Union Matters

Get vaccinated

George Gresham

President of 1199SEIU

There has been a lot of talk over the last few months about vaccination. The pros and alleged cons of taking the vaccine are all over social media and news broadcasts. New York City is pulling out all the stops to encourage residents to get vaccinated—including requiring proof of vaccination for indoor dining and offering financial incentives. Despite these incentives, only 61% of New York residents have been vaccinated. Back when I was in school, 61% was a D: barely passing. We are barely passing this fight. With the Delta variant on the rise, we have an extremely small window to get a handle on COVID-19 before things get back to 2020 levels. My friends, I say this with all of my heart— it’s’ time to get vaccinated.

I don’t know how fighting a deadly virus got to be so political. Maybe it is because the world has not faced anything like COVID-19 in our lifetimes; an unseen, deadly killer that can quickly be passed from person to person. Maybe it was the inaction of the Trump administration, and the continued inaction of state leaders in Florida and Texas. What I do know is that the window for defeating this virus in the near future, and the even more contagious Delta variant, is rapidly closing. This is why federal, state, and local governments, as well as some of our nation’s largest corporations are requiring their employees to get vaccinated.

I received my first dose of the vaccine on January 20, 2021. I was among the first in my family to get vaccinated, but I wasn’t the first. My daughter Siana, an 1199 member, received her first dose before me, and let me tell you that I couldn’t have been more thrilled. As the proud father of three healthcare workers, and the proud Pop-Pop of four grandchildren, it is critical to me that we defeat this pandemic. My oldest grandson, Jayce, just started Pre-K. He was so excited to start, and even took his time to show me his new sneakers, backpack, and lunchbox. He was so cute and reminded me so much of his dad, my only son Rakim, on his first day of school. Jayce’s first day photos look different than Rakim’s, as Jayce’s outfit also included a tiny mask to help protect him from COVID-19. At four years old, Jayce is too young to get vaccinated, as are his baby sister and baby cousin. I know many of you are in the same boat with little ones whose smiles and sweet voices melt your heart. If you’re anything like me, you’d literally do anything for them. If you haven’t already, I’m begging you to add getting vaccinated to that list of things you to do protect them.

Now, I’m not going to sit here and tell you that getting vaccinated is a cure-all, because it’s not. But the vaccines offer us the best defense available against this deadly plague of a virus, and a path forward back to some semblance of normalcy. Statistics show that the fully vaccinated get less sick, and fewer of the vaccinated who do catch it die from it than the unvaccinated. Read almost any news story about the COVID waves now washing over several southern states and one fact immediately stands out: doctors say the vast majority of people now dying from COVID are unvaccinated.

I keep wondering how these people must feel, to be lying in a hospital bed, fighting for each breath. I’ve even heard reports of COVID patients asking for the vaccine as they lay dying, only to be told that it’s too late.

It doesn’t have to be this way. We can still fight this thing to protect ourselves, loved ones, our neighbors, and our communities.

Our 1199 members have been on the frontlines of this pandemic from the beginning. It is safe to say each of us know someone who had COVID. Far too many of us have watched this horrible virus take a life or felt the unimaginable pain of being unable to be in the hospital room as a loved one fought for her or his life.

And COVID is still killing, ironically now much more in those states where governors and residents have rejected vaccines and mask wearing requirements.

Viruses don’t care about politics. We cannot forget those terrifying first months of 2020 when there was no vaccine. Back then we didn’t know how COVID killed, and health officials could only speculate how it was transmitted from person to person. Let’s not forget a time when treatments were uncertain, and we were told unless we could not breathe, not to come to a hospital emergency room.

We must never forget the refrigerated trailers parked outside hospitals to collect the dead. These trailers have reappeared in some southern states and are being used for the same purpose.

Get vaccinated, like me, because it’s the right thing to do for yourself, your family, your community, your city.

Get vaccinated because it is the right thing to do. Lives depend on it.

Unions approve of Biden’s COVID-19 action plan

By STEPHON JOHNSON

Amsterdam News Staff

Labor unions have showered praise on U.S. President Joe Biden’s COVID19 action plan.

Revealed earlier this month, Biden’s action plan includes forcing all private businesses that employ more than 100 people to require the whole staff get the COVID vaccine or have them tested at least once a week.

It’s something that AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler believes should be done.

“The resurgence of COVID-19 requires swift and immediate action, and we commend President Biden for taking additional steps to help put an end to this crisis,” stated Shuler. “Everyone should be vaccinated—as one step in stopping the pandemic. Workers and unions should have a voice in shaping these policies. Workplace COVID-19 safety plans should also include mitigation measures like ventilation, removing infected individuals, masking and training workers. These are necessary to prevent exposures and, in combination with vaccines, will get us out of this pandemic.”

As part of the plan, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) work in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to vaccinate those who work in health care. This includes the expansion of mandates for nursing home workers. Biden also said he would expand industrial capacity to help support COVID-19 recovery efforts including more production of masks.

American Public Health Association (APHA) Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD, pointed out that the increase in coronavirus cases can be attributed to those who refuse to get injected.

“This is now a pandemic of the unvaccinated, and it is spilling over into our children, who cannot yet get their shots,” said Benjamin. “The solution is to get everyone who is eligible their vaccinations. The president’s plan can achieve that, and we are here to help. We call on those who have spread misinformation and distractions to put aside their negativi-

ty and work productively to move our nation forward.” Biden’s plan also mandates that all federal employees receive the COVID vaccine. Refusing to do so would result in fines of up to $14,000. But Republicans have promised to push back against the mandate. The House Freedom Caucus, which includes Congress Members Jim Jordan, Louie Gohmert and Debbie Lesko, released a statement labeling the policy “tyrannical.” “The House Freedom Caucus opposes federal mask and vaccine mandates,” said House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Biggs. “President Biden’s invasive and unAmerican vaccine mandate is anothBiden’s new plan mandates vaccines er attempt by the for all federal employees Biden Regime to expand its control over American’s daily lives.” National Education Association President Becky Pringle doesn’t see anything unAmerican about the plan. She said that she’s proud that nearly 90% of all NEA members are fully vaccinated. “Educators remain committed to working together to ensure our local schools are the safest places in the community for every student, educator and family,” stated Pringle. “As students and educators go back to school this year, we are focused on keeping students safe, learning and engaged. That is why the National Education Association strongly supports President Biden’s new COVID19 vaccinate-or-test requirements in workplaces with 100 or more employees and call for state vaccination requirements for all educators.” Some Republican governors have threatened the Biden administration with lawsuits over the federal mandate. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey are among those who said they’re looking into all the ways they can fight back. Ducey took to social media to express his disappointment with having to take legal action. “This dictatorial approach is wrong, un-American and will do far more harm than good,” Ducey stated on Twitter. “How many workers will be displaced? How many kids kept out of classrooms? How many businesses fined? The vaccine is and should be a choice.”

wildpixel via iStock) (Photo courtesy of

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Activists called Friday for the return of a Black cemetery to a Maryland church decades after it was erased by development.

The Rev. William J. Barber II and Rev. Liz Theoharis, co-chairs of the Poor People’s Campaign, spoke by Zoom to participants at the rally, which organizers said included descendants of those buried at the Moses African Cemetery and members of the Macedonia Baptist Church. The church plans to restore the cemetery and build a monument and museum on the site.

The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition sued Montgomery County’s Housing Opportunities Commission last month claiming that part of the cemetery is beneath the parking lot of the Westwood Tower Apartments, news outlets report. The housing agency owns the property and apartment building and uses the rental income to cover costs of the agency.

An estimated 500 bodies of enslaved people or relatives of the 4.313” x 5.6875”Wind Project ad 4313x56875 v1Fol.pdf 2 9/2/21 10:05 AM enslaved rest at the cemetery, the lawsuit states. The plain-

tiffs argue that selling the parcel that was used as a burial ground without court approval violates state law.

Last week, a Montgomery County judge temporarily blocked the $51 million sale of land that includes the Westwood Tower Apartments, WTOP-FM reported.

“Many of the individuals buried at Moses African Cemetery were freed slaves or people who had worked on one or more of the four plantations in the River Road area of Montgomery County prior to the Civil War,” Montgomery County Judge Karla Smith wrote in her order.

The temporary restraint forbids the sale until a Sept. 27 hearing on the matter. Rikers and find alternatives for them simply because the NYPD commissioner spoke up and doesn’t want to face that backlash,” said Holmes.

In tandem, former acting president of Correction Officers Benevolent Association (COBA) Elias Husamudeen agreed that the mayor’s plan was “not a plan at all” but for very different reasons.

He is not in favor of closing Rikers at all or reducing officers, because he sees the situation as a “real estate land grab” that will not solve the underlying social and mental issues that cause violent conditions or violent incarcerated people.

A recent letter from the Nunez federal monitor, Steve J. Martin, testified to the “unreasonably high” levels of violence this summer at Rikers throughout the jail complex, reported The New York Times.

Husamudeen theorized that because low-level offenders, such as turnstile jumpers or weed smokers, have been going into the jail at a lower rate means that the people left are likely there for much more violent or deadly offenses. This is why there’s been more violence on Rikers recently, said Husamudeen.

“The issue is not the zip code or where a jail is located, the issue is whether or not the jail is safe regardless of where its located,” said Husamudeen. “Part of today’s crisis is rather than address the issue of safety, they were more focused on closing the jails.”

Husamudeen said that it was completely unfair to expect overworked corrections officers, on their third or fourth shift at times, to perform to the best of their abilities. He said he didn’t think anything proposed in the relief plan can address the ongoing staffing problems and the uptick in violence, especially if that meant punishing “AWOL” officers.

“These are things that have been brewing for a while. The union and others have been trying to get the mayor’s attention for a while concerning this,” said Husamudeen. “To the politicians who took the tour, it’s wonderful they expressed some interest, but the reality is most of them

have known about this long before.” In Tuesday’s morning briefing, de Blasio said that the city is taking steps to relieve pressure on the situation. He received pushback that the closing was not part of the announced plan. “It is part of the plan I just announced, and there’s a right way to do it, and I think Rev. William J. Barber helping lead the fight to restore the Moses African Cemetery there could be a wrong way to do it too. I want to do it the right way,” said de Blasio. “We’ve got hundreds and hundreds of folks who are incarcerated, who don’t need to be based on this new law that if signed could immediately relieve some of the pressure, but we need that law signed and implemented immediately,” he said about the Less Is More Act.

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

If you owe real estate tax, emergency repair, or other property-related charges, the City of New York may sell a lien on your property. Senior, disabled, veteran homeowners, and not-for-profit organizations: Your property may qualify for an exemption that removes it from the lien sale, but you must apply.

Contact 311 to apply or to see if your property is on the lien sale list. You can also look for your property on the list at nyc.gov/liensale. Do Not Delay. Respond Today!

Has COVID-19 and injustice made America divided and mean-spirited?

By JAMES B. EWERS JR. Ed.D.

I believe in the humanity of Americans. We look out for each other and want what is best for one another.

We want peace in the land. Confusion is not a trait that we want to see practiced in the public square.

However, is the tide turning? Are we getting mad and upset with each other?

According to a recent CNN poll 74% of Americans are angry. That is not good news and is an indicator of where we are these days according to some pundits. Did this ill-tempered wind that is blowing across the United States of America just happen? My opinion is no. Like rain, it started with clouds. It was the cloud of hate that happened in Charlottesville Virginia. It was the cloud of false allegations about election fraud and the cloud of mistreating people because you have power. While some will vehemently disagree, it began with the former president of the United States. Early in his quest for the top job, he made outrageous comments about people. He demeaned them and verbally abused them. Black and Brown people were his targets. As president, he became worse. During his unhinged and liefilled presidency, he empowered racists in this country. Before him, racists and hate groups were not as visible. They stayed in the closet, not wanting to be readily identified. The fabric and moral underpinning of America would not allow them to have a stronghold in our beloved community. The floodgates of meanness and contempt opened when he was elected. Groups like the Proud Boys were not household names. Now they are. We are surrounded by overt acts of bad behavior. Racism is clearly out for all to witness. The color of one’s skin sometimes determines your fate. No and not available are responses that we are hearing way too often. When stopped by the police, as people of color, we don’t know the outcome. Life and death hang in the balance. Politics have turned ugly. Laws have become weapons. Some states are using them to cause upheaval and mistrust. The coronavirus is deadly in all forms. Health experts have clarified and amplified this message on a daily basis. Yet, we have people in our nation who refuse to take the vaccine. They are so obstinate in their views that the fear of death does not move them.

But wait. They only fear it if it hits their doorstep. If it happens down the street or in another city, it does not matter to them.

That attitude is cold, insensitive, and incomprehensible, at least to me.

President Joe Biden wants to mandate vaccines for certain groups. Most all federal workers and those with governmental contracts must be vaccinated. Of course, there is pushback on this new directive.

Parts of America are in a nightmare where they believe science does not matter and that doctors do not count.

What can be done to stop this train of turmoil? Some of our citizens just don’t get it.

As we have pushed past Labor Day going to the fall, will we survive this detour of indifference?

Schools and colleges are struggling to reopen. Different states have different policies about mask wearing. Protests have been held outside of schools. Verbal attacks have occurred at school board meetings.

Keeping children safe should be the overarching goal. Those who don’t want their children to wear masks are emotional without the facts.

So, we must find some solutions to these pressing problems.

Let’s start by treating each other with dignity and respect.

The days dwindle down to a precious few We are enthralled by the news that Gov. Newsom EDITORIAL was able to beat back the recall that was basically mounted by GOP conservatives and Trumpeters. That victory is so desperately needed to withstand the GOP assaults on the Democratic fronts, none more consequential than the pandemic surge, the restrictive voting measures, and the renewed threat of right wing protesters gathering for a Sept. 18th rally. Parts of America are in a nightmare where they On Tuesday, Democratic senators introduced a new version of an expansive election reform bill to counter the believe science does not record-number of voting restrictions that have passed in GOP-led states, which they say make it harder for minori- matter and that ties and low-income Americans to cast a ballot.

And Secretary of State Antony Blinken withstood a bar- doctors do not count. rage of criticism on the withdrawal from Afghanistan, telling the lawmakers, “We inherited a deadline. We did not inherit a plan,” placing much of the blame on former PresWhat can be done to ident Donald Trump’s deal with the Taliban to withdraw U.S. troops by May 1, a fact Trump boasted about just ear- stop this train of turmoil? lier this summer. A ray of optimism was witnessed the other day when Some of our citizens President Biden met with Senators Manchin of West Vir ginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, both crucial in get - just don’t get it. ting Biden’s nearly $4 trillion infrastructure bill approved. These are just a sample of the pressing agenda items that As we have pushed past have to be addressed as we move deeper into the September days. Labor Day going to the

Lawmakers are back at their desks in Congress, Dr. Fauci continues to be concerned about the massive gathering of fans at sporting events, and Dreamers wait to see how the fall, will we survive this infrastructure debate impacts their status in the nation. Let us hope that the results in California are an omen, a detour of indifference? harbinger that more good times are in the wind. We have had enough bad luck and setbacks of late, and we have our fingers crossed, our hopes high as autumn sweeps the land. Dr. James B. Ewers Jr., is a youth advocate, consultant, author and president emeritus of the Teen Mentoring Committee (TMC) of Ohio.

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.

The August 26th attacks on American forces in Kabul and the recent designation of a “new” terrorist cell in Afghanistan, are all propaganda pumped into the U.S. system to sow confusion and focus our attention on a new boogeyman: ISIS-K. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, particularly the Quds Force, led by General Qassem Sulaymani until his death, signed a cooperation agreement with the Taliban several years ago. For years, Iran has served as a safe haven for ISIS and al-Qaeda militants injured in Iraq and Syria. After being defeated in Iraq and Syria, Iran provided these two forces with safe passage, medical care, retraining, new weapons and equipment, and logistical support to these soldiers. Moving overland from Syria, across Iraq, and into Iran, they had the ability to heal, reequip, and retrain while avoiding air and drone assaults. For at least two years, fighters from these two groups stealthily slipped into Afghanistan from Iran. They blended into the nearby rural communities this time, learned from the 09/11/01 experience, stayed to themselves, paid for food and assistance from the locals, and kept their profile low. Once inside Afghanistan, they were supported and protected by the Taliban. Because of this, the Taliban, Iran, ISIS, al-Qaeda, and a slew of other terrorist organizations like ISIS-K, caused the U.S. to focus on the inconsequential at the cost of the critical.

The following was yesterday’s headline: “Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) killed at least 13 U.S. troops and perhaps over 90 Afghans in a twin suicide bombing and gun attack yesterday outside of Kabul Airport.” The events of that day caused yesterday to be the bloodiest day for the U.S. military since 2011. For a week, U.S. intelligence had warned of such an assault, even expressly advising Americans to avoid the site of the first bombing, Abbey Gate, as it expected more attacks to follow. This leads us to ask the following important questions: What was the U.S. intelligence’s first impression of this group? How were the bombs which killed the 13 U.S. troops brought undetected to the gate area? Who was the first person to coin the phrase “ISIS-K”—is it the Taliban?

This “new group”—IS-K—got picked up by U.S. news outlets and the U.S. intelligence system, and in less than 24 hours, the U.S. intelligence system and new media have been following this group like a cat chasing a laser pointer light. Meanwhile, the Taliban, Iran, ISIS, and al-Qaeda get some breathing room as the U.S. system exhausts itself trying to figure out who is in command of IS-K. For decades, our adversaries have effectively employed this strategy of deception. Since Hezbollah first arose, the Iranians have been masters of deception and media warfare, and they have mystified the U.S. Since 2004. The many “splinter” organizations that formed inside Iraq, initially under the banner of Popular Mobilization Units (PMUs), have multiplied and confused the U.S. system. Former terrorist organization leaders Zarqawi and Usama bin Laden fought for years, first as AQ in Iraq, then as IS “Da’esh,” then as ISIS in Iraq, and so on.

Make no mistake, the Taliban is well aware of who accompanied them to Kabul: the Haqqani

terrorist network, a varsity first-string terrorist organization known for escorting Usama bin Laden ARMSTRONG to safety many years ago to give him safe haven WILLIAMS and engaging in numerous bombings across the Middle East. Until recently, the heads of the Haqqani terrorist network were locked up in Guantanamo Bay, however, their faces appeared on television just the other day—free and ready to wreak havoc. The Haqqanis have observed, killed, learnt, adjusted, and discovered places to operate outside of the teeth of the U.S. military and intelligence systems throughout the last 20 years, so they understand the U.S., our weaknesses, and our predictable manner of fighting war. We, on the other hand, have learnt nothing and remain predictable in our attempt to persuade our adversaries to attack us in a way where we are most effective, rather than tearing us apart with a thousand-cut approach. The U.S. was taught a severe lesson on Aug. 21. Doing nothing and asking the Taliban for assistance and protection as we leave Afghanistan will prove to be one of the most irresponsibly foolish and deadly moves made in the last 20 years. The Biden White House appears dejected, anxious, and desperate to halt the political bleeding. The tourniquet is under Taliban control. As long as we allow them, they will bleed us to death and rub our faces in it. Both the U.S. and the Taliban denounced the assault and pledged to hold IS-K accountable. According to a Wall Street Journal story, the Taliban and IS-K have had a long-standing feud, and the airport bombs “raise the possibility of a lengthier, bloodier battle” between them. This isn’t brand-new information or news. It’s an earned media repeat of the falsehood told in the post-bomb briefing yesterday, which the U.S. system devoured like a largemouth bass swallowing bait on a lure. When we leave Afghanistan and the Taliban retake power, the country’s complicated history will exacerbate the dispute about who is who inside Afghanistan. Separately, the representatives of Taliban and Panjshiri resistance commander, Ahmad Massoud, met in Parwan and agreed not to attack each other until a second round of “higher level” negotiations had taken place. Now, the graveyard of empires begins a new cycle of power transfers and wars, and renewed problems for U.S. intelligence and the media to identify new flags, name changes, and historic friction spots on the region’s map. The Sasanian Empire makes its debut. That ought to keep the Americans occupied for a while. They will have a cool flag, though. No one seems to be commenting on the fact that the briefing was given by an Arab who spoke Arabic rather than Dari. Why is that so? This result will go down in history as one of the most infamous U.S. blunders. The Haqqanis must be marveling at their good fortune. To say that they were successful would be an understatement; they walked away with billions of dollars in war loot and the opportunity to control many innocent civilians through their brutal political and war tactics. We just left everything for them; they didn’t even have to fight us to get it.

Terence Blanchard is coming to town

On September 27th the Metropolitan Opera will have the opening night of Terence Blanchard’s new opera, “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” The Met Opera was founded in 1880 and when the curtains rise on that Monday night, Blanchard will make history becoming the first Black director to create a mainstage Met production performed at this prestigious and historic institution. Let that sink in.

Blanchard has adapted New York Times journalist Charles Blow’s memoir into an experience that transcends race and class. When I recently sat down and spoke to Blanchard, I was curious to know how he felt about making history, opening the door for Black performers and composers, representing his beloved New Orleans, and paying homage to all of the teachers and musicians who have influenced him throughout his career.

Many readers may know Blanchard because of his trumpet skills and his impressive catalog. Others may be familiar with Blanchard as a composer for motion picture films and his close work with director Spike Lee on soundtracks and original scores as wide ranging as “Jungle Fever,” “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Malcolm X,” “Crooklyn,” “Clockers,” “Inside Man,” “Bamboozled,” “Get on the Bus,” “Four Little Girls,” “Red Tails,” “BlacKkKlansman,” “Da Five Bloods,” to name just a few.

What struck me throughout my conversation with Blanchard was his recognition of all of the teachers he has had throughout his career who helped him think not only about musical construction and innovation, but also the importance of mentorship and dedication to one’s craft. Blanchard as a trumpeter, a pianist, or a composer, has mastered all three lanes.

My excitement for “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” stems from my excitement for the world to see a stage full of African American opera singers performing songs written by an African American, based on a memoir written by an African American. History is being made at one of America’s most prestigious cultural institutions and in traditional Blanchard fashion, the Oscar-nominated composer is focused on the work and the final product. He is excited for the audience to be able to experience what he’s seen in rehearsals these past few months, especially the dedication of the performers and the incredible choreography by the brilliant Camille A. Brown.

I asked Blanchard if he ever sleeps, as I listened to his new album “Absence” (Blue Note records). He explained that his work ethic stems from his parents and seeing his father work two jobs in addition to making time to write and perform music. I am thrilled for this performance and all of the doors it will open for so many in the future.

For those interested in a night at the opera, go to www.metopera.org. Tickets start at $37, and the show runs on select nights from Sept. 27 to Oct. 23.

CHRISTINA GREER PH.D.

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