INNER-CITY NEWS

High-Schoolers Get Tips From Future Selves

by MAYA MCFADDEN

High School in the Community senior Amara Frazier-Conner sat across the table from her future self in the form of recent grad Tyron Houston to hear about how best to prepare over the next few months before beginning her own first semester in college.

Houston’s advice: Learn self-control, create study habits, don’t fall victim to peer pressure, and “get harder on yourself” now so you’re ready for the challenges of higher ed come September.

Houston, a 2018 HSC graduate and 2022 University of Connecticut graduate, offered those words of wisdom to Frazier-Conner and fellow 2023 HSC graduates-to-be during an alumni event hosted Thursday at the Water Street public high school.

During the meetup, juniors and seniors got the chance to ask recent HSC graduates what life has been like after high school. The students heard from more than a dozen alumni, some of whom got jobs directly after high school, some of whom are still students in college, and some of whom have already graduated from higher ed.

HSC Building Leader Cari Strand said Thursday’s gathering was designed to give current students an opportunity to learn from recent grads who have also lost out on in-person education time during their high school and college years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s a totally different world now, and these are the trailblazers,” Strand said. The current HSC students talked with recent HSC alumni about their high school experiences and about how they used that time to prepare for college or the work force.

Thursday’s event marked the latest in a years-long tradition at HSC of inviting former students back to the school to connect with current students. This week’s end-of-school-day gathering was organized by HSC Magnet Resource Teacher Dianna Carter.

“College Is No Joke”

The event took place over the course of two hours Thursday in the school’s “courtroom.”

The gathering began with a brief introduction period during which alumni and current students participated in icebreakers to kick conversations off and get to know one another. Alumni switched between tables filled with mostly upperclassmen and a few first years to talk about their college and life experiences after high school.

“When you share, you inspire,” Strand reminded the alumni.

At one table, HSC Class of 2022 HSC graduates Janaja Warren, Tatiana Ro-

driguez, and Samantha Sedgwick told a group of current students that “college is no joke.”

They reflected on their personal journeys in college, which they described as fun but not for everybody.

Warren said she has learned from her college experience so far that it can be too overwhelming for some. “It’s really fun, but the freedom is different, because they don’t play,” she cautioned.

In response to a question about some of the biggest challenges they’ve faced working their way through higher ed, the trio of graduates pointed to the high cost of college

At a separate table, current HSC seniors Charles Bestman, Sayniel Sawmadal, and Frazier-Conner talked with Houston about

his experience graduating from HSC in 2018 and then spending his next four years studying at the UConn.

The group asked Houston if he considered attending a historically Black college or university (HBCU). He said while he was accepted to Howard University, he ultimately preferred to stay in state. He received a scholarship to attend UConn, which was his top choice.

Houston warned the current HSC students more than once that “there’s no babying” in college and that deadlines are much stricter than in high school.

“There’s no one in the halls in college telling you to get to class or even to do your homework,” Houston said. “You have to come to the realization early if you want to be smart that you’re paying for all

of this, so you have to take it serious.”

Houston recalled getting high grades on all of his high school essays and then getting an F on his first ever college paper.

On the more festive side, one current HSC student asked Houston, “Are parties like in the movies?”

“They’re fun and there are like real parties, but you have to remember not to be peer pressured,” Houston said.

Sayniel Sawmadal asked if Houston came from a strict household.

Houston, who is from New Haven, said he did come from a strict home. That caused him to have to learn once he got to college how to manage the new level of freedom he had. He said during his first year of college he struggled with this and found himself partying a lot.

“Playing catch-up is the worst mistake you can make. So if you can build a strong foundation your freshmen year,” do it, Houston advised the group.

As the first in his family to have graduated from college, Houston said, he struggled at times to balance school and fun. This was hard because he had no one in his family to ask how they once dealt with the challenge, he said.

“For me, balance was understanding that the same friends you party with can’t be the same friends you study with,” Houston said.

Bestman said he is looking at schools like Morgan State University, Howard University, and UConn to play football.

Houston encouraged the group to consider the feasibility of tuition in their decision process because “debt is no joke.”

“If you want to do sports, definitely chase your passion, but always have a back-up plan,” Houston told Bestman.

Houston also told the group about how they should come to college prepared to have large classes and long lectures or labs. He talked about the difficulties of adjusting after going from a small high school to college with some lecture halls having 600 students each.

After spending the first half hour in small group conversations, the HSC alumni sat on a panel in the school’s courtroom to answer student questions about life after high school.

Students asked about how to manage money in college and were given tips to get a job and to create a savings plan.

“Look into how you get a savings account and set goals for it now if you can,” HSC Class of 2021 grad Klariely Rodriguez said.

Panelists spoke as well about balancing work with student schedules. The graduates’ experiences ranged from only working in the summer to working two or three jobs during the semester.

Alumni encouraged current HSC students to seek out work-study jobs on campus to help pay for their annual tuition costs.

Final tips ranged from prioritizing mental health and being disciplined meeting deadlines to getting involved on campus and taking time to pick the right roommate.

Before catching their bus, seniors Charles Bestman, Sayniel Sawmadal, and Amara Frazier-Conner said they left the discussion with the alumni feeling motivated and excited for life after high school.

“I know it’s not going to be easy, but I feel mostly ready,” Frazier-Conner said. The HSC alumni who participated in Thursday’s event included Tyron Houston, Kevin Miller, Khalif Johnson, Jamar Crawford, Angel Alvarez, Klariely Rodriguez, Thomas Sabin, Johanyx Rodriguez, Hallie Hushion, Benjamin Ziebell, Adrianna Henry, Samantha Sedgwick, Alyssa Findlay, Tatiana Rodriguez, Darrel Cargill, Janaja Warren, and Jason Oliveras.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO

HSC grad Houston (right) offers current students college advice.

Rose Perez with former students Janaja Warren, Tatiana Rodriguez, and Samantha Sedgwick.

Connecticut mourns the tragic loss of young Black lawmaker who died in wrong-way crash after attending

by Francis Akhalbey, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Tributes are pouring in for Quentin Williams after the Connecticut state representative died in a car accident on Thursday. According to The Associated Press, Williams, who was fondly known as “Q”, died just hours after he took the oath of office to serve his third term.

State police said the deceased Democratic Party lawmaker was driving home after attending the governor’s inauguration ball when a wrong-way driver got into a head-on collision with his car. The wrong-way driver also passed away.

Prior to his death, Williams was regarded as a promising political figure. The fatal incident also happened a day after he was made the co-chairman of the General Assembly’s Labor and Public Employees Committee. Wednesday was the legislature’s inaugural session of the year. Initially the co-chairman of the legislature’s Housing Committee, Williams had also set his sights on vying for higher office.

“I was so proud of him and his incredible accomplishments and had so much hope for what he was yet to do,” state Sen. Matthew Lesser, D-Middletown, told the news outlet. “Just last night, with the governor’s ball, he got pulled into a work meeting with his Labor (committee) co-chair and they were fiercely coming up with plans for the incoming legislative

session,” Lesser, who also tapped Williams to vie for his former House seat, added. “So it’s just, it’s just gut-wrenching.”

In the wake of Williams’ death, state legislators announced the closure of the state Capitol and Legislative Office Building, The Associated Press reported. The committee’s first meeting was initially set to take place on Thursday. But

all legislative activities have since been postponed until Monday.

Williams’ death was announced by his family through a public statement released by Democratic House Speaker Matt Ritter and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas. “I am in shock,” Ritter said.

“Q was my dear friend and I am scarred by his sudden loss,” he added. “We will have time to reflect on Q as a legislator in

ceremony

the weeks to come, but right now I deeply mourn my friend and send all of my love to Carrissa, Queen and Q’s family. We will all miss Q.”

State police said the incident happened in the wee hours of Thursday on Route 9 in Cromwell. In the wake of the head-on collision, Williams’ car caught fire. The deceased wrong-way driver was identified as 27-year-old Kimede Mustafaj. Authorities are also investigating if alcohol or drugs was the reason behind the crash.

“This is devastating news, and I am incredibly saddened by this tragedy,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “Quentin had an infectiously optimistic personality, and he absolutely loved having the opportunity to represent his lifelong home of Middletown at the State Capitol. Public service was his passion, and he was always advocating on behalf of the people of his hometown.”

Williams’ biography on his legislative webpage states that he was the first African American to represent the City of Middletown in the Connecticut General Assembly. He was also a Middletown Public Schools graduate, and he earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Bryant University, a Master’s of Public Administration from Villanova University, and a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University.

He is survived by his wife and mother.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration

Theme: No Change, No

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Sponsored By Hamden Black History Committee Office of the Mayor

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his own swearing-in

Photo Credit: Quentin Williams/Facebook

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr:

3 Ways WE Can Honor His

Legacy

by Dr. P. Gould, BlackDoctor.org

It’s more than just a day off. But unfortunately, MLK Jr. Day Monday in some communities has dwindled down to just that. Yet, we believe it’s not because of lack of motivation, all that’s needed is a little direction. Bottom line: The opportunity is here, the history is here and you’re here, so its time to do something.

Besides becoming the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968, King was a man of action and not just letting things happen to him. That’s why his legacy must live on.

Here are 3 things you can do to honor

1. Learn Something New (Know then grow!)

“For lack of knowledge, my people perish.” Dr. King may not have been the one who said that but the quote is still true today. Many of us rely on what “he said”, “she said” or “they said” and just leave it at that. When we say, “Learn something”, its not just learning about history, learn about the future too! How, you ask? Research industries that will be booming in the next five, 10, 15 years. Research what is being invested in. Research how your neighborhood may change. And remember, one of the best ways to learn something is to teach what you learned to someone else (hint, hint).

2. Make A Commitment (Yes, Any Commitment!)

King’s legacy includes his unwavering commitment to civil rights and non-violent social change. No matter what people said (both Black and white),…

… no matter what people did or didn’t do, King stayed committed. What better way to honor such a movement than by applying such principles to your own community. Make a commitment to live healthier so you can be around for your family longer. Make a commitment to give back to your church or community. And be specific about your commitment. For example (eat one healthier dinner each weekend, walk 5 more minutes every day, volunteer in 3 church/community activities this year).

3. Dream Bigger Beyond Your Own Imagination

King’s dream is well documented. And even now, 50 years later, his dream belts out a powerful message: “I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain,” he said Aug. 28, 1963, “and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”

During that time, King’s dream was so far off in the minds of some that they took action to try to make sure his dream didn’t come true. The point is, think beyond your block, beyond your current job, beyond what you already know and reach further. As the saying goes “Shoot for the moon. Even if you don’t make it, you’ll be among the stars”

HONORING THE LEGACY OF

MLK

TO

“THE TIME IS ALWAYS RIGHT

DO WHAT IS RIGHT

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy:

Enviros Chart Path To Wetlands Protections

by NORA GRACE-FLOOD

Inland wetlands advocates are urging city decision-makers to beef up their environmental education, training and expertise in order to help protect New Haven’s endangered ecosystems.

That was the upshot of the latest monthly Zoom-hosted meeting held by the city’s Environmental Advisory Council on Wednesday night.

The volunteer city body’s discussion centered almost entirely on how New Haven should better scrutinize development applications that feature plans to build on or near inland wetlands areas defined by poorly drained soil, resulting in naturally watery territories such as marshes or swamps. Those reviews are currently handled by the City Plan Commission.

Wednesday’s discussion took place against the backdrop of both looming global climate catastrophe and a number of recent high-profile water-adjacent land-use debates around the expansion of Tweed New Haven Airport and the rehabilitation of Wilbur Cross High School’s athletic complex.

All municipalities in the state have been required for decades to have dedicated inland wetland agencies tasked with overseeing the enforcement of Connecticut’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act.

Many attendees of Wednesday’s meeting expressed concern that since New Haven merges inland wetland assessments with standard site plan reviews, the special attention required to defend the unique ecosystems from harm is not being paid.

Wednesday’s discussion saw a host of environmental advocates pitch and compare ideas ranging from establishing an independent inland wetlands commission to persuading the charter revision commission convening this year to increase the environmental education requirements or training expected of the volunteers making serious land use decisions.

“My main desire is to see that every decision in the city that has the potential to impact the environment in a negative way is informed and even led by people who are deeply educated on environmental science whether that’s the commissioners themselves or scientists who are ready to consult on a particular question,” said Gretl Gallicchio, an environmental advocate and Morris Cove resident who lives near Tweed New Haven Airport.

“My experience,” she stated, “has been that economics tends to lead the game with environmental questions, and I have seen the damage that has done to the city. We have fewer inland wetlands left to build on… all the more reason to protect those that are still there.”

EAC Chair Laura Cahn named two projects in particular that she believes have been robbed so far of appropriate inland wetlands reviews: A recently approved application to build a synthetic turf field at Wilbur Cross High School, which is

adjacent to the Mill River and surrounding wetlands, and an ongoing debate about how much parking should be allowed at Tweed Airport and what land in Morris Cove would be least damaging to the environment to host fliers’ vehicles (read in the New Haven Register here about cease and desist orders issued to Tweed this fall for improperly allowing drivers to park atop the neighborhood’s wetlands without a permit).

“We really had eggs on our faces when we went to testify about the synthetic turf at Wilbur Cross,” Council member Kathy Fay recalled, “because they were asking whether there were studies done at Beaver Pond and we really didn’t know there wasn’t a process… and we kind of got involved in the whole thing at the very last minute.”

Council members worried that had their volunteer group not submitted an intervening petition at the very last minute, little conversation concerning the environmental implications of plastic grass would have ever been had by the City Plan Commission. The commission then held a two-hour public hearing and debate that revolved primarily around student equity and stormwater management in lieu of evidence to back the environmentalists’ fears that the turf could mean serious harm caused by plastic fibers polluting the nearby river.

The prospect of establishing a separate inland wetlands commission, which had been originally listed on the council’s agenda for the night, was almost immediately dismissed by the full council upon feedback from city staffers that New Haven is already understaffed and lacking willing volunteers.

“We don’t have the bandwidth to cover two commissions,” City Plan Senior Project Manager Jacob Robison told Wednesday’s audience. “And since there’s not too many inland wetlands applications, there’s

not really a need to have a separate commission that does not meet that often.”

“The city has about 40 commissions as it is,” echoed attendee Aaron Goode, “and 40 percent of those seats are unfilled.”

Environmental advocate and land use attorney Marjorie Shansky agreed: “Separate agencies are desirable,” she said, and more common than combined commis-

sions across the state. The issue in New Haven from her perspective, she said, was primarily one of commissioner education.

“I drafted the original inland wetlands regulations for the City of New Haven,” she noted, back in the 1980s. “I don’t know when the last time New Haven amended their inland wetland regulations was. I don’t even know if it complies with

the law.”

The website of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) shows an online “comprehensive” training program that at least one member of the city’s wetlands agency or staff is expected to complete. The charter revision commission could potentially alter city government’s guiding document to lay down new requirements for the City Plan Commission’s members. Those changes could include requiring at least one member of the commission to have professional background in environmental sciences or setting a minimum expectation of training and education exercises to be completed by all commissioners.

The city’s new climate and sustainability director, Steve Winter, listened along to Wednesday’s long and wide ranging discussion, concluding the conversation with a general pledge of support for finding and funding better training initiatives for commissioners, city employees and community members.

“If I had a nuance to add,” he said, “it might be that framing it as training,” rather than exclusive professional expertise, “seems more egalitarian.”

“We don’t expect everyone to learn everything about every subject,” he reflected. “But we do have faith in people to become informed decision makers regardless of what their background is.”

Ed Board Leaders Reelected For New Terms

by MAYA MCFADDEN

Yesenia Rivera, Matt Wilcox, and Ed Joyner will all remain the leaders of the city’s Board of Education for at least another year after unanimously winning reelection by fellow board members.

That vote was taken Monday afternoon during the Board of Ed’s latest regular biweekly meeting via Zoom.

In separate unanimous 6 – 0 votes, Rivera was reelected as the board’s president, Wilcox as the board’s vice president, and Joyner as the board’s secretary. Their new terms are one year each.

The executive trio has been leading the board since 2020, when Rivera replaced fellow board member Darnell Goldson as president. Goldson was not present during the votes at the start of Monday’s meeting.

Rivera described her reelection Monday as a “vote of confidence” by her colleagues in her leadership of the board.

“I’m excited for the work ahead as we move forward with the work of hiring the district’s superintendent,” Rivera told the Independent after the votes had taken place. “Although I’m sure it’s going to be an arduous process I’m excited to get

this completed.”

The board has already begun the process of looking for a new superintendent to replace Iline Tracey, who plans to retire at the end of the current school year. The reelection vote also comes against the backdrop of deep concerns about chronic absenteeism, low reading and math scores, and a district-wide teacher shortage in the New Haven Public Schools, as well as the board’s approval new teachers union contract and the imminent start of a 12-school pilot process for two new K-3 phonics-based literacy programs.

FILE PHOTOS Board of Ed Prez Yesenia Rivera, Vice Prez Matt Wilcox, and Secretary Ed Joyner: All reelected.

MARKESHIA RICKS FILE PHOTO Environmental advocate Marjorie Shansky: “I don’t know when the last time New Haven amended their inland wetland regulations was. I don’t even know if it complies with the law.”

Martin Luther King Jr.'s Family Tree

AncestryAgency.com

Today we celebrate and honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Born on Jan 15 1929, he would now be 94 years old. Like many great leaders, his family history greatly shaped his beliefs and his life.

Civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, he always considered himself a Baptist preacher first. “This is my being and my heritage,” he once explained, “for I am also the son of a Baptist preacher, the grandson of a Baptist preacher and the great-grandson of a Baptist preacher”

His father was a pastor for the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. His maternal grandfather, the Reverend Adam Daniel A.D. Williams was famous for his fiery sermons. And his great-grandfather, Willis Williams, was a slave-era preacher.

Martin Luther King Jr. was born Michael L. King on 15 Jan 1929, in the family home in Atlanta, Georgia. He was assassinated on 4 Apr 1968 during a visit to Memphis, Tennessee.

Why the name change? In 1934, his father, also named Michael, took a trip to Germany where he was profoundly inspired by the story of the German re-

former Martin Luther. When he returned, he officially changed his name, and that of his son, to “Martin Luther” King.

Martin Luther King Jr. married Coretta Scott King on 18 Jun 1953. The couple had four children:

• Yolanda Denise King (b. 17 Nov 1955)

• Martin Luther King III (b. 23 Oct 1957)

• Dexter Scott King (b. 30 Jan 1961)

• Bernice Albertine King (b. 28 Mar 1963).

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was laid to rest in the historically black South-View Cemetery in Atlanta, but his remains were later moved to a tomb located on the grounds of the King Center, adjacent to Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Parents

Michael (Martin Luther) King, Martin Luther King Jr’s father and often called “Daddy King,” was born on 19 Dec 1899 in Stockbridge, Georgia. He led the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and became an early leader of the Civil Rights Movement, as the head of the NAACP chapter in Atlanta and of the Civic and Political League. He died of a heart attack on 11 Nov 1984 in Atlanta, Georgia. He is

buried with his wife at South-View Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia.

Alberta Christine Williams, Martin Luther King Jr’s mother, was born on 13 Sep 1903 in Atlanta, Georgia. She was shot to death on 30 June 1974 while she played

the organ at Sunday service at Ebenezer

Church in Atlanta and is buried with her husband in

Georgia.

• Willie Christine King was born 11 September 1927 and married Isaac FARRIS, Sr.

• Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Alfred Daniel Williams King was born 30 July 1930, married Naomi BARBER, and died 21 July 1969. The Rev. A. D. King is buried in South-View Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Paternal Grandparents

Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Christine Williams were married on Thanksgiving day in 1926 in Atlanta, Georgia, and had the following children:

James Albert King was born in Dec 1864 in Ohio. He died on 17 Nov 1933 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Delia Linsey was born about Jul 1875 in Henry County, Georgia, and died 27 May 1924. James and Delia were married 20 Aug 1895 in Stockbridge, Henry County,

Georgia and they had nine children including:

• Woodie King born abt. Apr 1896

• Michael (aka Martin) King was born 19 Dec 1899

• Lucius King was born abt. Sep 1899 and died before 1910.

• Lenora King was born abt. 1902

• Cleo King was born abt. 1905

• Lucila King was born abt. 1906

• James King Jr was born abt. 1908

• Rubie King was born abt. 1909

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Maternal Grandparents

The Reverend Adam Daniel (A.D.) Williams was born on 2 Jan 1863 in Georgia. He died in Atlanta on 21 Mar 1931.

Jennie Celeste Parks was born in Atlanta in 1873. She married A. D. Williams on 29 October 1899. She died on 18 May 1941 in Atlanta.

Their only child Alberta Christine Williams (Martin Luther King’s mother) was born on 13 Sep 1903 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Williams’ transformed nearby EbCon’t page 11

Baptist

South-View Cemetery in Atlanta,

Local 33 Wins Yale Grad Union Election

by THOMAS BREEN

Yale graduate teachers and researchers voted overwhelmingly in support of forming a union marking a local-labor milestone that caps three decades’ worth of organizing for better working conditions on campus.

That was the outcome of Monday’s National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) count of the ballots cast in Local 33’s first election since 2017.

The final tallying of votes took place a little more than a month after eligible Yale grads quietly slipped into polling places across downtown to cast their ballots on whether or not they wanted to be represented by a union. A small selection of out-of-town eligible voters were also able to send in their ballots by mail through Jan. 6.

According to NLRB regional spokesperson Kayla Blado, the final tally for Local 33’s election was 1,860 votes in support of the union and 179 votes against. Blado said that another 146 votes were “challenged” and three more were voided. Roughly 3,214 were eligible to vote in the election.

“The employees have voted for union representation,” Blado told the Independent by email when asked what this vote means and what happens next. “The parties have five business days to file objections to the election. If no objections are filed, the results will be certified and the employer must begin bargaining in good faith with the union.”

In an email statement sent out to the Yale community on Monday, Yale President Peter Salovey said that “the university will now turn to bargaining in good faith with Local 33 to reach a contract.”

Monday’s union election win marks the culmination of the latest revived organizing drive in a campus unionization effort that dates back to the early 1990s. With the help of local and state elected officials and UNITE HERE organizers, Local 33 has shut down downtown streets over the past year with thousands of demonstrators who have marched and spoken about winning a union in order to improve pay, healthcare, working conditions, and other benefits for their members.

Monday’s overwhelming union election victory for Local 33 marks quite the shift from the last time the aspiring union held an election in 2017. Back then, Local 33 pursued a department by department electoral strategy holding elections in nine of 56 Yale departments, and winning only eight. Local 33 then quietly withdrew its bid for union recognition in 2018 in the face of a labor-hostile NLRB under thenPresident Trump. This latest election also takes place amid a rising tide of graduate union organizing across the country.

The ballot count was livestreamed via Zoom Monday from the NLRB’s regional office building in Hartford. A team of NLRB workers stood and shuffled through

boxes after boxes and stacks after stacks of ballots as representatives from Local 33 and Yale University sat in blue cushioned office chairs observing the proceedings.

“Yes. Yes. No. Yes,” the four alternating NLRB ballot counters read aloud again and again behind their face masks, occasionally turning to the camera to explain to the 50-plus people watching online that photos and video recordings of the proceeding were strictly prohibited.

“For those of you watching, there was one ballot that had an unconventional mark,” the ballot-count moderator told the Zoom audience just before 1:20 p.m. in one of the few, brief interruptions to Monday’s count. “And the union has challenged the ballot.” The vote tally finished at around 2:30 p.m.

“For decades our campaign has fought to improve the working conditions of graduate workers on our campus,” Yale Genetics Department graduate researcher Madison Rackear is quoted as saying in that press release. “We’ve been inspired by the union standard that our sibling unions Locals 34 and 35 have achieved through decades of organizing. I’m looking forward to winning a great first contract that will make graduate education at Yale more accessible to other working-class scholars.”

“I’ve been looking forward to this day for years,” Local 33 Co-President and Yale Physics graduate teacher Ridge Liu is quoted as saying in that same press release. “Grad workers need better pay, better healthcare, and real grievance procedures. Generations of grad workers have organized before us, and I’m really excited to finally win. I know our first contract will be one that future generations of grad workers will be able to build on. It’s great that the Yale administration did not engage in the same level of union-busting as they have in the past, and I hope they will bargain in good faith moving forward.”

“We’ve always stood with the grad

teachers and researchers in their fight for respect and union recognition,” Local 35 President Bob Proto is quoted as saying in the Local 33 press release. “I couldn’t be happier to welcome them into the UNITE HERE family here at Yale. I’m proud of the productive problem-solving relationship union workers have built with the university over the years but we know how to fight for what we deserve too. I’m excited and hopeful to see what wins Local 33 secures in their first contract.”

The election was open to roughly 4,000 Yale teaching fellows and research assistants at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Management, the School of Music, the School of Medicine, and in other professional degree programs. The election was not open to teaching fellows at Yale’s Drama School, the School of the Environment, and a host of other campus graduate workers.“Graduate workers at Yale have maintained one of the country’s longest continuous union representation drives against fierce op-

position from the Yale Administration, including previous refusal to recognize the results of NLRB elections,” Local 33’s press release concludes. “If the Yale administration recognizes the results of this election, teachers and researchers from Yale’s graduate and professional programs will begin the process of negotiating their first union contract.”

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro joined in on the celebration by sending out a separate email press release Monday heralding the union election news. ““When workers are allowed to form unions, it gives workers a voice, improves benefits, and critically, leads to higher wages,” DeLauro is quoted as saying in that press release. “This has been a decades-long fight for a union for Yale’s graduate students, teachers, workers, and researchers. I am so thrilled that Local 33 voted overwhelmingly to form a union at Yale University. I am proud to have been fighting alongside organizers in this effort since 1991 and commend those workers whose overwhelming support in

this election has made the formation of this union real. Congratulations!”

Dear Members of the Yale Community, In October, UNITE HERE Local 33 petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for an election, seeking to represent graduate and professional school students at Yale. Yale honored that request and worked collaboratively with Local 33 representatives on the terms of the election, which was held on campus on November 30 and December 1 and included an option for mail-in ballots for those eligible but who could not participate in person. The NLRB counted the votes earlier today and has certified the results. A total of 2,039 votes were counted out of the 3,214 graduate and professional school students who were eligible to vote; 1,860 voted in favor of unionization, and 179 voted against unionization.

Throughout the fall semester, we have consistently affirmed a few key facts and principles: that the leaders of the university care about the well-being of all our students, that a democratic election in which all eligible students have the right to vote was the appropriate way to decide the question about unionization, and that we should address this matter as a community through civil, open discourse. With today’s result, the university will now turn to bargaining in good faith with Local 33 to reach a contract. The bargaining unit will include students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences who have teaching or research appointments and students in the professional schools who have teaching appointments. This development will affect our entire community, so I encourage anyone who has questions about graduate student unionization to review the frequently asked questions prepared by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

As we work with the graduate student union, we will continue to be guided by our commitment to Yale’s educational and research mission and to the success of all our students. As a faculty member who mentored and taught graduate and professional school students for decades, I take seriously our responsibility as educators and advisors, and I encourage all faculty members to stay informed and to review the guidelines for engaging with students on the subject of unionization. As we work with the new union, we are fortunate that we can build on the strong relationships we have established with the other unions in the Yale community.

From the outset of the election process, the university has emphasized the core values of free expression and mutual respect. I am thankful to everyone who upheld these principles and engaged constructively across a range of perspectives during the period leading up to the election. As we move forward together, I know we will continue to sustain the spirit of openness and inclusivity we fostered during the election process.

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO At a recent Local 33 rally on Hillhouse Ave.

At an October grad union rally.

Jr.'s Family Tree

enezer Baptist Church from a struggling congregation without a building in the 1890s into one of black Atlanta’s most prominent institutions. Rev. A.D. Williams was president and founder of the Atlanta Chapter of the NAACP.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Maternal GreatGrandparents

Willis Williams was born in 1810.

Lucrecia Daniel was born in 1840. They had five children, including A.D. Williams.

Willis Williams was described as “an old slavery time preacher” and an “exhorter.”

In 1846, when Willis joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Greene County, Georgia, its congregation numbered 50 white and 28 black members, with African Americans actively participating in church affairs and serving on church committees. In 1855 nearly a hundred blacks joined the congregation. The family left Shiloh Baptist Church when it, like other southern congregations, divided along racial lines at the end of the Civil War.

From Roots of a Tree: The Genealogy of Martin Luther King Jr. National Archives – Southeast Region.

Death Certificate From the collection of The Martin Luther King Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University.

Honoring

Dr. King’s commitment to change

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words remind us of the importance of service at any level. AARP believes your experiences, skills and passion have the power to inspire others to make a difference.

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“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.”

Over 50 years of Haitian migration to South Florida

By Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald via The Associated Press Courtesy of The Afro

They arrived over 50 years ago, fleeing dictatorship and death. Along the treacherous, three-week ocean journey, the seafaring Haitian asylum seekers traded their shoes for food and water in Cuba, and were briefly jailed in the Bahamas before being asked their final destination.

“Miami,” they all said.

When their leaking, 56-foot wooden sailboat finally made landfall 40 miles north of Miami in Pompano Beach on Dec. 12, 1972, there was no family or Haitian community to welcome them, or protesters lining the shorelines demanding their freedom.

“They arrested us, put us in jail,” recalled Marie Bernard, who was among the 65 passengers, including two children, aboard the Saint Sauveur, the first documented boat of Haitian refugees to arrive in South Florida.

“They said there were others who would be coming behind us and they didn’t want them to ask why they were detained and we were not,” she said. “So we accepted to be jailed.”

Bernard left Haiti on Nov. 23, 1972, after her first husband, an army officer, was killed by the Duvalier regime. Fear of a similar fate led her to board a stolen wooden boat and set sail for Florida.

Ultimately the Haitian migrants banded together with a group of Black Baptist ministers, Catholic priests and Haitian exiles in New York and began challenging U.S. immigration and detention policies.

In the process, they also gave birth to a new South Florida community of mostly Black, Creole-speaking refugees with French-sounding surnames.

When the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service denied Bernard’s claim for political asylum, she became a plaintiff in the first challenge by Haitian “boat people” of U.S. government policy.

Then known as Marie Jean Pierre, she and 215 other Haitians who had fled to the U.S. on boats between 1972 and 1973 sued the U.S. government in federal court. The class-action lawsuit, Pierre v. U.S., was led by renowned civil rights and immigration attorney Ira Gollobin. Though the group’s claim of racial bias and unequal treatment of Haitian migrants wasn’t successful, it set the tone for what was to come.

In 1980, after 5,000 Haitian boat people had been denied political asylum, one discrimination case — Haitian Refugee Center v. Civiletti — claiming that the U.S. government practiced “blatant racism,” was successful. In addition, pressure on the U.S. by the Washington, D.C.-based Haitian Refugee Project’s Fritz Longchamp, who later became a foreign minister of Haiti, and Michael Posner, who lat-

er became an assistant secretary of state, led the Carter administration to establish the Cuban-Haitian Entrant Act of 1980.

“Those of us, old-timers, we worked hard in the community. They called us crazy because we were protesting everywhere in the streets,” said Bernard, who was able to adjust her immigration status under the new law and become a legal permanent resident, which allowed her to reunite with the two children she had left behind in Haiti.

Other immigrants who were able to obtain permanent legal status “would say, ‘Where did those Haitians, who have come to dirty the image of people here, come from?’ But we held our heads high, even up until now,” Bernard said. “We respected the law, we lived our lives. I am going to have 50 years here in this country, and I have never had a problem.”

It wouldn’t have been possible, she said, had it not been for the legal challenges, the protests and those early champions of Haitian rights, like the Rev. Jacques Mompremier — whose Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Miami served as a temporary home for her and the other first refugees — and the Rev. Gérard Jean-Juste, a Catholic priest.

At 79, Bernard has lived to welcome three generations of family. Her five children have become homeowners, medical professionals and U.S. Army and Air Force veterans, as well as parents and

grandparents.

That pioneering legacy, along with so many other moments both triumphant and sad, is being commemorated in what South Florida’s Haitian community is calling the “December 12 Project: The day we became boat people.”

“They represent all that is strong and resilient in our culture,” said Sandy Dorsainvil, who is helping to organize a gathering at 6 p.m. Dec. 26 at the Little Haiti Cultural Center. “Their victory over the cold sea shows our children every day that they can do anything.”

The year-long commemoration will trace the Haitian-American community’s rise in South Florida through reflections, storytelling, music, poetry, panel discussions and other activities.

HAITIANS STILL TAKING TO THE SEA IN DEADLY VOYAGES

“Those who have been allowed to stay in the U.S. have made tremendous strides during the past 50 years,” said Marleine Bastien, a Haitian community and immigration activist who last month became the second Haitian American and first woman of Haitian descent elected to the Miami-Dade County Commission.

Those strides can be seen in the number of Haitian Americans who currently hold elected offices, serve as the heads of pri-

vate and professional organizations, and have made a name for themselves in the fields of education and medicine.

But the going was difficult for those first arrivals. While the first group was welcomed by Black pastors and other religious leaders, the subsequent waves got a lukewarm reception, labeled “boat people” and encountering a U.S. immigration system bent on sending them back.

As their numbers continued to rise, their presence fueled racial and ethnic tensions. Then in the early 1980s, at the height of the AIDS epidemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified Haitians as being among the four risk groups for the new disease. In March 1983, the CDC said the highest number of AIDS cases were among homosexuals, hemophiliacs, heroine users and Haitians. They became known as the “Four-H Club.”

“In spite of that, you see a sense of soldiering on, you see people working to ensure that they are perceived as human beings, human beings who are worthy of safety, worthy of being valued, worthy of dignity,” said Gepsie Metellus, the executive director of Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, a community organization in North Miami.

Bastien said the journey of the first Haitian refugees and the legal battles they waged to stay in the United States, while worthy of celebration, are also reminders

of how little has changed. Five decades later, Haitians are still taking to the sea in deadly voyages, only to be detained and deported back.

Instead of fleeing dictatorship, they are being pushed by social upheaval, gang violence, kidnappings and political turmoil, all made worse by last year’s assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.

“President Biden has deported 24,000 people at a time when Haiti is reeling under the worst political conditions in its recent history,” Bastien said. “People are basically refugees in their own homeland. They cannot live in their own homes; women have to protect their little girls so that they are not gang raped, girls as young as 5 years old.

“This is a country at war,” she added. “This bleak, sad history clearly tells us that U.S. policy toward Haiti must change; we must address the root causes of this risky, oftentimes deadly migration to create safe conditions for Haitians to stay home.”

Metellus said she hopes the Haitian community’s story in South Florida can encourage change back home. At the very least, she said, she hopes that the sharing of stories will inspire younger generations of Haitian Americans.

“We are a relatively strong HaitianAmerican community, in spite of everything,” Metellus said. “The story for me is of our triumphant spirit.”

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Khoisan:

by Stephen Nartey, Face2FaceAfrica.com

The Khoisan people of Southern Africa were the largest ethnic group on earth some 150,000 years ago. What accounted for this population growth among them was the fact that they married among themselves and had a good diet.

They have maintained these customs and traditions for hundreds of generations but in recent times their dominance seems to be waning, according to a genetic study published in Science Daily.

There are some scientists who have argued that there is no cause to worry because comparing the world’s population of 7 billion to 100,000 tribesmen will obviously make the Khoisan community appear like a fraction in the subset.

But a professor at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Stephan C. Schuster, disagrees. In his research published in the Nature journal about the Khoisan tribe, Schuster attributed the decline in their numbers to changes in the climate.

Some 22, 000 years ago, the Khoisan tribesmen settled in parts of Southern Africa where the vegetative cover was green and there were freshwater sources at their disposal. This was contrary to the Western and Central parts of Africa where the weather was scorching and the land wasn’t very fertile.

What seemed to be the situation in the Western and Central geographical locations at the time is playing out in the traditional settlements of the Khoisan people. They no longer have regular access to wild game and fresh food as used to be the case. The poor diet in effect has

influenced their rate of fertility.

They were further impacted by the changes brought by the ice age where climatic changes swept across all parts of the world. Whereas other African populations adapted and witnessed a growth in their numbers, the Khoisan tribesmen, for

reasons yet to be explained, experienced a significant dip in their numbers.

Schuster explained that genome sequencing showed a paradigm shift in the whole population cycle. Whereas the Khoisan tribe was doing so well in population compared to non-Khoisan, it is the

other way around now.

This is also influencing the tribe’s hunter-gathering tradition, with scientists fearing they might go extinct. This is mainly because the tribesmen will be compelled to rely on agriculture and herding for their sustenance than what they have been accustomed to for ages.

The Khoisan in Botswana are abandoning the ways of their fathers because of laws passed by the government prohibiting hunting in the wild. Land disputes with other indigenes have further worsened their plight. This, therefore, means, the hunter-gathering lifestyle of tribesmen in Botswana is dead.

The poor political participation has given them little voice in policies that affect their survival. There is evidence elsewhere like in North America where the native hunter-gathering customs have died with time.

To overturn this looming danger that faces the Khoisan community, there must be deliberate policies that address deforestation while designating sacred forest reserves for them.

The Khoisan tribesmen are a unique set of inhabitants whose gift of animal behavior and knowledge about plants for medicinal purposes make it expedient for governments in Southern parts of Africa to ensure they live for the next generation.

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By Terrance Harris, Courtesy of The Defender Network

Count veteran NFL coach Lovie Smith as the Texans’ latest one-anddone coach.

Smith was informed shortly after Sunday’s regular-season finale win over the Colts that he was being fired after just one season on the job. He was 3-13-1 in his lone season as head coach.

Smith is the second straight head coach to be fired by the Texans after just one season, with David Culley being shown the door after a 4-13 season in 2021.

Both coaches are African American men.

“Nick Caserio (general manager) and I spoke with Lovie Smith tonight and informed him that we will be moving in a different direction as an organization,” Texans Chairman and CEO Cal McNair said in a released statement late Sunday night. “I appreciate Coach Smith and his entire family for their contributions over the last two seasons. We are grateful for his leadership and character, and we wish him the best moving forward.

“While we understand the results have not been what we had hoped for, we are committed to building a program that produces long-term, sustainable success. Our fans and city deserve a team that they can be proud of. I will work alongside Nick Caserio throughout this process and I’m confident we will find

the right leader for our football team.”

There had been heavy speculation going into Sunday’s game in Indianapolis that either Smith or Caserio or both would be fired after the game. But it appears that Caserio’s job is safe and that he will get to preside over the hiring of a third coach in his third year on the job.

In recent memory, no general manager has been given the privilege to hire three straight coaches after his first two hires only last a season. It’s especially curious because the primary reason Culley and Smith were unsuccessful had to do with the lack of overall talent Caserio stacked the team with, especially at quarterback where second-year quarterback Davis Mills consistently underperformed.

“I’m constantly evaluating our football operation and believe this is the best decision for us at this time,” Caserio said in his released statement about Smith’s firing. “It is my responsibility to build a comprehensive and competitive program that can sustain success over a long period of time.

“We aren’t there right now, however, with the support of the McNair family and the resources available to us, I’m confident in the direction of our football program moving forward.”

The Texans will have high two firstround draft picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, in part because of the trade with the Cleveland Browns for Deshaun Watson. The Texans seemed headed for the No.1 overall pick and a chance to draft the top quarterback with their own

selection until the Texans managed a late come-from-behind 32-31 win over the Colts in the regular-season finale. The No.1 overall pick now belongs to Smith’s former team, the Chicago Bears.

It’s not clear who the Texans will target next but look for the team to request permission from the New Orleans Saints to interview former head coach Sean Payton. Former Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans, who is now the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator and one of the hot upcoming head coaching candidates, should also figure into the mix.

the largest black-owned retail

In the 90’s, he led the acquisition of NYT cable for $420M

Bruno Goes, Face2FaceAfrica.com

On January 9th 1989, Time, Inc. made the decision to sell NYT Cable for $420 million to a minority investment group led by J. Bruce Llewellyn, one of the nation’s leading African American business executives.

The group, which included Comcast Corporation and Lenfest Communications Inc, planned to hold a 20% stake in the company. In order for the deal to provide a tax break for Time, Inc., the minority interest had to be at least 20%. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was expected to grant a tax certificate in connection with the sale, which would allow Time, Inc. to defer taxes on the gain from the transaction. This type of tax certificate has only been issued by the FCC 170 times since 1978 in order to promote the sale of media properties to minority groups.

The sale was expected to provide a pretax gain of $321 million for Time, Inc., with taxes incurred at $138 million. The tax certificate would allow Time, Inc. to defer payment of the taxes for up to 20 years, potentially adding an estimated $50 million in value to the sale based on the interest earned on deferred taxes. The proceeds from the sale were expected to be used to repay $150 million in debt and potentially for acquisitions, the development of core businesses, and stock repurchases. This was a significant moment in Black History as it marked the largest cable TV acquisition by an African American at the time.

Bruce Llewellyn was born in Harlem, New York to immigrant parents from Jamaica. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II and became a first lieutenant within five years. After leaving the military, Llewellyn returned to Harlem to open his own liquor store while also at-

tending college. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the City University of New York and went on to complete graduate programs at Columbia University, New York University, and New York Law School.

Llewellyn began his career in civil service, holding positions with the New York County District Attorney’s office, the New York City Housing and Redevelopment Board, and the United States Small Business Administration.

In 1969, he mortgaged his home and sold almost all of his assets to purchase Fedco Foods Corporation, a chain of ten super-

markets in the Bronx. He eventually grew the company into the largest minorityowned retail store in the country, with 29 stores, 900 employees, and annual sales of $100 million, before selling it in 1984.

In the 1980s, Llewellyn became chairman of Queen City Broadcasting and Garden State Cablevision, and in the 1990s he attempted to purchase the Minnesota Vikings football team, which would have made him the first African American to own a controlling interest in an NFL team.

In the late 1990s, Llewellyn led a group to purchase NYT Cable for $420 million, making it the largest cable TV acquisition

by an African American at the time.

J. Bruce Llewellyn had a long and influential career in politics in addition to his successes in business. In the late 1970s, President Jimmy Carter appointed Llewellyn president of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, a government insurance agency that underwrites American business projects in developing countries. Llewellyn served in this role until Carter lost the election to Ronald Reagan.

In addition to his government service, Llewellyn was also involved in politics on a personal level. He was a member of

the Democratic National Committee and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1984. Throughout his career, Llewellyn used his influence and platform to advocate for issues important to the African American community, including education, economic development, and civil rights. His dedication to political activism and social justice helped to shape the political landscape and improve the lives of countless individuals.

J. Bruce Llewellyn was a trailblazer in the African American community and his story is one of determination, hard work, and resilience. Despite facing challenges and obstacles due to his race, Llewellyn refused to let those barriers hold him back and instead used them as motivation to succeed. His dedication to education and his drive to succeed in business helped him to rise to the top of his field and become one of the leading black business executives in the country.

In an interview with The Black Collegian in 1997, he stated that success had not come easily, calling it “nerve wracking, gut-wrenching and pain inducing…You must act to acquire it with a vengeance and to pursue it with a passion.”

Llewellyn’s impressive track record of entrepreneurship and his numerous accomplishments, including the acquisition of NYT Cable and the growth of the Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company into the third-largest African American-owned business in the United States, make him a role model for aspiring Black businesspeople everywhere. His determination and perseverance serve as a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Llewellyn’s impact on the African American community is immeasurable and his story is an inspiration to us all.

ONE NATION, INDIVISIBLE

der God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. After the attack on the Capitol, I sat down to figure out how we might finally do that, and my answers have filled a book.

By Ben Jealous

It strikes me that the days we’re living through represent a metaphor for our national dilemma. January 6th and the weight of history that date carries are in the rearview mirror, at least on the calendar. Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream still is on the horizon.

America’s existential challenge is to put the former behind us permanently so we can finally achieve the latter and be what we pledge allegiance to — one nation un-

As my mother’s family has for four centuries, I live south of the Mason-Dixon Line close to the Chesapeake Bay, which was a literal superhighway for slavery. Casual conversations about the likelihood of another Civil War are frequent at my favorite waterside bar. Combine that with the political fault lines running through many families and friendships (including my own) and we feel more divided than indivisible. It’s clear why so many fear for our republic’s survival.

I have always been an optimist about America. Even for me, witnessing a failed coup shook my usually hopeful outlook.

Like many whose Southern roots run deep, I often turn to the past for answers. What I discovered in questioning our current differences revived my faith that the United States always will overcome our troubles and emerge even stronger on the other side.

In the 1880s, formerly enslaved men and former Confederate soldiers in Virginia – home to the Confederacy’s capital – banded together to fight for the future of their children. They built a political party called the Readjusters. Their demand was simple: readjust the terms of Civil War debt so that we can maintain free public schools for all.

Not only did they win that victory, they also won control of the state’s government and achieved several more: they abolished the poll tax, they abolished the

public whipping post, they created the first public black college in the South, and they expanded Virginia Tech to make it the working person’s rival to the University of Virginia.

The Readjusters’ short-lived multiracial populist movement eventually was attacked violently by white supremacists and defeated politically by wealthy special interests spreading vile disinformation; their party is all but erased from history books.

Still, they defined the future of Virginia and our nation by planting early seeds for FDR’s New Deal coalition and by creating a bold legacy in public education that endures to this day. Moreover their example reminds us that the spirit that moved Dr. King to dream hopefully about black and white children has always run deep in our

nation, and always will. When we lose faith in our neighbors, that hope reminds us that the path to a stronger nation is to remember we still have more in common than we don’t, and to act on the beliefs we share.

If men who had been enslaved could find common cause with men who fought to keep them enslaved to build a better future for all their children, we should never lose faith that we can unite for the sake of ours.

Ben Jealous is incoming executive director of the Sierra Club, America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization; former national president of the NAACP; and professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania. His new book “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free” was just published.

In the 80’s, J. Bruce Llewellyn built

chain in the US with 29 stores

US police killings hit record high in 2022

Courtesy of AFRO Staff

Last year was the deadliest year on record for police brutality in the U.S. and the victims were disproportionately Black, according to new data analysis.

Law enforcement officers killed at least 1,183 persons in 2022—or more than three per day, according to the nonprofit Mapping Police Violence, which maintains a database of reported cases of police brutality, including people fatally shot, Tasered, beaten or restrained. It was the highest number of fatal incidents since experts began tracking the killings in 2013, and the numbers could climb as the group continues to plug more data into its catalogue, which was last updated on Dec. 31.

The number of cop killings in 2022 exceeded that of the previous year by 31. In 2021, law enforcement police killed 1,145 people; 1,152 in 2020; 1,097 in 2019; 1,140 in 2018; and 1,089 in 2017.

Even as the numbers changed, the lopsided rate of police killings with Black victims did not. Despite widespread uprisings and calls for police accountability, criminal justice reforms and the valuing of Black lives sparked by the killing of George Floyd in 2020, police violence

against Blacks continued unabated. Of the 1,183 persons slain by police last year, 25% were Black although African Americans account for only 13% of the population. Blacks were three times as likely to be killed as Whites and were more likely to be unarmed, the nonprofit found.

“It just never stops,” Bianca Austin, aunt of Breonna Taylor, whose March 2020 killing in Kentucky sparked mass protests, was quoted as saying by The Guardian newspaper. “There was a movement and uproar across the globe, and we’re still having more killings? What are we doing wrong? It’s so disheartening.”

The circumstances surrounding these fatal incidents also stayed true to pattern in 2022: just below one-third of the killings, 370 (31%), were cases involving an alleged violent crime and in another 128 (11%) officers alleged that the target was seen with a weapon. However, 132 killings (11%) were cases in which no offense was alleged; 104 cases (9%) were mental health or welfare checks; 98 (8%) involved traffic violations; and 207 (18%) involved other allegations of nonviolent offenses. There were also 93 cases (8%) involving claims of a domestic disturbance.

Kevin McCarthy named House majority party speaker after 15 rounds of voting

By Catherine Pugh, Special to The Inner-City, courtesy of the Afro.com

What does it take for Republicans to elect a Speaker?

Apparently, in 2023, it takes 15 rounds of voting.

Kevin McCarthy was finally sworn in as Speaker of the House in the early morning hours of Jan. 7, after arguments and even threats of physical violence were broadcast via livestream on CSPAN.

“As Speaker of the House my ultimate responsibility is not to my party, my conference or even our Congress. My responsibility– our responsibility– is to our country,” said McCarthy, shortly after his victory.

President Biden congratulated McCarthy on Dec. 7.

“The American people expect their leaders to govern in a way that puts their needs above all else, and that is what we need to do now,” said Biden, in a statement from the White House. “As I said after the midterms, I am prepared to work with Republicans when I can and voters made clear that they expect Republicans to be prepared to work with me as well.”

“Now that the leadership of the House of Representatives has been decided it

is time for that process to begin,” said Biden.

Though McCarthy was ultimately successful, some pundits say rounds and rounds of failed votes, concessions and compromises have weakened him politically.

McCarthy made several concessions to the group of 20 Republican holdouts. Now, if even one legislator wants to call for a vote to oust the speaker– they can. Still, McCarthy told media outlets, “I’m not afraid, I won’t be a weaker speaker.”

There are 222 elected Republicans in the House and 212 Democrats. McCarthy needed 218 votes in his favor, give or take based on how many Republican lawmakers decided to only vote that they were“present” instead of casting a vote for McCarthy.

The Majority Party gets to elect the Speaker of the House while the losing party elects the Minority Leader. Democrats have unanimously elected Congressman Hakeem Jefferies as Minority Leader.

The battle to elect a Speaker began on Tuesday, but by Thursday night, after more than 11 rounds of voting failed to compile the 218 votes, the struggle in Congress continued.

Votes recorded in the eleventh round were as follows: 12 people voted for Congressman Byron Donalds, Congressman Kevin Hern received seven votes, Presi-

dent Trump had one vote, and one person voted that they were only present.

Representative Byron Donalds, an African-American Republican, acquired as many as 19 votes through the first 11 rounds of voting.

Kevin McCarthy

A fourth day of voting began on Friday. Again, McCarthy was initially unsuccessful.

Multiple votes on Friday were needed as McCarthy failed to receive time and time again.

Finally, he won with 216 votes, after six Republicans chose to vote “present.”

According to the Federal Election Commission, Congressman McCarthy’s political action committee, since 2012, gave over $300,000 in contributions to 17 members of his party vehemently opposed him this week, including $50,000 to Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry.

No business could be conducted by Congress until a Speaker of the House was selected.

Congress had not seen this kind of chaos since before the Civil War.

According to the Office of Historian of the House, “the record for the most rounds of votes is the 34th Congress when Nathaniel Prentice Banks, a member of the American and free Soil Party and an abolitionist, was elected by three votes after 133 rounds and two months of voting.”

The U.S. House of Representatives Archives reports that “after two months and 133 ballots, the House finally chose Representative Banks by a vote of 103 to 100 over Representative William Aiken of South Carolina.”

That year, no less than 20 people set their sights on the post because Banks was against slavery and conflicts over immigration.

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Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing and clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V Drug Free Workforce

0

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for IQC Architectural Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

beginning on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 3:00PM.

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

NOTICIA

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Large CT Fence Company looking for an individual for our PVC Fence Production Shop. Experience preferred but will train the right person. Must be familiar with carpentry hand & power tools and be able to read a CAD drawing and tape measure. Use of CNC Router machine a plus but not required, will train the right person. This is an in-shop production position. Duties include building fence panels, posts, gates and more. Must have a valid CT driver’s license & be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com. AA/EOE-MF

Invitation for Bids

Agency Wide Roofing Repairs/Replacement

Union Company seeks:

Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipment. Must have a CDL License, clean driving record, capable of operating heavy equipment; be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Construction

Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 621-1720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V Drug Free Workforce

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Municipal Finance Policy Development Coordinator

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at:

https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= 221215&R2=1581MP&R3=001

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

360 Management Group, Co. is currently seeking bids for agency wide roofing repairs/ replacement. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from 360 Management Group’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

beginning on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 3:00PM.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Request for Proposals

Communications Media Consultant

Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals for a communications media consultant. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ gateway beginning on

Monday, December 12, 2022 at 3:00PM.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Invitation for Bids

Cornell Scott Ridge

I

437 M&N Eastern Street Fire Damage

Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for Cornell Scott Ridge I 437 M&N Eastern Street Fire Damage. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 3:00PM.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

@ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER

Invitation for Bids

Uniform Services

Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for uniform services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 3:00PM.

2016 - August 02, 2016

WATER SUPPLY & TREATMENT

NOTICE

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Request for Proposals

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

NOTICIA

The Town of Wallingford is seeking qualified applicants for Assistant Superintendent for Water Supply and Treatment. The position is responsible for providing technical and managerial direction in the operation and maintenance of the Town’s water supply and treatment facilities. The qualifications are a bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, chemical or sanitary engineering, biology, chemistry, or related field plus five years of progressively responsible experience in water operations with at least three years in water treatment and water quality, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience. Applicants must have or being able to obtain within twelve months, a State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Class IV Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification and a Class II or Class III Distribution System Operator Certification. Certification as a General Backflow Preventer Tester and Cross Connection Survey Inspector is preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid CT driver’s license. Salary: $80,555 to $103,068 annually plus an excellent fringe benefits package. A complete job announcement and application may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@ wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of February 7, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

CLERK TYPIST

LEGAL NOTICE

Request for Proposals (RFP) for Services

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management, is seeking proposals to provide certain services related to financial management of the City of West Haven, Connecticut. The intent of the request is to identify individuals or firms with the necessary expertise to provide these services within a stated timeframe.

Building Maintenance Worker Training and Testing

Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals for building maintenance worker training and testing. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ gateway beginning on

Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 3:00PM.

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

Performs a wide variety of routine clerical duties requiring excellent computer and interpersonal skills. This position requires 1 year of office work experience of a responsible nature and a H.S., GED, or business diploma. Wages: $21.83 to $26.43 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request form the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone: (203) 294-2080 Fax: (203) 294-2084. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received or January 23, 2023 whichever occurs first. EOE

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT)

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 NEW HAVEN

The RFP is available online at: https:// portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard and https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Root/RFP/ Request-For-Proposals or from Kevin Meakem, Office of Policy and Management, Finance Division, 450 Capitol Ave., MS# 54FIN, Hartford, Connecticut 06106-1379. E-mail: Kevin.Meakem@ct.gov. Telephone (860) 418- 6313. Deadline for response submission is 3:00 PM EST February, 3, 2023.

Request for Qualifications

Architectural Design for 201 Hazel Street

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for Architectural Design for 201 Hazel Street. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

beginning on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 3:00PM.

Fairmont

1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level ,

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for EMT. Must possess a H.S. diploma or G.E.D., plus one (1) year of recent experience as an EMT. Must be 18 years old and be a Connecticut or National Registry Certified EMT with CPR Certification and a valid State of Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license. Starting wage $632.56 (weekly), plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone (203) 294-2080. The closing date will be the date of the 50th application or resume is received or January 27, 2023, whichever occurs first.

WATER

Junior Engineer – The Town of Wallingford’s Water Division is seeking a responsible and skilled individual to prepare and maintain permanent utility location records. Requires an associate’s degree or equivalent in civil engineering plus two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in the water/sewer utility field, or an equivalent combination of education and qualify experience substituting on a year-for-year basis.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

At Ducci Electrical Contractors, we believe it is our duty to encourage the growth and use of small, minority, women-owned, disadvantaged and disabled and non-disabled veteran-owned businesses. We are committed to the principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunities, Civil Rights, Diversity and Inclusion and the implementation of policies, codes, and regulations that will foster growth, promote advancement, and provide opportunities for all subcontractors and vendors.

For additional information, or to be added to our bid list, please send your qualifications to the following contact:

Stacey Vincent, Contracts & Diversity Manager svincent@duccielectrical.com

If you are interested in becoming part of our workforce, please contact: Catherine Best, Corporate Compliance Officer cbest@duccielectrical.com www.duccielectrical.com

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

Salary: $63,116 - $80,755 annually. Plus, an excellent fringe benefits package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page.

Phone #: (203) 294-2080 Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date will be February 7, 2023 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

MINORITY CONTRACTOR OPPORTUNITY – Fair Haven Community Health ClinicParking Improvements, CT SOLICITATION OF SBE/MBE CONTRACTORS:

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

Full Time Administrative assistant position for a steel & misc metals fabrication shop who will oversee the daily operations of clerical duties such as answering phones, accounts payable purchase orders/ invoicing and certified payroll. Email resumes to jillherbert@gwfabrication.com

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the

Enterprise Builders, Inc., an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, seeks certified SBE/MBE Subcontractors and/or suppliers and local business enterprises to bid applicable sections of work/equipment/supplies for the following construction project: Fair Haven Community Health Clinic - Parking Improvements. This project which consists of exterior parking lot improvements and associated building demolition in New Haven, CT. Bid Date and Time: 2/02/2023 @ 10:00AM. Electronic Plans and specifications can be obtained at no charge by contacting the Estimating Department at Enterprise Builders at (860) 466-5188 or by email to email. Project is Tax Exempt and State Prevailing Wage Rates apply This project is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. EBI encourages the participation of certified SBE/MBE contractors. EBI is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer.

Waste Treatment

NOTICE

Town of Bloomfield

Building Maintainer

NOTICE OF INVITATION FOR BID HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DANBURY

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Attendant II): Operates and maintains equipment and processes in a municipal sewage treatment plant. Requires a H.S. diploma or GED. A State of Connecticut DEEP Class II Operator or higher certification; or a Class II Operator-in-Training or higher certification. Wages: $27.13 to $32.33 or $24.16 - $32.33 hourly (based on certifications & experience) plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Applications may be obtained at the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/ resume is received, or February 07, 2023, whichever occurs first. EOE

HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

$25.37 hourly (40 hrs weekly) Pursuant to Teamsters Collective Bargaining Unit This position has a 9-step hourly range ($25.37 to $28.54) Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website – www.bloomfieldct.org

WATER DIVISION

Power Washing IFB No. B23001

SCOPE:

The Housing Authority of the City of Danbury hereby issues this Invitation for Bid to provide Power Washing Services

BID SUBMITTAL RETURN:

NOTICIA

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Maintainer I - The Town of Wallingford’s Water Division is seeking an individual to perform a variety of unskilled & semi-skilled tasks in the maintenance, installation, and repair of water lines and related equipment. The position requires High School diploma / GED or the equivalent in experience and training. Wages $23.26 - $28.18 hourly, plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Applications may be obtained at the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. The closing date will be the date the 50th application or resume is received or January 18, 2023, whichever occurs first. EOE

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

January 31, 2023, at 2:00pm

(EST)

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510

Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay.

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

Request for Proposals Financial Underwriter

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for a financial underwriter. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

beginning on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 3:00PM.

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

Invitation for Bids Uniforms Services

360 Management Group, Co. is currently seeking bids for uniforms services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from 360 Management Group’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Town of Bloomfield

Finance Director

Salary Range $101,455-$156,599 Pre-employment drug testing.

AA/EOE. For Details go to www.bloomfieldct.org

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

CONTACT PERSON FOR IFB DOCUMENT: Devin Marra, Director of Financial Operations Telephone: 203-744-2500 x1410 E-Mail: dmarra@hacdct.org [Minority- and/or women-owned businesses are encouraged to respond]

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for an Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee position and an Associate Accountant position.

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

APPLY NOW!

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/bulpreview.asp? R1=221207&R2=5989VR&R3=001 and https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/bulpreview.asp? R1=221207&R2=0941AR&R3=001

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay.

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

Monday, January 9, 2023 at 3:00PM.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

MINORITY CONTRACTOR OPPORTUNITY – Waterbury Auditorium Upgrades, Waterbury, CT SOLICITATION OF SBE/MBE CONTRACTORS:

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Municipal Finance Policy Development Coordinator

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport (HACB) d/b/a

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

Enterprise Builders, Inc., an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, seeks certified SBE/MBE Subcontractors and/or suppliers and local business enterprises to bid applicable sections of work/equipment/supplies for the following construction project: Waterbury Auditorium Upgrades. Project consists of Interior renovation/upgrades to (6) school auditoriums in Waterbury, CT. Bid Date and Time: 1/24/2023 @ 3:00PM. Electronic Plans and specifications can be obtained at no charge by contacting the Estimating Department at Enterprise Builders at (860) 466-5188 or by email to e-mail. Project is Tax Exempt and State Prevailing Wage Rates apply. This project is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. EBI encourages the participation of certified SBE/MBE contractors. EBI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the

Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at:

Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com

https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= 221215&R2=1581MP&R3=001

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483

AA/EEO EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

on October

please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org. Proposals shall be mailed, or hand delivered to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement,150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604. This RFP will remain Open until Completion of PBV.

Black woman whose whiskey brand made history crossing $100M in sales now owns a bank

Abu Mubarik Face2FaceAfrica.com

Before turning 19, Fawn Weaver lived in three homeless shelters. In between living in shelters and coming to own her own house, she spent time reading the biographies of successful entrepreneurs like Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, Charles Schwab, Andrew Mellon, J.D. Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan.

Starting with a condo in 1991 when she was only 18, Weaver created a path that would lead her to become a serial entrepreneur. She worked three jobs while in school to be able to pay for her first real estate. By 2000, she had saved enough to buy two duplexes.

Since then, she and her husband, Keith Weaver, have been flipping multiple properties which have become their main source of wealth in the last twenty years.

She also created the whiskey brand Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, which recently announced that its sales exceeded $100 million through October 2022, making it one of the most successful Black-owned distilleries in the world. The whiskey brand said it is expected to more than double that total by the end of 2023.

In 2021, the brand became the best-selling African-American-owned and founded spirit brand in the U.S. after selling

nearly 1.5 million bottles of its sought-after super-premium whiskey. The company’s whiskey portfolio of seven offerings is available at its distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, and in all 50 states, territories, and districts nationwide, it said in a statement.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey was founded by Weaver to honor the memory of Nearest Green, an enslaved African American who helped Jack Daniel to start his distillery.

“To reach this and every other milestone on our horizon, we continue to push nonstop. Every penny this company has earned has gone back into the business, as well as to put Nearest Green’s collegeage descendants through college and to invest in minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs through our Black Business Booster program (BBB), the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative (NJAI) and Uncle Nearest Ventures,” said Weaver.

The serial entrepreneur is now a coowner of a bank. In a recent post on Instagram, Weaver announced that she has bought a bank located in Tennessee.

“So…we bought a bank,” Weaver said in her caption. “Actually, even better, we bought the building and became the landlord of Keith’s parent’s bank.”

How thousands of diasporans gathered at Ghana’s capital for inaugural Black Star Line Festival

Mildred Europa Taylor Face2FaceAfrica.com

More than 50,000 people, including diasporans, united at Ghana’s Black Star Square in the country’s capital Accra for the inaugural Black Star Line Festival on Friday. The free open-air music concert was founded by U.S. stars Chance The Rapper and Chicago-born Ghanaian Vic Mensa.

Besides Mensa and Chance, other top performers at the event were Erykah Badu, T-Pain, Tobie Nwigwe, and Ghanaian stars like Sarkodie, Asakaa Boys, and M.anifest. The concert was a climax of activities held in the week by Mensa and Chance to bring together the diaspora to contribute their resources and skills to help develop the African continent. Those activities included panel discussions, fine art exhibitions and nightlife events.

Ahead of the January 6 concert, comedian Dave Chappelle and Chance had a conversation at the University of Ghana on Thursday. And on Friday, Chapelle, who was also at the concert, said it was “great” to be in Ghana. He had some months ago expressed his desire to move to the West African country.

Dennis Haze, who came from Washington DC for the concert, told the BBC that “Its beautiful to see the Black American culture and African culture unite.”

In 2019, Ghana’s government launched

the “Year of Return” initiative in an effort to encourage Africans in the diaspora to find their way ‘home’, commune and reactivate their love for their roots and people. That year also marked the 400th Anniversary of the first ship from Africa hitting the shores of the Americas – precisely Virginia.

Chance first came to Ghana in January 2022 in response to Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo’s call for the diaspora to return to the ‘motherland.’ What was supposed to be another vacation getaway for Chance eventually turned out to be something deeper than he had imagined. He soon found himself immersed in

Ghana’s music culture and learned about Ghana’s rich anti-colonial history. Since his first trip to Ghana, he has returned to the West African nation three times. He decided to organize a free concert and art event for others to experience Ghana’s diverse culture as he did.

Chance said that the tagline for his

concert is inspired by Jamaican activist and political leader Marcus Garvey, who founded the Black Star Line which became a source of economic opportunities and inspiration for black workers between North America, the Caribbean and Africa.

Mensa, who organized the concert with Chance, told Forbes that he had been visiting his family in Ghana since he was 11 years old. But it wasn’t until the year 2020 that he started to go to Ghana alone and cultivate relationships in the spaces of music, fashion, and art.

“In those moments, I’ve started to recognize the immense privilege that I have to be in direct communication and conversation with my ancestry, as obviously something that’s been stolen by most of the people closest to me in life,” he said.

The rappers hope that the Black Star Line festival will help bridge the gap between Black people abroad and in Africa, they told AP.

“I think that specifically, the story of the founder’s independence is something that all black people should know,” he said “There are no free sub-Saharan African countries until 1957. I think they should know about the revolutionary leaders on the continent and abroad. I think that if we had this connectedness and this interaction, people will actually have a chance to see this.”

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Restrictions apply. Ends 2/15/2023. Not available in all areas. Limited to Fast Internet with up to 800 Mbps download speed for new residential customers only. O er requires enrollment in both paperless billing and automatic payments with stored bank account. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10 (or $5 if enrolling with credit or debit card information). The discount will appear on your bill within 45 days of enrolling in automatic payments and paperless billing. If either automatic payments or paperless billing with stored bank account are subsequently cancelled, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and a er the term contract. A er 24 months, regular charges apply. Comcast’s service charge for Fast Internet is $92/mo. (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other o ers. Internet: Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. Many factors a ect speed, including equipment performance, interference, congestion, and speeds of visited websites. WiFi speeds a ected by additional factors, including distance from Gateway, home con guration, personal device capabilities, and others. For factors a ecting speed visit www.x nity.com/networkmanagement. All devices must be returned when service ends. X nity Mobile: Requires residential post-pay X nity Internet service. Line limitations may apply. For X nity Mobile Broadband Disclosures visit: www.x nity.com/mobile/policies/ broadband-disclosures. Actual savings vary and are not guaranteed. Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2023 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA243877-0003 NED-It's a Fact-V5