendary humanitarian, Harry Belafonte celebrated his 95th birthday on West 43rd Street. It was a gathering of the adoring public and some of the biggest and most diverse groups of celebrities. Belafonte’s life and legacy were shared and saluted by the likes of Laurence Fishburne, Spike Lee, Alfre Woodward, Alicia Keys, Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Doug E. Fresh, Tim Robbins, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Michael Moore, John Legend, Common, Sean Combs, Malik Yoba, Lenny Kravitz, Q-Tip, Norman Lear, Bryan Stevenson, Jesse Williams, Aloe Blacc, Bill T. Jones, Sweet Honey in the Rock, with music by The Belafonte Alumni Band. While Belafonte watched live on remote from his home, many of those who honored him were physically at the theater while others came in remotely.

It also marked the 10th year anniversary of Sankofa.org, a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by Belafonte, his daughter Gina Belafonte and Raoul Roach.

The organization has an incredible mission, seeking to educate,

motivate and activate artists and allies in service of grassroots movements and equitable change. It focuses on issues of injustice that disproportionately affect the disenfranchised, the oppressed and the underserved.

Sankofa.org deals with immigration, criminal justice, income disparity and violence. To recognize the importance of Sankofa. org, the inaugural Harry Belafonte Social Justice Awards were given to eight individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice: Angela Davis, Rashad Robinson, Kimberle Crenshaw, Dr. Cornel West, Darren Walker, Hank Willis Thomas, former Attorney General Eric Holder and Congresswoman Barbara Lee. The wonderful evening began with members of The Harry Belafonte Alumni Band playing the drums and getting the crowd to feel the warmth and the love that this evening was about to bring. Danny Glover and Alfre Woodard took the stage and spoke of being there to honor Harry Belafonte, who takes on the plight of disenfranchised communities.

Black and white video footage and photos showed a younger Belafonte and captured some of his professional work as an actor. You also see him being

interviewed and talking about meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and realizing that he would always be by his side.

Belafonte talks about his part in the Civil Rights Movement, alongside footage of his continuing his activism and speaking to young people today. He talks about being a part of their history. “All I can do is leave behind the crumbs of my experience. If you find value, pick it up and if you don’t bring something better,” Belafonte said.

His daughter Gina came out several times that evening to address the audience. She started by asking everyone to have a moment of silence for those who are captured as political prisoners. Along with marking Sankofa.org’s 10th anniversary, the evening’s event also served as a fundraiser for the organization.

Throughout the evening the audience learned of the many programs that Sankofa.org runs.

Artists were referred to as “a society’s moral compass…the truth tellers.” Belafonte says people ask, “What can I do?”

His response was, “What are you willing to do? What are you willing to sacrifice?” Sankofa. org held a two-day music festival, with a focus on mass incarceration. Statistics were shared that the U.S. has the

largest prison population with 60% of those released ending up back in prison. The organization uses a virtual reality program to help inmates transition out.

Throughout the tribute at Town Hall, numerous clips were shown of Belafonte in some of his best known film roles and co-starring with his best friend, the late Sidney Poitier. The entire evening was filled with wonderful moments of not only watching Belafonte’s screen work, but there were several interviews played of him telling the story of special moments in his life and it felt like he was sharing directly with the audience. There were incredible musical performances

by Sweet Honey in the Rock and John Legend. Alicia Keys came on stage and shared, “We want to acknowledge our love for our royalty, which is Harry Belafonte.” She recited a poem and told an adorable story of Belafonte and his wife coming to her home and spending the day with her and her son Egypt. She witnessed an

immediate and special connection that Egypt had with Mr. Belafonte. She made everyone smile as she said that upon Mr. Belafonte getting in his car to leave, her 4-year-old son said, “Bye, Mr. Ellafonte.” Throughout the evening messages flashed on a screen with sentiments like “Free All Political Prisoners.”

Celebrities who came out to honor Belafonte such as Malik Yoba and the Rev. Al Sharpton talked to the audience about the importance of passing the Voting Rights Act and about people getting involved in community organizing, demonstrations and marching and even engaging in boycotts. “Become civically engaged with the world around you,” Yoba exclaimed. Sankofa. e org offers a Civic Series, an expla- y nation of the voting process writ- f ten and shared by young people w using graphics and poetry. t One entertaining moment t in the evening was Aloe Blacc f singing, “That’s Right, The g See BASH on page 21 o

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Women’s Jazz Fest returns (Bill Moore photos)

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66 PERFORMANCES ONLY! PREVIEWS BEGIN APRIL 1 “THIS PRODUCTION IS MEANT FOR RIGHT NOW.

It’s exciting to me to place a Black family at the center of this massive, epic journey that asks us to trust and hope in each other as we move forward.”

–Lileana Blain-Cruz, Director

Aja Burrell Wood, Brandee Younger, Melba Joyce, Robin Bell-Stevens, Cynthia, and Toshi Reagon

Performances by Bertha Hope (piano), Mimi Jones (bass) and Lucianna Padmore (drums)

THORNTON WILDER LILEANA BLAIN-CRUZ

BY DIRECTED BY

Mimi Jones, Bertha Hope, and Lucianna Padmore

The Schomburg Center’s annual Women’s Jazz Festival (WJF) celebrated 30 years of centering Black women in the field of jazz. The Women’s Jazz Festival was founded in 1992 by jazz vocalist and then-Harlem resident Melba Joyce (pictured here in red). Year after year, the festival and its curators have brought together musicians, dancers, and a melding of musical genres to deliver an exciting

series of concerts featuring some of the best-known and emerging talent by women in jazz today.

Joyce, this year’s curator, was joined onstage by past curators Aja Burrell Wood; Brandee Younger; moderator Robin Bell-Stevens; Cynthia; and Toshi Reagon. Music included performances by Bertha Hope (piano), Mimi Jones (bass) and Lucianna Padmore (drums).

Gabby Beans

Paige Gilbert

Priscilla Lopez

James Vincent Meredith

Julian Robertson

Roslyn Ruff

GET TICKETS FROM JUST $39 USE CODE SKREAL TELECHARGEOFFERS.COM • 212-947-8844

LINCOLN CENTER THEATER

Group.Sales @ RealemnProductions.com • LCT.ORG • 150 WEST 65TH ST.

18 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

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

HOROSCOPES BY KNOWYOURNUMB3RS

KYA FRENCH

March 17, 2022 — March 23, 2022 There’s a Full Moon in Virgo on Friday the 18th, at 27-degree Pisces, conjunct with the Sun at 27 degrees, with a decan undertone of Scorpio/Pluto. This moon increases your willpower, determination, reawakening, as well as financial gain or losses. This is the week to push through if you want to succeed in your affairs. A metamorphosis of things in the process is designed to eliminate the old, to advance you to the next level. Some will make a sacrifice, or surrender to a higher power, or have cause to feel the expansive development within. Be mindful as sudden bumps, bruises, accidents, tearing of clothes, and minor cuts could occur. Follow up on any doctor appointments, and get into a Vinateria health regimen. Be the light that shines from within and allow no one to dim your light.

Windows of opportunity are levitating over you with practical actions A major shift in your lifestyle is on the rise. One you can feel and you can use to open new doors in your career and home establishment. change, moving you into new directions. It’s about becoming free of Circumstances may feel at a standstill, as it’s all about noticing the details restrictions and self-imposed thoughts to give yourself permission Capricorn Cancer and what you apply your energy towards. Take inventory in all aspects to follow your career dreams and give it a try. What brings you joy?

Dec 22 June 22 Jan 21 July 23 of your current circumstances to position yourself on your progress. ReWhat’s the motivation that ignites your soul to follow your passion store and replenish those areas of your life and do a double take, reviewing and why? Create a new lane in your life as you write a new chapter, what is required before planning. Near the 24th, get ready to put your plans into action. one you can reflect back on.

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Close the doors, as this cycle requires you to unwind, rejuvenate, and be When the sun shines on your endeavors, it makes you feel proud alone in peace. It’s about a one-on-one meeting with yourself, and what’s with a winning attitude. Is it the process, experiences, faith, or all that keep you determined to follow through the steps to achieve a Aquarius on your mind. The five W’s of who, what, when, where & why, now come Leo into play. Question your progress in your life to date, and what partnermilestone in your life? Partnerships play a special role this year as Jan 22 July 24 Feb 19 Aug 23 ships you developed. Continue to fill in the blanks until you have the final well as the one you have with yourself that keeps you on your toes piece completed. Next, reviewing your work is very important. Review at and fingers gliding like air. Listen to the inner guide, and what other least three times as each time generates a different experience and perspective. messages are being conveyed to you.

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This week is a breathtaking cycle where almost anything you need Your mind is on your money, and your money is on your mind, done can occur when you exercise your mind and apply yourself then is the phrase for the week. Financial opportunities come in all follow your heart. Think it, believe it, and allow it to manifest. The forms through education, gigs, speaking engagements, training, Virgo Feb 20 Aug 24 process will feel wonderful. Exploit your imagination, as things play teaching, etc. How you work your program, is how you work your Sept 23 Mar 20 out at a snail’s pace as you gather information needed to reach your program as others don’t mind paying for it. Weed out anything goals. Every three months take a picture of yourself as your physical unwanted from leftovers. Trim the fat of unnecessary bills and excharacteristics will slightly change for the better. penses, and complete an overall inventory of your home and business aspects for restocking purposes.

 Pisces

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This week the progress on your journey moving forward is moderate, as if in a slow-motion effect, similar to a planet in retrograde. EvThis week, think of turning your life around in the departments of erything is slowed down for the betterment of your personal growth your appearance, your work setting, decorating, home remodeling, Aries and development. The months of March, June, September, and Deand getting back to your health regimen. This week is a great cycle Feb 21 Libra Apr 21 cember hold significance regarding the progress in your life, with it for publishing, radio interviews, writing, speaking, journaling, and Sept 24 Oct 23 being more beneficial to wait, and be rewarded. When you rush the learning a new subject of interest. Know your boundaries as you reprocess, you may experience setbacks, as some things may come fast, and others spect other boundaries, just as you want others to respect you. This slow. This week, what’s driving you to move to the next phase of your life? Don’t hold is a wish fulfillment cycle to bring about a means to an end. yourself back; take a leap of faith instead.

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What the universe has in store for you is something magical.

This month and week, your work ethics are highlighted, plus your You can feel it with every fiber in your body. To make this cycle community or social network is building and strengthening in numweek one of the best out of the year, is to simply take action.

Scorpio b3rs. It’s a phenomenal cycle to teach a new course, counsel, or assist You’ve been creating many things for years, and now it’s time to Oct 24 Taurus someone yet setting time aside for self-care. Your work schedule may publish one of those books, scripts, products, or services at the Nov 22 Apr 22 May 21 be full, so just remember to set boundaries, and balance the home, back of your mind to the world. Follow up on your health, as infamily, and other responsibilities. Make a commitment this week and flammations, swelling, or bruises may arise, even bumping into something or stick to it until you no longer need it. someone this week.

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Follow through on your plans and take all the necessary steps to get This cycle is about learning, writing, speaking, community servicthings done. Out of all the months, this month stands out more as es, short travels for educational purposes or even expanding your far as dramatic changes with work, family, decisions, and career opservices in some way. People are very attracted to your energy now, Gemini Sagitarius as others will seek your services, or want to hear your opinions. It’s a portunities are concerned.

Do your due diligence with integrity, and May 22 Nov 23 with compassion that benefits you and your family. This is your week week to get what you need and want when you apply yourself. Make June 21 Dec 21 to make your moves and step into your power without any criticism the phone calls, put in the effort, and do what you need to get it due to the fact you did your homework. done. Just do it, and watch the universe play its part.

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

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March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 19

10,000 TONES, SISTA’S, SOMI, TIME OF THE BUTTERFLIES

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine is now in its third week, donations from around the world are being sent in support of the Ukrainian people. Here in New York City the non-profit music activist organization Arts for Art will present 10,000 Tones for Peace on March 18 to benefit Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine. The event at the Clemente Flamboyan Theater, (107 Suffolk St., Manhattan) will feature an all-star lineup of avant-garde artists, who believe in taking this music called jazz to an upper stratosphere.

Jazz musicians have always played an active role in social consciousness as it relates to local and international conflicts and World Wars dating back to James Reese Europe in WWI. Historian Kimberly St. Julian Varnon has studied race, foreign policy and Russia for years and called Ukraine home back in 2013. “It’s one of those things where, if you are a person of color and you work in Eastern Europe, and you research Eastern Europe, racism isn’t new, I mean, racial discrimination is not new, but to see it on display and being exacerbated by war, it was just really heart-wrenching,” she told CBS News’ Jericka Duncan. Every war the United States has fought is stained with racism and discrimination and yes, it is heartwrenching but here once again jazz musicians respond with heartfelt music, compositions for resilience.

Some of the many artists to perform will be: Oliver Lake, William Parker, Matthew Shipp, D.D. Jackson, Jason Kao Hwang and Mark Dresser. The concert will be in-person and virtual tickets are available on Eventbrite or visit the website artsforart.org. Funds raised will go to Doctors Without Borders Ukraine.

There was a time when female bassists could be counted on one hand.

Fortunately, those days have faded away, giving us a host of female jazz bassists to captivate jazzheads, Mimi Jones happens to be one of them. In honor of Women’s History Month, the bassist, vocalist, composer and producer comes to Sista’s Place (456 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn) on March 19 for two sets at 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

During her more than two decades on the jazz scene, Jones has recorded three CDs as a leader on her own Hot Tone Music label; “A New Day” (2009), “Balance” (2014) and her third CD for the label, “Feet in the Mud,” being her

most powerful, and personal recording to date. “‘Feet in the Mud’ to me means being true to one’s own self despite your race, age, gender, size, etcetera,” Jones says. “It’s about finding true joy within yourself, having an open mind and spirit and a connection to the earth.” She launched the label in 2009 which has produced nine albums thus far.

When Jones isn’t producing, touring or working in her new role as a filmmaker, she is on the first call list for such bandleaders as Kenny Barron, Beyoncé, Bertha Hope, Tia Fuller, Marc Cary, Toshi Reagon, and Terri Lyne Carrington’s Grammy awardwinning “The Mosaic Project.”

At the age of 12 she studied classical guitar with her first music instructor, James Bartow, at the Harlem School of the Arts, where she also studied percussion, songwriting, voice, drums, and dance. Jones switched to cello after being accepted at the famed LaGuardia High School of Music and Art. The band director heard her messing around with an acoustic bass and recruited her to play in the school jazz band, which at the time included budding young lions such as Abraham Burton, Eric McPherson, Walter Blanding Jr., and Michael Leonhart.

“Once I switched to bass, I began listening to Jimmy Blanton and Oscar Pettiford. They had their own sound and their individual approach to weaving bass lines and improvisation. Milt Hinton took me under his wing, and gifted me a scholarship to the jazz camp at Skidmore summer camp. He had an early influence on me to sing and play bass,” Jones fondly recalls. “I grew up listening to a lot of Miles Davis, which naturally exposed me to the great Ron Carter, Sam Jones, and Paul Chambers. Later on I experienced the Oscar Peterson trio, which exposed me to Ray Brown. Wow!” Jones was awarded a full scholarship at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. She studied classically under the tutelage of Linda McKnight and simultaneously attended weekend classes at the historic Jazzmobile on Saturday mornings with bassist Lisle Atkinson. She also studied with jazz masters such as Barry Harris, Ron Carter, Dr. Billy Taylor, Yusef Lateef, Max Roach, and Maria Schneider.

In addition, Jones co-directs with Arcolris Sandoval a project called The D.O.M.E. Experience, a multimedia project that is meant to inspire its audience to become aware of environmental and social issues, within the community and globally, by original compositions performed by a 20-piece jazz orchestra,

dance and cinematography. Mimi also created an original mini musical production about the great migration and Harlem renaissance, with a cast of seven entitled “Next Stop Harlem.”

With reservation $25, call 718-398-1766 to reserve.

Somi the vocalist/songwriter earned a reputation as a sultry songbird, who blends her soulful sounds of Africa with marinated jazz rhythms during her vivid heartfelt storytelling.

On March 19, Somi: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba comes to the Apollo Theater.

She will perform music from her newly released album “Zenzile: The Reincarnation of Miriam Makeba.” She will be joined by Grammy-award winning jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves Bassist Mimi Jones comes to Sista’s Place on March 19 and South Africa’s most See JAZZ NOTES on page 21

(Photo courtesy of the artist)

20 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

AmNews FOOD Fresh pasta frames a satisfying, veggie-packed meal

By KELLY TORRES Special to the Amnews

(Kelly Torres photo)

Pasta Dough

Yields 4

Ingredients: • 2 ½ cups all purpose flour, plus extra for dusting • 3 eggs • 1 tsp kosher salt Equipment: • Pasta maker with roller and tagliatelle and/or spaghetti cutter Instructions: 1. Place the flour in a bowl. Press your fist into the center of the flour. Twist your fist to create a well in the center of the flour. Crack the 3 eggs into the well. Add the kosher salt directly on the eggs.

2. Using a fork, scramble the eggs, being sure to stay in the center until the whites and yolks are fully homogeneous.

3. Begin to slowly incorporate the flour into the scrambled eggs, turning the bowl slowly as you mix in the flour.

4. Pinch excess flour off of the fork. Using your hands, gradually fold the flour into the eggs until most of it is fully mixed.

5. Turn the bowl over onto a clean surface area. Begin kneading the dough with your hands until it forms into a ball, discarding any excess flour that doesn’t stick to the ball of dough.

A visual indication that the pasta

dough is ready is when all of the flour is not visible (no dusty patches on the dough) and the pasta dough is soft and pliable. This can take 5 - 8 minutes. If the dough appears too dry, wet your hands slightly and continue to knead.

6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let the glutens relax for 30 minutes on a countertop.

7. When ready, cut the dough in half using a bench scraper or chef’s knife. Wrap one half of the dough in the same plastic wrap while not in use. Roll out the other half using the pasta roller until desired thickness (setting numbers 4 or 5 on the pasta roller). Cut the flattened pasta sheet into several 10 - 12 inch pasta sheets. Roll each pasta sheet through the tagliatelle or spaghetti cutter to make noodles. Place the freshly cut noodles onto a flour-dusted sheet tray. Repeat the process with the remaining half of wrapped pasta dough. Freeze the noodles until ready to cook.

8. Cook pasta (freshly cut or from frozen) in rapidly boiling, salted water for 3 minutes, or until desired doneness. Enjoy with desired pasta sauce!

Whenever I decide to eat more veggies, I turn to making pasta. I think pasta makes a great blank canvas for featuring beautiful added colors. Zucchini and tomatoes are great matches because of the way they absorb a sauce’s flavor. The texture of the vegetables has a satisfying chew to it, which makes it an immense pleasure to eat. In this recipe, a simple butter sauce is stretched out by the addition of hot pasta water. The starches of the noodles release into the pasta water and act as a thickening agent to the sauce. Fats like butter and olive oil help emulsify the hot pasta water and transform it into a viscous liquid that sticks to the pasta. A trinity of garlic, onions, and parmesan give complexity to this otherwise plain dish. Garnished

with basil, this pasta is complete: aromatic, tasty, vegetable-loaded.

Fresh pasta is a breeze to cook. Unlike dried pasta which can easily take up to 12 minutes to become al dente, fresh pasta takes up to 3 minutes to become firm to the bite. Straining the pasta in a colander for this recipe doesn’t help much and is only an added step. Using tongs to transfer the noodles directly into a sauce is a preferred method of straining. The liquid residue that drips from the noodles, as you’re lifting it out of the hot pasta water and into the sauce, gives it further assistance in lengthening the volume of the sauce.

It’s important to work with high heat in this step because it is necessary for the sauce to reduce rapidly, and since we’re cooking the pasta noodles in the sauce for an additional two minutes, that time will go by quickly. Bat an eye and you’re done.

Vegetarian pasta recipe

Yields 4 - 6

Ingredients: boiling, add fresh pasta. Stir to avoid • 1 lb frozen fresh pasta (spaghetti or clumping. Cook for 3 minutes. tagliatelle shape) 4. In the skillet where vegetables were • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil sauteed, add grape tomatoes and • ½ small onion, sliced cook on medium high heat. Reserve • 1 green zucchini, half-inch slices a few grape tomatoes for garnish. of half moons 5. Using a ladle, carefully transfer 2 cups • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved of the boiling hot pasta water into a • 4 garlic cloves, sliced measuring cup. Set aside.

• 2 tbsp sundried tomatoes in oil, 6. When the pasta is cooked to al dente, rough chop lift the noodles out of the hot pasta • 2 tbsp unsalted butter water using tongs and add cooked • 2 cups hot pasta water pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes.

• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice Turn heat to high. Add the other veg• Salt & pepper, to taste etables back to the skillet. Add the 2 • Parmesan, shredded, as garnish cups of hot pasta water, the lemon • Basil leaves, torn, as garnish juice, and the butter to the skillet.

• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, as garnish Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook for 2 minutes, stirring and lifting Instructions: the pasta continuously with tongs.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil, approximately 12 - 16 cups. Add Assembly: a generous amount of salt so that the Lift a generous amount of the pasta water tastes like the sea. and twirl gently onto the center of a 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add plate. Pick a few of the cooked tomaonions and zucchini. Saute on toes, zucchini, and onions and place medium high heat for approximatevisibly on top and around the pasta. ly 2 minutes. Add garlic and sundried Garnish with reserved fresh grape tomatoes. Saute for another 3 - 4 mintomatoes, shredded parmesan, torn utes. Remove vegetables and set aside. basil leaves, and a light drizzle of 3. When the large pot of water is rapidly extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy!

JAZZ NOTES

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS A R T S & E N T E R T A I N M E N T live in-person with reserved seating.

There will be two performances; 1 p.m. matinee and evening at 7:30 p.m.

Continued from page 16 “Butterflies” is a fictionalized account of the story of the courageous Mirabal sisters from the Dominican RepubWoman Is Smarter,” a Caribbean song lic, based on Julia Álvarez’s critically that became a sing-a-long as everyacclaimed novel. The book is written in one swayed in their seats. The audithe first and third person, by and about ence was dazzled and mesmerized as the sisters inspired resistance cells one lone dancer, choreographer Bill throughout the country against the dictaT. Jones, displaying a chiseled body, torial regime of General Rafael Leónidas did a spellbinding dance to BelafonTrujillo—the regime brutally murdered te singing “September Song.” He was the “butterflies,” their secret code name, absolutely fantastic! in 1960. Playwright Caridad Svich and diSpike Lee and Laurence Fishburne rector José Zayas deliver a warm and dratalked about Belafonte’s acting career matic production in which the martyred roots and him working with Ossie butterflies come to life, all in the intiDavis, Ruby Dee and Sidney Poitier. mate setting of the Harlem Stage GateThey spoke of how Paul Robeson taught house (150 Convent Avenue). Performed Belafonte that artists are the gatekeepin Spanish with English supertitles. ers of truth. They spoke of the awards The book was first published in 1994, Belafonte has won through his lifetime. the story was adapted into a feature We saw him in cinematic moments film in 2001. Having read the book and in “Bright Road,” and “Carmen Jones” seen the film more than once, I can say (with Dorothy Dandridge). A story is it swings hard like Miles Davis’ album also shared of a young Belafonte who “Jack Johnson” making no apologies; was staying with friends in Beverwith the compassion and commitment ly Hills and when he went for a walk, of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme.” the police pulled him over, just beThis is a special collaboration with cause he was a Black man, walking Harlem Stage and Repertorio Espanol alone in Beverly Hills. Scenes are founded in 1968 by Artistic Director René shown from “Island in the Sun,” in Buch and Producer Gilberto Zaldívar. which he broke a taboo, a Black man For tickets visit website with a young white actress—people harlemstage.org or call 212-281-9240. in the South were especially upset.

Bash

Continued from page 19

influential vocalist and songwriter Thandiswa Mazwai. Somi has been working on this tribute to Makeba for some :time; it was for her a joyful commitment.

Makeba was one of South Africa’s first female singers to bring her native amusic to a Western audience, popularizoing world music and its nuances. Aside lfrom her recognition as an international singer/songwriter Makeba was a strong oadvocate against Apartheid and during her stay in New York she became a civil erights activist alongside her mentor Harry Belafonte. This tribute is Somi’s praise and respect for Makeba, whose -compelling words of conscious activism became just as significant as her songs.

For tickets visit the website: https://www.ticketmaster.com/apollo-thetater-tickets-new-york/venue/6.

- Harlem Stage is known for its eclectic -programs from avant-garde to straight ahead jazz, hip hop flow, gospel choirs, hand black documentary premiers. On March 23 they will continue their joureney exploring the Black diaspora as they present Repertorio Espanol: In the Time -of the Butterflies/En El Tiempo de las -Mariposas. The performances are free, e e

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 21 “The World, The Flesh, The Devil” was another controversial film that Belafonte was in where race was an issue. “Odds Against Tomorrow” was another racial themed film. Belafonte also did racial comedies such as “The Angel Levine,” where he plays a Black angel sent to help a Jewish man. Of course, everyone went wild when they showed scenes from “Buck and the Preacher” and “Uptown Saturday Night.” Bringing things back to his Civil Rights Movement connection and power, we watched Belafonte speaking to young people about racism, in a famous scene from Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman.” You also see entertainment milestones Belafonte facilitated like “Beat Street,” which merged hip hop with mainstream.

Street dance performers thrilled the audience with marvelous moves on stage and Doug E. Fresh came out beatboxing and rapping. John Legend sang a new song called, “The Island,” about a world more peaceful and loving. A large group of young people from the Impact Repertory Theatre Company thrilled the audience with an incredibly energized rendition of “We Are the World.”

If you want to contribute to Sankofa.org people go to their website. Belafonte has given our community a rich legacy to cherish and maintain.

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22 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

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Lusia Harris, ‘The Queen of Basketball’ ACTIVITIES

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews Currently, basketball legend Lusia “Lucy” Harris is getting the attention she received in the mid-seventies when she began earning the title of “The Queen of Basketball,” a documentary produced by Shaquille O’Neal and Steph Curry. It has been nominated for Best Documentary Short at the 2022 Oscars and previously won the “Critics Choice Award for Best Documentary Short.

So, who was this Queen of Basketball, and why is she such a hot commodity in this season of March Madness? In one sense, this is a perfect time for her to regain the popularity she had during her record breaking years at Delta State College that paved the way for her to become the only woman ever officially drafted by the NBA. Let’s start at the beginning or BH, before hoops. She was born Lusia Mae Harris Feb. 10, 1955, in Minter City, Mississippi to Willie and Ethel Harris, who worked as sharecroppers in cotton fields.

The fourth of 11 children, she, like her siblings, all attended Amanda Elzy High School in Greenwood, Miss. Basketball was a common activity among the children, and a natural gravitation for Lusia as she starred for her school, captaining the team and becoming an all-state selection.

After graduation she had plans to attend Alcorn State University, but the school has no women’s basketball team. She was subsequently recruited by Melvin Hemphill to play at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss., where Margaret Wade was the coach developing the team.

Almost from the moment she stepped on the court in 1973’74 wearing the uniform of the Lady Statesmen, she established her dominance, leading

Delta to a 16-2 record. But that wasn’t good enough to get the team into the national tournament. The team acquired the ex-

Tennessee Tech. Her senior year was no less spectacular as the team won a third championship before a large audience at Madi-

Lusia “Lucy” Harris

perience and Lusia’s leadership the following year and qualified for the national tournament. In the championship game against the highly touted Mighty Mads of Immaculata University, Lusia scored 32 points and 18 rebounds in the team’s triumph. Each game that season witnessed a sterling performance as the team went undefeated and at the tournament she was named the most valuable player.

The next season, the two teams were once opponents in the national championship game. And once again Lusia led her team to victory, recording 30 points and 118 rebounds. She also led the nation in scoring with more than a thousand points or an average 31.2 points a game, including a phenomenal 58 against

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son Square Garden. Lusia charged 23 points and 16 rebounds in the defeat of Louisiana State University. Along with another tournament MVP she was named to the first All-American team. She finished her career with 2,981 points, 1,662 rebounds, and, quite expectedly, she held most of the school records for scoring and rebounding. In 1977, she was the first recipient of the Honda Sports Award for basketball as well as the Broderick Cup as the outstanding collegian female athlete.

It is rather ironic that Lusia, as the only Black player on the team, performed half of her games at the Walter Sillers Coliseum, named in tribute to an outspoken racist. And as we go to press that name has not

been removed. The acclaim she compiled at Delta State was of equal importance to the U.S. national teams, particularly at the 1976 Olympic Games—a first for women—in which the team won a silver medal. This fell short of U.S. achievements at the PanAmerican Games in 1975, when with such stellar teammates as Ann Meyers and Pat Head, and high school phenom, Nancy Lieberman, in which they went unbeaten and earned the gold medal.

As a professional she was a member of the Houston Angels of the WBL (Women’s Professional Basketball League.) Also, at this time she became the first woman ever drafted by an NBA team. Later, she would be inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

After being drafted to play in the NBA, becoming the first after the first was voided, she declined to play for the San Francisco Warriors because she was pregnant and thus unable to attend the team’s training camp. Her professional career in the WBL was very brief without the distinguished accomplishments of college days. She earned a master’s degree in education at Delta State in 1984 where she worked as an admission’s counselor and assistant basketball coach. Later, she would be the head coach at Texas Southern University for two years and then returned to Mississippi for various assignments and jobs at her alma mater Amanda Elzy High School. In 1977, she married George E. Steward and they had four children, two sons and twin daughters.

Lusia died at a therapy facility in Mound Bayou Jan. 18, 2022, less than a month before her 67th birthday.

FIND OUT MORE Besides Helen Wheelock’s informative profile, archived at the Women’s Sports Foundation, a number of books on women in athletics recount her remarkable basketball career.

DISCUSSION Not much is said here about the racism she encountered as a player on an all-white team from Mississippi, and it’s hard to believe it didn’t bother her from time to time.

PLACE IN CONTEXT Lucy, as she was often known, came of age in Mississippi, and was born there the same year Emmett Till was lynched.

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY March 13, 2004: Tennis star Coco Gauff was born in Atlanta.

March 14, 1821: African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Church was founded in New York.

March 15, 1827: Freedom’s Journal, the first African American newspaper, was published by John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish in Brooklyn.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 23

Ukraine president asks for more aid from U.S.

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews A resolute call for help emanated from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s virtual speech Wednesday morning before a body of lawmakers, and he invoked a number of historical moments when the U.S. was attacked and forcefully responded.

“Americans,” he said, attired in a t-shirt, “in your great history you would understand Ukrainians. Understand us now. We need you right now. Remember Pearl

Harbor…Remember September 11, a terrible day in 2001 when people tried to turn your cities into battlefields…Our country experiences the same every day. Right now, this moment every night for three weeks…Russia has turned [the] Ukrainian sky into a source of death for thousands of people.”

He even invoked Dr. King when he said, “I have a dream. I have a need. I need to protect our skies. I need your help, which means the same you feel when you hear the words I have a dream. Ladies and gentlemen, friends, Ukraine is

International Continued from page 2

month, Sudanese General Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo met with Kremlin officials in Moscow on the eve of Russia’s invasion into Ukraine to discuss a new economic-focused alliance.

Upon returning home, Gen. Dagolo announced that Sudan would be open to allowing Russia to build its long hoped-for naval base at Port Sudan on the Red Sea.

In December, the U.S. and Europe expressed alarm at reports that the Wagner Group had signed a $10 million-amonth security contract with the Malian government. Observers say Wagner exploited local unhappiness over a disappointing yearslong French-led deployment in the sub-Saharan targeting extremist factions. They hope for better results from the Russian fighters.

“Long live Russia!” one man in a crowd was heard to cry, cheering the sight of a Russian delegation in

grateful to the United States for its overwhelming support. Everything your government and your people have done for us, for weapons and training, for leadership to pressure the aggressor economically.”

His plea for assistance cited Mount Rushmore, which he had visited, and World War II, comparing what is happening in his country to the worst devastation since that destructive war. “You know what kind of defense systems we need. You know how much depends on the ability to use aircraft to protect

our people, our freedom…aircraft that can help Ukraine, help Europe. We know they exist and you have them. They are not in Ukrainian skies.”

The first several minutes of his speech was delivered via translation, and then interrupted by a video depicting a beautiful Ukraine and one being destroyed by bombardments. He concluded his address in English, poignant words meant especially for President Biden. “I am almost 45 years old,” he stated. “Today my age stopped when the hearts of

more than 100 children stopped beating. I see no sense in life if it cannot stop the deaths. This is my mission as a leader of my people and as a leader of my nation. I’m addressing President Biden. You are the leader of the nation, of your great nation. I wish you to be the leader of the world.”

When he concluded there was a standing ovation from the audience. Even so, there was no immediate response from President Biden, but he is expected to announce more than $1 billion in new military aid to Ukraine.

Bamako in January. “Long live the people of Mali!”

The Wagner group is also helping to support President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic (CAR) in the fight against rebels who still control many parts of the country despite recent government advances. Touadéra, in power since 2016, had struggled to defeat rebel forces despite the presence of French troops and a U.N. force. He believes the Russian mercenaries have had more success.

U.N. experts believe there could

be more than 2,000 instructors deployed by Russia to the CAR, including recruits from Syria and Libya, where Wagner has been active.

In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa says he has been asked to help mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine, after having spoken to his counterpart Vladimir Putin. But some analysts are questioning whether South Africa’s ties to Russia could impact its neutrality. At a recent U.N. vote to reprimand Russia over the invasion of neighboring

Ukraine, South Africa abstained from the vote.

According to Ramaphosa, the U.N. resolution did not promise meaningful engagement.

“The call for peaceful resolution through political dialogue is relegated to a single sentence close to the conclusion of the final text,” he said. But according to the official opposition, the DemocraticAlliance, Ramaphosa may have been influenced by Russian oligarch, Victor Vekselberg, who has donated R7,5 million to the ANC.

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NMLSR ID 469761

24 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Education

Chancellor Banks addresses confusion over admissions policy beyond, we will continue to collaborate with our families on strategies to streamline our policies and expand high-quality learning opportunities for every child.”

Some of the changes Banks wants for the 2022-’23 school year include: simplifying and streamlining all enrollment and admissions processes, from 3-K to Gifted and Talented and to high school; increasing opportunities for students in all zip codes to eliminate roadblocks to success; adjusting the learning process recognizing that onesize-doesn’t-fit-all for students and building trust with the community.

This, said Banks, should take the burden off families who are conNew York City Schools Chancellor David Banks fused about the application prohopes to implement his agenda in 2022-’23 cess. It’s part of his four-pillar (Photo Courtesy of SCHOOLS.NYC.GOV) system, which he unveiled earlier this month, that would establish a

By STEPHON JOHNSON ‘new normal’ in the public school system.

Amsterdam News Staff During a news conference with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Schools Chancel- the mayor recited something that he lor David Banks wants to clear a few hears Banks say regularly. things up for students and parents.

“It’s not about dismantling something “I’ve heard from families across the city because you did not create it,” Adams said over the past two months, and the con- during the announcement for the Summer sensus is clear: we must reform our en- Rising program for K-8 (designed to rollment and admissions policies and provide internships and jobs for city expand access to quality schools,” said kids whether it’s through Community the chancellor. “The decades-long status Based Organizations or the Summer Youth quo of dread and stress around this pro- Employment Program). “It’s about taking cess ends under this administration. what’s worked and building on it.”

“As we look ahead to next year and Some parent organizations believe that

Banks’ goals have aligned with the city and Albany and it seems to be working for now.

On Monday, Jasmine Gripper, the executive director of the Alliance for Quality Education, approved of the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly’s 2022-’23 budget proposals including the potential expansion of eligibility for free and affordable childcare. Something that could get Banks’ plan rolling from jump.

“Both the Senate and Assembly proposals also show their strong commitment to New York’s public schools and students,” said Gripper in a statement. “In addition to committing to the second year of the phase-in of the Foundation Aid formula, expansions to pre-K, community schools, and student mental health supports, among other investments, would help alleviate some of the most pressing needs and inequities facing our public schools.”

This year is the same as last with the Bill de Blasio carryover that allows all kids with an average of 85 or higher to be considered for a spot in one of the city’s more competitive schools.

It’s an issue that’s stuck in the craw of the previous administration along with former Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza. The decade-long fight for admissions into specialized high schools has pitted the city’s Asian-American community against the Black and Brown community with the former stating that “lowering standards” and not counting the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) would leave many of their students out in the cold.

Black and Brown students make up more than 65% of public-school students, but 20% of specialized high school students.

According to InsideSchools.org, 71% of Stuyvesant High School students are Asian. Five percent of the school’s students are Black and Brown.

Banks’ process sounds like the results of the 2019 School Advisory Group put together by the previous mayor. The group that included mayor-appointed parents, students, academics and advocates, recommended eliminating gifted and talented programs and replacing them with non-selective magnet schools.

Banks’ summed it up when he commented on New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ desire to keep schools under mayoral control. When commenting on the fear of mayoral accountability being left out of the budget, the schools chancellor said, “The amount of inter-agency coordination to make this happen is only made possible because of mayoral accountability, which has been the case for our pandemic response as well. Mayoral accountability is the foundation of our school system and I’m disappointed that politics are disrupting the security, certainty, and responsible inter-agency planning that our families deserve now more than ever.”

Adams added, “The bottom line is that we should be proactively supporting our children by giving them the certainty they need as soon as possible— particularly after the trauma they’ve experienced over the past two years.”

Global G.L.O.W. and The Bronx Academy of Letters helping Black girls be seen

By M’NIYAH LYNN Special to the AmNews The risks impacting girls don’t receive enough attention from society, such as policy makers and researchers, according to a study by the African American Policy Forum (AAPF) and the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies. The Urban Assembly Bronx Academy of Letters offers middle and high school girls the opportunity to get support and mentorship through G.L.O.W. Club, the school’s after school program in partnership with Global Girls Leading Our World (G.L.O.W.). The club, which is both girl-informed and girl-led, helps turn girls from students to advocates for themselves and their communities.

The Bronx Academy of Letters’ G.L.O.W. Club uses curriculum to educate girls of color about their history and factors that could be affecting them on a day to day basis. During Black History Month, the girls learned Empathy Across America, a curriculum that al-

lowed girls to explore their shared history.

“Essentially, we brought those tough conversations up and built empathy and solidarity at the same time,” Global G.L.O.W.’s Program Manager Binta Freeman said. She designs the curriculum.

Through the program, girls at The Bronx Academy of Letters, ages 11 to 18, also cover mental health strategies, self-discovery and community service, to name a few points. “One of the things that we do focus on is community engagement and making sure that we make the Bronx better, not worse,” Frances Herrera, teacher and overseer of the program, said.

To turn girls into advocates, Herrera said she tries to present the girls with impactful opportunities. She introduces the girls to role models, such as businesswomen that have their own establishments and involves them in efforts to volunteer.

“We introduced the idea of advocacy by starting with the self. Understanding yourself, increasing self-awareness and know-

ing your boundaries helps you navigate yourself and voice if those boundaries are crossed. This will naturally trickle down into the community,” Freeman said.

Girls of color face and confront risks like their male counterparts. According to Black Girls Matter by Kimberlé Crenshaw, “despite evidence that they, too, face barriers that undermine their overall well-being, Black girls seemingly remain invisible within the White House’s signature gender- and race-targeted initiatives.”

Also, not only may girls of color experience some of the same challenges that affect the life chances of boys of color, but they face unique challenges, “Black Girls Matter: Pushed Out, Overpoliced, and Underprotected,” the study released by the AAPF and the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies, said.

“For example, when it comes to disciplinary measures such as suspension and expulsion, Black girls face a higher level of racial disparity than their male counterparts,” Crenshaw said the study revealed.

Girls are G.L.O.W.’s target audience.

Boys are welcomed to participate, when applicable, for advocacy days. However, Freeman said women and girls are marginalized in different ways, so it’s important to G.L.O.W. that girls have a safe space to learn and share in their program.

Herrera grew up in Harlem. She said she can identify with and relate to the students she’s connecting with. As a native New Yorker, Freeman can identify with the students too.

“Growing up in Harlem it wasn’t easy. I remember a lot of violence and drugs. I remember a lot of things that weren’t the best, so when I went into teaching, I wanted to make sure that regardless of teaching in an urban area, there would be support,” Herrera said.

Global G.L.O.W. is an international nonprofit that was founded in 2012.

It currently operates in about 27 countries. The organization creates and operates programs to mentor girls. G.L.O.W. received special consultative status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) in 2020.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Assembly Continued from page 3

Born and raised in Flatbush, Cunningham said that he’s dedicated the past 20 or so years to working in the city, state, and federal government as well as the nonprofit sector. He was known for his innovative ideas on how to improve transportation in the district.

Cunningham had last run for city council in District 40 to replace then term-limited Councilmember Mathieu Eugene in 2021, but reluctantly dropped out. Cunningham’s wife was battling Stage 4 endometriosis at the time. They decided to take the time off and tend to her health and family wellness rather than continue in the race, said Cunningham.

He’s thankful that he still has the support of the community and heavy endorsements from Adams and the county party going into the special. And because of his experiences he said public safety and Black maternal health are paramount to his campaign.

Jelanie Deshong was the director of government relations at SUNY Downstate Hospital and is running on the Working Families Party line against Cunningham. Most recently he served as assistant secretary of intergovernmental affairs for Gov. Kathy Hochul.

His campaign focuses on public safety, investing in the district’s hospitals, and housing. “And for me, working at Downstate, seeing the historic lack of investment in a state-run hospital in Brooklyn,” said Deshong, “one thing I want to do is provide sort of 5th Avenue care right here, and I think it’s achievable.”

Deshong also said that he anticipates that most voters will vote on Election Day so he’s not worried about low turnout.

Meanwhile, assembly candidates Pierre Albert and Tim Hunter said they have decided to play the long game by dropping out of the special election to compete later against the winner in the June primaries. It’s a riskier strategy but it can be done since there’s technically no guarantee that the candidate that wins the special election will be voted in again.

The district covers Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, and Flatbush.

The special election concludes on Election Day, Tuesday, March 22.

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

MANHATTAN PLAZA • 400 WEST 43RD STREET MITCHELL-LAMA RENTAL

STUDIO, ONE and TWO BEDROOM RENTAL APARTMENT WAITING LISTS ARE BEING OPENED

Apartment Size Studio One Bedroom Two Bedroom

Rental Charges $1,950 $2,300 $2,679

Income Limits (Min - Max)* $93,612 – 163,820 $110,405 – $193,208 $128,569 – $224,996

*Based upon the number of persons in household. Rents subject to change.

OCCUPANCY STANDARDS: STUDIO – One to Two persons. ONE BEDROOM – Two to Three persons. Minimum of two persons is required. TWO BEDROOM – Three to Five persons. No fewer than three persons, a brother and a sister who are both adults, or a parent or guardian with at least one child.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: (FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION) • Applicant must be a New York State Resident.

• Applicant must be at least 18 Years Old at the time of the lottery.

• Preference will be given to documented veterans selected in the lottery.

• Applications are not transferable.

• Applicants must be financially responsible.

• Any applicant that does not have the proper family composition will automatically be disqualified.

• ONE REQUEST ONLY PER APPLICANT. Any applicant placing a duplicate request will not be entered into the lottery.

An applicant can only submit a paper entry or an on-line entry. If applicants enter on-line and also mail in a letter or postcard, they have submitted a duplicate request and will not be eligible for the lottery.

• Applicants can only be on one waiting list at a development. If applicants have the right family composition, they can apply to more than one lottery. However, if they are selected for more than one lottery, they will have to choose which waiting list they prefer.

• An applicant whose name is selected in a lottery cannot be included in the family composition of any other applicant who is selected in the same lottery for that particular housing company development.

Failure to comply will result in the disqualification of both applicants.

Additional Information: Waiting list will be established by a limited lottery. There will be a limit of 500 applicants drawn from the Studio Lottery. There will be a limit of 500 applicants drawn from the One Bedroom Lottery. There will be a limit of 100 applicants drawn from the Two Bedroom Lottery.

HOW TO APPLY: ONLINE You can now apply to a lottery online through Mitchell-Lama Connect. Applying is fast, easy and you will be able to check the status of your entry to see if you have been selected. To apply on line go to: https://a806-housingconnect.nyc.gov/nyclottery/lottery.html#ml-home

BY MAIL Mail Post Card or Envelope by regular mail. Registered and Certified Mail will not be accepted. Clearly print your full first and last name, current address and last 4 digits of your social security number and the bedroom size lottery that you wish to apply for. If you do not include the last 4 digits of your social security number or fail to indicate the bedroom size lottery, you will not be entered into the lottery. Mail post card or envelope to: MANHATTAN PLAZA Mitchell Lama Studio Lottery Peck Slip Station • P.O. Box 985 114 John Street New York, NY 10038-9991

MANHATTAN PLAZA Mitchell Lama One-Bedroom Lottery Peck Slip Station • P.O. Box 1026 114 John Street New York, NY 10038-9991

MANHATTAN PLAZA Mitchell Lama two-Bedroom Lottery Peck Slip Station • P.O. Box 952 114 John Street New York, NY 10038-9991

DEADLINE: Requests must be received by: April 20, 2022.

YOU CANNOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE DEVELOPMENT. • EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY SUPERVISED BY THE NYC DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Eric Adams, Mayor • Adolfo Carrión, Commissioner • www.nyc.gov/hpd

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 25

Invitation to Prequalify and to Bid Rehabilitation and Flood Mitigation of the New York Aquarium, Brooklyn, NY: Turner Construction Company, an EEO Employer, is currently soliciting bids for the Rehabilitation and Flood Mitigation of the New York Aquarium from subcontractors and vendors for the following bid packages: BP #047C– Epoxy Flooring (Bid, Payment & Performance Bond Required) BP #047A – Resinous Matrix Terrazzo Flooring (Bid, Payment & Performance Bond Required) BP #047B – Rubber Flooring (Bid, Payment & Performance Bond Required) BP #050 – Specialties (Partitions, FEC & Extinguisher) (Bid, Payment & Performance Bond Required) Only bids responsive to the entire scope of work will be considered and, to be successful, bidders must be prequalified by Turner. Certified M/WBE and Small Business (13 CFR part 121) companies are encouraged to submit.

In order to receive the bid packages, potential bidders either (1) must initiate the prequalification 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 remain current will be considered as previously submitted or may be updated at this time.) All bidders must be prequalified by the bid deadline: April 11th, 2022 and initial submission of a prequalification statement 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.

Successful bidders will be required to use LCP Tracker compliance verification software. Note that while this is a New York City prevailing wage project, union affiliation is not required for BP #047C, #047A, #047B and #050 A 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.

Link: Please join this meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetupjoin/19%3ameeting_YWVhMTM0ZTktYTliZC00ZDkyLThiYjQtMTkwMWE4ZWIyZmFj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3 a%2220e27700-b670-4553-a27c-d8e2583b3289%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22732a90ce-24b7-42eb-bf78-d638e2a629ac%22%7d

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 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 Link: Please join this opening meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetupjoin/19%3ameeting_YWVhMGQ2ZjctNDk0OC00MDcwLWJlOTctNzJhNGU4OTczYTdk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b %22Tid%22%3a%2220e27700-b670-4553-a27c-d8e2583b3289%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22732a90ce-24b7-42ebbf78-d638e2a629ac%22%7d

MANHATTAN PLAZA • 400 WEST 43RD STREET

MITCHELL-LAMA RENTAL– PROJECT BASED SECTION 8

TWO BEDROOM RENTAL APARTMENT WAITING LIST IS BEING OPENED COMMUNITY BOARD 4 RESIDENTS, COMMUNITY BOARD 4 ELDERLY RESIDENTS AND PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING ARTISTS (CAN RESIDE ANYWHERE IN UNITED STATES) To be eligible to receive Section 8 Housing Assistance, at the time of admission applicants cannot earn more than:

# of Persons 3 4 5

Maximum Income* $116,033 $128,858 $139,185

*Based upon the number of persons in household. Rents subject to change.

OCCUPANCY STANDARDS: Three to Five persons. No fewer than three persons, a brother and a sister who are both adults, or a parent or guardian with at least one child.

COMMUNITY BOARD 4 BOUNDARIES: Southern Border: North Side of West 14th St. Eastern Border: 6th Ave. until 26th St. where the border travels west and goes up 8th Ave. Northern Border: 56th St. between 8th & 10th, 54th St. between 10th & 11th, 55th St. between 11th and the River, then up the West Side Hwy to 59th St. PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING ARTISTS LIVING ANYWHERE IN U.S. earning 50% or more of their income for the past 3 consecutive years from Performing Arts work are eligible to apply under the Performing Artist Category.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: (FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION) • Applicant must be residents of Community Board 4.

• For the Community Elderly list, applicant must be at least 62 years old at the time of lottery.

• PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO DOCUMENTED VETERANS SELECTED IN THE LOTTERY. • Any applicant that does not have the proper family composition will automatically be disqualified.

• Applicants can only be on one waiting list at a development. If applicants have the right family composition, they can apply to more than one lottery. However, if they are selected for more than one lottery, they will have to choose which waiting list they prefer.

• Applicants must be financially responsible.

• ONE REQUEST ONLY PER APPLICANT. Any applicant placing a duplicate request will not be entered into the lottery. An applicant can only submit a paper entry or an on-line entry. If applicants enter on-line and also mail in a letter or postcard, they have submitted a duplicate request and will not be eligible for the lottery.

• Applications are not transferable.

• An applicant whose name is selected in a lottery cannot be included in the family composition of any other applicant who is selected in the same lottery for that particular housing company development. Failure to comply will result in the disqualification of both applicants.

Additional Information: Waiting list will be established by a limited lottery. There will be a limit of 100 applicants drawn from each list.

HOW TO APPLY: ONLINE You can now apply to a lottery online through Mitchell-Lama Connect. Applying is fast, easy and you will be able to check the status of your entry to see if you have been selected. To apply on line go to: https://a806-housingconnect.nyc.gov/nyclottery/lottery.html#ml-home

BY MAIL Mail Post Card or Envelope by regular mail. Registered and Certified Mail will not be accepted. Clearly print your full first and last name, current address and last 4 digits of your social security number and the bedroom size lottery that you wish to apply for. If you do not include the last 4 digits of your social security number or fail to indicate the bedroom size lottery, you will not be entered into the lottery. Mail post card or envelope to: MANHATTAN PLAZA Section 8 Community Two-Bedroom Lottery Peck Slip Station • P.O. Box 965 114 John Street New York, NY 10038-9991

MANHATTAN PLAZA Section 8 Elderly - Community Two-Bedroom Lottery Peck Slip Station • P.O. Box 946 114 John Street New York, NY 10038-9991

MANHATTAN PLAZA Section 8 Performing - Artist Two-Bedroom Lottery Peck Slip Station • P.O. Box 937 114 John Street New York, NY 10038-9991

DEADLINE: Requests must be received by: April 20, 2022.

YOU CANNOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE DEVELOPMENT. • EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY SUPERVISED BY THE NYC DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Eric Adams, Mayor • Adolfo Carrión, Commissioner • www.nyc.gov/hpd

26 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Health

F

C

Factcheck: COVID vaccines do not contain microchips Claim: The COVID-19 vaccine contains a magnetic tracking chip that allows the government to track vaccinated individuals.

Factcheck: The COVID-19 vaccine does not have a microchip. It is not possible, given the size required for microchips, Dr. Matt Laurens, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, told CNBC. Laurens further explained that a microchip requires an associated power source which would have to transmit a signal through muscle, fat, and skin, rendering it senseless that there is a microchip in the COVID-19 vaccine. Upon further investigation, our interview with Dr. Miriam Merad, MD, PhD, director of the Precision Immunology Institute, confirmed that claims of COVID-19 vaccines having microchips are “baseless.” Merad additionally explains that “any foreign material in the vaccine will risk its efficacy,” explaining that having something like a microchip in the vaccine will ruin its contents.

By ROSHNI SALEEM CHAGAN MPH candidate at Columbia University BACKGROUND: As the COVID-19 pandemic became increasingly politicized and as vaccines started rolling out, vaccine conspiracy theories populated the internet and gained traction. One of the more popular conspiracies was that the vaccine injected a tracking microchip that made people magnetic and allowed the government, and elites such as Bill Gates, track

those who were vaccinated. Rumors about Bill Gates spread in March 2020 when Gates mentioned rolling out an initiative that would have digital certificates of vaccines, COVID-19 tests, and recoveries. It is important to note that the potential technologies referenced by Bill Gates are entirely different from the vaccine and are not a source of tracking either. When the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was approached with these rumors, they staunchly denied them, saying that the claim was false.

Dr. Martin Herrmann, the medical director of Mayo Clinic in Waseca and New Prague, explained that these assertions are false. Herrmann assured that there is no way for the vaccine to track people or gather personal information. It is simply an mRNA vaccine that instructs cells in one’s body how to make a protein that will aid the body in triggering an immune response if in contact with COVID-19. The sole purpose of COVID19 vaccines is to prevent the spread of

COVID-19 and to lower hospitalization rates and death rates due to the virus.

Though rumors about vaccines containing microchips have been firmly debunked, this conspiracy theory still circulates around the internet.According to CNBC, 1,500 American adults were asked if they believed that the U.S. government was using the COVID-19 vaccine to microchip the population, 5% of them said yes. A microchip is seldom smaller than a See Blacklight on page 32

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Wages Continued from page 10

According to a recent report by the Center for New York City Affairs (CNYCA) at The New School, the human services sector is one of the lowest average paying large industries in the city. The average pay for these workers equals that of laundry and restaurant workers and less than stores, hotels and office clerks.

“Rather than fund services based on an analysis of the actual cost of providing highquality services and fairly compensating a well-educated workforce, the city contracting process generally functions to reimburse contracted services at the lowest price possible,” read the study put together by James Parott, director of economic and fiscal policy at the CNYCA, and L.K. Moe, assistant director for economic policy of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery. “This system has forced nonprofits to operate at extremely slim margins and reduces the possibility of human service workers earning wages and benefits that are at parity with comparable positions in either the public or the private sector outside of the city-contracted human services sphere.”

All of it is unreasonable and objectionable to some elected officials.

“It is unacceptable that essential service workers receive completely inadequate pay, benefits, and advancement

opportunities in their professions,” said Councilmember Althea Stevens, chair of the Committee on Youth Services. “As they’ve continuously worked to keep our city going before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic they deserve equity.

The momentum of New York City’s recovery endeavors continues, and we must stand with the women and people of color in underserved communities as they are being affected by this the most.

We migrate from contracts that have provided no benefit to these essential services workers, and provide everyone with equal opportunities for advancement and the compensation that is deserved.”

“That recovery cannot happen without fair wages for the women and BIPOC community who are the overwhelming majority of NYC human services’ workforce,” added Councilmember Amanda Farias, co-chair of the Women’s Caucus. “Our human service workers, who have been heavily relied upon since the start of the pandemic, are some of the lowest paid workers in New York’s economy. The average human services worker makes only $32,700 a year, far below what the standard requirements are to meet the basic expenses of living a self-sufficient sustainable life in New York City.

“We must honor our essential workers’ need for sustainable compensation with the same energy we gave them everyday at 7 p.m. through the height of the stay-athome order.”

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 27

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by June 16, 2022. Duplicate applications will not be accepted. Qualifications will be based on Section-8 Federal guidelines and additional selection criteria.

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28 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Religion & Spirituality Fred Beauford: the unappreciated American

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews At the beginning of “The Rejected American,” Fred Beauford presents his bona fides and his resentments. “I have started a new career,” he declared, “I am now a novelist.

So far this is not such a bad idea. I can’t get fired. I can’t get downsized. No one else can take credit for my work. And there is no such thing as an ‘ex-novelist.’” He goes on to state in this book he describes as “a motley collection of rejected essays, unanswered love letters, ignored job applications, spurned offers of friendship and unpublished letters to the editor,” and he ends this rant later with a bold decision to publish his own work. “I have the last laugh,” he wrote, “and I give a righteous finger to those who tried to contain my genius.”

Those who knew Fred, in any capacity, will recognize this element of his personality and his literary aspirations. I learned recently from a colleague, Robert Fleming, that Fred had died last October. It was rather ironic that someone so consumed with self-promotion has not received even a modicum of recognition, not even an obit from any of the publications he wrote for, published, or edited.

But that would be of no consequence to Fred, in many respects he wrote his own obituary, his own autobiography in many of his self-published books.

A portion of his early years can be found in “The Rejected American,” and one of his first rejections occurred as a child coming of age in various foster homes with his brothers. “My two brothers and I lived with Mrs. Thompson for almost seven years. I was six years old when we moved into her large house in the Coldsprings section of Buffalo,” he recalled in a chapter entitled “Personal History.” “Mrs. Thompson was a cruel taskmaster, who cleverly used terror tactics to keep us in line.”

Fred was 11 when his mother rescued him and his brothers from the terror and moved them with her to the Bronx. This stop on his journey that began probably in 1940 in Asbury Park, New Jersey, proved the longest and most rewarding

station along the way. His teen years were a volatile mixture of gang membership, living in the projects, and experiencing, as he put it, remnants of “The West Side Story,” with all the drama and violence associated with ethnic rivalry.

This stage of his life is interrupted in the book, and then comes the flood of rejections he forecast at the beginning of the collection. Here and there are bits and pieces of his venture to become a writer, the influence of John Oliver Killens, attendance to workshops at Columbia University, but his story continues most significantly in his memoir that appeared in the Neworld Review, the online publication and final and most success-

ful venture into the world of journalism.

One of the most compelling recollections he posited there centered on his tenure in the U.S. Army where he met Elvis Presley. After briefly recounting how he first encountered Elvis, who was a sergeant who waved to him one day, Fred noted that Elvis was sleeping “three bunks down from me, asked no special favors that I, or anyone else knew of, although they obviously existed, because he made sergeant in only two years, which was unheard of in peacetime, and he ultimately married the captain’s daughter.

“But as far as we were concerned,” Fred continued, “he was a ‘good ole boy,’ and did the same things that the rest of us did,

and got down and dirty in the trenches like the rest of us, which made him very popular and genuinely well liked among the lowly grunts.” This chance meeting with Elvis, as Fred noted in several essays and reflections, would crop up at various occasions, particularly in the several college classrooms where he taught and lectured.

Almost 20 years before I met Fred in person in the late ’80s, I picked up a copy of his first magazine Black Creation, and found it extremely insightful and relished each copy, though it didn’t last that long. Fred and I discussed this moment after he hired me to write for him during his eight years as editor of The Crisis magazine, the house organ for the NAACP. That began my close working association with him and learning of his dream to be the great American author, and his eventual dive into starting his own publishing company that he did with his brother Robert Morton. In his chapter on Elvis in his memoir he explains how he became Beauford and not a Morton like his brother. Those interested in that story can go online, where issues of Neworld Review are archived.

Despite the attention and some acclaim he received with the publication of Neworld, Fred was still pursuing a job at other more prestigious magazines and new outlets. After reading an ad for an editor at the New Times in Los Angeles, he applied, “Because of my work at Neworld,” he wrote, “I can honestly say that I have the broadest mental map of anyone I have encountered in this town. I would be interested in the position that you are offering and would bring many assets to the job as you can see from my resume.”

It was another rejection, and it revealed that he was still not satisfied with his accomplishments that included, “The Hard Luck Novel,” “The Year Jerry Garcia Died,” and others published by Morton Books. I am not sure what else was on Fred’s resume but a definitive one should not ignore the many writers he provided opportunities he didn’t get. And that alone is a reason he should not be a rejected American.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 29 jobs created during the first 13 months of northern regions have been the TPLF refused to acknowledge pia’s economy. It instructs the Today thein Ethiopian are Biden’s presidency. restaurant will be Newark, people of Newark, looted and decimated by rethe government’s U.S. to stop investment inand Ethidesperate for peace, stability, “This is something that was—not only authority. for Newark.”

Continuedfrom frompage page412 treatinghelped TPLF forces. work from For Ethiopians, at home from and page opia The pain the 10 and seeks to block loans Continued peopleThesurvive COVID- Continued Wilsonand is thedemocracy. founder of her eponymous to secure needsthat to start abroad, World Restaurant conflict has on inno19,peace something not only helps this themnational dialogue and support from the Melba’s in inflicted Harlem, New York their we surrender.

However, despite around now to reach restoretheir stability and reis transformayet another, albeit IMF and others. cent and impoverished comcoffeerare, shopopwithBank, a takeout window on There When look at what’s happening success, it was City’sispremiere comfort food destination. goodwill the Ethiopian devastated a new path no question in my mind, if550 thisBroad munities and Broad Street.

Details on the restaurant’s the world,from the war that we allgovhave build emo- the tional in how region. they doA so.portunity We wanttotostart Streetisisheart-breaking owned and operaternment including an amnesty and appropriate for aspects peace, of dialogue, further passed, it will the impact onGroup, the economy has tionally attached ourselves to, the clear chal-plan menu and designbill areisstill evolving, but directly continue that workcomin certain ed by Fidelco Realty the develof TPLF leaders all stakeholdeconomic reformMelba and strengthimpoverish Ethi-of stolen vital and hard-earned lenges that we’ve and had halting comingopbackmunication from BBB with the said they hope to have thousands the restau- inoper Child Tax Credit, universal 1 Washington Park, 494 Broad erations on thethe borders Tigray, ers andpre-k, the Ethiopian people ening ofchild respect human opia. And it will happen just 15years Ethiopia’s developCOVID-19 and futureoffor our children rantfor open in late 2022. the list goes on, affordable Street, JamesofStreet – Audible’s Innothe our TPLFgrandchildren,” has continued its about reconstruction and reha- rights and democracy.

Right months after President Biden Cathedral, ment. Instead of exacerbating RockPlaza Lofts and and saidag-Majority “I eat fried chicken; you eat fried chick- vation care,” said Pelosi. gression, recently against bilitation efforts is essential. now, members ofenCongress arethat, de-listed Ethiopia from the Af-landmark the pain, the U.S. should rally other Newark commercial and Whip Jamesmost E. Clyburn from South Caroliand from we’ll build a unique the“These peopleare of times Afar. that try men’s souls.”

It is also worthC. noting pursuing a new experience bill sponsored rican everyone Growth and Opportunibehind the friendly peopleThe of residential renaissance projects. na. that brings togethAriama Long isthat a Report for AmeriThe journey to peace Prime Abiy, when he byabout Rep. culture Tom Malinowski, tiescombine Act (AGOA) and support an renapbuilding Ethiopia is undergoing significant Jeffries and Pelosi wereand alsothe proud to Minister er—we’recalled going to ourcosting minds 200,000 ca corps member and writes rebuilding the Amhara, Afar of first power in inNew 2018,York set City thefor The Ethiopia Stabilization, jobs, of whom fe- and propriate national celebrate theofone-year anniversary thecame ovation is positioned to bedialogue a busichange lives,” saidmost Wilson.

“This iswere andtopolitics Am- and and Tigray regions can’t wait for up a national to end Peace, and Democracy Act moment males previously employed effort. for American Rescue Plan. nessin huband andreconciliation restaurant destination a very exciting for us; a Jewish sterdamdialogue News. Your donation to match the TPLF to lay down itstransformative arms. the ethnic Hehelps did so in her (HR6600).

It is guy a sanctionstextile industry.

That is what the one-milJeffries called the bill “a from Newarkthe and a Black woman the neighborhood. ourtensions.

RFA grant keep writing stoTen million internally partnership withthis religious, civic, first bill thatawillfrom seekHarlem to force This bill not rooted lion strong Ethiopian American piece” of legislation thatdisplaced saved the econArchitect David Rockwell of the awardare showing thatiswealso all have ries like one; please consider making people needthe aidpandemic. and the health leaders.gift This at- amount ‘peace’today by implementing puniin the realities is fighting We omy during He saidand thatbusiness winning community Rockwell Group will be for. particicommon through our of lovethe of conflict tax-deductible of any by so much in systems for of the tempt failed, primarily because tive measures tofood, cripple Ethiothe Horn The of Africa our representatives listen. itand was education directly responsible 7.4 million pating inhope the design of the new restaurant. family andand community. new region. visiting: https://tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w

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State, Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., P.O. Box 1150, Frankadvertising space is sold by N o t i c e o f r m a t i o n o f CONCIERGE DROP, LLC WORLD WIDE INTERNAwith the Secy. of NY (SSNY) t h e A m e r i c a s , N Y , N Y AMSTERDAM NEWS. Publicaoffiled therules proposal, payable toof the Comptroller ofCSC, the City251 of New York. ingamount to the and usage which time they will be publicly opened and read in the Division of AMNEWS CORPORATION __________________________________ Notice of formation of One c/o Little Falls St., Suite 4, Dover, LLC: Federal version with Secy.

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

Global Inc., 850 New Burton 10036.

The principal busiWilmington, DE 19808.

Cert. fort, KY 40602-1150.

Purthe is NEW YORK AMSTERArts.

TIONAL of Org. filedTRIFORCE with Secy. Dr., RECORDS LLC. DE 19901. Purpose: Any AN PikMyBrain, LLC Arts. of S on 03/26/2021 NY office loca10019.

Purpose: Any Islands lawful tion made and charged acof such A 97 01/07,14 Purchasing office. DE and Only Management Group Wilmington, 19808. ofISAIAH NY (SSNY) on State auction atQualification the Bronx County Courthouse, 851 Grand ConKennedy-Arenivar Mental LP formed in Cayman THE NYCDOT DIVISION OFSecy.

BRIDGES IS SEEKING QUALIFIED BIDDERS/ Rd., Ste. 201, Dover, DE Notice of of HVS ness address of the LLC is 36 pose: of Form. filed with DE Electrical contracting DAM NEWS. Publication is State of NY (SSNY) on of Org filed with Secy. of of Arts Org. filed with Secy. of State tion NY County.

SSNY has activity.

2340 FREDERICK DOUGLAS B (print or type) cording to the terms of this card.

JOHNSON. LLC of Org. W03, filed with Cert. of Form. filed with THIS Secy. XLII Lawful Purpose.

12/01/20, converting 11 and course, Room 600, Bronx, New York on January 27, 2020 at Health Counseling PLLCfiled Ap- Name CONTRACTORS THEJohn ABOVE REFERENCED CONTRACT. on Princ. of(C.I.) 19904.

Cert. ofon Form. filed Appl. for Auth.

47th02/06/19.

Street, New WestArts. of State, Div. of FOR Corps., sub-contracting work, made and charged according 03/04/22.

State Office location: NY NY of NY (SSNY) 12/27/17. designated as an agent been −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− One (1) original and tenFOR (10)oncopies ofLLC both technical and cost the Secy. of NY (SSNY) on PROCUREMENT IS SUBJECT PARTICIPATION GOALS of State, Div. of (SSNY) Corps., John 78TH STREET CO. to TOand EAST 2:00PM, premises known as 1312 Needham Avenue, Bronx, pl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of fice of LP: 650 Madison Ave., with DE Secy. ofNY State, Div. NEW YORK NY 10027 with Secy. of State of NY NY 10036.

Purpose: York, G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Fedall activities and purposto Rates the terms of this card.

Princ. office of LLC: Office location: NY County.

07/02/21.

Office location: County. whom process against it upon proposals.

The Technical and Cost Proposals shall be in seperate MINORITY OWNED LLC. BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (MBEs) AND/OR and regulations sub06/08/2021 NYoroffice location G. related Townsend Bldg., WOMEN 401 Fed- (SSNY) 11E78 Office NY 10469.

All that(SSNY) certain plot or of and land, with the State of NY onpiece NYE 10022.

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

Office any lawful act es thereto. eral St., Dover, DE 19901.

NOTICE OF SALE 305 E.REALTY 40th St., NY, NY (WBEs) County.

SSNY N O TIC O FSSNY FOactivity.

Rhas M ATIO N may beparcel served shall mail SSNY designated as agent OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AS REQUIRED BY SECTION sealed containers and may be as hand buildings delivered or mailed to thelocation: above Notice of formation of NY County. been jectRates to change without notice.

St., Dover,designated DE 19901. eral and regulations sub(212)932−7400 location: NY lawful County.

Princ. and improvements erected, situate, lying and being 01/27/2022.

Office LP3P is Perpetual.

SSNY Bldg., 401 Federal St., Dover, of location: NY10:00 County.

LLC Purpose: Any activity.

10016.

SSNY as NEW agent whomwill process Associates, LLC.desigArts copy ofupon any process against a of LLC whom process 6-129 (Local Law designated 1 of 2013) OF THE YORKupon CITY ADMINISTRATIVE address.

Proposals not be accepted after am on the LLC Arts. of Org. ScratchFoto designated as an agent upon Purpose: Any lawful activity.

No as to notice. position of LLC: c/o Friedman office in the Borough and County of Bronx, City and State of NY, NY County.

SSNY designatject agreements to change without nated as agent of LP upon DE LLC 19901.

Purpose: Any of O rg filed w ith Secy. of in Delaware (DE) Do on .

CODEof(Target/ Goal M/WBE can be seen in the Band of the Bid SUPREME COURT COUNuponforwhom probe served shall mail agent may C/O LLC: against it ism ay bethe served.

Kennedy Lewis Ac- formed date ofSchedule bid opening.

NOBook EXCEPTIONS WILL BE GRANTED. filed with the Secy of State of the whom process against it may Notice ofLLC Qualification of 3 Azimut Management 770 LexBlock: 4711 Lot: 75.

Approximate amount judgment ed as agent of LLC upon whom may or those Noregulations, agreementsother as tothan position lawful activity.

SSNY designated Subjectofto the APPRENTICESHIP Number 1 of 2).Co., This Contract is alsoNotice TY OF against BRONX, cess copy it CITIBANK, may be against LLC 04/19/21.

States United t a t e process of N Y against (shall S S Nmail Yit) are o na SSNY shall mail Corporation process to S ofprocess formation of Cielo Under this agreement rates sub cess Fund III GP LLC Auth. not remove any pages; all proposals are to process be submitted intact.it For New York (SSNY) on costs. be and TIMES SQUARE LEASEington Ave., NY, NY 10065. $705,125.24 plus interest and Premises will be sold whom against may served.

SSNY mail be served or regulations, other than printed on this.

PROGRAM and the NYC Comptrollers Labor Law 220 prevailing wages 107 ADOPTION as agent of LLC upon whom CONFIRMATION N.A., vs. for ESTATE SSNY shall mailAuth. pro- filed 1441 Broadway, New York, served.Plaintiff, toinformation Agents, Inc. 7014 13 Ave., Av- ORDER 11/17/2017.

Office shall location. the LLC , 1025 Fifth Disaster Operations/LoAzul w/ SSNY 7/29/21.

Off. in call (631) 957-3025.

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

SSNY designated asNagent of subject toagainst provisions of filed Judgment Index# 380685-13. be served.

SSNYit shall mail process to the Partnership at requirements as described inRudnitthe Solicitation Materials. those printed on this. process may be event of a cancellation before sch cess New to c/o Benjamin York 10018.

Purpose: O F E L L A B R O W A / K / A enue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY County.

SSNY designatA p t .

3 E F S o u t h , N Y , N Y gistics Cert of FormLLC. filedArts w/ Only anyCo. andConsultants all proposals. tion: New York County.

SSNY the LLC is C/O theofLLC: 595 filed with Secy.whom of State of NY NY the princ. office the LP. LLC cash or the certified funds payable to the Referee willAny acprocess to LLC: 132 W NY Notice of formation ofbe Grits Single woman looking to build Til forbid orders charged for SSNY shall mail proOWNED AND WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES the of the sky anyOrg lawful act. with E LMINORITY Lat Aupon Mon Aprinc.

E07/29/21.

B Roffice O Wprocess N , E T OWNED 11228.

Purpose: lawed agent upon whom pro10028.

Purpose: Any lawful of filed Secy. of served.

Til forbid orders charged for 7/1/21.

SSNY desig.

SSDE has designated as agent Baltic Street, Brooklyn, NY (SSNY) Office and addr. of each genName against it may be served. cepted as a deposit in the amount of ten percent of the pur31st Street, 9 Fl, New York, Entertainment LLC Arts of family by adoption.

Any her rate charged will be based upon th rate or or deto Corporation Service (M/WBE) will be afforded full opportunity to submitof bids NY and the(SSNY) City ofbeNew LLC. Purpose: Any lawful ac- as AL., Defendant(s). activity. ceral e s s partner m Purpose: a y b e are s eAny rvavailable e dlawful and activity. on cess State Proposal may examined and 10001. obtained at Purpose: the Town Hall rate earned. earned.Increases Increases agt. ofdocuments LLC whom process whom process against it ful upon Not Printed at location: NYnotifies County.

LLC SSNY shall mail process to chase price. 80 NY Any OrgApplicable filed with the Secy of 11217. ethnicity welcome, expenses York hereby all bidders that it7/29/20. will affirmatively ensure that anyNY Salesperson: Co. (CSC), Stateand St.,4:30 Alcreases in space take take the rate tivity. shall mail copy of process Office location: Purchasing Department between the hours of 9:00 a.m. decreases in space theof be served & shall mail may may be served.

SSNY desigactivity. formed in Delaware (DE) on the LLC at the addr. of its SSNY. C.I. addr. of470LP: State of NY (SSNY) on NY from lawful NY activity. paid. call contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement will be awarded to the bany, 12207-2543.

DE Notice arate new Persuant to a Purpose: Judgment of g a inMaples sPlease t L L C Corporate to : (347) U S CSero rp −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− County.

SSNY designated as of formation of 560 ac/o p.m. daily except Sundays andas Holidays, on and whom after process c/o Universal Regofadvertisement. a new advertisement. agent upon nated 07/27/21.

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

Any Office location: NY County. or my attorney: (800) 5228 Frank of D. LLC: Lombardi, Esq., addr. c/omay CSC, 251 N o t i c eNECK o f F oRD r m aLLC t i o nArts. o f Agents Inc., 7014 13th Ave., F osex, rc loactivity. s u reManagement a n d S a lenational d u ly origin, 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 vices Limited, POAd Box 309, 582-3678 #: 1938 Dr., Wilmington, TheNew NewYork York AMSTERof formation of Ripka T a k a mhas i c h i been B e athe udesignated t ySecy.

R o o of m Notice filed on June 01, 2017 The AMSTERDAM BK, NY 11228.

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Cert. of Form. filed DAM NEWS reserves the Arts LLC Arts. address: of Org. Cayfiled Shapiro, Dicaro & Barak, LLC LLC. of Org. filed with anschedule O rder ppointing S uccipal business 300 ofparticipation process LLC against the LLC served upon NY copy NEWS reserves the right to "B"AinQualification the proposal concerning M/WBE the contract.

(SSNY) on 07/14/2021 www.townofbabylon.com.

NY 12061.

Add.inagainst maintained 10154.

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

Cert. of Secy. for of the State of DE, NY right to reject, censor,alter reject, alter orall with74th the Secy. of NY NY, (SSNY) Attorney(s) Plaintiff N Y office D e plocation t . o f SNY t a t e o n E. participation to be St, submitted by theNY with The of schedule of proposed M/WBE cessor Referee dated No#10A, NY to 220 60th #3k, NY, censor, or revise in DE: EisUniversal Registered the LLC: 88Dover, Greenwich is C/O agent LLC upon whom proand shall Office mail alocation: copyCounty. of or any Name (print type) 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 revise all advertisements in on NY office loca175 Mile Crossing Boulevard 10/3/17.

NY vember 28, 2017, I, the 10021.

10022.

R/A: VB&T Certified SSNY has been designated MORRISON & TENEBAUM Start: 12/ advertisements in accordance Agents, Inc., 300 Creek View Street, Apt 714, New York, process against the LLC to Partnerships C.I., 133 Elgin cess against it goalmay be Auth. filed Secy. of this State of bids.

Thewith M/WBE for project Public isSPECIAL 24 %. Accountants, 19901.

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

SSNY has Rochester, New York 14624 C ounty.

Princ. bus. addr.: accordance its rulesthe govdersigned Referee will sell 110 SERVICES Purpose: any lawful act.

PLLC, an agent upon whom proRd, Ste. 209, Newark, DE with its ruleswith governing acNY 10006.

Purpose: Any lawserved.

SSNY shall mail proC/O the LLC Angela Polite been NY (SSNY) on 11/23/20. of Ave., Box 123, Grand Cayactivity.

87 WALKER STREET Times Ord: designated as an agent the New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (877)430-4792 283 Decatur St., Brooklyn, erning the acceptance 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, ful activity.

250 W Name the the stipulations of1632, Schedule against may2G beNY, served cess 19711. add. of auth. ceptance of advertising and of access Fleece 231 w.

149thit St. 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 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 advertising and for accepts noto Bronx County Courthouse, NY 1017.

Purpose: lawful and any DE Cert of NEW LLP, Partner-in-charge cepts no liability its failure 10003 LLC formed in Delaware (DE)detriment pose: Any lawful activity.

YORK NY 10013 STD 1.00 X Notice of Formation of2019 ETER100 pills for of $150. for $99. significantly unbalanced to the potential offiled: the Department mayGrants. be cause may be served and shall mail Development Block 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 Conliability for its failure to insert against the LLC is process Dated: November 18, #98015 Form DE Sec. of State, of matters, 560designatLexing- and the rejection of the bid. tary. insert an advertisement for any 11/17/20.

SSNY onRudin . for a determination of non-responsiveness NIS FINE CHEMICALS USA shipping.

Money back STD aFREE copy 75TH of any STREET, process against through the NY Rising Community Reconstruction program of uponthe whom process against EAST LLC course, Bronx, NY on Januan advertisement for any C/O LLC: 620 W 42nd St Notice of Formation of SIGDiv. of Corp, John G. Total ton Ave., 6th Fl., NY, NY ed as agent of LLC upon Notice cause. Credit for errors in adverofwill formation of of Jess Arts. SP ofProposers Org. filed with Formation of BRG WESTguaranteed!

1-855-579-8907 the LLC is C/O thewith LLC: 175 the Governor’s Office StormLLC Recovery. m ust it may be served and shall of Org. filed Secy. arySolicitation 29,process 2018 atof2:00 documents (Specifications ONLY) be available for 21A, New York, NY Arts. cause. Credit for errors in 5, LLC Arts. of Apt NATURE Townsend Bldg., POArts.

Box 10022.

DE addr.

LLC: Coragainst itp.m., may whom tisements allowed only for first Trayah Interiors LLC Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) SIDE LLC the West 12 offiled Street, Apt.Secy.

4B, download 9,Dover, 2019 forany the full duration of of agency comply with and all funding requirements, as of wellState as mail process to: Any 263 of Bowof State NYwith (SSNY) on Class: 101 p re m is eService sfree kSSNY nofo charge wCo., n shall a starting s 1 mail 5Lit5December 0 898, 10036.

Purpose: lawful Org. filed with Secy. advertisements allowed only DE 19903.

Any poration 251 Notice of Qualification of 79 Notice of Qualification 980 be served. insertion.

DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Org filed with the Secy. of 08/02/21.

Office location: the Solicitation Time U from the City at CityCounty, Record Onof2 /0State NY on New PurNotice is Fl., hereby that a 1 any Website other State, Town oron government agency ery, 2nd NY, given NY 10002.

4York, /1 7 .ofONY ffic10011. e(SSNY) lo c a tio n: U nionport RWilmington, oad, N o. Record activity. oflocal NY (SSNY) onor11/19/20. for first insertion. lawful purpose. tle Falls Dr., DE PLACE OWNER CLIFTON RAIL PROPERTY LLC Appl. process to c/o AnbaunitEnter+ $14.95 High Channels State of NY (SSNY) on Line (https://mspwvw-dcscpfvp.nyc.gov/CROLPublicFacingWeb/) Rate: BL NY County.

SSNY designat11/21/19.

Office loc.: NY license, number 1324834 for NY pose: Any lawful activity. rules and regulations. A goal of 15% forAppl.

New York State activity.

County.

SSNY designat6A, Bronx, cerlocation: NY Certified County.

Office 19808.

Cert. of All Form.

LLC for Auth. filed with Purpose: for Auth. any filed lawful with Secy. of prises, 11 E.NY. 26th St.,that NY,filed NY 30 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

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CLASSIFIED DISPLAY CLASSIFIED DISPLAY • •Classified (boarderor Classified Display Display (boarder or picture) advertisements picture) advertisements take the take theearned regularrate earned rateclasof regular of their their classification.

Display sification. Display (boarder or pic(boarder or picture) advertiseture) advertisements one column ments onebe column wide must wide must 14 lines deep; two be 14 28 lines columns, lines deep; deep; 3two colcolumns, 28 lines deep; 3 umns, 56 lines deep. Classicolumns, 56 lines deep. fied Display (boarder or picture) Classified Display (boarder or placed as close to classifications picture) placed as close to as rules and makeup permit. classifications as rules and makeup permit.

CLASSIFICATIONS CLASSIFICATIONS All advertisement accepted forAll publication is classified acadvertisement accepted cording to the standard class for publication is classified iaccording f i c a t i o n to s . Misclassification the standard is c not l a permitted. s s i f i c a t i o n s .

Misclassification is not permitBASIS OF CHARGE ted.

BASIS OF CHARGE Charges are based on point Charges are based on size and characters perpoint line. size and characters pertheline.

Upon reaching 15 lines rate Upon reaching 15 lines the converts to column inch. Any rate converts column inch. deviation fromtosolid composiAny such deviation from solid comtion as indentation, use of position suchbold as type, indentation, white space, etc., will use ofa white space, bold type, incur premium. etc., will incur a premium.

Caseofoferror, error,notify notifythe the InInCase Amsterdam 212-932-7440 AmsterdamNews News 212-9327440 7400

NY officeandloca11/12/2020. as designated agent of as LLC upon Minority Businesses for New York A15% ed Drawings areofnotState available download and MUST be purchased. tain plot, or of SSNY agent of with Secy. of for the Secy. of StateState of NYCertified (SSNY) DEpiece addr. of parcel LLC: 251 10010.

Notice of Formation of CLIFtion: NY County. has has whom process against it this may 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 land, with and LLC upon whom process State of DE, John G. on 11/06/19.

Office location: Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, FORD HOUSE PRESERVAdesignated as agent been be served.

SSNY shall mail City Department oft sTransportation, Officeproject. of the Agency Chief Contracting Proposers must demonstrate their good-faith efforts to iTownsend m p r o v e m e n t h e r e o n it may be served. against 401 Federal LLCCorporation formed in NY County.

DEOfficer/Contract 19808. Bldg., Cert. of Form. filed TION, L.P. Cert. ofNew LPYork, filedit process upon whom process against Management Unit, 55 Water Street, Ground Floor, to c/o achieve these goals. erected, situate, lying and SSNY shall mailon process to St., Dover, DE 19901.

PurDelaware (DE) 10/23/19. with Secy. of between State, Div. of - 3:00 New York 10041 9:00 a.m. p.m., Monday excludes Secy. ofto Friday, Stateshall of mail NY Service may be served and Co., 80 State St., Alb eholidays. i n gAny i401 nThe t hentrance e B o risolocated u g hSte. o fthewith Corporation Service Co., 80 pose: lawful activity.

Princ. office of LLC: 1120 Corps., Federal St., on South Side of the Building facing the (SSNY) 08/05/21.

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

PurTown will not reimburse any individual or firm with any costs Bronx, County of Bronx, City St., Albany, NY 12207State ndthe building without Veterans Memorial. You will not be allowed of the Americas, Ste. Ave.proposal.

4, Vietnam Dover, DE 19901.

Purlocation: County.

LLC: 520NY 2inwith Ave, SuitePrinc.

20B,of their pose: lawful activity. associated the preparation Notice Qualification a ngovernment d SAny t of a t lawful eissued o f identification N e w Y o(driver's rof k , license, 2543. Any Purpose: Any SSNY lawful etc.).

NY, NY 10036. pose: activity. of LP: Hudson office New passport, York, NY 30 10016.

Pur- 1803, MONTICELLO STRUCBlock 3943 and Lot 2867 toactivity. as agent of LLC designated A depositPRODUCTS of $50.00 is required for thepose: specification books and aNY, deposit 72nd Fl., NY Notice Any lawful activity. of Formation HAN The Town of Babylon encourages m inority and wom en ofowned TURED g eofth$50.00 e r ofwisith a n uforn each dofivMSPid e d Yards, required drawing set in the Latest form of a date certified upon whom KU process Notice Formation THE oncheck which 10001.

LLC against Arts. ofit businesses to participate all bids.DYNASTY 16, Appl. for interest Auth. filed 0.0133 percent Notice of may Formation ofin SIGorLLC money order payable tointhe the New LP York City Department of is may be served.

SSNY shall BIG RED UMBRELLA, LLC dissolve Org. filed with Secy. of State with Secy. of No State ofPersonal NY Checks Notice of Formation of THE theTransportation.

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ApCash Accepted.4, LLC Arts. of mail NATURE c/o 08/18/21.

CorporaArts. of Org. filed withorOffice Secy.

12/31/2119.

SSNYthe designatThe Town SP reserves right to reject any or(SSNY) all bids.to GOLF, of NYprocess on (SSNY) on amount 08/02/21.

BOROUGHS LLC proximate of judgeOrg. filed with Secy. of State tion Service Co., 80 State St., of State of NY (SSNY) on A Pre-Bid meeting (Optional) has beened scheduled for December 16, 2019 as agent of LP upon Office NYwith County. location: NYin the County.

LLC Contracting Arts. oflocation: Org. filed Secy. m ent is AM $119,173.75 plus ofTheresa NYprocess (SSNY) on 11/19/20. at 10:00 Agency Chief Officer Bid against Room, Ground Albany, NY 12207-2543.

Office location: NY 11/06/20.

Sabatino it may Princ. whom office of LLC: 307 DE W. formed in Delaware (DE) on of State of NY (SSNY) on interest and costs.

Premises Office location: NY County.

Floor, 55SSNY Water designated Street, NYC. All bidders are requested to addr. of Little Falls County. as prospective Commissioner of General Services be served.

SSNY shall mail 38th St.,LLC: NY,251location: NY 10018.

07/29/21.

Princ.

LLC: Office NY 11/23/20. willattend. beofsold subject toofInproviSeats areoffice limited. this connection, limit the as number of of Dr., designated agent SSNY please Wilmington, DEagent 19808.

LLC upon whom proagent process to Corporation SerSSNY designated as of 600 Third Ave., 21st Fl., NY, County.

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LLC: attendees to maximum of two personnel perupon firm. Please submit the sions of filed Judgment InLLC whom process of Form. with Cert. cess against it may be Date: January 9,State 2018 vice Co., 80later St., LLC upon whom process NY SSNY 56 State, Leonard St., Apt. 39W, attendees to Manager (2)Ald ename(s) x10016. # SSNY 3 of 80 2 4shall 6 / designated 2 0mail 1 2the . proNProject o bany, itno may than be two served. against of John G. Townsend served.

NY 12207-2543.

Name against it10013. may SSNY be served. business days prior to the pre-bid date. as agent of upon whommeeting desigNY, NY Cash willFredda beLLC Accepted.

SSNY shallofmail process to SSNY Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, cess to Herz Brown, and addr. each general shall mailofprocess to process againstbe itsubmitted may bewriting nated as agent LLC upon All questions in to the designated person indicated Corporation Service Co., 80 Corporation DE 19901.

Purpose: Dover, 450 E. SSNY 83rdshall St., Apt. 16A, partner are available from DeFoe Corp. invites all inDeFoe Corp. invites all inService Co., 80 served. shall mail proprocess against it may whom of is December 20, 2019.

L abelow. u NY r a Deadline C . B r for oPurpose: wsubmission n e , E sAny q questions . , SSNY. St., Albany, NY 12207State Any lawful activity.

NY, 10028.

Any t e r e s t Purpose: ed and q u a llawful i f i e d State tbe ere sSt., t e dAlbany, aSSNY n d qNY u a12207l i f mail ied cess to the LLC at the princ. served. shall Referee 2543. Purpose: Any lawful Mr. Hari Velkur, lawful activity. activity.

MWBE firms to submit pro- 2543.

Purpose: of MWBE firms toOperations submit prooffice of the LLC. DE addr.and of Construction process to Sarika Singh at Director of Engineering Programs, ACCO, activity.for posals the following NYS restaurants. posals to the following NYS LLC: the princ. office of the LLC. Management K n u cc/o k lof eCorporation sFormation , KFinance, o m o s Contracts iService n s kBIOi && Program Notice of Departm ent of TransportaDepartm ent of TransportaNOTICE OF FORMATION: Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., A golf simulation Purpose: York of Transportation W 124TH ST LLC, Notice of Formation of CLIFM a n fr o , L L PNew , 5LLC 6 5 City T a Department x teofr 122-124 PROTECTORS, Arts. tion project: Best Valueretailer.

Bid project: Mental Health Abbott 55DE Water Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10041 Wilmington, 19808.

Cert. and -golf related of Org. filed withCounthe tion Road, Ste. 590, Elm sford, Org. filed with Secy. of212-839-9403, State Arts.

Telephone No. Fax No. 212-839-4241 seling, PLLC. Articles ofOffice Org. FORD HOUSE PRESERVAof Form. filed with DE Secy.

SSNY on 08/19/2021.

N Y 1 0 5 2 3 , A t t o r n e y s f o r NY (SSNY) on 12/03/19. of TION GP, LLC Arts.

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SSNY Org. LLC. Arts of Org of Candles LLP, 405 Lexington Singer Bid Date: January 25, 2018 Bid Date: shall mailOffice process against to (SSNY) th January 24, 2018 designated as agent 11/7/19. location: NY 08/02/21.

The LLC, 369 Office West 126th on filed withon 09/22/2020. loc: Secy. of StateofOffice ofLLC NY Ave., 12 Fl., NY, NY 10174.

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NY5/29/20.

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State of DE, whom process against it to will be Monday, January 15, 2018 in to: Cert Daniel L.address: Kesten, upon andclosed shall06902. mail copy of process served sell liquor retail inataretail restauth Any lawful LLC activity.

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NY425 (SSNY) on ast a agent Madison jamin coholic Control tSSNY h e S designated e cBeverage y been . of S t e ooff 10021.

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Consumer AfCall Rd, DINo Additional Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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UM (NEW YORK) of LPDrain upon whom two years. term ® shall mail BORROWER, process✔to SSNY Technology Patented Quickof Princ. office of LLC: 276 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. against it m ay be served.

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Name itto: and addr. may be addressed DepartOffice NY 11/07/19.

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SSNY shall mail prodesignated as agent of LLC upon of each general partner ment of Consumer Affairs, County. LLC in cess to Jacob M. Weinrebare SoulCycle LLC formed Appl. for at whom process against itofmay be available SSNY. PurATTN: Foilfrom Officer, 42 BroadDelaware (DE) on 08/21/17.

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State Or the visit: www.walkintubinfo.com/nypress princ. office of the LLC. served. process Any York, lawfulNY activity. way, New 10004. office shall ofonmail LLC: 1270 pose: Princ.

NY SSNY (SSNY) 08/16/21. of Purpose: Any lawful activity. to T h e B o a rd o f M a n a g e rs o f Ave. of location: the Americas, NY, NY Office NY County.

Trump SoHo Hotel Condominium SSNY designated as N Notice formation of 10020.

LLC formed in Delaware (DE) O TIC E of O F FO R M ATIO N NY at the princ. office of the LLC. agent of LLC SSNY upon whom pro- OF Celebrity LLCofAppl.

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SSNY shall mail Notice of Formation of 319 1 2 / 1 9 / 1 7 . O f f i c e l o c : N Y vice New York County.

SSNY has Co. (CSC), 80 State St., of State of New York (SSNY) process to c/o Corporation W est 10 6 t h12207-2543.

S t r e e t , L LDE C C ounty. SSN Y designated Albany, NY designated agent been on 05/18/2021.

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The Post Ofdesignated as an agent DE LLC: c/o CSC, mail of process against tember 15, 2017.

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

101 LEGAL NOTICE

888-609-0248 _____________________________________ __________ Name (print or type) Name (sign

.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 31

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

Notice of Qualification of 807 BANK STREET PROPERTY LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/28/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 09/15/21.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of JOKR - 2409 BROADWAY, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/07/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 08/06/21.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o C T Corporation System, 28 Liberty St., NY, NY 10005.

DE addr. of LLC: The Corporation Trust Co., Corp. Trust Center, 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of BET THEORY LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/15/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/13/21. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of ACCELECOM HOLDINGS, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/14/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 01/26/22.

Princ. office of LLC: 125 W. 55th St., NY, NY 10019.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808.

Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of DE, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of FIVE IRON GOLF SHELBY LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of NY (SSNY) on State 01/08/2021. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to c/o 883 Avenue of the Americas, 3Fl, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: any lawful act

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110 SERVICES

110 SERVICES

Notice of Qualification of 538 CARLTON AVE, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/17/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 12/29/21.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of JOKR - 475 9TH AVENUE, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/07/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 09/14/21.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o C T Corporation System, 28 Liberty St., NY, NY 10005.

DE addr. of LLC: The Corporation Trust Co., Corp. Trust Center, 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Sol Design Studios LLC Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 12/02/21. Office Location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 545 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10018. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of SASH ARCHITECTS, PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/19/22. Office location: New York county. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 16 Sandburg Drive, Morganville, NJ 07751. Purpose: Architecture services.

Notice of formation of Martin & Sargent LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State NY (SSNY) on 01/11/22. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 237 E. 26th Street, New York, NY 10010. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of Qualification of CALIBRANT SOUTH PORTLAND, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/28/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 12/23/21. Princ. office of LLC: 125 W. 55th St., NY, NY 10019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of DE, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of ENSURANCE HEALTH, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/17/21. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Florida (FL) on 04/27/21. Princ. office and FL addr. of LLC is: 6245 Powerline Rd., Ste. 205, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33073. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Cert. of Form. filed with Laurel M. Lee, Secy. of State, The Centre of Tallahassee, 2415 N. Monroe St., Ste. 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303. Purpose: Insurance agency.

Notice of Formation of FEHER AGENCY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/14/22.

Office location: NY County.

Princ. office of LLC: 33 2nd Ave., Apt. 4C, NY, NY 10003.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Samantha Lord Feher at the princ. office of the LLC. The regd. agent of the company upon whom and at which process against the company can be served is Samantha Lord Feher, 33 2nd Ave., Apt. 4C, NY, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Orderly Elements LLC Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/13/21.

Office Location: NY County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: David G. Kanter, 172nd St, Apt 8, New York, NY 10012. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of FORT LAUDERDALE PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/04/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Florida (FL) on 04/07/21. Princ. office of LLC: 655 Park Ave., #2D, NY, NY 10065. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Clifton Bldg., 2661 Executive Center Circle, TalPurlahassee, FL 32301. pose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of 9240 QUEENS BOULEVARD, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/17/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 01/13/22.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808.

Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of CION MAN MANAGEMENT, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/01/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/14/21.

Princ. office of LLC: c/o CION Investment Group, LLC, 3 Park Ave., 36th Fl., NY, NY 10016. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. DE addr. of LLC: Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Carvel State Office Bldg., 820 N. French St., 8th Fl., Wilmington, DE 19801.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Elias Law Group LLP Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 12/08/21.

Office Location: NY County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: InCorp Services, Inc. One Commerce Plaza – 99 Washington Ave., Suite 805-A, Albany, NY 12210-2822. Purpose: Practice of law.

Notice of formation of Casey Gensler, LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State NY (SSNY) on 01/15/21. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 110 W 87th Street, Apt 2B, New York, NY 10024. Purpose: any lawful act.

KINGLET FILMS LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/25/2022. 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, 7014 13TH AVENUE , SUITE 202 BROOKLYN, NY, 11228, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of JOKR - 1989 CONEY ISLAND AVENUE, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/07/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 06/29/21.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o C T Corporation System, 28 Liberty St., NY, NY 10005.

DE addr. of LLC: The Corporation Trust Co., Corp. Trust Center, 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of ELYSIUM VC (BETA) LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/10/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 02/08/22.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, Attn: Bradley J. Wechsler, 445 Park Ave., Ste. 1401, NY, NY 10022. DE addr. of LLC: c/o Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808.

Cert. of Form. filed with The Secy. of State of the State of DE, Dept. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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32 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

101 LEGAL NOTICES

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Notice of Formation of Talydgeeia LLC Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 07/16/21. Office Location: Bronx County.

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Screenshot of a Youtube video which talks about the vaccine microchip conspiracy theory.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Vaccine hesitancy, especially as it relates to government surveillance, is understandable. For years, marginalized communities have been targets of unjustified surveillance, but rest assured, the COVID-19 vaccine is not surveillance technology. In order to dispel this rumor, it is important to understand the facts behind what is in the COVID19 vaccine, especially as it re-

Cannabis Continued from page 4

going through their pocket and pulling out a joint, and then locking them up,” said Adams to reporters recently. “So they were not front in line in the perp walk, they should not be front in line and benefiting from the cannabis industry. It needs to go back in the communities that were hurt the hardest, and that is what we need to focus on.”

One person that will focus on those things is Manhattan County Leader and Director of Strategic Planning for Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LL’s Government Relations group Keith Wright. Wright said that his firm has a few clients who want to open dispensaries. He emphasized that no one would or should be left out of the green gold rush.

“Simply, all those former road-

fects of the vaccine. “As is the case with any vaccine or medicine…there is a risk of an over immune reaction.” Merad explains that hundreds of millions of people have been vaccinated and we know the side effects so we are able to prepare people to experience them and also treat them. The benefits outweigh the risks; dealing with mild side effects for a short period of time can save someone’s life if they are infected with COVID-19. blocks in terms of contracting and procurement with the state of New York should be erased,” saidWright.

“Because if you have a company of color, they’re supposed to be given, you know, a leg up with, you know, their courage to apply for a license.

That’s my understanding of the legislation.”

Wright did warn that there must be some rules established with marijuana in other ways.

“It should impact affirmatively on an economic level in terms of economic development, and entrepreneurship. I think we have to be careful in terms of how it impacts in terms of our kids,” Wright said. “We don’t want kids walking into a smoke shop and say, you know, ‘I want five joints and a quarter pound’…I think this is like the Wild West and we have to be very, very careful. But ultimately—on an economic level—hopefully it will improve communities of color.”

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 33

St. John’s sprinter Skyy Diop readies for outdoor season

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews Coming off strong finishes at the Big East Indoor Championships and the ECAC Championships, St. John’s University senior sprinter Skyy Diop is feeling confident. At the Big East Championships, she recorded personal bests in both of her races— placing fourth in the 200-meter dash and earning the silver medal behind teammate Leah Anderson in the 400 meters. She was also a part of the 4x400 relay team that took the silver medal. Her impressive performances continued at the ECAC Championships, where she achieved a personal best in the 400 meters and finished first.

“This indoor season went very well,” said Diop.

“Every race and competition I was consistently getting better, which gave me the confidence to run the times that I ran at the ECACs. After Big East, I felt I had more in me to run even faster. The ECACs proved it was true.”

Diop, who is from Whitby, Ontario, Canada, grew up wanting to run college track in the United States. “I started track when I was 12, and ever since then I’ve been on the path of competing. It was always my dream to go to a college for track and for my education,” she said. “The U.S. was the best place for it. I chose St. John’s University because of my coach and the teammates that were there, and it all worked out.”

The last two years have not been easy. Outdoor season in 2020 was canceled abruptly due to the pandemic. Indoor season in 2021 was quite short.

Skyy Diop looks forward to a strong outdoor season (St. John’s Athletics photo)

The Red Storm got back in action during the 2021 outdoor season and looked forward to an uninterrupted 2021-’22 competition year. Thus far, this year has been very consistent.

“This season has been my best since I’ve been at St. John’s because of the consistency, the hard

work and the confidence that I have,” said Diop, who gives credit to her teammates and to the director of track and field, Aliann Pompey. “All that coming together helped me run what I did.”

Diop will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in graphic design this spring. She has another year of

eligibility but has not yet decided if she will remain at St. John’s, start graduate school and run another year.

Right now, her focus is on outdoor seasons, which starts March 23. “I believe this outdoor is going to go very well,” said Diop.

Several marks are lowered at the New Balance Nationals Indoors

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

As it has historically been, the New Balance Nationals Indoors held at the New Balance Track & Field Center at The Armory in Washington Heights this past weekend was a meet at which some of the best scholastic athletes in the country set new national standards.

On Saturday, the Newbury Park (California) Athletic Club boys 4xMile relay team altered the record books by posting 16:29:31. Not to be outdone, an hour later, the quartet from Flower Mound, Texas authored a national high school mark of their own in the girls 4xMile, crossing the tape in 19:37:78.

A large number of the spectators anticipated that junior sprinter Shawnti Jackson would capture the girls 200-meter sprint and add a new record to her resume. After all, in January at the Millrose Games staged at The Armory, the 16-year-old from Raleigh, North CarHigh School track & field athletes turned in outstanding performances at this past weekend’s New Balance Nationals Indoors at The Armory in olina, broke the all-time 60-meter high school national time running 7.18, as Washington Heights (John Nepolitan photo) well as etching a new age group world record and national junior class mark. sive Ramiah Elliot of the North Central winning the event in a time of 23.34.

“I was just trying to get out as hard as “…I’m happy. I haven’t trained in like But not at full strength this trip, Jack- Track Club of Indianapolis, Indiana, Jackson was second in 23.50 and Mad- I could and try to just hold [my speed] five weeks because of an injury so I’m son came in second to the impres- who set a new Indiana state record by ison Whyte third clocking 23.73. and finish as best I could,” Jackson said. very proud of myself.”

34 • March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

Kyrie gains public support as NYC continues COVID mandate

By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews As the game clock ticked down late in the first half of Sunday afternoon’s matinee at the Barclays Center between the Brooklyn Nets and visiting New York Knicks, Kyrie Irving, his fiancee Marlene “Golden” Wilkerson and a male accompanying the pair, were escorted by arena personnel to seats opposite the Nets’ bench.

Irving was there as a spectator and not in uniform because of the now nonsensical New York City COVID19 mandate that states, “Workers in New York City who perform inperson work or interact with the public in the course of business must show proof that they have received a

Kyrie Irving continues to be excluded from playing games at the Barclays Center and Madison Square Garden due to ongoing New York City COVID-19 mandates (Bill Moore photo)

COVID-19 vaccine.” But the unequal policy allows unvaccinated players on opposing teams to play at the Barclays and Madison Square Garden.

What elevates this level of absurdity is nonemployees, which includes spectators and diners for example, can enter public facilities unvaccinated and maskless as the ban that also exclud-

ed them was lifted as of March 7. Not only did Irving attend his team’s game versus the Knicks, he was at the Barclays on Saturday night to watch his alma mater Duke fall to Virginia Tech 82-67 in the ACC championship game.

“We’re all confused,” said Nets for ward Kevin Durant sitting at the Nets’ post game podium. On Monday he was named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for Week 21 after averaging 30.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.7 assists in leading his team to a 3-0 record. The honor comes less than two weeks after Durant returned to the court on March 3 from a MCL strain in his left knee sustained Jan. 15.

“Pretty much everybody in the world is confused at this point,” Durant noted, following a 53-point performance in a 110-107 win for Brooklyn. “Early on in the season, people didn’t understand what was going on, but now, it just

looks stupid—Eric [Mayor Eric Adams], you gotta figure this out.”

Adams responded by suggesting Irving end the controversy by simply getting vaccinated. Many city residents agree with Durant. They have expressed their opposition to the mandate on radio call-in shows, social media and other platforms. In addition to the hypocrisy, the Nets’ organization was fined $50,000 by the NBA on Monday for violating the local New York City for allowing Irving to enter the team’s locker room.

The Nets were 35-33, the No. 8 seed in the East when they faced the Orlando Magic on the road on Tuesday. They were at home to play the Dallas Mavericks last night and will be at Barclays tomorrow (Portland Trail Blazers) and Monday (Utah Jazz). The next game Irving will be eligible to play will be next Wednesday on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Knicks finally return home to the Garden after an uneven road trip

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

It was a long and arduous 12day, seven-game road trip for the Knicks, an emotional rollercoaster that began March 2 with a 123-108 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers and ended with the Nets’ Kevin Durant’s 53-point performance at the Barclays Center on Sunday to hand them a 110-107 defeat.

In between, the Knicks had a crushing 115-114 buzzer-beating fall to the Phoenix Suns and their first three-game winning streak since achieving three in a row from Jan. 10-15. Overall they were 3-4 and finally returned to Madison Square Garden last night (Wednesday) to host the Portland Trailblazers with a 28-40 record. The Knicks were the 12th seed in the East and 5.5 games behind the No. 10 Charlotte Hornets for the last NBA Play-In Tournament spot.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau’s squad also sat 1.5 games under the 11th seed Washington Wizards. The Knicks have 13 regular season

games remaining, including eight at home, and play their next three at the Garden, starting with the Wizards tomorrow. They will match up with the Utah Jazz on Sunday and the Atlanta Hawks on Monday then go on the road for three straight.

The Knicks lost to the Suns, Grizzlies (118-114 last Friday) and Nets by an average of 2.6 points. Every defeat on the long journey came down to the final few possessions, reflecting that the Knicks were highly competitive. But there are no moral victories at the pro level, especially with the postseason within a mathematical grasp for the Knicks. Time is not an ally and the Knicks have no margin for error over the final 25 days of their schedule.

The Knicks were decidedly undermanned on the road trip playing without Derrick Rose, Cam Reddish, Nerlens Noel and Quentin Grimes, and Obi Toppin for just one game. Rose has not returned from ankle surgery in December, Reddish is out for the season with a separated right

Promising Knicks rookie guard Quentin Grimes has been sidelined since Feb. 25 after suffering a right patella knee injury versus the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden (Bill Moore photo)

shoulder, Noel sat with plantar fasciitis and Grimes was still unavailable after experiencing a right patella knee injury versus the Miami Heat on Feb. 25 at the Garden.

There is no definitive timetable for when either Rose, Noel or Grimes will play again.

Toppin returned versus the Nets after missing the previous five games with a strained right hamstring. However, injuries are not an excuse for the Knicks opening this week 12 games under .500. They have been inconsistent and have had too many stretches of poor play. Their 116-93 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on March 6, the fourth game of the recent trip, ended a sevengame losing skid.

Over 69 games this season the Knicks have not had a four-game winning streak and have won three straight only four times. Last season in the shortened 71-game season in which they finished 41-31, the Knicks’ longest streak was nine victories. In addition, they accomplished three in a row seven times.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 35

Brooklyn College women’s basketball wraps up historic season

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

performer.

She concluded the season After missing the as the proentire 2020-’21 acgram’s allademic year due time leading to the pandemic, scorer with Brooklyn College 1,697 points women’s basketand leading ball returned to the rebounder hardwood motivatwith 1,144. ed and determined.

The twoWhat resulted was a time CUNY 22–4 overall record AC Player of that included going the Year and 12–0 in CUNY AC three-time play. Winning the conference CUNY AC title and tournament making its third trip MVP will to the NCAA Divibe missed sion III Tournament, by the team the Bulldogs came she helped away with their firstdefine. She After winning its third CUNY AC Championship, Brooklyn College won its first NCAA Tournament ever Tournament has twice game (Brooklyn College Athletics photo) win, defeating Embeen an Allmanuel College in American the first round. season and now has a total of players stepped up big time. honorable mention and Lang “Obviously, every team we’ve 321 wins. “We watched Em- We played as close to a perfect hopes this year she will be gone with our goal was to win manuel on video and we didn’t game as we could have.” named either first, second or and to move on,” said head see many weaknesses to their Throughout her career, grad- third team. coach Alex Lang, who sur- game. We knew it was going to uate student forward Chanel During the time away from passed 300 career wins this take a really good effort. Our Jemmott has been a standout organized play, Lang said

MLB is back with a COVID caveat in New York City

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving isn’t the only New York City athlete who will potentially miss home games.

With Major League Baseball settling their labor strife last Thursday, with the players and owners agreeing to a new five-year collective bargaining agreement, ending the latter’s lockout, a full 162-game schedule has been salvaged.

But in New York City, the COVID-19 mandate that has prevented the unvaccinated Irving from playing home games at the Barclays Center, as well as Madison Square, will also apply to Yankees and Mets players who have yet to receive jabs of the vaccine. Mayor Eric Adams has eased some of the restrictions that were instituted under his predecessor, former city mayor Bill de Blasio, but has been resistant, even in the face of strong opposition from local residents, to move off his currently unwavering

Jemmott tried to stay in the best shape possible. While all teams in the CUNY AC had to come back from time off, Lang said Jemmott had the advantage in terms of her ability and experience.

“At the end of the day, especially toward the end of our season, she knew this was going to be her last year playing and she really used that as a motivating factor to give her best,” Lang said. “We won three championships during her four seasons. There are those star players that everybody likes, respects and admires, but maybe they are somewhat about the accolades and individualism. She is a true team player.

“Her teammates love her,” he continued. “She does not separate herself from her teammates and exist on a different plane. She wants to be one of them. As much as she likes the individual accomplishments, she’s all about the team and that puts her on a great pedestal.”

position that disallows those work or interact with the public Mets’ first game in Queens visiting players are not subwho are technically employed in the course of business must at Citi Field is scheduled for ject to the ban. within the five boroughs to show proof that they have re- April 15 after they start with Adams has frequently referenced the 1,430 city workers who were fired on Feb. 11—the imposed deadline—for failing to take the vaccine and comply with the city government’s mandates as reason to not consider lifting the in-person order. However, the firstterm mayor and former Brooklyn borough president, a self-proclaimed ardent Mets fan, also must weigh economic and political ramifications. Sports teams are economic drivers and fans comprise a substantial voting bloc.

For instance, an early Nets playoff exit as a New York City Mayor Eric Adams (Bill Moore photo), an ardent Mets fan, may impact pitcher Jacob de Grom’s (MLB. result of Irving’s absence com photo), as well as Yankees players’ aspirations of making it to the World Series with COVID mandates still in place could hurt establishwork in large public venues. ceived a COVID-19 vaccine.” seven straight games on the ments such as restaurants and Members of New York City Opening Day in the Bronx road, a four-game series with bars surrounding the Barclays professional teams fall under for the Yankees is April 7, the Washington Nationals Center. Irving set a Nets franthis category. The mandate when they begin a three-game and three versus the Phila- chise record on Tuesday night reads: “Workers in New York series with the Boston Red delphia Phillies. The contra- in Orlando versus the Magic City who perform in-person Sox at Yankee Stadium. The diction is that unvaccinated scoring a remarkable 60 points.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

March 17, 2022 - March 23, 2022 • 36

Sports Local women’s collegiate hoops teams head into postseason action

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews History will be made at this year’s NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament as the field expands to 68 teams for the first time. The women also have their very first March Madness banner, which is part of the NCAA’s attempt to right some of the inequities spotlighted at last year’s Tournament.

The season continues for several teams from New York and New Jersey, but only All-Ivy First team selection Kaitlyn Davis and her teammates (Columbia Athletics photo) Princeton University is headed to the Big Dance. With an overall record of 24-4 on the sixth seed, University of Kenand undefeated in Ivy League play, the tucky, on Saturday.

Princeton Tigers earned a national rankThe top seed in the NCAA Tournament ing at the end of regular season and will goes to the University of South Carolibe making their ninth appearance in the na. The Gamecocks also hold the top NCAA Tournament. They have the 11th spot in the Greensboro region, which seed in the Bridgeport Region and take contains Howard University, winners of

versity, has the top seed in the Spokane region, which contains Jackson State, winners of the SWAC. The number one seed in the Wichita region is Louisville.

Action goes on for five Division I teams from the area in the Postseason WNIT. Columbia University and Fairleigh Dickinson were automatic qualifiers and Fordham, Stony Brook and Seton Hall received at-large bids to the 64-team field.

Columbia comes into its first WNIT after its best season ever, making it to the final of the Ivy League Tournament.

Junior guard/forward Kaitlyn Davis was named First Team All-Ivy and sophomore guard Abbey Hsu was named Second Team All-Ivy. The Lions took on Holy Cross last night. It will be a battle for New Jersey supremacy when Fairleigh Dickinson and Seton Hall face off tonight. Fordham plays Bucknell tomorrow. play in the Lions’ first postseason WNIT The WNIT spot for Stony Brook is bittersweet. The Seawolves were barred from competing in the America East conthe MEAC. The Bison took on Incarnate ference tournament, which could have Word last night for a spot among the 64. earned them a return trip to the NCAA The number one seed in the Bridgeport Tournament, because Stony Brook is region is NC State. Making its 33rd consec- leaving the conference for the Colonial utive Tournament appearance, University Athletic Association at the end of the of Connecticut has the two seed. The de- season. The team plays Virginia Comfending National Champion, Stanford Uni- monwealth tomorrow.

NEWS AM NEWS HBCU TexasAM Southern tips off the NCAA tourney with a win 01/06/22 03/03/22

By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews

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College basketball’s seasonending showcase known as March Madness officially tipped off on Tuesday with the First Four looking to move on from the field of 68 to the group of 64.AM Texas NEWS 01034 Southern, with 6-foot-3 senior AM NEWS 01/13/22 guard Bryson Etienne coming 01/13/22 0 7 74470 22784 off the bench to score a gamehigh 21 points, knocked off Texas A&M-CC 76-67 in the tournament’s opening game.

In the single elimination battle, the Tigers earned their third First Four win in the last four NCAA seasons. The Houston, Texas-based AM NEWS 01044 school will now take on the MidNEWS men’s head west region’s No. 1 seed, the 01/20/22 Kansas Queens, New York native and St. Peter’s PeacocksAM basketball coach Shaheen Holloway will lead his team into an 01/20/22 0 7 Jayhawks, today scheduled for 9:57 22784 opening round 74470 NCAA tournament matchup tonight against p.m. In the second game, former Kentucky (Photo courtesy of saintpeterspeacocks.com) Knicks head coach Mike Woodson

took his alma mater, Indiana University, into a late night matchup with Wyoming.

Woodson had guided Indiana to a 20-13 record before facing Wyoming.

The goal of every team is to advance game-by-game. Getting to the Sweet Elite 8, AM16, NEWS Final Four and championship Monday, 03/10/22 which will be held in New Orleans April 4. Returning to defend their first ever men’s basketball title are the Baylor Bears, last year’s champion. They are the top seed in the East region.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs, NEWS this season’s AM overall No. 1 seed, lost to Baylor in last sea03/17/22 son’s final game. It was their second loss in the championship game and their second

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AM Final the 0 Four appearance.7 Arizona is 03/0 74470 22784 No. 1 seed in the South region. Representing the tri-state area are the UConn Huskies from the Big East, the Seton Hall Pirates, also from the Big East, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights of the Big Ten, and the St. Peter’s Peacocks of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, coached by former Seton Hall star and Queens 01114 native Shaheen Holloway.

AM St. Peters will take on Kentucky tonight 03/1 0 7 74470 22784 at 7 p.m.

UConn faces New Mexico State this evening at 6:50 p.m. Seton Hall will take on TCU tomorrow at 9:57 p.m. and Rutgers challenged Notre Dame in a First Four pairing last night (Wednesday).

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