INNER-CITY NEWS by INNER-CITY NEWS

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

New HavenJustice Launches $16M TestatIn2016 Helping Families Cope Financial a Key Focus NAACP Convention New Haven, Bridgeport

INNER-CITYNEWS

Volume 27 . No. 2375 Volume 21 No. 2194

“DMC” Barbara Smith

Malloy To Dems: Malloy To Dems: “Hidden Figures”

Color Struck?

Fair Scheduling, Snow in July?

Ignore “Tough On Crime” Ignore “Tough On Crime” Katherine Johnson

Model, Restauranteur and Fashion Icon

New Haven Launches $16M Test In Helping Families Cope

Independent Drivers, and Workers Comp Top Agenda for Labor

EMILY HAYS PHOTO Mothers for Justice advocate and Clifford Beers mother Claudette Kidd.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

Blue Rhythm Slides Onto Shelves by EMILY HAYS

New Haven I ndependent

Tashawna Peete does not usually drink beer. But as she sat with her wife-to-be, Kim Jenkins, at Te Amo Tequila Bar & Tacos on Temple Street on Saturday, she decided the brand new Rhythm Blue might be her go-to lager. The occasion was an unveiling party a new brew from New Haven’s salsamaven-turned-lager-entrepeneur Alisa Bowens-Mercado. The point was to give it a try. “I love it because it’s not — what’s that flavor in beers? —malty,” said Peete “It’s really smooth.” Smooth, easy to love, a novelty in the craft beer industry — those descriptors could also apply to Rhythm Blue’s creator, Alisa Bowens-Mercado (pictured above). Bowens-Mercado is a famed New Haven salsa instructor, as well as the first African-American brewer in Connecticut. She said that female brewers of color are so rare that when she walks into a restaurant or a bar as the owner of Rhythm Brewing Co, people often assume she is selling wine. “I’m diversifying the tastes of America,” Bowens-Mercado told the crowd of friends and fans assembled at Te Amo Tequila to celebrate the launch of Rhythm Blue her second, lower calorie beer. Saturday was her birthday, the same date she launched her first beer, Rhythm Lager, two years ago. Arts and start-up consultant Elinor Slomba, founder of Verge Arts Group, had arranged a blind taste test of the two varieties with local celebrities. One such celebrity was Glen McDermott, executive director of Connecticut’s Conscious Capitalism chapter, which provides leadership training for entrepreneurs. McDermott met Bowens-Mercado for the first time Saturday afternoon. He said she runs precisely the kind of business he had been looking to support to see a more equitable distribution of wealth and jobs. “We’re here to disrupt all the white guys making beer. It’s also up to white guys like me to do something about it,” he said. The tasters deemed their first cup more citrus-y. (“There’s a tang to it,” taster Giulia Gouge said.) The second was still full of flavor but smoother. Three out of four tasters guessed correctly that the first was Bowens-Mercado’s flagship lager and the second was the Blue. Gouge said she likes both beers. Gouge is a social media professional and cofounder of the consulting agency Agents of Branding. She did not go into the taste test quite blind, because she has sipped

Rhythm Lager on many occasions. “I think I would have the original on a hot day and the Blue at night,” she said. The tester least sure of her beer tastes was New Haven Museum Executive Director Margaret Anne Tockarshewsky (pictured). The museum focuses on innovation in the Elm City. “Generally I don’t drink, but the opportunity to taste history in the making was a strong pull,” Tockarshewsky said. Tockarshewsky is also hoping to preserve that history in the museum. After the test, she asked whether BowensMercado would want to contribute some of the artifacts of her launch process to the museum, whether that involves cans, documents or marketing materials. As soon as the announcements were over, Bowens-Mercado told DJ D Latino to turn up the dance music. DJ D Latino knows her well. His real name is Danny Velasco, and he spins at Te Amo Tequila on Thursday and Saturday nights. Those Thursday nights, Bowens-Mercado teaches salsa. “During the day is beer time, and the night is salsa,” Bowens-Mercado said. She keeps both her glitter stilettos for salsa and her Rhythm Brewing Co. Tshirts and sneakers in her car. Saturday afternoon was both beer and salsa time. She called the party attendees onto the dance floor for an impromptu salsa class. “You’ve got a little Rhythm in you now,” she joked. Bowens-Mercado’s husband John Mercado said that she has this much energy all the time. He said she gets it from her parents, who are small business owners as well. Eleni and James Piazza danced at the back of the crowd. They have taken Bowens-Mercado’s salsa classes off and on since the summer of 2012. “I’m shy about dancing,” James Piazza said. “Alisa makes you feel comfortable, like you’ve known her for 20 years.” Lately, they’ve bonded more over beer than over salsa. The last two years, Bowens-Mercado has been a vendor at the couple’s annual Notre Dame Bacon and BrewFest. This June 13 will be her third year at the festival, which raises money for Notre Dame High School in Fairfield. (The Piazzas are alumni.) James was drinking the Rhythm Lager; Eleni was drinking the Blue. Eleni said that she likes the smoothness of the Blue better than India Pale Ales. IPAs dominate the craft brewery scene. “I’m normally a Corona drinker. IPAs are too strong for me,” she said. One of the five Rhythm Brewing Co. employees, Lisa Whidbee, stepped around the dancers and drinkers to take pictures of the event.

Whidbee first heard about BowensMercado and her foray into the beer industry on TV. Shortly after, Whidbee and her partner Nancy Diaz found themselves talking to a kind gentleman in a bar, who turned out to be Bowens-Mercado’s father, William Bowens. William Bowens gave Whidbee his daughter’s number. Whidbee was skeptical that anything would come of it — “She doesn’t know me from a can of paint” — but Whidbee eventually won the brewer’s trust enough to handle branding for the burgeoning company. She is passionate about the Rhythm Brewing project partially because her own mother was the first African-American woman on her hometown’s police force. She came to understand only later what that meant for her mother and why she did not respond to her children’s barrage of “Mom! Mom! Mom!” when she got home. Whidbee said that her mother needed to detox from what she endured at work, like having the n-word written on her locker. “She was taking a good-paying job from a white,” Whidbee explained. Whidbee saw her mother pave the way for more diversity. She inspired one of Whidbee’s classmates to become a police officer. This classmate had grown up “in the projects”, Whidbee said, and had not realized the police force was a potential place for him. Bowens-Mercado hopes to pave the way new faces in her own industry. When pulled aside for a quick interview, Bowens-Mercado said that she does not have six-month or five-year goals but “now goals.” This includes the need to have more women and people of color in the craft beer scene now, she said. Another goal is to find a national distributor for her beers, beyond her statewide distributors (and elementary school classmates) Dichello Distributors. The demand is already there, she told the Independent. “People are calling from all over, from all walks of life. Even diehard beer snobs love the taste,” Bowens-Mercado said. Fans include the A-lister Wale, who featured a Rhythm Brewing can in one of his music videos. Te Amo Tequila restaurant owner Sonia Salazar cast a watchful eye over both the launch party and her other customers as the dinner crowd started to file in. Salazar has known Bowens-Mercado since taking one of her dance classes in 2006. Salazar confirmed that the Rhythm Lager has been in high demand. Both beers were on tap on Saturday. “It goes well with our tacos. Everybody asks for it,” she said.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

Judiciary Committee To Tackle End To

Solitary Confinement

IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH,

by Walker Strong Ct. News Junkie

HARTFORD, CT — Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, joined Stop Solitary CT in unveiling a 5,000-pound replica prison cell at the state Capitol Tuesday as part of an effort to end solitary confinement in Connecticut’s prisons. Stop Solitary CT’s website says the replica will allow those who visit to “experience the horror, isolation, and dehumanization that is solitary confinement.” It will be in the lobby of the Capitol until March 4. Members of Stop Solitary CT argue that increased isolation in prisons may achieve the very opposite goal of rehabilitating inmates. “Correction means to correct something. But this is not correction, this is torture,” said James Tillman, who was wrongly convicted and served more than 18 years in prison for a rape he never committed. Tillman said three of those years were spent in solitary confinement at the Northern Correctional Institution in Somers. “To this day I still get chills,” Tillman, a member of Stop Solitary CT, said. The Judiciary Committee plans to raise a bill to legislate the end of solitary confinement in Connecticut. The issue was raised as a concept two weeks ago. Winfield said there is an untold lasting impact that solitary confinement can have on those who are forced to endure it. “At this point we know that many of these people return to our communities, the question is what have we already done to these people,” he said. Department of Correction Commissioner Rollin Cook expressed sympathy for how solitary confinement was handled in the past, but insisted that the DOC has overhauled its operations to be far more humane in recent years. “It’s not where it was 10 to 15 years ago, or even 5 years ago for that matter,” Cook said Tuesday. Correction officers present at the Capitol Tuesday disagreed with the characterization of solitary confinement. They blamed a sensationalized view of solitary confinement in the media for contributing to a misconception of how the system has evolved over time. Solitary confinement, according to two correction officers, doesn’t exist as it’s being portrayed by activists who want to end the practice. The inmates are allowed phone, shower, and have recreational time in addition to being allowed out of their cells to attend a variety of programs, Michael Vargo, vice president of AFSCME local 1565, stressed. Advocates for abolishing prison isolation also argue that the practice overwhelmingly targets people of color. Barbara Fair, a New Haven activist who said her son was indelibly changed by his exposure to solitary confinement at the age of 17, likened the practice to a modern form of slavery in that those who support its usage “have either lost humanity or don’t understand the humanity of those in there. No longer do they use the whip, they use mind control.” It’s hoped that Connecticut will soon join the ranks

BOSCOV’S HONORS INNOVATORS AND TRAILBLAZERS IN

SCIENCE & MEDICINE

WALKER STONRG / CTNEWSJUNKIE

Sen. Gary Winfield outside the replica solitary confinement cell in the lobby of the state Capitol

Katherine G. Johnson

Marie M. Daly

of nine other states that have passed comprehensive system-wide reforms to their solitary confinement practices in recent years. While the state was praised for legislation passed in 2017 to end solitary confinement for juvenile inmates, a 2019 report revealed the practice was still occurring for juveniles in adult facilities. Many blame the legislature’s failure to properly define “solitary confinement” as allowing correction officers to continue many of these same practices under a new designation: “confined to quarters extended.” Cook pushed back on this assertion, however, claiming that “most of the time when I’m in, there are no juveniles that are being housed in those particular areas.” He emphasized how small the number of actual inmates exposed to solitary confinement is in relation to the state’s total prison population. He said “.03% of our prison population is actually in that type of custody.” Cook acknowledged that the DOC “knows that isolation is not good” but maintained a continued need for solitary confinement to protect prisoners from one another and safeguard facilities and correction officers from potential outbursts of violence. “We’re doing everything we can to change that environment and speed up the process of getting people out of those situations,” he said. Stop Solitary CT is also pushing to close Northern Correctional Institution, which is Connecticut’s only super-maximum security prison. “I don’t have any plans at this time to do that,” Cook said. He said they are constantly evaluating their facilities and units to best manage the prison population, which is currently under 13,000, the lowest level in 25 years.

Lewis Howard Latimer

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams

Neil deGrasse Tyson Mae C. Jemison

In part 4 of our 4-part series, we salute some of the pioneers in science and medicine.

Today, we can thank leaders like inventor Lewis Howard Latimer, scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson, chemist Marie M. Daly, heart surgeon Daniel Hale Willams, doctor and astronaut Mae C. Jemison and mathematician Katherine G. Johnson for their contributions to and advancements in science and medicine. Boscov’s remembers with respect African Americans who set the standard and pushed the boundaries, developing breakthroughs in their fields.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

Elicker Fires Bartlett; Bartlett Vows To Fight by STAFF

New Haven I ndependent

Mayor Justin Elicker took action this week on a challenge he inherited upon taking office this January: He fired city Youth Services Director Jason Bartlett. Bartlett said he plans to fight the termination. The Elicker administration revealed the news not in a press release, but at the end of a routine weekly release of personnel changes. Bartlett, a top political aide to former Mayor Toni Harp in addition to a highranking city official, had been on paid administrative leave from his youth services post since June 2019 following receipt of an FBI subpoena of Harp administration’s records. “Of course I’m going to fight,” Bartlett said late Friday afternoon. “I’m reviewing all my options.”

Elicker declined to comment Saturday morning, referring to the issue as a personnel matter. Bartlett said that the Harp administration conducted two internal investigations of him while he was on leave. He said Mayor Harp rejected findings, presented on Oct. 24 and Dec. 5, that he had acted improperly. Then Elicker, who had called during his mayoral campaign for Bartlett to be fired, initiated a new investigation after he took office as mayor on Jan. 1. Bartlett said he was called into a twohour meeting with, among others, Chief of Staff Sean Matteson and human resources chief Steve Librandi. He said he was presented with an allegation that in an email he had sought to steer a contract to a friend for the Escape youth center project. “I refused every allegation made

Youth Services Director Jason Bartlett

against me,” Bartlett argued. He said he urged the Elicker administration to look up records to show that the person never received the contract and that Bartlett wasn’t helping him get it. Elicker said that the city is “still evaluating the situation” with the Escape, and declined to comment further on the status of that long-in-the-works teen dropin center. “It’s unlikely that the Escape project is going to move forward,” he said. Earlier this year, Bartlett filed a complaint with the state Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities that charged the Harp administration with discriminating against him because he is a gay black male. Just like many department heads who came into office with the Harp administration, Bartlett had a four-year contract with the city that extended through 2022.

What’s Right With Hamden by WALTER L. MORTON IV New Haven I ndependent

Opinion A recent opinion letter asked “What has happened to Hamden?”— only to tell the tale of what is wrong with our town, and disparage our town’s fiscal health, our public schools and services, the competency of Hamden’s local leaders and their ability to responsibly and realistically confront the challenges facing our city’s residents. Let me actually answer the question instead by asking, “Why can’t we work together to ensure our towns and cities can further thrive?” The challenges facing Hamden are no different than challenges facing comparable cities and towns of our size throughout Connecticut — but we are working every day to address them. As a proud graduate of Hamden High

SAM GURWITT PHOTO Walter Morton

School, I have seen firsthand what a quality public education our schools provide. The excellent education I received enabled me to go on to attend Penn State University, followed by a successful career in the United States Army, of which I’m still a member. Returning home, I chose to get involved locally because I not only wanted our town’s students to have the same opportunities I had, but I wanted the next generation to excel even more than me. To do that, I chose to be an active member on our town’s Board of Education. We have work to do — as do many cities that have similar socioeconomic challenges among some of their residents. But we are taking major steps and making great strides each year to increase opportunities in our schools and improve student outcomes.

For example, the school board recently approved and is In the process of implementing our 3R Plan —- a plan that will racially balance our elementary schools, as well as offer high-quality Pre-K, which will help to aggressively close our achievement gap. Additionally, we’ve created an Equity Committee to better understand and work on meaningful ways to improve and create greater equity throughout our schools. The Board is also currently in the early stages of updating its K-12 Curriculum to make it more inclusive and representative of the students in our district. Hamden High’s student acceptance rates to selective colleges continues to be comparable to almost any top school in Connecticut (including high schools in the wealthiest school disCon’t from page 08

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John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO Babz Rawls Ivy

Editor-in-Chief Liaison, Corporate Affairs Babz@penﬁeldcomm.com

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Contributing Writers David Asbery / Tanisha Asbery

Jerry Craft / Cartoons / Barbara Fair

Dr. Tamiko Jackson-McArthur Michelle Turner / Smita Shrestha William Spivey / Kam Williams Rev. Samuel T. Ross-Lee

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Christine Stuart www.CTNewsJunkie.com Paul Bass New Haven Independent www.newhavenindependent.org

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

Fair Scheduling, Independent Drivers, and Workers Comp Top Agenda for Labor by Christine Stuart Ct. News Junkie

HARTFORD, CT – There are more than 350,000 low-wage hourly workers in Connecticut and the leaders of the Labor and Public Employees Committee want them to have a predictable and stable work schedule. “Our responsibility as a state is in allowing that level of flexibility of parttime work that we also have to guarantee that the workers are protected and they cannot be abused,” Sen. Julie Kushner, D-Danbury, said. Chenae Russell of East Hartford said she worked part-time at a retail store and part-time shifts left her feeling “hopeless and unable to plan ahead.” “I felt like a commodity at the hands of an employer who did not see or care about me as a person,” Russell added. She said unpredictable schedules are especially hard on single mothers who struggle to find childcare. But the business community opposes any legislation that would require them to schedule their staff 14 days in advance of a shift. Under the Senate Bill 227, an employee will provide a written estimate of the hours he or she would like to work. An employer shall provide workers with an estimate of the hours they are expected to work. The language in the bill clearly states that this is “nonbinding” on the employer. Also an employer first has to offer new hours that become available to existing employees. If employees say no thanks, that employer is free to hire whenever they want without a penalty. Rep. Robyn Porter, D-New Haven, said the purpose of requiring employers to offer hours to the part-time workers they have is the fact that many parttime workers have to work other jobs. If workers could get enough hours then they might not have to have two or three jobs, she added. “Employers may not have the resources, equipment or materials needed for segments of their workforce to work on a particular day,” Eric Gjede, vice president of government affairs for the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, said in written testimony. “Further, it makes employers unable to adjust for unexpected employee absences.” Gjede said the bill “asks Connecticut’s employers to ignore the demands of customers, cancel undesirable shifts at less preferred locations, retain underperforming employees rather than hire additional workers that possess necessary skills, all while being subject to a number of significant new legal penalties.” The bill would give retail, food service, and hospitality workers greater control over their work schedules. The Connecticut Restaurant Association also is opposed to the legislation.

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE

Chenae Russell of East Hartford

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE

Independent Drivers Guild

“The restaurant industry is known for its flexibility; flexibility for employers and employees alike,” Scott Dolch, executive director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, said in written testimony. “Many employees specifically seek work in the restaurant industry for the flexibility it allows. This proposed legislation would eliminate that flexibility and mandate a new system that would hurt both the employers and employees.” Another priority for leadership of the Labor and Public Employees Committee this year is a bill that would allow independent ride-hail drivers who work for companies like Uber and Lyft to receive

a certain amount of money from each ride. The bill would require the companies to pay drivers no less than 75% of the money collected from each rider for each prearranged ride completed, and disallow the companies from keeping more than 25% of the total money collected by any driver on any day. But the Independent Drivers Guild wants the legislation to go further. They want the right to organize a union. Brendan Sexton, executive director of the Independent Drivers Guild, said, “If Connecticut passes a right to bargain law, we will be blazing a trail for growing our

unionized workforce in Connecticut.” Last May, the National Labor Relations Board ruled that Uber drivers are not eligible under the National Labor Relations Act. “This means ride-hail drivers cannot organize in a union under federal law,” Sexton said. “The ruling left open the possibility for states to fill in the void with these workers.” The Connecticut Business and Industry Association is opposed to the legislation. “Transportation network companies use driver incentives and dynamic pricing systems to ensure the reliability and safety for customers while ensuring

drivers are appropriately compensated for both the distance and time traveled,” Gjede said. “This system ensures passengers have a clear understanding of the cost of the service while drivers understand the compensation they will receive for providing the service.” Gjede said there’s no need for the legislation. However, drivers say they are making less money now than they did before 2018. Rosana Olan, a driver for both Uber and Lyft, said both companies “take higher and higher cuts.” A spokesperson for Lyft said that “90% of those who earn on the Lyft platform drive less than 20 hours a week and use driving as a way to supplement their income. These are parents who have busy schedules, retirees, students, or individuals who have another full-time job. Our goal has always been to empower these individuals to get the most out of the platform, and we look forward to continuing to do so in Connecticut.” The committee is also looking to pass legislation to expand workers’ compensation benefits for certain mental health conditions to Correction Department staff, emergency medical technicians and dispatchers. It’s the number one priority of Sen. Cathy Osten, a former correction officer. Kara Dewaine, who lost her father Jeremy a year ago to a suicide, said her father, a correction officer at CorriganRadgowski Correctional Center, performed his job with great dignity. But “he was forced to live a double-life in order to protect his family from the horrors that he saw firsthand at work,” Dewaine said. Last year, Gov. Ned Lamont signed a bill into law that provides workers’ compensation benefits to police officers, parole officers, and firefighters who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after witnessing an unnerving event in the line of duty. The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities said the bill expanding coverage breaks a bipartisan promise last year not to expand the legislation. CCM said it’s open to discussing the proposal, but at the moment it doesn’t support the legislation “The PTSD law is only in its infancy,” CCM said in a statement. “In addition, some provisions have not yet been enacted. A greater amount of time and consideration regarding the laws impact and training implementation needs to take place and reviewed. It is important that we examine the experience and impacts that PA 19-17 has on the workers’ compensation system and municipalities before proceeding with additional occupation classifications.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

Andrea Jackson-Brooks Way Is On Its Way listing his mother’s many accomplishments and positions of power and influence. “I get choked up thinking about her because she has been a great lady for this city,” said William Bland, JacksonBrooks’s neighbor of 40 years. “If anybody had any neighbor better than my neighbor, let me know.” The praise for Jackson-Brooks didn’t stop with just family and friends. It extended to local and state politicians who worked closely with her for decades— and saw first-hand the power of her commitment to public service. “You can’t find a nicer person who worked harder and cared so much as Andrea,” said current state Democratic Party Chair and former Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman. Wyman said she first got to know Jackson-Brooks when they both served in the state House of Representatives. They worked even more closely together several years later when Jackson came to work for Wyman in the latter’s capacity as state comptroller. “She would stand up for what she believed in, and you better have listened,” Wyman said. “She loved her family and she loved this city. She was a fighter for this city.” Reyes agreed.

by THOMAS BREEN

New Haven I ndependent

Alders enthusiastically supported renaming the corner of Spring Street and Dewitt Street “Andrea Jackson-Brooks Way” after family, friends, former and current city officials, and even the former state lieutenant governor turned out to heap praise on the longtime former Hill alder and state representative. A vote in favor of the renaming took place Thursday night during the regular monthly City Services and Environmental Policy (CSEP) Committee meeting in the Aldermanic Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. The committee alders unanimously recommended that the full board approve the renaming of that Hill street corner in honor of the woman who represented Ward 4 on the Board of Alders from 2000 to 2015, served two terms as state representative for New Haven’s 95th Connecticut General Assembly District, worked as former Mayor John DeStefano’s executive assistant, worked as an assistant in the state comptroller’s office, and chaired the board of the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center. “That is nothing of the sacrifices she made for this town, this city, this state, her church,” Jackson-Brooks’s oldest son, Daniel Gant (pictured), said after

He praised her for her community outreach and political organizing skills when she served as Ward 4’s Democratic Ward Committee co-chair during his time as an alder. “When I became president of the board, she became a state rep. And she did that job exceedingly well. She earned a reputation very quickly as a state representatives that could get things done, and would always remember where she came from.” “If somebody merits this, it’s certainly Andrea Jackson-Brooks.” “She was a special person,” said current Cornell Scott Hill Health Center Board Chair and city Commission on Equal Opportunities (CEO) Director Angel Fernandez-Chavero. He said he hopes this corner renaming will help Jackson-Brooks’s name and legacy live many generations into the future. “She was one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met,” he said. “Loving On The Community” Committee alders also gave the thumbs up Thursday night to the proposed renaming of the corner of Greenwood Street and Legion Avenue in the Hill as “Bishop James and Pastor Tanzella Perkins Corner.” Hill Alder Ron Hurt and several members of the Mt. Calvary Holy Church

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THOMAS MACMILLAN PHOTO Former Alder Andrea Jackson-Brooks.

Revival Center urged the alders to support such a renaming to celebrate the lives and legacies of the married couple that founded the Legion Avenue church in 1972. Click here to read more about that couple. Hurt praised the Perkins’ for “the foundation that they laid preaching holiness, preaching righteousness, and loving on the community.” “It’s still a safe home,” church member

Trent Perkins said about Mt. Calvary. “It’s still a place where someone can be nourished. “People can still come there and get encouragement. People can still come there and start over again.” He praised the founding couple as planting a seed in this church that is still growing in the Hill. “It’s still flourishing, and the leaves are still green.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

“Game Changers” Honored by STAFF

New Haven I ndependent

Five local people picked up community “Game Changer” awards from the United Way of Greater New Haven at a “Big Ideas” breakfast held this week. United Way’s write-ups about the winners follow: • Kim Harris is a community activist, local business owner, and serves as Chair of the Newhallville Community Management Team. Additionally, she is the owner of Harris and Tucker Preschool and, in 2015, co-founded a child-care coalition called Cercle to tackle a wide range of concerns about early education for black and brown children. In 2018, Harris launched the “One City Initiative,” pulling together the leaders of the city’s management teams to create citywide family-friendly events throughout the summer. She also founded a nonprofit that focuses on creating after-school enrichment opportunities for children in her neighborhood. Harris is committed to changing the narrative about Newhallville and building partnerships to improve lives in her community. • New Haven-resident Camila GüizaChavez serves as the Community Outreach Director at Havenly, an organization that provides job training for female refugees who have settled in New Haven. GüizaChavez leads Havenly’s Fellowship program, which employs refugees in a bakery that also functions as a classroom for women to build the skills and confidence

Celebrating Celebra Cele

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

United Way’s Jennifer Heath with the “Game Changers.”

necessary to gain future employment. Güiza-Chavez teaches English classes to the women and forges partnerships with local organizations to help with other services. The work is complex and meaningful, and to do it well requires a level of humility, rigor, and grace, which she demonstrates every day. • Robert Kreitler, a New Haven businessman and philanthropist, is passionate about high-quality education for children and youth, as well as workforce development for adults — particularly those who have experienced challenges, such as incarceration. In addition to providing financial support for many causes related to education and workforce development, he also gets involved by giving of his own time to be

part of the solution. • Jim and Mary Ann Emswiler lead the Hamden VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site, which they started from the ground up three years ago. As VITA site coordinators, the Emswilers recruit, train, and schedule the volunteers who help serve hundreds of people from the region each year. The Emswilers also serve as tax preparers themselves, often taking complicated returns home to finish after hours. Over the past three years, their VITA site has brought in $2.3 million in tax returns for low-income families in the region. The Emswilers have a heart for helping people, and they go above and beyond to make sure their VITA services are provided with excellence, dignity, and compassion.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

AG Tong Targets Juul For Targeting Youth by CHRISTOPHER PEAK

menthol, in keeping with a new Trump administration policy that it supports. He added that the Juul has also restructured the company, pulled all its advertising and is preparing a “comprehensive and scientifically rigorous” application for the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to approve its marketing. Way More Weed At Hillhouse, a group of students said the reality 9s a little more complicated. They agreed that students don’t know the health risks of vaping. But they said that it’s not that big of a problem in their high school. “I’ve never seen a Juul pod,” said Kuniya Asobayire. “Not in my school.” Kyera Toney also said that her classmates don’t vape at school. But she said that she often sees them uploading pictures with their Juuls on Snapchat and Instagram, especially during weekend parties. She said those social-media posts might increase smoking rates. “They maybe think, ‘I should try this,’ or ‘I don’t know what it’s about,’” Toney said. “I don’t think people are aware of how it becomes addictive.” Instead, the students said, they know way more teens who smoke weed. “It gives them a sense of relief from any hardship they may be facing in their day-to-day lives, regardless of what it is. It gives a sense of high, I guess,” said Alexis Powell. Did Tong see a connection? Richlyn Bronson asked. “Do you think that cannabis and [nicotine] is now becoming the same category of health issues?” Tong turned the question back to the students, asking if people are “conflating” the two substances. They said they aren’t. Powell asked another question about what the state government should do about all the students who are already vaping. “Is there a plan set in stone for minors who already may be addicted to vaping?” she asked. “If the big idea is that, for young adults, this is bad, what do we for students who already are addicted? How do we help them, as opposed to just taking away the vape?” Tong said that the public-health agencies were “racing to catch up,” after ecig use increased “so quickly in a very short period of time.” Other government officials added they hoped students would step up, talking to their classmates about the health risks. The students said they wanted to know what smoking prevention programs were offered. In the past year, Connecticut received almost half a billion dollars from tobacco company taxes and settlements. It was the only state in the country that didn’t put any of that revenue into prevention efforts, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

New Haven I ndependent

After announcing a multi-state probe into Juul Labs, the electronic cigarette manufacturer that’s been faulted for creating a public-health crisis, Attorney General William Tong sat down with high-schoolers in New Haven Tuesday to hear their take on the “epidemic.” Their answers weren’t what Tong expected to hear. Students said their classmates are indeed puffing smoke, but it more often from joints and bowls of marijuana than from e-cigs. Tong led that roundtable discussion at Hillhouse High School on Thursday afternoon, after announcing that he’s one of the five attorneys general leading a 39-state investigation into Juul’s marketing and sales practices. The probe will focus, in particular, on the company’s messaging to youth, its claims regarding nicotine quantities, and its statements regarding its effectiveness as a smoking cessation device “Connecticut’s investigation into JUUL is active and expanding,” Tong said. “I will not prejudge where this investigation will lead, but we will follow every fact and are prepared to take strong action in conjunction with states across the nation to protect public health.” Across the country, more than one quarter of all high schoolers — nearly five million youth — report that they currently smoke e-cigarettes, according to a federal survey. That spike in usage has reversed recent progress in lowering cigarette smoking. Last summer, Connecticut opened a preliminary investigation into Juul Labs around the health claims of their e-cigs’ use as a “smoking cessation device,” despite not having the requisite U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s approvals. A civil investigative demand — a type of administrative subpoena — that Tong sent asked for information about Juul’s “Enterprise Market Teams” and its promotional price offers for certain consumer groups. JUUL Labs said, in a statement, that it’s not trying to sell its products to teenagers. “Our customer base is the world’s one billion adult smokers and we do not intend to attract underage users,” Austin Finan, a Juul spokesperson, wrote in an email. “We will continue to reset the vapor category in the U.S. and seek to earn the trust of society by working cooperatively with attorneys general, regulators, public health officials and other stakeholders to combat underage use and transition adult smokers from combustible cigarettes.” Finan said that the San Francisco-based company has already stopped selling all its flavored pods, aside from tobacco and

Hillhouse students talk vaping with government officials.

Alexis Powell and Kumiya Asobayire.

Hillhouse students talk vaping with government officials.

Con’t from page 04

What’s Right

tricts). Currently over 300 Hamden students are taking courses for college credit through our university and college partners –- the majority of these at no cost to students, thanks to our partners (and through our agreement, students eligible for free and reduced lunch pay nothing). We are also proud of the fact that students in our new HECA program (Hamden Engineering Careers Academy) can earn industry certificates as well as an Associate’s Degree concurrently with their high school diplomas at no cost. Hamden has changed from being a completely suburban community to a mix of suburb and city. But the hearts of so many in Hamden make it feel like one big town, a neighborhood we all can call home. We are cutting the ribbon on new businesses every month, which offers local employment opportunities while also strengthening our grand list, allowing us to further regain our financial footing. Many other local leaders like myself are working to address the towns problems and move us forward in a constructive manner by developing plans to accomplish something, as opposed to only being interested in highlighting what’s wrong with Hamden. There is no other place in Connecticut quite like Hamden. We are in the top ten for population statewide. We have a healthy mix of suburban, urban, and rural areas. We have immense diversity, great cuisines from around the world. We are just outside of New Haven, and 90 minutes from New York City. We have unique features like the Farmington Canal, and Sleeping Giant State Park. Most importantly we have a robust, world-class institution of higher learning, Quinnipiac University, that is anchored in North Hamden and provides millions of dollars in economic activity within our town. We still have a lot to offer and a lot to be proud of as a town, all the while working to be the best version of ourselves possible. It is long overdue for the bickering and finger pointing to end. It is time for us to roll-up our sleeves and work collaboratively to advance this town that we all love. We all need to keep working, together, to make Hamden an even better place for all of us. Walter L. Morton IV is the finance committee chair of the Hamden Board of Education. He is also director of legislative affairs for the Town of Hamden.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

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February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

New Haven Launches $16M Test In Helping Families Cope by EMILY HAYS

New Haven I ndependent

New Haven nonprofit Clifford Beers has won $16 million to help the federal government understand how to fight opioid addiction by addressing all of a family’s health needs. Only seven cities were chosen for the Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) Model award. Clifford Beers is the only small nonprofit awarded the seven-year grant; the other recipients are hospitals, universities and state health departments. Local and state leaders gathered at City Hall on Tuesday morning to celebrate the honor. “You have yet again helped put New Haven on the map,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. The InCK Model looks at the “whole child,” meaning people at schools, housing organizations, and clinics have to communicate and work together to make sure all of the factors that determine children’s health are easy for families to access. The goal is to improve health outcomes on substance abuse among kids and young adults eligible for Medicaid and avoid costly hospital stays or foster care. Mayor Justin Elicker, Kidd and state commissioners and representatives. Clifford Beers, which provides mental health care to children and adults, has already been working on this kind of holistic approach. One speaker at the press conference spoke about why it worked for her.

Imagine.

Claudette Kidd said she turned to Clifford Beers five months ago because her daughter started acting out in school. She was pleasantly surprised by the nonprofit’s approach. Staff asked whether they could come to her house and when they were there, whether they could sit down. “They looked me in my eyes and asked me about myself. After I realized they were not there to check boxes, I opened up,” Kidd said. Kidd said that she has a two-year degree but found herself homeless. Originally from the U.K., she went to live with family members in the U.S. It did not work out, she said. Living in a shelter was a shock with its curfews and the need to share space with other families. Kidd said that she finally got a housing voucher by advocating for herself in City Hall and with state representatives. That was when the anxiety, trauma and depression caused by her experience kicked in. Clifford Beers helped Kidd access mental health care for herself at the same time that they treated her daughter. Now, Kidd said, her daughter has made the school honors list and Kidd has felt her own confidence and mood improve. “I’m smiling more instead of being depressed and sleeping all day,” she said. President Donald Trump campaigned on ending the opioid crisis and has tied billions in federal dollars to addressing overdoses. Opioids touched Connecticut families

Inform.

Invest.

Clifford Beers CEO Alice Forrester, Kidd and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and children. Last year, 1,200 people died from opioid overdoses in Connecticut, a record high for the state. However, opioid addiction is far from the only reason families seek Clifford Beers’ help. CEO Alice Forrester said that the nonprofit plans to use the grant for the variety of factors harming families’ health, including food, transportation and housing insecurity. “Housing is the top issue causing stress

Inspire.

Celebrating

office wants to roll the experiment out statewide. Meanwhile, Kidd’s experience with Clifford Beers has changed her career path. She is thinking about going back to Southern Connecticut State University for a social service degree and hopes to either work with the nonprofit or serve on their board. She also continues her advocacy with Mothers and Others for Justice.

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for our families,” Forrester said. Clifford Beers’ vision is for any doctor, school or other organization touching a New Haven family’s life to help them find the services they need. “What we want for New Haven is for there to be no wrong door,” Forrester said. If Clifford Beers proves that the InCK Model works and can find a way to pay for it beyond the grant, the governor’s

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

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February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

School-Funding Road Show Rolls Into Westville by ALLAN APPEL

New Haven I ndependent

The Board of Education is really not in deficit. It has just been chronically and systemically under-funded for the last 30 years, and you should write to your representatives, especially in the state to deliver that message. That was the sermon, with the school system’s proposed $199 million budget as their scripture, that Superintendent Ilene Tracey, her new Chief Financial Officer Phillip Penn and Board of Ed members\ were out in force to preach on the west side of town. Their audience or congregation: about 40 attentive members of the Westville/ West Hills Community Management team meeting gathered in the cafeteria of the Mauro-Sheridan Inter-district Magnet School. It was the second of six scheduled appearances of a financial road show before city community management teams by the Board of Ed brain trust. The one this past Wednesday was helmed by Penn, and his aim was to increase public understanding of a complex document and to help advocate for the requested 5.73 percent increase over last year’s 20192020 budget. The budget us to be presented to the Board of Ed at its public meeting on Feb. 24 and then to Mayor Elicker two days later. Hearings on the details of the bud-

get then ensue during March and April, with those specific dates yet to be determined. Following on a similar presentation these officials gave before the Dwight Community Management Team on Feb. 5, former Board of Ed Chair (and current member) Darnell Goldson said, “People don’t understand our budget. Our hope is when you see the numbers, you’ll be more supportive of education.” Penn got the show on the road with a myth-busting pronouncement: “I want to dispel the rumor that the city gets all its funds from the state.’ In fact, $41.2 million, or about 15 percent of the budget is derived from city taxes. The lion’s share, $178 million, or 67 percent, comes from the state. And $46.9 million, or 17 percent, slightly more than the city’s contribution, comes from federal grants. Penn’s point: Your reluctantly turnedover city property taxes are deeply invested in education, and maybe you will want to be too. His second key point: “This is called a ‘turn the lights on’ budget,” by which he meant little new is being asked for except to fund contractually agreed-upon 3 percent increase for staff, escalations built into long-term contracts with, for example, the bus transportation company, and inflationary increases that bump up all the commodities the Board of Edu-

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO

CFO Penn in foreground, with Superintendent Tracey.

could be easily understood by people in his audience, many of whom were homeowners on the west side of town. For example, the budget features only $575,000 for what Penn called “the break/fix fund.” That is for emergency repairs for the entire school year throughout the system’s 41 buildings. “That number should be ten times that,” Penn declared. At his previous job, Penn said, the same was indeed ten times that amount for only four buildings! Penn said he sees some opportunities to grow private grant funding for the school. That’s one reason why the budget features a new $90,000 position for a grant writer. However, changing the way the city and the state systemically fund, or rather under-fund, New Haven schools is the long-term answer. “We’re not running a deficit. We’re just under-funded and trying to catch up,” said Goldson. The newest Board of Ed member, Matt Wilcox, spoke briefly at the end of the presentation. “We need 5 percent just to lock in what we have, including the previous cuts,” he said That is, if two schools are sharing a library specialist, they will continue to do so. In addition to the grant writer, the budget calls for a director of facilities for the

cation uses. year. Of the $199 million being requested, Penn bemoaned the state’s flat-funding about $125 million is for salaries for of its Education Cost Sharing (ECS) profull and part-time staff, with the other gram. Even a small adjustment for inmajor drivers being $24 million for bus flation over the years since 2012 would transportation and $13 million for plant have resulted in millions more available, operation. Half of the approximately $10 he said. million increase requested covers a $5 In his ten-minute presentation, Penn 12:10 PM million deficit carried Lyman_InnerCity_5.472x5.1.qxp_Layout forward from last picked out details1 1/10/20 in the budget thatPage 2

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February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

Hillhouse Eases Down The Road by BRIAN SLATTERY

New Haven I ndependent

On Tuesday evening, the students in the Academic Theatre Company at James Hillhouse High School were airborne. They were doing a strenuous warm-up for their rehearsal of The Wiz — which will be playing at Hillhouse High School from March 19 to March 22 — and learning to sing and fly at the same time. “My hope is that you will all be able to open up those lungs and sing while you’re dancing,” said choreographer Cheyenne Santello, “because ‘Ease On Down the Road’ is not easy.” They moved on to practicing their routine for “Brand New Way.” As soon as director Ty Scurry called for action, the room lit up, the students falling into raucous line. They started in on their steps. “Why is nobody singing?” Scurry said, cajoling them. Their voices rose all at once. “We learned this song vocally,” Scurry added, “so what I need you to do is start singing out.” It was a question of getting the students in shape, of getting them more comfortable with the material. The tone in Scurry’s voice conveyed that he knew they would get there, with practice. “Energy was great — just don’t forget to control it,” Santello said. “Can we run it again?” said Aveion Downs, playing Scarecrow. He spoke for the room. They were eager, ready to get it right. The Academic Theatre Company is the brainchild of Ty Scurry, its director of dramatic arts, who is currently working toward his bachelor of arts in theater education starting at Gateway with plans to transfer to Southern Connecticut State University. A graduate of Wilbur Cross High School, Scurry distinguished himself as an actor while he was a student there, appearing in multiple productions of its drama club. “My senior year at Cross, I was helping the band at Hillhouse,” he said, and he realized that high school didn’t have a drama club. As a student, he had watched Wilbur Cross teacher Salvatore DeLucia build up that school’s drama club and thought he might try something similar at Hillhouse. He connected with teacher Tim Kane, who agreed to be the drama club’s faculty advisor. Last April he put together a proposal and a budget and submitted it to the school’s administration. “It didn’t take a lot,” Scurry said. Kane was “on board” from the start, and “the administration really wants this to happen.” Scurry picked The Wiz for the Academic Theatre Company’s first show because “I wanted a show the students could connect with,” he said. The Wiz fit the bill not only because of its general familiarity — the show has remained in the popular imagination since its successful Broadway run in 1975, in no small part

thanks to the 1978 film version starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson — but because “a lot of the characters, they’ve seen on the block,” Scurry said. The students also hear the music, a mix of R&B and gospel, “on the daily.” Plus, Scurry added, “it’s ridiculously fun.” Auditions for The Wiz began in October, with the cast decided the day before Halloween. The first rehearsals began in November and have been going three days a week from 4:30 to 7 p.m. “It has been a journey because there’s no theater class” at Hillhouse, Scurry said. In the beginning, he said, “I was not only giving stage directions, but teaching what a stage direction is. It was a little extra, but it’s worth it.” On Tuesday evening, Scurry took much of the cast into the hallway to work with them on individual parts. Meanwhile, Santello kept working with the four principals — Downs as Scarecrow, Victoria Kirkland as DoroCon’t from page 12

School-Funding

system, with a salary of $95,000; two staffers to work with the system’s growing number of English language learners; and six health teachers to fund a new state health curriculum. Penn bemoaned the “unfunded mandate” quality of that last item: The new curriculum needs to be taught, but as the state is not providing funding for the teachers, the city’s budget must cover the salaries. In a brief question-and-answer period, audience members, who were generally positive, asked how other school systems compare. Penn said he is in touch with his counterparts to see both how those systems derive their money and how they spend it. New Haven, for example, spends a lot more — $24 million — on bus transportation than other Connecticut cities. That has to do with the complicated magnet school system. Penn listed reducing the number of required buses as one of the half dozen potential strategies to pursue for mitigating increases. “We can’t get there all at once,” he said.

thy, Shawn Danny Sufra as Tinman, and Jack Marchand as Lion — on their dance routines. When to spin. When to strike a pose. When to move as a cohesive unit, and when to bounce off one another. Soon, the routine was clicking. The students began moving as one, clearly enjoying themselves and entertaining the others who had returned from the hallway to reconvene at the end of rehearsal. Scurry and Santello both had notes for the members of the Academic Theatre Company, about bringing up their energy level even more, but also channelling and focusing it. There were still more lines to memorize, too — but enough time to do it, as well. “This is a train,” Scurry said. “It has left the station and it is moving at a good pace.” The trick was to keep up that pace, and not move too fast or too slow. “You are really good,” Scurry said. “I’m very proud. Thank you for being here, and thank you for being dedicated. Let’s make sure we’re connecting as a family. Before you leave, I want you to hug someone and tell them something good they did today.” As the students quickly reassembled Kane’s classroom to get it ready for the morning, Scurry was waiting at the door to say goodbye to each of them. “I feel everybody should have a chance to explore something they love and explore the arts,” he said. “As long as they’re having fun and they’re doing what they love, to me, that’s all that matters.” Academic Theatre Company’s production of The Wiz runs at James Hillhouse High School from March 19 to March 22. Tickets will go on sale on Feb. 14.

Rivera Sworn In

The West Haven City Council has approved the appointment of businessman Sammy Rivera to the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals as an alternate. Rivera, right is being sworn into office by West Haven Justice of the Peace Steven R. Mullins in the Council Chambers. Photo Credit: City of West Haven

Wrongfully convicted man who spent 23 years in prison will receive $1.5 million By Defender News Service February 26, 2020

Lamonte McIntyre learned Monday he will receive $1.5 million for a wrongful conviction that resulted in him spending 23 years in a Kansas prison. McIntyre was wrongly convicted of the 1994 murders of Donald Ewing and Doniel Quinn and sentenced to life in prison when he was just 17 years old. McIntyre was exonerated in October 2017 and freed from prison. Last year, he filed a lawsuit against the state of Kansas under a statute involving mistaken convictions. The law, which was passed in 2018, now allows prisoners who were wrongfully convicted to sue the state and seek monetary damages. Along with the $1.5 million settlement, McIntyre will also receive two years of state health care benefits, counseling and a tuition wavier to pursue a college degree. His conviction, arrest and any DNA profile record information will also be

expunged. “Today, Lamonte McIntyre has been declared, finally and conclusively, a completely innocent man,” Cheryl A. Pilate, McIntyre’s lawyer. “That long-overdue recognition, along with the statutory payment and other benefits, will help lighten a bit the heavy load he has car-

ried.” “In this case, our office worked diligently to obtain and review all available evidence, including evidence identified but not provided in the earlier judicial proceedings,” Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt released in a statement. “We were ultimately able to resolve all issues, satisfy all of the statute’s requirements, and agree to this outcome so Mr. McIntyre can receive the benefits to which he is entitled by law because of his mistaken conviction.” After he was exonerated in 2017, McIntyre co-founded the nonprofit, Miracle of Innocence, that helps others who are wrongfully incarcerated. McIntyre also co-owns Headlines Barber Academy in Kansas City. In an interview with CNN affiliate KMBC last year, McIntyre said: “I’m not angry. I’m frustrated because I don’t like to see this kind of injustice happen to nobody.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

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February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

Katherine Johnson, a Pioneering NASA Mathematician Featured in “Hidden Figures,” Dies at 101

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor

Katherine Johnson, the legendary NASA physicist and mathematician whose work played a key role in the early successes of the U.S. space program, passed away at 101 years old on the morning of February 24 in Newport News, Va. Johnson played a pivotal role in helping the U.S. land men on the moon during the space race in the 1960s and was portrayed by actress Taraji P. Henson in the 2017 film “Hidden Figures.” The book based on the film by the same name was written by Margot Lee Shetterly. With little more than a pencil and a slide rule Johnson calculated the exact trajectories for Apollo 11 land on the moon in 1969. and, after Neil Johnson worked in a world where errors were fatal. The lives of three brilliant African American women were featured in the book and subsequent film. They were Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, who passed in 2008, and Mary Jackson who passed in 2005. Vaughan and Jackson were from Hampton, Va. and Johnson was from West Virginia. Johnson graduated from West Virginia State University and West Virginia University. Johnson was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on November 8, 2019, after House Science Committee Chairwoman Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s passed legislation to honor her. “We’re saddened by the passing of celebrated #HiddenFigures mathematician Katherine Johnson. Today, we celebrate

Katherine Johnson

her 101 years of life and honor her legacy of excellence that broke down racial and social barriers,” tweeted NASA after news of Johnson’s passing. In September 1960 mathematician Katherine Johnson published NASA’s first scientific paper to name a woman as author. Johnson’s trajectory calculations were vital to the US space missions. “There were no textbooks, so we had to

write them,” Johnson said. “It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Katherine Johnson, a truly brilliant mathematician and pioneer. She broke down barriers as one of the few African-American women mathematicians working at the Flight Dynamics and Control Division at NASA Langley,” wrote Congressman Bobby Scott who represents Newport News, Va.

“Her work helped put the first Americans in space and send the Apollo 11 astronauts to the moon, thereby helping the United States win the Space Race. While I knew Katherine Johnson and her family personally for many years, like so many Americans I never fully appreciated the work that she, Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson, Christine Darden and the many other African American women at NASA trailblazed for so many until their untold story was

revealed in Hidden Figures. Mrs. Johnson was a true American hero, and we were so proud to have her call Hampton Roads home. I want to send my deepest condolences to her family and friends, and to everyone who was inspired by her remarkable life and work,” Rep. Scott added. “Today we mourn the loss of an American hero and a pioneer for women and African Americans in STEM fields. Katherine Johnson played a pivotal role in the outcome of the space race during her 35-year career at NASA and its predecessor, NACA. Without her accomplishments and those of her fellow Hidden Figures, which went largely unrecognized until the last decade, the outcome of the Space Race may have been quite different. Her achievements and impacts on our country are great, and her loss will be felt by many. I send my heartfelt condolences to her loved ones and colleagues,” NASA said in a statement. “We’ve lost an icon and brilliant mathematician with the passing of Katherine Johnson. A barrier breaker and inspiration for women of color everywhere, Katherine’s legendary work with NASA will forever leave a mark on our history. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones,” said Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA). Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

An anti-lynching bill from 1900 might finally become a law By Inner - City News Service February 26, 2020

An anti-lynching bill that is more than a century old is being reintroduced on the House floor after being rejected in 1900. The bill, introduced 120 years ago, is slated to be called the Emmett Till Antilynching Act. Emmett Till was lynched in Mississippi in 1955 after being accused of harassing a white woman. The amendment states that lynching someone is a hate crime under federal law. In 1900, Rep. George Henry White, the nation’s only Black congressman at the time, introduced the first bill in Congress. Unfortunately, the bill was killed off in the committee by southern white Democrats. Just a year after that, White decided not to run for reelection, only serving two terms because the state law thereafter disenfranchised Black voters, WRAL reported. There would not

be another Black southerner elected to Congress again until 1972, according to WRAL. “[It’s been] more than 100 years have passed since Congressman George Henry White introduced the first anti-lynching legislation,” House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said via The Washington Post. “Next week, we will finally take concrete steps to address this dark and shameful chapter in American history by bringing the Emmett Till Antilynching Act to a vote on the House floor.” According to GovTrack, the bill’s revival has been a work in progress since last year.

The amendment was officially brought back to life on January 3, 2019, by Rep. Bobby Rush of Illinois. The bill was sent to the House for consideration on June 12, 2019, and last Thursday, February

21, the House indicated the proposal being considered this week. If the bill is passed by the House this Wednesday, it will be sent to President Donald Trump. It passed in the Senate last year, led by Black senators, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Tim Scott. In the U.S., there were 4,743 lynchings that took place between 1882 and 1968, according to the NAACP. Making up the majority, 3,446 of those lynched, or about 73%, were Black people. Researchers from the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit founded by Just Mercy author Bryan Stevenson, stated there were nearly 4,400 Black lynching victims between 1877 and 1950. Stevenson thinks the U.S. has not done enough. “I don’t think we’ve actually done a very good job of acknowledging the pain

and agony, the suffering, the humiliation, the complete denial of humanity that slavery created for Black people on this continent,” Stevenson said. “I think for many people of color they’ve had to endure the pain of this era, this history, in

silence. It wasn’t safe to talk about all of that anguish.” Stevenson is also responsible for the creation of The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

“We see progress toward greater health and well-being in our community. And we’re committed to doing more.” – James Michel, CEO Access Health CT

During Black History Month, we celebrate health improvements in the Black community. Conditions like heart disease, cancer, and stroke have decreased as a cause of death among our older adults. *

Our mission is to connect you to quality health insurance plans, and to help make progress in reducing health disparities in the community. Make it your mission to choose your doctor, use your insurance plan, and be well. We’re here to help you make that happen — visit ChooseUseBeWell.com

* The leading causes of death for Africa Americans 65+ have decreased from 1999-2015. Source: CDC.gov/vitalsigns/aahealth

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

Black history interwoven with suffrage centennial 2020 also marks sesquicentennial of 15th Amendment By Our Weekly, Los Angeles

“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.” — The 19th Amendment: This year marks the 100th anniversary celebration of American women’s right to vote. The passage of the 19th Amendment was won after a 72-year long struggle led by a number of prominent women, including one Harriet Tubman (1822 – 1913). Tubman, a former slave and a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad for eight years, was also an abolitionist and political activist. She became a passionate suffragette, attending local meetings and national conferences. When asked if she believed in women’s suffrage, she said “I suffered enough to believe it.” Ernestine (Tina) Martin Wyatt is a great-great-great-grandniece of Tubman. An artist and activist, Wyatt’s work is featured as a permanent collection in the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture. Wyatt joined other descendants of his-

torical Blacks — Fredrick Douglass and Ida B. Wells — who were featured on the city of Pasadena’s float, “Years of Hope, Years of Courage” during the Rose Parade last month. The women’s suffrage centennial float was designed as a symbolic reminder of the responsibility to vote, and to continue the fight for equality and inclusion. The day after the parade, Wyatt received a commendation from the office of County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, which read: “As an innovative and ground-breaking educator, co-founder of Harriet Tubman Day and the Celebrate to Educate program in Washington D.C., you continue in her (Tubman’s) footsteps to inspire youth and educate young people about her many historical achievements during the underground railroad, civil war, emancipation and through the American suffrage movement.” Wyatt’s great-grandmother worked alongside Tubman and also lived with her for a short period. Wyatt’s grandmother saw Tubman as just another aunt. “We knew what family meant to her,” Wyatt said in a Focus features interview when the movie, “Harriet” debuted last November. “Her love of family was one of the things that was perpetuated. The

other thing was her faith, a belief in taking yourself out of the center in order to serve the needs of other people. That is really something that has been passed down from aunt Harriet to my greatgrandmother to my grandmother to my mother and now to me. And I am passing the same beliefs down to my children and my grandchildren.” Black men gained their voting rights with the passage of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified in 1870. Wyatt understood why Tubman would join the fight to pass the 19th Amendment. “It only takes one person to change things,” Wyatt said. “It is like a domino effect — what we do and how it affects others in a positive way.” Michelle Duster is an award-winning author, speaker, historian and writing professor at Columbia College in Chicago. She is the great-granddaughter of prominent journalist, abolitionist and feminist Ida B. Wells (1862 – 1931). Wells was freed by the Emancipation Proclamation and went on to lead an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890’s. She also co-founded the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) in 1896 and was on the front lines of the Women’s Suffrage Move-

ment. Duster has written, published and contributed to a total of nine books, two of which include the writings of her greatgrandmother: “Ida in Her Own Words” and “Ida from Abroad.” She gives presentations about her work to make sure that Wells’ legacy does not fade from public memory. “I learned at an early age that my greatgrandmother, Ida B. Wells, was a force to be reckoned with,” Duster writes in one

of her articles. “At the end of the 19th century, as an investigative journalism pioneer, she uncovered and documented in meticulous detail the violence of lynching.” In 1913, Wells founded the Alpha Suffrage Club, the first African American women’s group that advocated for the right to vote. The club aimed to give a voice to Black women who had been excluded from other suffrage organiCon’t on page 23

Sisters and Elm City Youth Club B & P Etiquette and Leadership Training The history of the organization Find an easy way to memorize the club pledge Club colors, the national organization and the national ofﬁcers Communication and Protocol Attire for all occasions Learning how to properly make a motion and address the President Speaking in proper order and knowing when to say what you have to say Practicing the ceremonies “What’s In Your B&P Bag?” Leadership Training - youth club learns about various positions in their club with Adult Club President, Vice President, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Parliamentarian, and Chaplain and what is required of each position. Saturday, February 29, 2020 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. Workshop begins at 10:00 a.m.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

Commentary: The Jackson Five – Five Motown’s Celebrated Icons Started Churning Out Hits in 1965

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

Fifty-five years ago, music changed forever. In 1965, pop music’s most celebrated and dynamic dynasty was born when five brothers from Gary, Indiana formed The Jackson 5. With hits like “I’ll Be There,” “The Love You Save” and “I Want You Back,” the brothers Jackson took the world by storm. Their trailblazing act set the stage for music’s single most influential artist — the King of Pop: Michael Jackson. While the Jackson 5 never won a Grammy, Michael would eventually dominate all awards and shatter every record known to music. With hits too numerous to recite and including “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Bad,” and “Man in the Mirror,” Michael’s solo accomplishments remain unchallenged, for he was not only idolized by fans but considered a star among all other celebrities. To put in perspective, the praise heaped upon Michael, think Beyoncé and add 100 times or more to that. However, it should not be mistaken, whatever the Jackson 5 — who were later rebranded as The Jacksons — lacked in awards, they more than made up for it in record sales and concert receipts. As far as talent, it wasn’t all Michael. On stage, Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon, and even Randy proved as talented as any pop star. That’s far from hyperbole. Anyone who shared the stage with Michael that often — and more than held their own — had to possess similar talent. The only thing better than a Michael Jackson concert was a show featuring

Michael AND his brothers. “Nobody worked harder than Michael,” family patriarch, the late Joseph Jackson, once told this reporter. “But nobody except my boys could run with him,” Jackson stated. Jermaine, perhaps the best-known group member not named Michael, also was ticketed for superstardom. It was no mistake that Jermaine was seen as the glue to hold the brothers together. He also possessed a string of hits including, “Let’s Get Serious,” “Dynamite,” and “When the Rain Begins to Fall.” Tito would go on to front a Blues band, while Jackie found success producing other artists. The Jackson Five earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, while Michael was inducted as a solo artist four years later. Michael Jackson died in 2009, but his music continues to top the charts routinely. Michael’s legacy has eclipsed Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and all other superstars. His estate continues to rake in hundreds of millions of dollars each year, and fans are as loyal as ever. The Jacksons have since resumed touring, wowing a new generation of fans, and remains a top concert draw. “There was always magic in Michael and something special in all of them,” Motown Records founder Berry Gordy stated. Stated Motown Legend Stevie Wonder: “There will never be another Michael nor another Jackson Five.” In 1965, pop music’s most celebrated and dynamic dynasty was born when five brothers from Gary, Indiana formed The Jackson 5. (Publicity photo of the Jackson 5 from their 1972 television special. / CBS Television / Wikimedia Commons)

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

New Parking Lot at Gaylord Towers INVITATION TO BID NOTICE Bristol, CT The Bristol Housing Authority will HOUSING receive sealed bidsAPPLICATIONS on or before 1:00AVAILABLE p.m. EDT, VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL PREWednesday, March 25, 2020 at their offices at 164 Jerome Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010, and saidHOME bids will beon publicly and read aloudand immediately INC, behalfopened of Columbus House the New thereafter. Haven Housing Authority,

is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this devel-

Bids will belocated received all labor, tools and income equipment necessary opment atfor 108furnishing Frank Street, Newmaterials, Haven. Maximum limitations ap-to complete “New Parking Lot at Gaylord Towers,” 55 Gaylord Street, Bristol, CT 06010. ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y The scope of work shall include but is not limited to a new bituminous Parking Lot and 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have related work. Sealed bid packages to be clearly marked “New Parking Lot at Gaylord Towbeen received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon reers. Attention: Mitzy Rowe, CEO.”

quest by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must bewill returned INC’s offices Orange Third A pre-bid walk through be heldtoonHOME Wednesday, March at 11,171 2020 at 2:00Street, p.m. Please Floor, Haven, CT 06510. meet at theNew Gaylord Towers Community Room, 55 Gaylord Street, Bristol, CT 06010. Attendance is strongly recommended for all bidders.

NOTICIA

Contact Documents including Plans and Specifications, as prepared by J ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS, 84 Market Square, Suite 3, Newington, CT 06111, will be on file at the VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES Bristol Housing Authority 164 JeromeDE Avenue, Bristol, CT. Contract Documents can be reviewed and purchased within the Advanced Reprographics on-line plan room at www. HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y Project de la New Haven Housing Authority, está advancedrepro.net or by calling (860) 410-1020. information can also be obtained aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo online at Projectdog.com.

ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos

Themáximos. Bristol Housing Authority reserves the right to09 reject anyp.m. or all bids and/orMartes to waive Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles a.m.-5 comenzando 25 anyjulio, informalities bidding, when such action is deemed to be in(aproximadamente the best interest of the 2016 hastaincuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes 100) Bristol Housing bidLas documents must beserán filledenviadas out completely when submiten las oficinasAuthority. de HOMEAll INC. pre-solicitudes por correo a petición ted.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 . A satisfactory Bid Bond or Certified Check in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the base bid, shall be submitted with each bid. The Bid Bond shall be made payable to the Bristol Housing Authority and shall be properly executed by the Bidder. A 100% Performance, Labor and Material Bond is also required. All sureties must be listed on the most recent IRS circular 570.

NEW HAVEN

“Attention of bidders is directed to certain requirements of this contract which require payment of Davis-Bacon wages, and compliance with certain local, state and federal require242-258 ments. This is a Federally funded project.”Fairmont Ave

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

No bids shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the opening of bids without All new apartments, newAuthority. appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 the consent of the Bristol Housing

highways, near bus stop & shopping center

For further please contact Carl parties Johnson, Bristol Housing Authority, Director Petinformation, under 40lb allowed. Interested contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 of Capital Funds at (860) 585-2028 or Jay R. Victorick, J ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS at (860) 665-7063. CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s

“AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MBE’s, WBE’s, SBE’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assistEMPLOYER in the intellectual formation of Candidates inAND response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125.ARE Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30SECTION 3 DESIGNATED ENTERPRISES ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT” 3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

Exp. F/T Lay Out person for structural Steel and Misc. Shop. Send resume: hherbert@gwfabrication.com

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY Water

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, Water Treatment & Pumping Supervisor- Water Division is seeking a qualified indiSeymour, CTand 06483 for Concrete Repairs and Replacement at the vidual to direct supervise all phasesSidewalk of operations and maintenance of the Town’s Smithfield Assistedstations, Livingand Facility, Smith Street Seymour. water treatmentGardens plants, pumping wells. 26 Applicants must have an associate

degree in engineering or chemistry, plus four (4) years of progressively responsible experience at least two supervisor the operation of a 28 municipal A pre-bidwith conference will(2)beyears heldasatathe HousinginAuthority Office Smith water treatment and pumping system or an equivalent combination of education and Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. qualifying experience. State of Connecticut Department of Health Services Class IV Water Treatment Plant Operator and Class II Distribution System Operator Certification, or the documents ability to obtain within the from six-(6)the month probationary Must Ofalso Bidding are available Seymour Housingperiod. Authority have and28maintain a valid Connecticut Driver's License. $67,668 - $86,581, plus fice, Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) Salary 888-4579. an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. The closing date will be The 10, Housing Authority reserves rightapplication to accept or reject any or allfirst. bids, to March 2020 or the date we receive the the 50th whichever occurs EOE

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 Housing Authority.

FENCE ERECTING CONTRACTORS

Welder/Helper:

Large CT Fence & Guardrail Contractor is looking for Fence Installer foremen and helpers. Foreman must have at least 5 years’ experience. Helpers-no experience required, will train the right person. Work available 1012 months per year. Valid Ct. Driver’s license required and must be able to get a DOT Medical Card. All necessary equipment provided. Medical, vacation & other benefits included. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. OSHA 10 training required. Please email resume to rhauer@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE – M/F

Large CT fence & guardrail contractor looking for a shop welder/helper. Duties include but are not limited to cutting & notching pipe to build gates, and fabbing, plating posts, truck & trailer repairs. Ability to mig weld steel and aluminum is a plus. Some road work may be required. All necessary equipment provided. Must have a valid CT driver’s license and be able to get a DOT medical card. Required to pass a physical and drug test. Medical, vacation & other benefits included. Starting pay @ $17.00 per hour. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE-MF

HELP WANTED: Large CT guardrail company looking for Laborer/Driver with valid CT CDL Class A license and able to get a medical card. Must be able to pass a drug test and physical. Compensation based on experience. Email resume to dmastracchio@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE M-F

Large CT. Fence Company

is looking for an individual for our stock yard. Warehouse shipping and receiving and Forklift experience a must. Must have a minimum of 3 years’ material handling experience. Must be able to read and write English, and read a tape measure. Duties will include: Loading and unloading trucks, pulling orders for installation and retail counter sales, keeping the yard clean and organized at all times and inventory control. Individual will also make deliveries of fence panels Large CT Fence & Guardrail Contractor is looking for expe- and products, must be able to lift at least 70lbs. Required to rienced, responsible commercial and residential fence erec- pass a Physical and Drug test, have a valid CT. Driver’s Litors and installers on a subcontractor basis. Earn from $750 to cense and be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. CDL B $2,000 per day. For more information email resume to rhauer@ & A drivers a plus. Send resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor. atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE/MF com AA/EOE/MF

FENCE ERECTING SUBCONTRACTORS

CITY OF MILFORD Seeking qualified condidates to fill numerous vacancies to include,Public Works Office & Administator Operations Manager, Invitation to Bid: Information Technology Manager, and more. For information and detailed application instructions, 2nd Noticevisit WWW.ci.milford.ct.us Click on SERVICES, JOBS and JOB TITLE.

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Saybrook, CT Construction Seeking(4toOld employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for Buildings, 17 Units)

a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call Exempt or & Not Prevailing Rate Project (860)Tax 621-1720 send resume Wage to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V Drug Free Workforce

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.

CONSTRUCTION HELP WANTED Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management The State of Connecticut, Office of

Policy and Management is recruiting for Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 a Policy Development Coordinator LaRosa Building Group is looking for people interested Project documents available via ftp link below: position. in construction for a project in New Haven. http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application New and Section 3 residents are Fax or EmailHaven Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com instructions for this position is available to S/W/MBE apply. HCC encouragesencouraged the participation of all Veteran, & Section 3 Certified Businesses at: Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 https://www.jobapscloud.com/ AA/EEO EMPLOYER CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= For applications: 200109&R2=1581MP&R3=002 Visit the job site at 300 Wilmot Rd, New Haven CT., or

join us on Thursday, February 27th, at 6:00 PM Or Email: outreach@larosabg.com

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

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

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

DELIVERY PERSON

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

NOTICE

NEEDED

Phone: 243-2300 HOME INC, on behalf of860Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develWomen Minority Applicants are New encouraged to apply income limitations apopment & located at 108 Frank Street, Haven. Maximum Action/ Opportunity Employer ply.Affirmative Pre-applications willEqual 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 Reclaiming, INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preGarrity Asphalt Inc seeks: applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing Haven, CTbe06510. andFloor, cleanNew driving record, willing to travel throughout the North-

Part Time Delivery Needed

east & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

NOTICIA

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

One/Two Day a Week,

Must Have your Own Vehicle

The Manchester Housing Authority will open the State of Connecticut Con-

gregate Housing waiting list for Westhill Gardens Congregate. The property consists of 37 1-BRunits designated for frail seniors age 62 or older. Up to 150 applicants chosen by lottery will be entered onto the waiting list. Applications available in person and on the MHA website at http://manchesterha.org and will be accepted by mail or in person at 24 Bluefield Drive Manchester, CT 06040. Applications will be accepted March 2, 2020 8AM – March 31, 2020 at 4PM. FY 2019 Income Limits 1 person

2 persons

3 persons

4 person

52,850

60,400

67,950

75,500

The Manchester Housing Authority does not discriminate based upon race, color, disability, familial status, sex or national origin.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/deEqual Opportunity Employer HOME INC, en nombre la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está

If Interested call

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 Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipjulio,Must 2016have hastaacuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes ment. CDL License, clean driving record, capable of(aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas operating heavydeequipment; be willing to travel throughout the por correo a petición llamando&a NY. HOME 203-562-4663 horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse Northeast We INC offeralexcellent hourlydurante rate &esas excellent benefits a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

Union Company seeks:

(203) 387-0354

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

KMK1907 Insulation Inc. Hartford Turnpike

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

HELP WANTED:

NEW HAVEN

North Haven, CT 06473

Request for Proposals Energy Consultant The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Proposals for energy consultant services. A complete copy of the requirements may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https:// newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 3:00PM.

The Housing Authority of the City of Norwalk, CT

is requesting proposals for Learning Center Services. Request for Proposal documents can be viewed and printed at www.norwalkha. org under the Business section RFP’s/RFQ’s Norwalk Housing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director.

Mechanical Insulator position. Constuction Laborer

Invitation to Bid: Large CT guardrail company Insulation company offering good pay 242-258 Fairmont Ave 2nd Notice looking for Laborer/Driver with valid CT CDL Class Looking for a Laborer with experience in Crane/Pile Driving operations. We and benefits. Please mail resume to above address. A license2BR and able to get a medical card. Must be will consider those with no prior experience. Required skills/qualifications inTownhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA able to pass a drug test and physical. CompensaMAIL ONLY clude: OTC 105 OSHA10 hour Certification, Valid Drivers License, Must be All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 Old Saybrook, CT tion based on experience. Email resume to dmasThis company is an Affirmative Action/ able to lift over 50 pounds, Minimum age of 18, Must Provide personal transporhighways, near bus stop & shopping center (4 Buildings, 17 Units) tracchio@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE M-F Equal Opportunity Employer. tation to and from the jobsite. Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project Please contact: Eric Bombaci Bombaci Construction CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Bombaciconst@aol.com New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition,8605754519 Site-work, Cast-

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

WATER

CertificateEngineer Program. This is–a 10 month program designed to assistWater in the intellectual formation of Candidates Junior The Town of Wallingford’s Division is seeking a responsible and skilled individual to prepare and Shingles, Vinyl Siding, in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30maintain permanent utility location records. Requires an associate’s degree or equivalent in civil engineeringin-place plus twoConcrete, (2) yearsAsphalt of 3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. Experienced DOT certified Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Welder for Misc/Structural Steel progressively experience in the utilityU.F.W.B. field, Church or an equivalent (203) 996-4517 responsible Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D.water/sewer Pastor of Pitts Chapel 64 Brewster combination of education and qualify experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Salary: $59,594 $76,209 annually. plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. Email hherbert@gwfabrication.com St. New Haven, CT Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford,This CT contract 06492. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Closing date will be March 10, 2020 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Community Engagement Project Manager Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour Project documents Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI) is seeking an experienced Project Manager for our Community Engagement Serviceavailable via ftp link below: Invitation for Bids until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Team. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to lead project teams, supervise andhttp://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage develop staff, provide excellent On-Call Printing Services Seymour, 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairsmanage and Replacement at the concurrently, and conduct business develclient serviceCT with innovative and strategic solutions, multiple projects Smithfield Gardens Assisted Livingdeveloping Facility, 26and Smith Street Seymour. opment. Responsibilities will include implementing strategic outreach plans to meaningfully and@ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com Fax or Email Questions & Bidsinclude to: Dawn Lang

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is cur-

facilitate communication with stakeholders and the general public on transportation and HCC community projects, encouragesplanning the participation of all Veteran,rently S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses seeking Bids for on-call printing services. A complete copy of the requirements Construction Company, Seymour, CT 06483 utilizing a wide variety of tools and techniques including public meetings, printed materials, socialHaynes media, website, press 32 Progress A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith may beAve, obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousreleases, and PowerPoint presentations. Additionally,July the candidate AA/EEO EMPLOYER Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, 20, 2016. must possess excellent oral and written communication ing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, February 24, 2020 at skills. Experience with major transportation infrastructure projects is preferred. 3:00PM.

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Of-

Minimum degree: Bachelor's degree in business/consulting environment, city/regional/urban planning, civil engineering, 28 field Smithwith Street, Seymour, 06483of(203) 888-4579. orfice, related a minimum of CT 10 years experience. Candidates with a valid driver's license preferred. Salary commensurate with level of experience. Send resume to communityengagement@fhiplan.com or Elizabeth Marchion, 416 The Housing reserves theFitzgerald right to accept or rejectInc. anyisoranallEEO/AA bids, to /VEV/Disabled employer. Asylum Street, Authority Hartford, CT 06103. & Halliday,

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 Housing Authority.

CITY OF MILFORDSeeking qualified condidates to fill numerous vacancies to include,Public Works Office & Administator Operations Manager, Information Technology Manager, and more. For information and detailed application instructions, visit WWW.ci.milford.ct.us Click on SERVICES, JOBS and JOB TITLE.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

Planting Bed Maintenance Program at Bonnie Acres INVITATION TO BID NOTICE Vance Drive, Bristol, Connecticut VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- bids APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE The Bristol Housing Authority will receive sealed on or before 2:00 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at their offices at 164 Jerome Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010, INC,will on be behalf of Columbus House the immediately New Haven Housing Authority, andHOME said bids publicly opened and readand aloud thereafter. is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development at for 108furnishing Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apBids will belocated received all labor, materials, tools and equipment necessary ply. Pre-applications available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Ju;y to complete the Plantingwill BedbeMaintenance Program at Bonnie Acres onMonday Vance Drive, 25, 2016 and ending whenofsufficient pre-applications 100) have Bristol, CT 06010. The scope work shall include, but is(approximately not limited to, weekly and been received at the offices for of HOME INC. Applications bethrough mailiedDecember upon remonthly maintenance practices one year beginning April will 2020 quest byopportunity calling HOME 203-562-4663 those Sealed hours. Completed pre-to 2020 with up INC to 4atadditional yearlyduring renewals. bid packages must be returned HOME INC’s offices atProgram. 171 Orange Street, Mitzy Third be applications clearly marked “Bonnie AcrestoPlanting Maintenance Attention: Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. Rowe, CEO.” A pre-bid walk through will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Please meet at the Bonnie Acres Community Room, 59 Vance Drive, Bristol, CT 06010. Attendance is strongly recommended for all bidders.

NOTICIA

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Contact Documents including Plans and Specifications will be on file at the Bristol HOMEAuthority INC, en nombre de la Columbus y deCT la New Haven HousingMarch Authority, está Housing 164 Jerome Avenue,House Bristol, starting Monday 2, 2020. aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo Contract Documents can be reviewed, purchased or sent electronically at no cost. ubicado en la callecan 109also Frank New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos Project information be Street, obtained online at Projectdog.com. máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 2016Housing hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes 100)to Thejulio, Bristol Authority reserves the rightpre-solicitudes to reject any(aproximadamente or all bids and/or en las de HOME INC. Laswhen pre-solicitudes serán enviadastopor a petición waive anyoficinas informalities in bidding, such action is deemed be correo in the best intera HOME INC al Authority. 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes remitirse estllamando of the Bristol Housing All bid documents must be filleddeberán out completely a lassubmitted. oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 . when No bids shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the opening of bids without the consent of the Bristol Housing Authority.

HELP WANTED: Large CT guardrail company

looking for Laborer/Driver with valid CT CDL Class A license and able to get a medical card. Must be able to pass a drug test and physical. Compensation based on experience. Email resume to dmastracchio@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE M-F

Equipment Operator Help Wanted: Immediate opening for Equipment Operator for Heavy and Highway Construction. 10 hour OSHA certificate required. CDL license a plus but not required. Please call PJF Construction Corp.@ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F.

Laborer Help Wanted: Immediate opening for Construction Laborer for Heavy and Highway Construction. 10 hour OSHA certificate required. Please call PJF Construction Corp. @ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F.

242-258 Fairmont Ave SECTION 3 DESIGNATED ENTERPRISES ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT” 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

Project Manager/Project Supervisor

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

Secretary I: The Town of East Haven

CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer Deacon’s is currently conducting an examination forathe position of Secretary I, Grade Level 9. Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates Qualified candidates must possess a The High Diploma GED August and two (2) years in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. costSchool is $125. Classes startor Saturday, 20, 2016 1:30Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. of 3:30 experience with secretarial and office operations or any equivalent combination (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster of experience and training. The current opening is in the Board of Education. The St. New Haven, CT hourly rate for this position is $18.28 per hour, 15 hours per week. The application is available at http://www.townofeasthavenct.org/civiltest.shtml or The Civil Service Office, 250 Main Street, East Haven CT and the deadline to apply is March 9, 2020. The Town of East Haven is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Females, Veterans and Handicapped are encouraged to apply.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Invitation for Bids

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

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Bids for carting, rubbish, & recycling removal services. A Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Ofcomplete copy of the requirements may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor fice, 28 SmithPortal Street, https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateSeymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. Collaboration way beginning on

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to Monday, February 3, 2020 at 3:00PM 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 Housing Authority.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the preparation of plans, specifications, supporting documents, and permit applications for private and municipal projects. • Assist in preparation of calculations such as storm drainage, water supply & wastewater collection, cost estimates, and earthwork quantities. • Perform design and drafting using AutoCAD Civil 3D. MicroStation experience is beneficial but not required.

Qualifications:

• Graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. • Engineer in training certificate preferred.

Help Wanted: Immediate opening for CDL Driver for Heavy and Highway Construction. 10 hour OSHA certificate and clean CDL license required. Please call PJF Construction Corp. @ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F.

“AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER MBE’s, WBE's, SBE’s AND

This is an entry level position located in our Hamden, Connecticut office.

CDL Driver

For further information, please contact Carl Johnson, Bristol Housing Authority, Director of Capital Funds at (860) 585-2028 or cjohnson@bristolhousing.org.

NEW HAVEN

Civil Engineer

Diversified Technology Consultants (DTC) is a multi-disciple engineering and environmental consulting firm. DTC is a leader in servicing governmental clients for four decades. DTC prides itself as having worked on a wide variety of project types. From schools and senior centers to town halls and universities, our diverse portfolio provides extensive experience to our communities. As DTC enters its forth decade, we are seeking an energetic, organized and proactive professional in our Civil Engineering Department. The successful candidate(s) will work closely with our technical staff in support of DTC’s strategic goals and objectives.

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

For Further information or to apply send resumes to ellen. nelson@teamdtc.com DTC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. DTC is a Drug Free Work Place. Individuals with Disabilities, Minorities and Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Town of Bloomfield

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE Director of Public Works & Facilities

Help Wanted: Immediate opening for a Project Manager/ProjOld Saybrook, CT ect Supervisor for Heavy and Highway Construction. Previous (4 Buildings, 17 Units) experience on CTDOT projects required.

Salary Range: $96,755 - $149,345 Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE. Please call PJF Construction Corp. @ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F Details New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, For Site-work, Cast- go to www.bloomfieldct.gov Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Casework, The Housing Authority of the City ofResidential Bridgeport Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. Request for Proposal (RFP) Painting Services Agency Wide Bid Extended, Due Date: 138-AM-20-S August 5, 2016 Solicitation Number: Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 The Housing Authority of documents the City ofavailable Bridgeport d/b/a Project via ftp link Park below:City Communities (PCC)http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage is currently seeking proposal from qualified contractors for Painting Ser-

vices Agency Wide. Solicitation package will be available on February 10, 2020 to obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycomFax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com munities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Pre-proposal conference will be Company, conducted on February 20, 2020, at 150 Highland Haynes Construction 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 @ 10:00 a.m. Although attendance is not mandaAA/EEO EMPLOYER tory, submitting a proposal without attending the pre-proposal conference may not be in the best interest of the Offeror. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no later than February 27, 2020 @ 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. Proposals shall be mailed, or hand delivered by March 11, 2020 @ 3:00 p.m., to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement, 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Late proposals will not be accepted.

Attention Drivers

We have concrete mixer and triaxle dump driver openings. Minimum 2 years experience. Must have a valid CDL Clean driving record. Excellent pay and benefits. Apply M–F from 9-4 at 24 Industrial Drive Waterford, CT 860-444-9600 Applications available at

https://www.kobyluckinc.com/careers An Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020 Con’t from page 12

Suffrage

zations. Although women in Chicago were granted the right to vote in 1910, Whites tried to ban Blacks from voting altogether. As Wells stated in her autobiography: “We (women) could use our vote for the advantage of ourselves and our race.” Kenneth B. Morris Jr., is the greatgreat-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass (1818 – 1895) and the greatgreat-grandson of Booker T. Washington (1856 – 1915). His mother, Nettie Washington Douglass, is the daughter of Nettie Hancock Washington (granddaughter of Booker T. Washington) and Dr. Frederick Douglass III (great-grandson of Frederick Douglass). Morris contributed to the afterword to “Picturing Frederick Douglass: An Illustrated Biography of the Nineteenth Century’s Most Photographed American.” He also wrote the forward to the 2017 centennial edition of the “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave,” which the Library of Congress named one of the 88 books that shaped America. Douglass, whose biography was published in 1845, escaped slavery as a young man and devoted his life to ending it through his abolitionist speaking engagements. He became an adviser to President Abraham Lincoln. Later, he used the platform of his newspaper, the North Star, to enlist petitioners to sign the declaration supporting women’s rights. A believer in the equality of all, Douglass was the only African American to attend the Seneca Falls Convention, the first women’s rights convention, held in upstate New York, where he spoke in favor of women’s suffrage. Morris now carries the abolitionist torch of his ancestor’s legacy with his work in the fight against modern day slavery and his co-founding of the Atlanta-based non-profit Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI), which has its mission to advance freedom through knowledge and strategic action. He began his activism when a buddy passed along a magazine. “The cover story was of 21st century slaves and I reacted the way I think most people do,” Morris said. “Slavery didn’t end with the work of Frederick Douglass, and I have two teenage daughters, who at the time were 12 and 9 years old. I got up and walked into my girls’ room and I found that I couldn’t look them in the eyes and not do anything.” The FDFI teaches children about the 27 million people currently enslaved worldwide. “As Frederick Douglass said, it’s easier to build strong children than repair broken men,” said Morris.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

B. Smith, Model, Restauranteur and Fashion Icon, Dies At 70 three cookbooks and launched several lines of home goods, including lines at Bed Bath & Beyond, La-Z-Boy and Walmart. During her journey through Alzheimer’s, Smith came out with a book called Before I Forget: Love, Hope, Help, And Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer’s. It was written with husband Dan Gasby and Vanity Faircontributing editor Michael Shnayerson. While the book is largely a memoir — with Smith and Gasby telling the story of Smith’s diagnosis and gradual decline (she has gone from the mild to the moderate stage since they first went public in mid-2014) — it’s also a call to action, particularly for African Americans. Being diagnosed in 2010, back in 2014 B. Smith had an Alzheimer’s scare: An alert has gone out for famed restaurateur and former model Barbara Smith, known as B. Smith, 64, who revealed earlier this year that she’s suffering

by Derrick Lane, Black Doctor.org

B. Smith, known for her modeling career and her television program “B. Smith With Style,” has died after fighting early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She was 70. Smith, whose full name was Barbara Smith, was married to Dan Gasby, who shared the news on Facebook on Sunday morning. “It is with great sadness that my daughter Dana and I announce the passing of my wife, Barbara Elaine Smith,” he wrote. “B. died peacefully Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 10:50 pm, of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease in our home in Long Island, New York. She was 70.” Smith began her career as a model before going on to host the syndicated television show “B. Smith With Style,” a half-hour show about home decorating and cooking. She owned three restaurants, all called “B. Smith,” wrote

FILM REVIEW:

from Alzheimer’s, has been reported missing on Long Island. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, affecting an estimated 5.7 million people in the United States, including 1 in 10 over 65, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s disease is irreversible and slowly gets worse as the disease destroys the brain’s memory and thinking skills. There is no cure for this debilitating disease. “Everyone should be concerned, but African Americans are… … twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s, less likely to receive a diagnosis and more likely to be diagnosed in later stages,” says Joanne Pike, vice president of programs for the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago. Gasby was very humble in thanking Smith’s hospice and caregivers, as well as thanking their fans for their support. “Heaven is shining even brighter now that it is graced with B.’s dazzling and unforgettable smile.”

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

By Dwight Brown, NNPA Newswire Film Critic

She was the Joker’s ladyfriend. Now she’s on her own. DC comic book fans will want to follow the morally challenged Harley Quinn as she creates new chaos. Will others join them? Just four years ago, Harley and other incarcerated villains were recruited by a secret government agency to become the Suicide Squad (critically panned film but did $746M at worldwide box office). That task force was created to stop the world from destruction. Now, the very manic and merrily pig-tailed vixen has gone rogue. Dumped the boyfriend. Blowing up stuff for no reason at all. Cheating folks, starting fights and causing mayhem Harley refocuses when a substantial bounty is placed on a 13-year-old girl’s (Ella Jay Basco) head. The teenager is in possession of a large, coveted diamond. Save the child or collect the money? She wrestles with what little conscience she has as she figures out what to do. Meanwhile, Harley is pursued by a cop, Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), from the Gotham City Police Department. She hooks up with a singer/chauffeur Dinah Lance/Black Canary (Jurnee SmollettBell, Friday Night Lights) and is aided by a crossbow expert Helena Bertinelli/ The Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead, TV’s Fargo). She and these Birds of Prey are up against the meanest most bloodthirsty man in Gotham, nightclub owner Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor, Trainspotting and TV’s Fargo) and his henchman Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina,

Argo). Robbie and her zany character are the soul of this endeavor. If nothing else, she is supremely animated, like she’s on her 10th espresso of the day and it’s only 9am. You can’t take your eyes off of her and her antics. The rest of the cast is pretty juiced too. Perez’s many faithful fans will follow her into any fire. Here, she’s almost as fun to watch as she was in the hilarious Pineapple Express. Smollett, Winstead, Basco and McGregor are fine. The cast’s fate is left in the hands of the director and the screenwriter, who capture a zany comic book feel that is near-perfect for the R-rated superhero genre, but not quite extraordinary. Director Cathy Yan’s approach to the material is completely competent and energetic. Cartoonish letters and subheads appear on the screen, giving footage some visual fun. She knows how to gin up the cast’s performances and gives the film a very jumbled tone that remains consistent throughout. The clunkyish sets (production design by K.K Barrett, The Goldfinch; set decoration Jennifer Lukehart and Florencia Martin) are comical too, but not supremely dazzling. The cinematography (Matthew Libatique, A Star Is Born) captures everything, including fight scenes in slow motion. You may wish the fisticuffs and gun battles were either more original or ingeniously choreographed, like in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. A stronger stunt coordinator could have lifted the pugilism up a level to the mind boggling category. The script by Christina Hodson (Bumblebee) puts all the characters into play

Rosie Perez, mary Elizabeth Winstead, Margot Robbie, Ella Jay Bsco and Jurnee Smollett Bell in Birds of Prey and gives them some fun things to say, pretty pedestrian compared to most other consistently demented acting, unbelievpeppered with enough curse words to action movies. A scene when Roman be- able stunts, sick dialogue and an overstir up the target audience of adolescents. rates a female customer in his nightclub the-top depravity that could scar you Quinn: “…you’re that singer that no one and orders her to stand on a table, dance psychologically for life. listens to.” Black Canary: “You’re the and strip, seems a bit sadistic, out-ofMargot Robbie, who also produced the ass—- no one likes.” The dialogue isn’t line and too Harvey Weinstein-ish for film, Cathy Yan and Christina Hodson bitchy; it’s just that the squad likes to the proceedings. Yet, the film builds and are on to something. If they continue bitch at each other. The screenplay, di- builds tension until it crescendos in the to develop the characters, advance their rection and pacing (editors Jay Cassidy, finale with a very clever climax. storylines and skim off the best parts Evan Schiff) would have benefited greatThere is a young and female audience of this film as they create the sequel, ly if a decision had been made to front- that will crave this kind of pandemo- their future looks bright. In their corner, load the beginning intermittently with nium. The same crowd that adored the they’ll have a built-in audience of criticstrong action sequences and less setup. Suicide Squad will too. If you’re a fan immune movie fans who like their antiIt’s a good 40 minutes before any signifi- of the Deadpool series, this film will be heroine comic book films dark, with a cant and engaging skirmish appears. right up your alley. But it is much closer strong dose of madness. Constant flashbacks and retelling of to Deadpool 2 in feel and accomplishVisit NNPA News Wire Film Critic subplots produce a stop and go that fights ment than to the first Deadpool, which Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com forward momentum. Car chases look exhibited incredible visuals, hip style, and BlackPressUSA.com.

#MAKE FLORENCE FAMOUS

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

MAR 13 13–APR APR 4

Join us for UPN Night! March 18 at 6;30PM

Pre-show appetizers & After Show Social!

DVOŘÁK & PRICE Thursday, March 5 | 7:30pm | Woolsey Hall Florence Price, the first African American female composer to have a symphonic work performed by a major national orchestra, is often compared musically to Dvořák, who also employed sweeping melodies and sampled African American and Native American music. This aesthetically beautiful concert will reexamine our classical music roots. PRICE Symphony No. 1 ROSSINI William Tell Overture DVOŘÁK Cello Concerto Featuring: Alasdair Neale music director | Oliver Herbert cello

Tickets on Sale Now! (203)787-4282 | NewHavenSymphony.org

YALEREP.ORG 2019 – 20

203.432.1234 YALEREP @YALE.EDU SEASO N

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Yale Repertory Theatre is supported in part by the Department of Economic and Community Development. Art and design by Paul Evan Jeffrey

University Theatre 222 York St.

For People of Color, Gentrification is More a Curse than a Blessing THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

From a dowdy provincial city in the 1980s, Philadelphia has become a worldclass urban center through gentrification – primarily through landmark architecture that now sets the city center and University City, apart. “Over 50, and retirees, are moving back from the suburbs where they raised their children into Center City and the Italian Market where I have lived since 1980,” stated Dr. Margaret J. King, the director of The Center for Cultural Studies & Analysis in Philadelphia. “Of course, gentrification brings money into the city, while it also drives up home prices – some houses have multiplied their asking prices 15 times over 40 years,” King noted. “Housing is being restored and renovated, making more of the city habitable and in fact desirable. Now the suburbs have flipped into a working-class magnet as well as a market for Millennials who can’t afford center-city prices yet,” King stated. Gentrification isn’t just an issue in Philadelphia – not by a long shot. According to a March 2019 study by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), more than 135,000 Black and Hispanics around the nation were displaced between 2000 and 2012. Gentrification and displacement of longtime residents were most intense from 2000 to 2013 in the nation’s biggest cities, and rare in most other places, according to the study. During those years, gentrification was concentrated in larger cities with vibrant economies but also appeared in smaller cities where it often impacted areas with the most amenities near central business districts. In Washington, D.C., 20,000 Black residents were displaced, and in Portland, Oregon, 13 percent of the Black community was displaced over the more than decade period that was studied. Seven cities accounted for nearly half of the gentrification nationally: New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore, San Diego, and Chicago. Washington, D.C., was the most gentrified city by percentage of eligible neighborhoods that experienced gentrification;

New York City was the most gentrified by sheer volume, study authors noted. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, gentrification is defined as the process of repairing and rebuilding homes and businesses in a deteriorating area, such as an urban neighborhood, accompanied by an influx of middle-class or affluent people and that often results in the displacement of earlier, usually poorer residents. “Gentrification is rich people deciding they want a specific neighborhood as their own, and they get municipal backing, pay some money, and get all of the poor people out of there,” stated Mark Love, a New York realtor. Neighborhoods were considered to be eligible to gentrify if, in 2000, they were in the lower 40 percent of home values and family incomes in that metropolitan area. During the study, researchers found that most low- to moderate-income neighborhoods did not gentrify or revitalize. Instead, they remained impoverished, untouched by investments and building booms that occurred in major cities, and vulnerable to future gentrification and

displacement. “When a neighborhood gentrifies, the cost of living increases, and it’s harder for low-income families to find housing, and that’s one of the biggest downsides,” stated Melanie Musson, a writer for ExpertInsuranceReviews.com. “In a city like Philadelphia, neighborhoods are part of your identity. If you grow up in a neighborhood, you often want to remain living there your whole life because it’s who you are,” Musson stated. “Unfortunately, sometimes, after several generations living in the same zip code, the newest generation has to find housing elsewhere because it’s too expensive to live where their home has always been,” she said. Bruce Mirken, the media relations director for the nonprofit public, policy, and advocacy organization, The Greenlining Institute, said he lives in San Francisco and works in Oakland – two cities that are ground zero for the gentrification crisis in California. “We see the most obvious results among the very low-income, who increasingly cannot keep a roof over their heads, lead-

ing to a growing homeless population,” Mirken stated. “And homelessness in California has a distinct racial dynamic, tracing back through a long history of redlining and discrimination: Black Californians represent about six and a half percent of our state’s population, but about 40 percent of its homeless,” he noted. In New York, where many residents are still growing accustomed to the decadeslong gentrification of Harlem, the Bronx has forever been known as the city’s most urban borough. That’s quickly changing due to gentrification. In November 2019, officials announced a $950 million, 4.3 acre, multi-tower, and mixed-use development along the Mott Haven waterfront. More than 1,300 high-end apartments are among the upgrades that are certain to price many long-time residents out of the area. Mychal Johnson, a co-founding member of South Bronx Unite, told The Bronx Times that gentrification isn’t good for economically oppressed communities of color. “It seems like the community board, and Borough president isn’t looking out

for the community,” Johnson stated. For the NCRC study, Shekinah Mitchell, the Neighborhood Partnerships Manager for the Virginia Local Initiatives Support Corporation, noted that, as the former capital of the Confederacy, Richmond’s history is steeped in racial oppression, inequality, and injustice. Mitchell noted that, in 2016, Richmond had similar numbers of Black and White residents. From 2000 to 2016, the Black population decreased by seven percent, while the White population increased by 35 percent. In 2000, Blacks were 57 percent of the population, and whites were 38 percent. In 2016, Blacks represented 47 percent and Whites were 46 percent of the population. “This shift has come to the East End like a racialized wave crashing onto the shores of the neighborhood in currents of physical, cultural, and economic displacement. The Black community is drowning as we watch our land and culture swallowed up, block by block with no reprieve in sight,” Mitchell wrote in the report. “Gentrification in the East End of Richmond is manifesting as a process of resegregation,” she stated. “In Richmond, gentrification is colonization.” In Portland, Oregon, an essay that accompanied the NCRC study noted that city as the “Whitest city of its size in the United States.” The city’s White population currently stands at 77.4 percent while Blacks make up just 5.7 percent. “Take a group of people who have been systematically denied wealthbuilding opportunities for generations, add low, stagnating incomes, throw in a subprime mortgage disaster, spiraling housing costs and wholesale community displacement, and you have a recipe for a severe economic backslide,” Cheryl Chandler-Roberts, executive director of Portland’s African American Alliance for Homeownership, said in the report. “There is no African American community in Portland at this point,” ChandlerRoberts stated. “It’s a scattered community.” Philadelphia, PA, USA - March 6, 2018: Community members, activists and students protest the then proposed $130 million, 30,000-seat stadium on Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 26, 2020 - March 03, 2020

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Equipment, taxes and other charges extra, and subject to change. See details below.

Ask about Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube in To schedule a 2-hour appointment window, go to xfinity.com, call 1-800-xfinity, or visit an Xfinity Store today.

Offer ends 3/8/20. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to the Standard Triple Play with Performance Pro 200 Mbps Internet and Voice Unlimited services. Early termination fee applies if all Xfinity services are canceled during the agreement term. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, including regulatory recovery fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $14.95/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $8.75/mo.), and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after agreement term or DVR promo. After term agreement or DVR promo, or if any service is canceled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast’s charge for DVR service is $10.00/mo. (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit xfinity.com/networkmanagement. Voice: If there is a power outage or network issue, calling, including calls to 911 may be unavailable. Prepaid card mailed to Comcast account holder within 18 weeks of activation of all required services and expires in 180 days. Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2020 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA230562-0001 NED AA Q1 MSgcdvr V3

136492_NPA230562-0001 Challenge DVR $100_NewHaven_9.25x10.5.indd 1

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