INNER-CITY NEWS

INNER-CITYNEWS NEWS THE INNER-CITY - July April27, 10,2016 2019- August - April02, 16,2016 2019

Dalio Philanthropies $100M For At-RiskNAACP Youth InConvention Connecticut Financial JusticeDonates a Key Focus at 2016 New Haven, Bridgeport

INNER-CITYNEWS

Volume 27 . No. 2325 Volume 21 No. 2194

“DMC”

Celebrates the life of

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems:

Trashed Empty Ignore Ignore“Tough “ToughOn OnCrime” Crime” Lot Transformed Arlene Davis-Rudd

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO

LCI chief Serena Neal-Sanjurjo, Mayor Toni Harp, CT State Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno, and Alder Rose Santana cut the ribbon.

Color Struck?

Snow in July?

SCSU Brings

Its Classes Into High FOLLOW USSchools ON 1

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The Fight for Equal Pay, Gender Parity Heats Up

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

Two Rooms Make One Village On Crown Street

by Lucy Gellman, Editor, Arts Paper www.newhavenarts.org

The notes stretch out across the wall, beckoning like new friends. One is yellow, another purple, a third blue, light as a Robin’s egg and creamy enough to have a splash of milk in it. From their surfaces, messages almost speak, caught somewhere in between mantras and directives.

“Bring people together, to learn from and understand each other,” urges one.

“Social justice from the inside out,” reads another. “P.O.C. Centered,” says a third.

These are just a few of the tenets of One Village Healing, a new community space and reiki practice at 216 Crown St., where Breathing Room Yoga has set out to establish “an umbrella of wellness” over four floors of its building. Founded by Hanifa Washington and Thema Graves, One Village Healing marks a space led by healers of color, that centers on “those most affected by systemic oppression.”

Tuesday night, the two opened the space with a welcoming ceremony and reception on their fourth-floor digs. It is now open by appointment; more information is available at the space’s website.

The concept for One Village Healing began last year, as both Washington and Graves started to have conversations about doing healing work in a professional space.

Both reiki practitioners and artists, the two had been seeing clients inside their own homes, a practice that began to feel un-

tenable as business picked up, and more people came through what was meant to be a private space.

“There was a conversation about healers wanting to create a collective, outside of our homes,” said Washington Tuesday, a pineapple cupped in her left hand for much of the evening.

Last year, the two began looking for spaces in New Haven, not entirely satisfied with anything they found. Then five months ago, Breathing Room owner Margot Broom reached out to let them know that there was a room on the fourth floor, and she was looking for tenants. They headed right there.

Once they were in the room, Washington said she and Graves thought about the practice’s needs, trying to visualize a room for “small group work” and another for private reiki sessions. Broom, who has a background in architecture, offered to build those segments out of what was then just one large room. It was good timing for them, Washington said: she had just booked several dates at Breathing Room to sing from her Mantras for the Revolution, and this felt like coming full circle.

“The vision is a healing space that centers and lifts up those most affected by systemic oppression,” she said, invoking women of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, women, immigrants and refugees as she spoke. “It’s a place where we can name these systems of oppression.”

For both Washington and Graves, it’s also the first space where they can dedicate their energy entirely to their craft, because they don’t have to dedicate it to justifying their

existence. As women of color, both said that have spent years treated as outliers at trainings for reiki, yoga, and the healing arts, made to feel like they don’t belong.

“Being from New Haven, you know that there’s this specific need to heal in this way,” Graves said. “In these modalities, I’m often the only person of color in the room, which means I’m blocking out a lot of stuff. There are people making me feel like I don’t belong. That, in and of itself, can push a lot of people away … I’ve been waiting to have a space where you don’t need to do all of that work.”

“You’ve got it from the jump,” added Washington. She recalled attending a series of yoga classes several years ago where she felt unsupported and unwelcome. Instead of staying, she just left those classes and didn’t return to the studios.

Now, One Village is meant to fill that void. Enter the first room—there’s a hallway separating the space from Breathing Room’s meeting and massage rooms on the other side—and a kind of calm falls from the ceiling to the floor. Washington said she envisions facilitating trainings that echo the learning she has had access to in her own work, including Beyond Diversity 101 and elements of the Community Leadership Program. She said she plans to utilize additional meeting rooms, which Breathing Room has made available, if she needs more space.

A smaller reiki room in the back beckons with soft light. Artwork from photographer Rachel Liu blinks out from the walls, with a portrait of Washington wrapped in airy white fabrics, and another of hands cup-

Thema Graves and Hanifa Washington are the duo behind One Village Healing, now open by appointment on Crown Street. photographer Lucy Gellman ping a ceramic bowl over a body of water. An array of bells, feathers, stones and bright beads look out from the window sills and table nearby.

At the opening Tuesday, Washington and Graves floated through the space, welcoming over 50 friends and neighbors for a traditional cacao cleansing ceremony, drumming, dancing, and a table packed with food. Throughout the evening, strains of music and laughter floated through the

fourth floor, out into the extra massage rooms and onto a landing where the intermittent ding of the elevator became a chiming, chirping bell. Multiple times each minute, people came up to Washington to thank her for opening a space.

“It’s not like I didn’t know before,” Washington said as she watched new faces keep arriving even as the reception wound down.

“I did know. But the confirmation from the community has been overwhelming.”

that indicated the eliminated candidate first gives its vote to its second choice. That system continues until someone has a majority.

The goal is to prevent voters from having to choose between the “lesser of two evils,” prompt more people to seek office, and to encourage more civil dialogue among candidates (who will need lower-ranked votes from some of their opponents’ supporters in order to win). The idea has been adopted by the state of Maine and cities like San Francisco, among other communities.

New Haven Alder Steven Winter had come at the invitation of Friday coffee regular Norma Pezzini. Winter is an active member of Voter Choice CT, which advocates for ranked choice voting; Hamden’s Eben Stewart asked him to present the idea to Logan.

Ranked choice, said Winter, would allow people to vote for the candidate they like the best without having to worry that their vote won’t count because the candidate doesn’t stand a good chance of winning. If that candidate loses, the vote is not thrown away. It simply gets transferred to the voter’s second choice.

House Bill 5820, which would establish a task force to study ranked-choice voting, passed the state legislature’s Government, Administration & Elections Committee on March 29. Among the sponsors are Hamden State Reps. Josh Elliott and Mike D’Agostino and New Haven State Rep. Roland Lemar.

Ranked-choice voting is a bipartisan issue, said Stewart, but it would be great to get more Republican co-sponsors for it.

Stewart and Winter used Logan’s 17th District as an example of how the system could work. In a primary, three Democrats ran to oppose Logan: Jorge Cabrera, Valerie Horsley, and Sean Grace. Cabrera won the primary with 39 percent, Horsley won 32 percent, and Grace captured 28 percent.

If someone voted for Grace, their second choice might not be Cabrera, said Stewart, so their vote could go to Horsley instead.

Logan said he hadn’t heard the proposal yet from constituents. “I’ll look into it for sure,” he told those listening.

The policy could give an opening to smaller parties, said Logan, which he added

Eggs, Toast & Ranked Choice Voting

by SAM GURWITT

New Haven Independent

Orange juice and plate of eggs in hand, State Sen. George Logan listened as his constituents heaped an issue onto his plate — changing the way voters in Connecticut elects politicians like him.

Logan, who represents Connecticut’s 17th Senate District, which includes Hamden and Ansonia, came to the Three Brothers Diner on Dixwell Avenueas he does every first Friday of the month to hear from constituents. After he made the rounds of the group of about 12, shaking each hand and greeting the mostly familiar faces, people began to put down their coffee mugs and raise their policy ideas.

This Friday, Logan listened to the merits of a policy proposal he said he had not yet heard about from constituents: ranked choice voting.

Ranked choice voting is an election system in which, instead of choosing just one candidate, voters rank their choices. Once all of the first choices are tallied, if no candidate has a majority, the candidate with the lowest number of votes is eliminated.

Ballots are counted again, and any ballot

SAM GURWITT PHOTO

CT 17th District Senator George Logan and his eggs and toast.

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Con’t on page 12

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

Overdose Panel Weighs Moving Bus Stops

by MARKESHIA RICKS New Haven Independent

Could moving the bus stops that ring the New Haven Green lessen New Haven’s opioids problem? Or would that just move the addiction problem to another part of the city?

Members of the city’s Overdose Response working group kicked that question around during their regular monthly meeting at City Hall.

Meanwhile, officials produced a heat map of the city showing key places where drug overdoses happen, many on the New Haven Green. The spots center around transit nodes throughout the city.

The Proprietors of the New Haven Green, a self-perpetuating private body, actually owns the land. U.S. District Court Judge (and Proprietor) Janet Arterton reported at the meeting that her group and the Town Green Special Services District are working together to fill the Green with more public events. That strategy along with enhanced police presence has helped the tenor of the Green in the wake of mass K2 overdoses last summer, she said.

But Arterton said the bus stops on the Green remain a problem.

“It has been an issue that we have identified and spoken about for years,” she said. “And the amount of progress we’ve been able to make is zero.”

She pointed out that the city has been in favor of making a change to the bus routes that would take the pressure off the Green,

but the state has not been in support of such changes. She said the data at right in the city’s heat map make it plain that the problem isn’t just about bus routes “but a matter of public health and safety for New Haven.”

Esther Armmand, Mayor Toni Harp’s legislative liaison, noted that the state studying the proposed reconfiguration of bus stops in the city. So she said it’s a good time to consider Arterton’s concerns.

Fire Chief John Alston Jr. agreed, noting that he had recently participated in an operations meeting that focused on the bus stop proposal but hadn’t considered the opioid piece as part of that discussion.

Town Green’s Win Davis said that the proposed reconfiguration is part of the ongoing Move New Haven study, which aims at tackling a bus system with too many stops and outdated routes and times. He pointed out that a number of people who hang out on the Green all day are often in town because they’ve come from throughout the state for drug treatment. The ongoing inefficiency doesn’t allow them to get their treatment and head to their own city in a timely enough manner to allow them to hold down a full-time job, he said.

Anstress Farwell of the New Haven Urban Design League cautioned that while moving the bus stops might dilute the problem, it also will move it to other parts of the city.

She said a better approach would be to move to a “universal” bus system, which would increase ridership by people of all socioeco-

nomic backgrounds.

She urged those connected to the city’s public health community to be part of the advocacy of a system that would see Yale University give up its shuttle service in favor of using CT Transit (the way other colleges and universities do). She said having more people not engaged in criminal activity riding the buses discourages those who want to engage in such activity.

“When I walk over and stand at a bus stop, a lot of stuff stops,“she said. “It stops because I’m standing there.”

Farwell noted that back in the 1960s, a bulldozer was seen as the solution to fighting drug trafficking and addiction. That “solution” demolished whole neighborhoods but the drugs remained. She said the city should be careful to not blow up the transportation system only to make it weaker and less convenient as a solution but should instead work toward a unified system that would be good for everyone.

The city developed the “heat map” as part of numerous responses to last summer’s rash of drug overdoses on the Green.

Fire Chief Alston called the map “a work in progress, where we use non-sensitive geodata to identify where our drug-related medical calls occur.”

“Armed with this data, we can look at service delivery requirements, impact on neighborhoods, police patrols, community engagement and beneficial outreach to those suffering from substance abuse and Opioid Use Disorder,” he said.

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PAUL BASS PHOTO Green bus stop. Below: City “heat map.”

MARKESHIA RICKS PHOTO New Haven Green Proprietors Janet Arterton

and Anne Calabresi at working group meeting.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

Arlene Davis-Rudd

April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

By Dawn Rudd

Arlene Davis-Rudd, Icon, daughter of New Haven, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019. Ms. Davis-Rudd was known for her life long commitment to improving the lives of others and advocating for marginalized communities both locally and nationally. This tireless advocate was a seasoned politico and trusted journalist, determined to preserve Black History. Her brilliant mind, quick wit and warm heart were loved and admired by all who knew her.

Born in New Haven on March 13, 1937,This incredible woman’s legacy began in the late 1940’s when she was a student at Winchester Elementary School.

Becoming the poster child for The Community Chest Project. During Middle School she volunteered for the Red Cross Youth Program, and the March of Dimes.

In the early 1950’s while a student at Hillhouse High School, she joined the NAACP’s Youth Group. Before her graduation, she had been elected Statewide Secretary of the NAACP’s CT Conference of Branches. Throughout her early years and continuing into her later adult years, Ms. Davis-Rudd was involved in several local church activities such as the Young People’s Fellowship weekly program at St. Luke’s Church, the Dixwell Community House’s special religious projects, and other youth-related weekly activities at her home church, Varick A.M.E. Zion Church.

With the 1960s came change, for the country and for Ms. Davis-Rudd, who became a devoted wife and mother. Revolution was in the air; the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Power Movement, the Women’s Movement the Anti-War Movement, and she was there, on the forefront, fighting for equality and justice.

From picket lines to strategy sessions, from the Black Panthers to the White House, Arlene remained energized, committed and devoted to long-standing social

Arlene Davis-Rudd, change. As a member of the Bridgeport Chapter of the Black Panther Party, she served breakfast, daily at the A.M.E. Zion Church in Bridgeport to young children throughout the neighborhood, as part of their Breakfast Program, one of their most successful initiatives.

Before going to work for Action for Bridgeport Community Development (ABCD) under the Directorship of Mr. Charles Tisdale, the ever-ambitious Ms. Davis-Rudd, also volunteered her services to the Board of Education, under the leadership of Bridgeport Schools Superintendent, Howard Rosenstein, as a member of his special task force. She, also, chaired the

Housing Committee of the local Branch, NAACP. In 1969, Ms. Davis-Rudd would become a delegate to the White House Conference on Food, Nutrition and Health, representing the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) throughout Connecticut.

Appointed by former President, Richard Nixon, as one of the delegates to submit a plan for a nationwide School Lunch Program, Ms. Davis-Rudd was given the responsibility of helping to draft legislation for the Federal Breakfast and Lunch Programs which was accepted, passed by Congress, and put into Law. This was considered landmark legislation, guaranteed

The Inner-City News Celebrates the life of Arlene Davis Rudd (March 13, 1937 - April 3, 2019)

Arlene Davis Rudd was so much a part of the foundation and success of the Inner-City News that it is hard to fathom how we move forward without her. Her political savvy and connections allowed the paper to get into and share the political happenings across New Haven and around the state. She knew everyone and everyone knew her.

Arlene was an old school reporter, she tracked down leads, made a gazillion phone calls and never took no for an answer. Her gumption garnered her a great deal of respect and admiration from fellow news reporters and politicians alike.

Arlene was by all accounts a “Race Woman” she took great pride in the accomplishments of Black people. She took every opportunity to highlight and showcase the greatness of African American communities here and across the world. She lived “Black is Beautiful”.

Our hearts and prayers are with her family for this tremendous loss. We want them to know that Arlene Davis Rudd will remain very much a part of this publication into the future and that her immeasurable contributions will not be forgotten and will be celebrated annually in the pages of The Inner-City News.

Sincerely, John P. Thomas, CEO & Publisher Penfield Communication, Inc. And The Inner-City News Family

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Obituary

toward improving the lives of all children throughout our nation.

The amazing Ms. Davis-Rudd is not only an activist, she is also a journalist, a writer, and missionary. During the 1970’s and 1980’s, Ms. Davis-Rudd remained passionate and focused on creating better opportunities and a level playing field for all disenfranchised citizens. She continued her devoted service to the A.M.E. Zion Church and the NCNW. Upon moving to New York City in the 1970’s to work for Black Enterprise Magazine, she immediately became involved with youth projects in Harlem where she resided. Ms. Davis-Rudd also took classes at Bernard Baruch College in the evening.

Ms. Davis-Rudd continued her activism and writing, back in Connecticut becoming a member of CT Women in the Media.

While residing in Windham, Ct and working in broadcast journalism as a newscaster, Ms. Davis-Rudd also found time to head- up the local NAACP; serve on the Affirmative Action Commission and the Windham Community Development Board of Directors. Her stay there was over a decade.

After arriving in her hometown of New Haven in 1987, Ms. Davis Rudd became involved with the re-election campaign of former mayor, Ben DiLieto. Politics, too, was a passion of hers ever since her teenage years. Once elected, Mayor DiLieto hired her to work in the Office of Development Administration. As she moved along her political journey, she worked for the campaign to elect Toni Harp State Senator and served in Hartford as her first Legislative Aide. She continued her service as a campaign worker for each of State Senator Harp’s winning re-election bids.

Even after suffering a major stroke in 2004, Ms. Davis-Rudd remained determined to continue her community engagement and advocacy. She continued on as Political Writer for The Inner City Newspaper; Contributing Writer for African American Point of View; Contributing Writer for the City of New Haven’s Elderly Services Newsletter and Commissioner on the Aging Commission for the City of New Haven. Ms. Davis-Rudd was also a highly valued member of the Tower One Tower East community, where she was known for organizing political and cultural events.

She is survived by her daughter Dawn Rudd, her long time love Marc Charon, countless cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews as well as extended family and a community of friends. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Leora Davis, her brother, John Davis Jr., and former husband, Matthew Stanford Rudd lll.

There are no words to adequately express the weight of this loss for family members, those who were blessed to call her friend and the communities she impacted for over 7 decades. Arlene Davis-Rudd’s legacy will forever live in our hearts, minds and spirits.

John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO

Babz Rawls Ivy

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

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

Editorial Team Staff Writers

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

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

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

_______________________

Contributors At-Large

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

Memberships

National Association of Black Journalist National Newspapers Publishers Association Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Greater New Haven Business & Professional Association Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.

The Inner-City Newspaper is published weekly

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

Kimberly Rodriguez and Rec FHCMT Vice-Chair

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

New Amistad Principal Mines “R-Word”

by CHRISTOPHER PEAK New Haven Independent

Early in his teaching career, as the “inschool reflection coordinator” at an Achievement First’s Bridgeport middle school, Simon Obas worked with tweens whom other teachers had kicked out of class.

He drew on the “r” word — as in relationship-building.

Obas pulled up pictures of Malcolm X, Rosa Parks and Thurgood Marshall on his laptop; he asked students if they felt any connection to those historical figures. He asked if they knew that Michael Jordan had been cut from his high school basketball team. And he asked them what they eventually wanted to be.

“It was the kids who, for some odd reason, didn’t think they could be great or successful. I wanted kids to actually see what they could possibly do,” Obas recalled. “No kid wakes up, comes to school, and says, ‘I want to be bad today.’ Kids never say that.

I think there’s something in their way that causes them to not make the best choices.

It’s up to us adults to really tap into them and bring out the best.”

Nearly a decade later, with a set of newly minted graduate degrees, Obas is now leading that Bridgeport school, still emphasizing the importance of relationships as principal.

Next year, he is take over at New Haven’s AF Amistad High, the charter network’s flagship school, where teachers are eager to implement his message after a recent crisis in leadership.

Obas will replace Morgan Barth, Amistad’s former principal, who announced his resignation in January hours after the Independent published two videos about the school: a security-camera clip of Barth shoving an student and a Facebook Live of former staffer, Steven Cotton, complaining about entrenched racism.

After that controversy, Obas said, he wants to get the school back to its founding values. He has drawn wide support in that mission.

Obas has been the subject of complaint about physical contact with students in the past; network leaders decided after looking into the complaint that it didn’t rise to the level of a major problem.

“Simon has a very strong track record of both supporting students’ academic achievement and creating a positive school environment where students, staff, and families come together. Simon has exceptional leadership skills and a deep commitment to doing right by our students,” said Dacia Toll, Achievement First’s co-CEO. “We are excited for him to lead the next chapter of AF Amistad High.”

Plans For Next Year Obas at AF Amistad High.

As he has done throughout his life, Obas said in an interview, he plans to focus on building relationships at Amistad. That means connecting with students who don’t understand the disciplinary system, with parents who don’t know what’s going on

CHRISTOPHER PEAK PHOTO

Simon Obas: “A lot of relationship-building needs to happen.”

AF Amistad High School, at its expanded Dixwell Avenue campus. inside the building, with teachers who want to play a more active role in the school’s direction.

“This is where I started my career. It’s obvious that the school is going through a transition, through some tough times.

I have a set of kids from my school that come here now, and I know the type of high school experience that I want them to have,” Obas said. “There’s a lot of relationship-building that needs to happen.

Kids need to feel loved; they need to feel noticed and heard. That is something that, when I get here, is going to be a priority.”

Obas said he sees a need for “strict struc-

ture and rules.” He said that kept him in line during his childhood.

But he said the disciplinary system needs to be “consistent and fair.” He said that the school needs to do a better job of explaining why the school’s policies would matter in the real world.

He added that he wants to do a better job of connecting Amistad to the surrounding Newhallville and Dixwell neighborhoods.

Over the summer, he’s planning to have students do a “community walk,” to walk the streets where the students live, “to eat where they get food from” and “interact with people walking down the street.”

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There At The Beginning Growing up in Danbury as the child of Haitian immigrants, Obas said, he learned the value of relationships early on.

At the local public schools, he wasn’t a “straight-A student,” especially in math.

He had teachers who invested in him, “who got to know me as Simon and cared what Simon enjoyed doing.”

At home, he was the second-youngest among 10 kids. That gave him a chance to listen as his older siblings shared what mistakes they’d made in their schooling.

When he arrived at the historically black Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina, he struggled to afford his classes. He made it, and became the first in his family to obtain a college degree.

He planned to go on to law school. Then. during his senior year, a Teach for America recruiter flew him to New York to see Harlem Children’s Zone, the renowned antipoverty program that promised “cradlethrough-college” services.

The experience was life-changing; Obas decided to go into education. “There was so much joy on their faces around learning,” he recalled. “I saw myself in a lot of those kids.”

Even though he didn’t get a spot with Teach for America, a recruiter told Obas to check out the rapidly expanding Achievement First network. In 2009, he applied to be Amistad High School’s student life coordinator and was accepted. He organized assemblies, prom, and the school’s first graduation ceremony, while working to buildup the school’s culture.

“It was the perfect introduction to education. It’s an organization that wants to serve children from the inner-city and give them a high-quality education. From a values standpoint, it made sense: equal opportunity is what I value and stand for,” Obas said. “I decided to stick with it.”

BrThe “Reflection Room” While he pursued a masters in social work at Fordham University in New York, Obas eventually took a job teaching eighth-grade reading in Bridgeport. That’s also where he started supervising the “reflection room.”

Bertram Johnson, Jr. a former Achievement First student who previously told the Independent that Morgan Barth had shoved his little brother on the Bridgeport school’s front steps in 2013 said that he remembered Obas, around the same time, making real connections with students.

Johnson called Obas “the perfect candidate” to take Barth’s place at Amistad.

Obas “played basketball with the kids at recess, helped troubled students remain calm and built a relationship with the students and faculty alike. He was loved by everyone,” Johnson recalled. “His rare ability to empathize with the students will be a great help in bridging the gap between students and teachers and restore some trust in the system. I genuinely feel as though he’s the perfect candidate to make the kids happy again.”

In 2012, Obas left to make the rounds at a series of charter schools.

He served as dean of students at KIPP’s

NYC College Prep High School in the Bronx, the founding assistant principal of school culture at the independent Charter High School for Law and Social Justice also in the Bronx, and an instructional fellow at Uncommon Schools’s Brownsville Collegiate Charter in Brooklyn.

Obas also continued his studies at Fordham, beginning a doctorate in urban school leadership.

He’s currently wrapping up his dissertation, which asks what would happen if principals spent more face-time with students. As part of his research, Obas designed an experiment that measures student motivation after one-on-one meetings with the principal twice a week.

Eventually, AF Bridgeport Academy drew him back as principal.

Right away, internal staff survey results “soared,” rising at a faster clip than any other school in the network, Toll said. Test scores also went up by double digits, with every grade and subject seeing “significant” growth, she added.

Obas said that AF Bridgeport will always be like a home for him. He said he wouldn’t have left for any other school, except for New Haven’s Amistad, where he started his career.

“That’s where I really fell in love with education. That’s the school I genuinely love. If it were any other school [besides Amistad offering me a job], I would have said no, because Bridgeport is that special place to me,” he said. “The catalyst for our success is our relationships with students and families. If we have those authentic relationships and connections, we will be successful. From student investment to adult culture, I’d like to be remembered for making relationships a priority.”

Some former students said they worry that Obas has a track record of physical contact with students like Barth’s. One remembered watching him throwing a kid’s backpack in the trash.

Toll said that the network looked into these allegations and concluded that they were handled correctly.

Through a spokesperson, Toll declined to specify which allegations had been investigated. That’s despite facing accusations that she’d purposefully allowed Barth’s misbehavior to be kept from other Amistad staff; an outside law firm is now investigating whether she and other network leaders perpetrated a coverup.

“Given the needs at Amistad High, we took the principal appointment very seriously,” Toll said. “We investigated all incidents that were brought to our attention.

Both AF and the school’s board are comfortable that Simon handled those incidents in accordance with state law and AF policy.

Some of the rumors I have heard are blatantly untrue and unfair.”

Obas said that he too “welcomed” the background check.

“I know how important this role is, and I welcomed the investigation,” he said. “I was cleared, and I’m ready to move Amistad High forward.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

Fiscal Note Points to Risk SCSU Brings Its Classes Into High Schools in Public Option Bills

by CHRISTOPHER PEAK New Haven Independent

by Christine Stuart Ct. News Junkie

HARTFORD, CT — The Office of Fiscal Analysis says it will only cost Connecticut $1.5 million to open up the state employee health plan to small businesses in the first year, but analysts are concerned about what happens if claims outpace premiums.

The state plan is self-insured, which means the state is responsible for paying out the claims.

The fiscal note says “as a self-insured pool, the state currently bears the risk for costs incurred in excess of plan premiums.

The state does not currently have stop-loss insurance. To the extent claims are in excess of the premiums established, there will be a cost to the state.”

Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, the ranking Republican on the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, said that’s exactly what he’s worried about, too.

“We don’t know how many people are going to participate and what happens when costs exceed premium,” Kelly said.

He said the cost of the state comptroller’s office handling the actuarial analysis and adding staff for plan design is not the cost he’s concerned about. He said he’s concerned about whether the taxpayer will be on the hook to cover the costs if the state comptroller’s office is unable to accurately predict the risk.

“I hope it does make Appropriations stop and look,” Kelly said Friday. “This confirmed everything I was saying that this is a real risk and we need some security given that taxpayer dollars on are the line.”

Currently, the Connecticut Partnership Plan — which is the pool that would be expanded to include small businesses — has claims that are running 5 percent higher than the amount of premium it’s collected from its members. Members currently include employees of municipalities and school boards.

State Comptroller Kevin Lembo said the reason claims are outpacing premiums is because a large number of Fairfield County towns joined the Connecticut Partnership Plan this year, so the cost of care went up — healthcare is more expensive in Fairfield County.

Premiums will increase next year to make up the difference, according to Lembo’s office. The amount of the increase won’t be available until mid-April.

Lembo said that the public option legislation will help resolve this challenge because it would allow them to broaden the design of the health plans and increase premiums slightly in more expensive parts of the state.

According to the fiscal note, the small employers who are approved to join the ConnectHealth Plan, “may be adjusted for geographic cost-of-living and network differences,” including “demographics of the employer’s employees.”

“The state has to decide once and for all whether it wants to lead by talking points or action,” Lembo said. “We need to stop

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE FILE PHOTO Sen. Kevin Kelly

second guessing ourselves when one year is out of line.”

Lembo said the fact that the Connecticut Partnership Plan has claims outpacing premiums this year should not be a concern going forward. He also doesn’t believe the small group market in Connecticut is that different from those who are currently participating in the plan.

Lembo said with the help of greater design capacity and the ability to increase premium slightly in more expensive parts of the state “my hope is that the legislature passes this legislation.”

On the other hand, there could also be years where the state collects more in premiums than it pays out in claims. In that case, “reserves will mitigate future premium increases necessary to cover plan losses,” according to the fiscal note.

The Office of Fiscal Analysis note also worries about other revenue loss to the state if it chooses to approve this public option.

It says insurance carriers are required to pay a 1.5 percent premium tax to the state.

Since the new ConnectHealth Plan is not technically insurance it won’t be subject to that tax.

“To the extent individuals and small employers shift into plans operated by OSC [Office of the State Comptroller] not subject to the tax, the state will experience a General Fund revenue loss. The state collected $209 million from the Insurance Premiums Tax in FY 18,” according to the fiscal note.

Lembo said one of the biggest costs for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees is their health insurance.

“If the state wants to grow small business and broaden economic development opportunities, then this is the way to do it,” Lembo said.

There are two identical versions of this bill, one in the House and one in the Senate. The bills were both approved along party lines in committee.

High-schoolers will now be able to take real college courses right inside their high schools.

That’s the result of a new partnership between New Haven Public Schools and Southern Connecticut University that was inked on Thursday morning inside Hillhouse High School’s Floyd Little Athletic Center.

Currently, through the College Beyond College program, close to 50 top-performing high-school students travel to the Southern’s campus for tuition-free seminars. But starting next year, for the first time, Southern will let students take those courses right within their high school.

The tuition-free classes will be taught either by professors who are already on the SCSU faculty or by high-school teachers who are qualified enough to become SCSU adjuncts. Officials said they’re not sure yet how many courses will be offered at each school or in what subject area.

“Our goal is to ensure that children in this community aspire to access to higher education — preferably at Southern, but more importantly that they aspire nonetheless,” said Joe Bertolino, Southern’s president since 2016. “We consider that our mission and part of our social-justice values. We’re excited to partner in many new ways with the city. We are the public university of New Haven, and we will continue to be in and of the community.”

Bertolino announced a number of other city initiatives: The university will offer free on-campus housing to 10 students through the New Haven Promise scholarship program. It will offer $200,000 in scholarships to local grads. Six students in social work will help the New Haven Housing Authority help families in West Rock with truancy, financial literacy, and other matters. And faculty will start doing more workshops at Newhallville schools and hold a career day at Common Ground High School.

The partnership came together after a recent Youth Summit at SCSU, said Terricita Sass, the university’s associate vicepresident for enrollment management. She said administrators started asking what the city’s teens needed.

Superintendent Carol Birks, who herself took college classes at Fairfield University when she was enrolled at Bridgeport Public Schools, said that she wanted more New Haven students to have a chance to “experience college before they go on a campus to figure out what they like and what they want to do.”

She added that those experiences could save students from “the burden of a hefty bill” from four years college tuition.

Several students who’ve taken classes at Southern said that it gave them a chance to learn more about specialized fields that go well beyond the usual high-school curriculum.

For instance, Ciara Ortiz-Diaz, a junior at The Sound School, said that her interest in public health led her to sign up for a wellness course about personal health and its environmental determinants. “It challenged

6

CHRISTOPHER PEAK PHOTO Carol Birks and Joe Bertolino sign partnership agreement.

Superintendent Birks: This will save our kids cash.

Dayana Lituma-Solis, Daniela Flores, Hannah Providence and Diara Ortiz-Diaz.

me to become a better version of myself,” she said.

Daniela Flores, a junior at Wilbur Cross High School, said she’s taking high-level music classes that have given her a “head start” and taught her life skills like “balancing a heavy schedule.”

And Hannah Providence, a senior at Cross who’s taken nine classes at different colleges throughout the city, said classes taught her how to read research and how to use Excel, which she currently needs for her job at Yale University.

“At 15, when I was sitting in my first macroeconomics course, surrounded by all these adults, I thought, this is amazing being around all these people investing time and money and effort into changing their lives,” Providence said. “I jumped at the chance.”

While the new program to teach inside the city’s schools has its tradeoffs, like not being around other adults, officials said they see it as a “bridge” for students who might not be ready to be the only teenager in a seminar.

“They don’t have the pressure while they are in high school, but they are still getting the content” of a college course, Sass said.

“They could take some classes and say, ‘I’m ready to go to the big school when I’m a little older.’ It will expand it, because we know that transportation is still a major barrier for students to get here on campus.”

At the end of the press conference, President Bertolino offered the students a $1,000 scholarship if they decided that they liked the classes at Southern enough to want to matriculate there.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

65 Degrees, 350 Kids, $4,000 Worth Of Candy

by SIMON BAZELON New Haven Independent

The sixth annual Newhallville Easter Egg Hunt took place in Lincoln-Bassett Park on Saturday. Hundreds of people from the area gathered to eat hot dogs, gather chocolate, and just enjoy the warm weekend weather.

Organized by local community groups and citizen leaders like Kim Little, the Easter Egg Hunt was an indisputably joyful affair.

Most participants arrived at around 1 p.m., and the children were released from behind the starting line a half hour later. In between, hot dogs, chips, cupcakes, and beverages were served, as Justin Bieber and Biggie Smalls played in the background. Maurice Little (pictured above) prepared the hot dogs.

The prizes scattered on the grass weren’t just chocolate: they included basketballs,

footballs, jump ropes, pinwheels, stuffed animals, and hula hoops. Carlos, Jermaine, Jeremiah and Brandon (pictured above, from left) all said that they were “going for a basketball,” though in the end it was only Carlos who emerged victorious in his quest.

One girl, Madison, said that her goal was to gather “100 eggs.”

Tauheed Harvey was so excited that he tried to get a head start on the competition, ducking under the ribbon designating the starting line and grabbing some candy several minutes early.

After most of the chocolate had been scoured away, a different attraction emerged, as a fire truck pulled up, and the kids admired the inside.

The firefighters gave out plastic “Junior Firefighter” hats, which were a huge hit.

After the mad dash for the prizes and the

mobbing of the firetruck had subsided, kids moved towards the playground and basketball court, or played games on the field. Marquise and Kamal (pictured above) played tag.

Street outreach worker William “Juneboy” Outlaw, at center in the above photo, said that “events like this help bring the Newhallville community together, and help us get away from the negative stigma, showing that Newhallville is a great neighborhood to move to, to raise kids in.” Promoting that community spirit, he said, helps lower crime rates and make the area a better place.

Brandon, 7, said that he was just happy to grab some candy and have some fun. When asked if he’d be at next years edition of this Newhallville spring staple he replied: “Of course I will!”

Destined to Succeed Whatever your child wants to be is within reach when you are involved.

Your engagement in their education will prepare them for the future.

To learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and how you can advocate for your children, visit us at www.nnpa.org/essa Sign-up for our ESSA alerts at www.nnpa.org/essa

© 2019 NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

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SIMON BAZELON PHOTO

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

Dalio Philanthropies Donates $100M For At-Risk Youth In Connecticut

by Christine Stuart Ct. News Junkie

EAST HARTFORD, CT — With the gym at East Hartford High School as the backdrop, Ray and Barbara Dalio joined Gov. Ned Lamont and First Lady Annie Lamont in announcing a $100 million contribution from Dalio Philanthropies to the state of Connecticut for at-risk youth who are showing signs of disengagement.

Lamont said the state will match that $100 million with its own $100 million commitment. The first $20 million installment for the project will come from this year’s projected $485 million budget surplus.

However, leveraging that money might be difficult because it will require legislative approval. Three-fifths of both chambers — that’s 91 out of 151 votes in the House and 22 of the 36 in the Senate — would need to approve the use of surplus funds for this purpose because it’s supposed to automatically be transferred to the Rainy Day Fund under the new budget rules.

Lamont could avoid the need for a threefifths vote of the legislature by moving the surplus from 2019 to 2020 and then allocating it as part of his budget with a majority vote.

Once he decides on how he wants to leverage the money, Lamont said the state will set up an “independent not-for-profit entity” that will distribute the money to the school systems.

“We’re going to look at the best ideas that come from teachers across the state,” Lamont said.

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE PHOTO

Ray Dalio

The money wouldn’t be directed to any specific existing program, but the new partnership would maybe support and encourage microfinance and community entrepre-

neurship initiatives.

“For example, the partnership might explore funding entrepreneurs with small loans and early stage equity capital and

providing non-financial supports such as mentorship and access to networks to help individuals start their own businesses in under-resourced communities so that they can create opportunities for their families and fellow citizens,” according to the press release.

What it funds is still largely undefined.

The Dalio Philanthropies $100 million and the $100 million state match also is expected to leverage another $100 million from “other philanthropists and business leaders.”

The youth they are targeting with the money are at risk of dropping out of high school or becoming disengaged. The annual fiscal impact of high school dropouts on the state budget is more than $900 million, according to the press release.

Mr. Dalio, who is the founder, co-chief investment officer and co-chairman of Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, said “$300 million ain’t much money in relation to the challenge.”

Dalio said his focus and his wife’s focus is to get kids who might not graduate from high school “through high school and into jobs.”

He said he thinks it’s enough money to help begin tackling the issue.

Lamont said what the Dalios are doing is stepping up to the plate to help the state of Connecticut, which is facing a $3.8 billion budget deficit over the next two years.

“I said I need other people to step up and help me with this,” Lamont said.

He said it’s about “making sure each and

every kid gets their best shot.”

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, said Lamont did the right thing by opening up a conversation with a wealthy individual and Connecticut resident who wants to help the state, but there are a lot more questions than answers about how this would work.

He said Friday’s announcement felt “a little rushed.”

Similar efforts of philanthropy in other states have had mixed reviews.

Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg’s made a $100 million donation to Newark, New Jersey public schools in 2010 that was matched by another $100 million in private donations. The money went toward creating the Foundation for Newark’s Future, a group that set out to improve the city’s public schools.

The five-year experiment is now over and the results were mixed.

It’s unclear what safeguards there are for how Connecticut plans to handle the “independent not-for-profit” organization it sets up to handle the funding. No one knows yet who will be on the board of directors of the organization, but the governor’s office stressed the Dalio Foundation already has relationships developed in these communities. It’s likely that the state investment will also require appointments to the board.

Friday’s event was attended by several of Lamont’s commissioners and local elected officials from Bridgeport, Hartford, and New Haven along with officials from Connecticut’s two teacher unions.

Fiscal Note Points to Risk in Public Option Bills

by Christine Stuart Ct. News Junkie

HARTFORD, CT — The Office of Fiscal Analysis says it will only cost Connecticut $1.5 million to open up the state employee health plan to small businesses in the first year, but analysts are concerned about what happens if claims outpace premiums.

The state plan is self-insured, which means the state is responsible for paying out the claims.

The fiscal note says “as a self-insured pool, the state currently bears the risk for costs incurred in excess of plan premiums.

The state does not currently have stop-loss insurance. To the extent claims are in excess of the premiums established, there will be a cost to the state.”

Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, the ranking Republican on the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, said that’s exactly what he’s worried about, too.

“We don’t know how many people are going to participate and what happens when costs exceed premium,” Kelly said.

He said the cost of the state comptroller’s office handling the actuarial analysis and adding staff for plan design is not the cost he’s concerned about. He said he’s concerned about whether the taxpayer will be on the hook to cover the costs if the state comptroller’s office is unable to accurately

predict the risk.

“I hope it does make Appropriations stop and look,” Kelly said Friday. “This confirmed everything I was saying that this is a real risk and we need some security given that taxpayer dollars on are the line.”

Currently, the Connecticut Partnership Plan which is the pool that would be expanded to include small businesses has claims that are running 5 percent higher than the amount of premium it’s collected from its members. Members currently include employees of municipalities and school boards.

State Comptroller Kevin Lembo said the reason claims are outpacing premiums is because a large number of Fairfield County towns joined the Connecticut Partnership Plan this year, so the cost of care went up — healthcare is more expensive in Fairfield County.

Premiums will increase next year to make up the difference, according to Lembo’s office. The amount of the increase won’t be available until mid-April.

Lembo said that the public option legislation will help resolve this challenge because it would allow them to broaden the design of the health plans and increase premiums slightly in more expensive parts of the state.

According to the fiscal note, the small

employers who are approved to join the ConnectHealth Plan, “may be adjusted for geographic cost-of-living and network differences,” including “demographics of the employer’s employees.”

“The state has to decide once and for all whether it wants to lead by talking points or action,” Lembo said. “We need to stop second guessing ourselves when one year is out of line.”

Lembo said the fact that the Connecticut Partnership Plan has claims outpacing premiums this year should not be a concern going forward. He also doesn’t believe the small group market in Connecticut is that different from those who are currently participating in the plan.

Lembo said with the help of greater design capacity and the ability to increase premium slightly in more expensive parts of the state — “my hope is that the legislature passes this legislation.”

On the other hand, there could also be years where the state collects more in premiums than it pays out in claims. In that case, “reserves will mitigate future premium increases necessary to cover plan losses,” according to the fiscal note.

The Office of Fiscal Analysis note also worries about other revenue loss to the state if it chooses to approve this public option.

8

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE FILE PHOTO Sen. Kevin Kelly

It says insurance carriers are required to pay a 1.5 percent premium tax to the state.

Since the new ConnectHealth Plan is not technically insurance it won’t be subject to that tax.

“To the extent individuals and small employers shift into plans operated by OSC [Office of the State Comptroller] not subject to the tax, the state will experience a General Fund revenue loss. The state collected $209 million from the Insurance Premiums Tax in FY 18,” according to the

fiscal note.

Lembo said one of the biggest costs for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees is their health insurance.

“If the state wants to grow small business and broaden economic development opportunities, then this is the way to do it,” Lembo said.

There are two identical versions of this bill, one in the House and one in the Senate. The bills were both approved along party lines in committee.

Trashed Empty Lot Transformed THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

by ALLAN APPEL

New Haven Independent

For more than a decade after old condos were torn down and the city claimed the property, the empty lots atop Judith Terrace were vacant. Dumpers littered them. Joyriders swooped through to evade the police.

The land was cleaned up over the years and bollards deployed. But a profounder change at the top of Judith Terrace was celebrated Wednesday afternoon new life in the form of five brand new two-family homes.

Mayor Toni Harp, along with staffers from the city’s Livable City Initiative (LCI), and state housing officials, cut the ribbon on the little compound of five two-family homes on the winding promontory of a residential street high above Quinnipiac Avenue in Fair Haven Heights, .

The homes all have sale agreements pending with five working New Haven families.

The mayor hailed the event as emblematic of the ongoing city initiative to promote neighborhood stability through home ownership.

The $2.5 million project was funded through $1.2 million from the Connecticut Department of Housing Affordable Housing Program and $1.3 million in city funds.

LCI served as the developer, with project manager Mark Wilson in the lead. Most of the work was done with local New Haven businesses and tradesmen.

Families such as that of Carlos and Mari-

cel Ramos, who are waiting to close on the house at 103-105 Judith Terrace house, showed visitors around shining kitchen counters at Wednesday’s event. Maricel Ramos noted the panoramic views from the second-floor back porch, looking out onto the entire city as it spreads out toward the Q Bridge.

“I can’t wait to set up my table and take my coffee out there,” she said.

In order to qualify to purchase the homes at the set $209,000 price, all the families, like the Ramos family who have six kids ages 18, 17, 11 10, 5, and 4 must earn no more than the area median income, which is $82,000 for a family of four.

The families’ mortgage payments also many not exceed 30 percent of their monthly gross income, said Michelle Mateo, of the East Haven-based Kaerus Property Group, which handled all the sales.

She said the two-families all sold quickly.

For Carlos Ramos, who works for Comcast, and his wife, who is a licensed day car provider taking care of six kids in the home they currently rent in the Hill, the Judith Terrace house will be the first time they become homeowners.

That also was one of the requirements — that the families have not owned a home at least in three years.

Mayor Harp praised her LCI staffers.

“They used New Haven workers and New Haven businesses to build these,“she not-

ed.

On a lot that was empty and cluttered for 15 years, LCI’s Exeuctive Director Serena Neal-Sanjurjo called attention to the partnership with the state to advance neighborhood stabilization.

In a phase two of the Judith Terrace project, the bollards that make the current dead end are to be removed. They prevent prevent access from the top of Judith Terrace to nearby Riverview Street. There two single-family houses are to built, with that project to begin in months.

Neal-Sanjurjo said similar homeowner initiatives are slated for Dwight, Newhallville, Fair Haven, and West River.

Project Manager Wilson said next up after Judith Terrace work is complete would be a number of houses in Newhallville near Winchester Avenue and Thompson Street.

The entire Judith Terrace project took about a year, Wilson said. As developer, LCI will reap some profits, but they will “revolve,” said Wilson. That means they go right into LCI’s next project.

In addition to the initiative at Judith Terrace, Neal-Sanjurjo said LCI is working with other homeowners along the street in a program to help them make exterior repairs and on plantings and other applications to beautify the neighborhood.

Joniel Ramos was thinking about none of that at the moment. He said he is looking forward to having his own bedroom.

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO

LCI chief Serena Neal-Sanjurjo, Mayor Toni Harp, CT State Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno, and Alder Rose Santana cut the ribbon.

Questions about your bill?

Yale New Haven Hospital is pleased to offer patients and their families financial counseling regarding their hospital bills or the availability of financial assistance, including free care funds.

By appointment, patients can speak one-on-one with a financial counselor during regular business hours. For your convenience, extended hours are available once a month.

Date: Monday, April 15 Time: 5 - 7 pm Location: Children’s Hospital, 1 Park St., 1st Floor, Admitting Parking available (handicapped accessible) An appointment is necessary. Please call 203-688-2046.

Spanish-speaking counselors available.

9

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

Advocates, Clergy Rally For A ‘Moral Budget’

by Christine Stuart Ct. News Junkie

HARTFORD, CT — On the anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King Jr., a group of advocates and clergy asked lawmakers from both parties to deliver a state budget that honors his legacy.

“We urge you to pass a budget that calls upon the wealthiest individuals and large profitable corporations to pay their fair share,” the letter from faith, labor and advocacy groups said.

At a gathering at the Legislative Office Building Thursday, the group said Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont’s budget leaves the wealthy and large corporations “untouched,” but they worry about what will happen if the General Assembly reduces the revenue increases that are part of his budget proposal.

Lamont’s budget leaves the social safety net intact even though it maintains budget cuts from past years.

Sheldon Toubman, a legal aid attorney who was speaking on behalf of the Cross Disability Alliance, said the governor’s budget imposes an asset test of the Medicare Savings Program, requires Medicaid patients to get prior authorizations for certain treatments, and blocks access to essential drugs unless Medicaid enrollees try and fail on other cheaper drugs.

“Many of the revenue proposals in the governor’s budget are not going to pass,” Toubman said.

He doesn’t believe Lamont’s attempt at broadening the sales tax base will work for all the revenue he’s seeking to raise.

“If we believe in economic justice as preached by Dr. King and we expect those who most benefit under our economic system to pay their fair share, the only option

is for the legislature and the governor to make those who can afford to do so pay a little more,” Toubman said.

He said they could look at raising the income tax on the wealthiest one percent and gain about $227.4 million. Or they could look at increasing the capital gains rate for the top tax bracket and see $113.7 million in revenue.

Toubman described capital gains tax as the “money you earn from doing nothing.”

He said Lamont “is in a special place to be able to call on the wealthy to pay a little bit more because he himself is in that privileged group.”

“The governor uniquely can ask his peers, who we all know can pay a little more, to step up,” Toubman said. “So poor and disabled folks don’t have to suffer under this budget.”

Lamont was tasked with closing a $1.5 billion deficit in the first year, and a $2.3 billion deficit in the second year of the twoyear budget he presented on Feb. 20. The General Assembly and its two budget writing committees are still working on their response to that proposal, which isn’t due until the beginning of May. Rep. Robyn Porter, D-New Haven, said Connecticut needs to figure out what the revenue looks like and where the equity is in it because the middle class is disappearing.

“We continue to balance this budget on the backs of the poor people and the working people and the unions,” Porter said.

She said Lamont is better positioned to speak some truth to his wealthy peers and ask them to contribute a little more.

But at the moment what he’s proposing is “nothing new.”

She said people who work seven days a

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE PHOTO Rev. John Selders

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE PHOTO One of many signs held by supporters in the room

10

week should not qualify for government programs, but the reality is they do.

“That’s just not fair,” she added.

The Rev. Josh Pawelek said he’s sick of the “pernicious lie” that paying someone $15 an hour, which isn’t even a living wage, is “bad for business.”

“We are tired of hearing that a robust safety net for people with disabilities in the state of Connecticut is bad for business somehow,” Pawelek said. “And we are tired of hearing that a robust safety net for our elders in the state of Connecticut is bad for business. We are tired of hearing that a healthcare system that actually prioritizes the delivery of healthcare as opposed to profits for corporations is somehow bad for business.”

He said affordable housing and equitable funding for education is not bad for business.

“When poverty is on the rise, when stress is on the rise, and when sickness untreated is on the rise, that’s bad for business,” Pawelek said. “And solving these problems is good for business.”

Pawelek said he’s not talking about class warfare, “we’re talking about what is fair and what is essential for our state to thrive.”

The Rev. John Selders said “this is not a left or right issue. This is about what’s right and what’s wrong.”

The one way to right “historic wrongs” is through legislative action, Selders said.

Selders led the group to Senate Republican and Senate Democratic offices on the third floor of the Legislative Office Building to drop off letters Thursday. No lawmakers were there to accept them, but staff said they would pass them along.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

New Commissioner Working To Reduce Backlog of Childcare Subsidy Applications

by Christine Stuart Ct. News Junkie

HARTFORD, CT — It’s not completely solved, but the new commissioner at the Office of Early Childhood is doing what she can to reduce the backlog of payments to childcare providers who participate in Care4Kids.

For the past three months Beth Bye and her team have been trying to reduce the backlog of applications, which delay providers from getting paid. The program helps pay the childcare costs for working families, but a backlog created when the state switched to a new, $10 million software system still has some providers wondering when they will get paid for services they provided months ago.

“There is nothing that’s good about this because there are people who have not been paid,” Bye said Monday during an interview in her office.

In order to reduce the backlog, the Office of Early Childhood with Deloitte, the software provider, and the United Way, which processes the applications for the program, decided to reduce the backlog by automatically renewing families whose eligibility was up for review in December, January, and February.

The new applications and renewals waiting to be processed dropped from 5,385 on February 28 to about 3,538 as of March 29.

This backlog will be reduced to about 2,743

because of the recent decision to automatically renew for a full year some 1,048 children who were up for redeterminations in February.

How it works is this: parents or providers can apply for funds from Care4Kids to pay for childcare for low-income families. For a family of four with two children, eligibility is limited to households with annual incomes of $56,000 or less.

Often a parent applies and a provider will receive a certificate for the child’s care.

The new system is supposed to eliminate paperwork and offer direct deposits to providers, and improve efficiency. To be eligible for the program, both the parents and providers are required to undergo training in safe childcare procedures.

Bye has been traveling the state meeting with daycare providers trying to resolve the issues they face when the state began switching over from a legacy system to a new online portal, which will eventually interface with the system at the Department of Social Services.

For many, not getting paid meant they had to delay making mortgage, car, or utility payments, said Ben Phillips, communications director for CSEA SEIU Local 2001, the union that represents the childcare providers.

He said the situation is untenable and they are contemplating legal action against the United Way, which recently increased case

manager staffing by 33 percent to handle the case backlog of applications and renewals.

The United Way processes the applications and renewals for the joint federal and state program.

As of Monday night, no legal action had been filed, but childcare providers will be rallying Wednesday outside the United Way headquarters in New Haven to call attention to their situation, Phillips said.

Marcia Iannacone, who runs a home daycare in Danbury, said Bye has been a pleasure to work with.

Iannacone, who has participated in the Care4Kids program for 23 years, said at a recent meeting in Danbury that Bye gave out her personal email to providers who were struggling to get their situations resolved.

At first she was nervous to use it, but she ended up reaching out to let the office know the redetermination status was removed from the online portal and within a day it was fixed. She said having that information about a child’s application cuts down on the amount of time providers spend calling the office.

The information about applications is now updated online daily for providers.

Bye said call times at the call centers have decreased from a high of 47 minutes down to two minutes and the staff have made 800 outbound calls to families who were miss-

COURTESY OF THE OEC TWITTER Office of Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye meets with the Earlier Childcare Alliance in Feburary

ing information on their applications.

Bye said they’ve also reached out to the union for the names of providers who have not been paid in order to expedite those cases.

“She knows our struggle,” Iannacone said.

But that doesn’t mean that the problems will be resolved overnight.

Bye said she doesn’t want these computer problems to shut down access to the program both for families who need it in order

to go to work and for providers who need it to make a living.

Bye, a former early childcare director herself, said the childcare providers are mostly women who don’t get paid enough for what they do.

The decisions Bye has made in her first few months at the agency increased the number of families enrolled in the program, but, the former chair of the Appropriations Committee, said it’s still within the budget.

S AT U R D AY

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

During Fair Housing Month, Waters Convenes Hearing on Housing Discrimination in America

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, convened a hearing entitled, “The Fair Housing Act: Reviewing Efforts to Eliminate Discrimination and Promote Opportunity in Housing.”

See the Chairwoman’s opening statement below.

(As Prepared for Delivery) “Good morning, everyone. Today, the Committee convenes for a hearing on the Fair Housing Act, to review efforts to eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunity in housing.

“April is National Fair Housing Month, and last April marked the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, the landmark 1968 legislation that outlawed housing discrimination.

“But here we are 51 years after the Fair

Housing Act became law, and housing discrimination remains a widespread problem in this country. According to the National Fair Housing Alliance, individuals filed 28,843 housing discrimination complaints in 2017.

“Under the Trump Administration, fair housing protections are under attack. In 2018, HUD Secretary Ben Carson halted implementation of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, an important rule finalized by the Obama Administration that provides communities with greater clarity on how to help break down barriers to fair housing opportunity, including by providing local authorities with better data to analyze their housing needs.

“According to news reports, Secretary Carson proposed taking the words “free from discrimination” out of HUD’s mis-

sion statement. He also reportedly halted fair housing investigations, and sidelined top advisors in HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. These are unprecedented attacks on fair housing that must not go unanswered.

“Let’s not forget that Donald Trump and his father were once charged with violating the Fair Housing Act, for discriminating against African American and Puerto Rican renters. Given that Trump was engaged in housing discrimination himself, it is unsurprising that his Administration has been so hostile to fair housing protections.

“My bill, the Restoring Fair Housing Protections Eliminated by HUD Act, is designed to put protections that Ben Carson and the Trump Administration have diminished back in place. The legislation requires HUD to implement the AFFH rule as soon as is possible, codifies HUD’s mission statement in statute, and requires HUD to reverse other harmful actions the Trump Administration has taken to weaken fair housing.

“It is also important to recognize that as technology has evolved, so too are the ways that Americans are searching for and finding housing. A recent study found that 73 percent of all renters use online platforms to find housing. Regulators must be proactive in scrutinizing online platforms

Maxine Waters where housing is advertised to ensure that their algorithms and targeting tools are not being utilized to discriminate against minority groups.

“It is a positive development that following public pressure from advocates HUD reversed its decision to halt its investigation into Facebook and allowed HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity to charge Facebook with violating the Fair Housing Act. However, much more must be done to ensure that digital platforms are not

being used for housing discrimination.

“So, I look forward to discussing these matters with our panel of experts, and hearing their insights on fighting discrimination and ensuring that there are fair housing opportunities for every American.

“With that, I now recognize the Ranking Member of the Committee, Mr. McHenry, for five minutes for an opening statement.”

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee.

60+ Apartments Planned For Howe Lot

by THOMAS BREEN New Haven Independent

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A local developer has submitted plans to build a seven-story, 97-unit apartment complex atop a Howe Street surface parking lot — while intending, he said, to end up building more like 60 apartments.

On March 15, Cambridge Realty Partners submitted the preliminary plans to the City Plan department for a proposed new apartment complex at 104 Howe St. Nick Falker, a partner at the international development and property management company based out of 817 Grand Ave., told the Independent that these plans are still in the very early stages of development. The ultimate project will wind up looking quite different than what was included in this initial submission, he said.

It is one of two planned projects that aim to bring a total of around 100 new apartments to the busy block.

“The proposed plan is significantly larger than what we are going to do,” Falker told the Independent by email on Wednesday afternoon. “Our goal is to optimize the site, without over or underutilizing the space.

Based on our very early stage design, we feel that a 60-unit building, at or below the height of the neighboring buildings, will best achieve that. Ultimately, the final size and density will be determined and agreed to by us and the City. We are looking forward to continuing that conversation.”

According to the preliminary plans, the proposed 40,646 square-foot development would stand seven floors tall with a roof deck on top.

The plan identifies a total of 97 residential

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104 Howe St. today (above) and in preliminary plans (below). CAMBRIDGE REALTY PARTNERS

units, including 23 two-bedrooms, 12 onebedrooms, and 62 studios.

“Our intent is to offer reasonable rents,” Falker said, “in-line with market.”

The plan also identifies 4,650 square feet of amenity space and 40 parking spaces, 32 on site at 104 Howe and eight next door at 100 Howe.

The plan will require zoning relief.

Cambridge purchased the surface parking lot, as well as the the adjacent six-story, 84-unit apartment complex at 100 Howe St. and a handful of smaller residential buildings on Edgewood Avenue and Howe Street, on Feb. 13 for a combined sum of $15.3 million.

“We love the location,” Falker said. “We are very excited to develop a new building

that will complement the neighborhood.”

City Deputy Economic Development Administrator Steve Fontana told the Independent that, even in the project’s stages, the city supports the developer’s plans to convert the existing lot into a more productive use for the neighborhood.

“We’ve had a few conversations with the new owners of the property regarding the kind of project that they’d like to pursue on the site,” he said, “and we’re pleased that they’re interested in designing an efficient and attractive building that makes the best use of it. We support the idea of creating a residential or mixed-use building there that fits in aesthetically with the other structures on the block.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

Rehab’d Man’s Fate Lies In Judge’s Hands

by THOMAS BREEN New Haven Independent

Demetrius Anderson is one step closer to being fully free.

A federal prosecutor has joined the quest to keep Anderson from returning to government supervision thanks to a marshal’s glitch. Now a federal judge has to make the final sign off.

Until that happens, Anderson remains a bundle of nerves.

The 43-year-old city employee recently learned he might have to leave his home in New Haven and go to federal prison in Philadelphia all because of a decade-old miscommunication between the federal and Connecticut state judicial systems.

He thought he had finished serving his time 13 years ago when he finished a term in a state facility for identity theft and fraud.

He rebuilt his life in New Haven and has thrived — only to find out that marshals have discovered that they forgot to bring him to a federal prison to serve out another 16 months for related offenses. His quest to avoid that fate has become a national news story, as he awaits his fate.

He no longer needs to worry about returning behind bars, but he still faces possible probation.

On Tuesday morning, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania William McSwain and Assistant Federal Defender Rossman Thompson, Jr. filed a joint motion in Philadelphia federal court in which they urge federal Judge Paul Diamond to vacate an arrest warrant issued Anderson and to waive an old unserved sentence of three years of supervised release.

The motion also informs the judge that the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) formally nixed Anderson’s 16-month federal prison sentence last Thursday, citing his good behavior and clean record in the 13 years since he got out of state prison.

As of Wednesday morning, Diamond has yet to sign the motion and fully clear Anderson’s decade-old sentence.

“No comment,” a clerk in Diamond’s office told the Independent late Tuesday about why the judge hasn’t yet acted on the motion. “I have no comment for you.”

The joint motion from the district attorney and the public defender in support of Anderson’s freedom is the latest and one of the most consequential developments in a twoweek whirlwind for Anderson, who works for the city’s parks system (one of two jobs) and owns a Westville condo.

Anderson’s attorney, Hamden lawyer Michael Dolan, said that Anderson no longer faces 16 months in federal prison in Philadelphia thanks to the BOP’s recent recalculation of his sentence.

But, he said, if Diamond doesn’t sign the joint motion, Anderson must still travel to Philadelphia federal court on Thursday, when Diamond could sentence Anderson to up to three years of supervised release, also known as probation.

“We’re disappointed that [Judge Diamond] has not signed the order that has been proposed to him,” Dolan told the Independent on Tuesday. “We’re also disappointed that he has not vacated the second bench war-

Demetrius Anderson (second from left) and local attorney Michael Dolan (second from right) on CNN. rant.”

Anderson himself told the Independent on Tuesday that he nervously awaits Diamond’s decision. He said he feels that he should not be punished 13 years after his release from state prison simply because of a miscommunication between the state and federal judicial systems.

“I’m trusting on God to make man do what’s right,” he said.

Since the New Haven Independent first wrote about Anderson last Tuesday, the city employee’s case has garnered national and international attention, in large part because of an in-person interview that Anderson and local attorney Michael Dolan did with CNN last Friday at the network’s New York City studio.

Four days after that interview, McSwain and Thompson filed the joint motion with the federal court.

The joint motion requests that the court recognize as satisfied Anderson’s three years of supervised release; that it retain the $4,140 that Anderson must pay in restitution as ordered by the original 2005 federal judgment; that it vacate Anderson’s bench warrant and April 4 federal court hearing; and that it exonerate the unsecured, $50,000 bond that Anderson paid on March 20 after federal marshals showed up at his door in New Haven with an order that he be arrested for allegedly evading prison for 13 years.

“The parties agree that given Anderson’s time at liberty without any arrests or criminal convictions,” McSwain wrote, “there would be no significant interest served by requiring him to serve a three-year period of supervised release at this time.”

State-Federal Miscommunication The seven-page motion details just how the federal and state courts bungled the enforcement of Anderson’s federal sentence over a decade ago, leading to a bench warrant being issued in 2019 for a man who got out of prison in 2006 and hasn’t been arrested for any crimes since.

In the motion, McSwain wrote that, after pleading guilty in Philadelphia federal court to two counterfeit currency charges in January 2005, Anderson was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison.

At the same time that he he was being sentenced on federal charges in Philadelphia, Anderson was facing similar state charges in Connecticut.

So, in May 2005, the Philadelphia federal court system returned Anderson to Connecticut state custody to serve out his Connecticut sentence.

“The Marshal lodged a Detainer dated May 5, 2005 with Connecticut authorities to have Anderson returned to federal custody following his state proceedings and sentence,” McSwain wrote, “in order that Anderson could serve his federal sentence” following the completion of his Connecticut sentence.

In June 2005, Anderson pleaded guilty to the state charges. He was sentenced to three years in Connecticut state prison.

“During the course of his serving that sentence,” McSwain wrote, “the Marshal in this district twice sent memoranda to the New Haven Correctional Facility seeking confirmation of the Detainer on Anderson.

Each time, a representative of the New Haven Correctional Facility returned the memorandum confirming that the Detainer

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was on file.”

Anderson was released from Connecticut state prison in November 2006.

He thought he had been serving his federal and state prison sentences concurrently. No one informed him otherwise.

“The Connecticut authorities did not notify the Marshal that they were releasing Anderson,” McSwain wrote, “and did not turn Anderson over to federal authorities, despite a federal Detainer being in place.”

And so Anderson was let free.

He spent the next 13 years rebuilding his life in New Haven, where he currently works two jobs, has a condo in Westville, and belongs to a church in the Hill.

The federal court didn’t discover its error until 2018, when the U.S. Marshals Service in Philadelphia conducted an audit of unserved federal sentences. They found Anderson’s name on the list, all because the state system had failed to remand Anderson to federal custody following his release.

And so on Feb. 28, 13 years after Anderson’s release from state prison and 15 years after he had initially been sentenced in federal court, Diamond signed a bench warrant for Anderson’s rearrest.

On March 20, marshals arrived in New Haven to serve that warrant to Anderson.

The city employee appeared before a magistrate judge in New Haven that same day, and earned his release by posting an unsecured $50,000 bond.

On March 28, Diamond signed another bench warrant for Anderson’s arrest. This time, he ordered the defendant to be picked up and transported to the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia for designation by the BOP. He set Anderson’s court date for

April 4.

“During the time that he was out of custody, from November 2, 2006 to the present,” McSwain wrote, “Anderson was not arrested for or convicted of any crime. Counsel for Anderson reports that he has found employment and has been and is now gainfully employed.”

On March 29, the BOP granted Anderson “credit for time he was at liberty” following his release from state prison in November 2006.

“BOP determined that the application of this credit resulted in a federal BOP release date of December 30, 2007,” McSwain wrote. “BOP has thus deemed his custody sentence satisfied. The government agrees with this determination reached by BOP.” Because of his good conduct since release from state prison, McSwain wrote, the federal government urges the court to grant as satisfied the initial sentencing of three years of supervised release, to vacate the April 4 hearing and the second bench warrant, and to exonerate the $50,000 bond that Anderson paid on March 20.

And so now, Anderson must wait. For Diamond to sign the joint motion and set him free. Or for Diamond to rule in Philadelphia federal court on Thursday about whether or not Anderson must serve three years of supervised release, 13 years after the government’s mistake.

“They all see it would be an injustice,” Anderson said about how both the BOP and the federal prosecutor are recommending his full release.

“You’re not your past,” he said. “Everybody has a story.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

The Fight for Equal Pay, Gender Parity Heats Up

By Barrington M. Salmon, Contributing Writer, Black Press USA

Black women sit at the nexus of race and gender and are buffeted by the twin spectres of these “isms”, and struggle upstream against a current of prejudice and bias which is compounded by gender and race.

Despite the United States touting itself as the bastion of freedom and equality, women in this country – despite comprising 50.8 percent of the population – have always found themselves in the position of having to fight for salary and wages comparable to men.

A range of studies show some progress, but stubborn racial and gender wage gaps persist in the United States. Often, researchers point to disparities in education, the fact that many African-American women and other women of color are clustered at the lower end of the pay scale and that the minimum wage hasn’t been increased since 2007 as factors contributing to the wage gap. But what’s often downplayed or ignored is the racism and sexism that’s also at play.

Black women sit at the nexus of race and gender and are buffeted by the twin spectres of these “isms”, and struggle upstream against a current of prejudice and bias which is compounded by gender and race.

This intersectional discrimination exacerbates those gender and race gaps, stymies Black women’s ability to access educational opportunities, and has a pervasive and corrosive impact on their careers and career advancement, experts say.

The wage gap has real-world consequences.

Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever said that over their lifetimes, Black women stand to lose between $800,000 and $1 million because of these disparities.

“While the gender pay gap is an issue for all women, it is an especially wicked problem for black women,” said Dr. Jones-DeWeever, a women’s empowerment expert, international speaker and diversity consultant.

“Black women are already economically disadvantaged and face double discrimination within the workforce. The additional burden of a 38 percent pay gap exacerbates the black wealth gap in America. It’s such an engrained problem. The typical Black woman will lose more than $800,000 over her lifetime, and in DC, the inequality means that Black women could lose more than $1 million.”

“A black woman has to earn a B.A. to earn what a white man with a GED would earn. It’s huge and really hardwired into the system,” continued Dr. Jones-DeWeever, who, among her many portfolios, mentors and instructs black women on how to navigate the shoals of business and achieve career and financial success. “It’s devastating because with Black college-educated women making as much as 30 percent less than their white male counterparts, that’s a huge disadvantage. That means not being able to put food on the table, buy clothes for your children, not being able to have a better quality of life or diverting money to

wealth-building.”

According to the National Partnership for Women and Families (NPWF), median wages for black women in the United States are $36,227 per year, compared to median wages of $57,925 annually for white, nonHispanic men. This amounts to a difference of $21,698 each year. In that same report, NPWF also highlighted that if the wage gap were eliminated, on average, a black woman working full time, year-round would have enough money for: Two and a half years of child care Nearly 2.5 additional years of tuition and fees for a four-year public university, or the full cost of tuition and fees for a two-year community college 159 more weeks of food for her family (three years’ worth) More than 14 additional months of mortgage and utilities payments 22 more months of rent.

The National Women’s Law Center reports that women of every race are paid less than men, at all education levels – and it only gets worse as women’s careers progress.

“Despite the fact that women have made enormous gains in educational attainment and labor force involvement in the last several decades, unequal pay remains pervasive in 97 percent of occupations, showing that no matter what their job, women are paid less than men doing the same job in nearly every sector of work,” an NWLC fact sheet noted.

Women who work full time, year-round in the United States are paid just 80 cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts.

This gap, which amounts to a typical loss of $10,086 per year for a working woman – or $403,440 over a 40-year career – means that women have to work 15 months … to make what men did in the previous 12-month calendar year.”

Studies by gender specialists, academics and women’s activists have statistics showing that the occupations African-American women have does not explain away the Black women’s wage gap, the NWLC said.

For example, Black women working as physicians and surgeons—a traditionally male, high wage occupation—make 54 cents for every dollar paid to white, nonHispanic men working as physicians and surgeons.

Black women working as customer service representatives—a mid-wage, female dominated occupation—make 75 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men working as customer service representatives.

Black women working as construction laborers—a traditionally male, mid-wage occupation—make 81 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men working as construction laborers.

Black women working as personal care aides—a heavily female, low wage occupation—make 87 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men working as personal care aides.

In addition, Black women experience a wage gap even in occupations where they

Liberation Journalist Barrington Salmon lived and wrote in Florida (Miami and Tallahassee) for almost 20 years. He is a 2017 Annenberg National Fellow (University of Southern California) who currently freelances for several publications, including The Final Call, Atlanta Black Star, the National Newspaper Publishers Association and The Washington Informer

are over-represented. More than two in five African-American women (44.8 percent) are employed in one of 10 occupations.

In every one of those occupations, Black women are typically paid less than white, non-Hispanic men. Among the 10 most common occupations for Black women, two of those occupations – cashiers and retail salespeople and janitors, building cleaners, maids, and housekeepers – typically pay Black women a very low wage – less than $10 per hour – while they typically pay white, non-Hispanic men substantially more.

Some solutions, NWLC experts say, include strengthening America’s pay discrimination laws, pushing harder to get Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, the Family Act and the Schedules That Work Act – all which would address the discrimination women face when they’re pregnant or caregiving and support those who need paid leave, predictable work schedules, and stability for themselves and their families.

Raising the federal minimum wage is yet another way to move towards parity. So far, six states and the District of Columbia have increased the minimum wage to $15 over the next few years.

Another solution is making the Earned Income Tax Credit more widely available to needy recipients. The EITC is a tax credit designed to offset payroll taxes and supplement wages for people working in low-wage jobs, providing the most benefits to low- to moderate-income families with children. The federal EITC lifted more than 1.2 million women 18 and older and nearly 3.5 million children out of poverty in 2017, and 28 states and the District of Columbia currently offer their own EITCs to provide an additional boost.

Dalana A. Brand, vice president of Global Total Rewards at Electronic Arts, Inc., contends that Black women can’t afford to wait, arguing in an opinion piece last year for Blavity, an Internet media company,

15

that in the midst of the flurry of publicity, tweets, posts, hashtags and calls for change, one important element is missing.

“What often gets left out of that discussion is that the hallmark day in April does not apply to black women and other women of color,” she said. “… So, while white women caught up on April 10, black women must wait for over half the year to pass before our wages catch up to what men made a year ago.”

Brand, a highly-sought after salary strategist and career transformation coach, said black women are paid 38 percent less than white men and 21 percent less than white women but “the sad fact is that most people are either unaware or don’t care about the appalling disparity black women face with respect pay equity.”

She added that a study by LeanIn.Org, which partnered with Survey Monkey and the National Urban League, indicates that a third of Americans aren’t aware of the pay gap between black women and white men, and half of them don’t know about a similar gap between black and white women.

Much like the feminist movement, black women are being largely ignored by the equal pay movement,” she added.

Dr. Jones-DeWeever and Brand said that as career strategists and salary consultants, there are a number of things that Black women can and need to do to fight back against wage disparities. The first action is for Black women to embrace their power and value and translate that into dollars and benefits during salary negotiations.

“We don’t understand the basics of negotiating,” Dr. Jones-DeWeever said. “We have to understand our value and how to negotiate. When you’re first hired, that’s when you’re most powerful. I never accept the first offer. The first offer is only the beginning of negotiations. You’d be surprised how much money you can get. You have to negotiate for money, a package and vacation.

Black communities must also take other

tacks to confront and topple this problem, they said.

“The reality of racism means that Black women will be offered less,” said Dr. JonesDeWeever. “In terms of fixing it, we have to have conversations about financial literacy and we also have a responsibility to educate our children about their power, worth and value and empowering them.”

Brand concurred.

To date, she said, much of the equal pay movement has been focused on awareness building campaigns and encouraging women to effectively negotiate their salaries.

“While these are important steps, this is only scratching the surface,” Brand explained. “Getting to pay parity must also involve addressing the corporate systems and state and federal laws that need to change.

As black women we must unify and use our collective voices to push pay equality and the racial wealth gap to the top our agenda.

Black women have always been at the forefront of the push for equality in our country, whether it was civil rights or social justice, we have been critical forces for change. The equal pay movement should be no different.”

Brand and Dr. Jones-DeWeever are called in frequently to consult with Fortune 500 and other companies. They said Black women should also be actively engaged in tackling the equal pay issue within corporate America by participating in employee resource groups at work and collectively guaranteeing that the companies they work for are held accountable for addressing these issues.

African American churches, sororities and fraternities and civil society and community organizations need to actively engage in the political process and pressure elected officials to advance additional laws designed to protect against gender discrimination and pay inequality, they said, and concerned people also need to organize efforts and/or sign petitions to demand to push the government to act.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

Feminine products for inmates in jails, prisons get attention

By The Florida Courier

TALLAHASSEE – It’s something most women rarely chat about with strangers.

But Valencia Gunder is walking the halls of the Capitol talking about menstruation.

Specifically, Gunder’s leading a discussion about the struggles incarcerated women in Florida face because they don’t have adequate feminine products like tampons and sanitary napkins.

Gunder, a former inmate who’s now a lobbyist for the group Dignity Florida, is pushing a proposal that would require state prisons and county jails to make tampons and napkins more readily available to female prisoners.

“We are not asking for a luxury, state of Florida. We are asking for bare necessities. Women should not have to use extra pairs of socks as pads. Women should not have to use all of their tissues. Women should not have to be embarrassed to ask for extra sanitary napkins and tampons,” Gunder told reporters during a recent press conference in the Capitol.

A ‘dignity’ issue The state Department of Corrections already has a rule requiring female inmates to have access to “adequate” feminine hygiene products.

The agency “is committed to ensuring the dignity and fair treatment of all incarcerated individuals in Florida,” spokeswoman Michelle Glady said.

“Our current policy and practices provides feminine hygiene products at no cost to inmates, necessary health and comfort items, and has search policies in place that are committed to ensuring inmates privacy in respect to their gender,” Glady said.

Bipartisan support But Gunder and other advocates say guards sometimes deny requests for pads – state prisons don’t give female inmates tampons – as a way of punishing or humiliating women behind bars.

“It’s just humiliating, in general, (to be denied) things that you need,” Gunder, 34, said in a recent interview.

Female inmates also say the napkins given away by jails and prisons often don’t do the job.

The proposal (HB 49 and SB 332), called the “Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act,” has received bipartisan, unanimous approval from three subcommittees and committees in the House and Senate. It was scheduled to be heard Tuesday in the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee.

A no-cost push The proposal would require prisons and jails to make “health care products” – including tampons, moisturizing soap that is not lye-based, toothbrushes and toothpaste – available to female inmates “at no cost to the woman in a quantity that is appropriate to the needs of the woman.”

The products must be available “in common housing areas,” so that women don’t

have to request them from guards.

Tampons and pads are available at some prison or jail canteens, but not all women can afford to purchase the products, Rep. Shevrin Jones, a West Park Democrat who is sponsoring the House measure, told a committee recently.

All-female pat downs Incarcerated women are being “forced to make the impossible decision of constructing your own menstrual products, using anything from clothing or notebook paper, in place of a tampon,” Jones said, before the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee unanimously signed off on the bill.

“Without adequate access to clean, hygienic menstrual products, you may face serious health consequences. This happens every single month, and for some with irregular cycles, more frequently,” he added.

The proposal also would require that pat downs and strip searches of inmates be done by female guards and would ban male corrections officers from entering showers, restrooms or other places where incarcerated women may be undressed, policies that are already in place in some facilities.

But the legislation goes further, by requiring male guards to announce their presence after entering women’s housing units.

‘Embarrassing’ experience

Gunder, who’s the criminal justice program manager at the group New Florida Majority, said she first spoke about her negative experience as an inmate with her period while at a national conference two years ago.

“It was one of the hardest stories I ever had to share. It was extremely embarrassing. It’s something I don’t necessarily like to talk about a lot, but we can help the thousands of women who are incarcerated. But it is extremely hard because it’s something that people don’t talk about, outside of to a mother,” Gunder said.

After her remarks, Gunder said she met Topeka K. Sam, who’s a leader in the national “Dignity for Incarcerated Women” movement and discovered that women throughout the country were already working to make sure incarcerated females had access to adequate feminine products.

“It was a freeing moment for me and what was so amazing was that this group of women who all were incarcerated and they were, like, we know exactly what you’re talking about, and this is what we’re doing to fix it,” Gunder said.

Sen. Jason Pizzo, a Miami-Dade County Democrat is sponsoring the Senate version of the bill.

This article originally appeared in the Florida Courier.

6 Lies and Truths About Black Unemployment Under Trump’s Administration

Nationwide — Since taking over the White House, President Donald Trump has had a lot to say about Black unemployment rates in the country. Some of what he has said has been true, some of it has been completely false, and some of it was true at one point but has since changed.

Here are 6 factors to consider about Trump’s claims about Black unemployment: #1 – During Obama’s last month in office in January 2017, the Black unemployment rate was 7.8 percent. When Trump took office, he says that number dropped to 6.6 percent by July 2017. The Bureau of Labor Statistics confirmed this. So, this was true. #2 – In 2018, Trump tried to completely discredit former President Obama by saying that the economy added only 195,000 jobs for African-Americans under Obama’s administration. However, according to The New York Times, during Obama’s 8 years in office, he added about three million jobs.

So, this was a lie. #3 – In 2018, Trump’s White House Secretary, Sarah Sanders, said that had so far added 700,000 new jobs had been created for African Americans during his administration. This was true. #4 – Trump has claimed that under his administration, Black unemployment has been at “the lowest in the history of our

country”. However, a different data set from the Labor Department that goes back to 1947 shows that the annual unemployment rate for “negro and other races” went as low as 4.5 percent in 1953. That means his claim was a lie. #5 – Trump’s administration said that the 2018 yearly average unemployment rate of 6.5 percent for African Americans, but according to The Washington Post, from February 2018 to February 2019, the Black unemployment rate actually rose — from 6.8 percent to 7 percent. So, this was a lie. #6 – Trump’s administration often brags and presents the 7% Black unemployment

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rate as if this is good news, but it’s not. In comparison, the nation’s overall unemployment rate is just 3.8%. According to 24/7 Wall St, that means that Black unemployment is 86% above the national average.

It is also 112% higher than the rate among white Americans, and 125% above the rate for Asian Americans. This means that overall the unemployment rate for Blacks under Obama’s administration versus the rate under Trump’s administration is about the same. So, this would be another lie or at least a form of deception.

What’s being done in response:

As a result of continued high unemployment in Black communities, several community-based organizations in various cities have been active trying to stimulate more Black entrepreneurship. They are also helping more African American students to qualify for college admission.

In addition, popular web sites like BlackJobs.com have stepped up their marketing efforts to help African American job seekers find well-paying jobs. Such web sites also help employers dedicated to diversity hiring post their job openings and hire qualified job candidates.

SOURCE: BlackJobs.com

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

Two Black Men Finally Released For False Murder Charges After 43 Years in Prison BlackNews.com

Jacksonville, FL — Two elderly Black men, 76-year old Clifford Williams and his nephew 61-year-old Hubert “Nathan” Myers, are finally free from prison 43 years after they were convicted of a murder they never committed.

Williams and Myers, who were then at the age of 33 and 18 respectively, were sentenced to life in prison for the 1976 murder of Jeanette Williams and the attempted murder of her girlfriend, Nina Marshall.

According to reports, the two women were shot while they were in bed sleeping.

Marshall identified them as the shooters although she gave rather inconsistent testimonies.

Marshall testified there were two shooters each holding a gun inside at the foot of her bed. However, there were bullet holes in the window screen and the curtains, indicating the shooter was from the outside.

Also, the ballistic tests determined the bullet used on the crime came only from one gun, disproving Marshall’s claim that there were two shooters.

Moreover, Williams and Myers strongly denied the accusations, saying they were at a birthday party down the street from the shooting at the time it happened. Other people who were at the party could have confirmed they were at the event, but they were not called as witnesses.

The two men’s lawyer did not provide any defense during their two-day trial. Not even the discrepancies in the story of Marshall were considered in the case.

Both men have maintained their innocence throughout. Myers, who had just recently graduated from high school then, was even offered a plea deal if he testified against his uncle but he refused.

Myers, who read about wrongful state convictions in Florida while in prison, wrote a letter to the Innocence Project

Florida. Through that, he shared his and his uncle’s story together with an affidavit from another person who claimed Nathaniel Lawson, who died in 1994, confessed to the murder.

Eventually, the Conviction Integrity Review unit released a 77-page report on their case, including all the evidence that was initially never provided to a jury.

“While no single item of evidence, in and of itself, exonerates Defendant Myers or Defendant Williams, the culmination of all the evidence, most of which the jury never heard or saw, leaves no abiding confidence in the convictions or the guilt of the defendants,” the report states. “It is the opinion of the CIR that these men would not be convicted by a jury today if represented by competent counsel who presented all of the exculpatory evidence that exists in this case fort the jury’s consideration.”

Myers is eligible for compensation, as the state of Florida stipulates that people can

7 Ways To Make the Most Of Therapy

receive $50,000 for every year they were wrongfully convicted, although there is a $2,000,000 cap. Williams, since he had two prior felonies, is not eligible for compensation.

“I lost almost 43 years of my life that I can never get back, but I am looking ahead and will focus on enjoying my freedom with my family,” Myers said in a statement released by the State’s Attorney’s Office.

NEW HAVEN’S GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY RADIO STATION! www.newhavenindependent.org

by Jasmine Berry, BlackDoctor.com

So you’ve decided it’s time to speak with a mental health professional who can guide you. Go you! Deciding to see a mental health professional is a huge step that requires courage. A lot of people who give therapy a shot give up after their first few sessions, feeling like it’s not for them.

Finding the right therapist can be a trial and error process. Putting in some effort to determine how to get what you need is key to a successful experience. Here are some tips for getting the most you can from therapy. dentify what you want to take away.

Is it learning strategies for coping with stress? Or working through unresolved feelings from a traumatic experience?

Setting a goal for yourself can help you get clear on what you ultimately want to walk away with. Your therapist will also ask you this in your initial sessions, so it’s helpful to have identified your goals beforehand.

Do your research. Determine what’s important to you in a therapist and do your homework. Do you want to work with a black therapist? Or someone who specializes in sexual trauma? Psychology Today and Therapy for Black Girls are two resources that can help you find a therapist based on criteria such as geographic location, ethnicity, and specialty areas.

Remember, they don’t have to like you.

It’s human nature to want to come across as likable as possible. But when it comes to your therapist, don’t worry about all of that. Your relationship with your therapist is meant to be a safe space where you can share your ugly without fear of judgment. How can you make progress on you if don’t reveal the areas that need

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journal or record video entries throughout the time period you spend in therapy.

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Admit when you and your therapist aren’t a match. Choosing a therapist is like dating. A therapist may seem like a perfect match on paper, but once you begin seeing each other regularly the vibe may be off. If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist, don’t feel that you have to stick it out. Move on and continue looking for a therapist that is more in line with what you need.

17

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Do the work! Growth isn’t confined to the hour you spend with your therapist routinely. There will be assignments that push you outside Track your progress. Keep a regular

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

The Historical Significance of the NAACP

constitutions first page contains the following goals: • To ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens • To achieve equality of rights and eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the United States • To remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes • To seek enactment and enforcement of federal, state, and local laws securing civil rights • To inform the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and to seek its elimination • To educate persons as to their constitutional rights and to take all lawful action to secure the exercise thereof, and to take any other lawful action in furtherance of these objectives, consistent with the NAACP’s Articles of Incorporation and this Constitution The Modern NAACP The significance of the NAACP continues to grow as they fight for equality in jobs, education, the criminal justice system, voting rights, and more. From kids to adults, anybody can join the movement. Similar to the NAACP Image Awards, there are other events hosted by the organization which recognizes and brings people together. The NAACP has more than 2,200 branches and more than half a million members worldwide.

BlackNews.com

Nationwide — On March 30, 2019, the most influential African American icons gathered at the 50th NAACP Image Awards, which honored excellence in film, television, music, and literature. Despite being in the news, the NAACP has been around for years, fighting for those who are less fortunate – learn more about the significance of the NAACP and their cause.

Early Beginnings Founded in 1909, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) was formed in New York City and remains America’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Protestors organized the group after the 1908 Springfield race riot in Illinois.

Both Black and white people alike founded the NAACP. Famous African Americans such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida Wells-Barnett, Archibald Grimke, and Mary Church Terrell joined forces with white progressives including Mary White Ovington, Henry Moskowitz, William English Walling, and Oswald Garrison Villard.

The NAACP’s Mission The NAACP is one of the many organizations fighting for equality for those who have suffered from discrimination. The organization has been operating since the early days of racism -specifically, the civil rights movement.

According to the NAACP’s website, their

African Americans Audit

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A poor, rural county in Tennessee that is predominantly Black receives more audits from the IRS than any other county in the United States while rich counties skate by unbothered, according to a study published on the tax professional news website Tax Notes.

Humphreys County, Tenn., where more than a third of its Black residents live below the poverty line and the median yearly household income is $26,000, somehow is on the IRS’ radar to audit at a higher rate than anywhere else in the nation, according to AOL News.

The irony?

Humphreys County is audited at a rate that is 51 percent higher than wealthy Loudoun County, Virginia, which has a median yearly household income of $130,000, the highest in the country.

The reason is believed to be because the majority of taxpayers in Humphreys County claim the earned income tax credit, a government program to help lower income taxpayers get out of poverty.

According to the report, the top five counties in the United States that were audited by the IRS were predominantly poorer, Black counties in the rural South.

Other highly-audited counties included

majority Hispanic counties in Texas, Native American areas in South Dakota, and white, rural spots in Appalachia, according to Salon.com.

Last year, ProPublica found that the IRS audits poor, EITC workers at higher rates than any other group, excluding Americans earning over $1 million annually.

The states that experienced the lowest IRS audit rates were largely white and middleclass, like Minnesota, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. The safest taxpayer bracket were households with a median yearly income between $50,000 and $100,000, according to Salon.

What’s even more alarming about auditing poor, EITC taxpayers at a higher rate than wealthier Americans is that wealthier taxpayers generally commit more instances of tax evasion, which costs the agency more than $450 billion per year, according to the IRS. By comparison, poor people who file more fraudulent tax returns cost the agency $1.6 billion per year.

As the April 15 deadline to file income tax approaches, African Americans aren’t the only ones leery about the IRS. Americans spend 8.1 billion hours doing taxes each year and the average person spends 11 hours and $200 completing his or her IRS 1040-Form, according to another new report by the personal finance site, WalletHub. Since the tax code is so complicated and has rules based on individual household

characteristics, it’s hard for the average person to tell, WalletHub experts said.

And with a new tax code taking effect this year, 2019 taxes will be quite different than last year.

One simple ratio known as the “tax burden” helps cut through the confusion.

Unlike tax rates, which vary widely based on an individual’s circumstances, tax burden measures the proportion of total personal income that residents pay toward state and local taxes. And it isn’t uniform across the U.S., either.

To determine the residents with the biggest tax burdens, WalletHub compared the 50 states across the three tax types of state tax burdens — property taxes, individual income taxes and sales and excise taxes — as a share of total personal income in the state.

With a 12.97 percent total tax burden, New York has the highest burden of any state, followed by Hawaii (11.71 percent); Maine (10.84 percent); Vermont (10.77 percent); and Minnesota (10.25 percent).

Alaska enjoyed the lowest overall tax burden at 5.10 percent followed by Delaware (5.55 percent); Tennessee (6.28 percent); Florida (6.56 percent); and New Hampshire (6.86 percent).

The national survey from WalletHub also noted some interesting facts and quirkiness about American taxpayers including: • 6 million fewer taxpayers will get a fed-

18

eral tax refund this year.

• The average refund in 2019 is $2,957, as of 3/15/2019.

• Nearly one-third of people (31 percent) say their biggest Tax Day fear is making a math mistake on their taxes, topping not having enough money (28 percent), identity theft (24 percent) and getting audited (17 percent).

• 36 percent of Americans would move to a different country and 24 percent would get an “IRS” tattoo for a tax-free future.

• 50 percent of people would rather do jury

duty than their taxes.

• 1 in 5 would prefer talking to their kids about sex.

• More than 10 percent would swim with sharks, spend the night in jail and drink expired milk.

• Fewer than 4 in 10 people are happy with President Donald Trump’s tax reforms.

• 70 percent think they benefit the rich more than the middle class.

• 89 percent of people think the government currently does not spend their tax dollars wisely.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

COMMENTARY:

Environmental Racism is Real, Destructive and Deadly

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

For many, Earth Day stands as a reminder of everyone’s role as stewards of the planet.

It’s a time to reflect and to plan ahead for a cleaner and healthier environment.

Still, for many others, it’s also a stark reminder about how African Americans and other minorities are often forgotten when it comes to the protection of their communities.

A March 2019 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found that whites experience 17 percent less pollution caused by their consumption of goods and services.

On the other hand, Blacks and Hispanics experience 56 percent and 63 percent, respectively, more pollution than their consumption would generate.

Whites experience a “pollution advantage” while Blacks and Hispanics experience a “pollution burden.”

On his global issues blog, Dr. Robert Bullard said the study builds on a growing body of environmental justice literature showing racial and ethnic disparities in air pollution exposure.

It shows that particulate matter exposure in the U.S. is disproportionately caused by consumption patterns of whites and inhaled by people of color minority, said Bullard, the former dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas

Southern University and the founding director of the Environmental Justice Resource Center at Clark Atlanta University.

Known as the father of Environmental Justice, Dr. Bullard currently serves as a Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University.

“Our Environmental Justice movement has been trying to change this and related environmental inequities for the past four decades,” Bullard said.

While the study takes a somewhat different approach in examining disparities in air pol-

lution exposure by examining consumption of goods and services, “its findings once again reveal blacks and Hispanics bear a disproportionate ‘pollution burden’ or costs, while whites experience ‘pollution advantage’ or benefits,” Dr. Bullard said.

“There is a clear disparity between the pollution white people cause and the pollution to which they are exposed,” he said.

The study concludes that “pollution inequity is driven by different The study concludes that “pollution inequity B:9.25”is driven by differences among racial-ethnic groups in both T:9.25” exposure and the consumption that leads to

the exposure.”

There’s a name for this inequity, Dr. Bullard said. “It’s called environmental racism,” he said, noting a term coined by NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. Chavis, whose also known as the “Godfather of the Environmental Justice Movement,” first coined and defined the term environmental racism in his 1983 work, “Toxic Wastes and Race in the United States.”

Chavis said environmental racism is racial discrimination in the deliberate targeting of communities of color for toxic waste facilities, the official sanctioning of the presence

of life threatening poisons and pollutants near communities of color and the history of excluding people of color from leadership of the environmental movement.

The civil rights leader also noted that there are different forms of racism, “yet environmental racism is a particularly insidious and intentional form of racism that negatively affects millions of Black, Native Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans, as well as people of color around the world.”

“Environmental justice is the corrective antidote to the reality and prevalence of environmental racism,” Chavis said.

While studies like the one performed by PNAS continue to reveal that race is a major predictor of exposure to goods and services to air pollution, conditions aren’t helped when politics come into play.

A recent press release from the nonprofit Earth Justice said President Donald Trump’s policies continue to “chip away at the shield against environmental racism.”

Particularly, the NEPA Act has come into the cross hairs of the president.

The NEPA ACT requires review of federal projects before they proceed – among other things to assess environmental, human health and socioeconomic impacts on communities.

Properly implemented, it gives every person a voice in decisions affecting the wellbeing of their local community, from providing comments on project design to pointing out

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THEINNER-CITY INNER-CITY NEWS April 2019 - April 2019 NEWS -July 27, 10, 2016 - August 02,16, 2016

Head Custodian II

EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST - (P/T)

Assist individuals receiving services in identifying and making Directs and supervises the cleaning and maintenance of a medium to choices about their social, vocation and personal goals. Duties inlarge school or other building, grounds and equipment for Wallingford clude case management, job development/placement/retention serPublic Schools. Shift 6:30 am -2:30 pm vices and job support as needed. Requires use of personal vehicle.

Hourly rate: $23.81 MACRI to $28.96RENTAL hourly. HOUSING Requires four (4) years exp. in B.A. in a related field; plus 2 yrs’ related experience or equivalent VALENTINA PREAPPLICATIONS AVAILABLE building maintenance or cleaning work or as a building custodian of combination of education and experience. Pay rate $16.61/hr. which one (1) year shall have been as a supervisor or head custodian or Apply to: GWSNE, 432 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT 06473/ HOME INC,anon behalf ofcombination Columbusof House and the Haven in lieu thereof equivalent experience andNew training in Housing Authority, Fax (203) EOE/AA - M/F/D/V is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this495-6108/hr@goodwillsne.org devel-

NOTICE

building maintenance practices. The closing date for applications is April Frank New Haven.

Maximum income limitations ap10,opment 2019 or located the date at we108 receive theStreet, 50th application whichever occurs first.

Apply: Department of Resources, Wallingford, ply.

Pre-applications willHuman be available fromTown 9AMofTO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 45 25, South Mainand Street, Wallingford, CT 06492,pre-applications (203) 294-2080. EOE. 2016 ending when sufficient (approximately 100) have

DELIVERY PERSON NEEDED

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 TheFloor, TownNew of Wallingford is 06510. currently accepting applications for current Haven, CT

Certified Police Officer

Part Time Delivery Needed One/Two Day a Week,

Connecticut P.O.S.T.C Certified Police Officers. Applicants must be active P.O.S.T.C Certified Police Officers in good standing with their current department, or have retired in good standing, still having a current certification status with P.O.S.T.C. This Process will consist of Written, Oral, Polygraph, Psychological, Medical Exam, and Background InvesVALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES tigation.

The Town of Wallingford offers a competitive pay rate $68,598.40- $ 76,273.60 Application will be April 2019Haven Apply:Housing Authority, está HOME annually.

INC, en nombre de la deadline Columbus House y de 24, la New Human Resources Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main St., aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo Wallingford, (203)Frank 294-2080; (203) 294-2084.

EOE. limitaciones de ingresos ubicado enCT.laphone: calle 109 Street,fax: New Haven.

Se aplican

NOTICIA

Must Have your Own Vehicle

If Interested call

(203) 387-0354

máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25

julio,Housing 2016 hasta Authority cuando se han of recibido pre-solicitudes The the suficientes City of Norwalk, CT(aproximadamente 100) Listing: Accounting

en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición Accounting Department has two immediate openings for full is requesting proposals for Financial Advisory Services. llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse time Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable professionals Request for Proposal documents can be viewed and printed at a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 . in a fast-paced office environment. Must be highly organized, www.norwalkha.org under the Business section RFP’s/RFQ’s possess good computer skills, be detail oriented, and able to Norwalk Housing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director. manage multiple projects. Benefits include health, dental & LTD insurance plus 401(k). Send resume to: Human Resource Dept. P O Box 388, Guilford CT 06437.

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

NEW HAVEN

Deputy Finance Director, Town of Groton, $85,753 - $98,616. Bachelor’s in Finance/ Accounting and six years’ experience, including 4 years supervisory, or a Master’s in Business Administration, Public Administration or related, and four years, including 3 years supervisory. Applications at Groton Town Hall, Human Resources, 45 Fort Hill Road, Groton, CT 06340 or www.groton-ct.gov and must be returned by 4/24/19. EOE m/f

INVITATION TO BID Viking Construction, Inc. as Construction Manager is soliciting interested Connecticut vendors and subcontractors for renovation of existing buildings and sitework for the Lawnhill Terrace Phase 3 project located on Custer Street, Stamford, CT. This project consists of 50,000 GSF residential renovation of 8 residential buildings with 52 units, Community Building and associated Sitework. The renovation will take place over a 13 month duration commencing on or about July 1, 2019 and the work will include the following bid packages: BP-1 Temporary Power; BP-2 General Trades (Concrete, Masonry, Carpentry, Siding, Insulation, Doors, Windows, Drywall, Cabinets and Countertops, Appliances, Sitework, Paving, Landscaping); BP-3 Final Cleaning; BP-4 Selective Demolition; BP-5 Misc. Metals; BP-6 Roof Removal and Replacement; BP-7 Flooring: Ceramic Tile & Resilient; BP-8 Painting; BP-9 Plumbing; BP-10 HVAC; BP-11 Electrical & Communications; BP-12 Site Concrete & repairs; BP-13 Fencing, Bollards & Guide Rail The following bid packages are Diversity Set-aside bidding only: BP-1 Temporary Power; BP-3 Final Cleaning; BP-7 Flooring: Ceramic Tile & Resilient; BP-8 Painting; BP-12 Site Concrete & repairs.

This project is subject to the CT small contractor set-aside program administered through CHRO (25% SBE/6.25% MBE) as well as HUD Section 3 Business and Hiring requirements.

Viking Construction encourages the participation of all SBE/MBEs currently certified with Connecticut DAS Supplier Diversity program as well as any HUD Section 3 businesses. All interested companies who have not already received a direct invitation by Viking Construction, Inc. may request it and shall submit their complete company information, qualifications, and bonding capacity on or before 4/16/2019 by Noon via email: estimating@vikingconstruction.net

Bids for BP-1, BP3 through BP-13 are due by May 1, 2019 at Noon to Viking Con********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer********** Invitationstruction, to Bid: Inc via email: estimating@vikingconstruction.net or by delivery to 1387 Seaview Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06607 nd 2 Notice Bids for BP-2 General Trades bids are due on or before May 3, 2019 at 2 PM to is currently accepting applications for its efficiency and one Charter Oak Communities, 22 Clinton Ave, Stamford, CT 06901

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory Fairmont AveCT training on equipment we242-258 operate. Location: Bloomfield The GUILFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY We offer hourly rate 1.5 & excellent benefits1 level , 1BA 2BRexcellent Townhouse, BA, 3BR, Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860243-2300 bedroom apartments at Guilford Court and Boston Terrace All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 Old Saybrook, CTConstruction, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Viking Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com or on highways, near bus stop & shopping centerin Guilford, CT. Applicants must be age 62 and over (4 Buildings, 17 Units) Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply 100% social security or federal disability and over the age Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 TheWage GUILFORD Exempt Not Prevailing Rate ProjectHOUSING AUTHORITY is currently accepting applications for Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer of 18. Applications maybe obtained by Tax calling the & applica-

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

its efficiency and one bedroom apartments at Guilford Court and Boston Terrace in Guilford, CT. Ap-

tion line at 203-453-6262, ext. 107. Applications will be ac- plicants must be age 62 and over or on 100% social security or federal disability and over the age of 18.

Applications obtained Site-work, by calling theCastapplication line at 203-453-6262, ext. 107. Applications will be CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s NewatConstruction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selectivemaybe Demolition, cepted until May 30, 2019 3:00 p.m. Credit, police, and accepted until May 30, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Credit, police, and landlord checks are procured by the authority.

Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks: landlord checks are procured by the authority.

Smoke free in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30Smoke free housing.

3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon J. Davis, Operators M.S., B.S. Reclaimer Operators andJoeMilling with current housing.

OPPORTUNITY HOUSING Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, ResidentialEQUAL Casework, (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster licensing and clean driving record, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY HOUSING Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

Be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

St. New Haven, CT

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

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

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

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

KMK Insulation Inc.

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 1907 Hartford Turnpike SmithfieldUnion Gardens Company Assisted Livingseeks: Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

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

North Haven, CT 06473

Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 Equipment.

Must have awill CDL driving record, A pre-bid conference beLicense, held atclean the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith capableSeymour, of operating equipment; be willing to travel AA/EEO EMPLOYER Street CT heavy at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

Insulation company offering good pay throughout the Northeast & NY. and benefits. Please mail resume to We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

Mechanical Insulator position.

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority OfContact Dana at 860-243-2300 above address. fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

MAIL ONLY

company is an Affirmative Action/ The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or This all bids, to Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any 20 informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the Housing Authority.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

The GUILFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY is currently accepting applications for its efficiency and one bedroom apartments at Guilford Court and Boston Terrace in Guilford, CT. Applicants must be age 62 and over or on 100% social security or federal disability and over the age of 18.

Applications maybe obtained by calling the application line at 203-453-6262, ext. 107. Applications will be accepted until May 30, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Credit, police, and landlord checks are procured by the authority. Smoke free housing.

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders Top pay for top performers.

Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Proposal (RFP) RFP #2019-0905 HIV Prevention Demonstration Project Peer-To-Peer PrEP Intervention Using Internet-Based Digital Media Applications and Outreach

HELP WANTED: Large CT guardrail company

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) TB, HIV, STD and Viral Hepatitis Program announces the availability of fiscal year 2019 funds for a demonstration project to develop an internet based, peer-to-peer, PrEP Navigation intervention to increase PrEP access among populations with the greatest burden of HIV in the state, namely Black and Latino MSM (BLMSM).

This request for proposal (RFP) will include funding to develop, implement, and evaluate a peer led PrEP Navigation intervention. The applicant must include a collaboration between a Community Based Organization (CBO), an academic institution, and a project evaluator.

ROTHA Contracting Company, Inc

A total of up to $350,411.00 annually of federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds is available to support this project. Funding will be for a three year period beginning approximately, November 1, 2019 through October 31, 2022, subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory program performance. Funding amounts may decrease after the first year.

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

Project Engineer (Connecticut):

Project Engineer job opening available for a growing / established Heavy Highway Construction Contractor based out of Avon, CT. Tasks include takeoffs, CAD drafting, computations, surveying, office engineering, submittals, other miscellaneous engineering tasks. Competitive compensation package based on experience.

Many opportunities for growth for the right individual. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Email resume to jobs@rothacontracting.com

Help Wanted:

Galasso Materials LLC, a quarry and paving contractor, has positions open for the upcoming construction season. We are seeking candidates for 1) Quality Control (experience preferred), 2) Office clerks, 3) Truck/Scalehouse Dispatcher (experience and computer knowledge preferred) and 4) Equipment Operators and Construction Laborers. NO PHONE CALLS. Please mail resume and cover letter to Hiring Manager, Galasso Materials LLC, PO Box 1776, East Granby CT 06026. EOE/M/ F/D/V.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) is available in electronic format on the State Contracting Portal at: https://biznet.ct.gov/SCP_Search/Default.aspx or from the Department Official Contact:

APPLY TODAY

Town of Bloomfield Youth & Family Program Assistant Part Time – Non benefited (5-15 hrs. wkly) $11.87 hourly Pre-employment drug testing.

AA/EOE For details and how to apply go to www.bloomfieldct.org

Marianne Buchelli Department of Public Health TB, HIV, STD, and Viral Hepatitis Program 410 Capitol Avenue, MS#11APV, P.O. Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134-0308 Phone: (860) 509-7801 Fax: (860) 509-7853 E-Mail: Marianne.buchelli@ct.gov The RFP is also available on the Department’s website at https://portal.ct.gov/dph (Request for Proposals). A printed copy of the RFP can be obtained from the Official Contact upon request.

Deadline for submission of proposals to the DPH is 4:00pm Monday, May 29, 2019

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Proposal (RFP) RFP #2019-0904 AIDS Research Education Fund

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Invitation for Bid (IFB) Unit Renovation - 41 Beatrice St. Solicitation Number: 12-BH-19-S

Peer to Peer HIV Interventions

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport under its instrumentality Baldwin Holdings, Inc. is requesting sealed bids for Unit Renovation at 41 Beatrice St., 3rd floor. A complete set of the plans and technical specifications will be available on April 8, 2019. To obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held at 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605 on April 16, 2019 @ 10:00 a.m., submitting a bid for the project without attending conference is not in the best interest of the Offeror. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no later than April 23, 2019 @ 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. All bids must be received by mailed or hand delivered by April 30, 2019 @ 2:00 PM, to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement, 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. No bids will be accepted after the designated time.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Invitation for Bid (IFB) Asphalt Paving and Repairs Agency-Wide Solicitation Number: 122-PD-19-S The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is requesting sealed bids for Asphalt Paving and Repairs Agency-wide. A complete set of the plans and technical specifications will be available on April 8, 2019. To obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities. org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A pre-bid conference will be held at 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605 on April 23, 2019 @ 10:00 a.m., submitting a bid for the project without attending conference is not in the best interest of the Offeror. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no later than April 30, 2019 @ 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. All bids must be received by mailed or hand delivered

by May 9, 2019 @ 2:00 PM, to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement, 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. No bids will be accepted after the designated time.

21

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) TB, HIV, STD and Viral Hepatitis Program announces the availability of fiscal year 2019 funds for human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) prevention related services funded through the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) Research and Education Fund. This Fund was established by the 1993 Connecticut General Assembly through PA-93-233 to allow state taxpayers to designate contributions from state income tax refunds in order to assist in developing HIV related programs that reflect community needs. Such programs may include, but are not limited to HIV/AIDS care and prevention research, education, and/or other community services related to HIV/AIDS. The CT DPH HIV Prevention Program is seeking proposals from Connecticut community-based agencies, private organizations, CT State agencies, or municipalities to create and /or support programs to individuals and populations living with or at risk of acquiring HIV. Funds from this Request for Proposals (RFP) can support HIV/AIDS related research projects, education and/or community services that focus on persons and populations either living with, or at risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS. The following categories are available for funding: • Category 1: AIDS Research using Peer to Peer Interventions • Category 2: AIDS Education and Related Community Service using Peer to Peer Interventions. Applicants may choose from the following options under this category: Option 1- Comprehensive HIV Prevention for Positives or Option 2-Comprehensive HIV Prevention for Persons who use drugs (PWUDs).

Applicants may apply for only one category. A total of 3 projects will be awarded in the amount of $25,000 annually of state funds to support projects. Funding will be for a two year period beginning approximately, November 1, 2019 through October 31, 2021, subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory program performance.

The RFP is available in electronic format on the State Contracting Portal at: https://biznet.ct.gov/SCP_Search/Default.aspx or from the Department’s Official Contact: Marianne Buchelli, HIV Prevention Department of Public Health TB, HIV, STD, and Viral Hepatitis Program 410 Capitol Avenue, MS#11APV, P.O. Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134-0308 Phone: (860) 509-7801 Fax: (860) 509-7853 E-Mail: Marianne.buchelli@ct.gov The RFP is also available on the Department’s website at https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Request-ForProposals/Request-for-Proposals (Request for Proposals). A printed copy of the RFP can be obtained from the Official Contact upon request.

Deadline for submission of proposals to the DPH is 4:00pm Friday, May 17, 2019

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

Nipsey Hussle, Gun Violence and the Big Business of Weapons

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

As the family of Grammy-nominated hip-hop superstar Nipsey Hussle prepare to memorialize the late artist at a sold-out service inside Los Angeles’ Staples Center, many remain concerned that gun violence is America’s true national emergency.

Hussle, whose real name was Emias Joseph Asghedom, who was shot to death outside of his Marathon Clothing Store in Los Angeles on March 31, will be laid to rest after the 10 a.m. (PST) ceremony on Thursday, April 11.

“If we are to truly make progress on the crisis that’s facing every community across the country, I believe that we need to approach the issue of gun violence from a values-based perspective,” said Dante Barry, the executive director of Million Hoodies Movement for Justice and an expert for the personal finance website, WalletHub. “No matter how we identify, we all understand the value of what it means to be safe in our communities. Gun violence prevention policies should be connected to a shared sense of safety for all communities,” Barry said in response to a new WalletHub study that compared the economic impact of guns on each of the 50 states to

determine which among them leans most heavily on the gun business, both directly for jobs and political contributions and indirectly through ownership.

“I do not believe that we have a unified vision for what safe communities look like,” Barry said.

“We need solutions to address the prevalence of guns in our society. We also need to understand the root causes of violence in families and communities impacted by the devastating toll of gun violence,” he said.

Barry continued: “This includes the loss of a loved one by a gun, and for many communities, the impact of generational trauma because of systemic injustices related to poverty and how people of color experience policing in their communities.

“If we align our values for safety and justice for all communities, with a vision for a shared sense of safety, we can break the pattern of gun violence.”

Guns contributed more than $52 billion to the U.S. economy and generated over $6.8 billion in federal and state taxes in 2018, according to the WalletHub study.

In 2018, gun crime was a high-profile political issue, highlighted by incidents such as the February Parkland, FL school shooting and the October Tree of Life Syna-

gogue shooting in Pittsburgh.

Many states passed new gun laws and gun control groups outspent gun rights groups, the study revealed.

2019 has had its own share of violent incidents as well, such as the Aurora, Ill. workplace shooting in February.

Accordingly, several new laws have been passed this year, including a federal ban on bump-stocks.

Some of the studies main findings included: Alaska has the highest gun ownership rate, 61.70 percent, 11.9 times higher than in Delaware, which has the lowest at 5.20 percent. New Hampshire has the most firearms-industry jobs per 10,000 residents, 42.16, 11.3 times more than in New Jersey, which has the fewest at 3.73. Connecticut has the highest average firearms-industry

wages and benefits, $75,300, 2.5 times higher than in New Mexico, which has the lowest at $30,600.

Wyoming has the highest total taxes paid by the firearms industry per capita, $8.13, 12.3 times higher than in New York, which has lowest at $0.66.

“We need to direct our efforts to expand funding for gun violence research, which should also involve accurate data about police shootings,” Barry said.

“I believe that expanding our social safety net, which allows for all communities to receive a fair chance to live in a resilient, healthy community where working class people are afforded quality jobs, affordable housing, ensuring that having healthcare is a right, and providing quality education to our young people so that they don’t fall too far behind because of the school to prison pipeline,” he said, adding that, “these are all effective ways to prevent gun violence in the communities that live at the margins of our society.”

Rapper/entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle (Courtesy Photo) A peaceful vigil is set in front of THE MARATHON CLOTHING store, near Crenshaw and Slauson in South L.A., in honor of the slain rapper and beloved community leader. (vigil photo Brandon I. Brooks, Los Angeles Sentinel)

REPORT: Structural Racism Eliminated Black Farmers

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A new report from the Center for American Progress (CAP) provides insight on how decades of structural racism within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has led to the virtual elimination of black farmers.

A century ago, roughly 14 percent of farmers were black. By 2012, that number had shrunk to 1.58 percent, according to the report, “Progressive Governance Can Turn the Tide for Black Farmers,” by Abril Castro and Zoe Willingham.

The study examined the ways in which discriminatory policies by the U.S. government, and especially the USDA, throughout the 20th century and up to the Trump era have led to the elimination of black farmers.

The authors said they found that black farmers have had less access to credit and less access to extension programs than their Con’t from page 19 how a project could harm clean air and water, according to Earth Justice.

It’s far more than an obscure environmental statute: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe made use of the law to fight back against the Dakota Access Pipeline project in 2017.

And today, advocates are charging that the Trump administration is violating core NEPA protections in its quest to build its border wall.

Simply put, NEPA is one of the most effec-

white counterparts, preventing black farmers from modernizing and scaling up their farms as white farmers have done.

The loss of black farmland has had a profound impact on rural black communities, which today suffer from severe economic challenges, among them a poverty rate twice that of rural white communities.

“This report illustrates the importance of understanding American history and the impact of systematic racism in our agricultural system,” Danyelle Solomon, vice president of Race and Ethnicity Policy at CAP, said in a news release.

The report gives several policy recommendations for protecting the livelihoods of black farmers: Protecting inherited family farms Expanding research and technical assistance for farmers of color Regular oversight and audits of the USDA by the Government Accountability Office Expanding access to land for black farmers “As the report notes, black farmers were

systematically removed from the farming industry through government policy and practices,” Solomon said.

Between 1920 and 2007, black farmers lost 80 percent of their land, according to the report.

“Moving forward, policymakers must ensure that agricultural policy includes targeted and intentional policies that correct these harms by expanding access to land and technical resources for black farmers,” Solomon said.

The loss of black farmland The loss of black farmland has had a profound impact on rural black communities, which today suffer from severe economic challenges, among them a poverty rate twice that of rural white communities. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)has had a profound impact on rural black communities, which today suffer from severe economic challenges, among them a poverty rate twice that of rural white communities. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

COMMENTARY: Environmental Racism is Real, Destructive and Deadly

tive tools in the fight against environmental racism.

It is essential to ensuring that communities of color, who so often bear a disproportionate pollution burden, get a say in the decision-making processes that are most likely to affect their health, resiliency, and vitality, environmental experts said.

And without robust NEPA requirements, policymakers are left to make decisions that will have real impacts without a full under-

standing of the consequences.

“The underlying message of environmentally racist tactics and strategies is that certain neighborhoods and certain people matter less than others, and that geographical vulnerability is inevitable when in fact it is socially constructed to be this way,” said Dr. Deborah J. Cohan, an associate professor of Sociology in the Department of Social Sciences at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.

22

“The problem with racism and society’s response to it is that we have failed to see this most basic thing: that in order to do that much damage to a community, one must so thoroughly objectify and dehumanize the people in it that they become things that can be discarded and forgotten about,” Cohan said.

“People’s ability to thrive under these hostile conditions is greatly compromised,” she said.

Extensive data show that low-income communities of color still breathe the worst air and have excessive rates of pollution-related illnesses like asthma and other respiratory problems, Bruce Mirken a spokesman for The Greenlining Institute, said in an earlier interview.

“As we move away from oil, coal and gas to fight climate change, we must consciously bring clean energy resources and investment into communities that were for too long used

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

April 10, 2019 - April 16, 2019

This Is Us available at xfinity.com/stream

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