INNER-CITY NEWS

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INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016 THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

Financial Justice a Key Focus 2016 Saint Augustine’s Univ. Introduces the FirstatEver HBCUNAACP Women’sConvention Rowing Team New Haven, Bridgeport

INNER-CITYNEWS

Volume 29 . No. 24535 Volume 21 No. 2194

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems:

“DMC” Judge Jackson

Ignore Ignore“Tough “ToughOn OnCrime” Crime”

Rewrites U.S. History as First Black Woman on the Supreme Court

Color Struck?

Snow in July?

Three Quinnipiac University law students

Biz Perseveres, Moves Up FOLLOW USPandemic-Hatched ON

named to regional executive board positions of the National Black Law Students Association

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

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Live, From James Street: Networking’s Back! THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

by KIMBERLY WIPFLER New Haven Independent

Torrance Flowers was hard to miss. His laugh was booming — you could hear it across the room, even over the clanging silverware and raucous chatter that filled the back bar room of the smokehouse restaurant. Richlin Morrow was everywhere. Somehow, in the background of every photo from that night, you can see her warm smile and listening eyes, as she greeted and acquainted herself with the many faces who showed up. She’s a nurse. He works in media consulting for an audio entertainment company. They’ve been friends for years. Until bumping into each other Thursday, they never thought their business would overlap. Where she works, at the New Haven Job Corps Center, Morrow said, she has high schoolers who need jobs. At his place, Audacy Inc., Flowers said, they have jobs for high schoolers. Flowers and Morrow started making plans. And after a two-year pandemic pause, Business After Hours was back, swinging. That working match was made during happy hour on a Wednesday at Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue at DISTRICT on James Street. Business networkers in outfits that ranged from business formal to T‑shirtpractical wore sticker name tags and ex-

KIMBERLY WIPFLER PHOTO Back in person, Morrow and Flowers connect. changed business cards. There were high Commerce (GNHCC) was hosting its first heels, mustaches, salmon pink, Apple in-person Business After Hours (BAH) watches, lots of introductions, and many since 2020. The back room was reserved more handshakes. Hands held pints of for the event, which began right after draft beer, glasses of wine, and plates work at 5 p.m. Attendees registered at the with Buffalo chicken dip, meatballs, entrance to the bar, to collect their sticker sausage, and celery sticks. Rich pig-skin identifier and drop a business card in the smoke filled the air, along with the body raffle pot. Over 80 people registered for the event, heat of a busy crowd. The Greater New Haven Chamber of according to Betsy Herlihy, New Haven

engagement & business development director at GNHCC. Before the pandemic, events like these saw between 40 and 50 people. Herlihy said the high turnout could be attributed to a collective yearning to get back out, or because of the location at Bear’s. Garrett Sheehan, president & CEO of the GNHCC, interrupted the social hour with an announcement on the mic. “We’ll get back to networking in just a moment,” Sheehan said. He thanked the manager at Bear’s, Sam Barnett, and announced that the New Haven public school science fair is looking for judges, encouraging attendees to get involved. He drew the raffle winner, who received tickets to a dinner auction & comedy event on Saturday to raise money for the New Reach emergency housing agency. The ticket to “Stand Up Against Homelessness featuring Jim Breuer” is worth $200. As Sheehan promised, mingling resumed after his brief remarks. Individuals hovered behind others, waiting for a conversational opening to greet a friend or introduce themselves to someone important. Navigating the space became difficult, as swarms of chatting groups and high-tops full with seated people created obstacles in the tight space. Babs Alexander said this was her first time at a Chamber of Commerce event like this one. She is the founder and CEO of Arts in CT, which recently moved from

Milford to Westville. She’s an opera singer; her New Haven foundation, Westville Performing Arts Center, hosts classes for students of all ages to learn dance, theatre, musical instruments, and visual composition. She was telling me about the Alvin Ailey trained instructor who teaches modern dance classes for adults (I’m interested in the class), when her phone rang. “Oh hold on, I’m getting a call. It’s my students — there’s a lesson going on right now, and I’m not there because I’m here. One moment, honey.” And she was gone. Commercial Insurance Broker Frank Apuzzo introduced me to Kellyann Day, CEO of New Reach, who wanted to talk about the state’s impending housing crisis. With an eviction moratorium expired and housing costs at an all time high, she said, the number of unhoused individuals in the state has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Then she asked about me. Saranda Belica, director of Business Development at AdvanceCT, introduced me to Peter Denious, president and CEO of the same company. Their organization works to “engage, retain and recruit businesses and advance overall economic competitiveness in Connecticut.” I recognized Denious’s last name from some of my peers from high school. “Tell your kids I say hello,” I said. “Will do! I’ve actually got to go run to get on another Zoom meeting. Nice meeting you,” he said.

A Village Gathers To Replenish Roots by MAYA MCFADDEN New Haven Independent

A decade ago Addie Kimbrough was teaching her son how to cut grass and prune bushes. Now that he’s 23 years old, she’s teaching a new generation of neighborhood youth about yard work. Kimbrough did this work at Newhallville’s newly sprouted Shepard Street garden. She was joined by a group of 20 volunteers who helped to clean up the green space and prep it for the upcoming growing season. The community garden at 96 Shepard St, adjacent from Kimbrough’s home, was put together by Kimbrough last spring. She and the volunteers looked forward to another year of providing neighbors with community grown squash, corn, eggplant, green beans, and cucumbers. The group gathered Saturday morning in cloudy cool weather. Throughout the three-hour clean up, the crew huddled under a single tent during several rain spurts that lasted as long as 10 to 20 minutes. Volunteers tilled the garden beds and raked the excess leaves, which filled more than 40 bags.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTOS

Youth gather to clean up Shepard Street Garden.

Kimbrough plans to begin gardening in May once the space is cleaned up. A total of nine beds were cleaned and prepped by the volunteers Saturday. Kimbrough said she hopes for the garden to provide neighbors with not only gardening skills and free fresh food but also an outlet for youth to meet older mentors and to stay off the streets.

“Our kids needs help. We can’t just expect them to get it on their own,” Kimbrough said. Middle-schoolers Nasir Bryce, 11, Makhi Caple, 13, Thomas Edwards, 13, and Calvin Dumas, 12, joined the Saturday clean-up. They helped fill the garden beds with cow manure and peat moss, rake leaves, and eat donuts.

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Saturday was the first time the students learned to do yard work. “I thought we were going to watch basketball,” Bryce said. Others thought they were going to a cookout or a garden tour. When Kimbrough heard that the boys didn’t have the greenest of thumbs she told them that she taught both her son and

grandson how to mow grass and prune bushes. “You guys are going to need this,” she said to the boys. “This garden is here for you.” Arthur Edwards and Dan Blackmon are two of four directors of the Oriental Lodge No 6 Free & Accepted Masons Prince Hall Inc. along with Alex Miller and Winston Ware. The duo brought the middle schoolers to help at the garden as a part of their new youth mentorship program. The group started this January. Albertus Magnus College staff members Earl McCoy Jr., and Samantha Miller joined the Saturday garden clean-up as a part of the college’s Newhallville Community Project which dedicates staff and students community services to neighborhood initiatives. Miller, who works in marketing as a Digital Content Producer, joined McCoy, the college’s assistant director of career services, at the garden clean-up two days after the college’s dedicated community day of service. Miller attends Newhallville community management team meetings as an Albertus representative Con’t on page 19


Ernest Pagan Pays It Forward THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

by PAUL BASS

New Haven Independent

With billions of building bucks headed our way, Ernest Pagan is working to make sure young people get the same kind of career shot he received at their age. Pagan is a carpenter. He first learned the trade the last time a billion building bucks flowed our way, during New Haven’s school-rebuilding program a generation ago. Pagan, who grew up in the West Rock neighborhood, had participated in a preapprenticeship program to learn carpentry. Then in 2006 he was accepted into an “earn-while-you-learn” apprenticeship program connected with the school rebuilding program. He learned framing and sheetrocking on the job as part of the renovation and expansion of Celentano School. He ended up working on the East Rock and Hill Central school projects as well — as well as landing membership in the carpenters union. That gave him a career, complete with a livable wage and health and retirement benefits. He grew more involved with the union, and its attendant political work. (“Politics equals jobs,” he learned.) “I did a lot of

Ernest "Earn While You Learn" Pagan at WNHH FM.

work at Yale University” as a carpenter. His last onsite construction job was as steward on the Alexion 100 College St. biotower.

Now he serves as business representative for the Carpenters Local Union 326. He spends his days checking in on workplaces and advocating for opportunities for union jobs — both work contracts, and positions for new laborers: “Talking to real people in real time, to connect the dots to get people in where they fit in.” (After reading a recent New Haven Independent article about a man collecting cans while seeking to rebuild his life, Pagan reached out to him and is arranging for him to enter a construction training program.) In that capacity, he’s working with officials to steer young people into a new pre-apprenticeship program connected to the money headed for Connecticut under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed last year. Pagan, who’s 43, remarked during an interview Tuesday on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven” program. “The federal delegation did a great job $6 billion coming to Connecticut for construction,” Pagan said. “I want to get a lot of young people signed up for the apprenticeship program. Pay it forward — that’s what I’m trying to do.”

One of the programs will take place after school at Eli Whitney, another in Waterbury. The jobs, the opportunities, are out there to get in on the ground floor and develop a union career that ends with “retiring with dignity.” “If you’re willing to learn and you’re willing to work, you’ve got a spot,” Pagan promised. He invited teens and young adults to contact him either through this Facebook page or by showing up the first Monday of every month at union HQ at 500 Main St. in Wallingford to find out more and land a spot in the program. “Somebody did it for me,” he said. “I’m looking to pay it forward.” Pagan — named to the NAACP’s most recent list of “100 most influential blacks in Connecticut” — was U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro’s guest of honor for this year’s State of the Union address. He has also served as a member of the New Haven City Plan Commission for the past four years, weighing approvals for development projects and pushing for safe design and greater scrutiny of developer tax breaks.

Pandemic-Hatched Biz Perseveres, Moves Up by KIMBERLY WIPFLER New Haven Independent

Kimberly Sewell-Poole watched stylishly dressed pedestrians pass by her new storefront window — and thought back to SoHo. Her new building’s exposed-brick interior recalled boutiques she loved while growing up in Baltimore. She knew she was in the right spot. Sewell-Poole shared these memories with a crowd who had gathered Wednesday afternoon for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new location for her own boutique, More Amour, at the corner of Chapel and York Streets in the Chapel Street Historic District. Sewell-Poole first opened her retro-chic boutique on Whalley Avenue in March of 2020 — just as the pandemic tore through town. That proved unfortunate timing for a brand new business; More Amour had to shut its doors just ten days after opening. But she didn’t allow the pandemic to kill her dream of running her own boutique. With ten years at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, she had ample experience in the industry. And fashion runs in her blood: Her parents owned a clothing store for six years, her uncle was a fashion designer for Beyoncé‘s House of Deréon, and her cousins have their own fashion businesses. By June, Sewell-Poole was able to reopen on Whalley. Now, two years later, the boutique has moved to a prime loca-

KIMBERLY WIPFLER PHOTO Sewell-Poole, at center, with officials at "More Amour" ribbon-cutting.

tion with increased visibility and nostalgia for Sewell-Poole’s Baltimore roots. “This definitely reminds me of Baltimore … Fells Point, Federal Hill days. Hanging out downtown, you would pretty much see a brick wall in every store. So it reminds me of home,” Sewell-Poole said of the new boutique interior. City officials, fellow business owners, longtime friends, patrons, and even two dogs turned out for the event at Yaleowned 1130 Chapel. The rainy afternoon required festivities to transpire indoors, a move that serendipitously allowed at-

tendees to peruse the clothing selection. Lauren Zucker, Yale University associate vice president for New Haven affairs, was among those to find a suitable clothing item. During her opening remarks, Zucker donned a More Amour piece, a shiny blue-green jacket made out of entirely recycled materials in Columbia by Movu Sportswear. “We are delighted to celebrate the continued growth of downtown New Haven with the official ribbon cutting for More Amour, here at 1130 Chapel St.,” Zucker said. “You can tell by my clothing that it

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offers edgy, fashion-forward and statement-making women’s clothing and accessories that cater to a broad variety of styles and budgets.” Zucker emphasized that the small business is independently owned, womanowned, and Black-owned, and praised the thoughtful curation of SewellPoole’s supply. Mayor Justin Elicker spoke to the resurgence of vibrancy downtown, with businesses like More Amour seeing more foot traffic after two years of economic difficulty: “We are so excited to support young entrepreneurs that have an idea, a passion, and a willingness to throw themselves into the community. And especially at this challenging time to do that. … We’re grateful for you taking a risk on us in the city.” During Sewell-Poole’s closing remarks, she promised to bring “eclectic, retrochic pieces that you will never forget,” and said she looks forward to serving everyone “fashionably.” Before leaving the podium, the business owner gave a shoutout to her family members watching in Baltimore from a livestream and blew a kiss. Zucker presented Sewell-Poole with a congratulatory plaque from the Shops at Yale before the two lined up for the ribbon cutting. Afterward, local artists DJ Handles and singer STOUT performed while attendees enjoyed light refreshments and hors’ d’oeuvres.

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Memberships National Association of Black Journalist National Newspapers Publishers Association Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Greater New Haven Business & Professional Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. The Inner-City Newspaper is published weekly by Penfield Communications, Inc. from offices located at 50 Fitch Street, 2nd Floor, New Haven, CT 06515. 203-387-0354 phone; 203-3872684 fax. Subscriptions:$260 per year (does not include sales tax for the in State subscriptions). Send name, address, zip code with payment. Postmaster, send address changes to 50 Fitch Street, New Haven, CT 06515. Display ad deadline Friday prior to insertion date at 5:00pm Advertisers are responsible for checking ads for error in publication. Penfield Communications, Inc d.b.a., “The Inner-City Newspaper” , shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad or for typographical errors or errors in publication, except to the extent of the cost of the space in which actual error appeared in the first insertion. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publication. The entire contents of The Inner-City Newspaper are copyright 2012, Penfield Communications, Inc. and no portion may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the publisher.


THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

Three Quinnipiac University law students Named to regional executive board positions of the National Black Law Students Association

Quinnipiac University students Nataly Brown, Fontaine Chambers and Gabrielle Petrie have been elected to the executive board of the Northeast region of the National Black Law Students Association (NEBLSA). Brown will serve as treasurer, while Chambers assumes vice chair duties and Petrie will be the Connecticut sub-regional director for the coming year. NEBLSA is the regional chapter of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) with membership in New England, New York and New Jersey.

Brown is a second-year law student from Westwood, New Jersey. “I am extremely excited and thankful to be elected as treasurer,” she said. “To be able to use my background skills in finance to help NEBLSA is an honor. Being in this position means that I will be involved in many aspects and material decisions for NEBLSA. It is a big responsibility, but I am looking forward to leading NEBLSA in the right direction.”

Chambers, a second-year law student from New Haven, said she does not take the responsibility of vice chair lightly. “I am here to support, uplift and uphold the values of this organization,” she said. “Creating equitable opportunities and providing enriching experiences for communities where hope is absent and access is nearly nonexistent is one of the reasons I applied to Quinnipiac and serve the Northeast Black Law Students Association. The NEBLSA is an advocate for diversity in legal education and the legal profession.” Petrie, who is also in her second year of law school, is from Setauket, New York. She said she is honored to be the Connecticut sub-regional director. “Being elected for this position means so much to me because it is indicative of all the hard work both myself and my fellow BLSA and NEBLSA colleagues have done,” she said. About Quinnipiac University School of Law Quinnipiac University is a private, co-

educational, nonsectarian institution located in Hamden, Connecticut, with close proximity to New York, New Haven, and Boston. Founded in 1977, the School of Law affiliated with Quinnipiac in 1992 and moved onto Quinnipiac’s Mount Carmel Campus in 1995. In 2014, the school again relocated to the university’s North Haven Campus. Quinnipiac School of Law now enrolls nearly 400 students pursuing a juris doctor (JD) degree or one of several joint degrees, including the JD/MBA and JD/MSW degrees. The law school offers concentrations in civil advocacy and dispute resolution, criminal law and advocacy, cybersecurity, privacy, and information technology law, family law, health law, intellectual property, international law and policy, tax law, and workplace law. The School of Law also boasts many externships and in-house clinical programs. Quinnipiac is fully approved by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. For more information, please visit law.qu.edu.

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Quinnipiac University School of Law students Gabrielle Petrie, Nataly Brown and Fontaine Chambers (picture from left) have been elected to the executive board of the Northeast region of the National Black Law Students Association (NEBLSA).


Tone Civil As Heated Race Hits Town THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

by KIMBERLY WIPFLER New Haven Independent

As soon as New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond took the stage to pitch her candidacy for secretary of the state, she asked the crowd to applaud Alder Darryl Brackeen Jr., another candidate, for his work throughout the pandemic. When he got up to speak after her, he returned the gratitude with another round of applause, this time for her work. That reflected the tone Saturday as six Democrats seeking the party’s nomination for the state’s top elections position gathered in person at a forum in New Haven to make their case, and try to set themselves apart from the pack. They played nice. “I admire seeing the candidates hug each other” and catch up, Mayor Justin Elicker said of the moments before the event officially began. It was true. The atmosphere at Saturday’s forum was congenial, with intermittent bubbling laughter and constant smiles, even as the six candidates competed for the support of crowd members. The candidates also largely agreed about protecting and expanding voting rights, while revealing nuanced differences on ranked-choice voting and prioritizing voting rights for inmates. Residents from all over the state convened at East Rock Market for the forum, which was hosted by the New Haven Democratic Town Committee (DTC). Each of the six Democratic candidates running for secretary of the state (SOTS) offered two-minute remarks and then stuck around to answer questions one-onone with attendees. Incumbent Democrat Denise Merrill will retire this year after three terms from her role as secretary of the state, so the quest for the party nomination for the position (unlike for most other constitutional offices, which have incumbents seeking reelection) has drawn a crowd. Besides overseeing elections, the secretary of the state is in charge of business filings and maintaining the commercial registry. The secretary of the state also proposes and lobbies for new election laws while promoting voting and participation in elections — serving as the state’s top “civics” official. Candidates are seeking support at local Democratic town committees in advance of the May party convention, at which they’ll seek to gather 15 percent of delegates’ votes in order to qualify for a spot on the primary ballot. (Those who don’t obtain 15 percent then have the option of petitioning onto the ballot.) Besides New Haven’s own Bond (an official candidate) and Brackeen (still technically “exploring” a candidacy), official Democratic candidates include State Rep. Stephanie Thomas of Norwalk and Meriden State Rep Hilda Santiago. Hamden State Rep Joshua Elliott and Middletown

State Sen Matt Lesser have been making rounds of the state as “exploratory” candidates. That means they have formed a committee to raise money and have traveled through the state pitching their candidacies, seeking to break out of the pack, but have not yet formed official, formal campaigns for the post. On the Republican side, Dominic Rapini and Brock Weber have formed candidate committees to seek the office. Cynthia Jennings is seeking the Independent Party nomination. The Democratic candidates all endorsed expanding voting access throughout the state through implementing early voting and no-excuse absentee voting. They all expressed an urgent need to protect voting rights in the state. Bond spoke first, emphasizing that she

is the sole candidate with government executive experience, having managed employees and multi-million dollar budgets in New Haven during the Covid-19 pandemic. Brackeen, a five-term alder for Ward 26 in Upper Westville, promoted his history working to expand voting participation, voting rights, electoral reforms, and election security through his work as founder and chair of Generation Change CT. Elliott positioned himself as a small business owner and the sole attorney running. He said his goal is to push policy conversations on expanding voting rights to prison inmates and on ranked-choicevoting (RCV). (Read more about RCV here.) Lesser said he has been fighting for voting rights in the state legislature for 15 years, and he announced that he has

out-raised all the other candidates, with over $86,000 in total campaign contributions. Santiago detailed her political background as a former Meriden City Council member and five-term state representative, with an emphasis on her work on election reform as a member of the Government Administrations & Elections Committee. Thomas said that as the first candidate to officially declare her candidacy, having bypassed the “exploratory” phase, she demonstrated her determination to earn the votes necessary to win. Thomas concluded the candidate remarks portion with an emphasis on the agreement among Democrats to “get ahead of 2024” by rebuilding trust in democracy and increasing civic engagement. Rather than a formal question and an-

swer panel, conversations flowed freely as candidates engaged with individuals independently, a choice that New Haven Democratic Town Chair Vin Mauro said offered a more substantive way to engage candidates with constituents. It was in these conversations where candidates could go into further detail about their policy platforms and how they differ. While none of the candidates ruled out RCV as a possibility, Elliott and Brackeen named the policy as a priority. Santiago and Bond argued much work must be done on voter engagement before considering RCV. Thomas said voting rights should expand to inmates, both those awaiting trial and convicted. She said the issue falls into larger conversations about how we want prisons to function. Elliott was in agreement with Thomas, saying ballot access for incarcerated people is a central issue, and said he wishes candidates were asked about it more. Brackeen echoed the sentiments, highlighting his work to end prison gerrymandering in the state, while Bond emphasized that “everyone should have the right to vote.” Santiago argued that legislature should instead prioritize improving conditions for those formerly incarcerated with matters of access to benefits and pensions. Mauro concluded that each of the candidates brought something unique to the discussions, with hope that “the field will shape up in the coming weeks,” as the strongest arguments become clearer. He argued that as the city that has brought the most candidates to the race, New Haven (which produces the most Democratic votes in statewide elections) should get to see one of our own on the ballot.

Microloan Program Expands For Women Below Poverty Line by LAURA GLESBY

New Haven Independent

AFor more than 20 years, while she worked day jobs in nursing and security, Jennifer Lopez held onto her love of fashion. “Something always told me to follow it,” she said. Lopez, a New Haven-based single parent with four kids, is now starting an accessories line and fashion education business. She said she was rejected from the first few loans for which she applied. Then, last October, she obtained a microloan from Grameen America. With the $2,000, she purchased supplies and registered her business under the name Jenna Line Customs LLC. Grameen announced on Friday afternoon that it will expand its presence to Bridgeport and Hartford after a successful nine months of providing microloans

Jennifer Lopez sports a mask of her own design.

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in New Haven. A national organization, Grameen specializes in microloans for women entrepreneurs who are living at or below the federal poverty line of $25,100 for a family of four. The organization has established lending relationships with 372 New Haven-based women, lending a total of $826,000 so far. Grameen plans to invest $88 million to 7,800 women across the state. First-time loans can total up to $2,000, and are coupled with financial training and peer support meetings. The loans have six-month terms and are repaid on a weekly basis. Nationally, the loans have seen a 99 percent repayment rate. Lopez, who has specialized so far in making cloth face masks, is launching her business from her New Haven living room. She hopes to soon start offering fashion classes for teenagers, with les-

sons on how to stitch garments and transfer designs onto fabric. The Grameen loan has helped her build credit, she said, and “it helps me see other members like me” making their own businesses work. Gabriela Aragon, another New Havener who received a Grameen loan, is launching a catering business — currently based in her Sheffield Avenue home — specializing in Ecuardorean food. The microloan helped her purchase kitchen supplies and ingredients. She hopes to soon find a physical location for the business, called Delicias de Doña Gaby. Aragon and Lopez appeared at the New Haven Free Public Library on Friday, joining Grameen America CEO and President Andrea Jung, Mayor Justin Elicker, Gov. Ned Lamont, and state Deputy Commissioner of Economic and ComCon’t on page 17


THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

“Resilience Academy” Proposers Embark On “Listening Tour” by LAURA GLESBY

New Haven Independent

Throughout the first of six planned “listening sessions,” Newhallville residents shared cautious optimism about about the general concept and questions about the details  of an effort to replace a planned methadone clinic with a mental health center in a former school building at 794 Dixwell Ave. That “listening session” took place online Thursday night, drawing dozens of neighbors. For the past few months, neighborhood resistance has been gaining momentum against the APT Foundation’s unannounced December purchase of 794 Dixwell, which the organization planned to use as office space and a substance use treatment clinic. Since then, a different plan has emerged. In mid-March, Rev. Boise Kimber of First Calvary Baptist Church approached APT CEO Lynne Madden about buying the building; Madden expressed openness to the idea if she could find an alternative location for the methadone clinic. Kimber developed the idea for a “Resilience Academy” — a community wellness hub and gathering space with mental health services at 794 Dixwell — alongside the children and family mental health care organization Clifford Beers. Kimber and Clifford Beers last week won $2 million in state funding for the project, a significant step on the way to matching the

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO Rev. Boise Kimber at 2020 Newhallville Management Team meeting.

$2.45 million that APT originally spent on the building. And in the past week, they recruited the city’s former Livable City Initiative director, Serena Neal-Sanjurjo, to help iron out the plans. On Thursday evening, Kimber and Clifford Beers CEO Alice Forrester hosted the first of six community meetings on

the proposal. Kimber said this “listening tour” will help shape plans for the Resilience Academy. “We want to hear what the community has to say,” Kimber said. “We’re talking about: How do we grow Newhallville, and how do we be inclusive of what is going in this building?”

In a presentation to the 30 Newhallville community members who attended the first meeting, Forrester explained that Clifford Beers would offer traumainformed mental health care at the site alongside other services. “We understand that the traditional mental health model of going once a week is a privileged model,” said Forrester. She noted that for patients who need to work, typical mental healthcare systems are not always accessible on a regular basis. And, she added, “there’s not a trust in the system itself.” Clifford Beers would plan to include both clinical services and less traditional “peer-to-peer mentor” programs, Forrester said. Forrester also said she hopes to build a training program directed at recruiting and teaching Black and Latino clinicians, who are vastly underrepresented among mental health professionals. In addition to mental health care, Kimber proposed a childcare center (with before-school, after-school, and summer programs) and a vocational training program (with classes potentially ranging from carpentry to hair styling.) Kim Harris, the chair of the Newhallville Community Management Team, emphasized that “it’s important for community people to have leadership positions.” If a haircutting class were to come into being, she suggested, Gary Gates, whose barber shop is across from the Dixwell Avenue site, is “the best barber in town.

There’s no reason he shouldn’t get that job teaching kids.” “This building will be to empower this community,” said Kimber. When would the Resilience Academy go live? asked Harris. If APT agrees to sell the building, Neal-Sanjurjo replied, it could take about a year to complete the project. Neighborhood resident Addie Kimbrough asked how much the childcare program would cost for parents. “If there was a fee, it would be extremely minimal,” said Forrester, who pointed to Clifford Beers’ existing early childhood center as a mostly publicly-funded program. Ward 20 Co-Chair Barbara Vereen suggested adding a “resource center” in the building “where people in the community can go and know what resources are available to them,” as well as a gathering and meeting space that various neighborhood groups could sign up to use. Vereen also asked about the group’s plans to keep the center open in the long-term, “so that we’re not having the same conversation in five years.” “Clifford Beers has been pretty sturdy with our longevity,” said Forrester, noting that the state bonding money would also limit the organization from selling the building in the near future. “Part of my thinking around any kind of community development is connecting it Con’t on page 17

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

Policing Updates: 10 Gun-Related Arrests Made; 500-Police-Camera Contractor Picked by THOMAS BREEN

New Haven Independent

City police recently made 10 different arrests in gun-related incidents that took place between July 2020 and late March of thisA year. And the Elicker Administration has picked a Hamden-based contractor to roll out the police department’s 500-surveillance-camera plan — with no timeline in sight. Acting Police Chief Renee Dominguez and Mayor Justin Elicker offered those updates Monday morning during a press conference held on the third floor of police headquarters at 1 Union Ave. Most of the presser consisted of Dominguez ticking through 10 recent gun- and shooting-related arrests made by city patrol officers and detectives. Dominguez and Asst. Chief Karl Jacobson said that police believe that most of these incidents, arrests, and suspects are “group or gang” affiliated. Overall, Dominguez said, the city has seen 18 nonfatal shootings and two homicides so far this year. That’s in comparison to 21 nonfatal shootings and nine homicides at this point last year. Also, police have seized 54 guns and made 49-gun related arrests so far this year. That’s in comparison to 46 guns seized and 49 gun-related arrests at this point last year. The recent gun-related incidents and arrests that Dominguez reviewed on Monday included: • On March 19, police officers responded to 309 Dixwell Ave. for a report of shots fired. Officers spoke with a witness who said they saw the individual who fired the gun. City police soon thereafter apprehended a suspect, obtained information on where the gun was located, and — after getting a search warrant — later found and seized the gun. Police arrested a 45-year-old New Haven man and charged him with one felony count of criminal possession of a pistol and one misdemeanor count of illegal discharge of a firearm. • On March 20, officers responded to 300 Newhall St. in response to a ShotSpotter report of gunshots fired. They found a car parked in a nearby driveway and, after approaching the vehicle, saw that “in plain view was a firearm on the center console.” Police ultimately arrested a 29-year-old New Haven man and charged him with a handful of charges, including one felony count of illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, one felony count of carrying a pistol without a permit, and one misdemeanor count of illegal discharge of a firearm. • On March 23, officers were dispatched to Washington Avenue and Morris Street for a domestic violence and weapon complaint. Dominguez said that the alleged offender had left the scene prior to the police officers’ arrival. After locating the individual and getting a search warrant for a home on Clover Place, police

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO Acting Police Chief Renee Dominguez (right) with CAO Rush-Kittle and Mayor Elicker at Monday's presser.

Top local police officers at Monday's presser.

found that the individual had “three outstanding warrants” and ultimately seized a Taurus 9mm firearm. Police arrested the 28-year-old man on one felony count of criminal possession of a firearm, one felony count of carrying a pistol without a permit, and one misdemeanor count of second-degree breach of peace. • On Feb. 24, officers responded to a ShotSpotter report of shots fired on Dewitt Street. With “much help from the community” and nearby video surveillance footage, city detectives determined that “over 12 gunshots” were fired on Dewitt Street that day. They also ultimately seized a 9mm Glock gun hidden in an attic and arrested a 19-year-old man on a host of charges, including one felony count of criminal possession of a pistol and one misdemeanor count of illegal

discharge of a firearm. • On Dec. 9, 2021, officers were dispatched to 218 Davenport Ave. for reports of seven gunshots fired. They learned that a 22-year-old New Haven man had been shot “multiple times” and transported to the hospital. “Critical video surveillance” showed who was there prior to the shooting, Dominguez said. Ultimately, on March 12, city police made an arrest, and the suspect is currently being held on a $250,000 bond. • On March 25, city detectives executed a search warrant on Hallock Avenue, found a .32-caliber revolver, a 9mm pistol, 50 folds of heroin, and $5,000 in cash. Police arrested a 43-year-old “convicted felon” and charged him with one felony count of criminal possession of a pistol, one felony count of carrying

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a pistol without a permit, one felony count of sale of a narcotic substance, and one misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance. • Also on March 25, city police executed a search warrant at the Best Way Inn on Pond Lily Avenue, where investigators found a .32-caliber gun and crack cocaine. Police arrested a 43-year-old man and charged him with one felony count of criminal possession of a firearm and one felony count of possession of a narcotic substance with intent to sell. • On March 26, plainclothes officers made a “suspicious person” vehicle stop on Grand Avenue and, after a short pursuit on foot, apprehended and arrested an individual who is a “convicted felon” and had a 9mm gun in his pocket. • On March 27, plainclothes officers

doing a “dirt bike” detail in Fair Haven stopped a four-wheel ATV being driven by Criscuolo Park. One of the operators of that vehicle had a 9mm pistol on him. Police arrested the 20-year-old man and charged him with one felony count of carrying a pistol without a permit. • And on July 12, 2020, city police officers responded to the report of shots fired on Greenwich Avenue. They soon learned that two victims had been shot multiple times. Officers ultimately found “15 9m shell casings” at the scene. Over the course of the investigation, officers learned that a “suspect vehicle” had driven by those victims twice, with someone in the car shooting out of the moving vehicle at the victims multiple times. Police have obtained an arrest warrant for a suspect, who is currently incarcerated for another incident. Dominguez said police plan to serve that suspect with the arrest warrant for the Greenwich Avenue shooting-related charges this week. “I Don’t Want An Article Every Other Week Saying That We’re Behind Our Timeline” Also during Monday’s police presser, Elicker and Dominguez said that the city has picked a contractor to install 500 police surveillance cameras across New Haven as part of a federal-relief-funded effort to prevent and solve shootings and homicides. That Hamden-based company is called Utility Communications, Inc. Elicker and Dominguez said that the city awarded the company the camera contract last week. The city first posted a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the work on Feb. 17. The Board of Alders, meanwhile, signed off on the camera-expansion plan last December when local legislators overwhelmingly approved the Elicker Administration’s request to spend $12 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money on a host of public safety and technology initiatives. That allocation includes $3.8 million to buy and install 500 new surveillance cameras at crime hotspots around the city. Elicker said that, now that the city has awarded Utility Communications, Inc. the camera-expansion contract, city attorneys must now finalize the language of the contract itself before both parties sign on the dotted line. “It’s going to be over phases,” Dominguez said about the citywide camera rollout. “It’s probably going to be many years.” Asked for a more specific timeline for this project on Monday, Elicker demurred. “Because I don’t want an article every other week saying that we’re behind our timeline,” the mayor said, “there’s not a timeline” for this project. “We’ll work as fast as we can.” That long-delayed project still does not have a new projected start date for its pilot.


Boys & Girls Club Opens An Art Hub THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

by MAYA MCFADDEN New Haven Independent

A new home for student art making, self-expression, and relaxation opened Thursday at the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven. Students, staff, creators, and supporters joined for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the new art space at the club’s 253 Columbus Ave. location. The art space was transformed from an unused old locker room with the help of a $25,000 grant from Michaels jewelers and support from the Seedling Foundation and the City of New Haven. Dozens of after-school program students joined with Interim Executive Director Barbara Chesler, Mayor Justin Elicker, Michaels District Manager Thomas Lefsyk, and local artist Jesse Wolf to cut the ribbon and start making art in the new space. After the Thursday ribbon-cutting employees of Michaels joined the students for a paint craft project. Newman Architects, PC provided the club with pro bono design work for the studio. The art studio is decorated with a wall resembling a New York subway; it reads, “create.” It features another wall celebrating artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, a chalk board wall covered in student tags, and a wall reading, “The Art Stop,” over a wa-

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO Students get to creating in new art space.

ter landscape. Wolf, the club’s art specialist, was able to freestyle the art studio’s wall art. He started painting in the beginning of March and finished Wednesday. He also

celebrated the birth of his newborn son Monday. “I put everything into this, and now I’m tired,” he remarked Thursday. “I manifested this,” Wolf said. “It’s my dream to work with the next generation

of artists.” Josh Machiote, 11, was one of several students who helped Wolf paint the space. He said he looks forward to being at the space because art relaxes him.

vere disease and death,” he said. And “we know that immunity due to either infection or vaccination begins to wane after four months, and by six months has substantially waned.” So, he said, “it’s really important I think for folks over the age of 50, particularly those who have co-morbid conditions like diabetes or underlying lung disease, to go ahead and seek and get that booster now.” He cited debate among medical experts and the public about when exactly eligible members of the public should get a second booster. Should people wait until a “variant-specific” booster shot potentially becomes available in the fall? Should they wait until Covid cases surge again after an expected spring and summer lull? Balcezak responded to that debate by paraphrasing an answer given to that very same set of questions by a California infectious disease specialist named Peter Chin-Hong. “For now, I think … if you’re over the age of 50 and you have an underlying medical condition, you should run to get a [second] booster,” Balcezak said. “If you’re over the age of 50 and qualify, but

are otherwise healthy, maybe you should walk. And if you’re under the age of 50, you should wait. “I think that’s a nice, very simplistic way of thinking about who should get boosted and who should wait.” But what about the relatively low spread of Covid-19 in the community right now? “The time to get vaccinated if you’re not, and the time to get boosted if you are eligible, is when the cases are low,” Balcezak said, “because when the cases are high, it’s too late and there’s widespread transmission, and you’re at risk.” He recognized that, just as people “buy now shovels as it’s snowing,” it’s human nature to put things off “for the day when it’s necessary rather than for the day when it’s well prepared.” He also recognized that some people may have “vaccine fatigue” and want to know when these recommendations to get more shots against Covid-19 — and when the pandemic more broadly — will end. “That’s a question for which there is no answer right now,” he said. “We don’t know the answer to that question. Hopefully it will end some day. The best way to get to that end is to get the majority of

In 2017, Wolf worked at the club as a counselor. For three years he worked with students and occasionally did art with them. Wolf met Josh. and the two created a mentor bond over art. Josh now makes and sells his own art. A month before Wolf began painting the new art space, he volunteered to paint murals in the New Haven Department of Child and Family Services visitation rooms in February. In 2020 he also was a lead artist who designed the Black Lives Matter Temple Street mural. During Black History Month, Wolf created a curriculum that introduced the students to Black artists, including Basquiat. Wolf said he looks forward to teaching his students different craft forms and bringing sewing machines and recording equipment into the space to introduce students to all forms of art. Families, students, and visitors took a tour of the studio Wednesday after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Students filled the room after the ceremony to work with Michaels staff on spill paint art made by using popsicle sticks to brush the spilled paint around. “Arts are a key element for the development of young people,” said Anita Dowdy, a Boys and Girls Club educator of 26 years.

YNHH Top Doc Boosts 2nd Boosters by THOMAS BREEN

New Haven Independent

If you’re eligible to get a second Covid-19 booster shot, go get it. Especially if you’re over 50 and have an underlying medical condition like diabetes that puts you at “high risk” of contracting a severe case of Covid. Yale New Haven Health (YNHH) Chief Clinical Officer Thomas Balcezak offered that advice during the regional hospital system’s top doctor’s latest assessment of the ongoing pandemic. Balcezak, YNHH CEO Chris O’Connor, and YNHH top spokesperson Vincent Patrini weighed in on the latest with Covid-19 Wednesday afternoon during a virtual press conference live-streamed on Facebook and Zoom. Asked for his take on the Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent authorization of second booster shots of the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines for everyone 50 and older and for people 12 and older who are immuno-compromised, Balcezak, who has remained a steady and careful and trusted voice of information during the pandemic, recommended that anyone who is eligible to get that second

ZOOM PHOTO New Haven's pandemic voice of authority, Thomas Balcezak, at Monday's briefing.

booster shot go out and get one. “We know that vaccination remains your best protection, particularly against se-

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the population vaccinated and boosted. That’s how we’re going to get to the end.” And, he stressed, “there is no known harm and there is no known risk” to getting additional doses or boosters of the Covid-19 vaccine. 38 Patients W/ Covid Systemwide O’Connor said that there are now only 38 in-patients hospitalized with Covid-19 across YNHH’s regional system, which includes seven hospital campuses in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Nineteen of those Covid-positive in-patients are in New Haven, seven are in intensive care units (ICU), and three are on ventilators. O’Connor stressed how the current number of Covid-positive patients represents “a great deal of reduction” from the 767 Covid-positive in-patients hospitalized across YNHH’s system on Jan. 11 at the height of the Omicron wave. Nevertheless, throughout the press conference, Balcezak stressed that Covid-19 is not over. “We are by no means out of the pandemic, and we remain ready to take care of future surges” of cases, likely to come in the fall and winter, he said. “We’re hoping that we have seen the last of the surges for a while.”


THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

Seniors Welcomed Back To Reopened Senior Centers by KIMBERLY WIPFLER New Haven Independent

After two years of keeping in touch through lunch dates, friends Sarah McClain and Annie Meyers returned to the Dixwell/Newhallville Senior Center — in its modern new home — ready to get back into classes, day trip outings, and bingo. Mayor Justin Elicker and Elderly Services Acting Director Tomi Veale showed up, too, to welcome people back to center, now located at the at the recently rebuilt Dixwell Community Center (Q House) located at 197 Dixwell Ave. All three city-operated senior centers – located in Atwater, Dixwell / Newhallville and the East Shore – have reopened to the public three days per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) after an extended pandemic shutdown. McClain and Meyers said they’re excited to reconnect with friends they haven’t seen in years, and to take new classes that will be offered at the facility, like sewing and yoga. The new space for the senior center was flooded with bright sunlight on Monday morning, as elderly community members sat around wooden tables playing dominoes and rummy. Some, like Elsa Edmonds, snacked on piles of chocolate candies: Hershey’s kisses, Reese’s peanut butter cups, Kit-Kats. In advance of the 11:30 lunch hour, newcomer Reginald Jones offered a prayer. Rosa White, who is McClain’s mother, sang the gospel hymn “One More Time.” Addressing the crowd, Mayor Elicker said the last time he saw White was when they were down the street at the previous facility for the Dixwell / Newhallville senior center, in a basement. He said the new environment offers the respect and dignity that seniors have earned. “This looks a little bit different, doesn’t

Department of Elderly Services Director Tomi Veale.

Sarah McClain (left) and Annie Meyers

Back on board: Elsa Edmonds plays dominoes friends at reopened Dixwell/ Newhallville senior center.

it?” he said, to “yeah“s and “mhm“s. Mayor Elicker spoke of a new vision for the senior centers: one that focuses on respect for the elderly and honors the wisdom they hold through facilitating mentor relationships with the youth. He said the location at the Q House will help usher in this new era, to intermix the senior center with the youth center and library at the same complex, to create a community where people of all ages can engage, support, and teach one another. Monday also marked the first day on the job for Elderly Services Director Veale, who was appointed to the role just last month. She expressed gratitude for the loving welcome she received and excitement to learn about rummy and dominos. Prior to this role, Veale worked for 13 years in the city youth services department. She said her experience there will help her facilitate that budding relationship between the youth and elderly programming. “Today looks like a fresh start. This is motivation for us to make sure that we continue engaging our elderly. They have spoken. They want to see each other. They want to do activities. They’re excited for the activities that they have already engaged in. And it’s our responsibility to make sure that they still have access to most things,” Veale said. Veale echoed Elicker’s sentiment of engaging with the community outside of the senior center walls, with an emphasis on having greater visibility in the community to bring new faces in the door. “We can try and get to the place where we are today, and that’s being amongst in each other in a safe environment, a loving environment, and a caring one. This is what a community looks like in this room, and we can bring this outside,” said Veale.

Saint Augustine’s Univ. Introduces the First Ever HBCU Women’s Rowing Team BlackNews.com Nationwide — Saint Augustine’s University, an HBCU in Raleigh, North Carolina, has announced the formation of a women’s rowing team. This is the firstever HBCU women’s rowing team in the country. The team has been developed since 2021, participating in virtual competitions. It has been approved and registered with the American Collegiate Rowing Association (ACRA). “ACRA is proud to do whatever we can to support the growth of our sport and [to] encourage St. Augustine’s and other HBCUs to join our organization,” ACRA President Cam Brown said in a Row2k. SAU’s new program is the first and only active HBCU women’s rowing team as of now. The only HBCU that sponsored

a rowing team before was Howard back in the 1960s. It became prominent for a few years but has been inactive recently. Currently, SAU’s team has 5 studentathlete members that are allowed to compete in the Quad category. They are looking to add more to be able to compete in categories for 10 members. SAU junior rowing team member Mikahya Hill shared why she joined the team established by Dr. Mark Janas. “What made me want to join was the fact that this was the first HBCU rowing team and he was dedicating it to women,” she said. “I wanted to be a part of that type of movement and change a predominantly male white sport [with] a little bit of melanin magic, to have black girls doing it.” The team is set to start competing in live water in the Fall of 2022.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

1st Ukrainian Black Lives Should Also Matter in the Russia-Ukraine War Refugee Family Arrives

Yevgeny and Kristyna Biziaieva and their three children observed Palm Sunday on George Street, the first Ukrainian refugee family to be welcomed in New Haven since the war broke out. The Biziaievas fled the Russian invasion and shelling of Kharkiv and arrived Thursday night at the home of Gaye Hyre. They were welcomed warmly at a moving get-together after Palm Sunday mass that drew 100 people to St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church on George Street.

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO Yevgeny and Kristyna with baby Leonell Sunday at St. Michael's Church.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Black Americans have enjoyed an enduring bond with Africa and their brothers and sisters living on the Continent, with many U.S.-based civil rights agencies, clergy members, and African American organizations taking a keen interest in the welfare of citizens in the 55-nation motherland. While the world watched Russia invade Ukraine on Thursday, February 24, some expressed concern about the tens of thousands of international students studying in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol, and other cities throughout that Eastern European nation. Many of those students come from Africa. “Many of them do not have paperwork to enter Europe,” wrote Terrell J. Starr, host of the Black Diplomats Podcast that focuses on the intersection of race and foreign policy. Starr also counts as a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, focusing on Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, and nuclear non-proliferation issues. Starr notes the especially perilous position facing African students and Black Ukrainians in an op-ed.

“There is no census data on their numbers, but figures range from thousands to tens of thousands,” Starr wrote. “It is impossible to know without data, but it is not uncommon to see Black folks walking around Kyiv speaking fluent Russian or Ukrainian and walking with their white family members,” he continued. Starr added that his friend, a Black Ukrainian, shared that, while she is proud to be Black, she feels the trauma of the Kremlin’s aggression as much as any white Ukrainian. “Like America, Russia is a settler-colonial state, and we as Black folks need to understand how leaders of such states operate because we aren’t that far behind when it comes to being on the lower end of the totem pole of racial oppression,” Starr concluded. “Yes, in America, Ukrainians are white. But over here, many of my Ukrainian friends tell me Putin and Russians who think like him view them as white trash. So many Ukrainians very much see themselves through the lens of race when it comes to Putin’s revisionism of their shared history.” While multiple reports suggest Ukraine has never championed diversity or an acceptance of Black people, Russia has been especially harsh toward individuals

of darker hues.

Home to 144 million people, just 70,000 Russian residents identify as Black. The SOVA Center for Information and Analysis, a Moscow-based advocacy organization, revealed that Africans and those who descend from the Continent face widespread hostility and racism that routinely goes unpunished. “We would note one racist action on the territory of Moscow State University of Civil Engineering,” SOVA Center officials wrote in January. “In a video circulated online, young people can be seen harassing Black students, throwing snowballs at them, ‘awarding’ them bananas as ‘gifts’ and insulting them generally.” In 2021, the SOVA Center reported at least 63 victims of ideologically motivated violence; three of them died, and the others were injured or beaten; five people received serious death threats. The total number of hate-motivated attacks had increased compared to the previous year when one victim died, and 52 were injured or beaten. “And what should be kept in mind is that our data, especially for the year that just ended, is incomplete and will inevitably increase,” SOVA Center officials noted. “The figures we provide do not reflect

may 4-5, 2022

the true scale of violence and are incomplete to a significant extent,” officials continued. “The mass media provide the lion’s share of information about such crimes, but in recent years they have reported practically nothing about hate crimes or have described them in such a way that isolating a motive becomes difficult.” Victims rarely report attacks to human rights organizations, except in the hope of receiving legal, medical, educational, or financial assistance, officials concluded. They also rarely inform police out of fear of reprisals. With Russia’s Ukraine invasion ongoing, some will train their eyes on the plight of Black people in the region. “Anytime I am asked why Black people should care about anything that is considered non-Black, I refer them to Malcolm X’s call to condemn the U.S. at the United Nations for its abuses against Black Americans,” Starr wrote. “Even a highly pro-Black activist like Malcolm knew the power of solidarity. I suggest we follow his lead as it pertains to Ukraine because colonial conquest of any nation should alarm us all—be it by Russia or even our native United States.”

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

Judge Jackson Rewrites U.S. History as First Black Woman on the Supreme Court pick of former President Donald Trump. That move allowed for a similar majority to vote to limit debate.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent On April 7, 2022, at 2:17 p.m. EDT, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson entered the history books, becoming the first Black woman elevated to the U.S. Supreme Court. After arduous and volatile hearings last month, the Democratic-controlled Senate confirmed Jackson by a 53-47 vote. “This is a special day for Black communities and for all Americans and marks the start of a new era for the judicial branch of the United States,” said Spencer Overton, the president of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. “We are celebrating this joyful moment with Judge Jackson and reflecting on the significant impact she will have on our nation over the next several decades.” Vice President Kamala Harris announced the final vote, tapping the podium with her gavel which signaled the making of history. All 50 Democrats in the U.S. Senate voted in favor of Jackson, while Sens. Mitt Romney of Utah, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska were the only Republicans to cast ballots approving President Joe Biden’s nominee. Though unquestionably supporting Jackson, D.C. Democratic Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton expressed a bittersweet reality. “This is historic,” Norton proclaimed. “[However], there’s still some emptiness for the District of Columbia. D.C.,

“It will be a joyous day,” Schumer declared. The White House said since Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement, President Biden had sought a candidate with “exceptional credentials, unimpeachable character, and unwavering dedication to the rule of law.” “And the President sought an individual who is committed to equal justice under the law and who understands the profound impact that the Supreme Court’s decisions have on the lives of the American people,” a senior official stated. “That is why the President nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson,” the official insisted. Born in Washington, D.C., Jackson grew up in Miami, Florida.

as with every other SCOTUS nominee in history, [had] no vote on confirmation even though D.C. and its residents are bound by the court’s rulings.” Following four days of public testimony and a racially charged grilling of Jackson by Republicans that began on March 21, Senate Judiciary members deadlocked 11-11 on April 4 to move the nomination out of committee.

However, Jackson’s nomination moved forward based on Senate rules and a Democrat majority in the upper chamber. On Thursday, members again engaged in a debate over confirmation, but Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer cut arguments off before the final vote. Ironically, Republicans changed the rules for Supreme Court nominees in 2017 to confirm Justice Neil Gorsuch, a

According to the White House, during a 2017 lecture, Jackson traced her love of the law back to sitting next to her father in their apartment as he tackled his law school homework. A speech and debate star, Jackson earned election as “mayor” of Palmetto Junior High and student body president of Miami Palmetto Senior High School. “But like many Black women, Judge Jackson still faced naysayers,” senior White House officials wrote. “When Judge Jackson told her high school guidance counselor, she wanted to

attend Harvard, the guidance counselor warned that Judge Jackson should not set her sights so high.” Jackson graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, then attended Harvard Law School, where she graduated cum laude and was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. In 2021, Jackson earned confirmation on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. She also served on the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and President Barack Obama nominated Jackson as district court judge in 2012. Jackson also served as vice-chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, clerked for Justice Breyer, and worked as a federal public defender. She’s the first former federal public defender to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. “Ketanji Brown Jackson is an outstanding jurist and person,” the Fraternal Order of Police wrote. “Brilliant, fair, and a true and real person. She will be an immense credit to the court and our country.” Supreme Court lawyer Neal Katyal said by all accounts, Jackson possesses the qualities essential in a Supreme Court justice. Obama declared that Jackson “has a demonstrated record of excellence.” “I believe, based upon her work as a trial judge when I served on the Court of Appeals, that she will adjudicate based on the facts and the law and not as a partisan,” Obama stated.

Vice President Kamala Harris to Announce Reforms to Ease the Burden of Medical Debt By Stacy M. Brown, The Washington Informer

One-in-three adults in the United States are saddled with medical debt, which now counts as the largest source of debt in collections – more than credit cards, utilities, and auto loans combined. According to a White House fact sheet, Black and Hispanic households are more likely to hold medical debt than white households. As part of the fight to help people contend with high costs, Vice President Kamala Harris plans to announce reforms to help ease the burden of medical debt. The White House said this should help provide more families the opportunities to thrive. “Together, these actions will help hold medical providers and debt collectors accountable for harmful practices, reduce the role that medical debt plays in determining whether Americans can access credit – which will open up new opportunities for people with medical debt to buy a home or get a small business loan, help over half a million of low-income

American veterans get their medical debt forgiven; and, inform consumers of their rights,” the administration said in a release. The White House said medical debt isn’t just a financial issue – it can have negative health effects. One study found that almost half of individuals with medical debt intentionally avoided seeking care. “Getting sick or taking care of loved ones should not mean financial hardship for American families,” administration officials stated. “That is why the Administration is taking new action to ease the burden of medical debt and protect consumers from predatory collection policies.” The White House said the planned actions build upon President Joe Biden’s April 5th Executive Order on strengthening access to affordable, quality health care coverage, which directed federal agencies to take action to reduce the burden of medical debt. “[On April 11], Vice President Harris is announcing reforms in four areas that will lessen the burden of medical debt, protect

consumers, and open up new opportunities for Americans looking to buy a home or start a small business,” the White House stated. The actions include holding providers and collectors accountable. “Providers have a responsibility to offer non-predatory payment plans or financial assistance to all eligible patients,” the White House noted. “While many do, far too many eligible patients report not receiving help. Worse, lawsuits against patients over medical bills are on the rise. And when hospitals sell outstanding bills to third party debt collectors, patients can be subjected to persistent and aggressive collections practices.” The administration noted that the federal government pays roughly $1.5 trillion a year into the health care system to provide patients with quality care and services. Providers receiving that funding should make it easy for eligible patients to receive the financial assistance they are entitled to and should not directly or inCon’t on page 14

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

BEING BLACK CAN COST AN ARM AND A LEG By Oscar H. Blayton COVID-19 is not the only epidemic plaguing America’s Black community today. The respected medical journal, The Lancet, has reported, “The epidemic of amputations among Black communities across the USA is a brutal reminder of the enduring complications of [diabetes] among underserved populations…” Other prestigious publications have characterized this epidemic as an indictment of our health care system. Diabetes is one of the most common causes of amputation because it leads to peripheral artery disease, or PAD. PAD in the legs is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart. With the decrease of blood flow, the feet and legs are at a significant risk of gangrene. Diabetics undergo 130,000 amputations each year in the United States, with these patients most often being low-income and underinsured. Numerous studies have shown that Black folk have their legs amputated at a much higher rate than whites with the same health problems. Some studies have shown that Black folk with diabetes receive amputations at nearly three times the rate of white patients, particularly in the rural South. Others claim that the disparity is four times greater. These disparities exist even when the data is controlled for the fact that diabetes is more prevalent among African Americans. Dr. Foluso Fakorede, a cardiologist in

Bolivar County, Miss., who specializes in cardiovascular management, has been waging a campaign to bring awareness to the fact that failure to provide caring treatment for Black and poor people with PAD results in amputations that could have been prevented. Dr. Fakorede reports that on one occasion, he examined the left foot of a Black patient with uncontrolled diabetes and found that the tops of his toes were dark, his sole was yellow and oozing, as the foot was literally rotting due to diabetes constricting the blood flow to his foot and preventing an infection from healing. Upon examining the patient’s chart, Dr. Fakorede found that a consulted surgeon had begun his written recommendation by stating casually that the patient had “limited options” other than amputation below the knee. This patient recently had lost his right leg below the knee, and it seems that the surgeon had little concern that another amputation would place the patient a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Looking further into this patient’s records, Dr. Fakorede discovered that no screening had been done on this patient at the time of his first amputation to determine if his left leg was at risk and if intervention might help improve the health of the remaining limb. Realizing the lack of interest in avoiding preventable diabetic amputations in Mississippi, Dr. Fakorede created the Amputation Prevention Institute. He even put up a billboard on the side of a highway alerting people to the fact that amputations could be preventable and alternate courses of treatment could be pursued. He also has tried to convince physicians to perform more thorough evaluations of PAD patients before cutting off their legs. With proper attention, Dr. Fakorede saved the leg of the man with the rotting foot and he only lost one toe.

About 37 million people in America have diabetes, and Mississippi has one of the highest rates in the country. The vast majority have Type 2 diabetes and their bodies resist insulin or their pancreas does not produce enough, thus making their blood sugar levels rise and their arteries become constricted. Genetics plays a role in the condition, but it also has been reported that poverty can double the odds of developing diabetes and dictating a higher risk of amputation. Black people who live in food deserts, where there is a lack of availability of nutritious food, tend to consume highfat meals, sugary foods and do not get enough fiber. And when you add to that a lack of opportunity to engage in adequate exercise, the risk of diabetes increases exponentially because obesity is also a significant contributing factor. These disadvantages combine with an array of public policies, from insufficient access to health care to racist biases resulting in cuts in public health funding. Policy decisions like these maintain disparities, particularly in the South, that result in diabetic amputations, which are, by one measure, the most preventable surgery in the country. African Americans in the South have always had difficulty finding and affording adequate health care. In past years, major Southern hospitals admitted Black patients through back doors and housed them in basements. Many hospitals required them to bring their own sheets and eating utensils. Before federal law mandated emergency services for all, these hospitals routinely turned away African Americans in need of medical attention, even if it meant a death sentence. These problems are systemic and built into the culture of America. Jennifer Smith, a professor at Florida A&M University College of Law, wrote in the National Lawyers Guild Review: “While the

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roots of unequal and inequitable health care for African Americans date back to the days of slavery, the modern mechanisms of discrimination in health care have shifted from legally sanctioned segregation to inferior or non-existent medical facilities due to market forces.” Even though Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals from discrimination in various areas of health care and services, disparities persist in the provision of health care because caring treatment comes from a compassionate heart, not a code of law. And then there is the profit motive. There is more of a financial incentive to amputate than not. Because policies set out by hospitals, insurers and the government don’t require surgeons to consider limb-saving options before cutting, the amputation epidemic continues, particularly among the poor and people of color. A procedure known as an angiogram can inform a physician as to whether there is sufficient blood flow in a leg to warrant an intervention that could save it. It was through the use of an angiogram that Dr. Fakorede was able to save the leg of his patient with the rotting foot. But an amputation pays more than an angiogram. It is reported that nationwide, half of the amputees do not get an angiogram before losing their leg to surgery. The tragedy of an unnecessary amputation does not end with the loss of a leg. Mortality rates rise after these amputations, partly because many amputees stop walking. Exercise is essential to good circulation, and it helps to control blood sugar and weight. The less active an individual is, the greater their risk of heart attack and stroke. Being placed in a wheelchair can take years off one’s life. Dr. Marie Gerhard-Herman, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical Con’t on page 19

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Kamala Harris

directly subject patients to illegal and harassing debt collection practices, the White House stated. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra plans to direct the agency to evaluate how providers’ billing practices impact access and affordability of care and the accrual of medical debt. Officials said HHS will request data from more than 2,000 providers on medical bill collection practices, lawsuits against patients, financial assistance, financial product offerings, and 3rd party contracting or debt buying practices. The Department will, for the first time, weigh that information in their grantmaking decisions, publish topline data and policy recommendations for the public, and share potential violations with the relevant enforcement agencies of jurisdiction. Separately, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will investigate credit reporting companies and debt collectors that violate patients’ and families’ rights and hold violators accountable. The White House added that the administration also plans to improve government underwriting practices as the latest research found that owing medical debt is not a reliable predictor of overall financial health. They said an analysis of 5 million anonymized credit records found that consumers who owed medical debt paid their bills at the same rate as those who did not. Including paid-off medical debt causes credit scores to underestimate creditworthiness by as much as 22 points. “As a result, the inclusion of medical debt on credit reports and in credit scores and loan underwriting can hold Americans back from financial opportunities while failing to improve the accuracy and predictiveness of lending programs,” the White House said in the release.


THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

Boy Born With Autism Now Named One of the Smartest In the World by Terry Shaw, BlackDoctor.org

Joshua Beckford has never been a typical child. At two years old, he quickly mastered reading fluently using phonics and was speaking Japanese by the age of three. At the age of six, he became the youngest person in the world to study Philosophy and History at the prestigious University of Oxford in England, gaining a distinction in both subjects. His father, Knox Daniel, said he first noticed his son was clever when he was sitting on his lap while on the computer. “I started telling him what the letters on the keyboard were and I realized that he was remembering and could understand.” He could read, write and understand the alphabet and point to different colors on a chart when he was just ten months old. In 2011, his father wanted to challenge his son, so he wrote to the university to see if he could participate in a philosophy course for bright children between the age of eight and thirteen. They agreed, and Joshua was the youngest student ever accepted. He even passed with distinction. Named one of the smartest kids in the world, Joshua was far too academically advanced to attend third grade with his peers and was homeschooled instead. So, what does a super scholar study? Joshua excels at science, math, history, foreign languages and history. He dreams of being a neurosurgeon and is well on his way by practicing gall bladder removals and appendectomy procedures. “Since the age of four, I was on my dad’s laptop and it had a body simulator where I would pull out organs. I want to save the earth. I want to change the world and change people’s ideas to doing the right things about earth.” He also plans to be a neurosurgeon and is currently writing a children’s book about Egypt. But get this…he’s done all of this even with being diagnosed with autism. When he isn’t studying and achieving

Joshua Beckford more than many adults, Joshua also serves as the face of the National Autistic Society’s Black and Minority (BME) campaign. Diagnosed with high functioning autism, Joshua helps to spread the campaign’s mission of highlighting obstacles Blacks face when trying to obtain access to necessary autism support and services. According to a 2011 study, Autism and the African American Community, “evidence demonstrates that although rates of diagnosis for autism occur at the same rates in all racial groups, diagnosis in African American children occurs later than in White children. As a result, African American children may require longer and more intensive intervention.” In between studying to be the youngest neurosurgeon, Joshua enjoys fund-raising for three Autism Charities, one in the U.K and two in Africa, and campaigns to save the environment. Between medical school and the years associated with that, Joshua should reach his goal of being named a Doctor within the next two years. Young Joshua is definitely living proof that no obstacle is too great to keep you from achieving greatness.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

Howard University Professor Says Americans Are Quitting ‘Bad Jobs’ By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

It’s official, America has entered the Great Resignation. In August of 2021, 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs, and the quit rate, measured by the government against total employment, rose to 2.9 percent. But that was August. According to the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, November quits reached near historic highs. The number of workers deciding to selfterminate from their employment jumped to 4.5 million above the prior record of 4.4 million reached in September. When broken down, 3 percent of workers voluntarily left their positions, a figure that matched September’s record high. Further, employers posted 10.6 million job openings, down from a near-record 11 million the previous month and just below July’s all-time high. Openings have now topped 10 million for six straight months. Economists said the decline was fueled by a drop of 261,000 openings in restaurants and hotels, leaving a whopping 1.5

available jobs for each unemployed person, the most on record dating back two decades. After years in the restaurant industry, Colette Graack told CBS News that she left her duties in the food prep line in June 2021 in exchange for a more profound

role as mom. “I just couldn’t handle keeping on that pressure when my son needed me more,” Graack said. Her son has autism and needs constant care, a job she will soon take as she trains to be his personal care assistant.

Graack told the network the leap proved difficult. “Especially financially because I’m a single mom. Thankfully, I had savings at the time that we could ride that out,” she said.

Reportedly, many Americans left the workforce recently and shared Graack’s concerns. Despite millions quitting, millions more found new jobs. So where are they going? Often, it’s a different industry altogether. “This notion that if you leave one industry, going to a new one requires, you know, a degree or a bunch of training, it might not be the case,” said Steve Grove, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, told CBS. “The reality is today; whether it’s the state, whether it’s a college, whether it’s your future employer, there is a ton of support and free training available to make that shift.” William Spriggs, a professor in Howard University’s Economics Department and an economist for AFL-CIO, cautioned that the government’s job numbers shouldn’t frighten anyone. During an appearance on the NNPA’s Let It Be Known live breaking news program, Professor Spriggs said it’s dubious calling this the “Great Resignation” or the “Great Quit.” “The problem of job matching was going to be a problem once we, the United States, showed a policy of separation as opposed to retention to make it through the virus,” Professor Spriggs remarked. “All other industrial countries held employees in place,” he said. He asserted that “what took place in Europe, Australia, and Canada were schemes where the government paid employers to keep employees connected to their jobs through the pandemic.” Professor Spriggs said the U.S. took a different route. He said the federal government placed workers on unemployment, separating them from their jobs with no reconnection plans. “For instance, in a place like New Jersey where you have perhaps the best unemployment insurance system, you also have better job matches,” Professor Spriggs stated. “You didn’t see the quit rate rise when we had the supplement to unemployment because you could choose jobs. Now, we force people to take a job so you will get a mismatch as you’ve seen in the accommodations sector.” Professor Spriggs continued: “They’re not letting people go, but they’re still draining people on hours and still paying lower wages. With the shift in demand taking place and a record number of online shopping and getting tested at much higher rates, the shift in demand to other sectors is happening because workers no longer have to put up with bad jobs. It’s really bad jobs where the quit rate is up.”

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

Con’t from page 07

Embark On

to the community and keeping it sustainable,” said Neal-Sanjurjo. Neighbors pressed on this point. “If you at some point need to close your doors and sell, what assurance do we have from you that you won’t sell it to a buyer the community doesn’t want?” asked resident and artist Iman Hameen (pictured). She asked Neal-Sanjurjo to include language to that effect a “written agreement.” “You can always write into an agreement how you want it to be sustained,” NealSanjurjo responded. Harris noted that “a lot of us have one foot in and one foot out because of the way things have happened” historically in the neighborhood. It’s hard to trust that a positive community hub could really work out, she said. “If this organization comes in and doesn’t do right by us, it is your responsibility to speak up,” she urged other attendees. Still, most attendees express tentative hope about the project. “This conversation is a better fit with the fabric of the community,” said Ward 20 Alder Devin Avshalom-Smith. Future “listening tour” sessions are planned on April 14, at 10 a.m.; April 20 at 6 p.m.; April 28 at 6 p.m.; May 11 at 6 p.m.; and May 25th at 6 p.m. Con’t from page 06

Poverty Line

munity Development Alexandra Daum to share the details of Grameen’s expansion. “Access to capital is a game changer for women,” said Jung at Friday’s announcement. “That not only helps them and their businesses, but has impact on children’s education, health…” For every dollar invested in a woman-owned business, Jung said, “that dollar spreads more impactfully to her family and community.” “I talk a lot about a New Haven where everyone is able to thrive,” said Elicker. He noted that in addition to Grameen’s microfinance efforts, city government plans to invest $10 million of American Rescue Plan funding in small business support and wealth building initiatives. The Dalio Philanthropies, a fund supported by the personal wealth of hedge fund billionaire Raymond Dalio, is a significant source of funding for Grameen. Gretchen Wagner, the chief operating officer of the organization, said the Dalio family invested in Grameen because they believe in “equal opportunity.” “In my world, you go through the ‘friends and family route’ ” to fund a new business idea, said Gov. Lamont. He framed Grameen as a version of that “friends and family” network that wealthy entrepreneurs can access. “Well, these people don’t have a friends and family route, but

TRAIN LIVE at Job Corps

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Non-residential Job Corps students have the flexibility to live at home while receiving the same career training and education as those who live on campus.

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Train in high-growth industries

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Take community college classes

– responsible for taking care of

Participate in clubs and sports

children or other family members

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– motivated to train for a career

Develop friendships and connections Receive nutritious meals and basic medical care

during the day, Monday through Friday

Contact your Job Corps admissions representative for more information about non-residential opportunities at a center near you.

jobcorps.gov | (800) 733-JOBS [5627]

CAREERS BEGIN HERE

Job Corps is a U.S. Department of Labor Equal Opportunity Employer Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD/TTY telephone number is (877) 889-5627.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

Biden Proposes Eliminating ‘Family Glitch’ In Affordable Care Act By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent President Joe Biden said he wants to expand access to health care, and he’s doing so by proposing a change to the Affordable Care Act to allow more people eligibility for premium tax credits. Under the President’s plan, families would receive tax credits if the cost of their coverage exceeds more than 10 percent of their incomes. The U.S. Treasury Department said the change would allow 200,000 uninsured individuals to gain coverage while more than 1 million others would realize lower premium payments. “Thanks to the landmark American Rescue Plan, ACA premiums are at an all-time low, while enrollment is at an all-time high,” the administration said in a Fact Sheet ahead of a formal announcement at the White House with former President Barack Obama. “Four out of five Americans can find quality coverage for under $10 a month, and families are saving an average of $2,400 on their annual premiums — $200 in savings every month back to families.” The Fact Sheet continued:

“The Administration has lowered costs and increased enrollment to a record high of 14.5 million Americans—including nearly 6 million who newly gained coverage. “With the addition of Missouri and Oklahoma, two states that expanded Medicaid

last year, nearly 19 million low-income Americans are enrolled in the ACA’s Medicaid expansion coverage, adding up to a record nearly 80 million children, pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities, and other low-income Americans covered by Medicaid.”

The administration said it’s seeking to fix the “family glitch” in the ACA law. “Under the ACA, people who do not have access to ‘affordable’ health insurance through their jobs may qualify for a premium tax credit to purchase affordable, high-quality coverage on the ACA’s

health insurance marketplaces,” administration officials stated. “Current regulations define employerbased health insurance as ‘affordable’ if the coverage solely for the employee, and not for family members, is affordable, making family members ineligible for a premium tax credit even though they need it to afford high-quality coverage through the Marketplace.” The officials added that, for family members of an employee offered health coverage through an employer, the cost of that family coverage can sometimes be very expensive and make health insurance out of reach. The “family glitch” affects about 5 million people and has made it impossible for many families to use the premium tax credit to purchase an affordable, highquality Marketplace plan, officials stated. Biden’s proposal reportedly would require some time before taking effect, thus the goal is for it to begin in January. Administration officials said more than 14.5 million people purchased ACA marketplace plans this winter. That number included 6 million who purchased health insurance for the first time.

Obama Returns to the White House to Tout Affordable Care Act By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

For the first time since he left office on January 20, 2017, former President Barack Obama plans a triumphant return to the White House to promote and recognize the 12th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. The occasion marks Obama’s first appearance in Washington since the inauguration of his former Vice President, Joe Biden. The nation’s first Black president will join Biden and the country’s first African American vice president, Kamala Harris, at the event to deliver remarks. White House officials said all three would discuss expanding health care benefits and efforts to reduce costs. “Joe Biden, we did this together,” Obama stated in a video released last year by the White House about the Affordable Care Act. “We always talked about how, if we could get the principle of universal coverage established, we could then build on it,” Obama said. On March 23, 2010, Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law, which most call Obamacare. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data revealed that at the time Obama signed the law, about 50 million Americans were without health insurance. In its most recent statistics, the Depart-

ment of Health and Human Services revealed that a record 31 million Americans have health coverage through Obamacare. The 2021 report revealed drastic reductions in uninsurance rates in every state since the law’s coverage expansions took effect. “People served by the health Marketplaces and Medicaid expansion have reached record highs,” health officials noted. They said the data shows those individuals currently enrolled in health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplaces and Medicaid expansion under the ACA include 11.3 million people enrolled in the ACA Marketplace plans as of February 2021. The information revealed that 14.8 million newly eligible people enrolled in Medicaid through the ACA’s expansion of eligibility to adults as of December 2020. Additionally, 1 million are enrolled in the ACA’s Basic Health Program. Nearly 4 million previously-eligible adult Medicaid enrollees gained coverage under expansion due to the ACA’s enhanced outreach, streamlined applications, and increased federal funding under the ACA. According to health officials, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have experienced reductions in their uninsured rates since the implementation of the ACA, with states that expanded Medicaid experiencing the most significant decrease in their uninsured rate. For example, California, Kentucky, New

York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and West Virginia have reduced their uninsured rate by at least half from 2013 to 2019 through enrollment in Marketplace coverage and expansion of Medicaid to adult populations. Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid to

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cover adults under the ACA. “The Affordable Care Act has not only led to enhanced insurance coverage and dramatically reduced uninsured rates – but it’s lowered barriers to care, reduced people’s medical debt burdens, reduced out-of-pocket spending for a lot of people who had pre-existing conditions prior to

the Affordable Care Act’s reforms,” Dr. Sara Collins of the Commonwealth Fund, testified this month during a House Oversight Reform Committee. “So, this has been a substantial change – both for coverage rates and improving people’s financial security,” Collins stated.


THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022 Con’t from page 03

A Village Gathers

and heard of the opportunity at a meeting. “Newhallville is Albertus’s backyard,” Miller said. “We want to be present and connect with the community.” The Saturday clean up was also saw help from Quinnpiac University sophomores Jennifer Martinez, Mikayla Wojciak, Annaliese Kaufman, and Rachel Golden. The group was assigned to the Shepard Street project for the university’s day of service happening Saturday. The group worked to rake and shovel up the fall leaves at one corner of the garden. “It’s one of our responsibilities to make sure we don’t just come for eight months every year and contribute nothing,” Golden said. The group agreed the Saturday project was better than when they were assigned to clean up neighborhood garbage on the street for last year’s day of service. Members of the Center Church On The Green also showed up to work, having heard about the clean-up during an announcement at worship services the previous Sunday by Kimbrough. While cleaning the group harvested the last of the garden’s turnips and some took them as a reward for the hard work. The garden also has a message board at its center that allows for visitors to note down what watering and upkeep was done throughout the week. Last year was Kimbrough’s first time gardening. She continues to work in the garden daily and hopes to get help from her neighbors and local youth this season. “This is an outlet for me,” Kimbrough said. Kimbrough grilled up hotdogs and provided drinks and chips for the group of volunteers after nearly three hours of work in the multiple on and off down pours. Kimbrough was the last to head home, ready to shower and relax for the remaining Saturday. She said she planned to head to church Sunday morning to “pray over the garden” and give thanks for the volunteer support. Con’t from page14

BEING BLACK CAN COST

School and a cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, told a reporter that it made her “sick to her stomach” that, in certain parts of the country, patients were not getting angiograms prior to amputation and those decisions appeared to be made along racial and socioeconomic lines. America constantly touts its world-class health care. But that level of care is not for us. And unless we begin to strongly demand that adequate health care is our due, it will never be for us. Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps combat pilot and human rights activist who practices law in Virginia. His earlier commentaries may be found at https://oblayton1.medium.com/

New Haven Public Schools

Early Childhood Programs FREE and Sliding Scale 6-hour Programs for 3 and 4 Year Olds of low-income New Haven families Available in the following New Haven Public Schools:

• Benjamin Jepson Multi-Age School • Dr. Mayo Early Childhood School • Fair Haven School • John Martinez Sea & Sky STEM School • Lincoln-Bassett Community School • Truman School • Additional community locations also participate in the program. Contact: Esther Pearson-Pinckney, Head Start Social Service Coordinator at 475-220-1462/1463 or email: esther.pearson-pinckney@nhboe.net

NEW HAVEN

HeadStartNewHaven.com 475-220-1462 / 475-220-1463 19

We are Accepting Applications! How to Apply

Parents of 3 and 4 year olds are encouraged to apply.

Application begins with a phone call

Contact the Head Start Program or School Readiness Program at 475-220-1462/1463.

What you will submit with your Application 1) Proof of Age Child’s Birth Certificate OR Legal Custody/Guardianship Papers 2) Proof of Address Current utility bill (Gas, Electric, Phone, Cable) in your name 3) Proof of Income • 2 months of Current & Consecutive pay stubs OR W-2 or 1040 Tax Return • Budget Statement from the CT Department of Social Services or Social Security Office or Child Enforcement Bureau • Notarized Statement indicating Parent is unemployed • Additional forms may be requested 4) Proof of a Physical (within one year-to-date) • CT Department of Education Early Childhood Health Assessment Record • Anemia and lead level test results • TB assessment • Immunizations records • Seasonal flu vaccination • Health insurance card 5) Proof of a Dental Exam (within 6-months-to-date) Dental Exam record


THE INNER-CITY NEWS NEWS July - April , 2022 - April 2022 INNER-CITY 27, 13 2016 - August 02,19, 2016

INVITATION FOR QUALIFICATIONS

NOTICE Electric Vehicle Charging Station Equipment Vendor

New Haven, Connecticut VALENTINA MACRIParking RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE New Haven Authority Project #22-035

HOME INC, on behalf ofcations Columbus and the at New Haven Qualifi dueHouse April 28, 2022 3:00 P.M. Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develThe Qualifi cation Documents will be available via email beginning Aprillimitations 8, 2022 at apno opment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income cost by emailing Fortunata Houde, Executive Secretary at fhoude@nhparking.com . ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have New Parking Authority is an equalINC. opportunity/affi beenHaven received at the offices of HOME Applicationsrmative will be action mailiedemployer. upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

Invitation for Bid (IFB)

Elevator Preventive Maintenance and Repairs NOTICIA Solicitation Number: 211-AM-22-S

VALENTINA MACRIofVIVIENDAS ALQUILERd/b/a PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES The Housing Authority the City of DE Bridgeport Park City Communities (PCC) is currently seeking bids from qualified elevator companies to provide full-service elevaINC, enand nombre la Columbus House New Housing está tor HOME maintenance repairdeagency-wide, there yisdea la mix of Haven elevator types Authority, and locations. aceptandopackage pre-solicitudes estudiosony April apartamentos de un en este Solicitation will bepara available 11, 2022. Todormitorio obtain a copy of desarrollo the soliciubicado en la send calle your 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de reference ingresos tation you must request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please máximos.number Las pre-solicitudes disponibles a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando solicitation and title onestarán the subject line. 09 A pre-bid conference will Martes be held25at 2016 hasta se hanCT recibido suficientes (aproximadamente 100) 150julio, Highland Ave,cuando Bridgeport, 06604 on Aprilpre-solicitudes 26, 2022 @ 10:00 a.m. Although aten las is oficinas de HOMEsubmitting INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correoconference a petición tendance not mandatory, a bid for the project without attending is not in theabest interest the Offeror.durante Additional questions should deberán be emailed only llamando HOME INC alof203-562-4663 esas horas.Pre-solicitudes remitirse to bids@parkcitycommunities.org later than May 3, piso, 2022New at 3:00 P.M. Answers a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171noOrange Street, tercer Haven , CT 06510 . to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. Seal bids will be received until May 12, 2022 @ 10:00 a.m. at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

CHIEF APPRAISER

NEW HAVEN

This is a responsible technical and administrative position involving the assessment of real and personal property for ad valorem tax purposes. Applicants must have a bach242-258 Fairmont Ave elor’s degree in economics, fi nance, real estate or a related area, plus 4 years of responsible assessment or appraisal experience, or an equivalent of education 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 combination level , 1BA and experience. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Salary: $79,014 All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 to $101,097 annually plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Applications may be near bus stopResources & shopping downloaded from thehighways, Department of Human Webcenter Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Wallingford, 45860-985-8258 South Main Street, Pet under 40lb allowed. InterestedTown partiesofcontact Maria @ Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of May 2, 2022. Phone: (203) 294-2080, Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

DISPATCHER

The Town of Wallingford is seeking responsible candidates to perform 911, police, fire New Haven, CT andSt.EMS emergency dispatching duties. Must be able to work under stressful conditions and be able to type information with a high rate of speed and accuracy. Must be able to work all three shifts including weekends and holidays and be able to work additional shifts beyond the regular shift schedule. Requires a H.S. or business school diploma with courses in typing and 2 years of responsible office work experience. Wages: $ 23.72 ~ bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour Sealed $28.28 hourly plus shift differential and excellent fringe benefits. Closing date is May onofTuesday, 2016 at itswhichever office at occurs 28 Smith 2, until 2022, 3:00 or thepm date receipt ofAugust the 50th2,application, first.Street, Apply: Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone: 203-294-2080, Fax: 203-294-2084. EOE.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Seymour, CT OF at 10:00 am,OFonNORWALK, Wednesday, 20, 2016. THEStreet HOUSING AUTHORITY THE CITY CT IS July REQUESTING PROPOSALS FROM

CONSULTANTS OR ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING FIRMS FOR AN UPDATED PHYSICAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF 12 FEDERAL FINANCED HOUSING PROPERTIES. TO OBTAIN A COMPLETE COPY Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority OfOF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS, CONTACT GUILLERMO BENDANA, PROCUREMENT fice, 28 AT Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 HOUSING (203) 888-4579. SPECIALIST GBENDA@NORWALKHA.OGR NORWALK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ADAM BOVILSKY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

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

INVITATION FOR QUALIFICATIONS Electric Vehicle Charging Station Equipment Vendor New Haven, Connecticut New Haven Parking Authority Project #22-035

DRIVER CDL CLASS A Full Time – All Shifts Top Pay-Full Benefits EOE Please apply in person: 1425 Honeyspot Rd. Ext. Stratford, CT 06615

Qualifications due April 28, 2022 at 3:00 P.M. The Qualification Documents will be available via email beginning April 8, 2022 at no cost by emailing Fortunata Houde, Executive Secretary at fhoude@nhparking.com . New Haven Parking Authority is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Junior Accountant

Performs accounting tasks and duties in the Business Office of the Wallingford Electric Division. The position requires six (6) yrs. Of accounting experience with some accounting classes; or in lieu of thereof, a B.S. in accounting, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. $27.47 to $34.36 hourly plus and excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: The Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Application forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received, or April 25, 2022, whichever occurs first. EOE

SENIOR ENGINEER – WATER AND SEWER

This is a responsible technical engineering position involving planning and evaluating the collection, distribution and treatment systems of the Water and Sewer Divisions of the Town of Wallingford. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in civil or sanitary engineering plus seven years of progressively responsible experience in engineering utility operations, of which four years must be water or sewage related, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Salary: $91,470 to $117,031 annually plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Applications may be obtained at the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon Invitation to Bid: request from the Department of HumanndResources or may be downloaded from the Notice Department of Human Resources Web2Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of May 17, 2022. Phone: (203) 294-2080, Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

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

APPLY NOW!

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders Electrical, Top pay for topMechanical, performers. Health Plumbing and Fire Protection. Benefi ts, 401K, Vacation Pay.set-aside and contract compliance requirements. This contract is subject to state Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

TOWN PLANNER

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

Full-time position Go to www.portlandct.org for details 20

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Policy Development Coordinator. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions for this position is available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= 220330&R2=1581MP&R3=001 The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Town of Bloomfield Maintainer II Salary $28.58 hourly Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE. For Details go to HYPERLINK "http://www.bloomfieldct.org/" www.bloomfieldct.org


INNER-CITY 27,132016 - August 02,19, 2016 THE INNER-CITY NEWS NEWS -July April , 2022 - April 2022

NOTICE Experienced Commercial Property/Facilities Manager VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Fusco Management Company is seeking a qualified Property/Facilities HOME INC, onabehalf of Columbus House and the Haven Housing Authority, Manager with minimum of 3 to 5 years of New experience managing comis accepting pre-applications for organizational studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develmercial properties. Excellent and communication skills are opment located at 108 Frankinclude: Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations aprequired. Responsibilities ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and and ending when of sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) prephave Budgeting forecasting expenses - timely approval of invoices, been received thepackages offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon rearation of clientatbill quest by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preOversight ofmust maintenance andINC’s subcontractors - prioritizing and applications be returned staff to HOME offices at 171 Orange Street, Third scheduling work, reviewing work order requests, oversight and Floor, New project Haven, CT 06510. coordination of subcontractors to minimize disruption to the property

NOTICIA

Oversight of janitorial, landscaping, and other vendors inspections - continual follow up with subcontractors to ensure optimum performance

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Assists in developing specifications for bidding work and purchasing within HOME guidelines. INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo Maintaining and client relations - responding to de tenant reubicado en lapositive calle 109tenant Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones ingresos quests, follow up to ensureestarán completion máximos. Las pre-solicitudes disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25

julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) Excel, computer skills would helpful en lasWord oficinasand de Outlook HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes seránbe enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse Company will make best efforts to have the managed properties within a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 . counties in reasonable proximity to candidates home. Medical and dental benefits, 401k. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Please submit resumes to openjobs.group@fusco.com. Phone calls will not be accepted.

Federal Program NEW Waiting List Opening Notice HAVEN

Starting April 7, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. through April 21, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. the Housing 242-258 Fairmont Ave Authority of the City of Bristol (BHA) will accept pre-applications for efficiency, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units at Bonnie Acres, JKF Apartments and Gaylord Tow2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA ers. These units are for Elderly (62 and over) and Disabled individuals only. We will All new apartments, new appliances, carpet, close & I-95 also be accepting pre-applications for 1-, 2-, 3- new and 4-bedroom unitstoatI-91 Cambridge highways, bus stop & shopping center Park, a family site. All propertiesnear are rent-subsidized, and rent is based on the tenant’s income.Pet To under get qualifi information how to apply,Maria go to @ our860-985-8258 BHA website 40lbcation allowed. Interestedon parties contact www.bristolhousing.org or the United Way 211 Website at www.cthcvp.org. We are an equal housing provider and we do not discriminate based on race, color, CT. Unified Deacon’s Association pleasedor to offer a Deacon’s national origin, religion, sex,isactual perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates disability, marital or familial status. in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

Aviso de apertura de la lista de espera del Programa Federal

New Haven, CT A St. partir del 7 de abril de 2022 a las 8:30 a. m. hasta el 21 de abril de 2022 a las 4:30 p. m. la Autoridad de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Bristol (BHA) aceptará solicitudes para las unidades de 1 y 2 dormitorios en Bonnie Acres, JKF Apartments y Gaylord Towers. Esta lista es para personas mayores de 62 años o más y para personas discapacitadas. La renta es con subsidio y es basada en el ingreso del residente. También aceptaremos las lista de 1, 2, 3 y 4 Authority habitacionesofenthe Cambridge Esta Sealedsolicitudes bids are para invited by the Housing Town ofPark. Seymour lista es para familias. Para obtener información de calificación sobre cómo presentar until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, una solicitud para estas listas, visite nuestra página web de BHA www.bristolhousing. Seymour, CTweb 06483 for Concrete Repairs and Replacement at the org o la página de United Way 211 Sidewalk en www.cthcvp.org. Somos un proveedor de Assisted vivienda equitativa y no discriminamos por motivos de raza, Smithfield Gardens Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. color, origen nacional, religión, sexo, orientación sexual real o percibida, identidad de género, discapacidad, estado civil o familiar.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF NORWALK, CT IS REQUESTING PROPOSALS FROM CONSULTANTS OR ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING FIRMS FOR AN UPDATED PHYSICAL NEEDS Bidding documents areFINANCED availableHOUSING from the SeymourTOHousing OfASSESSMENT OF 12 FEDERAL PROPERTIES. OBTAIN AAuthority COMPLETE COPY OFfice, THE REQUEST FORStreet, PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS, CONTACT GUILLERMO BENDANA, PROCUREMENT 28 Smith Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. SPECIALIST AT GBENDA@NORWALKHA.OGR NORWALK HOUSING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ADAM BOVILSKY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

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

CITY OF MILFORD

Seeking qualified condidates to fill numerous vacancies to include, Deputy Assessor, Mechanic Sewer Line, Public Health Nurse and more. For information and detailed application instructions, visit www.ci.milford.ct.us Click on SERVICES, JOBS and JOB TITLE.

DELIVERY PERSON

NEEDED Must Have your Own Vehicle If Interested call

Part Time Delivery Needed One/Two Day a Week,

(203) 435-1387

DRIVER CDL CLASS A Full Time – All Shifts Top

Pay-Full Benefits

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR

THE ELM CITYCOMMUNITIES, HOUSING AUTHORITY OF NEWHAVEN

(ECC/HANH) MOVING TO WORK (MTW) FY2023 ANNUAL PLAN

Section II (C) of the Authority's Moving to Work Agreement {the "Agreement") requires that ECC/HANH hold at least one public hearing per Annual MTW submission and make the Annual MTW Plan available for public comment for at least thirty (30) days. The Agency agrees to take into account public comments on the program design, including comments from current tenants/participants to the extent such comments are provided are provided. The thirty (30) days comment period begins on Sunday, April 17, 2022 and copies of the Moving to Work (MTW) FY2023 Plan, will be made available on the agency website www.elmcitycommunities.org or via Twitter, www.twitter.com/ECCommunities or via Facebook www.facebook.com/ElmCityCommunities. You are invited to provide written comments addressed to: ECC/HANH, Moving to Work FY2023 Annual Plan, Attn: Evelise Ribeiro, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511 or via email to: eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org. Pursuant to said Section II (C), a public hearing where public comments will be accepted and recorded is scheduled for Monday, May 16, 2022 at 4:00pm via: RingCentral: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/975943490?pw=2e34ff6769797e68e96a95bb953d 0d81, Meeting ID: 975943490, Password: yozWY5m3ib.

Or dial 1 (650) 419-1505 Access Code / Meeting ID: 975943490 Dial-in password: 9699956342 Any individual requiring a Reasonable Accommodation to participate in the hearing may call the Reasonable Accommodation Manager (203) 498-8800, ext. 1507 or at the TDD Number (203) 497-8434.

EOE Please apply in person: 1425 Honeyspot Rd. Ext. Stratford, CT 06615Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice LAS COMUNIDADES DE LA CIUDAD DE ELM, AUTORIDAD SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE SENIOR ADMINITRATIVE DE VIVIENDA DE NEWHAVEN (ECC/HANH) MOVIMIENTO Old Saybrook, CT AL TRABAJO (MTW) PLAN ANUAL FY2023 (4 Buildings, 17 Units) Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project La Sección II (C) del Acuerdo de Traslado al Trabajo de la Autoridad (el "Acuerdo")

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA PARA

ASSISTANT Full-time position

requiere que ECC/HANH celebre al menos una audiencia pública por presentación de

MTW anual Demolition, y que el Plan de MTWCastanual esté disponible para comentario público duNewto Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Site-work, Go www.portlandct. rante al menos treinta (30) días. días. La Agencia acepta tener en cuenta los comentarios Concrete, Asphaltpúblicos Shingles,sobre VinylelSiding, org forin-place details diseño del programa, incluidos los comentarios de los inquilinos/ Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances,actuales Residential participantes en la Casework, medida en que se proporcionen dichos comentarios. El período de comentarios Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. de treinta (30) días comienza domingo 17 de abril de 2022 y State of Connecticut del Plan Moving to Work (MTW) FY2023 estarán disponibles en el sitio web This contract is subject to state set-aside las andcopias contract compliance requirements. Office of Policy de la agencia www.elmcitycommunities.org o a través de Twitter, www.twitter. com/ ECCommunities o a través de Facebook www.facebook.com/ElmCityCommunities. Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5,a2016 Lo invitamos proporcionar comentarios por escrito dirigidos a: ECC/HANH, Moving LEGAL NOTICE to Work15, FY2023 Annual Plan, Attn: Evelise Ribeiro, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, Anticipated Start: August 2016 Request for Proposals (RFP) for Services CT 06511 o por correo electrónico a: eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org. Project documents available via ftp link below: The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and ManDe conformidad con dicha Sección II (C), una audiencia pública donde se aceptarán y agement, is seeking proposals to provide certain serviceshttp://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage related to a Housing and Segregation Study. registrarán los comentarios públicos está programada para el lunes 16 de mayo de 2022 The intent of the request is to identify individuals a las 4:00 p. m. a través de: RingCentral: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/975943490 ?pw or firms with the necessary expertise to provide =2e34ff6769797e68e96a95bb953d0d81, Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com ID de reunión: 975943490, Contraseña: yozanalysis of the impact of federal and state housing programs within Connecticutthe on economic and racial HCC encourages participation of all Veteran,WY5m3ib. S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses segregation within a stated timeframe. Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 O marque 1 (650) 419-1505 The RFP is available online at: https://portal. Código de acceso / ID de reunión: 975943490 AA/EEO EMPLOYER ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard and https:// Contraseña de marcación: 9699956342 portal.ct.gov/OPM/Root/RFP/Request-For-

and Management

Proposals or from Pauline Zaldonis, Office of Policy and Management, Data and Policy Analytics Division, 450 Capitol Ave., MS#52DPA, Hartford, Connecticut 06106-1379. E-mail: dapa@ct.gov. Telephone (860) 418-6304. Deadline for response submission is 3:00 P.M., April 29, 2022.

21

Cualquier persona que requiera una Adaptación Razonable para participar en la audiencia puede llamar al Gerente de Adaptación Razonable (203) 498-8800, ext. 1507 o al Número TDD (203) 497-8434.


THEINNER-CITY INNER-CITY NEWS NEWS -July April , 2022 - April 19,2016 2022 27,13 2016 - August 02,

Construction

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valWe offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits id drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 621Contact: Tom Dunay VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE 1720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410. Phone: 860- 243-2300 HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom this develAffiatrmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to applyapartments Drug Free Workforce opment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apAffirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon reGarrity Asphalt Incduring seeks: CT Fence quest by calling HOMEReclaiming, INC at 203-562-4663 those hours.Large Completed pre- Company looking for an individual for our Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing PVCStreet, Fence Third Production Shop. Experience preferred but will applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange and clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the Northtrain the right person. Must be familiar with carpentry hand Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. east & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits & power tools and be able to read a CAD drawing and tape measure. Use of CNC Router machine a plus but not required, will train the right person. This is an in-shop production poContact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300 sition. Duties include building fence panels, posts, gates and Email: rick.touMust have a valid CT driver’s license & be able to obtain VALENTINAsignant@garrityasphalt.com MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDESmore. DISPONIBLES a Drivers Medical Card. Must be able to pass a physical and Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com. Affirmative Action/deEqual Opportunity HOME INC, en nombre la Columbus House y Employer de la New Haven Housing Authority, está AA/EOE-MF 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 porSeeking correo atopetición operating heavyde equipment; be willing to travel throughout the employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, llamando HOME INC alexcellent 203-562-4663 horas.Pre-solicitudes deberánand remitirse Northeast &aNY. We offer hourlydurante rate &esas excellent benefits operator teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT personal 06510 . transportation and a valid drivers license reReliable

NOTICE

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC. Request for Proposals Construction Monitor The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for a construction monitor. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ gateway

beginning on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 3:00PM.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Request for Proposals UCaaS

NOTICIA

Union Company seeks:

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

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

NEW HAVEN

Construction

quired. To apply please call (860) 621-1720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

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

Monday, March 28, 2022 at 3:00PM.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Request for Proposals Intelligent Document Management

Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals for intelligent document management. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm Drug Free Workforce City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing. Invitation to Bid: cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on nd State of Connecticut 2 Notice Office of Policy Monday, March 21, 2022 at 3:00PM. and Management

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V

242-258 Fairmont Ave 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units) The State of Connecticut, Office of Tax Exempt & Not Policy and Management is recruiting for Prevailing Wage Rate Project a Policy Development Coordinator.

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

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. A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any

Listing: Accounting

Accounting Department has an immediate opening in Accounts Receivable for an AR New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, CastFurther information regarding the duties, Specialist. This full time position in a fast-paced office requires good computer and oreligibility requirements and application in-place Concrete, Asphaltganizational Shingles, Vinyl Siding, skills, attention to detail, and multi-tasking. Benefits include health, dental instructions are available at: & LTD insurance plus 401(k). Send resume to: Human Resource Dept. P O Box 388,

Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework,

Guilford 06437 or by email to: HRdept@eastriverenergy.com https://www.jobapscloud.com/ Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing andCT Fire Protection. CT/sup/bulpreview.asp? This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. R1=220323&R2=1581MP&R3=001 ********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**********

The State of Connecticut is an equal Bid Extended, opportunity/affirmative action employer Due Date: August 5, 2016 and strongly encourages theAnticipated applications Start: August 15, 2016 of women, minorities, and persons Project documents available via ftpoflink below: is seeking a qualified individual to develop and implement the The Town Wallingford with disabilities.

Economic Development Specialist

marketing, business recruitment and retention programs for the Town of Wallingford. http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a college or university in economics, business, public administration, planning or related field, plus three (3) years’ experiFax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com ence in municipal economic development office or agency, or equivalent combination HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year - for year basis. Wages: Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 Full Time –Haynes All Construction Shifts Top $65,000 to 80,000 annually. The closing date for applications is April 14, 2022. ApAA/EEO EMPLOYER ply to: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Application materials can be emailed to wlfdhr@wallingEOE Please apply in person: fordct.gov. Application forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of 1425 Honeyspot Rd. Ext. Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone #: (203) 294-2080; Fax #: (203) 294-2084. EOE Stratford, CT 06615

DRIVER CDL CLASS A Pay-Full Benefits

22


THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE

Yale Institute of Sacred Music presents

Non-profit 501 (C) (3)

An evening with

KURT CARR and the Kurt Carr Singers In the Sanctuary PART OF THE PROGRAM IN MUSIC AND THE BLACK CHURCH

APRIL 10 AT 4:30 PM & 7:30 PM AN EVENING WITH

CHAKA KHAN

MARIANO RIVERA

JUNE 11

MLB LEGEND

Friday, April 22 • 7:45 pm Yale Divinity School: Old Refectory 409 Prospect

& BRANDON STEINER

Sports icons in conversation live on stage!

10-time Grammy Winner! “I’m Every Woman,” “Tell Me Something Good” and more

CORINNE BAILEY RAE

THE MAVERICKS

Opening Act: Melanie Charles

JUNE 24 & 25

MARCH 31

JUNE 22

In person (registration required) and via livestream Information and free registration at ism.yale.edu/KurtCarr

SUMMER GALA

Grammy Award-winner known for hits “Put Your Records On” and “Like A Star”

EN ESPAÑOL WORLD TOUR A night of Mavs favorites and new tunes from their upcoming album

203.438.5795 · RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG

23


THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 13, 2022 - April 19, 2022

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xfinity.com

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Offer ends 4/3/22. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New customers only. Limited to Gigabit Internet and one line of Xfinity Mobile Unlimited data. Savings based on combination of promotional discount for Gigabit Internet and Xfinity Mobile Unlimited discount as compared to regular rate for Gigabit Internet. Internet: Gig-speed WiFi requires Gigabit Internet and compatible xFi Gateway. WiFi is shareable across all devices in your home. Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. Many factors affect speed, including equipment performance, interference, congestion, and speeds of visited websites. WiFi speeds affected by additional factors, including distance from Gateway, home configuration, personal device capabilities, and others. For factors affecting speed visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement. All devices must be returned when service ends. Xfinity Mobile: Requires post-pay Xfinity Internet. Line limitations may apply. For Xfinity Mobile Broadband Disclosures visit: www.xfinity.com/mobile/policies/broadband-disclosures. Xfinity Mobile utilizes the network with the most RootMetrics 5G data reliability wins in 2H 2021. Results may vary. Award is not endorsement. Xfinity customers will auto-connect to Xfinity WiFi when available and not use the wireless network. RootMetrics did not test WiFi networks. Call for restrictions and complete details. NPA239608-0003 NED-AA-BMD-V5

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