INNER-CITY NEWS

All throughout the year, we celebrate Black Joy. Its beauty. Its brilliance. Its variety. Its tenacity. Its resilience. Its ability to thrive despite everything. The power of Black Joy truly knows no bounds...it’s A Joy Supreme.

Celebrate A Joy Supreme with us at aarp.org/blackcommunity

Gateway Community College joins students, alumni, faculty, and community in celebration of Black History Month

curiosity Set your free

Edward A. Bouchet, was the valedictorian of the Hopkins class of 1870, the first African-American to graduate from Yale College, and the first African-American to receive a Ph.D. in physics. His intellectual drive and dedication to his studies remain hallmarks of a Hopkins student today.

Hopkins is where high-achieving, motivated students inspire one another in a collective pursuit of excellence.

To learn more, please visit us at hopkins.edu

A Connecticut Love Story: Matt & Evelyn Lopes 55 Years STRONG!

Prologue

This story begins in 1947 New Haven. It tells of 2 New Haveners growing up around each other in the loving communities that were their environment. This was a thriving postwar New Haven with job opportunities for many of the returning veterans living in the City. Neighborhoods were evenly segregated with Irish, Italian, Jewish and African American communities living separately throughout the city. The African American communities included Dixwell, Newhall and the Hill areas of town. These communities were dotted with a myriad of institutions including churches, social and civic clubs, private businesses such as barber shops, beauty shops, corner stores and restaurants. There were multi-family homes to rent or purchase and public housing was being developed.

Matthew Frederick Lopes Jr. and Evelyn Miller were both born in 1943. Evelyn lived with her family in homes on Winter Street (behind the Elks’ Lodge), County Street and then Brookside. There was her mom, dad and older sister. Matt was a preemie baby who spent several months in the hospital. At the time of their meeting, both Matt and Evelyn were 5 years old entering Kindergarten at the former Baldwin School.

Evelyn’s Story

Before I started school I would be home with my mother and Grandmother. My sister had started school a year before me. When Eleanor got home we would play together, until Grandma called us in and gave us specific instructions as to what she wanted us to do, “Take this handkerchief; we could feel the money inside, Take it around the corner and don’t give it to anyone but Mr. Smitty”. When we grew older we found out that Mr. Smitty was a number’s runner. And he was always at the pool hall on Webster Street around the corner from where we lived on Winter Street. Later on in the day Grandma would send us back to Mr. Smitty and he would give us money to give to Grandma. That meant, Grandma had Hit The Number. When we got home Grandma would take the money and send us to the store to buy milk and bread.

I was 5 when I first met my husband, Matthew Frederick Lopes, Jr. Everyone called him, Butch. We were in kindergarten, Ms. Gilhooly, was our teacher at Baldwin School, New Haven Connecticut. The year was 1948.

When it was time for us to go to the gymnasium to practice Square Dancing he would always make sure he was my

partner, he would hold my hand as we walked, two by two, through the hallway.

The thing about it is, he would call me names. As we grew older I told my sister, Eleanor, and she would say, he likes you. I couldn’t understand that.

The last day of the school year was called Promotion Day. Matthew would ask me weeks before if I would go to the Promotion Day Party at St. Luke’s Church, on Whalley Avenue with him. Even though he called me names, I considered what my sister said, and I would say, yes.

This went on for a few years until we both moved, the same summer of 1955.

I remember that summer because Eleanor and I went to visit our Grandfather in Stamford, CT. Grandpa was a Deacon at Grace Baptist Church, he also was a barber and owned his own barber shop, Moore’s Barber Shop on West Main Street. Eleanor and I would go to Sum-

time I had 2 younger siblings at home and tried to help out where I could. I played with them and took care of them to help my mother and Stepfather.

The next year, 1956, going to school was going to be an adventure. Eleanor and I would be taking the bus together. I was going to Sheridan Junior High School in Westville.

It was scary going to a big school where you had to change rooms for different classes. Could I do it? All my friends were going to be there so that gave me some comfort. You’ll never guess who I saw the first day, Matthew Frederick Lopes, Jr., aka Butch. Can you believe it? He moved to the other side of West Rock, I was on one side and he was on the other. What a surprise, right?

When we saw each other in school, we would speak, just say Hi, nothing more than that. He moved again when we were in the ninth grade. I never saw him again until we were 22 years old.

I would take the bus to downtown New Haven, in 1965, to go to the library. My sister and I could not afford to go to college since my Stepfather was killed in a tragic car accident in 1958. At that time my mother was pregnant with her 7th child. So there were 5 young ones to take care of and no money for college. We had to work in order to help my mother financially. So, I thought going to the free public library was something that would be a good thing for me to do.

expecting him to call. I was indifferent, it was nice to see him as an adult. He was still cute.

The next day when I got home from seeing a friend and going to the library, my mother said, a fellow called you. I said, who was it? She said he didn’t leave his name. This went on all week until I decided to go directly home from work. I get in the house and the phone rang. I answered and said Hello. Guess who it was, Matthew Frederick Lopes, Jr. Aka, Butch. I was a little surprised. The men that I knew in 1965 were not that reliable. So this caused me to pause and say, Hmmm. He asked me if I would go to the Yale Football game and to dinner on Saturday. I said yes. He also said, he didn’t have a car and would it be alright if he came and got in a taxi. I said that would be fine.

Hmmm

Well, we went to the football game, I think Yale lost but we had a good time any way. He took me to the Cape Codder Restaurant in Westville and we ate and talked and really enjoyed each other’s company. Hmmm

mer Camp down the street from the shop. We had a lot of friends there, so we didn’t miss being in New Haven for the summers.

Grandpa often took us to visit his friend, Miss Pellman. She was a very pleasant woman that owned her own home. She would invite us to dinner. I liked going there because she always had something good to eat, This time, I noticed she opened a drawer on the buffet and inside there were pretty tablecloths and cloth napkins and all the things she used to make the table so beautiful. I was impressed. We didn’t have such nice things at my house. We had been invited to Miss Pellmans’ house many times before but I had never paid any attention to these things before.

We had moved to the Brookside Projects, on the outskirts of New Haven. I went to Katherine A. Brennan Elementary School for 6th grade. I was a very good student and had lots of friends. At the

One day on my way to the library I heard someone loudly call my name, Evelyn Miller, I turned and to my surprise again, y’all. It was Matthew Fredrick Lopes, Jr, aka Butch. I said, “Hi, Butch Lopes”. He said, “Are you married”?

I was surprised by that question. I had no thoughts of marriage. I had too many responsibilities already. I worked, I helped my mother, I took care of my younger siblings, I had to keep myself sane by trying to have a social life. My sister and I would go to the clubs to listen to Jazz on the weekends and meet up with some friends and have a laugh or two.

I didn’t have any special boyfriends, I dated once in a while to attend a dance or I asked a male friend to escort me to my Cotillion. I was very independent and had never wanted to be serious with any of the men that were in my life at the time. They were just friends.

So, Matthew caught up with me and walked me to the library. While he walked he talked, he brought me up to date as to what had happened in his life since 9th grade. He’s still a talker. When we got to the library he asked me for my phone number. I gave it to him, not really

We talked on the phone when he didn’t make a mistake and dial the wrong number, if he did, that would be the end of my getting a call from him that week. After dialing the wrong bumber, he would be imbarrassed to call again. He had phone phobia. We saw each other and went out when we could. He was busy too. He was working at Armstrong Rubber Co. in West Haven, 3 to 11 shift and he attended college. So we didn’t have a lot of time to be with each other. Which was alright with me because I had my life and responsibilities too.

He would come to my house to see me and my family. I think my mother grew to love him more than she loved me.

In 1967 we were with our friends Marshall and his wife while they did their grocery shopping, they had gotten married the year before. Matt told me if I could guess the total of their grocery bill he’d give me a prize. So, since my sister and I had been doing the grocery shopping for our family since we were 14 and 15, when our Stepfather died. I had a good idea what the total would be.

Of course I guessed correctly. For the prize Matt gave me an engagement ring, I was surprised, I cried, I said yes and kissed him. Marshall’s wife cried, the check out girl cried. We all were happy and excited. I did love Matthew Frederick Lopes, Jr.

I loved him because I knew who he was, he knew me, he was generous with me, he Read more about this aricle by going to theinnercity.com

Crowns Held High At Black Hair Care Event

ByLucy Gellman

State Rep. Robyn Porter looked into sixyear-old Sienna’s wide eyes, studying the face of one of her youngest constituents. She paused for just a moment, letting the warmth of the room around her sink in. Two seats away, Sienna’s mom, Alisha Crutchfield, listened to every word.

“You are a princess, ok?” Porter said. Applause filled the room. “You’re perfect.”

That exchange came out of the LAB at ConnCORP last Sunday afternoon during “How Do You Wear and Care for Your Crown,” a community conversation celebrating and centering Black hair. For three hours, attendees listened, gathered advice, and told some of their stories at the Hamden space.

It was moderated by Krystal Harris, who founded Free Your Scalp five years ago. Speakers included Blush Beauty and Wellness Founder Winter Carson, Nia Clemons of Capture, barber Rachel “Roqkandy” Graziano, filmmaker Lydia Douglas, and Sharon Joy Salon Owner Joy Brown and stylists Ranada Morrison and Mona Davis.

Many times throughout the afternoon, it doubled as a tribute to the late Sharon Clemons, a beloved community champion and co-owner of Sharon Joy Salon, who passed away in November 2020 of Covid-19. In the months and years since her death, her family has established both an educational fund to support Black women and a “Community Cultivator” award in her honor.

Her husband, ConnCORP CEO and President Erik Clemons, thanked attendees for keeping her memory alive. Multiple times, Brown also remembered her sister fondly, and brought her spirit into the room.

“It’s Your Crown. And It Is Sacred.”

Porter, who spearheaded Connecticut C.R.O.W.N. Act legislation in 2021, started the afternoon by talking about her own path to advocacy—and the personal loc journey that has followed. At the time that it passed two years ago, Connecticut was the eighth state to adopt the C.R.O.W.N. Act. Now, the act has passed in 18 states. Her own excitement around the bill began a year before the Covid-19 pandemic upended the world as she knew it. In 2019, Porter saw a YouTube video of high school wrestler Andrew Johnson, who was forced to cut his locs before competing in a match. The longer Porter watched, the more incensed she became. From her time as a mother, a daughter, and a community member, she knew the love and labor that went into that hair.

“I sat there and watched as a group of white people, and a white woman in particular with a pair of scissors in her hand,

stepped to him, got around him, and she commenced to just—I mean, no care at all,” she said. A collective, sharp inhale filled the room. “Just cuttin’ his locs off.”

It sparked her interest in bringing the C.R.O.W.N. Act, a national movement that stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, to Connecticut. In 2019, Porter was still the chair

she came home and told Porter that her classmates had touched her hair, asking questions about its texture that she didn’t want to be answering. She was uncomfortable in class, she said; begged Porter to let her get a perm.

As a mother, Porter said, it was painful to hear the discomfort in her voice— discomfort that her non-Black classmates were creating. For years, the two struggled through debates around perms, chemical relaxers, and different protective styles. It wasn’t until high school that her daughter embraced her natural hair.

"To God be the glory," Porter added.

As a Black woman, Porter has also lived through hair discrimination herself, including in her work at the State Capitol. When she began working as a state representative nine years ago, she said, her white colleagues complained that she changed up her hair too much. They insisted that people wouldn’t recognize her if she didn’t wear a single, consistent style. Porter doubted it.

“I’m like, ‘Really?!’” she recalled to laughs Sunday. “I don’t know about you, but Black folks, we know each other when we show up. It’s just who we are, it’s cultural. So that struck a chord.”

In early 2020, she and State Sen. Julie Kushner proposed the legislation, only to have its first attempt stymied by Covid-19. When she brought it back the next year, hundreds of women gave testimony, even during a virtual session. When it came to the state House and Senate, legislators spoke about the discrimination they had experienced.

“This was the first bill that I passed out of my committee,” Porter said to cheers and applause. “And I am proud to say that it was passed with bipartisan support, which is really important.”

For some of her white colleagues and non-Black colleagues of color, it represented the first time they had heard about hair discrimination in places of employment, job interviews, classrooms, playing fields, and extracurricular activities. She said she was heartened to hear colleagues on both sides of the political aisle say that they were listening and learning. “Not everyone,” she added—but many of them. She asked for a show of hands, counting the number of women who faced hair discrimination before the law passed. A dozen hands went up. When she asked for a count for after the law passed, only one hand went up. Porter gave out the number for the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), and urged her to take action.

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of the state’s Labor Committee, and was talking and thinking constantly about how to make workplaces more equitable. She realized that adding a bill for protective hairstyles was one way to do it.

As she built momentum around the bill, she thought of her daughter, who was the first Black student in her elementary school class in Wallingford. As a child,

“This is about creating liberating spaces,” she said as Alisha Crutchfield and her six-year-old daughter, Sienna, came in and took a seat close to Porter. “We talk about safe spaces, but what about our liberation? What about our children

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Top: State Rep. Robyn Porter. Bottom: Sienna. Lucy Gellman Photos.

Brown (with the mic): Respect the chair. On her left is Ranada Morrison, and on her right is ConnCAT's Stephanie Mallard.

New Haven Independent

Opinion: After Prison, There Must Be Housing

Part 2 of our 4-part series in celebration of Black History Month IN CELEBRATION

OF HISTORY MONTH

by ROBYN PORTER, DANIELLE COOPER and JACOB WERBLOW

When someone is released from prison, when their sentence has ended, where should they go if they do not have a place to live?

Who should they turn to for help with basic necessities?

What is the humane way to treat someone who has served their time in prison and is now trying to restart their life?

Would you believe that individuals in Connecticut, when released from prison, are often dropped off in the middle of our cities and towns with their bags, which might be all of their possessions…with no place to live, no place to go?

Yes, believe it.

Right before the pandemic, I (Representative Porter) received a phone call from a friend and community health worker: A man had been released from prison, end of sentence, and was dropped off near the New Haven Green.

When we arrived downtown to meet him, we watched as a state vehicle from the Connecticut Department of Correction opened the door and dropped off him and his belongings.

This man was an amputee, who walked with crutches, and there he arrived alone. It’s obvious that he wouldn’t be able to carry his bags by himself. He didn’t have anywhere to stay, didn’t have any money, and he didn’t know where he was going to receive his next dialysis treatment on Monday.

I stood in shock wondering what he would have done without our help. How would he have managed?

In fact, hundreds of individuals finishing their prison sentences are similarly dropped off in our cities and towns across Connecticut each month. They are left holding their bags with nowhere else to go and no place to live. This is immoral and inhumane.

So, what do we expect to happen to a person in this situation? A person who might have spent several years in prison and is now left in the middle of a city center with no means of work and no place to sleep. Should we then be surprised when individuals released from prison under these circumstances are soon after rearrested?

This begs the questions, “What should happen? What would be a more humane way to release people from prison who do not have permanent housing? How should we help people return to society?”

Recently we joined UCONN’s Institute for Munici-

pal and Regional Policy’s (IMRP) fact-finding mission in Norway to explore their correctional service system, which is known for being the most humane and evidence based.

In Norway, approximately half of the people released from the Indre Østfold prison, a maximum-security prison in Mysen, have no permanent place to live, so the staff from the prison work with the local municipalities to help the individuals find temporary housing. No one is put on the street and expected to figure it out alone.

When Norwegians have been convicted of a crime their punishment is their sentence and loss of freedom, the rest is rehabilitation. Everyone working in the correctional system does their part to help these individuals successfully reintegrate while treating them humanely and with the normality that reflects life in society.

At the very least, we should expect Connecticut to collaborate with local housing authorities to ensure that people returning from prison have a place to stay — even if it’s temporary housing.

Literally, as we are writing this paper, Representative Porter received an email from a university student, majoring in Business, who wants to open a transitional housing and homeless center to help people who were formerly incarcerated be able to thrive and not have to struggle to survive. Such an effort like this should be embraced as we need a state-wide commitment to having housing and transitional support to help released individuals find employment and eventually permanent housing.

It’s time that we treat our returning citizens with dignity and respect. People who have served time in prison have paid their debt to society and should be given the basic tools they need to reintegrate successfully.

Lest we forget, as they return to our communities, they are our neighbors, and our futures are intertwined.

Rep. Robyn A. Porter has been representing Hamden and New Haven’s 94th district for almost a decade. She co-chaired the Labor and Public Employees committee for the past six years, sits on the Appropriations and Judiciary committees, and is the Chief Majority Whip.

Dr. Danielle T. Cooper is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Director of Research for the Tow Youth Justice Institute, both in the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven.

Dr. Jacob Werblow is a professor in the School of Education and Professional Studies at Central Connecticut State University and a former U.S. Fulbright Scholar (Kyoto, Japan).

HONORS

VISIONARIES IN HUMANITY

From the advances in education by Booker T. Washington, to the inventions of George Washington Carver, Dr. Patricia Bath and Dr. Shirley Jackson, to the pivotal role Rosa Parks played in the civil rights movement, to Barack Obama becoming our country’s first black president, Boscov’s celebrates courageous African-American humanitarians everywhere for their accomplishments and all the contributions that they have made in education, science, technology, and beyond.

Barack Obama

Dr. Shirley Jackson

George Washington Carver

Booker T. Washington

Rosa Parks

Dr. Patricia Bath

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The authors, on a fact-finding trip in Norway.

$1.3M Dixwell Deal Wins Final Approval

by NORA GRACE-FLOOD

The Elicker Administration has won its final needed approval to acquire a slate of rundown properties, including a historic long-derelict former jazz club, from an oft-cited megalandlord to the tune of $1.3 million in an effort to revitalize a stretch of Dixwell Avenue.

The Board of Alders voted unanimously in favor of purchasing 262, 263, 265 and 269 Dixwell Ave, which includes the famed, former Monterey Jazz Club, from affiliates of Ocean Management for that sum during its latest meeting at City Hall Monday night.

Dixwell Alder Jeanette Morrison spoke in support of the deal as “a step in the right direction with the continuous redevelopment of the Dixwell community.”

The vote means that the city’s Livable City Initiative (LCI), whose director Arlevia Samuel took the lead on negotiating the package deal with Ocean, has all the city approvals needed to officially enter

into the property deal. The final approved sale price of $1.3 million is more than the $1.175 million combined appraisal that LCI received for all four properties as this proposal made its way through the gears of city government. It’s also higher than the $942,000 tax appraisal for these four properties, and the $500,000 that the Ocean affiliates paid half a decade ago when they initially bought the residential and commercial buildings.

Morrison advocated for that sign-off Monday night, describing the acquisitions as “the last piece of the puzzle in regards to making sure we are an uplifted community.” These Dixwell Avenue buy-ups arrive alongside the planned redevelopment of the former Walt’s Cleaner’s site, the renovation of an adjacent church, and the planned development of 308 Dixwell Ave. as just some of the revitalization activity taking place on this stretch of Dixwell, not to mention Dixwell Plaza and the Q House.

“We have the opportunity to build the

Monterey into something the whole community will benefit from,” Morrison said. She asserted that giving community members the agency to determine exactly how the historic Monterey site, in particular, is ultimately used, would be part of a process to empower “a community that’s always been prideful.”

Read more here about the city’s intentions for the property, which involve placing deed restrictions on existing multifamily housing at 262 and 263 Dixwell Ave. and selling them to the Beulah Land Development Corporation to remain affordable housing. A community input process, meanwhile, is meant to determine how the Monterey Jazz Club and an adjacent, vacant deli storefront are redeveloped.

While the alders were unanimous in their decision Monday, read more here and here about the deal’s controversial nature as debated at recent LCI Board of Directors meetings over the past few months. Some individuals, such as LCI

board member Nadine Horton, expressed concern that paying a megalandlord with a track record of delayed fixed for substandard living conditions and sitting on blighted properties for a profit could be akin to “rewarding bad behavior.” And read more here about pitches by the mayor, LCI, and Dixwell music-lovers and cultural leaders about the importance of publicly acquiring the former Monterey club.

During the State of the City address also held Monday night, Mayor Elicker said the city is “investing more than ever in our traditionally underserved communities” while he complimented strides taken by the city when it comes to “holding our mega landlords accountable by ensuring inspections and consistent enforcement from the Livable City Initiative.” He mentioned the expansion of tenants’ rights, among other provisions, as another important development in limiting the exploitative power of large landlords.

Poets Set The Tone For Black History Month

by Lucy Gellman

Lyrical Faith was somewhere between Gun Hill Road and the Manhattan College Parkway, charting a course through the Bronx in her mind. In one universe, her feet click-clacked down the sidewalk, surrounded by sound and color everywhere she turned. In another, four dozen pairs of eyes watched her every move. Back on Ella T. Grasso Boulevard, twins Jada and Janada Colon listened carefully, hanging onto the story of a borough that was once their home.

Thursday morning, Lyrical Faith was one of four artists to ring in Black History Month at New Haven Adult & Continuing Education, during a celebration packed with spoken word, music, and a cheerand snap-filled talkback. Organized by High School Credit Student Support Specialist Mike Twitty, the performance brought in over 50 students for an hour of poetry and drumming.

In addition to poets Lyrical Faith, T’Challa Williams, and Tarishi “Midnight” Shuler, the event featured drummer Albear Sheffield, who is an alumnus of the program. In every moment, it was a reminder of the talent and weight of words, and their ability to hold the world together even as it burns.

Or as Lyrical Faith said, “When everything goes into flames, everybody looks to the artists.”

“Art being an access point is my whole jam,” she said in a conversation after the performance. “It’s a way in. They see this, and they feel like, ‘I can do this.’”

From the moment poets took the mic,

they transformed the blue-walled room into a stage, their words weaving whole worlds out of thin air. Coming to the front of the room with a roar, Williams looked around, then cracked open a mint-green binder that nearly matched her jeans. Her eyes danced from the page to the room back to the page, picking out the right poem in seconds.

Sidestepping the microphone, she spoke straight from he ribcage.

“I will bite the hand that thinks it is feeding me/Like my life ain’t no seed/You’ve been harvesting,” Williams read.

Extending one hand as the other kept the binder steady, she traced a path from the theft and enslavement of Black people

and Black histories to centuries of oppression and economic disenfranchisement to the present, when police are still killing Black people at routine traffic stops, convenience stores, and in their own homes.

“My people/Will be/Free!” she exclaimed defiantly. “See free! Taste free! Speak free! Freely confidently free—”

“Come on now!” a voice urged from somewhere in the middle of the audience.

More voices joined in, encouraging her.

“Confidently free!” she continued. “Crea-tive-ly free! Mentally free! Physically free! Spiritually Free! Sex-u-ally free! Financially free!”

FaSnaps filled the room. She imagined a world where state-sanctioned violence no

longer existed. She spit into being a place where people cared more about the loss of human life than the potential of property damage. She willed attendees to vision a country where the 1619 Project was not so immediately contested, because people understood it was history. Here, between words and breath, was her framework for a liberated future. When she finished, the space exploded into applause.

She paused to take a few sips from her water bottle, then looked back at the audience. “Y’all hot?” she said. “I’m hot.”

She turned to her poem “Impossible Mission Force,” bringing that future back into focus. Looking to the unrest of the past three years—and the past four centuries before that—she challenged listeners to take action on a grassroots level, making change in their own communities instead of behind their screens or at a single action.

“The immediate change you can impact is right where you be,” she read, raising one hand over her head. “Join a committee. Take that hot air from the metaverse and transmute the energy to where it can be fully of use./We must sweep our own stoop.”

She critiqued a constant, churning media cycle that shuts down Black bodies and Black dreams. In the same stanza, she gave the antidote: listeners could believe in hope as a form of resistance. They could dream as a form of resistance.

“Tom Cruise that shit!” she read to laughs and a few cheers. “Ethan Hunt this bitch! Hope is not a strategy my behind!”

That fire ran through the end of her

performance, the room transformed into a sizzling stage. When Shuler took her place, hands flitting through the air, he looked out at dozens of wide-eyed faces and smiled. While he now lives in Meriden, the artist grew up in New Haven and serves as the interim director of The Word. This was a hometown crowd. He encouraged attendees to let themselves speak back to the poets, in a style of call-and-response that separates spoken word and slam poetry from buttonedup readings. Minutes later, he would show off his own rule, slipping a laughteredged “Don’t Be Nice!” in between two of Lyrical Faith’s pieces.

After warming the audience up with his poem “The Photographer,” he paused for a moment and took an informal poll of the audience. How many people, he asked, had gotten called a name that was not theirs? Over a dozen hands went up around the room, some students audibly mmm hmmm-ing as they raised their arms toward the ceiling. Shuler nodded, and went right into his poem.

“True story,” he started, his palms cutting through the air. When he was born, Shuler’s mom wanted to name him Kunta Kinte, in honor of the release of the film Roots that same year. His aunt pushed back, and suggested Tarishi. In Swahili, the name means messenger. He later said that he did not know the origin or the meaning of his name until he was in his 30s.

Read more about this aricle by going to theinnercity.com

Dixwell Alder Jeanette Morrison spoke in support of the deal

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO Dixwell Alder Jeanette Morrison: Acquisitions “a step in the right direction.”

New Haven Independent

New Haven Independent

Teachers Call For Improvements to HVAC Systems

Part 1 of our 4-part series in celebration of Black History Month

Connecticut’s largest teachers union isn’t taking anything for granted. A new survey found that voters overwhelmingly support improving air ventilation in schools.

In 2022, the state allocated $150 million to help upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in Connecticut public schools to improve air filtration, but the Connecticut Education Association said hundreds of school buildings are still in dire need of improvement.

According to the survey of 800 voters, a whopping 91% say they support establishing temperature and humidity standards to eliminate poor air quality that results in mold and contributes to respiratory health problems for students and staff. Fifty-seven percent strongly support this proposal.

“This isn’t a new problem,” CEA President Kate Dias said. “Too many Connecticut classrooms have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that are aging, in disrepair, or in urgent need of replacement. The need for new and updated HVAC systems is about ensuring we have safe, healthy school communities where teachers can teach and students can learn.”

The survey also found that 88% of voters support requiring districts to show they are meeting school indoor air quality standards. More than half, 54%, strongly support this proposal.

“Right now, districts don’t have to report maintenance of their HVAC systems, and schools don’t have to have minimum or maximum temperature standards for students. Classrooms are poorly ventilated and cold in the winter, with students having to wear coats and gloves indoors. In the warmer months they are sweltering, leaving students unable to concentrate on learning due to high heat and humidity levels,” Dias said. By way of comparison, laws prohibit temperatures in pet stores from going below 65 degrees or above 78 degrees.

“The absence of standards in statute means we are allowing kids to sit in 95-degree classrooms, we are allowing windows to be kept open in winter, we are allowing our students and our teachers to get sick and to work in very inhospitable conditions,” Dias explains. “Improving the air in our schools says we as a state care. It says protecting the health and safety of everyone in our public schools is of paramount importance. It says we’re invested. It says our public schools are great places to grow and to work.”

When it comes to funding, 89% of voters support identifying funding sources, such as school construction grants, to assist cities and towns with installations or repairs to heating and cooling systems.

“Too often, when budget cuts hit school districts, the first thing to go is maintenance, and that’s one of the main reasons so many of our school HVAC systems are in poor condition,” Dias said.

Over the past several years, CEA has seen an uptick in workers’ compensation claims related to poor indoor air quality in schools across the state.

For four years, educators have been urging lawmakers to establish school temperature limits, require HVAC and air quality monitoring standards, and institute other measures to ensure school buildings remain free from toxins and other hazards that can harm children and educators.

Last year, a coalition of groups tried to get the state to allow local governments to use federal COVID funds to help make the repairs. While the administration was sympathetic, it still hasn’t happened.

“Educators and voters agree that funds must be made available to assist districts with installing, repairing, or upgrading heating and cooling systems in school buildings,” Dias said. “Many districts applied for limited federal and state grants that expired last year, and now it’s time for the state to allow school construction grants and other available funding to be used for these much-needed HVAC projects.”

CELEBRATES

HISTORY MONTH

Boscov’s celebrates Black History Month and salutes the men and women whose many accomplishments and contributions have transformed our society. Their impacts on athletics, entertainment, education, journalism, government, and industry continue to influence our lives. We look forward to the youth of today continuing to mold our world and its bright future.

Noah Webster Microsociety Magnet School in Hartford Credit: Courtesy of UConn Health by Christine Stuart

ASCAP Celebrates Black History Month with Weekly Series of Emerging R&B Artists Covering History’s Most Powerful Black Anthems,

By Black PR Wire, New York.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) reveals plans to celebrate Black History Month with a series of weekly performances from rising ASCAP R&B artists and songwriters J Rome, Moxie Knox, Sha’Leah Nikole and Kadeem Nichols. Each week, the featured artist will cover one of history’s most powerful Black empowerment songs that was written or cowritten by ASCAP members. The series kicks off Tuesday, February 7, with weekly performances through Tuesday, February 28. The performances can be viewed on ASCAP’s YouTube and @ASCAP and @ASCAPUrban Instagram.

“ASCAP is committed to recognizing Black artists and songwriters who have made an impact on our history and the world through their music and meaningful lyrics,” said Nicole George-Middleton, ASCAP Senior Vice President, Membership and Executive Director, The ASCAP Foundation. “This year, our goal is to spotlight emerging ASCAP artists by giving them a platform to showcase their talent, while also paying homage to the pioneers who created songs to uplift, inspire and empower all in celebration of Black History Month.”

The lineup for ASCAP’s Black History Month performances:

Tuesday, February 7

J Rome – “Lift Every Voice and Sing”

The music series begins Tuesday, February 7 with J Rome and a performance

of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” Often referred to as the Black national anthem, the song was co-written by one of ASCAP’s founding members, James Weldon Johnson, along with his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson. J Rome is the winner of ABC’s singing competition “Duets” and also appeared on FOX’s “I Can See Your Voice.”

The talented singer has performed alongside other artists and toured the world with Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Kanye West. Now working on his solo project, J Rome is an undeniable talent who has only just scratched the surface in his career.

Tuesday, February 14

Moxie Knox – “Brown Skin”

On Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14, NYC-born Moxie Knox will deliver her take on Grammy Award-winning singer India.Arie’s song “Brown Skin,” an ode that celebrates melanated skin.

Moxie Knox began her journey in entertainment as a dancer at the tender age of five, when she developed a passion for poetry and songwriting. This passion led her to begin studying song structure and interpreting lyrics. In 2019, her loyal fans put her on Sprite’s radar, resulting in two of her singles being selected out of 20,000 artist submissions for a spot on the SpriteWay Spotify playlists and her selection as the leading official SpriteWay Artist. She

Featuring J Rome, Moxie Knox, Sha’Leah Nikole and Kadeem

Nichols

stage and provided vocals on tracks with musical titans Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder and Elton John, among others. Most recently, the multidisciplinary artist took on the role of young Mahalia in the recently released film “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story” on Hulu, starring Ledisi. Sha’Leah continues to use her voice to uplift, empower and inspire others.

Tuesday, February 28

Kadeem Nichols –“Someday We’ll All Be Free”

continues to inspire and work hard every day, collaborating with top names in the industry and personifying the tenacity of a true entertainer.

Tuesday, February 21

Sha’Leah Nikole – “Strange Fruit”

On week 3 of the series, South Central native Sha’Leah Nikole will deliver an inspirational take on Billie Holiday’s powerful “Strange Fruit,” which was written by Abel Meeropol and protested the lynching of Black Americans. Sha’Leah has fully embraced her passion for the arts and is generating buzz within the West Coast music scene. She has shared the

The series will conclude on Tuesday, February 28, with LA-based vocalist Kadeem Nichols performing a rendition of “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” originally performed and co-written by the legendary Donny Hathaway, along with Edward Howard. A songwriter, musician and producer born in Queens, New York, Kadeem began his journey playing multiple instruments at a very young age. His talent afforded him the opportunity to work with artists such as Kanye West, Davido and Hezekiah Walker, in addition to various organizations and companies. He has also appeared on television and talk shows including “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden” and “The Neighborhood.” His most recent recording project, “The Muse,” is currently available on all digital streaming platforms.

Stay tuned to @ASCAP and @ASCAPUrban’s social media for details or visit https://www.ascap.com/bhm2023 for more information.

Ida B. Wells Society Relocates from UNC-Chapel Hill to Morehouse College

Nyah Peebles, hbcubuzz.com

On Thursday, Morehouse College announced that it is partnering with the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting (the Society) to support the future generation of journalism.

The Society is a news trade organization dedicated to increasing and retaining reporters and editors of color in the field of investigative reporting.

According to a news release, “this collaboration will produce a stronger, more innovative, data savvy, and ethical generation of investigative journalists with a shared sense of purpose.”

Members of The Society will have an on-campus presence, serving as mentors and advisers to Morehouse students, preparing them for “ethical careers in journalism through skills building in investigative and social justice reporting,” according to the university.

The new partnership will also give students greater access to internships, scholarships, graduate school placements, and employment

Ron Thomas, the chair of the Morehouse Journalism in Sports, Culture, and Social Justice department said that the program “intentionally tries to fill the

gaps in media that rarely are populated by Black reporters and editors.”

The Society is making the move to Morehouse after previously being based out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel.

A launch for the Society’s Morehouse operations is scheduled for Feb. 16. Co-founders, Pulitzer Prizewinning New York Times reporter Nikole HannahJones and Vice president of News and Head of Investigations, Enterprise, Partnerships, and Grants at The Associated Press, Ron Nixon, are expected to be in attendance.

“I am very excited to announce that Morehouse College will be the new home of the Ida B. Wells Society,” Hannah-Jones, said in a statement.

“This partnership helps our young organization settle more deeply into our mission, which is to increase the number of investigative reporters of color. Being located on the campus of a historically Black college located in Atlanta in proximity to other HBCUs and coming to Morehouse just as it gets its journalism major off the ground, provides a tremendous opportunity for us to increase our impact on the field and society.”

Long Term Care Workers Begin Push For Better Pay

by Hugh McQuaid

Long term care providers and labor advocates packed a legislative hearing room Tuesday, transforming U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s press conference on federal efforts to boost their pay into a rally for raises here in Connecticut.

The workers, represented by SEIU 1199NE, gathered in the Legislative Office Building to begin an ambitious push for better compensation: raises to bring their hourly pay up to $25 per hour by 2025.

Rob Baril, the union’s president, said the raises as well as retirement and health care benefits would come with a $700 million price tag, an expense which he argued Connecticut could afford, given the state’s more than $3 billion surplus.

“All of these goals that we are talking about, they are all achievable, they are all real,” Baril said. “This is a real conversation. People are going to tell us that we are crazy. I don’t believe that the idea of ending poverty for long term care workers is crazy.”

Some of the workers described the impacts of that poverty during Tuesday’s event. Robin David of Danbury said she was forced to limit her hours in order to continue to qualify for HUSKY health coverage and could not afford to pay to

repair her vehicle.

In order to make ends meet, Chennal Chase of Manchester said she had been working three jobs including a position at Oak Hill, a group home in Hartford.

“I have no time with my family because I have to work and I have to take care of them,” Chase, who lost a son in 2021,

said. “Time is something that we do not get back.”

Chase said policy makers often had the luxury of staying home during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was in Oak Hill, every two weeks with no less than 140 hours,” she said. “I worked. I had no time with my kids.”

Sen. Matt Lesser, a Middletown Democrat who co-chairs the legislature’s Human Services Committee, said his panel has raised a bill that would allocate just over $300 million in funding for state-run group home workers over the next two years.

Though lawmakers have yet to craft

their own budget proposals, the funding is not expected to be in the plan proposed Wednesday by Gov. Ned Lamont.

Lesser told the workers gathered Tuesday that he expected pushback against legislation to pay them more.

“We know it’s a hard fight. We’re going to have to work hard and make the case, but we also know that we have the money,” Lesser said.

On the federal level, Blumenthal sought to promote a bill raised by Pennsylvania Democrat Sen. Bob Casey. Among other things, the bill would make states eligible for a 10% increase in their Medicaid funding if they meet certain pay and benefit standards.

Despite a divided Congress, Blumenthal said felt the bill had a decent shot at passage in part due to a dwindling workforce and the nation’s aging population. He said the country was in a “health care-giving crisis.”

“When you think about it, it’s kind of saddening but it makes sense because everybody has relatives who are at an age where they need care-giving, they want to live at home and a lot of relatives are caring for them because they can’t find someone else to do it,” Blumenthal said. “The reason they can’t is because there isn’t enough pay and people can’t support themselves and it’s tough work.”

Rob Baril, president of SEIU 1199NE Credit: Hugh McQuaid / CTNewsJunkie

State Lands $18M Homelessness Lifeline

by NORA GRACE-FLOOD

Oscar Britt has a plan to survive subfreezing temperatures this weekend thanks to a connection he made with outreach workers who found him a hard-tosecure shelter bed at Columbus House.

The state is hoping to hire many more such workers who can connect with many more Oscars in New Haven and beyond — thanks to a newly announced federal infusion of $18 million to pay for a variety of homelessness services.

Gov. Ned Lamont and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy arrived in New Haven to welcome that financial award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Friday morning at the start of a cold weather crackdown that has people without homes scrambling for shelter and shelters stretching to provide it.

“The weather is bone-chilling, frigid and deeply dangerous. We’re at a point of maximum danger in terms of public health right now,” Blumenthal told reporters packed into the housing nonprofit Liberty Safe Haven at 210 State St. during Friday’s press conference.

“The solution to homelessness has to involve jobs and mental health and all the kinds of services that will enable people to get back on their feet,” he said, to avoid weather emergencies like this weekend

Kingdom

that place people’s lives at risk.

An $18 million grant from the federal government, Blumenthal said, could mark a new movement towards lowering rates of homelessness around New Haven and the state.

That money, part of a broader $315 million in homelessness aid distributed to states by HUD, will go through to two state agencies — the Connecticut Department of Housing and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services — and be divided into three buckets meant to help people living on the streets get “back on their feet,” as Blumenthal put it.

Over the next six years, $2 million will be granted annually to the following services (the “three buckets”) in Connecticut:

• The designation and development of walk-in “hubs” designed to connect individuals experiencing homelessness directly with needed services, a step towards providing physical entry points to the coordinated access networks that users typically access by calling “211” on the phone.

• Hiring outreach workers who will go out into communities to identify individuals and families experiencing homelessness and connect them with services.

• Investing in roughly 40 rental assistance vouchers paired with wraparound servic-

es to subsidize housing opportunities for those without.

As HUD Senior Advisor for Housing and Services Richard Cho put it on Friday, the money will go towards “improved outreach, data collection on those sleeping in unsheltered settings, increased permanent housing options for them and more landlords recruited to rent to unhoused persons.”

He said Connecticut was selected in

a competitive process to receive this funding because of its “comprehensive approach” to combating homelessness “designed with the input of people with lived experience who know the solutions to solving their own homelessness.”

Murphy added on Friday that the “funding recognizes that everybody has a different story when they end up on the street.” He said that upping outreach programming will meet individuals without hous-

ing where they are and connect them with tailored services to assist their unique circumstances: That could mean a rental subsidy, substance abuse support, or mental health services.

“That’s what this grant is all about: Outreach,” he stated.

With homelessness surging since the onset of the pandemic due to jobs lost, rents raised, shelter capacity minimized and mental health issues exacerbated, Lamont said that he has learned over the past few years “that not only are appropriate housing and public health, vaccinations, important for that poor person who needs that helping hand, it’s important for the whole community… That’s how you bring a community back to life.”

While national leaders touted the importance of this sweeping financial intervention, local leaders on the issue continued to press the importance of systemic overhauls and consistent state funding when it comes to confronting homelessness postpresser.

“This is a gamechanger,” Columbus House CEO Margaret Middleton acknowledged of the funding during an interview with the Independent. However, she said, “This is entirely new programming. It doesn’t help us pay for what we

Read more about this aricle by going to theinnercity.com

SCAN HERE FOR THE COMPLETE SEASON LINE-UP!

ROBERT CRAY BAND

MARCH 1

With 5 Grammy awards and over 20 acclaimed albums to his name, the Blues legend returns to the Playhouse for his 10th career performance!

MAVIS STAPLES

MARCH 12

3x Grammy Award-winner and co-founder of the Staples Singers, known for hits “I’ll Take You There” and “Let’s Do It Again.”

BALLET HISPÁNICO

MARCH 26

Bringing communities together to celebrate and explore Latinx cultures.

L. SHANKAR

MARCH 8

Grammy Award winning virtuoso Indian violinist and vocalist makes his Playhouse debut!

PINKY PATEL

MARCH 24

The TikTok comedian sensation is taking her show on the road!

EMMET COHEN

MAY 19

Multifaceted American jazz pianist and composer.

Jim Pettinelli with Sen. Blumenthal, Gov. Lamont, and Sen. Murphy at Friday's funding presser.

THU, JAN 26 | 7:30 PM | ELVIS

FRI, JAN 27 | 7:30 PM | NOPE

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

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

SUN, JAN 29 | 3:00 PM | TÁR

DRUMLINE LIVE

FRIDAY, FEB 10 | 8PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch over 22 of 2022’s best movies on the Garde’s giant movie palace screen with state-of-the-art 4K digital projection and Dolby surround sound. Open seating in our Orchestra, Loge or Balcony at each film. Save up to 78% with a $65 Cinema Series Pass!

Councilwoman Kathy Tucker has been chosen

by the West Haven Black Heritage Committee as the 2023 Citizen of the Year.

The ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 16th at 11:00 am in the Harriet C. North Meeting Room on the second floor of West Haven City Hall.

Tucker, an advance practice registered nurse, is Director of Heart and vascular outpatient program services at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Prior to serving on the City Council, she was a member of the West Haven Board of Health.

“Kathy Tucker was an obvious choice.” said Committee President Steven R. Mullins. “Her experience in public health and service on the City’s Board of Health were very instrumental in establishing protocols and procedures in the distribution of vaccinations to West Haven residents during the recent Coronavirus pandemic.” Mullins said. In addition to Tucker, four West Haven High School students will be honored. Juniors Dana Davis and Malachi Calhoun and seniors Ayannah Obas and Jo ‘Vante Witter will receive leadership and academic awards.

A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall of the First Congregational Church on the Green.

For more information, call Mullins at 203-824-4262.

Tennessee State University’s marching band, the TSU Aristocrat of Bands (AOB) is now officially a

Grammy award-winning band

By Nyah Peebles, hbcubuzz.com

On Sunday, AOB took home the Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album for their album “The Urban Hymnal.” The band made history as the first college marching band to receive a nomination in this category, and the first to win a Grammy.

In addition, AOB also won the Best Spoken Word Poetry Album category for “The Poet Who Sat By the Door”, which was a collaboration with spoken word artist J. Ivy.

“Hymnal” was co-produced by songwriter and producer Dallas Austin, Sir the Baptist, and TSU professor Larry Jenkins.

Jenkins thanked his students in his speech, saying, “Your hard work and dedication created the pen that allowed you to write your own page in the history books. We all know we made history, but this is also February. We also made Black history.”

The full “Aristocrat of Bands” wasn’t able to accept their win in person, but the university held an official watch party on campus Sunday afternoon. TSU took to Twitter to share the student’s reaction to the big win, where they can be heard chanting “AOB! AOB!” in excitement.

Put your heart to work.

Councilwoman Kathy Tucker

TBE# 5 – Nine Decades After NFL Banned Black Players Super Bowl LVII is the First to Feature Two Black Starting Quarterbacks

feature two Black starting quarterbacks.

teams with Black starting quarterbacks to meet in the Super Bowl.

By Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League

“The NFL has a long and racist history with Black QBs. There was a time when people questioned if Black quarterbacks had the intellectual capability to play the most mentally challenging position in American team sports. Often praised for their athletic ability, they’ve been criticized for not having the acumen to be the signal caller for a professional football team. Now, nearly 50 years after James “Shack” Harris and Marlin Briscoe became the first wave of Black players to start at the position, the two best teams in the NFL are being led by two Black QBs and Black people couldn’t be happier about it.” —

Noah A. McGee

The National Football League has traveled a long and rocky road to Super Bowl LVII, the first in history to

In 1920, when the NFL was founded, major league baseball had been racially segregated for more than 50 years. But football was unpopular and good players were hard to find. Team owners figured the public wouldn’t care enough to complain about the few Black players on their rosters. In 1933, George Preston Marshall, who owned the only team south of the MasonDixon line, instigated a secret ban on Black players.

After World War II, which saw more than a million Black Americans fight for their country, the integrated AllAmerica Football Conference emerged to compete with the NFL. By the time the two leagues emerged in 1950, six teams had signed Black players.

But racist assumptions kept Black players from the starting quarterback position for nearly another two decades. Doug Williams became the first quarterback to start in – and win – a Super Bowl in 1988. It was not until 2017 that all 32 NFL teams had started at least one Black quarterback.

And it has taken until 2023 for two

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles have more in common than this milestone moment. Both of them followed their fathers’ footsteps into professional sports. Mahomes’ father, Pat, is a retired Major League pitcher. Hurts’ father, Averion, turned to coaching after a knee injury ended his professional football career, and he coached his son throughout high school.

Mahomes, who led his team to the Super Bowl two years ago, has already made history as the youngest player in NFL history to have won the regularseason MVP award and Super Bowl MVP honors. His father’s career has given him special insight into the culture of professional sports.

“He gives me advice about how he transitioned into becoming a pro athlete and the work that you actually have to put into it,” Mahomes told the Kansas City Star. “Not a lot of people see that when you’re growing up. You don’t get to see that people really have to work hard to become as good

as they are. So, for me seeing that as a young age as I’ve grown up, has shown me that I have to work just as hard to get to that level.”

Even before he reached high school, Hurts would tag along to practices with his father and sometimes jump into drills. “I was born into this stuff because of my dad,” he said in a 2016 interview with the Associated Press. I’m happy it happened that way.”

Both have started their NFL careers during a time when players have become more outspoken about racism and social justice and pushed the league to take a stand. Hurts’ former teammate, Malcom Jenkins, co-founded The Players Coalition in 2017 to improve social justice and racial equality. Hurts wears a Black Lives Matter decal on the back of his helmet and has used his platform to speak out against gun violence. He’s also the first Super Bowl quarterback to be represented by a Black woman agent.

In the days after George Floyd’s murder in 2020, Mahomes and other NFL players recorded a powerful video calling on the NFL to “condemn racism and the systematic oppression

of Black people” and “admit wrong in silencing our players from peacefully protesting.”

Mahomes followed up the video by starting a voter registration project in Kansas City and joined LeBron James’ More Than A Vote to educate, energize and protect Black voters.

Both quarterbacks are keenly aware of the significance of their achievement.

“It is history. It’s come a long way,” Hurts said, noting there have been only eight previous Black quarterbacks to play in a Super Bowl. “To be the first for something is pretty cool. I know it’ll be a good one,”

If the Chiefs win next Sunday, Mahomes will achieve another milestone: the first Black starting quarterback to earn multiple Lombardi Trophies.

“I’ve learned more and more about the history of Black quarterbacks since I’ve been in this league and the guys that came before me and Jalen set the stage for this,” Mahomes said Thursday. “I’m glad we can set the stage for kids that are coming up now.”

*

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A Thirst for Celebration

The month of February has long shined a light on Black history as we honor and celebrate the achievements and culture of African Americans. At the RWA, we advocate for dialogue and action that drive progress and remove racial, cultural, ethnic, social and gender barriers and bias. During Black History Month, let us all take time to look through the lens of history at the events and people, like Dr. King, that shaped who we are as a nation.

LeBron James breaks NBA’s all-time scoring record held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for over 38 years

Francis Akhalbey, Face2FaceAfrica.com

With 38,387 career points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the NBA’s all-time scoring record for more than 38 years. But history was made on Tuesday night when LeBron James surpassed the former basketball star to become the highest scorer in NBA history.

The Los Angeles Lakers star reached the coveted pinnacle during their 133-130 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. With a few seconds to go in the 3rd quarter, James broke the record with a fadeaway jumper that was met with roaring applause from the crowd.

Prior to the game, James’ total career scoring points stood at 38,352, and he needed 36 to pip Abdul-Jabbar from the number spot, ESPN reported. The NBA champion scored 38 points. When the record was broken, the game was temporarily stopped for a ceremony in honor of the basketball superstar.

“I write ‘The Man In The Arena’ on my shoe every single night from Theodore Roosevelt,” James, 38, said. “Tonight, I actually felt like I was sitting on top of the arena when that shot went in, and the roar from the crowd. I’m not sure if I would be able to feel that feeling again, unless it’s a game-winning Finals shot.

“Everything just stopped. It gave me an opportunity to embrace it and look around and seeing my family, the fans, my friends. It was pretty cool. I probably can count on my hands how many times I have cried in 20 years, either in happiness or in defeat. So that moment was one of them when I kinda teared up a little bit. It was ‘I can’t believe what’s going on’ tears.”

Abdul-Jabbar, who was present at the game, handed the record-breaking basketball to James during the ceremony.

LeBron’s career is one of someone who planned to dominate this game,” AbdulJabbar told TNT after the game. “And it’s gone for almost 20 years now. You have to give him credit for just the way he played and for the way he’s lasted and

dominated. He has that indefinable essence that they call leadership.”

“I never thought that Kareem’s scoring record would be broken by anybody,” former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson also said. “It means even more to myself that you’re wearing that purple

Photo Credit: KEITH BIRMINGHAM/MEDIANEWS GROUP/PASADENA STARNEWS/GETTY IMAGES

NFL has been slow to embrace mental health support for players

By Mark Kreidler, Word In Black

When Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field in the middle of the “Monday Night Football” game in Cincinnati on Jan. 2, Carrie Hastings, half a continent away, understood what she needed to do — and right away.

“I had a few guys that I sort of immediately knew I should check in on,” said Hastings, the Los Angeles Rams’ sports psychologist and mental health clinician. “A couple of spouses and significant others, too.”

Hastings’ familiarity with the Rams’ personnel, and with which players might be emotionally traumatized after watching Hamlin’s shocking medical emergency, was the product of her having spent six seasons with the club — getting to know the athletes, meeting rookies when they first arrive, and making herself a regular presence at the Rams’ facility.

Across the NFL, no such continuity of care exists. The league is working its way toward the kind of mental health support for its players, coaches, and staff in which a range of counseling is standard and readily accessible.

It was just over three years ago, in 2019, that the NFL implemented a formal pro-

gram to manage its employees’ mental health needs. That came as part of a new collective bargaining agreement, after the NFL Players Association pushed hard for its creation. Among other things, the agreement mandates that each team have a licensed behavioral health clinician on staff.

But individual franchises still have great latitude in implementing that directive. Some have full-time sports psychologists; others employ clinicians part time, while a few contract with outside providers and make them available to players, Hastings said. And clinicians aren’t required to have any sports background, which some sports psychologists see as a critical flaw.

“This is a very specialized area,” said Sam Maniar, a psychologist who consults for the Cleveland Browns and formerly worked as the team’s full-time clinician.

“The environment of athletics, and especially at the highest level, is something that does require specialization, and not every clinician being brought into the NFL has that.”

Hastings was a sprinter and hurdler in her undergraduate years at Notre Dame, has deep professional experience with athletes, and is listed in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s registry for sports psychology and mental train-

ing. She keeps her private practice a short drive from the Rams’ training facility in Agoura Hills, northwest of Los Angeles, and though technically a part-time em-

ployee, Hastings said she is at the facility three or four times a week “and basically on call 24/7 during the season.”

In that capacity, Hastings has worked

to forge a foundation of trust with elite athletes who often think of a sports psychologist only in terms of getting them primed to compete.

“It’s often the case that a player comes in for something performance-related, and that opens up the door for conversations in other areas of mental health,” she said. “The relationship deepens.”

That kind of ingrained presence with teams is crucial, clinicians say, particularly as some athletes have begun to speak more openly about the mental and emotional challenges they face and have indirectly encouraged their peers to be more open to getting help.

Tennis sensation Naomi Osaka, Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and Michael Phelps, NBA stars Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan all have publicly discussed their mental health challenges over the past decade, and several have led campaigns to raise awareness. “I credit them for discussing their struggles and the great benefits they received by accessing some care that was available to them,” said Maniar, who runs an athletic performance center in Ohio and works with college and high school football teams

Read more about this aricle by going to theinnercity.com

Aviso

NOTICE

Town of Bloomfield

Deputy Finance Director/Controller

Notice

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Efectivo inmediatamente, La Comunidad de Elm City - Departamento de Vivienda de la Ciudad de New Haven (ECC/HANH) abrirá la lista de espera del Programa de Auto Suficiencia Familiar para COMPRA DE CASA para participantes del programa de Vales de Elección de Vivienda (Sección 8) y residentes de vivienda publica. La lista de espera permanecerá abierta hasta nuevo aviso.

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

Effective immediately, the Elm City Communities - Housing Authority of New Haven (ECC/HANH) will open the Family Self Sufficiency Program waiting list for Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) participants and Low Income Public Housing residents. The waiting list will remain open until further notice.

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.

Todo solicitante será colocado en la lista de espera y recibirá notificación de la posición en la lista. Nombres serán seleccionados de la lista en el orden en que fueron recibidas las pre-solicitudes según dispuesto en el Plan de Acción del Programa de Auto Suficiencia Familiar de ECC/HANH.

Las pre-solicitudes pueden ser obtenidas en la oficina localizada en el 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT. Todas las pre-solicitudes deben ser devueltas a nuestra oficina en persona o por correo solamente. Las pre-solicitudes solo podrán ser llevadas a la oficina entre las horas de 9:00 a.m. y 5:00 p.m.

NOTICIA

El solicitante debe de ser participante actual del programa de Vales de Elección de Vivienda (Sección 8) o residentes de Vivienda Publica (LIPH).

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

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

Town of Bloomfield Finance Director

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

Each applicant will be placed on the waiting list and will receive a notice with the position on the list. Names will be taken from the FSS waiting list in the order in which your pre-enrollment is received set forth in ECC/HANH’s FSS Action Plan for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

Pre-enrollment forms can be obtained from our office at 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT. All pre-enrollment forms must be returned to the office in person or by mail only. Pre-enrollment forms can be dropped-off at the office between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm.

Applicant must be a current Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) participant or Low Income Public Housing (LIPH) resident.

Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Aplicaciones incompletas serán rechazadas.

Solo una solicitud por familia será aceptada.

Otro miembro adulto de la familia puede aplicar siempre y cuando el Jefe de Familia este de acuerdo.

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

Todo individuo que requiera una acomodación razonable para someter la aplicación puede llamar a Teena Bordeaux, Coordinadora de Acomodaciones Razonables de HANH al (203) 498-8800 ext. 1507 o al Número de TDD (203) 497-8434.

“El Departamento de Vivienda de la Ciudad de New Haven no discrimina en las base de raza, color, origen nacional, religión, sexo, edad, incapacidad o estado familiar”.

NEW HAVEN

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

Portland

Police Officer full-time

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

Only one application per household will be accepted.

Another adult member of the Household may apply so long as it is agreed and approved by the Head of Household

Any individual requiring a reasonable accommodation to submit an application may call Teena Bordeaux, Reasonable Accommodations Coordinator for HANH at (203) 498-8800 ext. 1507 or at the TDD Number (203) 497-8434

“The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or familial status."

Equal Opportunity Housing Provider

242-258 Fairmont Ave

Igualdad de Oportunidades de Vivienda

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

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

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

Request for Proposals

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

Communications Media Consultant

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Invitation to Bid: WEST HARTFORD FELLOWSHIP HOUSING 20 STARKEL ROAD WEST HARTFORD, CT

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

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 1:30-

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

3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host,General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor ofPitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

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

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

Project Documents include but not limited to: Demo and New Construction of Two 3-story bldgs., 65 units. Davis Bacon Wage rate project. Project is Tax Exempt. This is our project. Anticipated start 5-1-23.

This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Bid Due Date 2-13-22 @ 2pm

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

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

Building Official: The Town of East Haven is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Building Official. This is a highly responsible position requiring Certification by the State of Connecticut as a Building Official, plus mandatory continuing education through seminars. Qualified candidates should be a graduate of a vocational technical school with an emphasis on construction, electricity, plumbing or HVAC plus five years progressively responsible experience in the field of building construction; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the above knowledge, ability and skill and must have a valid Connecticut Driver’s License. The salary for this position is $89,649/year, 35 hours per week. Please send resume with references to: Michelle Benivegna, Director of Administration & Management, East Haven Town Hall, 250 Main Street, East Haven, CT 06512 or mbenivegna@townofeasthavenct.org. Deadline to apply is February 10, 2023.

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

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

If interested in bidding please email your business information to dlang@haynesct. com we will send you the ITB through Procore with access to plans and specs.

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

Construction

The Town of East Haven is committed to building a work force of diverse individuals. Minorities, females, handicapped and veterans are encouraged to apply. The Town of East Haven is an equal opportunity employer.

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

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

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

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

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

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Construction

Economic Development Marketing Specialist

NOTICE

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

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Contact: Tom Dunay

Phone: 860- 243-2300

Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 6211720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com

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

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

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

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

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

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

NOTICIA

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

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

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

The Town of Wallingford is seeking a qualified individual to develop and implement the marketing, business recruitment and retention programs for the Town of Wallingford. This full-time position is responsible for working closely with the Economic Development Commission, related town staff and departments for planning and coordinating of community development projects, assisting business applicants with local and State permitting processes and providing research for Town sponsored projects. Applicants should possess three (3) years’ experience in economic development, industrial/commercial development, business recruitment/retention, marketing or related field; a degree from a college or university in economics, business, public administration, planning, marketing or related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Salary: $76,720 to $98,162 annually plus excellent fringe benefits that include medical insurance, pension plan, paid sick and vacation time for a total compensation package in excess of $100K. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of February 17, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

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

AA/EOE-MF

Union Company seeks:

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

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com

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

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

Invitation for Bids

Agency Wide Roofing Repairs/Replacement

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

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

Waste Treatment

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

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

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Attendant I): Operates and maintains equipment and processes in a municipal sewage treatment plant. Requires a H.S. diploma or GED plus a State of CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Class I Operators License or higher certification, or a Class I Operator-in-Training certification. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. $ 23.07 to $ 27.28 (hourly) / $ 21.92 to $ 27.28 (hourly) based on certifications & experience plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/ resume is received, or February 21, 2023 whichever occurs first. EOE

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.

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= 221215&R2=1581MP&R3=001

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

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

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

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

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

Invitation for Bids

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

Uniform Services

Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for uniform services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 3:00PM.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any

CLERK III

NOTICE

Invitation to Bid:

APPLY NOW!

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

HEARRT House

80 Broad St Plainville, CT 06062

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

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

Total gut rehab of 8 studio units, office and community space.

Bid Due Date: 2-8-23 @ 3 pm

This is our project. Project is Tax Exempt. Please provide Add Alternate pricing for Davis Bacon Wage Rates.

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.

This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. If you are interested in bidding, please email Dawn with your business information and contact phone: dlang@haynesct.com

NOTICIA

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Proposals (RFP) for Services

In the Wallingford Public Schools, performs a wide variety of clerical duties requiring excellent computer and interpersonal skills. This position requires 1 year of office work experience and a H.S. diploma. Wages: $19.42 to $25.85 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford 45 South Main Street, Room 301, Wallingford, CT 06492. Applications will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone: (203) 294-2080 Fax: (203) 294-2084. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received or January 25, 2023 whichever occurs first. EOE

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

Request for Qualifications

Youth Continuum A&E Request for Qualifications

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

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

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

Listing: Maintenance

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

Immediate opening for a part time maintenance person for ground and building maintenance. Position requires flexible work schedule. Some heavy lifting required. Computer knowledge a plus. Send resume to HR Department, hrdept@eastriverenergy.com, 401 Soundview Road, Guilford, CT 06437.

NEW HAVEN

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

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for Youth Continuum A&E Request for Qualifications. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

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

BALDWIN HOLDINGS, INC.

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

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

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

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

Request for Proposals Communications Media Consultant

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

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

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

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

INVITATION TO BID

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Town of Bloomfield

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

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

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

Assistant Building Official $39.80 hourly

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE.

For Details go to www.bloomfieldct.org

DRIVER CDL CLASS A

Full Time – All Shifts Top

EOE Please

CT

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

–

Haven Community

Parking

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

**An Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer**

Listing: Facility Maintenance Technician

NOTICE

Town of Bloomfield

Deputy Finance Director/Controller

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR

Immediate opening for a part time Facility Maintenance Technician for a busy office/ transportation facility. Position requires flexible work schedule. Some heavy lifting required. Send resume to HR Department, hrdept@eastriverenergy.com, 401 Soundview Road, Guilford, CT 06437.

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

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

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BRIDGEPORT (HACB) 2023 ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN FOR THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER AND AMENDMENT TO THE 2022 ANNUAL PLAN

**An Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer**

Help Wanted - Full Time Category Regional Planner

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.

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

Town of Bloomfield

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport will be adopting the 2023 Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher Program and proposing to amend the 2022 Annual Plan.

Copies of the 2023 Administrative Plan for Housing Choice Voucher Program and the amendment to the 2022 Annual Plan, will be made available on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, on the agency website www.parkcitycommunities.org

NOTICIA

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

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE

ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Finance Director

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

You are invited to provide written comments addressed to: HACB/PCC, 2023 Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher Program and/or Amendment to the 2022 Annual Plan; Attn: Phoebe Greenfield, 150 Highland Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 or via email to: agencyplans@parkcitycommunities.org. The forty-five (45) days comment period begins on February 1, 2023, and ends on March 17, 2023. All comments must be received by March 17, 2023.

Junior Accountant

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

Performs accounting tasks and duties in the Business Office of the Wallingford Electric Division. The position requires six (6) years of accounting experience with some accounting classes; or in lieu of thereof, a B.S. in accounting or an equivalent combination of experience and training. $27.47 - $34.36 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford , 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received, or February 21, 2023 whichever occurs first. EOE

NEW HAVEN

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

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

Portland

Police Officer full-time

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

Please be advised the Public Hearing will be held on March 21, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. The Zoom Connection Link will be placed on the website and please note that Zoom participants are limited to the first one hundred, (100) participants. The public hearing is scheduled for ninety (90) minutes and address concerns by residents and general public.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Invitation for Bids

Bid Package #1 Scattered Sites East – CO and Smoke Detectors

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for bid package #1 scattered sites east – CO and Smoke Detectors. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Invitation for Bids Uniforms Services

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

APPLY NOW!

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Monday, February 6, 2023 at 3:00PM.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

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

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

Invitation for Bids

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

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Exterior Insulation and Finish (EIFS)

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.

Repairs at D’Amato Building in New Britain, CT

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY of the CITY OF NEW BRITAIN (Authority) will receive sealed bids, in TRIPLICATE, The work generally consists of the repair of EIFS at one building. Bids will be received until March 7, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the office of the Authority, 16 Armistice Street, New Britain, CT 06053, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

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

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

To obtain a copy of the "Request for Proposal and drawings" visit www.nbhact.org under procurement

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

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 Package #3 Chamberlain and Essex Townhouses – CO and Smoke Detectors

State of Connecticut

Office of Policy and Management

Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for bid package #3 Chamberlain and Essex Townhouses – CO and Smoke Detectors. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

Monday, February 6, 2023 at 3:00PM.

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

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Invitation for Bids

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

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Lead Planning Analyst-Juvenile Justice. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions for this position are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= 230127&R2=0007AR&R3=001

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

Scattered Site Homes Exterior and Interior Renovations – Group A – Re-Bid

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

Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for Scattered Site Homes Exterior and Interior Renovations – Group A – Re-Bid. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Monday, February 13, 2023 at 3:00PM.

Largely ignored in the U.S., this was the first black man to reach the North Pole in 1909

By Mildred Europa Taylor, Face2FaceAfrica.com

In April 1909, many people believed that explorer Robert Peary was the first of his expedition to have landed at the geographic North Pole. Only a few at the time knew that it was rather his servant, Matthew Henson who first set foot on the northernmost point on Earth in that on the expedition, making him the second man to reach there after American explorer Fredrick Cook who made it in 1908.

Born in Nanjemoy, Maryland, in 1866, Henson was only 11 and without any formal education when he left home after the death of his parents.

He started working on the high seas, first serving as a cabin boy on a merchant’s vessel. Henson spent about a decade at sea before meeting Peary, an admiral in the U.S. Navy, who hired him to join an expedition to Nicaragua.

For the next 22 years, the two men would be working with each other, going through freezing temperatures and periods of hunger and starvation.

But when the most sought-after feat came, the two would separate over confusion as to who rightfully deserved all the praise and acknowledgement.

The decision to reach the North Pole was fueled by the fact that by the end of the 19th century, there were still things left in the world that needed to be explored.

Peary had, by 1886, began visiting Greenland on several occasions before making his first attempt at reaching the top of the earth.

For the journey, Peary and his team decided to rely on many practices of the native Inuit people in order to survive.

They used sled dogs, built igloos, wore heavy fur pelts and dispensed with tents and sleeping bags, according to accounts by legacy.com.

Henson had then embraced the local

Eskimo culture in Greenland, learning the Inuit language and their Arctic survival skills.

Being a skilled craftsman, most of the sledges and igloos used for the expedition were built by him.

Between 1895 and 1902, Peary and Henson had made many attempts at reaching the top of the world, collecting the world’s largest meteorites and going further north but the Pole still eluded them.

Henson would later claim how he helped preserved Peary’s life through those aborted attempts as they suffered from scurvy after eating canned food that was almost 18 years old.

“Those were days that even now stand out from all the rest. How I kept the men and dogs in order, travelling days and

during the night. How I foraged with the dogs, like a dog myself, hunting for food to keep him alive and get him back to civilization. We hunted and captured any living thing that was good to eat, chased hares with wolfish desperation, and I finally saw him back to the ship in the hands of the surgeon, crippled for life in a way, but safe and eventually well,” he said. Despite these challenges, they were not perturbed, and on March 1, 1909, Peary and Henson made their last attempt at reaching the North Pole.

They left the ship Roosevelt at Cape Sheridan at Canada’s northern tip to cross 413 nautical miles of ice to find the Pole. This time around, they were accompanied by a large expedition made up of “22 Inuit men, 17 Inuit women, 10 children,

246 dogs, 70 tons (64 metric tons) of whale meat from Labrador, the meat and blubber of 50 walruses, hunting equipment, and tons of coal.”

“In February, Henson and Peary departed their anchored ship at Ellesmere Island’s Cape Sheridan, with the Inuit men and 130 dogs working to lay a trail and supplies along the route to the Pole,” according to accounts.

Only five men were with Peary on the final run to the Pole, and Henson was the only non-Inuit.

During the final moments, it is said that Peary was unable to continue the journey on foot and had to be pulled on a sledge as he was believed to be exhausted and ill. He sent Henson on ahead as a scout.

On April 6, 1909, they finally reached

their goal, after 36 days of trekking over the ice.

They set up camp and planted the American flag, with Henson leading a spontaneous cheer.

After retracing their steps, it turned out that 49-year-old Henson was actually the first person to step on the geographic North Pole.

“I was in the lead that had overshot the mark a couple of miles. We went back then and I could see that my footprints were the first at the spot,” Henson would later state in an interview.

When they returned home to the States,

Peary received all the praise for the improbable accomplishment, despite getting to know that his rival, Cook had claimed to have reached the North Pole the year before. Though who got there first is still being debated to this day, Peary’s claim was widely accepted then.

Henson was ignored, particularly because he was African-American and would later spend most of his next 30 years working as a customs clerk in New York while lecturing on his experiences.

Henson also recorded his Arctic memoirs in 1912, in the book A Negro Explorer at the North Pole.

Fortunately, in 1937, when he was 70, he received some recognition, as he was granted an honorary membership in the prestigious Explorers Club.

Henson was also awarded several honorary degrees, and in 1954 he received a personal commendation from President Eisenhower for his role in discovering the North Pole.

In 1988, a stamp from the United States Postal Service was issued with the pictures of Peary and Henson.

Henson died in 1955 at the age of 88. He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery

Read more about this aricle by going to theinnercity.com

Baseball Returns to Wilberforce University After 80-Year Hiatus

by Nyah Peebles, hbcubuzz.com

In November 2021, Wilberforce University announced the return of the baseball program, and they are now gearing up for their first game in 80 years.

The return of baseball at WU was made possible with the help of The Cincinnati Reds, who helped with the financials of building a team and provided resources, according to Spectrum News 1.

“Bringing Black baseball back to the community is something we were longing to do,” Jerome Wright, who directs the Reds Youth Academy said. “And Roosevelt (WU Head Baseball Coach Roosevelt Barnes) had the vision to try to get a baseball team back at an HBCU in our area. We worked together for a couple of years to develop a plan to bring that back to Wilberforce.”

According to the Reds and Wilberforce University, it’s about more than baseball.

“We want to see the success on the field but we also want to get some of those young men that are a part of the program into internships with the Reds or full-time positions with the Reds as well because we’re trying to make a whole individual and baseball is just a catalyst to do that,” Wright told Spectrum News 1.

WU Head Baseball Coach Roosevelt Barnes echoed Wrights’s sentiments saying, “we’re not just playing ball in between the lines. There are plans to employ some of these young men, to provide them with internships and even gainful employment in the game of baseball.”

Wright also extended the invitation for the WU Bulldogs to use the Reds’ tunnels, indoor field, weight room, and “whatever

they need to help them level the playing field.”

Barnes hopes that the return of WU baseball and collaboration with The Cincinnati Reds will set an example for other HBCUs.

“I hope that we are a catalyst for other HBCUs,” said WU Head Baseball Coach Roosevelt Barnes. “How fitting right that this is the first time that a major league team has ever partnered with an HBCU. And Wilberforce is the first privately owned and operated HBCU here in Ohio founded in 1856. To have two firsts come together and get this done, I’m pretty sure there will be more HBCUs that’ll follow.”

Wilberforce plays its first game of the season in Georgia on Feb. 10 and its first home game at the Athletes in Action facility in Xenia on March 13.

Do you have Parkinson’s disease and symptoms of depression?

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For more information, please email ketaminepd@yale.edu or call/text (475) 287-9521.