THE INNER CITY NEWS

Community Day: New Haven, Yale, and Slavery Exhibition at New Haven Museum

New Haven, Conn. (January 24, 2025)

–A special community day will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, offering tours and conversation around the New Haven Museum’s exhibition, “Shining Light on Truth: New Haven, Yale, and Slavery,” prior to its closing on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Presented by the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale Library, the exhibition highlights the essential role of enslaved and free Black people in New Haven and at Yale.

Visitors will be encouraged to tour the exhibition, with members of the exhibition team available for questions and conversation. Visitors may also join any of the related programs in the New Haven Museum auditorium:

1:00 p.m. - Welcome and remarks

Curators Michael Morand and Charles Warner and Designer David Jon Walker will offer brief reflections on the exhibition and its impact since it went on view to the public in February 2024 and share some thoughts about the ongoing work of engaging the history and legacy of New Haven, Yale, and slavery.

1:30 p.m. - Film screening: “What Could Have Been”

and a heaping dose of luck, Page was able to unearth a pre-1850 history about an enslaved ancestor and his New Haven and Yale student descendants. Some of Page’s “luck” is attributed to the research resources of the Beinecke Library and is reflected in the “Shining Light on Truth: New Haven, Yale, and Slavery” exhibition at the New Haven Museum. Page’s 90-minute presentation begins with her personal story, “Mariah,” followed by an opportunity for audience engagement in reflecting on one’s own family story and available lists of nontraditional resources to continue or begin one’s own family history.

collections and connects to items in the New Haven Museum collections. It introduces visitors to some of the unheralded builders of Yale. It celebrates early Black writers such as Jupiter Hammon, Jacob Oson, and William Grimes, and showcases women such as Mary Ann Goodman, whose generosity opened paths for Black students at Yale, as well as the women who were local pioneers in Black education early in the 19th century.

Admission to the New Haven Museum remains free during the show’s run, made possible by Yale University.

About the New Haven Museum

3:00.p.m. - Ubuntu Storytellers: Sweeps and Scholars Story artist Denise Manning Keyes

A special screening of the short documentary film about the proposal for America’s first HBCU in New Haven, Connecticut, 1831, followed by a Q&A and conversation with the production team.

Page will share her experience of discovering her maternal family ancestry. Her journey was challenged by factors including orphancy, mixed ancestry, and the interchange of family first names. Despite the obstacles, and thanks to listening curiously, research, intuition,

“Shining Light on Truth: New Haven, Yale, and Slavery,” is presented by the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library and Yale University Library. The exhibition complements the publication of the book “Yale and Slavery: A History” (Yale University Press, 2024) by David W. Blight with the Yale and Slavery Research Project. It draws from the research project's key findings in areas such as the economy and trade, Black churches and schools, the 1831 Black college proposal, and memory and memorialization in the 20th century and today. The exhibition has a special focus on stories of Black New Haven, including early Black students and alumni of Yale.

The exhibition features archival images of materials from Beinecke and other

The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue, the Museum brings more than 375 years of New Haven history to life through its collections, exhibitions, programs and outreach. As a Blue Star Museum, the New Haven Museum offers the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, free admission all year. For more information visit http:// newhavenmuseum.org or @NewHavenMuseum or call 203-562-4183.

At MLK Day Open Mic, “Raw” Storytelling Honors Dr. King

By Shreya Menon

Halfway through their reading, poet Whitney Graham faltered. They had been weaving a story of blistering injustice, from Palestine to Sudan, but they were unable to remember their next line. As if on cue, audience members started snapping their fingers, clapping, and cheering, encouraging Graham to go on. With a shaky laugh, they got out their phone and completed their poem to thunderous applause.

Monday, the Yale Peabody Museum, in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the New Haven Museum, hosted its 29th annual commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, including the now-beloved open mic and Z Experience Poetry Slam. A full day of free programming took place across both museums, as well as the O.C. Marsh Lecture Hall, celebrating Dr. King’s legacy as an orator and civil rights pioneer.

“The open mic is where the real heart of poetry is,” said New Haven Poet Laureate Sharmont Influence-Little, a longtime participant and first-time host of the Community Poetry Open Mic. He recalled the first open mic he ever attended at the Ives Main Branch of the public library. It was the most supportive place for his craft that he’d experienced at the time. “You don't have to worry about putting on a show.

Slap performs during the Z Experience

You can come up there. You can read. You don't have to be perfect; a perfect performance, or a perfect cadence. It can just be you and the page and the release.”

It is exactly Dr. King’s raw oratory power that the Z Experience Invitational Poetry Slam, named after cultural icon and program founder Zanette Lewis, sought to honor Monday. Nearly 200 New Haven residents, students, and artists braved fresh-fallen snow and filed into the cavernous O.C. Marsh Lecture Hall to watch the slam, which featured four poetry slam teams from across New England. Finger-snaps filled the air as teams per-

formed on themes of gentrification, Black masculinity, and cultural alienation. After multiple rounds and gruelling judging, home team Verbal Slap took home the trophy, with Massachusetts' Team News finishing close behind.

But it was the preceding hour, the Community Poetry Open Mic, that unexpectedly stole audience members' hearts. “The slam is definitely a show,” said Influence, who had the open mic hosting baton passed to him by poet Croilot Semexant, who in turn hosted the invitational slam. “It's rehearsed. You practice your poems over and over again to make

sure you have them memorized, and you practice your cadence and you practice your movement. With an open mic, it's just raw.”

One of Dr. King’s most famous speeches at Holt Street Baptist Church, just days after Rosa Parks’ arrest, was largely extemporaneous. He composed it right before the meeting. And indeed, some poets read poems they had crafted only the night before, using their performance to process current events. They came up to the stage with notebooks, pages, and their phones.

Jasmine Eaton, a Bridgeport-based

poet who performs under the stage name jazz-e, recited a poem wondering aloud whether the hip-hop industry was holding powerful and abusive artists like P-Diddy accountable. “Are we hating hard enough?” she asked the crowd, reading from bright pink pages. Every few stanzas she would discard a sheet, letting it flutter to the ground. “Does the rhythm rob us from seeing?”

Poet Lyrical Faith dissected global anti-Blackness in her poem about Meghan Markle and Kamala Harris. Her line about Donald Trump’s 2024 election win, “America will do anything to prove she can keep her man,” elicited whoops from the crowd.

“Fire, fire, fire,” said Influence, coming to the stage after her reading. He turned to Ngoma Hill, a legendary New York-based performance poet (and longtime Z Experience Poetry Slam host) who was sitting in the audience, and observed: “Correct me if I’m wrong, Ngoma, but it was the open mics that sounded the warning sirens and educated people, before slams.” Little later elaborated on the format’s unique history. “Open mic spaces are where poets like Gil Scott-Heron, The Last Poets, and Gwendolyn Brooks [emerged]. That's where the people of our neighborhoods got our information. About what was happening in society, what was happening in government.

Con’t on page 9

Photo Credit: Defining Studios

Verbal

Poetry Slam. Photos courtesy of the Yale Peabody Museum.

The New Haven independent

Love Is On The Brain

by Adam Wassilchalk

Eden

Yale Repertory Theatre Through Feb. 8

Over the course of Eden, which opened this week at the Yale Rep, characters insist on the old adage that love makes you stupid.

One character claims, “You must be in love, because you ain’t using your head.” Another notes, “If she was using her head, she’d be able to see the rocks in the road.” The dialogue contains dozens of references to intelligence, by way of the “head,” “brains,” “knowledge” and others the majority with the implication that love and intelligence are incompatible.

Despite what its characters may say, Yale Repertory Theatre’s production of steve carter’s (stylization à la bell hooks) 1976 play -– a revival directed by Brandon J. Dirden nearly 50 years after its original premiere with the Negro Ensemble Company -– shows quite the opposite: That love is brilliant, brave, and a key to liberation not to be overlooked.

The play centers on two young lovers and their families. Eustace Baylor (Chaundre Hall-Broomfield), who lives with his Aunt Lizzie (Heather Alicia Simms), falls hard for Annetta Barton (Lauren F. Walker), who lives right across the hall with her brothers Nimrod (Juice Mackins), and Solomon (Prentiss Patrick-Carter), sister Agnes (Alicia Pilgrim), mother Florie (Christina Acosta Robinson), and father Joseph (Russell G. Jones). It’s 1927 in Manhattan’s San Juan Hill neighborhood, a predominantly Black community that was razed and displaced to make way for Lincoln Center.

Eustace and Aunt Lizzie are Black Americans who recently migrated from the South as part of the Great Migration. Annetta and her family are Caribbean immigrants. Joseph, a devotee of Marcus Garvey and patriarch of the family, holds tightly to the belief that Black Americans are racially inferior to them, and that Annetta must marry someone from the West Indies to keep his bloodline pure. Annetta and Eustace’s forbidden love is one that digs deep into both the racial and gendered nuances of intracommunity prejudice, and is the catalyst for each of the play’s characters to challenge their own assumptions about what it means to love, learn, and liberate.

Under Dirden’s direction, the production is funny, fast-paced, intense, and enthralling. carter’s writing pulls no punches whatsoever; it had me leaning forward in my seat, gasping in shock, and raising my eyebrows repeatedly. Dirden holds the tension and momentum of the play with an iron fist, only allowing the briefest moments of reprieve to recover from one

moment to the next. The play flies by. Walker and Hall-Broomfield’s onstage chemistry is electric: through them we see not only how Annetta and Eustace impact each other when they’re in the same room, but also how their love sharpens their own thoughts, perceptions, and senses of self when they are apart. They each go toe to toe with Joseph in tense rhetorical battles, and it is their love that guides them to poke holes in Joseph’s ideologies about Black Americans, women, and love. Jones is highly formidable as the unshakeable and complex Joseph Barton, and his airtight performance gives every challenge to Joseph’s authority significant weight, and significant opposition. Each charged interaction between Walker, Hall-Broomfield, and Jones is thrilling. Eden’s supporting cast is also stellar. Simms brings a humorous and hearty touch to Aunt Lizzie, who loves Eustace as much as she wants to keep him out of trouble. Pilgrim, in the role of Agnes, provides an empathetic, witty, and clever foil to Annetta. Mackins portrays a delightful dynamic rapport with his onstage siblings as Nimrod. I was especially impressed with Patrick-Carter, an undergraduate junior, for bringing such a vulnerability and clear emotional arc to Solomon, the youngest Barton sibling, and arguably the one most pressured and changed by his father’s influence over the course of the play. Robinson tore my heart out as Florie, a mother caught between the strictly enforced duty of a wife and the

emotionally freeing desire to have her daughter experience the ecstasy she herself desperately longs for.

The ensemble too is at their most clever, most poetic, most courageous, most cooperative and most in solidarity with each other when supporting and being inspired by Annette and Eustace’s love. This is in stark contrast to Joseph’s own expressed beliefs and goal of having himself and his family return to Africa. Despite his steadfast and radical convictions, he mostly is unsuccessful at inspiring even members of his own household to collaborate toward his goals, except under duress. In a dramaturg’s note, Tia Smith, one of the production dramaturgs, notes a potential parallel between Joseph and Garvey himself, highlighting the fact that Joseph “believes that freedom and love cannot coexist” and that Garvey “never fully recognized his wife’s contributions, even as she combed through texts for his speeches and articles, edited and published his articles, and became the face of the movement during his imprisonment.”

Eden’s design supports the production’s subversive message about love. The designed world of the play eschews any typical flourishes one might see on a stage to indicate the presence of love. There are no harp effects, no pink light washes, nor any fancy design metaphors to express the magic or magnitude of Annette and Eustace’s affection. The scenic design (George Zhou costume Design (Caroline Tyson), lighting Design (Ankit Pandey),

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and hair and wig design (Krystal Balleza and Will Vicari) are all finely detailed, naturalistic, and period-appropriate. Sound design and original music (Tojo Rasedoara) and projection design (Ein Kim) add a light touch of softer and more cinematic-leaning sensitivity to the design, but these aspects are present only for transitions. Overall, the message is clear: love itself does not change the world on its own, but it is a key motivator for Annette and Eustace to go out and change the world themselves, starting from within their own homes on 63rd Street.

Whether or not they succeed is another question entirely. In a second dramaturg’s note, Austin Riffelmacher, the other production dramaturg, notes that although “there are no white characters in this play… How the Barton family views the Baylor family, and vice versa, is the consequence of white supremacist and colonialist power.” While Annette and Eustace’s love motivates Eden’s characters to resist Joseph’s influence and ideology, they are also placing themselves in opposition to something that reaches far beyond the 6th floor of their San Juan Hill tenement. To learn how far that brilliant, brave, and liberatory love takes them, you’ll have to go see the production for yourself.

Eden runs through Feb. 8, and you can get tickets here.

Joan Marcus

A scene from Eden.

Paul Bass www.newhavenindependent.org

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Joan Marcus Photo Lauren F. Walker and Chaundre Hall-Broomfield in Eden.

City Stands For LGBTQ Freedom

by Laura Glesby

Queer rights advocates and city officials gathered at the New Haven Pride Center Friday to send a resounding message: that no presidential executive order can erase the reality of transgender people or dim New Haveners’ commitment to protecting queer rights and safety.

The press conference called attention to the fact that as the Trump administration scrubbed LGBTQIA+ resources from some government websites, New Haven’s City Hall did just the opposite.

The city announced a new booklet compiling local resources for LGBTQIA+ community members, including a list of local organizations, a compilation of students’ legal rights in public schools and the steps for updating identification to reflect a new name, among other information.

The booklet, produced in partnership with the New Haven Pride Center and other community advocates, joins another toolkit released last week dedicated to the resources and rights of immigrants. It arrives at a time when many queer people are feeling fear and anxiety over whether and how the campaign promises of President Donald Trump will come to fruition especially promises focused on restricting transgender rights.

Within hours of taking office on Monday, Trump issued an executive order declaring that the federal government recognize only that “women are biologically female, and men are biologically male,” based on their assignment at birth, explicitly rejecting the existence of trans and intersex people.

The order also prohibited the relatively few cases of trans people in federal pris-

ons with permission to stay in the facilities reflecting their gender identity, along with the availability of gender-affirming healthcare for those prisoners.

Trump additionally rolled back a Joe Biden-era executive order prohibiting discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity, and ordered that all federal employees focused on “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” be fired.

Both the New Haven Pride Center and LGBTQIA+ crisis hotlines across the country have seen a surge in requests for

support this week.

“We are in a fight for our lives, and we must move with urgency,” said Erycka, a poet and co-executive director of the Children of Marsha P. Johnson collective. She called attention to the work of Black trans leaders in particular, drawing from historical activists like Johnson, who have long fought for rights and dignity in the face of a hostile culture.

“If you’re a neighbor in our LGBTQ community who is watching this, who is reading this, know that we’ve got your

back,” said East Rock/Fair Haven Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith.

Professing support for both LGBTQIA+ residents and immigrants in New Haven, Mayor Justin Elicker declared, “These values of New Haven are unshakable.”

He pushed back on the text of Trump’s anti-trans executive order, noting, “We’re not ‘socially engineering’ gender. We’re embracing and accepting people for who they are.”

Trump has also pledged to defund schools that recognize the existence of

trans people or allow trans children the right to express their identities. He’s also expressed plans to restrict access to gender-affirming medical care, especially for those on federally-funded insurance plans, and to weaken discrimination protections for LGBTQIA+ people.

When asked about Trump’s threats to queer-affirming school districts, New Haven Public Schools Director of Student Services Typhanie Jackson pointed to the school system’s policy of respecting trans students’ pronouns, names and bathroom preferences. “We are gonna stand by that policy,” she said.

There may be “an effort to cut funding to municipalities” that support LGBTQIA+ residents, added Elicker. “It is early for us to say exactly how we’ll respond,” he said, but he expressed optimism about the potential for legal challenges to those efforts.

Elicker was also asked about whether Trump’s election win could be interpreted as a “mandate” from the country to pursue anti-LGBTQIA+ policies.

“That’s not a mandate,” Elicker responded firmly, noting that Trump won less than 50 percent of the popular vote. “I’m concerned about some of the Democrats out there thinking that our country has changed” to be more anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+, he said, arguing that there is still broad support for policies protecting those communities.

The officials and advocates made clear that no one’s gender identity or sexual orientation is up for debate.

“Living unapologetically and being true to yourself isn’t just important,” said Pride Center Executive Director Juancarlos Soto. “I believe it is sacred work.”

Film & Literature Programs Set in Stratford

“BLACK HISTORY MONTH” EVENTS SCHEDULED AT LIBRARY

The Stratford Library, in conjunction with the nationwide celebration of “Black History Month”, will present special events relating to the black experience covering film, discussion and literature. As part of its long-range plan, the Library will provide Stratford residents with materials and programs which foster understanding of and appreciation for their heritage and for the diversity of the community. Programs are free and open to the public. All are held in the Library’s Lovell Room.

The special “Black History Month” events scheduled at the Library:

• Talk: Learn About RiSE

The purpose of the RiSE study is to learn whether the stress reduction program, called “Resilience, Stress, and Ethnicity”, improves the body’s response to stress in African American women who have risk factors for heart or metabolic disease. At this tabling event, you can ask questions,

grab handouts, and sign up to be screened for eligibility. Participants may receive up to $500 for their time. Snow date: 2.12.25

Monday, February 10 10am – Noon Main Lobby

• Monday Matinees: “The Piano Lesson”

Monthly series will screen the critically acclaimed film adaptation of August Wilson’s prize-winning drama. During the aftermath of the Great Depression, the Charles family debate the value of their family piano, which documents the family history through carvings made by their enslaved ancestor. Samuel L. Jackson leads an excellent cast. PG-13, 125 minutes

Monday, February 10 Noon Lovell Room

• Books Over Coffee: Master Slave Husband Wife

Monthly book discussion examines au-

thor Ilyon Woo’s true story about a young, enslaved couple, Ellen and William Craft, who achieved one of the boldest feats of self-emancipation in American history. Posing as master and slave, while sustained by their love as husband and wife, they made their escape together across more than 1,000 miles. Linda LiDestri hosts the discussion.

Wednesday, February 26 Noon Lovell Room

• Meet the Author: Andy Piascik Author Andy Piascik will discuss his new book, Radical Connecticut, which details how Nutmeggers have a long tradition of making history ‘from the bottom up”. Autographed copies of his book will be for purchase following the talk.

Thursday, February 27 6:30-8 pm Lovell Room 1.27.25

Laura Glesby Photo Erycka (with Alyssa-Marie, both of the Children of Marsha P. Johnson): "Our fear and anger deserves a healthy place to be felt."

The New Haven independent

Opinion: The Case For Sanctuary Cities

by Matthew Watson |

(Opinion) Local government is at the center of a contentious national conversation about immigration.

Many cities across the United States, including New Haven, have adopted sanctuary policies, limiting the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration policy. These orders are not just acts of political defiance; they are deeply rooted in constitutional principles, practical governance and the need to build trust between local authorities and the communities they serve.

The legal foundation for sanctuary cities is grounded in the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects state and local governments from being commandeered by the federal government to enforce federal laws. The Supreme Court reaffirmed this principle in the 1997 case Printz v. United States, where it ruled that the federal government cannot compel local officials to carry out federal regulatory programs.

This decision reinforces the autonomy of local governments to determine how best to allocate their resources. When it comes to immigration, sanctuary policies allow cities to focus on their primary responsibilities ensuring public safety and fostering trust within their communities without being diverted to assist federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The practical benefits of sanctuary policies are equally compelling. One of their primary goals is to foster trust between local law enforcement and immigrant communities. When residents fear that any interaction with local authorities could lead

to deportation, they are far less likely to report crimes, serve as witnesses or seek help in emergencies.

This erosion of trust undermines public safety for everyone in the community. By maintaining a clear separation between local policing and federal immigration enforcement, sanctuary cities create an environment where all residents feel safe engaging with law enforcement. This issue is not just theoretical; it has real-world implications.

During my time as a volunteer firefighter in Fayetteville, N.C., in 2021, I saw firsthand how fear can disrupt the critical work of first responders. My team responded to a car crash involving four Spanish-speaking individuals. Despite

our role as firefighters, not police, they were visibly afraid to interact with us. Their hesitation to communicate or accept help made it more difficult for us to assess the situation and provide the necessary assistance. This experience underscored how deeply the fear of authority can impact public safety. By fostering trust, sanctuary policies not only support law enforcement but also ensure that all first responders can effectively do their jobs.

Critics of sanctuary policies often argue that they lead to higher crime rates, but research consistently disproves this claim. Studies from institutions such as the University of California, Riverside and the libertarian Cato Institute have

shown that sanctuary jurisdictions experience either similar or lower crime rates compared to non-sanctuary areas. A 2017 study found that sanctuary counties had 35.5 fewer crimes per 10,000 people than non-sanctuary counties. This makes sense: when residents trust local authorities, they are more likely to cooperate with investigations and report criminal activity, contributing to safer and more stable communities.

It is also important to note that sanctuary policies do not prevent federal agencies from carrying out immigration enforcement. These policies simply ensure that local governments are not compelled to use their resources to enforce federal immigration laws. Immigration

enforcement remains the responsibility of federal agencies like ICE, which have the resources and manpower to fulfill their mandates. Sanctuary policies allow local governments to focus on their priorities, such as combating violent crime and addressing the specific needs of their communities.

The broader conversation about immigration enforcement highlights the importance of federalism and the role of local governments in shaping their communities. Sanctuary policies are a reflection of constitutional principles, practical governance and a commitment to public safety. They demonstrate how local governments can balance the needs of their residents with the broader responsibilities of federal immigration enforcement, ensuring that trust and safety remain at the forefront.

As the national debate over immigration continues, cities like New Haven offer a blueprint for navigating these complex challenges. By upholding constitutional protections, fostering trust, and prioritizing public safety, sanctuary policies represent a practical and principled approach to governance. They ensure that local governments can remain focused on building stronger, safer and more inclusive communities values that benefit everyone.

Matthew Watson is a father of five, a resident of Beaver Hills, an Army veteran and a member of the Ward 28 Democratic Town Committee. He is currently a law student at Northeastern University School of Law and a graduate student in government and political communication at Johns Hopkins.

Extraordinary Davis Educator Honored

A fifth-grade math and science teacher has been recognized as an “extraordinary educator” for her work engaging students and promoting high standards in her classroom at an Upper Westville elementary school.

That award-winning teacher is Lauren Dooley. On Jan. 17, she was named an Extraordinary Educator by the national education advocacy group Curriculum Associates.

Lauren Dooley, a fifth-grade mathematics and science teacher at Davis Academy for Arts and Design Innovation, has been named an Extraordinary Educator by Curriculum Associates. This is national recognition given to teachers who demonstrate classroom innovation and engagement practices for students and who promote high standards and student achievement.

Ms. Dooley and her students were treated to a surprise celebration and praise from Principal Marisa Asarisi and Mathematics Supervisor Monica Joyner.

Extraordinary Educator is a designation given by Curriculum Associates to teachers

who use the iReady mathematics program and who:

• Have taught for at least two years

• Illustrate growth and achievement via formal assessments

• Demonstrate classroom innovation and engagement practices for students

• Are evangelists for high standards and student achievement

• Are champions of equity

“Ms. Dooley encompasses these criteria in her classroom. This is her third year at Davis. ‘Right from the start she has created a classroom environment that is as inspiring as it is effective, fostering reflection, creativity, and inclusivity among her students,’ said math coach Elizabeth Black.

‘Her thoughtful approach ensures that every student feels seen and valued. She tailors her instruction using data-driven insights regarding her students strengths and areas for growth. She really helps her students grow. She’s not just about the facts, she’s also super supportive and encouraging. This helps kids learn not just for tests, but for the rest of their lives.’”

Laura Glesby file photo Inauguration Day protest outside City Hall.

The New Haven independent

Tenants, Reunite! For Anti-Eviction Bill

by Nathaniel Rosenberg

(Hartford) New Haven’s tenants union leaders are back at the state Capitol for the second straight year to push for limits on landlords’ ability to evict tenants and they’re hoping this session goes better than the last.

That’s the latest in the legislative push for a bill that prevents landlords from evicting tenants without first providing a “just cause” like nonpayment of rent, violation of a lease or to make major renovations. Currently, Connecticut landlords can serve a notice to quit for most tenants at the end of a lease without providing any cause, though some senior citizens and people with disabilities are already protected from this.

A similar bill was introduced last session and passed out of the Housing Committee before stalling in both chambers due to a lack of support from state lawmakers.

Around 100 tenants and advocates from across the state, including East Rock/ Downtown Alder Eli Sabin (himself a renter), joined the Connecticut Tenants Union (CTTU) in Hartford’s Legislative Office Building Thursday morning to lobby for the bill. They say it will “rebalance” power between tenants and landlords.

“I think that if this was to pass, New Haven would change in one very significant way, by having a lot more of its tenants empowered to speak up about the conditions they’re facing,” CTTU organizer and New Haven renter Peter Fousek told the Independent. “I have directly seen that

fear of reprisal and retaliation via no-fault eviction compels residents to not speak out about egregious conditions and [housing code] violations.”

For Yale graduate student Sophia Wang, a “just-cause” requirement for evictions would have prevented her from having to temporarily move to New Jersey when her lease on an East Rock apartment ran out in February 2022.

Wang says she paid her rent on time and would have even accepted a small increase, but her landlord (who she ended up suing in small claims court over the unit’s security deposit) made it clear that he wanted her gone, so she moved out, forcing her to commute to work across three states for several months.

While the state Capitol was packed with “just cause” supporters on Thursday, Re-

publican legislators remain opposed to the bill. In a statement to the Independent, ranking Housing Committee State Sen. Rob Sampson described “just-cause” evictions as “an assault on personal property rights … a fundamentally un-American proposal.”

The committee’s other ranking Republican, State Rep. Tony Scott, criticized the proposal (with the caveat that

the bill’s exact language hasn’t been released) as government overreach into the landlord-tenant contract and a move that would ultimately discourage landlords from providing more housing.

“If it’s what it was last year, there were definitely some big problems with the bill, and that’s why it didn’t get even called onto the House floor,” Scott said in a phone interview Thursday afternoon.

“We acknowledge that there definitely needs to be more affordable housing in the state … but these kinds of burdens that you’re placing on the housing providers, they’re going to be less apt to want to be in this industry, and I’ve heard from housing providers, that they’re going to sell off some of their stock.”

New Haven landlords also rallied against the bill last year. Twenty New Haven-area landlords submitted letters opposing the legislation, arguing that it violates property owners’ “basic rights.”

But in the eyes of lifelong New Havener Sabin, who stood off to the side during the rally holding a sign reading “JUST CAUSE to prevent discriminatory evictions,” the legislation is necessary to protect people in a city where over 70 percent of residents rent.

“There are so many families in New Haven who are working two or three jobs just trying to keep a roof over their heads, and this bill would create new protections to make sure they can stay in their homes,” Sabin said. “I think stability in our community is so important so we can build relationships with our neighbors, and have real communities that last.”

Afriyie To Challenge Perillo In 21st District Special Election

by Viktoria Sundqvist

Democrat Tony Afriyie of Stratford has received his party’s nomination to run for the special election in the 21st Senate District.

He will face Republican Jason Perillo, who has represented Shelton in the 113th House District since 2007 and on Thursday received his party’s nomination to run for the open Senate seat.

The special election has been scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 25.

The 21st District includes Shelton, Monroe, Stratford, and parts of Seymour, and has traditionally been Republican. The Democrats did not offer a candidate for the 2024 election.

Afriyie, however, said he is ready to bring fresh energy and bold solutions to Hartford.

“I am deeply honored to have the support of so many people across this district,” Afriyie said in a statement late Thursday. “Their trust inspires me to fight for the values we share: strengthening our communities, creating good-paying jobs, and ensuring every family has a fair shot

at success.”

Afriyie, a current town councilor in Stratford and a congressional staffer, said his campaign will focus on reducing the cost of living, ensuring our workforce is prepared for high-demand careers, and investing in education, infrastructure, and local businesses.

“This is our opportunity to come together and build a fairer future led by a new generation,” Afriyie said. “Together, we can turn vision into victory and progress into action. I’m running to deliver real solutions – whether it’s supporting small businesses, or ensuring our schools and infrastructure meet the needs of every resident.”

Afriyie is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University who was born in the Bronx, New York. He is a first-generation American with roots in Ghana, West Africa.

Perillo has said he plans to meet as many voters as possible in the next few weeks, especially outside of his hometown of Shelton, to build strong relationships and to learn what the needs are in each town. He has served on several local boards and

committees in Shelton, and in the legislature, he has a history of supporting small businesses and economic development. He said he intends to replicate the success he’s had in Shelton in the other three towns.

“Every town is a little bit different and every town has different needs,” he said. “I want to understand those needs and deliver what I can.”

Perillo is a lifelong Shelton resident and former chief of Echo Hose Ambulance, where he has been a volunteer since 1999. He has a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, a master’s degree in business administration from Boston College, and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

If Perillo is elected for the Senate seat, another special election will need to be held to fill his House seat in the 113th District. The 21st Senate District seat vacancy was created when former state Sen. Kevin Kelly resigned in January as he is being considered for a position as Superior Court judge.

Nathaniel Rosenberg photo CTTU Vice President Luke Melonakos-Harrison at the mic, fighting for "for housing stability, for dignity and respect."

L to R: Tony Afriyie and Jason Perillo, who are the Democratic and Republican nominees respectively running for the 21st Senate District seat in a special election scheduled for Feb. 25 to replace Sen. Kevin Kelly, who is reportedly seeking a seat on the Superior Court bench as a judge. Credit: Contributed photos / Tony for State Senate & Jason Perillo's LinkedIn page

Secret Messages Revealed In History Class

by Maya McFadden

Joseph’s eyes widened as he applied grape juice and heat to what appeared to be a blank piece of paper but instead held a secret message in invisible ink, written as part of a course designed to teach multilingual learners like himself U.S. history and English at the same time.

That was the scene in a sheltered content U.S history class on a recent Friday morning at Hillhouse High School. Sheltered content courses teach core subjects like history, math, science, and English with a specific focus on improving English fluency.

The class of 20 students is made up of multilingual sophomores, juniors, and seniors at the city’s second largest high school. The class includes students who speak English, French, Spanish, Pashto, or Arabic.

During Friday’s class, veteran history and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) educator Kaitlyn Goodwin called on students at random to read through a five paragraph excerpt about the use of invisible ink as a means of secret communication during the American Revolutionary War.

As students read aloud the passage, Goodwin helped along the way to offer them synonyms to unfamiliar words. She also walked the students through answering the passage’s follow up questions.

After reading the text, the students flipped their sheets over to answer review questions. Goodwin asked the questions aloud. She also guided the class in how to write their answers in a complete sentence. “How do we start the sentence?” Goodwin asked.

A group of students looked at the question: “How does a person reveal the secret message?” Then, in unison,

they responded: “A person reveals the secret message by using heat.”

Goodwin annotated and wrote the class’s responses down along with the students while projecting her work on the classroom’s whiteboard.

She explained the meaning of words used in the text as students read, informing them that “brittle” means thin and that “timely manner” means on time, and that cotton swab is a synonym for a Q tip.

After Goodwin taught her Hillhouse

students about spies using invisible ink, the group went on to write their own invisible ink messages for their peers to decipher.

Just before the students got to making their own invisible ink, they first wrote down the four step process it would take.

Water and baking soda and shake

Write secret message with q tip

Mississippi Wants to Pay Bounty Hunters

by BlackNews.com

DeSoto County in Mississippi has introduced a controversial plan to reward individuals $1,000 for reporting undocumented immigrants. The proposed “bounty hunter” program, House Bill 1484, aims to assist ICE in deportation efforts, funded by state resources.

State Representative Justin Keen authored the bill which is officially called the Mississippi Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program. If approved, registered bounty hunters will work with law enforcement in DeSoto County to identify and report undocumented individuals.

District Attorney Matthew Barton emphasized the program’s role in enforcing

a $1K

Once securing a blank piece of paper and a container of water and baking soda mix, the students shook the contents of the mix. They then used Q tips to write a few vocabulary words using the mix as ink. After letting the secret messages dry to then appear as a blank sheet of paper again, they each traded their papers with a classmate. Using a new Q tip dipped in grape juice the students rubbed the messages with the juice. Then Goodwin applied heat using a blow dryer.

Soon enough, words like “rifle,” “bayonet,” “minuteman,” “cannon,” “taxes,” “sugar,” and “tea” appeared on the students’ papers. All of those were vocabulary words the class had learned from the American Revolution unit.

With excitement, some went off to do the activity again on a new piece of paper. Others took a picture of the steps on their worksheets to repeat the activity at home.

Goodwin estimated that Hillhouse has about 250 multiligual learners.

Ghofran, a senior, told this reporter she enjoys practicing her English while also learning history. It allows for her to not just learn vocabulary from the American Revolution but also be more confident in speaking English. “Everyday she tells us ‘you can do it’ and helps us to not be afraid to read,” she said of her teacher, Goodwin.

For the past 11 years that Goodwin has worked at Hillhouse, she has taught sheltered content classes for multilingual learners. Hillhouse has sheltered content courses for all of its core subjects.

This year is the first year Hillhouse has also introduced a Pashto course to help students improve their native language skills in order to learn a second language. That course was also intro-

duced at Cross this year thanks to a partnership with Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS).

On Friday, Hillhouse student Ndella said the U.S History class is her favorite course this year. “I like that they ask us how we feel and let us talk about our life so she can understand us,” Ndella said. “This class makes U.S history very fun.”

Her classmate Joseph said the class has inspired him to learn global history beyond the history of Congo, where he learned his first language of French, because of the many new connections he’s made in his classes at Hillhouse, including with students like Ndella, who is from Senegal. “I want to know everything, it’s amazing,” Joseph concluded.

Reached for comment Thursday, Hillhouse Principal Antoine Billy told the Independent: “Our students at Hillhouse know they will be coming to an environment that cares for them and will protect them. I am confident in my staff in providing such a space for all students, including our students who worry about their livelihood and current situation with the incoming federal government. It is a testament to the core values that I trust my staff to instill in all of our students about what it means to be an ACADEMIC (Accountable, Courageous, Ambitious, Determined, Empowering, Mindful, Integrity, Creative, Selfless).”

He continued, “Ms. Goodwin is just an example of all our teachers who are working hard to instill the courage and determination for our students to come to school every day, regardless of the circumstances and to change their lives through education and continuing to dream to be the best every day. At Hillhouse, we ‘Strive for Greatness” every day.’ ”

Reward to Hunt Down Illegal Immigrants

immigration laws and reducing the number of undocumented immigrants in the area. According to Barton, over 1,000 undocumented immigrants have been detained in DeSoto County over the past four years.

“This program is a vital step in assisting our law enforcement agencies to better enforce immigration laws and ensure that those in this country unlawfully are sent back to their country of origin,” Barton said, according to WLBT.

The funding will come from the state’s general assembly and be managed by the state treasurer. Donald Trump, who is known as an outspoken critic of illegal immigration, has pushed for stronger immigration laws under his presidency.

The New Haven independent

... and helps them learn about Revolutionary War communication techniques.

Ndella at work writing secret message.

Open Mic

About who we should be looking to vote for, about what problems were going on. It was a continuation from our heritage of what's called the griot, which is the storyteller. We would meet in basements. We would meet in all kinds of places that no one knew about, just our community. And we would do poetry. African drumming. Stuff like that.”

Influence is presently working on a poem about Dr. King’s speech to the sanitation workers of Memphis in 1968.

Reflecting on the day’s celebrations, the concurrent presidential inauguration felt like an inescapable comparison.

“As far as Dr. King's dream goes, I think we're kind of living a nightmare,” he said. “The great thing about the nightmare, though, we always seem to wake up and survive despite whatever America decides to do. We’re continuing to go through the valleys, after Martin saw the mountaintop. We're still traveling those valleys. We haven't gotten to the Promised Land yet.” Monday felt celebratory for another reason: This is the Peabody's first on-site MLK Celebration since its reopening in March of last year. The museum has returned with an eye towards forging deeper relationships with New Haven. Its partners for this event included the New Haven Free Public Library, Students for Educational Justice, New Haven Public Schools, and the Dixwell Community Q House.

“The renovation gave us an opportunity to think in different ways about knowledge, and whose knowledge is valued,” said Andrea Motto, assistant director of public education and outreach at the Peabody. A key focus has been to build longstanding partnerships with Black-founded community organizations and spotlight their social justice work throughout the year.

Maya Gant, an education coordinator brought on to help with New Haven and youth engagement, added that “Having [the relationship between Peabody and New Haven] be reciprocal instead of feeling transactional has been a really big step, I think. You come to us, we come to you.”

Gant interviewed her grandfather, along with other senior members of the Q House, for a short video testimonial about those who had worked with MLK on voter rights and other civil rights issues during the 1960s. The video played in the multimedia museum exhibits during the day.

“Within the Black community, oral storytelling has been something that is a big founding influence. I mean, I remember stories from my childhood. And one of the ideas that I had was just that, like, we need to get these stories on film,” Gant said. “My grandfather's 91 years old. Dr. King would have turned 96 this year. The generations of people who planted the seeds for the tree that we're all sitting under right now are getting old, and we don't want these stories to die with them.”

NEW HAVEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2025 SCHOOL CHOICE EXPO

NHPS Parent Advanced For School Board

by Laura Glesby

When Board of Education nominee Daniel Juárez’s oldest child was approaching high school with a daunting local school lottery process on the horizon Juárez and his wife had a question for their two kids enrolled in New Haven Public Schools.

“We said, ‘What would you guys think about moving to the suburbs?’” Juárez recalled on Monday evening.

“They said, ‘Absolutely not!’”

Juárez told the Board of Alders Aldermanic Affairs Committee which on Monday unanimously voted to advance his appointment to the New Haven Board of Education that he “immediately repented” after hearing his kids’ response. They wanted to live in a place with sidewalks, he said which he took to mean literal sidewalks, but also a metaphorical kind of public infrastructure.

“They meant, ‘We want to live in a place where there’s community, where people do things together,’” Juárez said.

And as a parent, Juárez said, he hopes to be a part of that figurative “sidewalk” and help to make it better.

Juárez’s older son is now in his senior year at Engineering and Science University Magnet School, while his younger son is a freshman at the Sound School. Both kids have gone to New Haven Public Schools first at the Strong School, and then at the school that’s now called FAME for their entire school-aged lives.

Juárez told this story to the committee inside the Board of Alders Chamber on Monday night, at which alders had an opportunity to interview him for the role.

“Will your kids remain in public schools?” asked Beaver Hills Alder Gary Hogan. “Yes,” Juárez replied.

Among the seven current members of the Board of Education, only one person Mayor Justin Elicker is a current parent of a public school student. If appointed, Juárez would double that number to two.

Mayor Justin Elicker had nominated Juárez to serve on the Board of Ed in mid-December after declining to reappoint Board Chair Yesenia Rivera for another four-year term.

With the committee’s favorable recommendation, Juárez’s appointment will now be reviewed by the full Board of Alders.

A Beaver Hills resident, Juárez is both a fundraiser for Yale and a professionally-trained opera singer. By day, he works as a program coordinator in corporate strategy and engagement for Yale Ventures, a university entrepreneurship and innovation resource center.

He also trained in operatic singing at the Yale School of Music and continues to perform as a tenor in local productions.

Until recently, he was the musical director at the Branford Evangelical (BE) Free Church.

He told alders on Monday that his experience as a parent would be central to the perspective he’d bring to the Board of Ed.

As his kids grew up from grade to grade, Juárez became involved with the FAME Parent-Teacher organization, then the School Planning and Management Team, an NHPS Reform Committee, and then the Steering Committee of the Citywide Parent Team.

Committee Chair and Fair Haven Heights Alder Rosa Ferraro Santana pressed Juárez on whether he would be able to bring a sense of calm and cordiality to a Board of Education known for infighting and bickering (which once devolved into a duel challenge). Even as those particular tensions appear to have improved in recent years, Ferraro Santana said she still isn’t satisfied with the culture on the Board.

“I will always behave in a way that wouldn’t make me ashamed in front of my children, my family,” Juárez said.

Current Board member and former FAME Principal Abie Benítez described Juárez as a collaborative presence on the SPMT, which brought together parents, teachers, staff, and administrators to make governance decisions for the whole school.

LEAP Year Turns 30

by Melissa Liriano

LEAP Year Event, a cherished New Haven tradition, is back and better than ever for its 30th anniversary! This year’s event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Dixwell Community “Q” House. The evening will begin with a lively reception at 5 p.m., followed by your choice of intimate dinner parties at various unique locations throughout Greater New Haven.

“Mr. Juárez was not someone who would always say ‘Yes, Dr. Benítez, that’s fantastic’” she recalled. He wasn’t afraid to speak up, but “he was a good thinking partner.”

“He was the quiet person that sat down and listened and then gave us feedback that was constructive,” described Daniel Diaz, the school system’s parent engagement coordinator.

Pastor Steve Chamberlain, who worked alongside Juárez at BE Free Church, pointed to Juárez’s approach to directing the church choir as an example of his leadership style.

In the church choir, “sometimes people would come who couldn’t carry a tune. I mean, they were awful,” said Chamberlain with a laugh.

Rather than prioritizing a pitch-perfect sound at the standard of his own professional vocal performances, Juárez would encourage those out-of-tune singers, the paster said. “It was a higher value for him to raise that individual up.”

It was this demonstration of inclusivity that most resonated with Hill Alder Evelyn Rodríguez when it came time for the committee to advance his appointment.

“No matter what the voices were, all of the individuals who wanted to be a part of the worship were made to be significant,” Rodríguez said.

LEAP Year Event is a fundraiser for the non-profit organization Leadership, Education, and Athletics in Partnership (LEAP). LEAP provides free social and academic enrichment, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for more than 1,600 children and teens in New Haven’s low-income neighborhoods.

This year’s event will honor Ann Baker Pepe and Ed Cleary, Co-Board Chairs, with combined service to LEAP of almost 60 years, with the LEAP Community Leadership Award. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate their contributions to the community, mingle with fellow guests, and enjoy plentiful complimentary delicious food and drinks and live music.

This isn’t your typical gala dinner! LEAP Year Event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the broader New Haven community, including philanthropists, educators, and community leaders.

Along with the reception, you’ll have the chance to select a dinner party that captures your interest. Whether it’s a discussion on artificial intelligence, fashion during the French Revolution, olive oil, or the future of New Haven, there’s a conversation to engage everyone. You’ll gain exclusive insights from respected authors, Yale professors, and industry leaders in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, all while enjoying delicious cuisine at some of New Haven’s finest restaurants and private homes.

Meet some of our distinguished guests: • Dive into the publishing world with

Betsy Lerner: A celebrated author and literary agent, Lerner will offer a behindthe-scenes look at the writing process and the publishing industry.

• Explore the power of Gen Z with Kahlil Greene: This Peabody Award-winning educational activist will discuss how he’s using social media to make history more accessible and engaging for his generation.

• Journey into the future of AI with Kyle Jensen: A leading expert in artificial intelligence, Jensen will explore the exciting possibilities of this rapidly evolving field. Come for a lesson in ChatGPT.

• Meet Yale President Maurie McInnis: Hear about her vision for the university and her insights on leadership in higher education.

• Learn about women’s health research with Carolyn Mazure: A pioneer in this critical field, Mazure will discuss the importance of gender-specific health research.

• Discover tech incubator ClimateHaven with Justine Lee: This dynamic CEO will discuss how her company is fostering the development of climate-friendly technologies.

• Discuss the law with Emily Bazelon: A respected legal scholar and NYT journalist, Bazelon will offer her perspectives on recent Supreme Court decisions and their impact on our lives.

• Explore the future of New Haven with Alex Twining: This prominent real estate developer will share his insights on urban development and the city’s growth. Tickets for the LEAP Year Event are $150 for the reception and a dinner party, or $25 for the reception only. There is also a First-Time Attendee/Student Ticket available for $75, which includes the reception and a dinner party.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit LEAP’s website at www. leapforkids.org/lye. Don’t wait – these dinners fill up fast!

Contributed photo Deborah Stanley-McAulay, Fallon Thomas, LaKisha Jordan, and Dr. Cynthia Mann at the 2024 LEAP Year Event Reception at the Q House.

The following writeup was submitted by LEAP Communications Coordinator Melissa Liriano.

Laura Glesby Photo Daniel Juárez: En route to ed board?

Members of the Aldermanic Affairs Committee.

The New Haven independent

KING FAMILY SEEKS REVIEW OF FILES ON MLK ASSASSINATION, BERNICE KING ADDRESSES PUBLIC DISRESPECT

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

The family of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has expressed its hope to review records related to his assassination before they are made public. King’s family’s statement came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to declassify records surrounding the assassinations of the civil rights icon, President John F. Kennedy, and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. “For us, the assassination of our father is a deeply personal family loss that we have endured over the last 56 years,” the family stated in a message shared by King’s daughter, Bernice King. “We hope to be provided the opportunity to review the files as a family prior to its public release.” The family also noted not granting interviews as they await further information.

The release of the documents hasn’t been the only moment in the news this week for King’s family.

The nation observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which fell on the same Monday as Trump’s inauguration this year. Bernice King, the youngest of King’s four children, told MSNBC that the overlap provided an opportunity to recall her father’s legacy while the country transitions to a new administration.

“It’s wonderful that this occurs on the King holiday, the inauguration, because it reminds us of King,” said King, who was five years old when her father was assassinated in 1968. “It points us back to King. It says, ‘When we move forward, we’ve got to do it in the spirit of King.’”

She called on Americans to remain steadfast in the values her father championed, particularly nonviolence. “We have to strategize. We’ve been missing the strategy. We’ve been missing the spirit of Dr. King,” she said. “The spirit of Dr. King is nonviolence. And nonviolence is not just a posture; it’s a mindset. It’s a love-centered way of thinking, speaking, acting, and engaging that leads to personal, cultural, and societal transformation.”

This year marked just the third time that Martin Luther King Jr. Day coincided with a presidential inauguration, the first during President Bill Clinton’s second term in 1997 and the second during President Barack Obama’s second term in 2013. Obama took his oath of office using a Bible that once belonged to King.

In yet another incident this week that stirred controversy surrounding the King family, rapper Sexyy Red posted an AI-generated image of herself and Dr. King at a nightclub on social media on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The image showed the rapper holding hands with King in a crowded setting. The post,

which lacked a caption, was widely criticized and later deleted following a request from Bernice King.

“This is intentionally distasteful, dishonoring, deplorable, and disrespectful to my family and my father, who is not here to respond himself because he was assassinated for working for your civil and human rights,” Bernice King wrote in response.

Despite calling out the post, King also addressed negative comments directed at the rapper, writing, “I don’t believe Sexyy Red to be a ‘degenerate,’ ‘ghetto,’ or ‘trash,'" King stated. "I have spoken out in the past about the use of and comparison to either of my parents to denigrate other people.”

Sexyy Red immediately apologized, saying, “You ain’t wrong; I never meant to disrespect your family. My apologies. Just reposted something I saw that I thought was innocent.”

King accepted the apology. “I value you as a human being," King responded. "I know that my father has become a bit of a caricature to the world and that his image is often used with no regard to his family, his sacrificial work, or the tragic, unjust way in which he died (a state-sanctioned assassination). Unfortunately, I regularly challenge the disregard.”

HBCUS IN JEOPARDY OF LOSING FUNDING FOR BLACK CULTURAL STUDIES

By April Ryan

“This is only the beginning of a long fight,” according to Democratic North Carolina Congresswoman Alma Adams. She is addressing the Executive Order to pause federal loans and grants. There is an overwhelming concern in the Historically Black College and University community that many key programs focused on race and equity will be impacted. Adams, a ranking member of a House Subcommittee on Higher Education and the Founder and Co-Chair of the Bicameral HBCU Caucus, issued a statement to Black Press USA once a federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s funding freeze. Adams, whose state houses 11 HBCUs, the largest number in any given state, believes, “President Trump is dismantling equity in education with the stroke of a pen by rescinding federal initiatives for MSIs.” HBCUs are two hundred year old institutions that are one of the largest segments of this nation to create the Black middle class. Adams

passionately expressed, “he’s jeopardizing the futures of countless students.”

expressed, “he’s [President Trump] jeopardizing the futures of countless students.” the press an example of teaching “critical race theory” which he says would lose the federal funding. “The pause on the federal loans and grants will involve “a politically appointed individual… who simply reviews and approves the expenditure so that we have democratic control over the operations of government,” emphasized Miller who further acknowledge “this doesn’t impact any programs that Americans rely on.”

According to the Trump White House, the pause is meant as a review period for federal loans and grants to organizations and agencies. A White House official told this reporter Historically Black Colleges and Universities are fine. However, if African American History and or Woke programs are taught with federal funds, those monies will be extracted from the school and or program. Walter Kimbrough, the Interim President of Talladega College exclusively told Black Press USA the initial announcement of the funding freeze “was a shock to the HBCU community, which has continued to enjoy broad, bipartisan support.” However he sharply questioned, “how can you be an HBCU without African American history?” “The terms of the executive order is 90 days… It is a review process to say that there is discretionary spending…. to a contract, to a non governmental organization.”

Trump White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller also gave

Adams, a former alumna of North Carolina A and T and a former professor of an HBCU believes this examination of federal funding is ”putting HBCUs, which are already underfunded but vital to our communities, directly in harm’s way.” Meanwhile, Kimbrough wants the 111 Presidents of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities to meet with President Trump detailing, “we are eager to meet with the new administration to remind them of the consequential role HBCUs make to our nation, and to solicit their support and further investment.”

Despite protests, Oklahoma Board of Education votes to approve proposal requiring parents to prove citizenship when enrolling kids

by Mildred Europa Taylor, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Aproposed rule change in Oklahoma might require parents or legal guardians to provide proof of citizenship to enroll their students in the public school system.

The proposed rule was approved Tuesday by the State Board of Education amid protests. Around 100 Oklahomans gathered outside the administration building before the meeting to protest the rule change.

The board still voted unanimously to approve the rule. The proposed changes will now go to the Oklahoma legislature for potential approval before heading to the governor’s desk to be signed.

The rule requires parents or legal guardians to provide proof of citizenship of their children when enrolling them in public school, including a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, consular report of birth abroad, permanent resident card or other legal document, AP reported.

Students without legal status will not be prevented from enrolling or barred from attending school under the rule. The rule’s main objective is to gather data on Oklahoma’s student body, according to Republican State Superintendent Ryan Walters.

“Our rule around illegal immigration accounting is simply that. It is to account for how many students of illegal immigrants are in our schools,” Walters, the state’s education chief, said. Walters and five people appointed by the governor to four-year terms were members of the board that discussed the proposal for about 20 minutes before approving it.

The Migration Policy Institute has said that there are an estimated 90,000 Oklahoma residents without legal status, including an estimated 6,000 children enrolled in Oklahoma schools.

A 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling known as Plyler vs. Doe affirmed the right of children living in the country illegally to attend public schools. Teach-

ers and advocates now believe that the proposal rule change in Oklahoma will create fear among immigrant families and children.

“All children have a constitutional right to equal access to education regardless of their citizenship or immigration status,” the National Immigration Law Center said in a statement objecting to the rule change. “Requiring school districts to collect information about immigration status illegally chills access to this opportunity, interfering with their ability to focus on their core mission: to educate children and give all students the ability to grow, thrive, and participate fully in our democracy.”

Trump assumed office this month after making mass deportations of undocumented immigrants a key campaign promise.

On Sunday, a nationwide immigration crackdown led to the arrest of 956 people. Before that, 286 were arrested on Saturday, 593 on Friday and 538 on Thursday.

Photo: Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman/ USA Today Network/Imagn Images via CNN Newsource

HBCUs are two hundred year old institutions that are one of the largest segments of this nation to create the Black middle class. Adams passionately

Pictured: Todd Dulaney

TRUMP’S FIRST WEEK BACK IN OFFICE MARKED BY RACIST ACTIONS, ROLLBACK OF WORKER PROTECTIONS

For Black Americans, who already face systemic barriers in employment, the loss of these protections exacerbates long-standing disparities. Women, particularly women of color, will likely see even more significant hurdles in hiring, pay, and promotions.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

For members of the African American community, women, Latinos, LGBTQ, and even some marginalized white men, the buyer’s remorse has been swift and the sense of betrayal gut-wrenching.

President Donald Trump wasted no time in using his first week back in the White House to enact policies that critics have called overtly racist, discriminatory, and regressive among the most controversial actions: mass deportations, a push to end birthright citizenship, and the revocation of key worker protections for minorities, women, and other marginalized groups.

The latest executive order, targeting the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) rule, is poised to dismantle decades of progress in workplace equity. The rule, which required federal contractors to take affirmative action to ensure workers are not discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, was a crucial safeguard against systemic inequities. Now, with its removal, Black Americans, other minorities, women, and LGBTQ individuals face heightened vulnerability to workplace discrimination.

A Step Backward for Civil Rights

The EEO rule held federal contractors accountable for creating equitable workplaces, covering everything from hiring and promotions to pay. It also empowered the Department of Labor to enforce these standards. By rescinding the rule, Trump has significantly weakened the government’s ability to combat workplace discrimination, leaving marginalized groups with fewer avenues for recourse.

“Revoking this rule not only undermines workplace equity but signals to private employers that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are no longer a priority,” said Alex Hontos, a partner at the law firm Dorsey & Whitney and an expert on government contracting. Hontos added that Trump’s ex-

ecutive orders will likely extend beyond federal contractors, targeting private companies through enforcement actions and public scrutiny of their DEI efforts.

Ripple Effects Beyond Federal Contractors

The chilling effect of rescinding the EEO rule could reach private employers, many of whom have already begun scaling back DEI programs in response to political and legal pressures. Corporations such as Meta, Ford, McDonald’s, and Walmart have rolled back DEI initiatives following the 2023 Supreme Court decision banning affirmative action in college admissions. Critics warn that this trend and Trump’s executive orders threaten to undo years of progress toward workplace equity.

For Black Americans, who already face systemic barriers in employment, the loss of these protections exacerbates long-standing disparities. Women, particularly women of color, will likely see even more significant hurdles in hiring, pay, and promotions.

Hypocrisy Within the MAGA Movement

While Trump’s base includes sup-

porters from across various demographics, his actions reflect the MAGA movement’s increasingly hostile stance toward LGBTQ individuals. Notably, Trump’s supporters include Caitlyn Jenner, a trans woman and high-profile conservative figure. However, after the administration’s executive orders targeting LGBTQ rights, many in Trump’s circle have strongly suggested they will only refer to Caitlyn as “Bruce,” her former name, before transitioning. The action signals a clear disregard for transgender identities, even among those who have been loyal to Trump’s agenda.

“This is the hypocrisy of the MAGA movement,” noted one LGBTQ advocate who, like so many others, doesn’t want to be identified for fear of Trump and his band of worshippers. “They claim to have diverse supporters, but their policies and rhetoric are unapologetically discriminatory.”

Weakening Enforcement, Discouraging Complaints

Under the now-revoked rule, the Department of Labor had the authority to investigate and address workplace dis-

crimination. Without it, federal contractors may feel less pressure to ensure fair practices, and workers may hesitate to report discrimination, fearing that their cases will not be taken seriously. That’s especially concerning for marginalized communities that already face disproportionate challenges in accessing legal recourse.

“Workers who believe they’ve been treated unfairly could find themselves with fewer options to fight back,” a labor expert warned. Several labor experts fear the rollback of these protections could embolden employers to ignore diversity and inclusion goals, further marginalizing those already disadvantaged.

A Broader Conservative Agenda

Trump’s actions align with those of a broader conservative movement against DEI initiatives. The executive order’s directive for attorneys general to scrutinize private-sector DEI efforts has raised alarm among civil rights advocates, who see it as an attempt to dismantle diversity programs across all sectors. Hontos noted that this “stepwise approach” will likely chill DEI initiatives even in

companies not directly tied to federal contracts.

The impact of these measures is compounded by other actions taken by Trump during his first week in office, including mass deportations and his move to end birthright citizenship. Critics have described these policies as part of a calculated effort to erode the rights of minorities, immigrants, and women while emboldening his base with overtly racist and exclusionary rhetoric.

Widening Inequities

The rollback of the EEO rule comes at a time when racial and gender inequities remain deeply entrenched in the U.S. workforce. By eliminating proactive measures to ensure equity, Trump’s actions risk normalizing discriminatory practices. Combined with the Supreme Court’s ban on affirmative action in college admissions, these developments create a hostile environment for those seeking equal opportunities.

“This is a direct attack on the progress we’ve made as a nation,” civil rights advocates have argued. “It sends a message that diversity and inclusion are no longer valued and that discrimination will not be meaningfully addressed.”

A Return to Jim Crow-like Policies?

For many, Trump’s actions signal a return to an era where the rights of marginalized groups were openly disregarded. Black Americans, in particular, stand to lose hard-won gains in workplace equity, with women and LGBTQ individuals facing similarly dire consequences. The broader implications of these policies, including their impact on private-sector companies, could reverse decades of progress in creating fair and inclusive workplaces.

As Trump’s first week in office draws to a close, the question remains: how much damage will these policies inflict on the most vulnerable populations in America? The stakes could not be higher for those who have fought for civil rights and workplace equality.

“We cannot afford to go backward,” said another labor advocate. “This is a fight for the soul of our nation.”

Questions about your bill?

Yale New Haven Hospital is pleased to offer patients and their families financial counseling regarding their hospital bills or the availability of financial assistance, including free care funds. By appointment, patients can speak one-on-one with a financial counselor during regular business hours. For your convenience, extended hours are available in-person at Yale New Haven Hospital once a month.

Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Time: 5 - 7 pm

Location: Children’s Hospital, 1 Park St., 1st Floor, Admitting

Parking available (handicapped accessible)

An appointment is necessary. Please call 855-547-4584

Spanish-speaking counselors available.

Evergreen Cemetery & Crematory We’re Here When You Need Us!

• Cremation (Choose to be cremated at Evergreen.)

• Columbarium in the Most Beautiful Cremation Garden

• Reserve your Niche in a secure location pre-need.

• Reserve a Niche for family and friends or purchase at-need to safely place your Loved One in the Columbarium.

• Burial Lots (infant, single, two-grave, or four-grave)

• Monuments & Markers (black, gray, or pink granite)

• Flower placement (single or multiple placement)

• All orders can be placed at the Evergreen office or the website.

Activist Kemba Smith Pradia on getting a second chance after presidential pardon: ‘I dropped to my knees’

by Dollita Okine, Face2FaceAfrica.com

During his final days in office, former President Joe Biden set a record for the most pardons and sentence commutations of any president.

Biden’s pardon list of over 2,500 individuals serving excessively lengthy sentences for drug offenses included Kemba Smith Pradia, who was found guilty of a non-violent drug offense in 1994 and given a 24.5-year jail sentence.

Biden’s pardon now restores Smith’s right to vote, hold state or local office, and serve on a jury. In an Instagram statement, Smith expressed gratitude to Biden for granting her a second opportunity.

“Today, I dropped to my knees, thanking God for this moment. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and humbled by the news

Like Michelle Obama, No, We Ain’t Going

No is a complete sentence. Black women have to learn to use the word no unapologetically.

by Andrea King Collier, BlackHealthMatters.com

To paraphrase our forever First Lady, Michelle Obama, sometimes we go high when they go low, even when we really want to get right on down. Other times, we have to go there. Oh yeah, she went there. She has quit her Black job. And we are there for all the lessons of it. Our first hint was when she opted out of the funeral services for Former President Jimmy Carter. All the living former presidents and their wives attended—except Michelle. Good thing—she would have sat next to the Trumps if she had gone. And in the words of Vice President Kamala Harris, “nobody wants that.”

When Obama’s office sent out a short and sweet press release stating that her husband would attend the Inauguration, but she would not, that was all she needed to say and all we needed to hear. There was a big PERIODT at the end of the sentence.

Now, it is left to our imagination, I suppose, to speculate as to why she has gone MIA. Keep guessing. She said what she said—I ain’t going. THE END. Maybe we need to try it when we have had enough.

2024 was rough on us all. Coming into this new year, we must shape our priorities and boundaries for self-care and well-being. By the end of 2024, I was pretty shaken, stressed, and anxious. I was everywhere and saying yes to everything. One of my own goals is to believe that “NO” is a complete sentence.

When she said it, we tired, politically stressed, and broken-hearted Black women got it, and it emboldened us. She didn’t owe us the obligatory stuff we tell people when we don’t want to go somewhere or do something. There is no need for “no but,” or “no, and.”

Now, we could be reading too much into it. Maybe she is planning on a migraine and knows she won’t be up to it. Or maybe she knew that the whole Game

of Thrones thing would make her sick. It makes me ill just thinking about it. Look, it’s no longer her Black job.

Now, I will say that I will miss getting one of those dazzling, show-stealing Michelle Obama moments we all wait for.

I am still thinking about the last Inauguration when she broke the internet without saying a word—that hair, that Sergio Hudson burgundy pantsuit. I forgot that the Bidens were moving into the White House. I even forgot that Kamala Harris was being sworn in as the first Black and South Asian Vice President. It was all about her out there slaying.

Since leaving the White House, a lot has changed for her. She has had to adjust to a new normal as a bestselling author, speaker, and executive producer. She’s an empty nester who lost her beloved mother in 2024. If you have had that kind of loss, you know how hard it is to get back on your feet.

She was reluctant to get on the campaign trail again, but she was spectacular when she got out there for Vice President Harris, leaving nothing on the podium. She was a voice for all of us who have had to be assaulted by racism, sexism, and genderism in this country. The weight is heavy.

So, when she said no, without expla-

that I have been granted a full pardon by President Joe BidenThis incredible act of grace not only expunges my criminal record and restores my rights but also reaffirms the belief that our past does not define our future.”

According to the Legal Defense Fund, Smith was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine because she was involved in an abusive relationship with a drug dealer, even though she never used or sold drugs herself. Smith did, however, serve little over six years of that sentence when President Bill Clinton commuted it on December 22, 2000. Her case had at the time attracted nationwide attention and been featured on a variety of television shows and in several publications. Through the Kemba Smith Foundation, Smith has dedicated her life since her release to helping victims of domestic

Michelle Obama

nation, I took it to heart in my own life.

The moment you explain your position, you have already lost. People will tell you why that’s not a good idea. We need to have a line in the sand as we find our footing in when, where, and how we show up.

We all need an off-ramp.

The Black women I have talked to are over it, too. We are just bone tired of showing up for a country, a job, or a community that won’t show up for us. There is no cavalry. We are the cavalry. It has been hard on us. We have to take care.

This is the perfect time to begin weighing your reasons for saying no. How often have you said yes when your whole spirit said no? We have not been socialized to say yes to ourselves. Please take a note from Michelle Obama’s page: We don’t owe anybody an explanation regarding self-care. I love that for her and us. The takeaways moving forward.

• Set your boundaries regarding what matters and how you spend your time.

• Honor your power to decide what is right and healthy for you.

• Give yourself permission to say no, unapologetically—or yes.

• Distance yourself from people and places that are energy-zapping and move toward your joy and healing.

abuse and advocating for civil rights and criminal justice concerns.

According to WRIC, Smith has worked with nationally recognized civil rights and criminal justice organizations, as well as testified before Congress and the United Nations.

Smith joined the Virginia Parole Board and Virginia Sentencing Commission in 2019, according to the White House. Smith’s story has also been adapted into a film, “KEMBA,” which can be watched on BET+.

Smith is currently a mother, wife, author, advocate, public speaker, and consultant. According to JLUSA, she was often labeled the “poster child” for “reversing a disturbing trend in the rise of lengthy sentences for first-time, non-violent drug offenders.”

Merit Vs DEI

By April Ryan

“He [President Trump] is sanctioning… employment discrimination,” says Marc Morial the President and CEO of the National Urban League. Morial said he has talked to McDonald’s executives who recently dropped their DEI efforts as well as Walmart and he stepped off an unofficial board of Facebook as they moved to end DEI without consulting with that board. Morial made these statements on the Black Press USA show Make it Plain. Make it Plain He spoke on the cancellation of diversity equity and inclusion through a new executive order signed in the first days of this new Trump administration.

The Trump EO focuses on the word “merit” as the new hiring protocol. The definition of merit the administration is adhering to is people selected based on their ability. For the companies and federal agencies embracing the executive order Moral expressed “we have to judge you on your results.” According to the Urban League stats the current American workforce of those under the age of 40 is made up of more women than it is men. Also, the workforce under the age of 40 is half white and the other half is made up of nonwhite workers. “When you start ex-

cluding people from these businesses who will do the work,” questioned the head of the rights group.

The National Urban League this week led a roundtable discussion with other heads of civil rights groups and leaders from other racially diverse communities on the challenge of DEI in governmental departments and private sector businesses. The leaders particularly Morial were anticipating the cancellation of DEI in the federal government and private sector business is not a surprise as “Project 2025 telegraphed all these things would happen.” Morial has talked to companies who have publicly said they are walking away from DEI. “Some are trying to have it both ways… as some have stepped away [from DEI] completely. “When asked if the coalition of leaders would meet with President Trump, Morial emphasized substance over a photo op saying, “we are not opposed to a meeting with the president, but it has got to be real.” Meanwhile, when it comes to Black buying power, Morial told Black Press USA Thursday that the black buying power in this nation is close to “$2 trillion” and combined with other minority groups it is $5 trillion” the Urban League also tallied the most purchased item by Black consumers in this country, GRITS.

Kemba Smith Pradia

Businesspeople, teamwork and fist of hands in circle for collaboration, synergy and motivation of global equality from above (Photo By Jacob Wackerhausen)

Assistant to the Tax Collector

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Attendant II)

NOTICE

The Town of Wallingford Sewer Division is seeking qualified applicants to perform skilled duties associated with the operation and maintenance of its modern, upgraded Class IV wastewater treatment facility. Applicants should possess a H.S. diploma or equivalent, plus possess a State of Connecticut DEEP Class II Operator or higher, or a Class II Operator-in-Training or higher certification. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Driver’s License. Wages: $28.44 to $33.89 hourly plus on-call pay when assigned. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, individual and family medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and deferred compensation plan. To apply online by the closing date of November 26, 2024, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The Town of Wallingford is seeking an individual with strong supervisory skills to assist in the collection of revenue from local property taxes including revenue generated from town utilities. The position requires an A.S. degree in Business Administration or related field and 2 years of accounting, bookkeeping, or collections experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Must possess a CT driver’s license and obtain designation as a CT municipal tax collector within 3 years of appointment. Salary: $69,124 to $87,566 annually. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, individual and family medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and deferred compensation plan. The closing date will be February 11, 2025 or the date the 40th application is received, whichever occurs first. To apply online, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

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.

ELECTRIC UTILITY DISTRIBUTION SUPERINTENDENT

NOTICIA

Security Guard

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

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF NORWALK, CT IS REQUESTING PROPOSALS FOR INSURANCE AND BENEFITS BROKERAGE SERVICES FOR HEALTH (Medical, Dental and Vision) BENEFITS.

ELECTRIC UTILITY DISTRIBUTION SUPERINTENDENT

Invitation for BIDS

Agency Wide Plumbing Services & Preventative Maintenance

TO OBTAIN A COMPLETE COPY OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS, CONTACT GUILLERMO BENDANA, PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST AT GBENDA@NORWALKHA.ORG PROPOSALS ARE DUE AT

5:00 P.M. ON 11/25/2024.

NORWALK HOUSING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ADAM BOVILSKY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

40 hours per week/10 months per year

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

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

The Town of Wallingford is offering an excellent career opportunity for a strong manager and leader in the electric utility industry to oversee the construction, operation, and maintenance of the electric transmission and distribution systems and related facilities of the Town’s Electric Division. This highly reliable municipally-owned electric utility, located 10 miles from New Haven, CT, serves 25,000 customers in a 50+ square mile distribution area with a peak demand of 130 MW with an excellent rate structure. Applicants should possess 8 years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility distribution construction, maintenance, and operations which includes at least 4 years of experience as a supervisor, plus a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (power), or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Must possess, or obtain within 12 months of hire and maintain ESOP-100 Switching and Tagging qualifications. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Driver’s License. Salary: $119,632 to $149,540 annually plus on-call stipend when required. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, individual and family medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and deferred compensation plan. To apply online by the closing date of November 22, 2024, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Security Guard – The Wallingford Board of Education is seeking qualified individuals to perform a variety of duties associated with monitoring access to a school building or assigned station. Implements security protocols as provided by district and building level administrative staff. Requires graduation from high school, plus a minimum of 1-year experience working with the public. 1-year security experience preferred. Individual considered for the position will be required to be fingerprinted and undergo background checks. Hourly Rate: $18.00. Hours: 6:45 A.M. – 3:15 P.M. plus benefit package. The closing date will be February 5, 2025 or the date the 25th application is received, whichever occurs first. To apply online, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/ government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203)294-2080 Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

POLICE OFFICER

City of Bristol

360 Management Group, Co. Is currently seeking bids for Agency Wide Plumbing Services & Preventative Maintenance. A complete copy of the requirements may be obtained from 360 Management Group’s vendor Collaboration Portal. https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

Electric Utility System Operator/Dispatcher

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE

The Town of Wallingford is offering an excellent career opportunity for a strong manager and leader in the electric utility industry to oversee the construction, operation, and maintenance of the electric transmission and distribution systems and related facilities of the Town’s Electric Division. This highly reliable municipally-owned electric utility, located 10 miles from New Haven, CT, serves 25,000 customers in a 50+ square mile distribution area with a peak demand of 130 MW with an excellent rate structure. Applicants should possess 8 years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility distribution construction, maintenance, and operations which includes at least 4 years of experience as a supervisor, plus a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (power), or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Must possess, or obtain within 12 months of hire and maintain ESOP-100 Switching and Tagging qualifications. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Driver’s License. Salary: $122,623 to $153,279 annually plus on-call stipend when required. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, individual and family medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and deferred compensation plan. To apply online by the closing date of February 7, 2025, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/ government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Lineman – Electric Utility

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

$75,636 - $91,939/yr. Required testing, general info, and apply online: www.bristolct.gov

Please register here to obtain Bid Package: https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/

The Town of Wallingford Electric Division is seeking highly skilled applicants for First Class Lineman. Applicants must be a H.S, trade school, or vocational high school graduate with 4 years’ experience in electric line construction/maintenance work with experience working with energized 13,800-volt equipment. Must possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate equipment. Wages: $51.88 to $57.67 hourly. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, individual and family medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and voluntary deferred compensation plan. To apply online by the February 7, 2025 closing date, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/ departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

PUBLIC WORKS MAINTAINER II

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

DEADLINE: 01-03-25

#024-02: ON-CALL GRANT SERVICES

Operates electric distribution substation and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for an electric utility serving 25,000 customers. Coordinates electric system switching and places equipment in and out of service during routine and emergency operations. Requires HS diploma/GED with 2 years experience in the operation of Distribution SCADA equipment and/or switchboards used in the distribution of electricity. Experience and training may be substituted on a year for year basis. Must maintain valid system operation certification from Connecticut Valley Exchange (CONVEX) or other approved agency or be able to obtain the same within 90 days of hire. Must posses and maintain a valid State of CT driver’s license. $ 43.05 - $ 50.36 per hour plus an excellent fringe benefit package. To apply online by the closing date of February 14, 2025, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

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

SCRCOG’s Regional Purchasing Consortium is accepting sealed Request for Qualifications for:

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (“SCRCOG”) will be accepting sealed Qualifications for On-Call Grant Services. SCRCOG is seeking proposals to provide “On-Call” services to all fifteen municipalities in the region. Disciplines include, but are not limited to, grant management and comprehensive technical assistance, grant writing, strategic grant planning, and other disciplines. Disadvantaged, minority, small, and women-owned business enterprises are encouraged to respond.

Listing: Direct Fueler

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.

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.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

The Town of Wallingford Department of Public Works has openings for Maintainer II. Applicants should possess 2 years’ experience as a laborer in construction work involving the operation and care of trucks and other mechanical equipment, or 2 years training in one of the skilled trades and 1 year of experience in construction operations, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. A valid (CDL) Class B or higher is required. $24.87 - $29.16 hourly plus retirement plan, paid sick and vacation time, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, family medical & dental insurance, and promotional opportunities. To apply online by the closing date of January 31, 2025, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

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

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

INVITATION TO BID:

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.

The complete request for qualification (“RFQ”) document can be obtained on the SCRCOG website, www.scrcog.org/ RFQs shall be submitted in the manner specified to the SCRCOG Regional Purchasing Consortium, 127 Washington Avenue, 4th Floor West, North Haven, CT 06473 until 12:00 P.M. local, eastern standard time on Monday, December 23rd, 2024

Immediate opening for a full time direct fueler for petroleum like products deliveries for days and weekends. A valid driver’s license and TWIC card are required. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email: hrdept@eastriverenergy.com

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for an Associate Research Analyst in the Data and Policy Analytics Division. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/ sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 241003&R2=6856AR&R3=001

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

General Contractor for Westville Manor

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

For questions concerning this RFQ, contact Brendon Dukett, Municipal Services Coordinator at bdukett@scrcog.org. SCRCOG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

or call

LaRosa Building Group, as Construction Manager, is seeking trade bids for the St. Lukes Development project located on Whalley Avenue in New Haven, CT. The overall project consists of new construction of a 49 unit, five story apartment building with retail space. This project is tax exempt and subject to the higher building prevailing rates. CHRO Set Aside requirements are applicable and must be bid accordingly. Bids are due to LaRosa no later than 2PM Friday, January 31, 2025. Bids are to be emailed to James Uryase at juryase@larosabg.com. Plans and specifications are available electronically by contacting James Uryase by email or phone 203-235-1770. LaRosa Building Group is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Small, Minority, Women, Disabled, and Section 3 Businesses are strongly encouraged to bid.

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

a CT based construction firm, has an immediate opening for a Project Accountant. This role is crucial in managing financial records, ensuring the accuracy of project costs, and supporting our accounting functions tailored to the construction sector. The ideal candidate will have experience in construction accounting and a strong understanding of project-based financial management. Minimum of 5 years or equivalent experience. Fax Resumes to 203-468-6256 or emailvfederico@cjfucci.com. C.J. Fucci, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking bids for General Contractor for Westville Manor. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 3:00PM.

THE GLENDOWER GROUP

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA PARA

Request for Proposals

Firm to Assess, Market and Lease Commercial and Office Space

LA AUTORIDAD DE VIVIENDA DE NEW HAVEN (ECC/HANH)

Town of Bloomfield

Salary Range:

Job Posting: Construction Project Coordinator

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

INFORME ANUAL DE TRABAJO (MTW) DEL AÑO FISCAL 2024

The Glendower Group, Inc is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms to Assess, Market and Lease Commercial and Office Space. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Position: Construction Project Coordinator

Location: East Granby, CT

Company: Galasso Materials LLC

La Sección II y la Sección VII del Acuerdo de Trabajo de la Autoridad {el "Acuerdo") exige que antes de que la Agencia pueda presentar su Plan y Informe Anual de Trabajo Aprobado al Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los EE. UU. (el "HUD"), debe realizar una audiencia pública, considerar los comentarios del público sobre las enmiendas propuestas, obtener la aprobación de la Junta de Comisionados y presentar las enmiendas al HUD.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 3:00PM.

Job Summary:

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.

Job Type: Full-time

THE GLENDOWER GROUP

Request for Qualifications INTERIOR

$87,727 to $136,071 Deputy Finance Director/Controller

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE.

For Details go to  www.bloomfieldct.org

DESIGN CONSULTANT(S)

NOTICIA

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Construction Project Coordinator to join our team. In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring efficient project management by tracking job productivity, reviewing contracts and timesheets, conducting field measurements, and verifying material quantities. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and a collaborative approach, working closely with both field and office personnel to ensure accurate billing summaries and project progress.

El período de comentarios de treinta (30) días comienza el viernes 1 de noviembre de 2024 y finaliza el sábado 30 de noviembre de 2024. Se pondrán a disposición copias del Informe Moving to Work (MTW) del año fiscal 2024 en el sitio web de la agencia www.elmcitycommunities.org o a través de Twitter, www.twitter.com/ECCommunities o a través de Facebook www.facebook.com/ElmCityCommunities. Se le invita a enviar comentarios por escrito dirigidos a: ECC/HANH, Moving to Work FY2024 Annual Report, Attn: Evelise Ribeiro, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511 o por correo electrónico a: eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org.

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Responsibilities:

The Glendower Group, Inc is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms for Interior Design Consultants. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems. com/gateway beginning on

De conformidad con las Secciones II y VII mencionadas, se ha programado una audiencia pública en la que se aceptarán y registrarán los comentarios públicos para el lunes 25 de noviembre de 2024 a las 3:00 p. m. a través de RingCentral: https://v.ringcentral. com/join/185686287?pw=d7db4e4f735df6289ed5adfb24f3f113

• Job Productivity Tracking: Monitor project timelines and productivity metrics to ensure project goals are met.

ID de la reunión: 185686287

Monday, January 6, 2025, at 3:00PM.

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

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

Contraseña: yaw6Zk28PK

• Contract Review: Assist in reviewing project contracts to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with project goals.

O marque:

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

+12679304000 Estados Unidos (Filadelfia, PA)

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

• Timesheet Review: Oversee and review timesheets, ensuring accurate reporting of work hours for field personnel.

Código de acceso/ID de la reunión: 185686287

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 .

• Field Measurements: Conduct accurate field measurements to support project planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.

Construction

Contraseña de acceso telefónico: 9296952875

Request for Proposals

REVISED VERSION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR

THE ELM CITYCOMMUNITIES, HOUSING AUTHORITY OF NEW HAVEN (ECC/HANH) MOVING TO WORK (MTW) FY2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Elm City Communities is currently accepting applications for Crawford Manor

Section II and Section VII of the Authority's Moving to Work Agreement {the "Agreement") requires that before the Agency can file its Approved Annual Moving to Work Report and Report to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (the "HUD") that it must conduct a public hearing, consider comments from the public on the proposed amendments, obtain approval from the Board of Commissioners, and submit the amendments to HUD.

The thirty (30) days comment period begins on Friday, November 1, 2024 to Saturday, November 30, 2024 and copies of the Moving to Work (MTW) FY2024 Report, will be made available on the agency website www.elmcitycommunities.org or via Twitter, www.twitter.com/ECCommunities or via Facebook www.facebook.com/ElmCityCommunities.

Crawford Manor, located in a well-established neighborhood, is now accepting applications for its waitlist. This housing opportunity is exclusively for elderly and disabled applicants. The community offers studio and one-bedroom apartments with spacious layouts, including larger bedrooms and private balconies. Residents enjoy convenient access to healthcare facilities, public transportation, downtown entertainment, and 24-hour emergency maintenance services.

REQUIREMENTS:

Meeting ID: 185686287

Password: yaw6Zk28PK

Or dial:

+12679304000 United States (Philadelphia, PA)

You are invited to provide written comments addressed to: ECC/HANH, Moving to Work FY2024 Annual Report, Attn: Evelise Ribeiro, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511 or via email to: eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org.

Pursuant to said Sections II and VII), a public hearing where public comments will be accepted and recorded is scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024 at 3:00pm via RingCentral: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/185686287?pw=d7db4e4f735df6289ed5ad fb24f3f113

• Material Quantities Confirmation: Verify that material quantities align with project needs and orders.

HCV- Project Based Assistance Program to Support the Development of Affordable Housing

Números internacionales disponibles: https://v.ringcentral.com/teleconference

• Billing Summaries: Prepare detailed billing summaries for client invoicing, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

NEW HAVEN

Cualquier persona que requiera una adaptación razonable para participar en la audiencia puede llamar al Gerente de adaptaciones razonables (203) 498-8800, ext. 1506 o al número TDD (203) 497-8434.mber (203) 497-8434.

• Collaboration: Work closely with field personnel to gather project updates and ensure alignment on timelines. Collaborate with office personnel on project documentation, reporting, and billing.

Qualifications:

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms HCV- Project Based Assistance Program to Support the Development of Affordable Housing. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

242-258 Fairmont Ave 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

Listing: Mechanic

• Experience in the construction industry, with a focus on project coordination or related roles.

Monday, January 6, 2025, at 3:00PM.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

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

Access Code / Meeting ID: 185686287

Earnings must not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Please see the table below for the maximum household income limits per household size. Placement on the waitlist will be based on the date and time the application is received. Applications will be date and time-stamped as they are received. Use the QRL code to apply!

Dial-in password: 9296952875

International numbers available: https://v.ringcentral.com/teleconference

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

• Proficiency in project management software and MS Office Suite.

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

Immediate opening for a full-time mechanic; maintenance to be done on commercial diesel trucks and trailers. A valid driver’s license is required in order to run company errands efficiently and safely. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email hrdept@eastriverenergy.com

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

***An Affirmative Action/Equal

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Invitation for Bids Unarmed Security Services

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

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units) Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID

• Opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team.

• Career growth and development opportunities within the company.

Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for Services of a firm to provide Unarmed Security Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

If you are an organized, detail-oriented professional with a passion for construction and project management, we encourage you to apply!

To Apply: Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to KLamontagne@galassomaterials.com

Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 3:00PM.

Any individual requiring a Reasonable Accommodation to participate in the hearing may call the Reasonable Accommodation Manager (203) 498-8800, ext. 1506 or at the TDD Number (203) 497-8434.

Apply online at https://ecc.myhousing.com or download an application at: http://www.elmcitycommunities.org

To receive an application by mail, please call 475355-7289 or send a written request to Attention: Waitlist Coordinator, Elm City Communities, PO Box 1912, New Haven, CT 06509

Submit paper applications

• In person at 356 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06511 (via the drop box located on the front door); or

• Mail to PO Box 1912, New Haven, CT 06509

Galasso Materials LLC, a quarry and paving contractor, has positions open for the upcoming construction season. We are seeking candidates for a variety of positions, including: Scalehouse Dispatcher/ Equipment Operators and Laborers. NO PHONE CALLS. Please email resume and cover letter to “Hiring Manager”, Galasso Materials LLC, PO Box 1776, East Granby CT 06026.

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.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application: Call 203-498-8800 ext. 1507

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Galasso Materials is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

Applications will be available on 01/31/2025

Applications must be submitted by 03/07/2025

Listing: Commercial Driver

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.

Galasso Materials LLC is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We are an affirmative action equal-opportunity employer.

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.

Immediate opening for a Class A full time driver for petroleum/ asphalt/like products deliveries for nights and weekends. Previous experience required. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email: hrdept@eastriverenergy.com

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

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID: CONTINUUM OF CARE, NEW HAVEN is requesting licensed and insured contractor bids for their property located at 979 Quinnipiac Avenue, New Haven. Complete first floor kitchen renovation. Scope to include new kitchen layout. Owner to supply new cabinets. Scope to also include new flooring of area. Job also includes complete first floor bathroom renovation. This includes a complete gut (down to studs) of the bathroom. Environmental testing will be conducted by the owner. Scope includes supplying and installing new step in shower stall, vanity, toilet, tile flooring and wall finishes, tile 4ft wainscot is desired, lighting, grab bars by toilet and showers, exhaust fan with motion sensor, and baseboard heating. The scope of work to include floor drain for the bathroom. Scope to include replacement of existing windows, entry doors. Owner to select tile style, colors, and style of faucets and light fixtures. Further detailed information will be given on the scheduled site visit. GC price should include dumpster and permit feeds. Minority/women’s business enterprises are encouraged to apply. A bidding site meeting will be held at 979 Quinnipiac Avenue, New Haven on 11/22/2024 at 1pm. All bids are due by 12/6/2024 at 10 am. All bids, W9, work scope timeline and copy of license and questions should be submitted in writing to Monica O’Connor via email moconnor@continuumct.org or delivered to 109 Legion Avenue, New Haven.

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

Listing: Direct Fueler

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

Immediate opening for a full time direct fueler for petroleum like products deliveries for days and weekends. A valid driver’s license and TWIC card are required. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email: hrdept@eastriverenergy.com

360 Management Group, Co. Is currently seeking bids for Agency Wide Plumbing Services & Preventative Maintenance. A complete copy of the requirements may be obtained from 360 Management Group’s vendor Collaboration Portal. https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

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

Facing the TikTok Ban and Its Revival

by Fajr Eustey, BlackHealthMatter.com

Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through TikTok, watching one video after another? Maybe you got some new hair inspo, tips to enhance your resume, an unbelievable story time, or a much-needed laugh? However, the app faced a brief shutdown in the U.S. due to national security concerns over its Chinese ownership (although the senior leadership team is in Singapore). Now TikTok is back and operating again, following a proposal for partial government ownership. You may be wondering, what does that mean? TikTok’s Comeback and Government Ownership

In an unexpected twist, TikTok has returned after a brief shutdown. President Donald Trump has proposed a solution to the app’s national security concerns: He wants the U.S. government to own 50% of TikTok. This transformation would create a joint venture between the U.S. government and ByteDance, TikTok’s current Chinese owner. The proposal follows the Supreme Court’s decision to require TikTok to divest its U.S. operations due to national security issues.

An executive order delayed the app’s ban, bringing TikTok back and temporarily relieving its 170 million American users, many of whom rely on it for entertainment, news, and business. This potential government ownership could set a precedent for how the U.S. handles foreign-owned tech companies. Now, consumers must decide whether to continue using the app in this new era.

The Psychological Impact of TikTok’s Removal

To explore the potential psychological impact of TikTok’s removal and evolving ownership, we contacted Dr. Corey Emanuel, a media psychologist specializing in the psychological impacts of TV, film, and social media. Dr. Emanuel offers guidance on enhancing mental well-being and cultivating resilience. Today, we’re diving into his expert analysis of what this ban might

mean for its dedicated users, who view it as a creative lifeline.

BHM: How do you think users might feel about continuing to use TikTok if the government-owned 50% of the app? How might the political implications and privacy concerns influence their decision?

Dr. Corey: Many social media users distrust government authorities and tech CEOs, including those at Meta and TikTok. Speculation about TikTok being acquired by Meta and Trump’s sudden willingness to work with TikTok’s CEO after previously calling for its ban in 2020 fuels this skepticism. This dynamic places TikTok at the intersection of political and corporate power struggles, leaving users wary of who controls the platform and their data.

However, TikTok’s reputation for fostering a liberal, user-driven experience may give it an edge. Research on democracies

highlights that individuals often associate these systems with autonomy and the ability to amplify their voices. Many users may lean into their perceived autonomy, aligning with democratic ideals, and continue to use TikTok as an act of defiance against perceived censorship or control. By engaging with the platform, users might feel they are protesting the growing entanglement of politics and tech while asserting their right to self-expression and free speech.

Ultimately, while privacy and political concerns may influence some to leave the app, TikTok’s user base may harness the platform to challenge authority and maintain a sense of agency in an era where corporate and governmental intentions are under intense scrutiny.

BHM: Given TikTok’s popularity, what psychological and emotional effects do you foresee for users if the platform sud-

these moments, their brains release dopamine, creating a pleasure response similar to enjoying their favorite dessert or even sex. This sets up a cycle where we’re driven to keep scrolling, chasing more of those feel-good moments.

BHM: Why do you think TikTok users might prefer this platform over others, and what psychological factors contribute to this preference?

Dr. Corey: TikTok creates a judgment-free environment, encouraging authenticity through raw emotional moments, quirky humor, and creative experimentation. Unlike Instagram and LinkedIn, it celebrates imperfection, making it more inclusive and less intimidating. Psychologically, we’re drawn to spaces where we can express ourselves without pressure. TikTok taps into our desire to safely connect, create, and share art. The “For You Page” amplifies content to appreciative audiences, reinforcing validation and belonging.

BHM: How might users emotionally and psychologically react to the abrupt loss of TikTok in their daily lives? Will there be emotional withdrawal?

denly shuts down?

Dr. Corey: TikTok isn’t just entertainment—it’s a second home. Users build connections, express creativity, and find like-minded individuals. Its shutdown could lead to loneliness, alienation, and polarization. Loneliness reduces self-esteem, alienation leads to loss of identity, and polarization arises as users migrate to other platforms, reinforcing echo chambers, often amplifying divisive opinions and reducing opportunities for meaningful dialogue.

BHM: Can you explain the role of dopamine in TikTok usage and how it influences user behavior and engagement?

Dr. Corey: Dopamine is the brain’s way of rewarding us for enjoyable moments— like a funny video, a touching story, or something exciting. TikTok effortlessly delivers these moments with its short, engaging content. When users encounter

Dr. Corey: Losing something that brings you joy and familiarity and is deeply woven into your daily life—like TikTok—may trigger grief. Even though the platform’s shutdown was announced nine months ago, many users have hoped it would continue. For some, that hope was rooted in denial, which already signals the first stage of grief.

When the loss becomes real, especially on January 19, there will be a wave of emotions, including sadness and/or anger. If you are one of the average TikTok users spending 1 to 2 hours daily on the app, the void or decrease in dopamine might be felt. For instance, users might experience withdrawal as they adjust to the abrupt absence of a platform that offers connection, creativity, and validation. This can feel like losing a part of their routine, identity,

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Trump’s DEI Ban Removes Black History About Tuskegee Airmen from Air Force Training

by BlackNews.com

The U.S. Air Force has removed lessons on the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) from its training programs following President Donald Trump’s order to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the U.S. government.

The decision, confirmed by the Air Force, eliminates references to the Tuskegee Airmen — Black pilots, mechanics, and support staff who served during World War II — from basic training. The WASPs, female pilots who contributed to the war effort, have also been removed from the lessons.

The Tuskegee Airmen, who trained at Moton Field in Alabama, flew more than 15,000 combat sorties and played a key role in desegregating the armed forces after President Harry Truman’s 1948 Executive Order. Their accomplishments included destroying over 100 German aircraft, which

were significant to U.S. military history. Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. expressed strong opposition to the removal, emphasizing that the soldiers are “an essential part of American history and carried significant weight.” The group urged President Trump and the Secretary of Defense to reverse the decision.

“We believe the content of these courses does not promote one category of service member or citizen over another,” the group said in a statement, according to USA Today. “They are simply a part of American military history that all service members should be made aware of.”

“As a nonprofit organization, we are required to remain apolitical. The opinions we express today reflect our values as a military heritage organization, committed to telling a full and accurate history of all service members of World War II, regardless of race, gender or national origin.”

NANCY LEFTENANT-COLON, TRAILBLAZING ARMY NURSE AND AIR FORCE VETERAN, DIES AT 104

Known for quietly breaking barriers during her remarkable military career, Leftenant-Colon enjoyed a legacy of resilience, excellence, and service.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Correspondent

Nancy Leftenant-Colon, the first Black woman to join the U.S. Army Nurse Corps after the military was desegregated in the 1940s, has died at the age of 104. She passed away earlier this month at a nursing home in New York. Known for quietly breaking barriers during her remarkable military career, Leftenant-Colon enjoyed a legacy of resilience, excellence, and service.

Born on September 29, 1920, in Goose Creek, South Carolina, to James and Eunice Leftenant, she graduated from Amityville High School in New York in 1939. Despite facing racial discrimination, Leftenant-Colon pursued her passion for nursing, graduating from Lincoln School of Nursing in 1941. According to her biography posted on Tuskegeeairmen.org, when she initially

sought to join the Armed Forces, she was denied due to her race. Undeterred, she persisted and was accepted as a reservist into the Army Nurse Corps in January 1945, becoming a Second Lieutenant and serving at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, treating wounded soldiers from World War II.

In 1948, after President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981 abolishing segregation in the military, Leftenant-Colon became the first Black woman integrated into the Regular Army Nurse Corps. Her career continued to flourish as she transitioned to the newly established U.S. Air Force, where she supported missions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, serving in various locations, including Germany, Japan, Alaska, and Vietnam. As a Flight Nurse with the 6481st Medical Air Evacuation Group, she evacuated wounded soldiers from active war zones and was credited with saving countless lives.

Her groundbreaking service extended be-

yond the battlefield. In 1989, she became the first woman elected as National President of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., where she held multiple leadership roles. Honored with numerous accolades, Leftenant-Colon received honorary doctorates from Tuskegee University and Mount Saint Vincent College and was inducted into the Long Island Air and Space Hall of Fame.

After retiring as Chief Nurse at McGuire Air Force Base in 1965, Leftenant-Colon continued to serve her community as a school nurse at her alma mater, Amityville High School, until 1984. In 2018, the school honored her with a new media center named in her memory.

“She was just an awesome person,” her nephew Chris Leftenant told The Associated Press. “She never created waves when she was doing all this first this, first that. She never made a big thing of it. It was just happening.”

Demand Diversity Roundtable Response to Administration's Threat To DEI

By National Urban League

Marc

H. Morial President and CEO National Urban League

"A second Trump administration intends to abandon efforts to advance and legally defend affirmative action and DEI policies within military academies, federal minority contracting programs, and other federal programs shown to open opportunities –as well as create inclusive education and workplace environments – unfairly denied to people of color, women, and other marginalized groups ... A second Trump admin-

istration would not only refuse to enforce civil rights regulations on behalf of individuals from historically marginalized groups, but to actively weaken these protections in housing, education, health care, and other essential resources." — Alexis Agathocleous, Kim Conway, ReNika Moore, ACLU

Less than 48 hours after Donald Trump once again became President of the United States, a historic coalition of civil and human rights leaders gathered to plan a strategy to defend equal opportunity.

The Demand Diversity Roundtable convened at the National Press Club. A livestream of the event is available on NUL.org, Facebook, YouTube and Here.

The lively, rapid-fire, roundtable focused on confronting the disinformation campaign to discredit diversity, equity, and inclusion, exposing the myths used to divide

communities, setting the record straight with facts, and reaffirming participants’ unwavering commitment to justice, unity, and the values that strengthen our nation.

Trump vowed that on his first day in office, he would revoke President Biden’s executive order on racial equity, and pursue the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives both within the federal government and among private institutions.

Project 2025, the policy blueprint Trump is expected to follow, calls for the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division to “investigate and prosecute all state and local governments, institutions of higher education, corporations, and any other private employers” with diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

It calls for references to “sexual orientation and gender identity” to be deleted from all federal rules, LGBTQ workplace

discrimination protections to be sharply limited, and a ban on transgender troops in the U.S. armed forces.

The Demand Diversity Roundtable represents a refusal to remain silent in the face of an unprecedented assault on DEI measures, and a commitment to fostering unity, resilience and proactive leadership in defense of equal opportunity for all.

America's strength lies in its diversity, and abandoning DEI would endanger the nation's progress and future.

While Trump professed to know nothing about Project 2025 during his campaign, as President Elect he has selected its authors and influencers for key roles in his administration. The agenda is alarmingly hostile to any measures it designates as "woke" - a term the “anti-woke” movement has defined as “the belief there are systemic injustices in American society and the need to address them.”

The movement holds that acknowledging discrimination is, in itself, discrimination. Several organizations that have been designated hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center are among Project 2025's advisory board, including Alliance Defending Freedom, infamous for restricting access to the abortion pill and support for anti-LGBTQ+ policies, and Center for Immigration Studies, known for providing a platform for racist writers along and associating with white nationalists.

The incoming administration's policies, aligned with frameworks like Project 2025, threaten to undermine principles of equal opportunity and roll back progress toward a multiracial democracy. The National Urban League and our co-conveners of the Demand Diversity Roundtable will resist these threats.

As Attacks Against DE&I Heighten, Costco and Apple Prove Inclusion Remains Good Business

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Under President Donald Trump’s Project 2025, the administration has launched an unprecedented effort to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) programs. Federal agencies are now prohibited from observing Black History Month, and employees involved in DE&I initiatives have been terminated. Critics argue these measures represent a full-on attack on marginalized communities and signal a clear directive for corporations to follow suit. Trump’s administration, which has no diversity in its ranks, has been accused of setting a dangerous precedent. Some companies, however, remain committed to their DE&I efforts. Organizations like Costco, JPMorgan Chase, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Apple continue to view diversity as a cornerstone of their workforce strategies, refusing to back down despite mounting pressure from conservatives and the White House.

Corporations Holding the Line Costco’s board of directors recently rejected the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) proposal that sought to force the company to publish risks associated with its DE&I programs or eliminate them. The board reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusion ahead of a January 23 shareholder vote. “Our success at Costco Wholesale has been built on service to our critical stakeholders: employees, members, and suppliers,” the board said in a statement reported by Forbes. “Our efforts around

diversity, equity, and inclusion follow our code of ethics. These efforts remind and reinforce with everyone at our company the importance of creating opportunities for all.”

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has also resisted calls to retreat from diversity programs. “We will continue to reach out to the Black community, the Hispanic community, the veterans’ community, and LGBTQ. We have teams with second chance initiatives — governors in blue states and red states like what we do,” Dimon said in an interview with CNBC.

Apple’s leadership has similarly rejected proposals to scale back DE&I, labeling such measures as attempts to “micromanage” the company’s operations. The board stated, “The proposal is unnecessary as Apple already has a well-established compliance program,” as reported by Tech Xplore.

Walmart’s Retreat Draws Outrage

Walmart, by contrast, joined corporations like Meta, McDonald’s, Ford Motor Co., and Molson Coors in rolling back its DE&I initiatives. In response, long-term shareholders representing $266 billion in

funds wrote a letter to CEO Doug McMillon on January 14, expressing their disappointment. “Seeing the company retreat from its stated values and the business opportunities associated with a diverse and inclusive workforce is very disheartening,” the letter, organized by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, stated.

Caroline Boden of Mercy Investment Services, a signatory of the letter, added, “DEI initiatives aren’t just ‘nice to have,’ they are essential to breaking down systemic inequities hindering our economy

and preventing society from fully thriving. Inequity is bad for business and, ultimately, investors.” A coalition of 14 attorneys general, including Maryland’s Anthony G. Brown, also sent Walmart a letter urging reconsideration. Speaking to CBS News, Brown said, “When major companies roll back their commitments to these efforts, they signal to smaller businesses that it is acceptable to do the same, creating a ripple effect that inflicts lasting harm across our State and nation.” Advocates Warn of Long-Term Consequences

Leaders in DE&I initiatives continue challenging corporate rollbacks, warning of the harm such decisions could cause. Tinisha Bookhart, co-founder and director of IT and DE&I at Primary Talent Partners, described the move to abandon diversity programs as deeply troubling.

“When implemented correctly, DE&I solutions aim to provide opportunities to qualified individuals who, due to conscious or unconscious bias, might not otherwise have them. Abandoning DE&I altogether is a grave misstep that only serves to perpetuate existing disparities in the workforce,” she said. In an interview with CWS 3.0, Omni Inclusive CEO Perry Charlton said corporations like Costco and Apple serve as shining examples of why DE&I matters. “Diversity in the contingent workforce is not just a moral imperative — it’s an essential driver of innovation, growth, and long-term success. Abandoning these efforts now undermines progress and jeopardizes the future of equitable work environments,” Charlton said.

Health Insurance Mistakes Black Folks Should Avoid in 2025

by Jasmine Smith, BlackDoctor.com

The new year is a time for fresh starts, and for many people, that means setting health goals. Whether it’s scheduling annual check-ups, managing chronic conditions, or finding a new primary care provider, one of the most overlooked yet crucial steps to achieving these goals is understanding your health insurance. Navigating your insurance coverage can mean the difference between easily accessing the care you need or facing unexpected costs and roadblocks.

To help break down the complexities of health insurance, we’ve gathered insights from family physician Dr. LaTasha Seliby Perkins. Here’s why reviewing your health coverage is a vital first step toward a healthier 2025—and how you can ensure your insurance supports your wellness goals.

Avoid Unexpected Costs by Understanding In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Providers

One of the biggest misconceptions about health insurance is that you can’t see an out-of-network provider. According to Dr. Perkins, you can—but it will come at an added cost. Understanding whether your

provider is in-network or out-of-network is crucial to avoiding surprise expenses.

Here’s what you need to know:

• In-network providers have agreements with your insurance company, meaning their services are covered at a higher percentage.

• Out-of-network providers may still be covered, but your insurance will likely pay less, and you may have to submit the paperwork yourself for reimbursement.

The best way to avoid unexpected costs is to check your insurance plan before making appointments. If you need to see an out-of-network provider, make sure you understand what portion of the cost you’ll be responsible for.

Key Health Insurance Terms to Know

For those unfamiliar with insurance terminology, these key terms can help you make informed decisions:

• HMO vs. PPO: An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) requires you to stay within a specific network of providers, while a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) allows you to see specialists without referrals and offers more flexibility in choosing providers.

• Copayment: A set fee you pay out-ofpocket for each visit or service, separate

from what your insurance covers.

• Deductible: The amount you must pay before your insurance begins to cover costs. For example, if you have a $2,000 deductible, you’ll need to pay that amount before insurance starts covering a percentage of expenses.

Understanding these terms can prevent

confusion and help you select a plan that best meets your needs.

Maximizing Preventive Care Benefits

One of the easiest ways to take advantage of your insurance is by scheduling preventive care visits. Most insurance plans cover an annual physical, which in-

cludes lab work and screenings at no extra cost to you.

Dr. Perkins recommends:

• Scheduling an annual check-up with your primary care provider.

• Women should consider seeing both their primary care provider and OB-GYN for comprehensive care.

• Using your preventive care visit to discuss wellness goals and plan additional appointments for the year.

By utilizing these benefits, you can catch potential health concerns early and avoid costly medical issues down the line.

Choosing the Right Insurance Plan During Open Enrollment

If you’re considering switching insurance plans, Dr. Perkins emphasizes doing your research just as you would for any major purchase.

Factors to prioritize:

• Coverage for preventive and behavioral health services (such as therapy).

• Access to specialists and complementary treatments like acupuncture or massage.

• Whether all your current doctors are in-network.

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Chaundre Hall-Broomfield and Lauren F. Walker, photo by Itzel Alejandra Martinez, Marathon Digital.