INNER-CITY NEWS by INNER-CITY NEWS

INNER-CITY July29 27, 2016-- April August 02, 2016 THE INNER-CITY NEWS NEWS March , 2017 04, 2017

Fixing Obamacare! Improve The Affordable Care Act) Financial Justice a(How KeyTo Focus at 2016 NAACP Convention New Haven, Bridgeport

INNER-CITYNEWS Volume 27 No. 2226 Volume 21. No. 2194

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

Renowned Singer, Actress & Original Member of the Negro Ensemble Company

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems:

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SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY’S

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Antunes, at center, with Alders Delphine Clyburn and Sal DeCola. 1

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

Connecticut’s Anti-Poverty Agencies Would Be Devastated By Trump’s Budget by Christine Stuart NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

HARTFORD, CT — Federal anti-poverty programs started more than 50 years ago to help the neediest Americans would be completely wiped out by Republican President Donald Trump’s budget. Connecticut’s nine Community Action Agencies that administer funding from those programs would likely have to shutter their doors or try to stay open and offer fewer services to Connecticut residents, if Trump’s budget is approved. More than 200 employees and clients of those nine agencies were at the state Capitol in Hartford Thursday to remind lawmakers that any additional funding cuts would further devastate and possibly eliminate their agencies. The agencies, which are federally funded through the Community Services Block Grant and receive some state funding, served more than 357,500 people last year. Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has proposed cutting the funding for the agencies by about 20 percent. Trump’s budget would completely eliminate the programs that the agencies offer. Trump’s proposal would eliminate the Community Services Block Grant, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Weatherization Assistance Pro-

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE

Radcliff Bowen was helped by the Community Renewal Team

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE

Amos Smith, president and CEO of Community Action Agency of New Haven

gram, and Meals on Wheels Program. Early estimates provided by the Connecticut Association for Community Action show that the state receives $7.2 million from the

Community Services Block Grant, $80 million from the Low Income Heating Assistance Program, and $2.3 million for weatherization. Trump’s budget outline suggests

that the Community Services Block Grant funds are “duplicative of other Federal programs, such as emergency food assistance and employment services, and is also a limited-impact program.” “If the governor and the president’s proposals pass, the impact would be huge,” Deborah Monahan, executive director of the Thames Valley Council for Community Action, said. “In Connecticut — and across the country — millions of people in need will be left without nutritious foods, heat to stay warm, adequate housing, and other services that they need to maintain their lives.” She said Trump’s budget proposal would wipe out “the nation’s safety net, which is the Community Action Agencies.” Peter DeBiasi, president and CEO of the Access Community Action Agency, said they were in Washington when Trump released his budget proposal. He said Connecticut’s congressional delegation is opposing the cuts and there’s bipartisan support for maintaining funding for community action agencies. Rep. Toni Walker, D-New Haven, who co-chairs the Appropriations Committee, said she thought cutting more than $850 million from last year’s budget was tough. She said this year the deficit is even bigger. But she doesn’t want to focus solely

on spending cuts this year. “We’ve got to start talking about the revenues,” Walker said. “That has got to be a conversation for all of us.” Radcliffe Bowen said he was helped by the Community Renewal Team of Hartford, one of the nine community action agencies. Bowen said when he received a foreclosure notice for his house he didn’t know who to turn to for help. A friend told him about the Community Renewal Team and they helped him get a mortgage modification. He said without their help he would have lost his home because he was unable to compete with the team of lawyers hired by the bank. Amos Smith, president and CEO of the Community Action Agency of New Haven, said the reality is “we change people’s lives.” He said they embody the spirit of “hope” that makes America a better place to live. “We are about everybody. We care about the whole community,” Smith said. He said they were at the state Capitol Thursday because “there are people in D.C. and Hartford that want to take that away from you, and that ain’t right.” He said “you can’t promise jobs to people while taking the very life and breath out of their bodies.” The crowd of clients and employees applauded.

Malloy Budget Chief Continues To Use January Revenue Estimates by Christine Stuart

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

HARTFORD, CT — The Office of Policy and Management isn’t necessarily buying an argument from nonpartisan budget analysts that tax revenue will drop following the April 15 tax deadline. Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management Ben Barnes wrote in his letter to state Comptroller Kevin Lembo Monday that they are using the January revenue numbers to project that the state will end the year with a $22 million surplus. “As noted in previous forecasts, April collections reflecting final income tax receipts will be the most significant factor in deter-

mining year-end balance,” Barnes wrote. He estimated that the state will end the year with a $22 million surplus, which is much different than the deficit the Office of Fiscal Analysis estimated just last month. In its Feb. 27 report to lawmakers, the Office of Fiscal Analysis predicted the state would end the year with a $65.2 million deficit. In their report, legislative budget analysts attribute the deficit to a projected $60 million drop in personal income tax collections. Estimated personal income tax payments are down approximately 9 percent year-over-year, but 90 percent of that variance is due to the top 100 taxpayers with the remainder of filers trending flat,

CTNEWSJUNKIE FILE PHOTO

Office of Policy and Management Secretary Ben Barnes

according to legislative budget analysts. Last year, Connecticut

lost more than $217 million in tax revenue because the top 50 tax-

payers lost more than $2.9 billion in income. OFA said that “the majority of taxpayers are utilizing ‘safe harbor’ provisions in the tax code which may be masking underlying strength for those filers.” The withholding portion of the income tax was also down over the past month, which prompted OFA to reduce the growth rate from 2.7 to 2.2 percent and lower its expectations by $30 million. Barnes avoids projecting any revenue trends in the monthly letter he sent Monday to Lembo. OFA will release their latest projections next week and Lembo will unveil his budget estimates on April 1.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO

Babz Rawls Ivy

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

Advertising/Sales Team Trenda Lucky Keith Jackson Delores Alleyne John Thomas, III

Editorial Team Staff Writers

Christian Lewis/Current Affairs Anthony Scott/Sports Arlene Davis-Rudd/Politics

Contributing Writers David Asbery Tanisha Asbery Jerry Craft/Cartoons Barbara Fair

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

_______________________

Contributors At-Large

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

Memberships

National Association of Black Journalist National Newspapers Publishers Association Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Greater New Haven Business & Professional Association 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. 203-3870354 phone; 203-387-2684 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.

Would 5 Miles Per Hour Make A Difference? by THOMAS BREEN

speed limits on 2,400 miles of its city streets a few months ago. Paris is currently at 40 percent 20 mile per hour streets, and they’re going to 80 percent in a few years. And in Edinburgh, they found that, with 20 mile per hour speed limits, the number of kids biking to school jumped from 3 percent to 22 percent. Most importantly, if you go from 25 to 20, a person hit is twice as likely to survive. It’s really important for children in New Haven to have that same benefit.”

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Two Alden Avenue neighbors offered different takes on how to slow down cars on their street — while lawmakers tried to figure out how much control they have over how fast people can legally drive in town. The two-hour trip down Transportation Policy Road took place Tuesday night at a hearing at City Hall of the Board of Alders’ Public Safety and City Services & Environmental Policy committees. The hearing concerned a proposed bill by Beaver Hills Alder Richard Furlow to explore the best ways to calm traffic and possibly lower the speed limit on city (as opposed to state) roads from 25 to 20 miles per hour. “When I was growing up in the area,” Furlow said during his opening testimony at the hearing, “we were able to play on the street and ride our bicycles without one concern about being run over by a distracted driver. I think that [a 20 mph limit] is important because it’s going to assist with traffic calming, which needs to happen in three ways: police enforcement, driver education, and lowering the speed limit.” 2 Views On Alden While much of the public testimony at Tuesday’s hearing was in support of the push to lower the speed limit, two neighbors from Alden Avenue in Westville offered conflicting views on Furlow’s proposal. “I think part of making New Haven a livable city is making it a walkable, runnable, bikeable, and also a drivable city,” said Jim Owen, a retiree who has lived in New Haven for 44 years. “If New Haven wants to get serious about decreasing speeds, it’s not going to make a whole lot of difference how fast the speed is on a one-way street like Burton Street, because it’s one block long and people aren’t likely to be driving more than 25 miles per hour on it.”

Antunes, at center, with Alders Delphine Clyburn and Sal DeCola.

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO

Furlow: Drivers go too fast.

“On Alden Avenue, and even on Edgewood Avenue, it’s not realistic to have a 20 mile per hour speed limit,” he continued. “You almost go to 20 miles per hour without pressing on the accelerator. If we can afford to hire enough policemen to enforce the speed limits, then I think their priorities should be in the areas where people are speeding the most, and where we have the most

accidents.” Up next was Data Haven executive director Mark Abraham, who also lives a block away from Owen on Alden Avenue. “New Haven is very, very behind the curve,” Abraham argued. “Many cities are establishing blanket 20 mile per hour speed limits on residential streets. The Seattle City Council just voted to set 20 mile per hour

The City Can Change the Speed Limit. Kind of. Despite the general enthusiasm for lowering the speed limit among the alders and the public, notwithstanding Owen’s testimony, alders learned during the hearing that they may have less authority than they realized to change speed limits. On the one hand, Corporation Counsel John Rose provided a memorandum citing state law that identifies the Board of Police Commissioners as the city’s traffic authority, and thereby the local entity that had the necessary power to set speed limits. Transit chief Doug Hausladen noted that all requests by the city’s traffic authority in regards to changing speed limits must be submitted to the Office of the State Traffic Administration (OSTA) for review and approval. “That seems like a bit of a Catch 22,” said committee co-chair and Quinnipiac Meadows Alder Gerald Antunes said. “If the state statute says we can change it, why do we have to go to them for approval? If we set it, and they deny it, then where are we?” According to an OSTA Frequently Asked Questions documented provided by Hausladen, the city’s traffic agency is recognized by the state as a Local Traffic Agency (LTA), which has the unencumbered ability to set speed limits on private roads, but only an advisory capacity for determining speed limits on local, public roads. During the meeting, Police Commission Chair Tony Dawson said he was formally granting Hausladen’s department permission to take the lead on submitting speed limit change requests to OSTA, and then to let the Board of Police Commissioners know the results of those requests.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

The Rise of the 21st Century Sisterhood A Note to my Sisters By by Roberta Hoskie, Founder, Millionaire Mindset Sisterhood Unity, Trust, Purpose, Passion and Prosperity are the words that come to mind to describe the Ms. Millionaire Mindset Sisterhood. In the world we live in, it is very easy to feed into the negative energy that surrounds us daily. We get caught up in appearances, material things, and being at the top. More times than not, being the “Queen B” involves stepping on a fellow Sister to get there. It is unfortunate that these behaviors are normalized as long as they are temporarily beneficial. At some point this hateful behavior must stop. Not only does it hurt our fellow Sister, but it hurts us by weakening our God given bond as Women. Far too often, we engage in gossip and are overly concerned with what the next Sister is doing, wearing, and saying that we lose the focus on repairing and healing the woman in the mirror. To be honest, we need each other to survive. I have often said, “No Man gains success living on an Island”. As human beings, we are designed to grow from one another. The language we speak; how we speak, and how we think has been cultivated by our parents, fam-

ily, and friends. Even if we weren’t raised by our biological parents, someone gave us a part of their intellect that makes the person we are today. Take a minute to think about how you cook. Who taught you their favorite recipe? Who taught you how much sugar to put into the sweet potato pie? Or how to season the

collard greens just right? Even if you looked up the recipe, somebody somewhere was sharing the information with you. There is no way around it. There is nothing we can do about it. We are all connected. I am reminded of the story about the Tower of Babel located in Genesis: 11, in one of my favorite books,

The Bible. It speaks about how the people decided to build a tower to heaven. They were unstoppable people, except through God, because they spoke one language, had the same goals and were unified. “The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them to do”. Therefore, God confused their language, thus the name Tower of Babel. Reading this, I am reminded of how strong the power of unity is and that it’s a universal law; meaning it will work for good or bad. Unity is so powerful, that even the bible states that when in Unity “Nothing they plan to do will be impossible”. The law of synergism is another powerful Universal Law. This law states that when the joint actions of people are brought together in unity they increase each other’s effectiveness. Take note, that by this same thought process, the exact opposite is also true. If we are in division it increases our ineffectiveness. It is our goal within the Ms. Millionaire Mindset Sisterhood to develop an environment for Women to work together in Unity, while simultaneously creating powerful and economically beneficial syner-

gies. Our Ms. Millionaire Mindset Sisterhood is not built with today in mind, but for Centuries to come. This is more than a standard Women Empowerment movement. This is Legacy Building. We invite you to help us celebrate “The RISE of the 21st Century Sisterhood”, at our Ms. Millionaire Mindset Sisterhood Inaugural Gala on Saturday, April 15, 2017, 6pm at The Water’s Edge; 1525 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, CT. Tickets can be purchased on www.Eventbrite. com. The Ms. Millionaire Mindset Sisterhood Mission Statement: Ms. Millionaire Mindset Sisterhood is a National Faith based Sisterhood devoted to breaking the curse of poverty over our lives and the lives of our loved ones. We exemplify the Power of Unity, the Power of Loyalty, and the Power of Group Economics. We are personally committed to the Professional and Economic Development of ourselves and that of our fellow Sisters. We are women who change generations, build legacies, and create wealth. We are in constant pursuit of Our Divine Purpose and Our Divine Passions that create Our Divine Prosperity.

Fixing Obamacare! (How To Improve The Affordable Care Act) by William Spivey, Noted Blogger, ICN Contributor It’s time to start talking about specific fixes for Obamacare, also known as The Affordable Care Act (ACA). Make no mistake that the overall solution will be complex. In a perfect world the solution might well be to repeal and replace The ACA with a single-payer solution which maybe is what Democrats should have gone for in 2009 instead of trying to compromise with Republicans who ultimately wouldn’t cast a single vote for the bill. I have two suggestions that will

have a major impact on the fortunes of the bill. Based on reversing the attempts of Republicans to sabotage the Act. The Act that Paul Ryan grudgingly acknowledges is “the law of the land.” If we follow the path of Republican instruction and sabotage. It provides a light on the way to begin fixing it.

The first step is for all the states that refused to expand Medicaid to now do so. It was thought by Democrats that the reasons for participating in the expansion were so compelling for their own residents than no Republican Governor’s or state legislatures could refuse to accept the funds. Little did they know the obstinacy of the generally rich men with government provided health care to deny their less well to do citizens a bit of the same. Kansas and North Carolina are

already working to expand Medicaid in their states. Before the Presidential election, Nebraska, Idaho, South Dakota, and Georgia were considering expansion which they put on hold when they were certain the ACA would be repealed. The epic failure of Trump/Ryan to eliminate the ACA may have them reconsidering. Think of the positive impact on the laws financial projection and the health benefits to more citizens if Florida, Texas, and all of the 17 states that didn’t expand the ACA simply did so? I’ve written to my Congresswoman to suggest she request a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score, depicting the results and increase in coverage if the 17 holdout states accepted the Medicaid expansion. Of course the word simply doesn’t apply because not only to the Governor’s of those states need

to be convinced. Many Republican controlled states, fortified by gerrymandering. Will still be stubborn opponents to provide to the have-not’s what they themselves take for granted. It will require the same types of pressure as recently applied across the country at town halls held by Congress members. Instead of confronting Congressmen and Senators the focus should be on State legislators an Governor’s to enact the will of the people. The second fix is to undo the sabotage that Sen. Marco Rubio and others did to the ACA in secret. They reduced funding for the obscure “risk-corridors” which basically made insurance companies whole if they lost money by covering those with pre-existing conditions and heaven forbid, sick people. The withdrawal from some markets by insurers was not based

on the failure of Obamacare but the deviousness of Rubio et.al. A bonus third thing is to boycott companies like Aetna who withdrew coverage from profitable areas to punish the government for opposing their merger. Much as the Republicans spoke of “repeal and replace” for seven years without actually having a plan. It’s incumbent on Democrats and indeed the people to make specific demands to fix the ACA. Expand Medicaid Restore Risk Corridors Boycott companies that harm citizens William Spivey blogs at www. EnigmaInBlack.wordpress.com. He can be reached at spiveywilliamf@ gmail.com twitter @wspiv001

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

Elm Shakespeare Teen Troupe Presents The Tempest

Photo: Teen Troupe members Sam Weinmann and Margeaux Ivy in “Julius Caesar” For more information www.elmshakespeare.org

Join us! Talented teen actors from all over the New Haven area have come together to create this magical ensemble production of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The story follows Prospero, exiled Duke of Milan, and powerful sorcerer. For twelve years, he and his daughter Miranda have been living on an island with only MARCH Ariel, an airy spirit, and Caliban, a half human, half magical beast. FOURPLAY This is Shakespeare’s story of bitter revenge,Live magic, and the power in Concert! FRI that the “rarer actions”-- forgiveness and compassion--ultimately have over both. APRIL PETER WHITE

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KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR TO DELIVER SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY’S 2017 FUSCO DISTINGUISHED LECTURE

New Haven, Conn. – On Friday, May 5 at 7 p.m., Southern Connecticut State University will host Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the speaker for the 19th Mary and Louis Fusco Distinguished Lecture. Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a sixtime NBA champion. He is also a New York Times best-selling author, and a regular contributing columnist for The Washington Post and Time Magazine, where he shares his thoughts on some of the most socially and politically relevant topics in our nation. In 2008, he was diagnosed with early stage chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), making his struggle public and leading a high-profile awareness campaign. His talk will weave together personal perspectives on his career, the challenges we all face in life, and the issues confronting America today, inspiring us with the healing power of the human spirit. His new political book, Writings on the Wall – Searching for a New Equality Beyond Black and White, was released fall 2016 by Time Books and offers his personal perspectives on political issues facing America today. Late last year, his HBO Sports documentary, Kareem: Minority of One, debuted as HBO’s most watched and most highly rated sports documentary of all time. Abdul-Jabbar serves as the chairman of his Skyhook Foundation, whose mission is to “Give Kids a

& PAUL TAYLOR

The Teen Troupe performance of Tempest is at SCSU Lyman CenJUNE ter for the Performing Arts in the Drama Lab on DULFER April 7th & 8th at CANDY SPECIAL DOUBLE BILL! 3pm & 7pm. Tickets are $10 at the door.

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Shot That Can’t be Blocked” by bringing educational STEM opportunities to underserved communities through innovative outdoor environmental learning. In 2012, Kareem was appointed to be the only U.S. Cultural Ambassador by then-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. In 2016, President Obama awarded Abdul-Jabbar with the nation’s highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal of Freedom. A portion of the proceeds from the Distinguished Lecture Series

supports SCSU’s Endowed Awards of Excellence, a merit-based scholarship program. Abdul-Jabbar’s lecture will take place at SCSU’s John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $25-30, and a $125 VIP Reception Package is also available (limited availability, includes premium seating, post-lecture reception with photo opportunity and autographed book). For tickets, call (203) 392-6154 or visit go.southernct.edu/dls/.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

Yale Psych Prof Warns Against Legalization by MARKESHIA RICKS NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Hartford — A Yale expert on the health impacts of marijuana spent more than two hours cautioning legislators against legalizing the drug, saying a safe system might theoretically exist but he hasn’t seen one. Citing his own research and a recent report out of Colorado, psychiatry professor Dr. Deepak D’Souza warned members of the state legislature’s Judiciary Committee Wednesday during a public hearing on bills that would legalize recreational use of marijuana about the potential impact on teens, drivers and those with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia. The bills in question have the backing of lawmakers from New Haven, who cite the high level of support in the state for legalization and the potential profit for the state. D’Souza spent nearly two and a half hours fielding questions, particularly from committee members from the Elm City. D’Souza serves as the director of the Schizophrenia Neuropharmacology Research Group at the Yale School of Medicine and is the director of the Neurobiological Studies Unit for the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and the director of VA-CMHC Schizophrenia Research Clinic. And he has been studying the effects of drugs like marijuana on the brain for 25 years.

MARKESHIA RICKS PHOTOS Walker presses D’Souza on which studies to trust.

D’Souza: Teens will become addicted.

Porter: Is pot worse than prescription drugs for insomnia?

Winfield: How good is this data?

He told lawmakers Wednesday that there is “absolutely no question,” given the results of both human an animal scientific studies, that cannabis is addictive. Studies suggest that about 10 percent of people who will try marijuana

will become addicted to it. He said there also is no question that the use of cannabinoids impairs driving. He cited growing evidence that adolescent exposure to marijuana puts them at risk for impaired cognitive function and at

higher risk for more serious mental health problems. His work at Yale involves placebo controlled double blind studies. Participants in the study are separated into groups. Some people are given different doses of cannabis; others are given a placebo and asked to perform tests. A study currently underway is looking at the impacts of people who take a drink and a dose of cannabis and simulate driving. “I can tell you that in the studies that I’ve done over the past 25 years, I don’t see any people performing better under the influence of cannabis,” he told committee members. “They generally perform worse on most of the tests we do.” D’Souza debunked a myth Wednesday that is popular among those who oppose legalizing marijuana: that cannabis is a gateway drug to more intense or harder drug use. He simultaneously debunked a myth popular among some supporters of legalization: that weed isn’t addictive. He said people who are addicted to cannabis suffer withdrawal symptoms. But he also acknowledged that marijuana is not as addictive as, say, cocaine. In fact, when asked to rank the addictiveness of among legal and illegal substances including cocaine, opioids, alcohol and nicotine, he ranked marijuana at the bottom. But he also emphasized the results of a recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Health that found that one of three people who smoke

Rosalind Cash: Renowned Singer, Actress & Original Member of the Negro Ensemble Company by BlackThen.com Intelligent and spunky Rosalind Cash was an American singer and actress who often played strong black female roles in Hollywood. Her best known film role is as Charlton Heston’s character’s love interest Lisa, in the 1971 science fiction film, The Omega Man. To soap opera audiences, she is best remembered as Mary Mae Ward on General Hospital from 1994 to 1995. Cash was born on December 31, 1938 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She was the second of four chil-

dren. She graduated with honors from Atlantic City High School in 1956 and later attended City College of New York. Cash appeared in the 1962 revival of Fiorello! and was an original member of the Negro Ensemble Company, founded in 1968. In 1973, she played the role of Goneril in King Lear at the New York Shakespeare Festival alongside James Earl Jones’s Lear. She appeared on numerous television sitcoms, including What’s Happening!!, Good Times, Barney Miller, Benson, Police Woman. Cash was nominated for an Emmy

Award for her work on the PBS production of Go Tell it On the Mountain. In 1996, she was posthumously nominated for an Emmy Award, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, for her role on General Hospital. Cash also supplied the voices of Sesame Street Muppet Roosevelt Franklin’s mother and sister, Mary Frances, on the 1970 record album The Year of Roosevelt Franklin, Gordon’s Friend from Sesame Street. Rosalind Cash died of cancer on October 31, 1995; she was 56.

marijuana on a daily basis reported problems associated with the use of cannabis. Digging In New Haven State Rep. Toni Walker asked D’Souza if he knows of a correlation between the 10 percent addiction rate and the 10 percent of people with addictive personality disorder classified in the the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). D’Souza responded that there is no correlation. “Having an addictive personality and being addicted to marijuana are two completely separate issues,” he said. “You can have an addictive personality and never get addicted to anything.” D’Souza said that addiction is part genetic liability, part environment and availability of the substance to which you become addicted. Walker also asked why lawmakers should trust the data that he’s cited over other studies such as one done by AAA on traffic fatalities in Washington State, which legalized marijuana in 2012. “I appreciate this is a very new and very controversial. However the use of marijuana has been around for centuries,” Walker said. In the studies that she’s read, particularly for Washington State, marijuana use was not the main factor in the crashes, she said. “I’m just trying to point out is that there is sound foundational research that’s out there,” she said. “I’m not saying marijuana use doesn’t affect your ability to drive. But so does alcohol, so do [other] drugs, so does eating and distracted driving. I think we have to realize there is lot of different information out there just as much to contradict some of the things that you are saying.” D’Souza respectfully disagreed particularly, he said, if you look beyond Washington State and even the United States, to research from Europe and Australia. “There is absolutely no doubt that exposure to marijuana results in higher rate of motor vehicle accidents,” he said. New Haven State Rep. Robyn Porter about about a common use for cannabis—the treatment Con’t from page 14

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

Learn To Swim

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

A LEAPer learns to swim.

The following was submitted by Elvert Eden, director of youth development and aquatics at LEAP. LEAP provides swim lessons for a fee for children and adults who want to learn to swim or who already know the basics but want to improve their skills. Classes start March 27, 2017. Currently LEAP provides class for children ages 5 to 15, and adults 18 and up. All participants may take swim classes whether they are in LEAP’s regular programs or not. Swim classes are provided at our pool at 31 Jefferson Street in New Haven. You can sign up for either Mondays & Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Children classes run for 45 minutes

starting at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m., and adults swim every Monday & Wednesday at 8 p.m. The full five week program (10 total classes) costs $100 per child and $120 per adult, and must be paid in advance. Discounts are not given if you miss a class. You can pay at the front desk at LEAP via check or with cash. Checks can be made payable to “LEAP”. You can sign up for swim classes by stopping by the LEAP office, and filling out an application and waiver form for your child. To make things easier, print out and fill out the form beforehand. You can also give us a call to see what times and spaces are still available: (203) 773-0770.

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CASEY-O'BRIEN NEW HAVEN COUNTY CHAPTER NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION SCHOLAR ATHLETES 2017 By Bill O’Brien, Chapter President The 57th anniversary of the CaseyO’Brien New Haven County Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will be on Friday March 31 at Fantasia, 404 Washington Ave, North Haven. A reception will begin at 5:30 pm a with the march to the head table at 6:30 pm. Twenty-seven high school and prep school athletes who play football will be honored for academic excellence, leadership and citizenship. “Once again we are honoring and outstanding group of young men”, said Bill O’Brien chapter president. “Their accomplishments in the classroom, on the field and in the community bring honor and distinction to their parents, their school and their community”. In addition, other award winners include legendary East Haven coach Frank Crisafi who coached football and basketball for over 30 years each, and baseball for 9, winning a combined 772 games, 12 Housatonic Championships, 6 state championships and the New England Class B basketball championship in 1954. The East Haven football field was named after him in 1973. The Chapter Award of Merit will be presented to two long time chapter members and coaches for their years of service to the chapter. Retiring coaches Tom Marcucci of Notre Dame and Steve Filippone of Daniel Hand have been coaching for fortythree and thirty-eight years respectively and have a combined total of 402 wins and 9 state championships over the years. The chapter Coach of the Year will be presented to Reggie Lytle of Hillhouse winners of the Class M State Championship in 2016. The Academics finished 9-1 during the regular season and swept the Class M playoffs with wins over New Fairfield, Killingly and St Joseph in the title game to finish 12-1. In addition Michael Moran of North Haven will receive the Official Recognition Award as selected by the New Haven Football Officials Association. An official since 1994 Moran has officiated five CIAC state playoff games. The chapter will also present championship awards to Ansonia the Class S champions and Hillhouse the Class M winners. Tickets can be purchased for $50 by sending a check payable to ‘National Football Foundation’ to Donna Limone, 10 Ludlow Court, Branford 06405 or by calling her at 203-481-8375. See www.newhavenfootballfoundation. com for further information.

CREED- Kenneth Andersen (from West Haven and attends Career) with mother Adrianna and coach Brandon McCormick

HILLHOUSE- Alvin Weekes with aunt Sherrie Oliver and coach Reggie Lytle

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

How the Search for Greek Shenanigans Has Diminished Black Greekdom by Daryl Lowe, J.D. HBCUDigest.com

As a higher-ed administrator, I am always in search of ways to develop students to have the highest moral character, but to also be cognitively aware of the world that they live in. A world of social media and all of its excesses. I currently serve as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at an HBCU and recently had the opportunity to watch Netflix’s film ‘Burning Sands,’ a movie about black Greek-life and hazing. The film clearly shines a light on a problem that we all know exist and needs conscious correcting. But what if you are a current member of an organization and experience conduct within the organization that is the opposite of what is reasonably considered brotherly, and sisterly in the land of Black Greekdom? What if Black Greek Unity is nothing more than perfunctory carried out by routine superficiality? Over the course of last weekend and presently, that has been my reality. And because of it, I have lowered my personal expectations of Black Greekdom. But if I am the Student

Affairs administrator that I claim to be, then I see my experience as an opportunity to empirically educate, develop and support our students. I want to demonstrate to my students and to others that current citizenship in the land of Black Greekdom does not discharge you of potential pain and negativity. More importantly, I want to illustrate to our students that they are capable of creating an environment of civil-

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ity coupled with Black Greek unity, where hazing and misconduct are not condoned, and survivors of incidents of abuse will be supported by the campus community. On March 11, 2017, I told my best friend, who is also a member of a black Greek-letter fraternity that I wanted to give him a tour of the campus where I work. While on campus, we took various pictures beside the plaques and monuments of our designated organizations. I decided that I would perform a stroll, a signature move commonly associated with the fraternity of which I am a member of. I intentionally posted the video to my Instagram account not to offend or harm the organization, but because I was proud to be a member. Within a matter of minutes, I received a direct message from a fellow member of my organization, but from a different chapter. I had never met this person, but he informed me that I should remove the video or that it could be re-posted on an account designated to humiliate

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people, and that he was just “looking out” for me. I responded to this individual by thanking him for his “concern” but that the video would remain posted on my account. While his attempt might have been in good spirit, I couldn’t help but consider that his statements might have been intended as a form of intimidation. By Sunday evening the video had been uploaded to various social media accounts designated for members of my organization, as well as sororities. The video was uploaded in an attempt to humiliate and delegitimize my membership. This was evident by the comments that were made by the owner of the account and their followers. What was critically disturbing was that the majority of the vitriolic comments about me were made by members of my very own organization; members who are supposed to be my brothers based upon the “bond” of the overall fraternity. We have countless brothers and sisters who join our organizations,

but refuse to associate with their respective organizations due to how they have been treated by those they call, “brothers or sisters.” I recently spoke with a woman who informed me that she has not had any contact with her organization for over 20 years, based upon how she had been treated by other members. The psychological yearning to be accepted and perceived “made” was so strong on the end of those spearing comments that to assert and masquerade vitality to their membership, they could not resist the urge to vilify me in the process. And this declaration is also true for those who watched, viewed and knew what was being done, yet still remained silent out of fear of retaliation. It is undeniable how this yearning for acceptance can be so coercive, but should also be rejected and prohibited in all respects. Dating back to the twentieth century, the original intent of Black Greek-Letter organizations’ was to unite college students dedicated to unspeakable triumph, and fostering a kinship unparalleled in an environment where you truly had no choice but to be your “brother’s/ sister’s keeper.” I recall Kappa League members coming to my elementary school and teaching me how to read and write. It was these notions that planted and nurtured the seed inside of me to become a member of this organization. Even in my infant stages of membership, I loved the mission and objectives of my fraternity. I love the contributions and the work that they perform to assist society. Most of all, I am honored that I was granted membership into this sacred bond. If I thought for one moment that my actions would cause embarrassment and disgrace to the organization, I certainly would not have acted in furtherance of it. But they were just words, right? No one physically harmed me. However, candor would oblige me to be honest about my humanity. Words hurt because words are things, and these things hurt me. Maya Angelou opines that we must measure the power of words and be careful about the words that we use against one another. We must be conscientious in resisting the urge to be Keyboard Gangsters, operating under a false sense of hubris. Brotherhood and sisterhood cannot be taught in the Silo mentality and in lip service. It must be clearly Con’t on page 16

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

Jeanette Epps to Become First Black Crewmember on International Space Station By Shantella Y. Sherman, AFRO/NNPA Member NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps is set to become the first Black crewmember on the International Space Station when she goes into space next year, the space agency announced Jan. 4. Epps’ monthslong trip should begin in 2018, and it will mark the first time she has traveled to orbit, allowing her to follow in the footsteps of the women who, she said, inspired her to become an astronaut. Epps was selected by NASA in 2009. While other Black astronauts have flown to the Space Station for brief stays during the outpost’s construction, Epps will be the first Black crewmember to live and work on the station for an extended period of time. Her journey aboard the Soyuz spacecraft and stay at the station places her as the only American and female among a crew made up of mostly Russians and men. “I’m a person just like they are. I do the same work as they do,” Epps told a group of STEM students at her Syracuse alma mater, Danforth Middle

School. “If something breaks, anyone of us will have to be able to go out the door. We have to be jacks of all trades. It’s not a job that’s like any other.” While working on her doctorate, Epps was a NASA Graduate Student Researchers Project fellow, authoring several journal and conference articles about her research. After completing her graduate studies, Epps worked in a research lab for more than two years, coauthoring multiple patents, before

troduced to the idea that she could be an astronaut. “It was about 1980, I was nine years old. My brother came home and he looked at my grades and my twin sisters’ grades and he said, ‘You know, you guys can probably become aerospace engineers or even astronauts,’” Epps said. “And this was at the time that Sally Ride [the first American woman to fly in space] and a group of women were selected to become astronauts — the first time in history. So, he made that comment and I said, ‘Wow, that would be so cool.’” Epps will join veteran NASA astronaut Andrew Feustel at the Space Station. On Feustel’s first long-duration mission, he served as a flight engineer on Expedition 55, and later as commander of Expedition 56. “Each space station crew brings something different to the table, and Drew and Jeanette both have a lot to offer,” said Chris Cassidy, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, in a statement. “The space station will benefit from having them on board.”

being recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). She was a CIA technical intelligence officer for about seven years before being selected as a member of the 2009 astronaut class. “Anything you don’t know is going to be hard at first,” Epps said in a video statement about the launch. “But if you stay the course, put the time and effort in, it will become seamless eventually.” Epps, in the NASA video interRP was innerficity view, shared when she rstnews in- 6 x 5.1 .qxp_Layout 1

3/27/17 10:17 AM

Con’t from page 14

Black Greekdom

articulated with care and compassion for one another. Brotherhood/ sisterhood and Black Greek Unity must leap off the papers and projectors to find its home in the hearts of ALL members, regardless of our perceptions relative to their being “made” or if they stroll to our standards. In Psalms, David exhorts us all to dwell together in unity! I believe that we will all be called upon to deliver on the question: For what are we “made” and how does that look in a community designed to unite us all? Regardless of what organization we find ourselves in, we all want to be treated with dignity and respect. “It’s one thing when others disrespect our people but it’s doubly offensive when we do it to ourselves.” Daryl Lowe, J.D., is a lawyer and currently serves as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Kentucky State University. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Massachusetts School of Law at Dartmouth. Dr. Lowe is highly regarded for his expertise in Student Judicial Affairs Page 1 and federal laws related to Title IX.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

Ron Cephas Jones: “Everybody Has Their Time” by Carter Higgins, BlackDoctor.org

If you don’t know Ron Cephas Jones’s name, you probably know his face. If not, maybe you know his goatee. Recently, Jones has had roles on USA’s Mr. Robot (R.I.P. Romero), Netflix’s Luke Cage and NBC’s breakout hit show This Is Us. Both This Is Us and Jones are receiving critical-acclaim for the realness of his character and how he comes across on screen. But this is nothing new for the now 60-year-old veteran actor. He’s a theater veteran and has had supporting roles in literally hundreds of your favorite shows. So how has been able to do it for over 30 years? Jones explains it below: “I start with what’s on the page and try not to get ahead of myself with what he should be feeling or what he should be doing and really staying in the present and focusing on what’s on the page,” confesses Jones. “And then of course, the dialogue among myself, the writer, and the director, trying to figure out where we want him to go, and his emotional arc and what-have-you. From just my own

photo credit: TVGuide.com)

experiences with friends and family members, I try to draw on what different people are going through with difficult health problems and in my own life, and all the family connections that could be exploring that and drawing on that. But mostly, waiting to see what the script offers, what the words tell

you, that inevitably gets you to where you need to be.” His daughter, Jasmine Cephas Jones, is also an accomplished actor as she is currently on the ensemble cast for the record-breaking Broadway play, Hamilton. “So I was raising my daughter and I never wanted to leave her to

come out here, and she was able to do that with me, and I kept getting these great theater jobs,” explains Jones. “To be able to travel with Sam Mendes and do The Bridge Project, and do Shakespeare all around the world and play the Old Vic and play the Old Globe and play Shakespeare at The Public.

And to play Richard III and Prospero. And coming out to L.A. and pursuing television, there are so many actors that I know have no idea how to do O’Neill or Tennessee Williams or August Wilson or Shakespeare. I just felt honored and great and I was still able to make a living, and now I’m able to make a little more — and still have the quality. Which always doesn’t happen, either. You can have the success, but not the quality.” “Everybody has their time. I stopped questioning it and just knew it would happen sooner or later, and if it didn’t I would be okay. I’d still be working as an actor, one of the most respected actors in New York on the stage, and… … that was really what I’d wanted anyway when I started out to be an actor. I wanted to be a great stage actor, because those were the actors I admired, and those were the ones I was able to see. And when I was coming up, there weren’t a lot of African-Americans doing television. And I’m talking about the ’70s, when I went to high school and college.”

JORDAN PEELE TO RECEIVE “CINEMACON® DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD” PEELE MADE HISTORY BY BECOMING THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN WRITER/DIRECTOR TO CROSS $100 MILLION WITH HIS DEBUT FILM, “GET OUT”

WASHINGTON D.C. (March 20, 2017) – Jordan Peele, the breakthrough writer/director of Universal Pictures’ smash “Get Out,” will receive the “CinemaCon® Director of the Year,” it was announced today by CinemaCon Managing Director, Mitch Neuhauser. CinemaCon, the official convention of The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), will be held March 27-30, 2017 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Peele will be presented with this special honor at the “CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards” ceremony, which takes place on the evening of Thursday, March 30, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, hosted by the Coca-Cola Company, the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon. “With the phenomenon known as

‘Get Out,” Jordan Peele has instantaneously become a force to reckon with as a gifted and enormously talented director and filmmaker,” noted Neuhauser. “He has audiences and critics around the globe enamored and spellbound, dare I say hypnotized, with his wildly inventive directorial debut, and we are ecstatic to be honoring him as this year’s ‘Director of the Year.’” In Universal Pictures’ “Get Out,” a speculative thriller from Blumhouse and the mind of Jordan Peele, when a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation. Now that Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), have reached the meetthe-parents milestone of dating, she

invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with Missy (Catherine Keener) and Dean (Bradley Whitford). At first, Chris reads the family’s overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he could have never imagined. Equal parts gripping thriller and provocative commentary, “Get Out” is produced by Blumhouse’s Jason Blum, as well as Sean McKittrick, Edward H. Hamm Jr. and Peele. The film also stars Caleb Landry Jones, Stephen Root, Milton “Lil Rel” Howery, Betty Gabriel, Marcus Henderson and Lakeith Stanfield. Among its many accolades, the

film has earned a 99% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Previously, Emmy Award winner Peele was the co-star and co-creator of Comedy Central’s “Key & Peele”. The hit series garnered more than 1 billion online hits, and in addition won a Peabody Award, an American Comedy Award, and earned 12 Emmy Award nominations during its fiveseason run. Peele also recurred on the Emmy Award-winning FX series “Fargo”, was a series regular on FOX’s “MADtv” and received an Emmy Award nomination for his music video “Sad Fitty Cent.” Peele starred in the New Line feature “Keanu,” alongside KeeganMichael Key, which Peele also produced and co-wrote with Alex Rubens. Upcoming in TV, Peele is executive producing the new Tracy Morgan comedy show for TBS.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

Con’t from page 14

of insomnia—and how prescribing marijuana might be any worse than prescribing potentially addictive drugs in the benzodiazepines like Valium and Ativan. D’Souza said in his own practice he typically doesn’t prescribe any drug. He prescribes a better bedtime routine for insomnia. If that fails, he starts out with a low-risk drug such as Benadryl. He said there is a wide range of treatment to exhaust before he gets into benzodiazepines. “What are the side effects of those drugs?” Porter asked. D’Souza replied that people can become disinhibited and a hangover effect. When asked about the impact of treating insomnia with cannabis, D’Souza suggested that in a current study at Yale looking at dependency the most common reason that people are using marijuana is to treat sleeplessness. The study has found so far that they can’t sleep without it. New Haven State Sen. Gary Winfield, who is a co-sponsor of a legalization bill for legalization with New Haven Sen. Martin Looney, dug deeper into the Colorado study. The study shows a 48 percent increase in marijuana-related traffic deaths, but also shows that Colorado went from fourth in the nation for teen marijuana use to first in the nation. (New Haven State Rep. Juan Candelaria is the sponsor of the House version of the bill.) Winfield noted that the study covers a two-year period before legalization and the two years since marijuana was legalized for recreation use in that state. He pointed out that before legalization, Colorado had gone from 14th in the nation to fourth in the nation for marijuana use among teens. He asked if researchers should draw any conclusions about whether legalization had increased marijuana use among teens in a state that was already on the path to being the first in the nation in that regard. “I’m trying to make sure that the data set is actually useful,” he said. D’Souza said there will never be ideal data, because no one is going to take a group of 100 people and let them get stoned and get on the highway and another 100 people on a marijuana placebo to see what happens. “We have to rely on these data sets

and controlled things like simulated driving to make a decision,” he said. “I don’t think there is a perfect data set, but what we have in this study ... is not even close to enough to make a conclusion,” Winfield said. D’Souza said that people are being myopic by looking only at Colorado. In all the states that have legalized recreational use, he said, adolescent use has increased. “You can contribute causality to anything, but I’m fairly convinced that there is some relationships that need to be looked at,” he said. “Is it possible that legalization happened in places where they were already high, like in Colorado,” Winfield pressed. “It’s conceivable,” D’Souza said. After his testimony, D’Souza was asked if he can imagine a scenario under which it might be OK for Connecticut to legalize marijuana, such as controlling for the amount of THC in the marijuana manufactured and distributed, restrictions on the type of marijuana based products manufactured such as strict licensing and quality control, and raising the age of legal use to say 25. “Maybe,” D’Souza replied. “But no state has shown that it has been able to do that.”

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I Called Him Morgan THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

Film Review: By Dwight Brown, NNPA Newswire Film Critic Bee Bop. Jazz. The 1950s and 1960s were a hotbed for cool music, and the hip musicians, who played those genres on records and in smoky, dimly lit nightclubs, were a special breed. Years later, most people still revere legendary trumpeters like Miles Davis and Chet Baker and are amazed by the lives they led. Time to add another artist of note to that list of iconic instrumentalists. His name is Lee Morgan. His life was as colorful and tragic; his talent as deep. This enlightening and haunting documentary gives him his due. Credit Swedish musical documentarian Kasper Collin for reassembling the sordid pieces of Edward Lee Morgan’s’ life. Collin has had some practice. He also documented the career of American avant-garde jazz saxophonist Albert Ayler in My Name Is Albert Ayler, in 2006. He continues his tributes to lesser-known jazz artists with this absolutely spellbinding non-fiction film that plays out like a torrid novel. It tells the story of an ambitious young man, who was shepherded by the greats, fought the demons of drug addiction but was finally undone by a paramour. The story is so primal and tortured it also deserves to be a feature film starring someone like Michael B. Jordan or Nate Parker. Someone with depth. Lee Morgan, born in Philly and a gifted trumpeter as a young ado-

and allure. But as a musician’s life can go, he had his troubles. An addiction to drugs got him kicked out of Blakey’s band. He was broke, homeless and often sold his worldly possessions for a fix. Heroin. The stabilizing force in Morgan’s increasingly harrowing life was a magnanimous older woman named Helen. She fed him, put a roof over his head, was his ardent lover, and his biggest fan. If Morgan regained his footing at all, it was because of her unwavering support. She loved him with all her heart, but not unconditionally. She had her pride. When Morgan turned his attention to a younger lover, his common-law-wife was not about to take it on the chin. She had a plan—and a gun.

lescent, joined the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band at age 18 in the early ‘50s. Stints or guest performances with John Coltrane and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers further solidified

his reputation in the jazz community for blowing a sweet horn. Recording around 25 records, mostly for the famed Blue Note Records label, added sheen to his career

Reconstructing Lee Morgan’s bio through old interviews with Morgan, anecdotes from jazz greats like Wayne Shorter, photos and archival footage vividly recreates the jazz age and the trumpeter’s travails. The most soul-crushing recollections, however, come from Helen herself. Her stories can be heard on an audio cassette interview that was arranged by a night school teacher who was intrigued to find out that one of his students did a stint in prison for committing perhaps one of the most heinous acts of violence in the jazz world. Hearing Helen recall the ups and downs of her relationship that left her in an emotional fog is like hearing an old jazz 78rpm record

that is so scratched you can barely make out the tune, but you do. Everything you hear and see leads up to an ill-fated, cold wintry New York City night in 1972. Performers and an audience are gathered at an East Village jazz bar. Morgan is there with a girl on his arm. A shot rings out. An irrevocable crime of passion occurs. Time stands still. People live or die with the consequences. Kasper Collin has assembled a top-notch tech crew for this urban tale. The splendid cinematography of Bradford Young (Arrival, Selma) recreates scenes with the artistry of a painter. Editing by Collins with the help of Hanna Lejonqvist, Eva Hillström and Dino Jonsäter make you feel like a picture book has come alive, reeling out photos with a rhythm as precise yet eclectic as a jazz score. Watch “I Called Him Morgan,” and you will sit enraptured. Morgan’s music and Helen’s foggy memories will take your breath away. It’s an amazing coda to a jazz musician’s life. It’s the encore Morgan never had the chance to do. An exceptional documentary. Haunting. Dwight Brown is a film critic and travel writer. As a film critic, he regularly attends international film festivals including Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and the American Black Film Festival. Read more movie reviews by Dwight Brown here and at DwightBrownInk.com.

Trump administration's health care lies are starting to hurt

by Jesse Jackson For many of his supporters, Donald Trump’s casual relationship with the truth was at first amusing, part of his brash, anti-establishment appeal. He says what he thinks, went the argument, and if it isn’t true, so be it. His voters, we were told, have

learned to take him seriously but not literally. Now, however, the lies are beginning to hurt. The president’s use of what White House adviser Kellyanne Conway calls “alternative facts” — aka falsehoods — has been mimicked across his administration and by Republicans in Congress. Now House Speaker Paul Ryan, Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney and Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price have joined the president and others in a fusillade of lies to sell the Republican replacement for the Af-

fordable Care Act. The president promised that the Republican plan would cover “everybody,” that it would offer better and cheaper care than that available under the ACA. Price pledged that “nobody will be worse off financially” under the Republican act. Mulvaney promised that “Medicaid is still there,” and the bill “actually helps a great many people.” Vice President Mike Pence told a crowd in Louisville that the ACA was a “nightmare” that had “failed the people of Kentucky,” a state in which the percentage of people without insurance

was cut in more than half by the law. House Speaker Paul Ryan’s lies are too numerous to detail. The facts are inescapable. The Republican bill offers people less help to purchase health insurance, particularly older workers. Millions will lose coverage or pay more for less. The expansion of Medicaid to lower-wage workers covered 10 million people under the ACA. The Republican bill savages Medicaid — after two years so voters might not notice in 2018 — and millions of the working poor will lose coverage. It does this not to reduce complexity, or

regulation, or administrative nightmares, but to pay for a repeal of the taxes on the rich built into the ACA. Congressional analyses show, as The New York Times’ Jesse Drucker reports, Trumpcare’s two biggest tax cuts will lard $144 billion into the pockets of those with incomes over $1 million or more over the next decade. To pay for that, the working poor and older workers take the hit. And that isn’t all. Rural areas will be hit hard from the cuts in Medicaid and decline of subsidies for poorer workers. Older blue-collar workers Con’t on page 27

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee to Black Press: Trump has Endangered America By Harry Colbert, Jr., Insight News/NNPA Member WASHINGTON, DC—On a day that honored a stalwart of the Black Press and saw a liaison of the Trump Administration walk out on a breakfast with members of the Black Press, it was the words of Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) in a university library that rang the loudest. Rep. Jackson Lee delivered remarks on March 23 in memory of Lenora “Doll” Carter, long-time publisher of the “Houston Forward Times,” who was just enshrined in the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Gallery of Distinguished Publishers at Howard University’s Founders Library. The enshrinement ceremony is one of the signature events of Black Press Week, an annual celebration in Washington, D.C., attended by NNPA members, partners, sponsors and Black Press contributors. The NNPA is a trade group of more

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than 200 Black-owned media companies operating in 70 markets in the United States. During her impromptu talk after

the enshrinement ceremony, Jackson Lee dropped a bombshell. In talking about the nation’s current president, Jackson Lee minced no words. “This is not a government, right now,” said Jackson Lee in front of nearly 50 members of the Jackson Lee added: “I’m on the route of impeachment.” Jackson Lee said there are a litany of reasons that should disqualify President Donald Trump as president including his potential ties to Russia and its interference in November’s election, but she also said America is unsafe under Trump. “I’m concerned about our nation. I’m concerned about what happens when we get that call about North Korea in the middle of the night,” said Jackson Lee. “You have in office an individual that is unread and unlearned.” Jackson Lee’s statement rang loud, because she is also a member of the House Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees. Some have expressed concerns that an impeachment of Trump would leave the nation under the control of Vice President Mike Pence, who is seen as a staunch conservative with far right-wing views. Jackson Lee does not share in those concerns. “At least he understands government,” said the Texas representative. “And I’m focused on getting him (Pence) out in 2020, anyway.” Con’t on page 27

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

Still Pleading Our Own Cause: By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA News Wire Contributor The oldest Black business industry in America began 190 years ago today. On March 16, 1827, the first edition of the “Freedom’s Journal” was published, thrusting AfricanAmericans into the bustling publishing business. At the time, Blacks in America weren’t even considered citizens, most were slaves and forbidden to read or write. However, John Russwurm and Reverend Samuel Cornish rose up bravely declaring that, “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” Dorothy Leavell, publisher of the historic “Chicago Crusader” newspaper which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2015, said that when Russwurm and Cornish established the Black Press by publishing the “Freedom’s Journal,” they wanted to provide a voice for Black people. The Black Press became one of the only means of communication between Black people. “Black men and women were vilified in the New York press in the 1800s,” said Leavell. “Some White newspaper publishers sought to defend the dignity, honor and character of Black people, however, Russwurm and Cornish said they, ‘wish to plead our own cause.’” Without the Black Press, genuine stories of African-Americans would go untold, said Robert W. Bogle, the publisher of the “The Philadelphia Tribune.” Bogle said that only Black people can tell their stories accurately. “We are as relevant today as we were when the ‘Freedom’s Journal’ said they wanted to tell our story in our words,” said Bogle. Denise Rolark-Barnes, the chair of the NNPA and publisher of “The Washington Informer,” said she studied the history of the Black Press and used the 190-year milestone to reflect on the legacy of Black newspapers. “[What I discovered] help me understand how the Black Press played a vital role in fighting for human rights, abolishing slavery and outlawing lynching,” Rolark Barnes said. “The lesson for us, as publishers, is that we must remain important in our communities and

The Black Press Celebrates 190 Years

continue to be the voice for victims and spotlight those who have achieved success.” While mainstream media remain seems distracted by the current political atmosphere, Rolark Barnes said that its vital that the Black Press continue to focus on telling the stories that are relevant to the Black community and recording Black history. NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., said that March 16, 2017 is a sacred historical day in the long, multidimensional freedom struggle of African people in America and throughout the world, because of the courage of John Brown Russwurm and Samuel Cornish who dared first to publish the “Freedom’s Journal.” Chavis said that the Black Press in America has been on the frontlines of social change in the United States for 190 years. “Today, more than ever, the Black Press remains the trusted and audacious voice of Black America,” said Chavis. “Today, the NNPA continues this irrepressible tradition of publishing truth to power. Our freedom fighting publishers are all united as we reaffirm the vital importance and relevance of the Black Press now and into the future.” Jacqueline Miles, publisher of the half-century-old “Pensacola Press” in Florida said that i t’s important to note that the Black Press has become the source of information for jobs, weddings, births, deaths and even entertainment.

“Today, the Black Press still serves the African-American community with news that is vital to them,” said Miles. “We still endeavor to bring about news that will educate and keep our communities aware of what’s going on.” Further, Miles said, with the term “fake news” emanating regularly from the White House and the new administration, it’s imperative that the Black Press remains vigilant. “We must be the glue to hold our community together and encourage togetherness, in business and economically, in this new Donald Trump era,” Miles said. Harry Colbert Jr. recently summarized the importance of the Black Press in a column for “Insight News,” an NNPA member newspaper, where he touted the achievements of many that were noted only through the pages of the Black Press. Margot Lee Shetterly, the author of “Hidden Figures,” said if not for the archives of the Black Press such as the “Norfolk Journal and Guide” and the “Pittsburgh Courier,” the inspiring story of Black women geniuses at NASA would not have been possible to tell. If not for the “Florida Sun” newspaper in Orlando, the story of the great training in science and technology taking place at BethuneCookman University—one of the nation’s historically Black universities—would go untold and unnoticed, Colbert said. Colbert continued: “In Baton Rouge, it may have been a citizen’s

lens that captured the senseless killing of Alton Sterling at the hands of police, but it is ‘The Drum’ that keeps Sterling’s memory alive and is shining the white-hot spotlight on those responsible for his homicide.” Hiram Jackson, the publisher of Real Times Media in Michigan said that it’s important to note the significance of Russwurm and Cornish’s words. “‘We wish to plead our own cause.’ Words that continue to be as inspirational today as the movement they declared on the front pages of ‘Freedom’s Journal,’” Jackson said. “Looking at those words today, I am awe-struck at the vision of the Black Press forefathers and I’m heartened knowing that this statement continues to shine as our collective beacon. Jackson continued: “The voice of the Black Press is as important today as it has ever been. In today’s political climate, we cannot afford to miss any opportunity to educate, enlighten, and inform our community on the issues that our very lives depend on.” Journalist, author, activist and Black Press historian A. Peter Bailey said the NNPA has always provided a great service to AfricanAmericans through the pages of its newspapers. An adjunct professor at the University of District of Columbia, Bailey said it’s also vital that coverage continues to spotlight Black economics. Bailey said that, according to

Black author Lionel Barrow, there are four basic functions of the Black Press: to act as a watchdog for the Black community; to answer attacks on the Black community; to preserve Black culture and to present a different viewpoint. “I believe the Black Press is doing okay on those, but we could do better by working more closely together and it would really help if the [NNPA] would dedicate a reporter to the United Nations, who could send news to its member papers, and a reporter on Wall Street, because economics are the most important thing that the Black Press can report on for Black people.” Editors of the “Pasadena Journal” noted that Black-owned and operated media has been ﬁlled with the stories of trailblazers, pioneers and forerunners that helped get us to where we are today, with 48 Black elected United States Congressmen and women. In the aftermath of the Plessy vs. Ferguson Supreme Court ruling in 1896 that said that no Black man has any rights that a White man must honor, there came a ﬂood of Black publications that advocated for Black rights and protested the wrongs done to Blacks. Newspapers like “Freedom’s Journal,” the “Tri- State Defender” and the “Chicago Defender” paved the way for freedom, justice and equality. Brenda Andrews, the publisher of “The New Journal and Guide,” said that after 190 years, the primary challenge facing the Black Press remains its limited human and financial resources needed to continue to tell news from the perspective of being Black in America “It is a mission that, at times, can seem like making bricks without sand; tying shoes without strings; pulling yourself up by your bootstraps without boots,” Andrews said. “But, for me it’s a personally fulfilling mission that has been guided for the past 35 years by my deep spiritual faith.” Andrews continued: “To keep aiming to thrive, rather than occupying a posture of survival, for me, requires immense faith in the destiny of Black America and a passion to ensure the American story includes the perspective of its Black citizens.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

Help Wanted:

Immediate opening for construction laborer for Heavy and Highway Construction. Please call PJF Construction Corp.@ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F Help Wanted: Immediate opening for Dump Truck Driver for Heavy and Highway Construction. CDL A license and clean driving record required. Please call PJF Construction Corp. @ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F. Resident Services & Administration Assistant The Housing Authority of the Town of Westport

American Industries is hiring CDL drivers for our fleet of 2017 Mack Granite Tri- Axle Dump trucks for the up coming paving season.Applicants must have a clean driving record and be able to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Experienced in tri-axle dump truck is helpful, but willing to train the right candidates. . Applications are available at

American Industries Inc.

630 Plainfield Rd Jewett City, CT 06351 Job Type: Full-time Preferred experience: • Tri-axle Dump truck w/ paving: 1 year Required license or certification: • Current CDL License and Medical Card Class A Driver

Minimum Salary: $42,500 annual Application DEADLINE is MARCH 24, 2017 General Description of Work:

The Resident Services & Administration Assistant is a key Westport Housing Authority (WHA) staff position that insures residents’ services are the Authority’s first priority. In addition, the Resident Services & Administration Assistant is responsible for initial and ongoing engagement of residents and related administrative duties. The Resident Services & Administration Assistant is also responsible for assisting the Director of Programs and Resident Services in the administration, monitoring, and oversight of resident files and records; applicants’ eligibility determinations; waiting list inquiries; and other tasks required insuring 100% occupancy at the WHA and its affiliates’ housing properties. A full job description and employment application is available at www.westportct.gov or by calling 203-227-4672 x 12. Applications must be postmarked on or before March 24, 2017 to be considered and the WHA reserves the right to be begin interviewing candidates prior to the application deadline. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a background check, (2) a physical examination, including drug screening, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Applications & job descriptions are available at the Westport Housing Authority’s office located at 5 Canal Street, Westport, CT 06880, Monday-Friday, 11 A.M. to 4 P.M, or downloaded from the website listed above. To be considered for this position, the applicant must complete the job application and attached a Resume which should be mailed to the address above. Fax, email or hand delivered applications will not be accepted. Minority and Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. The Housing Authority of the Town of Westport is EOE, M/F/D employer.

INVITATION TO BID Viking Construction, Inc. is soliciting interested Connecticut vendors and subcontractors for renovation of existing buildings for the Lawnhill Terrace Phase 2 project located on Custer Street, Stamford, CT. This projects consists of 55,500 SF residential renovation of 8 buildings providing 60 residential units. The renovation will take place over an 11 month duration commencing 2nd Quarter 2017 and the work will include but not be limited to: Div 1 Cleaning, Temporary Facilities; Div 2 Demolition and Abatement, Sitework, Paving, Utilities, Landscaping, Fence; Div 3 Site Concrete for walks and ramps; Div 4 Masonry cleaning; Div 5 Exterior railings; Div 6 Rough Carpentry, Finish carpentry, wood stairs and railings; Div 7 Insulation, Siding, Exterior Trim, Shingle Roofing; Div 8 Doors, Hardware, Windows; Div 9 Drywall, Resilient Flooring, Paint; Div 10 Signs, Toilet Accessories; Div 11 Appliances; Div 12 Residential Kitchen & Bath Casework and Plastic Laminate tops, Simulated Stone countertops, Window Treatment; Div 15 HVAC, Plumbing; Div 16 Electrical. This project is subject to the CT small contractor set-aside program administered through CHRO (25% SBE/6.25% MBE) as well as HUD Section 3 Business and Hiring requirements. Viking Construction encourages the participation of all SBE/MBEs currently certified with Connecticut DAS Supplier Diversity program as well as any HUD Section 3 businesses. All interested companies who have not already received a direct invitation by Viking Construction, Inc. may request it and shall submit their complete company information, qualifications, and bonding capacity on or before 3/3/2017 by Noon via fax 203-4062167 or email: estimating@vikingconstruction.net. All subcontractor/vendor bids are due by March 14, 2017 at Noon to Viking Construction, Inc via fax 203-406-2167 or email: estimating@vikingconstruction.net Viking Construction, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

CDL CLASS A TRACTOR TRAILER DRIVER NEEDED. F/T SEND RESUME: GWF@SNET.NET OR CALL 860-274-9668 Thank you, Susan

Class A CDL Driver

with 3 years min. exp. HAZMAT Endorsed. (Tractor/Triaxle/Roll-off ) Some overnights may be required. FAX resumes to RED Technologies, at 860.342-1042; Email: HR@redtechllc.com Mail or in person: 173 Pickering Street, Portland, CT 06480. RED Technologies, LLC is An EOE.

KMK Insulation Inc. 1907 Hartford Turnpike North Haven, CT 06473

Mechanical Insulator

Insulation Company offering good pay and benefits. Please forward resume via REGULAR MAIL only. This company is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

TOWN CLERK ASSISTANT TOWN CLERK - Assists in the administration and supervision of the

Town Clerks Office. Supervises clerical workers and others assigned. Position requires H.S. graduation or GED and 6 yrs. experience office work of which one (1) year involved supervision. College level training in business or public administration or related field may be substituted for work experience on the basis of one (1) year of college for one (1) year of work experience up to four (4) years. Must possess and maintain State of Connecticut certification as a Municipal Clerk within three (3) years of hire. Salary: $23.52 to $28.48 hourly, plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Personnel Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. The closing date will be that date the 75th application form/resume is received, or March 15, 2017, whichever occurs first. EOE

New Reach Inc., with its Managing Agent DeMarco Management Corporation are pleased

to announce that applications are being accepted March 15, 2017 through April 28, 2017 for the Geller Commons Apartments located at 135-145 Sanford St., Hamden, CT. We have spacious one-bedroom units. Amenities include all new appliances, handicap accessible units, heat and hot water is included. Geller Commons is a smoke free community. Certain program and income limit restrictions apply. Applications are available at DeMarco Management Corporation, 117 Murphy Rd, Hartford, CT 06114 or you can request an application either by phone (860)951-9411 email at: compliance@demarcomc.com or by AT&T relay service by dialing 711. All applications must be returned to DeMarco Management by midnight on April 28, 2017. **APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE PROPERTY** Project Financed by Connection Housing Finance Authority Equal Housing Opportunities

New Reach Inc., con su Agente Gerente DeMarco Management Corporation, se complace en anunciar que las solicitudes serán aceptadas entre el 15 de marzo de 2017 y el 28 de abril de 2017 para los Geller Commons Apartments ubicados en 135-145 Sanford St., Hamden, CT. Tenemos amplias unidades de un dormitorio. Las comodidades incluyen todos los electrodomésticos nuevos, unidades accesibles para discapacitados, caliente y agua caliente está incluido. Geller Commons es una comunidad libre de humo. Ciertas restricciones de límites de ingresos y programas se aplican. Las solicitudes están disponibles en DeMarco Management Corporación, 117 Murphy Rd, Hartford, CT 06114 o al (866) 951-9411 correo electrónico: compliance@demarcomc.como por servicio de retransmisión AT & T marcando 711. Todas las solicitudes deben devolverse a DeMarco Manejo a medianoche del 28 de abril de 2017. ** APLICACIONES NO SERÁN ACEPTADAS EN LA PROPIEDAD ** Projecto de Finanzas por CHFA Igualdad de Oportunidades de Vivienda

Construction oriented company seeking full-time Accounting/Administrative Assistant to answer phones, schedule sales appts, filing, typing & other general office duties. Will also have accounting responsibilities-data entry, sales order billing, and processing A/P transactions, supporting our overthe-counter sales person, the controller & CFO. Min 5 yrs. Related experience, excellent written & verbal skills, ability to multitask, knowledge of basic accounting principles, excellent computer skills (5+ yrs. Experience) with Excel & Word, accounting software knowledge a plus. $31,200 annual salary-negotiable based on experience & qualifications. AA/EOE Email resume to mmunzner@atlasoutdoor.com

Request for Specialty Crop Block Grant Concept Proposals The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is seeking concept proposal for projects that solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, maple syrup, honey, horticulture, and nursery crops. Projects must impact and produce measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public. Projects cannot begin until after January 1, 2018, and must be completed by September 29, 2020. The maximum award is $75,000. More info and complete application guidelines are available at www.CTGrown.gov/grants, or by contacting Jaime Smith at 860-713-2559 or jaime.smith@ct.gov. Concept proposals are due to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture by 4:00 p.m. on March 29, 2017.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

POLICE OFFICER Competitive examinations will be held for the position of Police Officer in the Guilford, Hamden, North Haven, Orange, Seymour, Torrington and West Haven Police Departments. Initial examination phases will be physical performance, written, and oral. Candidates may apply online at www. policeapp.com. Application deadline is March 8, 2017. ALL DEPARTMENTS PARTICIPATING IN THIS RECRUITMENT DRIVE

ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS.

The Glendower Group, Inc Request for Qualifications

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM PORTFOLIO- Group III The Glendower Group, Inc an affiliate of Housing Authority City of New Haven d/b/a Elm city Communities is currently seeking Proposals for Construction Manager at Risk for Rental Assistance Demonstration Program Portfolio.. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 3:00 PM, EST.

ACCOUNT CLERK

El Sr. Housing de St. Luke’s, con su Agente Gerente DeMarco Management Corp., se complace en anunciar que las solicitudes serán aceptadas entre el 29 de marzo de 2017 y el 3 de mayo de 2017 para el Sr. Vivienda de St. Luke’s ubicado en 120 Goff St., New Haven, CONNECTICUT. Tenemos unidades espaciosas de un dormitorio. Las comodidades incluyen todos los electrodomésticos nuevos, unidades accesibles para discapacitados y todos los servicios públicos están incluidos. Se aplican restricciones de límite de ingresos. Las solicitudes están disponibles en DeMarco Management Corp., 117 Murphy Rd, Hartford, CT 06114 o al (866) 951-9411 correo electrónico en: compliance@demarcomc.com o por servicio de retransmisión AT & T marcando 711. Todas las solicitudes deben devolverse a DeMarco Manejo a medianoche del 3 de mayo de 2017. ** APLICACIONES SE ACEPTARÁN EN LA PROPIEDAD EL JUEVES DE 12-3: 30 PM. Funding is provided by Housing and Urban Development Igualdad de Oportunidades

Performs a wide variety of accounting clerk duties for a busy municipal government office. The position requires 4 years of related work experience and a H.S. or business School. $22.23 to $26.99 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Personnel Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/ resume is received, or March 22, 2017, whichever occurs first. EOE

CDL CLASS A TRACTOR TRAILER DRIVER NEEDED. F/T SEND RESUME: GWF@SNET.NET OR CALL 860-274-9668 Thank you, Susan

Elm City Communities Request for Proposals Energy Consultant Housing Authority City of New Haven d/b/a Elm city Communities is currently seeking Proposals for Energy Consultant. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems. com/gateway beginning on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 9:00AM

THE COVENTRY HOUSING AUTHORITY St. Luke’s Sr. Housing, with its Managing Agent DeMarco Management Corporation are pleased to announce that applications are being accepted March 29, 2017 through May 3, 2017 for the St. Luke’s Sr. Housing located at 120 Goffee St., New Haven, CT. We have spacious one-bedroom units. Amenities include all new appliances, handicap accessible units and all utilities are included. Income limit restrictions apply. Applications are available at DeMarco Management Corporation, 117 Murphy Rd, Hartford, CT 06114 or you can request an application either by phone (860)951-9411 email at: compliance@demarcomc.com or by AT&T relay service by dialing 711. All applications must be returned to DeMarco Management by midnight on May 3, 2017.

**APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE PROPERTY ON THURSDAYS FROM 12-3:30 PM. Funding is provided by Housing and Urban Development Equal Housing Opportunities

Pre-applications for waiting list at Orchard Hill Estates I & II Housing Complex will be accepted until June 30, 2017. To qualify, you must be at least 62 years old or disabled by Social Security. Current income limits are determined by the Office of Housing and Urban Development. Interested parties may pick up an application online at coventryct.org, or at 1630 Main St., Coventry, CT 06238 or have one mailed by calling 860-742-5518.

Elementary Café Manager

10 months per year – 20 hours per week The Town of Wallingford Board of Education Food Service Department is seeking a skilled individual to coordinate and manage the activities of the other foodservice employees within the facility. Applicants must have a high school degree or equivalent. Ability to read, write, and speak English. Individuals must have experience in food service with school food service experience preferred. Supervisory experience also preferred. Special Requirement: Must possess sanitation certification from an approved Dept. of Education source. Hourly Rate of $16.41 per hour plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply to: Personnel Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date will be March 1, 2017 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

Town of Bloomﬁeld

Assistant Director of Public Works Salary $74,337 - $114,743 For details and how to apply, go to www.bloomfieldct.org Pre-employment drug testing required AA/EOE

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport

Laborers/Pipe Layers

Currently seeking laborers/pipe layers; 5 years min. exp., OSHA 10 preferred. Please forward resumes to RED Technologies, LLC, 10 Northwood Dr., Bloomfield, CT 06002; Fax 860.218.2433; visit RED for an application or Email resumes to info@redtechllc.com. RED Technologies, LLC is an EOE.

Construction Inspector (temporary) – Town of Manchester $30/hr - 40 hrs/wk approx. 20 wk duration CLOSING DATE: Friday, March 17, 2017 Call HR Recruitment Line at (860) 647-3170 for info or view website: www.townofmanchester.org.

Fireﬁghter/Paramedic – Town of Manchester

$54,496.45 Paramedic Lic./CPAT cert. req’d CLOSING DATE: March 31, 2017 Call HR Recruitment Line at (860) 647-3170 for info or view website: www.townofmanchester.org

The GUILFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY is currently accepting applications

for COUPLES ONLY for its one bedroom apartments at Guilford Court and Boston Terrace in Guilford CT. Applicants must be age 62 and over or on 100% social security or federal disability and over the age of 18. Applications may be obtained by calling the application line at 203-453-6262, ext.107. An information packet will also be provided with the application. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2017. Credit, police and landlord checks are procured by the authority. Smoke free housing. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY HOUSING

Mechanical Insulator

Insulation Company offering good pay and benefits. Please forward resume to P.O. Box 475, North Haven, CT 06473 This company is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer American Industries is hiring CDL drivers for our fleet of 2017 Mack Granite Tri- Axle Dump trucks for the up coming paving season. Applicants must have a clean driving record and be able to pass a preemployment drug and alcohol screening.Experienced in tri-axle dump truck is helpful, but willing to train the right candidates. .Applications are available at

American Industries Inc.

630 Plainfield Rd Jewett City, CT 06351 Job Type: Full-time Preferred experience: • Tri-axle Dump truck w/ paving: 1 year

Invitation for Bid (IFB) Trumbull Gardens – Building 10 & 11 Roof Replacement Solicitation Number: 075-PD-17-S The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is requesting sealed bids for the replacement of roofs at Trumbull Gardens building 10 & 11. A complete set of the plans and technical specifications will be available on February 15, 2017. To obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A pre-bid conference will be held at 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604 on March 1, 2017 @ 2:00 p.m. Although attendance is not mandatory, submitting a bid for the project without attending conference is not in the best interest of the Offeror. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no later than March 10, 2017 @ 2:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www. parkcitycommunities.org. All bids must be received by mailed or hand delivered by March 21, 2017 @ 2:00 PM, to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Contract Specialist, 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. No bids will be accepted after the designated time.

CONTRACTOR OPPORTUNITY - BRIDGEPORT

Construction Resources, Inc., an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, seeks certified MBE/WBE/SBE Subcontractors and/or suppliers and local business enterprises to bid applicable sections of work/equipment/supplies for the following construction project: Project known as South End Commons - Demolition of existing properties and new construction of eight (8) residential two-family dwellings and site improvements located on Columbia Street and Johnson Street in Bridgeport, CT. Bid Date and Time: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 by 12:00 noon. Electronic Plans and specifications can be obtained at no charge by contacting Mark Rubins at Construction Resources Farmington office at (860) 678-0663 or by email to mark@corebuilds.com.

Electrical Apprentice Maintenance Electrician - The Town of Wallingford Public Utilities, Electric Division is seeking an individual to perform maintenance and installation of electrical equipment such as but not limited to maintaining and repairing high and low voltage equipment. Position requires completion of high school, technical high school or trade school plus two (2) years’ experience in electrical maintenance or construction OR an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license. Wages: $24.63– $32.77 hourly and an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply to: Personnel Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. The closing date will be the date the 75th application or resume is received or January 30, 2017 whichever occurs first. EOE.

Common Ground High School Seeks Curriculum Development Consultant Common Ground High School is seeking an experienced, creative professional who can work with teachers, school leaders, students, families, and community partners to strengthen our curriculum and classroom teaching — ensuring it is driven by standards, rooted in our local community and unique site, culturally relevant and inclusive, contributing to social justice, and pushing students towards both environmental leadership and college success. For a complete job description and compensation information, please visit http:// commongroundct.org/2017/01/common-ground-seeks-curriculum-development-consultant

Required license or certification:

• Current CDL License and Medical Card

The Housing Authority of the City of Norwalk, CT

is seeking bids for Janitorial Services. Bidding documents can be viewed and printed at www.norwalkha.org under the business tab, RFPs/RFQs. Norwalk Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Curtis O. Law, Executive Director

ELECTRICIANS

Semac Electric is seeking Electricians (CT Licensed Journeymen & Foremen, E1 and E2) to join our team for medium & large commercial construction projects thru out the State of CT: Hartford, Fairfield & New Haven Counties. We have excellent wages and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications available at our main office at 45 Peter Court, New Britain, CT or send resume to

Facilities Manager – Portland, CT:

Responsible for leadership, management & maintenance of plant infrastructure and all related/associated equipment. 5 plus years supervisory experience. Email: Info@redtechllc.com, Fax: 860-218-2433, RED Technologies, LLC is an EOE.

Class A Driver Class A CDL Driver with 3 years min. exp. HAZMAT Endorsed. (Tractor/Triaxle/Roll-off) Some overnights may be required. FAX resumes to RED Technologies, at 860.342-1042; Email: HR@redtechllc.com Mail or in person: 173 Pickering Street, Portland, CT 06480.

RED Technologies, LLC is An EOE.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

Beyond the Rhetoric Border Adjustment Tax – The Great Equalizer

By Harry C. Alford Right now, if a company makes a product in the United States and sells the product overseas, it is required to pay income taxes to the U.S. on the income from the sale. But under a border adjustment, companies would no longer be required to pay income taxes to the U.S. on their income from exports – because the products are not sold in the United States. On the flip side, under the current tax code, if a company sells a product in the United States that was produced overseas, it doesn’t pay income taxes to the U.S. on the value of the imported product. But under a border adjustment, companies would be required to pay income taxes to the U.S. on the value of their imports – because the products are sold in the United States. In sum, under a border adjustment, the income tax would apply to goods produced and sold in the United States and goods produced in foreign countries and sold in the United States. As it stands now, companies like homegrown Apple can open a massive production plant in China under the lowest wages for workers, who are housed inside the plant to work continuously, and only allowed to visit their families once or twice a month. It is a form of “mild slavery”. It is so depressive that they have erected netting around the building to prevent workers from committing suicide when they jump out the windows to end their misery. You have all heard of “Blood diamonds” well this is a case of “Blood IT” devices. Apple does not have to pay taxes on the millions of devices they ship back to the United States. They keep thousands of Americans from work, and implement slave like working conditions all because the U.S. does not tax imports. There are many more American companies that take advantage of this flaw in our tax system. Here is another living example. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a free trade agreement between the United States and African nations. The United States can buy products from Africa with the intent of improving trade with the continent tariff and import tax free. Our big box and retail stores support this strongly. Why? Because it is loosely managed. Many of the clothing retailers are involved in this fraud. Fraud? Yes, because the cotton used in the apparel

is not from African farmers. In fact, they are excluded from the process. It is China conspiring with the retailers. They use Chinese cotton, which is grown using Chinese prisoners for free. It comes to Africa; they make the products; pay the workers $1.50 per day; put on labels “made in Kenya or Ghana” or anyplace in Africa and ship it to America tax free. So, this is a case of “blood apparel”. Our Big Box retailers love this scam. They are making billions of immoral dollars through the loophole. If we would start taxing imported products the lure would go away and we can return to legitimate trade practices. Therefore, they oppose the Border Adjustment Tax. Therefore, BMW auto manufacturer put a plant in South Africa. They produce the products there and ship them directly to the United States tax free. If we would have an import tax they would move that plant to America. By exempting exports from U.S. taxes, the border adjustment would initially create higher demand for U.S. goods and U. S. dollars. At the same time, by taxing the value of imported products, the border adjustment would initially create lower demand for foreign goods and foreign currencies. Together, these two effects would cause the value of the dollar to rise significantly. Under the standard economic theory, the rise in the U.S. dollar would offset the higher taxes on these companies, leaving importers unharmed. Let’s do this! More than 140 countries are already doing this. It will not be extreme and we can enjoy all the advantages a strong U.S. dollar can bring to our economy and help us start reducing our outrageous national debt. A strong U.S. dollar is a strong U.S. economy. Think of all those foreign companies putting plants here and hiring millions of Americans to operate them under this new law. Think of all our plants overseas coming back home because we won’t hit them with our corporate tax rate. Speaking corporate tax rate, under a stronger American dollar our corporate tax levels would decrease down to at least the 20% percent level. It is a win, win, win proposition. Urge our Congress to approve this law. President Trump will certainly approve it because it is a part of his Tax Reform initiative. Here’s to a better America. Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce ®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org Email: halford@nationalbcc.org

Con’t from page 20

lies are starting to hurt

who don’t get insurance from their employers will be hurt the most. States will suffer a devastating budget cut that will force cuts in education, in roads, bridges and other services. Jobs cuts will follow in large numbers. These are not facts that the administration likes, so it lies and then attacks the messengers. This weekend, administration spokespeople fanned out to discredit the Congressional Budget Office’s official assessment before it was released. House Speaker Ryan forced passage of the act through two committees before CBO could complete its assessment so the anticipated bad news would not influence legislators. OMB Director Mulvaney — who knows better — dismissed the CBO estimate as not “the best use of their time.” If CBO isn’t going to deliver good news, it shouldn’t say anything at all. The president’s bizarre denial of reality — about the election results, about the size of his inaugural crowd, about getting wiretapped — initially were treated as the amusing signature of an entertainer. But now the lies hurt. If the Republican health care bill becomes law, millions will end up worse off. Will a handful of Republican senators have more respect for the truth than the White House? That may be the only thing that will keep Republicans from depriving millions of health insurance and costing jobs, while ladling tax breaks to the very wealthy. Con’t from page 23

Rep. Jackson Lee

Jackson Lee also remembered “Doll” Carter, fondly. “Doll was larger than life,” remarked Jackson Lee. Carter lived in Jackson Lee’s district. Carter, who died in 2010, also served as the treasurer of the NNPA. She was remembered as a powerful businesswoman and a loving friend. Colleague and close friend Dorothy Leavell said Carter lived up to her nickname. “I know why they called her ‘Doll,’” said Leavell, “She was beautiful on the outside and she was beautiful on the inside, as well.” Insight News is a member publication of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Learn more about becoming a member at www. nnpa.org.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS March 29, 2017 - April 04, 2017

OPEN HOUSE GATEWAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SATURDAY APRIL 1, 2017 10:00 AM TO 2:00 PM

Summer 2017

Classes Begin Session I: May 31 - June 16 Session II: May 31 - June 29 Session III: July 5 - August 3

WAYCT.EDU

GatewayCT.edu

Fall & Summer Registration Starts April 10, 2017 Fall Classes begin August 29th

203.285.2010 28

• Tour GCC’s state-of-the-art facility • Learn about GCC’s academic departments and attend information sessions and workshops • Meet GCC professors and staff • Meet with Gateway students and learn about campus activities, clubs and organizations • Bring a friend! Validated parking is available at Temple Street Garage.