New York Amsterdam News Issue #3 Jan.19-25, 2023

(Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

(Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

Governor Hochul Announces New Concealed Carry Laws Passed in Response to Reckless Supreme Court Decision Take Effect September 1, 2022 (Kevin P. Coughlin, Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)

(Bill Moore photo)

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(GIN)—Africa was ever on the mind of Martin Luther King Jr. and his concerns for the continent appear in his many papers in the King Institute.

MLK spoke out about the Congo at an event celebrating the independence of Kenya: “There are many problems on a world scale today and one of them is the Congo.”

“The Congo problem can be solved when there is a withdrawal of all foreign troops and mercenaries,” he said. “The problem must be solved by negotiations, with the United Nations offering its assistance.

“We must not rest in any nation until the problem is solved in South Africa. I called for a massive boycott

of that country because of the vicious regime existing there.”

In another speech in Stockholm Cathedral, he said there could be no peace in the world as long as conditions such as those in Mississippi and South Africa continued.

And at an Africa Freedom Dinner at Atlanta University at the end of a five-week U.S. tour by Kenyan nationalist leader Tom Mboya, King observed: “Our struggle is not an isolated one. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.”

“As you well know,” he continued, “there is a great revolution going on all over our world. And we think of the fact that just 30 or 40 years ago, there were only two countries in Africa that had independence at that particular time—that was Liberia and Ethiopia. And today eight countries have been added to that number, and in 1960 four more will be added: Somalia, Togoland, the Cameroons and the largest country in Africa—Nigeria.

“This reveals that an old order is passing away. And our guest speaker is one of the great leaders in this struggle for freedom and independence.

“And in a real sense, what we are trying to do in the South and in the United States is a part of this worldwide struggle for freedom and human dignity. Our struggle is not an isolated struggle; it is not a detached struggle, but it is a part

of … the worldwide revolution for freedom and justice.

“So we are concerned about what is happening in Africa and what is happening in Asia because we are a part of this whole movement. And we want Mr. Mboya to know, as he prepares to go back to Africa, that we go with him in spirit and with our moral support and even with our financial support.

“Certainly injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. And so long as problems exist in Africa, or in Asia, or in any section of the United States, we must be concerned about it.

“I hope as a result of this meeting, we will go out with grim and bold determination to make the ideal of first-class citizenship a reality. And that we will go away with a new concern for Africa and Asia and all of the oppressed peoples over the world as they struggle to realize the dream of brotherhood and man’s love for all men.”

EARLY ANTI-APARTHEID ACTIVIST DIES AT 90 YEARS OLD

(GIN)—“Too often, democracy is seen as an event which happens once in five years.”

Thus spoke Frene Noshir Ginwala, a South African of Indian descent who was the first speaker of the country’s democratic parliament, and has died at age 90. While she was modest

about her achievements, she left an indelible mark on South Africa’s constitution and democratic institutions.

Described as a feisty feminist, astute political tactician and committed member of South Africa’s governing party, she joined the African National Congress around the time of the “Sharpeville Massacre” of 1960 when police fired on a group of unarmed Blacks in the town of Sharpeville who were protesting discriminatory “pass laws.”

Some 67 Africans were killed and 186 wounded after the police opened fire on the crowd.

The incident forced many ANC leaders into exile. Ginwala facilitated the exit of ANC president Oliver Tambo into Mozambique, crossing the border into Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and into a safe house. It was the beginning of a long and important comradeship. She became assistant to Tambo and was instrumental in setting up the ANC office in Tanzania after the leaders were banned.

In the early 1960s, she created a newspaper, Spearhead; wrote articles for a variety of international media outlets; wrote speeches for Tambo; and gave speeches herself. Her time in Tanzania was interrupted when she was suddenly banned herself by the government of Tanzania for her critical commentary, and she left for the UK.

Lula’s new cabinet, a ‘resistance’ to Bolsonaro’s fascism

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

Anielle Franco was inaugurated Brazil’s new Minister of Racial Equality in Brasilia on Jan. 11, just three days after her nations’ seat of government was attacked by a rightwing mob.

Franco––the younger sister of Marielle Franco, the Rio de Janeiro city council member and Black LGBTQ activist who was murdered in a March 14, 2018 ambush––had been working as a journalist and as director of the Marielle Franco Institute before the new administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva asked her to take on this new role.

During her inauguration, which took place together with the installation of Sônia Guajajara as the Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Franco referenced the Jan. 8 attack on the Brazilian government. She deemed the presence of new Black and In-

digenous ministers in Lula’s cabinet a sign of resistance to the nation’s history of racism and fascism. As she vowed to increase affirmative action quota laws that can help more Afro Brazilians attend public universities, further anti-racist policies within government agencies, and increase Black visibility in public administrations, Franco said, “We can no longer ignore or downplay the fact that race and ethnicity are determinants of unequal opportunities in Brazil in all areas of life. Black people are underrepresented in spaces of power and yet we are the ones who are most often stigmatized and vulnerable.”

Anielle Franco was among a host of progressive ministers named to occupy strategic ministries in Lula’s cabinet. Others with important administrative posts are the Salvador, Bahia-born singer Margareth Menezes (founder and

MLK URGED AMERICANS ‘NOT TO REST’ WHILE AFRICAN NATIONS STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM

(GIN photo)

Anielle Franco was inaugurated as Brazil’s new Minister of Racial Equality (Jacqueline Lisboa/Ministry of Racial Equality photo)

Making moves in Harlem: District 9 City Council candidate updates

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

City Council elections for 2023 are already underway. Here’s what candidates in Harlem’s District 9 race have been working on so far.

Councilmember Kristin Richardson Jordan, who’s running to hold onto her seat, joined the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) picket line in front of Mount Sinai hospital last week on day three of the brief walkouts over salary negotiations. She said the atmosphere was festive and empowering for the picketing nurses who are at the forefront of the healthcare system.

“The staffing right now is extremely unsafe and laborwise abusive to the nurses. Quite frankly, they deserve it. It’s not too much to ask,” said Richard-

son Jordan. “As a socialist, one of my biggest points is redistributing wealth from those who have the most and giving it where it’s needed.”

As far as campaigning for office goes, she said that she’s “really more focused on the work.” According to the New York City Campaign Finance Board, Richardson Jordan has reached $17,684 in private funds.

Meanwhile, heavy hitter Assemblymember Inez Dickens officially launched her campaign for City Council last week with a packed house of clergy and church members at Ponty Bistro on Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. in Harlem. Dickens had served in the same seat back in 2006 and is planning a return at the request of community leaders.

“I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity, the strength,

the attitude, the Harlem swagger, to represent our community. A diverse community. A community that accepts people to work with us but not take over us,” said Dickens at the podium.

She was joined by former Rep. Charles B. Rangel, Rev. Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd of Mother AME Zion Church, 116th St. Block Association President Candy Vasquez, founder and CEO of Street Corner Resources, Inc. Iesha Sekou, and many others. A host of speakers pledged their undying support for Dickens at the gathering.

“As our community continues to rebuild following the devastating results of the pandemic, we need real leadership—particularly at the city level—to address the ongoing needs of our residents,” said Rangel.

“Inez’s ability to work with our city, state and federal elected officials is

NY/NJ students headed to Disney World for Disney Dreamers Academy

AmNews Staff Reports

Five local high school students from New York and New Jersey are preparing for the 16th annual Disney Dreamers Academy, March 23-26 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

The teens, along with a parent or guardian, received an all-expensepaid trip to Walt Disney World Resort, where they will take part in a once-in-a-lifetime educational and mentoring program designed to inspire them to dream big, discover a world of possibilities and prepare for their future.

This year’s winners from the New York-metro area include Morgan Lin from Brooklyn; Emily Melendez from Queens; Amechi ChukwujiorahStrange from Queens, Autumn Tyler from Chester; NY, Claudia Merchan from Hackensack, NJ; and Mosope Aina from Newark, NJ.

To kick off the announcement of the 2023 class, Mickey Mouse, Disney executives and recording star Kelly Rowland surprised Aina with the news of her selection live on national TV from her school in Newark. Afterward, the names of the entire Class of 2023 were displayed on a Times Square billboard.

The students are part of a group of 100 students from across the nation attending the four-day event where

they will learn important skills such as communication techniques and networking strategies, and build confidence.

Students were selected from nearly a 1,000 applicants who answered a series of essay questions about their personal stories, the people who are most influential in their lives and their dreams for the future.

During Disney Dreamers Academy, the Walt Disney World theme parks become “classrooms,” where Dreamers participate in hands-on, full-immersion workshops led by industry experts who cover a bevy of career paths, ranging from animation to zoology.

Each year, motivational speakers, celebrities, entrepreneurs, executives and Disney cast members gather at Disney Dreamers Academy to share their stories and provide insights on charting a positive course and achievement.

“We’re ready to welcome another outstanding group of teens from across the country for our 16th year,” said Tracey Powell, Disney Signature Experiences vice president and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “They are going to have the experience of a lifetime, setting them on a journey to go out and achieve their dreams, just like the classes who came before them.”

Metro Briefs

El Puente holds 36th annual Three Kings Celebration

The Williamsburg, Brooklyn-based community center El Puente held its 36th annual Three Kings celebration this past weekend. The small theater production featured local kids reading poetry and performing breakdancing and lyrical dances as they spoke about how the Earth’s environment––and their own neighborhood of south Williamsburg––has changed.

Those changes have mostly not been for the better.

Ironically, the El Puente Three Kings celebration and its spotlight on gentrification in Williamsburg took place the same weekend that someone in city government had greenlighted the Department of Transportation’s changing of the “Graham Ave-Ave of Puerto Rico” street sign so it would only read “Graham Ave.” Locals were incensed by the change. On Instagram, the Nuevayorkinos account lamented that “Gentrification is cultural annihilation. Gentrification is the heartbreak that comes with seeing Graham Avenue, Avenida de Puerto Rico, have its sabrosura revoked. (Will Via Vespucci and the neighborhood’s long-standing Italian heritage also be erased?) Gentrification is not feeling comfortable d by our languages because it makes newcomers ‘uncomfortable.’ Gentrification is the lack of cultural parades and celebrations that once lined all our streets in our barrios. Gentrification is 50-yearold mom and pop shops closing to make way for artisanal soap pop up’s and ridiculously expensive coffee.”

El Puente Co-founder Dr. Frances Lucerna told those attending the Three Kings celebration, “In our tradition of honoring and celebrating the Three Kings who brought love, peace and justice to the world, we connect that to our commitment and to our understanding that unless we stay vigilant and stay committed, first and foremost, to our right to self-determination. Here in this community, as we have seen, even this week, they tried to take down the signage for the ‘Ave. of Puerto Rico.’

“The people rose up and said, ‘Oh no, jamás!’ and they restored it. We have to stay vigilant to make sure that the powers that be understand that there is a community here…and we will continue to be here and we will not be erased.”

City, state officials coming to northeast Queens to help residents apply for property tax, rent relief

State Sen. John Liu, in partnership with city and state elected officials, has announced a series of three upcoming information sessions from the NYC Department of Finance (DOF) to help residents apply for property tax and rent relief exemptions, and appeal their Notice of Property Value (NOPV) statements.

Depending on their home classifications, New Yorkers have until March 1 or 15 to appeal their assessed property values or apply for property or rent relief exemptions with the DOF. Applicants who meet certain criteria can find savings of hundreds to thousands of dollars on their annual property taxes. The three information sessions are free of charge.

Area residents can learn more about NOPV, basic School Tax Relief (STAR) exemptions, Enhanced STAR exemptions, Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Veterans’ Tax Exemptions, Disability Homeowners Exemption (DHE), as well as the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) and Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) for renters.

The information sessions will take place on Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Korean Community Services Center (203-05 32nd Ave., Bayside, NY 11361), 2–4 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 22, at Hillcrest Jewish Center (183-02 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366), 5:30–7:30 p.m.; and Thursday, March 2, at Flushing Library – Main Street (41-17 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355), 5:30–7:30 p.m. or more information, email events@johnliusenate.com or call 718-765-6675.

––Compiled by Karen Juanita Carrillo

Mosope Aina (left), Amechi ChukwujiorahStrange (top) and Autumn Tyler (bottom) (Walt Disney World photos)

Another bind for Biden

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

With the GOP and Rep. Kevin McCarthy aggressively assailing President Biden for the discovery of classified documents at his various locations, it must have been comforting to be sheltered at the National Action Network (NAN) to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday celebration. After being introduced by the Rev. Al Sharpton, president of NAN, Biden said, “It’s an honor to spend the King Holiday with the National Action Network and the King family.”

Referring to Dr. King’s oldest son, Biden said, “Martin the Third, understand that we celebrate the legacy of your beloved father and mother, and they worked for the Beloved Community.”

But it didn’t all go well for the president, who, during the singing of “Happy Birthday” to

Martin III’s wife, Andrea, forgot her name. That gaffe was partly disguised by the chorus of other voices as he called her Valen or something to that effect.

More egregious, especially when mouthed by Republicans, is the storm gathering around misplaced classified documents, which seem to multiply with each day. On Sunday at Ebenezer Baptist Church, though, Biden spoke eloquently about the legacy of Dr. King and “the sacred hour of justice,” which was enough to muffle the growing voices of reaction to his administration.

Once McCarthy finally achieved the gavel as leader of the House after 15 ballots, it was clearly understood, by even the least-informed political citizen, that the attack on Biden and his administration would soon begin, although the recently found documents were initially not on the agenda

of denunciation.

If Biden is to weather this siege, and it’s ridiculous to compare this recent controversy with Trump’s defiance, it will come as other issues become more prevalent and crucial. It’s hard to believe things can get any worse for Biden and his cohort.

But as he told the audience at Ebenezer: “Folks, you know, on this day of remembrance, as we gather here at this cherished Ebenezer to commemorate what would’ve been Dr. King’s 94th birthday, we gather to contemplate his moral vision and to commit ourselves to his path— to his path. The path that leads to the Beloved Community, to the sacred place and that sacred hour when justice rains down like water and righteousness was a mighty stream.”

To get out of the current bind, Biden will need all the power and support he can gather from the Beloved Community.

Wes Moore sworn in as Maryland’s first Black governor

By BRIAN WHITE Associated Press

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Wes Moore ‘s inauguration as Maryland’s first Black governor on Wednesday was punctuated with references to Black history, including an acknowledgement of the slaves who once arrived by ship near the state capitol and the Baltimore native who became the first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice.

Before his inaugural speech, Moore visited the Annapolis City Dock, which was

once one of the region’s slave ports. The dock is the site of a memorial to enslaved African Kunta Kinte, who arrived there in 1767 and was written about in Alex Haley’s book “Roots.” Moore was joined by Black leaders for a wreath-laying ceremony.

Moore took the oath of office using a Bible owned by Frederick Douglass, a Marylander who escaped slavery on the state’s Eastern Shore before going on to become an author and famed abolitionist.

When Moore gave his inau-

gural speech as Maryland’s 63rd governor, he looked out on a mall in front of the Capitol with a statue of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Moore is the third Black governor elected in the nation’s history. Virginia’s Douglas Wilder was elected in 1989 and Deval Patrick of Massachusetts was elected in 2006.

Moore’s running mate, Aruna Miller, also will be making history. She is the first immigrant and first Asian American elected statewide in Maryland.

Border battle: Adams goes South to see for self

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

President Joe Biden made his first trip to the southern border in two years after mounting political pressure to deal with the immigration crisis, which places like New York City have been the epicenter of for several months. His trip prompted NYC Mayor Eric Adams to also travel down south this past weekend and connect with fellow Dem-

ocratic Mayor of El Paso Oscar Leeser.

Biden, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas went to El Paso in Texas on Jan. 8 for the first border visit of his presidency. He spoke about immigration challenges and toured the area with local officials. “They need a lot of resources,” said Biden while on the ground at Doniphan Park, “and we’re going to get it for them.”

Biden later announced new enforcement measures to slow the flow of asylum seekers crossing the southern border from countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Looking outside-in, many advocates felt this was a hypocritical move and have denounced Biden’s plans to limit asylum seekers coming into the country. The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) said that Biden’s plans will “cruelly favor” asylum

NewJersey News

Salvation and Social Justice issues 2023 policy agenda

In response to Gov. Phil Murphy’s “2023 State of the State Address” delivered on Jan. 10, the Black, faith-rooted organization Salvation and Social Justice (SandSJ) has issued its own policy agenda for 2023 through 2024. SandSJ says they want to propose public policy solutions based on Black faith and its orientation toward social justice. SandSJ’s policy proposals, available on their website at https://www.sandsj.org/policy, state that the problem is that “New Jersey continues to lead with some of the highest racial disparities in the country. In New Jersey, Black residents are incarcerated at a rate of 12.5 times that of white residents. Black people make up just 15% of the population in the state yet they represent 43% of the arrests for drug violations despite the fact that there is no evidence that Blacks use drugs at a higher rate than whites. New Jersey has the fourth highest maternal mortality rate in the nation with Black women being seven times more likely than white women to die before or after they have given birth, and Black babies are three times more likely to die than white babies before reaching their first birthday. New Jersey’s schools are the 6th most segregated in the nation and the most segregated in the North, adversely affecting scores of Black children subjecting them to disparate conditions such as overcrowding, insufficiently staffed schools and limited access to resources and opportunities.” SandSJ can be reached via email at info@sandsj.org or by phone at 609-37-BLACK.

Bobbi Wilson celebrated by local Black police orgs

Caldwell, N.J.’s budding scientist Bobbi Wilson––the 9-year-old who last Oct. 22 had a white neighbor, Gordon Lawshe, call the police on her as she tried to combat spotted lanternflies with a homemade insecticide––was recently honored by the Montclair Minority Officers Association Sentinels 16-87, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) NJ Chapter, Montclair Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #126 and Montclair PBA Local #53. Montclair Police Officer Erica Peterson, who helped organize the local police event for Wilson, told her,“I just want you to know that I am you, I see you, I represent you.” Ever since Wilson’s mother, Monique Joseph, spoke up at a Caldwell Council meeting about the potentially dangerous incident, the fourth grader has been applauded for her intellectual curiosity by various groups, most recently the Caldwell Environmental Commission and Black female scientists at Yale University.

Dr. Ije Akunyili is new chief medical officer at Jersey City Medical Center

The Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC)has appointed of Dr. Ije Akunyili as their new chief medical officer as of January 2, 2023. Akunyili is the first African American medical professional to serve in that role.

“Dr. Akunyili has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and [with her] as our chief medical officer, we look forward to creating a world-class experience for every patient at Jersey City Medical Center,” said Michael Prilutsky, president and CEO of JCMC. “I am confident that Hudson County will benefit in a great way from her leadership, and that her presence will have tremendous impact.”

Akunyili graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She completed her emergency medicine residency at the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. In addition, Akunyili earned an MPA in international development from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Akunyili and her husband are the parents of two teenage children.

The Nigeria-based website Legit.ng boasted that Akunyili, the “daughter of late Professor Dora Akunyili, a former director-general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of Nigeria,” has made all of Nigeria proud.

“I am grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to serving the residents of Hudson County and continuing to provide safe, innovative, efficient, and equitable care,” Akunyili said. “It is a true privilege to lead the clinical effort at Jersey City Medical Center and to create sustainable health outcomes for our community.”

––compiled by Karen Juanita Carrillo

Eunice Ukwuani fuels advocacy through ‘heart of gold’

THE URBAN AGENDA

By David R. Jones, Esq

To Make NY Affordable, We Need Tenant Protections and Social Housing

Governor Kathy Hochul took office facing extraordinary challenges on crime, education, taxes, inflation, jobs and the still-lingering coronavirus pandemic.

But how the governor handles New York’s affordable housing crisis, with implications for millions of New Yorkers, could frame her legacy. New York’s housing issues are complex and require a wide range of approaches, both shortterm and long-range fixes.

Over the short-term, there are three pieces of legislation the governor and state legislature should work together to enact this year that would collectively provide immediate relief to low- and moderate-income New Yorkers facing skyrocketing rents, displacement and homelessness: Good Cause eviction legislation, which will help keep 1.6 million renters from supersized rent hikes and displacement; rental assistance through the Housing Voucher Access Program (HVAP), which will house the homeless and help low-income tenants pay the rent; and the Tenants Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), which would give tenants the first opportunity to purchase properties before they go on the private market and help them convert their buildings into not-for profit housing models.

were unaffordable to 75 percent of New Yorkers. That’s notable given an affordability crisis that today is punishing low-income and working-class New Yorkers like never before.

If we want to replace 421-a, we should craft a new incentive that supports the production of affordable housing, not luxury development. Along with that we need annual audits of existing tax exemptions for affordability, and compliance and public monitoring that ensures income-targeted, tax-abated apartments remain rent stabilized. Finally, property tax laws need revision to balance the burden shared by co-ops, condominiums, small homes and rentals, and between lower- and higher-income properties.

Last month’s U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey found that 611,233 New York City households were behind in their December rent and that another 1.1 million households sometimes or often lack enough to eat. Those findings correspond with our Unheard Third poll which found that 54 percent of low-income city tenants experienced a 15 percent rent increase. Not surprisingly, more and more households, including 23 percent of those living below the poverty line, were forced to move in with others, the poll found.

Black New Yorker

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

Eunice Ukwuani is a model citizen— quite literally. In her past life, she worked the runway for several fashion shows and remembers her video vixen days for a few well-known artists. But her calling was not on the catwalk, it was in the world of advocacy. So, Ukwuani focused on her law and public administration studies at Long Island University and later, in graduate school, at Pace University.

Today, she heads up her own non-profit—the Princess Eunice Ukwuani Foundation—which assists youngsters who are underprivileged and/or with disabilities abroad, especially young women in Nigeria. In 2020, she says Brian Benjamin, former state senator and lieutenant governor, awarded her with a proclamation honoring her work in helping girls in Africa pay school tuition, and for her donations of PPE to hospitals.

“I care so much about this world,” said Ukwuani. “When I see bad things happening, it breaks me down. That is how much love I could have for people. But, people want to take advantage of us and do mean things to

us, but at the end of the day, that [doesn’t] stop me from doing good. I’m always there to help. I just don’t know why, that’s just the way I am.”

Her munificence dates back to her elementary school days when she shared food and lunch money with her hungry classmates.

Recently, she campaigned for Mayor Eric Adams, as well as former Rep. Tom Suozzi during his gubernatorial run as president of the New York Political Coalition organization. After all, despite her advocacy’s worldwide work, Ukwuani can’t imagine living anywhere other than the “Big Apple.”

“I just love New York,” she said. “Nothing will make me leave New York.[For] those who want to come to the U.S. they have to visit New York. I don’t care wherever else they want to go. They must come to New York.”

Her work can be found on www.princesseuniceukwuanifoundation.org

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

Longer-range, New York needs to build more social housing – models like Mitchell Lama, HDFC cooperatives, public housing and community land trusts that are deeply affordable, decommodified, and democratically operated. We’ve done it before, and we can do it again. This is the best way to increase the city’s housing stock without throwing billions of dollars to private for-profit developers.

At her “State of the State” address last week, Governor Hochul proposed building 800,000 new homes over the next decade under her “New York Housing Compact.” To stimulate housing construction, she called for the enactment of a “successor to the 421a tax incentive that can yield further affordable housing in New York City.”

The 421a tax exemption mostly subsidized luxury housing in New York, and as such, is an imperfect model for producing the kind of affordable housing New York City needs – specifically housing for working-class and low-income people being priced out of the housing market. Indeed, before it expired in June 2022, 421a failed to significantly jumpstart the sluggish affordable housing market. Despite perceptions that New York City experienced a building boom in recent years, the Citizens Budget Commission found the city issued fewer building permits for new housing units in the 2010s (206,000) than in the 2000s.

Further, a City Comptroller study found the lion’s share of units subsidized by the program

That sort of pain requires action that, quite frankly, should be more far reaching than modest revisions to a tax exemption program that favors developers and has not helped produce affordable housing for the vast majority of New Yorkers who need it.

All of this is not to blame the governor; her Compact proposal is well-intentioned, and the affordability crisis did not happen on her watch but is rather the product of years of inertia and a spectacularly inefficient housing program.

The status quo has remained in place over the years, in large part, because major real estate developers are happy. They provide an ocean of campaign contributions to keep the old system in place. According to ProPublica, the nonprofit investigative reporting outfit, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo was by far the largest recipient of donations from taxpayer-subsidized developers. He reportedly collected $4.2 million during his campaigns for governor and attorney general –of which a third came from the biggest political donor, Glenwood Management, followed by the Durst Organization and related companies.

In the coming weeks and months, as developers, construction unions and lobbyists agitate to resurrect a comparable 421-a tax subsidy, the governor, state lawmakers and local policymakers must reject any housing program that doesn’t have a strong affordability mission built in.

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

(Eunice Ukwuani submitted photo)

Why New York State’s recently upheld gun-free zone designations won’t work in the neighborhoods needing them most

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

Guns that are .45 calibers are still prohibited on 45th Street. The United States Supreme Court gave New York the green light to provisionally enforce the Concealed Carry Improvement Act—which includes registered firearm bans in “sensitive zones” like Times Square—as the state battles progun advocates in court over the law’s constitutionality.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “I’m pleased that this Supreme Court order will allow us to continue enforcing the gun laws we put in place to do just that. We believe that these thoughtful, sensible regulations will help to prevent gun violence, and we will keep working with the New York Attorney General’s office on protecting the laws.”

“We have a right to enact commonsense measures to protect our communities, and I am pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to allow New York’s concealed carry gun law to remain in effect,” said State Attorney General Letitia James. “Too many New Yorkers are plagued by gun violence, and we know that basic gun laws help save lives every day. My

office will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect New Yorkers and defend our responsible gun laws.”

The Concealed Carry Improvement Act came on the heels of the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision last summer, which declared the over a century-old New York “proper cause” licensing requirements for concealed carry pistols unconstitutional. Beyond new restrictions and vetting measures for getting a gun, the new law also bans firearms in “sensitive zones.”

In October, Mayor Eric Adams signed a bill designating Times Square as such a zone. He cited concerns over the world-famous tourist hub turning into a cowboy western if concealed carry firearms were permitted. Licensed guns or not, a shoot-out at the “Crossroads of the World” leaves pedestrians in harm’s way for collateral damage. Back in 2021, stray bullets from two separate shootings injured several bystanders in Times Square, including a four-year-old girl.

But according to Prof. Wayne Eller, chair of the Department of Public Management at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, registered firearm deaths are a nominal issue in New York City, given how much easier obtaining an illegal gun is. The advent of 3D print-

ing makes the process even easier, cheaper and harder to trace.

“Just because laws change doesn’t mean it’s easy to legally own a gun in the state of New York, let alone the city [of] New York,” said Eller. “Just by random draw, the fact of how difficult it is to simply get a gun means that the odds are pretty low, given how easy it is to get one illegally…you can go through the legal route, which means that you would have to go to the city, you would have to pay a ton of money.

“You would have to wait a long time to get a permit for the right to purchase a firearm. You would then have to go to a place where you could purchase a firearm, select a firearm or purchase that firearm, assuming that they had one in stock, given the recent demand.”

He said that almost no data is kept on registered gun deaths in New York City due to the marginal numbers. A CDC spokesperson told the Amsterdam News that recent numbers are not available through the agency’s National Violent Death Reporting System.

Shootings are also minimal in Manhattan’s Midtown South police precinct, which encompasses Times Square, along with Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal and parts of Koreatown. The NYPD reported only two shootings there

Mayor puts out prelim budget FY24

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

Mayor Eric Adams released a $102.7 billion preliminary budget for the next fiscal year. He spoke about investing in the city while responding to “slow economic growth,” remaining focused on austerity, and dealing with last year’s asylum seeker crisis at a conference on Thursday, January 12.

“Our city has shown its courage, compassion, and ‘can do’ spirit as we recover from the pandemic,” said Adams.

The preliminary budget took into account pandemic recovery and raised interest rates that caused inflation. It also attempts to balance the city’s slow growth, office vacancy rates, new labor deals with unions and healthcare costs. The biggest unexpected strain to last year’s budget was receiving approximately 40,000 asylum seekers from other states over the last nine months.

Adams stated that the crisis cost the city an estimated $1 billion dollars despite some allocated funding from the federal government.

“Since day one, fiscal discipline has been the hallmark of this administration. We are focused on governing efficiently and measuring success not by how much we spend, but by our achievements. This budget protects funding for the essential services that continue to keep the city safe and clean, drive equity and affordability, and keep us on the path to prosperity,” said Adams.

The preliminary budget maintains $8.3 billion in the city’s reserves. This includes $1.6 billion in the general reserve, $250 million in the capital-stabilization reserve, $4.5 billion in the retiree health benefits trust fund and $1.9 billion in the rainyday fund. Even with the mayor’s best efforts to save and reduce spending, the budget has still gone up from last year to cover new initiatives.

Adams wants to invest in affordable housing, sanitation, public

safety and renewable energy. The preliminary budget sets aside $20 million for housing and aims to build 500,000 new homes over the next decade. To meet carbon-reduction and safety targets, the preliminary budget invests $259 million in Local Law 97 and $228 million in street reconstruction projects. The allocation for another academic year is $160 million.

The housing funding and building initiative has been especially well received.

Valerie White, senior executive director of LISC NY, applauded the mayor for tackling the citywide housing issue. “We have seen through learned experience that producing solutions to this crisis means that all of us have to make affordable housing a key priority within our institutional policy agendas,” said White. Meanwhile, there are looming budget cuts to public education due to lost enrollment. The November Financial Plan budget modifications, libraries, and the

last year. To contrast, seven shootings have already been recorded in Brooklyn’s 73rd police precinct, which contains parts of overwhelmingly Black and brown neighborhoods Brownsville and Ocean Hill, just two weeks into 2023.

Roughly 700,00 people, including residents, workers and tourists, move through Midtown South each day. The NYU Furman Center estimates roughly 128,369 people lived in Brownsville as of 2019. Two precincts in the Bronx—the 42nd and 47th—have also already surpassed the total 2022 shootings in Midtown South this year.

But Eller doesn’t recommend establishing neighborhoods vulnerable to gun violence as “sensitive zones” under the Concealed Carry Improvement Act either. For one thing, concealed carry bans offer law enforcement an additional autonomy toward reasonable suspicion, enabling potential “stop-and-frisk”-type procedures that historically and disproportionately affect Black and brown New Yorkers. Nor do “sensitive zones” address the underlying root causes of gun violence in

size of the NYPD budget have not won favor with many advocates, students and city council members.

Just before the preliminary budget release, Speaker Adrienne Adams and Finance Chair Justin Brannan said they would not vote for or support funding cuts to CUNY, libraries, social services, early childhood education and other essential services “undermined” in the November Plan. After Adams’ conference, they put out another joint statement solidifying their focus on “smart investments” that protect essential services.

“To that end, many of our concerns with the Mayor’s November Plan remain with the Fiscal Year 2024 Preliminary Budget,” they said in the statement. “The Council will be more closely examining the details of this Preliminary Budget and holding oversight hearings on agency budgets and the efficiencies in current city spending as it relates to the overall priorities of New Yorkers.”

Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) spokesperson Salma Allam protested cuts to agencies like the Human Resource Administration, the Department of Homeless Services and the Department of Youth and Community Development. “Mayor Adams continues to sacrifice essential services while protecting and preserving an overbloated police budget,” said Allam in a statement. “Protecting the NYPD’s bloated budget from financial and personnel cuts will not make our city safer and will only serve to increase criminalization of communities the Mayor is neglecting to serve and support.”

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

Gov. Hochul announces new Concealed Carry laws passed in response to reckless Supreme Court decision take effect Sept. 1, 2022 (Kevin P. Coughlin, Office of Governor Kathy Hochul photo)

Go With The Flo

FLO ANTHONY

Tongues are wagging that Rev. Al Sharpton’s fabulous daughters, Dominique and Ashley Sharpton, have followed their father’s footsteps into the talk show world. According to Bossip, the lovely ladies have launched a new TV chat fest on Fox Soul called “The Sharpton Sisters.” During the weekly show, the dynamic siblings will sit down with another fellow offspring of a celebrity who knows what it means to have the mixed blessings of growing up in the eye of the public amid a social media-influenced world. On the first episode, Dominique and Ashley will sit down with their civil rights icon dad, discuss their childhood and question him about how he really feels about them having their own talk show …

The Daily Mail reports that Cardi B appeared at Queens Criminal Court in New York on Jan. 16 to answer to charges that she didn’t complete the 15 days of community service she was required to do as part of a plea deal from her 2018 court case of being involved in two sister bartenders being beaten up in a strip club. The case was resolved when the Bronx-born raptress pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2022. On Jan. 17, the judge in the case gave Cardi until March 1 to complete her sentence. Meanwhile, the always fashionable Cardi B showed up to court in an oversized white fur coat over a white dress, wearing white sunglasses …

On Jan. 12, ALLBLK, the streaming service for Black television from AMC Networks, premiered the fifth and final season of the daytime Emmy-nominated series “A House Divided,” as well as new episodes of “Hush” and the anthology series “Snap.” This season, all bets are off as Cameron Sanders, Sr. (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs) relentlessly wreaks his revenge on all who plotted against him. The show also stars Ameer Baraka, Parker McKenna Posey, LisaRaye McCoy, Brad James and Paula Jai Parker, among others …

The Tony Award-winning Best Musical “A Strange Loop” by Michael R. Jackson had its final performance on Jan. 15, but before it made its exit from Broadway, the play smashed the Lyceum Theatre’s house record, previously held by “A Christmas Carol.” In 2017, that show did $954,054.40 with nine performances in the week ending Jan.1. “A Strange Loop” did $955,590.80 over eight performances …

Major State of the Black World Conference V coming to Baltimore in April

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

Baltimore, Jan. 10, 2023—One of the most promising gatherings of Pan-African world leaders in recent memory was announced last week at the Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore. “I am delighted to be in Baltimore to announce that the Institute of the Black World 21st Century (IBW) is poised to convene one of the great global gatherings of Black people of the century in this city,” said Dr. Ron Daniels, IBW president, during a press conference at the church.

The five-day event, April 19–23, will be the fifth State of the Black World Conference, will take place in Baltimore, marking a return to the roots and origins of IBW in 1994.

Before discussing the remarkable history of IBW, Daniels read a statement from Dr. Julius Garvey, the event’s honorary chair and the son of the renowned Marcus Garvey.

“It is important that African civilization norms and prescriptions for sustainable development be formalized and structured as we repair the damage caused by the last 500 years of European materialism, industrialization and oppressive dehumanization,” Garvey said in the statement. “Topics to be discussed include the unification of the

continent via rail, road, airways, language and customs union to facilitate the African continental free trade agreement.”

Also on the expansive agenda, Garvey noted, is “Climate change, environmental pollution and reparations for the ravages caused by the slave trade, colonialism, neocolonialism, and the Bretton Woods consensus. Invited guests include many heads of state of African and Caribbean countries, political leaders, civil rights and human rights activists.”

Daniels said that a veritable who’s who of leaders and activists have already committed to participate in the conference, including the Hon. Nana Addo Danka Akufo-Addo, president, Republic of Ghana; Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, prime minister of Barbados; and Hon. P. J. Patterson, the longest serving prime minister of Jamaica and the Caribbean.

The Hon. Francia Marquez, vice president of Colombia, and Hon. Dickon Mitchell, prime minister of Grenada, have been invited and are expected to confirm.

Daniels was especially effusive about the attendance of Marquez: “She is the first Afro Colombian vice president in the country’s history.”

Another highlight of the conference will be a tribute to the late Maurice Bishop and the New Jewel Movement, featuring commentary from Mitchell.

Other notables listed as panelists or presenters include actor/activist Danny Glover; Sir Hilary Beckles, chair of the CARICOM Reparations Committee; Marc Morial, president/CEO, National Urban League; Dr. George Fraser, president and CEO, FraserNET; Kamm Howard, founder/director, Reparations United.

Among the invited guests are Bakari Kitwana, executive director of Rap Sessions, and Jasiri X, co-founder/CEO, IHood Media, to provide insight on the current developments in hip hop and the Black Liberation Movement.

Joining Daniels at the press conference were public relations standout Carolyn McClair, IBW board member Kareem A. Aziz, author and film promoter Haki Ammi, Wayne Stokely, and Rev. Dr. Robert R.A. Turner, pastor of the church hosting the press conference. “I am excited about this conference and I hope that many of you attend what I believe is a pivotal moment in our history. I can’t wait to see the success of this five-day affair.”

“All roads lead to Baltimore for the State of the Black World Conference V,” Daniels repeated. The event will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center and Hilton Inner Harbor Hotel. For conference updates, information, registration and a schedule of events, go to IBW21.org. Early registration ends April 1, 2023.

Carolyn McClair (front) and (l to r) Haki Ammi, Kareem Aziz, Dr. Ron Daniels, Rev. Dr. Robert R.A. Turner and Wayne Stokely. (Herb Boyd photo)

THE COMMUNITY HONORS

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Nightlife

Atlanta Urban One holds great Honors show

Institute honors Dr. King

The Institute for Transformative Mentoring (AKA ITM) honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a Day of Service in partnership with Council Member Kristin Richardson

NAN holds Annual Dr. King Day event Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) held their Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day event. Elected officials who spoke to the community included Attorney General Letitia

James, DAs Darcell Clark and Eric Gonzalez, Mayor Eric Adams, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, State Sen. Cordell Cleare, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, and Sen. Charles Schumer.

Not sure if they had worked together previously before, but when the creative energies of LL Cool J and Pharrell Williams (then of the production clique the Neptunes) converged, they were at a crossroads in their respective careers. LL, at work on his ninth studio album, while not at his superstar musical peak, still had rounds in his chambers that could add to his catalog. Pharrell and the Neptunes were cranking out chart toppers at a mercurial rate for Hip Hop, R&B, and pop artists. The result of that union was the August 2002 release of the Top 5 Billboard smash “Luv U Better.” Twenty years later, their names were again linked as the two were honorees at the return of the annual Urban One Honors, taped in Atlanta, Georgia, in December of 2022. The two-hour telecast premiered Monday, January 16, 2023—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—on TV One and Cleo TV, a division of Urban One, and was hosted by R&B singer and actor Tank. The event heralded the accomplishments of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in entertainment, media, music, education and the community.

LL, winner of the Entertainment Icon Honor, has seen major success over the trajectory of his 35-year-and-counting career as an author, actor and musician. With his platform Rock the Bells, he may become a media mogul. Pharrell received the Music Innovation Honor and may soon be a two-time honoree with a trophy in the category that LL won if his career stays the course. Of now, he has won 13 Grammy Awards, including three for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical (one as a member of the Neptunes), as well as being a two-time Academy Award nominee: in 2014 for Best Original Song, for “Happy” (from DDespicable Me 2”) and in 2017 for Best Picture, as a producer of “Hidden Figures.”

Those two wins weren’t just for the individuals, but rather an indication of the strides that Hip Hop has made as a viable art form—so much so that the 50-year anniversary of the music itself paid homage.

DJ Spinderella, with her wheels of steel, infused classic tunes with a live band and guest performances from Kool Moe Dee, Monie Love and Doug E Fresh to add panache to their legendary recordings.

Doug, while proud of what he has done for the culture, beamed at what his peers LL and Pharrell have accomplished. Of LL, he said, “We was together at the Roxy, and I had a song called ‘The Original Human BeatBox’ and he had just come out with ‘I Need A Beat’ and we was tight since. He used to come up to Harlem around Fearless 4, the Treacherous Three, Silver Fox and the Fantasy 3. To see him evolve from an artist and person to the man that he is today and get his acknowledgment is a beautiful thing. This one coming from Urban One might mean more than all the others because this is us honoring us.”

Doug also said simply of Pharrell that “he represents the finest of the culture and his honesty, his creativity and his integrity speaks for itself.”

Rounding out the night were Rep. Maxine Waters with the Lifetime Achievement Honor, presented by Roland Martin and Keisha Lance Bottoms; David and Tamela Mann with the Inspirational Impact Honor, presented by actor Lamman Rucker and serenaded by Keke Wyatt who performed a medley that included Tamela’s hit song “Take Me To the King”; and Bobby Brown, who received the inaugural Phoenix Honor from his son Landon Brown.

Look out for a few more major Hip Hop celebrations in 2023. We ready!

Over and out. Holla next week. Til then, enjoy the nightlife!

Jordan and a candlelight vigil for those lost to gun violence. Their group leaders are experienced youth mentors who aim to help rebuild communities. They noted that King was shot and Malcolm X was also shot.

Written by David Goodson

Maxine Waters (David Goodson photos)

Simone James Smith

Brooklyn Nets honor MLK Day Nupol Kiazolu, activist, member of BLM and a Miss Liberia USA, deliver

game ball at Brooklyn Nets game. KBT Temple Praise Singers sing Black Anthem at game.

(Bill Moore photos)

Union Matters

Amazon Labor Union vote was legit; permitted to bargain, says NLRB

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

The April 2022 election results at Amazon’s JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island were legitimate, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) said in a historic decision last week.

The JFK8 vote by warehouse workers, who chose to be represented by the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), was done properly and Amazon should work with the ALU to determine workers’ concerns, the decision stated.

During the April 2022 vote, 2,654 workers voted for ALU representation and 2,131 voted against it, the NLRB said.

Amazon had been trying to get the ALU’s authorization overturned. The company

claimed ALU organizers––and, in particular, union president Christian Smalls––intimidated workers with social media posts about the union vote and camera crews who, when filming employees voting, might have been seen to be surveilling them.

In the NLRB’s decision on the case, they quote Amazon as stating that “On March 25, Petitioner’s President Christian Smalls posted to his social media accounts a video of himself standing outside the voting area over 20 minutes after voting began and after he had told certain employees that the Petitioner would know how they voted. Employees viewing a video of the Petitioner’s President appearing to stand outside the polling area while the polls were open reasonably tended to coerce and intimidate voters and potential voters and lead them

to believe that the Petitioner and Mr. Smalls was or would surveil them. Mr. Smalls’ social media post also reasonably tended to create the impression with voters that the Board supported Petitioner in the election, as it failed to properly police and/or took no actions to remove him from the ‘no-electioneering zone’ established by the Board.”

But Cornele A. Overstreet, the NLRB director of Region 28, wrote that the board’s decision found that “Smalls did not have a ‘ubiquitous presence’ around the polls” and the board did not favor the union prior to the vote.

Overstreet said that all of Amazon’s objections to the ALU should be dismissed.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said: “We knew it was unlikely that the NLRB Regional Office would rule against itself and

intend to appeal. As we’ve said since the beginning, we don’t believe this election process was fair, legitimate, or representative of the majority of what our team wants.”

The e-commerce giant claims “we showed throughout the hearing, through dozens of witnesses and hundreds of pages of documents, that the Region and ALU improperly suppressed and influenced the vote.”

In a statement, the ALU said it is now calling on the company to begin contract negotiations.

“ALU has been certified as the exclusive representative of all employees at the JFK8 location,” said Christian Smalls. “Amazon doesn’t have to like that, but they have to honor that fact. Another fact: Sitting down at the bargaining table will make Amazon a better employer.”

Christian Smalls and ALU members celebrated when they heard they'd won the union vote in 2022 (Courtesy of: @amazonlabor via Twitter)

MLK’s relationship with the Jewish community during the Civil Rights Movement was beautiful, yet fraught

By TAMERRA GRIFFIN

When Gunnar Jahn awarded Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, he noted that apart from Mahatma Gandhi, King was the only person in the history of the western world to bring about fundamental social change peacefully.

“I accept the Nobel Prize for Peace at a moment when 22 million Negroes of the United States of America are engaged in a creative battle to end the long night

of racial injustice,” King said in his acceptance speech. The honor made him Atlanta’s first Nobel Laureate, but that historical moment on its own was not enough to drag that long night of racial injustice into day.

When King returned to Atlanta, he learned that his award had been met with such resistance that nobody planned an award dinner to celebrate his achievement. Potential hosts were concerned that white people, far more accustomed to being served

by Black people than honoring them, would refuse to attend. That was when Rabbi Jacob Rothschild and his wife, Janice, sprung into action, galvanizing their network to organize the dinner themselves. More than 1,400 people attended, including former Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, Georgia Senator Leroy Johnson and Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan, making King’s award dinner the first integrated event of its kind in Atlanta. Even a cursory review of the storied relationship between King and other Black freedom fighters and prominent Jewish civil rights leaders yields an abundance of symbolic images, including King and Rabbi Abraham Heschel singing “We Shall Overcome” in Hebrew in front of more than a thousand other rabbis, and black-

and-white photographs of Jewish and Black demonstrators interlocking arms as they marched across the Edmund-Pettus Bridge in 1965. As with most coalition narratives, it’s tempting to dwell in the romance of Black-Jewish solidarity. But, of course, the reality contains much more nuance, and understanding that nuance is crucial not only to fully appreciating the work that took place between Black and Jewish civil rights leaders of the past, but to contextualizing the efforts toward Black and Jewish cooperation happening right now.

“There are so many untold stories that I hear that aren’t documented,” said Dr. Shari Rogers, who directed Shared Legacies, a documentary that explores the complexities and impact of Black-

Jewish relations during the Civil Rights Movement. “Those who chose to activate their energy and action, to see their own pain in the other and not just have empathy, but to activate it, was significant enough to change the conscience of America.”

Rogers, who is from Michigan, met Clarence B. Jones while visiting the Charles Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit years back. Jones was revered for having served as King’s attorney and personal advisor, and for having written some of his speeches. (Jones was also the board chair and CEO of the New York Amsterdam News in 1971.)

While reading Jones’s book, What Would Martin Say?, Rogers was

Leaders in a Vietnam war protest stand in silent prayer in Arlington National Cemetery, Feb. 6, 1968: (front row, from left) Rev. Andrew Young, executive vice president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Bishop James P. Shannon, Roman Catholic auxiliary bishop of Minneapolis and St. Paul; Rabbi Abraham Heschel, professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary, New York; the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Rabbi Maurice Eisendrath, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. (AP Photo/Harvey Georges)

Come on, man!

The Republicans and Trump can warp and woof all they want about the current crisis facing President Biden, particularly as they circle around the discovery of a cache of classified documents. But at least, unlike his predecessor, Biden is willing to cooperate and not run from the oversight.

You wonder what these classified documents are about that are popping up all over the place, marking Biden’s mishandling—and where is his team of lawyers and associates on this issue? This raft of miscues is not only a reflection on Biden but on the team he has assembled, comparable to a gang that can’t think straight.

While we can forgive the aging leader for his gaffe on the lyrics of a birthday song, we are less inclined to brush aside having classified documents stocked in various locations, even though he immediately explained that he was unaware of them and what they contained.

Mistakes like these by corporations are one thing. Fumbling classified documents by the leader of the nation is quite another. Let us hope this is not as bad as the investigation underway into Trump’s documents with the possibility of criminal charges being brought.

As one of the sports channels screamed about terrible errors and bad calls by officials: Come on, man! Biden, you can do better than this. It’s bad enough with the House in GOP control without you providing McCarthy and his gang with additional ammunition.

With all this said and done, know that the Beloved Community is behind you, but you have to show a more enlightened and visionary leadership, lest we all stand to lose.

An open letter to Governor Murphy re: the ‘Bad’ BodyCam Bill S3939/A5864

Dear Governor Murphy, We expressly insist that you veto S3939/A5864, a bill that allows police officers to view bodycam footage before coming forward with their reports.

This bill undermines the entire point of implementing body cameras... to provide a material instrument of transparency!

We also say that this bill, no matter the legislature’s theater of agreement, where critical community engagement was curtailed and expert criticism was derided, takes us backward on the question of police reform when we sorely need to go forward.

Most offensive to New Jersey’s African American community is that this bill was fast-tracked through the Legislature on the heels of the anniversary of the Emmanuel 9 Massacre in Charleston in June. Why is that important to us? It should not be forgotten that the principal target of that massacre was the late State

Sen. Clementa Pinckney, who also happened to be the pastor of that historic church. Sen. Pinckney helped marshal a united strategy in the statehouse of one of this country’s historically most violently racist states and got BodyCamera requirements passed through both branches and did so almost unanimously!

Only one representative, whose name history will gladly forget, would not join in the making of that historic moment. Tragically, Sen. Pinckney would be dead less than two weeks later.

This bill is a slap in the face of what all of that meant!

We salute the handful of legislators who understood that and voted against that, and I am proud to name them: in the Assembly, Britnee Timberlake; in the Senate, Nia Gill, Ron Rice and Loretta Weinberg, because they embody what true leadership means... Commitment to principle!

Since that initial push through the Assembly, we only

were further infuriated by your office’s “touches” to the bill. We do not want to see “touches” on the legitimizing of a bad bill to appease the intimidating police unions. We want to see a united effort to stand up to such intimidation and stand up for what’s right and what’s really needed, and it is NOT THIS BILL!

We say what should happen, instead, is that you would veto the bill and challenge the Legislature to unite on the package of strong police reform bills that are already developed that would round out the strengths and limits of the Bodycam bills that you already signed.

Tell the Legislature that the time has come to pass the following bills:

-The Police Transparency Bill S2656 (D-Weinberg); A5301 (Verlina Reynolds-Jackson)

-The Civilian Review Board with its key authorities intact S2963 (D-Rice); A4656 (McKnight)

-Limiting The Use of Deadly Force S3825 (D-Turner);A4526 (D-Tucker)

-Ending Qualifying Immunity S3730 (D-Gill);A4578(DWimberly)

-Ban of Chokeholds S2617 (D-Turner); A4284 (Wimberly)...

Challenge the Legislature, just as we all have been doing and will continue to do. The time to do this is now. The best way to do this is to do this together. That would be profoundly historic! That would be profoundly principled! That would be a genuinely profound step forward that would engender the trust and accountability that we all need to see!

We can and must do so much better than the bad political theater that is S3939/A5864.

VETO S3939/A5864 now!

Zayid Muhammad is with the Newark Communities for Accountable Policing.

Exposing the “misconstrued and sanitized…SantaClassification” of Dr. Martin Luther King

Dear Editor,

Publisher and Editor in Chief

Kristin

Fayne-Mulroy: Managing Editor

Nayaba Arinde: Editor

Cyril Josh Barker: Digital Editor

Damaso Reyes: Investigative Editor

Siobhan "Sam" Bennett: Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Advertising Wilbert A. Tatum (1984-2009): Chairman of the Board, CEO and Publisher Emeritus

Today, as we pay homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we must acknowledge him as a true anti-establishment radical and reject the whitewashing of his legacy. Dr. King’s words are often misconstrued and sanitized, which undermines liberation movements—“the Santa-Classification” of Dr. King, as Dr. Cornel West aptly described in his book The Radical King. Dr. King was a Black man who did not get to grow old; that is a tragedy we are all too familiar with. His life was stolen by white supremacy, and now his words are diluted in service of a white su-

premacist and capitalist agenda. Today, we are reclaiming his true legacy.

On protests and police brutality:

Dr. King was not simply a pacifist; he had a militant, disciplined commitment to active nonviolent direct action. He called for mass civil disobedience to “dislocate the functioning” of cities. And although Dr. King was a proponent of active nonviolent resistance against evil, he was nuanced in his critiques of other forms of resistance. He understood that a “riot is the language of the unheard” and that to avert riots, America needed to address the plight of poor, Black Americans forced to live in “intolerable conditions.”

He also challenged white society to focus their “concerns on justice and humanity" rather than "tranquility and maintaining the status quo.” In a speech at the American Psychological Association’s annual convention, Dr. King said, “Urban riots must now be recognized as durable social

phenomena. They may be deplored, but they are there and should be understood. Urban riots are a special form of violence. They are not insurrections.”

In his speech “Nonviolence and Social Change,” Dr. King explained that the urban riots of 1967 primarily targeted property, not people, “because property represents the white power structure” and some Black rioters “looted” in an effort to “redress the power imbalance that property represents.” He noted that the destruction was directed at “symbols of exploitation.”

He also observed that the true aggressors exacerbating violence against people were military and police action. He once declared, “We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.”

On economic injustice and capitalism: Despite how many characterize him, Dr. King was a democratic socialist who

Elinor R. Tatum:

Exalting Black achievement and success stories

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

ARMSTRONG WILLIAMS

The time is overdue to turn the page on the backward-looking 1619 project. Has it caused a single Black person to better themselves and set a standard to which the wise and honest may repair?

The path forward is to exalt, celebrate and salute Black achievement and success stories to inspire the living and those yet to be born to strive for excellence and courage.

It should be underscored that the achievers and successes represent a rich diversity of thought and convictions. They marched to their own drummers even if it meant encountering stiff headwinds. Nothing is more insulting or demoralizing than to be told that your ambitions, viewpoints and philosophy are pre-determined by your race.

Let us begin with mis-education about a fictional character: Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, published in 1852. Uncle Tom is extraordinarily Christian. The climax of the story comes when Uncle Tom is asked to reveal where two enslaved women are hiding who had been sexually abused by their cruel master, Simon Legree. Uncle Tom refuses. Knowing that he is going to be beaten to death, he still refuses to reveal their whereabouts. In other words, Uncle Tom signed away his life to save two Black women—the very definition of heroic.

But later movies and critics airbrushed out the true Uncle Tom in the novel. They substituted a craven, docile, submissive Black man to be execrated—akin to substituting Satan for Jesus. No one protested or corrected the dastardly falsehood. Uncle Tom today is understood as a slur to disparage a Black person thought to be humiliatingly subservient or deferential to white people.

But the real Uncle Tom was a

hero. Just read the novel. It has been in the public domain for more than 170 years. It is not ambiguous about Uncle Tom’s gallant bravery. The true Uncle Tom infuriated slaveholders, which is why President Lincoln quipped upon meeting author Stowe in 1862: “[S]o you are the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war.”

We have lost Uncle Tom as a wonderful positive role model through sheer ignorance and intellectual cowardice.

Crispus Attucks anticipated the genuine Uncle Tom. He escaped slavery to become a mariner. He was murdered during the 1770 Boston Massacre—the first casualty in the American Revolution. In death, Attucks was afforded honors that no person of color—particularly one who had escaped slavery—had ever received before in America. Samuel Adams, spearhead of the Revolution, organized a procession to transport Attucks’s casket to Boston’s Faneuil Hall, where Attucks lay in state for three days before the victims’ public funeral. An estimated 10,000 to 12,000 people—more than half of Boston’s population at the time— joined in the procession that carried the caskets of Attucks and the other victims of the Boston Massacre to the graveyard.

Attucks became a symbol in the 1840s for African American activists in the abolitionist movement, who promoted him as an example of a Black citizen and a patriot. He gave the lie to Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney’s counter-factual, racist assertion in Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857) that “[t]hey [African Americans] had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.”

Martin Luther King wrote in 1964 that Black schoolchildren “know

that the first American to shed blood in the revolution that freed his country from British oppression was a Black seaman named Crispus Attucks.” Could he write that same sentence today?

The Black pantheon includes the likes of Dr. King, Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, W.E.B. DuBois, William Monroe Trotter, Langston Hughes, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, Jesse Owens, the Tuskegee Airmen, Paul Robeson, Ralph Bunche, William Hastie, William Coleman, Jackie Robinson, Edward Brooke, Mohammed Ali, Charles Hamilton Houston, Thurgood Marshall, Clarence Thomas, Thomas Sowell and Ben Carson.

A complete list is impossible as a concession to the shortness of life and article space. I regret the omission of many other deserving Black Americans. All have proven the electrifying truth of the poem Invictus (unconquered in Latin) by William Ernest Henley: “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.”

Dwell on the positive, not the negative, in Black history. Exult over the glorious possibilities for the future rather than cry forever over spilt milk. Every parent knows a child is doomed if given excuses for failure like manna falling from heaven. Scapegoating accomplishes only stagnation. Everyone is capable of genius: “[O]ne percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration,” according to inventor-genius Thomas Edison. Go for it!

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

Let’s not forget about Rikers

CHRISTINA GREER PH.D.

It’s a new year and as Governor Kathy Hochul settles into her role as the nowelected governor of New York State, we will likely see some cracks in the relationship between her and New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams. We know the two have worked closely together these past few months, but the rubber may hit the road as the two try to negotiate everything from budgets to bail reform, housing policy and the homeless, education and the environment.

Both leaders have their respective constituencies. Both leaders are keenly aware of their unique and historic positions as executives of the state and city, respectively. And both leaders tend to represent more moderate policy positions within the New York Democratic party. As we watch the two leaders grow into their roles (and pray their relationship does not devolve into de Blasio and Cuomo petty fights each day), we must remember the people behind all of these policy fights. What continues to weigh heavily on my heart are those in Rikers Island jail. According to the Vera Institute for Justice, in 2022 alone, nineteen people died while at Rikers. We know far too many Black and Latino young men and women are held there because they cannot make bail. Essentially, those who can make bail await their trial at home and those who cannot must oftentimes wait in jail for a court date, which could take weeks, months or even longer.

According to NYCLU.org, roughly two years ago, “New York lawmakers passed legislation that eliminated the use of cash bail for most

misdemeanors and some nonviolent felony charges, in an overdue recognition that a person’s wealth should not determine their liberty.” This was an important step to begin to bring some sort of equity to the judicial process. Unfortunately, bail reform has become a political football and far too many politicians misrepresent the intent of the legislation and the various individuals and communities it helps.

We must continue to pressure our legislators, the mayor and the governor to make sure those who are currently housed at Rikers are treated equitably. We must make sure the conversation pertaining to the closing of Rikers does not disappear from policy conversations. And we must make sure we support organizations that provide services to those awaiting trial on Rikers and those who could use financial assistance to make sure they can return to their communities, and not have their lives ruined by minor infractions or accusations.

As the new year begins, I will be supporting the Envision Freedom Fund as it works alongside impacted communities to dismantle the oppressive and interconnected criminal, legal and immigration systems. You can learn more at www.envisionfreedom.org

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,” co-host of the podcast FAQNYC and host of “The Blackest Questions” podcast at TheGrio.

Caribbean Update

Jamaica limping toward a republic; process stalled

By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews

When tourism paradise Barbados switched from an independent nation to a fullfledged republic in late 2021, its sister Caribbean community nation, Jamaica, made little effort to avoid being labeled as jealous of its Eastern Caribbean neighbor.

Calls rose up from many sections of society for Jamaica to do likewise, and reports of previous studies about republicanism were dusted off and debated. Caribbean pride swelled as the change-over ceremony was broadcast globally, but there was perhaps no place else in the region where the urge to do likewise was felt

more than in Jamaica.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness was so politically motivated by the Barbados move that he brazenly told visiting British royals Prince William and his wife Kate last year that “Jamaica is as you would see a country that is very proud.We’re moving on. And we intend to fulfill our true ambition of being an independent, fully developed and prosperous country.”

But the government’s efforts to move the legislative process along to effect the switch has run into a major snag, with the governing Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) blaming the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) for stymieing efforts for parliamentary approval for changes to key constitutional clauses.

Legal Affairs Minister Marlene Malahoo says the PNP is basically sabotaging efforts to move the process along by refusing to name its two delegates to the reform commission. The PNP is also, at the proverbial 11th hour, demanding that Jamaica do away with the British Privy Council as its final appeals court, and movesto the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) model. For the PNP, this would complete the entire dismissal of the British colonial system and its ways of doing things. But Malahoo also vowed that the cabinet will go ahead ”with or without the participation of the parliamentary opposition.” She even says that the whole process, including a

planned referendum next year, will take at least a year to complete. The original goal was to have Jamaica become a republic in time for its 60th independence anniversary last year, but that constitutional ship has already sailed.

“We consider it unfortunate that the parliamentary opposition is twinning accession to the appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ to the move to abolish the constitutional monarchy and establish the republic of Jamaica. I thought that when they said that we should complete the move that they meant it, but clearly it was plain talk. Plain talk,” Malahoo said.

“On the main issue on the table, in terms of constitutional reform, which is for Jamai-

ca to move from being ruled with a head of state, not governed by a monarch based in the UK, to having a Jamaican head of state—a president—as part of that process. We don’t do it in a piecemeal way, but we complete our decolonisation, achieve full sovereignty and political independence by moving away from the Privy Council as our final court and acceding to the jurisdiction of the CCJ as our final court,” Mark Golding, opposition leader, shot back. Golding even said he had written to the minister mid last year and only received a reply in 2023.

Of the 12 former British colonies in the 15-nation Caricom block, only Guyana, Trinidad, Dominica and Barbados are republics. Antigua and the Ba-

hamas have indicated an interest in decolonizing.

Jamaica has, since the 90’s, been debating whether to move to a republic. The referendum will try to repeal entrenched clauses in the constitution concerning how to become a republic, among other issues.

“It will take nine to 12 months, ambitiously, to pass the bill, then amend the constitution to establish the republic of Jamaica. Some of what the opposition leader wishes to have discussed, the committee was supposed to help us with. We are ready to go, and it is my hope that we will not be forced to go without the opposition, but we are ready to go,” Malahoo stated.

Could Prince Harry’s loose lips sink his own immigration ship?

FELICIA PERSAUD

IMMIGRATION

KORNER

Could Prince Harry’s decision to dish all, including perhaps foolishly sharing about taking cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms and weed before coming to America, and in the U.S. as recently as 2020, come back to bite him in his royal behind?

The British and American press continue to press the issue and question whether he could lose his immigration status over his loose lips.

In his memoir Spare (a reference to being the “spare heir” as the younger son of now-King Charles III), Harry, the Duke of Sussex, admitted using cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms, and smoking weed. In an effort to perhaps cleanse his soul, he revealed through his ghostwriter that he smoked weed in high school; after his first date with his now wife, Meghan Markle, in 2016, and most recently in 2020, after he had moved to the U.S. and while he, his wife and son were living at Tyler Perry’s LA home during the lockdown while house-hunting.

“Late at night with everyone asleep, I’d walk the house, checking the doors and windows. Then I’d sit on the balcony or the edge of the garden and roll a joint,” he wrote of his most recent weed-smoking episodes after moving to the U.S. Harry also opened up about using other drugs like cocaine and ketamine. In fact, he claimed he was tripping pretty hard at a party at actor Courteney Cox’s house when a garbage bin started looking like someone’s head. He wrote: “I stepped on the pedal and the head opened its mouth. A huge open grin. I laughed.”

The admissions have triggered a series of questions over how his drug use might affect his immigration status. While it is unclear what visa exactly Harry is here on, since his wife is a U.S. citizen and could easily sponsor him, there is speculation that he is here on an O visa, which is usually granted to people with “extraordinary abilities,” such as athletes or people in the motion picture or television industry. Such visas usually come up for renewal after three years.

Also, back in 2021, the Times

reported that although Prince Harry is eligible to become a U.S. permanent resident immediately and subsequently a U.S. citizen, he will not pursue permanent residency and citizenship in the United States.

That news led to both the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail speculating last week, in a flurry of news articles, that Harry’s admitted drug use in his new memoir could threaten his American residency.

“Harry could be barred from the U.S. ... after his admission he has taken drugs,” speculated the Daily Mail in a headline.

The Daily Telegraph quoted George Washington University immigration professor Alberto Benítez in a headline that screamed: “Prince Harry ‘should have been denied US residency’ over drug use revealed in memoir.”

Benitez was quoted as saying the son of King Charles III “would have been asked” about his prior drug use upon his application to reside in the United States with his American wife, Meghan.

If he was “truthful in his answers, he should have been denied,” insisted Benítez, director of George Washington University’s Immigration

Clinic. If he lied, his visa could now be revoked, Benítez told the Telegraph.

Tiana Lowe, a commentary writer for the Washington Times, was more dramatic, leading with a piece on January 8 before the official release of the Spare memoir with the headline “Biden should deport Prince Harry to kick off immigration crisis crackdown.”

She claimed that the Duke of Sussex “almost surely lied to immigration authorities about his prevalent use of Schedule I drugs and Schedule II narcotics.”

“If Biden is serious about cracking down on the country’s current immigration crisis, there would be no better way to signal his seriousness than to deport a high-profile, wildly privileged prince who, if he did indeed lie to immigration officials, committed a felony,” she said.

What does the O visa law state? According to U.S. authorities, typically applicants with illegal substance history would be denied a visa, but entry is granted on a case-tocase basis. U.S. immigration rules state that an individual’s “current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal ac-

tivities … may make the applicant ineligible for a visa.”

Still, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State continue to intensify their focus on alcohol and drug use as these relate to immigration processing. Attorney Michael Skinner of the Skinner Law Firm writes that “under 8 U.S.C. 1182, any alien who is determined … to be a drug abuser or addict, is inadmissible.”

He added: “When a USCIS or consular officer suspects an applicant is a drug addict or harmful alcoholic, the officer will likely refer the applicant to a civil surgeon for a medical review. If the civil surgeon concludes the applicant is a drug addict or harmful alcoholic, any application for a green card or visa will be denied.”

That means that if Harry had owned up to his drug usage earlier, he might have been denied residency, because anyone seeking residency is asked a series of questions about to their criminal and drug history.

But Skinner also notes that “even if a person is already in the United States, he or she could be deported. Under 8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(2)(B)(ii), ‘any

alien who is, or at any time after admission has been, a drug abuser or addict is deportable.’”

Will his own admission make it harder for the Royal Prince to stay in the U.S.?

Benítez claims that officials may have already cut Harry some slack because of his status as a member of the royal family. “If it was ‘Fred Jones’ and he had this kind of a [drug] background ... he’d have a lot more scrutiny,” Benítez said.

“Many Green Card holders and Permanent Residents have been deported to countries where they never lived for possessing drug paraphernalia,” added attorney Allen Orr, Jr. “They are mostly Black and brown immigrants from heavily policed areas. They should be treated with the same grace as the Duke of Sussex.”

And I agree. Maybe, if he was Haitian or African, he would be for sure. Harry’s millions earned just for airing his dirty laundry is enough to buy him the best immigration attorney anyway. That’s royal, white privilege for you.

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

LaSalle Loses Nomination for Chief Judge

By Ariama C. Long Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

The hearing for Justice Hector LaSalle’s nomination for Chief Judge of New York State began this morning at New York State Capitol in Albany, NY on Jan 18. After several hours of questioning from the Senate Judiciary Committee, Lasalle lost the nomination.

Two Senators were in favor, ten opposed, and all others were without recommendation.

In his opening remarks, Chair Brad Hoylman set the tone for the hearings and spoke about the enormous weight the position of chief judge represents and the desire to move away from “prosecution” leaning candidates for the job.

Out of the more than 5,000 cases Lasalle has presided over, Hoylman pointed out 59 with criminal justice issues and at least 18 involving civil rights violations. He viewed Lasalle’s “alliance” with former chief judge Janet Difiore as reflective of conservative decision making.

Lasalle’s opening remarks centered around stories of his background and ethnicity, being from a Puerto Rican working class family from Long Island. He said he is honored to have the opportunity to be a nominee. He is a staunch Democrat. But

confirmed that he has run as a judge on both the Working Families Party and Conservative party lines in 2008 and 2022.

Over a dozen senators and advocates have publicly slammed Lasalle for his judicial records, including cases in which they say he voted to allow discrimination based on skin color in jury selection, shield corporations from liability when they harm New Yorkers, and undermined victims of domestic violence when they seek justice, in addition to his anti-union, anti-due process, and anti-abortion decisions.

During the hearing he took questions about these cases, disputing or explaining his reasoning, and spoke about what he

envisions for the office should he be confirmed. He said repeatedly that he believes in applying the law equally to everyone regardless of background or ethnicity.

Lasalle had Senators who were adamant supporters as well as ones who were much more adversarial in their questioning. He said that he had reached out privately to every person on the committee and was always met with respect. “The private conversations I’ve had have not mirrored the public,” said Lasalle.

Senator Zellnor Myrie asked specifically why Lasalle voted to allow discrimination based on skin color in jury selection in cases like People v. Lorenzo Smith or People

v. Joseph Bridgeforth, explaining that as a dark-skinned Latino himself, that it was a personal concern.

The Bridgeforth case, a “dark-skinned” Black man challenged the striking of five “dark-skinned” Black, Guyanese, and Indian-American women as jurors in his trial based on discrimination. LaSalle joined an opinion refusing to find that skin color discrimination was prohibited by either the federal or state constitutions, which was unanimously overturned by The Court of Appeals.

Lasalle said that he applauded the decision but felt “constrained” in some cases where the rule was applied.

Senator Anthony Palumbo, a longtime friend of Lasalle’s for 25 years, said that his colleagues were “politicizing the nomination process” by “cherry picking decisions.”

Senator Luis Sepúlveda said that Lasalle was being blatantly mischaracterized and that the proceedings were a “shameful” character assassination towards a Latino nominee.

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

Eric Adams

Ashwin Vasan, MD, PhD Mayor Commissioner

Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Justice LaSalle’s nomination for Chief Judge (Screenshot)

When helping aging loved ones, new year provides a time to plan

By BERKIS OKEN, HOSPICE RN, VNS HEALTH

Special to the AmNews

As the new year gets underway, many people set aspirational goals for better health and better living. As a hospice nurse, I know that my clients are often more receptive to “big picture” health conversations during this time. That can mean talking about how they envision themselves living out the coming years and decades of their lives. It can also be a way to ease into any thoughts you or a loved one might have about end-of-life plans.

It is never too early for families to discuss how they would like things to go in the future, including desires and priorities for a decline in health and how they envision their end of life. Is being at home important, for example?

Talking about these very personal thoughts and feelings may not always be easy, but it’s an important first step in “advance planning“ that includes:

• Designating a health care proxy— identifying the person or people who the aging parent wishes to make health decisions for them if they are not able to do so for themselves.

• Discussing quality of life—having a conversation to find out what the aging parent considers to be a good quality of life as they get older or become ill or frail.

• Making a decision on a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) Order—discussing and signing a form that instructs healthcare personnel to avoid extraordinary life-prolonging measures, such as CPR if the heart stops or intubation (external ventilation).

When I’m working with families, I often use preparations for the coming year as a prompt to begin a conversation. It might go something like this: “Mom, we are taking special care to prepare our home and our plans for a successful start to the new year. In the same way, there are steps we can take now to make sure that we, as a family, are wellprepared for our what-ifs in the future.”

However you choose to begin your conversation, it’s important to let your loved one know that this is just a starting point and that you would very much like to hear their thoughts, insights or questions. If your

loved one should ask a question you don’t know the answer to, don’t try to guess the answer. Instead, say you’ll find out, and then look into it and get back to them.

Day-to-day caregiving

While the family is together, it’s also a good time to assess an aging parent’s day-to-day caregiving needs and look ahead. While you may be the central part of your parent’s support network, you could need help as time goes on. You may live far away, have many work or family responsibilities, or have a parent whose health needs are too much for you to handle alone.

Furthermore, as people live longer, the children of aging parents are themselves often over 65 and may have their own healthcare needs. I worked with a centenarian (over 100 years old) whose primary caregiver—her son—was in his 80s and unwell. I talked with the extended family to make sure others could pitch in, taking not only the mother to doctor’s appointments but the son as well.

A support network might include home health aides (HHAs). In addition to keeping your loved one company, home health aides can play an important role in helping your loved one with daily activities such as cooking and housekeeping, and getting to and from medical appointments, as well as reminding them to take medication or do prescribed home physical therapy.

If you are —or you will become—your parent’s primary caregiver, it’s important to make sure you also attend to your own self-care. Caregiving is stressful and it can take its toll. Some important caregiver resources can be found at AARP, the Family Caregiver Alliance and the National Alliance for Caregiving.

When is the right time to have this discussion?

I suggest “seizing the day” and discussing these topics whenever the occasion presents itself, because no time is ever exactly right, or exactly wrong, to have these conversations. My colleague Leona Abrams—a

longtime hospice social worker here at VNS Health who is passionate about the need for advance planning—offers another perspective: to think twice about where you decide to have these conversations. While she likes people to bring humor, compassion and a degree of lightness to such a conversation, there still is a seriousness to the subject that she said might not sit right during a festive family gathering.

Even if you decide the start of the year is not the right time to discuss serious matters, elevate the conversations to your new year’s resolution list to make sure you go into the year well-prepared for life’s eventualities.

I have worked with patients and families who have planned ahead and those who have not. Dealing with aging and end of life is hard enough without having

so many important questions still unanswered. For example, I’ve worked with immigrant families whose parents expect to be buried in their home country, but no one has looked into the logistics—or expense—involved in carrying out such a plan. I also worked with a woman who was so prepared for the end of life that she had written out full instructions for her death, even packing a suitcase of clothes she would like to be buried in. She knew that this would give her devastated partner the time and space he needed to grieve without the clutter of logistics—and it did. For the next time you get together with family and look forward to a year of new family memories, I offer my motto (from experience!): Caring is preparing. Where there is order, there is calm—and a better quality of life for everyone.

Hospice clinicians can address a wide array of issues, from pain and symptom management to time with family and friends, to emotional support and spiritual care. (Photos courtesy of VNS Health)

Berkis Oken, VNS Health hospice RN, and Leona Abrams, VNS Health hospice social worker

Arts & Entertainment

‘Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space’— an intelligent piece of work on PBS

By MAGRIRA Special to the AmNews

One of the best documentaries that I’ve screened so far this year is “Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space” directed by Tracy Heather Strain (“Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart”). At first glance, perhaps you might think this is all academic and no heart, and you would be wrong.

Strain made it clear in telling the story of Zora Neale Hurston that her journey reflects how the world works now. It’s rather heartbreaking, to be frank, to realize that not much has changed since the 1930s for African Americans and other non-white people. To say that Hurston was a trailblazer is not getting to the deepest part of her roots. She was a bigger-than-life figure who accomplished amazing things despite the gigantic obstacles that were part of being a female and African American.

Hurston believed that by studying anthropology, she could fight the stereotypes and celebrate the richness of Black culture. The leading experts in that field (all white and mostly male) didn’t care about learning about our strengths. They wanted to use evidence to suggest that our people were less than and inferior. Hurston knew better and worked with a slim safety net to prove the truth.

What Hurston learned, quickly, is that culturally, our people are in constant motion and are wary of letting in strangers—even strangers who are clearly African American. But it was her “proper language,” sounding more like a white woman, that initially kept her from getting close. In a series of eureka moments, she finally realized that, to learn, total immersion was the only key to unlocking those stories. When Hurston did so, she emerged with the raw materials she formed into her greatest work. To say that Hurston suffered for her art is an understatement of gigantic proportions.

In this beautifully crafted documentary, we learn of Hurston’s close connection to Eatonville, Florida, where she grew up—one of the first incorporated all-African-American towns in the United States. It was established by newly freed slaves. Growing up, she listened to the stories that were told in the general store or on their porches.

It took her a long time to earn her education, going to night school and then entering the Morgan Academy (in Baltimore), followed by the Howard Academy (in Washington). After she received her high school degree, she entered Howard University, followed by Barnard College in New York City. Her passion was

learning about her people. And it was at Barnard she met Franz Boas, one of the leaders of the cultural anthropology movement and a teacher at Columbia.

All these adventures and observations helped her shape her novel—Their Eyes Were Watching God, incorporating characters she had known growing up and providing those rich descriptions that set her writing apart from others.

There are many people in this world who have never heard about Zora Neale Hurston, and Strain’s film does a pitch-perfect job of introducing us to this dynamic woman in all of her humiliations and complexities. For those who do know about her, this film gives us much more to chew on, so to speak.

Despite creating an American literary classic, her own life was a battle from day one. There’s more of her writing to learn from and enjoy, including: “Barracoon: The Story of the Last ‘Black Cargo’” and “You Don’t Know Us Negroes and Other Essays.”

Director/writer/producer Tracy Heather Strain, the president and co-founder of the Film Posse, is an award-winning filmmaker. Strain directed, wrote and produced “Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart,” her feature documentary about Lorraine Hansberry, which made its television debut on American Masters and won a Peabody Award, an NAACP Image Award for Motion Picture Directing (Television), and the American His-

torical Association’s John E. O’Connor Award.

A two-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker, Strain’s other directing and producing credits include “When the Bough Breaks” for the duPont Columbia Award-winning series “Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?” and “The Story We Tell” for “Race: The Power of an Illusion.” She directed, wrote and produced “Bright Like a Sun” and “The Dream Keepers” for Blackside’s six-part series “I’ll Make Me a World: A Century of African American Art,” which won a Peabody Award and Organization of American Historians’ Erik Barnouw Award.

Strain’s other American Experience credits include producer/director of “Building the Alaska Highway”; writer/director/producer of “American Oz”; producer of “Silicon Valley”; and coordinating producer of “The Feud,” “The Swamp,” “The Battle of Chosin,” “The Mine

Wars,” and “The Rise and Fall of Penn Station.” Strain is the Corwin-Fuller Professor of Film Studies at Wesleyan University.

Here’s what “Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space” director Tracy Heather Strain had to share about the experience of making the documentary that premiered on PBS on January 17.

AMSTERDAM NEWS: In your opinion, how did Zora Neal Hurston life affect how we live today?

TRACY HEATHER STRAIN: One thing I found very interesting about making the film is how much hasn’t changed since the 1930s for African Americans and minoritized people. Hurston wrote at a time when most images of African Americans were demeaning, and so she decided that anthropology was a way to fight the stereotypes and celebrate the richness of the culture. Black culture is not set in amber, not stuck in time. Her work addresses modernity and recognizes that folklore, for example, is made and remade.

AMN: I didn’t know much about Zora Neale Hurston before watching “Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space.” Do you think that will work against the film finding an audience?

THS: For people who never heard of Zora Neale Hurston, this film is an introduction to an unsung hero.

AMN: That’s the word: hero. She’s not a fictional sidekick character from a Marvel movie but what she did would qualify.

THS: For those familiar with her fiction, this documentary provides greater context and information about the challenges of her life.

AMN: I had no idea what it took for her to create her masterpiece.

THS: Her life was very challenging and did not end so well. Zora Neale Hurston’s work enables us to look at Black culture with new eyes.

AMN: That’s true certainly from my experience in viewing the documentary. Excellent, excellent, excellent work.

“Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming A Space” airs on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS Video app. This has been edited for length and clarity.

Still from “Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space” (Courtesy photo)

Tracy Heather Strain (Courtesy photo)

“Some Like It Hot” sizzles on Broadway

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

“Some Like It Hot”—playing at the Sam S. Shubert Theatre on W. 44th Street—heats up the theater with some of the most stupendous, showstopping singing, funny musical numbers and toetappingly terrific choreography you could ever experience in a Broadway house. Based on the MGM movie of the same name, it has a marvelous book by Matthew Lopez and Amber Ruffin, stunning music by Marc Shaiman, and entertaining lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Sitting in the theater, you know from the first number—“What Are You Thirsty For?”—that your answer will be More!

The musical tells the story of two out-of-work musicians in Chicago in 1933 named Joe and Jerry. These men get a job at a joint run by a gangster and witness him commit murder. Running for their lives, they disguise themselves as women and join an all-women band, managed by Sweet Sue, with the aptly named Sugar Cane as its singer.

Every aspect of this musical is absolutely delightful. The tap-dancing numbers are off-the-charts as is the brilliant, dynamic work of the musical’s director Casey Nicholaw.

“Some Like It Hot” is a laugh outloud, sway in your seat, tap your feet, feel-good musical that will have you thirsting for more tantalizing tap, phenomenal harmonies and musical hijinks.

At the performance I attended, Christian Borle was not on hand to play Joe/Josephine; instead, I saw the understudy K.J. Hippensteel and he was fabulous! Adrianna Hicks is originating

to imagine. She hits every note with such power and brilliance, you just found yourself poised to burst into unbridled applause and shouts of praise as she was about to complete that final, glorious

complete pleasure to watch. But, of course that’s no surprise to anyone familiar with this incredibly talented actress’s work, including “Tina,” “Chicken and Biscuits,” “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess,” and “The Color Purple,” to name a few.

Kevin Del Aguila as Osgood, a millionaire hotel owner looking for love, is positively charming.

Angie Schworer as Minnie, Sweet Sue’s business partner and best friend, has great comedic timing.

Mark Lotito as Spats the gangster is quite humorous, as is Adam Heller as Mulligan, the police officer who’s after Spats.

This musical has a nostalgic element to it, in terms of the cute innocence of the comedic hijinks. The stage is filled with some of the most incredible talent; the ensemble members are phenomenal tap dancers and singers who don’t miss a beat or a step.

This musical features a cast that is not only superbly talented, but seems to be having such a good time on stage. Their energy is contagious. J. Harrison Ghee stars as Jerry, who transforms into Daphne to survive, and he is absolutely the cat’s meow. Ghee can tap dance his a** off and has a wonderful singing voice.

the role of Sugar Cane on Broadway and they could not have picked anyone better. This young actress is a talent beyond words— anyone who saw her in the original cast of “SIX” as Catherine of Aragon can attest to that. As Sugar, she set that theater on fire. Her singing took the audiences to peaks of splendor that are hard

note and we did.

Natasha Yvette Williams is commanding, funny and perfect as Sweet Sue, the woman who knows how to help people have a good time and has the vision to form an all-female band in the 1930s with Black and white women working together. Williams is a force to be reckoned with on that stage and a

This musical is pure gold and has a message that sets the spirit free. You will want to experience it again and again. “Some Like It Hot” also has some stunningly beautiful costumes by Gregg Barnes; detailed, lovely sets by Scott Pask; lighting by Natasha Katz; and sound by Brian Ronan.

Do make plans to go and see for yourself why “Some Like It Hot”! For more info, visit www.somelikeithotmusical.com.

Adrianna Hicks as Sugar Cane in “Some Like It Hot”

The full cast in “Some Like It Hot” (Matthew Murphy photos)

“Between Riverside and Crazy” is powerful and moving

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

Stephen McKinley Henderson is a legendary actor. He takes a character and delivers it with truth, compassion, humor and a whole lot of spicy talk and feisty profanity. Every time I hear he is in a play, I get excited because I know it has to be a worthy piece and he is going to deliver his character with great skill and make it look so easy while charming the audience. When you go to the theater, you should go to see someone who is a master at their craft, is brilliant at delivering a storyline and beautifully acting with his fellow cast members, and that is who Henderson is.

I was thrilled the other evening to experience him in “Between Riverside and Crazy,” a play in which he originated the role of Pops—Walter Washington—off-Broadway and is now doing it on Broadway at the Hayes Theatre on W. 44th Street. Henderson delivers Pops with a great deal of humor, profanity and compassion, and is quick to give those around him a quick dose of reality about themselves and their situations.

Pops is living in a rent-controlled apartment on Riverside Drive and his landlord is trying to get him out. He is also a veteran police officer of 30 years who was shot six times by a rookie white police officer, and has been suing the city for eight years and is not willing to settle out of court.

This play, poignantly written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, shows how complex people’s lives can be. Here you have Pops living in this apartment, disabled because of the shooting and angry—not only because of that incident, but also because of his life: He was a man who never knew his father; who had a lot of anger in him and became a police officer, only to realize that Black police officers have to not only deal with being hated by the public, but also by other police officers.

Guirgis truly captures some of the struggles that Black police officers experience. It’s also interesting that Pops’s son Junior, played by Common in his Broadway debut, is a criminal and an ex-con, operating out of his father’s home, who has a drug-addict ex-con, Oswaldo, staying with them, along with Junior’s girlfriend Lulu, who is also from the wrong side of the tracks.

The city wants Pops to settle and sign an NDA, and his former partner Detective O’Connor tries to convince him to do this along with her fiancé, Lieutenant Caro. They try to make him see that this is the best thing to do, but he fights them tooth and nail.

This is a story that does not run from the unpleasant sides of human nature, but instead calls them out. This play is about a lot of things: strained relationships between a man and his absentee father, and how that repeats when he has his own son and, even as a police officer, is not available for him. It is a play that looks at the racist atmosphere

that Black cops can face from their brothers in blue. It looks at the irony of a former cop having a son who has been in and out of jail and is still involved in criminal activity. But at the end of the play, there is that glimmer of hope that although things seem to be unfavorable for Pops, he can still hope

for something different if he goes for it.

“Between Riverside and Crazy” features a cast that will have you riveted. Victor Almanzar is memorable as Oswaldo, a drugaddicted ex-con staying at Pops’s house and sharing his problems over breakfast. Common delivers a satisfactory performance as Junior, Pops’s son, who harbors a great deal of anger and resentment toward his father and is always interacting with him combatively. Rosal Colon is very funny as Lulu, Junior’s girlfriend. Elizabeth Canavan is powerful as Pops’s former partner, O’Connor, who is trying to look out for his interests and help her fiancé to get Pops to drop the lawsuit against the city. Michael Rispoli is spirited as Caro. He brings the fire to this role. Maria-Christina Oliveras delivers a huge surprise as the Church Lady. The production has a versatile set design by Walt Spangler, costumes by Alexis Forte, lighting by Keith Parham and sound by Ryan Rumery. There is a captivating element that this play maintains throughout and that is courtesy of the precise direction by Austin Pendleton. “Between Riverside and Crazy” is presented by 2ndStage. I loved that the theater had no empty seats at the performance I attended. I hope this continues through the remainder of the show’s run.

“Between Riverside and Crazy” is scheduled to run through Feb. 12. For more info, visit ww.2st.com/shows/between-riverside-and-crazy.

Stephen McKinley Henderson

Common

L-R): Stephen McKinley Henderson, Victor Almanzar, Elizabeth Canavan, Michael Rispoli, LizaColón-Zayas, Rosal Colon, and Common in “Between Riverside and Crazy” (Joan Marcus photos)

By SUPREME GODDESS KYA

January 19, 2023—January 25, 2023

Rebirth of a New Nation: Life is a magnificent turn of events, like the magic carpet ride in Aladdin or the evil stepmother in Cinderella. Even when folks are malicious, trying their best to prevent or manipulate something from happening, greatness and divine love rise in their pure form to teach them a lesson. As long as you apply the footwork, you are an unstoppable force to be working with while they figure you out and plan accordingly. This week, put your hip, back, footwork, muscle work, strength, craftsmanship, mind, etc. to work, and do whatever it takes to get you through what you need to get through or accomplish. Allow the new moon in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus station direct and set you on a new course. “Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. Every sunrise begins with new eyes.” —Richie Norton

Take the lead, Cappy, even with the duty of maintaining the home, family, work, business and doing what you love. You are a natural. Balance is essential to your health and connected to your wealth. Don’t take anything to heart. Make everything work and stay with the flow like water, just as you inhale and exhale. The week is unknown where only symbols and signs are showing up for confirmation with patience. Next month, preparation is key, so when people, things or something shows up, you are equipped. The afternoon of January 19 through the evening of the 21st, a slight adventurous experience of a great phenomenon occurs. Keep your eyes peeled.

Reach within to see what treasure you can find or simply be guided by your passion, not your obsession. A high-frequency week to just be, to allow your silence to be your driving force, to receiving and giving while getting things done. Almost like when you think of calling someone and that person calls. Let nature take its course and you fly above it all. January 21 through mid-rising of the 23rd, partnerships; self-improvements; assisting someone; making public appearances, be it letter, mail, conference, roundtable are themes, to name a few.

The message is much clearer compared to the start of January. Things are adding up like quarters, dimes, nickels, pennies and dollars to make it make sense. As you move forward this weekly cycle, it’s the unknown of the unspoken words that meets more than the eye. Something you can’t measure physically. That’s due to a spiritual connection before the physical meeting. The details are in the presence and the movie scenes are playing out in your mind. January 23–till 1 hour past noon on January 25, everything and anything is possible. You don’t need glasses to see or a hearing aid to hear.

One of a kind is one in a million; only one stands out that shines the brightest. What mastermind objective has you meeting a target like never before to get the results you want and more? Spiritually, mentally, emotionally, intellectually, are you showing up for self to make this voyage come true? When destiny plays its role, it’s bound to happen. January 25 when the clock strikes 12 minutes till 2 and on the evening of January 27 at 18 minutes until 7 p.m., it’s on like fireworks—everything is working out as it should. Get your mind in the game.

There’s a whole lot of commotion and talking going around about you as opportunities find their way to you for another phase of your life. Life gets sweeter and sweeter like a beehive protecting the Queen Bee building an empire. Be as unique organically as you can be, because things expedite like the swiftness of a lightning strike without the thunder effects. No problem, the universe will ensure you have a clear path to get where you are going. On January 19 at 11 minutes past 2 p.m. through January 21 at 29 minutes past 1 p.m., the peak of the transformation is in rotation. Listen carefully and don’t get caught in the crossfire of things.

You are diving into deep water past 9 ft. You learned, saw what you saw and accomplished something. Reflect back on August 20–October 30, 2022, then October 30–January 12, 2023; now the effects of it are playing out to assist you, or you are recognizing that you are the culprit of what’s taking place from January 12 through March 25, 2023. Mars transit in Gemini; you get what you put out, some type of inheritance or going through a deep transformation. Looking back to the transit of the north node in Gemini and south node in Sagittarius from June 4, 2020, to December 23, 2021, of what took place in your life is another aspect to look into for understanding. Mid-day on January 21 after 1 p.m. through January 23 at noon, it is what it is.

Doing your due diligence, you operated in silent mode. Now the light is shining to come out of hiding. Decisions have to be made that will change the direction of your life, mainly in career or starting something new. You feel this new energy within, so take control and get in the driver’s seat. Write yourself a letter, draw out a plan and read it out loud daily with enthusiasm. Understand what occurs during the ride is the part you didn’t see coming, so enjoy the new, improved you. On the afternoon of January 23 till January 25, 48 minutes past 1 o’clock, activate your journey by taking the first step forward.

A profound alignment of your inner self reflecting the outside is the revolution happening within. You see what time it is and this week, it’s all about adding to the foundation that has already been built into a new direction. The game has been given, yet there are peaks and valleys that must be traveled down for better understanding, similar to connecting to multidimensional worlds and coming back with knowledge to progress forward. The afternoon of January 25 till January 27, 17 minutes to 7 p.m., the light beam hits differently at certain angles, displaying a phenomenal aura. What is the reflection you see in the mirror?

You notice some backward things brewing up and no, it’s not a coincidence, it is what it looks like. Preparation is key for your advancement, which occurs like going on a hike on the mountain when suddenly you reach one of the amazing peaks. Apply what you know that works and spread your knowledge through a book, enlightening discussion, workshops, etc., to build on your foundation. A week to make history and a breathtaking discovery. January 19 through January 21, 29 minutes after 1 p.m., information pours down like a rain shower.

Once you learn part of your origin, that’s a start on your journey toward discovering more information. When you sit still, information will flow to you like rivers flow. The 411 information occurs rapidly. The conversations are short and sweet. It’s all about the details, the tone, sudden meetings and insights, etc., that catch your attention. January 21 through the evening of January 23, allow the information to soak in like a sponge, then apply it.

The architect of how things operate, you find it in everyday life experience. Sometimes you see it happening among your peers, and that makes you laugh and think about the things that occur in your life and daily aspects. Divine messages are all around you and great rewards are overdue to you this week. Jot down the information from your dreams, messages, discussion as you connect the dots. What seems like a mysterious mystery is right in front of you. January 23 till 48 minutes after 1 p.m. on January 25, a rebirthing process is taking place.

It’s time to build and focus on the principle like the pinnacles in your life that tell a story. They are highlights for a certain season that make the outcomes lasting and meaningful on purpose. You are a scholar and you see the bigger picture that needs to be put into play. Your words inspire people to act, learn, research, travel and understand what’s the normalcy of life or the way of life. You have been building for some time and now you are past. Show me it’s time to show yourself and see what you are made of. Aquarius season sparks fire in you to commence a new voyage. January 25–27, what’s more beautiful than to watch the sunrise and sunset, influencing the God/Goddess flame in you?

Vinateria

Travel trends break from routine in 2023

Travel in 2023 will be about saying “no” to normal, breaking routines and searching for experiences without compromises. Whether it’s flying to those once-in-a-lifetime events or hosting group celebrations at a vacation rental home, travelers are no longer adapting to the next new normal, but creating their own status quo altogether.

“We see a detailed and robust picture of travel into 2023,” said Expedia Brands President Jon Gieselman. “We’re seeing a surge in trips to culture capitals, a new wave of interest in wellness retreats, and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches and mountains. It’s not a new normal so much as people branching out to unexpected trends in what we’re calling the ‘no normal.’”

A close look at these trends suggests there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to travel in 2023. Insights sourced from the company’s first-party data, and from custom research with thousands of travelers and industry professionals in 17 countries, show food, abundant space and unconventional destinations are influencing travel choices. Consider these conclusions from the experts at Vrbo.

Foodie-menities

Kitchen credentials are a must with travelers looking to plate up at their own convenience in a private vacation home. Outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens and air fryers are the top three “foodie-menities” travelers crave. Nearly half of U.S. travelers (43%) use cooking to cut down on costs.

Travelers are looking for amenities in their vacation rentals rather than focusing on location. In fact, more than half (57%) of travelers would rather book a unique vacation home in a lesser-known destination than a less-interesting, less-equipped vacation home in a popular area.

Cowboy-cations

Rustic getaways are on the rise as travelers crave private vacation homes with abundant space and exhilarating views. Cue the cowboy-cation, offering an intimate escape in the rugged wilderness. Demand for homes in western destinations increased by more than 30% from September 2021–August 2022. Plus, 42% of U.S. travelers find inspiration in outdoorsy destinations and landscapes that include log-lined cabins, flickering fires and sweeping vistas.

Travelers can live out their western fantasies by booking a luxurious lodge, ranch retreat or farmhouse that fits the whole crew. Destinations in Montana, Colorado and other western states spring to mind, but the cowboy-cation is not confined to the

U.S. For a home on the range in Europe, travelers are booking converted barns and farmhouses in Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom. Thrill-seekers can also embrace their inner cowboy in Australia, where farmhouses in the outback overlook acres of wineries and wild brush.

Hidden gems

Travelers are exploring unassuming locales and new places. Top hidden gems in the U.S. have one thing in common—beautiful lakes where travelers can take in tranquil views. Demand for private vacation homes in these unconventional destinations has increased by 30% or more since September 2021:

* Nampa, Idaho

* Greensboro, North Carolina

* Layton, Utah

* Irmo, South Carolina

* Oneonta, New York

* Hampton, Virginia

* Bristol, Rhode Island

* Spokane, Washington

* Las Cruces, New Mexico

* Missoula, Montana

Find more ideas to plan an adventure that’s uniquely your own at Vrbo.com or by downloading the app.

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

(Image by Michael from Pixabay)

Myrlande Constant exhibit opens in Chelsea art space

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

The work of Haitian textile artist Myrlande Constant can be seen at a new exhibit in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. The Fort Gansevoort art gallery (5 Ninth Avenue; between Gansevoort Street and Little W. 12th Street, Manhattan; www.fortgansevoort.com) is showcasing “Myrlande Constant: Drapo,” which will feature 10 of Constant’s art works on display through March 11, 2023.

During a press preview for the show, Constant spoke about her process of artmaking and the ideas she is trying to project through her work.

Constant uses textiles, beads, sequins and varied other materials to create Vodou flags (drapo Vodou), which are traditionally used during religious ceremonies and often depict stories about ancestral spirits. Vodou flags don’t typically feature the name of the artist who made them, but Constant said she adds her name “to let people know that it’s her work and she’s proud of it.” Constant most recently had her work featured at the 2022 Venice Biennale.

Constant began making her flags in the 1990s and quickly became one of the most admired drapo artists in the nation. Many of her works, she said, depict Haitians and their respect for herbal medicine and its essential elements that come from the Earth.

In addition to this New York-based exhibit, Constant’s work will be on view at UCLA’s Fowler Museum in Los Angeles, California, beginning March 26. That exhibition, “Myrlande Constant: The Work of Radiance,” will be the first solo exhibit of the work of a Haitian woman in the United States.

DMC Original Art: make it black and beautiful

By MARGRIRA Special to Amnews

Brooklyn-based DMC Original Art, an art and home decor business that bridges the gap between function and beauty, is the brainchild of Danielle M. Chéry. The company was recently honored with the 2021 Home Goods Business Of the Year Award.

Chéry is a self-trained artist and published author. Her journey began because she was intrigued by nature’s free form, and she creates art to reflect its wild, flowing beauty. A child with a self-proclaimed “wanderlust,” her spirit has led her to travel widely and the memories she treasures from exploring are embedded in her artwork.

Her path to discovering her talent blossomed while working for an arts-based nonprofit organization. Chéry’s curious mind helped her develop a fluid epoxy art technique that presents an evocative exploration of Earth’s color palette through

mixed media. A student of mediation, Chéry is dedicated to the practice and considers her art to be a moving meditation that is inspiring and accessible.

Chéry’s home decor items include oneof-a-kind sets of coasters, serving trays, tables, mirrors, wall art and more. All pieces are made from wood and ceramics, with the use of acrylic paints, molding paste, resin and glass stones. Signature styles of DMC Original Art feature gold accents and materials. She shares her process on social media. Chéry also refurbishes older furniture and produces a constant flow of new creations.

DMC Original Art is proudly listed in the Buy From a Black Woman online business directory and Chéry recently started working with United Way New York City’s Together We Thrive.

To learn more, visit https://www.dmcoriginalart.com/shop

DMC coaster ( DMC Original Art photo)

Myrlande Constant stands in front of her new work, “Apres Gran Met La Fey Nan Bwa Se Tretmant Yo Viy” (Karen Juanita Carrillo photo)

AmNews Food

Prioritize heart health with a balanced eating plan

No matter your motivations, it’s never too late or too early to start focusing on your heart health, and taking steps now can make a big difference. Small changes, like following a healthier eating plan, can help you start down a path toward improved heart health.

One step you can take is following the DASH eating plan, which is a flexible and balanced way of eating that stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and

was developed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Requiring no special foods, DASH provides daily and weekly nutritional goals to help lower two major risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure and high LDL (bad) cholesterol. Being more physically active, managing stress, getting quality sleep and not smoking combined with DASH can put you on a path toward a healthy heart for life.

Encouraging others to join you on your heart-health journey can also be rewarding. Research shows social support and personal networks make it more likely you’ll stick to healthy habits like eating healthy. Sharing heart-healthy recipes with family and friends is an added bonus, and these DASH-friendly meals can help you take the guesswork out of putting nutritious dinners on the table. Greek-Style Flank Steaks

with Tangy Yogurt Sauce offer the bold flavors of the Mediterranean while TeriyakiGlazed Salmon with Stir-Fried Vegetables is as easy to make as it is colorful. For a complementary combination of pork and sweet fruit flavor, these Baked Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Sauce are perfect to serve alongside brown rice or steamed broccoli. Learn more about heart health and find DASH-friendly recipes at nhlbi.nih.gov/DASH

Greek-Style

Flank Steak

with Tangy Yogurt Sauce

Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Marinade:

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons fresh oregano, rinsed, dried and chopped

1 tablespoon garlic, minced (2–3 cloves)

1 beef flank steak (12 ounces)

To make marinade: In large bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, oregano and garlic.

Put steak in flat container with sides and pour marinade over steak. Marinate at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours, turning several times.

To make yogurt sauce: Combine cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, dill, garlic and salt. Set yogurt sauce aside at least 15 minutes to blend flavors. Sauce can be prepared up

Yogurt Sauce:

1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped

1 cup nonfat plain yogurt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh dill, rinsed, dried and chopped

1 tablespoon garlic, minced (2–3 cloves) 1/2 teaspoon salt

to 1 hour in advance and refrigerated.

Preheat broiler to high with rack 3 inches from heat source.

Broil steak about 10 minutes on each side to minimum internal temperature of 145 F. Let cool 5 minutes before carving.

Slice thinly across grain into 12 slices.

Serve three slices with 1/2 cup yogurt sauce.

Tip: Serve in sandwich with pita bread, lettuce and tomato.

Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon with Stir-Fried Vegetables

Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Salmon: 2 tablespoons light teriyaki sauce

1/4 cup mirin or sweet rice wine

2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons scallions, rinsed and minced

1 1/2 tablespoons ginger, minced

12 ounces salmon fillets,

Preheat oven to 350 F.

To prepare salmon: Mix teriyaki sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, scallions and ginger well. Pour over salmon and marinate 10–15 minutes.

Remove salmon from marinade.

Place salmon on baking sheet. Bake 10–15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork in thickest part and reaches minimum internal temperature of 145 F.

To prepare vegeta -

cut into four portions (3 ounces each)

Vegetables: 1bag (12 ounces) frozen vegetables stir-fry 1/2 tablespoon peanut oil or vegetable oil

1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 1 clove)

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1 tablespoon scallions, rinsed and minced

1 tablespoon light soy sauce

bles: Thaw frozen vegetables in microwave or place bag in bowl of hot water about 10 minutes. In large wok or sauté pan, heat oil. Add garlic, ginger and scallions; cook gently, but do not brown, 30–60 seconds.

Add vegetables and continue stir-frying 2–3 minutes, or until heated through. Add soy sauce. Serve one piece of salmon with 1 cup vegetables.

Baked Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Sauce

Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

Pork Chops: 4 boneless pork chops (about 3 ounces each) 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 medium orange, rinsed and zested

Preheat oven to 350 F.

To prepare pork chops: Season pork chops with pepper and orange zest.

In large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pork chops and cook until browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Turn and brown 2 minutes. Remove pork chops from pan, place on nonstick baking sheet and bake 10 minutes to minimum internal temperature of 160 F.

To make sauce: Add chicken broth to sauté pan and stir to loosen brown bits from pork chops. Set aside.

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce: 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 medium apple, peeled and grated (about 1 cup) 1/2 cinnamon stick 1 bay leaf

1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup 100% orange juice

In small saucepan over medium heat, cook grated apples, cinnamon stick and bay leaf until apples begin to soften.

Add cranberries, orange juice and reserved broth. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to gentle simmer. Simmer 10 minutes, or until cranberries are plump and apples are tender. Remove cinnamon stick.

Peel orange and cut into eight sections.

Serve one pork chop with 1/4 cup sauce and two orange segments.

DAVID MURRAY, SISTA’S PLACE, RON CARTER, HARLEM STAGE

David Murray, the prolific tenor saxophonist, can take you on a journey into the depths of avant garde, whirling in honks and wails that find their way into a stream of blues as he does on his “Organic Saxophone” live solo album (Palm Records, 1978). And with the same fiery tenor, he pulls out harmonies delivering you to the Baptist pulpit. On his album “Speaking in Tongues,” featuring Fontella Bass, the R&B singer (Justin Time Records, 1999), he plays some jazzy soul on gospel standbys like “Amazing Grace” and “A Closer Walk with Thee.”

Murray is an inventive maverick, whose music is always a captivating expedition. While many have put him in the circle with Albert Ayler, John Coltrane and Coleman Hawkins, I would like to add the big, hard-swinging tenor saxophonist Illinois Jacquet to the mix. Aside from their honking intensity, they have a love for playing the most colorful ballads.

Murray also plays the bass clarinetist, and has recorded over 150 albums in his five-decade career. He will perform at the Village Vanguard (178 7th Avenue South) January 17-22. Although he has performed at the storied club on many occasions, this is his first stint there in quite some time, and he returns with a new ensemble ready for novel explorations.

The group consists of young, gifted musicians who are also bandleaders and composers. “They are pumping new blood into me,” said Murray. “I am looking forward to playing the Vanguard with the cream of the crop of young musicians.” The band will feature pianist Marta Sanchez, bassist Luke Stewart and drummer Kassa Overall. “Exceptional musicians like Andrew Cyrille and Hamid Drake have played in my various bands but Kassa is a synthesis of all the drummers I’ve had,” said Murray.

Murray’s need to explore music from all dimensions inspired his tributes to Nat King Cole, Gene Ammons and the Grateful Dead. To place him in the category of avant garde is far too confining for his mosaic approach. “I am really excited about this engagement, I have some new tunes and some old stuff and may add some different ballads,” said Murray.

There are two shows each night at 8pm and 10pm. For tickets, visit the website villagevanguard.com or call 212-255-4037.

Jazz remains alive and hittin’ at Sista’s Place (456 Nostrand Avenue) where music is the spirit and the spirit is music.

On January 21, the Brandon Sanders Quartet will grace the stage. The nowexperienced drummer didn’t dive into music until the age of 25. That was when he began a self-tutorial program to learn how to play the drums before being accepted into the undergraduate program at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Since his graduation, he has developed into a first-call musician, playing in the bands of Joe Lovano, Mike LeDonne, Esperanza Spalding, Warren Wolf and Peter Bernstein. He performs regularly in the New York City area and, as a resident of Bed-Stuy, he has incorporated a touch of Brooklyn swing.

There are two sets at 9pm and 10:30pm. For reservations, call 718-398-1766.

Ron Carter, the legend and author, is the most-recorded bassist in jazz history, with over 2,200 recordings, placing him in the Guinness Book of Records. He is also a renowned professor and an impeccable dresser, who returns to one of his many jazz homes in New York City, the Blue Note (131 West 3rd Street) on January 23-24 for two shows each night at 8pm and 10:30pm.

He will be joined by his longtime collaborators, who are bandleaders and composers in their own right: pianist Renee Rosnes, pianist Payton Crossley and saxophonist Jimmy Greene.

You don’t ask a master, at 85 years old,

what he is going to play. You don’t even ponder about going to see him, you just go knowing it will be historic and that whatever he plays will be magical. With such an outstanding group, the music will only feel that much better.

Carter was a member of Miles Davis’s second great quintet with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and drummer Tony Williams. Carter’s many ensemble configurations include the Ron Carter Trio, the Ron Carter Quartet, the Ron Carter Nonet and Ron Carter’s Great Big Band with whom he has recorded multiple albums.

He wrote and recorded compositions for string quartets and arranged Bach chorales for between tw o and eight basses. He was also a cellist, who recorded and composed music for that instrument. He is a threetime Grammy Award winner.

For all aspiring musicians and fans, his autobiography Finding the Right Notes is well worth reading. Always the gentleman, Carter is a soft-spoken gentle giant who mentors young, aspiring musicians and established ones.

For reservations, visit the website Bluenotejazz.com/nyc

The Harlem Stage (150 Convent Avenue) is known for its adventurous programming that brings history, music and truth into one resourceful sphere. For two nights only, Part III Poetry, the poet Thulani Davis joins forces with trumpet -

er and composer Wadada Leo Smith and his Kikuyu Ensemble. Smith’s ensemble will include Ashley Walters on cello, Erica Dohi on piano and electronic keyboard, and Pheeroan akLaff on drums.

Smith said Davis performed with him at the Vision Festival and it was fantastic. “I was happy to hear I would be performing with her again on this upcoming project,” noted Smith. He defines his music as “creative music,” adding that “I will be providing some musical instrumentals for the words of Thulani.” Her words will be riveting and intoxicating, and Smith’s music will be a mesmerizing light. It is an unexpected duo with infinite possibilities.

Many may know Davis from his days at the Village Voice along with Greg Tate and Stanley Crouch, both of whom wrote some of the best reading in New York City during their reign. Davis is also a librettist, novelist, screenwriter and playwright. She is one of several women poets connected to the Black Arts Movement, whose work continues to breathe impressionistic life into the Black Arts Movement’s sonic-social history.

Smith’s Ten Freedom Summers (2012) was one of three finalists for 2013’s Pulitzer Prize for Music. He is an innovator whose music is like a rainstorm between dawn and sunset that brings in the beauty of spring.

For reservations, visit the website harlemstage.org. Shows 7:30pm and 9pm each night.

Tenor saxophonist David Murray (Jonathan Chimene photo)

frequently criticized capitalism. He once said, “… call it democratic socialism, but there must be a better distribution of wealth within this country for all God’s children.”

In a speech supporting the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, Dr. King said, “… it is a crime for people to live in this rich nation and receive starvation wages. … Do you know that most of the poor people in our country are working every day? And they are making wages so low that they cannot begin to function in the mainstream of the economic life of our nation. These are facts which must be seen, and it is criminal to have people working on a full-time basis and a full-time job getting part-time income.”

Half a century later, with inflation on the rise as 64 percent of the U.S. population is living paycheck to paycheck, Dr. King’s words still ring true. Despite the recent revival of the pro-labor movement, union booms and strikes, we still face aggressive opposition from corporations and the government as we fight for livable wages and

proper working conditions: Just recently, the Biden administration blocked, through legislation, a railroad workers’ strike action demanding paid sick leave.

On militarism and colonization:

Exactly one year before he was assassinated, Dr. King delivered a compelling speech entitled “Beyond Vietnam,” in which he declared his anti-war stance and vehemently denounced America’s involvement in the war. He warned, that “a nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.”

He went on to say, “I could never again raise my voice against the violence of the oppressed in the ghettos, without having first spoken clearly to the greatest purveyor of violence in the world: my own government.”

Dr. King’s profound and cutting words are timely as the Biden administration seeks to increase the Department of Defense al-

ready-bloated budget to $770 billion—$30.7 billion more than last year.

Dr. King was also anti-colonialist and anti-imperialist. He spoke about how colonialism and imperialism have given way to domination and exploitation, and he drew parallels between colonialism and segregation, calling them “nearly synonymous.”

This is the true legacy of Dr. King, not the sanitized narrative that buttresses respectability politics and condemns Black-led, working-class-led movements. Dr. King dedicated his short life to fighting against the three evils of society: “racism, excessive materialism (capitalism) and militarism.” If we want to truly celebrate him, we must honor and uplift his distorted legacy. As Dr. Cornel West once said, “Like King, we need to put on our cemetery clothes and be coffin-ready for the next great democratic battle.”

In Solidarity, The CJI Family Circle for Justice Innovations, info@cjifund.org

Trailblazing poet and abolitionist, Jupiter Hammon

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

It was almost inevitable with any discussion of our early American Black poets, such as Lucy Terry, that Jupiter Hammon would be mentioned. He was cited in the profile of Terry and certainly warrants his own moment on our pages, although less is known of his legacy and contributions.

We can say without fear of contradiction that Hammon was born Oct. 17, 1711, a year before the slave revolt of 1712 in New York City. Born in slavery at Lloyd Harbor on Long Island, not too far from Oyster Bay, he was the property of Henry Lloyd, who encouraged Hammon to attend school, mainly to acquire skills that would be useful in bookkeeping and helping to negotiate the Lloyd family’s business.

Along with these unpaid duties, Hammon came in contact with many of Lloyd’s friends and associates, who were deeply influenced by the Great Awakening, a major religious revival of the day, and thereby became a devout Christian. That religious conversion and experience resonates through his life and poetry, including his most famous poem, “An Evening Thought, Salvation by Christ with Penitential Cries.” In most instances, the poem includes facts of his life, noting that he was a slave in Queens Village and belonged to Lloyd. That poem or broadside was published on Christmas Day in 1760.

His second-most notable work did not appear until almost 20 years later. It was dedicated to Phillis Wheatley and entitled “An Address to Miss Phillis Wheatley.” It is a collection of quatrains imbued with biblical references and honoring the prestige and legacy of Wheatley. In 1782, he published “A Poem for Children with Thoughts of Death.”

When Lloyd died in 1763, Hammon remained enslaved to his son, Joseph, with whom he moved to Connecticut. As a member of an enlightened African American community, Hammon was soon an outspoken abolitionist and later a participant in

the Revolutionary War. It was during this period that his oratorical skills were enlisted by his colleagues, prompting him to deliver an inaugural speech in 1786, entitled “Address to the Negroes of the State of New York,” at the Spartan Project of the African Society.

Hammon’s articles appeared in several publications, including those of the New York Quakers and the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery. For these contributions, he is often deemed one of the founders of early Black American literature.

Like much of his life, we have no definite information about when and where Hammon died. He is believed to have died around 1806, and never really emancipated from slavery. It is speculated that his gravesite is somewhere in Caumsett State Historic Park Reserve on Long Island, once the property of the Lloyd family.

Here are a few passages from his address to Blacks in 1786, which

was a speech of mixed messages, which must be read in its entirety to gather the full import. Even so, there are passages that must have appalled his fellow abolitionists by expending too much of liberation on the Christian faith.

“Now I acknowledge that liberty is a great thing, and worth seeking for, if we can get it honestly, and by our good conduct, prevail on our masters to set us free: Though for my own part I do not wish to be free, yet I should be glad, if others, especially the young negroes were to be free, for many of us, who are grown up slaves, and have always had masters to take care of us, should hardly know how to take care of ourselves; and it may be more for our own comfort to remain as we are. … Liberty is a great thing we may know from our own feelings, and we may likewise Judge so from the conduct of the white-people, in the late war. How much money has been spent, and how many lives have been lost,

to defend their liberty. I must say that I have hoped that God would open their eyes, when they were so much engaged for liberty, to think of the state of the poor blacks, and to pity us. He has done it in some measure, and has raised us up many friends, for which we have reason to be thankful, and to hope in his mercy. What may be done further, he only knows, for known unto God are all his ways from the beginning. But this my dear brethren is by no means, the greatest thing we have to be concerned about. Getting our liberty in this world, is nothing to our having the liberty of the children of God. Now the Bible tells us that we are all by nature, sinners, that we are slaves to sin and Satan, and that unless we are converted, or born again, we must be miserable forever. Christ says, ‘Unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God, and all that do not see the kingdom of God, must be in the kingdom of darkness.’”

ACTIVITIES

FIND OUT MORE

Other than various encyclopedia entries and citations of his speech and poetry, there is very little information about Hammon’s life and legacy.

DISCUSSION

His speech in 1786 is a complex piece of oratory with an emphasis on Christian faith and an acceptance of slavery.

PLACE IN CONTEXT

Hammon was born early in the 17th century and lived long enough to participate in the Revolutionary War.

CLASSROOM IN THE THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY

Jan. 15, 1933: Author Ernest Gaines was born at River Lake Plantation in Pointe Coupee Parish, La.

Jan. 16, 1928: Actress/ dancer Eartha Kitt was born in the town of North, S.C. She died in 2008.

Jan. 17, 1931: Actor James Earl Jones was born in Arkabutla, Miss.

Jupiter Hammon or a likeness.

steadfast and unwavering. Now is not the time for obstinate and repressive rhetoric that will never deliver results for Harlem. Inez Dickens is the right person for the job.”

Challenger and Assemblymember Al Taylor also celebrated a win for his campaign, scoring a coveted endorsement from former 32BJ President Kyle Bragg. He said that labor and the Carpenter Union are firmly behind him for City Council.

“Campaign’s spectacular. I anticipate surpassing qualifications for matching funds.

I celebrated one of the early highlights of the campaign where former 32BJ President Kyle Bragg is hosting a fundraiser for me and he’s going to bring some labor in,” said Taylor. “I’m encouraged. I’m excited. I’m ready for the oath of office.”

Taylor said that labor has always supported him in his tenure as a legislator.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews.1

seekers with family connections and financial privilege.

“This plan needlessly endangers the lives of those crossing the border in search of basic freedom in our country, and succumbs to the fearmongering espoused by anti-immigrant conservatives,” said NYIC Executive Director Murad Awawdeh in a statement. “President Biden must stop the hypocrisy of his immigration policies, and instead proudly stand up for all refugees and asylum seekers as he has always professed to do.”

However, Adams, who has been very vocal about the financial strain the asylum seeker crisis has had on the city’s resources, considered Biden’s plan a “positive step.”

He has publicly chastised Republican Governor of Texas Greg Abbott and more recently Democratic Governor of Colorado Jared Polis for busing asylum seekers to New York City without warning or coordinated efforts.

In a statement, he said that the city has “far surpassed our moral and legal mandates” to serve more than 36,000 asylum seekers. He maintained that Biden’s measures would safely and legally allow more people into the country in a more “controlled manner.” He advocated for a longterm solution to manage the crisis better and that allowances be made for longawaited immigration reforms.

Then on Sunday, Jan. 15, Adams and members of his administration traveled to El Paso to meet with Leeser, visit a local shelter—Sacred Heart Church, and tour a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing facility.

In a briefing, Leeser added that they had visited the airport and the Greyhound station where hundreds of asylum seekers had been sleeping. The numbers of people coming into El Paso have indeed paused, but both mayors said that by no means signifies an end to the issue.

“We’ve had the president, we’ve had eight senators and now we have the mayor of New York coming down here,” said Leeser. “We had over 54,000 people coming to our

country through El Paso … that’s a federal issue, and … the immigration process is broken and … we need to continue to find a way of not putting a Band-Aid on it and coming [up] with a solution. Because we need to be able to change the narrative that’s going on in our country.”

Adams said there are still thousands of people a week arriving in New York City seeking asylum.

“This is a man-made crisis that is going to take men and women across this country to solve and I’m going to extend my hand to the mayors across this country to say ‘together, we did not create this problem, but together, we will find solutions,’” said Adams at the briefing. “But those solutions must be implemented by the federal government. I’m extremely disappointed in what we have done to the cities of this country and the impression that we are not seeing the level of urgency of getting this issue resolved. I see the urgency. Mayor, you see the urgency as well.”

Adams said pointedly that this is a “real leadership moment” for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in terms of it being a national crisis and that there should be a federal coordinator to deal with migrants and asylum seekers in the country.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams tours the City’s Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center in Manhattan on Thursday, September 15, 2022. (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

Councilmember

Education

NYPD watchdog CCRB hosts January board meeting in Harlem

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

The Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) kicked off the year uptown, with the NYPD watchdog holding 2023’s first monthly board meeting at Harlem Hospital Center last Wednesday, Jan. 11.

“[We want] people in this neighborhood to have easy access to our board members and share their experiences and ask questions,” said CCRB interim chair Arva Rice.

For local violence-interruption groups like Street Corner Resources—who filled the auditorium’s first three rows—the meeting offered an opportunity to air out

concerns Black and brown youth face with policing.

“Our young people are traumatized. We have to convince them to interact with the police,” said Street Corner Resources CEO Iesha Sekou. “Oftentimes, the police will say ‘we’re having such and such—we want to play basketball.’ Nobody wants to play basketball with somebody who will beat them in the dark of the night. Nobody wants to do rock climbing with officers who they had negative interactions with, and smile or dance [with them] or do the Electric Slide, that’s not happening.”

During the meeting, community members also questioned the CCRB’s efficacy, as the watch-

dog can only offer recommendations to the police commissioner on matters pertaining to office allegations of misconduct, which some felt was a potential conflict of interest. No representatives from the NYPD were present to participate, although several selfidentifying ex-members of law enforcement dialed in to share their comments.

Fresh on the public’s mind was the recent video of a Staten Island officer shown hitting a Black, teen girl. The cop was subsequently suspended and is currently being investigated, but the CCRB board members said the watchdog will be conducting its own probe into the incident.

City Councilmember Gale

Brewer and Deputy Borough Pres. Keisha Sutton-James attended the meeting. Brewer suggested that the CCRB’s budget be tied with the NYPD’s in order to keep pace with the police department.

The CCRB pitched to those between 10-18 to join its Youth Advisory Council, and Sutton-James highlighted that anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to participate on community boards.

According to the CCRB, there were 332 more complaints last year compared with 2021, equating to a 10% increase. The uptick was largely rooted in a stark 20% rise in force allegations, with 279 more in 2022 than the previous year.

Rice—who is also the CEO and

president of the nearby New York Urban League (NYUL)—also mentioned the upcoming 30th anniversary of the modern CCRB. In 1993, then-mayor David Dinkins divorced the agency from the NYPD.

Youngsters between 10 and 18 can apply to sit on CCRB’s 2023 Youth Advisory Council at https:// www.nyc.gov/site/ccrb/about/ outreach/yac-application.page

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

January CCRB meeting in Harlem. (Tandy Lau photo)

Religion & Spirituality

struck by his chapter on antisemitism. Jones wrote that King had tasked him with the responsibility to ensure society never forgot the Jewish community’s contributions during the Civil Rights Movement.

Inspired, Rogers interpreted that as her assignment, too, and over time began to make contact with the dozens of people who would appear in “Shared Legacies,” including Harry Belafonte; Representative John Lewis; pastor and now-Senator Raphael Warnock; and Susanna Heschel, whose father, Rabbi Abraham Heschel, was close friends with King. Many of the subjects still become visibly emotional as they reflect on their justice work from decades past, but even they knew things were not as glossy as the photos might suggest.

Rogers said that after King and Heschel sang “We Shall Overcome” in Hebrew at a conservative rabbinical gathering in the Catskills for Heschel’s birthday in 1968, King was interviewed by Rabbi Everett Gendler, who had also marched for civil rights. Gendler invited King to respond to purported antisemitic statements from Black organizers who expressed anti-Israel sentiments, like Stokely Carmichael and Floyd McKissick. Undeterred by the sensitivity of the question, King laid out the complexities of Black-Jewish relations beyond the movement for equality.

“I think this comes into being because the Negro in the ghetto confronts the Jew in two dissimilar roles,” King replied. “On the one hand, he confronts the Jew in the role of being his most consistent and trusted ally in the struggle for justice in the Civil Rights Movement. Probably more than any other ethnic group, the Jewish community has been sympathetic and has stood as an ally to the Negro in his struggle for justice.

“On the other hand, the Negro confronts the Jew in the ghetto as his landlord in many instances. He confronts the Jew as the owner of the store around the corner where he pays more for what he gets.”

For Rogers, the interview exemplifies that “when you have a safe relationship, you can be real,” and that “when you know people have your back, you can also be more honest about what bothers you.”

Those more layered aspects of Black and Jewish civil rights are where history professors Westenley Alcenat and Magda Teter, both of Fordham University in the Bronx, have focused their recent research. The pair created a lecture series called “Black Studies and Jewish Studies in Conversation” in 2021 that they plan to teach again this year. Perhaps the most recognized expression of this complicated relationship can be found in King’s 1963 “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” He wrote it after being detained for protesting segregation and learning that eight religious leaders, including one rabbi, had written and co-signed a letter criticizing recent demonstrations, calling them “unwise and untimely,” and urging the Black community to “withdraw support from these demonstrations, and to unite locally in working peacefully for a better Birmingham.”

King was clear and steadfast in his disagreement with the criticism, writing: “I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizens Councillor or the Ku Klux Klanner but the white moderate who is more devoted to order than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says, ‘I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can’t agree with your methods of direct action’; who paternalistically feels that he can set the timetable for another man’s freedom; who lives by the myth of time; and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a ‘more convenient season.’

“Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.”

Teter acknowledged that the religious leaders’ criticism likely came from an “anxiety in white society, even among liberals and Jewish intellectuals who were otherwise engaged in civil rights, who were becoming a bit nervous about Black power.” But she also pointed out that “what is

sometimes missed is that many of those Jews were in fact refugees from Europe [and the Holocaust], and they had seen how radicalization, from a European perspective, could lead to violence and antisemitism.”

Alcenat added that ultimately, the relationship between the Black and Jewish communities “doesn’t have to be [understood as] permanently antagonistic, but it will be permanently fraught.” He also argued that King was not actually becoming more radicalized at the time. “He was becoming more disappointed.”

Both Alcenat and Teter agreed that there is no “golden age” of Black-Jewish solidarity, but they also emphasize that that’s okay. If given the choice between offering a convenient but flattened version of events and

a craggier, more accurate one, there is only one clear option.

That spirit of a moving history—one that is constantly updated with information as it is uncovered to help bring needed context to the current moment—is what inspired Alcenat and Teter to curate the exhibit “Confronting Hate: Racism, Antisemitism, and the Resistance,” currently showing at Fordham University and on view to the public until Jan. 22.

This article was made possible by a grant from Shine A Light, a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness of modernday antisemitism and encouraging societal change through a shared sense of communal allyship.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., holds the Eleanor Roosevelt memorial award presented to him in New York, March 4, 1965, by the United Jewish Appeal women’s division. William Rosenwald (right), honorary national chair of the United Jewish Appeal, made the presentation. (AP Photo/John Lindsay)

President Julius Nyerere lifted her ban in 1967 and asked her to return to Dar es Salaam to establish a new national newspaper, The Standard. In the 1970s, she became a prominent figure in international media, traveling around the world to muster support for the antiapartheid movement and draw attention to abuses against the Black majority population.

Ginwala died this week at her home, shortly after suffering a stroke.

“Today we mourn the passing of a formidable patriot,” President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Friday. “We have lost another giant among a special generation of leaders to whom we owe our freedom and to whom we owe our commitment to keep building the South Africa to which they devoted their all.”

“Ginwala exposed to the international community the crimes of the discredited, oppressive regime in South Africa through her sharp journalistic pen,” said Parliament

Brazil

Continued from page 2

Spokesperson Moloto Mothapo, calling her a “torchbearer” of the post-apartheid parliament and instrumental in the formation of South Africa’s democracy.

“In a country blessed with exceptional leaders, Ginwala must surely count among the best,” said Shireen Hassam of The Conversation.

ATROCITIES OCCURRING IN MOZAMBIQUE DEPLORED BY AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

committed” in the province of Cabo Delgado, which has been plagued by violence from armed jihadist groups for more than five years and where the Mozambican army has been supported since 2021 by Rwandan and neighboring country soldiers, the group said in a statement.

Such atrocities could amount to war crimes if verified.

The cremation of these bodies “is deplorable and likely a violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits the mutilation of corpses and requires that the dead be treated with respect,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s director for Southern Africa.

mission operated by the Southern African Development Community in northern Mozambique.

“The incident is believed, but not yet confirmed, to have occurred in the aftermath of a successful attack on an insurgent stronghold, which left 30 enemy combatants dead,” John Stupart, director of African Defense Review, told the German news service DW.

He called the incident “completely unacceptable” and added, “to treat bodies with respect is enshrined in international laws on war.”

Mozambican and Rwandan soldiers against the insurgents. They include South Africa with 1,495; Botswana with 296; Lesotho, 125; Tanzania, 274; and Namibia with eight.

The European Union is partly funding the SAMIM to the tune of roughly $15 million.

Since the conflict in resource-rich Cabo Delgado started in 2017, more than 4,000 people have been killed and “nearly 1 million” have been forced to flee, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

(GIN)—A 20-second video showing soldiers throwing dead bodies onto a pile of burning rubbish in northern Mozambique gives just a glimpse of what is happening far from view in this “forgotten war,” the human rights group Amnesty International has declared.

It is the “latest evidence of atrocities

Regional forces—possibly including South African soldiers—have deployed in the area, opened an investigation and promised “the culprits will be brought to justice.”

South Africans form the bulk of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) forces fighting insurgents in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province. SAMIM is described as an active regional peacekeeping

free bus rides to Brasilia so they could take part in a “Festa da Selma” or “War cry” to keep Bolsonaro in power.

The South African soldier, believed to be a special forces member, was not shown directly taking part in burning the bodies. Instead, he holds a rifle in one hand and appears to be recording a video with his cellphone.

Stupart said he could still be in trouble and face charges of war crimes in a military court back home.

SAMIM said it was looking into the “circumstance around the matter.” It vowed to keep the public informed of its findings.

Several other Southern African countries are contributing troops to the regional force fighting alongside

Meanwhile, Mozambique was one of five countries—with Ecuador, Japan, Malta and Switzerland— that were formally welcomed to the U.N. Security Council this month, taking the two-year seats they won unopposed in June.

In a tradition that Kazakhstan started in 2018, the five countries’ ambassadors installed their national flags outside the council chambers on Tuesday alongside those of other members.

Ambassador Pedro Comissário Afonso of Mozambique called it “an historic date” as his country joined the U.N.’s most powerful body.

president of the Associação Fábrica Cultural (Cultural Factory Association), who was named Minister of Culture; Silvio Almeida, who is now the Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship; the environmental activist Marina Silva is the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change; and the engineer and politician Luciana Santos was named the nation’s first-ever woman to head the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The presence of progressive Black politicians in Lula’s cabinet points to the president’s intention to push policy advances that support Afro Brazilians, Indigenous people, and the poor in his governing ideology. Many feel that this is one of the reasons supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro stormed and attacked Brasilia’s symbols of government. Pro-Bolsonaro mob members took over Brasilia’s three-powers square on Jan. 8, where the National Congress, the president’s Planalto Palace and the Supreme Court stand. They smashed windows, ransacked offices, and even attacked police and security forces with little resistance. Mob members claimed they were saving Brazil from Lula and called on the military to take over the government.

Far-rightwing movements around the world have been conferring together in recent years and organizing these kinds of disruptive events. In Brazil, a campaign of disinformation had been used on social media to rally mob members and it’s been determined that some 52 business owners paid for Bolsonaro supporters to be given

Edson Santos, who directed the Ministry of Racial Equality from 2008 to 2010, told the Amsterdam News that the pro-Bolsonaro mob was basically taking part in a voter suppression effort. “It was an attempted coup d’état,” Santos affirmed. “They hoped that with the rioting that was going on in Brasilia, a general would be called in to restore order; and this general was going to restore order by taking power in Brazil.”

The Movimento Negro Unificado (Unified Black Movement (MNU)) was quick to denounce the coup attempt. On their Instagram page, MNU wrote that the coup perpetrators “must be held strictly responsible for their terrorist acts against the nation. This aggression against Brazilian democracy and its institutions is unacceptable.

“We have fought hard to strengthen [these institutions]. It is clear that the raids on the headquarters of the three branches of power and the destruction of public property represent an organized action by fascists throughout the country. We cannot accept that these coup plotters go unpunished…”

“This is an attack on Brazilian democracy, on Brazil,” asserted Rio de Janeiro-based lawyer and reparations activist Humberto Adami, “It hits Blacks, whites, browns, everyone. It is an orchestrated, armed, financed attack. President Lula … and the Brazilian congress are victims, as are the people of Brazil. It is worth noting the difference in the kind of treatment that these coup criminals received from the security forces, unlike how the poorer populations are treated, which are, coincidentally, the Black and brown popula-

tions of the outskirts of Brazil. Our total repudiation of these fascist, anti-democratic coup plotters, these are crooks who should be arrested, in accord with the law.”

The Brazilian right-wing attempt to keep Black and Indigenous people from par ticipating in the nation’s functioning was thwarted on Jan. 8 and now Lula is prom ising thorough investigations. Meanwhile Lula’s administration is promising to push ahead with restoring progressive pro grams that were gutted under Bolsona ro. With Lula, the emphasis will be, again, on broadening access to government ser vices. “We have close to 30,000,000 people living in misery today in Brazil, people that can't have three meals a day, which is the bare minimum,” Edson Santos comment ed. “This is the reality of what Bolsonaro created: it’s exclusion. At the same time, he made it easier for people to purchase weap ons in Brazil, so the number of people with weapons in their homes has increased a lot. There are people who have more than 30 guns at home, and they say that they are ready to use them. But for what pur pose? That of elimination, right? The elim ination of one’s neighbor, the attacking others, of not respecting people, of not ac cepting what is different or not accepting Black people, right? Cases of racism have grown a lot and attacks on people with dif ferent sexual orientations, and Indigenous people, they are all the object of attacks.

“We will soon see disclosures here in Brazil about these lamentable things that occurred in our capital,” Santos assured. “We stand firm together with Lula in defense of democracy and the welfare of our people, in particular the Black Brazilian population.”

(GIN photo)

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SUPREME COURT: NEW YORK COUNTY. W. FINANCIAL REIT, LTD., Pltf. vs 150-152 EAST 79 LLC, et al, Defts Index #850128 /2021. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered August 10, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the portico of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on February 1, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises k/a (i) Block 1413, Lot 152; (ii) Block 1413, Lot 52; (iii) Block 1413, Lot 51; (iv) Block 1413; Lot 154; (v) Block 1413, Lot 53. Approximate amount of judgment is $61,313,320.78 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale HALEY GREENBERG, Referee. JASPAN SCHLESINGER LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 300 Garden City Plaza, Garden City, NY 11530. #99922

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK, 73 SERVICING LLC, Plaintiff, vs AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR PSYCHICAL RESEARCH, INC., ET AL., Defe ndant(s)

Pursuant to an Order Appointing Referee to Conduct Sale and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 24, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in the portico of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on February 1, 2023 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 5 West 73rd Street, New York, NY 10023. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, Block 1126 and Lot 127. Approximate amount of judgment is $18,865,223.63 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850211/2020. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale

Thomas Kleinberger, Esq., Referee

Glenn Rodney, PC, 368 Birch Road, Wallkill, New York 12589, Attorneys for Plaintiff

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. LUCKIE PROPERTIES LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company, Deft.- Index #850107/2021. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 24, 2022, I will sell at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 2:15 pm, a 0.0519144314871446% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as HNY CLUB SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, in the County of NY, State of NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $70,678.13 plus costs and interest as of October 21, 2021. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges Georgia Papazis, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf v. VERANIECE WILLIAMS, Deft.- Index #850124 /2021. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 24, 2022, I will sell at public auction Outside on the Portico, NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 2:15 pm, a 0.009864% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57Th Street Vacation Suites located at 102 West 57th Street, in the County of NY, State of NY Approx imate amount of judgment is $22,110.44 plus costs and interest as of October 21, 2021. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges Georgia Papazis, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell & Novitz, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY

GJV Enterprise LLC Arts of Org. filed with SSNY on 6/11/22. Office Location: NY County SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process may be served & shall mail to: 208 West 119th St., Apt 5Q, NY, NY 10026. Purpose. Any lawful activity

WEB3 MEDIA PARTNERS

LLC Arts of Org. filed with SSNY on 2/11/2022. Office Location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served against it & shall mail a copy to: 1755 Bdwy Front 3, #1005, NY, NY 10019. Purpose: Any lawful activity

Notice of Formation of ARMORY PLAZA HOUSING CLASS B, LLC Arts of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/23/22. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 30 Hudson Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf v. DOMINIQUE JEFFERY and ALICIA RAMANATH, Deft - Index #850058/2020. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 21, 2021, I will sell at public auction Outside the Portico of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided .004932% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57th Street Vacation Suites located at 102 West 57th Street, in the County of NY, State of NY Approximate amount of judgment is $19,699.68 plus costs and interest as of March 27, 2020. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges Mark McKew, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf v. MICHELLE AMANO and RICHARD AMANO, Deft - Index #850044/2019. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 13, 2020, I will sell at public auction Outside the Portico of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 2:15 pm, an undivided 0.019728% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57th Street Vacation Suites located at 102 West 57th Street, in the County of NY, State of NY Approximate amount of judgment is $74,275.26 plus costs and interest as of January 23, 2020. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges Mark McKew, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY

40 PLUS FAMILY LLC. Arts of Org. filed with SSNY on 12/08/22. Office Location: Kings County SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served against it & shall mail a copy to: 765 Stanley Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11207. Purpose: Any lawful activity

Notice of Formation of 421 EAST 91ST STREET, LLC Arts of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/06/22. Office location: NY County SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Eli Zabar, 403 E. 91st St., NY, NY 10128. Purpose: Any lawful activity

Notice of Formation of 426432 EAST 91ST STREET, LLC Arts of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/06/22. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Eli Zabar, 403 E. 91st St., NY, NY 10128. Purpose: Any lawful activity

AJL Construction and Management LLC Arts of Org. filed with SSNY on 12/17/2022. Office Location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served against it & shall mail a copy to: 40 Monroe Street, Apt FF6, New York, NY 10002. Purpose: Any lawful activity

WEB3 SOCIAL GROUP LLC Arts of Org. filed with SSNY on 2/2/2022. Office Location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served against it & shall mail a copy to: 1755 Bdwy Front 3, #1006, NY, NY 10019. Purpose: Any lawful activity

LAURA PURDY, M.D., PLLC, a Prof LLC Arts of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/01/2022. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served SSNY shall mail process to: The PLLC, 1806 Williamson Court, Ste 135, Brentwood, TN 37027.

Purpose: To Practice The Profession Of Medicine.

MKSLSL LLC Arts of Org. filed with SSNY on 12/08/2022. Office Location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served against it & shall mail a copy to: Michael Emmel, CPA, 270 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of formation of Bayview Capital Solutions, LLC Arts of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/13/2022. Office: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail copy to: Thomson Ollunga LLP, 41 Madison Ave., 31st Fl., NY, NY 10010. Purpose: Merchant cash advances.

BROTHERLY LIQUIDATION

LLC Art of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/10/2022. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, LEGALCORP SOLUTIONS, 1060 Broadway, Suite 100, ALBANY, NY 12204. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

AfroBeets, LLC Arts of Org. filed with SSNY on 9/19/2022. Office Location: Manhattan County SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served against it & shall mail to: 1740 Broadway, Suite 1500, New York, NY 10019 Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of 282 WEST 11TH STREET LLC Arts of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/21/22. Office location: NY County Princ. office of LLC: 207 W. 110th St., Apt. 4, NY, NY 10026. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the princ. office of the LLC Purpose: Any lawful activity

Notice of Qualification of LEGGETT AVENUE PROPERTY LLC Appl for Auth filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/21/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/11/22. NYS fictitious name: 1175 LEGGETT AVENUE PROPERTY LLC SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543 DE addr of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert of Form filed with Secy of State, Div. of Corps., 401 Federal St - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity

831 THIRD LLC Arts of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/02/02. Office: New York County SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Larstrand Corporation, ATTN: Legal Department, 500 Park Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10022. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 429433 EAST 91ST STREET, LLC Arts of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/06/22. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Eli Zabar, 403 E. 91st St., NY, NY 10128. Purpose: Any lawful activity

Notice of Formation of 212 E 47TH 8A AF LLC Arts of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/29/22. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 420 E. 23rd St., NY, NY 10010. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Asaf Frig at the princ. office of the LLC Purpose: Real estate holding.

Org. filed with SSNY on 9/30/22. Office Location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process may be served & shall mail to: 120 W 97th St, #13J, NY, NY 10025. Purpose. Any lawful activity.

New York City.

“Gun violence tracks perfectly with a couple other crime indicators, one of which is violent crime,” said Eller. “Gun violence is really not unto itself a single mechanism, but it is an indicator of a larger social pathology…the true problems that we’re seeing in Manhattan is we have lost a tremendous amount of wealth in the city during the pandemic. And we have not found ways to generate new revenues for the city to replicate those types of things. And the more we continue with economic disparity, the more we continue not providing social services, [the more] that we continue to have castes of underserved citizens, the greater [problems] we have. “Law enforcement is important. Law and order and a regulated society are important. But so are maintaining standards of living for folks, and dignity and respect, until we focus on making sure everyone’s getting [on] the ladder.”

Last month, the Office of the New York State Comptroller found almost 24% of young men in New York City are unemployed, with young people of color facing higher rates of unemployment than their white counterparts.

“The city must take steps to strengthen career opportunities for young jobseek-

ers or the city’s economic recovery will be stifled even further,” said New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. “The recovery is much slower for young workers in New York City when compared to the rest of the state and the country, and has had a particularly profound impact on young people of color and young men.”

Solutions for gun violence ultimately start when the city stops looking at crime—like shootings—as a phenomenon, said Eller.

“It’s telling us that something bad is going on somewhere, whether it’s a mental health indicator of folks like the incels, or if it’s telling us that there [is] a class of folks that we have disenfranchised in society who have no other way of getting by,” he said. “There was a time in a day where we were raising generations of folks who didn’t see themselves living beyond the age of 30 and never saw a legitimate career path for themselves, and [we] couldn’t figure out why they might want to steal somebody else’s crap.

“It’s not rocket science and a lot of cases but the solutions are hard. And that’s the toughest part about it—at some point— somebody needs to roll their sleeves up.”

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

The impact of Martin Luther King Jr. on athletes is immeasurable

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

This past Monday was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—a national holiday. King was arguably this country’s most impactful radical leader of the 20th century. He was at the forefront of an expansive nonviolent movement demanding civil, human and voting rights for Black people, and reform of the inequitable capitalist system for all people living on the margins of society. King, who was assassinated at the young age of 39 on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, while there to support a sanitation workers’ strike, has left an indelible imprint on sports and athletes.

On March 12, 1996, Mahmoud Abul-Rauf, formerly Chris Jackson, one of the most dynamic point guards in the NBA at that time, was suspended by the NBA for refusing to stand for the ceremonial playing of the Star Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the United States. Abdul-Raufwas playing for the Denver Nuggets and had converted to Islam years earlier, making the name change in 1993.

Abul-Rauf said his peaceful act was a repudiation of America’s long and immutable history of tyr-

anny and oppression. He was reinstated after serving the one-game punishment, but afterward endured death threats and became persona non grata to NBA owners and executives. The two-time college All-American, a teammate of Shaquille O’Neal at LSU, saw his NBA career end at age 31.

Abul-Rauf subsequently played professionally overseas after a short 41-game stay with the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 2000–01 season. (Ironically, the Grizzlies moved to Memphis a year later). His story, like Colin Kaepernick’s and those of many others, can be traced by following a straight line back to King.

The 1964 Nobel Peace Prize winner sat with track great John Carlos and legendary activist and sociologist Harry Edwards at a meeting in New York City in the runup to the 1968 Mexico Summer Olympics, offering his backing when some Black athletes were considering boycotting the event as a condemnation of the maltreatment of Blacks. Two years earlier, he advised Hank Aaron, who was endeavoring to compel the Milwaukee Braves to integrate their spring training facility in Florida, on strategy and tactics.

Jackie Robinson was frequently by King’s side at demonstrations,

fundraisers and marches. In 1983, it was revealed that George Raveling, the first Black head basketball coach in what was then the Pacific-8 Conference at Washington State in 1972, and the first Black head coach in the Big Ten Conference (Iowa, 1983), had possessed a copy of King’s iconic I Have a Dream speech for over 25 years.

The 26-year-old Raveling, now 85, who at the time was working as a marketing analyst for the Sun Oil Company, had been standing on the podium, surrounded by world-famous celebrities and luminaries. The college Hall of Fame coach simply asked King for the folded paper in his hand as the remarkable orator was walking away after concluding his famous address on August 23, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

When Kaepernick knelt on the San Francisco 49ers sideline on September 1, 2016, during the playing of the national anthem before kickoff of a preseason game in San Diego, he was following in the mold of King. It was the beginning of what mushroomed into a global symbol of injustice. He was 29 and like AbulRauf 20 years before him, protesting oppression of Black people and police brutality against Blacks.

Kaepernick started 12 games that season, but would never throw another pass in the NFL. He opted out of his contract when the season was over, believing he would get a more lucrative deal.

“When I first heard [of Kaepernick kneeling], immediately I ended up sending—I didn’t have access to him, so I sent something on social media saying, ‘I’m with you 1,000%,’” Abdul-Rauf said to the Guardian media outlet last October.

“But my mind was—he’s getting

ready to get it, right? Because history shows that any time an athlete, particularly a Black athlete, says something like that, whether it’s Muhammad Ali or Tommie Smith and John Carlos, you’re going to be ridiculed and condemned for it.”

Abul-Rauf was prescient in predicting Kaepernick’s future as a professional athlete. But it was what King had taught, once saying, “We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.” Indirectly, they were two of his fearless students.

Skaters head to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

The 2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships get underway in San Jose, California, on Monday, and it will be the most diverse group of competitors in a long time—possibly ever. There will be 10 Diversify Ice ambassadors either competing or taking part in the high-performance development camp. Diversify Ice is a nonprofit organization with the mission to increase opportunities for underrepresented skaters nationwide. Ambassadors help promote figure skating and the organization, as well as serving as positive role models in their communities and in the skating world.

“They use every opportunity to amplify our message and encourage new communities to get involved with our sport,” said Diversify Ice board member Nathan Truesdell, a coach and former ice dance competitor. “It’s very important that ambassadors provide mentorship to the next generation.”

Diversify Ice is planning a SkateRaiser (fundraiser and awareness) event on Feb. 18 in Lakewood, California. The goal is to keep growing the sport’s diversity. Truesdell said the presence of skaters of color at the

U.S. Championships means progress and gives him hope for the future.

“While there are still many challenges, it seems like each new wave of skaters from underrepresented communities [is] met with greater and greater acceptance from the skating world, which is awesome,” said Truesdell. “As a community, we have come so far in the sport, and yet it is still so exciting to think about how much further we can and will go.”

There will be four Black skaters: Starr Andrews and Alexa Gasparotto in senior ladies, Mark Sadusky in senior pairs, and Kristina Bland in junior ice dance. This is the first time in 23 years that there will be two Black women in the senior ladies event—Andrea Gardiner and Cohen Duncan competed at the 2000 U.S. Championships.

“I’m ecstatic and at the same time sad that it took this long,” said Duncan, now a licensed therapist and a long-time skating coach (currently off the ice because she has a toddler). “It speaks to the fact that access to the sport is not easily available to everyone. Regardless of color, skating is a very expensive sport, but I’m very encouraged. I know that there are more people of color getting involved in skating [who] haven’t quite reached the national level.

Martin Luther King Jr., pictured with baseball great and activist Jackie Robinson in 1962, has profoundly impacted athletes.

Starr Andrews is hoping to jump onto the medal podium (Robin Ritoss photo)

Alexa Gasparotto is excited to make her national debut (Rohene Ward photo)

Can the Knicks remain above the Play-In seed?

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

The Knicks went into their game at Madison Square Garden last night (Wednesday) against the Washington Wizards 25-20, sixth in the Eastern Conference. They were three games behind the No. 5 seed Cleveland Cavaliers (28-17), but only one game in front of the No. 7 seed Miami Heat (24-21), two ahead of the No. 8 seed Indiana Pacers (23-22) and leading the No. 9 seed Atlanta Hawks by a mere 2.5.

The Knicks were closer to being the ninth seed than the fifth. It reflects the fluid and tenuous state of the conference, in which there is a distinct separation between the best team—the Boston Celtics (33-12)—and those battling for one of remaining five seeds below them. The Nos. 7 through 10 spots are reserved for Play-In

Tournament contestants, in which the Knicks prefer not to participate.

It will be an arduous battle for them to maintain their current position or rise higher. Two critically important factors may ultimately determine the final regular season standings: health and trade acquisitions.

It stands to reason the Miami Heat, who lost to the Boston Celtics 100-96 in a dramatic Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals last May, will be better in the latter half of this season than they have been thus far. All Star forward Jimmy Butler has missed 15 games due to injuries and All Star candidate guard Tyler Herro, who is averaging 21points per game, has been sidelined for 12 games.

The Hawks are talented but disjointed, with reports of discord between head coach Nate McMillian and their gifted but seemingly temperamental point guard Trae Young. Dating back to last season, forward Jonathan Collins is also frequently referenced in the media’s routine trade conjecture. If the Hawks do shuffle their roster and can achieve a level of positive consistency, they are a threat to challenge the Knicks and Heat for the No. 6 seed.

The young Indiana Pacers have been perhaps the most surprising team among

the playoff contenders and also have been the source of trade rumors about secondyear guard Chris Duarte and 26-year-old veteran center Myles Turner, who was solidly averaging 17.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game when the Pacers tipped off against the Oklahoma City Thunder last night, garnering interest from multiple teams. The Knicks have been linked to possibly looking to deal for Duarte.

Two Knicks who might be on the move by the February 9 NBA trade deadline are guard Evan Fournier and forward Cam Reddish, neither of whom is in head coach Tom Thibodeau’s nine-man rotation. Fournier was inserted into the rotation with RJ Barret recovering from a lacerated finger suffered against the Dallas Mavericks on December 27. When Barrett returned on January 11, Fournier was moved out again. Reddish has not seen any action since playing nine minutes versus the Mavericks on Dec. 3 at MSG.

Whether the Knicks execute a move or not, they must start to make homecourt an advantage. They are 14-8 on the road but only 11-12 at the Garden before hosting the Wizards. It is a carry-over from last season when the Knicks were nearly .500 (20-21) away from home but an abysmal 17-24 in their own building.

The Nets find life without Kevin Durant is taxing

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports

Kevin Durant is the foundation of the Nets success.

Anyone who doubted that or if there were still some unconvinced skeptics, the past two weeks should end all uncertainty. Durant, the NBA’s sixth leading scorer at 29.7 points per game, suffered an MCL sprain of the right knee on January 8 in a 102-101 Nets win over the Miami Heat. He is expected to be out at least three more weeks.

Brooklyn is 27-16 and were the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference when the NBA’s schedule began last night (Wednesday). But since Durant’s injury, they are 0-3, including a 106-98 road loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. The Spurs, at 14-31, have the second worst record in the Western Conference and the fourth least wins in the entire league. Even without Kyrie Irving, who is No. 14 in scoring at 25.6 points per game, it was a

game the Nets could have come out on top.

Irving was unable to go dealing with right calf soreness but the Spurs came into the game having lost five straight. An incident between Nets veteran forward Markieff Morris and Spurs rookie forward Jeremy Sochan encapsulated the differing energy with which the teams played.

At 5:20 of the second quarter Sochan knocked down a 3-pointer to give the Spurs a 39-34 lead then held three fingers too close to Morris’ face for his liking. Morris let Sochan know his invasion of personal space with a gesture was disrespectful; then, on the following possession, gave the 19-yearold No. 9 pick out of Baylor in the 2022 draft a hard shoulder to his chest. Morris was assessed an offensive foul and technical. Sochan was given a Flagrant 1 foul for pulling Morris down onto the court.

“It’s a different era, man,” said Morris via the Associated Press. “You seen the play before that

he makes a 3 and he’s pointing in my face. ‘You made a shot. What is that about?’ So, I mean, I set a hard screen and then he grabbed me. He actually did like a wrestling move on me. I said that's impressive, I told him. It was impressive because he used a lot of force and he kind of flipped me. He got me.”

Who really got the Nets was Spurs forward Keldon Johnson, who dropped a career high 36 points. Brooklyn was led by forward T.J. Warren’s 19 points. Point-forward Ben Simmons had a triple-double, scoring 10 points with 11 assists and 10 rebounds.

It was his 33rd career triple-double, tying him for 12th all-time with New York City and Boston Celtics legendary point guard Bob Cousy. Simmons also had four steals and two blocked shots.

The Nets begin a four-game road trip tonight in Phoenix against the Suns. They will play the Utah Jazz tomorrow, the Golden State Warriors on Sunday and the Philadelphia 76ers next Wednesday.

Forward Royce O’ Neal (pictured), along with center Nic Claxton, are the only two Nets to have played in at least 40 of the team’s 43 games this season when they face the Phoenix Suns tonight on the road. (Bill Moore photo)

Knicks forward Cam Reddish has not played since December 3 after head coach Tom Thibodeau established a nine-man rotation. (Bill Moore photo)

North Carolina A&T dominates HBCU Showcase at the Armory

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

The student-athletes from North Carolina A&T University dominated the HBCU Showcase track and field meet at the Armory last Saturday. In 2021, student-athletes from the university brought home two medals from the Tokyo Olympics, so it was no surprise that these are serious competitors.

The Aggies didn’t win everything. There were 20 participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with first-place finishes from other schools, such as Delaware State, Florida A&M, St. Augustine’s and Coppin State.

“The Armory is definitely a special place for me,” said Malcolm Garbutt, a sophomore sprinter and computer science major from Delaware State, who competed on this track during high school. “I feel like the energy is really unmatched. … A lot of time, HBCUs don’t get the spotlight they deserve and a lot of people aren’t aware of all the

The girls’ victorious 4x200 relay team from Baldwin Track Club was excited to see student-athletes from HBCUs. “I love running at HBCU Showcase because the environment, the performances are everything. It really makes you feel empowered as a Black

young lady,” Jahzara Emeli said. Jillian Rickford stated her desire to attend North Carolina A&T. She was excited that she and her teammates were able to show their talents in front of such impressive student-athletes and coaches.

Coppin State senior Kaelyn Woodrum ran in the 60-meter hurdles and the 400 meters. “I like it because the track is fast and it gives

me motivation to run fast,” she said. Teammate Erin Palmer said, “Running here makes me feel like I can do my best because a lot of professional athletes have run here. Here, we see all the HBCUs come together. We’re kind of underlooked when it comes to society. We’re all great athletes and great students; it makes me feel that we mean something.”

Armory event showcased the HBCU experience

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

There was a drumline, music and a sense of celebration. Mayor Eric Adams showed up to address participants and spectators. Tables were set up for prospective students and their parents to interact with representatives of the colleges and universities taking part in the HBCU Showcase at the Armory track meet, sponsored by KPMG.

“It’s very beautiful to see everybody here in this environment. It’s good to see the friendly competition,” said the recruiter from Edward Waters University, the first HBCU in the state of Florida.

Angela Williams, the head women’s track and field coach at Prairie View A&M, grew up in Brooklyn, so she is well acquainted with the Armory, although it was a wood track when she was in high school. “It’s an amazing event to highlight our studentathletes who attend historically Black colleges and universities,” Williams said. “If [prospective students] only get to see what’s on the East Coast … then it’s difficult for them to know about HBCUs.”

Jaylin Bradshaw, a junior business administration major from Central State, appreciated the fast pace of the Armory track. “It’s fun being around HBCUs,” she said. “We don’t go to a lot of meets where there are a lot of HBCUs. It’s nice to get that feeling.” Bradshaw’s teammate Michael Addison was impressed when thinking of the many high-profile athletes who

have run on the Armory track, such as Natasha Hastings and Sanya Richards-Ross.

Prairie View A&M multi-event athlete

Maci Guy was enjoying her first trip to New York. “It’s very busy, a lot of movement. I’ve always seen New York on TV, and it’s just like I thought it would be,” said Guy, who competed in the pole vault. She described being at an HBCU as inclusive and safe. “It’s a community of us just wanting to excel at our education. It’s Black excellence,” she said.

Howard assistant coach Wesley Stephens said, “The experience of having a meet where HBCUs the SWAC schools and the SIAC schools get to come together with the MEAC is fantastic. And then, all the effort [the organizers] put in…is an added incentive for the kids. … being in an environment that’s so communal and supportive.”

“The track team has high standards for each other all the way around and we hold each other accountable,” said Lucheyona Weaver of North Carolina A&T, who placed second in the 60meter hurdles behind teammate Paula Salmon, a Brooklyn native. “We had a big name to keep for ourselves. That’s basically what we did.”

HBCUs, but it’s really great to see us come together, sharing our love of track and our competitiveness.”

The victorious 4x200 relay team from Baldwin Track Club (Lois Elfman photos)

Hampton University was among the HBCU schools greeting potential students (Lois Elfman photos)

Coppin State’s program enrollment specialist, Kevin Carr, with two of the student-athletes from the university

Three of the Tuskegee student-athletes who participated

Student-athletes from Central State, one of two HBCUs in Ohio

A student-athlete from North Carolina A&T

Sports

Confident Giants handle the Vikings to earn a trip to Philly

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones came into this season with no assurances he would be the team’s long-term starter. The new regime of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll wasn’t sold on 2019’s No. 6 overall pick in the NFL draft being capable of elevating the franchise by playing the sport’s most important position and therefore did not pick up his fifth-year option, so Jones has been playing this season on the last year of his rookie deal.

Now, the cash register will soon ring loudly for the 25-year-old signal caller from Charlotte, North Carolina. After evolving into a prudent decision-maker and ample playmaker this season, under the meticulous teaching of Daboll, offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney, Jones had the best game of his four-year career last Sunday versus the Minnesota Vikings in his first-ever playoff appearance and the first for the Giants in six years.

Facing the NFC North champions and the conference’s No. 3 seed on the road, he used both his arm and legs to dismantle the Minnesota Vikings’ porous defense. Jones passed for 301 yards and two touchdowns, and led the No. 6 seed Giants with 78 yards rushing in a 31-24 wild-card game victory that moved them into the divisional round on Saturday (8:15 p.m.) against the NFC’s top-seeded Eagles in Philadelphia.

“I think it’s a big win for us,” said Jones from Minnesota after the win. “Obviously a big playoff game. I thought we played well in all three phases and did enough to win the game. We’ll enjoy it tonight, but we have a lot of work to do moving forward.

“I think we’re a tough, competitive group. We’ve played a lot of close games and found a way to win them. I think that resiliency and mental toughness is a big part of our team.”

The Giants lost 27-24 to the Vikings in Minnesota on Christmas Eve on a gameending field as time expired, so they were familiar with their opponent and the U.S. Bank Stadium environment, making them self-assured entering the rematch.

“We have confidence because we know the type of man and woman we have in our facility, our locker room—we believe in each other,” said Giants running back Saquon Barkley, who had 53 yards

on the ground and two touchdowns, and caught five passes for 56.

“We are a confident group and we showed that throughout the whole season,” Barkley added. “If you look at this whole week of playoffs, that’s a type of team you’ve got to beat because every game is going to be close. You’ve got to lean on each other and trust each other and make plays in critical situations.”

They’ll need that mindset, as well as a high level of execution in all phases of the game, to defeat the Eagles. The Giants are 0-2 against the NFC East rival this season, losing 48-22 at home at MetLife Stadium on December 11 and 22-16 in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field on January 8 in the final regular season game.

“You work really hard to get to this point. But I think you have to focus on keeping the main thing the main thing,” said

Daboll on Tuesday of the Giants’ first playoff win since their 2011 Super Bowl season.

“It was good to move on, but you’ve got to put that in the past really quick and get to the preparation on this week’s opponent. Number one seed. They won the (NFC) East. They beat us twice. They got eight Pro Bowlers, six All-Pros. I think they can get your attention real quick, so we got a lot of work to do.”

Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence echoed Daboll’s perspective and said the team has scaled since getting dominated by the Eagles in December.

“I think we’ve grown a lot. We grew together (rather) than apart during that time,” said Lawrence. “I think that kind of shows in the play. We just keep that confidence and that want to be there for each other and play for each other, and we’ll be good.

“I think it’s just ahead right now. This is a new season. We’re 1-0 right now and the Eagles are in our way right now.”

Two keys to the game will be the Giants containing the Eagles All-Pro quarterback Jalen Hurts and the offensive line slowing giving Jones time to throw, combating the Eagles’ dangerous pass rush. Hurts passed for 217 yards and two TDs, and ran for 77 and another score in their first meeting. He sat out the last game with an injured shoulder.

After playing the best game of his career last Sunday in the Giants’ 31-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in their wildcard matchup, quarterback Daniel Jones and his teammates now face the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday (Giants.com photo)