New York Amsterdam News June 22, 2023

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Early voting kicks

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Black

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Police on MTA subway in January. (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

(Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

(Ariama C. Long photo)

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INDEX

Arts & Entertainment Page 17

» Astro Page 20

» Food Page 22

» Jazz Page 24

» Theater Page 23

Caribbean Update Page 14

Classified Page 32

Editorial/Opinion Pages 12,13

Education Page 28

Go with the Flo Page 8

Health Page 16

In the Classroom Page 26

Religion & Spirituality Page 30

Sports Page 40

Union Matters Page 10

International News

UGANDAN CHILDREN TARGETED IN ATTACK BY KNOWN TERROR GROUP

across the border to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In November last year, Museveni praised his troops, saying they had obliterated all threats by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), described as an Islamist militant group, to carry out attacks on Uganda.

food store and kidnapped six students to carry the stolen loot.

countries, including the U.N.

(GIN) — Ugandan President

Yoweri Museveni is struggling to defend his security forces after they failed to block a June 16 attack on a secondary school where some 39 students were murdered and others were abducted.

Museveni, who is also the commander in chief of the armed forces, ordered the chief of defense forces to rush to the Kasese district after the surprise attack by a known rebel group that escaped

The Friday night attack in Kasese came days after U.S. citizens were warned against visiting or living in Uganda because of imminent terror attacks. Henry Okello Oryem, state minister for foreign affairs, reportedly laughed off the U.S. travel warnings, saying Uganda had the capacity to deal with any security threat.

The attack on the secondary school recalled terror attacks in Kampala in 2021, when the UK issued a warning for its citizens, but Ugandan security said they were more than ready to counter insecurity incidents.

The assailants reportedly burned the school’s library, plundered a

The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) condemned the attack on the Mpondwe Lhubiriha school that ironically took place on what is celebrated as the Day of the African Child. “We stand in solidarity with the students, the teaching staff, the school authorities, families of those impacted and the people of Uganda in this sad moment,” said Munir Safieldin, Unicef’s representative to Uganda. “Schools are a safe place for all learners and must never be attacked.”

According to Richard Moncrieff of the International Crisis Group, Friday’s attack showed that despite nearly two years of concentrated joint operations against the ADF, it still has significant capacity. “This attack shows that a wider strategy is needed than purely military.”

Museveni reportedly receives billions of dollars in development and military assistance from Western

Gun violence has become a national topic of discussion, said Ugandan reporters with the Observer, despite the focus by the president’s office on the LGBTQ community, which is under attack. Last month, 54 Ugandan soldiers were killed and scores injured when al-Shabaab militants attacked their base in Somalia. Surviving soldiers said their troops mistook al-Shabaab militants for Somali farmers. Museveni’s critics have been detained and in some cases tortured, as reportedly occurred in the case of Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, author of “Greedy Barbarian,” a children’s book, and activist Stella Nyanzi, under the Computer Misuse Act, which prohibited the use of electronic communication to “disturb the peace, quiet or right of privacy of any person with no purpose of legitimate communication.”

Both critics are said to be in exile at this time.

‘Black Presence in the Caribbean’ award at Casas de las Américas

By JESÚS CHUCHO GARCÍA Special to the AmNews

Translated by KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

The Casa de las Américas award is one of the most important recognitions a writer from the Caribbean can receive during his or her career. This award was created during the Cuban Revolution in 1960, just one year after Fidel Castro came to power on the island.

To analyze the works of contestants, the Casa de las Américas board of directors, led by the writer Abel Prieto, selected a group of researchers for the contest’s various categories such as poetry, testimonials, essays, literature and for some time now the “Black Presence in the Caribbean” award.

For the “Black Presence in the Caribbean” award, more than 100 works were submitted. The expert jury of Prof. Yuderkys Espinoza (Dominican Republic), Prof. Alberto Curbelo (Cuba) and Jesús García carefully read and analyzed them all. After a week of discussions, we decided on the essay by Roberto Almanza, a professor at the University of Magdalena (Colombia),

entitled “La Orilla de Caliban: El Rastro de la filosofia Afrocaribe en el siglo XXI (The Land of Caliban: The trail of Afro-Caribbean philosophy in the 21st century).”

Recently we were in Santa Marta, Colombia at the University of Magdalena to participate in a forum on juridical pluralism, organized by Prof. Johanne Mosquera. After my lecture I met Prof. Roberto Almanza and we began to talk about his work where he mentions the great Manuel Zapata Olivella, a writer and researcher of the African diaspora in Colombia and the Américas, who unfortunately passed away a decade ago.

Roberto is a young anthropologist who later got his doctorate in Mexico, he likes salsa, calypso and traditional Afro Colombian currulao music. He is currently a professor of anthropology at the University of Magdalena, he agreed to answer two questions we asked him about his work.

What does the Caribbean space mean to you?

It is, first of all, a historical and socio-cultural experience. The Caribbean was a laboratory, a great modern-colonial, racist-capitalist civilizing plantation. A plantation

that would later become global and systemic. The world converged in this space, and that is personified in the diversity of ethnicities/nations that were part of this collision: Europeans, Africans, Asians and the native Abya Yala nations, which gave shape to diverse Creole societies of astonishing cultural exuberance.

What happened in the Caribbean has an evolutionary significance, because it shook the experience of the world. Because the type of imperial thinking that unfolded there built the world we live in today. The philosopher Nelson Maldonado-Torres likes to

(GIN photo)

Jesús Chucho García with Roberto Almanza. (Nhorelsy Twinson photo)

Summer violence heats up with weekend subway stabbings

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

Summer “officially” began on Wednesday, June 21. Yet days before, the three-day weekend was dampened by New York citywide violence, headlined by multiple subway knife attacks.

As people all over the city attended a variety of Juneteenth and Father’s Day celebrations, a handful of serious crimes marred what was for the most part three days of community and familyfocused events.

Police found Tavon Silver unconscious with knife wounds on a southbound 4 train around the 14th St.-Union Square station. The 32-year-old Bronx man

later succumbed to his injuries. Through camera footage, the suspect was identified as a 33-yearold unhoused man who was apprehended this past Monday after police saw him fare-evading at an East Harlem transit stop. The NYPD says an argument led to the killing.

“It’s incredibly unnerving for riders,” said MTA Chair & CEO Janno Lieber at the NYPD presser. “It doesn’t feel good to hear about anyone getting hurt in this or attacked in the subway system, especially these kinds of random attacks that’s especially unnerving. And it’s unacceptable. Nobody should feel afraid when going about their business in New York.

“For New Yorkers, transit is like

air and water. We need it to survive. It needs to be safe and it needs to feel safe.”

Another attacker slashed three women on the legs through two separate, unprovoked attacks this past Sunday, June 20. The alleged assailant was apprehended on Tuesday.

“This suspect, now in custody, attempted to sow fear into the hearts of New Yorkers through his brazen actions, but New Yorkers are resilient and will not be intimidated, and the NYPD is always prepared to respond to any situation that comes its way,” said Mayor Eric Adams in an email statement. “I applaud Commissioner Sewell and other members of NYPD leadership for their swift action surging officers into the

Early voting kicks off Juneteenth weekend

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

With the explosive good times in Harlem over Juneteenth weekend, it is no surprise that early voting for City Council elections is off to a bit of a slow start this year.

Early voting started on Saturday, June 17 and runs through Sunday, June 25. Find pollsites and hours at nycvotes.org.

As of this Tuesday, the Board of Elections (BOE) has completed four days of early voting. So far the unofficial and cumulative number of votes is up to 18,293 across four boroughs. Queens (5,616) comes in with

the highest number of voters, then Brooklyn (4,987) and Manhattan (4,558), and lastly, the Bronx (3,132).

Candidates in the City Council, district attorney, and judgeship races were out beating the pavement and handing out their logos to encourage voters to show up at the polls this weekend. Some, like candidate for District 9 in Harlem Yusef Salaam, voted on the Juneteenth holiday.

“People are still getting used to early voting here in New York. We are doing our part to help educate residents on where to vote. We hope that this process will eventually turn into an increase in voter

turnout,” said Assemblymember Inez Dickens, who is also running for City Council District 9 in Harlem. “At the end of the day, it is important for Harlemites to exercise their right to choose the best candidate.”

The use of rank choice voting in this year’s 51 City Council elections, 21 of which are competitive, makes for an interesting experience. Rank choice voting means that voters can choose up to five candidates for a race in order of preference.

Dickens nailed an endorsement from long-time supporter Mayor Eric Adams while Salaam teamed up with fellow candidate Assemblymember

transit system in the immediate aftermath of these incidents, as well as the eagle-eyed officers who identified and apprehended this individual before he could cause further harm. New Yorkers hope this individual will be held accountable to the furthest extent of the law.”

In response to the recent stabbings, more cops were deployed to the subway platform. The NYPD says they’re here to stay, for now.

“It continues to today and I want to get this out to the ridership to the public, there are no immediate plans to reduce that infusion,” said NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper. “We’re upwards of around

See VIOLENCE on page 25

Hochul announces 2023–2024 Excelsior Scholarship Application open

Gov. Kathy Hochul just announced that applications are now open for the Excelsior Scholarship for new applicants for the 2023–2024 academic year (https://webapps.hesc.ny.gov/ questionnaire/page.hesc?questionnaireId=5 8&versionNumber=4). The Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible full-time students to attend a CUNY or SUNY two-year or four-year college tuition-free. The scholarship is administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.

Students from households with federal adjusted gross incomes of up to $125,000 are eligible for an Excelsior Scholarship award. Students must also:

• Plan to attend a two- or four-year college CUNY or SUNY.

• Complete 30 credits per year toward their program of study (including summer and winter terms).

Al Taylor to entice one another’s voters to rank them.

“I am pumped and energized! Everywhere I go, voters are coming up to us excited and determined to vote for Team Taylor,” said Taylor in a statement. “The people of Harlem are hungry for change—they want a champion who will fight for affordable homes, safe streets, and good schools. And that’s exactly what I intend to do for our community.”

The race has not been without the usual scandals. Both Dickens and Salaam have come under fire from the media about their education.

Most New Yorkers can’t contest wrongful convictions without DNA evidence. Exoneree Steve Lopez wants to change that

By TANDY LAU

Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Steve Lopez got his name back last summer. Well, almost. Looking at his case on the National Registry of Exonerations website, he asks who the heck Steven Lopez is. Steven Lopez is his son’s name. He’s just Steve.

The registry isn’t the only issue. Newspapers all referred to him as “Steven” when he was front-page news 11 months ago. But it’s easier to brush off than when those same publications called him and his co-defendants a “wolf

pack” and “beasts,” comparing them to wild animals and publishing full-page attack ads from a certain U.S. president calling for the death penalty when they were Black and brown teens falsely implicated in the infamous 1989 Central Park jogger case. Those co-defendants went on to become the “Exonerated Five,” while Lopez, whose rape charges were dropped in exchange for pleading guilty to first-degree robbery, saw his conviction vacated and indictment dismissed just last July. While the rest of the story is widely known (and dramatized

by Netflix and Ken Burns), Lopez’s journey is just starting. He’s enjoyed an idyllic year since his exoneration.

“I was able to really open up to my family,” said Lopez. “I have a young man and a teenage daughter. [It was] something that I could never express to them, or share with them, just because of the nature of the allegations and all that. But it’s sunny skies now. I can talk to my kids. We can talk about it as a family more [openly].

“People embrace me differently in the streets…[I] get a lot of positive support from people, even fans. Life is hap-

pier now for me. I don’t really have to speak on [the Central Park jogger case] anymore. I can speak [about] other things I want to do.”

He’s remained reticent despite the publicity about his exoneration, often going through his lawyer Eric Renfroe, who typically self-identifies as a “no comment” type of attorney. But Lopez is now breaking his media silence— not for himself, but on behalf of others still fighting to clear their names. His first step?

Pledging his unwavering support for the Challenging

• Be on track to graduate with an associate degree in two years or a bachelor’s degree in four years.

“The Excelsior Scholarship is one of the most promising programs in New York State, providing access to an affordable college education for thousands of middle- and lower-income New Yorkers,” said Hochul. “At a time when economic disparities are widening, it is more important than ever that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed. I encourage all who are interested to apply to this critical program that will help countless New Yorkers climb the ladder of success.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program, Excelsior Scholarship, and other financial aid play a vital role in keeping college affordable and making SUNY such an extraordinarily value proposition. It is this ongoing commitment from our governor and our legislators that ensures that 53% of fulltime in-state students attend tuition-free. Last year alone, over 20,000 students benefited from the Excelsior Scholarship, and we encourage New Yorkers with dreams of completing a higher education to apply and find out if they are eligible.”

International African Arts Festival returns to Brooklyn: July 1–4, 2023

Here comes the 52nd International African Arts Festival (IAAFestival), the nation’s oldest continuously running and most respected Pan African celebration of music, dance, and culture. World music lovers will enjoy the sounds of Africa and the African Diaspora with artists representing Ghana, Jamaica, Haiti, Puerto Rico, the United States, and other countries. The IAAFestival, founded in 1971, will take place at Commodore Barry Park in downtown Brooklyn from Saturday, July 1, to Tuesday, July 4, 2023 (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.), rain or shine.

Artists include Grammy-nominated reggae band Raging Fyah (Jamaica); trombonist of Sun

Biden has a 'big mouth,' Chinese academic charges

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

With his son planning to plead guilty to federal tax crimes, an impending forced House vote to impeach him, plummeting poll numbers, and now news that he's called Chinese leader Xi Jinping a dictator—President Joe Biden has a toxic mix of problems on his agenda.

Then again, Hunter Biden, his youngest son (Beau died in 2015), has cut a deal to avoid prison; the impeachment charge is practically dead on arrival in the House; and Biden’s poll numbers are—like most poll numbers—uncertain at this time. Of most immediate concern is his charge that Jinping is a dictator, particularly while Secretary of State Antony Blinden has made

overtures to bring about calm between the two nations.

Biden asserted in remarks Tuesday evening in California, in connection with the supposed spy balloon that the U.S. shot down, “The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when [we] shot that balloon down with two boxcars full of spy equipment is he didn’t know it was there. That was a great embarrassment for dictators— when they didn’t know what happened.”

The balloon was flying across the U.S. and was shot down off the coast of the Carolinas. “It was blown off course, up through Alaska and then down through the United States, and [Jinping] didn’t know about it,” Biden said.

The president’s comments, as expected, have ruffled the Chi-

nese government and they responded quickly. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, called the remarks “extremely absurd and irresponsible. They’re an open political provocation.” Moreover, she said, the balloon was unintended and caused by circumstances beyond China’s control.

Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, had a stronger reaction. “Biden’s big mouth is a loose cannon,” he said. “Mutual trust is what China has been stressing, so Biden’s comments are very destructive and damaging.”

The comments also contradict Blinken’s recent mission. How they will add to the brewing tumult during the 2024 presidential elections is left for debate.

Oldest United Order of Tents receives historic funding after facing destruction

By JASON PONTEROTTO Special to the AmNews

In recognition of Juneteenth, the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (AACHAF) announced that $3.8 million in funds would be granted this year among 40 different African American U.S. sites. The AACHAF is the largest fund dedicated to supporting and preserving historic sites in the U.S. that represent African American history, such as homes, museums, centers, schools, and more.

One of the sites to receive funding was the United Order of Tents Eastern District #3, the oldest Black women’s social organization in the U.S. The funds will be used to preserve their historic headquarters at the mansion (87 MacDonough Street in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood).

The AACHAF is the largest U.S. fund dedicated to preserving African American Historical Sites. It is a program in the National Trust for Historic Preservation, first created in 2017.

In a press release, the AACHAF announced that other new elements of the grants include a focus on conserving Black modernist sites designed by Black architects and further preserving HBCUs.

The funding for the United Order comes after widespread news coverage at the end of last year about the leaders’ ongoing fight to preserve their location at the Bed-Stuy mansion as it report-

New Jersey social justice group launches reparations council

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

“Too many people believe [slavery] never happened here and that racial inequality is not a New Jersey problem,” Ryan Haygood, president of the racial and social justice advocacy group New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (NJISJ), told a crowd of spectators at a Juneteenth event in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

Because African slavery did take place in New Jersey, and because Jersey was the last state in the North to abolish slavery, activists have been asking legislators to establish a committee to examine the role Black enslavement played in the past and present.

The NJISJ has worked with the state’s Legislative Black Caucus since 2019 to push for passage of a New Jersey Reparations Task Force bill (A-938/S-386), but the state legislature has not pushed the bill forward. It is sponsored by Assemblymembers Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Britnee N. Timberlake, and Shavonda E. Sumter.

Now NJISJ has said it’s moving to begin the work of documenting the information needed for a reparations push in New Jersey and has created its own New Jersey Reparations Council.

The council will be co-chaired by Taja-Nia Henderson, dean of the Graduate School at Rutgers University-Newark and an historian of prisons and slavery in the U.S., and Khalil Gibran Muhammad, former director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and now a professor of history, race, and public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Over the next two years, nine committees of the New Jersey Reparations Council will research topics such as the history of slavery in New Jersey; public education and narrative; economic justice; segregation in New Jersey; democracy; public safety and justice; health equity; environmental justice; and faith and Black resistance.

edly faced various financial hurdles and disrepair of the property.

Action fund awards range from $50,000 to $150,000 per site. It is currently unknown how much funding the organization received and how far it will be able to go toward preserving the site.

The United Order of Tents was founded by two formerly enslaved Black women, Annetta Minkins Lane of Norfolk, Virginia, and Harriet R. Taylor of Hampton, Virginia. According to the website, the group was founded in 1847; other reports date the official incorporation of the organization to have occurred later in 1867.

The organization was one of various secret societies created by freed Black people during slavery to fight for liberation and support other Black people. Some of their early work included caring for the elderly, burying the dead, and helping enslaved Black people obtain freedom. It was illegal for groups of Black people to congregate in New York State, so they had to function in secrecy and hold meetings in tents—the derivation of their name.

Chapters existed across the North and the South in states like Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York, reaching 50,000 at the organization’s height during the 20th century. Their work included providing food, shelter, and nursing for members of the community.

Today, the group has a continued emphasis on social issues,

community service, and Christian values, and is looking to become a nonprofit.

According to the organization’s website, “Our mission is to care for the sick, comfort those in distress, bury the dead, [and] provide a home for the aged and infirmed women and the orphans of deceased women of all races and nationalities. In addition, uplift fallen or less fortunate women and [uphold] women to the highest standards of Christian living and to strive to achieve for women high standards within our nation. To work with and encourage young girls to achieve their maximum potential in society.”

The group is currently looking for support in adding membership. According to a New York Times piece in December 2022, membership had increased from only eight women to up to 24 recently, with “tents as young as 25.” The website provides an application form to use.

The mansion at MacDonough Street, also referred to as their Meeting House, was built in 1863 and became the headquarters of the organization in 1945, where they would hold meetings and discussions about issues and ways to further their activism work. It is also where they would “perform their ceremonies and rituals that signified their sisterhood.” Members still use the site today on a limited basis—at “certain times of the year”—because of its current physical state.

“The Council will study New Jersey’s history and its connection to its current racial landscape, making strategic and bold policy recommendations for reparative justice policies in New Jersey,” according to NJISJ. “The nine committees will hold virtual open meetings for which public comment will be solicited.”

Before an audience that included advocates and legislators, NJISJ’s Haygood said, “We are not afraid to say the word ‘reparations’!” He asserted that the harms of African slavery and the discriminatory practices waged against New Jersey’s Black citizens after slavery cannot be ignored.

Haygood reminded the crowd that Perth Amboy is home to a hallowed space: During the 17th and 18th centuries, Perth Amboy’s historic Ferry Slip was a major port for the disembarkation of enslaved Africans.

“During the Middle Passage, after they were stolen from Africa, [Black people were] chained and tightly packed into dark, filthy, stifling hot cargo holds, [and] subjected to unimaginable abuse, dehydration, malnutrition, and disease,” Haygood said. “With sober minds and heavy hearts, we honor the thousands of Black people who survived those months-long trips across the Atlantic Ocean, only to arrive here in New Jersey to be sold into a system of slavery that endured for more than 200 years.”

Enslaved Black labor helped make New Jersey one of the wealthiest states in the country today. During slavery, the place that today is nicknamed the Garden State could rightly have been referred to as the Slave State of the North, one historian noted: By 1830, New Jersey held more than two-thirds of all the enslaved people in bondage in the North. New Jersey was the last northern state to outlaw African enslavement— it passed a gradual abolition statute in 1804 and only finally proclaimed its Black residents free on January 23, 1866.

Noelle Lorraine Williams, director of the New Jersey Historical Commission’s African American History Program, has written that“we must remember that there were still enslaved Black men and women in New Jersey even after Juneteenth. Imagine—New Jersey’s death grip on slavery meant that until December 1865, six months after enslaved men, women, and children in Texas found out they were cheated of their freedom, approximately 16 African Americans were still technically enslaved in New Jersey.” New Jersey’s original sin of slavery led to housing discrimination, exclusionary bank lending, and other race-based practices that continued to persecute the state’s people of African descent.

Senator Cory Booker has questioned why there was resistance to the creation of a Reparations Council to research the effects of slavery. He said efforts to obscure the painful truths about African enslavement––particularly things like book bans––“cheapens the greatness of a nation.”

“We are a nation that was founded and conceived in liberty,” Booker said, “but read the founding documents that refer to Native Americans as savages; to women, not at all; to Blacks as fractions of human beings—that enshrined that original sin into our history. We are not here because of some great collection of Founding Fathers alone; these ‘imperfect geniuses’ did not get us here. It was a collection of Americans who stridently and defiantly and persistently and resistantly, fought to See NEW JERSEY on page 25

Longtime Harlem Week board member and Harlem Rocket co-founder, Michael Preston

By JASON PONTEROTTO Special to the AmNews

Michael Preston has been committed to service and support of the Harlem community throughout his professional life. He has served as a board member with Harlem Week for the better part of 30 years, going back to 1992, and is the co-founder of Harlem Rocket, a Black-owned high-speed boat tour of Harlem on the Hudson River that is set to launch this summer.

Preston is also vice president of customer experience & government affairs for Paradise Express, the parent company of Harlem Rocket. He has also been a customer service manager and theater manager with the Atlanta Civic Center.

“There is something about being able to provide people with an experience, and that has resonated throughout my life,” Preston said about his professional career.

One of five children, Preston has many cherished memories of growing up in Harlem and becoming immersed in the culture. His father was in the military, so Preston was born in Sacramento, but he and his family moved back to Harlem, where they were originally from, when he was 3 years old.. He attended St. Thomas the Apostle and Powell Memorial High School.

“Between 115th Street and 125th Street was our playground,” Preston said.

His father held numerous jobs and was heavily involved in the arts as a jazz musician, photographer, sculptor, painter, jewelry-maker, and cartoonist, which inspired Preston’s passion for managing and producing shows. At a young age, he would work with his father as a poet, collecting tickets, or managing the lights.

“My appreciation for the arts, culture, painting, music was something we experienced every day of our life,” Preston recalled.

In 1979, when Preston was 16, his father died from a heart attack. He attributed this tragedy to high blood pressure, which motivated his life decision to switch to a vegan diet.

After graduating from high school, Preston was set to go to Penn State, but chose to attend HBCU Virginia State University thanks to being guided by his grandfather, who was an alum. While at Virginia State, he switched to vegetarianism, which he has followed to this day. He also eventually transferred and earned his bachelor’s degree from City College of New York in 2012. He holds both Virginia State and City College dear to him, since one is an HBCU

and the other is in Harlem.

When Preston first came aboard Harlem Week, he had been managing a law firm in addition to working with Greyhound. Tony Rogers, former executive board member of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, asked him to help out government affairs, managing permits, etc., during what was a difficult period for Harlem Week in the early 1990s.

He was asked to join the board, and has renewed every year since with the exception of 2003–2005, when he worked with the Atlanta Civic Center.

“We give away more than 110,000 in scholarships, grants, and awards to nonprofits and students going and returning to college,” Preston said of his work with Harlem Week. “I love the concept of us supporting our own—but it is also about us bringing the art, the culture, and the experience to first, the residents of Harlem and New York, and then, the visitors from throughout nationally and internationally,“ Preston said.

While at City College, Preston connected with his current business partner, Garry Johnson. They created Paradise Express in 2012 and more recently established Harlem Rocket, which is expected to launch at the end of July.

The boat tour will take passengers on a tour of Harlem on the Hudson River, going north from 125th Street to the northern top of Manhattan at Spuyten Duyvil Creek and then coming down as a thrill ride. Tour elements include history lessons about Harlem sites and Black people in the maritime industry, such as Crispus Attucks and Matthew Henson.

Harlem Rocket is partnering with sponsors such as the electronics company Ray Marine and Universoul Circus.

More information can be found at the website Harlem Rocket.com, where tickets will become available, and on Instagram @ HarlemRocket

The Harlem Rocket is part of the larger Harlem Waterfront Initiative, which aims to spur economic development in Harlem. Other elements of the initiative will be a ferris wheel called the Harlem Wheel and the Harlem Maritime Museum.

Preston cherishes his family, including five adult children—four daughters and one son—and four grandchildren.

“I’m proud to be of Harlem—living in Harlem; my children born and raised in Harlem; and connected to institutions like the Apollo, the Studio Museum, the Schomburg,” Preston said. “Being a part of Harlem Week is all-encompassing.”

THE URBAN AGENDA

By David R. Jones, Esq

Expansion of CityFHEPs Voucher Program is a Moral Imperative

2023 was supposed to be the year of housing in New York State. While the Senate and Assembly leaders finally put together a last-minute housing deal before the end of the legislative session in June, it never even came up for a vote. Albany failed to deliver even the most basic protections for New Yorkers, with plenty of blame to go around.

One bill included in the failed housing package was the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP), which would have created a state version of the Section 8 voucher program. It would have generated about 20,000 new vouchers for housing-insecure New Yorkers. By providing immediate relief to people who are homeless or facing eviction, HAVP could have been a crucial tool for housing the city’s nearly 70,000 homeless people.

Unfortunately, for the fourth year in a row, the state government has abdicated responsibility for addressing New York’s spiraling homelessness and housing crises. With no hope left for support from Washington, D.C., city leaders are left in an unenviable position: having to deal with all the complexities and externalities of a failing housing system with limited jurisdictional authority to fix it.

One powerful tool the city has in its toolbox is CityFHEPS, New York City’s own voucher program. It is a crucial lifeline for many New Yorkers, putting them on a path to safe and stable housing. About 4,000 households were able leave the shelter system with CityFHEPS vouchers in 2021.

But the program also has serious problems: it forces applicants to meet complex criteria that are punitive and often at odds with each other; it requires people to wait months before beginning their housing search; and, it excludes some people who need it most, including undocumented immigrants and homeless workers whose wages are considered “too high.” As a result, it can take a very long time for households to leave the shelter, with average stays spanning from 509 to 855 days.

In late May, the New York City Council took a bold step to improve this crucial program, by passing four bills that would move individuals and families out of the shelters quicker, while also helping many other families avoid entering the shelter system in the first place. The bills:

• Ended the “90-day rule”, which forced people to go into the shelter system and stay there for three months before becoming eligible for rental assistance and being able to begin their search for permanent housing.

• Revised the “utility allowance” rule, which reduced rental support for

voucher holders whose landlords do not include utility costs in their rent.

• Ended punitive work requirements and income-eligibility at 50 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), making the voucher available to a broader share of low-income New Yorkers in need of housing support.

• Expanded CityFHEPS eligibility, making it accessible to a broader range of incomeeligible households facing eviction.

Bucking the trend of complete inaction on housing justice at all levels of government, the City Council took the kind of bold action that we need to finally confront homelessness the best way possible: by housing people. The Mayor has, thus far, supported one aspect of the City Council’s plan: ending the 90-day rule But, he has pushed back on other aspects of the plan, claiming that the CityFHEPS expansion create more competition for current voucher holders seeking to exit shelter and would cost the city $17 billion over the next five years.

First, by preventing evictions, an expanded CityFHEPS program will reduce the number of households entering the shelter system longterm, creating less competition for those trying to use vouchers. And, the expanded CityFHEPS program makes many more homes available to voucher holders seeking to move out of shelter.

Second, while ongoing rental assistance undoubtedly costs money, our calculations show that the net cost of expanding CityFHEPS is $3 billion over five years. While this is a big price tag, we will be preventing almost 200,000 families from enduring the trauma of eviction and the instability of homelessness.

The social costs of expanding access to vouchers, while momentous, are hard to quantify and are often obscured in budget negotiations focusing exclusively on immediate costs and benefits. Numerous studies show that people’s incomes increase when they access permanent housing, while their healthcare costs – including those covering emergency hospitalizations and mental health services – decrease. The prospects of their children’s educational and employment success rise and their long-term healthcare costs decline.

This is not time to be playing politics with the lives of the city’s most vulnerable New Yorkers. In the wake of state inaction on our failing housing system, the Council’s bills over the best hope of turning New York’s homeless crisis around. We urge the mayor to reconsider his veto threat, and work with the Council to put the city on a path toward housing for all. That should be a moral imperative.

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.

Michael Preston

Right to remain silent: NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell’s reticent resignation from historical appointment

By TANDY LAU

Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Departing NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell remains mum about her abrupt resignation, but she’s rather voluble about her historic appointment just a year-and-ahalf ago. At a pre-Juneteenth presser just days after her announcement, she thanked Mayor Eric Adams for taking a chance on her, with wide smiles on stage despite the prevalent speculation of his role in her stepping down.

“Look where we are,” said Sewell. “It takes a man of history, tradition, [and] values to believe that he can put me in this position after 176 years of people not looking like me in this position. I cannot thank the mayor enough for giving me this extraordinary opportunity.”

Professionalism or a genuine absence of bad blood? The facts remain that Sewell is the first woman and third Black person sworn in as the top cop of the country’s largest police force, earning the distinction on January 1, 2022, when Adams took office. She suddenly stepped down last Monday, June 12.

The Black Law Enforcement Alliance’s Marq Claxton said it’s important to acknowledge the historical importance of Sewell heading the NYPD. He added that she faced additional challenges as an outsider from the neighboring Nassau County Police Department.

“It is the premier law enforcement agency in the country…so there’s always a tough [and] challenging transition to head the NYPD,” said Claxton. “I think she navigated quite well. Challenges for anyone who comes as an outsider into the NYPD to be the commissioner [include knowing] who is around you, who the key personnel are, and what level of authority you have. You have to quickly decipher and put together trusted advisors. And hopefully [they] will be well respected [and] knowledgeable, and lead you in a

proper way.

“But there’s no getting around [it]—when you’re an outsider and you come into the NYPD, you’re going to have a difficult and tough transition to the top of the helm.”

Under Sewell, the NYPD saw marked decreases in shootings and homicides, which disproportionately affect Black and brown New Yorkers—both as victims and suspects. But general index crime numbers rose, spurred by upticks in property-related felonies like grand larceny and burglary citywide, driving public safety concerns, especially in neighborhoods where gun violence is rare or non-existent.

Last September, a block association in Greenwich Village, which encompasses a precinct where no shootings or homicides occurred this year, hired its own armed security guards. Misdemeanor arrests, which often tell the full story of the city’s public safety, are not tallied in the NYPD’s presentation of city-wide crime stats and instead are delineated in the lesser-employed summons data.

Just in January, Sewell delineated her plan for the NYPD’s 2023 “Step Forward” initiative, which aimed to increase department diversity,

mental health resources, and community engagement.

Most officials, even those who didn’t see eye-to-eye with the commissioner, acknowledged her unprecedented appointment and handling of subsequent challenges she inherited.

“Commissioner Sewell broke barriers as the first woman, and first Black woman, to lead the largest police force in the country,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “I empathize with the unique challenges she faced that are so familiar to many of us in positions that have not traditionally been held by those who look like us. Despite differences about NYPD disciplinary policies, we shared a bond and mutual respect as professionals.”

“From remarkable drops in overall crime to improving police and community relations, we are forever grateful for Commissioner Sewell’s service to our city,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

But for critics, shattering the glass ceiling is just another version of broken windows policing. Just days before her resignation, Sewell contested the number of unlawful NYPD stops recently reported by the federal monitor assigned

from the Floyd stop-and-frisk litigation. The findings said New Yorkers stopped are overwhelmingly Black and almost a quarter of encounters are still unconstitutional.

In a statement, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said while inspiring, Sewell’s appointment was not a “panacea” for toxic police culture, although he said his criticisms were more indicative of the “pervasiveness of these problems than her leadership.”

“I hope that the next person to take this role is ready to be a true partner in public safety, who recognizes the role police play without inflating it, and is willing to sincerely adopt greater transparency and meaningful accountability,” said Williams. “Unless there is real commitment to building new systems, rather than reviving failed ones, the next commissioner will be bound by the prevailing and repeated patterns of unnecessary tension around public safety, violence, and how law enforcement is used.”

In a statement, Brooklyn Movement Center Executive Director Anthonine Pierre also questioned the latitude Sewell was afforded as commissioner, especially when recommending discipline for highranking members like Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, when he reportedly intervened in the arrest of an ex-NYPD colleague for allegedly menacing a trio of Black teenagers with a gun.

“Commissioner Sewell’s historic appointment and recent resignation following disciplinary action against Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey painfully exposes Mayor Adams’s disregard for NYPD accountability,” Pierre said. “Sewell’s once-celebrated leadership was marginalized by City Hall precisely when she addressed Maddrey’s abuse of power within the department. This exit speaks to a value of tokenized leadership over public policies that deliver safety and dignity for Black and brown communities harmed by police violence.

“Regardless of who is at the helm

of the NYPD, leadership alone cannot be the answer to systemic abuse and a bloated budget that siphons funding from life-affirming resources in other city agencies.”

Sewell’s reticence is consistent with her time as commissioner, rarely speaking to the press compared to her predecessor Dermot Shea. As a result, theories are circulating about why she quit and snippets of what she has said are now the best understanding the public has of her tenure. A little-publicized speech last year at an NYPD Policewomen’s Endowment Association event saw her addressing a hypothetical “second female police commissioner,” vaguely bringing up sexist comments and personal challenges. While this speech is now being hyper-examined due to Sewell’s resignation, there is no evidence the events she mentioned are tied to her time in the NYPD, much less what led to her stepping down.

Speaking of speculation, what does life after the NYPD look like for Sewell? There are other careers in law enforcement. Regardless of what’s next for Sewell, Claxton is pretty sure it’ll be a sweet gig.

“They’ve done extremely well, those police commissioners [and] high-level executives in the NYPD— they go on to bright, brilliant, [and] well-paid second careers,” he said. “People choose the private sector because they realize that there’s a lot more money to be made and they can take this skill set, [which] transfers over quite well…[or] you can actually manage any police department in the nation. If that’s your will [or] desire and there are openings, you have a leg up on other people who are applying for those same positions.

“But you may be overqualified for most of the positions that are open. But at least you have the skill set and you now have the résumé where you can manage to head any law enforcement department in the United States.”

MoCaFi wants to bring financial services to underbanked communities

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

The creators of the New York City-based financial technology platform MoCaFi (https://mocafi. com/) joined with representatives of the Bank of New York Mellon to

ring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) closing bell on June 9.

Ringing the NYSE bell on the trading floor heralded MoCaFi’s new call for people of color looking to get their finances in order.

Wole Coaxum, founder of MoCaFi, told the Amsterdam

News in an exclusive interview that his company’s goal is to help broaden access to the financial services industry for the underbanked, and to create better, more attentive banking services for those who feel underappreciated by the financial service com-

panies they currently bank with.

Coaxum created MoCaFi in 2016 after spending more than 20 years in the financial services industry. He had worked with Citigroup, Willis Financial, and JPMorgan Chase, but after the police killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown

in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, Coaxum said he had a rethink about the direction his working life was taking.

“The financial services industry is a terrific industry to create See MOCAFI on page

Keechant Sewell (left) thanks Mayor Adams (right) for her appointment as she prepares to step down at last week’s Juneteenth celebration (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office photo)

Photo by Cherylynn Tsushima

Go With The Flo

Black Men in Suits: annual Father’s Day walk & talk

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

ANTHONY

Tongues are wagging that Monique Samuels has officially filed for divorce from her former NFL player husband Chris Samuels after almost 11 years of marriage, People reports. The “Real Housewives of Potomac” cast member filed a petition in Maryland’s Montgomery County Family Court to seal the documents. The docket shows she filed a complaint for absolute divorce on April 14. From there, Monique filed an amended complaint for absolute divorce on June 15. The estranged couple’s divorce still is not finalized. However, Monique and Chris had a scheduled hearing on June 21…

Jonathan Majors is going to trial in August on domestic violence charges. For the first time, the embattled actor appeared in person in a lower Manhattan courtroom on June 20 in the ongoing assault case. During the brief proceedings, the judge set his trial date to start August 3. The “Creed: 3” star’s new girlfriend, “Harlem” actress Meagan Good, accompanied him to court. The courtroom appearance lasted around 3 minutes. Jonathan was arrested on March 25 in the Big Apple on domestic violence allegations and was later charged with several counts of assault and aggravated harassment of Grace Jabbari, with whom he is no longer involved…

The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) Rhythm & Soul department revealed plans to honor legendary multi-platinum-selling producer and artist Dr. Dre with the inaugural ASCAP HipHop Icon Award at the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Celebration of 50 years of Hip-Hop in Los Angeles on June 22. The ASCAP Hip-Hop Icon Award is presented to ASCAP members whose musical contributions have made an indelible impact on the art and culture of hip-hop...

The city of New York is set to honor Grammy Award-winning recording artist and songwriter Valerie Simpson with the prestigious Key to New York City award. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 15 at the highly anticipated St. Albans Jazz & R&B Festival, featuring R&B recording star Russell Thompkins Jr.’s New Stylistics, Jazz Legend Gerald Albright, and Latin Favorite Chico Alvarez. Valerie Simpson, a legendary figure in the music industry, has made an indelible mark with her extraordinary talent, timeless music, and unwavering commitment to her craft. Her remarkable contributions to the arts and her dedication to empowering others have garnered her this esteemed recognition from Mayor Eric Adams. The event will be held at 4 p.m. in Archie Spigner Park (formerly known as The St. Albans Park) on Merrick Blvd. and Sayres Ave. in St. Albans. This annual festival is produced by The Black Spectrum Theatre, Inc…

Juneteenth weekend serendipitously coincided with Father’s Day weekend, making for a nice collaboration of Black pride and fatherhood at the annual Father’s Day walk-and-talk march.

NYC Gun Violence Prevention Czar AT Mitchell, who is also executive director of the nonprofit Man Up Inc., organizes the event every year. Schools Chancellor David Banks and Mayor Eric Adams, who was a part of the walk in his borough president days, also made the trek toward the bridge.

“While we are marching and acknowledging the dismantling of slavery in the physical sense, we have an obligation to dismantle the emotional trauma of slavery,” said Adams once the group reached Borough Hall. “We have to acknowledge the fact that there’s still some healing that needs to be done and we must be part of that human process.”

The group of men and boys started the march at Barclays Center on Atlantic Avenue, made a stop at Borough Hall, and then the Juneteenth Grove at Cadman Plaza Park before crossing the crowded Brooklyn Bridge. They concluded the walk at Foley Square, near where one of the city’s largest known African burial sites was discovered, in homage to the Juneteenth holiday.

The journey was about 3 miles (5k) in total so organizers handed out preliminary medals for those that would complete it to celebrate the physical task as well.

Some men were creative and had bright-blue, patterned, or burgundy suits on. Others popped on bow ties or brimmed hats to supplement stuffy ties. One or two had high tops on with shorts and gray jackets while some opted for linens and casual dress. Mitchell himself wore a bright-green suit with a grandmaster sash slung across his chest.

Brother Paul Muhammad, a member of the Nation of Islam, has attended the walk-and-talk event since it started in Brownsville and East New York over a decade ago. Muhammad is a father, grandfather, and great grandfather as well as organizer in the community. He said that the walk seeks to change the “myth” of the absent Black father in the household.

“It was about one community coming together to show our solidarity. Doing positive things, walking together,” said Muhammad. “Representing the Black man standing up for his community.”

Cyriac St. Vil, of the 500 Men Making a Difference organization, was one of the other main organizers for the walk. He said in the earliest days of the event, the men and boys that gathered didn’t necessarily wear suits as they marched up

Sutter Avenue. But this year, they wanted to take the message of positivity through the “heart and soul” of Brooklyn, so they donned suits despite the heat.

St. Vil said the walk is usually the biggest recruiting tactic for new members. As they walked by, men and women of all ages and backgrounds definitely took notice of the group and inquired about what they were doing.

“We want to make sure that everyone sees the Black and brown men of New York City suited,” said St. Vil. “It’s been said that 10 Black men in suits almost looks like a thousand.”

Romel Shuler, director of Fatherhood Initiatives at Man Up Inc., added that there’s a public safety component to the event.

“Boys don’t have established criteria. They like toys, play games, and usually are reckless,” said Schuler, “and with men in the community, we set the standard. We want the younger people, younger guys, potential fathers to see what men look like and have a conversation [about] public safety.”

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

Dozens of men and boys show up in suits to join the Father’s Day walk in Brooklyn with Mayor Eric Adams (center left, front row) and NYC Gun Czar AT Mitchell (center right, front row) on Saturday, June 17.

Organizers for the Father’s Day walk listen to an elder speak in front of Junteenth grove in Brooklyn on Saturday, June 17. (Ariama C. Long photos)

Dozens of men and boys show up in suits to join the Father’s Day walk in Brooklyn with NYC Gun Czar AT Mitchell (center right in green) and Mayor Eric Adams (center left) on Saturday, June 17.

Members of Harlem’s December 12th Movement attend the walk across Brooklyn Bridge for Father’s Day on Saturday, June 17.

NYC Gun Czar AT Mitchell (far left) and Chancellor David Banks (center) walking with attendees in suits across Brooklyn Bridge for Father’s Day this Saturday, June 17.

Juneteenth celebrated in Harlem

The Masjid Malcolm Shabazz hosted the 30th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Parade in Harlem. Folk enjoyed the

floats, and the participation of the bands, different community organizations, and elected officials.

A Philip Randolph Seniors honored the Juneteenth holiday

The Golden Ladies––Denise, Venita, Robin and Frezzel of A. Philip Randolph Senior Center––honored the Ju-

neteenth holiday at their Harlem Center with food and respect forthe delighted community.

Brooklyn’s 3rd annual Juneteenth takes over Bed Stuy avenue

By DAVE DANIELS Special to Am News

The 3rd annual Juneteenth celebration, on Monday, June 19th, seemed to magically turn one of NYC’s busiest vehicular corridors into a vibrant live stage of beautiful original creations by an array of artists; this Juneteenth program offered something of interest to both young and old. Nostrand Avenue, between Jefferson to Putnam, was closed to traffic and packed with people rhythmically swaying to sweet sounds of R&B, African drumming, and conversations about reparations and jazz.

This Juneteenth 2023 celebration was co-produced by the Cooperative Culture Committee and Sistas’ Place Cultural Center, both long-serving Central Brooklyn organizations. The program opened with a libation presentation, to acknowledge the ancestors, by Sister Santina Payton. VIP guests were seen engaging event participants, and speakers included NYS Assembly Members Phara Souffrant (District 57) and Stefani Zinerman (District 56), and NYC Council Member Chi Ossé. At the same time, children enjoyed playing on a jumbo inflatable bouncy house, and bought story books from the authors, and the community watched as the highly sought after clothing fashion designer Brenda Brunson-Bey turned Nostrand Avenue into a runway with great models and fabulous outfits.

A consistent concern expressed by different speakers and event attendees was the urgent necessity of Black community residents being appointed to serve on New York City’s commission soon to be charged with “studying,” and drafting action steps to address reparations payment to people of African descent.

Providing hands-on STEM training to a couple of children assigned to conduct news coverage at the event, The Code Foundation, a not-for-profit youth organization, guided an eight-year-old boy in doing photography and videotaping. The archived assignment was capturing the excitement and the significance of the day.

(Bill Moore photos)

(Malcolm Daniels photos)

(Bill Moore photos)

Union Matters

Fight Against Attacks on Queer Workers!

Stuart Appelbaum President, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, Twitter: @sappelbaum. www.rwdsu.org

This month’s Pride celebrations unfortunately come amidst a troubling backdrop of increasing attacks on LGBTQ people and the Pride movement itself. The ACLU is currently tracking an astounding 491 anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S. These are proposed laws that attack free speech, access to public accommodations, freedom of expression, education and health care access. This tide of prejudice and bigotry threatens to destroy rights and freedoms won since the modern LGBTQ movement was born at the Stonewall Inn in 1969.

Workers’ rights are civil rights, and the labor movement is helping LGBTQ workers fight back.

At the RWDSU, we’ve organized workplaces that employ a large number of LGBTQ workers and serve many LGBTQ clients, including sex toy stores Babeland and Pleasure Chest, community non-profit Housing Works, Barnes & Noble, and REI outdoor sporting goods stores; and we hear about the issues these workers face every day. Many LGBTQ workers face harassment and discrimination at their jobs, and often dehumanizing treatment from management. Many bosses think nothing of refusing to address employees by their preferred pronouns, or failing to protect their workers from harassment.

LGBTQ workers tell us they want a workplace that’s safe, and where they will be treated with respect by management, colleagues, and customers. They want their gender expressions appreciated and recognized. They want codes of conduct for customers, management, and contractors to make sure nobody on the job is subjected to harassment, misgendering, and homophobia. They want it recognized that they may have to step off a train or bus if they feel endangered by aggressions from other riders, and that they won’t be held liable for being late due to protecting their own safety and mental wellbeing.

At employers that espouse progressive values, you’d think this would all be common sense; but unfortunately, you’d be wrong. At REI outdoor sporting goods stores, where workers at stores in New York City, Chicago, and Cleveland have joined the RWDSU, negotiators have been battling management for almost a year to win basic LGBTQ protections. The company has so far refused to agree to any sort of language that prioritizes creating safe spaces for queer workers outside of the bare minimum required by law. One issue that sums up their obstinance is that of nametags; REI workers want their nametags to display a worker’s preferred gender pronoun. It’s a simple request that REI refuses to agree to. And, in a stunning move, REI cut everybody’s pay on June 1. Was it a coincidence that June is Pride Month? It’s a pointed tone for them to set, as many LGTBQ workers are financially vulnerable.

The RWDSU will continue fighting for the workers at REI, and will always stand up for all working people. By working together, we can fight back against attacks on our co-workers, family members, and friends, and ensure a world where all working people—regardless of race, sexual orientation, or gender—have their voices heard.

Mayor, UFT ink ‘tentative’ contract deal but not every teacher is happy

of inflation and is unfavorably balanced, with more money awarded to newer teachers. The UFT is arguing that this and the other bonuses have been negotiated to try to retain teachers, but I feel that they have missed the mark.”

The veteran teacher said that the turnover among teachers has more to do with the “subjective nature of the teacher evaluation system” than with money. She said it causes unnecessary stress and can sometimes be used to harass and bully teachers into submission.

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

Mayor Eric Adams and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), the union that represents about 120,000 municipal employees, reached a tentative five-plus-year contract agreement last week. The Amsterdam News reached out to a few teachers to get their honest opinions ahead of the official vote.

The agreement as it is now includes wage increases of 3% for each of the first three years of the contract, 3.25% in the fourth year, and 3.5% in the fifth year. In an attempt to keep more teachers on, there’s a $3,000 lump sum ratification bonus for all UFT members and an annual retention payment. The agreement is retroactive as of September 14, 2022, and expires on November 28, 2027.

“I’m a blue-collar mayor—I made it clear that we were going to ensure that our city employees receive the salaries and benefits that they deserve because I am one of them,” said Adams at the announcement. “I know what it is to go and fight for a contract, to fight for the proper healthcare.”

UFT President Michael Mulgrew said that New York City is the hardest and most diverse place to teach in. “They take that challenge on. They wear that badge proudly,” said Mulgrew at the announcement. “We said to them in this contract that we heard you loud and clear.”

The tentative agreement must be ratified or voted through this month by UFT’s 500-member Negotiating Committee, the Executive Board, and the Delegate Assembly.

Since 1991, contracts have been

approved at rates ranging from 63% to 94%. A majority is needed for the contract to be official.

Phillip Chapman, an English as a Second Language (ESL) adult education teacher in the Bronx who comes from a family of teachers and was previously a high school teacher, said he voted yes during the last round of contract negotiations despite not being in total agreement with that contract. Most of his students are immigrants and newly arrived migrants from various countries like Ukraine and Mexico. This time around, he has not reviewed much information about it outside of the salary schedule, his friends in other schools, and teacher Facebook groups.

“I was a little disappointed, I would say,” said Chapman. “Inflation has been a big problem and I think a lot of teachers feel underpaid.”

Chapman said that despite UFT’s size as a union, they don’t have the same leverage as the police union. He noticed a lot of resentment about the pay that has to do with the turnover rate among new hires.

Chapman is leaning more toward voting “yes” on this contract because he doesn’t believe Adams will prioritize negotiations again, so the union might not get another chance for a contract until there is a new mayor in office.

A 20-year veteran teacher who teaches at a high school in Queens and preferred to remain anonymous said she is against the tentative contract. “While there are a lot of opportunities for modernization and change with this new contract, I will be voting against approval of this initial contract,” she said. “My issues deal with money and retention. I feel the raise does not cover the cost

“While I know the evaluation system is state-mandated,” continued the teacher, “the city needs to revisit [the] Danielson [rubric] and the UFT needs to fight for teachers to get back the right to [grievances in] evaluations.”

New York City Office of Labor Relations Commissioner Renee Campion broke down teacher salaries, explaining how much money they will be making with the new contract proposals and gradual wage increases by the end of the contract term: The minimum salary with a bachelor’s degree of $61,070 goes up to $72,349; with a master’s, $68,652 to $81,201; and for most-experienced teachers, $128,657 to $151,271. The time to reach maximum salary has been reduced from 16 to eight years with the tentative agreement.

Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks added that he was excited about the expansive virtual learning element for students and teachers. High schools and 6–12 grade schools may offer virtual after-school and on weekend classes, with some UFT members eligible to work remotely up to two days a week. This program stands to provide equal opportunities for all students, transcending traditional barriers and making education more accessible, said Banks.

“Every one of our kids can win,” said Banks at the announcement. “But we have to work together to make that happen.”

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

UFT President Michael Mulgrew at UFT Council Legislative Breakfast (Gerardo Romo / NYC Council Media Unit photo)

Biden: Stress the good things!

Watch your mouth, Mr. President! Rather than the loose lips that can sink ships, Biden could have expressed his concern about a number of troubling things on his agenda. Out of nowhere, it seems, he chose his California visit to excoriate China, even as his Secretary of State was extending an olive branch.

Hey, Mr. Biden—Instead of talking about foreign policy, this was a moment to extend your remarks about Juneteenth, putting a personal touch on the White House announcement the other day.

Some of the good stuff that the president announced at the beginning of the holiday bears repeating: “Importantly, making Juneteenth a federal holiday was only one part of my administration’s efforts to advance racial equity and ensure that America lives up to its highest ideals. With the expansion of the Child Tax Credit under the American Rescue Plan, we cut Black child poverty by half. From historic laws in my Investing in America agenda—in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and clean energy, and lower prescription drug costs—to historic investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, our nation is in the midst of rebuilding an economy from the middle out and the bottom up, instead of the top down. As a result, Black unemployment has been at a historic low and we are increas-

ing access to affordable homeownership for Black Americans and combating bias in the home appraisal process.

“We are building a federal bench that looks like America, with more Black women confirmed as circuit court judges than every other president combined.

“I have taken action on marijuana reform by pardoning prior District of Columbia and federal simple marijuana possession offenses and directed a review of marijuana scheduling. With the support of families, civil rights leaders, and law enforcement, I signed a historic Executive Order on police reform at the federal level. And we passed the most significant gun safety law in nearly 30 years.

“My administration’s student debt relief plan that would provide $10,000 in relief for eligible borrowers and $20,000 in relief for borrowers who received Pell Grants is a critical step forward—among Black undergraduate borrowers, 70 percent received a Pell Grant.

“And in this Administration, we make it clear that history matters. Black history and Black stories will not be erased, denied, or banned from our nation’s conscience, no matter how hard people may try.”

These are the kind of words the nation needs to hear again and again. Please, Mr. President, stay on script, particularly if your comments are akin to the statement about the importance of Juneteenth.

Time to Act on Crime, Violence and Police Reform in America

By ANDREW M. CUOMO and DR. BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS, JR.

America 2023: tumultuous times—yes. Yet, amidst the greatest domestic challenges of American history, our nation has attempted to respond to the challenges through transformative public policy initiatives that have moved America toward a more perfect inclusive union.

Today, there are new challenges to be sure, but there are also ongoing battles that have yet to be won. There are civil rights struggles and conditions that harken back to the 1960s that still abuse people of color every day; that still deny justice, equality, and opportunity for all.

There’s an old saying: The first step to solving a problem is admitting it—and the first step can be painful.

There is still gross inequity in our education system, between rich school districts and poor districts. There is still inequality in access to healthcare, em-

ployment, and financial credit. There is a basic violation of civil and human rights in our criminal justice system.

Misguided pseudo-progressive policies such as “defund the police” and “soft on crime” procedures are literally contributing to the killing of hundreds of Black people and other people of color every day across America.

The truth is, crime is out of control in this country, especially in too many of our cities. While many choose to turn a blind eye, it is people of color who are the majority of the victims: People of color account for 73 percent of rape victims; 72 percent of robbery victims; and 80 percent of felony assault victims, while 68.7 percent of the people in prison are Black and brown and 44% percent of the people killed by police in the United States are Black and brown.

We do need police reform and reform of the entire justice system.

• First: We need to change the culture and premise of

policing. Our basic police system was designed in the mid-1800s—a different time and place. Today, it’s estimated that less than 10% of police officers’ time is actually fighting violent crime. We need a different vision, we need to rethink how we police—and we need more specialized and better-trained emergency responders for different needs: domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health, homeless issues, gang problems, as well as violent crime in progress.

• Second: We need to get dangerous guns off the streets and all guns away from dangerous and mentally ill people. By far, most gun crimes are committed with handguns in urban areas. We need to reduce, not increase, concealed weapons in our cities.

We need to keep guns out of the hands of anyone under 21. We need to fill gaps in the

See REFORM on page 31

Former President Donald Trump indicted in federal court in Miami for alleged wrongdoing

By JAMES B. EWERS, JR.

When does a person hit rock bottom in their life? What makes them say enough is enough? When does some level of humility kick in and they say I am sorry?

Like you, I have been reading about and watching the political storm surrounding Donald Trump, our country’s former president. Just last week, Trump had 37 charges filed against him for the

alleged mishandling of classified documents. He obviously thought he could simply take the documents home with him.

These documents were of a sensitive nature. A stronger term might be “top secret.” Maybe because of who he is, he thought there would not be a problem.

It is my opinion that Trump has always thought of himself as several cuts above the rest of us. In his mindset, he is the king and America is his castle.

Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher 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

People who are self-absorbed and selfish usually come to a screeching halt, one that is heard around the world. Such is the crashing now that is happening to Donald Trump. It is occurring right in front of our eyes. This is my opinion.

Jack Smith, the special prosecutor, was methodical in gathering the evidence and presenting the facts. Some criticized Smith for not being more aggressive. It is my thinking that he just let the facts speak for themselves.

Of course, Trump was indicted recently in New York and now in Florida. He seems to be unmoved and unfazed by this latest indictment.

After his arraignment in Florida, he traveled to Bedminster, N.J., for a fundraiser. Reports say that he has raised more than $7 million since his federal indictment. You can’t downplay the fact that there are still people who believe in Donald Trump.

All of us have our opinions about his guilt or innocence. For example, members of both houses of Con-

gress have different views. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy believes Trump is innocent and the victim of a political witch hunt. Congressman Steve Scalise of Louisiana also believes Trump has been targeted because of politics.

On the other hand, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has remained silent. Republican Senator John Thune said, “There are very serious allegations in the indictment and the Justice Department is handling this fairly and as they would for any other elected official.”

We will wait and see if other elected officials offer their opinions on what is transpiring with Trump.

I do wonder about those who support him so vigorously. A few questions surface at the inquiry desk.

First, when classified documents are found at someone’s house, isn’t that illegal? Maybe not in the eyes of his supporters. Second, what are constituents saying about their elected officials who support him?

Are elected officials fearful of not

being re-elected, so they conform to the party line? You know it is troublesome when you hold your own integrity hostage. Knowing what is right and acting upon what is right are two different things.

In the meantime, Trump still holds a double-digit lead in the Republican polls. Betting money has him garnering the nomination as the Republican candidate. However, I believe the GOP is anxious and worried.

They know that another indictment is coming soon from the state of Georgia. The question is not whether it is coming; it is simply when it is coming. That would make me nervous. Wouldn’t you be, too? That will mean there will be three indictments against the former president of the United States of America. Regardless of your political persuasion, that is sad.

Here is a scenario for you: He will be campaigning for president and be in court campaigning to stay out of prison at the same time. Get ready, because that just might happen.

Debt ceiling compromise ducked fiscal insolvency

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

Politics is largely the art of theatrics and illusions. Crises are manufactured to enable both parties to claim to be the firefighters who extinguished the fire. But the underlying problems remain unaddressed, guaranteeing a new crisis in a never-ending cycle.

The recent debt ceiling/budget compromise extending for two years is emblematic. The crisis was created by government spending extravagance that had sent the national debt surging past $31 trillion and incurring carrying costs approaching $1 trillion even with record low interest rates.

The Congressional Budget Office projects the national debt at a staggering $50 trillion by the end of the next decade. If interest rates on treasury securities climb back to historical averages, that means the lion’s share of the federal budget will be then devoted to paying the carrying costs of the debt with crumbs left over for everything else, including defense, social security, and Medicare. Our financial Doomsday Clock is approaching midnight. And the president and Congress, like the ostrich, stick their heads in the sand.

In but fourteen (14) years, social security trust funds necessary to pay benefits are projected to become exhausted. The Medicare Hospital Insurance Fund is projected to be depleted by 2028. Annual trillion-dollar budget deficits are projected as far as the eye can see. National security spending is out of control despite the elimination of any danger of foreign aggression against the United States. We are the safest country in the history of the world by orders of magnitude, yet we are spending more than $1.6 trillion annually and climbing in preparing to fight the last war—more

Get ready for elections

CHRISTINA GREER, PH.D.

Attention, New Yorkers: It is yet again election season.

terest (or our interest at all) gets into office.

than 50 percent of all discretionary spending. A national defense strategy of invincible self-defense could be sustained by a fraction of the current $1.6 trillion.

The battlefield is moving to space and cyberspace. We now sport a Space Command. Cyber attacks can easily cripple a nation’s infrastructure and military communications. Military technologies, including drone warfare, are changing at warp speed. Traditional weapons systems that gestate long years before coming to fruition are commonly obsolete before deployment.

The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program is the Defense Department’s most expensive weapon system program. The Department estimates it will cost nearly $1.7 trillion to buy, operate, and sustain the aircraft and systems over its lifetime. I would wager that the F-35 will never be used to defend the United States against foreign aggression.

Entitlement programs must also be arrested or terminated in favor of a single, national safety net for the truly destitute. In fiscal year 2022, entitlement programs gobbled up 52% of the budget. In the prior fiscal year, the number reached an astronomical 66% featuring one-time COVID payments. There are six major entitlement programs based on various thresholds of need: Social Security, Medicare, Welfare, Medicaid, Unemployment, and Economic Support. These entitlement programs should be phased out in favor of a national safety net to ensure all have access to the bare necessities, comparable to President Richard Nixon’s Family Assistance Program.

The goals should be to encourage self-improvement and self-reliance—the touchstones

of self-esteem and pride. As the proverb goes, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.”

Now is no time for complacency. The nation’s fiscal crisis waxes daily. The population ages thrusting a prohibitive financial burden on the new generation. In 1960, there were 5.1 workers per social security beneficiary; that ratio has dropped to 2.8 today.

The Federal Reserve is insolvent. Its balance sheet of U.S. Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities (MBS) jumped from $4 trillion when the COVID-19 pandemic began to $9 trillion at the start of 2022 as interest rates approached zero. With interest rates now climbing back to historical averages to fight inflation, these Treasury bonds and MBS are worth but a fraction of their face value or cost. If the assets were carried at market value, the Fed would be insolvent. Many private banks have similarly vastly overvalued loans or securities because of the spike in interest rates. The bailouts of Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic Bank are but the tip of the iceberg.

Herbert Stein was chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors under Presidents Nixon and Gerald R. Ford. He advised that, “If something cannot go on forever, it will stop.” We are about to witness the truth of that wisdom as the nation inches daily towards insolvency. Congress and the White House fiddle as the country capsizes.

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

I know—it seems like New Yorkers are asked to go to the polls almost every year, several times each year… and that is a correct assessment. This year, due to redistricting, New York’s primary day is June 27 and many districts have competitive elections to decide who will be their next City Council representative.

All elections are important, but oftentimes, voters only focus on and pay attention during the presidential election cycle. We know several Republican candidates have already declared they are running for the nomination from their party to face presumed Democratic nominee President Joe Biden. However, we must not forget that all politics is local and primary elections for City Council members are incredibly important ways we can exercise our rights as citizens and make our voices heard.

Indeed, many people do not think their vote matters. That is the farthest statement from the truth. Elected officials are in charge of billions of dollars of our tax money. They make decisions about everything from housing to education to policing to the environment to how we treat immigrants or the formerly incarcerated. Elected officials on the local and state level make decisions that will directly affect every single aspect of our lives. Therefore, if we do not participate in the electoral process, we are abdicating our duty to others and increasing the chance that someone who does not have our best in -

If you are not already registered, it is probably too late to register for the June 27 primary elections, but you can still register yourself so you can participate in the general election in November. Since New York has closed primaries, you must be registered to a particular party to participate in primary elections. For example, if you live in a district where only Democratic candidates are running against one another in the primary and you are registered as an Independent, you will not be able to participate in the primary election next week. However, in the general election, your party affiliation does not prohibit you from participating.

The best resource to find out where your polling station is located, who is on your ballot, about candidates, and when and where to vote during early voting and on Election Day is www.whosontheballot.org. All you have to do is put in your address and you can find out everything you need to know about your ballot and polling station.

It is imperative that we exercise our right to vote. It was a hard-won struggle and we must remember why our elders risked and sometimes lost their lives for us to have this opportunity.

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

Caribbean Update

Antigua auctions off sanctioned Russian superyacht

BY BERT WILKINSON Special

to the AmNews

The administration of Prime Minister Gaston Browne has never hidden its desire to get a sanctioned Russian superyacht that was stranded in a local port out of its waters, given the political and legal implications of hosting such a hot piece of international property.

The Alfa Nero had pulled into a local port a few weeks after Russia launched its fight against neighboring Ukraine, but once western nations began to impose sanctions on Russia and Russian business interests, the vessel was left moored in Antigua’s Falmouth marina until authorities completed the legal work to get rid of it last week.

As the months of no action passed by, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne began complaining about the $30,000 in taxpayer funds that had to be used to maintain the vessel. Health authorities were also worried about its malfunctioning sewage system, which had forced the crew to dump waste into the marine, affecting other moored boats.

Once all the legal paperwork for the sale of the vessel had been completed in recent weeks, authorities moved

last Friday to auction off the 267-foot vessel to the rich and famous. When the auctioneer’s hammer finally signaled that bidding had been completed, it emerged that former Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt’s pitch at $67.6 million was the highest, making him the new owner of the superyacht. There were two other bidders.

“We are pleased that we now have an owner, and the owner is now tasked with taking on all of the responsibilities to get the vessel ready and moving and,

hopefully, they can do it quick enough,”

Port Manager Darwin Telemaque told reporters on Friday. The port wants the vessel out of the marina before the peak of hurricane season, meaning that it must be fully functioning in case it has to head to a safe port in the event of an approaching storm.

By way of an injunction, the previous owners had made a last-minute effort to stop the sale, but the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court dismissed the challenge to allow the sale to proceed unhindered.

Browne has consistently said the proceeds of the sale will be deposited in the consolidated fund and used for developmental purposes. The main opposition party has, however, suggested that the money should be placed in an escrow fund just in case a later legal challenge to Antigua’s ownership and sale is mounted internationally, ensnaring this small Eastern Caribbean nation in the middle of Cold War politics. The way for the sale was cleared after the Antiguan government completed all the legal transfer procedures earlier this year and became the legal owner of the yacht. Western nations were forced to lift sanctions on the vessel because of the change of owners. The vessel was worth about $80 million.

Ownership of the vessel was transferred to Antigua two months ago. Before then, the parliament had amended marine laws to allow for the sale of the vessel—this had not been done before because of sanctions.

The Caribbean connection: Juneteenth and the forced immigration to Galveston

FELICIA PERSAUD IMMIGRATION KORNER

As we come together to reflect on the significance of Juneteenth, it is also of utmost importance to acknowledge and delve into the profound historical connection that exists between the forced immigration of Africans from the Caribbean to the state of Texas.

This often-overlooked aspect of history sheds light on the resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit of those who endured unimaginable hardships and sought liberation in the face of oppression.

Historians have revealed that many of the early enslaved individuals in Galveston were obtained from the slaving ports of Cuba in the Caribbean, which lay a mere 800 miles away. Cuba served as a significant hub for the African slave

trade into Latin America during the early 19th century and became a prominent source of enslaved Africans for Anglo American colonists after 1821. This proximity to Galveston made it an accessible and favored destination for those involved in the illicit trafficking of enslaved Africans, commonly known as “blackbirders.”

One notable figure in this Caribbean-Texas connection was James Walker Fannin, an American settler, who engaged in slave trading in Georgia before moving to Texas. Fannin arrived in Texas in 1834 and soon became actively involved in the African slave trade. His first encounter with introducing Africans into Texas occurred in the summer of 1835 when he returned from Cuba with 152 enslaved individuals.

Another significant player in this historical narrative was Monroe Edwards, who ordered the transportation of 185 Africans from Cuba to Texas in Febru -

ary 1836. Additionally, Colonel James Morgan sent his agent to Cuba in 1835 to explore opportunities in the slave trade.

Further, reports from U.S. Consul Nicholas P. Trist in 1836 estimated that approximately a thousand Africans had departed from Cuba to Texas. British Consul William Kennedy’s estimations between 1826 and 1836 indicated the importation of around 504 enslaved African people, with a significant portion brought in by lower Brazos traders.

While the exact number of Africanborn captives transported from Cuba to Texas remains elusive, several notable voyages garnered attention from both Texas and U.S. officials. In 1833, during a convention, it was publicly disclosed that a vessel under foreign colors had recently arrived and departed from the Bay of Galveston, carrying a cargo of enslaved Africans from Cuba.

The first Congress of the Republic of

Texas addressed the issue of smuggling and enacted legislation making it a capital offense to bring African-born captives from Cuba into Texas. This strict law drastically increased the risks associated with smuggling and likely deterred Texas enslavers from engaging in what was widely condemned as an “unholy and cruel traffic.”

By exploring and acknowledging the connection between the forced migration of Africans from the Caribbean to Texas, we will gain a deeper understanding of the intertwined histories and struggles of our shared black ancestors.

As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and continue the ongoing journey towards equality, liberation, and the celebration of shared Black heritage.

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

“We are pleased that we now have an owner, and the owner is now tasked with taking on all of the responsibilities to get the vessel ready and moving and, hopefully, they can do it quick enough.”

Affordable Housing for Rent

ATLANTIC CHESTNUT PHASE 1 341 NEWLY CONSTRUCTED UNITS AT 250 Euclid Avenue, East New York, Brooklyn, NY

Amenities: Landscaped Courtyard, landscaped roof deck with gardening beds, children’s playroom, party room, exercise room, bicycle storage, package room, 24/7 staffed entry, laundry room (additional fee)

Transit: MTA J, A and C trains; LIRR East New York station; MTA bus: B13, Q24

No application fee • No broker’s fee • Smoke-free building

More information: https://www.phippsny.org/housingapps/atlantic-chestnut-phase1-apartments/

This development is being constructed through the Extremely Low & Low-Income Affordability (ELLA) Programs of the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) program of HPD.

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

• A set-aside for a percentage of units goes to applicants with disabilities:

⚪ Mobility (5%) ⚪ Vision/Hearing (2%)

AVAILABLE UNITS AND INCOME REQUIREMENT

• Preference for a percentage of units goes to:

Residents of Brooklyn Community Board 5 (50%) ⚪ Municipal employees (5%)

1 Tenant is responsible for electricity; gas for cooking included in rent.

2 Household size includes everyone who will live with you, including parents and children. Subject to occupancy criteria.

How Do You Apply?

3 Household earnings includes salary, hourly wages, tips, Social Security, child support, and other income. Income guidelines subject to change.

4 Minimum income listed may not apply to applicants with Section 8 or other qualifying rental subsidies. Asset limits also apply.

Apply online or through mail. To apply online, please go to https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/. To request an application by mail, send a letter or postcard to (do not send a SASE—we will mail out with our own envelope and stamp): ATLANTIC CHESTNUT PHASE 1, Box 257, 353 Third Avenue, NEW YORK, NY 10010. Only send one application per development. Do not submit duplicate applications. Do not apply online and also send in a paper application. Applicants who submit more than one application may be disqualified.

When is the Deadline?

Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than AUGUST 16, 2023. Late applications will not be considered.

What Happens After You Submit an Application?

After the deadline, applications are selected for review through a lottery process. If yours is selected and you appear to qualify, you will be invited to submit documents to continue the process of determining your eligibility. Applicants are usually contacted from 2 to 10 months after the application deadline. You will be asked to submit documents that verify your household size, identity of members of your household, and your household income.

Español Presente una solicitud en línea en nyc.gov/housingconnect. Para recibir una traducción de español de este anuncio y la solicitud impresa, envíe un sobre con la dirección a: ATLANTIC CHESTNUT PHASE 1, BOX 257, 353 THIRD AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10010. En el reverso del sobre, escriba en inglés la palabra “SPANISH.” Las solicitudes se deben enviar en línea o con sello postal antes de 16 de agosto 2023

简体中文 访问 nyc.gov/housingconnect 在线申请。如要获取本广告及书面申请表的简体中文版，请将您的回邮信封寄送至：ATLANTIC CHESTNUT PHASE 1, BOX 257, 353 THIRD AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10010. 信封背面请用英语注 明“CHINESE”。必须在以下日期之前在线提交申请或邮寄书面申请 2023 年 8 月 16 日

Русский Чтобы подать заявление через интернет, зайдите на сайт: nyc.gov/housingconnect. Для получения данного объявления и заявления на русском языке отправьте конверт с обратным адресом по адресу ATLANTIC CHESTNUT PHASE 1, BOX 257, 353 THIRD AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10010. На задней стороне конверта напишите слово “RUSSIAN” на английском языке. Заявки должны быть поданы онлайн или отправлены по почте (согласно дате на почтовом штемпеле) не позднее 16 август 2023

한국어 nyc.gov/housingconnect 에서 온라인으로 신청하십시오. 이 광고문과 신청서에 대한 한국어 번역본을 받아보시려면 반송용 봉투를 ATLANTIC CHESTNUT PHASE 1, BOX 257, 353 THIRD AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10010 으로 보내주십시오. 봉투 뒷면에 “KOREAN” 이라고 영어로 적어주십시오. 2023 년 8 월 16 일까지 온라인 신청서를 제출하거나 소인이 찍힌 신청서를 보내야 합니다.

Kreyòl Ayisyien Aplike sou entènèt sou sitwèb nyc.gov/housingconnect. Pou resevwa yon tradiksyon anons sa a nan lang Kreyòl Ayisyen ak aplikasyon an sou papye, voye anvlòp ki gen adrès pou retounen li nan: ATLANTIC CHESTNUT PHASE 1, BOX 257, 353 THIRD AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10010. Nan dèyè anvlòp la, ekri mo “HATIAN CREOLE” an Anglè. Ou dwe remèt aplikasyon yo sou entènèt oswa ou dwe tenbre yo anvan dat out 16, 2023

Polskie Aby złożyć wniosek online, przejdź na stronę nyc.gov/housingconnect. Aby uzyskać polskie tłumaczenie tego powiadomienia oraz wniosek w wersji wydrukowanej, wyślij kopertę z własnym adresem: ATLANTIC CHESTNUT PHASE 1, BOX 257, 353 THIRD AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10010. Wpisz słowo „POLISH” w j. angielskim na odwrocie koperty. Wnioski muszą posiadać stempel pocztowy lub zostać przesłane online nie później niż 16 sierpień 2023 Français Pour déposer votre demande en ligne, rendez-vous sur le site nyc.gov/housingconnect. Pour recevoir une traduction en français de cet avis ainsi qu’un dossier de demande papier, envoyez une enveloppe libellée à votre nom et votre adresse à l’adresse suivante : ATLANTIC CHESTNUT PHASE 1, BOX 257, 353 THIRD AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10010. Inscrivez le mot « FRENCH » au dos de l’enveloppe. Les demandes doivent être envoyées par la poste ou soumises en ligne au plus tard le 16 août 2023, le cachet de la poste faisant foi.

Mayor Eric Adams• HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. • HDC President Eric Enderlin

Long COVID: The Silent Disease

socially marginalized communities, it’s becoming ever more important to understand its symptoms, treatments, and above all, prevention.

By MIRAL ABBAS, MPH Special to the AmNews

As we near the third full year of living with COVID-19, we continue to learn more about the disease but struggle to understand its long-term impacts. New data has shown that of all U.S. adults reporting a COVID-19 infection, 1-in-5 are experiencing “Long-COVID.”

Globally, this ratio is higher. Long COVID involves biological and longer term physical and social repercussions that affect everyday life. These repercussions are felt more gravely amongst communities of color where COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, disproportionate adverse impacts. Given the rising reports of Long COVID, its long term effect on daily life, and the detrimental impact among racially and

Meet

The Census Bureau’s 2022 Household Pulse Survey estimated that of the 16 million working age (18-65 years) Americans with Long COVID, 2-4 million would be out of work due to Long COVID. The cost of these lost wages could amount to approximately $170 billion a year.

Americans who are working at the front lines, in part time or lowwage jobs, or simply paycheck to paycheck can ill-afford to reduce their work hours to recover from Long COVID. This means that most affected by Long COVID have to either bear its symptoms with little flexibility or time-off to recover, or incur reduced wages which contributes to economic insecurity.

According to the CDC, Long COVID is a condition some individuals experience after having been infected by COVID-19. Longterm effects range from fatigue

Arely

a community health

to respiratory difficulties. Long COVID’s persistent symptoms signify an immune response that goes into overdrive during COVID-19. These symptoms manifest due to internal inflammation and persistence of the COVID-19 virus in the body. Long COVID symptoms vary in range of severity, but anyone is susceptible to it. Jamie Durchame, a health correspondent with Time magazine, told the AmNews, “You can get Long COVID if you had a very mild case, if you’re vaccinated, if you’re young and healthy. There are even some people who had asymptomatic cases of COVID19 and then developed symptoms after that that are now diagnosed as Long COVID. So it really can affect anyone, which I think is one of the scarier parts of it.”

The following symptoms have been reported:

• Fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating and recalling memories (also

Pillows decorated with the words “Still Sick” are visible as advocates for people suffering from Long COVID-19 and chronic fatigue syndrome host an installation of 300 cots on the National Mall in Washington in May of 2023, to represent the millions of people suffering from post-infectious disease.

known as “brain fog.”)

• Shortness of breath

• Muscle aches and Headaches

• High temperatures (fevers)

• Cough

• Sore throat

As each infected person has reported differing symptoms from COVID-19, each individual afflicted by Long COVID may report differ-

ing symptoms as well. Peter Christopher, founder of the Washington Heights Long Covid Community Center, who has Long COVID, told the AmNews, “So what long COVID in a nutshell is like; it feels like something is sucking the life force out of you, like sucking the energy out of you…that sucking becomes just like a huge vacuum and you’re

in Harlem

Yorkers can access quality services at low to no cost to make pregnancy, birth, and infancy easier.

worker

"I learn something from each new family I work with, my goal is to share what I’ve learned to make parenting a little easier with each visit."

See LONG COVID on page 29

(AP Photo/ Andrew Harnik)

Arts & Entertainment

Jamel Shabazz: Freezing time and motion with his camera

By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews

Visually documenting hip hop’s history is a task Jamel Shabazz took on as the genre began flourishing globally during the 1980s. As a social historian, he knew the importance of doing so early on prior to Corporate America getting its claws involved. Growing up in Brooklyn’s Red Hook Projects during the 1960s and ’70s, he was greatly influenced by the Black Power and Civil Rights Movements prevalent then.

“With the gift comes the responsibility to do some good,” he notes. “I picked up the camera and acquired knowledge-of-self around the same time. Doing work that’s meaningful is important. Having knowledge-o-self gave me a sense of direction and my camera was my compass, making sure our history is preserved.”

Inspired by his father, who was also a photographer, he began shooting at age 15. “He laid down the foundation and possessed a vast library of these incredible books that gave me a gateway to the world,” he explains. “Album covers introduced me to another aspect of photography.”

He recalled witnessing urban creativity

in the 700s, being influenced by Gil Scott Heron, The Last Poets, and various magazines. “The photographs helped me develop a love for photography.”

While in the military in the early ’80s, he became aware of the Black Arts Movement.

“It helped me understand the importance art and culture held in uplifting people. I want to inspire others.”

He mentions photographer Leonard Freed’s book “Black in White America” as an early inspiration, before explaining his process.

“What took place before the photo was the conversations about life, then we move forward,” he explains. “It was about my journey, it’s about engagement, it was about offering enlightenment.”

Going down memory lane: “The Supreme Team was the first time I heard hip hop on the radio, early ’80s. Melle Mel’s ‘The Message’ stood out.”

Due to his interest in Black socializing, he parlayed that into his work. “KRS’ ‘Self Destruction’ video, that’s when I saw the true power of hip hop. Also, Dr. Dre’s ‘We’re All in the Same Gang.’ They all came together to address the problems in our community.”

Shabazz recalled a late ’80s event in Chicago as his initial hip hop assignment,

capturing Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, Big Daddy Kane, and MC Shan, and also credits an 1988 homeless drive at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. “That’s really the first time I saw artists use their platform to address social issues.”

His photos have appeared in popular journals like The Source, Trace, One World, and Vibe

“It was really the hip hop publications that gave me my foundation and helped me build an international fan base,” Jamel contends.

One of his highlights is when Dave Chapelle asked him personally to document his 2004 “Block Party.” “It was one of my greatest musical moments,” he says before mentioning LL, Guru, Yasim Bey and The Roots, among his favorites. “There’s so many.”

Along with “Back In The Day”, and “A Time Before Crack,” he has 10 other books and has been featured in several documentaries.

“Photographers are very conscious people because we see things. As artists we must use our position to make the world a better place. We need the voice of these young rappers addressing social issues. We need the consciousness to come back into the music.”

Currently Shabazz has two exhibitions: “Albums” at the Gordon Parks Foundation in Pleasantville, NY, running through July, and “Faces and Places” at the Brooklyn Museum til Sept. 22 Follow him on IG at @jamelshabazz.

Photographer Jamel Shabazz (Photos courtesy of Jamel Shabazz)

The Last Poets commemorate 55 years

By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews

Hip hop progenitors The Last Poets commemorated their 55th anniversary on May 19th. Artistically inspired by several Black Arts Movement alumni like Amiri Baraka and Nina Simone, and socially motivated by iconic activists Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., they created the template for a generation of urban artists who emerged in the succeeding decades.

Following Dr. King’s April 4, 1968, assassination, teen poets David Nelson, Gylan Kain and Abiodun Oyewole gathered at Central Harlem’s Mt. Morris Park on Malcolm X’s 44th bornday anniversary, May 19, 1968, to recite some revolutionary poems which reflected their anger. Although original people have been rhythmically reciting stories over hypnotic percussion patterns since time immemorial, these ghetto griots did so in a formal song format with bars and hooks. Thus, they set a blueprint which many artists soon emulated.

“I always refer to David as the father of the group because it was his idea,” Abiodun explains. “I always give Kain credit for giving us our aesthetic. He knew what poetry was supposed to sound like.”

Infused with Black Power and Civil Rights rhetoric, as well as imbued by

the cultural, social & spiritual consciousness prevalent in Harlem then, their tracks served as a soundtrack for that era. They also bought books from Harlem spots like Liberation Books to nourish their minds.

Throughout the years, for various reasons, some members changed. Felipe Luciano, Umar bin Hasan, and Jalal Mansur Nuriddin eventually joined. Gil Scott Heron also became an honorary member.

“We kept our schedule of performing and touring different places,” Dun recalled.

“I felt like I was a fake revolutionary because all I was doing was writing poetry, going on stage and performing and didn’t feel like I had made a real revolutionary contribution,” he states. “I wanted to get physically involved, and poetry wasn’t getting it. I didn’t recognize the value of my poetry at the time and how it was moving people’s mindsets. To me it was just a skill, a gift, that I had that I was sharing. I felt like I needed to do more.”

Their self-titled album was released in 1970, and they’ve collaborated with, or been referenced and/or sampled by, countless hip hop artists including dead prez, Erykah Badu, and Common.

For his weekly open-house poetry readings contact poetabiodun@yahoo.com

Watch Abiodun speak at https:// youtu.be/nUzP_mJmb9Q

Abiodun Oyewole, founding member of the legendary Last Poets (Photos courtesy of Abiodun Oyewole)

Bronx commemorates 5th annual Sha-Rock Day

By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews

A True Skool-era hip hop tribute occurred on a recent Saturday afternoon with several pioneers in attendance for the 5th annual Sha-Rock Day in honor of the culture’s first female MC. The throwback event at The Bronx’s Magenta Playground was reminiscent of back-in-the-day park jams, complete with DJs, MCs, B-Boys/B-Girls and graf writers. It also doubled as a pre-50th anniversary of hip hop recognition with several luminaries navigating down memory lane.

As a member of the pioneering Funky Four Plus One More, they set trends during the culture’s infancy. “Rappin’ and Rockin’ the House,” “Do You Want To Rock,” and “That’s the Joint,” are some of their memorable recordings. Sha-Rock helped pave the path for many ladies who later picked up the mic.

“I’m back because of a phenomenal lady. ShaRock is the catalyst for me coming back,” explained The Mercedes DJ Baby D, about why she traveled from Japan for this tribute. “We heled pave the way for what women are doing in hip hop. Y’all are not recognizing the women, because we were there busting our behinds doing what the men were doing.”

The Herculoids’ Coke La Rock, hip hop’s first MC; Chief Rocker Busy Bee; Legendary Twins DJ Flame; Sister Disco; Sparky D; and Funky Four’s Rodney C were among those who paid homage. Flip Mode’s Rah Digga moderated the afternoon festivity, and Funky Four’s DJ Breakout entertained attendees

with tunes from various genres cover ing several decades.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson “gave words, wisdom and encouragement to all attendees,” and former council member Andy King presented Sha-Rock with a proclamation, while fellow artists continued to heap praises.

“We took this all around the world, straight from the boogie down Bronx,” certified The Cold Crush Brothers’ DJ Toney Tone.

“I wanna thank all of y’all for being part of hip hop cul ture. We’re in the Smithsonian, the first hip hop movie, we are the foun dation of hip hop, the Bronx.”

Sha-Rock concluded: “Respect to all who’ve rocked with me on my journey since the beginning til the present in hip hop culture. We did it y’all. Thank you for this day in the Bronx. Next year the whole city will cel ebrate Sha-Rock Day!”

Viral TikTok helps launch entrepreneur’s hairstyling innovation

By MARGRIRA

Special to the AmNews

Karen Fox, CEO and founder of Fox Grand Luxe, is revolutionizing the hair industry with her groundbreaking wig glue, which offers a secure and longlasting hold for all hair types. Driven by her personal journey with postpartum hair loss, Fox’s innovative product has quickly gained widespread acclaim, propelling her into the limelight. One notable moment that captured attention was when she amazed TikTok users by successfully sticking a 20-pound watermelon to her arm using her own wig glue. Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Fox has embodied determination, passion, and a strong commitment to empowering women. Her personal experience with postpartum shedding inspired her to create a wig glue that not only ensures a firm hold but also nourishes and safeguards the hair, preventing any potential damage. With the invaluable assistance of dedicated chemists who meticulously tested the formula, Fox’s

glue exemplifies her unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional quality and ensuring utmost customer satisfaction.

The exceptional qualities of Fox’s wig glue reflect the meticulous process behind its formulation. By utilizing highquality ingredients that are gentle on the skin, the glue provides a comfortable and secure hold without causing damage. Its water-resistant and humidity-proof formula ensures that wearers can confidently enjoy their wigs in any weather or during any activity, free from concerns of displacement or discomfort.

Here’s what Karen Fox, CEO and founder of Fox Grand Luxe, had to share about her journey.

AMSTERDAM NEWS:

How did your experience with postpartum hair loss (also known as “postpartum shedding”) inspire you to create an innovative wig glue that effectively provides a strong hold without damaging hair?

KAREN FOX:

When I gave birth to my son in 2020,

I experienced postpartum hair loss, also known as “postpartum shedding.” My hair became noticeably thin, especially in the front, which was a new and unexpected occurrence for me. This prompted me to try wearing wigs for the first time, and I immediately encountered issues with the glue I used. Initially, I had a severe allergic reaction to the glue, which prompted me to start researching alternative options that would work better for me. I needed a glue that was user-friendly, reduced application time, and didn’t compromise the health of my hair. Frustrated by the lack of suitable options available, I reached out to an engineer and collaborated with them to develop a glue formula that was quick and easy to apply, providing a long-lasting hold without causing damage to my hair. Once I perfected the formula, I tried it myself and found it to be perfect. This marked the beginning of my personal experience with Fox Grand Luxe glue, which I continue to use to this day.

To learn more about Karen Fox and Fox Grand Luxe, visit www.foxgrandluxe.com.

Sha-Rock addresses attendees at the 5th Annual Sha-Rock Day at The Bronx’s Magenta Playground on Saturday June 3 (Mal’akiy 17 Allah photos)

CEO Karen Fox (Photo courtesy of Karen Fox)

HOROSCOPES BY KNOWYOURNUMB3RS

By SUPREME GODDESS

KYA

June 22, 2023—June 28, 2023

The celestial body of Pluto retrogrades in Capricorn, Saturn retrogrades in Pisces, and at the end of the month, Neptune retrogrades in Pisces. Earthy Capricorn and watery Pisces are a great fit; they nurture each other. The only thing is that Pisces may overdo it, and Capricorn can be too practical, strictly stuck in their way. That is Saturn’s way of protection. With the right amount of applied pressure, balance, and setting boundaries you learn to surrender to manifest what you need and more. Believe in what you do and have some faith as sight is not always by humanity’s side, that’s why the element air is invisible. “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase,” Martin Luther King

Cappy June was a personal, professional, soulful, mentally growth spurt. Pluto has taken you back to the root of your foundation since 2008 and will continue until September 1, 2024. The knowledge you gained means it is time to build and apply the data to a book, course, program, speaking engagement, etc. to share with humanity. Every step we take into the unknown to find out the history and origins of life is to better inner-stand ourselves and the structure of the spiritual and physical realms, and the operation of the soul. From 6 a.m. on June 23 until 6 p.m. on June 25, change is essential for growth and preparation follows suit.

The universe is smiling down on you, and you are smiling from ear to ear. This is a cycle week to reap the benefits of your labor, time, and thoughts you invested into your plans and projects, and simply take time to rest. Traveling, running errands, attending meetups, and replying back to folks is in your forecast. Whatever it is, your time is valuable enough to not allow people to suck up your energy. At 6:57 p.m. on June 26 until 4:55 a.m. on June 28, reflect on where you began and the position you are in now. It always triggers good, bad, and indifferent feelings associated with new ideas to develop to further your growth.

Your true identity is showing up, especially when you look in the mirror. Do you notice certain details about your facial features within the structure of your bones? Does your skin have a different look, glow, or aura that has you staring at yourself? No need to ask questions—work on areas you see that need change. From 5 p.m. on June 28 until 10:59 am on June 30th, looking at something is simple yet putting in the work shows your effort to maintain.

When you apply pressure with pressure, you avoid jams and detours for the mission to be complete so that you can enter the next phase. Although June tests your patience, strength, and willpower, that you stand your ground against all odds signifies the heart of the soul. Stand for what you believe in your soul to allow the heart to guide you to where you need to be. Recompenses are overdue for the work, time, sweat, and long nights and days invested. On June 22, something else is cooking in the oven, and in the days leading up to June 30, are you ready for what’s in store? Are you in a position within the structure of your foundation?

Life gets better, sweeter, and fresher at the same time as the universal aspects of life direct you to the next occasion. A slight change in your plan shows you a side you didn’t see coming before entering a room, place, or space for information. When change knocks at your door, it shows up in mysterious ways through your environment to forge a new path or do things in a different way. Trust what you receive straight from the divine source at 6 a.m. on June 23 until 6 p.m. on June 25, and remember solitude is nature with itself.

Planning for the future means discarding a part of yourself and things attached to that energy. Metaphorically, this energy has been building up since last October; it’s time for new scenery. Creating a new foundation means a new lifestyle within your personal and professional development. What do you truly have a passion for that’s constantly on your mind as you only envision the outcome, wishing you could’ve, should’ve, and would’ve instead of working toward the vision making it a reality? From 6:47 p.m. on June 26 until 4:55 a.m. on June 28, pursue the vision or continue the current route you are on.

June brings about change within your appearance, health, home, community, higher learning, pregnancy, or birth of new ideas—and, importantly, setting boundaries. What improvements are you willing to invest to receive a different outcome within the July 31 cycle when the sun enters your sign? Besides romance and finances, what about the commitment you made to self? Get to know your environment and also the resources available to you through your community, family, and friends to set the tone for a new direction in your life. From 5 p.m. on June 28 until 10:59 a.m. on June 30th, life stops for no one including the dead—it’s always in constant motion.

You can feel the change heating up now, pulling on your coattail to ride this wave. This energy of change has been in effect since the last week of February. What will your choice be? It’s time to decide. Go within for the answers you seek. Someone dear to your heart will inspire you to act upon your dreams or simply follow your heart. You see the written signs and messages, and now you are hearing messages from folks. When your mind and heart are matching up to the frequency, pursue before the door closes. On June 22 the days leading up to June 30, you are in for an epiphany session.

“What’s mine is yours” is the old way, and maybe, just maybe, we are reverting to that stage in a different way. We do it with nature by growing food, yet it takes two to produce and share the quality of what nature has to offer. What is your humanitarian effort and foundation you are standing on and beginning? It takes a village to raise one child and a whole city, township, state, and region to awaken more.From 6 a.m. on June 23 until 6 p.m. on June 25, it’s about the humanitarian network.

This week be still, as the news you need to hear will present itself to you. Simply do you and go about your day not seeking what is right under your nose. Look at the picture and the details in it. Some messages you can hear clairaudience due to the vibration and the news forthcoming putting you on notice. Practice a fermer la bouche within your daily aspects like in meditation or quiet time. From 6:57 p.m. on June 26 until 4:55 a.m; on June 28, take a refresher course or travel to a place you have never been.

It’s all about Benjamins manifesting through paper, digitally, and old money due to an investment you made. You were on one heck of a program of giving, receiving, taking, and graced by people who appreciate you. June is a preview month of what’s to come this year. Next month it’s time to add sweat, value, growth, and development within the game. From 5 p.m. on June 28 until 10:59 a.m., June 30th, roll up yourselves, fasten your seatbelt, and mentally prepare for physical work.

Did you catch the universal signals sent your way? It was a hop, skip, then jump to your destination. The only thing is the parachute didn’t come out right away. It only works when you are approaching the main adventure to slow you down just a bit to catch the context clues you see, hear, or have heard of before the adventure comes about. What a mystical quest you are on, and remember, it’s so magical it’s top secret. On June 22 and the days leading up to June 30, you see, hear of, and visit the place and people you need.

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

Vinateria

Fe Noel Little Caribbean inspires big cultural fashion

By BRENIKA BANKS Special to the AmNews

Bridging Grenadian and American culture through fashion is a unique way to launch a physical boutique. Fe Noel Little Caribbean has done just that, and had its grand opening on Thursday, June 15, at 1133 Nostrand Avenue in Little Caribbean, Brooklyn. The boutique’s debut displayed its latest in-shop-only exclusive dresses, shirts, swimsuits, and more.

Fe Noel Little Caribbean will feature collaborative Caribbean designers. Eager to create a legacy where her customers are in bliss after shopping, Noel also anticipates more locations soon.

The grand opening event began at noon and continued until nighttime. The opening was a celebration of Caribbean culture and the Caribbean pride movement, complete with a DJ and an open bar in the store’s backyard. Friends, supporters, and family of owner Felisha “Fe” Noel were amongst the 200+ attendees throughout the day.

Noel intends for Fe Noel Little Caribbean to be a hub in fashion where creativity blossoms. “I want to help people dream in color and bring their ideas to life,” she said. She already knows how to build a business and looks forward to passing her knowledge on to those pursuing fashion—she had pop-up shops and clothing available online under “Fe Noel” for 10 years. Growing up in Little Caribbean (still known to many as Flatbush), she always anticipated the launch of her brick-and-mortar boutique. “This physical space is going to be such a big deal for me and the neighborhood,” said Noel.

Noel believes Little Caribbean is the perfect home and name for her boutique. Being American-born yet inspired by her Grenadian heritage gives her the benefit and opportunity to bridge the gap between creatives in Grenada and the United States.

With this newly paved path, Noel understands her position of making entrepreneurship less challenging for those who might follow her. “I want to make it easier and even inspire [those in Grenada] to try,” she said. She aims to erase doubts that people from the Caribbean have about chasing their dreams. “I want to create opportunities for people who are creating something in the Caribbean to be able to sell it globally.”

With no other boutique or clothing stores nearby, Fe Noel Little Caribbean adds to its block as another Caribbeanowned establishment.

“I AM CARIBBEING” founder Shelley V. Worrell is a huge influence on Noel, especially with Worrell’s company having helped lead to the official neighborhood name change.

Celebratory energy was strong during the grand opening as guests embraced Noel and purchased items. One guest who was very excited and proud of Noel was Renae Bluitt, the creator and executive producer of the podcast “She Did That,” which advocates for Black women entrepreneurs. “The evolution of the

Fe Noel brand has been incredible to witness,” said Bluitt. She credits Noel’s drive and efforts as part of enhancing Caribbean heritage, something that resonates with her as a Trinidadian American. “I love how intentional she is about representing Caribbean culture,” she said. Bluitt said she immediately felt the love, support, and pride from the community as soon as she “stepped on the block.”

Bluitt was happy that Noel chose Brooklyn for her boutique’s home instead of a neighborhood like Soho. “For her to open this gorgeous space in her community of Little Caribbean—it’s just that much sweeter,” said Bluitt. She applauded Noel for showing young Black girls that anything is possible when they follow their dreams and pursue excellence. “I look forward to [Fe Noel] being a success for many years to come,” said Bluitt.

During the grand opening, Noel expressed feelings of amazement and having a full-circle moment from childhood to ownership in Little Caribbean. “This is where the experience needs to be—this is where I want the gatherings and shopping experiences to be,” said Noel.

For more information, visit https://fenoel. com/pages/littlecaribbean or @fenoel on Instagram.

Shopping and mingling in Fe Noel Little Caribbean (Photos by Brenika Banks)

AmNews Food

Add Mediterranean flair to your dinner table

During the past year, many people have missed the opportunity to travel and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the world, but it’s easy to explore other cultures and cuisines by experimenting in the kitchen.

If you’re looking to transport your taste buds to the shores of Spain or the beaches of Greece, one of the best places to start is with the Mediterranean Diet. Renowned chef Geoffrey Zakarian recommends

these tips to help home cooks elevate their dishes and easily incorporate the popular diet into everyday cooking.

Reach for Pantry Staples. There’s no single definition of the Mediterranean Diet, but it’s high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil and seafood. By keeping your pantry stocked with canned versions of ingredients like beans and fish you can easily add

them to your favorite dishes. Yellowfin

Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto and Dates, and Tuna Aioli Dip with Balsamic Drizzle are flavorful ways to bring Mediterranean flair to your dinner table.

Add Seafood. Eating more seafood is one of the leading principles of the Mediterranean Diet. Tuna salad is one triedand-true dish that can help incorporate fish into your menu. To make it more nu -

tritious, opt for tuna that’s packed in extra-virgin olive oil, so you don’t have to add much mayo to the base. For example, Genova Premium Tuna provides a tasteful addition to recipes and is high in protein, a great source of omega-3s and has a uniquely rich and savory flavor that offers a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.

Visit GenovaSeafood.com for more recipe inspiration.

Yellowfin Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto and Dates

Prep time: 20-30 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Servings: 4

2 cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, drained

½ cup pine nuts

4 cups arugula

1 garlic clove

2 tablespoons butter (optional)

1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus additional for garnish (optional)

2 lemons, zest only (optional)

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil

8 ounces whole-wheat orecchiette

½ cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped

½ cup dates, pitted and quartered

¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped

¼ cup dill, chopped (optional)

¼ cup parsley, chopped (optional)

Tuna Aioli Dip with Balsamic Drizzle

Prep time: 15-20 minutes

Cook time: 10-15 minutes

Servings: 4

6 ounces Genova Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

1 dried bay leaf

1 sprig fresh rosemary

⅓ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons capers, drained

2 anchovies

½ lemon, juice only (about 1½ tablespoons) raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, cucumber spears, endive leaves, sliced fennel and bell pepper strips, for dipping

Drain tuna, reserving 2 tablespoons oil.

In small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Bring to boil and reduce until syrupy, about 1 tablespoon. Let cool slightly; discard bay leaf and rosemary sprig.

In blender or food processor, process tuna and reserved oil, mayonnaise, capers, anchovies and lemon juice to make smooth dip. Transfer to flat serving bowl. Drizzle with balsamic syrup. Serve with raw vegetables.

Preheat oven to 325 F.

On a sheet tray, toast pine nuts 8-12 minutes, or until golden. Set aside to cool.

Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Prepare ice water bath by filling large bowl with cold water and ice. Stir arugula into boiling water and cook until bright green and tender, about 30 seconds. Drain arugula, immediately shock in ice water and set aside to fully drain; cover with towel.

In blender or food processor, add arugula; garlic; pine nuts; butter, if desired; Parmigiano-Reggiano; lemon zest, if desired; salt; and pepper. Puree on high, incorporating olive oil to desired thickness. Place pesto in bowl and cover tightly to avoid discoloring.

Bring large pot of salted water to boil.

Add pasta and return to boil, stirring occasionally. Taste pasta for doneness 2 minutes earlier than package instructions. Once cooked, drain and transfer to large bowl. Do not rinse.

Add pesto gently until evenly distributed. Fold in tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, dates and olives.

Divide between shallow bowls and finish with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano, dill and parsley, if desired.

(Family Features)

‘Robin and Me’—a tribute to a man who touched many

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

Robin Williams was such an incredibly talented, funny, skilled actor, who touched the lives of many in very positive ways. Watching him in movies, hearing his comedic way of delivering lines; his gestures, voices, expressions, his energy were very special to witness. Recently, Dave Droxler wrote and performed a marvelous one-man show about Williams, who was his idol as a child and through his entire life, called “Robin and Me: My Little Spark of Madness,” which was presented by the Abingdon Theatre Company at Theatre Row on W. 42nd Street.

Droxler created a beautiful tribute to a man who helped him smile, laugh, and keep going through the most painful parts of his childhood. When he would get upset, he would talk to Robin Williams and get advice. Droxler expertly mimicked many incredible actors’ voices, along with their facial expressions and gestures, including Jim Carrey, Jack Nicholson, and Andy Kaufmann. He did Williams so movingly, you almost felt his spirit in the room. His tribute to this beloved actor was done with

love, tenderness, and respect.

An extraordinary performer, Droxler started the show by coming out and breaking the fourth wall: He not only spoke directly to the audience, he did a comedy routine that was quite entertaining. Droxler then shared stories about his home life

as a child. He talked about upsetting things that happened and how watching Robin Williams in shows like “Mork & Mindy” helped him to get through the rough times.

In creating his tribute to WIlliams, Droxler also gave the audience an interesting history of this actor who came into our

‘Stranger Sings’ is a hilarious musical parody

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

An amazingly good time happened at Playhouse 46 at St. Luke’s where “Stranger Sings” was staged.

To those who know the Netflix TV series “Stranger Things,” this musical parody had the holiday lights and an eerie darkness set up to greet you as you entered the building. The intimate theater had seats on the floor, including beanbags, and in the middle of the floor was a wooden table with characters sitting on it. And like the TV series, musical hits from the ’70s and ’80s were blasting.

The environment was so fun and inviting, and the music was rocking with songs like “Hit Me With Your Best Shot!” and “Sunglasses at Night.” You found yourself bopping in your seat, tapping your feet, and getting ready to have a good time.

All the characters that we knew and loved from the television show were very much present and accounted for, but not in the way they were in the TV show. These characters were over-the-top hilarious. The lady of the hour, Barb, who was a victim of the monster—or was she?—was stunningly played by SLee. This is a girl with a big heart, voice, and moves. She blew the audience away, because her character in this musical parody has a lot to say, anger to share, and a new attitude to proclaim.

Caroline Huerta was absolutely marvelous as Joyce and was also a very capable voice for Will, who is actually a hand puppet in this production. Harley Seger was delightful as both Nancy and Eleven. She had the audience in tears laughing.

Kyle Mangold was ridiculously amusing in his dual roles of Steve and Jonathan. Nickolaus Colon was off-the-charts funny as Hopper.

And of course, we had the rest of the members of the group of nerds—Mike, Dustin, and Lucas, played by Nicolas

Hermick, Jeremiah Garcia, and Jamir Brown, respectively. These three young men played these characters with such joy, energy, silliness, and delight, everyone had smiles on their faces.

This musical parody had a completely off-the-hinge book, music, and lyrics by Jonathan Hogue. Because it was a parody, nothing went as you would have expected—and it was great. The songs had the audience bent over laughing. In fact, the laughs came so frequently in this musical that you were still laughing at one joke

lives, touched us deeply, and left much too soon. There was so much comedy, joy, happiness, zaniness, and tenderness in this production, I felt blessed to be in the audience and experience the brilliance of Droxler’s writing and his stellar performance, along with the astonishing direction of Chad Austin.

If you hear of this play being mounted again, you must make plans to see it.

One other observation: As you sat in the audience waiting for the show to start, soundtracks played over the sound system from sitcoms from the ’70s and ’80s, and from Williams’s movies like “Popeye.” It took me back to a time when life was so much simpler—a time when we were innocent and there seemed to be a lot more joy in the world. It’s strange to think about how television shows and actors truly played a part in the way that we viewed the world and ourselves.

I don’t know if actors realize the impact that their work can have on a young mind. I don’t know if actors know that what they do means a lot to so many people on levels that they could not imagine. But a play like this declares this fact with a bullhorn.

when the next one happened. The show also had dazzling choreography by Ashley Marinelli. The direction by Nick Flatto was perfection.

What made this musical even funnier was watching how much fun the cast was having carrying out this crazy, looney storyline. When the show was over, the audience was invited to be part of a dance party on the main floor and believe me, they joined in. It was an incredible, engaging experience. It is unfortunate that it had to end. I truly hope it will come back.

Dave Droxler in a scene from “Robin & Me” (Grace Copeland photo)

(L-R) Lizan Mitchell and Joniece Abbott-Pratt in scene from “Shadow/land” (Joan Marcus photo)

Montague, Smoke, Dizzy’s, Love In Bloom, Harlem Stage

On June 22, the Morris Museum in Morristown, N.J., kicked off its Jazz on the Back Deck season with the Antoinette Montague Experience. Harlem calls her their own, although she is known throughout the tri-state area and beyond for her boundless vocal expressions that leap genres from jazz to blues and spiritual experiences. She will be joined by her longtime all-star group: pianist Danny Mixon, bassist Melissa Slocum, drummer Bobby Sanabria, and featured tap dancer AC Lincoln.

Bring chairs and refreshments to the Montague Experience, to be held atop the Morris Museum’s elevated parking deck. Tickets are $50 and $25. For ticket information, call the box office at 973-971-3706 or visit the website, morrismuseum.org.

The seasoned vocalist Mary Stallings fortified her reputation as one of the most influential singers in the annals of jazz. The native of San Francisco, who sang in the church choir as a youngster, has been enchanting audiences for six decades. In building her career, she has performed with Ben Webster, Earl Hines, and the multi-instrumentalist Louis Jordan’s Tympani Five (he infused jazz, blues, and lots of R&B), who helped her enhance her jazz chops and R&B swing.

On June 22–25, Stallings returns to the upper westside mecca the Smoke Jazz & Supper Club (2751 Broadway). She will be joined by the trio of pianists Emmet Cohen (Thursday, Friday, and Sunday) and Cyrus Chestnut (Saturday), bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Joe Farnsworth.

Stallings’s vocals are flawless as she lyrically dances through little-known jazz standards and blues tunes that conjure up seeded memories and soulful nights that still linger. Her stylings are an exquisite intersection of Nancy Wilson, Shirley Horn, and Dinah Washington. Within this divine trio, Stallings’s sultry voice is uniquely grounded in her own experience.

She toured with Dizzy Gillespie and the orchestras of Billy Eckstine and Count Basie (three-year residency, 1969–1972). She has recorded with pianist Monty Alexander (“Manhattan Moods,” 1997 Concord Music) and “Remember Love” (Half Note, 2005), which was produced by pianist Geri Allen, who also plays piano and organ. For me, her most-revered album was her 1962 debut collaboration “Cal Tjader Plays, Mary Stallings Sings” (Fantasy Records). Tjader, whose career was deeply immersed in Latin jazz, stepped out of his comfort zone to accompa -

ny Stallings in her world of intensified blues tunes, pop, and standards, from “Mighty Rumblin’ Blues” to “Why Don’t You Do Right” and “Ain’t Misbehavin.’”

The album is truly a collector’s item.

Stallings’s performances are two sets (7 p.m. and 9 p.m.) on Thursday; three sets on Friday and Saturday (7 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10:30 p.m.; and two sets on Sunday (7 p.m. and 9 p.m.). For reservations, visit the website smokejazz.com or call 212-864-6662.

Caribbean music, Calypso, carnival celebrations, and steel bands are all reflective of those colorful harmonic textures. That feeling, those emotions, will be amplified June 23–24 when the Caribbean Diaspora Big Band converges on Dizzy’s jazz club (Broadway and 60th Street). Two sets each night at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. It is music’s evolution—a celebration of Caribbean culture. The ensemble will be led by bassist Jonathan Michel. Some of the band members (rising stars) will include trumpeters Kali Rodriguez-Pena

and Giveton Gelin (protégé of Roy Hargrove), pianist Willerm Delisfort, alto saxophonists Christopher R. McBride and Mervin Toussaint, trombonists Dion Tucker and Rashaan Salaam, and drummer Harvel Nakundi.

For reservations, visit the website jazz2023.org.

Dizzy’s late-night sessions have returned, Thursdays–Saturdays beginning at 11:15 p.m. Visit the website for info.

On June 25, the Universal Temple of the Arts “Love in Bloom” concert on Staten Island will explore life’s concepts and the power of love in relationships and as a healing power through music, dance, and the arts. The long list of performers will include vocalist Antoinette Montague, percussionist Leopoldo Fleming (Nina Simone’s longtime musician), Nubia Braithwaite, Dorian Lake, and Gregory Taylor, among others.

This event is free and open to the public, and will take place at Wagner College Theatre (1 Campus Road). RSVP at UTA-Loveinbloom2023.eventbrite.com.

For more information, call 718-273-5610 or visit the website at utasi.org.

Harlem Stage is a reservoir for live music dancing in and out, culture, and conversation that spark truth and enlightenment. On June 28, at 7:30 p.m., the “Freedom is a Constant Struggle” Panel Series on History and Cultural Identity as Inspiration will present composer Tamar-kali in a discussion with writer, historian, and professor Melissa Cooper, PhD; multidisciplinary artist, curator, and administrator JonSesrie Goff; and multidisciplinary artist Sheldon Scott. They will discuss their shared Gullah Geechee heritage and Tamar-kali’s ”Sea Island Symphony: Red Rice Cotton and Indigo,” an orchestral love letter to her roots. The event will be at the Harlem Stage Gatehouse (150 Convent Avenue). It is free but RSVPs must be made at harlemstage.org. For more information about the continuing Freedom is a Constant Struggle Panel Series, visit the website.

Mary Stallings

(David Kaufman photo)

Continued from page 3

1000 additional cops in the subway system each and every day [starting] over the weekend. And it will continue until further notice.”

He added that the additional police presence will come from both NYPD “straight time” and overtime resources. Kemper also highlighted increased arrests for transit-related misdemeanors like fair evasion and disorderly conduct, which he believed straphangers would “relish.” But those arrested for such crimes are traditionally and overwhelmingly Black and brown New Yorkers, which police critics have regularly pointed to when questioning whether banned stop-and-frisk practices are truly gone.

Election

Continued from page 3

Salaam, who does not have a doctorate but an honorary doctorate he received from Anointed by God Ministries Alliance & Seminary in 2014, has received some criticism for going by ‘Dr. Salaam’ at times. Dickens “studied real estate and land economics at New York University and later attended her studies at Howard University,” but didn’t graduate instead receiving certificates, she told to news outlets.

The stabbings coincide with the New York City summer, as correlations between traditionally unfortunate upticks in violence and rising temperatures. Between this past Friday to Sunday, the NYPD reports 16 shootings citywide. On Monday, a 16-year-old was fatally shot in Bed-Stuy. Gun violence was also prevalent nationwide, with multiple “mass shootings” over the weekend, although most did not lead to multiple fatalities.

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

Election Day for the primary is on Tues, June 27. Polls are open 6am-9pm. The last day to request absentee ballots in-person is Mon, June 26.

Absentee ballots have to be postmarked by June 27 to be valid.

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

Metro Briefs

Continued from page 3

Ra-fame Craig Harris (United States); R&B singer Leon (United States); salsa singer Cita Rodriguez (Puerto Rico); Afro-fusion ensemble Wazumbians (Ghana); world music singer Sherlee Skai (Haiti); a tribute to Pharoah Sanders featuring Azar Lawrence and Tomoki Sanders; Dinizulu African Dancers, Drummers, & Singers (Ghana/United States), and more.

The suggested donation is $10 per day only. For general information, contact info@IAAFestival.org, call 718-638-6700, or visit IAAFESTIVAL.org. Media inquiries should be directed to pr@akilaworksongs.com or 718-756-8501 (office).

New Jersey

Continued from page 4

make this nation live up to its ideals.

“You cheapen America when you don’t tell about the struggles of abolitionists. You cheapen America when you don’t tell about the struggles of the greatest infrastructure project America ever knew: the Underground Railroad. [Ignoring the] massacres of Native Americans and African Americans and Asian Americans––you obscure the truth of America.”

Activist Lawrence Hamm said the group he chairs, the People’s Organization for Progress (POP), has always had a demand for reparations “for the descendants of those who were enslaved in this country. It has always been our position from the time that our organization was founded,” he said. “It was part of our political program that there must be restitution, there must be compensation for the 250 years of stolen labor in this country. They stole us. They sold us. They owe us. We demand reparations!”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka pointed out that many legislators were due to be out at Juneteenth events. They would be willing to participate in recognizing Black oppression, but are not as interested in Black restitution, Baraka said. “They will not provide a bridge for us to move from enslavement to democracy.”

The New Jersey Reparations Council plans to hold meetings and seek public comment about Black issues in New Jersey. Check with the council’s website at www.njreparationscouncil.org to find out when meetings will take place.

CLASSROOM IN THE ACTIVITIES

Eunice Brooks, an early film star with Oscar Micheaux

By HERB BOYD

Special to the AmNews

We were surprised, though we shouldn’t have been, to learn that the first Black film utilizing sound, “a talkie,” was Oscar Micheaux’s “The Exile,” produced by Frank Schiffman, of Apollo Theater fame, and starring Eunice Brooks. Micheaux and Schiffman have been cited before in the profiles here but Ms. Brooks is practically a newcomer, and virtually well under the radar. Of course, given the deep dives we do here, her discovery was just a matter of time, and as Black history illuminates the calendar in the wake of Juneteenth, her appearance is all the more appropriate.

Finding vital statistics on Brooks was a search of utter futility. Even several biographies on Micheaux revealed not a mention of her and very little about “The Exile.” Her role in the film is equally bereft of background as she is described, early on in the film, as a white woman by another character. What little narrative insights shared arrived when Eunice stands before the mirror and examines her physicality, still puzzled about her race.

One citation about the film notes that Eunice appeared in Micheaux’s early films, and was considered one of his leading actresses. That, however, is not confirmed in a thorough survey of his early films and the casts. She was a light-skinned and fairly attractive woman, a veritable femme fatale, who has somehow come into possession of a mansion that she converts into a club or after-hours joint. The house, according to one review, “is also the house where she leads men into ruin but suffers for it in the end.”

The film opened in Harlem in 1931 at the Lafayette Theater to a standing-room-only crowd. Black attendees may have been up on the production and its premiere, but the white press gave it little attention. The Pittsburgh Courier praised

the picture, citing it as a solid “portrayal of Negro life in a city that no one but a Negro, who has traveled and lived in cities, could tell.”

Those willing to invest a few dollars on Roku and access The Criterion Channel, but (and here’s the spoiler if you want to

blink paste the next few lines) it’s hardly worth the time or money. Being his first talkie, Micheaux seems to be fascinated by the sound, leaving the editing of the film unattended to in too many places. The acting is stiff, and the plot is deplorable with a slapdash tragic ending.

In her next film, shot a year later, Eunice is a Mrs. Austin in “The Girl from Chicago” and once again, according to several critics, delivers a wonderful performance. It might be wise just to forego a profile on her rather than allowing it to stand as a tease or bait to get a response from one of our readers.

We were hoping to derive more information on Eunice from Grant Harper Reid’s otherwise informative “Rhythm For Sale” about Leonard Harper, his grandfather who staged the dancers and the choreography in “ The Exile.” While Reid offers a thoroughgoing account of his grandfather’s

life and the film, Eunice is not mentioned. Even so, Reid offers several pages on the film, particularly some of the scenes that were lucky to make it past the ever-alert censors of the day. “What the censors found objectionable in ‘The Exile,’” Reid writes, “was the racial theme of the film.” Basically, the film is about an interracial romance during a period when such a coupling was taboo. “White audiences bristled when they watched what they thought to be one of their own female Caucasoid interrelating with an African American on the screen.”

Particularly incensed by the celluloid romance, Reid adds, were the white women members of the Pennsylvania Board of Censors. Reid provides an interesting follow-up to the promotional and financial developments of the film, though we leave that to titillate and coax readers to check out this very entertaining book.

FIND OUT MORE

We are hoping that several of the film buffs who follow this column regularly can help us acquire more information about Eunice.

DISCUSSION

The sound quality, as expected for this firsttime venture, isn’t the best and it’s not helped at all by uncompelling acting.

PLACE IN CONTEXT

Eunice is much older than the other two women in the film and since it was made in 1931 she appears to be in her later 30s or early 40s.

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY

June 20, 1858: Acclaimed author Charles Chesnutt was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He died in 1932.

June 21, 1923: Historic leader Marcus Garvey is sent to prison but released four years later and deported back to Jamaica. He died in London in 1940.

June 22, 1909: Famous dancer and choreographer Katherine Dunham was born in Joliet, Ill. She died in 2006.

Eunice Brooks with Stanley Morrell in The Exile

Wrongful Convictions Act.

Renfroe called Lopez’s exoneration a “perfect storm” thanks to the combination of DNA, recantations, and rationale for why. A fellow teen who implicated him in the robbery charge later said his statement was coerced from a five-hour detention, along with repeated questioning. He only gave Lopez’s name after police provided it to him. Other witnesses also retracted their statements for similar reasons, including another then-minor who lied to “give [the police] something to leave me alone.”

Then there were the outlying factors, given the direct link to arguably the most famous wrongful conviction case in U.S. history, along with the recent arrival of Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg, a Black Harlemite around the age of Lopez who experienced similar police misidentification as a teen. It led to a joint motion with New York County’s chief prosecutor—which isn’t always the case.

The wrongfully convicted and district attorneys often find themselves on opposite sides when attempting to overturn a conviction from Renfroe’s experience. Washington County D.A. J. Anthony Jordan—president of the District Attorneys Association of New York—spoke against the Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act this week due to the potential volume and subsequent strain the legal system would face.

In the exoneration filing, Bragg wrote that the plea was “procured under the egregious pressure that is unique to this case” and that while the prosecution no longer has confidence in Lopez’s conviction, because he pleaded guilty, “the path to vacatur is not as straightforward as those who were convicted at trial.”

“Steve’s case is the exception,” said Renfroe. “It was the perfect storm and having those things set up for why that should have been righted. But the thing to recognize is… yes, Steve, in a sense, is an exception…but Steve isn’t the only exception. Our goal in the criminal justice system is there should not be a single innocent person [behind bars], so I have to believe that Steve is the exception. [But] almost certainly, Steve is not the only exception.”

While Lopez’s story is unique, plea bargaining in New York is not: 94% of felony charges in the state end in a guilty plea, according to a National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers report. And in those cases, New Yorkers cannot challenge a wrongful conviction without DNA evidence, even if they’re clearly innocent, ruled the NY Court of Appeals in 2018’s People v. Tiger.

The case held that nurse Natascha Tiger could not challenge the first-degree endangerment of the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person charge she pleaded guilty to and was convicted on, even after medical experts found the injuries of the disabled youngster under Tiger’s care—which led to her charges—were caused by medication allergies, not scalding hot water.

Even in Lopez’s case, the DNA evidence ex-

onerating him was tied to rape of the Central Park jogger Trish Melli, not the charge of robbery of another victim present he pleaded down to.

The Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act would amend the laws interpreted by the Tiger holding, allowing New Yorkers to contest a conviction stemming from a guilty plea with credible, non-DNA evidence. New York State Criminal Procedural Law Article 440, the legislation in question, allows the motion to vacate a judgment like a wrongful conviction. But a majority of the grounds for exoneration are tied to trial time, which plea bargaining occludes.

“The decision you see in Tiger is imbued with all these other sort of policy priorities, including judicial resources and finality of conviction,” said Professor Amber Baylor of the Columbia Law School. “In the dissent, the judge [wrote] the interpretation is heavily swayed by these policy points. Yet, there’s this ethos of the highest principles in law… [are] not equivalent to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, [arguing] this should not override a person’s innocence being contemplated and an innocent person avoiding conviction and hopefully incarceration.

“The judge is saying we could interpret it to include guilty pleas. [There are] other ways that we’ve allowed for people with a guilty plea to attack a judgment, so why not hear [those] in this realm of actual innocence?”

The dissent was written by Rowan Wilson, who was recently appointed as chief justice of the Court of Appeals—the first Black man to serve as the state’s highest justice. Tiger was ultimately exonerated due to ineffective assistance of counsel, but her case remains the codifying precedent for challenging a wrongful conviction after a guilty plea.

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a fair trial, but in practice, people plead guilty for a myriad of reasons, according to Baylor, even if they’re innocent. For one, there are New Yorkers already behind bars pre-conviction. Pleading guilty allows them to escape city jails, especially those on Rikers Island, the notorious complex tied to 19 detainee deaths last year.

Then there’s what Renfroe calls the “trial tax,” where defendants risk significantly harsher penalties for fighting a charge. For example, Tiger faced up to seven years in prison. By pleading, she reportedly got four months, with another five years of probation.

There is also the general lack of faith in carceral institutions for nonwhite defendants.

“More broadly, most of the people who are in criminal law systems are people of color—in New York City, Black and brown— and have a lot of evidence for a lot of injustice,” said Baylor. “Do you trust a real result? What did the juries look like? How have people in your family been treated by courts? Those sorts of things play a role in people’s decision on whether or not to challenge [a] case.”

Lopez was offered a last-second plea bargain if he admitted to robbing another jogger. Pleading guilty to robbery meant not

proceeding to trial over Melli’s rape, which some of the “Exonerated Five” had already been convicted of at that point. Lopez spent roughly four years in prison.

On June 8, the Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act passed in the New York State Senate. The same bill passed the State Assembly this past Tuesday, June 20 and will make its way onto Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk to be signed into law.

“For far too long, New York has erected barriers stopping wrongfully convicted people from clearing their names in court,” said sponsoring Senator Zellnor Myrie in a statement. “I’m thrilled that we are finally knocking those barriers down by passing this critical legislation. This bill enhances justice, which is the true source of public safety in our state. I’m extremely grateful to my colleagues and the advocates who made this possible.”

“Every wrongful conviction is a failure of our justice system,” added co-sponsoring State Senator Jamaal Bailey over email. “By passing the Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act, we take a significant step to right past wrongs and restore justice to individuals whose lives were upended by grave miscarriages of justice. True justice extends beyond a verdict; it requires a continuous effort to rectify past injustices and safeguard the integrity of our justice system.

“This critical legislation will create a pathway to exoneration for those living with the devastating and lasting consequences of a wrongful conviction.”

Lopez is the first person exonerated by Bragg’s Post-Conviction Justice Unit. The taskforce was established in April last year.

“Unjust convictions rob innocent people of their liberty and livelihoods,” said Bragg by email. “Failing to right these wrongs is the height of injustice, and we cannot allow people to suffer a lifetime of consequences that result from these systemic failures. My office was proud to vacate [Steve] Lopez’s unjust conviction and will continue prioritizing these reinvestigations because everyone must be treated equally under the law.”

Earlier this month, the same unit’s investigation led to 316 vacated convictions tied to nine discredited NYPD officers.

As for Lopez, getting involved with the Wrongful Convictions Act is another step toward life after the Central Park jogger case. He said there is no current contact between him and the Exonerated Five, nor is there a desire to reconnect.

“Moving forward from this point on, I wish them the best of luck with what they do,” said Lopez. “I’m doing what I’m doing. I have no qualms with what they have going on. Moving on is one of the easiest things I’ve learned to do…I’m trying to get my name out there for something that’s not affiliated with [the Central Park jogger case].”

“I think Steve would like to be known for helping pass this legislation,” said Renfroe.

“That’s what I want to be known for,” Lopez said in agreement. “Don’t feel sorry for a tragedy that [has] already happened. Feel bad [if] this bill doesn’t pass this session.”

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Schomburg Center hosts 5th Annual Literary Festival June 17

By AmNews Staff Reports

Additional reporting

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is hosting its 5th Annual Literary Festival on Saturday, June 17.

This year’s theme “Literacy is Generational Wealth” features book talks with Sarah Ladipo Manyika (“Between Starshine and Clay,” “Like A Mule Bringing Ice Cream To The Sun”), Cynthia Manick (“No Sweet Without Brine”), Henry Threadgill (“Easily Slip into Another World: A Life in Music”) and Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond (“Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky”) among others and workshops lead by Hasna Muhammad (“Breathe in the Sky: Poems Prayers & Photographs”) with Harlem Writers Guild and The Moth.

This year, author and historian Claude Johnson (“Black Fives: The Epic Story of Basketball’s Forgotten Era”) will join the festival for a special conversation presented by PUMA.

Mahogany L. Browne (“Chlorine Sky,” “Woke: A Young Poets Call to Justice,” “Woke Baby,” and “Black Girl Magic”) will open the 135th Street stages with her curated Woke Baby Children’s Festival featuring children’s readings, live music, and craftmaking.

The community-wide celebration will also feature storytelling workshops, a marketplace of local vendors and organizations, a New York Public Library mobile library, and programs for all ages.

NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS @ The Literary Festival

The New York Amsterdam News had a booth at this year’s Schomburg Literary Festival. Veteran AmNews journalist Herb Boyd made an appearance under the newspapers tent in the vendor’s marketplace.

“Festivals are all the more important nowadays since bookstores are practically nonexistent,” Boyd commented while confirming his attendance this weekend. “And the few bookstores that are within reach rarely have guest appearances for authors. A similar disappearance occurs with many festivals even when you are lucky enough to have an invitation or the cost to get there and register for a table.

“Conditions such as these make the Schomburg Literary Festival all the more indispensable and accessible. It’s good to know that several colleges have occasional conferences where authors are panelists and have their books available for sale. Online Zooms and other social media platforms provide a minimum relief but getting autographed books to viewers is not an easy endeavor.”

Traditionally held on Juneteenth weekend, the Schomburg Center Literary Festival is held both outdoors and throughout the historic research library in Harlem, featuring discussions, workshops, and book signings with established and emerging writers across the Black diaspora.

The festival takes place on Juneteenth weekend in honor of the holiday that commemorates the day news of emancipation was finally delivered to enslaved Black people in Texas on June 19, 1865—2 years after the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.

“This year, we are thinking about the legacy of literacy,” said Novella Ford, associate director of public programs and exhibitions. “We are honoring the importance of passing down books, positive ideas about reading, and continuing to be bold in our choices at a time when the currents are pushing against the freedom to read

and the invaluable service of public libraries. This festival is a celebration of readers and writers across genres and generations.”

Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. with the keynote conversation featuring Sarah Ladipo Manyika discussing “Between Starshine and Clay: Conversations from the African Diaspora,” and exploring Black thinkers of our times, including Nobel Laureates Toni Morrison and Wole Soyinka, and former First Lady Michelle Obama and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker.

This year’s artwork “Generational Wealth” is produced by multidisciplinary artist Ernest A. Ford.

Programs will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. on four stages inside the Schomburg Center and outdoors on 135th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Malcolm X Boulevard. Author readings, panel discussions, and workshops will

range from prose to poetry, comic books to young adult novels, fiction, and nonfiction. The festival is free, public, and open to all ages. See the full schedule at schomburgcenterlitfest.org.

The 2023 Schomburg Center Literary Festival is powered by Puma. Major support is provided by Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation.

The Schomburg Center Literary Festival is part of the New York Public Library’s “Summer at the Library” initiative, which launched June 5th and offers kids, teens, and their families a series of free programs at its 92 locations to spark a lifelong love of reading and learning, and help students combat the “summer slide”—when they forget what they learned in the summer months while outside the classroom. A full list of free programs and offerings can be found at nypl.org/summer

Traditionally held on Juneteenth weekend, the Schomburg Center Literary Festival is held both outdoors and throughout the historic research library in Harlem, featuring discussions, workshops, and book signings with established and emerging writers across the Black diaspora. (Bill Moore photo)

Long COVID

Continued from page 16

just depleted. So that’s kind of what it feels like. And it’s very depressing because when you look around at the world, it’s like everybody else is still living life and you become a shadow. And so you feel like a lot. You feel alone… It’s scary. And you feel you don’t feel like you anymore.”

The Washington Heights Long Covid Community Center is a developing center based in Upper Manhattan that hopes to provide multidimensional health care for those affected by Long COVID, ranging from access to doctors, to holistic community resources.

Dr. Jason Maley, a pulmonary and critical care doctor at Harvard Medical School, told the AmNews that for years there have been reported syndromes similar to Long COVID that manifest after viral infections have occurred. “They’ve been described going back into the 19th century and there’s been some research around what you might call post acute viral syndromes, people who have symptoms after known infections either from viruses or from other types of infections and that included people who had severe fatigue, shortness of breath, this cognitive impairment that’s sometimes called brain fog and other unexplained symptoms.”

Both COVID-19 and Long COVID are novel, which means that these symptoms and their long term manifestation may vary. Given that many of these symptoms are wide ranging and associated with other comorbidities, meaning that more than one disease is occurring simultaneously in the body, diagnosis of Long COVID is challenging.

Dr. Mady Hornig, an expert in the field of Long COVID and a professor at Columbia University, [full disclosure: the author was a graduate student at the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, however Dr. Hornig was not one of the author’s instructors] states that given the novelty of the disease and that there are no definite diagnostic tools for Long COVID, it is difficult to diagnose and to treat effectively.

“Symptoms can often be [dismissed or ignored] by docs. Docs look into their tool kits and they don’t have the tools to diagnose, and they don’t have the tools to manage or address the disorder even if they were to diagnose it,” Dr. Horning said.

While Long COVID may not be immediately life threatening, Dr. Maley tells the AmNews that it can have a significant impact. “It’s certainly very serious and it’s affecting people in tremendous ways in terms of their ability to function day-to-day and their quality of life and it’s causing really debilitating symptoms.”

Given its lasting impact, it’s important to seek treatment.

Long COVID may develop regardless of the severity of COVID-19; some who have had an asymptomatic infection have reported Long COVID symptoms. Those reporting more severe COVID-19 symptoms

are often those who are not fully vaccinated and tend to report more and worse Long COVID symptoms. Because of this, vaccination against the virus may prevent Long COVID, given that those who have been vaccinated are less likely to experience severe or fatal symptoms from COVID-19, as well as Long COVID, than those who are unvaccinated.

Jamie Durchame tells the AmNews that “Your risk is higher if you have a severe case… And then some underlying conditions have also been linked to the risk of Long COVID, like asthma, other respiratory conditions.”

Given that the severity of COVID-19 appears to be linked at least in part to your vaccination status (full dose and boosters), studies also indicate that those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are less likely to develop Long COVID. Dr. Maley says that the most common way to prevent COVID19 and its potential longterm effects is to be fully vaccinated and boosted. To be fully vaccinated and boosted:

• You must have completed the COVID-19 vaccine primary series (i.e.: if you have received the Pfizer vaccine, these were 2 doses, spaced approximately 1 month apart).

• You must have received the most recent booster dose recommended for you by the CDC. While there are many unknowns about Long COVID, we have learned that there are many socioeconomic repercussions in addition to the health risks. Long COVID has effects including cognitive impairment, fatigue, and fever, to name a few, and such effects can deter productivity and long term wellbeing.

Jamie Durchame tells us that “throughout the pandemic, people of color and people at lower socio demographic classes have been more likely to get infected by the virus that causes COVID. And if you have COVID, that is the single biggest risk factor for developing Long COVID. So it stands to reason that people in those groups would also have a higher risk, but I don’t know that that’s like a biological risk factor, so much so as a societal one.”

For historically marginalized communities, gaining holistic resources (i.e.: nutritional aid, mental healthcare, etc.) is pertinent to addressing Long COVID. The denial of these resources to said communities only exacerbates public health, making one more vulnerable to the adverse symptoms of COVID-19 and Long COVID.

As doctors and public health experts develop programs to tackle Long COVID, especially amongst communities who experience healthcare access disparities, advocates are asking them to also consider holistic and socioeconomic support.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that may indicate Long COVID, please contact your healthcare provider.

For additional resources around COVID19-19 please visit www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/index.page or call 311. New Yorkers

can find locations of where to pick up free rapid tests by calling 311 or by visiting: www.nychealthandhospitals.org/COVID19-19-testing-sites/ and can schedule an athome test by calling 929-298-9400 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. seven days a week.

COVID-19-19 testing and vaccination resources can also be accessed on the AmNews COVID-19-19 page: www.amsterdamnews.com/COVID-19/

LONG COVID RESOURCES

NYC COVID Hotline (212) COVID-19

COVID-19 NYC Health and Hospitals Centers of Excellence

• www.nychealthandhospitals.org/covid19-center-of-excellence/ Long COVID Support Groups

• www.wearebodypolitic.com/covid-19

NYC Health and Hospitals COVID After-Care Resources

• www.nychealthandhospitals.org/aftercare/

New York Presbyterian Long COVID Center

• www.nyp.org/longcovid

The Long COVID Survival Guide

• https://bit.ly/3qJCVrq

Black presence

Continued from page 2

speak of it as a catastrophe because of its demographic, environmental, and metaphysical impact, which makes perfect sense. What is crucial is not to lose sight of the fact that despite the alienating nature of these colonial plantations and their catastrophic impact on the existence of racialized populations, there has always been resistance, from the most imperceptible to those that shook the system structurally, such as the Haitian Revolution. The Caribbean is also a geography of the imagination that creates identifications, and individuals who think of themselves as inhabiting this great nation without any colonial and linguistic frontiers. On this level, the arts and Afro-diasporic spiritualities have been fundamental in creating this idea of a Caribbean identity, without detracting from the role of intellectuals and politicians in this endeavor. Finally, the Caribbean is a disputed space, David Scott calls it an area of “geopolitics of the intellectual imagination” to draw attention to the ideological dimension of the discourses and representations we speak of when we talk about the Caribbean. Something like, give me your definition of the Caribbean and I will tell you where you stand on the political spectrum. In that same sense, I think of the Caribbean as a floating signifier, coining Stuart Hall’s conceptualization, because it resists being fixed in a definitive way.

See

Religion & Spirituality

Episcopalians vow to lift up social justice, reparations work

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

Just before he was consecrated as the next Bishop of New York, Rev. Matthew Heyd held a formal conversation with Presiding Bishop Rev. Michael Curry at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Friday, May 19. They talked about the direction the Episcopalian Church is heading in as it takes on issues of social justice.

One of the main subjects the two tackled was how the church is looking at reparations for African enslavement. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine held an historic Service of Apology for Slavery this past March 2023 that led to a church pledge to devote $1.1 million toward racial justice efforts and the creation of the New York Federal Episcopal Credit Union, a bank designed to provide “banking services to the underserved, while providing low-cost emergency loans and financial counseling,” in an effort to address economic inequality.

The denial of reparations for African slavery remains the main root of economic inequality in the United States, and confronting this issue with social justice work has become an integral way for church members to rectify the problem, said Curry.

He spoke about using the example of Jesus that can be found in the Gospels: “One of the things that you will notice is he does spend time in [a] synagogue. He was observant...he [spent] time in the temple… But most of the teaching of Jesus, most of his healing ministry, most of his messaging was actually not in the precincts of the temple or in the synagogue. It’s actually out in the world where people are…One of the great challenges and opportunities for us as the church is…continuing that Jesus movement, where the risen Christ is in the world. Of course, we must be in the temple, and we will ordain and consecrate you in the temple, so to speak. But we need to leave that temple, having been fed, been nurtured...we need to leave that temple to go into the world––as we say in the prayer for those who are baptized, to be witnesses to God’s love in the world.”

Social activist work in the Episcopal Church is what’s keeping it alive and healthy, Curry contended. As he travels

around the country to different Episcopal churches, he said he has seen an increase in younger church attendees, even as other religious institutions have seen a drastic decline in new followers.

Last year, the Episcopal Church reported that it lost nearly 60,000 members in 2021. “While in-person average Sunday attendance declined 35% in 2021 over the previous year’s count, overall membership in the Episcopal Church measured only a 3% decline,” a church article stated.

“A surprise finding—particularly given the drop in attendance—was that funds collected through offerings and pledges (‘plate and pledge’) increased by 3%.”

The social justice work appears to be keeping current church members and attracting new ones. In Mississippi, Episcopalian church members are working with some historically Black colleges to uncover the legacy of slavery. Episcopal Church members are also doing work at the U.S.Mexico border, aiding migrants as they try to navigate establishing a new life in the

U.S. They’ve also begun going into Mexico to work with churches there that are helping migrants.

“In some parts of the Episcopalian Church, the word reparation is used; in other parts, it is not used,” Curry noted. “But they’re repairing the breach. I’ve seen that it’s actually happening in some of the most conservative areas of our country— Episcopalians are coming in and asking, ‘How do we repair? How do we learn from our history? How do we face it?’”

Not every Episcopalian has welcomed the church’s move toward social justice work, though. Episcopalians have long ties to conservative-leaning elements in the United States. The Episcopal Church is an offspring of the Church of England’s Anglican Church and was established in the aftermath of the American Revolutionary War. The ordination of female and LGBTQ bishops, its declaring that racism is a sin, and its strong stance against South African apartheid in the 1980s has led many conservative bishops, clergy, and church mem-

bers to leave the ministry.

In the New York diocese, Heyd defended the social activist direction the church has taken. “It does feel like freedom to be able to understand our history better. It has changed who we are and made the next chapter possible,” he said.

“Our convention has authorized something we’re calling the Moses Commission to carry forward our reparations work. We’ve had an amazing reparations commission for almost 20 years, so it’s long worked together. We see the next step as we’re going out to the world to see how we can repair the breach together, both in our congregations and in the broader Diocese of New York,” Heyd added. “It’s very exciting…to try to engage the resources of our entire community to do this. We see this as a first step: The truth-telling is a first step to what might be next for us together as a whole church, and it does feel like freedom and hope because now we understand who we are in a new way as a diocese and what we’re called to do.”

Rev. Matthew Heyd (right) held a formal conversation with Presiding Bishop Rev. Michael Curry at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (Karen Juanita Carrillo photo)

Black presence

Continued from page 29

Since its inception, it has had many meanings. The term ‘karib’ appears for the first time in the first chronicle of Columbus’ voyage, first it was used to name some brave and untamed natives, then the AngloSaxons and Anglo-American Creoles turned to it to name an inland sea the Caribbean Sea and its territories were called Caribby Island. The Caribbean returned in 1898 in the framework of the theater of war when the United States undertook its imperialist project in the Caribbean. Since then, the Caribbean has been a common term to describe the geopolitics of the region and its

Reform

Continued from page 12

background check system so it’s universal and nationwide.

And we need to bring back the assault weapons ban, because weapons of war have no place on our streets or in our communities. Assault weapons enable the horrific mass shootings that continue to plague our country.

• Third: We need to reduce recidivism. The vast majority of violent crimes are repeated by a small number of people who keep hurting others over and over.

• Fourth: We need to have more effective

particularities. Currently the Caribbean is used to reaffirm resistance to the system. It is often associated with anti-capitalist, antipatriarchal, and anti-colonial activism.

Who was Caliban in the past and how do you see him in the 21st century?

Caliban is a maroon. As a metaphor he can always be revisited, endowed with new meanings, he is always escaping attempts to fix him in the straitjacket of an ultimate meaning. This secondary character from Williams Shakespeare’s last play, “The Tempest” (1611), has had a fascinating longevity in the political and cultural imagination of Our America since the end of the 19th century.

Rubén Darío is one of the first to refer to Caliban in the Americas to describe the

alternatives to incarceration and safer jails, but dangerous and repetitive violent people must be taken off the streets to protect all Americans, in particular for the most vulnerable who are disproportionately victimized by violence and crime in Black and brown communities.

• Fifth: We have to stop over-criminalizing petty, non-violent acts—80 percent of crimes are misdemeanors, and some charges are deliberately vague and subject to discretion that can be abused by police, like loitering, vagrancy, trespass, or failure to pay a fine. In fact, some of the most horrific examples of police abuse occurred when a minor crime arrest escalated: Eric Garner killed for

cannibalistic, immoral and expansionist spirit of the United States. At first, he was seen as a figure alien to Latin American values. But George Lamming in his essay “The Pleasures of Exile” (1960), rescues Caliban. Lamming’s Caliban is Indigenous and Black. I find this identification supremely powerful, as it puts his gaze on the racialized and subhumanized populations who have been dumped at the bottom of the pit of the hierarchy of humanity since the dawn of the modern age. As the Cameroonian historian Achile Mbembe has pointed out, in the 21st century, a large part of humanity is becoming “Black” as it is being dehumanized by the expansive logic of capital and its neoliberal formality.

What I suggest is that the Caliban of the

selling loose cigarettes; Rodney King beaten within an inch of his life for speeding; George Floyd killed for a bad $20 bill; Alton Sterling killed for selling CDs; Philando Castile killed for a broken taillight; and, Michael Brown killed for jaywalking.

We believe that the time to act is now These specific categories of civil rights have been violated for too long and the time to make a difference is surely too short. As a nation, we cannot afford to remain silent about extremists’ hatred, violence, crime, and the fear-filled deterioration of American cities and towns.

This is, for us, a sense of urgency and civic responsibility. We have decided to work and act

21st century is no longer only Indigenous and Black. As a monstrosity that destabilizes the whiteness erected by modernity, he embodies all beings dehumanized by this type of rationality and by neoliberal logic. Caliban’s power is his rebelliousness, his double consciousness, and his poetics to face the storms of this century.

Roberto Almanza’s answers are reminiscent of speeches I’ve heard in Puerto Rico––and also in Panama and in Maracaibo. In short, it is the voice of the insular and territorial Caribbean. Facing the Caribbean Sea we say goodbye with every intention of continuing to look for Caliban in the spirits of Aime Cesaire, Zapata Olivella, Ismael Rivera, Joe Arrollolo .... I move away to the rhythm of two Cuban son beats.

together, and to speak out publicly with recommended common-sense solutions to crime, violence, guns, and police reform that we know the majority of the American people support.

Andrew M. Cuomo is an American lawyer who was the 56th governor of New York from 2011 to 2021, and has served as chair of the National Governors Association, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and attorney general of New York.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., is president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA); executive producer/ host of “The Chavis Chronicles” on PBS TV stations across the nation; and former executive director and CEO of the NAACP.

Speeding ruins lives. Slow down.

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NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

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HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, Plaintiff -against- STEPHEN LLOYD WHELAN, PATRICE ANN WHELAN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 3, 2023 and entered on January 6, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on July 5th, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an undivided 0.01583800000% interest in the common elements. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 1st Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies and Foreclosure Auction Rules.

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY

Approximate amount of lien $503,689.35 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850194/2018.

PAUL R. SKLAR, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 {* AMSTERDAM*}

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, Plaintiff -against- CHARLES A. SCHAEFFER, KATHY L. SCHAEFFER, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 3, 2023 and entered on January 6, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on July 19, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenantin-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant undivided 3.1810% common interest percentage. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442513 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1302. The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 1st Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies and Foreclosure Auction Rules.

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY

Approximate amount of lien $36,327.64 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850066/2022.

JOSEPH BUONO, ESQ., Referee

DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK, 75 STREET SERVICING LLC, Plaintiff, vs. CLST ENTERPRISES LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on December 8, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the portico of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on July 26, 2023 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 19 East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, Block 1390 and Lot 14. Approximate amount of judgment is $7,346,196.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 850001/2021. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale.

Jeffrey R. Miller, Esq., Referee Glenn Rodney, PC, 368 Birch Road, Wallkill, New York 12589, Attorneys for Plaintiff

SUPREME

COURT OF THE

STATE

OF

NEW

YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE

Index No. 850163/2022

Date Filed: 5/18/2023

JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff, -againstNader Ansary, if he be living or if he be dead, his spouses, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; The Board of Managers of Graceline Court Condominium Homeowners Association; United States of America; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; City of New York Environmental Control Board; City of New York Parking Violations Bureau; City of New York Transit Adjudication Bureau; State of New York, and “JOHN DOE”, said name being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, and any parties, corporations or entities, if any, having or claiming an interest or lien upon the mortgaged premises, Defendants.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 106 West 116th Street Unit PH-1B a/k/a Unit 13B, New York, NY 10026

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the date of service. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Francis A. Kahn, III, a Justice of the Supreme Court, New York County, entered May 16, 2023 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the New York County Clerk’s Office.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $700,000.00 and interest, recorded in the New York County Office of the City Register on March 11, 2009, in CRFN 2009000070432 covering premises known as 106 West 116th Street Unit PH-1B a/k/a Unit 13B, New York, NY 10026 a/k/a Block 1825, Lot 1031.

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

Plaintiff designates New York County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated.

NOTICE

YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME.

SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING A PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON T HE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: March 29, 2023

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. MERCEDES MATTIE CATHERINE DEXTER, Deft.Index #850160/2022. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 15, 2023, I will sell at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 5,000/28,402,100 tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as HNY CLUB SUITES – PHASE I located at 1335 Avenue of Americas, in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $31,266.68 plus costs and interest as of January 4, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Mark McKew, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

Frank M. Cassara, Esq.

Senior Associate Attorney LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP F/K/A SHAPIRO, DICARO & BARAK, LLC

Attorneys for Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (585) 247-9000 Fax: (585) 247-7380

Our File No. 22-090275 #100463

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

REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-1, Plaintiff - against - ELIZABETH LOWE, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on December 19, 2022. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the portico at the New York County Courthouse located at 60 Centre Street, New York, New York 10007 on the 19th day of July, 2023 at 2:15 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York.

Premises known as 231 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10021 a/k/a 231 East 62nd Street, New York, (City of New York) NY 10065. (SBL#: 1417-14)

Approximate amount of lien $5,713,762.85 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 850029/2019. Joseph F. Buono, Esq., Referee.

Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200

Rochester, NY 14618

Tel. 585/760-8218

Dated: January 4, 2023

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK

U.S. Bank Trust, N.A., as Trustee for LSF9 Master Participation Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST

Llewellyn C. Werner a/k/a Llewellyn Werner Individually and as the sole member of Hawkes AP, LLC; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 7, 2022 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Portico of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre St, New York, NY 10007 on July 12, 2023 at 2:15PM, premises known as 160 West 66th Street Unit 46-G a/k/a 160 West 66th Street, Apartment 46G, New York, NY 10023. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, Block 1137 Lot 1272. Approximate amount of judgment $2,290,728.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 810045/2010. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the First Judicial District.

Edward H. Lehner, Esq., Ref-

eree

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: January 4, 2023

Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #1365136 for beer, wine & liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine & liquor at retail in a restaurant under the ABC Law at 514 3rd Ave., NYC 10016 for on-premises consumption; 514 Restaurant Corp.

Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #1365018 for beer, wine & liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine & liquor at retail in a restaurant under the ABC Law at 85 Avenue A, NYC 10009 for on-premises consumption; Somtum Der NYC Inc.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. VERNDELL H. GILDHOUSE and NIHAT A. SURGUT, Deft. - Index #850093/2021. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 22, 2022, I will sell at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 0.0519144314871446% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as HNY CLUB SUITES – PHASE I located at 1335 Avenue of Americas, in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $120,199.18 plus costs and interest as of October 21, 2021. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Paul Sklar, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. MARK E. ELSENHEIMER and JILL R. HUGUET, Deft. - Index # 850034/2020. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated April 19, 2022, I will sell at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 0.00493200000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57TH STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $19,080.61 plus costs and interest as of March 27, 2020. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Georgia Papazis, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, Plaintiff -against- TERRY DILLARD, BARBARA DILLARD, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 3, 2023 and entered on January 6, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on July 12, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an undivided 0.00986400000% interest in the common elements. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 1st Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies and Foreclosure Auction Rules.

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY Approximate amount of lien $87,687.22 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850065/2022.

CHRISTY M. DEMELFI, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff -against- CASPER MOLLER, MALENE AARSO NIELSEN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 3, 2023 and entered on January 10, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on July 26, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided .009864% common interest percentage.

This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 1st Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies and Foreclosure Auction Rules.

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY Approximate amount of lien $16,016.85 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850066/2020.

TOM KLEINBERGER, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. BEVERLY DWIGGINS MAYHEW, Deft. - Index #850157/2022. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 15, 2023, I will sell at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Monday, July 17, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 0.00493200000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57TH STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $13,244.33 plus costs and interest as of January 4, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Doron Leiby, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. GINETTE JACKSON and DAVID G. GONZALEZ, Deft. - Index #850152/2020. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 4, 2022, I will sell at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 0.00493200000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57TH STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $22,085.00 plus costs and interest as of October 6, 2021. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Thomas R. Kleinberger, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. CHARLES G. IVEY and FRANCES W. IVEY, Deft. - Index # 850183/2020. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 13, 2021, I will sell at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 10,000/16,783,800 tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as HNY CLUB SUITES – Phase 2 located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $31,168.78 plus costs and interest as of March 18, 2021. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Roberta Ashkin, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. SKUBY AND COMPANY, LLC, A NEW JERSEY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, Deft. - Index #850191/2020. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 21, 2021, I will sell at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 0.00986400000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57TH STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $34,716.44 plus costs and interest as of April 6, 2021. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Mark McKew, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. AGNES STOLZER ALBRECHT and BRUCE EDWARD ALBRECHT, Deft. - Index # 850146/2021. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated April 19, 2022, I will sell at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 0.00986400000% along with a second undivided 0.01286500000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57TH STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $57,016.71 plus costs and interest as of January 26, 2022. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Joseph F. Buono, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

Notice of Sale of FBH and FBT Collateral

NOTICE OF DISPOSITION OF COLLATERAL: Reference is made to the Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note issued by Debtors Founders Bay Holdings (“FBH”) and Founders Bay Technologies, Inc,. (“FBT”) (collectively “Debtors”) to Leonite Capital, LLC (“Leonite”) dated April 6, 2021. Reference is also made to the Securities Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) between the same parties dated April 6, 2021, and finally, reference is also made to the accompanying Pledge and Security Agreement dated April 6, 2021 (“Security Agreement”), collectively known as the Loan Documents, between Leonite and Secured Parties and FBH and FBT as Debtors, in which Debtors granted Leonite a Security Interest in collateral including the Subject Collateral as defined below.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by Leonite that, acting in its capacity as a Secured Party under the above Security Agreement, it will sell the following collateral (the “Subject Collateral”), consisting of all of the assets of FBH and FBT, including but not limited to tangible, intangible, and intellectual property.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. MICHAEL STEWART JONES, SHARON ANGEL JONES, and BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF 57TH STREET VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Defts. - Index # 850079/2021. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 6, 2022, I will sell at public auction Outside the Portico of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided .009864% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57TH STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $44,442.64 plus costs and interest as of October 21, 2021. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Paul Sklar, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

The Sale is pursuant to Section 9-610, and any other applicable section of the Uniform Commercial Code, other applicable law, and the provisions of the operative documents creating and evidencing the Leonite’s interest in the Collateral, including but not limited to the Loan Documents. Leonite will sell said Collateral publicly to the highest qualified bidder. The Disposition will be held virtually through the law office of Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP on July 18, 2023, at 11:00AM prevailing Eastern Time via Zoom. If you wish to participate in the Sale, you must provide your e-mail address to Harvey D. Mervis, Esq. at hmervis@ hhk.com and Andrea Gregori at agregori@hhk.com by 5pm on July 14, 2023. You will receive bid qualification information and, if appropriate, an e-mail invitation and link to the Sale Zoom meeting. Any interested bidder may contact Harvey D. Mervis, Esq. at Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, 80 Exchange St., P.O. Box 5250, Binghamton, New York 13902, Telephone: (607) 231-6739, e-mail: hmervis@hhk. com or Andrea Gregori at (607) 231-6779, agregori@hhk.com . The Secured Party reserves the right to bid for and purchase the assets being sold, and to credit the purchase price against Debtors’ obligations under the Loan Documents.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff -against- BASSEY AKPAN ALBERT, NKEIRU AKPAN-ALBERT, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 3, 2023 and entered on January 10, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on July 26, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided .01995% common interest percentage. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 1st Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies and Foreclosure Auction Rules.

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY

Approximate amount of lien $23,219.23 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850068/2018.

TOM KLEINBERGER, ESQ., Referee

DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

HNY CLUB SUITES OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF MANAGERS, Plaintiff -against- DOUGLAS

C. CLARK, CAROLINE A. KAPLAN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 3, 2023 and entered on January 10, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on July 26, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant undivided 0.0381% in common interest percentage. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442512 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Section: 4 Block 1006 and Lot 1302.

The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 1st Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies and Foreclosure Auction Rules.

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY Approximate amount of lien $30,784.82 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850112/2022.

TOM KLEINBERGER, ESQ., Referee

DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. THERESSIA L. WASHINGTON, Deft. - Index # 850050/2019. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 10, 2023, I will sell at public auction Outside the Portico of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 18,000/16,783,800 tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as Phase II HNY CLUB SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $150,348.79 plus costs and interest as of December 22, 2022. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. LOUIS RUSSELL RECORDS and SANDRA DROBIARZ RECORDS, Defts. - Index # 850170/2020. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated April 27, 2022, I will sell at public auction Outside the Portico of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 7,000/28,402,100 tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as Phase I HNY CLUB SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $31,012.53 plus costs and interest as of January 28, 2022. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. GRACE KING, Deft. - Index # 850221/2022. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 17, 2023, I will sell at public auction Outside the Portico of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 8,000/28,402,100 tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as Phase I HNY CLUB SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $21,555.88 plus costs and interest as of January 4, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Elaine Shay, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #1364342 for beer, wine & liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine & liquor at retail in a bar under the ABC Law at 126 Hamilton Pl., NYC 10031 for on-premises consumption; Little Street Lounge LLC

Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #1364900 for beer, wine & liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine & liquor at retail in a restaurant under the ABC Law at 681 Washington Street., NYC 10014 for on-premises consumption; Violet Force LLC

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

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC).

Name: Blue Storage, LLC. Articles of Organization filed by the Department of State of New York on: 02/13/2023. Office location: County of New York. Amendment filed 02/16/2023 changed county to Westchester. Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC 50 West 17th Street. New York, NY 10011.

Purpose: Any and all lawful activities

Notice of Qualification of NATIONAL BLOCKING ASSOCIATION LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/13/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 12/08/22. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 3, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Aesthetics Babe LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 03/01/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to: 322 W 52nd Street #1944, NY, NY 10019. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #1364817 for beer, wine & liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine & liquor at retail in a restaurant under the ABC Law at 3 Allen Street, NYC 10002 for on-premises consumption; Tortillas and Caviar LLC

FUTURA EGG DONATION, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/03/23. Office: New York County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 177 West Putnam Avenue, Suite 101, Greenwich, CT 06831. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ALPHA PRISTINE CLEANERS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 03/23/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to: United States Corporation Agents Inc., 7014 13th Ave., Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY, 11228. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Vette GPS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 01/21/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to: 20 River Road, Apt 22H, NY, NY 10044. Purpose: Human Resources Consulting or any lawful activity.

4929NY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/15/23. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Young Ok Park, 100 Old Palisade Road, Fort Lee, NJ 07024. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

The Cleanest Crew LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the SSNY on 2/07/2023. Office Loc.: NY County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 65 East 112th Street, Apt 14K, NY, NY, 10029. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of ECC 33

PR LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/16/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 575 Lexington Ave., Ste. 3120, NY, NY 10022. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of IV5 NEWBURGH SOUTH LOGISTICS CENTER LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/05/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/29/23. Princ. office of LLC: 1180 Peachtree St., Ste. 1575, Atlanta, GA 30309. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with State of DESecy. of State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of DARTMOOR LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/22/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543, regd. agent upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of GINDI GRAMERCY MEMBER LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/02/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 19 W. 34th St., 11 Fl., NY, NY 10001. 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 122072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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

Notice of Qualification of SyBridge Digital Solutions LLC

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

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

Notice of Formation of RAPP FAMILY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/15/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Alvin H. Rapp, 210 W. 90th St., #10B, NY, NY 10024. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION of Presser Compliance LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/24/2023. SSNY designated as agent for service of process on LLC. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Steven Michael Presser, 140 Wadsworth Ave, Apt. 43, New York, NY, 10033. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Royale Administrative Touch LLC Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 01/19/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 12117 194th Street, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

VASILIKI LIV RE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/05/2023. Office location: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to: 50 West Street, No. 27B, New York, NY, 10006. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

LUDAS REALTY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 03/21/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to: 228 Park Ave S #676342, NY, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION of SKYROCKET SYSTEMS GROUP LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/2/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 228 PARK AVE S, #805685, NY, NY 10003. R/A: US Corp Agents, Inc. 7014 13th Ave, #202, BK, NY 11228. Purpose: any lawful act.

Annitta Juice Bar LLC Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 01/24/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 1 Audubon Ave Store #6, NY, NY 10032. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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

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

Under this agreement rates are subject to change with 30 days notice. In the event of a cancellation before schedule completion, I understand that the rate charged will be based upon the rate for the number of insertions used.

DENTAL Insurance

MoCaFi

Continued from page 6

change and economic prosperity for people, but it’s not doing it for all communities,” Coaxum said, declaring that he has real concerns about how economic and social justice issues are being handled by most financial institutions. “I wanted to use my time and my talents to create an economic justice agenda that can help the Black community move forward and address issues such as wealth inequality…I wanted to create a business that’s a sustainable business model for closing the wealth gap.”

193 JOB TRAINING

195 HELP WANTED 195 HELP WANTED

Administrative Opening

Assistant Secondary Principal

The successful candidate should possess: Knowledge of research-based instructional programs & practices; exp. w/ teacher supervision & evaluation; a record of successfully improving learning experiences and enhancing school to home communication; and can provide a supportive environment with knowledge of social-emotional competencies, restorative practices, and promote a culturally responsive educational climate.

Salary Range: $95,000 to $105,000 NYS SDA/SDL/SBL Certification Required plus 3 yrs. exp. as a classroom teacher preferred.

Please apply online by June 15th at https://monticelloschools.tedk12.com/hire or OLAS EOE

Immigration Paralegal. NYC.

$55,162-$56k/yr. Conduct legal rsrch, collection of evid’ & analysis; prep’ biz, employmnt, & fam’-based immgration forms; correspond w/ clients & gov’t entities. Req: Bachelors in Paralegal Studies, Poli-Sci, Eng., or equiv’; knwldge of US gov’t, int’l law, human rights, writing, rhetoric & rsrch. Send Resume: Job#3, Atash Law PC, 1350 Ave of the Americas, 2nd Fl, NY NY 10019

Up to $20.70 NYC, $20.00

L.I., $16.20 Upstate NY! If you need care from your relative, friend/ neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program.

No Certificates needed. 347713-3553

195 HELP WANTED 272 BROOKLYN UNFURN ROOMS

Rm for rent. Single male w. stable income preferred.

E. 39th St., Bklyn. Close to B35, B44 buses, 2 & 5 trains. $800 monthly, utilities incl. No smoking, no pets. For more info, call 347-268-6103.

195 HELP WANTED 272 BROOKLYN UNFURN ROOMS

As of June 5, 2023 Edison Arms Apartments located at 2828 Decatur Ave., Bronx, NY 10458 a Section 8, 70 unit HUD-assisted housing project for the elderly with limited income was closed. A rental waiting list with an adequate pool of over 250 applicants has been developed. The present waiting period is in excess of 5 years and the current turnover rate is approximately 3-5 applicants per year. The waiting list will be reopened when the wait period is reduced to no more than one year and a notice will appear again in this newspaper.

634 DONATIONS

Wheels For Wishes benefiting Make-A-Wish® Northeast New York. Your Car Donations Matter NOW More Than Ever! Free Vehicle Pick Up ANYWHERE. We Accept Most Vehicles Running or Not. 100% Tax Deductible. Minimal To No Human Contact. Call: (877)798-9474. Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. www. wheelsforwishes.org.

In 2016, Coaxum created MoCaFi—Mobility Capital Finance, Inc.—as a digital banking platform. There are no brick-and-mortar branches for the bank. Customers can open a MoCaFi Mobility Bank Account and obtain a MoCaFi Mobility Debit Mastercard via the company website or by downloading the MoCaFi app on their smartphones.

No credit score or Social Security Number is required to open an account. Accounts are available for undocumented people and even for people who have to use a foreign passport or ID.

MoCaFi’s central goal is to offer access to banking services to people of color, many of whom are unbanked or underbanked. The market research company Statista found that 13.8 percent of Black households were unbanked in 2019, and a 2021 survey by the FDIC found that people without bank accounts either “Don’t have enough money to meet minimum balance requirements” or simply “Don’t trust banks” to protect their privacy.

Not having access to a bank account puts people at a disadvantage. During events like the recent COVID-19 pandemic, when the government was trying to help stabilize communities, those unable to access funds were in desperate straits.

“In Los Angeles, then-Mayor Eric Garcetti in the summer 2020 said, ‘I want to create contactless government. I want a way for residents to have single sign-ons for city services. I want a way for the residents of Los Angeles to receive money from city government and I want a way for people to pay for city services all electronically,’” Coaxum recalled.

“If you want to create a mechanism to pay people electronically and they don’t have bank accounts, how are you going to be able to do that? MoCaFi has created a solution called the Angeleno Connect Account . And now Los Angeles has the plumbing in place to be able to fulfill that vision that Mayor Garcetti had.”

As part of its latest efforts, MoCaFi will play a part in the NYC Civic Engagement Commission’s payout of $1 million in planning grants to groups that took part in the city’s Participatory Budgeting program. The company is also set to launch a new program called On Our Block that will bring banking services, financial programming, and resources to local communities of color.

634 DONATIONS

“We see great opportunity in terms of finding ways of bringing people into the financial mainstream by working with partners like the Bank of New York Valley,” Coaxum said. “That’s why ringing the bell and the New York Stock Exchange for us is so impactful—because we want to re-imagine how you can engage people into the financial mainstream to create wealth. If the Black community, for example, was as fully banked as their white counterparts, that would create trillions of dollars of GDP in this country.

“There’s $5 billion just in New York City alone that’s been allocated to residents to help them move forward—but that’s not getting to the people because you don’t have the infrastructure to address that. At MoCaFi, we’re trying to address that problem.”

Monticello Central School

Darius Lee Foundation to hold basketball clinic in Harlem

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

The DLee23 Foundation, named after Harlem native Darius Lee, will hold a free basketball clinic this Saturday at the William McCray Playground (138th Street between Fifth Avenue and Malcolm X Boulevard). The clinic will be in two sessions, the first for boys and girls ages 8–10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the second for boys and girls ages 11–13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The hands-on sessions will provide instruction on ball handling, shooting form, footwork, passing basketball IQ, and other skills. Experienced coaches, trainers, and players will lead the clinic.

Lee was a beloved son of Harlem and graduate of St. Raymond’s High School in the Bronx, thriving on the court and academically at Houston Baptist University. He was shot and killed last June at the age of 21 while on summer break during

Father’s Day weekend, when he stopped by a cookout near the intersection of 139 Street and Fifth Avenue held by Harlem rapper Rich Rhymer. Ironically, the rapper had commented on his Instagram account that he was looking forward to attendees once again socializing peacefully as when the event was held in previous years.

Lee was not the intended target but was caught in a gun battle in which the NYPD subsequently said 53 shots had been fired from 13 guns. Despite being administered to by his friends at the scene, Lee was later pronounced dead at Lincoln Memorial Hospital in the Bronx.

Lee had been named the 2021–22 Houston Baptist University Male Student-Athlete of the Year, led his team in scoring, and was named to the All-Southland Conference second team. He was scheduled to earn a bachelor’s degree this past December.

“Darius was a young man every parent would want their son to be,” said Roosevelt Byers, head

A basketball clinic will be held this Saturday in Harlem sponsored by the DLee23 Foundation, named after native son Darius Lee, who was shot and killed last June. (hbuhuskies.com photo)

varsity basketball coach at Eagle Academy for Young Men in the Bronx, to this writer last week.

“He was a phenomenal person who truly aspired to make this

world a better place. There are many people committed to keeping his memory and legacy alive, and the basketball clinic is just one way of doing that.”

Byers is also director of athletics at the Children’s Aid Society’s Dunlevy-Milbank Center in Harlem, where he first began to coach and mentor the young Lee.

New play examines issues of race, gender and inequity

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

The play “Flex,” written by Candrice Jones, begins previews tomorrow at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater and opens on July 20. It tells the story of a high school girls’ basketball team in rural Arkansas in the late 1990s shortly after the launch of the WNBA. With aspirations of going pro, these young women must first navigate the pressures of being young, Black, and female in their surroundings.

Jones grew up in rural Arkansas, playing basketball from a young age. “A town very invigorated by basketball,” she said. Initially, boys’ basketball got much more attention than girls’ hoops, but Jones saw that shift over time. “The team I was on— we were pretty passionate and dedicated,” she said. “For our small section of the state, we had a lot of talent on our team, and we had some moms who were pretty passionate about their daughters playing.”

Today, Jones is an award-winning playwright. “Flex” drama -

tizes the experiences of young Black women who played the sport. The team in the play deals with a lot of problems. These are not exactly what her teammates experienced, but “Flex” does take inspiration from the issues Jones and her teammates faced during high school.

“One of the characters has to learn [teamwork], and the journey of her learning is basically the major arc of the play,” Jones said. “That sense of community definitely happens whenever this play goes through the rehearsal process. There’s something about the basketball part of this play—them all coming together and doing basketball drills together and watching them learn how to shoot a layup—[that] definitely gives a heightened sense of community.”

Jones developed “Flex” at the 2020 Humana Festival of New American Plays. When the play was staged in Arkansas, some of her former teammates came to see it. She did not come into the casting process looking for actresses who looked athletic, because her high school teammates didn’t nec-

essarily look athletic. However, she did hope they’d have some experience with basketball.

“I was hoping there would be

actresses who would audition who had, at some point, as young women—like me, taken basketball very seriously, and at some point,

decided theater was the thing instead of basketball,” Jones said. “We auditioned so many women who had that story.”

Director Lileana Blain-Cruz (top row left) and playwright Candrice Jones (second from left) with the cast of “Flex” on the first day of rehearsals. (Chasi Annexy photo)

Liberty continue to remain near the top of the WNBA standings

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

The stands at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn were packed for Sunday afternoon’s New York Liberty game against the Phoenix Mercury. No doubt, people were eager to see Britney Griner’s first game in the city since being released from a Russian prison last December in a prisoner swap after being detained in the country for 10 months. Griner was arrested on Feb. 17 and found to be in possession of vape cartridges that contained cannabis oil, which is illegal in Russia. The 32-yearold from Houston, Texas, was subsquently sentenced to nine years imprisonment in a penal colony.

Back in comfortable surroundings, Griner shared warm hugs with Liberty coach Sandy Brondello, who previously coached the Mercury, and Breanna Stewart, her USA Olympic teammate. Griner sat out the game due to a sore hip. Also sidelined for the Mercury was long-time star Diana Taurasi, one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history, who was nursing a sore hamstring.

“It was definitely great seeing BG; it was my first time seeing her since she’s gotten back. So, it was a little emotional seeing her, but also I’m really proud of the way she’s kind of handling everything on and off the court,” noted Stewart. “She’s an inspiration to really everybody, and I’m just

happy she’s home safe and back with us in the WNBA,” said Stewart.

The Liberty prevailed over the Mercury 89–71 to improve to 7–3. When the WNBA schedule began on Tuesday night, the Liberty had the third best record in the 12team league behind the 10–1 Las Vegas Aces and 9–3 Connecticut Sun. The Mercury were last at 2–8. Stewart continued her MVP-worthy season with 28 points, seven assists, and 14 rebounds. Jonquel Jones, the 2021 WNBA MVP with the Sun, had her first double-double with New York, contributing

13 points and 11 rebounds.

All 10 active Liberty players saw minutes; Sabrina Ionescu did not play due to a hamstring issue. “I thought they’ve been doing well in practice, so they should be rewarded for that,” said Brondello of her bench. “They competed well. We’re going to need them as we move forward.” The game also marked the return to the roster of Brooklyn native Epiphanny Prince. She was resigned by the team to a hardship contract late last week after starting the season with the Liberty then being released.

Marine Johannès continues to show impressive play, contributing 10 points, three assists, and three steals. “I made some mistakes, but I think I tried to not think about the last action too much and I just played confident,” said Johannès. Stewart praised Johannès’ ability to see the floor and find the open player. The Liberty is on the road for a game tomorrow against the Atlanta Dream, and then returns to Barclays Center on Sunday afternoon to take on the Washington Mystics.

Yankees labor with Judge recovering from toe injury

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

It has become increasingly evident that Aaron Judge’s monetary value to the Yankees at minimum is worth every penny of the $360 million the franchise is paying him and arguably exceeds that number. The nine-year deal the 31-year-old outfielder signed in December of 2022 represents his critical importance to the Yankees.

Judge has not played since spraining his right toe on June 3 in Los Angeles in making a scintillating catch versus the Dodgers, running at high speed into the fence in the right field corner of Dodger Stadium. The reigning American League MVP was having another stellar campaign, batting .291 with 19 homers, 40 RBI, 42 runs, and a 1.078 OPS in 49 games played.

The Yankees’ record when Judge went out was 35–25: a solid 10 games over .500. They were 40–33 heading into last night’s game (Wednesday) against the Seattle Mariners after breaking a four-game losing streak with a 3–1 victory over the Mariners

on Tuesday. Before the win, Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided an update on his star’s status.

“I’m encouraged by what I’m seeing, just my conversations with him,” said Boone. “I feel like he feels like there’s a little bit of breakthrough with that one, so he’s slowly been doing better and able to do more things. Hopefully that was the start of him starting to make real progress.”

The Yankees’ troubles in trying to generate offense and wins without Judge prompted general manager Brian Cashman to convey an optimistic long-term view. “Judge is a big piece—you’re going to feel it when he’s not in,’’ said Cashman. “A guy like that creates the Fun Bunch, because he always seems to do something right.”

In addition to his bat, Judge has emerged as one of the game’s best defensive outfielders. But Cashman said the Yankees’ front office isn’t going to panic or make any rash decisions in hoping to compensate for the void left by Judge as they look toward players such as first baseman Anthony Rizzo and

designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton to step up. But Stanton was hitting just .196 with six homers and 13 RBI in 26 games heading into last night’s matchup with Seattle.

“We’re not going to be doing any trading to replace Judge,’’ he said.

The Yankees conclude their threegame series versus the Mariners tonight, then host the Texas Rangers in three games at Yankee Stadium tomorrow through Sunday. They will start a six-game road trip against the Oakland A’s beginning on Tuesday and then head to St. Louis to meet the Cardinals.

The Yankees were in third place in the American League East, 9.5 games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays (51–25) and 5.5 games behind the second-place Baltimore Orioles (45–27) when the Major League Baseball schedule began yesterday. While the Yankees still have 88 games remaining and Judge’s return is imminent, they currently don’t bear the look of a World Series contender, which is counter to their lofty expectations on entering this season.

Guard Epiphanny Prince made her return to the Liberty’s lineup after being re-signed to a hardship contract(Brandon Todd/New York Liberty photos)

New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello greets the Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner at Sunday’s game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Yankees hope first baseman Anthony Rizzo can increase his offensive production in absence of injured star Aaron Judge. (MLB.com photo)

Edgar Berlanga and Jason Quigley ready to battle at the Garden

by DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

On Saturday at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, Edgar Berlanga (20–0, 16 KOs) will face Jason Quigley (20–2, 14 KOs). Berlanga is 4–0 at MSG.

“I’m excited to be back in my hometown and to perform at the mecca of boxing once again,” said the Brooklyn native. “I want this night to be historic for my fans and for all the people of Puerto Rico to witness greatness.”

The super-middleweight, who was previously promoted by Top Rank, added, “I feel like I’m reborn again in the sport, signing with Matchroom and getting back to where it all started with my old coach Marc Farrait. I promise it’ll be something big on June 24.”

In the co-main event, former kickboxer and Staten Island product Reshat Mati (13–0, 7 KOs) will face his toughest opponent to date when he steps into the ring against Adam Kownacki (20–3, 15 KOs). The welterweight has earned the nickname the Albanian Bear for his rugged style.

In other matches, undefeated Australian Tim Tszyu dis -

posed of Carlos Ocampo with a first-round knockout on Saturday to retain his interim WBO 154-pound championship in Queensland, Australia. Tszyu (23–0, 17 KOs) knocked down Ocampo with a right hand not even halfway through the first

round and finished Ocampo (34–3, 22 KOs) with a left hook.

Tszyu, who is the son of former undisputed world champion Kostya Tszyu, called out the undisputed 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo, who withdrew from their scheduled

fight in January with a broken left hand.

“I think that was a statement,” Tszyu said. “There’s no battle with America. That’s the land I want to conquer. That’s where the big one is coming next. I want Charlo

on my résumé. Get it in here, and let’s dance in October. I’ve overcome a lot of adversity, so it was about pushing through. I didn’t think it would be this quick. I feel like a pit bull and there’s no stopping me. The big one is Charlo, so get your tickets. We’re coming back with four belts.”

Finally, unified WBC, WBA, and IBF Welterweight Champion Errol Spence and WBO Welterweight Champion Terence “Bud” Crawford faced off at their New York City press conference in Times Square before their July 29 bout at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“This is the biggest fight in boxing,” Spence said. “I’ve done everything that I said I was gonna do. The last thing left to do is beat Terence Crawford. He’s a great fighter, but I’m gonna break him and show everyone why I’m the best fighter in boxing, period.”

Crawford predicted a different outcome. “This is a fight that’s been marinating,” he said. “July 29, I can assure you, you’re gonna walk away and say, ‘Terence Crawford is special.’ You’re gonna mark me down as one of the greatest of all time.”

Women athletes’ desire for respect from media must be reciprocated

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

In an interesting 51-minute interview with Bleacher Report, college basketball player Hailey Van Lith addressed numerous topics related to her own game; her transfer from Louisville to LSU; inspiration, confidence; and being part of the USA Basketball 3x3 team that won gold at the World Cup earlier this month. In the closing minutes, interviewer Taylor Rooks asked Van Lith about a gesture that Iowa’s Caitlin Clark made during her team’s semi-final win over Van Lith’s team in this year’s Final Four.

Instead of saying the “You can’t see me” hand gesture was misinterpreted, Van Lith chose to say, “The media is dumb. They just make stuff up.”

Yet again, I ask myself why I and other journalists have made such an effort to cover women’s sports when many athletes express disdain for the media.

It would be easy to write this off if Van Lith was a student-athlete with little insight or self-awareness, but after watching the interview in its entirety, I have to say she displayed thoughtfulness and made excellent points about the growth

and development of women’s college basketball, her reasons for transferring to LSU, having self-confidence, and the emerging opportunities for female ath -

letes. So why would someone who gives such careful thought to a diverse range of subjects dismiss people who have helped propel the women’s game over

the past two decades?

I understand and share the frustration about the media cherry-picking certain narratives and running with them. That lack of attention to detail is obvious in how several media outlets have covered this specific comment. Would Hailey Van Lith like to be summarily dismissed? It’s not like women’s basketball players haven’t been maligned and denigrated in the media while a small cadre of journalists and publications—this newspaper included—have fought to uplift them. I don’t know any journalists who “make stuff up.” Some frustrate me in how they choose to tell a story, but that’s part of coverage. I’ll leave the closing remarks to Rooks, who, while laughing a bit at Van Lith’s observation, also gave her a reality check.

“Women’s basketball should have these moments,” said Rooks. “It should be about what happens on the court. It should be about personalities. At times, it should be about drama. That’s what makes sports fun.”

Here’s to more fun, more great coverage of women’s sports, and more diverse viewpoints. Here’s to Van Lith showing others the respect she wants for the game.

Las Vegas Aces’ Asia Wilson, last year’s WNBA MVP, featured in league’s More than Game promo.

(WNBA photo)

Super-middleweight and Brooklyn native Edgar Berlanga (20-0) will try to stay undefeated when he takes on Jason Quigley at Theater at Madison Square Garden this Saturday.

(Top Rank photo)

Sports

Without a pick, the Knicks will still impact tonight’s NBA Draft

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

Indirectly, the Knicks could have a lasting impact on tonight’s NBA Draft taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The team’s chief decision makers woke yesterday to begin their ongoing strategy sessions devoid of a pick in this year’s draft. If the Knicks do not execute a trade, it will be the first time since 2016 the franchise did not make a selection.

However, as a result of several conditions in dealing Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks in 2019, which included the Mavericks placing terms on their 2023 first round draft pick, and acquiring Josh Hart this past February in exchange for three players and their own 2023 first round pick, the Knicks’ calculus seemingly centered on prospects beyond the current group.

Or did it?

They certainly didn’t expect the Mav -

ericks to finish six games below .500 (38–44) and in 11th place in the Western Conference, out of a playoff and Play-In Tournament spot, and increasing their odds in the Draft Lottery to gain one of the top 10 picks. If the Mavericks, which as of the publishing of this article will be drafting at No.10, had fallen out of the top 10, the pick would have been transferred to the Knicks. But the Mavericks placed protections on the pick back in 2019 considering the possible scenario that four years later has manifested.

The Knicks will still indirectly impact this evening’s draft. The Mavericks’ pick and the first rounder New York shipped to the Trailblazers could in the course of time substantially alter those teams’ fortunes and lift them into the upper echelon of league. The Trailblazers will be selecting No. 23. Nikola Jokic (No. 41, 2014), who led the Denver Nuggets to the NBA title earlier this month, and

Jimmy Butler (No. 30, 2011), who willed the Miami Heat to this year’s Finals, were taken well after No. 23.

In past drafts, Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics, 1998), Brook Lopez ( Brooklyn Nets, 2008), and Paul George (Indiana Pacers, 2010) were all 10th overall picks.

The Knicks can hopefully look ahead as they have six of their own first round picks between 2024 and 2027. They will also be active, perhaps using those picks, the $12.2 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, the $4.5 million biannual exception and other assets this summer to upgrade a roster that needs markedly better perimeter shooters and an athletic wing that is a plus defender and efficient scorer.

Victor Wembanyama, a multi-talented 7–4, 19-yearold from France of Congolese descent will be the No. 1 overall pick of the San Antonio Spurs in tonight’s NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. (Thomas S, Victor Wembanyama Mets 92 (cropped), CC BYSA 2.0 photo)

Nets start to reset heading into tonight’s NBA Draft

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

What a difference a year makes.

Two years ago, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving were the faces of the Brooklyn Nets. A year ago, Durant, Irving, and Ben Simmons were the faces of the team. But as the 2023 NBA Draft approaches tonight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the Nets’ home arena, they have begun a reset with only Simmons remaining on the roster from among these players.

After finishing this past regular season at 45–37, the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, then getting swept 4–0 by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs, the Nets have reshaped their coaching staff.

Jacque Vaughn, who took over from Steve Nash after the former Nets head coach was fired last November just eight games into the season, signed a multi-year deal in February. On Tuesday, the team announced they had hired five new assistant coaches, including13-year NBA veteran player Kevin Ollie, who led the UConn Huskies to the 2014 NCAA title. Ollie had been the head of coaching and development for the Overtime Elite program based in Atlanta, which has produced twins Amen and Asur Thompson. Both 20-year-olds are expected to be top 10 picks tonight.

Newark,

The Nets have a young star in 6–7 forward Mikal Bridges, who after coming to the team from the Phoenix Suns in February showed he is one of the league’s best two-way players. Bridges averaged 26.1 points in 27 regular season games with Brooklyn, but the Nets have many more questions than answers.

Simmons is on a max contract and hasn’t been able to duplicate his play that made him a three-time All-Star.

Brooklyn has back-to-back first-round picks at Nos. 21 and 22, in addition to the 51st

pick in the second round. In total, they have up to 12 first-round picks through 2030.

After the Nets were eliminated from the playoffs, Vaughn emphasized that adding size is a priority. Center Nic Claxton, a rapidly improving young big man, is light at 6–11 and 215 pounds and has struggles battling much heavier front court players in the paint, such as the 76ers’ 7–0, 280 Joel Embiid.

“We’ve gotta get bigger over the summer, we’ve gotta get nastier, we’ve

gotta get guys who really love hitting and take it personal when the other team gets a rebound,” said Vaughn in April. “That’s what we’ll be looking for.”

The best in the draft is 7–4 Victor Wembanyama, who will go No. 1 to the San Antonio Spurs. Duke’s 7–1 center Dereck Lively will be long gone when the Nets have their first pick at No. 21. James Nnaji, an 18-yearold, 6–11 center from Nigeria who played professionally in Spain this past season, may be available for Brooklyn. They could also look to trade up to get a shot at Lively or seek a trade with another team to address their need for help in the paint.

The Nets may choose the best available player or select one who, in their assessment, possesses the most potential. Dariq Whitehead, an 18-year-old, 6–7 swingman from Duke and a Newark, N.J., native, who was projected to be a top-5 pick before foot issues, including surgery, slowed his freshman season, fits that profile.