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Music-Lovers Hit The Mic For Monterey Deal

by NORA GRACE-FLOOD

Can the memory of Charlie Parker breathe new life into a controversial plan to publicly acquire a blighted former jazz club as part of a $1.3 million deal with an oft-cited megalandlord?

Elicker Administration officials and Dixwell Avenue cultural boosters gave it a try as they invoked the name of the late, great saxophone player as well as the memories of fellow 20th-century musical titans like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk in a bid to win public support for a tentative deal still making its way through the gears of city government.

Mayor Justin Elicker and Livable City Initiative (LCI) Executive Director Arlevia Samuel made that pitch during a Monday afternoon press conference held outside of the derelict former Monterey Jazz Club at 265 Dixwell Ave.

Joined by Monk Youth Jazz and Steam Collective, Inc., Founder Marcella Monk Flake, local jazz instructor and city Cultural Affairs Commission member Jesse Hameen Jr., Beulah Heights Land Development Corporation Chief Operating Officer Darrell Brooks, and Varick Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church Pastor Kelcy Steele, Elicker and Samuel hosted the press conference in support of the city’s plans to buy four rundown properties on Dixwell Avenue from affiliates of Ocean Management for a combined sum of $1.3 million.

That deal to publicly acquire 262, 263, 265 and 269 Dixwell Ave. at a price well above the properties’ city-appraised values and previous purchase prices is currently before the LCI Board of Directors, which put a pause on the proposal in December amid a debate over how best to revitalize the Dixwell neighborhood without rewarding a megalandlord for bad behavior. The proposed jazz club purchase also comes as a number of other nearby properties, like Dixwell Plaza and the Q House community center, have been or are in the process of being redeveloped.

The LCI board is scheduled to take back up the Ocean-LCI land deal on Wednesday night. If the proposal wins a favorable recommendation from the LCI board, it will then be up to the Board of Alders to take a final vote on whether or not to approve the deal.

“These parcels have sat blighted like this for over a decade,” Samuel said during Monday’s presser. “There’s obviously no intention by the current owner to do anything to them, to improve the looks or utilization of them.”

Monday’s rain-laden conference was held outside the decaying jazz club itself. “Everytime I drive by here my heart flutters,” Jesse Hameen Jr. said. “The Monterey was not the only jazz club on Dixwell, but the Monterey was like the hub…

I met so many great musicians here.”

Marcella Monk Flake, a relative of the late jazz pianist Thelonius Monk, said that she and friend Dee Dee Greenlee, the daughter of Rufus Greenlee, who owned the Monterey before its closure, welcomed the city’s purchase proposal, stating the pair were “ecstatic to know this property will be preserved, that it’ll be utilized to educate, to preserve history, and to partially revitalize the Dixwell community.”

It is currently unclear how the Monterey Jazz Club will actually be used and redeveloped if the city does follow through on purchasing the property. LCI’s Arlevia Samuel, who negotiated the tentative deal with Ocean Management, said that she and the city administration more broadly hope to leave that decision up to the community.

Samuel spotted that the property was up for sale alongside a larger portfolio of properties listed by Ocean Management last summer. The city is planning to purchase not only the jazz club at 265 Dixwell Ave. but the adjacent and also abandoned deli at 269 Dixwell Ave. and two multi-family homes located at 262 and 263 Dixwell Ave. for a total of $1.3 million.

The focus of the deal has always been, according to Samuel and Elicker, acquiring the club for the sake of saving history that could otherwise be destoryed.

Samuel said the city agreed to buy 262 and 263 Dixwell as part of this deal after Ocean which controls over 1,000 mostly low-income apartments across the city and whose principal has been fined in court three times over the past year due to persistent housing-code violations at other of his company’s local properties required that the city buy the Monterey building as part of a four-property package deal.

On Monday, Mayor Elicker said that the city will immediately dispose of the residential properties upon acquisition by handing them over to the Beulah Land Development Corporation, a nonprofit affiliated with Dixwell’s Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church. That nonprofit developer will either maintain the apartments as affordable units or transition the buildings into properties open to affordable homeownership.

Pastor Brooks himself hailed the potential acquisition Monday as a continuation of the work Beulah and the city have been doing to both revitalize the Dixwell corridor and establish housing during the affordability crisis.

“I must confess, my first love is gospel,” Brooks said. “But a very close second is jazz. My dad told me there was a time when people would drive their cars very slowly down Dixwell to celebrate community, to celebrate family… it’s an honor to be a part of the community that’s bringing that luster back to Dixwell.”

He pointed to Beulah’s recent work development 340 Dixwell into 69 new rental units, the first majority-affordable housing complex in New Haven to be made with a mass timber structure system.

“I’m excited about the renaissance happening here at Dixwell.”

During the second half of the presser, Samuel and Elicker fielded questions concerning the implications of opting to pay over a million dollars to a landlord with a track record of sitting on properties for a profit and leaving potential housing

buy the jazz club was the best option currently open to the city. Although the properties are indeed blighted, he said that eminent domain, for example, would mean that the city would have to undergo a “lengthy legal process” while still paying the property’s worth and potentially “tying up the property for years and years.”

Asked why the city would agree to pay Ocean Management almost three times as much as the landlord originally paid for all four parcels back in 2016 and 2017 and over $400,000 more than the properties’ collective tax-appraised value, Elicker said that “I don’t think it’s a fair assumption to say we’re overpaying on these properties compared to other properties.”

“We reviewed other comparable property sales in this area for two-family homes and they’re about the same increase from the appraised values as these properties are,” he said. “And we’re not doing this all over the city. A lot of the Ocean portfolio was for sale and we didn’t purchase most of those properties because they weren’t of strategic value to us.”

He said relieving a major throughway of blighted properties would significantly “uplift the entire Dixwell Avenue corridor” and that “if we weren’t willing to pay above appraised price we wouldn’t be able to acquire pretty much anything anyone in the city had to offer.”

However, both Samuel and Elicker agreed that the city has work to do in making sure that properties owned specifically by large landlords are well maintained.

“It’s a challenge that we face all around the city,” Elicker acknowledged. “There’s a handful of large companies that are acquiring tons and tons of residential properties in particular all over the city and they aren’t always the best landlords.”

in disarray.

She said the city was “fortunate” enough to be in a position to buy the properties using federal Community Development Block Grant funds, which the city received back in 2021. Those funds are set to expire this April. If the city does not buy the Monterey, she said, another developer could buy up the historic site and either sit on the property for longer or convert it into a use that wouldn’t benefit the surrounding community.

Elicker said using the limited funds to

Samuel and LCI have successfully brought such landlords, like Ocean, to court, he said, where they receive fines in the thousands. He also drew attention to the city’s move to demand all landlords of multi-family properties register their names and contact information with the city to diminish landlord’s abilities to “hide behind LLCs.” He also noted that the city is working to create a land bank that will allow the city to identify and buy up important properties before potentially bad actors get to them first. Samuel added that she is in discussions with city representatives to edit the ordinance dictating what LCI “can or cannot do,” including finding “more effective ways to take hold of blighted properties.”

“Ultimately we can’t prevent someone from buying a property,” Elicker said. “This is a free country… but we can put a lot of checks and balances on how people maintain those properties to ensure that they’re doing so in a respectful way.”

He concluded: “I think we can all say there’s more work to do there.”

NORA GRACE-FLOOD PHOTO Marcella Monk Flake: Acquiring club will help preserve Dixwell history.

Jesse Hameen Jr.: “Everytime I drive by here my heart flutters."

New Haven Independent

Hope Wrestles With Hard Reality

by PAUL BASS

The latest chapter in the quest to tackle deadly American gun violence began Wednesday with a mix of optimism and cold realism, in a New Haven garden created in that spirit.

The occasion was a press announcement by New Haven U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Connecticut U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal that they are reintroducing “Ethan’s Law.” The proposed measure passed the House of Representatives last year but did not make it into a final version of a bipartisan gun-safety law that did pass. It would set safety standards and violation penalties for home storage of firearms in the hope of preventing suicides and unintentional shootings, especially of young people.

Wednesday’s press event took place on what would have been the 20th birthday of Ethan Song of Guilford, after whom the law was named. Song accidentally shot himself to death in 2018 at the age of 15 at his best friend’s house with a gun improperly stored in a Tupperware box with the gunlock keys and ammunition nearby. Connecticut in 2019 passed a version of the law in Song’s name. The lawmakers were joined at Wednesday’s event by Ethan Song’s parents Kristin and Mike Song as well as New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.

The event took place in the shadow of West Rock at the New Haven Botanical Garden of Healing Dedicated to Victims of Gun Violence. Mothers of murdered

young New Haveners created the garden in 2021 as an Edenic spot where fellow family survivors of gun homicides can wrestle with the hard reality of their losses and summon strength and purpose to move on as individuals and as a community. It also serves to keep New Haven focused on the ongoing loss of life and on possibilities for action to reduce fatal gun violence.

“This is a place of hope,” DeLauro said at the event. She said she already has 110 cosponsors and expects more by the time she formally reintroduces the bill on Jan. 31.

“We came so close” last year to passing the law, Blumenthal noted.

Looming over the announcement was the hard reality of the changing makeup of the U.S. House of Representatives: Republicans now have the majority, with hardright anti-gun-control party members exerting influence. That could make it harder to pass the bill in that chamber this year, let alone have it end up in any negotiated House-Senate firearms bill. Right?

Well …

DeLauro and the two senators present — including Chris Murphy, the lead

Democratic negotiator in last year’s successful bipartisan bill — openly acknowledged that the GOP House takeover presents new challenges to passing Ethan’s Law. (Opponents have characterized the bill as an unnecessary violation of their interpretation of the Second Amendment.)

DeLauro and her colleagues also argued that other facts support reality-based optimism.

“We came so close” last year to passing the law, Blumenthal noted. Fifteen Republican senators supporting the passage of the eventual package of gun-control measures (called the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act) showed “we can break the grip of the NRA.”

Murphy noted that a majority of Americans — “Democrats and Republicans, left and right” “across the country” — now support gun-control and gun-safety measures, especially low-hanging fruit like this one, which “doesn’t take a gun from a single American.” That support grows amid reports that “every single day there’s a child being killed by an unsecured gun.”

Murphy credited a mass movement, growing over the 10 years since the Sandy Hook and Parkland shootings, for changing the politics in D.C. “We are now in an era when the gun safety movement wins,” he said. The lawmakers expressed confidence that they can find enough House Republicans from swing districts to support Ethan’s Law as a matter of reelection survival.

“I’m not a pollyanna,” DeLauro said. “I

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Connecticut Closes Out 2022 With Job Losses

by Christine Stuart

After 11 consecutive months of steady employment gains, Connecticut saw a sudden reversal of fortune in December with a loss of about 1,600 jobs.

“As expected given action by the Federal Reserve, we saw Connecticut numbers moderate in December,” Connecticut Labor Commissioner Dante Bartolomeo said. “In 2022, Connecticut added jobs faster than any year since 1996—this strong growth created a historically high number of jobs available in the state and, with low unemployment, employers continue to be challenged by a smaller workforce. U.S. Treasury economic priorities and inflation are among the issues that we’re watching going into 2023.”

Connecticut’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.2%, but the state still has more than 100,000 job openings.

“The pace of Connecticut’s job growth is simply not meeting the demands of our economy,” CBIA President and CEO Chris DiPentima said. “At 2%, our 2022 job growth rate is one of the region’s slowest and trails the national rate by a

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full percentage point, while our pandemic recovery rate is 89%, well behind the U.S. at 106%.”

Only five of the 10 industry groups added jobs in December.

“December was a complex month with Connecticut impacted by national issues including inflation and energy costs,” CTDOL Director of Research Patrick Flaherty said. “Despite revisions, 2022 was a strong year for the state with the addition of 32,000 jobs, a declining unemployment rate, and total recovery of key industry sectors. As we look ahead to 2023, we expect to see strong growth in manufacturing and construction industry jobs due to state and federal infrastructure priorities such as transportation improvements and housing expansion.”

But Connecticut’s largest business lobby said that growth can only happen if Connecticut grows its workforce.

“Our workforce development efforts must go beyond skills training and encouraging people to rejoin the labor force—it’s critical that we also focus on attracting more people to Connecticut,” DiPentima said.

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Lt. Gov. Susan Bysieiwicz and Acting Labor Commissioner Dante Bartolomeo at the American Jobs Center in Hartford. Credit: Christine Stuart / CTNewsJunkie

Chris Murphy: Popular movements change history.

New Haven Independent

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East Rockers Back Reading, Nursing $ Plans

by ALLAN APPEL

East Rock neighbors threw their support behind helping some of the most fragile people at the end of life to live in dignity, and rescuing some of the city’s youngest from a lifetime of illiteracy, in their latest management-team votes on how city government should allocate this year’s round of federal block-grant funds.

That was one of the outcomes of Monday night’s latest monthly meeting of the East Rock Community Management Team. Roughly 30 neighbors gathered online via Zoom and in-person at the mActivity gym’s community room on Nicoll Street to attend the meeting.

In two unanimous votes, the management team attendees agreed to write formal letters of support for Leeway Inc. and New Haven Reads. The letters will become a formal part of the groups’ respective applications to city government for federal grants through the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program.

To succeed with a CDBG grant, applying non-profits need to demonstrate community buy-in for their services. That’s why groups often solicit support letters from management teams, alders, and other community-involved people.

Leeway, per Monday night’s presentation by long-time staffer Lori Wesoly, is one of

the city’s least known but most significant, and legacy, nonprofits. Long located on Albert Street east of State in Cedar Hill, it is the only group in New Haven — and in Connecticut — providing long-term skilled nursing and supportive housing to a largely elderly population dealing with HIV/Aids and its many complications.

Leeway’s CDBG request of the management team Monday night is for $90,000 for its general operating support for its programs.

New Haven Reads Executive Director Kirsten Levinsohn’s pitch on Monday was as much a heart-felt appeal for East Rockers to sign up to be one-on-one tutors as it was for $40,000 in general operating support through CDBG.

“New Haven has a lot of aspiring readers,” she said. “Only 16 percent are reading at grade level,” she said, making an urgent case for more tutors and for the funding. “That means 84 percent are not. It’s actually worse than that. The kids we’re seeing are more than a little behind; they’re years behind. We have third and fourth graders at the kindergarten level.”

Downtown/East Rock Alder Eli Sabin, who was in attendance at mActivity Monday, reminded neighbors that the alders are nearing a vote, likely at the end of this month, on the Elicker Administration’s proposal to spend $3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds

on a city-wide campaign of literacy and math tutoring at a wide range of nonprofits and after-school programs.

Levinsohn said New Haven Reads may be part of that complex program, which is a work in progress, but tutors are desperately needed right now. “We can teach you

everything you need to know. We need people simply who like kids and can read. We’ll teach you everything else. It’ll be the best hour of the week.” She went on to say that she herself tutors four hours a week, although the ask is that a volunteer tutor just one hour a week.

“I love these kids, honestly, they don’t get our help” enough.

“Their teachers do an amazing job, but they can’t do it all,” Levinsohn continued. “They need us. Research has shown that if you don’t learn [to read effectively] by third grade, your chance of learning is low.”

Both groups said they have had to make adjustments in light of the effects of the pandemic and other issues. New Haven Reads has increased the number of tutors to serve the growing population of undergrade-level readers.

Wesoly said her team in recent years realized that its population can’t effectively go directly from a skilled nursing setting directly into living on their own. “A middle step was missing,” she explained. “They needed another step. So we got funding for residential care housing [RCH],” which surrounds their population, people aging with HIV/AIDS, with case management services involving both clients and their family members. “So today we have a total of 60 units, 30 skilled and 30 RCH all at 40 Albert Street.”

The grant request supports these clients, many with disabilities, and also some young people with these risks as well. The specific bucket of CDBG funds Leeway is applying for is federal support for

Con’t on page 13

In observance of Black History Month, the Yale School of Music acknowledges and celebrates past, present, and future Black artists from Yale and the New Haven community.

Ti any Jackson ’95MM ’96AD

Johnathan Berryman ’96MM

Helen Hagan 1912 BM

Lisa Williamson ’12MM

Althea Waites ’65MM

Joel Thompson ’20MMA ’26DMA

Leah Hawkins ’15MM

Willie Ru ’53BM ’54MM

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO

New Haven Reads Executive Director Kirsten Levinsohn practices word making with third grader Maliah at Bishop Woods at a recent tutoring session.

Hill-Museum Artist Housing Approved

by NORA GRACE-FLOOD

A Hill illustrator and museum owner is moving ahead with plans to attract more creative talent to West Street, after winning a first slate of approvals needed for turning part of his property into artist apartments.

Gregory “Krikko” Obbott known for creating large-scale, pencil-drawn cityscapes received that requested zoning relief during Tuesday’s latest meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) in his bid to convert a warehouse next to his personal museum at 210 West St. into housing for local artists.

The BZA voted unanimously in favor of granting Obbott “a variance to allow an existing accessory structure located within the required yards to be converted into two residential dwelling units” at that Hill property, per the meeting’s agenda.

Obbott said that, pending a separate goahead needed from the City Plan Commission, he intends to rehab a smaller structure located immediately adjacent to the Hill Museum, where his personal works are displayed. He said the small warehouse-like building at 212 West St. will be converted into two apartments with two bedrooms each, which he will put aside for local artists in need of lowincome rentals. He did not specify exactly how much he intends to charge for the apartments.

After Tuesday’s meeting, Obbott told the Independent that he plans to rent the

spaces to “artists who are already working with us, have been working with me for years and they need a place to stay.”

In his zoning-relief application, Obbott wrote that the “museum is in dire need of housing for visiting/ resident artists.”

“We’ve been wanting to do this for years,” he said, reflecting on “the beautiful pillars” in front of the warehouse which he said has been “abandoned” for years.

If all goes well, Obbott added that he would eventually like to construct additional floors on top of the warehouse to create up to four apartments. “We don’t want to price people out,” he said of his basic aim in making space for artists in the neighborhood. “We want to keep things affordable. There’s a lot of demand for housing.”

Obbott said that in the more immediate future he imagines building a courtyard on West Street, and that he has already purchased plenty of parking spaces in the area that would serve potential residents, including a lot right across the road at 215 West St.

Plenty of audience members spoke up Tuesday night to support Obbott’s undertaking as he addressed the BZA. “Having a place where we can house artists that come and serve in our local community would be a plus,” Hill Alder Evelyn Rodgriguez said. “I would strongly support this on behalf of the neighborhood.”

Hill resident Leslie Radcliffe, who also

chairs the City Plan Commission, pitched in as a member of the public, describing the Hill Museum as “one of the many wonders of the Hill the work that Mr. Krikko has done in that building is just astonishing.”

She complimented the fact that Obbott’s museum serves not just as an art gallery, but a public meeting and gathering space for the community. “To be able to say we have resident artists in the Hill being housed right next to the Krikko arts museum is just going to make the Hill a much more attractive place for people to visit,” she said. And “if you have not been to the museum to see what he does with his hands, you have to go see,” Radcliffe urged.

Local attorney Ben Trachten, also speaking as a member of the public, described Obbott as “an extraordinary man and extraordinary architect. What he brings to the community cannot be replaced.”

Trachten then pointed to his office wall behind his desk to reveal two prints of Obbott’s pencil drawings, including an intricate illustration of Manhattan. “He is truly a treasure to New Haven,” Trachten said.

The commissioners barely paused to discuss or debate Obbott’s proposal before unanimously voting in favor of his application.

BZA Chair Mildred Melendez stated that “we don’t always have these kinds of stories, when somebody wants to give back and this is definitely a give back.”

The Hill Museum.

PAUL BASS FILE PHOTO Krikko Obbott: “We’ve been wanting to do this for years.”

New Haven Independent

HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE

Connecticut DOT has launched the New Mix project to assess the current state of the interchange and plan for its long-term future.

This project will present opportunities for improving the interchange and Waterbury community. Learn more about the project, make your voice heard, and help improve the community by attending the next public meeting.

Attend virtually, January 31st at 12PM or 6PM. Register at NewMixWaterbury.com

Você pode solicitar uma cópia deste documento, ligando para a Linha de Assistência em Outros Idiomas do Departamento de Transporte de Connecticut (Connecticut Department of Transportation) pelo número (860) 594-2109. Assistência em outros idiomas é disponibilizada gratuitamente ao público. Esforços estão sendo realizados para que os pedidos de ajuda sejam atendidos o mais prontamente possível.

Mund të kërkoni një kopje të këtij studimi duke kontaktuar Linjën Telefonike për Asistencën Gjuhësore të Departamentit të Transportit të Konektikatit (860) 594-2109. Asistenca gjuhësore ofrohet falas për publikun dhe do të bëhen përpjekje për t’iu përgjigjur në kohë kërkesave për asistencë.

Pou mande yon kopi sondaj sa a, rele Liy Apèl Asistans Lang Depatman Transpò Connecticut la nan (860) 594-2109. Nou ofri èd ak tradiksyon gratis pou piblik la epi

curiosity Set your free

Edward A. Bouchet, was the valedictorian of the Hopkins class of 1870, the first African-American to graduate from Yale College, and the first African-American to receive a Ph.D. in physics. His intellectual drive and dedication to his studies remain hallmarks of a Hopkins student today. Hopkins is where high-achieving, motivated students inspire one another in a collective pursuit of excellence.

To learn more, please visit us at hopkins.edu

Streater Wins Ward 21 Alder Race

by THOMAS BREEN

Maceo “Troy” Streater ended up on top of a four-way special election for Ward 21 alder, making him the next local legislative representative for a zig-zagged district that stretches across parts of Newhallville, Dixwell, and Prospect Hill.

That was the outcome of Monday’s special election for Ward 21 alder.

The race to fill the seat vacated late last year by Steve Winter included four Democrats: Streater, Fred Christmas, Kendall Hurse, and write-in candidate Anais Nunez.

According to Kevin Arnold from the registrar of voters office, the final tally saw Streater prevail in the aldermanic special election with 125 votes. Christmas came in second with 64 votes, while Hurse and Nunez each received two votes.

“I want to thank all the people who voted for me, and also the ones that didn’t,” Streater told the Independent in a Monday evening phone interview. “I’ll be an alder for everyone in the community.”

Asked what his primary focus will be upon taking office, Streater said, “We need to focus on this gun violence, strong. We have to eradicate it. We also need to know that this is not just a ward thing. It’s a complete city thing.”

“I’m extremely excited” to be the next Ward 21 alder, he added. “I’m up for the task.”

Voters trickled to the polls Monday for a drizzly-day special election to decide who the next alder will be for a zigzagged district that stretches across parts of Newhallville, Dixwell, and Prospect Hill.

That was the scene Monday morning outside of King-Robinson School at 150

Fournier St., which is the sole polling place open for in-person voting for the special election for Ward 21 alder. Polls are open through 8 p.m. Voters can also drop absentee ballots off at the ballot boxes outside of the municipal office building at 200 Orange St.

There are four candidates, all Democrats, in the race to fill the seat left vacant late last year when Steve Winter stepped down from

Those candidates are Fred Christmas, Maceo “Troy Streater, and Kendall Hurse, all of whose names are on Monday’s ballot. A fourth candidate, Townsend Street

resident Anais Nunez, is running as a write-in. Christmas is the Democratic Party’s endorsed candidate, having prevailed with five ward committee votes over Streater’s four.

As of around 10:30 a.m. on Monday, only 33 out of the ward’s 2,100 registered voters had cast their ballots in-person at the Fournier Street school polling place. Another 62 voters had submitted absentee ballots to the city clerk’s office by that time.

As a light-rain fell from a dark-gray overcast sky, three of the four Ward 21 alder candidates and, in the case of Streater,

more than half-a-dozen campaign supporters stood outside the polling place to make last-minute pitches to raincoatclad voters.

“I feel confident,” said Streater, who works as a counselor at the 180 Center on East Street and whose spare white-andblue campaign signs blanketed either side of the roadway leading up to the KingRobinson School parking lot. Standing alongside a handful of supporters who huddled underneath a white canvas tent in between making pitches to voters, Streater talked with pride about his work knocking on doors throughout the neigh-

borhood in the runup to Monday’s election.

What are the top issues he’s heard from voters about the biggest issues and challenges facing Ward 21?

“Gun violence is the thing people are complaining about the most,” Streater said. “Everyone wants to feel safe” where they live. “We have to show the youth the right way.” That means more afterschool programs and more ways to productively engage young people’s time and keep them away from lives of violence.

Streater’s campaign supporters, including Gaylord Salters and Charlie Brown and Patty Durham-Mims, praised their preferred candidate for being born and raised in the Newhallville neighborhood and for talking openly about the challenges faced by the formerly incarcerated. (Streater, like several of his campaign supporters, served time in prison for a crime he has consistently said he didn’t commit. After serving two decades behind bars, Streater received a state pardon last year.)

“He’s a people person. He’s honest, open-minded,” Durham-Mims said. She and Salters and Brown all said that the number one concern they’ve heard from prospective voters is about “a lot of drugs and violence.”

Nearby, Christmas stood in the rain, handing out flyers to voters on their way to the polls.

“It’s slow,” Christmas said about Monday morning’s rainy-day voter turnout. “Win or lose,” he said, about his campaign, “we all got to be a community.” He said his closing pitch to voters involves thanking them for coming to the polls and pointing to his long track record as a com-

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Thousands gather inside Baltimore Convention Center to celebrate Maryland’s first Black governor

Courtesy of the AFRO Staff

On the evening of Jan. 18 Governor Wes Moore welcomed more than 10, 000 supporters from around the country to help him celebrate in his new role.

The governor spoke to the crowd, danced with his family and made his way to festivities happening on multiple levels of the Baltimore Convention Center, located on the same Pratt Street where slaves were once marched to Fells Point for transport.

Grammy-award winning artist Maxwell crooned the crowd on one floor while Baltimore’s own Dru Hill got the crowd moving in an upstairs ballroom. Members of the Divine Nine were seen repping their organizations, while HBCU grads proudly “swagged” and “surfed” into a truly historic night. Chris Tucker got the crowd laughing and Indian dancers graced the stage in full traditional dress, a nod to the newly sworn-in Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller’s heritage.

Governor Wes Moore’s inaugural celebration– the People’s Ball– was truly a spectacular affair, as Maryland’s First and Second Families made the night a perfect blend of culture and class.

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO Maceo "Troy" Streater (center) with campaign supporters at King-Robinson.

New Haven Independent

munity organizer advocating for safer and cleaner streets.

Across the street, Nunez held a red-andblue campaign sign urging voters to back her as a write-in candidate for alder.

A Comcast sales representative who has lived in Dixwell for eight years, Nunez said she’s running for alder because she wants “to be a voice for the people.” That means fighting for a “safer community” by prioritizing “building a strong relationship with the police.”

“People see the police as the enemy,” she said. She said she wants to help change that mindset.

She also wants to see more lighting on dark Dixwell streets, and more services for neighborhood seniors.

Nunez said she’ll run for Ward 21 alder again during the November general election. And while she’s now a Democrat, she’s considering changing her party affiliation to Republican. Why? She said she’s worried about voter fraud and widespread vaccination of young people under the age of 12.

Nunez won at least one vote Monday, from Shelton Avenue resident Richard Dubay.

With an umbrella held above his head, Dubay said he turned out to vote on Monday because “one of the privileges in this country” is casting ballots during local, state, and national elections. He said he voted for Nunez because he liked her persistence as a write-in candidate.

State Erases Nearly 44,000 Cannabis Convictions, While Clean Slate Awaits Many

by Hugh McQuaid

As commercial cannabis retailers prepared to open their doors to customers this week, Connecticut policymakers and advocates gathered Monday to celebrate a law which last week erased records of more than 43,000 low-level cannabis convictions.

Gov. Ned Lamont and some of his top criminal justice advisors appeared alongside Judiciary Committee co-chairman Sen. Gary Winfield for a news conference at the Greater Hartford Reentry Welcome Center on the Jan. 1 expungement of 43,754 criminal records related to possession of cannabis.

The provision which erased those records was included in the 2021 law which legalized adult possession of the substance and established the recreational market that will begin Tuesday around 10 a.m. at more than a half dozen retailers across the state. The policy was designed to ease the barriers to opportunities like employment and housing which a criminal record represents to many people convicted under the longstanding war on drugs.

Winfield, a New Haven Democrat and leading proponent of the legislation, pointed to statistics given Monday by the Lamont administration: about 35% of the residents whose cases were wiped clean this month were Black while, according to census figures, only about 10% of Connecticut’s population is Black. Winfield said that disparity was the result of policy choices.

“It’s not like disparity just kind of happens. We have chosen to have disparity and so now we have to choose to have something different,” Winfield said. “That is what we call a second chance, but what is for many people, their very first … real chance at a life.”

Lamont said the war on drugs destroyed a lot of lives and the erasure of some of the resulting criminal records would make a difference in setting right past wrongs.

“Forty-four thousand folks are going to have one less barrier to overcome in order to get back on their feet, one less barrier to overcome in order to get that home that is just a foundation to getting back on your

feet,” Lamont said.

The automatic erasures affected convictions that took place between 2001 and about 2015. People with cannabis convictions either before or after those dates can also petition state courts to erase those records.

But while officials celebrated the expunged cannabis convictions, they acknowledged that many more records were meant to be erased on Jan. 1 under a separate policy known as the “Clean Slate” law. The state Criminal Justice Information System Governing Board signaled in November that it would be unable to implement the policy, which was written to ex-

punge hundreds of thousands of criminal records. The law was designed to automatically clear records of misdemeanors, Class D and E felonies as well as some unclassified crimes after a period of seven to 10 years.

In a letter, the board told the Judiciary Committee it needed clarification and potential legislative action on a number of questions before the records could be purged.

On Monday, Marc Pelka, Lamont’s undersecretary of criminal justice policies, said he expected the law to be implemented later this year. Pelka said the Clean Slate law necessitated around $5 million in technological upgrades in order to clear the appropriate criminal records. Those upgrades, in addition to legal and policy questions about the law, have “added some rigor to the process.”

“Connecticut has moved very quickly relative to other states to implement clean slate and it’s apparent work is required to get it done along the way,” Pelka said. As they crafted the law, Winfield said lawmakers recognized that delays were possible but moved forward with the ambitious legislation anyway rather than risk missing an opportunity.

“We are going to make this happen,” Winfield said. “We’re not going to make it happen on Jan. 1, obviously, but it is completely the intent of the legislature to figure out what those questions are, figure out what the answers are and get us on track as soon as possible.”

Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, and Gov. Ned Lamont at a press conference on Jan. 9, 2023 Credit: Hugh McQuaid / CTNewsJunkie

In Edgewood, "Everyday Angels" Bless The Year Ahead

Lucy Gellman, Editor, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

Marilyn Nelson sat back against a pair of dazzling wire-and-bead wings, and summoned the spirit of sculptor Augusta Savage. Halfway across the room, an angel sat between the books A Wreath for Emmett Till and Lubaya’s Quiet Roar, her head bowed in prayer. Beside her, sculptures of tiny women in wide-brimmed hats transformed into a rainbow of color. Nelson cracked open the spine of a book, and began to read.

Sacred and secular met at Possible Futures bookspace last Saturday, as poets, artists, chefs and community members gathered for “Everyday Angels,” a poetry reading, art exhibition and brunch. The brainchild of Possible Futures, Elm City LIT Fest and Hamden’s Amplify The Arts festival, the event brought together sculptor Linda Mickens, Connecticut Poet Laureate Anotoinette Brim-Bell, and former Connecticut Poet Laureate Marilyn Nelson. Samad Mickens, who owns and runs Beyond the Salt Truck, provided food for the event.

Mickens’ sculptures will remain at Possible Futures at 318 Edgewood Ave. through the end of the month. A suite of “Everyday Angel” awardees, recognized as hometown heroes by friends and fellow attendees, included longtime educator Lensley Gay, Elm City Communities Executive Director Karen DuBois-Walton, International Festival of Arts & Ideas Program Manager and Elm City LIT Fest Co-Coordinator Shamain McAllister, Keefe Center Director Sharon Jones, and Inner-City News Editor and WNHH Community Radio host Babz Rawls-Ivy.

“It’s not necessarily this mystical thing. It really is more about the everyday people that show up and lend kind words, do acts that you don’t even know why,” said Mickens’ daughter Karimah, who runs Amplify the Arts and serves as Hamden’s town clerk. “That intent of today is just to be in that space of inspiration. I think it’s a good time, it’s the beginning of a new year, and hopefully you’ll walk away with that word, inspired.”

Throughout the morning, artists summoned a raft of angels, both earthly and not. Mickens, a sculptor and recently retired nurse whose career stretches back decades, told attendees that her interest in sculpting angels began in the 1980s, when she was on a trip to Jamaica to hike the Blue Mountains with friends. At the time, she was waiting for a bus when a woman approached her, asking for socks.

Mickens realized the only socks she had were the ones she had on. Spotting a store nearby, she offered the woman money to buy socks instead. The woman pushed back, stressing that she hadn’t asked for money. Mickens turned to get on the bus.

“It was like this beautiful light, a prism of colors, but very pastel-y,” she said. “And it felt like time had stopped. I don’t know how I sat on the bus or how I got there. It was just love surrounding me all over.

It lasted maybe five or seven minutes and then I came back, and I’m on the bus.”

To this day, she can’t remember getting on the bus. She sat for a moment, wondering what had happened to her. “My interpretation was that I met an angel,” she said. “I met an angel that gave me the gift of love. I think that they’re here with us, on an ancestral level. They’re everyday people.”

It was an introduction to the small blessings that weave through everyday life, and often define New Haven. So too as Nelson took a seat on the bench, a painting from the artist Shaunda Holloway perched just above her head.

Nelson said that she hadn’t decided what to read until coming into the space, and spending time with Mickens’ work. It was there, looking over the pieces, that she settled on selections from her collection Augusta Savage: The Shape of a Sculptor’s Life. On hearing the sculptor’s name spoken aloud, Mickens beamed. She later squealed in delight when Possible Futures owner Lauren Anderson gifted her a copy of the book.

“She had such a tremendous struggle to be recognized … not to be recognized, to be allowed to be an artist,” Nelson said. “To be allowed to be an African American woman artist. And it looked like all the doors were closed to her.”

As she took a seat on the bench, Nelson traced Savage’s extraordinary path from small-town Florida to New York City to Paris and back to New York again. The middle of 14 children, Savage was “beaten for making art” by her father, Nelson said. And yet, she pursued it, ultimately heralded for her craft and sometimes maligned for it too.

Starting in Savage’s young voice, she traced a line from the enslavement of Black people to Savage’s own childhood and adolescence to her budding and tumultuous career in New York. In her writing, Nelson often uses concrete poetry; she turned the page to show the thick outline of a duckling in reference to the poem. It was a nod to Savage, who made history as a sculptor, yet had to fight for recognition from her family and the public alike until her death in 1962.

“I was thinking that I should sculpt the poems,” Nelson said before returning to the page. Around the room, Mickens’ paper-and-paint sculptures sat still, waiting with open ears.

Attendees listened as Nelson guided them through Savage’s life, from her studies at Cooper Union to the opening of her gallery in New York. They murmured as Nelson described Savage’s Floridian family showing up in Harlem, cramming into her one-bedroom flat after they were displaced by a hurricane. A few breathed in sharply through their teeth when Nelson described an affluent white stalker who called Savage every day for years.

Nelson’s words laid Savage’s life bare, but also painted it with great humanity. Nowhere, perhaps, was the artist’s struggle clearer than in Nelson’s poem “Hitting Bottom,” which wound through the sculptor’s marriage to journalist, Black nationalist and Garveyite Robert Poston. A member of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), Poston died at sea coming back from Liberia.

He and others, Nelson said, were discovering that America did not want them as Black people, but Liberia did not, either.

In the poem, written out like an X, Nel-

there, and create the type of art that you do.”

Looking back down at the page, she told attendees that she had been inspired by Wallace Stevens’ “13 Ways of Looking At A Blackbird”—so much so that a series of poems had sprouted from the single piece. Instead of a blackbird, however, she was simply interested in ways of looking. As she read—Gotta see to know/Gotta see to know/Gotta know/To see—she tied spare, sometimes glittering and evocative language to the act of seeing itself.

Suddenly, a listener could hear the act of seeing, with the drum of fingers on wood, or maybe a hard, pointed stare, or the bending sheaves of light into a room.

Between works, Brim-Bell took attendees back to her 20s, at a time when she thought she had everything figured out.

When she realized she didn’t—”you don’t even realize how young you are, and how precious you are, and how time is gonna move forward and it’s gonna be okay”— she could feel the world shift beneath her. Then one day while she was ironing, she saw an angel.

son writes with deep feeling about Savage’s love for Poston, the weight of his loss and the premature birth and death of their daughter, Roberta. It is enough to bring a reader to their knees. Saturday, attendees could hear breath still as she read (read the piece in its entirety here).

“That pretty much describes what art was for her,” she said between poems, drawing a connection from Savage to living sculptor Merdith Bergmann to James Weldon Johnson, the composer of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” “It was one struggle after another.”

The story of Savage, and the miracle of her life, is still unfolding, she added. After her book’s publication, a team she had worked with at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture uncovered several letters from Alain Locke, widely seen as the progenitor and darling of the Harlem Renaissance. The letters revealed that Locke was working to undermine Savage during her lifetime.

“Her life began with having her father stand against her, and then 30, 40 years of fighting to be able to make the art she felt called to make, and then at the end, another major [blow],” she said.

The sense of the sacred flitted through the space as Brim-Bell slipped onto the bench, holding the pages of a new manuscript tightly between her hands. Before reading, she promised that she would leave writers in the room with a prompt of their own. Then she turned to Mickens.

“Your artwork is amazing,” she said, her foot rising and falling in an embroidered velvet slipper. “It is important and necessary work, and sometimes, everyone just doesn’t get how necessary and how important it is. So it is revolutionary to step out

“It looked like a snow angel that had just lifted up,” she said. “It was all crystalline and shivery and not touching the floor, but almost touching the ceiling, and very very broad. And I wasn’t afraid, and I stood there, and I looked at it, and then it was gone. But on the inside of me, I knew it was gonna be alright.”

Now, she said, she thinks of that moment when the world turns upside down. While she spoke, Mickens’ wings extended behind her. “Angels are still out there,” she said.

That sense of the divine echoed through her poetry, meditations on looking informed by years of experience and language that was clear, economical and delicate all at once. Before reading her work “13 Ways Of Looking at a Lock On The Door,” Brim-Bell laughed remembering how little she initially liked Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own. It was only later, when she became a mother herself, that the book began to resonate with her.

It was maybe for that reason that she left listeners with a prompt: “write a love poem to yourself.” As she pulled out her poem “This Female Body” and prepared to read, her voice wove through the bookspace, even and full:

She tends the fruit of her own labor, lays brick upon brick

Weaves what was threadbare into warmth

She says, we are safe now

In honoring community angels, Anderson, Gardin and Mickens all said it was also important to them to spotlight the divine, often quiet work that is taking place in New Haven. “Time is so precious and you have to give people their flowers,” said Karimah Mickens.

And people did. Introducing DuBoisWalton, Erica Bradley remembered a recent conversation that the two had over the phone. At the time, DuBois-Walton was Con’t on page 13

THU, JAN 26 | 7:30 PM | ELVIS

FRI, JAN 27 | 7:30 PM | NOPE

SAT, JAN 28 | 3:00 PM | THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN

SAT, JAN 28 | 7:30 PM | MOONAGE DAYDREAM

SUN, JAN 29 | 3:00 PM | TÁR

DRUMLINE LIVE

FRIDAY, FEB 10 | 8PM

DRUMLine Live is the showstopping attraction created by the musical team behind 20th Century Fox's hit movies, "Drumline" and "Drumline: A New Beat," featured throughout the Shaq'tacular on New Year’s Eve. The legendary HBCU band experience comes alive with this world-class cast of percussionists, musicians and dancers in a brand new show with new music and choreography. Be prepared to laugh, sing, dance and cry, because DRUMLine Live is a high-octane musical roller coaster ride that will hit every emotion in your body.

THU, FEB 2 | 7:30 PM | EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

FRI, FEB 3 | 7:30 PM | BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

SAT, FEB 4 | 3:00 PM | SHE SAID

SAT, FEB 4 | 7:30 PM | TOP GUN: MAVERICK

SUN, FEB 5 | 3:00 PM | MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS

Dates to be announced: Till, The Woman King, The Inspection, and more. The series schedule is subject to change.

The Breezeline Winter Cinema Series is co-sponsored by Safe Futures, Secor Auto Group, Sawyer Law Firm, The Shops at Mohegan Sun, The Farmer's Cow Café & Creamery, Stars to Stem, Liberty Bank, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Blu-Prints Unlimited, Inc. and Hall Communications.

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What Would Hazel Say?

by MAYA MCFADDEN

The late longtime public education advocate Hazel Pappas was present yet again, this time in memory only, at the Board of Education this week as current New Haven educators invoked the impact she had on countless local students, parents, teachers, and school staff who were able to meet her face to face at in-person meetings.

Ashley Stockton, a sixth-grade English teacher at Wexler-Grant School, spoke up about Pappas’s impact on school board meetings more broadly, and on her own career as a New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) teacher in particular, during Monday’s latest full Board of Education meeting, which was held entirely online via Zoom.

Stockton’s testimony came amidst the ongoing citywide debate about whether or not New Haven’s school board should return to in-person meetings, stay remote on Zoom in the way that it has since the start of the pandemic nearly three years ago, or find some kind of hybrid in-person/remote option.

During the public participation section of Monday’s online meeting, Stockton recalled the passing last month of Pappas, whom she met for the first time at a Board of Education meeting in-person nearly 12 years ago.

“Over the years I had the pleasure of talking to Mrs. Pappas before and after board meetings. Through our neighborly conversations I learned she had a grandson at the school where I taught and we enjoyed this connection,” Stockton said. “I would not have known Mrs. Pappas if we had been denied the opportunity to attend these public meetings. Thankfully past leaders did not prohibit us from meeting publicly, getting to know one another, and building community.”

“By refusing to hold in person public meetings,” Stockton continued, “the current leadership is denying citizens the opportunity to gather and fully participate.” She noted that the school board has disabled the Zoom function that allows viewers to see the number of participants. She also shared that during the board’s Jan. 9 meeting, she suddenly lost internet connection in her home, which meant she could not watch live on Zoom or YouTube as the online meeting was held.

“Meeting remotely assumes that all members of the public have access to consistently working technology,” Stockton said.

During her testimony Monday night, Stockton also criticized statements Mayor Justin Elicker and Board of Education President Yesenia Rivera have made in support of keeping board meetings remote that is, that holding the meetings

online boosts citizen attendance.

“President Rivera and Mayor Elicker have said that remote meetings have resulted in increased attendance yet no comparative data has been provided to support these claims,” she said. “At a 2019 event with city teachers, then mayoral candidate Elicker stated, ‘The Mayor has a lot of power over this system.’ If elected mayor, he said he would ‘encourage meaningful parent involvement with the school board so parents don’t have to rely on Facebook live videos posted by parent education activists in order to know what is being said and decided upon at Board of Ed meeting.,’ ”

She also quoted a part of Elicker’s response in this Independent story about Democratic mayoral challenger Shafiq Abdussabur’s call for resuming in-person ed board meeting, in which the mayor spoke about how “in-person communication is always helpful and important” and how he has made himself available as mayor for in-person meetups in other contexts.

“So which is it? Should the public have to rely on videos of meetings or not?”

Stockton asked on Monday. “Personally I want to attend the public meetings in the city where I live and pay taxes, not have a beer with the mayor in order to engage civically.”

In the conclusion to her remarks Monday, Stockton shared her concerns about

the possible implications of keeping school board meetings remote, including when it comes time to select a new schools superintendent. She warned the exclusion of the public during the process and general meetings “will most likely create unnecessary obstacles for our new superintendent.”

“Due to the isolated remote functioning of this Board it is inevitable that there will be mistrust. How can there not be?

late to change course.”

ESUMS teacher Kirsten Hopes-McFadden also testified Monday regarding remote meetings. She offered another possible option to getting board meetings to return in person.

First, she paid her respects to Pappas, who she worked with at the start of her teaching career at Clemente School. Pappas also knew Hopes-McFadden’s mother from attending past Board of Ed meetings.

“She was wonderful. I loved seeing her at every Board meeting and I do regret that in the past couple of years we were not able to see her because the board meetings were remote,” Hopes-McFadden said.

Hopes-McFadden, who is also an attorney, said she did research on why the board is still allowed to host its full board meetings online rather than in-person. She cited a state law passed that allows public agencies like the Board of Education to operate completely remote or hybrid until April 30, 2022. She also noted that last year Gov. Ned Lamont signed an amended version of the law, House Bill 5269, which which removed the April 30, 2022 “sunset date” and that allows public agencies to continue to hold remote-only or hybrid meetings. “If you’re upset about this and because the Board of Education is not listening to us, we might need to contact our state legislature and Governor Ned Lamont and have them repeal House Bill 5269,” she said.

Board of Education member Darnell Goldson said on Monday that he had known Pappas since he was a “young tike running around Newhallville with a runny nose and ripped up sneakers” and even then she was always involved in the schools he said.

Goldson implored his fellow board members to take up the public’s demands for in-person or hybrid meetings. “We should have a public-facing meeting,” he said.

Members of this Board will not even sit in the same room with engaged members of the public,” Stockton said. “Please don’t be surprised if down the line that the new superintendent chosen by you finds some self-facing issues with parents, students, and employees that could’ve been prevented had this board welcomed members of the community you represent into the room where decisions about our children and schools are being made. It’s not too

He also shared that 15 minutes into Monday’s meeting, its participants included 22 panelist and 36 attendees. “And the reason why the public’s not attending anymore is because they can’t actually sit and talk to each other and organize and discuss amongst themselves as well as us these issues around these Board of Ed issues,” he said.

Board Secretary Ed Joyner added to Monday’s conversation that we are not in a “post-Covid period.”

Joyner and Supt. Iline Tracey also shared mutual respect for Pappas and described her as an inspiration for their own decades of work in public education in New Haven.

CHRISTOPHER PEAK FILE PHOTO

The late Hazel Pappas, at an in-person ed board meeting in 2017.

CHRISTOPHER PEAK FILE PHOTO Darnell Goldson (second from right) at 2019 school board meeting.

New Haven Independent

Small Changes, Big Wins: Morning Rituals that Lead to Success

Hope Wrestles With Hard Reality

know it’s going to take the advocacy of all of us here [and] people around the country. It will not be for lack of trying.”

The group spoke steps away from the brick-lined pathway leading into the garden etched with the names of all New Haveners killed by gun violence since 1976. The 1994 section included the name of Danielle Monique Taft, a 7-month Dixwell girl whose murder helped influence the state to pass a gun-control bill that year.

Marlene Miller-Pratt stood to the side listening as the politicians spoke. Miller and two fellow moms of gun violence victims came up with the idea of the botanical garden and made it happen. She has since dedicated her life to offering support for

Con’t from page 05

East Rockers Back Reading

Housing for People with AIDS, or HOPWA.

An important add-on, Wesoly said, is that because Leeway is unique, it’s the site where universities around the state send their social work students to develop inperson skills and training. “We provide an opportunity to get their [the social work students’] hours filled, and many come to us for a semester or a year and get their own caseload and get to work under the HOPWA umbrella.”

Levinsohn reminded her attentive listeners that New Haven Reads has four sites around town, in Newhallville, Dixwell, Bishop Woods, and with the fourth site nearby off Willow Street in East Rock, so it’s easy to get to. Go online, she urged her listeners, and sign up!

By the time the vote for a letter of support was taken at the end of the meeting, many people had left the online gathering, said the chair Elena Grewal. The formal tally for New Haven Reads was 25 “Yes’s” and 0 “No’s.” For Leeway, the result was 17 “Yes’s” and 0 “No’s.”

other parents and working with young people to prevent further shootings. She has also lent advice to organizers of similar efforts in other cities, including Philadelphia.

She noted Wednesday that the first five months of 2022 elapsed with no homicides, no new bricks in the pathway. She allowed her hopes to rise. Then came 14 more names to etch into bricks. 2023 is barely two weeks old; three new bricks now need to be added.

So Miller-Pratt has no illusions about the challenge she faces. “I keep telling myself: We have to continue to press forward,”

Miller-Pratt said. “I will continue this fight against gun violence. It’s personal.”

Con’t from page 10 In Edgewood, "Everyday Angels" Bless The Year Ahead

driving, and would stop to check directions every so often. Bradley made nothing of it. It was only the next day, while scrolling through social media, that she saw that DuBois-Walton had been on her way to meet Vice President Kamala Harris.

“She was on her way to a meeting with the Vice President of the United States and she’s talking to me like she’s on the way to Dunkin’ Donuts!” Bradley said to a wave of laughter that rippled through the room.

Introducing McAllister, Zanaiya Léon recalled meeting an angel close to a decade ago, when she was in New York City to see a family member in the hospital. When she and her mother exited the building, the sky opened up. A man offered to walk them to their car beneath the cover of his umbrella.

Now, Léon doesn’t second-guess it when she feels the divine moving in her life.

“You an angel, sis,” Léon said as McAllister came to the front, trying not to cry.

“Do your thing.”

“I just feel so much love,” McAllister said.

“God is so good.”

Jasmine Danielle, Associate Editor of BlackDoctor.org.

“You have the same 24 hours a day as Beyoncé.”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this quote run across my social media timelines, but I know it strikes a nerve for me. It’s true, we all have the same number of hours in day as the Queen, but are we using them to our advantage?

If we’re sleeping in ’til noon, the answer is no. If we’re waking up without a plan or a solid routine, the answer is no. We’ve all heard the great cliché “Early bird gets the worm”, but if we’re honest, for most people it isn’t easy to get up early, especially when it’s still dark. It’s also not easy to push through the day when it started off rough so we must choose the lesser of two evils. There are many benefits to waking up early and having a solid routine, amongst which is living life like Queen Bey.

1. Wake Up Earlier

The first step is to get into the habit of waking up earlier. This means that we can no longer hold on to our pillows until the very last second. Place your alarm clock across the room so you HAVE to get out of bed to get to it.

I have learned that having two alarms going works best for me: one phone alarm and one traditional alarm. By waking up earlier we give ourselves time for gratitude. If you’ve ever pulled yourself from the bed with little to no time to spare, you know that sometimes the last thing to come to mind is being grateful for the night’s sleep or the warm water running from the faucet as you wash your face.

2.

Appreciate the Small Things

Feeling

appreciation for the little things

is often overlooked and underestimated. We can set ourselves up for happier days by bringing light to the things in our lives that bring joy.

RELATED: Rise and Shine! Make the Most of Your Morning With These Daily Practices

3. Drink Water

Hydrating at the start of the day can make a huge difference as well. Again, it’s about setting the tone. There are many benefits to drinking water first thing in the morning, especially on an empty stomach. It helps rid the body of toxins, improves metabolism, promotes radiant skin, and strengthens the immune system.

4. Eat Breakfast

Waking up early also means having a

chance to eat a well-balanced breakfast. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to stop to grab something convenient and awful just to keep the stomach growling at a minimum. If we set the tone for the day by eating a good, nutritious breakfast, the rest of the day’s meals get into formation and we tend to eat nutritious lunches.

5. Write Down Your Tasks and Goals

Because we’re up with enough time to really get our thoughts together, we have an opportunity to get an uplifting playlist going and sort through the day. We can write down our most important tasks and goals. Whatever it is that needs to get done, we identify them and write them down to hold ourselves accountable.

6. Affirm Yourself!

We also need to reinforce and affirm ourselves, our goals, and our vision. This helps us focus, prioritize, and manage our time better. This practice also boosts confidence and self-love. Remind yourself of how beautiful, talented, capable, and intelligent you are.

Of course, life is constantly throwing variables at us, but at least we have some structure now. We want to set ourselves up for success so it’s okay to take baby steps. If you tend to wake up at 8:30 to be out of the house by 8:45, then try waking up at 8:15 instead.

Continue to wake up 15 minutes earlier each day and perhaps go to bed earlier as well. Small steps lead to much bigger changes and before you know it, you’ll be waking up two hours earlier!

Having a solid morning routine is so important because again, it sets the tone for the day. Small wins empower us to achieve bigger wins, so start small. You’ll find that you have enough time in the morning for anything, including making the bed and cleaning the sink after brushing your teeth!

Commentary: On taking a second look at The Embrace

By Jannette J. Witmyer, Special to the Inner-City News, courtesy of the AFRO

The real beauty of art is that its “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Since folks see things differently, it is meant to stimulate thought and initiate conversations, allowing for the discussion of subjective interpretations, objectively. The bottom line is that people either like a piece of art, or they don’t, for whatever reason. Sometimes, they get a little help in making that decision.

In the case of “The Embrace,” the recently unveiled Hank Willis Thomas bronze sculpture, people have much to say. The sculpture was installed on the Boston Common and is meant to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.

Many like it. Many do not.

It reminds me a lot of peoples’ reactions

to “Male/Female,” the 15.5-meter-tall hollow stainless steel sculpture by Jonathan Borofsky, which graces the entranceway to Baltimore’s Penn Station. That project was completed in 2004, and folks are still up in arms (pardon the pun).

Conversations began swirling again, as recently as 2021, when the sculpture was not included in developers’ plans for Penn Station’s upcoming improvement. So, I expect debate about the Thomas piece to go on for a very long time.

Initially, when I saw ‘The Embrace,’ I didn’t like it – at all. I couldn’t figure out what was going on in the photo of the sculpture I saw, although it was placed along-side a picture of the couple’s embrace on which it is based. After reading the accompanying article, which was laced with negative commentary from a relative, I was convinced that it was just bad art and dismayed that it had been created by such a gifted and highly-respected Black artist.

Then, I saw a second article about the

piece that included photos of the sculpture from several angles. The visuals alone changed my feelings about the artwork–that was even before reading the article, which included an explanation of the artist’s intent, and referenced the first relative’s remarks, along with comments from other members of the King family applauding the work.

After looking at “The Embrace” in a different light, from various angles, and with a deeper understanding of the artist’s intent, I like it.

The fact that I like the sculpture now is not important, but what’s clear to me is that I disliked it initially because of the way it was presented– visually and verbally. I took a second look and it was a stark reminder that presentation matters. Things are often seen in the light by which they are depicted, without ever having a chance to get a second look.

Florida to Black People: We’re Not Teaching Your History

by Aziah Siid, A Word in Black, courtesy of the Afro.com

The Florida Department of Education officially launched its 2023 Black History Month Student and Educator Contests with the theme of celebrating the achievements of African American Floridians. In the same breath, they’ve rejected the College Board’s AP African American course for high school students.

On Jan. 19, news broke that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration wrote a letter to College Board, the nonprofit organization that administers SAT exams and AP classes, stating the course is “explicitly contrary” to state law and “lacks educational value.”

The interdisciplinary course — like any other AP course — explores the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans in literature, political science, geography, arts, humanities, and science, according to the College Board’s website.

“In the future, should College Board be willing to come back to the table with lawful, historically accurate content, FDOE will always be willing to reopen the discussion,” the letter stated.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, legendary former professional basketball player, and current author and cultural commentator, addressed the administration’s continued disregard for African American history in education.

“I don’t understand how a state like Florida, which is 46.7% non-White (53.3% Non-Hispanic White) allows the whitewashing of ethnic history and culture,” he wrote.

“Florida has one of the largest Black populations in the country, but Blacks are still being treated as insignificant in education.”

Abdul-Jabbar spoke to DeSantis’ opinion of the course not having any “educational value” by listing Michelle Obama, Mae Jemison, Angela Bassett, Aaron McGruder, and Gloria Naylor as successful Black people who received degrees in Black Studies.

“At the time, most people didn’t think it was a legitimate course of study. To them, Black history and culture was just slavery,

pimps, and tap dancing,” Abdul-Jabbar said in reference to education in the 60s and 70s.

“What more was there to say after day one? That was the point: to broaden our children’s knowledge of and respect for a people who were nearly invisible in their history books.”

In response to the decision, College Board issued a statement pointing out that, “like all new AP courses, AP African American Studies is undergoing a rigorous, multi-year pilot phase, collecting feedback from teachers, students, schol-

ars, and policymakers. The process of piloting and revising course frameworks is a standard part of any new AP course, and frameworks change significantly as a result.”

The Advanced Placement program, which was developed alongside higher education schools, is the first African American course offered by the College Board. The course is currently offered in 60 schools across the country for the 2022-2023 academic year.

The goal is to offer the course to all schools by 2024 and administer the first

AP African American exam by Spring 2025, according to the College Board’s website.

Rejection of the curriculum follows efforts by DeSantis’ to limit the teaching of what he believes to be critical race theory (CRT) in Florida schools.

In 2021, the state passed a law that banned the teaching of the concept, which examines the history of systematic racism in the United States. In April 2022, the Florida Department of Education rejected 54 math books for the K-12 curriculum, claiming the textbooks “indoctrinate” students with CRT.

Nine months later, students, politicians, and caregivers within the system have spoken out against the continued attempt to whitewash crucial history all students, particularly Black students, should know.

“This political extremism and its attack of Black History and Black people, is going to create an entire generation of Black children who won’t be able to see themselves reflected at all within their own education or in their own state,” Democratic state Sen. Shevrin Jones said.

In a Twitter repost, Ameisha Cross, a political analyst at Sirius XM, noted the obvious disregard of Black history compared to other cultural academia.

“Clearly every history except Black is seen as worthy of further development, exploration and understanding in Florida under DeSantis’ leadership,” Cross wrote. “Black history is American history. Striking it from curriculum does students a grave disservice, and makes America weaker for it.”

Art and people can be alike in that way.

The state’s Board of Education has sparked nationwide outrage over the decision to block AP African American Studies from being taught.

Photo: Black Woman at Black Only fountain, Gordon Parks.

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Construction

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

NOTICE

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Contact: Tom Dunay

Phone: 860- 243-2300

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) 6211720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

Request for Qualifications

IQC Architectural Services

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

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

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

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

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.

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

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

AA/EOE-MF

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

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.

Housing Authority the City of Bridgeport

Request for Proposal (RFP)

Project-Based Voucher

Solicitation Number: 221-HCV-22-S

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

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

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport (HACB) d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is seeking proposals from developers and owners of New Construction, substantial rehabilitation projects, or existing units that desire to enter into an Agreement for a Housing Assistance Payment (AHAP) Contract for Project Base Vouchers (PBVs) for Contract Units under PCC’s Project Based Voucher Program. Under this Request for Proposals, PCC will make available PBVs for units that will house extremely low and very low income households. A complete set of RFP documents can be obtained on October 24, 2022, by emailing your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, 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.

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.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

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

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 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.

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

Administrative Assistant III:

CLERK III

NOTICE

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The Town of East Haven is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Administrative Assistant III in the Finance Department. This is a highly responsible position requiring a considerable understanding of municipal financial reporting. Qualified candidates should possess a high school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of experience in administrative and office operations. Experience should include MS Office, Excel, Outlook skills. Must have a valid class 3 Connecticut Driver’s License. The salary for this position is $45,731/year, 35 hours per week.

APPLY NOW!

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

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

Applications are available online at https://www.townofeasthavenct.org/civil-servicecommission/pages/job-notices-and-tests. The deadline to apply is February 10, 2023. Please send application to: Civil Service Commission, 250 Main Street, East Haven, CT 06512. The Town of East Haven is committed to building a work force of diverse individuals. Minorities, females, handicapped and veterans are encouraged to apply. The Town of East Haven is an equal opportunity employer.

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.

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Proposals (RFP) for Services

In the Wallingford Public Schools, performs a wide variety of clerical duties requiring excellent computer and interpersonal skills. This position requires 1 year of office work experience and a H.S. diploma. Wages: $19.42 to $25.85 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford 45 South Main Street, Room 301, Wallingford, CT 06492. Applications 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. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received or January 25, 2023 whichever occurs first. EOE

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

NOTICIA

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Atlas Companies is looking for a Full-Time Gate Operator Technician: Training is available for the right candidate. Must have mechanical ability, knowledge of power tools along with electrical knowledge. Welding a Plus. OSHA 10 training a requirement. Must be able to lift 100 lbs. and work in some adverse weather conditions when needed. Must have a valid Connecticut driver’s license and be able to obtain a medical card. Must pass a physical exam and drug test. $25 to $30 per hour plus benefits based on qualifications & experience , $30 to $35 per hour for candidates with 2 or more years previous Gate Operator or Overhead Garage Door Opener experience. Please send resume to gforshee@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE/MF

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.

Request for Qualifications

Youth Continuum A&E Request for Qualifications

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

Waste Treatment

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

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.

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for Youth Continuum A&E Request for Qualifications. 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.

BALDWIN HOLDINGS, INC.

An instrumentality of The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Invitation for Bid (IFB) Solicitation Number: 26-BH-23-S

Re-Construction of Three – Three Family Homes 344-346 Hanover St., 350-352 Hanover St., 354-356 Hanover St.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

242-258 Fairmont Ave

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center

Request for Proposals Communications Media Consultant

Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

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

CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host,General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor ofPitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 3:00PM.

INVITATION TO BID

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Town

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

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 Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport under its instrumentality Baldwin Holdings, Inc. is requesting sealed bids for Re-Construction of Three – Three Family Homes located at 344-346, 350-352, 354-356 Hanover St. A complete set of the plans and technical specifications will be available on January 17, 2023. To obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held at 150 Highland Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604 on February 1, 2023 @ 11:00 a.m., submitting a bid for the project without attending conference is not in the best interest of the Offeror. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no later than February 8, 2023 @ 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. All bids must be received by mailed or hand delivered by February 22, 2023 @ 2:00 p.m., to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement, 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. No bids will be accepted after the designated time.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

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.

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.

Subcontractors are invited to bid on the Fair Haven Community Health Care New Building. 382-396 Grand Ave, New Haven, CT 06513. The project consists of a new freestanding Community Healthcare Clinic at 382�396 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT. The building is approximately 33,790 square feet on three (3) levels with a basement and serve as a complementing component to the existing374 Grand Avenue Health Center facility . The program is intended to house primary care and behavioral health services, pharmacy, and lab uses as well as community amenities. Site, landscape, and parking designs are sensitive to pedestrian and vehicular access. The project includes the demolition of a single, multi-level, structure on the corner of Grand Avenue and James Street. BIDS DUE 2:00 PM, February 10, 2023. Send email to ngorneault@pacgroupllc.com for copy of the Instructions to Bidders. This project is partially funded in part by DECD, DMHAS, and ARPA. This project is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority/Women's Business Enterprises are encouraged to apply.

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

Assistant Building Official $39.80 hourly

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE.

For Details go to www.bloomfieldct.org

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

DRIVER CDL CLASS A

EOE Please apply

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.

NOTICE

Help Wanted - Full Time Category Regional Planner

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) is seeking to fill the Regional Planner position. Visit www.scrcog.org for the full position description, qualifications, and application requirements. Applications are to be submitted by noon on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, or until the position is filled. Questions may be emailed to jobs@scrcog.org. SCRCOG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Town of Bloomfield

Deputy Finance Director/Controller

Salary Range - $87,727 - $136,071 (expected starting pay maximum is mid-range)

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

IFB No. B23001

Listing: Mechanic

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.

Immediate opening for a full time mechanic; maintenance to be done on commercial diesel trucks and trailers. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email hrdept@eastriverenergy.com

NOTICIA

********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**********

Fully Benefited –35 hours weekly Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website –www.bloomfieldct.org

Town of Bloomfield Finance Director

SCOPE:

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

BID SUBMITTAL RETURN:

Housing Authority of the City of Danbury, 2 Mill Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 Envelope Must be Marked: IFB No. B23001, Power Washing

SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Salary Range - $101,455 to $156,599 (expected starting pay maximum is mid-range)

January 31, 2023, at 2:00pm (EST)

CONTACT PERSON FOR IFB DOCUMENT:

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

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

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

Fully Benefited – 35 hours weekly Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website –www.bloomfieldct.org

Portland

Police Officer

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

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO. Invitation for Bids Uniforms Services

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for an Office Assistant (Confidential) and a Connecticut Careers Trainee –Planning Analyst

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center

Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

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

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

of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016

Technician Apprentice

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=230104&R2=7086CA&R3=001 and

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/ bulpreview.asp?R1=230109&R2=2292AR&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.

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.

State of Connecticut

Office of Policy and Management

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Petroleum Company has an opening for a full time HVAC/Oil/Heating Technician Apprentice. Candidate must possess a technical school certificate in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, oil, propane and natural gas. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@eastriverenergy.com

**An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**

Legal Ad - Public Meetings – Metropolitan Transportation Plan

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

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:

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.

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

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.

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) will be hosting two (2) public meetings to discuss the future of transportation in the Greater New Haven area. A virtual meeting will be held on Thursday, February 2 at 6pm via Zoom. An inperson meeting will be held at 12:30pm on Wednesday, February 8 in the SCRCOG Conference Room, 127 Washington Ave, 4th Floor West, North Haven, CT 06473. A survey is available to collect additional public comments. For more information on the public meetings and survey, visit https://scrcog.org under “Announcements.” Contact Laura Francis at (203) 466-8624 or LFrancis@scrcog.org with any questions.

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

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

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

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.

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

How Nelly Cheboi rose from a poor rural village in Kenya to become CNN Hero of the year

by Abu Mubarik, Face2FaceAfrica

Nelly Cheboi is a Kenyan software engineer and founder of TechLit Africa, a Kenyan company that recycles technology to rebuild computer labs in African schools. The launch of her company was influenced by her background.

Cheboi grew up in poverty in rural Kenya. Like many of her kind, she did not have access to computers but eventually got a scholarship to study computer science at Augustana College in Illinois.

After her course, she worked in the software industry and realized that companies just throw away computers when it’s time for an update. This inspired her to found TechLit Africa to repurpose the computers for rural schools in Kenya.

“I came up with this idea to build a school, and the idea for this school was mainly focused as being a source of income for the family,” she told POCIT. “The kids would go to this school and pay about $10 a month, and that money is enough to keep the school running, pay for the teachers, pay for food by stationar-

JCSU President Announces Plans to Retire in June

By Nyah Peebles, HBCUBuzz.com

Clarence D. Armbrister, the 14th president of Johnson C. Smith University (JSCU) announced in a message to students on Tuesday that he will retire at the end of the spring semester.

JSCU Board of Trustees will launch a search for his successor and s expects to have a new president in place by fall 2023.

Armbrister said that he will stay on through early 2024 as a senior advisor to the new president.

“It is a bittersweet moment for me and my family because we love this university and the unparalleled opportunities HBCUs like ours provide for thousands of students across the country each year,” Armbrister said in his letter to faculty, staff and students. “It has truly been a privilege and an honor to serve the JCSU family.”

Steven Boyd, chair of the university’s board of trustees, thanked Armbrister for his leadership and “unwavering love” in a message posted on the school’s website. Boyd said that when Armbrister walked into the room in 2018, he was the clear and unanimous choice to be the 14th president of the school.

Boyd said that Ambrister provided the necessary leadership to effectively overcome challenges such as financial needs, residence hall issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Among other achievements, President Armbrister will forever be recognized for

the unprecedented public-private partnerships he established through the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative, which resulted in the single largest gift the university has ever received,” Boyd said. he $80 million, five-year commitment to support our new strategic business plan has positioned the university to elevate its standing in the Charlotte community and the world of higher education, to one of the most influential and consequential HBCUs in the nation.”

ies, whatever was leftover could support my family.”

According to VOA Africa, TechLit Africa now serves 10 schools and hopes to expand to 100 more within a year. Cheboi teaches her students various computer skills like coding. The students can also engage in remote learning.

“They can go from doing a remote class with NASA on education to music production,” Cheboi said. “My hope is that when the first TechLit kids graduate high school, they’re able to get a job online because they will know how to code, they will know how to do graphic design, they will know how to do marketing. The world is your oyster when you are educated.”

Cheboi’s philanthropic work saw her being named CNN’s Hero Of the Year. The 29-year-old beat 10 other nominees to emerge victorious. She received a $10,000 grant to help her expand her work to more African schools. The grant is also to assist her to recruit more students and hire local teachers.

Meet the father and son behind the first-ever Black-owned athletic supply company

By Abu Mubarik, Face2FaceAfrica

The athletic equipment industry brings in millions of dollars annually. This is evident in a 2021 report published by Statista. It reported that the U.S. wholesale sales of basketballs amounted to an estimated $286 million, making it a lucrative sector for entrepreneurs.

The sector is also among the less diverse business ventures in America. It is largely dominated by companies operated and owned by whites. This became clear to Oronde Booker whenever he went to support his son at team practices and games.

He observed that equipment used by the players, trainers, and coaches was developed by four companies, and not even a single one of them was Black-owned. This inspired him to start Book Dawg Sports so as to become a major supplier of athletic products. He established the company with his son Kendall.

“When thinking about sports, it’s likely that several Black stars across all sports — basketball, football, tennis, or soccer — come to mind easily,” Booker told Black News. “Black people have contributed much to sports, attracting fans and diverse audiences, redefining the game and helping shape its culture, yet so few are found ‘behind the ball,’ particularly when looking at industries like sports equipment.”

The Atlanta-based company is the first ever Black-owned athletic supply company. Last September, the company said that it was taking pre-orders for its flag-

last all season and beyond.

ship product called HW101, which is a basketball made with premium microfiber composite leather that offers amazing grip and durability to

HW101 stands for Hard Work 101 and is inspired by the fact that excellence on the court requires hard work. Booker also