Bay State Banner 12-4-14

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Midterm elections see more Latinos seated in Congress............. pg. 3

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Gov. signs order on environmental justice Sandra Larson

Demonstrators march down Harrison Avenue as part of a wave of protests following a Missouri grand jury’s decision not to indict a white police officer who shot unarmed teen Michael Brown dead in August. (Banner photo)

‘Black lives matter’ protests sweep Boston, US cities Yawu Miller In Boston and in cities across the United States demonstrators took to the streets to protest police violence against blacks.

The protests were sparked by a grand jury decision not to indict police officer Darren Williams in the shooting of unarmed 18-yearold Ferguson, Missouri resident Michael Brown, ranged from rioting in Missouri to non-violent sit down demonstrations in shopping malls.

Boston protesters rallied in Dudley Square last Tuesday in front of the Area B2 police station before marching to the South Bay House of Correction, blocking the on ramp to Interstate 93,

then marched along Massachusetts Avenue to Copley Square.

The phrase “black lives matter” was a rallying cry in Boston as in other cities adorning signs and shouted as a rallying cry as the marchers made their way through the city.

Passing through the crowd gathered at the South Bay jail, Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins expressed support for the protest.

“It’s one heck of a display of civic engagement,” he said. “As long as it remains peaceful, I certainly do not have a problem with it. We can’t live in a country where young men of color are killed indiscriminately. These types of incidents have to stop.”

Brown’s Aug. 9 shooting hit a raw nerve in Ferguson and across the country, putting police shootings under a spotlight. Protests were held in cities around the world. And news reports of police shootings since then have circulated widely on social media. The latest police shooting to make national news was that of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old who was shot dead by police in a Cleveland playground while holding a BB gun.

An analysis released in October by the ProPublica news organization found that blacks aged 15 to 19 were more than 20 times more likely to be shot dead by police than whites in the same age range.

The heightened awareness of protests, continued to page 20

state agency representatives, will advise the governor and the EEA Governor Deval Patrick has secretary on environmental justice signed an Executive Order on En- issues, she said. Each state agency vironmental Justice that enhances must appoint an Environmental environmental protections and Justice Coordinator in the next 30 benefits for communities of color days. Agencies have six months to and low-income or limited-En- create a strategy for including english-proficiency communities, vironmental justice considerations groups that bear a disproportion- whenever they are involved with ate burden of environmental pol- development projects, industrial lution and toxins. facilities and park and open space Patrick addressed a jubilant investments. crowd of environmental and social “So this will move forward not justice advocates gathered to wit- in an ad hoc way, but consistently ness the signing of the order Nov. and effectively,” Bartlett said. “We 25 at the headquarters of the want to take the EEA environChelsea Colmental juslaborative, a tice policy and nonprofit orgamake it statenization workwide, and put ing for social, [all state ageneconomic and “We have a radical idea cies] on notice environmenthat these are tal health in that everyone has the important and Chelsea. vital issues.” right to a healthy and “This is not Stark racial a geographic safe environment.” disparities in issue, but a environmen— Kalila Barnett tal hazard exdemographic issue,” Patrick posure can be said. “There seen in Masare a handful sachusetts, of people who according to know exactly Daniel Faber, how to get their voice heard and a Northeastern University socioltheir phone call returned by the ogy professor and director of the governor. But the interest of ev- Northeastern Environmental Juserybody else depends on whether tice Research Collaborative who the governor sees you, hears you, attended the signing event. Faber is listening to you. That’s what this and his group have analyzed enviexecutive order is about — making ronmental justice data. sure everybody is heard and “Statewide, the cumulative enthought about, and that we find a vironmental burden in commusolution that works for everyone.” nities of color is 24 times greater Secretary of Energy and Envi- than what it is in predominantly ronmental Affairs Maeve Bartlett white communities,” he told the briefly covered the main points of Banner. A 2005 study co-authored the new law.

by Faber states, “Without question, A new Governor’s Advisory it would appear that communities Council, made up of community of color are greatly overburdened EJ, continued to page 7 and advocacy groups as well as

Report shows lack of Latino presence in local government Sandra Larson Boston’s Latino population has been established and growing for some time, yet Latinos continue to be underrepresented in city government leadership roles, according to a report released this week in Boston.

The report, “The Silent Crisis: Including Latinos and Why It Matters” shows that while Latinos

make up 17.5 percent of Boston’s population, they hold only 7.5 percent of cabinet, senior staff or chief positions and only 7.1 percent of board and commission seats in city government.

The study was commissioned by the Greater Boston Latino Network and conducted by Miren Uriarte of UMass Boston, James Jennings of Tufts University Latino report, continued to page 6

Vanessa Calderón Rosado, executive director of the Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción CDC, announces the findings of a report detailing the underrepresentation of Latinos in leadership positions in city government. (Banner photo)

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2 • Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

NY-based charter advocacy group organizing in Mass.

Yawu Miller For its opening act, Families for Excellent Schools made a splash in Faneuil Hall last month. A crowd organizers estimated at 2,000 parents and students wearing light blue teeshirts reading “77,000 reasons” stood opposite Boston City Hall with signs reading “great schools now,” demonstrating on behalf of school reform.

The tee-shirts referred to the number of students the group’s organizers say attend Massachusetts public schools where at least a third of the students are performing below grade level in math and/ or reading. The signs, hand-lettered in blue and green, were lacking in specific demands, as were the speakers who stood on a stage in front of Faneuil Hall. Some signs simply read “believe.”

“We are 2,000 strong, united with one vision – to say that we believe in our children,” said Mattapan resident Stacey Marlow. “We believe our children deserve access to quality schools.”

While charter schools were barely mentioned during the rally, Families for Excellent Schools’ New York parent organization, which bears the same name, is widely seen as a pro-charter schools organization.

FES Massachusetts State Director Raiyan Syed would not say whether the Massachusetts chapter will advocate lifting the cap on new charter schools in Massachusetts.

“Parents don’t care what the

school is called, what the name is,” he said. “They’re saying they want more quality schools in every neighborhood.”

While Syed and the speakers at the November rally repeated the group’s claim that they’re fighting for quality schools, no one from the Massachusetts chapter has advocated on behalf of a single policy position or articulated how to achieve excellence in schools.

Syed said the organization’s three organizers have had 250 one-on-one meetings with Boston parents to discuss their concerns.

“From the one-to-ones we’ve done with parents, what we’ve learned is that what’s most important to parents is high quality schools,” he said. “There are a lot of parents who feel that their children are trapped in low-quality schools. It’s a travesty that nothing is being done. We need transformational change.”

In New York, FES has spent millions of dollars through its political arm lobbying state government there on behalf of charter schools — lobbying against New York Mayor Bill De Blasio’s attempts to regulate charter schools and pushing through a law requiring the city to pay rent for charters that are not located in city buildings.

It’s little wonder then, that education activists in Boston are bracing themselves for an onslaught of charter school advocacy.

“They aren’t talking about charter schools, but it’s clear that that’s what

they’re about,” said Mary Battenfeld, a member of the group Quality Education for Every Student, a group of Boston school parents who earlier this year fought successfully against a push to lift the state’s cap on new charter schools.

“A New York group has come in because the Legislature, through its democratic process, voted not to lift the cap on charter schools,” Battenfeld said.

As is the case in many states, charter schools in Massachusetts receive funding from the school districts in which they operate. Although by law, the state is required to reimburse school districts for a portion of the funding lost to charter schools, that funding has never materialized.

Meanwhile, state funding for public school education has been declining since the beginning of the last

decade. In 2002, the state channeled more than $9 billion (in 2014 dollars) in Chapter 70 aid for cities’ and towns’ K-12 education. Then, state funding accounted for 31 percent of Boston’s school budget. In the current year, the state is spending $7.5 billion on Chapter 70 aid, which will account for only 11 percent of Boston’s school funding.

In the meantime, the cost of running schools has risen, with increased costs for heating oil and utilities, increased health care costs for employees and increased transportation costs. The Boston Public Schools began the 2014-2015 fiscal year with a $110 million budget deficit, which was plugged with reductions in staff, a phasing out of bus service for eighth-graders and other measures.

Over time, the loss of funding has taken its toll on Boston schools.

Heshan Berents-Weeramuni, a Quality Education for Every Student member, says the Mary E. Curley K-8 school his children attend has lost $1.7 million in funding and cut 20 positions in recent years, while school enrollment has increased.

In the last legislative session, state

Sen. Sonia Chang Diaz and Rep. Russell Holmes fought for a compromise on the doomed legislation to lift the cap on new charter schools, advocating for a mechanism that would tie charter school expansion to compliance with the state law reimbursing school districts for funds lost to charter schools. The measure did not pass.

Following the defeat of their push to lift the cap, charter school proponents said they were mulling a ballot initiative that would let voters decide whether to lift the cap on charter schools.

Berents-Weeramuni sees the ongoing efforts of charter school advocates like Families for Excellent Schools as an attempt to claim a larger share of the limited school funding resources, rather than advocating as Chang-Diaz did, for increased funding for all schools.

“Chapter 70 funding has gone through the floor,” he said. “It’s kind of like a kick in the teeth to parents when an out-of-state organization comes into Boston to advocate for charter schools. We have buildings that are falling down. Their agenda is to privatize schools.”

Families for Excellent Schools says 2,000 parents and students attended the group’s November rally in Faneuil Hall. (Banner photo)

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Midterm elections see more Latinos seated in Congress Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil The big story out of November’s midterm elections was the victories of the Republican Party: The GOP won control of the Senate, boosted their majority in the House of Representatives, and picked up two governor’s seats. But Republicans aren’t the only ones who made important gains in November.

Latinos also posted groundbreaking wins, with five new candidates, both Democrats and Republicans, claiming seats in the House. These victories will bring the total number of Latino members of Congress up to 32 — the highest ever.

Democrat from Arizona; Pete Aguilar, a Democrat from California; Norma Torres, a Democrat from California; Carlos Curbelo, a Republican from Florida; and Alex Mooney, a Republican from West Virginia. They will join 19 other Latino House Democrats, 5 House Republicans, 2 Senate Republicans and one Senate Democrat.

Sanchez, who is also an associate professor of political science at the University of New Mexico, says the reason for this uptick in the number of Latino Republicans is that the GOP has been willing to put money and support behind Latino candidates across the country.

“It means that you don’t have to be from an overwhelming Latino district to have a prospect of winning, if you’re a Latino candidate.”

— Gabriel Sanchez

“The 114th Congress is the largest incoming class of Latinos in U.S. history,” says Gabriel Sanchez, director of research for Latino Decisions, a leading Latino political opinion research group. “Of those five new Congressmen, three are Democrats and two are Republicans, which shows that one of the things you can say about the current political climate is that Latinos are as effective on the Republican side of things as the Democratic side.

And that’s a relatively new trend.”

The new Latino representatives are Ruben Gallego, a

“That’s clearly been part of the Republican strategy,” he says.

“It’s a lot easier for the Republican Party to recruit Latino candidates than change their policies that affect Latino voters.”

The other trend that Sanchez identifies is that these five new Latino members of Congress come from diverse constituencies. While Ruben Gallego was elected in Arizona to succeed 71-year-old Ed Pastor, the state’s first Latino congressman — “filling a vacancy in what’s been a Hispanic-run district for a long time,” Sanchez says — Alex

Mooney became the first Latino congressman in West Virginia, a state where Latinos comprise just one percent of the total population.

“It means that you don’t have to be from an overwhelming Latino district to have a prospect of winning, if you’re a Latino candidate,” says Sanchez.

Rosalind Gold, senior director of policy, research and advocacy at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, agrees.

“The new members of Congress represent the spectrum from traditional population centers to places where the Latino community is just starting to grow,” she says. “West Virginia has a very small Latino population, and that reflects the fact that Latinos can lead and represent diverse constituencies. They can lead and represent constituencies in diverse parts of the nation, and they can lead and be part of both political parties.”

But whether this tide of Latino representation will translate into policies that Latino communities care about remains to be seen. Sanchez says that data from Latino Decisions shows “immigration was the most important issue to Latino voters, and then jobs and the economy — and that’s a flip-flop of those two issues from what we saw in 2012.”

Gold says that on top of immigration, Latinos “care passionately about the same issues that all Americans care about.”

“They want our nation to fix its broken immigration system,” she says, “but they also want to make sure that their families have employment opportunities, that there’s a good climate

Rosalind Gold, senior director of policy, research and advocacy at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, says more Latinos are winning elections in majority-white districts. for small businesses — that they run and operate — that their children have good education and that there’s good health care available.”

Even though Latino voters came out in big numbers in 2012 for President Obama — 71 percent voted for him, while 27 percent voted for Romney — comprehensive immigration reform stalled in Congress, and the administration deported a record number of undocumented immigrants in 2013.

This failure to enact comprehensive immigration reform, Sanchez says, “absolutely” affected this year’s midterm elections, which featured lower than expected turnout among Latino voters, and a noticeable shift toward Republican candidates. (Gold says that President Obama’s immigration action announced last month will be “one of many factors that Latinos are going to be looking at” during the 2016 elections.)

But Gold says that winning the Latino vote in 2016 isn’t just about policy — it’s also about strategy. Citing Latino Decisions, she says that ahead of November’s elections, only 55 percent of likely Latino voters say they were contacted by any campaign or political party and asked to vote or register to vote.

“If neither party can afford to take the Latino vote for granted, neither party can afford to ignore Latinos,” she says.

While most Latinos live in the politically uncompetitive states of California and Texas, a growing number now live in swing states — and are shaping elections there. For example, in Colorado this year, Sanchez says that Mark Udall, who was running for re-election in the Senate, lost in part because Latino voter turnout was so low.

After all, Latinos are the largest minority group in the United States, comprising 17 percent of the population and 11 percent of eligible voters nationwide. Each year, 800,000 Latinos turn 18, becoming new eligible voters.

Republican strategists and Latino Decisions have both estimated that presidential candidates will need about 40 percent of the Latino vote to win.

“The path to political victory, whether it’s in Congress, whether it’s in state legislatures, or whether it’s the White House, goes through the Latino community,” says Gold. “Because Latino voters are willing to listen to either political party… It would be a wise course of action for both parties to increase their investment in recruiting and supporting Latino candidates.”

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Gov. Deval Patrick visits the Action for Boston Community Development Head Start program in the South End to promote the importance of early education and discuss his administrations efforts to expand access to high quality early learning opportunities across the Commonwealth. (Governor’s Office photo by Eric Haynes)

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4 • Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

Established 1965

Police Brutality Police departments across the country declare that their duty is “to protect and serve,” or some similar commitment. However, many African Americans wonder whether this obligation really extends to them. If a police officer in Ferguson, Mo. can gun down an unarmed teenager, and be absolved of criminal liability, then what protection do blacks have?

The police shooting of Michael Brown is not unusual. Such incidents have been getting greater publicity since the Amadou Diallo case in New York 15 years ago. Diallo, a 23-year-old immigrant from Guinea, was gunned down on his doorstep by four policemen. They hit him with 19 bullets when they thought he was reaching for a gun, but he was unarmed. All four were acquitted.

Americans are now becoming more aware that incidents of police brutality are quite common.

It began in 1992 with the brutal police beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles. The technological development of cell phones and digital video cameras has enabled citizens to record such violent events. Police accounts that are at odds with the video or photograph lose their credibility. Now the media publicize police assaults that have dramatic appeal.

During the Katrina hurricane in New Orleans, police officers shot and killed Ronald Madison, a mentally disabled man, who was trying to cross the Danziger Bridge to find food. James Brissette was also killed and four others were wounded.

This case was so grievous that police officers involved were prosecuted and convicted.

In the case of Sean Bell in 2006, a 23-yearold citizen of New York was shot by police as he left the bachelor party on the night before his wedding. The police fired 50 shots and also wounded two of Bell’s friends. Three of the five police detectives involved were tried and found not guilty.

The unarmed Oscar Grant (22) was killed by a transit cop in Oakland, Calif. in 2009 at the Fruitvale BART station. The cop was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2010.

Manuel Loggins, a marine sergeant, was shot and killed in 2012 in San Clemente, Calif. His 9- and 14-year-old daughters were able to view the incident. He was unarmed and non-violent.

Orange County paid his family $4.4 million in damages.

In 2012, the unarmed Ramarley Graham was shot and killed by a New York policeman, Richard Haste. The charges against Haste were dismissed on a technicality and a grand jury declined to indict.

Recently, Eric Garner died as a result of a chokehold by the police who were trying to arrest him, allegedly for selling unlicensed cigarettes. Execution is a severe penalty for a misdemeanor offense.

The license to shoot blacks with relative impunity extends beyond the police. In 2012, George Zimmerman shot and killed Trayvon Martin, an unarmed 17-year-old boy who was in Sanford, Fla. to visit his father. Zimmerman asserted that he fired in self-defense although Martin was still holding a bag of Skittles in one hand when he was shot. Nonetheless, Zimmerman was acquitted.

It appears that a major function of the police is to protect white privilege and to serve the benighted concept of racial superiority. Both of those ideas will only lead to continued conflict in American society. Often, a subjugated and dominated ethnic group will turn to violence against the oppressor. However, the descendants of former slaves in America have chosen to work toward justice and freedom for all. This is the higher path.

Those in authority must discontinue policies that foment racial hostility and can only lead to more violence and national disunity.

LETTERSto the Editor

Committed to economic development

On behalf of the Bartlett Place partners, we want to re-state the housing and economic opportunities which our Bartlett Place development will create.

Next year we will start building 16 forsale homes, to be sold to market-rate and middle-income buyers. Also in 2015, we plan to begin construction of a building creating 50 permanent local jobs at a grocery store plus 32 low-income apartments, 22 market-rate apartments and six middle-income apartments.

These 2015 projects will create over 200 construction jobs. Our team has a proven track record of providing well over 50 percent of construction jobs for workers of color and well over 50 percent of contracting dollars to MBEs, and we will meet or exceed those standards at Bartlett Place.

It takes a unique partnership to execute on a plan to create 129 home ownership opportunities, representing millions of dollars in equity appreciation by 2020; 194 rental apartments; achieve the 1/3 low-income, 1/3 middle-income and 1/3 market rate mix desired by the commu-

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nity; and over 125 permanent jobs. Windale Developers and Nuestra Comunidad have each developed and sold over 100 homes in Roxbury in the last two decades, a proven commitment to homeownership unmatched by any other developer.

Nuestra Comunidad’s Home Center has trained over 2,500 households to buy their first home. Since 2007, Nuestra’s counselors have helped over 350 homeowners modify their mortgage loans and prevent foreclosure. Since 2013, the Boston Business Planning Program, co-sponsored by Nuestra and the Roxbury Mission 180 coalition, has trained 54 local entrepreneurs and awarded $45,000 in cash prizes in pitch contests.

The Bartlett Place partners have a

strong vision for Bartlett Place as a creative village, organized around arts-focused activities across the site. To help realize this vision, we reached an agreement with the Conservatory Lab School to bring to the community a proposal to build a new school facility at Bartlett.

The Bartlett Place partners invite all members of the community to join with us and consider this exciting opportunity to build more economic opportunity for Roxbury over the coming years.

Arnold Johnson President, Windale Developers Inc.

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Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER • 5

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OPINION “Black Friday Blues”

By Frank Clemente Shoppers lined up last week at the crack of dawn on “Black Friday” for spectacular deals. What they don’t know is that the best bargains have already been taken — not by other shoppers, but by some of America’s largest corporations.

Walmart, the biggest corporation in America, with revenues of almost half a trillion dollars, gets a $1 billion tax break each year on average by exploiting federal tax loopholes, according to a new report from Americans for Tax Fairness. Taxpayers, even those lined up in the early morning darkness at giant retailers like Walmart, pay the price.

How? First, the more big corporations dodge paying their fair share of taxes, the more American families and small businesses have to make up, or else there is less money available for critical investments, such as rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, improving education and making college more affordable, or finding new medical cures.

When Black Friday shoppers check the prices, they’ll never see these hidden costs of tax avoidance. But when Americans figure out what’s going on they’ll have a bad case of the Black Friday Blues.

The $1 billion Walmart “saves” by ducking its fair share of federal taxes is a low estimate. It doesn’t count the taxes Walmart is avoiding on $21.4 billion in profits held offshore. Walmart has paid nothing to the U.S. Treasury on those earnings because corporations can indefinitely postpone paying U.S. taxes on offshore profits until they are brought back to America.

The retail giant is also working with other large corporations to deeply cut U.S. corporate tax rates. So while American families and small businesses continue to recover from the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, huge corporations making record profits are trying to rewrite the law so they pay much less in taxes.

If these corporations are successful, they will blow a $1.3 trillion hole in the federal budget over the next 10 years. Walmart alone will pocket $720 million a These organizations year on average — in addition to decry the 35 percent the $1 billion it already “saves” tax rate ... when they from current tax loopholes.

Big companies know that cut- know full well that they ting corporate taxes isn’t popular actually pay far less. with the public. Americans are outraged that profitable companies like General Electric, Verizon and Boeing — as well as 23 others — paid absolutely nothing in taxes over the past five years, according to the watchdog group Citizens for Tax Justice. Polls show that American families oppose lower corporate tax rates; instead, they want a more equitable tax system in which corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share.

Fighting for an unpopular cause like lowering corporate tax rates could hurt corporate brands with the public. So Walmart and other companies pay large industry coalitions to do the work of waging media campaigns and cajoling members of Congress. Walmart is the only big box retailer that gives to all three of the industry groups that are trying to put a good face on bad policy — the RATE (Reforming America’s Taxes Equitably) Coalition, Alliance for Competitive Taxation and the Business Roundtable.

These organizations decry the 35 percent tax rate corporations are supposed to pay on profits when they know full well that they actually pay far less. Profitable corporations paid U.S. income taxes amounting to just 12.6 percent of worldwide income in 2010, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Walmart itself sends 74 lobbyists to twist arms on Capitol Hill, and tax issues are its No. 1 priority. It has spent $32.6 million lobbying over the past five years. It also tries to buy access to lawmakers by contributing heavily to their campaigns — giving $6.1 million since 2009, disproportionately to members of the two Congressional tax-writing committees.

Walmart wants to convince shoppers to flock to its stores on Black Friday to take advantage of low prices. What it doesn’t want you to know is that those prices come at a high cost of taxes dodged.

If large corporations succeed in slashing corporate tax rates, the effects on our country will be severe. For millions of American families and small businesses it will mean higher taxes, fewer services or a higher national debt. Today’s “Black Friday blues” could turn into a full-blown economic hangover.

Frank Clemente is executive director of Americans for Tax Fairness, a coalition of 425 national and state organizations.

The Banner welcomes your opinion. Email Op-Ed submissions to:

yawu@bannerpub.com ­Letters must be signed. Names may be withheld upon request.

Why do you think blacks are more likely than whites to be killed by police?

Police are just crazy. They have nothing better to do.

Charlotte H.

Because we’re more dangerous. We always have something negative up our sleeve.

Primarily because blacks have more interactions with police.

Self-employed Dorchester

Store Manager Roxbury

Danika

Ericka Florence

Basically, because of their color.

Whites think black people are bad people.

They think most of us are criminally involved.

The way folks do what they do, it’s hard for a cop to determine whether people are out to harm them. Blacks live in areas where there’s more crime.

Gerry Hall Retired Roxbury

Judy Blackwell

Certified Nursing Assistant Dorchester

Program Manager Roxbury

Tremayne Murchison Disabled Roxbury

INthe news

Kevin Small Jr.

Kevin Small Jr. sees the political arena as the ideal place to serve his peers, and the Suffolk University management major has seized upon an opportunity to do just that, as a member of the Governor’s Statewide Youth Council.

Small, a Dorchester native, was one of 28 young leaders recently sworn in for two-year terms in the council.

A 2008 graduate of Excel Academy Charter School in East Boston, Small strongly believes in charter school education and expansion.

“I’m hoping that education is a key initiative during my time on the council,” he says.

Gov. Deval Patrick created the Governor’s Statewide Youth Council in 2008 following an outbreak of youth-related violence in the Greater Boston area. Its mission is to advise the governor on policies that improve the lives of young people statewide.

Small said that he experienced a “life-changing” moment while lis-

tening to a speech about education in the fall of 2013.

“Right then, I thought about becoming a pioneer for education,” he says. “I saw myself delivering that same information about education to people for the rest of my life.”

The council includes two representatives from each of Massachusetts’ 14 counties.

Small and the other counselors

have been given a significant voice in the decision-making process and are expected to discuss issues important to youth in their communities.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know and developing long-lasting relationships with people my own age who are just as passionate when it comes to connecting youth to the resources they need to be successful,” Small says.

6 • Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

Latino report continued from page 1

and independent researcher Jen Douglas.

“Latinos are very strong in this city in numbers, but you would not know that looking at the numbers in government

positions,” said Uriarte, adding that Latino representation would need to double in both executive roles and board and commission seats in order to be equitable.

The study also looked at Chelsea and Somerville, both of which also showed a gap between Latino population and positions in government leadership. The

Your First Choice: UMass Boston

By J. Keith Motley, PhD, UMass Boston Chancellor Yihra Peralta, a senior at the University of Massachusetts Boston, expects to graduate next spring with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She tells us that after she had visited every college on her list of potential schools, UMass Boston was her first choice. Four years later, she remains proud of her decision to attend this university.

“You can’t find this diversity anywhere else,” she says.

“The professors are super well-connected, and I love getting involved in the clubs and internships. I love this school!”

With our ever-expanding range of academic programs, brilliant and committed faculty, beautiful harborside location, and sweeping plans for an even brighter future, I am never surprised to hear that UMass Boston is a student’s first choice. We often hear the same sentiment from a different perspective: that of our students’ parents.

Parents help their children fill out college applications, proofread their essays, and join them on campus visits. Then,

most dramatic gap is in Chelsea, where Latinos make up 62.1 percent of the population but hold only 14.3 percent of executive positions and 10.9 percent of board and commission seats. In Somerville, the Latino population is 10.6 percent, while in its city government, Latinos hold 1.7 percent of board and commission positions and no executive positions.

Alexandra Oliver Dávila is executive director of Sociedad Latina, a nonprofit that serves Latino youth. Her organization is a member of the Greater Boston Latino Network. She said area Latino-led organizations formed the network because they were concerned about lack of funding for Latino-led organizations and lack of Latino representation in government.

The results of the study did not surprise her, Dávila said, but she hopes the report will spur action.

“We just haven’t had a seat at the table where decisions are made,” she said. “It creates a very compelling case. I think there will be action. The fact that the [Boston] mayor is listening and taking it very seriously — I think there will be some movement.”

The report acknowledges that Mayor Martin Walsh took office just this year, and has made some progress in creating a diverse group of leaders, so Latino representation in Boston government is “in many ways (and hopefully) a work in progress for this administration.” On the same day the report was released, Walsh announced the creation of a new Office of Diversity and the appointment of the city’s first-ever chief diversity officer, Shaun Blugh, and deputy chief diversity officer, Freda Brasfield, both of whom are black.

The study examined 47 active boards and commissions listed on the City of Boston website.

These are entities that “guide, support, monitor, or regulate different areas of the government of the city,” such as the Arts Commission, the School Committee

and the Licensing Board, each of which has one Latino appointee, and the Fair Housing Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission, which currently have no Latino appointees. In all, out of 395 board and commission seats, 28 are held by Latinos, according to the report.

In the most senior mayoral administration roles, Health and Human Services Chief Felix D. Arroyo is the only Latino among 10 chiefs, and none of Walsh’s five other cabinet members are Latino.

The report emphasizes the importance of inclusion for an effective, efficient and legitimate government. Recommendations include action by local governments to create specific goals toward recruiting a “critical mass” of Latino leaders, and by citizen groups to be organized and vocal, form alliances with other underrepresented groups and collaborate with city government to develop strategies and oversight for achieving inclusion.

Latino underrepresentation in Boston’s municipal government

“You cannot change the outcome for African Americans and Latinos unless you’re committed to changing how the city is serving these populations.”

— Miren Uriarte

Boston’s Latino population as of the 2010 U.S. Census is 107,917, a nearly 27 percent increase over the 2000 Census count of 85,089. But while the population shows rapid growth, the report notes that Latinos have been in Boston since the late 1800s and that the contemporary community dates back to the 1950s and ’60s when Puerto Ricans began settling in the South End. In more recent decades, Dominican and Central American immigrants have added to the growth, and the percentage of foreign-born Latinos in Boston is estimated now to be about 43 percent.

Uriarte rejected the notion that Latino underrepresentation might be blamed on language barriers, newcomer status or an insufficient pool of talented candidates.

“We now have second, third generation Latinos,” she said.

“Some are English dominant, or English-only. If there was an effort, we would find the people.

We would find folks of all colors to populate those commissions.”

is especially troubling given the dominance of Latinos in some areas of city services, such as housing, economic development and education, Uriarte noted.

For instance, Latinos make up the largest ethnic group among the Boston’s 56,000 public school students, giving them a particularly high stake in the future of the Boston Public Schools.

Adding to the urgency, a recent BPS-commissioned report highlighted significant disparities in education opportunities and achievement for Latino and black students, who together make up 78 percent of the city’s school population.

“This is about a policy of inclusion,” said researcher Uriarte, who also served on the advisory committee for the BPS report.

“We use Latinos as an example, but I would be surprised if we found anything different with an community of color. You cannot change the outcome for African Americans and Latinos unless you’re committed to changing how the city is serving these populations.”

along with the applicants, they wait for admission decisions.

Each spring at our Welcome Day event, I greet parents and other family members of students. And I love hearing that UMass Boston is the first choice for them, as well.

Yihra’s father, Eddie Peralta, tells us that he is proud of his daughter for following her ambitions to UMass Boston. He even says that he’d like to study here himself.

The university’s program offerings and location appealed to him from the start. Above all, he says, he is happy that Yihra has opportunities to participate in student life: She is active in our student-run Casa Latina organization and volunteers with Jumpstart, the early childhood education program, and Beacon Voyages for Service, whose members perform service projects the world over.

Yihra and her father are just two of the many students and parents who make UMass Boston their first choice for higher education every fall. This year, we’ve begun offering early-action and regular-decision admissions for new student applications. Our new deadline is December 1 for early-action students (nonbinding) and March 1 for regular-decision students.

Mayor Martin Walsh joins Dorchester residents for a tree lighting and trolley tour in the Ashmont Hill neighborhood. (Mayor’s Office Photo by Isabel Leon)

I invite you to learn more about why UMass Boston should be your first choice. Visit umb.edu/admissions; email enrollment.info@umb.edu; or call 617.287.6000.

www.umb.edu

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Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER • 7

EJ

continued from page 1

in comparison with white communities and are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards of almost every kind.”

The executive order prioritizes attention and resources toward “environmental justice communities” containing resident groups that have historically been more vulnerable to disproportionate siting of polluting industries or waste. The EJ community designation is given to census block groups that meet any or all of several conditions: median income at or below 65 percent of the statewide median, 25 percent or more residents minority, foreign born or lacking English language proficiency. Census block groups typically hold 500 to 2,500 people and can vary widely in area.

EJ communities have been identified all over Massachusetts, but are more prevalent in densely populated areas. In Chelsea, Everett and Lawrence, 100 percent of the population is part of an EJ community. In the city of Boston, many neighborhoods — containing 74 percent of the city’s residents — meet EJ community conditions. On the opposite end of the spectrum, less than 20 percent of residents in Arlington and less than 10 percent in Billerica and Beverly are in EJ communities.

“This is not a geographic issue, but a demographic issue.”

— Deval Patrick

The Nov. 25 signing marked the culmination of a five-year push by the Massachusetts Environmental Justice Alliance, a coalition of some 20 environmental, social justice and grassroots groups from across the Commonwealth formed in 2009 and coordinated by the Roxbury-based Alternatives for Community & Environment.

“At ACE, we have a radical idea that everyone has the right to a healthy and safe environment, and that they should be decision-makers in issues that impact their communities,” said ACE Executive Director Kalila Barnett in her turn at the podium. “We believe in the intelligence and analysis of those directly affected by environmental injustice to come up with solutions to create a better future for all of us.”

ACE was founded in 1993, and works from its Dudley Square headquarters to address and prevent environmental threats affecting communities of color.

Besides shepherding the new executive order to fruition, ACE and its coalitions have chalked up a number of accomplishments in Roxbury and statewide, including forcing the cleanup of asbestosand lead-laden dirt in Roxbury, persuading the Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection to install an air monitoring system in Dudley Square and helping the city of Chelsea successfully oppose a diesel power plant planned for a site next to an elementary school.

The executive order also contains procedural requirements such as an improved outreach process to engage the most vulnerable communities. For instance, agency public participation plans must include multi-lingual outreach and meeting schedules that meet local residents’ needs.

“This addresses the nuts-andbolts of making sure that when you’re having a public meeting, everyone knows what’s going on,” said Sue Harden, a volunteer member of the Environmental Justice Alliance who was involved in meetings on the crafting of the executive order. As an example, she said, “We had a meeting in Revere City Hall where we were promised translators, but no translators were there. That may seem like a small thing, but it’s not.”

The implementation deadlines extend into spring, but there was no mention at the event of whether Governor-elect Charlie Baker or his EEA secretary pick, Matthew Beaton, had voiced support of the executive order.

Barnett said ACE is preparing to reach out to the new administration to offer support and collaboration around implementation. In an e-mail, a Baker spokesperson was non-committal, indicating

Gov. Deval Patrick chats with Chelsea Collaborative Executive Director Gladys Vega after the announcement of his Executive Order on Environmental Justice. (Photo courtesy of ACE) that Baker “cares deeply about environmental justice [and] preserving open space, and will determine which policies will or will not keep Massachusetts a leader in environmental reform once in office.”

At the signing event, there was no shortage of love and appreciation for Patrick, who is entering the final weeks of his eightyear administration. An effusive

introduction from Barnett and grateful words from the advocates who pushed for and crafted the new law drew enthusiastic applause. After the formal signing, dozens of people surged forward to try to be photographed with the governor.

Earlier, when he stepped to the podium, Patrick had paused to urge Chelsea Collaborative members and ACE staff to enter the room instead

of observing from outside the door.

“Can I ask everyone from the hall to come in? Everybody in, come in,” he said, coaxing a self-conscious but very pleased line of people to stand next to the podium.

“This is the point — everybody gets to have a place at the table,” he said.

The audience roared its approval.

8 • Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

BusinessNews Nandanvan takes reins at Boston Asian business group Martin Desmarais Jesse Nandhavan, the new president and CEO of the Boston chapter of the National Association of Asian American Professionals, knows he has a big task in front of him as he inherits a group that is facing a changing Asian-American business community in Boston. For years, the norm was for Asians to aspire to be doctors, engineers or corporate executives — but now more and more are trying their hand at starting their own small businesses.

Nandhavan wants to make NAAAP a group for them as well.

“We have finally recognized that small businesses and entrepreneurs are a key component of what makes this city special,” said Nandhavan, who took over the reins of the NAAAP Boston chapter last month. “We want to develop our member base with more of these small business folks and also provide them with more programming tailored for small businesses.”

Started in Boston in 1986, the mission of the NAAAP is to cultivate, support and promote Asian American professionals through professional development programs, community services engagements and industry connections. The organization has 27 chapters throughout the United States and one in Toronto. The

first chapter was formed in New York in 1982; Boston was the second chapter and is one of the largest, with about 450 members.

The Boston chapter’s leaders want the group to continue to grow and adding more small business owners, and including entrepreneurs is how they think they can do it.

“We do feel like that is a largely untapped market for us, especially in terms of members,” said Nandhavan.

While any new organization head is going to have big plans for his or her tenure, Nandhavan comes in at a time when the group’s ambitions are already more than just table talk.

Earlier this fall, NAAAP made a big move to beef up its small business cred with a partnership deal with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Massachusetts District Office. The move gives NAAAP Boston members a direct line to small business services and support the SBA offers.

NAAAP Boston also held its first-ever Asian Business Festival at Dewey Square in Downtown Boston on Oct. 12. Attended by approximately 750 people, including 30 vendors, the event was a day of celebration of Asian American entrepreneurship, with a focus on Asian-owned or

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Asian-focused businesses and nonprofit organizations.

The event was a culmination of the work of the group’s Entrepreneurship Committee, which was launched in 2011 with a goal to plan and run a consistent schedule of workshops and events to support members starting and growing companies. The plan is to hold an Asian Business Festival every year.

Nandanvan seems well suited to foster NAAAP Boston’s growth aspirations. He has worked to ramp up the group’s corporate relations and sponsorships for the last two years and also works professionally as a recruiter.

Currently working as a recruitment manager at BioBridge, a life sciences consulting firm in Wellesley, Boston University grad Nandhavan has recruitment and business development experience with startups, large corporations, the government and nonprofits.

Jim Fong, chairman of the NAAAP Boston Board of Directors, praised Nandhavan’s prior work with the organization and said he has already become “an integral part” of the leadership and is the right choice as new president and CEO. Nandhavan replaces Eric Lam, who served a two-year term as head, just as Nandhavan will do.

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Jesse Nandhavan is the new NAAAP Boston chapter president and CEO. (Photo courtesy of the National Association of Asian American Professionals Boston chapter) “The board of directors is gratified to have Jesse Nandhavan step up to this critical role,” Fong said.

While group members are thrilled to have Nandhavan take control, he is equally as excited to move into a big leadership role and welcomes the opportunity to gain valuable experience in such a capacity.

None of NAAAP Boston’s leaders are paid for their work for the organization, but Nandhavan is more than willing to volunteer his time. He says he is excited about the opportunity to help the organization fulfill its mission and increase its reach into the Asian-American business community.

“I have every hope of elevating

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He does not expect his job to be without challenges, perhaps the biggest one being breaking through the clutter of all the different Asian organizations out there to bring in new members — in Boston there are other groups that support Chinese-Americans and Vietnamese-Americans, yet NAAAP purports to be Pan-Asian and tries to bring all the different Asian heritages under one roof.

He welcomes the challenges and believes NAAAP’s strengths can be cornerstones for more.

“As president I don’t want to fix anything that isn’t broken,” Nandhavan said. “The previous president, Eric Lam, has left a great legacy and I want to build on that.”

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HEALTH

ADVERTORIAL

Partners provides hunger assistance during holidays

and growth and are more likely to struggle academically.

This holiday season, Partners is providing these community health centers with a total of $34,000 in grants to help meet their patients’ hunger needs. This is the second year Partners has provided Hunger Assistance grants to community health centers. This year, the commitment has grown and will also work to support food pantries that are run by the community health centers.

cards, while others are providing turkeys with all of the fixings, and others are working to restock their food pantries in anticipation of the busyness of the season.

At Neponset Health Center in Dorchester, the grants have helped support the annual Thanksgiving baskets.

“Many of our patients find it more difficult to make ends meet during the holiday season and it can be very stressful,” says Rachael Cooper, Manager of Client Ser-

Approximately 700,000 people in Massachusetts don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

Pictured here with their supermarket gift card at Codman Square Health Center are Amaya Pierrette and her mother Leonna Porcher, both of Dorchester.

Good nutrition is essential for good health. But a healthy meal can mean so much more, especially during the holiday season.

That’s why Partners HealthCare is working to provide Hunger Assistance grants to 18 area community health centers during the holidays.

Sadly, hunger is an issue that

impacts many Massachusetts families. More than 11 percent of Massachusetts families live in food insecure homes, which means that approximately 700,000 people in Massachusetts don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

Food insecurity is not only stressful; it can also have a significant

From making do

effect on one’s health and well being. Adults who suffer from food insecurity are at higher risk of suffering from chronic diseases including diabetes and hypertension, and also at greater risk for anxiety and depression. Children from food insecure homes are at higher risk of slowed development

“We know that these grants are important for patients and their families and appreciate the community health centers providing this service to their communities,” says Matt Fishman, Vice President, Partners Community Health.

“Community health centers are indispensible in our shared mission to provide the best care — it is through the community health centers and their staff that we can help ensure that these grants are meeting patients’ needs.”

The grants are being used in a number of ways by the different community health centers. Some are providing emergency food assistance with supermarket gift

vices at Neponset Health Center.

“The Hunger Assistance grants from Partners are essential in our efforts to alleviate some of that stress and we are able to provide a full, healthy holiday meal to many families in need.”

The Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program is another recipient of the grant and puts the funds to use in other ways.

“This year we are working to provide Stop and Shop gift cards as emergency food assistance to those that have recently lost housing. These individuals are trying to manage very chaotic and difficult situations and having access assistance, continued to page 10

To making a diFFerence.

We’re helping a new generation of caregivers get the skills and support they need to succeed.

When Darnell Kuykendall graduated from college in 2006, he couldn’t know that the economy was headed into a tailspin. So Darnell rode out the recession in a series of jobs that paid the bills, but didn’t make full use of his education or the leadership skills he developed as captain of both his track and football teams at Bridgewater-Raynham High.

Fast forward to 2011, when Darnell applied to the Partners in Career and Workforce Development (PCWD) program. PCWD is full-time training program supported by Massachusetts General Hospital that gives participants an introduction to entry-level careers in health care, while preparing them to find, apply for, and secure positions within the Partners system of hospitals.

For Darnell, the program has led to an important role — helping to manage the MGH Operating Room MRI Suite, one of the most advanced imaging facilities in the country. It’s a career with a future. One that matters — to Darnell and to the patients he serves every day. And it’s one more example of how we’re investing in tomorrow’s workforce today.

See how we’re tackling health care’s toughest challenges at connectwithpartners.org

10 • Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

HEALTH

ADVERTORIAL

(left) Pictured here presenting supermarket gift cards at Codman Square Health Center are: Jacqueline Rue of Codman Square Health Center; Amaya Pierette of Dorchester; Leonna Porcher of Dorchester; Molly Mariano of Codman Square Health Center; Melissa Shrestha of Partners HealthCare; Gwen McCoy of Partners HealthCare; and Anne McDonald of Codman Square Health Center. (right) Pictured here at the DotHouse Health food pantry from left to right are: BichPhuong Do of DotHouse Health; Heather Gasper of Partners HealthCare; Kelly Schenk of Partners HealthCare; Maggie Corcoran of Partners HealthCare; and Rosemary Gallagher of DotHouse Health.

assistance continued from page 9

Small changes.

Big results.

You can live well with diabetes and high blood pressure.

Diabetes and high blood pressure can cause serious complications, like kidney failure, heart attack, and stroke.

The good news is that you can live well and feel better by making small changes. Like eating healthier meals, getting some exercise, and staying on your medication.

to nutritious foods will hopefully provide some relief,” says Nancy Paladino, Family Team Director at Boston Health Care for the Homeless. “Many of our patients are struggling with a variety of issues — food and shelter included.

With this grant, we are able to help solve one of their challenges.”

Community health centers with food pantries in operation are also using the grants to ensure that there is enough stock for their busiest season.

“A number of patients make use of the food pantry, but there is a considerable uptick during the holidays,” says Michelle Nadow, Chief Administrative Officer at the DotHouse Health. “Many have additional financial burdens during the holiday season, and the pantry makes a big difference for them and their families. The timing of the grant fits right with our needs.”

Partners HealthCare understands the toll hunger can take on the health and well being of a patient. Programs like the Hunger Assistance grants program are essential for supporting community health centers’ efforts to provide the best care that meets all of their patients’ needs. Through this work, the life and health of both individuals and the community are improved.

Why worry, O dear one?

Why fear? The Lord of the universe is watching over you. God is with you, and will never leave you.

— Swami Muktananda

To learn more, visit nhp.org/diabetes Be sure to check out our website and mobile site www.baystatebanner.com

Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER • 11

HEALTH

ADVERTORIAL

Mass Connector is ready to help with open enrollment Jean Yang On the first day of Open Enrollment, Jane Kramer went online, and less than a half-hour later had completed her application and picked a plan for 2015 with better benefits and a lower premium than her old one.

Jane is one of thousands of people who have been able to use the Massachusetts Health Connector website to find health insurance.

Open Enrollment started Nov. 15, and since then we have seen people use an online system that allows them to create an account, complete an application, find out if they can get help paying for insurance, compare and select plans, and make a payment. Since the start of Open Enrollment, more than 70,000 people have been determined eligible for a plan.

This is great news for Massachusetts residents, who over the last year had to contend with a different version of the website, which performed poorly. That website did not do all of the things we needed it to, and did very little to help people get access to coverage. It has been a difficult year for the Health Connector, and a difficult, confusing and frustrating year for our members and others interested in getting health

insurance through the Affordable Care Act. We are very sorry for what happened, and how it impacted people.

Beyond apologizing, we have worked very hard to improve our system and open the Health Connector up to the access to health care people in Massachusetts deserve. Through Governor Deval Patrick’s leadership, we restructured the management of our IT system. We brought in a new vendor and made the thoughtful decision to create a new system for this Open Enrollment.

The good news is that hard work has paid off and we have a system that works. Users are able to complete an application and get into the right program — whether it is through the Health Connector or MassHealth — without system-based issues. They can compare plans and select the best one for them and their family. In just the first few weeks of Open Enrollment, I have heard from many people who are so happy to be past the confusion and frustration of last year and into permanent coverage in 2015.

Having a working system is a great relief and success, but we still have significant work to do. We have more than 400,000 people who are in legacy Health

Connector plans or are in temporary coverage, and we are contacting all of them. If they want to keep coverage though the Commonwealth next year, they must submit a new application during Open Enrollment.

We know not all of these people will want insurance from us at this point. Maybe they got a new job that offers them great coverage. Maybe they got married and joined their spouse’s plan. Despite that knowledge, we are reaching out to all of these people through mail, phone calls, messaging on TV, radio and in publications like the Bay State Banner.

We have community organizations across the state, including the Boston Public Health Commission and Health Care For All, ready to help. We are hosting an enrollment event in Boston on Dec. 9, with trained assisters on hand to help (and special guest Patrice Bergeron from the Boston Bruins stopping by in the afternoon). We are doing everything we can to let these people know now is the time to take action.

If you need health insurance, or need to submit a new application to continue coverage, please do it during Open Enrollment.

Throughout Massachusetts’ historic health care reform, we have

shown that access to health care is a vital need, and one that we as a Commonwealth have declared as significantly important. We have a system of care in Massachusetts that is unsurpassed, and we have the experience and desire to extend to that care to every person in the state.

After a long year, we are seeing the success of our new system, and

the urgency our members and users have to access great coverage thought the Affordable Care Act. The ability to find health insurance without complication — and potentially with financial help — is here and the time to take action is now.

Jean Yang is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector.

Jean Yang, executive director of the Massachusetts Health Connector.

Free Health Insurance Enrollment Event Individuals and families can get free help applying for health insurance!

Tuesday, December 9; 12 noon to 8 pm Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown 275 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116

MEET Boston Bruin

FREE enrollment assistance from trained

Patrice Bergeron from 2-4 pm

helpers and information from our carriers

FREE food, drinks, giveaways, healthy interactive activities and other fun surprises

Get more info and learn what you need to bring with you at:

BetterMAhealthconnector.org/events RSVP requested, but not required. Walk-ins welcome!

12 • Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

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May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Internet: WiFi claim based on September 2014 study by Allion Test Labs, Inc. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Voice: $29.95 activation fee may apply. Service (including 911/emergency services) may not function after an extended power outage. Money-Back Guarantee applies to one month recurring service charges and standard installation charges. Samsung Galaxy and Visa prepaid card require subscription to qualifying HD Triple Play with minimum term agreement. Early termination fee applies. Cards issued by Citibank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa® U.S.A. Inc. and managed by Citi Prepaid Services. Cards will not have cash access and can be used everywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted. © 2014 Comcast. All rights reserved. Frozen © Disney Enterprises Inc. All rights reserved. STARZ, ENCORE and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. Visit starz.com for airdates/times.

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14 • Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

HOLIDAY SHOPPING Kassmin Williams Those looking to swap holiday fads for unique gift selections are in luck this holiday season. The upcoming weekend and the remainder of December are overflowing with opportunities for shoppers to personalize their gift purchases and get creative at holiday shopping markets throughout the city.

Here are a few of the holiday shopping events taking place this month:

CraftBoston Holiday Show The Society of Arts and Crafts is holding the CraftBoston Holiday Show. The event will feature more than 100 exhibitors at the Hynes Convention Center in Back Bay from Friday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 7.

Attendees can shop for unique gift items and learn about their purchases from the makers who will be in attendance.

Show hours are Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $15 for general admission, $13 for senior citizens, $12 for students, $7.50 for the Society of Arts and Crafts members and free for children under 12.

Admission tickets are valid for readmission throughout the weekend.

Call 617-266-1810 to purchase a CraftBoston Holiday Weekend Pass and for information on group rates.

“This is not just another book about race relations.

It is about a quantum shift in our consciousness and understanding of who we are as souls” —Leland Baggett, Author Waking Up Together

A New, Transformative Book!

EVOLVING THE HUMAN RACE GAME

by Dr. Carroy Ferguson Psychologist and Professor University of Massachusetts, Boston Paperback and e-book available:

tatepublishing.com

and in bookstores nationwide

The Downtown Holiday Market The Downtown Holiday Market is in a new pop-up location at 459 Washington St. where Tello’s was located.

It features local arts and crafts vendors who will be at the market every day through Saturday, Jan. 10. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Santa Claus will also be at the market to greet children and take photos for free every day through Tuesday, Dec. 23 from noon to 2 p.m. on weekdays and weekends, and 3 to 4 p.m. on weekends.

Joyful Noise

JANUARY 17, 2015 SATURDAY

GOSPEL CONCERT rlem with The Ha Gospel Choir

Tickets on sale at www.multiculturalartscenter.org

Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER • 15

A Maven’s World Holiday Shopping Bazaar and Festival in the City

JOSE MATEO BALLET THEATRE

Lifestyle brand A Maven’s World is holding its family-friendly shopping event from noon to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6.

Discover the Magic!

The Holiday Shopping Bazaar and Festival in the City is being held at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Roxbury.

The event offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase from artisans, crafters, vendors and designers.

At the same event, children have the opportunity to get their face painted, take photos with Santa and participate in other activities.

Admission is free for the event.

For more information, email info@amavensworld. com

Harvard Square Holiday Fair The Harvard Square Holiday Fair offers gift items from local and international makers.

The fair takes place three weekends this month starting Friday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 7 in the basement and courtyard of the First Parish Church on the corner of Church Street and Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge.

DEC. 19-21

“From the moment the curtain rises, there’s magic in the air.”

The Boston Globe

The Strand Theatre Dorchester

Order today!

(617) 354-7467 www.ballettheatre.org

“Jose Mateo’s ‘Nutcracker’ transports parents and kids alike.”

The Patriot Ledger

The other dates are Friday, Dec. 12 through Sunday, Dec. 14 and Thursday, Dec. 18 through Tuesday, Dec. 23.

The hours are weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

Dance like the Sugar Plum Fairy!

Children’s Ballet Classes come to Dorchester in January for ages 3-6.

Call (617) 354-7467 to register.

Sponsored by:

Photo: Gary Sloan Design: Mario Avila Design

SoWa Holiday Market The SoWa Holiday Market at the Benjamin Franklin Institute focuses creating a space for New England independent designers, artists and crafters to sell their creations.

Shoppers can choose from a variety of handbags, jewelry, pottery, letterpress stationeries, silk-screened t-shirts, baby clothes, re-purposed wool accessories and more.

This year’s market is Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $5 with children under 12 free.

CropCircle Kitchen’s Holiday Market When: Sunday, December 7, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: 196 Quincy St. Dorchester MA 02121 Cost: Free All ages Join us at CropCircle Kitchen’s Holiday Market for a chance to support local food businesses and artists while doing your holiday shopping! The market features a sampling of incredible locally hand-made food products and art, as well as cooking demonstrations, live music, and kids activities.

Take Mayor Walsh’s #5onMain challenge!

SHOP

EAT

in Boston’s Main Streets & Tweet Your Progress!

CropCircle Kitchen, Inc. is Boston’s only shared-use kitchen and culinary incubator. It aims to promote small business development with an emphasis on women and minority-owned businesses; create jobs with few barriers to entry; build community assets; improve access to local, healthy foods in low-income neighborhoods; and strengthen the regional food economy. www.cropcirclekitchen.org

PLAY

City of Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh

16 • Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

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Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER • 17

Clockwise from upper left: Aloe Bilal (Courtes Blacc (Courtes y of Markelou phot Berklee College of Music), y of Berklee College of Mus o) ic Miguel Atwoo d-Ferguson (V ), ioletta

Singer Aloe Blacc reflects on Marvin Gaye and his music Colette Greenstein Inspired by artists Al Green, Sam Cooke and Bill Withers, singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc is one of a handful of artists paying tribute to Marvin Gaye and his album, Vulnerable, a passion project for Gaye in which he recorded the songs, Why Did I Choose You?, She Needs Me, Funny Not Much and many more, over a 10-year period beginning in the late 1960s.

“For Marvin Gaye, Vulnerable is one of his most coveted and special albums, Blacc said.

“The world really knows ‘What’s Going On?’ and the political

achievement on that album and his seminal work. He always wanted to be a crooner. He always loved the Nat King Coles and the Frank Sinatras but nobody really cared to hear that from him. So, it was a special album for him. He got a chance to do what he always wanted to do.”

Revive Music Group, in collaboration with the Berklee College of Music, will present the first live performance of Vulnerable in its entirety alongside Marvin Gaye’s popular and lesser known compositions, as part of the school’s Signature Music Series. The concert will take place this Thursday evening

(Dec. 4) at the Berklee Performance Center.

Joining Blacc on stage will be singer/songwriter/producer Bilal, jazz vocalist Chris Turner, composer Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, the Berklee Neo-Soul Ensemble and the Berklee Contemporary Symphony Orchestra.

A talented singer and songwriter in his own right, Aloe skyrocketed to the top of the charts with Wake Me Up, which he co-wrote with Swedish DJ Avicii, and the single The Man. With a music sensibility that harkens back to the soulfulness of the 1970s, Aloe’s songs are often crafted with political

and social commentary as in the song I Need A Dollar. He sings “I had a job but the boss man let me go/‘I’m sorry but I won’t be needing your help no more,’ Please, mister boss man, I need this job more than you know/But he gave me my last paycheck and he sent me on out the door.”

His songs combine both the music and the message much like Marvin Gaye’s did. Of his upcoming performance Aloe is hoping to connect with the audience in a much more intimate level.

“What I hope to take away from the experience, from the music, is a deeper and richer understanding of how to perform in this symphonic

orchestrated world,” he said.

And, as an admirer of Gaye, he has additional hopes.

“I’m hoping that I can really channel the sincere emotions that he had in the songs and convey them while I’m on stage and not just mimic, you know? That’s the challenge,” he said. “It’s really, really feeling what he was saying and sharing that so the audience can feel it more than hear it.”

The Berklee Performance Center hosts Vulnerable: A Marvin Gaye Tribute this Thursday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m.

Tickets: $28 and $38 and are available at berkleebpc.com, or at the Berklee Performance Center Box Office.

18 • Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

Cicely Tyson discusses her long road to ‘Bountiful’ Colette Greenstein Twenty-six years. That’s how long it took for Cicely Tyson to get her next great role, her “bountiful” role. It all started in 1985 when she first saw actress Geraldine Page’s performance of Carrie Watts in Horton Foote’s, The Trip to Bountiful, which garnered Page an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Page’s performance stirred something inside of Tyson.

“It was a piece, number one, that was beautifully written,” she said. “I was not familiar with Horton Foote’s work. And, it was her [Geraldine Page’s] interpretation of what this woman meant to him; him, being Horton Foote. He wrote it when he was very young.

Where did that come from? Was it someone in his family that experienced it? Did he hear someone tell the story? Where did it come from at such an early age? It was the humanistic vein that touched me.”

After seeing Page’s performance, Tyson went to her agent and told him to get her her own “Trip to Bountiful,” meaning one more great role.

“Believe me, I have been incredibly blessed and I said, ‘I’m not going to be greedy, but before I bow out I just want one more.’”

And, so that role did eventually come to Tyson, albeit 26 years later. During that time, Tyson continued performing in film and on television. Known for portraying positive and affirming roles of African American women, there were times when she wasn’t seen in the public eye due to the scarcity of those roles. When she wasn’t performing she was mentoring.

“I’d go across the street and I would speak to colleges and to schools and organizations that had to do with women and young people,” she said. “That’s what I did. That’s what kept me in touch with audiences and allowed me to hear what their thoughts were on certain issues. It was really a beautiful exchange for me.”

Tyson firmly believed and still believes in giving back to the community.

“If someone hadn’t done that for me somewhere along the way I wouldn’t be here today,” she said. “It’s very simple. No man, to quote that, is an island. There isn’t another human being alive who hasn’t achieved anything that didn’t have a stepping ladder so to speak.”

And, so one fateful day, Tyson received a phone call from her associate Miss Harris saying that Van Ramsey, who was a costume

designer for The Trip to Bountiful, and with whom she had worked on a number of movies, was looking for her.

“I called Ram and he said, ‘Well, I have somebody who wants to meet you, who wants to talk to you about something. She’s in a play and so we can go and see her after the play and have a little dinner,’” recalls Tyson.

It turned out to be Hallie Foote, Horton Foote’s daughter.

Foote was thinking of doing one of her father’s plays with a black cast for Broadway. And, she said to Tyson, “I know my father had such respect for you and your work that you would be the one he would want to play the lead,” Tyson recalls.

Tyson asked “Who is your father?” and she said, “Horton Foote.” Tyson recalls thinking to herself that the name Horton Foote sounded familiar. And, so she asked Hallie, “What is the play?” and Foote responded with The Trip to Bountiful.

“I literally fell off of the chair,” Tyson said. It was as if divine guidance had stepped in to bring the role to Tyson.

Now, back on stage after a 30 year hiatus, Cicely Tyson has not only received critical acclaim for Tyson, continued to page 19

Cicely Tyson as Carrie Watts in “The Trip to Bountiful,” at the Cutler/Majestic Theatre through Dec. 7. (Joan Marcus photo)

Celebrate

the Holidays in Dudley Square AT THE DUDLEY SQUARE MAIN STREETS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL ENJOY ART, YOUTH ACTIVITIES, AND BUSINESS EVENTS DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER

Fridays in December • Castillo Wine & Liquor (formerly Giant at 2371 Washington Street.) will be hosting wine and cheese tasting of their new line of wines and craft beers.

December 3-7 • Boston Main Streets’ Holidays on Main Streets Window Decorating Contest.

Vote for the best storefront decoration.

Friday , December 5 • Roxbury Redemption by Dr. Earle Williams book discussion and signing at the Dudley Library from 1:30-4:30.

• Teen Poetry Slam 5-7 — Location to be announced Saturday, December 6 • Doll Rave & Art Show — 11-5, Central Boston Elders Community Room, 2315 Washington Street — Collectible dolls and unique arts and crafts.

• Dudley Square Tree Lighting at intersection of Warren and Dudley Streets 1:00- 4:00; tree lighting at 3:45.

Friday, December 12 • Best Sandwich Contest-At area restaurants — ballot boxes at One United Bank and A Nubian Notion.

• The Gift of Giving Play at Hibernia Hall (through Dec. 14), 182 Dudley Street Saturday, December 13 • Kids hands on Tech Day-Central Boston Elders Community Room, 2315 Washington Street.-Test Your child’s creativity Other Activities • Kids computers/tablets to be raffled in stores—dates to be announced.

All events except The Gift of Giving play are free

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVENTS AND MORE BUSINESS EVENTS CALL 617 541-4644 EMAIL: JOYCE.STANLEY2@VERIZON.NET OR GO TO WWW.DUDLEYSQUARE.ORG

Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER • 19

Comedian George Lopez keeps audiences laughing Colette Greenstein Whether it’s on the comedy stage, on television, in concerts or on film, comedian George Lopez has been making audiences laugh for over 25 years.

Earlier this year, the California native had a six episode stint on BET’s Real Husbands of Hollywood; co-created and starred in the FX comedy Saint George; and returned to the big screen voicing the character Rafael in the animated blockbuster, Rio 2.

In 2012, George debuted his third solo stand-up special on HBO called It’s Not Me, It’s You. In 2009 he also hosted his own late-night talk show Lopez Tonight which aired on TBS for two years. That same year, he filmed his second HBO comedy special, Tall, Dark and Chicano, which was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Comedy Album.

From 2002-2007, Lopez starred in his own sitcom, George Lopez, which he also co-created, wrote, and produced. Never one to stay idle, Lopez has also penned two memoirs. The first published in 2004 titled, Why You Crying? was co-written by Emmy winning TV journalist and author, Armen Keteyian. The second book, I’m Not Gonna Lie And Other Lies You Tell When You Turn 50, was released in 2013, and gives Lopez’s hilarious take on aging.

George Lopez recently spoke to the Banner about his television shows, his new movie, Spare Parts, and who makes him laugh these days.

I loved seeing you earlier this season on the Real Husbands of Hollywood.

How did that come about and will you be back on the show?

George Lopez: If they want me back I’ll do anything those guys require me to do. I did have so much

Tyson

continued from page 18

her performance as Carrie Watts in The Trip to Bountiful, she also won a Tony Award, a Drama Desk Award, and the Outer Critics Circle Award for her Broadway performance in June of 2013.

Upon taking on the role of Carrie Watts, an elderly woman who lives with her dutiful son Ludie, (Blair Underwood) and bossy daughter-in-law Jessie Mae (Vanessa Williams) and who wants to make a final journey to her childhood home in Bountiful, Texas, Tyson looked at the character as neither black nor white. She considered it a humanistic story.

“That is why I believe so many people are moved by it,” Tyson said. “It can happen to anyone. If nothing else proves that we are all one that does. It touches every single emotion in your being. I don’t care what color your skin is.”

With the production now in Boston through Dec. 7, Tyson hopes that audiences will leave with an understanding of elders and how important they are in our lives.

fun. Everybody is hilarious. Kevin [Hart] is just the greatest. Chris Spencer and the guys that I’ve known for a long time just asked me. They had this 48 Hrs. vibe and they wanted me to play the “Nick Nolte.” So, I did six episodes. I’m not sure if they got to the premiere of the movie yet but it was all fun and all great. It’s one of those things where you have a great experience because you’re working with people who appreciate humor and they’re always trying to create better humor.

that I had with Michael Bearden, and the bookers that I had who are now running great shows, other shows, and the shrapnel from my show would end up in some great places. In talking about it, seeing it, we were doing something that was different. If it were on now, it wouldn’t infringe on either Jimmy [Fallon or Kimmel] or Letterman.

It had its own kind of situation, its own vibe. To have that taken away and not replaced with anything is probably sadder than the show not being on.

Your sitcom, George Lopez, was groundbreaking in showing a modern Latino family that was like any other family. What’s your take this season on shows like Cristela on ABC and Jane The Virgin that you may have helped to bring about, where they’re showing different types of people on television?

You’ve been on film and on television.

You’ve written a book and you’re still performing stand-up. What else do you want to conquer?

GL: That’s very kind. I think the show was very important for that and that it has still been on 12 years after it premiered, still on TV, and has never been off TV, is a wonderful testament to the kind of vision that Bruce Helford and Robert Borden and I had from the beginning in creating the characters, and making the situations not about color per se but about behavior in situations which is always better.

Color, a little bit, but in a fun way.

Cristela is doing well in the fact it’s been picked up, it’s been great for her, for her family, for the actors, for everybody. It’s a successful show that works that puts families to work and who are benefitting from the show. It’s a happy situation when you have a show that is starting and is a success.

Do you have any plans to do another late-night talk show?

GL: I wouldn’t rule it out because I think in that way, Lopez Tonight, including the great band “They have paid deeply for the position and the life that my generation, the next generation, are profiting by,” Tyson said.

“They’ve paid. And, so we need to remember that. We need to spend time and let them talk to us so that we have the benefit of their

GL: Well, you know I produced this movie Spare Parts that’s coming out in January that Marisa Tomei is in and that Jamie Lee Curtis is in. It’s about these high school kids in Arizona who went to an underwater robotics competition and competed against every major college and did very well. I won’t ruin the ending. It’s a little movie that doesn’t play to color but it is about a Latino group of kids. It’s about hope and how things still come true.

Who makes you laugh these days?

GL: Well, you know I just did a show with Charlie Murphy. We raised money to finish Richard Pryor’s statue last week. I asked the guys to help me raise the $8,000 that we needed. I had Mike Epps, and Cedric, and D.L. and Charlie Murphy and Eddie Griffin. All great guys and each one of them is very different and incredibly hilarious. Watching those guys still do it makes me proud that I still do it.

The Wilbur presents George Lopez on Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets: $55-$75; www.ticketmaster.com. knowledge before they leave us.”

ArtsEmerson: The World On Stage presents The Trip to Bountiful through December 7 at the Emerson/Cutler Majestic Theatre.

For tickets and information, go to www.artsemerson.org.

George Lopez (Robert Sebree photo)

Gospel Program Sat. Dec. 6, 2014 at The Jeremiah Burke High School 60 Washington Street, Dorchester, Ma 02121. Special Guests; Lee Williams, Doc McKenzie, The Gospel 4, Spencer Taylor and Many Others.

Program Starts 4pm — Doors Open 3pm. Advance Tickets: $40, At Door: $50. Senior Citizens $35 AT DOOR ONLY with I.D. For Tickets and Info Call Jeannette Farrell @ 617 298-1906

ARTIST’S RECEPTION Dec 4 – 5:30 – 7 pm Join us for a reception for Susan Thompson’s new quilt show, A Thread Runs Through It

HOLIDAY CONCERT Charlie King’s Annual Haley House Holiday Concert Dec 5 – 7 pm

Bill Blumenreich Presents

BILL BLUMENREICH PRESENTS

ART IS LIFE ITSELF!

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA L9DCAF ;@JAKLE9K

NOVEMBER 30

GEORGE LOPEZ DECEMBER 5

DL HUGHLEY DECEMBER 26

BILL BELLAMY JANUARY 10

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.THEWILBUR.COM

BILL BELLAMY

The Performance Series That Embraces Art, Culture JANUARY 10 & Spirituality. »» Program at 7 pm. Come early for dinner! «« Dec 4 – Susan Thompson reception + Fulani Haynes Jazz Collaborative + Open Mic Dec 11 – African Man Born (AMB) + Comedian Jimmy Anicet + Open Mic Dec 18 – Committee of Friends and Relatives of Prisoners (CFROP) + Open Mic For tickets and further event information: www.facebook.com/haleyhousebakerycafe/events

12 Dade Street, Roxbury, MA 02119 617-445-0900 | www.haleyhouse.org/cafe

20 • Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

Protesters march in Dudley Square Tuesday evening. The Boston demonstration was one of several last week, including a march down Newbury Street Friday and a demonstration in Harvard Square Monday of this week. (Banner photo)

protests continued from page 1

the disparate impacts of police shootings was not lost on Boston last week when Mayor Martin Walsh joined black elected officials and clergy at the 12th Baptist Church as community residents took to an open microphone to talk about police relations with the black community.

“I’m not going to pretend that everything is okay in the city of Boston or that the legacy of injustice can be healed overnight,” he said. “I’m here to listen tonight.”

Also present was Governor-elect Charlie Baker, who spoke about DJ Henry, the son of a family friend

who was gunned down by police in upstate New York.

While community members spoke inside the church, hundreds gathered across from the B2 station were giving voice to their rage at what many said was a history of black lives being undervalued in the United States.

Protest organizers set up an open microphone and loudspeaker on the back of a pickup truck, giving a steady stream of demonstrators a chance to air their views.

“Why aren’t we in the street?” one speaker implored. “Why aren’t we shutting down the MBTA?” Standing in the thick of the Dudley crowd, UMass Boston Professor Tony Van Der Meer said the “black lives matter” slogan struck a chord with many.

“Our lives didn’t matter in the Supreme Court’s decision with Dred Scott more than 100 years ago and they don’t matter to the grand jury,” he said. “The truth of the matter is the young people should be angry. We have to support them.”

While police estimated the crowd at 1,500, event organizers estimated the turnout at 4,000. En route to South Bay, the marchers spread out for nearly a quarter mile as they headed down Harrison Avenue before turning onto Melnea Cass Boulevard.

Throughout much of the march, police showed restraint, blocking traffic for marchers as they made their way toward the Interstate 93 on-ramp.

When the marchers reached

Community members, clergy, city and state officials gathered at the 12th Baptist Church pray for peace during a Tuesday meeting. (Banner photo) the South Bay jail, police officers formed a line to block any advance toward the highway. It was at this line where police made the initial arrests. For a few minutes before 9:30 p.m., protesters tried to push through the police line.

Then police began pushing back, making arrests as they advanced on the protesters.

Protesters who were arrested complained of being punched, kicked and slammed to the ground by arresting officers. Many, including the son of a Boston police officer, appeared the following day at arraignment with bruises and blackened eyes.

On Friday, many of the same protesters were back, marching down Newbury Street to urge a boycott of the Black Friday shopping day. On Monday, protesters in Harvard Square stopped traffic on Massachusetts Avenue with a “diein” demonstration, where demonstrators lay down in the street.

Similar marches and protests from San Francisco to New York generated headlines and captivated the nation, at least for several days. The more important part of

the protest is what comes after, according to NAACP Boston Branch President Michael Curry.

“What I hope comes out of this is a sense of common purpose around longstanding issues with regard to law enforcement,” he said.

Curry noted that legislation requiring police departments in Massachusetts to collect and share data on the race of people questioned and/or detained by officers has been stuck in the Legislature.

Curry also said civil right activists should press for body-worn cameras, greater diversity in police departments and better diversity training for police.

“There should not be a police officer in Boston who does not understand race and racism,” he said.

Last week’s demonstration will only be meaningful if it translates into action, Curry said.

“The march was great for consciousness raising, like the Million Man March, but it has to translate into attendance at City Council and State House hearings, otherwise we’ll be out there marching again,” he commented.

Demonstrators in Dudley gathered across from the Area B2 police station before marching to the South Bay jail, then down Massachusetts Avenue. (Banner photo)

Noble and Greenough School

OPEN HOUSE Beantown Society Director Kendra Rosalie Lara Paredes speaks at the 12th Baptist Church with students Josmar Torres and Kamina Nixon.

SLEEP DENTISTRY 1-800-676-2750

Noble and Greenough School invites you to attend an admission open house for prospective students and their families.

10 CAMPUS DRIVE, DEDHAM, MA 02026 781-320-7100 | WWW.NOBLES.EDU ADMISSION@NOBLES.EDU

December 9, 2014 6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

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Thursday, 21 Thursday, December December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER • 21

Protest takes a dangerous turn for Roxbury woman Galicia Escarfullery I decided to join the protest on November 25th, because it was the right thing to do. Ever since Mike Brown, an unarmed Black teenager, was murdered by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, I have been waiting for justice. I had a small amount of hope that our justice system would do right by us. Instead I sat at home and watched as the prosecutor delivered what seemed to be a defense team’s opening statement before telling us that the grand jury decided not to indict the murderer of Mike Brown.

C O MME NTA R Y At that moment I was in disbelief. My rage, disgust and indignation with the American justice system exceeded any emotion I had ever known. I had already decided that I would join the protest because this is not just about Mike Brown, this is about all people of color. I cannot stand by and wait until one of my neighbors, friends, or family members gets murdered to stand and fight. The time for the nation to realize that Black Lives Matter is now!

When I joined the protest I was filled with a feeling of pride.

Boston had really come out in solidarity to tell the nation that Black Lives Matter. There were people of every race and from all parts of the city. It is true that it was a peaceful protest as other outlets have reported. But it was peaceful on our side. Those of us who were there with the purpose of making sure the nation sees that this is not just a Ferguson problem, but a nationwide problem, were peaceful. We have seen way too often how little this country values black lives and how police brutality against people of color is sanctioned.

While at the protest I stood in the front lines, face to face with the police officers of my city.

They had formed a barricade to stop us from blocking the I-93 bridge. We stood chanting asking the police to back up. Shortly after the crowd began walking forward and the police were pushing back.

We asked for no violence but the pushing continued, now in both directions. However, none of the protesters crossed the line that had been formed by the barricade.

Not on our own anyway.

A police officer picked me up over the line and threw me on the ground. I was picked up by another officer who told me I was being arrested. I immediately stood still and put my hands behind my back. He put a zip tie on my right hand but was having

trouble with the second one and told me to, “Stop resisting.” As I was being arrested I saw a friend of mine face down on the ground with three officers on top of him.

He also was not moving. When he told them he couldn’t breathe, one officer replied, “You can talk so you can breathe.”

There were eight other women with me in the wagon. The woman right next to me was beaten pretty badly, bleeding from her nose and face. We were taken to the station and put in a cell together. At this point the use of excessive force was unquestionable. There were 13 of us brought in and I was able to see how badly beaten some of them were, bloody and with their faces already swelling. One woman informed me that I was also bleeding from my nose and that I had a bruise under my right eye.

An officer came in and started taking down our names and dates of birth. By the time he was halfway through the room he stopped and said, “You’re all so young, what’s going on here?” To which one of the young women replied, “This is our generation we’re fighting for.” Most of us are in our twenties. Throughout all this we still had our hands behind our backs with zip ties cutting into our wrists. We remained this way until we began being called one by one and put in cells.

As they began asking for our

Galicia Escarfullery after being arrested during Tuesday’s protest.

(Photo Courtesy Galicia Escarfullery) individual information they discovered that we all work and/ or are full time students with no prior criminal record. We remained in custody for close to eight hours, and were released one by one with a $40 bail and a slip saying we had to report to court the next morning, our offense was listed as, “disturbing the peace.”

The irony of it all is surreal. We went out on Tuesday night to protest the numerous acts of police brutality that has been sweeping the nation, and the nation’s inaction in protecting its citizens of color by not holding the police departments involved accountable for the actions of their officers.

We wanted to make the nation see that this affects us all and that

we will no longer stand for it. In return we were faced with and subjected to the very same types of abuses we were there to protest.

Thankfully, it has not all been in vain. The protests have continued throughout the nation and President Obama is now advocating having law enforcement officials use body cameras. This measure, many of us believe, will deter a large amount of violence against citizens, make it easier to hold law enforcement officials accountable for their actions and save many lives. It is not the only solution to the problem but it will be a big step forward.

Galicia Escarfullery is a Roxbury resident and a student at UMass Boston.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF ARLINGTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM CONSOLIDATED PLAN FY 2015–2019 The Town of Arlington, through the Department of Planning and Community Development, will conduct a Public Hearing regarding the development of the five-year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan-FY 2015–2019.

A new five-year Consolidated Plan is required by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) in order to continue receiving Block Grant funds. The five-year plan includes broad goals and objectives to address priority needs that will serve principally persons of low and moderate income using resources available from HUD. The Planning Department is hosting a meeting on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 7:15 p.m. in the main room of the Arlington Senior Center, Arlington, MA.

Clockwise from upper left: Police formed at line on the bridge to the Interstate 93 on-ramp, preventing protesters from advancing to the highway. (Banner photo); Inmates at the South Bay House of Correction joined the protest. One inmate wrote the name of slain Ferguson teenager Michael Brown in his cell window. (Banner photo); Chris Grant, Tony Van Der Meer and Clifton Braithwaite listen to speakers at the Dudley Square rally. Behind them, protesters aim their signs toward the Area B2 police station. (Banner photo)

Public input is sought on community needs, current programs and strategies, and gaps and priorities for housing, community service, homelessness, community development, neighborhood preservation and revitalization, employment and economic opportunity programs and services.

The hearing is accessible and open to all. Those who need special assistance to participate should contact Jack Jones at the Arlington Commission on Disabilities office at 781-316-3431.

22 • Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH FAÇADE & TOWER PRESERVATION

SUFFOLK Division

St. John’s Episcopal Church of Jamaica Plain, the Awarding Authority, request bids for Roxbury puddingstone preservation and repointing at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, which is listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The project is being partially funded with a grant from the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund through the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

All work must be performed in accordance with the documents prepared by and available from Spencer & Vogt Group Inc., 1 Thompson Square Suite 504, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02118 (617-227-2675) and meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

State law prohibits discrimination. Awarding of this contract is subject to Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity guidelines.

A pre-bid meeting will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1 Roanoke Ave, Jamaica Plain on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 9:00 AM. Bids shall be evaluated on the basis of price, previous experience with similar types of construction projects, ability to perform the work in a timely manner, and references. All bids must be delivered to the architect’s office at the above address no later than 12:00 noon, Tuesday, January 13, 2015, to be eligible for consideration and all of the grant-funded work must be completed

by June 30, 2015.

In the matter of: The Avery J. C. Byfield OBRA 93 Trust

A petition has been filed by Maura L. Sheehan of Lexington, MA requesting the Court Approve the Trustee’s resignation. Appoint a Succesor Trustee to serve with sureties on the bond with the penal sum amount of $1,000,000.00.

You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before 10:00 a.m. on 12/26/2014. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an Affidavit of Objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you.

WITNESS, HON. Joan P Armstrong, First Justice of this Court.

Date: November 24, 2014 Ann Marie Passanisi

Register of Probate Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department

Docket No. SU14D0700DR

SUFFOLK Division

Divorce Summons by Publication and Mailing Prenita Rozetta Kennedy Ash

vs.

Docket No. SU14P2637GD In the interests of Jelynn Lee Reed of Roxbury, MA Minor

Henry L. Ash

To the Defendant: The Plaintiff has filed a Complaint for Divorce requesting that the Court grant a divorce for irretrievable breakdown of the marriage pursuant to G.L. c. 208, Section 1 B. The Complaint is on file at the Court.

An Automatic Restraining Order has been entered in this matter preventing you from taking any action which would negatively impact the current financial status of either party. SEE Supplemental Probate Court Rule 411.

You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon: Artemisa L. Monteiro, Esq., 36 Elm Hill Ave., Boston, MA 02121 your answer, if any, on or before 01/02/2015. If you fail to do so, the court will proceed to the hearing and adjudication of this action. You are also required to file a copy of your answer, if any, in the office of the Register of this Court.

Witness, Hon. Joan P. Armstrong, First Justice of this Court.

Date: October 21, 2014 Ann Marie Passanisi Register of Probate Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department

your rights has been scheduled. If you do not understand this notice or other court papers, please contact an attorney for legal advice.

Date: November 7, 2014

To all interested persons:

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division

Docket No. SU02P1348 Trust Citation

NOTICE AND ORDER: Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor 1.

Ann Marie Passanisi Register of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division

Docket No. SU14D1129DR

Divorce Summons by Publication and Mailing Elizabeth A Decossa

vs.

Robinson Decossa

To the Defendant: The Plaintiff has filed a Complaint for Divorce requesting that the Court grant a divorce for irretrievable breakdown of the marriage pursuant to G.L. c. 208, Section 1 B. The Complaint is on file at the Court.

An Automatic Restraining Order has been entered in this matter preventing you from taking any action which would negatively impact the current financial status of either party. SEE Supplemental Probate Court Rule 411.

You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon: Elizabeth A Decossa, 179 West Selden St, Mattapan, MA 02126 your answer, if any, on or before 12/26/2014. If you fail to do so, the court will proceed to the hearing and adjudication of this action. You are also required to file a copy of your answer, if any, in the office of the Register of this Court.

Witness, Hon. Joan P. Armstrong, First Justice of this Court.

Date: September 30, 2014 Ann Marie Passanisi Register of Probate

NOTICE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES Hearing Date/Time: A hearing on a Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor filed on 11/04/2014 by Kenneth Javughn Reed of Roxbury, MA will be held 12/29/2014 09:00 AM Motion Located at 24 New Chardon Street, 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02114 ~ Probation Department.

2.

Response to Petition: You may respond by filing a written response to the Petition or by appearing in person at the hearing. If you choose to file a written response, you need to:

File the original with the Court; and Mail a copy to all interested parties at least five (5) business days before the hearing.

3.

Counsel for the Minor: The minor (or an adult on behalf of the minor) has the right to request that counsel be appointed for the minor.

4.

Presence of the Minor at Hearing: A minor over age 14 has the right to be present at any hearing, unless the Court finds that it is not in the minor’s best interests.

THIS IS A LEGAL NOTICE: An important court proceeding that may affect

W. Newbury Affordable 55+ Housing Two—2 Bedroom Townhomes Price: $161,500

Ocean Meadows W. Newbury, MA Public Information Meeting 6:30, Monday, December 15, 2014 1910 Office Building, 381 Main St. Application Deadline January 12, 2015

MAX INCOME 1—$44,750 3—$57,550 2—$51,150 4—$63,900 Assets to $275K

For Info and Application: Pick Up: 1910 Office Building, Town Clerks Office or Public Library Phone: (978) 456-8388 Email: lotteryinfo@mcohousingservices.com

Make a CORCORAN Community Your New Home

MASSACHUSETTS

AFFORDABLE HOUSING LOTTERY 15 Great Road, Littleton, MA

South Boston

Allston

McNamara House (617)783-5490 210 Everett Street

NORTH SHORE

50 West Broadway (617)269-9300 50 West Broadway

Haverhill

Andover

Seventeen 1BRs @ $1,148*, Sixteen 2BRs @ $1,356*, Three 3BRs @ $1,555*

Saugus

North Andover Chelsea

Saugus Commons Stevens Corner Andover Commons Rivers Edge (978)794-1800 (978)470-2611 (978)373-4800 (781)233-8477 30 Railroad Street 1 Water Street 63 Newhall Avenue 75 Park Street

Lynnfield

Parkside Commons (617)884-2400 100 Stockton Street

Lowell

Woburn

Lynnfield Commons Kimball Court Massachusetts Mills (781)592-6800 (781)933-9900 (978)970-2200 375 Broadway 7 Kimball Court 150 Mass Mills Drive

Visit us online! www.corcoranapts.com

SOUTH SHORE Weymouth

The Ledges (781)335-2626 1 Avalon Drive The Commons at SouthField (781)340-0200 200 Trotter Road

Taunton

Mill Pond Apartments (508)824-1407 30 Washington Street School Street Apts (508)823-1299 31 School Street

METRO WEST Framingham

Hanover

Hingham

Brockton

Hanover Legion Lincoln School Apts Brockton Commons (781)871-3049 (781)749-8677 (508)584-2373 Legion Drive 86 Central Street 55 City Hall Plaza

Fall River

Scituate

The Academy Kent Village (508)674-1111 (781)545-2233 102 South Main Street 65 North River Road

Holliston

Pelham Apartments Cutler Heights (508)872-6393 (508)429-0099 75 Second Street 79 Hollis Street

NEW HAMPSHIRE RHODE ISLAND

Nashua Amherst Park (603)882-0331 525 Amherst Street

Application available online at: www.mcohousingservices.com

Village Green

BOSTON

W. Warwick Westcott Terrace (401)828-1490 319 Providence Street

CENTRAL MASS. Worcester

Canterbury Towers Stratton Hill Park (508)757-1133 (508)852-0060 6 Wachusett Street 161 W. Mountain Street For more information or reasonable accommodation, please call the property that interests you. We provide free language assistance by phone, just state your language and hold for an interpreter

Units by lottery

* Rents subject to change in 2015. Utilities not included. Tenants will pay own Gas Heat, Gas Hot Water, Gas cooking fuel, Electricity and Water.

Village Green is a 144 unit rental apartment community located in Littleton on 15 Great Road. 36 of these apartments will be made available through this application process and rented to households with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. Each unit features stainless appliances, granite counter tops, private deck, washer and dryer and individually controlled heat and A/C. The clubhouse features a community area, fitness room and pool.

OFFICE SPACE DORCHESTER/MILTON 1st Class Office Space Corner of Gallivan Blvd and Washington St ample parking.

$650/mo. $695/mo. $1200/mo. heated

OWNER

617-835-6373 Brokers Welcome

MAXIMUM Household Income Limits: $47,450 (1 person), $54,200 (2 people), $61,000 (3 people), $67,750 (4 people), $73,200 (5 people) and $78,600 (6 people) A Public Info Session will be held at 6:00 pm on December 10th, 2014 in Room 307 in the Littleton Town Office Building on 37 Shattuck Street.

Completed Applications and Required Income Documentation must be received, not postmarked, by 2:00 pm on Jan. 14th, 2015

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The Lottery for eligible households will be held on Jan. 28th at 6:00 pm as the same location as the info session.

For Lottery Information and Applications, or for reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, go to www.s-e-b.com/lottery or call (617) 782-6900 (x1 for rental then x6) and leave a message. For TTY Services dial 711.

Free translation available. Applications also available at Littleton Public Library on 41 Shattuck Street (Library hours: M 10–4, Tu 1–9, W 10–9, Th 1–9, Fri/Sat 10–4).

BAY STATE BANNER

Subscribe to the Banner call: 617-261-4600

Thursday, December 4, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER • 23

Parker Hill Apartments Brand New Renovated Apartment Homes Stainless Steel Appliances New Kitchen Cabinets Hardwood Floors Updated Bathroom Custom Accent Wall Painting Free Parking Free Wi-Fi in lobby Modern Laundry Facilities

Two Bedrooms Starting at $2200 888-842-7945

Wollaston Manor 91 Clay Street Quincy, MA 02170

Senior Living At It’s Best

A senior/disabled/ handicapped community 0 BR units = $1,027/mo 1 BR units = $1,101/mo All utilities included.

Call Sandy Miller, Property Manager

#888-691-4301

Program Restrictions Apply.

CHELSEA APARTMENT

4+ bdrms Newly renovated, 2000+ sq ft apt in 3 fam, no smkng/pets, hrdwd flrs, eat-in kit, pantry, lg master bedroom, din and lv rm, laundry rm, enclosed frnt/bck prchs, off street prkng, T access, min to Bost.

Sec 8 OK

617-283-2081

NATICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

METCO Coordinator The Coordinator is responsible for all management and administrative functions for the METCO program, which enables urban students in grades 5–12 to attend schools in suburban school districts. The position requires demonstrated cultural competence reflecting sustained interactions of a caring and dedicated nature in meeting the needs of the diverse METCO community. Experience as a teacher, guidance counselor or in another educational position is required. Administrative or Director/Supervisor DESE licensure preferred. Apply at natickps.org by December 9, 2014. The Natick Public Schools is committed to diversifying its workforce and encourages minorities to apply.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Boys & Girls Club of Brockton is looking for an Executive Director (ED). The ED provides strategic leadership and direction to fulfill the Boys & Girls Club’s mission, improve and expand programs, and assure the organization’s financial viability and growth. In cooperation with the Board, the ED will focus on staff development and management; increasing visibility and awareness of the B&GC; cementing the B&GC’s core programs; assessing and expanding programs for youth and community members; and, assuming a leading advocacy role in the community thru marketing, public relations and partnership development. The ED will have the primary responsibility to work with the Board, constituents and supporters to identify and secure the needed financial resources to achieve these goals. ED will work closely with Board to support resource development efforts and annual fundraising campaigns.

Interested candidates can apply by submitting their cover letter and resume to jpiccuito@bgcbrockton.org.

Affordable Rental Opportunity

Needham, MA

Needham Place – 50 Dedham Avenue, #22 2 Bedroom Unit $1,283 per month

Quinsigamond Community College has an immediate need for a:

WEB PROGRAMMER Information Session: Monday 11/17/14, 7:00 pm Needham Public Library, 1 139 Highland Ave, Needham

The Web Programmer develops enhancements and modifications to software accessing college systems; connects to databases for surveys and various web based administrative systems and provides technical assistance to college staff. Master’s Degree in Computer Science preferred.

Applications accepted through Friday 12/19/14, 1:00 pm Lottery 1/13/15 at 7:00 pm, Needham Town Hall Application and Lottery Information: Housing@Sudbury.Ma.US

To Apply: Visit the Quinsigamond website at www.qcc.edu/human-resources for a complete job description, requirements and application procedures.

Applicants must apply online by December 21, 2014 for consideration.

278 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury, MA 01776 978-639-3373

QCC is an equal opportunity affirmative action college supporting diversity.

Income Limits at 80% AMI for Boston Region

www.QCC.edu Ad #: 22793-6 Newton Public Schools Publication: Bay State Banner

Carpenters

Boston based Non-union General Contractor is seeking Boston resident carpenters for work on an active Construction Project located in Brighton, MA. Must have 2–5 years experience with rough wood framing, hold an OSHA 10 hour card, have hand tools ( hammer, measuring tape, square), and Hardhat & Workboots. Power tools will be supplied. Hourly rate $20 – $25.

Email resume to careers@metriccorp.com.

Immediate placement available for qualified applicants.

Are you interested in a

Healthcare CAREER? Project Hope, in partnership with Partners HealthCare is currently accepting applications for a FREE entry level healthcare employment training program.

Program eligibility includes: • • • • •

Have a high school diploma or equivalent Have a verifiable reference of 1 year from a former employer Pass assessments in reading, language, and computer skills Have CORI clearance Be legally authorized to work in the United States

For more information and to register for the next Open House please visit our website at www.prohope.org/openhouse.htm or call 617-442-1880 ext. 218.

Run Date: 12/04/14 O P E N I N GProfessional 2 0 1 4 -1 5 Section: HW Cost: $230.00 + $125 internet Size: 2 col x 3 inches

Principal

Franklin Elementary School The Newton Public Schools is an outstanding school system serving over 12,000 students in 15 elementary (K-5), four middle schools (6-8), and two high schools (9-12) Newton’s educational philosophy includes a strong commitment to academic excellence, respect for human differences, full inclusion, quality professional development, and high levels of communication among staff, parents and community.

We are searching for an exemplary principal to join our leadership team The Franklin School is a K-5 elementary school with a diverse student body of about 415 students.

This position requires appropriate DESE licensure.

Application Deadline: January 5, 2015

To find out more and apply: www.newton.k12.ma.us An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed To Diversity

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Billerica Housing Authority is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Executive Director. The candidate will be responsible for the overall administration of 271 units of public housing including 177 elderly, 12 family, 16 special population, 65 Section 8 and 1 BHA owner unit.

Qualifications: Minimum requirements include four (4) years’ experience in housing, community development, public administration, or a closely related field. Knowledge of the principles and practices of housing management or financial management required; at least four (4) years’ experience in a management role overseeing three (3) or more staff personnel is required; demonstrated written and verbal communication skills required; knowledge of law regulating State and Federal housing programs preferred; experience working with people of various socio-economic backgrounds. Must be bondable. While certification as a Public Housing Manager from a HUD approved organization is desired, it may be substituted by certification as a property manager or similar classification by a nationally recognized housing or real estate organization, or by certification as a MPHA of a DHCD-approved Massachusetts Public Housing Administrator Certification Program, or by certification from a DHCD approved certification program within one (1) year of hire. Excellent computer skills required. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for up to two (2) years of housing experience. The Executive Director is the Chief Administrator of the Housing Authority with the responsibility of planning, administering, directing supervising and coordinating all phases of the Authority’s daily operations including maintenance, staff supervision, tenant relations and communication with a five (5) member Board of Commissioners.

Salary will be based on DHCD Executive Director Salary Schedule.

Minimum work schedule of 37.5 hours per week, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 – 4:00. Resumes will be accepted until 12/15/2014 and should be addressed to Mr. James F. O’Donnell, Chairman, Billerica Housing Authority, 16 River Street, Billerica, MA 01821. Please clearly mark ENVELOPE resume. Resumes received after the due date will not be accepted.

REGIONAL LAND USE PLANNER The Metropolitan Area Planning Council seeks candidates for the position of Regional Land Use Planner who will serve the Land Use Department. This individual will work on a variety of projects, including, but not limited to, undertaking local visioning and land use planning, assisting in housing and economic development planning, open space planning and/or writing bylaws or ordinances. The primary goal of this work will be to encourage sustainable patterns of development and preservation consistent with MetroFuture, most frequently by working with municipalities to modernize land use regulations and policies. The responsibilities of the Planner will include activities such as: assisting municipalities to develop and implement plans and strategies; researching and preparing reports, studies, testimony, and presentations; advising various levels of government on policies and best practices; drafting plans and policies, including zoning bylaws; Candidate should have expertise in one or more of the following: federal, state and local land use policy issues, laws, and regulations; current best planning practices related to master planning; land use, economic development, open space and housing planning; and familiarity with state programs such as Expedited Permitting, Smart Growth Zoning, Compact Neighborhoods, etc. Successful candidate will possess either a Bachelor’s Degree in urban/regional planning, public policy/management, urban design/architecture or closely related field and at least four years relevant job experience, or a Masters’ Degree in a relevant field with at least two years relevant professional experience. Masters Degree, AICP Certification and additional job experience preferred. Legal authorization (citizenship or visa) to work in the USA is also required.

Excellent state employee benefits package. Salary dependent upon qualifications (anticipated starting salary range $55,000 – $65,000 per year). Position open until filled. Review of applications to begin immediately. SEE COMPLETE JOB AD AND APPLY ONLINE at www.mapc. org (Jobs at MAPC). MAPC is an EOE/AA employer. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce and encourage applications from minority group members, women, persons with disabilities, veterans, and others who may contribute to the agency’s diversity.

This position is exempt from the provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Posted 11/24/14. Thomas E. Hauenstein, Manager of Human Resources.

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ADVERTISE YOUR CLASSIFIEDS WITH THE BAY STATE BANNER (617) 261-4600 x 7799 • ads@bannerpub.com Rate information at www.baystatebanner.com/advertise