INNER-CITY NEWS

New Haven Public Schools Early Childhood Programs

FREE and Sliding Scale 6-hour Programs for 3 and 4 Year Olds of low-income New Haven families

Available in the following New Haven Public Schools:

• Benjamin Jepson Multi-Age School

• Dr. Mayo Early Childhood School

• Fair Haven School

• John Martinez Sea & Sky STEM School

• Lincoln-Bassett Community School

• Truman School

• Additional community locations also participate in the program.

Contact: Esther Pearson-Pinckney, Head Start Social Service Coordinator at 475-220-1462/1463 or email: esther.pearson-pinckney@nhboe.net

We are Accepting Applications (for NOW & in the Fall )

How to Apply

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

Application begins with a phone call

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

What you will submit with your Application

1)Proof of Age

Child’s Birth Certificate OR Legal Custody/Guardianship Papers

2)Proof of Address

Current utility bill (Gas, Electric, Phone, Cable) in your name

3)Proof of Income

• 2 months of Current & Consecutive pay stubs OR W-2 or 1040 Tax Return

• Budget Statement from the CT Department of Social Services or Social Security Office or Child Enforcement Bureau

• Notarized Statement indicating Parent is unemployed

• Additional forms may be requested

4)Proof of a Physical (within one year-to-date)

• CT Department of Education Early Childhood Health Assessment Record

• Anemia and lead level test results

• TB assessment

• Immunizations records

• Seasonal flu vaccination

• Health insurance card

5)Proof of a Dental Exam (within 6-months-to-date)

Dental Exam record

Advocates Promote Bill to Curtail Strip Searches in Connecticut Prisons

by Hugh McQuaid

Opponents of the use of strip searches within Connecticut prisons sought Tuesday to build support for a bill curtailing the practice as the legislation faces a Friday deadline to advance out of the Judiciary Committee.

During a press conference in the Legislative Office Building, advocates and a state legislator objected to the Department of Correction’s long-standing policies using strip searches in an effort to prevent contraband items from entering prisons.

“You’ve heard the commissioner say and other correction officials say this deeply humiliating, degrading and dehumanizing searches are done for safety and security. We feel they are about power and control,” Barbara Fair, a lead organizer with Stop Solitary CT, said, “the ultimate control that people lose of their own bodies within DOC.”

Fair and others, including Rep. Robyn Porter, D-New Haven, and state Child Advocate Sarah Eagan, pressed for passage of a bill that would require correctional staff to document probable cause articulating their belief that an incarcerated person had concealed contraband before conducting a strip search.

The change would basically eliminate the routine searches of offenders as they come and go from facilities on work details, transfers or participate in visits with family and friends.

Terri Ricks, a formerly incarcerated person who spoke at the press conference, said the practice was especially traumatic for people who had previously been the victims of sexual abuse. Ricks

said she stopped participating in visits with her daughter during the last 10 months of her incarceration in order to avoid being subjected to strip searches.

Porter, who said her own son had been traumatized by incidents involving the searches while incarcerated, said the legislation was a small part of what advocates of changing prison policies hope to accomplish.

“This bill, Senate Bill 1196, is a requirement and it’s just the beginning,” Porter said. “I don’t want people to think that we would be satisfied when this gets passed because there’s much more work to do behind what people are subjected to behind these prison walls.”

However, the proposal faces opposition both from the Department of Correction and from the labor unions representing prison staff, who argue the searches are necessary to minimize the introduction of dangerous items like drugs and weapons into state prisons.

When the bill was raised for a public hearing earlier this month, Patrick McGoldrick, a member of AFSCME Local 1565 and officer at Garner Correctional Institution, described situations in which routine strip searches uncovered weapons, potentially preventing serious injuries to either incarcerated people or staff members.

“My main issue with this section is it purports to protect inmates that reside in our correctional facilities and in reality it appeases those individuals who cause chaos within those facilities at the cost of the safety of the rest of the population,” McGoldrick said.

Meanwhile, DOC Commissioner Angel Quiros worried about an increase in

the prevalence of drugs like fentanyl and overdoses if the searches were curtailed.

Under questioning from members of the Judiciary Committee, Quiros said his agency was exploring the potential for installing body scanners, like those found at airports, to decrease the need for strip searches within Connecticut prisons.

“That is a technology that I’m looking into so if there’s area where we can move away from strip search, I’m open to that,” Quiros said.

Rep. Steve Stafstrom, a Bridgeport Democrat who co-chairs the committee, told Quiros that the state of Washington had explored implementing body scanners in 2017 and concluded that body scanners would cost about $225,000 each. Stafstrom said those costs would be offset by “huge savings” through a reduction in staff hours dedicated to strip searches.

On Tuesday, the panel’s other co-chairman, Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, said he expects the Judiciary Committee to vote on some version of the strip search bill before it hits its Friday deadline. What will be included in that policy was still unclear. Winfield said he hoped to advance a bill that had a chance of being signed into law.

“These things are fluid,” Winfield said. “My intention is to get whatever form it is out of the committee… My goal is to not put a bill out that goes somewhere and dies or goes to the governor and gets vetoed. My goal is to do as much to change the system that we have toward the system that ultimately all of us want.”

Opinion: Conservative Groups Don’t Speak for All Moms

Special to The Inner-City News

By Svante Myrick

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about moms and honoring motherhood. I’ve written before about how my mom instilled values in me, including respect for everyone’s rights –not just my own. Mom also worked multiple jobs to support our family through some very hard times. She represents my ideal of what a mother should be, without a doubt.

And maybe she would represent yours too, or my neighbor’s. I certainly think so – but the truth is I can’t say for sure, and I can’t insist on it.

Unfortunately, that is exactly what some on the Right are trying to do by claiming to speak for all mothers and even all parents. This effort to steal the moral authority of motherhood only for themselves is wrong, and it has to be stopped.

The far-right group Moms for Liberty is a marquee example with an especially insidious name. The group is behind book banning efforts in numerous states. Its main

targets are books and materials that address race, racism, and gender and gender identity issues. It supports a bill that is coming to the floor of the U.S. House as I write this, called the Parents’ Bill of Rights.

This House bill would more accurately be called a bill of rights for some parents. Moms – and dads, like myself – who oppose the bill see it for what it is: a vehicle that opens the door to more book censorship and book bans, not to mention bullying and discrimination. Instead of creating a school environment where children are challenged and thrive and all parents are treated as partners, this bill prevents students from learning and teachers from teaching. In fact, supporters of the bill rejected amendments to fund Statewide Family Engagement Centers and to designate a parent coordinator at every school.

Fortunately, the bill has little chance of passage in the Senate. But it mirrors “parental rights bills” that are passing in state after state. Moms for Liberty is often behind these efforts. Of course, it’s not hard to see that what this “pro-liberty” group is

actually doing is infringing on your liberty – specifically, what political scientists call your negative liberty. That’s your right to pursue your interests free from interference from others.

But interference with your choices is what Moms for Liberty is all about. What they and other groups like them are claiming is their prerogative to decide what is right not just for their kids, but for your kids. The rights of moms, and all parents, with a different view do not enter into the equation.

That’s why it’s so important to speak up if we are parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, guardians or others responsible for raising and nurturing young people. Far-right groups like Moms for Liberty are well-funded, well-connected and wellorganized. They have a head start. There is an urgent need to push back against the wave of censorship and repression that they have set in motion. I feel especially strongly about this as a Black parent, because so much of the censorship is aimed at Black history and studies. The list of states that have either banned the AP Afri-

can American Studies course or put it on the back burner for “review” is up to six, and growing.

For those who want to be part of the fight for inclusive education and against censorship, the American Library Association’s Unite Against Book Bans campaign website is a good place to start. It includes upto-date information and a toolkit. Attending school board meetings and speaking out are also really important.

As I said, I can think of no better role model, moral guide and inspiration than my mom. But I will always respect your right to feel the same way about yours. Groups like Moms for Liberty just won’t. Svante Myrick is President of People For the American Way. Previously, he served as executive director of People For and led campaigns focused on transforming public safety, racial equity, voting rights, and empowering young elected officials. Myrick garnered national attention as the youngestever mayor in New York State history.

Barbara Fair, an organizer with Stop Solitary CT, speaks at a press conference on March 28, 2023

Credit: Hugh McQuaid / CTNewsJunkie

Terri Ricks speaks at a press conference on March 28, 2023 Credit: Hugh McQuaid / CTNewsJunkie

Svante Myrick, President, People For the American Way. (Courtesy Photo)

Beauty Foundation Set

by PAUL BASS

A budding beauty products entrepreneur scored a bottle of Kiehl’s creme de corps body lotion — along with inspiration from an elder whose heels she could picture inhabiting.

The budding entrepreneur, ninth-grader Layla Travers, gained that lift Monday at Engineering and Science University Magnet School (ESUMS).

She and 16 fellow seventh through 11th graders spent a class session hearing from a visitor from the upper echelons of the beauty biz, L’Oréal General Manager and Brand President Erica Culpepper.

Culpepper offered the students tips on chasing their dreams. Raised by her grandfather in Memphis, Culpepper recalled working hard every summer to make sure she had enough money to continue her studies at Howard University, then, with the help of networking and focus and vision boards, climbing the rungs of the beauty industry at Johnson & Johnson and Maybelline and then L’Oréal. She offered tips on pursuing internships through companies’ social media platforms. She spoke of helping change the industry paradigm to “show people of color a vision of beauty they can be proud of.” She told stories about bringing successful products to market like Magic Shave, originally marketed to older Black men, then retooled for other markets when “all these young girls” posted viral TikTok videos about it. Layla sat rapt throughout Culpepper’s presentation.

“You know the influencer Mikayla?” Culpepper asked.

“I remember that!” Layla responded. “She lied.” (After the session, she ex-

plained to a reporter, in the below video, what that was all about.)

Layla raised her hand immediately in the question portion to ask about the “process for getting your product in stores.”

She has more than a passing interest in that question. She has always dreamed a career as both a make-up artist and beauty products designer, she said. She hopes next month to launch her first line of lip glosses and eye shadow palettes. She’s calling the business Strawberry Xpress; orders are in for the materials for the first batches.

“You go, girl!” Culpepper told her with a high-five when learning after the talk about the business.

ESUMS Principal Medria Ellis-Blue invited Culpepper, a friend since their undergraduate years together at Howard, as part of a series of talks by leaders in science, the arts, business, law and social justice. Inspired in part by a Fulbright fellowship in Singapore last Summer, EllisBlue had her team survey students about their life goals and career dreams. The speaker series grew from the survey results.

Before the students headed to their next classes, Culpepper offered a preview of a cream foundation currently in testing with a planned 2024 launch. She handed out product samples …

Layla was excited to take home the tube of Kiehl’s, and more excited to have heard Culpepper’s story.

“It was inspiring to see somebody succeed in the field I want to succeed in,” she said, “how she started from humble beginnings.” Her family, too, has had financial struggles, she said. She, too, sees a bright beauty future worth chasing.

Lamont’s Gun Proposals Move Out of Judiciary Committee

by Hugh McQuaid

Lawmakers on the Judiciary Committee voted Tuesday to advance a proposal from Gov. Ned Lamont which would broaden Connecticut’s ban on certain semi-automatic rifles, prohibit the open carry of firearms, and strengthen restrictions on untraceable “ghost guns.”

The committee approved the bill on a partisan vote after several hours of debate during an afternoon meeting. The panel advanced the proposal just a day after a school shooting in Nashville where a shooter killed six people including three children. Legislators cited that incident at times during Tuesday’s debate. Rep. Steve Stafstrom, a Bridgeport Democrat who co-chairs the panel, pointed to the Monday shooting as well as the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown as he introduced the bill.

“We don’t need to go back any further

than yesterday to see that gun violence continues to be a scourge on our nation,” Stafstrom said. “There are families throughout a community in Nashville that are struggling to pick up the pieces today just like there are communities all over the country.”

The bill passed by the committee contains other concepts from Lamont including a provision raising the age to purchase guns from 18 to 21 as well as elements of a separate bill proposed last month by the mayors of Connecticut’s largest cities. Lamont reflected on the Nashville shooting during a Tuesday morning interview with Catherine Shen on WNPR’s Where We Live.

“What the heck is going on?” Lamont asked. “I don’t remember this growing up, these types of shootings in schools, targeting the most vulnerable, targeting nineyear-olds.” He touted Connecticut’s current gun laws and his proposals before the Ju-

diciary Committee. “We’ve gotta keep going. I want Connecticut to continue to be a leader here.”

Most of the Judiciary Committee’s threehour debate on the bill consisted of Republican opponents arguing against Lamont’s proposals and unsuccessfully attempting to amend the language.

Sen. Rob Sampson, R-Wolcott, said it was unfortunate that proponents used the Nashville incident as justification for more stringent firearm policies.

“It’s a real shame that it seems like any time there is a tragedy, it seems like the goto answer is more gun control,” Sampson said. “It also seems to be the response to the day-to-day violence and murder.”

At one point during the meeting, Republicans tried unsuccessfully to split the bill in two in an effort to vote in favor of elements they approved of.

Rep. Doug Dubitsky, R-Chaplin, argued the firearm provisions would not address

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gun violence in Connecticut, which he said was largely perpetrated by a small number of repeat offenders.

“Section after section after section of this bill have absolutely nothing to do with solving that problem,” Dubitsky said. “[The bill] bans open carry of firearms. Other than that it makes some people uncomfortable, who cares? It’s not a source of crime.”

Following the meeting, Lamont released a statement applauding the committee’s action. He said the elected officials had a responsibility to implement policies to keep Connecticut residents safe in their homes, schools, churches and neighborhoods.

“These policy proposals represent a fair, commonsense balance that respects the rights of Americans to own guns for their own protection and sportsmanship while also acknowledging that we must take actions to protect the people who live in our communities,” Lamont said.

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PAUL BASS PHOTO L'Oréal Exec Erica Culpepper with ESUMS ninth-grader Layla Travers.

… and huddled with the students for the group photo.

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Tierra Soap Raises The Bar

by KAREN PONZIO

For some, a bar of soap is a common household item that helps them get their body clean. For Tierra Soap Co., a bar of soap has become a fusion of art, wellness, and culture as well as a way to connect to earth, nature, and community.

Founded in 2021 by the husband-andwife team of Richard Ramos and Addy Reyes Ramos, the Hamden-based company has grown by leaps and bounds, from a hobby born during the 2020 Covid lockdown into a multidimensional and multifaceted provider of a variety of wellness products created with natural ingredients, and all with an eye on the greater good of New Haven County and beyond. Ramos, a math professor, and Reyes Ramos, an accountant, run the business from their home before and after their regular work hours while also raising two children. It can be considered a labor of love, but a love that extends to family, friends, and the earth itself, rooted in the couple’s work ethic and artistic leanings.

Reyes Ramos described her husband Richard as someone who as a child was “constantly coming up with ideas and things to do.” He came up with the formulas they are still using for their soaps. As far as her own childhood, she “always had that line of taking care of the environ-

ment, taking care of your body,” she said, while being raised vegan and by a mother and a father who “both in the spiritual aspect and the whole-body aspect was conscious about the foods we ate at home and the products we used.”

The couple, who identify as Afro-Latino, also both had grandmothers who were herbalists and were told many stories over the years of how their own handmade goods “helped bring healing and wellness to others.”

The couple are both naturally inclined towards the arts. Both sing and make art, with Ramos also being a self-taught musician who plays at least six instruments and Reyes Ramos continuing to foster a love of photography since her Betsy Ross Magnet School days. The lockdown in 2020 led to both of them leaning into their artistic talents when they found themselves home more, and with more time on their hands.

“We started doing things that we just enjoy and doing things that we consume,” she said, which included Reyes Ramos starting a “massive” backyard garden as well as a blog, and Ramos making things like kombucha. But it was a trip to the Dominican Republic that planted the seed for this current business.

After Ramos’s father passed away, he traveled back to the land of his birth and

connected with a sister he had never met who made her own soap. According to Reyes Ramos this “lights up a bulb in his mind.” He began researching different ways he could make his own version of homemade soap, watching videos and downloading books to figure out the

method he would like best.

Once a blender and other supplies were purchased, Ramos began trying to make soap through what is known as the cold press method. As he started experimenting, he came up with three soaps: charcoal, turmeric oat milk and honey, and ol-

ive and rosemary. Reyes Ramos became more involved as the soaps evolved. Her husband began asking her for ideas as their family began using them and other people becoming interested in what they were doing. She thought they should start “seasoning this up a little.”

“We’re going to have to create more variety,” she told him. “We have to make it look more appealing. We’re going to have to take advantage of [the fact that a]soap bar can literally hold almost anything, so I added that artful beauty.”

Reyes Ramos began playing with color, flower petals, slices of fruit and the peels, also putting the emphasis on “making the soap have a purpose and a meaning” beyond being an item used to clean oneself.

“I believe that people nowadays, we are buying things that make us feel connected to something, something that reminds us of places and things, so even the names that we give the soaps I want them to have meaning I want you to feel a connection somehow.”

For example, one of the bars from the Spring 2022 collection was called A New Day, and Reyes Ramos said it is associated with what the season means to her.

“It means a new beginning of life,” she said. It incorporates the scent of Japanese Read more by going to THE INNERCITY NEWS .COM

MARLYN ACOSTA PHOTO Richard Ramos and Addy Reyes Ramos

New Haven Independent

OP-ED | Bus Fares are Coming Back, and the Legislature is to Blame

by Susan Bigelow

If you live anywhere that buses go, or you take the bus yourself, you know that bus fares are coming back on April 1. It’s hard to miss: they’re advertising it on the destination signs on the front of the bus that usually tell you where the bus is going.

That means that people who depend on the bus are going to need to find an extra $15-$30 dollars a month, at the very least, so they can get around. Because the people who rely on public transit are disproportionately poor, this is in essence the state taking money out of the pockets of the people who need it most. What a cruel April Fools’ joke. There’s no reason this had to happen.

The reason we had an April 1 deadline in the first place was because of limits the federal Department of Transportation put on pilot projects like this one. They do this to keep states from hanging out in the middle ground forever, forcing them to either make a pilot project a real thing or drop it altogether. In Connecticut, unfortunately, this requires the legislature to do something. And they have not.

A bill that would have done the bare minimum of requiring a fare-equity study to evaluate whether free bus fares are worth it died last week; the Transportation Committee reached its deadline without voting on it.

So what happened? Why did this very preliminary bill not even merit a vote?

The most charitable interpretation is

that the committee was at least partially swayed by testimony from transit leaders such as Douglas Holcomb, general manager of Greater Bridgeport Transit, who encouraged the state to take a longer and more considered look at the bus system, and how best to use dollars that might be spent on free fares. This was the upshot of an article that appeared in The Atlantic

a few months ago, as well: urban infrastructure, including transit, is desperately in need of major fixes that would be put off by spending money on free fares. Maybe, then, the legislature would rather go back and take everything into account before making smart, serious investments in the bus system. I’d love to believe that, but if this is what they’re planning on doing, they have been very quiet about it. It could be that they want to study the issue of how to make bus service better before doing anything. Except the issue has been studied. It’s been studied again and again and again. All of these studies have excellent ideas to improve transit, especially on high-traffic routes, but so far the legislature hasn’t moved to fund any of them.

If the legislature is being asked to choose between free fares and better bus service, it seems that they have chosen “neither.” There are a lot of good reasons to keep buses fare-free, mind you. Fare collection slows down bus travel, for example, and a complex fare system can be a turn-off for new riders. Ridership has grown under the fare-free program, and would likely fall again once the program ends. Getting rid of fares isn’t just about

transportation policy, though; it’s part of broader anti-poverty and environmental goals. Eliminating fares is one of the easiest ways of putting money back into the pockets of people who need it most, and who rely on public transit to get to work, school, shopping, and more. It also encourages more people who may already have cars to ride, which keeps traffic off the highways and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

We shouldn’t have to choose between keeping bus rides free and creating a better bus system. The former can and should be an integral part of the latter. Connecticut needs to make bus and train transportation a real priority instead of the afterthought it usually seems to be. The failure to advance this bill is disappointing. It speaks not of caution and preparation for a real overhaul of the bus system, but indifference. Legislative leaders need to find a way to fund this study, such as through the budget implementer bill, and move the permanent removal of fares forward.

In the meantime, fares start again on April 1. What a shame.

Connecticut Businesses Face March 30 Deadline to Comply With Retirement Savings Law

by Hugh McQuaid

Thousands of Connecticut businesses were potentially out of compliance with a public retirement savings program on Thursday, just one week before a March 30 deadline to enroll, according to the state Comptroller Sean Scanlon.

Scanlon held a press conference to promote the MyCTSavings and its looming deadline at the state Capitol building in Hartford. He was flanked by sympathetic business owners and members of the state AARP, who praised the mandatory savings plan.

“We’re here today to remind the people of Connecticut that if you have a business with five or more employees, you have got to go to MyCTSavings.com and either verify that you offer a retirement plan for your employees, in which case you’re all set, or if you don’t … we will work with you to make sure you are going through a very quick and very easy process,” Scanlon said.

The program is free for employers and is designed to automatically enroll private sector workers in a Roth IRA retirement savings plan if they are not already participating in a plan through their employers. Although workers can opt out of the plan if they do not wish to participate, the initiative is built around the idea that workers are more likely to save for retirement if they are automatically enrolled in a savings plan.

Tim Ryan, a CPA who is the AARP’s lead volunteer on the program, said that

studies have found workers between 15 and 20 times more likely to save if their retirement plans are funded through payroll deductions or they are automatically enrolled in the program.

“My message to the employers are: comply with the requirements of this program, please,” Ryan said.

However, according to the comptroller’s office, most employers have not. At this stage, just how many businesses are out of compliance is a little difficult to nail down. That’s because the requirement does not apply to employers who already offer retirement plans and it’s unclear how many do.

After Scanlon was sworn in as comptroller in January, his office sent letters to around 22,000 small businesses — a guess based on federal tax filings — that they believed may not offer plans. Around two-thirds of those employers have yet to respond, according to his office.

Although they have until next Thursday to do so, Scanlon acknowledged there was little penalty for businesses who fail to comply. State law requires employers with five or more workers to either enroll in the program or offer their own. That means the comptroller could sue businesses who offer neither.

However, Scanlon said he would not be suing Connecticut businesses over the savings program.

“I’m not taking any small businesses to court. I was raised by a small business owner,” Scanlon said. “I’m trying to lead by doing creative things like going to

learn how a … cupcake is made. I got a pizza at a place in Hartford the other day. I’m going to try to keep getting out there.”

Scanlon spent much of mid-March at lo-

cal businesses across the state doing press events aimed at publicizing the program.

Some of those business owners, like Carrie Carella of NoRa Cupcake Company in

Middletown, attended Thursday’s press conference.

“Over half of my staff is participating,” Carrella said. She said most of her employees were young and not otherwise thinking about retirement savings. “They’re excited that they now have a future plan and they don’t have to get ‘real job,’ like a corporate job and still make cupcakes.”

But while Thursday’s event was designed to alert businesses of the deadline and gently coax them to participate in the program, policymakers have advanced a proposal to equip Scanlon with punitive capabilities in the event that they do not.

Last month, the legislature’s Labor Committee advanced a bill that would, among other things, enable the comptroller’s office to fine businesses that do not comply. It was opposed by the panel’s Republicans.

“We’re going to give the comptroller the power to penalize employers for failing to follow a program which is in its infancy and it does not have a good track record so far,” Sen. Rob Sampson, R-Wolcott, said. “I think these are dangerous things.” Scanlon argued Thursday that the bill made sense.

“We want to give business owners a chance and a second chance and a third chance but at some point if they’re not complying we do have to make sure we’re doing something to compel them to be a part of this,” Scanlon said. “But we’re just, right now, focussing on the next seven days.”

A CTtransit bus pulls up to a stop in Hartford as a CTfastrak bus passes. Credit: Kerri Ana Provost / All Rights Reserved / CT News Junkie

State Comptroller Sean Scanlon speaks during a press conference on March 23, 2023 Credit: Hugh McQuaid / CTNewsJunkie

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Football Superstar Comes Home

by LISA REISMAN

Known for his lightning-quick reflexes and prodigious strength, Tyler Booker, the freshman All-American offensive lineman for the vaunted University of Alabama Crimson Tide, is about as close as you can get to a sure thing for NFL stardom.

But these days the New Haven native, who was indulging in a blueberry muffin on a recent afternoon at Whalley Avenue’s Westville Diner with his father William, seems just as interested in making a difference in his hometown as leveraging would-be tacklers out of the way.

Booker was spending part of his spring break promoting his second annual oneday Tyler Booker Football Camp at Hopkins School in May. Registration opened this past Monday. It’s free for anyone from fifth to eighth grade, girls included.

“Everybody is welcome: parents, spectators, everybody,” said the soft-spoken 18-year-old amid the bustle of the diner.

“There’s going to be great food, a deejay. We want to make this a community event.”

There was that same sense of community back in November, when Booker showed up at Pizza House on Howe Street on the team’s bye week, partnering with the Eat Up Foundation to help the state champ New Haven Steelers Cheer and Dance Team raise funds to get to the national championships in Orlando, Florida.

“This is about giving back to a group of girls that are already making our community proud and have the chance to make an even bigger impact,” he said, while enjoying pizza with the squad and their families.

William Booker, who grew up in Newhallville, recalled taking his son to the annual Walter Camp Football Foundation dinners at Woolsey Hall, a star-studded event that features both college AllAmericans and legends of the gridiron.

“He’d be in line and he’d be excited to meet certain players, and by the time he got to the beginning of the line, they’d be getting up to take a break, and sometimes they wouldn’t even come back,” he said.

“That was heartbreaking for me so I said, ‘Son, if you ever get in that position, I want you to be approachable because you can really have an impact on that kid’s life.’”

Tyler Booker with Coach Angelo Fox, at nine years old in 2013 and at 13 in 2017 (courtesy Angelo Fox.)

By then, Angelo Fox was coaching Tyler as a Mighty Mite in Pop Warner football.

“The athletic ability was there, you could see right away he had that bloodline in

football,” he said, referring to Tyler’s uncle, Ulish Booker, an offensive lineman who played football at Michigan State before going on to win a championship ring with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006.

“Even as a little kid, Tyler worked at football, he loved it, he had a true love for the game, and he shared that energy with his teammates, he encouraged them, he motivated them,” said Fox, who’s been coaching Pop Warner for over 25 years, or longer. He’s lost count.

“What I love about coaching kids in that age group, 9, 10, 11, is the chance you have to mentor them, to encourage them, to be inspirational to them,” he said. “I think Tyler is recognizing that.”

Frank Quido, owner of Breakout Athlete in North Branford and a nationally recognized performance coach known for his techniques to improve speed and ability, recalled meeting Booker when he was nine.

“His dad would call and say: When can we get Tyler in to train? And I would say the only time we have available is 7 a.m. on Saturday, and he would be here at 7 a.m. on Saturday,” he said. “That’s a different kind of commitment.”

Ernest Anderson was Booker’s offensive coordinator at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan starting in the sixth grade. “He was just one of our standout kids right away,” said Anderson, currently head football coach at St. Thomas More in Oakdale. “Twelve years old, he was the first person to practice, the last one

to leave. When the best player is your leader, does everything by example, it really makes it easy.”

The success that Booker is enjoying is no accident, Anderson said.

“He’s always been a phenomenal student, which a lot of people don’t know. He was always taking AP classes, high honors classes,” he said of Booker, who’s deciding between a major in history and English at Alabama.

“But also it’s really how he was raised by his mom and dad, he has one of the most solid foundations you’ll ever see in a young man,” he said.

“There’s a lot of people in New Haven that Tyler grew up with who weren’t as fortunate as he was, so he knows that if they had that solid foundation, they would be able to persevere.”

That’s why, he said, “Tyler’s having this camp so he can show the kids who are playing for the New Haven Steelers, or really anyone, that I’m from here and I’ve made it to the highest level. He’s making them see what they can be.”

Booker said his parents instilled in him, as well as his sister Jailen, 23, and brother Mason, 11, the importance of giving back to the community from a young age. “Feeding the homeless, or going on walks to help fight ALS, or other kinds of causes, that was kind of ingrained in me, that when you’re able to help, you do.”

That took a different shape during the protests and racial unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

“Just being a Black male in America, I’ve always had a sense of how hard it is,” he said. “Seeing the lynching of George Floyd showed me where we are today, and how far we have to go.”

By then, he was at IMG Academy, a boarding school in Bradenton, Florida that draws top athletes from around the country and the world.

“Just being around those high-level athletes, in class, the cafeteria, the training room, you have no choice but to elevate with them or you’re going to be left behind,” he said. “So that was kind of a positive form of peer pressure.”

Being in that environment also, it seems, had him seeing the potential of what he could be, not just on the football field.

“Football is not my purpose, it’s my platform,” he told Sports Illustrated in July 2021 when announcing he would attend the University of Alabama.

“I have a huge responsibility because I really think about kids my little brother’s age,” he said, having polished off his muffin at the diner. “I think about them looking up to me and I want to make sure that I’m showing them the best vision of what they can be.”

Tyler with his mom Tashona Booker and sister Jailen Booker.

LISA REISMAN PHOTO Tyler Booker and his father William Booker at Whalley Ave.'s Westville Diner.

Tyler Booker, with the New Haven Steelers Cheer Team.

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Schools Coordinator Charts Path Towards Filling Vacancies, Keeping Staff

by MAYA MCFADDEN

New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) currently has 193 job postings up on its website for 193 vacancies it’s looking to fill with new teachers, admins, coaches and substitutes.

Sarah Diggs has her eye on reducing that number — and on making the district more efficient in its hiring, and more attractive to potential employees.

Diggs is NHPS’s coordinator of recruitment and retention.

She stepped into that public-school human resources (HR) role this past September after the district reshaped and expanded a previous HR position that had focused solely on recruiting new hires, and not on keeping in place the talented teachers New Haven already has.

Before Diggs was hired for this current NHPS role, she served as the Managing Director of Learning and Development for Up Education Network and prior to that was Hartford Public Schools’ director of professional learning. She was also previously a principal at Achievement First Amistad Academy Middle School. In a recent interview with the Independent, Diggs explained the background work that the HR team has been prioritizing to bring new life to the district’s recruitment and retention efforts — all at a time when the city struggles with a teacher shortage and the departure of some staffers who feel unsupported and pushed out by the district. The Board of Alders also recently granted a final approval for a new teachers union contract that calls for a 15 percent pay raise over the next three years

"We Want To Show Our Urgency & Seriousness"

Diggs emphasized in her interview with the Independent that one of her top priorities upon taking over this recruitment-retention-coordinator role was making sure that a NHPS applicant’s very first experience with the district is a good one. That meant updating the digital system the HR department uses to track the district’s vacancies. The goal: to help the team post job openings more quickly and accurately.

“We can’t fill openings if we don’t know they exist or don’t post job openings,” she said. Much of Diggs’ work is done in collaboration with the teachers union and NHPS Senior Personnel Analyst Heather O’Grady.

Since the department has shifted to a live vacancy tracker, Diggs said, HR is able to tap into real-time updates to acknowledge and post for jobs within two days of their becoming open.

The department has also made improvements to its requisition tracking system for applicants and new hires, Diggs said. That should help avoid losing applicants due to a lengthy hiring timeframe.

Diggs said HR’s goal is to reduce resignations by 25 percent from last year to this year.

She said the district is exploring creating a teacher-career pathway for high school students to better learn about careers in education.

The school district also has “grow your own” supports for educators looking to get certified to teach through partnerships with local colleges and universities.

This month the district helped 13 current NHPS employees get enrolled in reduced cost Bachelor’s programs to get their undergraduate college degrees and work towards certification. Diggs said 30 current part-time and non-certified educators expressed interest when that program was announced.

“This is a buyers market and we are the sellers and what we’re selling is ensuring equitable outcomes for kids,” Diggs said.

“I will not have a system breakdown be the reason we don’t hire a great person for our kids.”

Diggs clarified that her role is not to determine a staffing model for the district, bur rather to fill open, vacant positions.

The HR department has also expanded its job posting network from two main places Frontline and CTREAP to now include LinkedIn and Indeed.

Additionally, district job openings are shared weekly with current staff looking to apply for a promotion or new positions.

Every Friday Diggs also creates postings to share with local colleges’ and universities’ job boards.

By increasing the departments’ posting network, Diggs said, NHPS is able to reach not just certified teachers but all other necessary school staff to fill gaps for jobs that support the whole child.

This coming Tuesday, the district will host its annual Career Fair from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Floyd Little Athletic Center at 480 Sherman Pkwy.

At the fair, the district’s hiring team will be giving applicants contingent jobs and on-site interviews.

“We want to show our urgency and seriousness,” Diggs said. “It also aims to make the applicants’ experiences streamlined.”

Despite the district’s revamped hiring efforts this school year, it’s seen slightly more resignations.

From August to the end of March, 247 staffers were hired. During that same time, 255 employees resigned and or retired.

As of March 24 the district had a total of 226 vacancies, most openings being for classroom teachers.

“When you see your employer is committed to your growth, you’re going to be less likely to leave,” she said. Additionally NHPS uses durational shortage area permits (DSAP) to get non-certified educators in classrooms now while helping them to enroll in certification programs. NHPS Director of Student Services Typhanie Jackson established two certification pathways through Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) and Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) specifically for special education teachers.

The Office of Special Education has also established a new partnership with Teach Connecticut after central office issued a teacher-interest survey that received 90 responses requesting help with becoming certified teachers.

Jackson’s and Diggs’ teams are now helping to align personal supports for all 90 staffers including free coaching sessions and vouchers for people to engage in free praxis testing support.

Before Diggs’ arrival, the district also used ESSER funds to hire 65 non-certified teachers to reduce teacher-student rations for K-3 classrooms. Those ESSERfunds-hired teachers have been supported over the past two years in joining certification programs.

Another retention effort Diggs has been backing is developing processes for teacher placement and transfers.

She described herself as a listening ear for educators and on Friday heard from two teachers who expressed interest in transfers next school year.

In a phone interview Friday, Diggs said one teacher asked about transfer options that would allow her to have an earlier start time to deal with personal tasks in the afternoon.

“I’m dedicated to those committed to New haven and want to ensure their placement is best,” Diggs said. Diggs aims to connect recruitment and re-

Read more by going to THE INNERCITY NEWS .COM

THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL

Sarah Diggs

New Haven Independent

Social Security Matters:

By Russell Gloor, AMAC and AMAC Foundation

As the first quarter of 2023 comes to a close, the AFRO would like to give special attention to issues related to senior citizens and social security. In this week’s edition, we have included two pertinent questions about the planning and usage of social security benefits.

Ask Rusty: will social security be there for me?

Dear Rusty: I am 56 and hope to hold out to get maximum Social Security at age 70. However, with all of the talk of Social Security funds being depleted, is it wise to continue with this mindset? Will there even BE Social Security benefits for folks in my age bracket?

Should I think about starting Social Security benefits as soon as I am eligible?

I am employed; however, I don’t have a large amount of savings. I contribute to my company’s 401(k) and receive the match, and I own my own home (almost paid off) with an estimated $250,000.00 in equity, but I won’t be able to stay in the home long term. Any insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

–Signed: Weary Worker

Dear Weary Worker: I don’t suggest changing your strategy due to fears of Social Security not being there – it will be. Although the program is facing some future financial issues, the very worst that could happen is that everyone’s benefits might be cut by 20 percent or more if Congress fails to act to restore the program to solvency before the Trust Funds are depleted in the early to mid-2030s.

In my opinion, Congress will not likely fail to act because to do so would be political suicide. The fact is, they already know how to fix Social Security’s financial issues; they just lack the bipartisan spirit and political fortitude to do so until they extract every possible ounce of political capital from the issue. So, it’s largely a matter of how long Congress will wait to reform the program.

Right now, the Social Security Trust Funds hold about $2.8 trillion in reserves to ensure full benefits will be paid. But Social Security now pays out more in benefits than it receives in revenue, so the extra money needed to pay full benefits is taken from those reserves. What is needed is reform which addresses the reality that people today are living much longer and collecting benefits for much longer than the program is structured to accommodate.

are you prepared to maximize your benefits?

able within 12 months of the date you submit your application and can only be done once in your lifetime. If you use it, you will be required to repay Social Security for all payments made on your behalf, including not only your monthly payments but also any income taxes you had withheld, and any Medicare premiums which were withheld from your monthly payments (Social Security will inform you how much you must repay). Once the repayment is made, it will be as though you never applied for benefits, meaning your benefit amount will be higher when you later re-apply (which would also be the case if you simply didn’t apply – your benefit entitlement continues to grow until you claim, up to age 70 when your maximum SS benefit is attained).This process would be the same for both you and your wife.

Many possible solutions are on the table in Congress, including raising the full retirement age a bit to deal with the reality of people living much longer, and increasing the program’s tax revenue by withholding a bit more from American workers. The eventual reform will likely include some variation of both, as well as other “tweaks” which further guarantee the program will be there for future generations.

As for the thought of claiming your benefits as soon as you are eligible (age 62), be aware that Social Security has an “earnings test” which applies to anyone who collects benefits before reaching full retirement age (FRA). If you are working full time when you first become age-eligible, you likely wouldn’t be able to collect benefits because your benefit amount would be insufficient to pay the penalty for exceeding the earnings limit ($1 for every $2 over the limit) within one year. And, as you may already know, your age 62 benefit would be cut by about 30 percent from your FRA amount, while your benefit at age 70 would be about 76 percent more

than your age 62 benefit.

So even if the worst case scenario happens (which it almost certainly won’t), an across the board cut of 20 percent or more to your benefits at age 70 would yield a higher monthly payment than that same cut to your age 62 benefit amount. So, I suggest you stick with your current strategy to continue working and wait as long as practical to claim your benefits (up to age 70).

As an aside, AMAC (Association of Mature American Citizens) has, for years, been proposing (to Congress) its “Social Security Guarantee Plus” which would restore Social Security to solvency for generations to come and would not require an increased payroll tax rate. Congressional reaction has been generally positive, leading us to be hopeful for a reasonable solution to the problem.

Ask Rusty: how do I withdraw my application for social security?

Dear Rusty: I will be 67 next month and reached my full retirement age in

July 2022. My wife and I are discussing whether we should take Social Security now or wait until we are age 70 to get a higher benefit. I remember reading that you can start Social Security and, if not needed, pay it back within a year and then “reset” to get a higher benefit by waiting longer. Please describe the steps of this process to take now and repay the year’s benefits if we do not need them.

-Signed: Uncertain

Dear Uncertain: Well, to exercise the so-called “do over option” (which is essentially withdrawing your application for benefits), you need to contact Social Security (1.800.772.1213 or your local SS field office) and request that your application for benefits be withdrawn. You can also download and complete form SSA-521 and deliver the same to your local Social Security office. You can get that form at this link: www.ssa.gov/ forms/ssa-521.pdf.

This “do-over option” is only avail-

However, I suggest you consider whether you really need to withdraw your application. Be aware that since you’ve already reached your full retirement age (FRA) you can claim now and, if you later decide you don’t need the monthly SS money, you can simply temporarily suspend your benefit payments to avoid repaying Social Security everything they’ve already paid to you and on your behalf (you don’t need to formally withdraw your application). By simply suspending (and not withdrawing), your benefit amount will start growing again with each month your benefits are suspended (about .67 percent more for each month you do not get benefits) and you can keep everything you’ve already received to the point you suspend your payments. To suspend your payments just call Social Security at the number provided above and tell them you wish to suspend your benefits and grow your payment amount. While you can only use the withdrawal process once in your lifetime, you can temporarily suspend your benefit payments multiple times if necessary.

Russell Gloor is the national Social Security advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens. This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA).

NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, email ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.

Colon Sworn In As New Asst. Police Chief

by THOMAS BREEN

Surrounded by dozens of friends, family members, city workers, and police colleagues, Lt. Manmeet Colon raised her right hand and took the oath of office to become the city’s third assistant police chief and the department’s first ever second-in-command of Asian descent. That was the scene Friday afternoon during for a crowded and celebratory swearing in ceremony that marked Colon’s official ascension to the role of assistant police chief in charge of patrol.

She joins fellow assistant chiefs David Zannelli and Bertram Ettienne in what Board of Police Commissioners Chair Evelise Ribeiro described on Friday as the “dream team” that Police Chief Karl Jacobson has surrounded himself with at the top of the department.

Friday’s ceremony marked “another glass ceiling being broken,” Ribeiro said, noting how Colon a 15-year NHPD veteran who was born in Mumbai, India and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was 11 years old is

now the department’s second ever female assistant chief of color and its first Indian assistant chief.

Colon has risen the ranks and served in a wide variety of roles during her tenure with the NHPD, Ribeiro and Jacobson said with praise, describing how Colon has worked in patrol, as a detective in the special victims unit, as a sergeant supervising the robbery and burglary unit, as a lieutenant and district manager for Newhallville and Dixwell, and most recently as the head of the Internal Affairs division.

“She was tough, but she was also very kind,” Jacobson said as he recalled working in patrol in the Hill at the same as when Colon joined the force a decade and a half ago. He said they both learned about what community policing truly looks like under the mentorship of the Hill’s top cop at the time, now-retired Lt. Holly Wasilewski.

Jacobson also noted how he brought his own daughter, who is studying criminal justice at University of New Haven, to

Friday’s ceremony to be inspired by and take note of such an accomplished female police officer as Colon.

“I brought her here because I want her to look up to you,” he said, pushing back tears as he looked over at Colon.

Colon’s older daughter Milan joined Colon’s brother Prabhjyot Singh in pinning Colon’s new assistant chief badge on her uniform, as Mayor Justin Elicker then administered the oath of office.

“You mom has done great things. She will do so many great things” to come, Elicker said through near-tears of his own as he looked over at Milan and her sister, Maya.

Colon thanked her colleagues and her family and friends before closing out Friday’s ceremony. She urged her colleagues, especially on bad days, to “remind yourself of how privileged you are to be part of such a rewarding and strong profession.”

“With great power comes great responsibility,” she said, “and ever greater accountability.”

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO

Newly minted Asst. Chief Colon takes the oath of office.

New Haven Independent

Students Find Their Voices Through “The Word”

Abiba Biao, Arts Paper newhavearts.org

Theo Constantinescu sat before the circle of chairs in front of him. There was a beat, then another, then words. Constantinescu didn’t hold back in front of his small audience of five people as they absorbed his sentences in stilled silence.

“So how can I blame my trans brothers and sisters for taking internal pain out on their bodies when I starved myself?” Constantinescu read. “I wonder if I was just asking ‘Do you hear me? Do you know my name or do you only see what you want to see?’”

That was the scene last Thursday at The Word, a poetry workshop held at Neighborhood Music School (NMS) on Audubon Street from 4:30 to 6 p.m. each week. Born over a decade ago, the program now operates under interim Artistic Director Tarishi “Midnight” Shuler, a teaching artist and spoken word poet who followed Aaron Jafferis in the role last fall.

The sessions are held weekly with a virtual option on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and an in-person workshop on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m.. Thursday workshops reliably take place at NMS, in a classroom at 100 Audubon St.

Last Thursday marked an intimate group, with just a few readers who gradually warmed to the idea of sharing their work. With a nudge from his friend Karter Black, Constantinescu broke the ice and read his poem aloud first.

“Of all the trans people I know or have been close to, I have yet to find one without an eating disorder,” he began. “And maybe there’s a selection bias being that they’re my friends, maybe I’m conflating correlation and causation. No … It isn’t an accident.”

He pushed his hair back in a gesture of annoyance. Then, with little pause, he described his own body dysmorphia as a

“grotesque ill fitting Halloween mask,” caused by being stuck for too long inside a female-presenting body.

Constantinescu’s poem is currently untitled, he said. He wrote the poem a day before the workshop on his notes app, filled with emotion while writing in his car. He drew inspiration from his own journey as a trans man and the friends around him, he said.

“There’s a big overlap between body image issues, eating disorders and gender dysphoria that I feel like it’s just not talked about often enough,” he said. “They’re talked about in separate spheres, like, as separate things, when I think there’s such an interconnection between them.”

A senior at Hamden High School, Constantinescu plans to major in psychology at the University of Vermont. Two months away from his 18th birthday, Constantinescu said he also hopes to take the first steps towards his transition journey and take testosterone. He also noted the internal conflict trans people face when they are raised to abide by cisgender societal norms of being cisgender. Their gender expression becomes an act of unlearning.

After a round of applause went by, participants took a moment to digest the poem.

“I relate to so much of what he said. It just made me feel like it’s not just me,” Ian Reyes said. “But it also upsets me because I know so many other people are facing this. But I’m also happy and proud of him to be able to write that down and to openly say it.”

Reyes is a freshman at Penn Foster College, working towards his associates degree as a veterinary technician. While he was initially shy, Constantinescu’s reading gave him courage to read his

poem aloud.

“It hurts when you care so much about someone when they don’t want you to care at all,” Reyes began. “And you eventually get to the point [where] you don’t even want to try to fight with them over it anymore. Just stop caring until they need it again.”

Putting on ambient music, Shuler sat down and performed an unreleased poem, capturing the message of one person to another across the stratosphere. While he has been doing poetry for over 20 years, and opened for notable figures including U.S. President Bill Clinton, rapper Saul Williams, and R&B artist Dwele, he is best known in New Haven for his work as a mentor and educator.

“Captain’s Log stardate 0504202088. Hello? Can you hear me? Hello? Anybody out there? Wake up,” he started. “We live multiple lives simultaneously in different timelines. Every time I have deja vu, it reminds me I’m trying to get back to you. I found you in my sleep. When I woke up. You forgotten all about us.”

The music then switched from to light guitar strumming, marking a transition to a more personal note.

“I know I said this a million times before, but this time in this life, I hope I find the strength to walk through that cosmic door. This is the closest we have gotten to sharing this experience together here on this timeline. I might not be here when you hear this, but know this. I will always be with you. Hopefully, my energy, my love will guide you, where you’ll find me waiting for you on the other side of the universe.”

Shuler’s premise with this poem was to make its meaning ambiguous, wanting the message to be applicable to a variety of circumstances and up to the audi-

MLK's Daughter, Black Investors Purchase White-Owned Bank in Utah — First Time in History

By Blackbusiness.com

A group of Black investors led by Dr. Bernice A. King and Ashley D. Bell are purchasing Holladay Bank & Trust located near Salt Lake City, Utah. They are making history as the first Black American investors to ever buy a bank that was formally white-owned. Even more, once the sale is finalized, it will be the only Black-owned bank west of Texas, and the only one in the entire Mountain West region of the country.

The investors, which also include former NFL player Dhani Jones, are making the purchase through their Atlanta-based Redemption Holding Company. Jones will also serve on the company’s advisory board along with King, the daughter of the late Martin Luther King Jr., and Bell,

a former White House Policy Advisor.

Since 1974, the previously woman-led white-owned bank has been operating in Salt Lake City in Utah which has one of the lowest Black populations in the country. After the regulatory approval clears, the investors plan to rename the institution to Redemption Bank, aiming to focus more on online banking services and small business loans, especially in underserved communities.

“Black banks make the American dream possible for all Americans by deploying resources that uniquely address the financial realities of communities that have been systematically excluded, overcharged, and under-capitalized for hundreds of years,” Bell told The Hill.

“In my father’s last public address on April 3, 1968, he preached the imperative

to accelerate the financial inclusion of Black Americans by supporting missiondriven Black banks -- something he called a ‘bank-in movement,’” King said. “More than half a century of struggle and incremental progress later, we’re making good on daddy’s call to bank in by creating new centers of opportunity for people of color, starting with this Black-led bank acquisition. Redemption is just that: delivering families from the cycle of unjust financial exclusion and intergenerational poverty.” With this acquisition, there will now be 17 Black-owned banks in the United States. That represents less than 1% of all FDIC-insured banks. According to CNBC, however, between 1888 and 1934, there were as many as 134 banks across the nation that were owned and operated by African Americans.

Abiba Biao Photos: Theo Constantinescu, writing down feedback from Tarishi Shuler. Ian Reyes. Tarishi “Midnight” Shuler. Meeri Ellis. Con’t on page 22

YALE SCHOOL OF MUSIC ELLINGTON JAZZ SERIES PRESENTS

EPITAPH: 100 YEARS OF MINGUS

APRIL 2, 2023 | 2 P.M. |

WOOLSEY HALL

In celebration of Charles Mingus’ 100th birthday, the Ellington Jazz Series presents the revered Mingus Big Band, with Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, YSM Lecturer in Jazz, and Director of the Yale Jazz Ensembles Wayne Escoffery and Yale students, in a performance, conducted by Escoffery and trombonist Frank Lacy, of Mingus’ idiosyncratic jazz-orchestra epic, Epitaph. This rarely performed, enigmatic work reflects the genius of its composer while defying all categorization and offers the world an experience of the man himself and of the ideas that filled him.

Tickets from $23, students $10 | music-tickets.yale.edu

Editorial: We Need To Talk About Colorism in The Black Community

Nyah Peebles, hbcubuzz.com

“That bubble of doubt within? It’s time to stick a pin in it. And wear your dark and lovely face with a grin on it.” ― Princess Latifah, “Pretty For a Dark Skin?”

Colorism is a pressing issue that causes division amongst the Black community and other BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities.

Merriam-Webster defines colorism as prejudice or discrimination, especially within a racial or ethnic group favoring people with lighter skin over those with darker skin.

Indeed, colorism is the “daughter of racism” as stated by actress, Lupita Nyong’o, and continues to run rampant in society.

The History of Colorism

Colorism has roots in slavery as white colonists created a division between the Africans and furthered the idea that being as close to white as possible was the ideal image. Lighter-skinned slaves were allowed to work indoors and carry out domestic tasks, while darker-skinned slaves participated in strenuous hard labor outdoors in the field. Lighter-skinned slaves also were afforded better opportunities to become educated and learn to read a write while working in the house.

In addition, enslavers administered tests to determine who was light enough to work in the house called the brown paper bag test. If people’s skins were darker than a brown paper bag, they were deemed too dark to work in the house. Black people also used tests that perpetuated colorism. According to The African American Registry, Black people also used the comb and the door tests to determine who was allowed in certain establishments. The comb test measured the kinkiness of a person’s hair by using a comb to see if it could pass through the hair without stopping. The door test was used in some African American clubs and

churches, where they would paint their doors a certain shade of brown and if people were darker than the doors, they would not be let in.

Proximity to whiteness meant certain freedoms for Black individuals, which is why many lighter-complexioned Black people engaged in “passing.” According to PureWow Journalist, Chelsea Candelario, “White-passing is when someone perceives a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and Person of Color) as a white person. Some BIPOC people labeled as whitepassing are viewed as having more privi-

lege than other individuals in their community.”

The Continuing Legacy

Colorism has continued to live on and we see it working every day on social media, in film, in music, in families, and in school and work settings.

There are countless examples in media, such as light-skinned women being portrayed as more desirable and more feminine than dark-skinned women in shows like “Martin,” or light-skinned actresses

receiving more attention and getting roles over dark-skinned actresses. For example, the fiasco that was the 2016 Nina Simone biopic starring Afro-Latinx actress Zoe Saldana portraying the iconic singer. Instead of casting a dark-skinned actress, producers cast a lighter one and altered her to look like Simone. For the role, Saldana donned a prosthetic nose and skincolor-altering makeup to mimic Simone’s appearance. This just furthers the argument that darker-skinned people don’t get nearly the amount of opportunities that lighter-skinned people do.

Research shows people with darker skin experience an increased number of problems, including socioeconomic issues.

Colorism is linked to smaller incomes, lower marital rates for women, longer prison terms, fewer job prospects, decreased mental and physical health, and a lower perceived intelligence for darker-skinned people. Dark-skinned girls are also three times more likely to be suspended from school than their light-skinned peers. Additionally, research by Stanford psychologist Jennifer Eberhardt found that darkerskinned Black defendants were twice as likely as lighter-skinned Black defendants to get the death penalty for crimes involving white victims

Countless dark-skinned people can recall being the source of name-calling growing up because of their skin color— not to mention how many dark-skinned Black women have been told that they’re “pretty for a dark skin girl.” This can be extremely detrimental to one’s selfesteem and can result in self-hatred and skin bleaching.

How Do We Eliminate Colorism?

As long as colorism has existed in our communities, many still deny its existence. In order to change the narrative of how darker-skinned people are seen, we must acknowledge that colorism exists and have the conversation. People must check their biases and champion for darker-skinned people to get the same opportunities that people of lighter complexion do. With shows showcasing dark-skinned black people leads like “Insecure”, “BelAir” and “Blood and Water,” there has been some progression of representation in media, but there is still much further to go. It’s also important that we begin teaching our youth about colorism and empower them to speak up for change. Colorism is a major form of discrimination that should be treated with the same seriousness as racism.

Meet Dr. Xavier Cole, the first black president of Loyola University New Orleans

Abu Mubarik, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Dr. Xavier Cole has been appointed as the next president of Loyola University New Orleans, making him the first black person to occupy the position in the university’s history. He was unanimously voted for the role by the University’s board after a seven-month national search by the Presidential Search Committee, which included faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents. The committee also got the assistance of the executive search firm – Isaacson, Miller.

Before his appointment, he was the vice president of student affairs and dean of students at Washington College, Maryland. He previously served the Division

of Student Development at Loyola University Maryland for 20 years, before quitting as assistant vice president in 2014, according to Marquette University. He succeeds Dr. Tania Tetlow, who stepped down in early 2022.

“I see my role at Loyola New Orleans as an opportunity to work intentionally with a world-class faculty and staff to help form the next generation of ethical and moral leaders,” Cole said in a statement. “It’s a chance for me to give back to Loyola New Orleans a fraction of what an Ignatian formation has given to me.”

“Dr. Cole has served the Marquette community, particularly our students, as a person for and with others,” President Michael R. Lovell said. “His genuine

care was felt across campus, especially during his leadership of our COVID-19 Response Team. He has positively impacted countless facets of the university, and I look forward to working with him as a presidential colleague at Loyola New Orleans.”

Raised in Biloxi, Mississippi, Dr. Cole obtained his doctorate in higher education management at the University of Pennsylvania in 2013. He got his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Mississippi and his master’s in history from Miami University, Ohio. His thesis was on mission and identity programs at three Jesuit universities and their impact on mission leadership for laypersons.

“Dr. Cole is a uniquely experienced higher education administrator who has dedicated his career to the study and preservation of Jesuit, Catholic institutions in America, and to the service of their students,” said Stephen Landry, Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Meanwhile, Cole is the chair of the Graduate School of Education Executive Doctorate Alumni Board, University of Pennsylvania. Prior to that, he was vice chair and director of the education committee on the board of Messmer Catholic Schools from 2017 to 2022.

Dr. Xavier Cole.

Photo credit: Marquette university Dr. Xavier Cole

Barber-Scotia College Leaders Discuss Revitalization Plan

The Importance Of College Students’ Mental Health Routines

by Dakaria Williams, BlackDoctor.org

In today’s world, college students’ mental health routines and all surrounding it are widely practiced in college spaces. Whether listening to music before class, meditation, or writing down your weekly goals regarding mental health, we all need a routine and might even do it without thinking.

by Nyah Peebles, hbcubuzz.com

On Saturday, Barber-Scotia College leaders held a press conference to discuss their efforts to preserve the campus.

The 156-year-old college lost its accreditation nearly 20 years ago, with the campus in need of repair.

“We are determined to build the walls of Barber-Scotia College,” said Board chair Roberta Pinckney.

Barber-Scotia interim president Tracey Flemmings said last October, the board of trustees approved a five-year strategic plan to restore the school to stability and sustainability.

“We are in active discussions with potential donors and partners and are confident that over the next two years the college will orchestrate a turnaround,” Flemmings said.

Last week, the Concord City Council released a statement announcing that the task force created six years ago to revitalize Barber-Scotia College has been dissolved.

Within the statement, the city blamed Barber-Scotia college officials for a lack of participation in the process.

“Despite our efforts and financial commitment, Barber-Scotia College officials refuse to work in partnership with us, and have continuously obstructed the work of the Task Force. We no longer believe it is possible for the Task Force to work effectively in pursuit of a revitalized campus,”

the statement read.

According to WBTV, Barber-Scotia officials deny the city’s claims.

During Saturday’s press conference, university officials speculated that the city and county officials seem to be plotting the school’s demise. Flemmings revealed that the college learned of the dissolution of the task force from the media.

Earlier this month, the Cabarrus County tax assessor denied tax exemption status for much of the campus, which includes worn down buildings deemed unsafe by city inspectors.

“We are still willing to work with city and county officials, we are simply asking them to allow us enough time to make repairs, restore our tax exempt status, and cancel our debt as a sign of good faith,” Flemmings added.

“The college is respectfully asking the city to back off and allow this new administration to work its plan,” Flemmings added.

Pinckney remained positive that the college will return to where it once was.

“The new leadership, the board of trustees, the alumni, friends, and supporters are resolved to ensure that Scotia will continue her legacy to teach, educate, and train the next generation of students,” said Pinckney.

When talking to professional Dr. Jai Anderson, he stated, “sleep is the most important mental health routine of all, and good sleep at that.” Anderson spoke of using cell phones and disconnecting before bed also playing a pivotal role in securing the sleep needed every night. Because of these professional statements, the understanding that psychology’s outlook on mental health routines starts before the typical college day, at night, with sleep habits having a positive role on most students.

Consistent Mental Health Routine Or Plan

While sleep can be adequate for mental health, its effects work best when added to a mentally stabilizing routine or plan consistently carried out over time. When talking to Aniyah Sparks, a second-year psychology major at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), she was asked how a mental health routine impacts her life. In the following, she stated, “making a mental health routine has made me a lot less anxious.

Even something as simple as writing down things I must accomplish for the day helps me handle what the day has in store for me.” Life as a college student can cause anxiety with the overwhelming work and stress caused by a busy schedule.

Still, Anyia uses her routine to organize and calm these fears by writing her schedule out, consistently journaling, and writing down her emotions. “Sometimes I feel like I can’t say it out loud, so, at times, I just have to put it on paper,” she says.

Finding Alternative Mental Health Routines: Transitioning

In Anyia’s eyes, her mental health routine is what keeps her mentally ready for school, but in opposition, speaking with students that do not have as easy of access to their particular routine have found new ways to not only practice their routine but change and bring their routine to the college campus as a whole.

One FAMU student Mykyla Hooper, a second-year pre-occupational therapy major, spoke of her initial routines growing up in high school. “I would go to this after-school program. We would have dancing, singing, plays, and I was that kind of kid that would get involved in all of it.”

For many college students, realizing that they may not have the time to add some of these routines that gave them so much joy as a child can be disheartening. Still, Mykyla refuses to let newly found responsibilities hold her back from her passions.

Transferring her mental health routine from high school to college for Mykyla meant making vlogs for her viewing daily. “I watch my vlogs like an athlete watching tape,” she says. Makayla states that she is somewhat of her own mental coach.

She is satisfied with her progress if she can see where her head is at during whatever challenging moments she gets through them. Mykyla says that it is essential not to give up what you did in high school entirely if it helps you form a strong and positive mental routine. “Of course, we don’t have all of the time in the world but make time for what is important, and you will see the results.”

Mindfulness For Students’ Mental Health Routines

From attending class to a part-time job,

studying can be straining for anyone. Dr. Candace Adir stated, “meditation or some type of mindfulness exercise, along with sleep or physical activity daily, could increase one’s overall mood and mental health over time.”

Over the past decade, it’s apparent that the mental health discussion in the black community is increasing in comparison to the past generations. We are in a time where racial injustice and inequality affect the community in sadly similar ways.

Between police brutality and school shootings, this next generation of college students has a new normal that exudes and tests their mental strength and willpower.

The only difference for this generation is that conversations about their mental health are more open than in the past. When examining and trying to exercise the brain’s ability to face daily challenges.

Keeping A Balanced Life

Mental health routines are more than necessary for a balanced college life. No matter what form your routine may take, always cater to your feelings and listen to yourself.

What one person may do may not work for you, but the best thing is always to experiment with your limits and goals, slowly working to where you want to be every day.

Actress and Grammy-Nominated Singer Halle Bailey Helping Make Disney Dreams Come True

By Stacy M. Brown

During a press junket held in a roped-off lawn area near the famous Walt Disney World Parade, a little girl named Mila experienced a dream moment.

“The Little Mermaid” star and Grammynominated singer Halle Bailey spotted Mila in a crowd of onlookers as Bailey spoke to the media during an event that kicked off the Disney Dreamers Academy, where 100 students receive mentorship during a fourday educational and entertainment excursion.

Mila wouldn’t let the star go, and Bailey reacted in the most superstar way: she held on and even shed a tear.

“You’re so pretty,” Bailey told Mila.

“You’re so beautiful and sweet.”

Those unscripted moments helped to underscore why the Disney Dreamers Academy has meant so much to so many children for 16 years.

Bailey, like the 2022 celebrity ambassador, singer Kelly Rowland, found time not only to mentor the 100 Academy students, but step from behind the parade ropes to embrace fans.

This year, Bailey is joined by other celebrities like H.E.R., Quest Love, and Marsai Martin.

But clearly, Bailey has won over the high school students, their parents, and others

with gawkers surrounding Disney Coronado Springs Resort where cast and crew gather for the daily events taking place in the large ballrooms.

On Day 2 of the Academy, Bailey left two aspiring teen filmmakers speechless when she surprised them with a personal invitation to join her on the red carpet at the movie’s world premiere in Hollywood.

Dylan Jones of Atlanta and Madison Henderson of Los Angeles were in the middle of a movie production training session Friday morning during Disney Dreamers Academy when Bailey, the program’s celebrity ambassador, made a surprise appearance and delivered the personal invitation to come to Hollywood.

For the students it was a truly magical dream come true moment.

The movie’s world premiere takes place just before the film officially hits theaters nationwide on May 26.

Bailey is one of several celebrities taking part in the program that runs through Sunday.

This is the 16th year of Disney Dreamers Academy, a four-day, transformational, mentoring program designed to broaden career awareness and create opportunities for 100 Black high school students and teens from underrepresented communities across America each year.

Those unscripted moments helped to underscore why the Disney Dreamers Academy has meant so much to so many children for 16 years.

NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BRIDGEPORT (HACB) SIGNIFICANT AMENDMENT TO THE FY2022 ANNUAL PLAN

Town of Bloomfield

Assistant Director of Human Resources

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) plans to incorporate a significant amendment into its FY2022 Annual Plan. Copies of the plan and the significant amendment are available on the agency’s website www. parkcitycommunities.org.

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

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

Members of the public are invited to provide written comments addressed to: Park City Communities, Significant Amendment FY2022 Annual Plan; Attn: Phoebe Greenfield, 150 Highland Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 or via email to: agencyplans@parkcitycommunities.org. The forty-five (45) days comment period begins on February 24, 2023, and ends on April 10, 2023. All comments must be received by April 10, 2023.

$79,596 to $122,857 –expected starting pay maximum is mid-range Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website –www.bloomfieldct.org

Request for Proposals

Fully Integrated Web Based Housing Authority Software

Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals for a full integrated web-based housing authority software. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

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

NOTICIA

Please be advised the Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday April 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. The Zoom Link will be placed on PCC’s website. Please note, participants are limited to the first one hundred, (100) call-ins. The public hearing is scheduled for ninety (60) minutes and address concerns by residents and general public.

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

Town of Bloomfield Finance Director

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

Payroll

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

Request for Proposals Benefits Consultant

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

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 3:00PM.

NEW HAVEN

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

Portland

Police Officer full-time

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

Payroll Clerk- Performs responsible office work in the processing of all general government payrolls and maintain all payroll records. The position requires a H.S. diploma or G.E.D, plus 5 years of experience in responsible office work involving typing, accounting, bookkeeping, data entry and payroll processing. $27.22 to $32.68 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or maybe downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. The closing date will be the date that the 50th application form/resume is received, or April 10, 2023, whichever occurs first. EOE

INVITATION TO BID

Subcontractors are invited to bid on the Temple Pine Renovations. 555 Pool Rd, North Haven, CT 06473. The project consists of Reno to 30 Apartment Units, Exterior Envelope Replacement, and sitework.

POLICE OFFICER

242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

BIDS DUE 2:00 PM, April 07, 2023. Send email to kmcdonnell@pacgroupllc.com for copy of the detailed Invite and Trade Bid Packages. Project partially funded by DOH. This project is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority/Women's Business Enterprises are encouraged to apply.

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

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

APPLY NOW!

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

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

Listing: Lead Installer

CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016

3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S.

1:30-

(203) 996-4517 Host,General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor ofPitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

The Wallingford Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for Police Officer. $ 1,301.20 weekly plus an excellent fringe benefit package to include a defined benefit pension plan. The written and oral exam processes will be administered by the South Central Criminal Justice Administration. To apply, candidates must register through the South Central Criminal Justice Administration webpage found under the “Associations” menu at www.policeapp.com by the registration deadline of Wednesday, April 5, 2023. The registration requires a fee of $ 85.00. EOE

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

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

Request for Proposals Financial Underwriter

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

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for a financial underwriter. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

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

beginning on Monday, March 6, 2023 at 3:00PM.

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

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

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

HVAC department has an opening for an experienced, full time, lead installer for all mechanical systems (Hydronic, Duct-less, RTU’s). Candidate must possess a minimum D2 license, EPA Certificate, and a minimum of 5 years experience. Benefits, 401k, Paid Time Off, Company Vehicle. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@eastriverenergy.com

**An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

The Town of East Haven is currently accepting applications to participate in the examinations for the following positions:

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

Secretary II, Grade Level 10-$21.36/hour.

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

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Fiscal/Administrative Officer. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230309&R2=1308AR&R3=001

Account Clerk, Payroll-$55,412.00/year

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

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

Information regarding qualifications and job duties are available along with the application online at https://www.townofeasthavenct.org/civil-service-commission/pages/ job-notices-and-tests or from the Civil Service Office, 250 Main Street, East Haven and must be returned by March 17, 2023. The Town of East Haven is committed to building a workforce of diverse individuals. Minorities, Females, Handicapped and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Construction

South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG)

“Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2023-2050” Review

NOTICE

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

We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Contact: Tom Dunay

Phone: 860- 243-2300

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

The public is invited to offer comments on the Region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2023-2050. This plan guides major transportation and transit investment in the Region and also updates air quality conformity. A copy of the plan is available at www.scrcog.org.

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com

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

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks

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

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

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

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

Public comments may be emailed to jrode@scrcog.org or mailed to James Rode, Principal Planner, South Central Regional Council of Governments, 127 Washington Avenue, 4th Floor West, North Haven, CT 06473 with receipt, in both cases, by no later than April 8, 2023.

:

NOTICIA

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

VALENTINA

MACRI

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

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

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

Key Dates

February 22 - April 8, 2023: Public Comment Period

March 8, 2023 @ 1:00 PM - Informal Public Meeting*

April 8, 2023 @ 12:00 PM – Transportation Committee Meeting – Review*

April 26, 2023 @ 10:00 AM – SCRCOG Policy Board – Approve*

*All meetings at SCRCOG, 127 Washington Avenue, 4th Floor West, North Haven, CT

Union Company seeks:

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

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

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com

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

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

AA/EOE-MF

Full Time Administrative assistant position

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR Exterior Insulation and Finish (EIFS) Repairs at D’Amato Building in New Britain, CT

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

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

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

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

INVITATION TO BID

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Subcontractors are invited to bid on the Downtown Evening Kitchen Addition and Renovations. 266 State St New Haven, CT 06510. The project consists of new Stair/ Elevator Addition 850sf, and Gut Reno 5,400sf to the 4 Floors. BIDS DUE 2:00 PM, April 07, 2023. Send email to ngorneault@pacgroupllc.com for copy of the detailed Invite and Trade Bid Packages. Project partially funded by DECD, DOH, DEM. This project is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority/Women's Business Enterprises are encouraged to apply.

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

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Fiscal and Program Policy Section Director. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230303&R2=1585MP&R3=001

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

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

Invitation for Bids

LIPH Carting, Rubbish & Recycling Removal Services

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

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

Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for LIPH carting, rubbish and recycling removal services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 3:00PM.

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

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

NOTICE

Request for Proposals

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Request for Proposals

Fully Integrated Web Based Housing Authority Software

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Fully Integrated Web Based Housing Authority Software

Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals for a full integrated web-based housing authority software. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

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

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

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

NOTICIA

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals for a full integrated web-based housing authority software. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

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

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Invitation for Bids

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Invitation for Bids TRASH REMOVAL ALL SITES

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Fiscal and Program Policy Section Director.

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

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

Monday, March 20, 2023 at 3:00PM.

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

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230303&R2=1585MP&R3=001

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

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

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

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

MINORITY

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

CONTRACTOR OPPORTUNITY – Waltersville Commons –Bridgeport, CT SOLICITATION OF SBE/MBE CONTRACTORS: Enterprise Builders, Inc., an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, seeks certified SBE/ MBE Subcontractors and/or suppliers and local business enterprises to bid applicable sections of work/equipment/supplies for the following construction project: Waltersville Commons, project consists of a conversion of two existing buildings into 70 new apartment units, additional there will be some historic renovation work involved. Bid Date and Time: April 14, 2023 at 10:00am. Electronic Plans and specifications can be obtained at no charge by contacting the Estimating Department at Enterprise Builders at (860) 466-5188 or by email to bids@enterbuilders.com. Project is Taxable on Renovation (labor and material) and prevailing wage rates DO NOT apply. This project is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. EBI encourages the participation of certified SBE/MBE contractors. EBI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

ELETRIC UTILITY GENERAL MANAGER

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Invitation for Bids Landscaping Mill River

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

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Monday, March 20, 2023 at 3:00PM.

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

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

Request for Proposals

Payroll Services & HR Management Systems

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

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

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

The Town of Wallingford Electric Division seeks a strong manager and leader to direct all aspects of a municipal-owned electric utility located 10 miles from New Haven, CT. The electric utility serves 25,000 customers in a 50+ square mile distribution area with a peak demand of 130 MW and an excellent rate structure. This executive-level position involves responsibility for planning, directing, and coordinating all of the activities necessary for the efficient operation of the utility. Applicants should possess 12 years of progressively responsible experience in the electric utility field including at least 5 years in a management position, plus a bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university in electrical, mechanical, civil, or environmental engineering, business or public administration, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Salary: $137,774 to $176,287 annually, plus an excellent fringe benefits package that includes medical insurance, pension plan, paid sick and vacation time. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of April 17, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

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

EOE

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals Payroll Services & HR Management Systems. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

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

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

The Guilford Housing Authority is currently accepting applications for one bedroom apartments at Sachem Hollow 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. Applications will be accepted until end of business day or postmark of March 20, 2023 4PM. Credit, police, landlord checks are procured by the Authority. Smoking is prohibited in the units and building.

REQUEST FOR INTEREST

NOTICE

Solar Voltaic Power Panel System Installations

Town of Bloomfield

Patrol Police Officer

Listing: Dispatcher

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

New Haven Parking Authority

New Haven, Connecticut

NHPA Project #23-049

Responses due April 11, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. EDT

Documents regarding the Request for Interest are available at no cost on the New Haven Parking Authority’s website at https://parknewhaven.com/request-forbids/. Any subsequent addenda will also be posted on this website.

New Haven Parking Authority is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT)

NOTICIA

$37.93 hourly ($78,885 annually) – full time, benefited Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website – www.bloomfieldct.org

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until position is filled

Town of Bloomfield Finance Director

Extremely fast paced petroleum company needs a full time (which includes on call and weekend coverage) detail oriented experienced Dispatcher. A strong logistics background and a minimum of one year previous experience required. Send resume to: HR Manager, P.O. Box 388, Guilford, CT. 06437

********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**********

Listing: Commercial Driver

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

********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**********

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for EMT. Must possess a H.S. diploma or G.E.D., plus one (1) year of recent experience as an EMT. Must be 18 years old and be a Connecticut or National Registry Certified EMT with CPR Certification and a valid State of Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license. Starting wage $779.00 (weekly), plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone (203) 294-2080. The closing date will be the date of the 50th application or resume is received or April 14, 2023, whichever occurs first.

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

Construction Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 621-1720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V Drug Free Workforce

NEW HAVEN

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

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

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

Portland

Police Officer full-time

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

Listing: Commercial Driver

Full Time Class B driver for a fast paced petroleum company for days and weekends. Previous experience required. Competitive wage, 401(k) and benefits. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@eastriverenergy.com

********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**********

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Invitation for Bids

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

Invitation for Bids

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

Hotels/Temporary and Emergency Housing

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

APPLY NOW!

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

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

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

Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for hotels/temporary and emergency housing. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ gateway beginning on

Monday, March 27, 2023 at 3:00PM.

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

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

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

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

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO. Invitation for Bids TEMPORARY STAFFING SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

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

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Fiscal/Administrative Officer. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230309&R2=1308AR&R3=001

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO. Invitation for Bids Tenant and Employment Background Screening Services

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

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

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

Monday, March 27, 2023 at 3:00PM.

HUD Announces $5.5 Million Award for HUBCUs to Conduct Housing and Community Development Research

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced awards totaling $5.5 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to conduct housing and community development research.

The announcement came during a Black Media Roundtable hosted by HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge.

Adjoa Asamoah, HUD’s senior advisor for Racial Equity; Melody Taylor, regional director for the Mid-Atlantic Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity; Alanna McCargo, president of Ginnie Mae; and Erica Loewe, the director of African American Media at The White House, also participated in the roundtable.

“HBCUs create economic opportunity both for their students and throughout the communities they serve,” Fudge stated.

“At HUD, we are proud to partner with HBCUs to expand the voices in the housing research space to support strong communities, build affordable housing, create job opportunities, revitalize neighborhoods, and promote homeownership.”

HUD will provide the funding to Texas Southern University ($3 million) and

Con’t on page 12

North Carolina AT&T University ($2.5 million) to establish or bolster their existing Centers of Excellence that conduct housing and community development research.

At Texas Southern, the school’s research will focus on individual and community wealth building, and housing security and

Students Find Their Voices Through “The Word”

ence’s interpretation.

This premise rang true with Black, a senior at New Haven Academy. Touched by the reading, he spoke up, revealing how he tied it to his personal experiences.

“I had a hard time trying to connect with the poem until the very end,” Black said. “I started thinking about my dad. He passed over a year ago, and it just kind of felt like a little message from him to me saying like, ‘until we meet again.’”

Among the other attendees was Meeri Ellis, a sixth grader at Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School (BRAMS). Looking over a poem, Meeri said she had only recently gotten into poetry, and learned about the program from her sibling and Word alum and mentor Dyme Ellis. With support from both Shuler and Ellis, Meeri read aloud. Like Constantinescu, she said she had written her poem the day before.

“Rethinking the decisions you’ve made that resulted in misery. The people who have left you in confusion and sadness replaying in your mind constantly, making you want to disappear like the depths of darkness,” Meeri read in a monotone voice.

“The laughs closing on you, the tips of stringers looking into your direction. Is this really life? Is this really reality? Maybe it is. Maybe this is real life. Maybe this is really our reality.”

The group erupted into snaps and applause, excited to hear from a voice that had initially wanted to evade the spot-

light. Meeri mentioned a goal of hers was to leave the workshop “confident and more inspired,” and did so by closing the workshop at the end.

To the elder Ellis, coming back to The Word felt like a space of “intergenerational camaraderie,” they said. They were grateful to see a group of students, like their sister, using poetry as a medium of expression.

“I just come out of college when I joined The Word but still I was developing my craft and it’s been a couple of years,” Ellis said, talking to the students in the room. “It feels nostalgic and cool [to be back].”

In addition to its weekly workshops, The Word will be holding a poetry slam April 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Stetson Branch Library, 197 Dixwell Ave. in New Haven. The top six poets will go on to represent Connecticut at the Brave New Voices slam in San Francisco from July 18 to 23. To participate, email thewordpoetry@gmail.com.

This article is a collaboration with the City of New Haven’s Department of Arts, Culture & Tourism, which is supporting young writers who cover recipients of the 2023 Neighborhood Cultural Vitality Grants. Abiba Biao is a graduate of the Arts Council’s Youth Arts Journalism Initiative and has stayed on with the Arts Paper as a freelance writer and photographer. She is currently a freshman at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU).

stability. It also will focus on planning and infrastructure inequity that affects underserved communities.

At North Carolina AT&T, the funds will allow the university to establish a center with research that would focus on the production of affordable housing, homeownership, renewable energy, sustainable

communities, and post-disaster recovery.

“This funding will bolster efforts HBCUs are making to expand opportunities for underserved communities and strengthen community development,”

Fudge stated.

Under Fudge, HUD has worked to advance racial equity and ensure steps to

make homeownership more accessible for Black Americans.

In a Fact Sheet, HUD officials noted that through the Federal Housing Administration, the agency has implemented major reductions to the annual premiums it charges homebuyers for mortgage insurance.

Officials said the action will help Black low-and-moderate income residents save an estimated $600 million in the next year, and billions over the next decade. Additionally, HUD’s Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity issued a policy statement in 2021 about making way for lenders to resolve inequities in homeownership that individuals of color face.

Previously, the agency published a notice of proposed rulemaking to restore the department’s Discriminatory Effects Standards and allow policies that unjustifiably exclude people from housing opportunities to be challenged.

The powerful tool for HUD and private plaintiffs to address polices that cause systemic inequality in housing, includes policies on criminal records, zoning requirements, lending and property insurance policies that impact equal access to housing opportunities for Black people, HUD officials stated.

Black Teens From New Orleans Solve Math Problem Believed to Be Impossible For 2,000 Years

BlackNews.com

Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson, two high school students from New Orleans, Louisiana have reportedly solved an “impossible” math problem and presented it at a recent conference where they were the only high schoolers.

The duo, who are students of St. Mary’s Academy in New Orleans, said they had proven Pythagoras’s theorem by using trigonometry without circular logic. It was a discovery that countless mathematicians around the world believed to be impossible for over 2,000 years.

Most recently, they presented their work called “An Impossible Proof of Pythagoras” at the American Mathematical Society’s Southeastern Section’s semi-annual meeting at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. They were reportedly the only high schoolers at the event which was attended by math researchers from several institutions and universities across the country.

“It’s really an unparalleled feeling, honestly, because there’s just nothing like being able to do something that people don’t think young people can do,” Johnson told WWLTV. “A lot of times you see this stuff, you don’t see kids like us doing it.”

The 2 high school seniors said it wouldn’t have been possible without the encouragement of their teachers, who instilled in them their school’s slogan ‘No Excellence Without Hard Labor.’

“We have really great teachers,” Jackson added.

Moreover, Johnson and Jackson are planning to go to college and get their STEM degrees, which are environmental engineering and biochemistry.