The New York Amsterdam News

WWW.AMSTERDAMNEWS.COM

Vol. 112 No. 35 | September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

THE NEW BLACK VIEW

©2021 The Amsterdam News | $1.00 New York City

LABOR IN THE TIME OF COVID

By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff

(AP photo)

The COVID pandemic has emphasized the importance of job protection. Unions have aided in that protection. This Labor Day celebrates not just union power, but union power in a time when people feel powerless.

“In many ways, the COVID19 pandemic was the first time most Americans were introduced to the concept of ‘essential workers,’” said Greg Tegan, president of the Transportation Traded Department, AFLCIO (TTD) to the AmNews.

“When businesses closed and entire communities went dark, millions of working people–– including those who power our transportation system–– didn’t have the luxury of working from home. They risked their health and wellbeing to report for duty and see us through this crisis.

“The truth is, these workers aren’t just essential in times of crisis. They See LABOR DAY on page 10

Parade postponed, but Carnival Harlem Hellfighters finally awarded Congressional Gold Medal spirit continues

New York City will be forced to go without its usual larger-than-life West Indian Day Parade and J’ouvert celebrations this Labor Day weekend

(Bill Moore photo)

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

See J’OUVERT on page 6

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

week Wednesday on Aug. 25, with U.S. Reps. Tom Suozzi and Adriano Espaillat in attendance.

The Harlem Hellfighters’ CongresAt a White House signing cere- sional Gold Medal represents only mony President Joe Biden gave the the 179th medal awarded to instiHarlem Hellfighters a long-over- tutions, people, or events, since the See HELLFIGHTERS on page 6 due Congressional Gold Medal, last

Cuomo’s Exit Offers Opportunity to Revamp MTA Urban Agenda by David R. Jones, President and CEO of the Community Service Society of New York - See page 5 Our offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 6 in observance of Labor Day

2 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

International Africa International “a Milestone for Justice in Africa.”

But an African Union Trust Fund that was mandated by the Chambers to trace, freeze, and seize Habré’s assets in order to administer reparations has not yet become operational. Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat in February 2020 promised “in the near future, to convene a Resource Mobilization Conference

they will continue the fight for justice—expanded to include the former dictator of the Gambia, Yahya Gammeh, now living in exile in Equatorial Guinea.

For a full account of the case against Hissene Habré, see “Victims bring a Dictator to Justice” by Reed Brody, an American lawyer who worked with Habré’s victims since 1999.

Hissene Habré

(GIN photo)

AFRICAN UNION ‘MISSING IN ACTION’ ON PROMISED FUNDS TO DICTATOR’S VICTIMS (GIN)—Professor Thomas Kwasi Tieku,inapublishedarticle,summed up the African Union as “the proverbial forest that has bad trees dotted around its many good trees.”

So he would probably not be surprised to learn of the AU’s unmet obligations to pay reparations to thousands of Chadian citizens, victims of the brutal regime of former Chadian dictator Hissene Habré. Mr. Habré died this month in Senegal, age 79.

Habré was the first former head of state to be tried and found guilty of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and torture, including sexual slavery in the national courts of another state. The Extraordinary African Chambers in the Senegalese court system sentenced Habré to life in prison for those crimes.

The conviction was confirmed in 2017 and together 7,396 victims were awarded reparations from a Victims Trust Fund for the crimes suffered during Habré’s 8-year rule.

The court ordered payment of $150 million in reparations. Five years have since passed and not a cent has been paid to the victims.

Habré, an ally of the West during the Cold War, had ruled Chad, the fifth largest country in Africa just south of Libya, from 1982 to 1990 with an iron fist. Thousands were killed, tortured and raped during his presidency, which ended when he was ousted in 1990.

After many twists and turns, including obstacles to a trial thrown up by former U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Senegalese President Wade and the Parliament of Belgium, Habré’s trial would take place 25 years after he was overthrown—entirely due to the perseverance and tenacity of Habré’s victims and their allies. The New York Times has called the case

to maintain this Fund,” but no such conference has occurred.

Efforts on the domestic level have also stalled. The Chadian government and Habré-era security agents have yet to pay $139 million in reparations ordered by a Chadian court in 2015 when it convicted 20 Habré-era security agents on murder and torture charges. In August 2017, a team of United Nations experts expressed their concern over the government’s failure to carry out reparations.

Now, five years after the historic judgment in Senegal against the former Chadian dictator, victims of his brutal regime are still waiting for some sign of the $150 million court-ordered reparations, according to the human rights group “Redress.”

Lawyers for Habré’s victims say

ANGOLA MINE LEAK CAUSING ‘UNPRECEDENTED’ POLLUTION IN CONGO RIVERS (GIN)—A leak from the world’s fifth biggest diamond mine in northern Angola is causing an “unprecedented environmental catastrophe,” researchers at Kinshasa University are reported to say.

The leak threatens some two million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to Raphael Tshimanga, director of the Congo Basin Water Resources Research Centre. The group’s website has highlighted the spill on its website—calling on Congolese policymakers to prevent the spread of the pollution disaster.

“There is an urgent need for a monitoring strategy to assess the damage, and to propose mitigation and remediation measures.

News Actions include ensuring an immediate cessation of pollutants discharge into rivers from the source in Angola.”

The escaping waste filled waterways with sediment before the breach was sealed, Sociedade Mineira de Catoca (Catoca Mining Company) said in a statement seen

by Reuters.

The spill has killed a “significant number of fish and other animal species living in the contaminated waters,” Congo’s environment minister Eve Bazaiba said, adding that pollution was at the “door of Kinshasa,” Congo’s capital and home to some 12 million people.

“We can confidently say that this pollution is from heavy metals that have surged into the river and our worry is that it should get into the food chain,” Tshimanga said.

The disaster was viewed via satellite imagery and observers reported that a reservoir used to store mining pollutants was breached on July 15 in a diamond-mining area between Lunda Sul and Lunda Norte provinces.

“We have never seen such huge pollution in the Congo river,” Tshimanga said to a Reuters reporter. “It is still increasing; the consequences are beyond what we could imagine. This is a catastrophe. It’s an unprecedented environmental catastrophe.”

Two tributaries of the Congo river, the Tshikapa and Kasai rivers, turned red, killing fish and causing diarrhea amongst communities along their banks, Tshimanga said.

There are reports hippopotamuses have also died, he said.

“It could pollute natural reservoirs and aquifers. If this is the case it could take years, decades to resolve this issue.”

The breach was sealed by Aug. 9, according to the report, which added that Catoca has given

local residents baskets of basic goods to lessen the impact of the leak on waterways.

The open-pit mine is owned and operated by Sociedade Mineira de Catoca,ajointventureofthestate-run mining company Endiama (32.8%), Russia-based diamond producer Alrosa (32.8%), China Sonagol (18%), and the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht Mining (16.4%).

The diamond mine produced 6.7 million carats (Mct) of rough diamonds and earned revenue of $579m in 2012. It accounts for about 6% of the world diamond production and about 70% of Angola’s diamond output.

Meanwhile, a Washington Post columnist urges readers to rethink their views on the glittering rock.

“Diamonds, I’m sorry to say, aren’t Beyoncé’s best friend,” writes Karen Attiah, “even if the Grammy Award-winning artist and her new corporate partner, Tiffany and Co., would like to make it so.”

Tiffany’s latest ad campaign features Beyoncé, husband Jay-Z— and the famed 128.54 carat yellow Tiffany diamond, discovered in South Africa in 1877 at the Kimberley Mine by Charles Lewis Tiffany, Attiah writes.

Beyoncé is only the fourth woman—and first Black woman— to wear the glamorous necklace, the campaign crows.

“Tiffany may be trying to rebrand, but it has badly misjudged the ethos of the moment,” says Attiah. “Its campaign does not celebrate Black liberation—it elevates a painful symbol of colonialism. It presents an ostentatious display of wealth as a sign of progress in an age when Black Americans possess just 4 percent of the United States’ total household wealth. If Black success is defined by being paid to wear white people’s large colonial diamonds, then we are truly still in the sunken place.”

USPS 382-600/ISSN#00287121

2340 Frederick Douglass Boulevard New York, New York 10027 (212) 932-7400 • FAX (212) 222-3842 Advertising Department News Department Display: (212) 932-7429 (212) 932-7466 Classified: (212) 932-7435 (212) 932-7465 Circulation Department: ----------------------> (212) 932-7453

The Amsterdam News assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Photographs and manuscripts become the property of The Amsterdam News.

Published weekly. Periodicals Class postage paid at New York, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to NY Amsterdam News, 2340 Frederick Douglass Blvd., New York, NY 10027.

Mail subscriptions U.S. Territories Weekly subscription: 1 year, $49.99; 6 months, $34.99 | Foreign Subscription: 1 year, $45.00

INDEX

NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Arts & Entertainment ������ Page 15

Editorial/Opinion ���� Pages 12,13

» Astro/Numerology ������� Page 18

Education ��������������������������� Page 8

» Travel ����������������������������� Page 20

Out & About ������������������������Page 9

» Jazz ��������������������������������� Page 16

Religion & Spirituality ����� Page 24

Caribbean Update ����������� Page 14

Sports �������������������������������� Page 32

Career/Business �������������� Page 25

Union Matters ������������������ Page 10

Classified �������������������������� Page 26

Your Health ���������������������� Page 22

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 3

State and local officials announce new strategies to beat COVID as hotspots emerge

MetroBriefs

By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff

Harriet Tubman Memorial Freedom Bridge plan unveiled in Syracuse

In the midst of the Delta variant, COVID-19 cases in the city are going down, however, parts of the city are seeing a high number of cases.

The seven-day average of positive COVID-19 cases in New York City is 2.5%. The ten zip codes seeing the highest COVID cases in the city are on Rockaway Peninsula in Queens and several areas of Staten Island. Breezy Point on the Rockaway Peninsula has the city’s highest seven-day average of COVID cases at over 15% Staten Island is the borough with the highest seven-day average of positive COVID cases at 3.3%. As of this week over 10.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the city.

On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced new measures to combat the COVID-19 Delta variant, which now accounts for 97% of COVID-19 cases in New York City. The measures include a plan for mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated

public and charter school employees and vaccination requirements for all staff at state-regulated facilities and congregate settings.

“Last year every community across the state came together in a profound way to say, ‘We can do this’,” Hochul said. “This war is not over and the Delta variant is a serious threat, especially for people who are still unvaccinated. We all need to remain vigilant to protect each other––and that means coming in to get your shot and booster shot, wearing masks in indoor spaces, and exercising basic safety measures that we are all familiar with by now.”

During his daily press briefing on Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said that small businesses can join the vaccine effort by hosting events where the vaccine can be administered.

Last weekend, Melba’s restaurant in Harlem hosted a vaccination pop-up site. A mobile vaccine unit was used and health experts were brought in to answer questions. De Blasio wants to see similar pop-up sites at other See COVID-19 on page 23

Vaccine hesitaters turn to religious exemptions

By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff Last weekend, reports surfaced that Brooklyn-based activist and religious leader the Rev. Kevin McCall was giving letters of religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine to members of his church. In an interview with the AmNews, McCall wanted to set the record straight and shed light on the growing number of people seeking exemptions from vaccine mandates.

Last month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all of the nearly 340,000 city workers will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine by mid-September or submit to testing for COVID19 weekly. Those who do not comply

with the mandate could face being out of work.

Hundreds of city workers protested outside City Hall last week after the mayor announced a new mandate requiring public school teachers to have at least the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 27. Protesters said they shouldn’t be forced to get the vaccine.

A published report indicated that McCall was giving letters of exemption to parishioners from his small Brooklyn church, the Crisis Action Center, and others trying to avoid the vaccine. However, McCall said that he’s only given letters to about 40 of the over 60 members of his church who say it’s against their religious See VACCINE on page 23

Anti-violence groups still in need after gun violence declared public health emergency

By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff

ness left behind by Cuomo, including the issue of violence. Shootings in the city continue to plague Before leaving office, former Gov. neighborhoods.

Andrew Cuomo declared gun viBetween Monday night and Tuesolence in New York State a public day morning, three people were emergency, creating the state’s Office killed in separate shootings in the of Gun Violence Prevention and in- Bronx and Queens. Two people were vesting millions in programs. In the shot on the Upper West Side in front month since he made the announce- of a beauty salon Monday night, inment, anti-violence organizations in cluding an 81-year-old man. Just the city say little has moved to make weeks ago, a mass shooting left eight things better. people injured during an outdoor As Gov. Kathy Hochul takes office, event in Brooklyn when two men See VIOLENCE on page 23 she has a myriad of unfinished busi-

Relatives of abolitionist and civil rights pioneer Harriet Tubman gathered last week at Wilson Park to support a proposal to construct the Harriet Tubman Memorial Freedom Bridge in Syracuse, NY. The structure will pay tribute to the renowned abolitionist and political activist who lived in Central New York.

The genesis of the Harriet Tubman Memorial Freedom Bridge concept dates back to 2008 when the New York State DOT announced a now outdated ‘Community Grid’ stand-alone plan to demolish a segment of Interstate 81 that was built 60 years ago through three predominantly African American neighborhoods in Syracuse.

The objective of the Harriet Tubman Memorial Freedom Bridge is to help provide racial equity for local residents and to reconnect the community by all modes of transportation.

Tubman was born enslaved in Maryland and led 70 people north to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She died in 1913 at age 90 in Auburn, NY.

Reading Project hosting children’s book giveaway in Harlem Nonprofit organization The Reading Project is hosting a free children’s book giveaway on Saturday, Sept. 4 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at NBHD Brulee Coffee Shop located at 2620 Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem.

The Reading Project empowers and encourages boys to read through a variety of programs which promote self-esteem, reading comprehension and communications skills. The programs involve the presence of an adult male to serve as a mentor to boys.

The organization previously held a Back-to-School Literature and Lunch event where youth discussed the theme of traveling. Other events were held in the winter and on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Go to thereadingproject.info for more information.

Cannabis education comes to Medgar Evers College Medgar Evers College (MEC) becomes the first City University of New York (CUNY) campus to offer a cannabis minor degree program. Students can now enroll in “Introduction to the World of Cannabis,” a prerequisite course for many of the other cannabis courses in the degree program.

In following semesters, students can choose four courses from any of the 13 newly developed courses to earn a cannabis degree minor in one of four different tracks. These courses provide educational opportunities not only to MEC students but to all students at the other 24 CUNY campuses via e-permits.

MEC’s cannabis minor and forthcoming adult education program will feature the skill-building instructional support needed to foster new cannabis leaders in the areas of testing, cultivation, business, and health.

The program was spearheaded by the MEC Cannabis Education Taskforce and is housed in the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science.

The taskforce consists of four members, two faculty and two alumni.

Community and faith-based organizations to receive over $1 million in federal education COVID response funding Community and faith-based organizations across New York State will receive over $1 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES Act) funds to provide services and support for students and families adversely affected by the pandemic.

The State Education Department’s Community Schools Technical Assistance Centers will provide the grants to 47 entities. The grant awards range from $10,000 to $25,000. Not-for-profit and faith-based organizations were eligible to apply for funding. The regions eligible for program support were identified based on economic disadvantage and the adverse impacts of the coronavirus.

The New York State Education Department previously used CARES Act funding to amend two existing contracts with the Community Schools Technical Assistance Centers (CSTACs) at Fordham University and the Research Foundation for the State University of New York (RF SUNY) at Binghamton University to expand their scope of work. The amended contracts allow the CSTACs to partner with community and faith-based organizations, as well as school districts, to leverage the resources and experience of communitybased partners to address the needs of children and families most adversely impacted by Coronavirus.

—Compiled by Cyril Josh Barker

4 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

The ‘Forever War’ is over

NewJerseyNews

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

City of Newark to host first ever ‘Peace Week’

“The war in Afghanistan is over,” President Biden said Tuesday afternoon, a day after the last plane of troops left Kabul. In a solemn unbroken tone, Biden said, “I believe this is the right decision, a wise decision, and the best decision for America.”

He also made it clear that it was not his decision alone. After citing the various military advisors, including the joint chiefs of staff and commanders on the ground, he said, “Their view was that ending our military mission was the best way to protect the lives of our troops, and secure the prospects of civilian departures for those who want to leave Afghanistan in the weeks and months ahead.”

There are 100 to 200 Americans still in the country, Biden said. “For those remaining Americans, there is no deadline. We remain committed to get them out if they want to come out.”

A similar resolve was extended to those Afghans who wanted to leave and who had been supportive of the U.S. involvement in the “Forever War.” Biden summed up the 20 years of the U.S. presence in Afghanistan and billions of dollars spent stating that he did not want to commit any more young Americans to the war and that the exit was “not due to an arbitrary deadline. It was designed to save American lives.”

He said 2,461 soldiers, including

the 13 killed last Thursday, had made “as Abraham Lincoln said, the last full measure of devotion” to end the possibility of Afghanistan being a base for terrorists like Al Qaeda who attacked the U.S. in 2001. Even so, Isis-K remained a considerable force and took responsibility for the attacks near the airport that killed and injured U.S. personnel and countless Afghan citizens.

Though Biden insisted the buck stopped with him when it came to the ultimate decision, he placed some of the blame for the chaos surrounding the withdrawal on the failure of the Afghanistan government and its military forces to stabilize things during the U.S. departure. He said that was “an inaccurate assumption.”

In the wake of the departure Biden was taking heat from veterans who expressed their outrage during the transfer of the bodies at the Dover airbase on Sunday. He was chastised for repeatedly looking at his watch as the caskets were carried by to the waiting vans. And as if the situation around Afghanistan wasn’t enough concern, Biden was criticized for referring to Cedric Richmond, a former congressman from Louisiana and senior adviser, as a “boy” during a FEMA briefing on Monday. “I’m here with a senior adviser and [a] boy who knows Louisiana very, very well and New Orleans, Cedric Richmond,” Biden announced. This was not the first time Biden had called a Black man boy. More on this later.

Community asks for speedy replacement as Lt. Gov. Benjamin leaves open seat in Harlem

By ARIAMA C. LONG Report for America Corps Member Amsterdam News Staff The consensus is in, and Harlem’s political scene is hyped over their own State Sen. Brian Benjamin being tapped to serve alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul as her lieutenant governor.

But, now onto the most obvious question, who can fill his role in Senate District 30?

The district covers Harlem, East Harlem (El Barrio), Upper West Side, Washington Heights, Hamilton Heights, and Morningside Heights in Manhattan.

Sen. Robert Jackson paused his marathon training in Virginia to congratulate Benjamin on his new position and speculate about what the role requires.

“I’ve known Brian for many years. Even before he was elected to be the chairman of the Community Board, and then to get to know him as state senator, part of the leadership. In session, Benjamin’s the one that’s running the entire show from the podium,” said Jackson.

Jackson said there should be a robust roster of candidates to replace Benjamin.

“Ideal candidates are individuals in public

office right now and see that as a step in the right direction,” said Jackson.

He named Assemblymembers Al Taylor, Inez Dickens and Robert Rodriguez as qualified candidates already working in Albany.

“Then again, if you look at all the individuals that ran for City Council seat [in District 9] to replace Bill Perkins. Like Athena Moore, Cordell Cleare, William Allen and others who ran. All of these individuals are candidates who could throw their hat in the ring,” said Jackson. “The people will decide. Personally, I don’t have a favorite.”

Londel Davis Jr., president of the Martin Luther King Jr. Club, said that he’s not just happy, he’s ecstatic for Benjamin’s new role.

“The Harlem Senate seat is one of the most important seats, not just in Harlem, but New York State. We’re losing a lot of Black-elected seats in Manhattan. We’re down to five seats now,” said Davis about the impending special election. “It’s a very critical seat that our Black votes in Harlem we need to hold onto.”

Davis said candidates have been “calling nonstop” but theorized that the leader of his club, Assemblymember See LT. GOV. on page 23

By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff Newark is battling a spike in violence.

Local elected officials and advocates hope to combat the issue by holding the city’s first-ever “Peace Week” set for Aug. 30 through Sept. 5.

Some of Newark’s recent shooting incidents include the killing of a 34-yearold man last week near Spruce Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Reports indicate police found the man’s body on the sidewalk when they were responding to the shooting.

Last Sunday, Newark saw six people injured in separate shootings. Two weeks ago, two men were killed in separate shootings over the course of two days. The body of Tony Madison, 36, was found by police on Avon Avenue.

The next day, police found the body of Antonio McCrimmon, 27, who was shot and later died at the hospital.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery and the Brick City Peace Collective are organizing the Peace Week. Events will include Health and Wellness Wednesday, a Resource Fair, a Day of Remembrance, and “24 Hours of Peace” at Broad and Market Streets.

“Creating a more peaceful City of Newark is about providing our residents with hope, empowerment, positive choices and alternatives to crime and violence,” said Baraka. “Peace Week will bring our diverse community together in unity.”

Lakeesha Eure, director of the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, said the goal for the event is to educate the community on the true meaning of peace. “‘Peace’ stands for Proper Education Always Corrects Errors,” she said.

“This is our guiding principle not only during Peace Week, but we want our residents to always know that peace is a choice and a lifestyle.”

The Newark AntiViolence Coalition (NAVC) condemned the spike of gun violence as several area shootings jarred the community. The community organization says Peace Week should be an opportunity for cities such as Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Trenton, Camden and others to advocate for resources for violence interrupters. Money was recently earmarked for community-based violence reduction strategies by President Joe Biden nationally and Gov. Phil Murphy locally.

“Let us remember that COVID19 is not our ‘only’ public health crisis that our community is facing.

COVID and the enormous anxieties it has created compounds a community already grappling tooth and nail with a gun violence pandemic,” said Zayid Muhammad, media advocate for NAVC. “We are proud of the work that so many are doing to reduce this gun violence pandemic, but when it happens like this, it still unnerves so many in our community, even though we have reduced the overall violence.”

Rep. Payne Jr. calls on Murphy to get more COVID-19 housing funds to tenants

By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff Reports indicate that more than 60,000 cases of evictions or tenant lockouts were filed between April 2020 and April 2021 in New Jersey.

Last month, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill that would provide $750 million for residents to pay their rent and utilities.

However, Congressman Donald Payne Jr. wants Murphy to release more federal COVID-19 stimulus money immediately to help struggling tenants and landlords. He sent a letter to Murphy that was co-signed by the entire New Jersey Democratic House delegation.

“We need to get these funds to vulnerable residents immediately before they lose their housing,” said Payne Jr. “I am proud that Governor Murphy understands the problem and extended the eviction moratorium until the end of this year. Now, I want to work with him and his team to help eligible residents apply for and receive

the funding necessary to help them and their landlords pay bills. No one should have to live with the stress of possibly losing their home during this public health crisis.”

The letter comes after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an eviction moratorium from the Centers for Disease Control last week and put millions of Americans at risk of evictions. New Jersey residents are spared such actions because Gov. Murphy extended the state’s eviction moratorium until Dec. 31, 2021. In addition to the Supreme Court decision, recent media reports said states have not spent almost 90% of the federal stimulus money to support Americans who face evictions nationwide.

The letter supported Murphy’s efforts already to help vulnerable residents and stated that New Jersey’s congressional delegation shared “the same goals to ensure that these funds are distributed as quickly as possible to allow tenants to pay their back rent and outstanding utility bills while they still have some time.”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 5

Basketball legend, God THE URBAN AGENDA Shammgod, gives back

By David R. Jones to Harlem youths Cuomo’s Exit Offers Opportunity to Revamp MTA Three things make New York City the world’s greatest city: Its resilient and diverse people, the idyllic Central Park, and the New York City subway, the central nervous system that keeps our great city moving.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo ran the subways with an iron fist, through his power to appoint the majority of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board. The system gives the governor sway over the subways while New York City’s mayor retains enormous power over surface transportation.

By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews

kids to go to and have some fun,” the elder Shammgod noted. “This is something he’s been longing to do, and this was the right time to get it done.”

Born in Brooklyn, April 29, 1976, raised in Harlem, he was recruited

by Providence College in 1995 after graduating from La Salle Academy, all the while honing his skills at Harem’s famed Rucker Park, and Colonel Charles Young Playground. The 6-foot point guard soon became recognized for his deft dribbling and signature onehanded “Cross Ova to God”, a.k.a.

“The Shammgod.”

Drafted by the NBA’s Washington Wizards in 1997, his sick ballhandling skills and innovative moves revolutionized how players handled the peel, impacting many globally—from aspiring amateurs on blacktops throughout urban America’s concrete jungles, onto allstars on the hardwood floors—causing him to be an immediate game changer. He has served as the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks’ player developmental coach since 2016.

Shammgod advised youths to stay out of trouble and acquire an education, prior to doing an in-store presentation at Harlem’s Jimmy Jazz (239 W.125th St.), where dozens of fans took notice.

“Team Shammgod came up here to talk to the kids about school, life, basketball, and how to become better human beings period, so they can be somebody positive,” God Shammgod explained. “I want to give back to my community just as it was done for me years earlier. If I can change one life, then I can potentially save millions.”

When homegrown basketball legend, God Shammgod, revisited Harlem last weekend, he did so with the primary intention of giving back to the community where he came of age by positively influencing the local youth. The native Harlemite returned to his old stomping grounds to launch the second edition of his “Legacy Shammgod” Puma sneakers, as well as accompanying clothing line.

On the Saturday morning of Aug. 21, he and his father, Blackseed God Shammgod, stopped off at Harlem’s Kennedy Center (34 W.134th St.) and shared some very encouraging words with several dozen youths enrolled in their “Team Shammgod” basketball program. For many of them, it was their first time ever meeting an elite baller who’s already ascended the high levels they aspire to reach one day.

“I wanted to come back to my community and show a positive reflection of themselves within, by showing that somebody that came from the same place they’re from, can make a difference and make it out of New York,” God Shammgod explains.

He huddled with the youths on the basketball court encouraging them to be the best they can be.

Then they conducted some drills, running, passing & shooting the basketball for an hour or so prior to his staff handing out free products, which included his sneakers, Shammgod Dime jackets and pants, Shammgod tee-shirts, and the Shammgod Flare Shorts.

“I was proud that he chose to do something in his community because there’s not a lot of programs Watch video of God Shammgod: that are Black-ran anymore for the https://youtu.be/ajuN0x_St08

Black

New Yorker

With Cuomo’s exit as the state’s chief executive, there is an opportunity to make positive changes at North America’s largest subway system. We need initiatives long snubbed by Cuomo that would benefit all New Yorkers, particularly people of color, who disproportionately depend on MTA rail and bus service.

We must demand that the city go forward with extending the Second Avenue subway to Harlem and implementing long-delayed congestion pricing, which would provide badly needed capital funding to the MTA to address its myriad challenges. We should also expand the “Fair Fares” program which received $53 million in this year’s budget, about half of the pre-pandemic level. We should even consider extending the discounts to moderate income Metro-North and Long Island Railroad commuters, an idea ignored by Cuomo.

Governor Kathy Hochul, who officially assumed duties on August 24 and views the MTA as vital to the state economy, has already said she wants to upend the status quo. She made a point of riding the subway to Harlem last month to welcome the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women convention.

An MTA board shakeup (disclosure: I’m a member) could be in the cards. Our new governor might use a 2019 law that says the term of any board member expires along with that of the city or state official who recommended them for the post.

Gov. Hochul has pledged to work with the next NYC mayor. Democrat Eric Adams, the hands-down favorite to win the November general election, has signaled he has big plans for public transportation.

MTA service plummeted to unprecedented lows during the pandemic. The agency has struggled to regain ridership.

The governor and the new mayor will have plenty of room to make policy moves. Cuomo’s exit leaves a long list of MTA signature projects in flux and the MTA’s top leadership in transition.

Cuomo announced his resignation the same day the U.S. Senate passed a historic $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that is likely to send New York billions of dollars for massive projects.

The congestion pricing plan championed

by Cuomo, which would toll vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street, has been stuck in place for months over an environmental assessment. Cuomo blamed the Trump administration for the delays, but President Joe Biden gave the greenlight for the assessment last March.

The MTA still hasn’t moved towards implementing it.

Revenue from congestion pricing would fund all sorts of repairs, such as new signals and tracks, handicap accessibility upgrades at 66 subway stations, and add 1,900 new subway cars and 200 more buses.

It also would increase the Long Island Rail Road’s capacity by 50 percent.

The MTA board must follow through on Cuomo’s pledge to build the decadesold plan to extend the Q line up to 125th Street, beyond its current end at 96th Street. The East Harlem line would include desperately needed new stations at 106th and 116th streets Fair Fares was launched in 2019 and enables New Yorkers aged 18-64 living at or below the federal poverty level to get a 50 percent discount for fares on subways, buses and Access-a-Ride. The federal poverty level for 2021 applies to an individual earning $12,880 a year, $17,420 for a family of two, and $26,500 for a family of four, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The de Blasio administration will soon begin promoting Fair Fares again with ads in English, Spanish and Chinese on buses and subways, at subway station entrances, on bus kiosks and inside local storefronts; in ethnic publications covering 11 languages; radio and digital ads, all with a focus on neighborhoods with the highest needs.

A promotional blitz of the Fair Fares program is long overdue. My organization, Community Service Society, estimates that based on 2019 Census data, as many as 700,000 New Yorkers could be eligible for discount MetroCards. The city can and should do more to reach those who are eligible.

In fact, we should consider expanding eligibility to all low-income New Yorkers (incomes less than 200 percent of the poverty level) to ensure Fair Fares is available to workers who ride MTA Express Buses, the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, PATH and the JFK AirTrain, all of which currently prohibit Fair Fares discounts.

Why do such a thing? Because MetroNorth and Long Island Railroad commuters pay a king’s ransom of as much as $500 for monthly passes.

That’s a pretty penny for moderate income workers, many of them struggling to afford the daily schlep to New York City.

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 170 years, and an MTA Board Member. The views expressed in this column are solely those of the writer. The Urban Agenda is available on CSS’s website: www.cssny.org.

6 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

Hellfighters Continued from page 1

American Revolution. There have been only two other Congressional Gold Medals awarded to Black military groups, the distinguished Tuskegee Airmen in 2007 and the fierce Montfort Point Marines in 2011.

“Whether they served in battles we won or battles we lost, we must be grateful for every soldier who has served throughout our nation’s history,” said Suozzi. “But sadly, that recognition of patriotism was not extended to many of our African American soldiers who served our country with distinction.”

The Harlem Hellfighters were a Black infantry regiment in World War One (WWI) that spent 191 days in combat, more than any other American regiment. In 1918, the U.S. Army decided to assign the Hellfighters to their French allies for the rest of the war because many white American soldiers refused to fight alongside Black soldiers. The U.S. Army gave them no weapons.

They were issued weapons, helmets, belts, and pouches from the French Army instead.

These “Hollenkampfer,” or hellfighters in German, earned 11 French

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

citations. As a group and individually, hundreds of these Black soldiers also earned Croix de Guerres, which are French military decorations for deeds of heroism.

Despite their amazing fight for their country, the Harlem Hellfighters returned home to face violent racism and entrenched segregation.

“The Harlem Hellfighters were patriots. But for too long, their sacrifice was cast aside. It was an honor to see our bill giving them their overdue Congressional Gold Medal be signed last week—to right this decades old injustice, and to honor their service,” said Espaillat, one of the lead co-sponsors of the legislation in the House, via tweet.

Long Islander Debra Willett is of the Glen Cove Willett family, native to the Oyster Bay area. She worked hard with legislators to posthumously have her grandfather, Harlem Hellfighter Sergeant Leander Willett, awarded a Purple Heart.

Willet comes from a military family, she said, with descendants traced back to the Civil War. She said that Sgt. Leander Willett was described as a “quiet man” who was “bound to the water” in his love for fishing and clamming. He was also an amateur boxer during his time overseas in WWI. He passed in 1966.

In November 2019, the Willett family

was presented with the award at a ceremony at Glen Cove’s North Shore Historical Museum. “I really have to thank all of the people at North Shore

Harlem Hellfighter relative, Lynne Willett

Historical Museum for helping me getting this done,” said Willett.

Unfortunately, because of COVID restrictions, Willett and her family did not get to attend the White House signing of the bill her grandfather helped to inspire.

“It’s kind of like aw no,” she said about missing the ceremony, “but

J’ouvert Continued from page 1

because of COVID concerns. Organizers are determined to preserve the essence of Carnival Week nonetheless with multiple smaller events.

The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) confirmed that the main parade will be postponed until 2022 and that they are pivoting celebrations for now.

Starting this Thursday, Sept. 2 through Monday, Sept. 6, WIADCA has put together festivities behind the Brooklyn Museum to show off countries’ costumes, music, and culture.

“Behind the museum we have parties and concerts lined up and all through Monday,” said Rhea Smith, media lead at WIADCA. “And on Monday the traditional costume wearers and masqueraders, which I am one of them. While we may not be able to [parade] on the parkway, we can do it behind the museum.”

Smith said that COVID protocols for planned events will require vaccination cards, negative test results, and masks to get in and participate.

“The borough president believes the city and organizers of the event made the right decision,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adam’s Office about the postponements.

In Mayor Bill de Blasio’s press brief-

(Bill Moore photo)

ing on Monday, President of J’ouvert City International Yvette Rennie also told the city about the postponement of official J’ouvert celebrations in the wee hours of the morning going into Labor Day. “But the J’ouvert celebration will be back in 2022, full strength, like so many other things in this city. Never easy to decide that such a cherished event needs to be postponed again, it’s never easy,” said de Blasio.

The J’ouvert early morning mas is an event that takes months of preplanning, band rehearsals and creating the costumes worn by revelers.

Funds are usually raised throughout the year to promote the event, but with this year and last year’s pandemic, fundraising opportunities came to a screeching halt, said Rennie.

Upcoming plans for an alternate J’ouvert include a walking tour of historical buildings along the traditional route in Flatbush and East Flatbush, said Rennie. “We’re going to have our young people do the tour and a video and send it out. We are still concerned because not everyone took the vaccine or wanted to wear masks,” said Rennie.

The youth tour will start at the Brooklyn Public Library and Grand Army Plaza arch, then conclude at the recently discovered African Burial Ground at the corner of Church and Bedford Avenues.

Of course, postponements may not discourage people from turning up in the streets anyways. This is Carnival in Brooklyn after all.

“People will be,” said Rennie.

“That’s the nature of our culture, and

there’s going to be something at the Smithsonian when the medal is finally made. We’ll attend that, but you know, it’s just the fact that it was done.”

Willett thanked Biden, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Shumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Suozzi, and Espaillat for being there. “I mean, I just can’t thank them enough for all the support they’ve given us,” said Willett.

“This is so crucial to me as an educator. Soldiers of color aren’t given any kind of due; it’s glossed over today that they even served and spoken of in subservient roles,” said Willett. “It’s a sense of pride we have to instill in our younger generations. We’re standing on the soldiers of these brave, brave men.”

The Congressional Gold Medal will be designed and struck by the United States Mint and displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and at events associated with the Harlem Hellfighters sometime next year.

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

the police commissioner has things in place because naturally it will happen, but it won’t come under the banner of J’ouvert International or WIADCA.” “I encourage those who are thinking about celebrating J’ouvert despite the cancellation of the official event, to instead direct their energy into planning for the 2022 ‘rebirth’ celebration, where we can be together safely,” said Assemblymember and County Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.

Bichotte Hermelyn said the best way to celebrate Caribbean culture this year is to keep loved ones safe from any threats posed by the Delta variant of COVID-19, particularly in communities with underlying health risks and low vaccination rates.

“For individuals who do decide to participate in unofficial events, I encourage you to get vaccinated, wear a mask, keep your distance and make smart decisions,” said Bichotte Hermelyn.

Get your tickets today on Eventbrite or www.carnival.nyc.

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

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 7

HELP WITH DEPRESSION

GRIEF SUPPORT

Mental Health ALL FOR

CRISIS SUPPORT

SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES

24/7 COUNSELING

CONNECT TO CARE: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) or visit mentalhealthforall.nyc.gov No matter who you are. No matter what you need.

NYC is here for you.

8 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Education De Blasio: I promise school will be great.

City Council: You sure about that?

By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff Is New York City ready for the 2021-’22 school year? New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is, though much of the public might not be.

The mayor reiterated his stance that with all precautions factored in and the increase in the numbers of New Yorkers getting the COVID vaccine, school (and the city overall) should go off without a hitch…with no option for remote learning. “…Again, we’ve seen incredible efforts by our vaccination team and New Yorkers responding,” said the mayor to reporters. “So as of today, 10,711,011 doses. This number has been climbing steadily. The incentives are working.

The mandates are working. Vax to School is working. You’re going to see that number keep climbing. Number two, daily number of people admitted to New York City hospitals for suspected COVID19. Today’s report, 142 patients, confirmed positivity, 30.72%. Hospitalization rate, 1.26 per 100,000.

And the number three, new reported cases on a seven-day average. Today’s report 1,589 cases.”

As of Sept. 1, the rolling 7-day average is 1,844.

While the mayor may see sunshine and butterflies, the New York City Council sees otherwise.

On Wednesday, the council held a hearing addressing the safety measures for the school year and questioned the safety of going ahead as planned.

With the Delta variant wreaking havoc on the country and Delta cases rising in some parts of the city, Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter and Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi were peppered with questions from council members who wanted to know everything.

Education Committee Chairman Mary Treyger led the attack on de Blasio’s policies, wondering why the mayor was hard-headed in listening to his constituents.

“Is this the best we can do?” asked Treyger. “Are we effectively balancing the health and safety of students and staff with the education needs of students? There’s been a major communications gap.

The plan we have before us has to go much farther. I’m in support of a remote option for our families.”

City Council tells de Blasio to slow down on school reopening.

As of right now, some of the measures the administration has taken in the city’s public schools include: health and temperature screenings, universal mask wear-

who plugged in the ventilation and it lessened or took out the power from other parts of the room.

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also spoke at

ing, social distancing, enhanced cleaning, the availability of more personal protection equipment (PPEs), ongoing surveillance and diagnostic testing, and new closure and quarantine policies.

But, according to Treyger, some of the old infrastructure of schools can’t handle the electricity needed for machines that create ventilation. He told a story about a teacher

the hearing and called for an immediate remote learning option due to the Delta variant creeping up on the five boroughs.

“It’s déjà vu all over again,”said Williams. “The highly contagious Delta variant poses a new challenge to the vaccinated and the unvaccinated alike. It is imperative that the Department of Education have a clear, transparent plan for pro-

tecting students, educators, school staff, and their families before the school year begins. The DOE should also provide a remote learning option for students and educators who do not feel comfortable attending learning in-person; until students of all ages can be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the Delta variant is under control, students and educators are at risk in school buildings.”

But all is good in de Blasio’s world. The mayor said this week that New York has met the standards and has gone beyond them to the point where no remote option is needed.

“All those health and safety measures, what I call a gold standard, and it really was,” said the mayor. “And they worked, we saw it work. And then this year on top of that, we have, citywide, 5.4 million people who have had at least one dose of the vaccine. We have 325,000 12- to 17-year-olds already. Several weeks until school opens. We have a vaccine mandate for all adults in school buildings. All of this is going to add up to keep kids safe.”

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

New York end of summer happenings The Hon. Inez Dickens hosts a birthday cruise in support of her campaign.

(Bill Moore photo)

The National Association of Each One Teach One presented a community forum on policing and the rise in gun violence. NYC Chief Rodney Harrison was guest speaker at the forum and was also joined by electeds Inez Dickens, Mark Levine, Gale Brewer and community members. The forum was moderated by Bob McCullough Sr., national president of Each One Teach One, and Nina Norwood.

It was held at The Church of Our Lord Jesus Apostolic Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Harlem.

Noni’s Fashion Show celebrates African fashions and fabrics

(Nayaba Arinde photo)

From African lace, brocade, Kente and Ankara, Flatbush was the scene on Saturday, Aug. 28 for yet another tremendous show of culture, class and talent.

Designer Noni dressed her grand models in her varied big African styles at her outdoor fashion show in Brooklyn.

A captive audience delighted as the models showed off 40 outfits announced by the always entertaining and engaging Mistress of Ceremonies Sharon Gordon. Noni Styles brought out the casual, the formal to the regal, made-to-order or off the gorgeous rack. More style and fashion on www. nonistyles.com

Nightlife

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 9 Written by David Goodson

Shenseea blessed on an upward trajectory The aftereffects to a Summer Jam appearance/performance have historically shown to project said artist’s career on an upward trajectory towards super star. Well, that’s not a proven fact, it sounds correct so for the sake of poetic license the statement will remain in the affirmative, that way the following news would make perfect sense. A week after the summer’s biggest concert, Dancehall princess Shenseea, born as Chinsea Lee, finds herself with a historic buzz. Granted her earlier work shows this should come to know surprise.

Through her career so far, she has collaborated with Vybz Kartel for “Loodi,” Sean Paul on his single “Rollin” and Christina Aguilera in her song “Right Moves.”

Additionally, in early 2019, she released a track called “Blessed” featuring Tyga that garnered over 2 million YouTube views in its first 48 hours and has since risen to over 31 million views to date. The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard reggae charts. This week, however, she finds herself on the hottest project of the year thus far. While we hear major artists griping about their contributions being voided, Shenseea is featured on “OK OK Pt 2” and “Pure Souls” from the 27-track Kanye West long awaited new album, “Donda.”

Shenseea shared her gratitude via social media for being not only picked to be on the album but being coached by Kanye West, who is regarded as a genius in the music and fashion industry.

“People will say they support me but SHOWING that support is what counts! @kanyewest I can’t thank you enough for it all! The insight, the exposure, opportunity, support etc…You could’ve picked any other female artiste, but you chose ME! As you said ‘this is only the beginning’ #DONDA… not 1 but TWO songs on this amazing album. God is great I know the Caribbean proud a me!! Which is your fave??

1or 2????” she asked her fans on her official Instagram account.

Da Baby came into the Summer Jam appearance as an embattled artist, having come under heavy scrutiny for comments made onstage at the July 25th Rolling Loud festival in Miami.

After multiple apologies Da Baby took more measured steps to make amends when he met with Black leaders from the Black AIDS Institute, Gilead Sciences COMPASS Initiative Coordinating Centers, GLAAD, the National Minority

AIDS Council, the Normal Anomaly Initiative, Positive Women’s Network-USA, Prevention Access Campaign (U=U), the Southern AIDS Coalition, and Transinclusive Group. The nine HIV organizations announced a virtual, private meeting to discuss HIV facts and share personal stories of living and thriving with HIV. The leaders called for a meeting with the artist in an open letter on Aug. 4 to which DaBaby affirmatively responded. The organizations provide HIV education and direct services to people most impacted by HIV/ AIDS, especially Black heterosexual men and women and LGBTQ communities across the southern United States, which account for the majority of new HIV cases. This meeting followed the open letter to DaBaby from these and other organizations earlier this month which asked for a meeting after harmful and inaccurate comments at the Rolling Loud Festival.

In the letter, the HIV advocates wrote: “At a time when HIV continues to disproportionately impact Black Americans and queer and transgender people of color, a dialogue is critical. We must address the miseducation about HIV expressed in your comments, and the impact it has on various communities.”

After the meeting, the collective issued a statement that read, “The open letter to DaBaby was our way to extend him the same grace each of us would hope for. Our goal was to ‘call him in instead of calling him out.’ We believed that if he connected with Black leaders living with HIV that a space for community building and healing could be created. We are encouraged he swiftly answered our call and joined us in a meaningful dialogue and a thoughtful, educational meeting.

“During our meeting, DaBaby was genuinely engaged, apologized for the inaccurate and hurtful comments he made about people living with HIV, and received our personal stories and the truth about HIV and its impact on Black and LGBTQ communities with deep respect. We appreciate that he openly and eagerly participated in this forum of Black people living with HIV, which provided him an opportunity to learn and to receive accurate information.”

Learning and growing to move onward and upward! Holla next week, til then, enjoy the nightlife.

10 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Union Matters Labor Day travel is up; people have mixed feelings on unemployment benefits

By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff

American economy. The AmNews recently reported on a restaurant owner in Brooklyn who said that the increase in cost of running his establishment (money for PPEs, etc.) makes it difficult for him to profit and only leaves major outlets like Costco and Whole Foods with the ability to succeed despite an increase in costs.

According to a poll by Alignable, a small business network, 45% of all restaurants in the country couldn’t pay August rent. When broken down locally and demographically, 52% of minorityowned small businesses couldn’t make August rent. In New York alone, 41% of small businesses couldn’t pay August rent. The highest of all 50 states and the second month in a row that it has topped Alignable’s poll.

Unemployment remains a huge topic nationally. During the week of Aug. 16, 10 states reported unemployment claims last week that were lower than pre-

pandemic levels (North Dakota, Arizona, Arkansas, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Vermont, New York, Kentucky and Louisiana), and four states (Virginia, New Mexico, Maryland and Oregon) and D.C. had unemployment claims that were worse than the same week in 2020.

No matter the recovery, a minority of people surveyed by WalletHub don’t think the government should continue providing extra unemployment benefits.

Stated Gonzalez, “The extra unemployment benefits were very necessary during the height of the pandemic, but the job market has experienced enough of a recovery that they are no longer needed.”

For those who are still employed, Labor Day couldn’t come fast enough. Fifty-seven percent of Americans left vacation days unused in 2020 while 42% of organizations have made or plan on making changes to time-off policies because of the pandemic.

But the Delta variant of COVID19 could put things on hold and leave people with more unused vacation days. WalletHub’s report states that 81% of Americans believe that COVID variants will have a negative impact on the economy. This tracks with Partnership for New York City’s report showing that 44% of employers have delayed their return-to-office plans because of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, 54% have not delayed their return-to-office plans, and 2% have not yet determined whether to delay.

Among employers that have delayed their return-to-office plans, 42% postponed for one month or less, 18% for between two and three months, 10% for three months or more, and 28% are evaluating on an ongoing basis.

“The best way to prevent variants from hurting the economy is to get as many people vaccinated as possible,” said Gonzalez.

are rightfully owed,” said Comp- Health Act (OSHA) more than of giants who risked their lives troller Stringer. “I am proud that 600,000 worker lives have been in their fight to improve conContinued from page 1 my office, in partnership with saved. The annual cost of work- ditions for workers,” said SEIU labor and community-based ers injury and illness nationally 32BJ President Kyle Bragg to the were essential before the pan- organizations, has connected is more than $250 billion.

AmNews. “Their efforts secured demic, and they will always be more than 400 workers with $7.5 According to City Hall, in 2020 the right to collective bargainessential. This Labor Day, I hope million in stolen wages. I always alone, 298 frontline municipal ing, a 40-hour work week, and Americans will reflect on the say that every week should be employees died from the coro- workplace safety standards, real sacrifices working people Labor Rights Week, because navirus. The deceased were among other hard-fought vicmake, and have always made, tories for working on behalf of our country and people. Organized (Photo courtesy of SEIU Local 32BJ/New Jersey) economy.” labor is the stronThe term “essential worker” gest force we have took on a new meaning these for building the past 15 months. The public-atmiddle class and large realized how important ending poverty. workers like nurses, housekeepThe improved coners, security guards, cleaners, ditions that unions corrections officers, teachers secure for unionand handypeople were. New ized workers lift up Yorkers engaged in a daily apall workers. plause, at 7 p.m., to show their “We have much appreciation for essential workmore to do to secure ers who are on the frontlines full dignity and reincreasing their chances of acspect for workers, quiring COVID than the averincluding improvage New Yorkers. ing conditions for Concierge workers at The Shipyard in Hoboken rally for better Elected officials have noticed. essential workers health insurance and benefits This week, New York City Compwho put themselves troller Scott Stringer announced and their families’ that around $7.5 million stolen workers are most empowered disproportionately Black and health on the line during this prevailing wages were returned when they know their rights and Latino. According to the Metro- nation’s darkest days. Supportto 400 essential workers during can advocate for what they de- politan Transit Authority, as of ing the workers who risked it all the COVID pandemic. This serve.” early April, 156 transit workers for this country is a smart investcomes off Stringer launching While COVID is the current had died from COVID. ment—and a moral imperative.” a phone banking campaign to culprit, there have been other Despite the many deaths surEssential workers across the identify and return unclaimed/ dangers at the workplace. Luck- rounding organized labor, there Hudson River used Labor Day stolen wages back to labor. ily, some of those issues were were still things to be thankful to practice the rights that their “During the economic hard- taken care of in a law that passed for. Things that could’ve made predecessors fought for. ship of the COVID-19 pandem- in 1970. this situation worse.

Early Wednesday, dozens of ic, it’s more important than ever Since the government enact“This Labor Day, we recognize concierge workers at the luxury that workers get the wages they ed the Occupational Safety and that we stand on the shoulders development The Shipyard, lo-

cated in Hoboken, New Jersey gathered and protested the lack of insurance and benefits provided to them by their contractor Planned Companies (which was once investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor who found they the contractor engaged in wage theft failing to pay the full overtime wages owed for training periods to more than 500 employees). They’ve called for Ironstate Development, a major property owner in the area, to help them improve worker conditions, benefits, paid time off or hire a contractor who will.

“This is the city I love, and this city is my home; but many like myself need good jobs to afford a living in Hoboken,” stated Jaron Bermudez, a Shipyard concierge who relies on Medicaid to address their health problems. “We need benefits, health care, dignity and respect.”

“Personnel at Ironstate buildings lack the basic benefits, and the dignity that all essential workers deserve,” added Kevin Brown, vice president of 32BJ and New Jersey State director. “If Ironstate wants to build, they must hire contractors that treat these workers as essential, not expendable. The city of Hoboken deserves responsible developers and contractors to lift up everyone––not just the wealthy few.”

In Americans’ desire to get back to normal, Labor Day travel is back on the rise. Concern for the people the day celebrates is another story.

A recent survey by WalletHub found that Labor Day travel will rise by 48% when compared to 2020 and 24% more people plan on going shopping.

But for actual labor? Thirty-eight percent of those polled didn’t think that Congress should continue to give extra unemployment benefits.

“While that’s not the majority opinion, it is one that should be taken seriously. In some cases, people are making more money collecting unemployment benefits than they were while working, which is leaving some businesses unable to find workers despite having open positions,” said WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzalez.

The AmNews recently spoke

Labor Day

to Kathryn Tilly Wright who said that working a job that doesn’t pay much is part of the reason why workers haven’t joined the ranks of the employed.

“Burnout is the major cause of not being able to retain staff, and financial concerns play a huge part of this,” said Wright. “Many of the people I talked to across the whole country said their paycheck cannot sustain them; however they are told they cannot be paid more as their pay is dependent on reimbursement from the states.

Many direct service professionals became sick as a result of doing their job. People with disabilities were disproportionately impacted

by COVID, due to preexisting conditions and living in congregate settings. We lost a lot of people we support and staff last year.”

Complaints from business owners about their inability to find workers has been one of the many conversations people have had since the slow re-opening of the

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 11

DON’T MISS OUT

SHOW US

YOUR VAX

You have the Key to NYC. Being vaccinated is the best way to protect our city and each other.

People 12 and older must provide proof to enter.

Proof of vaccination includes: • CDC Vaccine Card • NYC COVID Safe App • NYS Excelsior Pass • Other Official Vaccine Record PROOF OF VACCINATION IS NOW REQUIRED TO ENJOY INDOOR:

RESTAURANTS

BARS

GYMS

MOVIE THEATERS

MUSEUMS

OTHER INDOOR VENUES

Unpaid rent?

We’re here to help.

If you were unable to pay some or all of your rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) may be able to help.

Find out if you qualify by visiting otda.ny.gov/erap 844-NY1-RENT

Photo is of models used for illustrative purposes only.

For more information on Key to NYC, visit nyc.gov/keytoNYC. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, including where to get vaccinated, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

12 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Opinion September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month African American men are at highest risk so get it checked

By ANA FADICH TOMSIC, MPH, CHES

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men and will strike approximately 248,000 men this year and kill more than 34,000, making it second only to lung cancer as the deadliest cancer in men.

African American men are at especially high risk. In fact, among African American males, prostate cancer accounts for a third of new cancer cases, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Caught early, prostate cancer can be treated, usually successfully. Early detection is especially important for African American men, who are more likely to be diagnosed when their cancer is at an advanced stage. The

good news is that the earlier the disease is caught, the better the odds of successful treatment—regardless of race. In other words, all men whose cancer is caught at the same stage will have identical outcomes.

For more than 30 years, doctors have had a powerful weapon in their arsenal for detecting prostate cancer. In addition to the digital rectal exam (DRE), a physical exam that allows the doctor to feel the prostate, patients can have a simple blood test called a prostate specific antigen test (PSA) that will detect a majority of prostate problems early. Since the PSA has been used, prostate cancer deaths have declined and the number of successfully treated prostate cancer cases has risen.

However, in early stages, prostate cancer has no symptoms, so don’t wait for “something bad” to happen to Get It Checked (www.GetItChecked.com).

“There’s this stigma among African American men that if you go for a rectal test, it’s almost like you lose

Ebony and Jet revived!

It’s always good news when longstanding African American publications such as Ebony and Jet are resuscitated. Once the hallmarks of Johnson publications, their revival comes via the financial and visionary efforts of Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA star.

Last December, Bridgeman, who acquired his wealth through ownership of hundreds of Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises, bought Ebony Media and took the company out of bankruptcy.

His daughter, Eden Bridgeman Sklenar is now chair of the parent company and immediately began placing several qualified women to fill important posts.

Bridgeman is the kind of visionary entrepreneur we need. Not only does he have the skills and insight to accumulate wealth, he also knows how to apply it to the benefit of other struggling companies and then to install his daughter at the helm. In one sense he’s taking care of his immediate family and in a broader way the African American community.

Both moves by Bridgeman are inspirational, and we hope the action gains traction and becomes the kind of contagion we can applaud.

“If you were ever wanting to know what was happening with African American culture, all you had to do was pick up an Ebony or Jet and flip through the pages,” Ms. Sklenar said in an interview.

According to reports, the plan is to improve its status in the digital realm and offer only four printed copies annually, a process in effect by a number of publications.

Readers are sure to line up for their copy of the printed version with Jennifer Hudson on the cover, featuring her starring role in “Respect,” the biopic of Aretha Franklin’s life. But there’s sure to be more in the pages that once had such outstanding articles by Lerone Bennett and a coterie of fine journalists.

Whatever the content, it’s good to have Ebony and Jet back in our lives, back in our Black lives where it matters.

your virginity, like it’s a big taboo,” said Dr. David Samadi, chairman of urology, chief of robotic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and director of men’s health at St. Francis Hospital, Roslyn, NY. “The bottom line is that within five minutes of examining the prostate, if there’s a firmness or any sign of cancer, as well as blood tests, we can save their lives.”

This is doubly true during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With more citizens receiving their COVID-19 vaccines, don’t let the pandemic deter you from getting an easy, fast screening test. Talk to your healthcare provider to schedule one this month.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and Men’s Health Network (MHN) urges all men to talk to their healthcare providers about prostate cancer. MHN also encourages women to get involved and to urge their husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, and other loved ones See OP-ED on page 25

Pres. Biden, do more to protect voting rights

By BEN JEALOUS

to federal civil rights and voting rights laws, he used every bit of his persuasive power and knowledge of the Senate to overcome those obstacles.

Like President Johnson, President Biden is a master of the Senate. We have seen him build support for an infrastructure bill. Rebuilding roads and bridges is important. But not as important as saving our democracy.

When they had the power, Senate Republicans changed filibuster rules so that Trump could pack the Supreme Court. Those rules are not sacred. They are not in the Constitution. They can be changed, and they must be changed to prevent Republicans from doing Trump’s bidding once more and blocking voting rights protections. Senate leaders have not yet built the support to make that change happen.

President Biden must publicly call on Senate Democrats to do what they need to do—remove the filibuster as an obstacle to voting rights protections. That is why I stood at the White House fence with League of Women Voters CEO Virginia Kase-Solomon and all of the organization heads, faith leaders and young elected officials o demand that Biden do his job.

At the White House we were blessed by the presence of prophetic religious voices who reminded us that we are part of an honorable history and sacred struggle for voting rights.

Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner of the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism invoked the names of murdered civil rights activists Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner, “two young white Jewish men and a young Black Christian man who gave their lives for the right to vote.”

Rev. Timothy McDonald, co-chair of People For the American Way’s board, also grounded our protest in the history of voting rights struggles. “This fight is not a new fight,” he said. Rev. McDonald promised, “We will come back again and again and again, until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Amen.

We and our allies across the country are building a broad direct-action campaign with a profoundly moral purpose. Mr. President, it is time to show faith with the voters who put you in office. It is time to lead.

I was proud to work hard for the election of President Joe Biden. And I was proud to protest outside the Biden White House on Aug. 24. Along with other voting rights activists, including our co-organizers at the League of Women Voters, I called on President Biden to do more to protect voting rights under attack from Republican state legislators all across the country.

President Biden knows what the problem is. He needs to do more to solve it.

We all know how Republicans have responded to President Biden beating former President Donald Trump: by trying to rig future elections in Republicans’ favor. In state after state, they have used Trump’s false claims of voter fraud to justify new laws that make it harder for some people to vote. President Biden has correctly called this a threat to our democracy.

President Biden has called on Congress to pass the For the People Act, which would overturn many of the new restrictions and keep billionaires from buying our elections. And he has called on Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would give the Justice Department the power to prevent future discriminatory voting changes from taking effect.

President Biden now needs to back up those words with stronger actions. Senate Republicans have already used filibuster rules to block the For the People Act. Now Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is getting ready to use the filibuster to block the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act as well.

Senators using filibusters to protect state voter suppression laws takes us back 60 years. In fact, I just saw a guy who works for a big right-wing think tank complain that these federal voting rights bills are “an invasion of state sovereignty.”

Well.

Early in my career, I worked for a crusading Black community newspaper in Mississippi. A paper that survived multiple fire bombings. I think about that ugly history when I hear the phrase “state sovereignty” used to defend restrictions on voting.

As I told MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow after the White House protest, I fear that President Biden believes he is called to be an FDR for this moment, when he is actually called to be the LBJ of this moment. When Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the President Johnson was faced with intense opposition American Way.

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

What signals economic recovery 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. becoming a thing of the past.

The government is slowly transforming itself into a nanny state where people who are unwilling to work can rely on the government for their livelihood.

In the wake of the COVID19 pandemic, the responsibility of the U.S. government is not to provide pay out benefits indefinitely. Those safety nets that came into fruition during the pandemic were merely to help people stay afloat during difficult times and now that the country is turning around, it’s time for those safety nets to end. Unfortunately, the opposite seems to be happening as companies have complained and advertised about their inability to hire people, or worse, people will accept a job, work for a few days or a week, and then stop showing up.

Clearly, there are people who have used the pandemic as an excuse not to get back to work, but at what point do we mandate that people return to normalcy. Realistically, we can’t go on another 18 months giving out government supplements as this financial toll is quickly becoming unsustainable. There are restaurant owners and other small businesses missing out on selling products because they’re understaffed since people are no longer willing to work and are too selfish or unwilling to realize the lasting impact they’re having on local economies all across the country.

People everywhere are complaining about not having money, not being able to pay their rent, and not being able to pay for basic necessities. But, if these same people were willing to go back to work many of those problems would be solved. The reality is simple, the U.S. economy is not out of the hot seat yet and in order to continue to strongly recover it is important that we incentivize people to get back to work by any means necessary.

There was once a time in America where the idea of work, regardless of how big or how small, was a badge of honor. To work and make an honest day’s living was about having pride, dignity and self-respect. Unfortunately, today, we are surely seeing those values erased right before our very eyes. Instead of creating driven, hardworking Americans, we’re seeing a generation of beggars, whiners, and complainers.

This can’t be the next story in our American journey if the American dream is to persist.

However, if we don’t change the current dynamic it will be, and this will be a moment in history that we will come to regret.

ARMSTRONG

WILLIAMS

One thing we know for sure from the COVID-19 pandemic is that it has had and continues to have a lasting impact globally as well as on the U.S. economy and job market. Despite over 18 months of hardship, the stock markets have miraculously continued to move upward, indicating a renewed confidence in our economic recovery by investors both domestic and abroad.

In other words, people not only want to see America win but they also believe that America can win. In fact, the markets have hit record highs, surging 100% from where they were during the start of the pandemic, although there has been some recent lag due to the COVID Delta variant, the markets have, for the most part, remained consistently strong.

Despite these trends from the markets which signal economic recovery, strength and renewed interest from investors, the most significant concern that hasn’t been discussed enough by mainstream media outlets are the number of Americans who are refusing to go back to work, but to offices and work altogether. That’s right, you heard exactly what I said: there are millions of Americans who refuse to go back to work after months of receiving financial benefits from the government. According to one statistic, 42% of people who are collecting government benefits can earn more money by collecting benefits rather than by going back to work.

If people can earn more by collecting government assistance, they’re likely not going to go back to work and why would they when they can earn more sitting at home? The government is effectively weakening our workplace which, if allowed to continue, will have grave repercussions on the economy’s ability to continue to recover. The unemployment rate has decreased not because more people are going back to work, but because people just aren’t looking, and why should they when they’re receiving so many benefits without lifting a finger.

In order for the United States to truly and sustainably recover from the pandemic, it is imperative that we get people back to work. It’s important that companies are able to resume operations as normal while taking safe and common-sense precautions to keep their workers safe. On its current trajectory, the United States is slowly being converted into a socialist country where government benefits and handouts are how people stay afloat, with hard work

Armstrong Williams (@ARightSide) is the owner and manager of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations and the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the Year. He is the author of “Reawakening Virtues.”

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 13

It’s ok to check out…

CHRISTINA

GREER PH.D. I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately. As I prepare to teach a full semester in-person for the first time in well over a year, I must admit I am a bit nervous about taking the subway on a regular basis and being with 35 students in a classroom with windows that do not open. My worries may seem minor compared to parents who are sending their unvaccinated children back to school or others who live in hot spots where their neighbors and colleagues do not believe in vaccines or masks.

For these reasons, I am encouraging everyone I know to follow the sage wisdom of my dear friend and colleague Dr. Khalilah Brown-Dean to “protect your peace.” I am doing that in a myriad of ways. I am getting sleep and drinking water. I am spending time with friends when I can. And I am taking advantage of just checking out when possible.

Each week, my dad calls and asks me what I am watching on my streaming services. We have very different television tastes so he calls each week to see if somehow our television viewing preferences have merged over the previous six days. I have been allowing myself to “check out” just a bit before the semester begins and binge watch a few shows.

Lately, “Flatbush Misdemeanors,” “Black Monday,” HBO’s NFL saga “Outside the Lines,” and “White Lotus” have kept my attention. Sometimes we need to just watch a little television and laugh and

escape some of the drama surrounding us. Unfortunately, I have not been reading during the pandemic as much as I normally do when we aren’t in the midst of a crippling global crisis. I did manage to read Brit Bennett’s “The Vanish Half ” earlier in the summer which captured my attention and was a true page turner.

There are so many ways we can check out, even for a few minutes each day. As I prepare for the semester, I find myself chained to my computer for hours at a time. I’ve started to practice chair yoga––that is yoga while sitting in my office chair. It’s the small things we can do to keep our bodies moving and our minds a bit more calm and our blood pressure just a touch lower.

We are living in very stressful times, and it is imperative we take some time (even if only for a few minutes each day) to check in with ourselves and check out if we must.

Whether it’s televisions, novels, a stroll down the block, an extra few minutes of sleep, or something else, we must focus on taking care of ourselves and others.

As we move into the month of August, let’s use this as a time for new beginnings in all facets of our lives.

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

14 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Caribbean Update

Court sentences ex-dictator to 20 years in prison

By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews A former military strongman in Suriname was on Monday sentenced to 20 years in prison for his leading role in a late December 1982 mass murder of 15 government opponents but the judging panel appeared to move to deliberately ease political tensions in society by failing to order his arrest and detention until a formal appeal is filed as is widely expected.

Desi Bouterse, 75, who a year ago lost his bid for a third successive term as Suriname’s elected president, told the court he was sick and would not attend the hearing that had confirmed his role in the December 1982 mass murders of the 15. He and his military government, which two years earlier had kicked out the elected government in a military coup, had accused the 15 of plotting with The Netherlands to invade the country to overturn military rule. The group that had

included four journalists, clergymen, academics and labor leaders were executed by firing squad at a Dutch colonial era fort, causing bedlam in society and the hemisphere. The bodies of some of the victims bore torture marks.

Court President Cynthia Valstein Montnor said the panel had concluded that there was a legal and evidential case for mass murders and sided with prosecutors who had demanded that the leader of the now opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) be sentenced to 20 years in prison.

But as was widely expected, the judges held their hands by not ordering police to arrest Bouterse and take him to jail until his appeal is heard, apparently well aware that it could have sparked some form of civil unrest.

Last week, authorities had ordered police and the military, for which Bouterse had served as a sergeant before staging the coup and as its head after, to be on national alert for any signs of trouble as the verdict was read. NDP

leaders had also asked supporters to take a day of rest on Monday as they feared that the party could have been blamed for unrest staged by other groups. The hearing was brief. Irvin Kanhai, Bouterse’s longtime lawyer was also absent but has repeatedly said his side would appeal any conviction and sentence. The appeal must be lodged in 14 days.

The trial has been ongoing for about 20 years, while various groups of surviving relatives and friends have been keeping up the pressure on authorities to ensure that Bouterse and several of his ex-military and civilian accomplices were hauled before the court to answer. The ex-strongman has persistently said that he accepts full collective responsibility for the murders but was not guilty of ordering them individually as he was not around at the time.

Some of his own supporters say they now hope that Bouterse’s age and confirmed ill health would work in his favor, especially if the

hearings are spread out over the next few years.

Hugo Essed, who represented surviving relatives, told reporters that “the handling of the case in opposition has now been closed.

Nevertheless, the court martial has ruled that there is every reason to confirm the judgment in absentia, pronounced on November 29, 2019.”

Bouterse’s NDP party dropped 10 seats to 16 in general elections held last year and remains the largest of the opposition parties.

The coalition administration of President Chan Santokhi has been under severe pressure in the past year as the currency has declined significantly, food and other prices have skyrocketed, and the International Monetary Fund is putting its usual fiscal and monetary squeeze on authorities to implement tough austerity measures to arrest the country’s economic decline. The NDP is banking on some form of rebirth from the economic and other troubles the administration is facing.

Here’s what Afghans need to apply for parole in the U.S. FELICIA PERSAUD

IMMIGRATION KORNER Many across the world find themselves weeping at the scenes from Afghanistan, including the killing of more innocent American troops and the sight of thousands scrambling for any means out of the grasp of a maniacal regime that is using their interpretation of religion as a weapon of terror and mass destruction. After weeks of immigration confusion, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has finally directed the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to “parole” certain Afghan evacuees on a case-bycase basis into the U.S. The move will allow Afghan nationals who are part of Operation Allies Refuge to temporarily remain in the U.S. for two years following security vetting, according to a USCIS notice. But there is a complicated application process as well. Here’s what Afghan refugees need to know if applying for parole in the U.S.

1: Anyone may request parole for themselves, or on behalf of another individual, by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, along with a statement explaining the beneficiary’s urgent humanitarian circumstances and including any relevant evidence supporting the parole request.

It is essential that the beneficiary’s best contact information (email address, phone number, and local address) be included in the parole application, either on the Form I-131’s applicable section or on a supplemental document, and that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, (USCIS), is notified of any changes to that contact information. Applications that are not submitted to the appropriate filing address may experience processing delays. Be sure to complete all sections of the form or it will be rejected.

2: The Form I-131 must include the applicable filing fee or fee waiver request using Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. Each family member must file a separate Form I-131 with required fees or Form I-912 and supporting documentation. Write “Afghanistan Humanitarian Parole” on the mailing envelope. For expedited pro-

cessing, write the word EXPEDITE in the top right corner of the application in black ink.

3: Humanitarian parole beneficiaries usually must have a valid and unexpired passport. If the beneficiary does not have a valid Afghan passport, include a copy of available identification documentation and an explanation of why they do not have an Afghan passport when filing the Form I-131.

The parole beneficiary should present available identity documentation to the U.S. embassy during consular processing (if outside of Afghanistan).

4: The sponsor must include a Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, and supporting documentation with each parole request. USCIS requires evidence of a sponsor who agrees to provide financial support to the parolee while in the United States. There may be multiple sponsors, or the beneficiary may self-sponsor, and an organization may support the parolee by submitting a Form I-134.

If an employee of an organization cannot complete the Form I-134, a letter from the organization committing to support the beneficiary may be included with the parole application.

5: Humanitarian parole applications must be submitted through the mail to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox.

For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Deliveries: USCIS Attn: HP P.O. Box 660865 Dallas, TX 75266-0865 For FedEx, UPS, and DHL: USCIS Attn: HP (Box 660865) 2501 S. State Hwy 121, Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067-8003 Note that USCIS may exercise discretion to authorize parole on a case-by-case basis for individuals with urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons to come to the United States for a temporary period.

Additionally, parole is not a legal immigration status and does not provide a path to legal immigration status. The beneficiary must take additional steps to ensure they remain legally present in the United States after their authorized period of parole has ended.

The writer is publisher of NewsAmericasNow

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 15

Arts & Entertainment Music page 15 | Jazz page 16 | Food page 19 | Travel page 20

Pg. 18 Your Stars

Reggae icon Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry dies at 85

(Album cover photos courtesy of Trojan Records)

Lee Perry with his daughter in Switzerland, 1994

By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH Special to the AmNews It has been reported that Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, the visionary reggae and dub music producer, and friend and mentor to Bob Marley, has died at Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea, Jamaica at 85.

Soon after Perry’s passing was announced, Andrew Holness, the prime minister of Jamaica shared a tweet with his followers. He expressed, “My deep condolences to the family, friends, and fans of legendary record producer and singer, Rainford Hugh Perry OD, affectionately known as ‘Lee Scratch’ Perry.”

Perry was a songwriter and founder of his studio session band, the Upsetters, in the 1960s and ’70s, producing albums for Bob Marley & The Wailers, and would go on to work with punk and hip hop bands like The Clash and the Beastie Boys. He released a number of albums with the Upsetters and under his own name, offering the world his unique dub sound and influencing a generation of rock, punk,

(Laurence Cane-Honeysett photos) In the studio in Switzerland, 1994

hip hop and reggae artists.

Pitchfork writes, “Perry released his innovative first single, ‘People Funny Boy’ through the label, which highlighted his distinctive production technique. His studio experimentations—which included early uses of

sampling and remixing—helped lead to the creation of the dub genre, which he solidified at Black Ark Studios—a new space he built in his backyard.”

The music legend had a gift for creating radically unique remixes of music, where he would take everything out but

the rhythm of a song and reconstruct them with samples of sounds like explosions and breaking glass. He was considered to be a mad scientist and had nicknames like Inspector Gadget and the Firmament Computer.

His recording studio was a haven and a sacred place for him. “The studio must be like a living thing, a life itself,” he said. “The machine must be live and intelligent. Then I put my mind into the machine and the machine perform reality. Invisible thought waves—you put them into the machine by sending them through the controls.”

Perry was nominated for five Grammys and won for his 2002 album, “Jamaican E.T.” With his experimentation, musical freedom and powerful ability to inspire people by creating otherworldly reggae and dub music, he set a precedence for younger artists to explore and expand on their sounds, which has offered rich and colorful music.

He made sound a work of art and for this the world is eternally grateful.

16 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

A

R T

S

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

M

E

N

T

Bird at 100 Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage held the 28th anniversary celebration of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. Few figures loom as large or cast as long a shadow as saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker, celebrated as a bebop pioneer and for bringing jazz into the modern era.

The free festival (this year, celebrating what would have been Parker’s 100th birthday), is New York City’s annual salute to the legendary late saxophonist, featuring both contemporaries of Charlie Parker as well as young jazz musicians that continue to shape and drive the art form. This year’s festival was held at Harlem’s historic Marcus Garvey Park in addition to partnered jazz events around the city.

Jazz singer Shenel Johns

(Risasi Dais photos)

Jazz tenor saxophonist Donald Harrison performing with the Harlem Symphony Orchestra

Three jazz saxophone greats, Gary Bartz, Vincent Herring and Bobby Watson, at Bird at 100 during the 2021 Charlie Parker Jazz Festival

Legendary jazz drummer Carl Allen performing during Bird at 100

Amadi Azikiwe, music director of the Harlem Symphony Orchestra, being thankful for an incredible performance during the festival closing

Abdias Armenteros, the dynamic young jazz saxophonist, playing in Marcus Garvey Park

DC Jazz Fest, Nuyorican, Flushing, Charlie Parker jazz festivals in Europe or South Africa, the Washington, D.C. jazz festival is only three hours away by Amtrak.

This year the DC Jazz Fest takes place during Labor Day weekend Sept. 1-5 at The Wharf, a waterfront destination with restaurants, shops, and stunning views.

One thing this COVID-19 pandem- In this new normal pandemic world the ic has made perfectly clear is we aren’t festival is a hybrid conjunction of inas far apart as we may think, but for New person up close and live-streamed perYorkers it is more of a territorial thing. formances. Festival experiences will But after sheltering in place for over a include “Meet the Artist” conversations, year, jazz fans don’t mind traveling at and the DCJazzPrix international jazz least a few hours to see the live happen- band competition. ings. While some may not be ready to The largest festival in the nation’s capcheck out those exciting international ital will feature a robust line-up of per-

formers including violinist Regina Carter, John Scofield, Maria Schneider Orchestra, the ever-rising saxophonist/composer Lakecia Benjamin Presents: “Pursuance,” The Spanish Harlem Orchestra, D-Nice, The String Queens, Orrin Evans Presents “Terreno Comum,” and Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez among others.

The festival will pay homage to the late D.C. and global jazz composer and multi-instrumentalist Andrew White.

The concert will take place at the Westminster Presbyterian Church Sept. 2 and feature the Grammy-nominated pianist and Blackbyrds founding member

Kevin Toney, bassist Steve Novosel, drummer Keith Killgo, saxophonist Antonio Parker, and special guest saxophonist Marcus Strickland.

White is most known for his virtuosic ability on the alto saxophone and his extensive published transcriptions of John Coltrane’s solos. He later founded Andrew’s Musical Enterprises Incorporated record label and publishing house.

Over a 49-year period, White released over 40 of his own original works on the label, many of them with Kevin Toney, Keith Killgo, and Steve Novosel as his rhythm section. Despite his passing in See JAZZ NOTES on page 17

A

R T

S

Jazz Notes

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

Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, Judge John Howard Algarin, Carmen Algarin, Dr. Helena D. Lewis, Willie Martinez, and Continued from page 16 Chembo Corniel.

This is an outdoor free event. RSVP is November of last year, White’s impor- required ONLY for the live streaming tance to D.C. as a jazz city remains vivid. link of the event. For further information For a complete listing of the festi- email romeneal25@gmail.com. val and tickets, visit the website dcjazzfest.org.

Flushing Town Hall is known for all genres of music but on Sept. 12 (1 Since the late writer, poet, and Rut- p.m.) they will take the world music gers University professor Miguel Al- route as they present their Common garín founded the Nuyorican Poets Ground: Mini-Global Mashup #1 feaCafé in 1973 it became an explorato- turing Haiti Meets Middle East both ry workshop and forum for Puerto in person and virtual.

Ricans and people of color in poetry, Common Ground features artists music, jazz, video, visual arts, comedy seemingly different in discipline, pracand theater. Over the years it has never tice, or cultural identity who explore been duplicated and is now a mecca to global connections, celebrating distincshowcase creative works. tions that make cultures unique. This On Sept. 11 (at 3 p.m.), the Nuy- new series Common Ground: Miniorican Poets Cafe will celebrate the Global Mashups are curated by trumfounder’s 80th birthday through his peter and composer Frank London (The poetry, “In the Words of Miguel Al- Klezmatics) bringing together two amazgarin.” Curated and hosted by Rome ing global music artists along with acNeal, this event will bring together companists for an afternoon of music, fellow poets, friends and family mem- conversation and exploration. bers who will read Algarin’s poems Called “The Joni Mitchell of Haiti,” from several of his poetry books such songstress Emeline Michel is internaas “Mongo Affair,” “On Call,” “Body tionally acclaimed for merging native Bee Calling from the 21st Century,” in Haitian compas and rara music with front of the Café (236 East 3rd Street jazz, pop, bossa nova, and samba into on Manhattan’s lower eastside). deeply moving, joyful music. BandleadSome of the participants are: Dael Or- er and solo artist Dan Nadel’s style landersmith, Carl Hancock Rux, Vinie combines flamenco, jazz, and Middle Burrows, Bob Holman, Lois Elaine Eastern influences. He also collaborates Griffith, Mariposa, Nancy Mercado, with Gypsy/Neo-Balkan, Macedonian

M

E

N

T

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 17

band Tavche Gravche. This is music to peak your interest and tap to another beat. In person tickets are $15, $12 for members. Virtual tickets are $7 and $5 for members. For more information visit the website /www.flushingtownhall.org/common-ground-mini-global-mashup-1. Flushing Town Hall is located at 137-35 Northern Blvd.

Kansas City is so hip and played such a force in jazz there are songs claiming the city’s prominence, but the city’s native son alto saxophonist and composer Charlie Parker has a treasure chest of compositions named in his honor as well. But ever since Johnnie Garry (manager and later Jazzmobile) suggested the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival be held in Harlem, New York City has offered its own annual praises.

This year the CPJF celebrated Parker’s centennial birthday; actually due to the pandemic we missed a year and this was his 101st birthday, but who was counting. The multiple days of music that included co-sponsorships with Jazzmobile and the Jazz Museum in Harlem were outstanding. The Festival’s final two days presented by SummerStage had more alto saxophonists than the entire duration of the annual festival.

Saturday night featured the most beautiful music Parker ever recorded, that being his two recordings for Mercury Records in 1950 “Charlie Parker with Strings,” produced by Norman Grantz.

The strings featured the Harlem Sym-

phony Orchestra with music director and founder Amardi Azikiwe and composer, alto saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master 2022 Donald Harrison and his quartet. Their sound was sweet as sweet potato pie, so divine it could have come from heaven, maybe Parker had something to do with that. The Orchestra and Harrison played a string of standards from the two albums including “Laura,” “Just Friends,” “Summertime” and “I’m in the Mood for Love.”

During the opening Harrison boosted his quartet that included the youngest beboppers in jazz (pianist Dan Kaufman, bassist Nori Naraoka and drummer Joe Dyson). His statement was easily confirmed after their first Parker tune “Groovin’ High,” and to prove their musicianship they came back with a blazing Harrison original, “One for Bird.”

The following evening featured the “Four Altos” that included Justin Roberts, Erena Terakubo, Godwin Louis and Sarah Hanahan with pianist Donald Vega, bassist Endea Owens and drummer music director Willie Jones III. The four altos flawlessly played Parker tunes with exciting riffs and stunning musicianship and the rhythm section was no joke.

It was a magical festival; years from now someone may ask, “Hey were you at that Charlie Parker Centennial in Marcus Garvey Park, it was phenomenal.” Every year the festival demonstrates most vividly “Bird Lives” and his tradition is in good hands.

NOW DRAWN 3 DAYS A WEEK! MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

SATURDAY

PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY.

You must be 18 years or older to purchase a lottery ticket.

or text HOPENY (467369). Standard text rates may apply.

NYLResponsiblePlay.com

Recyclable Tickets

18 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 A

R T S

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

M

E

N

T

HOROSCOPES BY KNOWYOURNUMB3RS

KYA FRENCH September 2, 2021 — September 8, 2021 REBIRTH OF A NEW NATION: DRASTIC CHANGES ARE OCCURRING IN OUR WORLD. WHEN A WOMAN IS FED UP WITH AN EGOTISTICAL MAN, LOST IN THE NO MAN’S WORLD AND BITTER, IT’S UNFORTUNATE. THE WOMAN SHOWS UP TO MAKE LIFE Vinateria SWEETER BY REINTRODUCING HERSELF. YOU CAN’T FORGET THE WALLS THAT ONCE WERE BUILT; OLD ONES CRUMBLE, FORMING NEW GROUND, WALLS, AND TERRITORY. A WOMAN SHAKES THINGS UP AND BRINGS ABOUT CHANGES, GETTING YOU UNCOMFORTABLE WITH WHAT USED TO WORK. NOW, IT’S TIME FOR A KINDLY REMINDER TO UPGRADE AND REPLENISH THIS EARTH. ONCE A WOMAN HAS REAWAKENED, SHE BRINGS FORTH LIFE WITH HER DESTRUCTION BY THE MOTION OF TIDAL WAVES, TSUNAMIS, HURRICANES, STORMS, AND TEMPESTS THAT CHANGE THE WIND’S DIRECTION AND WEATHER. IT’S BEST TO STEP ASIDE OR OTHERWISE GET CAUGHT UP IN THE VOLCANIC RUPTURE. ALTHOUGH SHE IS MOTHER NATURE, THE GODDESS CANNOT DO IT ALONE. SHE NEEDS HER GODDESSES, QUEENS, PRIESTESSES, WISE WOMEN, EMPERORS, PRINCESSES, ETC., ON EARTH TO HELP AND ASSIST BY HEALING THEMSELVES TO WORK IN HARMONY AND SYNCHRONICITY.

A swift change is on the rise this week; being structured and well-organized goes a long way.

The outcome will be exceptionally well worth it.

Begin the change you want to see in your life by addressing any circumstances that prevent you from moving forward. Explore the deep part of your creation of something you wanted to do or come true. Set the tone for September to renew yourself in some way, shape, or form. Always work on being centered; that will bring peace, love, harmony into your life. Don’t allow others to bombard you with their issues.

Capricorn

Dec 22 – Jan 21

Aquarius

Something unfathomable within your heart may be bothering you while contemplating a subject of the home, family, work, etc. that needs a deeper look. Address the issue once and for all, and get it out of your way. Whatever story you made in your mind may not exist yet because you haven’t given it a try to know the outcome.

Instead, reflect on your life and experiences that brought you back to your roots. Wisdom of the elders while reminiscing on the well-organized foundation, values, and lessons to keep you afloat should be applied in your life now.

Cancer

June 22–July 23

Once you allow the Divine Creator to step in, letting go is vastly essential. Once you decide on what you want, take a stand, and see how Your time, energy, and focus are vitally Leo the universe carries out your wishes as if you’re placing a to-go-order. Where important this month. Know your boundJuly 24 – Aug 23 one cycle ends, another one starts. However, the choice is solely up to you to aries and limits with other people as far make the difference to take the lead while enjoying the ride. The journey will as you’re willing to go. The train must reach its destination, yet your not be smooth, yet will be a joyous adventure to sail through the tumultuous stop is approaching as the journey continues. At times, we must walk and trying times to get you to the other side. Being true to yourself is vital. the path alone to discover new things about ourselves or embark on other ideas to put into play while remembering the previous lessons.

Keep a small pocket notebook handy.

A woman or man with goals is more successPisces ful due to the risks they take to step out of life’s Feb 20 – Mar 20 usual hustle and bustle to do for themselves.

There is no other way other than the way Virgo Life becomes more eventful and exciting being your boss. Dreams are often that feels right to make that left or right Aug 24 – Sep 23 foresight of divine messages and awareness. More importantly, is how does turn. Following the crowd brought you exthe dream makes you feel. Anything is possible. You have to believe it; then periences of what to do and what not to do. Then, there comes the there’ll be no question to ask, especially when applying yourself. Everything point in life where new alliances, programs, workshops, and knowlelse will work out. Take a different route in your affairs and feel the changes edge of self bring satisfaction to pass down the tools and requirements as you take small steps to reach the outcome. needed to keep elevating. This week presents new opportunities, and your life is about taking on a unique role or position in some way, shape, or form.

A rapid cycle of change moves you in a different Aries direction within the home, the business, or relaMar 21 – Apr 21 tionships, and the one-on-one relationships with You must take time to listen while paying Libra yourself. What kind of commitment and routine are you willing to stick to and disattention to all forthcoming details and Sept 24 – Oct 23 cipline in your due diligence? Routines or rituals are set in motion to get you out of information. Pay attention to the tone of the funk and show up for yourself more. When you do your reflection, look back in people’s voices and what they’re doing before you help or apply your the mirror to guide you in the quest. There are times you have to put trust in the un- two cents of input. There may be an inner need to offer a helping hand known by leaving your comfort zone. Be mindful of your intake this week as health in an area that isn’t suited for them, yet you’re a natural. In this cycle, matters may pop up or cause slight unease in the body. you’re in the spotlight, where people will take notice of you.

Jan 22 – Feb 19

Taurus

Patience is the key this month. Get as much work completed as possible by community networking or educational courses to tune into this week. This week is more productive with information pouring into your hands like a water fountain. Finances may slightly incline. Be a wise shopper and rest towards the evening of the 9th before you overwork or overextend yourself. Take time out for yourself. Investing in yourself is a significant life improvement. Cherish those moments with the people who share, and you transmit information to elevate each other.

Apr 22 – May 21

If you’ve been wanting to start something Gemini new, something you may have never seen May 22 – June 21 coming down the pipeline, it is about to be a breakthrough moment for you. It’ll feel so refreshing to navigate a different course in your life. Partnerships will be formed, be it personal, business or family. A woman of significance will play a role in your life, be it your mother, a wife, sister, daughter, aunt, etc. This month is where it’ll all take place and feel reborn and on a new verge, and life is becoming more meaningful.

Separation of family, work, duty are ramping up rapidly. You must have a game plan or some format to follow to keep you abreast and not drained. One great thing is that your appearance and skin are flawless, so when you don’t look or feel your best, only you know while others may not notice. Take a break when needed as family, friends, etc. will see and heed your advice this particular weekly cycle.

Scorpio

Oct 24 – Nov 22

Sagittarius

Embarking on a new unique journey that you may not have seen coming will transform your life for the better with a different meaning. Life, death, and taxes are the one thing for sure in this world. How you go about your life is your choice. You may hear news of elders transitioning, childbirth, pregnancy, or separation, etc. However, your focus is to continue to complete the foundation this month to make your dreams come true. Release anyone or anything that tries to hold onto you or do the holding on to others. No one is perfect.

Nov 23 – Dec 21

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

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

AmNews FOOD

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 19

Quick, nutritious dishes to enjoy dairy without the discomfort Dinnertime dishes loaded with nutrients help keep loved ones connected while refueling after busy days spent at work and school. Dairy foods—key ingredients in many at-home meals—provide nutrients for people of all ages to grow and maintain stronger bodies and minds.

However, some bodies are unable to break down the sugar found in milk, known as lactose, which causes an upset stomach and a heavy, bloated feeling. Rather than avoiding dairy and missing out on beneficial nutrients, people with lactose intolerance can enjoy real dairy products that are natural-

Chicken Cordon Bleu Kebabs Recipe courtesy of Rachel Gurk of “Rachel Cooks” on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 3 Skewers: Nonstick cooking spray 2 chicken breasts (6 ounces each), cubed 1 ham steak (6 ounces), cubed 6 bamboo skewers (8 inches) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil Sauce: 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1 cup lactose-free 2% milk 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

ly low in or don’t contain lac• Yogurt with live and active tose without the stomachache cultures, which help break with foods like: down lactose, making it easier to digest • Lactose-free milk, which is real milk with the same 13 esThese easy-to-make meals sential nutrients as regular milk offer lactose intolerance• Hard and aged cheeses, friendly options for families such as cheddar, Colby, Mon- seeking to keep milk on the terey Jack, Parmesan and Swiss menu. Because they all require

an hour or less in the kitchen, they provide quick solutions for those hectic schedules without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Visit MilkMeansMore.org to find more delicious dishes that fit a lactose intolerant meal plan.

salt, to taste (optional) pepper, to taste (optional) To make skewers: • Preheat broiler to 500º F. Line broiler pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

• Thread cubed chicken pieces and cubed ham pieces onto skewers.

• In small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, maple syrup, black pepper, paprika and oil.

• Brush mustard mixture on skewers.

• Broil about 5 minutes, flip and cook 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

To make sauce: • In small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Add Dijon mustard. Continue cooking 5 minutes, or until thick. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheese, whisking until melted.

• Add salt and pepper, to taste, if desired.

• Serve chicken and ham kebabs with sauce.

Chicken, Spinach and Feta Casserole Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes Servings: 4 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed 3 eggs, slightly beaten 2 cups cottage cheese 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons butter, melted 2 teaspoons dried minced onion 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper • Preheat oven to 350º F. • Place spinach in colander. Use back of large spoon or rubber spatula to press moisture from spinach.

• In large bowl, combine spinach, eggs, cottage cheese, chicken, feta cheese, flour, butter, onion, oregano, salt and pepper.

• Spoon into greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Bake, uncovered, 45-50 minutes, or until set near center (160 F). Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

(Family Features)

20 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Resort & Travel From beautiful countryside to cosmopolitan culture: find it in Canada

By SHERYL NANCE-NASH Special to the AmNews

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Vancouver Island After months and months of too much time indoors, blow your mind with the thought of fresh air, wildlife, nature, great food and outdoor fun.

This spot is for you. This eco-safari is in lush coastal rainforest, surrounded by the UNESCO listed Clayoquot Sound Biosphere, and the Strathcona Provincial Park. The 600-acre property sits at the head of the Bedwell River.

It’s an ideal basecamp of sorts for exploring the wilds of the island.

Forget crowds. This is remote. You can’t get there by car. Take a 45-minute seaplane flight from Vancouver, or 35minute boat ride from Tofino. Sounds heavenly. Wait till you see the luxuriously appointed white canvas tents in the style of turn-of-the-century prospectors. End-of-the-bed views and specially commissioned furnishings from local designers evoke a personal connection with the Vancouver Island landscape.

How shall you spend your time?

There’s wildlife viewing tours, hiking through old-growth forests, horseback riding, canyoning, heli fly fishing, and more. Chef Asher Blackford’s local produce-driven sustainable dining, fine wines and one of the world’s most remote bars, The Ivanhoe, keep the good vibe going. Better still, unwind at the Lodge’s popular healing ground spa that showcases wellness ingredients from the natural environment of Clayoquot Sound.

Toronto Maybe you’re in the mood for something cosmopolitan. Put Toronto on your list, especially if you’ve already done Montreal. Toronto is for foodies and those that can’t get enough of art, music, architecture—all things cultural.

Take a trip to the east end to the recently opened Toronto Beach Club.

Think awesome Mediterranean food.

Cocktail specialties during the day include Cantaloupe Island, with cantaloupe, martini fiero, prosecco and

(Photos courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge)

Now that the border between the United States and Canada is again open, you’re toying with the idea of going north. The beauty that is Canada awaits. The big decision is where to go.

Take your pick, there’s likely no wrong choice.

Start here to create your list of possibilities.

soda, and the Pampered Rose, Patrón Silver tequila, Martini & Rossi dry vermouth, rosewater, grapefruit oleo saccharum and soda. Come nightfall, go for a Toronto Riviera, Patrón Silver tequila, pineapple, coconut water syrup, fernet-branca, lime, Peychaud’s bitters, or a Sienna Sour, bulleit bourbon, honey agrodolce, lemon, sumac and thyme.

For more eats there’s Bar Le Germain

Painting the Blue Period, which includes more than 100 art works from Picasso’s formative years and spans 15 countries.

Stay at the brand new 1 Hotel Toronto downtown. It’s in the heart of the city’s entertainment district. Choose among their four food and beverage outlets that includes a rooftop bar where you can swim and take in skyline views.

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge

Patio in Hotel Le Germain Toronto Maple Leaf Square. Check out Chef Johnson Wu’s new Wusian Fusian and must-try Sammiches (elevated chicken sandwiches where the chicken wing is stuffed with fried rice).

Walk off all those calories at the Art Gallery of Ontario, which until late October has an exhibit that is a career retrospective of Andy Warhol, and opening early October is Picasso:

Edmonton Then too, maybe you want a little bit city and a little bit country. Edmonton is an urban center in the midst of the wilderness. It is the largest northernmost metropolis, and the capital of Alberta, Canada. Any time of year is a good time to go. In summer enjoy 18 hours of sunlight a day or time your visit to see how snow transforms the river valley in winter.

Get your art fix at the Royal Alberta Museum or the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Take in the sight to behold,the Northern Lights from the dark sky preserves.

Edmonton has the second largest Indigenous population in Canada, full of talented performers, artisans, musicians and entrepreneurs. Immerse yourself in culture at Métis Crossing, take an Indigenous-led tour, discover the stories that have shaped Treaty 6 Territory at the Royal Alberta Museum, or taste the inventive meals created by trailblazing Indigenous chefs. Take in the newly opened Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park, Canada’s largest living history museum. The Park includes the 1846 Hudson’s Bay Fort and then takes you through to 1885, 1905 and 1920, depicting the evolution of Edmonton’s early history.

Elk Island National Park has Geo Domes for glamping. They come with everything you need including a queen size bed, bedding, mini-fridge, Nespresso coffee maker, BBQ, water, firewood and more. You have the option to add a charcuterie board and wine and they will deliver it to your dome.

There is also a UNESCO designated dark sky preserve in the park, free from light pollution, great for stargazing and viewing the northern lights.

Hike or rent a canoe.

Jasper If you want a mountain town experience, look no further. Jasper is the largest of all the Canadian Rockies national parks and home to Mount Columbia, Alberta’s tallest mountain; Maligne Lake, the second-largest glacial-fed lake in the world; and diverse wildlife including grizzly and black bears, mountain goats, wolverines, elk and bighorn sheep. Talk about the great outdoors, it’s a place where you can bike, climb, camp, fish or hike in summer and in winter ski, snowboard and more in winter.

Jasper is the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve, with some 100 billion stars in the Milky Way. Eat up.

Jasper Food Tours have restarted. You can venture on a downtown guided walk and visit four restaurants with handpicked dishes and drinks. Consider too a Peak Nic, a hiking tour up a peak, followed by a hands-on backcountry cooking lesson, where you’ll learn to prepare a gourmet meal in the outdoors using environmentally friendly outdoors cooking methods. A bonus, you eat that great meal you make.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

IN

THE

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 21

CLASSROOM

Mary Eliza Walker Crump, an original member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers ACTIVITIES

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

Porter and Ella Sheppard.

The Singers, formed to raise funds for the college, toured widely from 1871 to 1878, and this included ventures abroad in Europe where there was high praise for their renditions of the spiritual and folks songs of Stephen Foster. It wasn’t unusual to find such prominent personalities as Queen Victoria, Ulysses S. Grant, Mark Twain and the

church, the Rev. E. Halley, and accompanied by explanatory remarks by him and Professor White. The opening piece was entitled, ‘Children, you’ll be called on to March in the field of battle.’ It was a deep, pathetic incentive to Christian exertion. Next came ‘Broken-hearted, weep no more.’

The hymn which followed was the masterpiece of the eve-

city to city. In 1921, she was among three other original members invited to the fiftieth anniversary celebration.

A year later she mourned the passing of her husband Thomas H. Crump. She died in 1928 in Chicago and Ambrose Caliver, the president of Fisk University, sent a letter to be read at her funeral, saying “Fisk University rejoices in the complete fru-

Rarely are there articles that focus on the individual members of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, when there is one even on the group. In future columns we will place each one in the spotlight beginning this week with Mary Eliza Walker Crump.

“My mother belonged to Wesley Greenfield and my father to John W. Walker of Nashville,” Mary wrote in a publication in 1873. She was 16 at that time, having been born in slavery in 1857 in Tennessee.

“There were eight children,—two boys and six girls,” she further noted and chronicled in Gustavus D. Pike’s “The Jubilee Singers, and Their Campaign for Twenty Thousand Dollars,” “I was next to the youngest. My mistress held only two or three slaves besides our family. She finally set my mother free and gave her the three youngest children.

After the war my father kept an icehouse and made enough money to buy us a little home; Early photo of the Singers, though not sure which is Mary Crump but could be her at the far right as Eliza Walker. but there was some trouble about the lease, and we famed abolitionist Rev. Henry ning; rough in language, it was ition of a life so full of beauty lost the house. In 1866 I com- Ward Beecher. richly melodious, and showed and service. The gradual closmenced attending Fisk School By 1873, they were well on that analogy between the feel- ing of the ranks of the first Ju[college], and continued there their way to raising enough ing of the slaves at the South bilee Singers grieves us beyond as much of the time as 1 was money to build Jubilee Hall. and that of the captive Israel- measure, but we shall always able till 1870.”

Pike, the author who trav- ites, upon which Mrs. Stowe cherish the memory of those Three years before the ar- eled with the Singers, cited has dwelt so much in her who helped to make Fisk posticle about her parents ap- this performance at a church Uncle Tom’s Cabin. It began sible.” In 1978, fifty years after peared, she became an in Cincinnati, which to him with ‘Go down, Moses.’” she died, Eliza Walker and original member of the was typical of their genius. “A When the Singers disband- the other original members of eleven Fisk Jubilee Singers. vast crowd filled the church to ed in 1878, Mary lived in Chi- the Fisk Jubilee Singers were The group was organized by overflowing, and was enter- cago and mainly dealt with granted posthumous honorary George L. White, a white mis- tained and benefited by music managing her version of the Doctor of Music degrees from sionary and music professor. conducted by ten students Jubilee Singers. They were Fisk University.

As promised, we will present from Fisk University, Nash- also popular on various musiprofiles on two other origi- ville. The music was strictly de- cal circuits and invited to sing nal members—Maggie votional, and was preceded by at civic celebrations a prayer from the pastor of the from

SPONSORED BY

FIND OUT MORE Mr. Pike, who we mention above, offers a short bio on Mary, but the value of his book is the extent to which he evokes the early history of the singers and Fisk University.

DISCUSSION If things go as planned, we will gather more background material on Mary and also offer biographies of the other Jubilee Singers.

PLACE IN CONTEXT From her birth in the midfifties of the 19th century to the second decade of the 20th, Mary traveled widely in the country and accumulated a wealth of personal history.

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY Aug. 29, 1979: Sheridan Broadcasting Corp. becomes the first Black-owned radio network.

Aug. 30, 1901: Acclaimed civil rights leader Roy Wilkins is born in St. Louis, Mo. Aug. 30, 1800: The rebellion plot of Gabriel Prosser is exposed in Virginia.

22 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Health

C

C

Science shows mask-wearing is largely safe for children

By LOUIS JACOBSON PolitiFact/Kaiser Health News Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is one of a handful of Republican governors trying to block school districts from requiring masks in the classroom.

Under DeSantis’ direction, the state health department adopted a rule that lets families opt out of locally ordered school mask mandates. The State Board of Education approved another rule that allows parents to secure vouchers for their children to attend a different school if they encounter pushback on their refusal to use masks. The DeSantis administration threatened to penalize school officials financially if they bucked the rules.

Much of DeSantis’ argument was based on his belief that parents have a right to determine what’s best for their child, as well as his doubts about whether mask mandates are effective at curbing the COVID virus in a school setting. (When PolitiFact looked into the latter argument, multiple experts pointed to research showing that mask-wearing is effective at protecting children from COVID-19 and preventing COVID transmission in schools.)

But DeSantis also cited specific negatives for mask wearers’ health.

In an executive order, DeSantis wrote that “masking children may lead to negative health and societal ramifications” and that “forcing children to wear masks could inhibit breathing, lead to the collection of dangerous impurities including bacteria parasites, fungi, and other contaminants, and adversely affect communications in the classroom and student performance.”

DeSantis’ press secretary, Christina Pushaw, told PolitiFact that “there are potential downsides to masking children for eight hours per day, from a developmental, emotional, academic, and medical perspective. These potential downsides are largely unexplored.”

She cited concerns raised in an op-ed

by Dr. Marty Makary, a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and Dr. Cody Meissner, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Tufts Children’s Hospital, that said that “masks can lead to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood” and that they “can be vectors for pathogens if they become moist or are used for too long.” Makary and Meissner also warned of impacts on verbal and nonverbal communication.

Other people aligned with DeSantis’ view have put the harm of kids wearing masks in even starker terms.

During a panel discussion convened

by DeSantis, clinical psychiatrist Dr. Mark McDonald said, “My position is simple: Masking children is child abuse,” according to the Miami Herald. (Meissner was also on the panel.)

Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) spoke out against a proposed school mask man-

the mask,” said Benjamin Neuman, a biology professor at Texas A&M University and chief virologist of the university’s Global Health Research Complex.

A paper published in February looked at 10 previous studies of adults or children that addressed questions of breathing while wearing a mask. The (Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels) authors expressed disappointment at how few date by the Buncombe County Board of studies looked specifically at the impacts Education, saying a mandate is “nothing on children, and they urged that more reshort of psychological child abuse.” search is needed on that specific question.

And on the July 27 edition of his Fox However, the paper found little News show, Tucker Carlson asserted that reason for worry. it’s a “scientifically established fact that “The eight adult studies, including four masks pose a far greater threat to children prompted by the pandemic and one on than COVID does. So, strictly speaking as surgeons, reported that face masks coma scientific matter, this is lunacy.” monly used during the pandemic did not What does science say about whether impair gas exchange during rest or mild masks can harm the wearer? exercise,” the authors wrote.

Generally, we found that concerns A June study that seemed to indicate about significant negative effects on breathing challenges for masked chilbreathing aren’t well supported. Worries dren was retracted by the journal JAMA about masks interfering with communi- Pediatrics 16 days after publication becation and serving as a barrier to social cause of methodological shortcomings connection in the classroom may be more and other concerns. reasonable, experts say.

Dr. David Hill, an American Lung Association board member, has written Breathing Concerns that masks “absolutely” do not cause low The first thing to note is that masks aren’t oxygen levels. recommended for everyone. The Amer“We wear masks all day long in the hosican Lung Association cautions people pital,” Hill wrote. “The masks are designed with lung disease, for instance, to consult to be breathed through and there is no evitheir doctor before wearing a mask regu- dence that low oxygen levels occur.” larly. In addition, the CDC does not recAnother reason medical experts aren’t ommend that children under 2 years old too worried is that “the world has engaged wear masks. Masks are also generally not in a massive study—observational, but litrecommended during heavy exercise. erally billions of people—on mass maskBut what about people who do not fall wearing, and people are not dropping into these categories? Could they be hurt dead left, right and center,” Javid said. by wearing a mask?

Some of the most common concerns Other Possible Risks raised involve a lack of oxygen, or a buildA few other complaints about masks up in carbon dioxide. We have previous- sometimes surface, such as fear that they ly found such concerns to be oversold, as could concentrate toxins or harm the have other fact-checkers. immune system. But these aren’t well supThe issue “has been convincingly de- ported either, experts say. bunked,” said Babak Javid, a professor of As long as masks are regularly replaced medicine at the University of California- or laundered, “there’s no reason to worry San Francisco. about toxins,’’ said Columbia University We should note that studies specific to virologist Angela Rasmussen. And there’s children have been rare, so most of the sci- “no evidence that masks have any effect entific literature has involved research on on the immune system or immune funcadults. Two studies on children used N95 tion,” she said. masks, which are more sophisticated than Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the masks most schoolchildren will use, the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Sebut even these found no significant effect curity, told PolitiFact that swabbing a stuon breathing. Other peer-reviewed stud- dent’s backpack would probably generate ies of adults have produced similar results. as many (or more) pathogens as swabbing A mask “will add some resistance to their mask. the breathing process, meaning it may And Nicole Gatto, an associate professor feel like it takes a bit more work to take of public health at Claremont Graduate a breath, but it won’t materially change University, said pathogens on masks may the makeup of air that comes through be evidence that they’re being kept “out of

the mouths and noses of those who wore them, preventing people from potentially getting ill.”

While the scientific evidence for specific ills such as low oxygen or high carbon dioxide is weak, experts say it’s more plausible that the annoyances of masking could distract fromC in-class lessons and make it harder to hear other students or the teacher.

In a September 2020 paper in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the authors wrote that “while there are minimal physiological impacts on wearing a mask … there may be consequential psychological impacts of mask wearing on the basic psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness.”

Such downsides may be especially acute for students who are Englishlanguage learners, or those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

“Masks interfere with lip-reading, which has a major impact on communication,” Javid said.

The reality is that “there is minimal evidence” on how severe these sorts of impacts could be for most children. “This is the first time in most of our lifetimes we have faced the prospect of continued isolation and masking, so it is not surprising we have insufficient evidence to guide us,” said Amy Price, a senior research scientist at Stanford University.

Still, there is evidence that children are adaptable. In a December 2020 study of children’s ability to read the facial expressions of masked people, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that “while there may be some challenges for children incurred by others wearing masks, in combination with other contextual cues, masks are unlikely to dramatically impair children’s social interactions in their everyday lives.”

And child-development experts caution against assuming that any deficits from masks will linger over the long term.

Most children “don’t like wearing pants or shoes at first, but they adjust, like they do for all the other things we require of them,” said A.E. Learmonth, a professor with the cognition, memory and development lab at William Paterson University.

“In many ways, a mask is just another article of clothing. In the beginning it could be distracting and uncomfortable, but like shoes, they will get used to it.”

Meanwhile, polling suggests that parents are open to masks in schools. A KFF survey taken in July and August found that 63% of parents wanted masks required in schools for people who are unvaccinated.

V

PolitiFact’s Gabrielle Settles and Jason Asenso contributed to this article. KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

COVID-19

come in and get vaccinated, we want those small businesses to benefit.We want to make sure that the Continued from page 3 individuals from the community come in and get back safe first and small businesses. foremost, we want them to bene“We welcome barbershops and fit from it, but we want the small beauty salons. We welcome res- businesses to benefit as well.”

-taurants. We welcome bodegas,” As the city moves forward with the mayor said. “Anyone who its “Key to NYC Program,” enrwants to be a part of this, encour- forcement for the vaccine verificaaging community members to tion program is set to begin in two

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 23

weeks on Sept. 13. The program requires proof of vaccination in order to get to entertainment venues, restaurants and bars and gyms.

Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnell Dorris said that over 600 canvassers have been out in the field speaking with small businesses. On Tuesday, SBS implemented new industry-specific guidance to further help business owners with the indoor vaccine

mandate. Weekly online training will take place every Wednesday.

“If you are a restaurant, you’ll be able to look and see exactly what you need to do. If you are a gym, you’ll have specific help on how to put your plan in action. If you’re a movie theater, you’ll find out on how to keep the line moving. Or any business for that matter, we have specific guidance for you,” Dorris said.

turned away. He also said he’s not giving out any kind of fraudulent vaccination cards.

Once word got out that McCall was writing the letters, he received numerous calls from people wanting one and they were all turned away. McCall said that many of the people who have called him are city workers looking for a way to avoid getting the COVID-19 vaccine due to hesitancy.

“When God created this world he gave us the gift of freedom of choice and it’s up to us to choose what we want to do to our body, our mind and our soul,” he said.

“If you are a true believer and you want to receive a religious exemption from your clergy leader that you’re a member of, you have the right to do so.”

McCall added that he encourages people to either get the COVID19 vaccine or get tested regularly and wear masks.

Since vaccine mandates were announced there have been

questions over their legality. In previous interviews with the AmNews, civil rights lawyer Joshua Blane of the Gray Law Firm said the city failed to consider religious exceptions when mandating vaccines. Blane added that vaccine mandates could violate people’s First Amendment religious freedoms.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 vaccine mandates are a matter of state or other applicable law. The agency cites Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which states “once an employer receives notice that an employee’s sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance prevents them from taking the vaccine, the employer must provide a reasonable accommodation unless it would pose an undue hardship.”

The AmNews reached out to the city about religious exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine and did not get a response at press

time. On Tuesday, city officials addressed the issue and McCall during Mayor Bill de Blasio’s daily press briefing.

“I know Reverend McCall, I respect him. I appreciate him. I was very saddened to see that. I think that’s a mistake,” de Blasio said. “I think it should stop.

Those, quote unquote, exemptions are not going to be honored.

They’re just, that’s not the way to do things. And so I think people should recognize [it’s] so important to get vaccinated; leaders of veritably every faith tradition have stepped forward, encouraged vaccination.”

President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals Mitchell Katz said his office has not seen people bringing exemption letters and that no one can grant religious exemptions to the vaccine.

“Religious exemptions are based on someone’s personal, sincerely held beliefs,” he said. “No one can give you an exemption.”

ing and preventing gun violence, and our first step is acknowledging the problem with a first-inthe-nation disaster emergency on gun violence,” Cuomo said last month. “When we see an injustice we don’t look the other way, we stand up and fight it because that’s the New York way.”

In an interview, Lance Feurtado, who serves as executive director of the anti-violence organization the King of Kings Foundation, Inc. in Queens, said the organization met with Cuomo’s team three weeks ago during a forum.

Feurtado said he’s not confident that plans will iron out.

“My prayer and hopes are that that conversation was just to gauge or feel the temperature or the pulse of the community,” Feurtado said. “What they were talking about, to me, was a joke.

They were talking about investing $5 million statewide. It was a disrespect to folks like myself who are on the ground getting in front of this violence and mediating conflicts before it escalates into retaliation.”

Mike Perry, who serves as program manager of True 2 Life Cure Violence in Staten Island, said Cuomo’s team came to Staten Island to gauge what was needed.

Perry said the only result he’s seen so far from the gun violence declaration is an expansion of the Summer Youth Employment Program, which only expanded to 15 youths.

“That’s cool, but it’s not enough,” Perry said. “That’s 15 kids out of thousands and thousands of highrisk kids in New York City that need to be serviced. We don’t have enough gun violence prevention

to cover the hotspots. We need more funding. We need more programs. There are only two neighborhoods being serviced in Staten Island. We have another four or five neighborhoods that are being plagued by gun violence that need to be served.”

The state’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention operates within the New York State Department of Health. In a statement, spokesperson Abigail Barker said the department is still working on establishing the office.

“The Department of Health is actively working on the creation of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which will lead a task force made up of more than a dozen state agencies to identify concrete steps that can be taken to curb senseless gun violence in New York State,” Barker stated.

Inez Dickens, would make a great reAriama Long is a Report for America placement for Benjamin. Dickens corps member and writes about City didn’t respond to requests to comment Hall and local politics for the AmNews. by post time.

Your donation to match our RFA grant

helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift today by visiting: https:// tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w

-

Vaccine

-Continued from page 3

… belief to get any vaccination.

“It’s off of the scripture that their c body is a living sacrifice and that - it’s their temple,” he said. “Based on the scriptures they provide, I provide them a letter that is addressed to them with their name e on it that says they are exempt.”

The letter is meant to be presented to an employer, school or entity with a COVID-19 vaccine requirement. The letter is not - meant for the city’s indoor vaccine mandate at restaurants, ens tertainment venues or gyms. e McCall said he has not given - out any letters to people who are g not members of his religious institution, even though they have been requested. Those who want to become members simply to get the letter of exemption are also f

Violence

d g

Continued from page 3

sopened fire on the crowd of about 150 people. n As the days go by, more people mare becoming victims of gun violence and the people who can help sprevent it still don’t have what they need. f The public health emergency declaration created the state’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention to coordinate efforts and direct re-sources to emerging gun violence hot spots. Funding is also supeposed to go towards strengthening police-community relations.

- “Just like we did with COVID, FNew York is going to lead the tnation once again with a comnprehensive approach to combat-

N

m

Lt. Gov. Continued from page 4

24 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Religion & Spirituality Court denies Charleston church killer’s death sentence appeal

By AUTODIDACT 17 Special to the AmNews On Wednesday Aug. 25, a federal appeals court upheld the conviction of a confessed white supremacist for the 2015 murders of nine unsuspecting African Americans as they prayed at a Black church in South Carolina. The three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia unanimously affirmed Dylan Roof’s, 27, conviction and death-sentence in the racist massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. They rejected the defense’s arguments that their client should’ve been ruled incompetent to stand trial. “[He] murdered African Americans at their church, during their Biblestudy and worship. They had welcomed him. He slaughtered them.

He did so with the express intent of terrorizing not just his immediate victims at the historically important Mother Emanuel Church, but as many similar people as would hear of the mass murder,” the panel wrote in their ruling.

They continued: “No cold record or careful parsing of statutes and prec-

edents can capture the full horror of what Roof did. His crimes qualify him for the harshest penalty that a just society can impose.”

After pleading guilty in a federal court, Roof received nine consecutive life sentences in 2017, making him the first person in U.S. history sentenced to death for a federal hate crime.

During appeals, his attorney claimed he wasn’t qualified to represent himself during sentencing, pointing out that his plans were “under the delusion” and that he believed “his sentence didn’t matter because white nationalists would free him from prison after an impending race war,” according to court filings.

The Rev. Kylon Middleton, a close

Bethany Baptist church B.E.A.M.S ministry hold its annual health fair Bethany Baptist (Bill Moore photos) church B.E.A.M.S ministry held its annual health fair for the community of Harlem. There was lots of fun and games.

Bethany Baptist church also helps to educate the community with COVID19/ HIV testing and about all health disparities in the community. Bethany Baptist will soon be opening a resource are also holding culinary classes to center to further help educate the teach cooking. Anyone who may community and will have referrals be interested please contact Ms. to all community resources. They Mundy at 646-280-6265.

friend of Mother Emanuel Pastor Clementa Pinckney, stated: “We just want whatever the consequence or the justice that had been delivered based on the court’s ruling to be final, period.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Williams, also a lead prosecutor in the case, said, “Our office is grateful for the decision of the court, a decision that ensures, as the Court stated, that ‘the harshest penalty a just society can impose’ is indeed imposed.”

Defense attorneys also argued he shouldn’t have represented himself because he was suffering from anxiety, autism, depression and schizophrenia. They added that Roof didn’t take his conviction seriously.

Earlier this year, Judge Kent A. Jordan

repeatedly pressed the defense lawyers and noted that “being mentally ill” or being “a person who is full of hate” is not the same as being incompetent. “Is every neo-Nazi incompetent to stand trial?” he asked. “It sounds like that’s what you are saying.”

Prosecutors portrayed Roof as a “calm, confident, callous man” who showed no signs that mental illness had anything to do with his crime.

They claimed that Roof’s unwillingness to cooperate with his own legal team was rooted in “a deepseated racial prejudice,” rather than mental illness. They revealed he purchased a .45-caliber Glock pistol and 88 rounds, representing a numerical symbol for “Heil Hitler,” according to prosecutors.

Op-Ed Continued from page 12

to talk to their healthcare provider about prostate screening, including the PSA and DRE tests.

Let others know about the risks of prostate cancer and the potential benefits of screening. Posters, fact sheets, and a social media tool kit, for use year round at your place of worship, where you work, and for your fraternity or sorority, can all be downloaded for free at the www.ProstateCancerAwarenessMonth.com web site.

You can learn more about prostate cancer and other cancers in minority communities, at the Office of Minority Health, http:// www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov. You can also ask questions of Nathan, the virtual prostate cancer expert at CDC, https://www. cdc.gov/cancer/prostate.

A federally staffed panel of experts, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF), makes recommendations about screenings that healthcare provid-

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 25 ers look to for guidance. The Task Force cancer screening in following years.

The bottom line? Having an annual has recommended that men aged 55-69 For younger men, more than 30 states prostate exam, including a PSA test, just should speak to their healthcare provid- require that insurance companies offer- might save your life. No matter what age er about using the PSA test to screen for ing health insurance in their state pro- you are, an annual PSA test creates a prostate cancer. But Men’s Health Net- vide coverage for prostate cancer tests. benchmark to judge future tests against. work, many other patient advocate orga- Insurance companies may offer prostate No insurance and limited funds? Watch nizations, and many healthcare providers cancer screening in the remaining states for free screenings in your area. Many think that doesn’t go far enough. but are not required to do so. healthcare providers, hospitals, clinics, Men’s Heath Network urges the folWhen you receive your PSA test results, and health fairs offer free prostate screenlowing men to talk to their healthcare ask the healthcare provider what your PSA ings in September and at other times provider about routine prostate cancer number is, write it down, and compare it during the year. screening: against future tests. If the number goes up in Take any opportunity you can to Get It • All men over age 50, and at age 40 for Af- future tests, talk to your healthcare provider. Checked (www.GetItChecked.com). rican Americans and others at high risk Resources • Men with a family history of prostate cancer Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: www.ProstateCancerAwarenessMonth.com • Veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and Prostate Health Guide: www.ProstateHealthGuide.com • Men exposed to pesticides and certain Get It Checked (screening guidelines for men and for women): other chemicals. www.GetItChecked.com If you are on Medicare, prostate cancer PCORI. treatment options explained: screening is a part of your “Welcome to www.pcori.org/evidence-updates/for-patients-early-stage-and-localized-prostate-cancer Medicare” physical, the free comprehenTalking about Men’s Health: www.TalkingAboutMensHealth.com sive physical exam you receive in your first Men’s Health Network: www.MensHealthNetwork.org year of eligibility. But you may have to ask for the “Welcome” physical since many Ana Fadich Tomsic, MPH, CHES, is vice www.ProstateCancerAwarenessMonth.com healthcare providers don’t know about president, Men’s Heath Network and manis managed by it. Medicare continues to cover prostate ages the organization’s day to day activities.

Men’s Health Network

Business Directory Author Deborah Battle's “For Children and the Young at Heart”

Available at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Google Play FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE. THE LATEST OFFERING FROM THE ESTEEMED

DR. BERNARD HARRIS Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and bookbaby.com

Executive Security & Executive Exotic Limo Limo Service

Fleet: Fleet: Custom Mercedes Mercedes Benz Custom Benz Sprinter Sprinter Cadillac Escalade Escalade ESV Cadillac ESV Mercedes S550 Mercedes Benz Benz S550

Funerals, Funerals, Wedding, Wedding, Tours, Tours, Casinos Casinos Special Events Occassions Special Events & & Occassions Office: 212-531-3792 Office: 212-531-3792 Mobile:917-560-6838 917-560-6838 Mobile: www.executivesecurityprotection.com www.executiveexoticlimo.com

“PSORIASIS” If you have an interest in bettering your present condition with the use of an F.D.A. approved adjuvant and patented protocol without side effects (no panacea offered i.e. certain individuals maybe allergic to water, wheat, etc.) nothing is 100%. However, the treatment is safe and uncomplicated, tolerated by the majority of the world’s population. To conclude, for further information and instructions, call us at 631-367-7450 UNIVERSAL MEDICAL INNOVATIONS, INC.

Are you raising a troubled teen?

Know someone who is?

Get: Teen Preganancy & Teen Drug Abuse Its’s a 60 minute DVD full of sound insight.

To order send $29.95 Mercedes Sprinter Limousine plus $3.50Benz shipping and handling to: Funerals, Wedding, Tours, Casinos A. Nat Curtis Special Events & Occassions P.O. Box 306, New York, NY 10026-0306 212.531.3792 paypal: axnatxx@gmail.com

www.executivesecurityprotection.com (Delivery in 3 weeks)

Announcing

An African American Philosophy of Medicine

by Frederick Newsome, MD, MSc

PRINCIPAL MONEY LENDER *SHORT & L ONG TERM * *FAST APPROVAL* *MULTIPLE FINANCIAL PLANS & STRUCTURES* CALL MELIUS 631.367.7450

W I L L B U Y YO U R BUSINESS CA$H! Sale and/or release back deal

YOUR choice!

Plain talk—631.367.7450

An examination of race, medical knowledge and history based on the author’s life as a physician in West Africa and Harlem, New York.

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and Dorrance Publishing Company

TO DISPLAY YOUR BUSINESS INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT

William J. Atkins

P: 212-932-7429

WILLIAM.ATKINS@AMSTERDAMNEWS.COM

December 26, 2019 JanuaryDATES 1, 2020 • 29 PUB #: ZONE TP - RUN Acct 364 EDT January 7, 2021 - January 13, 2021 • 27 AN A 97 S 01/07,14,21, 2340 −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− ANGELA POLITE 2G 231 W. 149TH STREET Under this rates ar NEW YORK NY agreement 10003 event of a cancellation befor rate charged will be based up Salesperson: Not Applicable −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− Contact: Acct #: 370 _____________________________ Phone: (917)442−3053 Name (print or type) Fax#: MORRISON & TENEBAUM Email: 87 WALKER STREET Agency: NEW YORK NY 10013 .101 −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− 100 PUBLICNOTICES NOTICE 100 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL 101 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE 101 LEGALNOTICES NOTICE 100 PUBLIC NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL 101RUN LEGAL NOTICES 100PUBLIC PUBLIC NOTICE 101 100 PUBLIC NOTICE 101 LEGAL NOTICE 101 LEGAL NOTICE PUB 101 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE ZONENOTICES EDT TP DATES Barreitude, LLC filed Arts. of Notice Notice of Qualification Qualification of of Notice Notice of of Formation Qual of BLITSTEIN C a p i t aof l ofPQualification rFormation e p a r a t o r y of Hof a rSCIl e YORK m Notice NEW CITY NOTICE OF Sect'y FORMATION Notice Formation of Arts.

HFP Notice of Formation formation of ATM of CLIF- AN Notice BCI of Notice ofofA Qualification of S Notice of of 97 12/10,17,24,3 LUXURY NEST LLC. with the of 3235 State Org. TE FUND I, LLC Authority 13 ENCE CALIBRANT ASSOCIATES C h a r te FOR r S LLC c hFITNESS, o oDEPARTMENT ls B Ofor A LLC RAuth.

D OOF F TRANSPORTATION NOTICE TO FORD BIDDERS HOLDOFNY YUNAVERSE LLC Arts. of Org.the filed with GRAND HERE 4 CONCOURSE U10/9/19.

LLC Arts. of Org. HOUSELLC, DEVELOPBRANDS, Appl.

OF KENTUCKY, AMTECK 1605 BROADWAY LLC Appl.

LLC of Org. filed with SSNY of on Office: NY Appl. filed Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. for Auth. filed with Sewith the SSNY on DIVISION OF BRIDGES TRUSTEES will hold a Public −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− INGS, Articles of OrgaNYSecy. filed with the Secy. of State of Org. filed Secy. filed with Secy. of State of NY LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with ER, LLC Arts. of NOTICE filed with ofLLC. Org. filed Secy. ofor n SALE 1Auth.

2of /0 5State /1 7 . of O ffic e(SSNY) : N e of w Arts.

County.

SSNY haswith been desINVITATION on FOR of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/12/2020. Office loc: NY OF of State of NY (SSNY) cy. BIDS

38 January 11,2,2018 17, 8, 2018 26 • September 2021--January September 2021

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS THE NEWS THENEW NEW YORK YORK AMSTERDAM AMSTERDAM NEWS

CLASSIFIED ADS ADS CLASSIFIED RULES AND REGULATIONS

CANCELLATIONS must be made in writing by 12 Noon

rdam News Monday. x 7.5”The forwarding of an order is construed as an acceptance of all advertising rules and conditions under which advertising space is sold by the NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS. Publication is made and charged according to the terms of this card.

Rates and regulations subject to change without notice.

No agreements as to position or regulations, other than those printed on this.

Til forbid orders charged for rate earned. Increases or decreases in space take the rate of a new advertisement.

The New York AMSTERDAM NEWS reserves the right to censor, reject, alter or revise all advertisements in accordance with its rules governing the acceptance of advertising and accepts no liability for its failure to insert an advertisement for any cause. Credit for errors in advertisements allowed only for first insertion.

CLASSIFIED • Classified advertisements take the regular earned rate of their classification. Four line minimum on all ads except spirituals and horoscopes (14 lines).

CLASSIFIED DISPLAY • Classified Display (boarder or picture) advertisements take the regular earned rate of their classification. Display (boarder or picture) advertisements one column wide must be 14 lines deep; two columns, 28 lines deep; 3 columns, 56 lines deep.

Classified Display (boarder or picture) placed as close to classifications as rules and makeup permit.

CLASSIFICATIONS All advertisement accepted for publication is classified according to the standard c l a s s i f i c a t i o n s .

Misclassification is not permitted.

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

Upon reaching 15 lines the rate converts to column inch.

Any deviation from solid composition such as indentation, use of white space, bold type, etc., will incur a premium.

In Case of error, notify the Amsterdam News 212-9327440 7400

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

SSNY desigignated as agent of with the Office location: NY Office location: LLC formed in DE on NY 11/09/20.

12/10/20.

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

The meeting willtheon Hand delivered sealed bidsLLC for Project described below will beNY (SSNY) State New Secretary 12/21/20. location: NY 1 County.

SSNY fice location NY County. on 08/05/21.

Office location: NY County.

07/02/21.

Office location: 2 /0 5whom /1 7 . of O ffic e loagainst cofa tio n it: nated as Office agent of designatthe LLC process upon SSNY designated as LLC formed in SSNY is desigCounty.

County.

11/02/2020. will receive sealed proposals for: SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF BRONX of the Section, Office Agency in bereceived held in atbyDelaware 1representatives East 104th Street County.

LLC in NY (SSNY) on 10/27/2020.

YorkCounty. aswhom agent of formed LLCagainst upon SSNY has been designated location: NY County. Princ. ed formed (DE) onContracts NY County.

LLCof the formed Princ. officemail of upon process may be served and shall agent of LLC upon whom proDelaware (DE) on 12/01/20. nated as agent upon whom Chief Contracting Officer, Ground FloorBid Window 55 Water Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10029.

Office as upon whom 08/04/21. SSNY designated Kentucky (KY) on 11/04/77. office of LLC: 30 Hudson whom L agent C : 3Location: 2to: 3 5The G rLLC, a New n dprocess C York o nE. iDelaware t m a yprocess b e(DE) s eagainst r von e d11/10/20. . SitSmay NY L 347 process BIDW. NO. Yards, 18G2 Fargo New York, NY 10041 until 11:00 on the date indicated below when cess against itupon may beAM SSNY office of LLC: 125 against theNA, LLC may Princ. process rd Princ. office of LLC: c/o ArCounty.

SSNY has been desWells Bank, Plaintiff be served.

SSNY shall mail against it may be served and 72nd Fl., NY, NY as agent of LLC whom designated as agent of o u rST, s e , PHB, 1 A ANY, , B rNY o n x10022. , NY shall mail copy of process to c53 bids willSSNY be publicly opened and read in55th Bid Room, address REQUEST FOR FOR ARCHITECTURAL, served. shall mail proSt.,same NY, NY PROPOSALS 10019. 10001. be served.

SSNY shall mail gent Ventures LLC, 551 5th as agent upon whom ignated to c/o Cohen & Coprocess shall mail a copy of any proSSNY designated as process against it may be LLC upon whom process 10468.

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

I, ISAIAH MESSADOService TIMOENGINEERING BID PHASE SERVICES, cess toSSNY Corporation as agent of agent to: CONSTRUCTION The whom LLC, pro777 hen, SSNY process On: Januaryagainst 14, 2020designated Ave., LLP, NY, 10176. it may be process 767 Third Ave., agent cess against theupon LLC served of LLC upon served. shallwhose mail proitth mayDESIGN, be served. of against LLC w hom Street, UnitNY 3B, New SSNY York, AGAINST th THY JOHNSON adADMINISTRATION ANDtoINSPECTION SERVICES 80 State St., Albany, NYth, 175 whom process Ste 2503, NY, NY Co., LLC Third Ave REHABILITATION OF EAST 169 andupon 180 BRIDGES designated of PurLLC process The PostLLC: adserved.

Fl., NY,as NYagent 10017. upon is C/O the Tyece cess against it FOR may be 31st cess tois c/o Michael GoldSSNY shallSTREET mail process against itOffice may be NY 10014. d re s s 4 1 9 W e s t 1 2 9 th th of BCP OVER METRO-NORTH RAILROAD SHORELINE STABILIZATION ROAD SSNY ELEVATION OF 12207.Sills against 10017.

Purpose: Any lawful the it may be served.

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

Smith, 143 W 140 Street, served. shall mail prosmith, Cummis & Gross KY addr. of LLC: 1387 E. erved. S S N Y s h a ll m a il P uHo-Shing;Audrey r p o s e : A n y Ho-Shing l a w f u l sSPECIAL Lawson Ho-Shing a/k/a209 Lawson Contract Nos. HBX1670, HBX1215 and HBX180 Street, Manhattan NY 10027 activity.

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

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

DE addr. of KY 40505.

Cert. of Lexington, Notice of formation Viento , c /o N o rto nSecy.

RLLC o s eofserved F u llNa m ebid asubmitted s I S Amust I A of Hbe11E78 T R I - (CSC), until am on for THURSDAY, 1, 2018 at the Town 19801. Cert 80 State St., of Purpose: Formation filed Media Notice of Formation Auth. filed with State Each accompanied by a 10:00 certified check 2%Albany, of the of FEBRUARY the princ. office of the LLC. upon him/her is 36 West 47th 12207-2543.

Any Form.

LLC: Corporation Service filed with Secy.

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

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

State, Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., P.O. Box 1150, FrankN o t i c e o f r m a t i o n o f with the Secy. of NY (SSNY) tNotice he Am rformation i c a sNY , N of Y , One NNY Y offiled therules proposal, payable toof the Comptroller ofCSC, the City251 of New York. ingamount to the and usage whichKY time they will be publicly and read of ofeThe c/o Little Falls St., inSuite 4, Dover, LLC: Federal version Secy.

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

Global Inc., 850 New Burton 10036. location: principal busifort, Wilmington, DEwith 19808.

Cert.

40602-1150.

Pur- opened PikMyBrain, LLC Arts. of 10019.

03/26/2021 NY office locaon Purpose: Any Islands lawful of such ISAIAH TRIFORCE Purchasing office. and Only Management Group Dr., DE Wilmington, DE 19808.

19901.

Purpose: Any of NY (SSNY) on State auction at the Bronx County Courthouse, 851 Grand ConLP formed in Cayman THE NYCDOT DIVISION OF BRIDGES IS SEEKING QUALIFIED BIDDERS/ Rd., Ste. 201, Dover, DE ness address of the LLC is 36 of Form. filed with DE Secy. pose: Electrical contracting Notice of Qualification of HVS tion Org. filed with Secy. of State NY County.

SSNY has activity.

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

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

Cert. ofon Form. filed Appl. for Auth.

47th02/06/19.

Street, WestArts. of State, Div. converting of FOR Corps., sub-contracting work, of NY (SSNY) 12/27/17. designated as an agent been (1) original and tenFOR (10) copies ofLLC both technical and cost the Secy.

NY (SSNY) on PROCUREMENT IS SUBJECT PARTICIPATION State, Div. of GOALS Corps., John ofOne 78TH STREET CO. to TOand EAST 2:00PM, premises known Needham Avenue, Bronx, fice of LP: 650 Madison Ave., with DE Secy. ofNY State, Div. Secy. of be State of as NY1312 York, NY of 10036.

Purpose: G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Fedall (MBEs) activities andWOMEN purposOffice location: County. upon whom process against it 06/08/2021 proposals.

TheAND/OR Technical and Costwith Proposals shall in seperate MINORITY OWNED LLC. BUSINESS ENTERPRISES NY office location G. Townsend Bldg., 401 FedREALTY Office 11E78 NY 10469.

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

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

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

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

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

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

LLC Purpose: Any activity.

Associates, LLC. Arts copy of any process against a of LLC upon whom process 6-129 (Local Law 1 of 2013) OF THE NEW YORK CITY ADMINISTRATIVE address.

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

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

Kennedy Lewis Ac- formed date ofSchedule bid opening.

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

04/19/21.

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

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

Premises will be sold served.

SSNY shall mail be th PROGRAM and the NYC ComptrollersAzul LaborDisaster Law 220 prevailing wages 107 ADOPTION as agent of LLC upon whom N.A., Plaintiff, vs.

ESTATE Agents, Inc. 7014 13 Av11/17/2017.

Office location. the LLC , 1025 Fifth Ave., Operations/Lofiled w/ SSNY Off. inThe subject information call 7/29/21.

(631) 957-3025.

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

Auth.

SSNY asfor toagainst provisions Judgment Index# 380685-13. process to the Partnership at requirements described inA the Solicitation Materials. it of may be OF E Ldesignated LSecy.

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

SSNY A p t .to3the E FReferee S o202, u t h will , Brooklyn, N be Y , acN Y NY gistics Cert of FormLLC. filedArts w/ process anyCo. andConsultants all proposals. tion: New York County.

SSNY the LLC is C/O theofdesignatLLC: 595 filed with of State of/ KNY the princ. office the LP. whom LLC Only cash or certified funds payable Notice of formation of lawful Grits Single woman looking to build served.

SSNY shall mail proAND WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES E LMINORITY L Aupon Mon AOWNED E07/29/21.

BRO Wprocess N , E T OWNED NY 11228.

Purpose: Any law- ed agent upon whom pro10028.

Purpose: Any of Org filed with Secy. of 7/1/21.

SSNY desig.

SSDE has designated as agent Baltic Street, Brooklyn, NY (SSNY) Office and addr. of each genName against itwillmay be full served. ceptedtoasCorporation a deposit in Service the amount ofactivity. ten percent LLC of theArts pur- of cher Entertainment adoption.

(M/WBE) be afforded opportunityState submitof bids NY and the(SSNY) City ofbeNew AL., Defendant(s). e s sfamily m Purpose: a y by b e are s eAny rvavailable e dlawful aAny nd activity. on cess Proposal may examined and whom obtained at the Town Hall it ful asto agt. ofdocuments LLC whom process process against upon 11217. location: NYnotifies County.

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

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

Please call (347) 470pursuant this advertisement willDepartment be awarded to the bany, 12207-2543.

DE Notice of formation of 560 a g a in s t L L C to : U S C o rp Persuant to a Purpose: Judgment of County.

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

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

Any c/o Corporate SerOffice NY orInc., my7014 attorney: (800) 5228Maples Frank D. Lombardi, Esq., addr. of LLC: c/omay CSC, 251 N o t i c location: eNECK o f F oRD r mCounty. aLLC t i o nArts. o f Agents F osex, rc loactivity. s u reManagement a n d S a lenational d u ly origin, Ave., whom process agent TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2018. documents also Referee bebe LITTLE istered Inc., 26 Proposal process against it may sexual orientation, age upon orAgents, place of residence. c/o Rudin Co., lawful SSNY vices Limited, PO13th Box 309, 582-3678 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, Notice of formation of Ripka T aOrg. k a mhas i c h i been B e athe udesignated t ySecy.

R o o of m #202, filed on June 01, 2017 and BK, NY 11228.

Prinmay be served and shall mail of filed with ddirected o w n l oto a the d eE. drequirements aGreenbush, t t h e T of o w n oserved f B a b yand l o nshall ’ s w email b s i proces te at Prospective bidder's is alsoCarville Ln, Inc., 345 Park Ave.,attention NY, NY as an agent upon whom proHouse, Grand CayUgland 19808.

Cert. & ofBarak, Form. LLC filed NY Arts LLC Arts. address: of Org. filed Shapiro, Dicaro LLC.(SSNY) Arts. of on Org.07/14/2021 filed with cipal anschedule O rder ppointing S ucbusiness 300 ofparticipation process LLC DE copy "B"AinQualification the proposal concerning M/WBE the contract. www.townofbabylon.com.

12061.

Add.inagainst maintained against the LLC served 10154.

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

Cert. of Secy. of the State of upon DE, NY with Secy. of NY NY, (SSNY) Attorney(s) for Plaintiff N Y D e plocation t . itomay f SNY t a tserved e o n E. The of schedule of proposed M/WBE participation to be St, submitted by theNY with cessor Referee dated No74th #10A, NY to 220 60th #3k, NY, in DE: EisUniversal Registered the LLC: 88Dover, Greenwich is C/O agent LLC upon whom proandoffice shall Office mail alocation: copyCounty. of any 1711 RETAIL, LLC Appl. for filed St., with Registrar of LP 06/14/2021 401 Federal St., DE apparent low bidder within seven (7) calendar days after the date of opening on NY office loca175 Mile Crossing Boulevard 10/3/17.

NY vember 28, 2017, I,may theState un10021.

10022. Inc., R/A: 300 VB&T Certified has been the designated Creek View Street, Apt 714, New York, SSNY Agents, cess against it be process against LLC to Auth. filed with Secy. of Partnerships C.I., 133 Elgin of bids. The M/WBE goal for project Public isSPECIAL 24 %. Accountants, 19901.

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

SSNY has Rochester, New 14624 C ounty.

Princ. bus. addr.: dersigned Referee willthis sell 110 SERVICES any lawful act.CayPLLC, anthe agent upon whom pro- Purpose: Rd, Ste. thNOTE: 209, Newark, DE shall NY 10006.

Purpose: Any lawserved.

SSNY shall proC/O LLC Angela Polite NY (SSNY) on mail 11/23/20. of Ave., Box 123, Grand been designated as an agent the W New State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (877)430-4792 283 Decatur St., Brooklyn, a t Non-compliance p utoblocation: l iGoldfarb c a uwith c tNY i o& n7 day a tsubmittal t h e requirement, 57 St,&Ste NY, activity.

250 the theYork stipulations of1632, Schedule against may2G be served cess 19711.

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

149thit St. NY, NY upon Office County.

C.I.& process KY1-9000.

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

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

Notice of Formation of ETER100 pills for of $150. for $99. significantly unbalanced to the potential of the Department may be cause may be served and shall mail Development Block Grants.

A project funded by and conceived d e s ig n a te d a g e n t o f L L C of Form ation 44 act. filed: DE Sec. of State, Dated: November 18, 2019 #98015 Room 600, 851 Grand Con- Form against the LLC is Notice process of Rudin matters, 560 Lexingtary.

11/17/20.

SSNY designaton for a determination ofNY non-responsiveness and the rejection of the bid.

NIS FINE CHEMICALS USA FREE shipping.

Money back a copy of any process against through the NY Rising Community Reconstruction program of upon whom process against EAST 75TH STREET, LLC course, Bronx, on JanuC/O the LLC: 620 W 42nd St Notice of Formation of SIGofof formation Corp, John G. ton Ave., 6th of Fl.,LLC NY, upon NY Div. ed as agent Notice of of Jess Arts. SP ofProposers Org. filed with Formation of BRG WESTguaranteed!

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

5, LLC Arts. of Apt NATURE Townsend POArts.

Box 10022.

DE addr.

LLC: Coragainst itp.m., may whom Trayah Interiors LLC Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) SIDE LLC the West 12thoffiled Street, Apt.Secy.

4B, download free ofo charge starting December 9,Dover, 2019 forany the full duration of of agency comply with and all funding requirements, as of wellState as mail process to: Any 263 of Bowof State NYwith (SSNY) on p re m is e s k n w n a s 1 5 5 0 Purpose: lawful Org. filed Secy.

DE 19903.

Any 898, poration Service Co., 251 LitNotice of with Qualification of 79 10036.

Notice of Qualification 980 betheserved.

SSNY shall mail DISH TV $59.99 For Org filed with the Secy. of on 08/02/21.

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

PurNotice is hereby given that a any other State, County, Town or local government or agency ery, 2nd Fl., NY, NY 10002.

1 2 /0 4 /1 7 . O ffic e lo c a tio190 n: U nionport RWilmington, oad, U nitEnterN o. lawful purpose. of NY (SSNY) on 11/19/20. tle Falls Dr., DE PLACE OWNER activity.

CLIFTON RAIL PROPERTY LLC Appl. process to c/o Anbau +SSNY $14.95 Channels State of regulations.

NY (SSNY) on Line (https://mspwvw-dcscpfvp.nyc.gov/CROLPublicFacingWeb/) NY County.

SSNY designat11/21/19.

Office loc.: High NY license, number 1324834 for pose: Any lawful activity. rules and A goal of 15% for New York State Certified Purpose: any lawful activity.

NY County. designat6A, Bronx, NY. All that cerlocation: NY County.

Office 19808.

Cert. of Form.

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

Speed Internet.

Free InstallaNY office locaed as designated agent of as LLC upon SSNY of designated as County. liquor license, has been apMinority Businesses and 15% for New York State Certified A Drawings are not available for download and MUST be purchased. ed as agent LLC upon tain plot, piece or parcel of SSNY agent of Notice of formation of 68with Secy. of State of 251 the Notice Secy. of State against of NY (SSNY) State ofMarilyn NY 18 (SSNY) on agent DE addr. of LLC: 10010.

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

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

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

Some FORD HOUSE PRESERVAdesignated as agent been be served.

SSNY mail City Department Transportation, Office of the Agency Chief Contracting against it may be cess d/b/a Don Giovanni RisN O TIC E O F FO R M ATIO N project.

Proposers must demonstrate their good-faith efforts to be LAUNDRY served. SSNY shall i m p19808. r o v e Bldg., m e n tof s Form. t hFederal e r efiled on it may be served. against filed LLC with the Secy. of Townsend 401 WAY GROUP County.

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

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

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

PurLLC ofprocess Org. filed with Delaware (DE) 10/23/19.

(DE) on12/03/2019 10/31/19.

Delaware with Secy. of between State, Div. of - 3:00 New York 10041 9:00 a.m. p.m., Monday excludes 9405 Arts.

Secy. ofto Friday, Stateshall of mail NY Service with may be served and Co., 80 State St., Alshall mail to Benin aoffice restaurant under thewith Al- Low, LLC Arts. of Org. filed 44 E. 75th St., NY, NY b e i n g i n t h e B o r o u g h o f Corporation Service Co., 80 NY location NY County. pose: Any lawful activity. the Secy. of NY (SSNY) on Princ. NY office ofwithLLC: 1120 SSNY designated as agent of Corps., 401 Federal St., Ste. holidays.

The entrance is located on the(SSNY) South Side of any the Building facing thethe on 08/05/21.

Office copy of process to a bany, 12207-2543.

PurSinanaj, 425 Madison jamin The Town will not reimburse any individual or firm any costs coholic Beverage Control t h e S has e c y been . of S t a t e o f 10021.

Bronx, County of Bronx,You City St.,the Albany, NY 12207State of Get DIRECTV! ONLY designated SSNY ndthe building without Vietnam Veterans Memorial. will not be allowed in 07/13/2021 NY office location Americas, Ste. Ave. LLC upon whom process 4, Dover, DE 19901.

Purlocation: NY County.

Princ.

LLC: 520 2 Ave, Suite 20B, pose: Any lawful activity.

Ave., Ste. 1001, New York, Law at 358 W 44th Street, associated with the preparation of their proposal.

NY(SSNY) has been desigNotice of Qualification of Purpose: Any lawful activity. a ngovernment d SAny t a t lawful eissued o f identification N e w Y o(driver's r k , license, passport, etc.).

2543. NY, Purpose: Any SSNY lawful as 155 Channels & $35/month! an agent upon whom proBronx County.

SSNY has 1803, NY 10036. it may be served. against pose: activity. of LP: Hudson office New York, NY 30 10016.

Pur- activity.

10017.

Purpose: Any lawnNew a t e against dYork, a s aNY afor g ebe npremises t served u p o n NY MONTICELLO Block 3943 and Lot STRUC2867 to1000s of Shows/Movies On itn may been designated as an agent as wom agent of HAN LLC cess designated SSNY shall mail process to A depositPRODUCTS of $50.00 is required for theYards, specification books and aNY, deposit 72nd Fl., NY Notice pose: Any lawful activity. of Formation consumption. ful activity.

The Town of Babylon encourages m inority and en ofowned w h o m p r o c e s s a g a in s t it TURED MSPg e th e r w ith a n u n d iv id e d Demand (w/SELECT All Inshall mail a copy of any and of $50.00 isFormation required for each drawing 10001. set in the Latest form of a date certified upon whom process against upon whom KU process c/o Co. N Notice ofAppl. of filed THE oncheck which LLC against Arts. ofit process businesses to participate all bids.DYNASTY otice of Package.)

Form ation of A-it m ay Corporation be against served.Service TheLLC Post 16, for interest Auth.

0.0133 percent PLUS cluded is may of may Formation ofin SIGorLLC money order payable tointhe Notice New LP York City Department of is beAserved and mail may filed be served.

SSNY shall Office 80 Statetothe St., Albany, (CSC), address BIG RED UMBRELLA, LLC dissolve Org. Secy. ofof State th S QU E DUp D given, Oshall I FIVE N O which the with Secy. of No State ofPersonal NY the Notice of with Formation THE C/O theTransportation.

Common Elements.

ApNotice isRany here by purCash or Checks Accepted.

Stream on toMagainst the LLC: 155 W 68 SP 4, LLC Arts. of NATURE a copy of process mail process to c/o CorporaNY 12207-2543.

DE addr. of Arts. of Org. filed with Secy.

12/31/2119.

SSNY designatThe Town reserves the right to reject any all bids. GOLF, of NYor(SSNY) on 08/18/21.

II, LP (SSNY) on amount 08/02/21.

Office Org. SSNY shall York, mail Little a copy of OPPORTUNITY BOROUGHS LLC proximate of judgesuant to law, that the Cert.

NYC Screens Simultaneously at Street, New NY 10023. filedagent Secy. of2019 State Office the LLC is C/O the LLC: tion Service Co., 80 State St., LLC: CSC, 251 Falls of NY (SSNY) AState Pre-Bid of meeting (Optional) hason beened scheduled forwith December 16, as of LP upon location: NY County. f LAdditional P file d ofw Cost. ith S eCall c y . Rd, of location: NYin the County.

LLC Contracting Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. any against the LLC o m ent is AM $119,173.75 plus Department Consumer AfDINo Purpose: Any lawful activity. ofTheresa NYprocess (SSNY) on 11/19/20.

Agency Chief Officer Bid against Room, Ground at 10:00 Albany, Dr., process NY 12207-2543.

DE Wilmington, DE 19808.

1604 Williamsbridge Office location: NY 11/06/20.

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

S S Nfiled Y sh a ll Secy. m a il Bronx, interest and costs.

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

Office Floor, 55 Water Street, NYC. All bidders are requested to Little Falls sCert. addr. of with 10461.

Purpose: County.

SSNY designated as prospective Commissioner of General Services be served.

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

07/29/21.

Princ.

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

O ffic e lo cJanuary a tio n : Office NY Notice 11/23/20. process to 660 Nereid Ave willattend. beofsold subject toofInprovion ing Seats areoffice limited. this connection, limit the as number of of Dr., designated agent SSNY please of Formation of 5 Wilmington, DE 19808. of State, Div. of Corps., 401 Any LLC upon whom proagent process to Corporation SerSSNY designated as agent of # 1 , B r o n x , N e w Y o r k , NY 600 Third Ave., 21st Fl., NY, County.

Princ.filed office ofSecy.

LLC: Princ.p.m. office of attendees to maximum of two personnel perupon firm. Please submit the sions of filed Judgment In2020 at 2:00 at 42 LLC whom process LLC of 08, County.

FRANKLIN of Form. with Cert.

Federal St.NYC - Ste. 4, Arts.

Dover, cess against it may be Date: January 9,State 2018 vice Co., St., LLC upon whom process NY SSNY 56 State, Leonard St., Apt. 39W, Org. P : c / o A5sthcFloor, e n d Aon m ear perica attendees to Manager no80 later than (2)Al10470. d ename(s) x10016. # SSNY 3 of 80 2 4shall 6 / designated 2 0mail 1 2the . proNProject o bany, FREE! may be two served. against filed with Secy. Any of State of John G.be Townsend Purpose: law- LBroadway, DE 19901. served.

NYit12207-2543.

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

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

SSNY desigNY, L L C , 6 3 5 M a d i s o n A v e ., Notice of Formation Purpose: Any lawful activity Cash to willFredda be Accepted. tition for CASA AZUL. INC of to SSNY shallofmail process to SSNY (SSNY) onToilet08/12/21.

Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. to 4, of ful NY activity. cess Herzmay Brown, Standard Right Height and addr. each general shall mailofprocess process against bewriting nated as agent LLC upon Office location: STERNBUCH FAMILY 1300,maintain, NY, SAVE NYand 10022.

FREE! ($500 Value) WALK-INSte. BATHTUB SALE! $1,500 All questions shall beitsubmitted in to the designated person indicated operestablish, Corporation Service Co., 80 Corporation NY County.

DE 19901.

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

SSNY shall process against it may whom PROPERTIES LLC sidewalk Arts. of Latest on which the LP of is December 20, 2019.

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

NY, 10028.

Any Any tState e r e sSt., t Purpose: e dAlbany, and q u a 12207llawful i f i e d State tAny ere sSt., t e dAlbany, aSSNY n d qNY u a12207l i f mail i e d SSNY th140

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

Ave inState the Referee 2543. Purpose: Any lawful Mr. Hari Velkur, LLC lawful activity. experience activity.

MWBE firms to submit pro- 2543.

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

SSNY designated as agent Borough Brooklyn Director of Engineering and Construction Programs, ACCO, activity.for against it may be served. ✔ Ultra low entry for easyof entering & exiting for a posals the following NYS restaurants. posals to the following LLC: the princ. office of the NYS LLC. SSNY Office location: NY process County.

UM (NEW YORK) of LPDrain upon whom Management two years. term K n u cc/o k lof eCorporation sFormation , KFinance, o m o s Contracts iService n s kBIOi && Program ® shall mail BORROWER, process✔to Technology Patented Quickof Notice of Departm ent ofFORMATION: TransportaDepartm NOTICE OF Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., A of golfTransportasimulation Barbara Purpose: ent Princ. office of 276 LLC Arts. ofGutman, Org. filed 4withBryant Secy. against it m ay beLLC: served.

New York City Department of Transportation 122-124 W 124TH ST LLC, M a n fr o , L L P , 5 6 5 T a x te r ✔ Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, PROTECTORS, LLC Arts. of Notice of Qualification of ALNotice of Formation of CLIFtion project: tion Best Value Bid project: Mental Health Abbott 55DE Water Street, 8th Floor, New York,of New York 10041 Wilmington, 19808.

Cert. and golf related retailer.

Riverside Dr., Ste.process 2-G, NY, o f S t a9th t e Fl., o f NNY, Y ( SNY S N10018.

Y ) oINCLUDING n SSNY to Org. filed withCounthe FORD labor shall backed bymail American Standard Road, Ste. 590, Elm sford, Org. filed with Secy. of212-839-9403, State Arts.

TOUR HOLDINGS, LLC ApHOUSE PRESERVA- Park, Telephone No. Fax No. 212-839-4241 seling, PLLC. Articles of Org. of Form. filed with DE Secy.

NY 10025.

SSNY designated 1 2 /1 2 / 1 7 .

O ffic e lo c a tio n : N Y the Partnership, 635 Madion 08/19/2021. Office TION GP, LLC Arts. of Org. Purpose: ✔ 44 Hydrotherapy jets for for ancopies invigorating Request ofmassage the reN YNY 1 0 (SSNY) 5 2 3 , A t on torn e y s hvelkur@dot.nyc.gov f o r SSNY Anyfiled lawful activity.

12/03/19. of pl. for Auth. with Secy. of as Email: C o nNY tra c t # D 2SSNY 6 3State 6 3has 4 of- C o n t r a c t # D 2 6 3 6 3 0 th- County. filed w/ Secretary of of State, 401 Federal St. Ste. agent of LLC upon whom Princ. office of LLC: 246 son A ve., S te.

1300, N Y County. loc. vocable consent agreement Plaintifflocation: NY County. Bridge Replacement, I-84 filed Office State of NY (SSNY) on process against it may be, Notice ofRepairs Qualification 80 Secy. of at State ofLLC, NY Spring 3 of LocaYESwith MAMA CREATIVE 9/9/2020.

Office Bridge NY (SSNY) 4, Dover, DE 19901. Pur- been St.,ofNY, NY location: 10013. SSNY 10022.

Name to: andDepartaddr. as agent may be addressed Bill de Blasio, Mayordesignated office of LLC: 1305 FulPrinc.

Office NY 11/07/19.

STREET REALTY LLC Appl.

Notice Qualification of NY (SSNY) on 08/05/21.

Office Limited Time Offer! Call Today!

Eastbound & W estbound t i o n s i n L o n g I s l a n d of Org. filed with the Arts. location: New York County. pose: Any lawful activity. served. shall mail prodesignated agent formed ofAppl.

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

HunSSNY on 06/10/2020.

Office SSNY designated cess to Jacob M. Weinreb at whom process against it may be served. the available from SSNY. PurATTN: Foil Officer, 42 BroadSSNY of designated as agent of Road Notice Qual of KING PENDelaware (DE)Secy. on 08/21/17. of&County.

NY City (SSNY) on Auth.

State filed with of State Or the office of LLC: 30 Hudson -upon Tow n of Fishkill, tington the of Glen loc: NY SSNY has visit: www.walkintubinfo.com/nypress whom process PLLC shall princ. office of the LLC. served.

SSNY shall mail process SSNY mail process to: pose: Any lawful activity. way, New York, NY 10004. upon whom process LLC OPPORTUNITY GUIN FUND NY office of LLC: 1270 Princ.

11/08/19.

Office location: NY NY (SSNY) on 08/16/21. of Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY been designated as agent to T h e B o a rd o f M a n a g e rs o f Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NY against may beYork served.

LLC,it271 New Av- Cove, against may befiled served.

III LLC,axitAuthority with The Ave. of location: the Americas, NY, NY County.

LLC formed in Office NY County.

SSNY designated as process against upon whom shall mail copy of pro- 10001.

SSNY Brooklyn, Carem professional Trump SoHo Hotel Condominium NY 11213. shall mail processserto enue, SSNY the SSNY onArts.

07/27/2021.

OfSSNY designated as N Notice formation of 10020.

(DE) on 05/05/99.

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

Additional inform ation m ay LLC cess to: 315 Madison O TIC E of O F FO R M ATIO N vices LLC. of org. filed Purpose: Any Lawful NY at the princ.SSNY office whom ofdesignatthe LLC. OF FORMATION Corporation Co.,LLC 80 NOTICE fice loc: NYService County. agent of LLC upon Celebrity LLCofAppl.

SSNY designated as agent of Notice theAdvisors qualification Re03/25/11. on cess against it may be be obtainedNew from York, David Amshall from mail process to: Purpose: Any lawful activity. pro- OF SSNY obtained David Am#1501B, NY be BPBB Media, LLC. Arts with the 10/19/17. th OF AMERIGO HOLDINGS St., Albany, NY 12207. pose.

State formed in SSNY DE onon 04/16/2015. cess for against it may be Auth. filed with the Secy of upon whom process LLC source Energy Systems, LLC ed as agent of LLC upon served.

SSNY shall mail proa t o a t 9 1 4 6 9 9 7 4 4 0 299 t o aLLC, t 914 - 6 9West 9 - 7 4 12 40 10017. Purpose: any lawful aThe of O rg filed w ith Secy. of O f f i c eis: designated N e w lawful YFORMATION o r kactivity. . Sagent S N Y LLC Articles of Org. filed with NOTICE OF Purpose: Any SSNY as served.process State SSNY against shall mail pro- S off NNY (SSNY) against it defoecorp.com may served.

Application for of it may Corporation damato@ defoecorp.com or cess StreettoApt 3J, NY,be NYService 10014. damato@ or whom activity. tate o Y (Certificate S S N Y ) oon n d e s ALLTID i gwhom n a t e dprocess a g e n tagainst uLLC. p o n Notice Secretary of Stateofof 277 NY Co., the SPIRITS OF of Formation upon toofc/oFormation Corporation Sercess 10/29/19 SSNY shall process to be Authority filed served.

SSNY shall mail 80defoecorp.com State St., Albany, NY bids@ defoecorp.com Purpose: Anymail lawful purpose. bids@ 1 2 / 1 9 / 1 7N.Y. . O fOffice fwith i c e the l olocation: c :Secy NY Notice of 319 whom process against the (SSNY) 11/5/2019.

Arts of Orgmay filed with Secy of FIFTH LLC Arts.ofofOffice Org. 12207-2543. the LLC beLLC, served.

FEYNMAN POINT Arts.

Notice 35A ofonformation Signs vice New York County.

SSNY has Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Gideon Rothschild, Moses & process of State of New York (SSNY) to c/o Corporation Purpose: Any C ounty.

SSN Y designated W e s t 1 0 6 t h S t r e e t , L L C L L C m a y b e s e r v e d a n d NY County. location: Albany, Co. NY (CSC), 12207-2543.

DE on State offiled NY on filed with Secy. ofArts State of NY lawful activity.

SSNY mail process to: with(SSNY) the SSNY LLC. ofSSNY Org of Org.shall Candles designated agent been LLP, 405 Lexington Service Singer 05/18/2021.

NY as office lo80 State Bid Date: January 25, 2018 Bid Date: upon whom process Art. ofofOrg. filed with251 Sec. of agent shall mailOffice process against to (SSNY) th January 24, 2018 designated as agent LLC: CSC, Little addr.Albany, 11/7/19. location: NY 08/02/21.

The LLC, 369 Office West 126th on filed withon 09/22/2020. loc: Secy. of StateofOffice ofLLC NY Ave., upon 12is Fl., NY,given NY 10174. cation NY 12207-2543.

Notice hereby that a St., m a y whom bNY e sCounty. eprocess rv e d aSSNY nagainst d s hhas a llit State ofDr., NY (SSNY) on CSC, SepLegal Corp Solutions upon whom process against it Notice is hereby given that a Falls SSNY Wilmington, DE County.

NY5/29/20.

County.Office Princ.

Street, Mgmt Suite, NY,LLC, NY location: (SSNY) SSNY hasdesignated been deson lomay be served.

The Post OfDE addr. of LLC: c/o Corpobeen designated as an agent DE addr. of LLC: c/o license, number 1331331 for tember 15, 2017. Office in mail copy of process against 11Broadway Sterequired 615 New be served. shall license, may serial Co., #1338366 for 251 rate agent upon whom process 19808.

Form. filed upon of LLC: 277SSNY Fifth SSNY Ave., 10027.

Address to office as agent upon whom NY County. ignated cation: address to which the fice whom process against it LittleCert.

FallsofDr., WilmingliquorService license, has 251 beenLittle apto:shall US mail Corp.

Agents, N Y DE CDE o 19808. uSecy. nty. S Y d sDiv. i g . LLC York, York 10004. mail process to: Justin L. Galbeer wine has been apbeNew served and shall ofS N State, may with Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE ton, NY, NY 10016.

SSNY Cert. of Form. be maintained in DE: 108 #35A, process against the LLC mail may designated as agent upon SSNY copy of may be served andashall mail The New York Amsterdam News plied & for Kem Rest Inc. d/b/a Inc. 7014 13th Ave., #202, agent of LLC upon w hom Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Downs Avenue, letti, by the undersigned copy of13th process Of Corps., John G. 19808.

Cert. ofRistorante Form. filed as agentmay of LLC with Jeffrey W.Townsend Bullock, aany West St., against Wilmington, be served.

SSNY shall LLC mail designated whom 52process be plied process LLC copy of any against processthe against Don for Giovanni to filed K , LLC N Yupon 1 1 2is 2 8C/O . P rthe inisc ip al pBldg., r o c eof s sState m a yofbthe eSt., sState eSte. r v e dof Stamford, CT PurDE 19801. of Formation sell beerat&of wine in Secy. to principal business 401 Federal 4,. B with Secy.

State of DE, process against it to willwhom be Monday, January 15, 2018 in to: Cert Daniel L.address: Kesten, upon andclosed shall06902. mail copy of process served served LLC the served upon C/O sell liquor retail inataretail restauaddress: 562 W. S S NDiv. Y sDE hofa ll19901. m a il cPurpose: o p y G. o f business th Any lawful LLC activity.

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

SSNY Corps., John ESQ. process C/O Pryor Cashman against to shall 2010 Alton Rd, #3305, Miami 450LLC: the CT Corporation Sysrant under the Alcoholic BevTo advertise your 1 4 8 t h S t . , # 2 6 , N Y , N Y process to: 163 W. 74th St., observance of Martin King Jr.St., Day LLC is to be managed by one at 115 Control Delancey 401 St., Suite 4, mail York, NY 10019.

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

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

Purpose: 28 FL Liberty Street, New erage Law at NYC 214 Townsend publicFederal legal notices, Purpose: lawful N N Yrelated.

0 2 3 . DE P u rp o s e : 10031. or managers. for activity. on-premises Dover, DEact.

19901.

Purpose: Any lawful activity. any lyYtravel Any addr. ofPurpose: its princ.any office.

-, Ste. 4,1 0Dover, 19901.

10036.

Purpose: Any the 10453. law- 10002 NY lawful NYmore York, NY 10005.any Purpose: 10thlawful Ave, New York, NYconfor St. act. any lawful activity. call Lawful 212-932-7435 sumption; Salon Sucre LLC. Any Purpose.

Any lawful activity.

Purpose: Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Lawful Purpose ful act. Any lawful activity. premises consumption.

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

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

Total Class Rate:

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

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

101 LEGAL NOTICE

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

.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 27

Salesperson: Not Applicable Printed at 08/25/21 12:13 by am 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES 101 LEGAL NOTICES −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−− Acct #: 90 #:of 888 2382 Formation Notice of Formation of TEM- Notice of Ad Notice of Formation of TEM- Status: New PLAR2021 L.P. Cert. of LP CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 850116/2020 COUNTY OF NEW YORK _______________________________________________ DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-AR39, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-AR39 Plaintiff, vs.

DOUGLAS DAVIS, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR INDENTURE TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE OF SACO I TRUST 2006-12, MORTGAGE-BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2006-12; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU ; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU,

filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/15/21. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LP: 65 East 55th St., 35th Fl., NY, NY 10022. Latest date on which the LP may dissolve is 12/31/2036. SSNY designated as agent of LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

20 E 66 STREET LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect'y of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/3/2021. Office: NY County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o Empire Equities, 3 Columbus Cir 15th Fl, NY, NY 10019. Purpose: any lawful act.

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiffs attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $1,430,000.00 and interest, recorded on September 01, 2006, in Instrument Number 2006000497991 , of the Public Records of NEW YORK County, New York., covering premises known as 259W 131ST STREET , NEW YORK, NY 10027.

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

NEW YORK County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

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 the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Limited Time Offer - Call for Details

Special Financing Available *To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.

Saving a Life EVERY 11 MINUTES

alone I’m never

Life Alert® is always here for me.

One touch of a button sends help fast, 24/7.

Earn up to $80,000 - $100,000 annually

Are you fashionable and have the gift of communicating with people?

We are hiring talent scouts to represent the world Famous Barbizon Modeling Studio & Agency for girls and women established in 1938 on 5th Avenue.

You will be selecting new talent from thousands of applicants for Barbizons’ professionals to train and place them with agencies. No experience required. Bilingual a plus! Paid training.

Work virtually with great perks!

with

GPS !

Help at Home Help On-the-Go ®

Batteries Never Need Charging.

I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!

For a FREE brochure call:

1-800-404-9776 BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND

CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE GU

ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Corey Robson, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675

Model Talent Scout

Subject to Credit Approval

E

TT

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER!

NATIO

1

15% & 10 %

’S

June 2nd, 2021

7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

N

Dated:

110 SERVICES

FREE

TH

To the above named Defendants

Notice of Formation of ASTORIA WEST F&B LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/16/21.

Office location: NY County.

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

SSNY shall mail process to Cape Advisors, Inc., 375 Greenwich St., Third Fl., NY, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

877-516-1160

2

Defendants.

Notice of formation of VC YIELD LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy. of NY (SSNY) on 07/05/2021 NY office location NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC is C/O the LLC: United States Corporation Agents, Inc. 7014 13th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

110 SERVICES

D

Section: 7, Block:1937, Lot: 8

PLAR2021, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/15/21. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 65 East 55th St., 35th Fl., NY, NY 10022.

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

SSNY shall mail process to Cyrus Capital Partners GP, L.L.C. at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

110 SERVICES

Plaintiff designates NEW YORK as the place of trial situs of the real property

Mortgaged Premises: 259W 131ST STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10027

Notice of formation of Park Development, Centennial LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 12, 2021. Office location: New York County.

SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to THE LLC c/o Richard G. Handler, Esq., 50 Broadway, Amityville, NY 11701. Purpose: to engage in all aspects of any lawful activity.

110 SERVICES

Prepare for power outages with a Generac home standby generator

"JOHN DOE #1" through "JOHN DOE #12," the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint,

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/03/21. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 747 Third Ave., 37th Fl., NY, NY 10017. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

R

ER GUA

OFF

FINANCING THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET!

1

Promo Code: 285

Subject to credit approval. Call for details.

1

CALL US TODAY FOR

A FREE ESTIMATE

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE *

+

5% OFF

TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS ONLY! **

SENIORS & MILITARY!

OFF

WE INSTALL

YEAR-ROUND! LIFETIME WARRANTY

1-855-478-9473

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST

*For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. **Offer valid at time of estimate only 2The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.”

CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 WA UBI# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# PA069383 Suffolk HIC License# 52229-H License# 2705169445 License# 262000022 License# 262000403 License# 0086990 Registration# H-19114

Call to apply (332)206-9057 www.Barbizonnyc.com

28 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

140 MISC. INSURANCE

140 MISC. INSURANCE

DENTAL Insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.

Call to get your FREE Information Kit

1-855-225-1434 dental50plus.com/nypress

Includes the Participating (in GA: Designated) Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Product not available in all states. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN); Rider kinds B438/B439 (GA: B439B).

6255

250 MANHT FURN ROOMS

252 BKLYN FURN ROOMS

Rooms avail $150/wk+.

Close to MTA. Cable ready.

Close to Park. Elevator! Call: 914.258.2735 After 10 AM.

East New York: Large Furnished Room Sec., Cooking, G/E Incl. Senior Citizen Environment. Vaccinated! Call 718.757.4983

634 DONATIONS

634 DONATIONS

Donate Your Car & Help Grant A Child’s Wish

or

tNEW �ORK

Get the AmNews delivered to your door for less than the newsstand price!

Your community newspaper features: • The latest news affecting your community • Fashion, Arts & Entertainment • Editorials and Op-eds by local and national leaders • Community Calendar of Events • Latest Union News YES, I would like to subscribe to The Amsterdam News.

D $49.99 One Year D $79.99 Two Years D $34.99 Six Months Name ____________________ _

Help Local Children And Get Free & Easy Towing

Visit WheelsForWishes.org or call (877)-798-9474

� N .am.S eruam ew.S

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Benefiting

Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. To learn more about our programs or financial information, call (213) 948-2000 or visit www.wheelsforwishes.org

Drive Out Breast Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup – 24hr Response Tax Deduction _ Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855905-4755

Address___________________ _ City_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State ____ _ Zip_ _ _ _ Daytime phone ________________ _ _ E-mail_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Check or Money Order enclosed Credit Card No.

TO DISPLAY YOUR CLASSIFIEDS AD CONTACT Ali Miliner (212) 932-7435 ali.milliner@amsterdamnews.com

Expiration Date_

_ _ _ CID_ _ _

Mail to: AMNews Corp.

2340 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

NewYork, NY 10027

* Delivery by US Postal Service only

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

E-mail: benita.darby @amsterdamnews.com Or call (212) 932-7453

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 29

Yanks hit a bump in the road climbing up in the standings

By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews

(Wikipedia photo)

in the fifth inning with an RBI single, one of his two hits, and tied it again in the seventh inning at 7-7 with a 2-run Something happened to the homer, his 25th of the season.

Yankees on their quest to reach But it was a two-out single by Juan the top of the American League Lagares off of Yank’s pitcher Clay East standings. In second place Holmes in the eighth that drove in behind the Tampa Bay Rays the winning run. The Angels Shohei with the Boston Red Sox close Ohtani, the AL’s leading MVP canbehind they hit a bump in the didate, who is remarkably a starting road after winning 13 games in pitcher, outfielder and designated a row from Aug. 14 to Aug. 27, hitter, smacked his MLB best 42nd the franchise’s longest streak in homer of the season in the fifth.

60 years and the most consecu“Losing four in a row is obviously very tive wins in Major League Basefrustrating, and just unacceptable,” said ball since the Cleveland Indians Yankees veteran outfielder Brett Garner. ran off 22 straight in 2017.

“We’ve obviously been playing very But when they went up good baseball for a while now. We’ve against the Los Angeles been in the games and had opportuAngels last night (Wednesnities to change the outcome, and just day) on the road, the Yankees haven’t been able to.” had lost their last four games In Tuesday’s game, the Angels pulled and were 76-56, eight games off a double steal in the fifth with Ohtani behind the 84-48 Tampa Bay swiping home. Yankees starting pitcher Rays for first place in the Jameson Taillon, who has had a solid American League East and season for the Yankees going 8-5 with a After winning 13-straight, Giancarlo Stanton and the Yankees looked to break a fouronly two games ahead of the 4.44 ERA took the loss.

75-59 Boston Red Sox. They game losing streak facing the Los Angeles Angels on the road Wednesday night The Yankees are off tonight after Yankees led the Red Sox by ending a nine-game, ten-day road trip. two and the Oakland A’s by three The Yankees’ four losses prior to last “Our goal doesn’t change. That’s They host the Baltimore Orioles begingames for the top wild card spot. The night were all close. They were defeat- to win the East no matter what,” said ning tomorrow for three games and then Red Sox only had a one-game advan- ed by the A’s on the road 3-2 on Sat- Yankee catcher Gary Sanchez through a four against the Toronto Blue Jays in the tage over Oakland for the second po- urday and 3-1 Sunday, then dropped team interpreter.

Bronx. Barring a rainout or postponesition with only two teams making two to the Angels 8-7 and 6-4 this past Against the Angels on Monday, ment for other reasons, the Yankees will the playoffs as wild cards.

Monday and Tuesday.

Giancarlo Stanton tied the game at 5 not get a day off until September 23.

Baez and Lindor make amends as the Mets chase the playoffs Memo to Javier Baez, Francisco Lindor and all other athletes playing for professional sports teams based in the New York area: picking a battle with your fanbase is a no-win proposition.

Mets second baseman Baez, who was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs on July 30, and Lindor, a shortstop who came to the ballclub in January in a deal with the Cleveland Indians and was then signed to a 10-year, $341 million contract at the end of March, the highest in franchise history, grew exasperated with being jeered by the team’s faithful followers as they struggled at the plate and the team fell in the standings.

So the longtime friends concocted a thumbs down gesture as a counter, flashing it to the Citi Field crowd on the rare occasions they executed an impactful hit. Curiosity was heightened when Baez crushed a 444-foot homer in Sunday’s 9-4 win at home over the Washington Nationals then displayed the cryptic signal again. Those outside of the Mets’ inner-circle were unaware what their demonstration exemplified until Baez’s revelation after the game. “[It’s] to let [fans] know when we don’t have success we are going to get booed, so they are going to get booed when we have success,” he shockingly said. The ill-conceived act of antagonizing loyal

supporters who have enfans. “I have sucked at times, dured another season and I haven’t done my part of disappointment was when it comes to the offensive met with rightful anger. side,” said Lindor. “We’re playOn Tuesday afternoon at ing the game. We’re trying to Citi Field where the Mets win. We’re trying to do whatevand Marlins continued a er it takes to win and represent game delayed by rain on the organization the right way.”

April 11, Baez entered as Baez and Lindor will have to a pinch hitter in the eighth pick up their production if the inning to loud catcalls and Mets are going to threaten for fans giving him his own the division title or a wild card thumbs down dis. spot and make the playoffs for But emotions are fluid, the first time since 2016. Baez and while all is not forwas batting just .227 since given, winning changcoming over to his new team es hearts and minds. with four home runs and eight Baez was unsurprisingly RBI. Lindor was at .221 in 339 cheered when he scored at-bats with 11 homers and 38 the game-ending run in RBI prior to last night’s game. the ninth inning to give the Tuesday night’s 3-1 win over Mets a 6-5 comeback victhe Marlins was the Mets’ third tory. “I didn’t say the fans in a row. It was only their third are bad, I love the fans, but three-game winning streak like, I just felt like we were since mid-June. They were alone,” he said before the 65-67 heading into last night’s Mets overcame a 5-1 def(Wednesday) game against icit. the Marlins, trailing the At“The fans obviously want lanta Braves and Philadelphia to win, and they pay our Mets second baseman Javier Baez issued an apology on Phillies in the National League Tuesday for mocking his team’s fans salary like everybody says, East by six and three games rebut like, we want to win, spectively. Following the contoo, and the frustration got to us. And, Lindor was also publicly contrite, well clusion of tonight’s series finale with you know, I didn’t mean to offend any- aware that Mets owner Steve Cohen and Miami, the Mets will travel to Washingbody, and if I offend anybody, we apol- team president Sandy Alderson had cat- ton to meet the Nationals for five games ogize.” egorically rejected the players’ rebuke of tomorrow through Sunday.

(MLB.com photo)

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

30 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

The Liberty struggle as push to the playoffs ramps up

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

coach Walt Hopkins after the first of two losses to the Phoenix Mercury last week. To keep travel to a mini“The time for talking is done,” said mum for health and safety purposes, an angry New York Liberty head visiting teams often play two games (Bill Moore photo) New York Liberty rookie guard Deauzya “Didi” Richards is trying to help her team earn a playoff spot with only four games remaining

when they visit a city. Last Wednesday, the Liberty lost to the Mercury 106–79 in a game dominated by Mercury center Brittney Griner.

Griner was on the sidelines with an injury for Friday’s game, but Mercury guard Skylar DigginsSmith brought the fire and the Mercury prevailed 80–64. “We got really sped up consistently,” said Hopkins. “We kept running into traffic, traveling, going too fast.

“The team needs to believe in themselves,” he added. “When you’ve lost a few games, you start to…feel like it’s the same thing. It’s not the same thing. You always have an option. You always have a choice to adjust and make the changes. Down the stretch of these last few games, we haven’t made the choice to go take the game, to go win the game. We’re playing scared. We’re running out of time to make the adjustment. We’ll keep working on it.”

Hopkins said the team could have controlled its own destiny but didn’t win the games it needed to win. He was frustrated that mistakes are being repeated. “The sometimes effort, the sometimes staying together, the head hanging, it’s got to change,” he said.

Hopkins spoke about the team’s veteran leaders—Sami Whitcomb, Betnijah Laney and Natasha Howard—finding their voices. While all have experience as players, they’ve not previously been in this kind of leadership role. The same could be said of Hopkins. His only previous WNBA coaching experiences were three years as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Lynx and one season as a player development coach with the Tulsa Shock.

“The experience is essential, but they’ve got to learn from it and they’ve got to grow,” said Hopkins. “When you talk about my background in terms of leadership, in terms of trying to teach that, it’s to focus on the process of day-to-day improvement and not be overly swayed up or down by wins or losses. You’ve just to focus on are you growing? In some ways we’ve seen growth and in some ways, we’ve seen regression.”

The Liberty is on the road until midSeptember when the team returns to Barclays Center for the final regular season game of 2021. What happens between now and then determines whether the season continues or comes to a close.

Crystal Robinson inducted into the Liberty’s Ring of Honor

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

(Photo courtesy of Mike Lawrence/New York Liberty)

“Being a part of that and seeing those having the opportunity to talk to the The game provided some special people again is probably the biggest current Liberty players. Robinson sees memories. The Liberty and the Merrush of adrenaline for me.” similarities between the current players cury had a fierce rivalry when RobinThe festivities were pushed back a In her coaching career, in addition to and her teammates and said they have son played. Those games were often few days due to Tropical Storm Henri, the college game, Robinson has served the talent to be really good, but noted sellouts in both cities. “We had an unbut the joy and appreciation were not as an assistant coach for the Washing- this team needs to up their defensive believable rivalry,” she said. “We did diminished as Crystal Robinson, who played with the New York Liberty from 1999–2005, was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor. Several of her former teammates, including Teresa Weatherspoon and Kym Hampton, were on hand for the ceremony that took place at halftime of the game against the Phoenix Mercury on Aug. 25.

In her playing days, Robinson regularly interacted with the fans. She ran into several of those diehards the evening of her induction. “We had a group of fans when I played that had our numbers and the Liberty logo tattooed on them,” said Robinson, who did a book signing of her memoir, “Finding Myself,” prior to the game.

“What was going through my mind was all of the moments that I spent with my teammates,” said Robinson.

During her time, the Liberty won three Eastern Conference Championships.

“For me, it’s not about winning and losing. It’s about the battles that we fought together and the way we chose to stick together and the fashion that Crystal Robinson’s impact on the New York Liberty was celebrated with the Ring of Honor we chose to win in.

“We were a team that worked really ton Mystics, the Seattle Storm and the play. She said DiDi Richards embodies definitely have some talk over on the extremely hard and expected a lot from Dallas Wings, but she always keeps an the New York state of mind and Sabrina sideline and Diana [Taurasi] has defeach other and held each other to com- eye on the Liberty and has a deep af- Ionescu has the potential to be a leader initely given all of us headaches at plete high standards,” she continued. fection for New York City. She enjoyed the way Weatherspoon was. some point in time.”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021 • 31

The U.S. Open returns with fans and swagger

By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews

(Wikipedia photo)

body to heal completely from a torn hamstring,” she posted on Instagram last week. Williams will turn 40 on Sept.

The U.S. Open, which officially 26. Venus is out due to an unspecified runs from Aug. 24 through Sept. leg injury. Thiem pulled out because of 12, began play this past Monday a right wrist injury, and will not play at the USTA Billie Jean King Nathe rest of the year. tional Tennis Center in FlushNadal is sidelined because of a left ing-Meadows, Queens. Some foot issue that has been problematic for of the sport’s marquee names about a year. Federer is sidelined due to will not be competing. Venus a recent surgery on his right knee, his and Serena Williams, three-time third procedure on the knee. This leaves Grand Slam finalist Dominic Novak Djokovic, the top seeded men’s Thiem, Rafael Nadal and Roger player, without the possibility of playing Federer are all out as a result of against his top two rivals. All have won 20 injury. And there may not be reGrand Slam singles titles. cord-breaking crowds attending Opening day featured an unexpected the tournament this year, but upset of three-time grand slam champiwith fans back after an absence on Andy Murray, who lost to Stefanos Tslast year due to COVID, the U.S. itsipas of Greece 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in Open has its swag again. a match that lasted close to five hours.

Serena Williams, Venus’s Murray was angered by the amount younger sister and a six-time U.S. of time that Tsitsipas spent off the court Teenage sensation Coco Gauff won her opening Open singles champion, is still taking two bathroom breaks that lasted round match at the U.S. Open on Monday pursuing Margaret Court’s allmore than seven minutes, as well as a time singles Grand Slam record medical time-out. of 24. She is one victory away from tying “After careful consideration and folAccording to Grand Slam rules, a Court, but won’t match history in Flush- lowing the advice of my doctors and player in a five-set match is entitled to ing-Meadows this go-around. She in- medical team, I have decided to with- two breaks to use the bathroom or to jured a hamstring at Wimbledon. draw from the U.S. Open to allow my change shoes and clothing. The breaks

can only be taken between sets. The rules do not specify a time limit, only that it should be done within a reasonable amount of time.

“I feel it influenced the outcome of the match,” said Murray. “I’m not saying I necessarily win that match for sure, but it had influence on what was happening after those breaks.”

Several prominent players of color also were on the court in the first round of matches. Former U.S. Open winner Sloane Stephens defeated Madison Keys 6-3, 1-6, 7-6. Stephens beat her good friend Keyes in the 2017 U.S. Open finals to win her first women’s singles championship.

Naomi Osaka, the two-time tournament champion, and 17-year-old Coco Gauff both moved on to the next round after victories on Monday.

On the men’s side, Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime took his match over Evgeny Donskoy to start the Open, as did Frances Tiafoe, who defeated Christopher Eubanks. Frenchmen Gael Monfils, who played in the first round of matches that began Tuesday, also advanced, dominating Argentenian Federico Coria, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

Kyrie Irving-Rod Strickland Summer League concludes with five chips (Bill Moore photo)

The Kyrie Irving-Rod Strickland Summer Basketball League held its 24th annual championship games this past Sunday

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

The Kyrie Irving-Rod Strickland Summer League concluded this past Sunday at I.S. 584 on St. Ann’s Avenue in the Bronx with five championship games.

It marked the end of the 24th season for a tournament that has attracted programs and players from all of New York City’s boroughs, Westchester County, Long

Island, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The 8U-Itty Biddy division started the schedule with Riverside’s offense being too potent for the K/S All Stars to slow down.

Paced by the game’s MVP Josiah Belfor, Riverside came away with a 38-9 win. Blake Goodall was the recipient of the Sportsmanship award.

Next up was the 9U-Itty Biddy matchup that saw the NY Lions come away with a tight 23-18 victory over team 914.

The Lions’ Jydah Simmons’ solid performance led to MVP honors while Cayden Fortura was recognized with the Sportsmanship trophy.

Black Ops and the K/S All Stars battled in the Super Biddy championship with Black Ops edging its determined opponent 47-42. Jalen Chase and Tristan Williams garnered the MVP and Sportsmanship respectively.

The Biddy division came down to the

final possessions. Led by MVP Amir Dockery, Fly High Elite nipped the Rising Stars 58-56. Ethan Nelson was the Sportsmanship honoree. The Rising Stars Midget division squad and Westchester Athletics closed out the tournament with the most closely contested game of the day as the Rising Stars came away with a gripping 47-46 win. Carter Wilson was a deserving MVP as was Taj Walters for Sportsmanship.

32 • September 2, 2021 - September 8, 2021

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Sports The Giants’ offensive line shows cracks at the close of preseason (Bill Moore photo)

By JAIME C. HARRIS in his first preseason action, a trouAmNews Sports Editor bling showing by the starting offen sive line indisputably factored into Quarterbacks are to football what the sun is to the earth.

The game orbits QBs. On one side safeguarding them is paramount. On the other, causing utter disruption for signal callers is the primary objective of opposing defenses.

The Giants have endeavored to construct a stable offensive line for the better part of the past decade. Their failure to meet that target has been central to the franchise making only one postseason appearance over the past nine seasons. If Saturday’s 22-20 loss to the New England Patriots in the final preseason game foreshadowed what is to come during the regular season, the Giants will have another long, fruitless year.

Although their third-year quarterback Daniel Jones did Second year left tackle Andrew Thomas is a little to lessen doubts among critical piece to the Giants’ playoff aspirations Giants fans that he may not be the team’s long-term answer at the position after posting a sub- Jones’ shakiness. par 135 yards passing on 17-22 with As was the case with most of the one touchdown and one interception Giants’ first unit players on both

sides of the ball, Jones and his protectors up front had been held out of the two games against the Jets and Cleveland Browns for various reasons by head coach Joe Judge.

Playing the Patriots at MetLife Stadium was the Giants’ last opportunity to be tested in an actual game before the regular season opener at home versus the Denver Broncos on Sept. 12.

The teams had participated in joint practices in New England leading up to Sunday’s game but going head-to-head in an environment that best simulates regular season conditions has much greater efficacy. The Giants’ offensive line clearly needs a lot more work and refinement. Jones was sacked twice and was under constant pressure in the one half in which he was under center. The most conspicuous chink in their armor was at left tackle, a spot manned by last year’s first round pick Andrew Thomas.

Selected No. 4 by the Giants out of the University of Georgia, Thomas looked out of sorts. He allowed Patriots defensive ends to get outside of his left shoulder, gain leverage, and get to Jones.

The still developing 22-year-old unhesitatingly took ownership of

his faults. “There are some things I’ve got to improve on,” acknowledged Thomas. “My hand placement, staying wide on my set and keeping the depth with the pocket. “… I think I made improvements, but there are a lot of things that I still need to work on… Sometimes I do it the right way, sometimes it might not be to my liking. I’m just trying to be as consistent as possible.”

Judge sees Thomas and the line as a work in progress. But the foundation must urgently be fortified with Week 1 of the regular season rapidly approaching. “Nothing’s perfect at this point, we’re far from a finished product, we know that already,” said the former Patriots special teams coordinator who went 6-10 a season ago in his first year leading the Giants. “We’re going to keep working hard day by day to make sure we improve.”

The Giants began the week adding offensive line help by trading defensive lineman B.J. Hill and a 2022 seventh-round draft pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for offensive lineman Billy Price, and on Tuesday sent a 2022 fourth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for guard Ben Bredeson, a 2022 fifth-rounder and a 2023 seventh-round pick.

With preseason over, Jets focus on Week 1 against Darnold and the Panthers

By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews

Ending last season with a 2-14 record, the second worst record of the NFL’s 32 teams, puts the Jets as a team that opponents will be expecting to beat this season. Having a rookie at quarterback in the No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson will increase the confidence of opposing defenses as the 22-year-old BYU alum learns the complex NFL game. Although Wilson displayed a strong arm and quick feet, important skill sets, during the preseason, the question of whether the Jets made a mistake in AM NEWS not keeping quarterback Sam Darnold, 07/01/21 whom they drafted No. 3 in the first round in 2018, is still being argued.

Darnold is now the starter for the Carolina Panthers, the team the Jets face in Week 1 on the road Sept. 12. The Jets traded Darnold to the Panthers this past April for a 2021 sixth-round pick, and second and fourth round picks in the 2022 draft. Was Darnold, 24, a victim AM NEWS and casualty of the Jets’ front office that 07/08/21 never surrounded him with sufficient talent, particularly providing Darnold with a legitimate No. 1 receiver and solid

offensive line? Jets GM Joe Douglas has As all NFL teams were required to already shaped the offense for Wilson by do, new Jets head coach Robert Saleh signing former Tennessee Titan receiver had to trim his roster to 53 players by Corey Davis to a $37.5 million contract 4 p.m. this past Tuesday. It’s one of (Bill Moore photo)

01274 0

74470 22784

7

AM NEWS 07/01/21

AM NEWS 08/26/21

I’ve never really experienced before and already seen some guys out of the locker room,” said Wilson via the Jets’ website. “You know, it’s strange because you don’t really say, ‘Hey, we want to welcome this new teammate and we got rid of this guy.’

“It’s a strange process how you all of a sudden see someone else in the locker room and you’re like, ‘Well, he’s gone, what happened?’ It’s a business for sure. And guys just gotta take care of their opportunities and everything that’s going on, but you know, it’s part of the game.”

Veterans as well as rookies trying to 01354 secure spots can have anxiety not knowAM ing Even high 08/ 0 if they’ll make the team.

7 profile74470 players.22784 The New England Patriots, the team the Jets play in Week 2, released QB Cam Newton, and will go with rookie Mac Jones as their starter.

Jets rookie Zach Wilson is learning the many aspects of being an NFL quarterback leading up to his team’s Sept. 12 season opener

AM NEWS 01284 in March, and adding lineman Alijah the difficult responsibilities of GMs AM NEWS 09/02/21 and and coaching staffs. It’s also another 0Vera-Tucker with the 7No. 14 pick 07/08/21 74470 22784 wide receiver Elijah Moore at No. 34 in new aspect of football for Wilson. “You the 2021 draft. know it is a weird thing and something

01364 0

74470 22784

7

AM 09/