INNER-CITY NEWS

NEWS- July THE INNER-CITY INNER-CITY NEWS April27, 21,2016 2021- August - April02, 27, 2016 2021

Financial Justice a Key Executive Focus atOrders 2016 NAACP Convention President Biden Announces to Curb Gun Violence New Haven, Bridgeport

INNER-CITYNEWS Volume 29 . No. 2437 Volume 21 No. 2194

COVID-19 “DMC” Testing and Black America

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems:

Ignore Ignore“Tough “ToughOn OnCrime” Crime”

Color Struck?

Snow in July?

FOLLOW US ON

President Biden Announces Executive Orders to Curb Gun Violence 1

1

Award-Winning Singer Norm Lewis Joins the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts Board of Directors

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

City Prepares For Chauvin Verdict, Revives Deescalation Training

by MAYA MCFADDEN & PAUL BASS New Haven I ndependent

The police department is preparing for protests gatherings this week after a verdict is announced in Minneapolis’s George Floyd case, as well as working on longer-term in-house training to avoid dangerous cases of officers’ use of force here at home.

Officials shared that information at a press event Monday held at the training academy in West Rock.

Ministers holding a separate press conference in Newhallville, meanwhile, argued that deescalation training won’t in itself solve a bigger problem with police officers’ disconnect from and fear of the community.

At the West Rock presser, Mayor Justin Elicker and Acting Chief Renee Dominguez said community protests in response to the verdict in Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin’s trial on charges of murdering George Floyd are anticipated and will be supported.

“We do not see historically people destroying property or becoming violent, and we don’t anticipate that happening,” Elicker said of New Haven protest in the past.

“We support the right to protest. We support the right to demonstrate, and we will continue to support that. And we will continue to be prepared for if things go in a different way,” said Dominguez.

Dominguez and Elicker also announced that retired NHPD Lt Raymond Hassett, who in the past has come back to lead deescalation training for officers, will do so again. The training program, titled “The New Face of Connection,” was scheduled to begin last year but was halted because of the pandemic. The department kicked off the training in-person in March.

Elicker said the city is working with the department to make course an annual training for all officers.

Officers go through conflict management training in police academy with deesca-

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTOSRetired Lt. Raymond Hassett, Acting Chief Renee Dominguez, Mayor Justin Elicker at Monday press conference.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTOS Retired Lt. Raymond Hassett, Acting Chief Renee Dominguez, Mayor

Justin Elicker at Monday press conference.

lation techniques, said Dominguez. The new training curriculum was uniquely developed by Hassett based on his 25 year experience with the NHPD. The training is “all about bringing back the human into policing,” Hassett said.

The department last hosted a deescalation training course three years ago led by Hassett. Since then Hassett has made the training more advanced, he said.

Hassett’s hope is that the training will be one of many steps toward rebranding policing to be smart and empathetic to

address community “trauma, history, and emotion.”

The training will aim to teach officers to mentally prepare before and during calls.

Dominguez said her hope is that before an officer gets to a call they will ask, “How am I going to handle this situation? How am I going to do it with compassion?

How am I going to let the person feel that they’ve been heard?”

Officers will be taught to take a step back and listen more to build a connection with the community to eventually lead toward

establishing trust.

“Trust is the foundation we’re looking for. Trust is the foundation in customer service. We’re looking to build our bond, build our brand,” said Hassett.

The four-hour training is anticipated to be completed by June by all officers. The training is for the benefit of the officer and the public, said Hassett.

By the end of it, Hassett said, he hopes officers are left thinking to “realize that it’s better to be given control than to take control.”

Hassett’s strategy of listening more than talking can help a potential victim and complainant, he said. “Sometimes dealing with somebody in crisis, 12 words are maybe too many.”

Hassett has also hosted de-escalation trainings for frontline workers in hospitals and daycares.

Watch the clip below of the training course conducted Monday at the New Haven Police Training Facility with 14 officers.

Ministers: Cops Fear New Haveners At a Monday morning presser at First Calvary Baptist Church on Dixwell Avenue, a group of ministers said more than a continuation of deescalation training is needed to improve police-community relations.

“We’ve been talking about deescala-

tion training for a number of years. We’re not addressing the fear of the other [by officers] who fear African-Americans,” said the Rev. Steven Cousin. “Until you address the systemic racism and the fear that’s associated with this, we’re going to talk about this for months and years.”

The Rev. Boise Kimber spoke of how none of the city’s 10 district managers are black, and how the police department would benefit from having more officers of color who live in the city.

“This is more than deescalation training.

You’ve got to be able to come into the community” without fear.

Cousin criticized the city’s new law banning gas stations from allowing operators of ATVs and dirt bikes from fueling up, and an attendant crackdown on dangerous operation of illegal vehicles.

“We have an issue of overpolicing the community. Here we are again criminalizing an activity,” he said. “We understand the noise. [But] we should be limiting the interaction between police officers and people of color.”

Cousin noted that “we have not seen one ATV rider cause a death of a pedestrian,” while drunk drivers of cars have killed New Haveners. “We’re not criminalizing all driving or refusing to sell gas” to operators of cars. endent was Live

Draughn Named Interim Housing Authority Chief As DuBois-Walton Takes Leave Of Absence

by PAUL BASS

New Haven I ndependent

“Exploratory” mayoral candidate Karen DuBois-Walton will take a leave from her post running the Housing Authority of New Haven/Elm City Communities (HANH), handing the reins to a trusted deputy.

The HANH Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday afternoon to select Shenae Draughn as the publichousing authority’s president, executive director, and secretary starting May 1.

The leave runs through Sept. 30 “or such further time as may be in the best interest of the authority.”

That language gives the board the authority to extend the leave in case DuBois-Walton doesn’t return to the job, and/or if the board chooses to search for

a permanent new successor.

DuBois-Walton, meanwhile, has formed an exploratory committee to lay the ground work for an anticipated Democratic primary challenge against incumbent Mayor Justin Elicker.

At the commissioners meeting, DuBoisWalton didn’t sound like someone preparing to return.

“What an amazing past 14 years it has been serving as leader here as I step aside to pursue other ventures,” she told commissioners. She said Draughn’s ascension fits in with a succession plan on which she and the board have collaborated.

DuBois-Walton, Chair Erik Clemons, and Commissioner William Kilpatrick expressed their support for Draughn, who has worked for HANH for 13 years.

She has worked directly with tenants on

the management end, including helping hundreds of families navigate bureaucracy when health concerns led to the condemnation and bulldozing of the Church Street South housing development. Draughn currently serves as senior vice-president of HANH’s nonprofit development arm, the Glendower Group, In that role she has helped oversee the rebuilding of housing developments around town.

“The residents know her and love and respect her. She does all of her work with them in mind first,” DuBois-Walton said.

“I can think of no other person to bring into that seat than Shenae Draughn,” Clemons said, who added that he also feels “excited for Karen as she steps away for a new endeavor.”

2

PAUL BASS FILE PHOTO Shenae Draughn working with Church Street South tenants at 2015 meet-

ing.

Duff Gets A Hero’s Send-Off THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

by PAUL BASS

New Haven I ndependent

The call came over the radio around 2 p.m. Monday. Officers from throughout the city responded — with cheers, love, and admiration.

“Signal 13,” dispatch communications manager Debbie Thornton called, her voice audible over multiple police radios arrayed by the steps to police headquarters at 1 Union Ave. Police officers past and present were lined up waiting for the call, which means that an officer is off duty, for good.

That officer, Capt. Anthony Duff, then walked out of the building. Officers saluted. He has retired after 25 years as one of New Haven’s most beloved community cops, working with people of all walks of life to make Dixwell a safe neighborhood, to investigate crimes, then to serve as the department’s official spokesperson.

Salutes turned to cheers as Duff walked the gauntlet, down to the street, where other current and retired officers from

New Haven, from Yale, and others with whom he worked offered appreciation and congratulations.

It was lost on no one present that 18 months earlier, hundreds of officers had lined up for a similar salute and tribute to Capt. Duff—when he emerged from Yale New Haven Hospital following 10 days of surgery and recovery after he confronted a gunman the night of Oct. 12, 2019 and got shot. The department, the entire city, prayed for his recovery. (Police have not made an arrest in the case.)

Interim Police Chief Renee Dominguez noted that Duff could have retired after that devastating attack. When he returned instead, it inspired his fellow officers.

“What he’s done for the men and women of the police department, he’ll never know,” Dominguez said. “He’s a wonderful person He’s an excellent police officer.

We love him, as you can see.”

Duff told reporters afterward that he has no immediate plans for his retirement.

Though he does expect to catch some fish.

PAUL BASS PHOTOCapt. Anthony Duff, with Mia Duff, completes his official last walk out of 1 Union Ave.

Mayor-Pastor Duo Seek Newhallville Votes

by THOMAS BREEN

“Are they ever gonna do something about that house?” Alonzo Pugh asked the mayor and Dixwell pastor who had come to his doorstep. “It’s been like that for 27 years.”

Pugh posed that question Saturday afternoon while standing on the screened-in front porch of his Dorman Street home, just feet away from the first-term Mayor Justin Elicker and Varick AME Zion Church Pastor Kelcy Steele.

Pugh pointed across the street at a vacant, boarded-up house after Elicker—campaigning for mayor for the first time as an incumbent—asked if the Newhallville resident had any questions for the city’s top elected official.

His was the third stop that Elicker and Steele made during a two-person doorknocking canvass of Newhallville on behalf of the mayor’s reelection campaign.

Elicker faces a likely Democratic primary challenge this year from Karen DuBoisWalton, the city’s public housing authority chief, who is officially exploring a run for the city’s top office and has already raised nearly $70,000.

The Dorman Street interaction on Saturday exemplified the challenge and opportunity that Elicker has this campaign season as he tries for the third time in less than a decade to convince city voters to pick him as the best fit for running City Hall.

Unlike during his unsuccessful mayoral campaign in 2013 and his successful mayoral run in 2019, this time around, Elicker is already mayor.

And so with voters like Pugh, he’ll have

Pastor Kelcy Steele and Elicker pound pavement of Newhallville.

to not only listen to residents’ concerns and promise to respond—but also demonstrate what he’s already accomplished. He’ll also need to show that he knows how to use his office to address neighborhood concerns.

“That doesn’t look too good, does it?”

Elicker responded when Pugh asked about the boarded-up house across the way. The mayor took out his phone to digitally scribble down some notes.

“I’m going to send an email to LCI,” the mayor said, referring to the city’s neighborhood-improvement agency, the Livable City Initiative. “The city has some tools we can use with the anti-blight ordinance.”

Namely, the city can start fining the owner

of the long-vacant property if he doesn’t follow city laws around maintenance and upkeep.

With a home like that that has been empty and boarded up for years, Elicker said, “It’s time for them to address the problem.”

Pugh said that, based on conversations with his alder about the issue, the owner of the house seems to be up to date on his taxes.

“I’d like to see him sell it or fix it up or do something,” Pugh said with exasperation.

The mayor gave Pugh his phone number and asked Pugh to call him in five days to provide an update.

“I want to know that something’s being

3

done.”

Elicker then asked if he could count on the Dorman Street resident’s vote in the Democratic primary this September.

“You’re doing pretty good so far,” Pugh said. He nodded in agreement that he’d cast his vote for the incumbent.

Heading back to the sidewalk on his way to the next house over, Elicker reflected on the value of door-to-door canvassing. Saturday marked the first time he was hitting the streets in such a fashion for his reelection campaign this year.

“This is a great way to engage with people face to face,” Elicker said. “It’s helpful for me to hear about issues first hand.”

A review of the city’s online land record database, meanwhile, shows that LCI has in fact used the city’s anti-blight ordinance for years against the owner of the vacant house at 58 Dorman St. In November 2011, LCI put a $956.40 lien on the house for the cost of “cutting grass and cleaning up property.” The city released the landlord, Wilbert Hill, from that lien in 2014.

In May 2016, LCI filed another lien, this time worth $29,300, for the cost of unpaid $100-per-day fines associated with an antiblight ordinance related to keeping the property clean and secure.

And in August 2019, the city filed a notice of a lis pendens against the property owner, warning of a foreclosure action against the property for the unpaid anti-blight fines.

Vaccine Access. Summer Camp. Stolen Cars The mayor and Pastor Steele were asked about much more than blight on the block

during their Newhallville neighborhood canvassing on Saturday.

The first half-dozen residents who opened their respective doors on Dorman Street and Pond Street all said that, for the most part, life is going pretty well. Each had at least one question for the mayor about something that could be better.

“Have you been vaccinated yet?” the mayor asked when Quashea Johnson came outside to find out why the mayor was knocking on her Dorman Street door.

Not yet, she replied. She had wanted to, but had missed an earlier appointment.

“Do you want to sign up for one now?” the mayor asked. He gave her the state’s vaccination appointment hotline number, 877918-2224, to call if and when she was ready to make an appointment.

“It’s easy, and it’s a great way to keep yourself and the community safe,” he said.

Any other questions for the mayor? he asked.

In fact, yes, Johnson replied. As the mother of five children, she said, she wanted to know, “Are they gonna have summer camp this year?”

“We’re going to announce an expansion on Tuesday” of city summer camp offerings, Elicker replied. “We’ve had so many kids who have been out of school” and are hungry for in-person activities. The city will have summer camp this year, and there will be plenty of options for local families to pick from.

Farther down Dorman Street, looking out on King Robinson School and, in the disCon’t on page 10

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

March Protests Police Violence

by JAKE DRESSLER New Haven I ndependent

Civil rights activists marched from City Hall to Yale Police Department headquarters to protest the recent police killings of Daunte Wright and Adam Toledo in the Midwest.

Dozens of marchers blocked traffic on Ashmun Street as they listened to a lineup of community organizers speak out against police violence.

“Screw reform,” shouted Sunrise New Haven member Jaeana Bethea (pictured).

“We need to put money into affordable healthcare and jobs. The cops are reactionary. We need to defund and abolish the police! We keep us safe! Mayor Elicker wants to complain about the dirt bikes in the neighborhood when there are much bigger problems!”

The demonstration was organized by the local Democratic Socialists of America chapter and Hamden Council member Justin Farmer in response to two police shootings that occurred earlier this week and that resulted in the deaths of Wright and Toledo.

Wright was killed on April 11 in Brooklyn Center, Minn.—just miles away from where former police officer Derek Chauvin stood trial for the murder of George Floyd last spring. Wright died after police officer Kimberley Potter mistook her handgun for a taser and open fire.

Toledo, a 13 year old boy, was killed on March 13 in Chicago when officer Eric

JAKE DRESSLER PHOTO Scenes from Sunday’s protest.

Stillman allegedly believed he was hiding up and play their part in ending police a gun and shot at him during a foot chase. brutality and civil rights violations,” said Video footage of the incident shows that defense attorney Alex Taubes. the boy had his hands up at the time he “The protest rally today was not just was shot. about George Floyd, Daunte Wright, and Local activists at Sunday’s march and Adam Toledo, but also Malik Jones, Jayvigil called to defund the police and allo- son Negron, Mubarak Soulemane, and the cate the police budget to social programs victims of police brutality in Connecticut like healthcare and schooling. whose loved ones still seek justice.”

“I think it’s important for lawyers to step Police: “We Don’t Condone It”

Some who attended disagreed with that core message to defund the police.

“There are some cops who shouldn’t be on the force,” said one police officer on duty at the protest, who asked to remain anonymous. “When these types of things happen, we don’t condone it, and what happened with Daunte Wright is crazy.

How did a woman with 27 years experience on the force mistake her taser for a handgun? We’re trained to reach with our right hand to our taser which is positioned on our left side. How does an officer mess that up?”

When asked if the mistake could have been intentional, the officer said, “I don’t think so. I honestly think it was a mistake, but it was a bad mistake. People think the police are all in this together, but we’re just doing our jobs. A shooting is the last thing we want to encounter.”

Commented another officer, who also declined to be identified, “People need to understand that those officers who kill people don’t represent the norm.

We’re sympathetic with George Floyd and Daunte Wright. We’re not murderers.

We’re just trying to protect the public.

“There are people who go 85 miles per hour down Whalley Avenue! If someone’s going a few miles an hour over the speed limit, we won’t stop them. But when you’re driving 85 down Whalley Avenue, you’re a danger to the public. And when you defund the police, you prevent us from doing our jobs.”

Nichole Jefferson Returns To City Hall

by THOMAS BREEN New Haven I ndependent

Nichole Jefferson is back in charge of the city’s fair-hiring department—and is still waiting for her court-ordered back pay from the city.

Jefferson assumed her new as well as old role as executive director of the city’s Commission on Equal Opportunities (CEO) on April 5.

That city job is responsible for enforcing the city ordinance that requires the hiring of Black, Latino, and female workers and minority-owned and female-headed firms on government-funded construction projects.

As part of that turnover at the top of CEO, on April 16, the city laid off that division’s former acting head, Angel Fernandez-Chavero.

The city’s rehiring of Jefferson followed a state Supreme Court decision in early March that the city give her her old job back after a five-year legal dispute that spanned two mayoral administrations and hinged on transparency and ethics concerns. That court order also required the city to pay Jefferson back pay and other contractually required benefits.

During two separate Tuesday afternoon interviews, both Mayor Justin Elicker and AFSCME Council 4 union representative and former city union president Cherlyn Poindexter told the Independent that the city has not yet paid Jefferson any of those court-ordered dollars. (Jefferson declined to comment for this story.)

“We’re doing what we are supposed to do and are required to do by court direction,” Elicker said. “I am excited to have Nichole back.”

Elicker and city Budget Director and Acting Controller Michael Gormany said that the city is still calculating exactly how much it owes Jefferson in back pay and benefits. In early March, Elicker estimated that amount to be around $300,000.

He and Gormany declined to stick to that number on Tuesday, saying instead that Gormany’s office is still figuring out exactly how much the back wage, pension obligations, and other court settlementrelated tax issues will add up to.

Poindexter, meanwhile, criticized the city for the way in which it’s taken Jefferson back on the job. She said that the city sent a letter to Jefferson, threatening

PAUL BASS FILE PHOTO

Nichole Jefferson, now back at City Hall.

4

to fire her if she did not return to work by a certain date. (Elicker said that the city did indeed send Jefferson a letter after the court decision, letting her know about when she was expected to return to work.)

Poindexter also said (and Elicker confirmed) that Jefferson has filed a new complaint against the city with the state labor board about the city allegedly not following the terms of the court’s order.

That’s both in terms of the city not yet making good on court-ordered back pay, as well as on the city returning Jefferson to a department that has been so depleted of staffing and budget over the years that Jefferson is now just “director in name only” of CEO. Poindexter added that Jefferson has filed a grievance with the city labor relations department alleging that the city has violated the terms of the Local 3144 collective bargaining agreement in the way that it has brought Jefferson back on board.

“They’re now going to spend more taxpayer dollars” avoiding what they owe to Jefferson, Poindexter said about the city.

Penfield Communications Inc

John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO

Babz Rawls Ivy

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

Advertising/Sales Team Keith Jackson 10 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 www.newhavenindependent.org

Memberships National Association of Black Journalist National Newspapers Publishers Association Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Greater New Haven Business & Professional Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. The Inner-City Newspaper is published weekly

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

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

Advice you need for the mortgage you want.

Get the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine.

AARP has the latest information.

AARP is working to protect Americans 50+ by making sure you have the latest information you need about the COVID-19 vaccines and the distribution plans in Connecticut.

Polly Curtin • Loan Officer 860-530-5494 pcurtin@liberty-bank.com NMLS #555684

Find out whose eligible for the vaccine, when and where vaccines will be available and what you need to discuss with your doctor before you decide.

We’ll help you find the mortgage that’s right for you.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine availability and distribution in your state at

Contact us today.

aarp.org/ctvaccine. aarp.org/ct

/aarpct

@aarpct

Chris Stokes • Loan Officer 203-633-4008 cstokes@liberty-bank.com NMLS #1182815

Loans are subject to credit and underwriting approval. Certain fees, restrictions and other terms and conditions may apply. Ask your loan officer for details or visit liberty-bank.com/mortgage for more information.

Paid for by AARP.

MEMBER FDIC

EQUAL HOUSING LENDER NMLS #459028

21-LBB-0072_FY21_Fair_Lending_Print_Inner_City_News_5x5.25_M2.indd 1

4/2/21 3:02 PM

! Celebration "#"$% &'()*++ 100th Anniversary

5

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

Protesters Seek Arrest Of Rape-Case Cop

by THOMAS BREEN

Beatrice Codianni said she assumed that, if two separate sex workers spoke up about being raped by the same police officer, and if that officer then confessed to having had sex with both women, the officer would wind up arrested and in court.

“I stand before you today because I was wrong,” she told a crowd gathered on the state courthouse’s steps downtown. “I’m crushed.”

Codianni is the founder and executive director of Sex Workers and Allies Network (SWAN), a local nonprofit that advocates for and distributes clean needles, food, and medical supplies to city sex workers.

She and roughly 30 SWAN members and supporters rallied outside of the state courthouse at 235 Church St. Wednesday afternoon to protest the state’s attorney’s office’s decision not to press charges against former New Haven Police Officer Gary Gamarra, who has been accused by two city sex workers of raping them.

“They were coerced. That’s rape,” Codianni said. “Why wasn’t this person arrested?”

Codianni played a key role in the two Internal Affairs investigations that ultimately led to Gamarra’s resignation from the New Haven Police Department in December under allegations that he sexually assaulted two different Fair Haven sex workers.

She encouraged the women, typically wary of the police, to work with city investigators. She helped set up interviews over the course of the 14 months of investigations. And she helped the police track down and identify people who might have helpful information but were difficult to stay in touch with because of their unstable housing or drug addictions or employment as sex workers.

Thanks to over 100 pages of documents released by the police department in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request earlier this month, the Independent recently published on what those two city police investigations found: • Two different sex workers described in strikingly similar detail their separate sexual encounters with Gamarra, which occurred over nine months apart.

• Both women described these encounters as rape and as an abuse of Gamarra’s authority as a then-police officer.

• Gamarra repeatedly lied to city investigators when questioned about his on-duty and off-duty activity.

• Gamarra ultimately admitted to having had sex with both of these sex workers, though he insisted—and continues to insist, even as he fights to get his job back—that both sexual encounters were consensual. The city’s acting police chief, meanwhile, has asked the state Police

THOMAS BREEN PHOTOSSWAN Wednesday’s courthouse protest.

Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) to cancel Gamarra’s police certification, so that he can never work as a police officer in Connecticut again.

As part of that FOIA response, the police department provided the Independent with a March 18 letter from Supervisory Asst. State’s Attorney Lisa D’Angelo to Lt. David Zannelli, who heads the city’s Internal Affairs division.

In that letter, the state prosecutor wrote that the state’s attorney’s office would not be pressing charges against Gamarra because the city police investigators did “not assert that there is probable cause to make an arrest.”

While both city investigations found that Gamarra violated a host of departmental orders—including regarding rules of conduct, incident reports, body worn cameras, patrol operations, and radio communications—neither city detective explicitly concluded that Gamarra should be arrested and charged with any criminal offense, including rape.

New Haven State’s Attorney Pat Griffin told the Independent Wednesday that there was insufficient evidence to support bringing criminal charges.

“If addition evidence is forthcoming, we will look at it,” Griffin added.

Gamarra’s incriminating statements made during the internal affairs investigation are not admissible in a court of law, under special protections for public employees laid down in the 1967 United States Supreme Court decision Garrity v.

New Jersey.

“This Isn’t Consensual. This Is Coercion” During Wednesday’s protest on the courthouse steps, Codianni and dozens of colleagues and advocates expressed their frustration, anger, disbelief, and hurt at the state’s attorney’s office’s decision not to prosecute.

SWAN volunteer and Yale Global Health Justice Partnership Clinical Fellow Francesca Maviglia described a meeting that she and Codianni had on Tuesday with several prosecutors in the state’s attorney’s office.

“We were told that the evidence isn’t strong enough to hold up in court. That there isn’t probable cause for arrest,” Maviglia said.

Because one of the victims failed to identify Gamarra by photograph, she said, and because, even though the other victim did identify him, a third party said that her encounter with Gamarra was a consensual act, “this makes the evidence inconsistent.”

“We think that the victims’ testimony is more important than the testimony of a third party,” she continued. “And that the victim is the one who should be believe.”

Maviglia noted that both victims’ testimonies to the police match.

“They both described the same car.

They gave the same physical description of Gamarra. They describe the same dynamics of coercion and harassment and intimidation. The victims’ account of events also matches Gamarra’s. The only difference is that he claims that

6

it was consensual. But how can you be consensual when the victims have been subjected to harassment, to intimidation.

“They were told that they needed to provide sexual acts as a payback for not being arrested. This isn’t consensual. This is coercion. It’s clear to us that coercion happened, that he used his power and authority as a police officer, and this means that this act is rape.”

Maviglia said that the state prosecutors were wary of how the police found the victims difficult to work with: how the women sometimes didn’t answer calls and disappeared for a long period of time, how they were hard to reach.

“But when somebody’s unstably housed, when somebody struggles with unstable employment, with lack of money, with health issues, with food insecurity, when they’re afraid of retaliation, when they do not trust the police, it’s hard to meet the standards needed to be a good, credible victim. So the burden shouldn’t be on the victims to make themselves good enough or compliant enough to be protected. The burden should be on the system to protect them” regardless of their current job, the neighborhood they live in, or the stability of their life.

SWAN Director of Advocacy Karolina Ksiazek agreed.

“The police are supposed to keep us safe,” she said.

“What does it say about them that some of the most marginalized people in this community, the people that need that protection the most, feel less safe when the

police is around? What are we supposed to do when the people who are supposed to protect us are the ones who are harming us?”

SWAN member Christine said that she is currently an active sex worker and drug user in New Haven.

She and Codianni said that the two women who wound up collaborating with city police on their months’ long investigations into Gamarra aren’t the only two who have spoken up to SWAN about allegedly being assaulted by Gamarra.

“There weren’t two women. There were five women assaulted by this police officer, and some didn’t want to come forward,” Christine said. “I had to hear these stories. We had to hear these stories. And the only word I heard over and over again [was] ‘retaliation.’”

Christine said that she regularly hears from fellow sex workers about being assaulted on and off the job. All she can do when she’s told such a story, she said, is hold that woman in her arms, tell her she believes her, and ask if she wants to go to the hospital or speak with the police.

All too often, Christine said, the answer to those latter questions is, “No.” “It’s just not worth the trouble. These two women who did come forward, they got let down. They got let down by our system. They got let down by everyone but SWAN and Beatrice.”

SWAN outreach worker Sally Graveline (pictured) said that she knows the two women involved in this case. She said that both have descended into even more severe drug use after they found out that Gamarra would not be prosecuted.

“They felt like they had to do it,” she said about their respective sexual encounters with Gamarra. “If they’re raped, they’re raped.”

Fellow SWAN outreach worker Elida Paiz said that just because these women are sex workers doesn’t mean that anyone—especially a police officer—has the right to assault them.

“It doesn’t mean it entitles anyone to abuse and exploit them,” she said. “For a police officer to do this, it shows how badly criminalization has made it for sex workers.”

Everyone who spoke up on Wednesday said that they wanted the state’s prosecutor’s office to press ahead with charging Gamarra, and they wanted the city police department to find and provide more evidence to bolster the case, if state prosecutors indeed believe that the current slate of evidence is not enough.

SWAN volunteer Nika Zarazvand (pictured) led the group in a call and response towards the end of the protest. Consent is “something that you say, something you think, something you feel,” she said. “It has nothing to do with who you are.”

“My job!” she shouted.

“Is not consent,” the protesters replied.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

For Shuttered Venues, Federal Relief Finally Arrives Lucy Gellman, Editor, The Arts Paper www.newhavenarts.org

The Shubert Theatre has survived two global pandemics, two World Wars, multiple municipal battles, temporary shutdowns, Covid-enforced layoffs, and a transition to new leadership. Now, an influx of federal dollars may help it—and several theaters like it—reopen during the second year of Covid-19.

Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal delivered that message on the Shubert Theatre’s historic stage, as he joined local arts leaders to herald the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program. Applications to the grant, formerly known as the Save Our Stages Act, open April 8 after months of anticipation.

The program was initially introduced by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, in July 2020. Blumenthal was an early supporter of the legislation.

Tuesday, he and local leaders shuffled into socially distanced spots on the stage, marking the first performance the Shubert has had in over a year.

“It was meant to be a bump in the road,“ Blumenthal said of the pandemic. “It’s turned out to be a major obstacle. This economic crisis has been longer lasting and deeper than anyone anticipated. And it’s hit particularly restaurants and theaters.”

SVOG, which will be administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, was originally part of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act. It was amended with the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act earlier this year. The long-awaited grant program will distribute $16.25 billion in federal aid to theaters, music venues, museums, movie theaters, and other arts organizations with brick-and-mortar spaces.

Of that amount, $2 billion is reserved for operators that employ 50 or fewer people, in an effort not to shut smaller venues out of the program. It is set to roll out in phases; more information is available here.

Anthony McDonald, who recently joined the Shubert as its new executive director, called the program “a lifeline to the Shubert.” Prior to Covid-19, the downtown theater employed 14 full-time staff members and dozens of part-time employees, from stagehands to box office managers.

On the last weekend it was open, it brought in thousands of people for a March 2020 run of Cats. Since, it has laid off over 75 percent of its staff and is projecting $5.25 million in lost revenue due to season cancellations. Five full-time employees remain.

“Brighter days are ahead of us,” McDonald said Tuesday, sanitizing the microphone carefully between speakers. “With the senator’s support, I believe the Shubert will come roaring back better than it was before … my vision for the future is one where the entire community of New Haven feels seen, heard, and appreciated.”

Claire Criscuolo, whose restaurant Claire’s Corner Copia has lived on College Street for 45 years, said she can’t wait for

those days to get here. Before last March, she was used to adding an extra shift—or sometimes several—when she knew there was a show at the Shubert. The added revenue meant well-deserved bonuses, overtime pay, and the ability to sponsor local nonprofits including New Haven Reads, Clifford Beers, and A Place to Nourish Your Health (formerly AIDS Project New Haven).

When the theater shuttered and businesses soon followed last year, she relied on a mix of savings, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding, and a returning client base to keep her staff employed and insured. She said that there were times she wasn’t sure the restaurant would survive.

“It’s enough that it makes the difference, that that’s the extra money that we get,” she said. “That’s extra money where we get to go beyond paying what we pay [employees] and donating to our community. We might have extra money because of that to have a sponsorship … that’s sort of the gravy. That’s beyond what you need to just buy your organic romaine.”

She added that she doesn’t just see the theater as an economic boon: she misses the students who came for a play, stopped by her restaurant for a meal, and left downtown New Haven new career aspirations.

She misses the front-of-house seats that she and her girlfriends bought and laughed in each year. She misses the performances that could transport her to another universe.

Instead of “Save Our Stages,” she and her staff have referred to the act as “Save The Community.”

“It just makes us whole,” she said. “And it supports so much of the community …

We’re connected. We’re all connected. We depend on each other. And we must depend on each other even more. I think we realize that we are in this together.”

Fellow speakers looked to the arts as an economic driver that will be necessary to Connecticut’s post-pandemic recovery.

7

Prior to the pandemic, Connecticut’s arts and culture sector generated $9 billion, 57,000 jobs, and five percent of the state’s economy, according to Americans for the Arts. Between April and July of last year, the Brookings Institute reported that 33,258 creative workers in Connecticut lost their jobs.

Some never got those jobs back. The sector has lost over $16 billion nationwide, with 63 percent of arts workers reporting unemployment throughout or at some point in 2020. In a story that has become familiar across the country, artists of color have reported higher rates of unemployment and lost income than their white counterparts.

Thomas Quagliano, the head sound technician at the Shubert, said he hears from colleagues who are still out of work 13 months after curtains closed. He praised the International Alliance of Theatrical Stagehands Local 74, through which he still has health insurance. He said he can’t wait to get back to work, and is grateful for SVOG in the meantime.

“When the show stopped, so did our careers,” said Quagliano, a 25-year veteran of the theater. “There are stage workers all across the country still facing financial and healthcare hardships. We were truly some of the first to lose our jobs—and sadly, probably some of the last to return to them.”

Attendees also noted the emotional and educational impact that the arts play in New Haven, from the high schoolers who leave the auditorium starry-eyed and full of music to the school buses that once pulled up for matinee performances. Looking over hundreds of empty red seats and quiet balconies, Long Wharf Theatre Managing Director Kit Ingui got choked up describing “this void” where gathering once existed.

As of this month, Long Wharf is projecting almost $2 million in lost revenue and has laid off 40 staff members.

Aleta Staton, chair of the city’s Cultural Affairs Commission, added that she is excited to feel the relief of SVOG ripple out into the greater New Haven community.

From her perch, she can see how deeply city arts organizations are reeling from the economic impacts of Covid-19. “When one of us fails, all of us feel the hit,” she said.

There’s light on the horizon, Blumenthal said. Already, the performing arts are slowly, cautiously coming back. Daniel Fitzmaurice, executive director of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, said that he’s already heard from New Haven’s lodging and tourism industry that hotel sales rose after the Westville Music Bowl announced a lineup of summer concerts.

In the interest of full transparency, the Arts Paper is an arm of the Arts Council but is editorially independent from it.

“They immediately saw the bands booking hotels,” he said. “They immediately saw ticket buyers booking hotels. You can’t account that to Yale graduation. You can’t account that to anything except the arts.

And I think that’s what we’re going to see as we move forward. When the arts opens up, so does our community. So does our social connections.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

OP-ED: COVID-19 Testing and Black America

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association

The COVID-19 pandemic across America and throughout the world is still a serious danger to public health for all communities, but especially for African American and other people of color communities. African Americans are still disproportionately negatively impacted by this deadly virus.

This is why more COVID-19 testing for Black America is so important in 2021: African Americans comprise 13% of the U.S. population, but more than half of all COVID-19 cases, and nearly 60% of all COVID-related deaths in the U.S., were in cities with large Black populations. Now that federal-government approved vaccines are available, it does not mean that COVID-19 testing is no longer needed.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is very concerned about the current state of health disparities and inequities that are realities for the majority of African Americans. Facts, data, and truth about the pandemic are vital to our future.

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, a majority of Black Americans (61%) now say they plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine (or that they’ve already received one), compared to only 42% in November, 2020. As trust increases, we need to also increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations and testing in our communities to create better health outcomes.

The Black Press and the Black Church are two fundamental trusted institutions in our communities. We are pleased to learn about a new emerging partnership with Black church leaders which is creating greater access to much-needed COVID-19 testing in our communities. A partnership between

Quest Diagnostics, Choose Healthy Life and the United Way of New York City is bringing COVID-19 testing and education to Black communities in cities across the U.S., and they are working with trusted voices in Black churches to increase participation.

The pandemic has also made it even clearer that Black Americans need access to additional resources to take control of their health. In Chicago for example, Black residents make up 30% of the population but account for 70% of COVID-related deaths, and the majority of Black COV-

ID-19 patients who have died in Chicago also had underlying health conditions, like respiratory problems, hypertension, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black Americans, and Black people experience risk factors that contribute to heart disease like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol more often and earlier in life compared to White people. Thus, overall healthcare testing is needed throughout Black America.

Getting tested for important health is-

sues – and understanding the results – empowers people to make informed and sometimes critical healthcare decisions. In fact, 70% of medical decisions are based on results from diagnostic tests. Because there aren’t always obvious symptoms of a health issue, testing is one of the most effective ways to identify health concerns that may need to be addressed.

Quest Diagnostics is committed to creating partnerships with others to increase access in Black and other underserved communities. It’s time for the entire healthcare

system to step up with similar commitments – with access to treatment and preventative care – to help Black communities move past this pandemic on an even ground with White America. Access, testing, and equity are keys to achieving and maintaining good health for all.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), and Executive Producer and host of The Chavis Chronicles (TCC) on PBS TV stations weekly across the United States.

Florida GOP Lawmakers Vote to Strip Newspapers of Legal Advertising Revenue

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Florida lawmakers are acting like alligators who smell blood – they are out for the kill.

Their sights set on the struggling newsprint industry, the Florida House passed a bill that would strip the state’s newspapers of desperately needed legal advertising revenue.

House Bill 35 repeals part of the law that requires placement in newspapers, announcements about tax increases, special elections, and other public notices.

Estimates suggest that such notices provide the state’s 100-plus newspapers with millions of dollars in annual revenue.

The Republican-sponsored measure passed this week by an 85-34 vote.

“When the telegram industry died because communication methodologies changed, government didn’t step in and

require people to continue to send telegrams,” a cynical GOP Rep. Randy Fine, the bill’s primary sponsor, argued.

Fine called payments to newspapers an unnecessary subsidy and said the government should not save the “dying industry.”

The 60-page bill notes, in part, that if a governmental agency publishes a legal notice in a newspaper, each legal notice must be posted on the newspaper’s website on the same day that the printed notice appears in the newspaper, at no additional charge, also in a separate web page titled “Legal Notices,” “Legal Advertising,” or comparable identifying language.

The measure continues:

“A link to the legal notices web page shall be provided on the front page of the newspaper’s website that provides access to the legal notices. If there is a specified

size and placement required for a printed legal notice, the size and placement of the

8

notice on the newspaper’s website must optimize its online visibility in keeping

with the print requirements.

“The newspaper’s web pages that contain legal notices must present the legal notices as the dominant and leading subject matter of those pages. The newspaper’s website must contain a search function to facilitate searching the legal notices.

A fee may not be charged, and registration may not be required for viewing or searching legal notices on a newspaper’s website if the legal notice is published in a newspaper.”

The Senate version of the legislation, SB 402, is scheduled to be heard in its first Senate committee next week.

“There may be an asteroid out there somewhere, and it may be hurtling towards us right now. But until it hits, there’s still some dinosaurs like me left walking around,” Democratic Rep. Joe Geller countered during a Floor argument. “We’re not as comfortable with what you’re proposing as you are.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

“Hands Off Our Zoning”

Zoning Rights Rally In West Haven

by Alexis Harrison

Citizens from around Connecticut descended on the West Haven Green on Saturday afternoon to rally and protest proposed legislation to centralize zoning in the State of Connecticut. CT169Strong. org, a grassroots organization, aimed to protect local zoning laws, organized the event, dubbed “Hands Off Our Zoning” along with West Haven Planning and Zoning Commissioner Steven R. Mullins, who has been a keynote speaker at several CT169Strong rallies recently..

“The power is with you the people and with you the people only.” said Mullins.

“Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow.

Maybe not next week, but this is going to affect your neighborhoods.” He said Proponents of the proposed legislation believe that zoning laws that control population density and limit certain types of development in towns have created a state divided on racial and socioeconomic lines. State Representative Charles Ferraro, (R-West Haven) urged the gathering of about 40 to contact their legislators and voice their opposition. He said that state regulated “cookie cutter” approach to zoning won’t work in part because municipalities will lose their character. “What works in West Haven might not work in Orange, it’s a very bad idea.” he said.

State Senator Tony Hwang, (R-Fairfield), a ranking member of the State Legislature’s Planning and Development Committee, which held a twenty-four hour public hearing on the proposed legislation last month called the Democrat controlled proposals “un-American and “un-Connecticut,” due to “individual rights and property rights.”

“I’m not saying that we should stay with the status-quo,” Hwang said. “I’m simply saying that the solution being offered right now by Hartford is a one-size-fits-all that takes away and disrespects the personal property rights of homeowners and residents of every community in the State of Connecticut.”

Mullins, a former Chairman of the West Haven Planning and Zoning Commis-

Steven R. Mullins, West Haven Planning and Zoning Commissioner

sion has served on the Commission since 2006, further commented, “I have had the personal honor and pleasure as a public official to listen to West Haven homeowners twice a month as they come to Planning and Zoning Commission meetings to speak out in favor or against applications on projects that are being considered before the Commission during public hearings. Public hearings are part of the checks and balances on government that we in Connecticut cherish and it is at risk of being taken away from us.” He posed the question to the crowd, “How would it be if we had un-elected bureaucrats in Hartford who are nameless and faceless who will make all of the decisions that go on in your respective communities without you having one bit of say?’”

“Do not let Hartford that away our local zoning rights,” Mullins said. He encouraged residents throughout Connecticut to explore CT169Strong.org to educate themselves on the proposed legislation.

“Text, email and call your legislators and tell them to vote no.” He saiid.

9

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

The Blue Wall is Dented as Minneapolis Jury Verdict Shows a Black Life Mattered

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Black Lives Matter. George Floyd’s life mattered.

A mixed-race jury in Minneapolis returned a guilty verdict against former police officer Derek Chauvin on Tuesday, April 20, potentially sending the ex-cop to prison for the rest of his life.

The panel, which included six Whites and six Black or multiracial individuals, also sent the kind of message that activists, community leaders, and a myriad of Black people the world over has attempted to get across to American law enforcement: Black Lives Matter.

“Count one… guilty. Count two… guilty… Count three…guilty,” announced Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill.

Chauvin was convicted on charges of second-and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Floyd pleaded for his life and his mother as Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for more than 9 minutes last May. Floyd’s death led to protests worldwide and the rallying cry that “Black Lives Matter” finally gained momentum in spaces where it largely had been ignored.

President Joe Biden watched the verdict reading from the White House and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz declared a state of emergency, closing schools and sending out hundreds of additional National Guard troops to the Minneapolis area.

Law enforcement officials and city leaders in the District of Columbia, New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles,

and other major cities canceled vacations and leave in preparation for potential unrest.

Hennepin County public employees were ordered to go home early, and thousands of people gathered around the courthouse in anticipation of the verdicts.

Officials installed a new steel gate and concrete barriers near and around police headquarters in Minneapolis.

Nearby businesses boarded up windows and added additional door locks.

The jury’s decision gave most reasons to breathe a sigh of relief that the family of a Black victim of police violence finally received justice.

As a result of the guilty verdicts, Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill could sentence the 45-year-old Chauvin to more than 40 years in prison.

During the more than two-week trial, the defense called seven witnesses

while prosecutors brought 38 people to the stand, including EMT workers, forensic experts, law enforcement officers, and individuals who watched as Chauvin ignored Floyd’s pleas that he could not breathe.

During closing arguments, Chauvin’s defense attempted to pin Floyd’s death on drugs and pre-existing heart conditions, prosecution witness Dr. Martin Tobin strongly refuted that testimony.

He called not plausible the defense medical expert Dr. David Fowler’s idea that carbon monoxide from vehicle exhaust also helped to cause Floyd’s death.

“I believe it is not reliable,” Dr. Tobin asserted.

The three other police officers involved in Floyd’s death are scheduled to be tried together In August. They

face charges of aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter.

Judge Cahill told the jury that he would sequester them during deliberations. “Plan for long, and hope for short,” Judge Cahill said.

But that proved far from prophetic as the panel came back after spending one night sequestered in a hotel where they deliberated for about four hours on Monday.

Jurors returned on Tuesday, and at about 2 p.m., they reached a unanimous decision on each count after about six more hours of discussion.

“For the rest of the country, this will be a historic decision,” Philonise Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, told reporters.

“But for the family, this is a personal, personal issue. An issue that is deeply personal for every single member.”

Black Teen Invents Cost Effective Method to Detect Surgical Infections

surgical wound were infected, as the pH level of the skin changed from five up to a nine.

Taylor said she became particularly interested in surgical infections after finding out that those mostly occur after Cesarean sections in underserved communities.

“So when I was presented with this opportunity to do research, I couldn’t help but go at it with an equity lens,” Taylor told The Smithsonian.

Moreover, Taylor’s invention landed her among the 40 finalists out of the over 1,760 students who joined the 80th Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science competition for high school seniors. She was also honored as the Seaborg Award winner at the event.

By BlackNews.com

Nationwide — Daisa Taylor, a high school senior from Iowa, recently won $25,000 at the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search for her invention of cost-effective surgical sutures that change color to detect if a patient’s wound is infected.

The 17-year old teen came up with the idea in 2019 when she learned about sutures coated with a material that can indicate the status of the wound. However, that technology can be pricey and she felt that those who actually need it wouldn’t be able to afford it.

Taylor thought of a more cost-effective method. She used beets to dye suture threads. The color of the dyed thread would turn from red to dark purple if the

10

Con’t from page 03

Mayor-Pastor

tance, West Rock Park, Elicker and Steele were greeted by resident who was already fully vaccinated.

Her request for the mayor at the door? “We need a speed bump on this street,” she said.

“I’ll make a note,” Elicker replied, pulling out his phone to type himself a reminder.

He promised to check in with the relevant city staffers.

“Do you think I can count on your vote?” he asked before leaving.

My husband and I voted for you last time, the resident replied, and intend to again.

And up on Pond Street, Elicker and Steele walked up to the front porch of Maurice Little’s house.

Opening the door in a red baseball cap and red-sleeved coat, Little, who works for the bridge division of the city’s public works department, told the mayor that he and his wife are also already vaccinated.

Any problems or questions you want me to know about? the mayor asked.

Little pointed to an L-shaped turn at Pond and Fournier Streets.

“A lot of kids are stealing cars and putting them over there,” Little said. Typically when that happens, he calls Newhallville top cop Lt. Manmeet Colon, who always responds promptly.

Elicker made a note of the issue, and promised to look into it and touch base with city police.

Before leaving, the mayor asked Little if he could count on his support in the primary. Little agreed, and Elicker and Steele walked on towards their next door to knock.

Vereen: “This Neighborhood Will Speak” One Pond Street residence where Elicker did not win a definitive show of support or opposition to his reelection bid was at the home of Barbara Vereen.

That’s in part because the mayor did not ask the Newhallville Ward 20 Democratic Ward Committee co-chair point blank whom she plans on supporting.

“I don’t want to put you on the spot,” he said with a smile amidst small talk on Vereen’s front porch.

Elicker failed to win the endorsement of Ward 20’s co-chairs in the 2019 race, just as he failed to win the local Democratic Town Committee’s endorsement overall, thus resulting in his having to petition his way onto the September primary ballot before handily winning the nomination—and then the general election in November.

Vereen promised to invite Elicker and any other mayoral candidates to come before the Ward 20 committee and make their respective cases to the committee members and co-chairs as to why they should win their support. Committee members are eager to hear from the mayor and from any potential challengers, she said.

When this reporter asked Vereen if she plans on supporting the mayor this time around, and about what she makes of the likely-contested mayoral race so far, she diplomatically demurred.

“This neighborhood is not quiet,” she said about Newhallville. “This neighborhood will speak,” and whomever Newhallville Democrats choose as their preferred candidate, she’ll support at the town convention this summer and beyond.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

President Biden Announces Executive Orders to Curb Gun Violence

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Determining that “enough is enough,” President Joe Biden announced a series of executive actions to reduce gun violence.

Vice President Kamala Harris joined the commander-in-chief in calling on Congress to pass more extensive gun-control legislation.

“This is an epidemic, for God’s sake, and it has to stop,” President Biden remarked outside of the White House in the Rose Garden.

Vice President Harris said she had seen gun violence up close.

“I have looked at autopsy photographs. I have seen with my own two eyes what a bullet can do to the human body,” the vice president noted.

“I have held hands with the hands of parents who have lost a child. I have seen children who were traumatized by the loss of a parent or sibling. And I have fought my entire career to end this violence and to pass reasonable gun safety laws.”

Vice President Harris continued: “Time and again, as progress has stalled, we have all asked, ‘What are we waiting for?’ Because we aren’t waiting for a tragedy; I know that. We’ve had more tragedy than we can bear. We aren’t waiting for solutions either because the solutions exist.

They already exist.”

The executive orders issued include: • Directing the Justice Department (DOJ) to propose a rule within 30 days to help stop ghost guns’ proliferation – firearms assembled from kits that often lack serial numbers and are difficult to trace.

• Directing the DOJ to craft a rule within 60 days, which clarifies the point at which a stabilizing arm brace effectively turns a pistol into a short-barreled rifle, subjecting

may 4- 5 , 2021

that firearm to additional regulations.

• Directing the DOJ to publish within 60 days, model red-flag legislation, which lets law enforcement officers or family members ask a court to bar someone from accessing guns under certain circumstances temporarily. The White House says the model legislation will make it easier for states to pass their own versions of that law.

• Directing the DOJ to issue a comprehen-

sive report on gun trafficking.

• The actions arrive after several recent mass shootings in the United States, including South Carolina, on April 7.

In that incident, former NFL player Phillip Adams murdered five people, including two young children, at a doctor’s home.

Phillips then fatally shot himself.

“This gun violence in our neighborhood is having a profound impact on our children,

even if they’re never involved in pulling the trigger or being the victim of — on the other side of a trigger,” President Biden said.

“For a fraction of the cost of gun violence, we can save lives, create safe and healthy communities, and build economies that work for all of us, and save billions of American dollars.”

Support local nonprofits.

Help our community.

400+ nonprofits to choose from

Celebrating Diversity Daily J O I N T H E T E A M T H AT T R A N S F O R M S L I V E S

Give to causes you care about.

5x5.25 page ad.indd 1

4/13/21 10:28 AM

www.aces.org

11

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

Obama, NNPA, NAACP, Urban League Applaud Chauvin Verdict, Call it a ‘First Step’

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Former President Barack Obama joined the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the NAACP, the National Urban League, and others to applaud the guilty verdicts in the Derek Chauvin case.

For almost a year, George Floyd’s death under the knee of a police officer has reverberated around the world – inspiring murals and marches, sparking conversations in living rooms and new legislation.

Obama noted that a more basic question has always remained: would justice be done?

“In this case, at least, we have our answer. But if we’re being honest with ourselves, we know that true justice is about much more than a single verdict in a single trial,” the former president stated.

“True justice requires that we come to terms with the fact that Black Americans are treated differently, every day. It requires us to recognize that millions of our friends, family, and fellow citizens live in fear that their next encounter with law enforcement could be their last. And it requires us to do the sometimes thankless, often difficult, but always necessary work of making the America we know more like the America we believe in.”

The 44th president continued: “While today’s verdict may have been a necessary step on the road to progress, it was far from a sufficient one. We can-

not rest. We will need to follow through with the concrete reforms that will reduce and ultimately eliminate racial bias in our criminal justice system. We will need to redouble efforts to expand economic opportunity for those communities that have been too long marginalized.

“And as we continue the fight, we can draw strength from the millions of people — especially young people – who have marched and protested and spoken up over the last year, shining a light on inequity and calling for change. Justice is closer today not simply because of this verdict, but because of their work.”

NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., said the trade association welcomed the verdict.

“The unanimous verdict is a step in the appropriate direction to dismantle American Apartheid and racism that continues to be clearly manifested by racially-motivated police brutality,” Chavis added.

He continued: “The Black Press of America has always stood for equal justice. Today, we reaffirm the importance of the Black Lives Matter Movement and the necessity for the Black Press to continue to be an advocate for freedom, justice, and equality.”

Derek Johnson, the president and CEO of the NAACP, noted that “justice has landed Chauvin behind bars.” However, Johnson cautioned that “we will not rest until all in our community have the right to breathe. The chapter on Derrick

Chauvin may be closed, but the fight for police accountability and respect for Black lives is far from over.”

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) also applauded the jury for finding Chauvin guilty of seconddegree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.

Chauvin was immediately handcuffed and taken into custody. He faces a 40year prison term when sentenced in two

months.

“Justice has prevailed, but that’s not always the case. So, while I am relieved that Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of murdering George Floyd, I will continue to say the names and fight for all those who have died or been injured senselessly by law enforcement,” Congresswoman Beatty stated.

“Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, Andre Hill, Casey Goodson, Jr., Tamir Rice, and George Floyd should be alive, and no verdict will bring them back or undo the unimaginable heartache and loss their family, friends, and our communities have had to endure,” she uttered.

“However, I am hopeful that today will be the catalyst to turn agony into action because the American people are demanding transparency, accountability, and equal justice. Congress should listen too and pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.” Floyd family attorney Ben Crump called the process of getting justice for Floyd painful.

“The verdict goes far beyond this city and has significant implications for the country and even the world. Justice for Black America is justice for all of America,” Crump declared.

“This case is a turning point in American history for accountability of law enforcement and sends a clear message we hope is heard clearly in every city and every state. We thank Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and his team

for their fierce dedication to justice for George. But it does not end here. We have not forgotten that the other three officers who played their own roles in the death of George Floyd must still be held accountable for their actions, as well.”

In a statement from National Urban League President Marc Morial, the organization called the verdicts a potential turning point.

“Just as the viral video of George Floyd’s brutal death marked a turning point in the nation’s tolerance for racially motivated police violence, we are hopeful that today’s verdict marks a turning point in holding police accountable,” Morial remarked.

“With this verdict, the jury has made an unambiguous declaration that unwarranted use of force against Black people by police is a crime and that Black Lives Matter.”

The statement continued: “Criminal prosecutions of police officers for misconduct, even fatal misconduct, are extremely rare, and convictions are rarer still. A major reason why is the socalled blue wall of silence, which suffered a major blow in this case when Chauvin’s former fellow officers took the stand against him. While truthful testimony is the very least we should expect from lawenforcement officers, we are nonetheless encouraged by the role their actions played in securing this conviction.”

This 91-Year Old Police Officer From Arkansas Refuses to Retire

By BlackNews.com

LC “Buckshot” Smith, a 91-year old African American police officer who has been working in law enforcement for over 56 years, continues to serve his community in Camden, Arkansas. He is one of the oldest police officers in the U.S. and he says he doesn’t want to retire just yet.

Ten years ago, Smith tried to retire from being a sheriff deputy. But he immediately missed the work so he returned after a few months. Now, he says he will only retire “when the good lord says so,” according to CNN. Smith decided to join the police force in the 1960s with the passion and excitement of being a police officer. Since then, he had been well-loved in the small town where everyone knows him and greets him when they see him.

Over the years, Smith had served as a court bailiff, a responder, and assured the security of the neighborhood as well as the annual festivals and events in Camden, among others.

Smith goes to work 4 days a week. When he isn’t at work, he is either spending time with his lady friend or attending church services.

12

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

DR. ONYEMA OGBUAGU Principal Investigator for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine trial.

Ready for the vaccine?

We made sure it was safe and ready for you.

At Yale New Haven Health, we’re not only proud to offer this long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine to the general public, we’re proud to have led the way worldwide with Yale School of Medicine when it comes to ensuring its safety and efficacy. Learn more about the vaccine and how, when, and where to get yours at ynhhs.org/covidvaccine.

13

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

Students Head To School During Vacation — For Vaccines

by MAYA MCFADDEN

While 17-year-old Jackson Elberson rolled his sleeve up to get his first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, his father stood by his side nervous but hopeful he was making the safest choice for his son.

Elberson received the shot Monday at the kick-off of a week-long student targeted vaccination initiative to get high school youth 16 and up vaccinated.

The clinic, held at Career High School clinic, had about 300 appointments scheduled for the first day.

The clinic has nearly 1,300 appointments scheduled for the week. About 1,100 of those appointments have been scheduled for students ages 16-17 reported City Clinical Director Stacey Hutcherson.

Father and son Joe and Jackson Elberson were able to secure an appointment Monday thanks to a text from the Board of Education (BOE) notifying guardians of the youth-centered clinic this week.

Jackson opted to get vaccinated to keep his family safe, particularly his mother, who has a heart condition. “I believe it’s safe,” he said.

Joe, although hesitant, had been vaccinated because he is an educator. Getting an appointment for himself weeks ago was “near impossible” until his school district opened up a small clinic, he said.

Joe said his wife is still struggling to get an appointment.

“The smaller pop-ups are what’s needed.

Otherwise you have to be very adamant,” he said.

After doing research and getting the vaccine himself, Joe decided the next safest step was to get Jackson vaccinated, he said. “It comes down to doing whatever you can for your kid,” he said. “Safety is number one.”

The Career clinic is working toward reaching its max capacity of vaccinating between 400-500 a day. This week the city Health Department vaccination site at 54 Meadow St. has relocated all of its appointments to Career. Many adults dropped in to the Career clinic Monday to get their second dose of the vaccine.

Tyler, 26, got his second dose Monday at Career after his appointment was relocated from the 54 Meadow clinic to Career.

“I got a message in March that I was eligible and thought, ‘Why not?’” he said.

“I’m just happy I can do my part.”

After his first shot, Tyler said, he had no symptoms. He scheduled his first appointment in five minutes while on a work lunch break Now that he’s vaccinated, Tyler plans to attend more family get-togethers The Health Department and Board of Education partnered to get hundreds of doses of Pfizer vaccines specifically to high schoolers at this week’s clinic.

The clinic will operate this week with about 20 public health nurses who agreed to work during the school’s spring break vacation.

As in-person school returns and the summer approaches, Hutcherson urged parents to consider getting their eligible children vaccinated. “This is imperative to their social and emotional wellbeing,” he said.

The New Haven School District is made up of about 20,000 students.

Hutcherson said so far 2,500 doses have been allocated to the week-long clinic targeting students. He hopes to get more, he said.

Janeyah Wright, 19, got her second dose Monday to keep safe while working as a residential monitor.

After doing her own research, Wright said ,she was convinced to schedule an appointment by seeing “more positive facts than negative.”

“I was scared at first about how my body would react,” she said. After her first dose. Wright’s only symptom was fatigue for some hours.

Wright hopes to travel, attend more events, and visit her great-grandparents now that she has received both shots.

Eligibility for those 16 and up in Connecticut began April 1. Students under the age 18 are required to have their guardians sign a consent form to receive the vaccine. Consent forms will be available at the clinic and were emailed via Parent Link.

The vaccinate youth initiative will run April 12 to April 16 out of the Career clinic, open from 10:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO Jackson, 17, gets first Pfizer dose from Dr. Donald Levine.

The initiative is targeting eligible youth who live or go to school in New Haven.

To schedule an appointment call 877-9182224 between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Christian Soarez, 20, got his first Pfizer dose Monday after slight hesitancy at the start of vaccine rollout in the winter.

Soarez, who has asthma, is a second-year Gateway student. He got the phone number to the clinic from his father. He called

on April 5 and was scheduled for Monday within minutes, he said.

Although hesitant at first, Soarez was convinced after doing his own research and after his parents and sister got their vaccines.

“Some protection is better than none,” he said.

Soarez is hoping to travel to Italy this summer once completely vaccinated.

U.S. House Prepares Historic Session on Reparations Legislation

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, April 14, plans to hold the first-ever markup of H.R. 40, the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act. The 10 a.m. session on Capitol Hill will help advance legislation first introduced about three decades ago that establishes a commission to examine slavery and discrimination in the United States from 1619 to the present and recommend appropriate remedies.

“Why is this significant now to have a markup in this historic moment in our history? The bill was introduced a year after the Civil Liberties Act that provided reparations for our Japanese-Americans, and we as African Americans supported it,” Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas) said during a news conference with African American media members.

“The bill would allow the country to finally confront the stark social disparities occurring in the African American community today and provide solutions,” Jackson-Lee, the bill’s lead sponsor, stated.

The historic markup of H.R. 40 is in-

tended to continue a national conversation about how to confront the brutal mistreatment of African Americans during chattel slavery, Jim Crow segregation,

and the enduring structural racism that remains endemic to American society today added House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY).

14

“Long after slavery was abolished, segregation and subjugation of African Americans was a defining part of this nation’s policies that shaped its values and its institutions,” Nadler remarked.

“Today, we still live with racial disparities in access to education, health care, housing, insurance, employment, and other social goods that are directly attributable to the damaging legacy of slavery and government-sponsored racial discrimination,” Nadler remarked.

“The creation of a commission under H.R. 40 to study these issues is not intended to divide, but to continue the efforts commenced by states, localities and private institutions to reckon with our past and bring us closer to racial understanding and advancement.”

While a specific monetary value on reparations isn’t outlined in the bill, it does focus on investigating and presenting the facts and truth about the unprecedented centuries of brutal enslavement of African people, racial healing, and transformation.

The bill would fund a commission to study and develop proposals for providing reparations to African Americans.

The commission’s mission includes identifying the role of federal and state

governments in supporting the institution of slavery, forms of discrimination in public and private sectors against freed slaves and their descendants, and lingering adverse effects of slavery on living African Americans and on society.

“Since its introduction in 1989 by the late Chairman John Conyers, and now through its continued introduction, H.R. 40 has galvanized governmental acknowledgment of the crime of slavery and its continuing societal impact,” Jackson Lee maintained.

“The markup of H.R. 40 by the Judiciary Committee is a major step toward the creation of a long-overdue national commission to study and develop reparation proposals.

“Through this legislation, we will finally be able to confront the stark societal disparities occurring in the African American community today and provide solutions.

“By passing H.R. 40, Congress can also start a movement toward the national reckoning we need to bridge racial divides. Reparations are ultimately about respect and reconciliation — and the hope that one day, all Americans can walk together toward a more just future.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

Attorney-Musician Wins Fight to Have N-Word Deleted From Major Dictionary

By BlackNews.com Nationwide — Attorney Roy Miller from Macon, Georgia has devoted his life to justice, racial equality, and music.

He has succeeded in all three roles. In fact, through his efforts, he has even succeeded in having the infamous n-word slur against Black people stricken from a major dictionary published by Funk & Wagnalls. His young niece was the impetus for his fight against the company.

He comments, “Around Christmas of 1993, my sister purchased the new edition of Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary for my 13-year old niece at a grocery store in Macon, Georgia. I visited my niece on March 6, 1994, and she appeared sad and depressed. My niece told me she no longer wanted the books.”

“Knowing how excited she was when she first got them, I was puzzled at the change in her attitude and asked why. She told me and I immediately understood,” he recalls.

Funk & Wagnalls has published a collection of English language dictionaries known for emphasis on ease of use and current usage. But consider the dictionary’s definition of the n-word: “nigger n.

A negro or member of any dark-skinned people; a vulgar and offensive term (See Negro).”

“When I read the definition, I was outraged. I immediately realized that the old definition that applied the N-word to any race had changed. The change only gave a description, not a definition. It merely suggested to the reader that if you don’t know what a Nigger is, just look at a Negro or dark-skinned person and you’ll find out,” Miller says.

He continues, “This definition could never apply to an innocent Black child. The term ‘nigger’ had belittled and confused my niece, causing her to question her identity. I asked myself how Funk & Wagnalls could justify in its 1993 edition that whatever vulgar and offensive things that niggers are supposedly known to do could only apply to a Negro or dark-skinned person (including an innocent Black child).”

“Although I was outraged, I tried to be fair and asked several of my Black, White, Hispanic, and Asian friends what they thought of the definition. They all agreed that it is degrading and unfairly labels good and bad people, even innocentminded young children,” Miller says.

“Why confuse a child of any color with this definition? Children are pure at heart and not responsible for bad relationships of the past. No child should ever have to wonder whether or not he or she is a nigger,” says Miller, a staunch advocate for the betterment of the lives of children and youth.

He explains that America’s n-word is somewhat of a Frankenstein created by slave owners to label Blacks as inferior.

The n-word includes components of racism and identity confusion. At its worse, the n-word is the ultimate insult. It is a

meaningless slur aimed directly at Blacks and amounts to the profanity of the worse kind. For whatever reason, this profanity used by adults has become the acceptable language for many children. But profanity should never be an acceptable language for children to use.

Some newspaper and magazine articles, as well as book authors, sometimes use the n-word, but Randall Kennedy’s “Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word” and Baltimore City Councilman Melvin Stukes’ desire to have the n-word discouraged from public use are evidence of the uncomfortable feelings that happen when one hears the word. My concern about the negative impact of the n-word is primarily focused on innocent children, not only innocent Black children, but the effect it has on children of all races.

Miller, a professional solo R&B and gospel recording artist since 1983, says Black musicians are most responsible for glamorizing the n-word. “You do not get freedom, justice, and equality by devaluing who you are and without demanding respect,” says Miller. He says musicians as a whole must stand up for the integrity and respect of our youth.

“It is Black musicians who must clean up what was messed up. Our youth are dying. They are lost and need us to be the lighthouse to lead them to safety. Youth can learn from us and complete the bridge to freedom, justice, and equality that Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X died building in the 1960s,” says.

He wrote to Funk & Wagnall on March 17, 1994, and presented his argument, which was solely for the sake of children.

Leon L. Bram, Vice President & Editorial Director, responded in a letter dated March 31, 1994, stating that the word would be deleted from all forthcoming printings. “Mr. Miller, your niece is fortunate in having an uncle as concerned and caring as you,” he wrote.

Miller says that he felt extremely honored that his argument had succeeded. Mr. Bram could have left the definition in the dictionary as it appeared, but he chose to take it out. “I am proud of Mr. Bram for taking the heat and doing the right thing,” Miller says. What had transpired between me and Funk and Wagnalls was reported in the May 1994 edition of Macon, GA – Georgia Informer and October 22, 2001 edition of the Macon Telegraph.

15

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

Gloria Richardson: A Civil Rights Force Still Going Strong Gemma Greene, BDO Staff Writer

One of the most influential leaders of the Civil Rights movement, Gloria Richardson remains, at 98 years strong, an undeniable figure in not just Black or Civil Rights history, but American history. Some people even call her the “Second Harriet Tubman.”

One thing that stands out is the iconic photo of her pushing away a gun and bayonet that showed her stance on not settling for nothing less than the best for her, her community and her people.

According to The Baltimore Sun, Richardson was the first woman in the country to lead a grassroots civil rights organization outside the Deep South.

She helped found – and lead – the Cambridge Nonviolent Action Committee (CNAC) during a period of civil unrest 50+ years ago caused by racism and lingering segregationist practices.

Her story began in Baltimore during the Depression. Born to John and Mabel Hayes in 1922, Gloria and her family moved to Cambridge Maryland when she was six. Her mother’s family – the St. Clair’s – were prominent and politically active. Gloria’s grandfather

– Herbert St. Clair – owned real estate, operated numerous businesses and was the sole African-American member of the City Council.

Gloria left Cambridge at 16 to attend

Howard University. She graduated in 1942 with a B.A. in Sociology and worked for the federal government during World War II. When the war ended, she returned to Cambridge. De-

spite Gloria’s degree and connections, she couldn’t land a job as no agencies would hire a black social worker. Gloria married Harry Richardson, a local school teacher, and was a homemaker

for 13 years while raising their children.

Her formal foray into the civil rights movement grew from her daughter Donna’s participation in protests against segregation and racial inequality in Cambridge. Gloria helped form – and was selected to lead – the Cambridge Nonviolent Action Committee.

She was a leader of the Cambridge Movement, a civil rights campaign in her hometown.

Gloria advocated for economic justice; demanding not only desegregation, but also good jobs, housing, schools, and health care. She was an early advocate for the use of violence in self-defense when necessary. In a seminal photo, Gloria is seen pushing away a national guardsman’s rifle after Maryland Governor Millard Tawes enacted martial law.

After 12 African American students were arrested on May 25, 1963, for causing a disturbance while picketing the Board of Education, and two were expelled from school and remanded to correctional schools, Richardson continued the demonstrations and economCon’t on page 17

“Getting vaccinated protects you, your family, and your community.”

Dr. Reginald J. Eadie, President and CEO Trinity Health Of New England

ct.gov/covidvaccine 16

GET THE

FACTS ON THE

VAX

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

Con’t from page

Still Going

ic boycotts.

Six days later, Richardson appealed to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy for a federal investigation of violations of constitutional rights in Cambridge.

She also taught the attorney general an important lesson about poverty and joblessness, reminding him that the civil rights movement was not just about desegregation.

She focused particularly on a segregationists’ effort to put the state’s pending Public Accommodation Law up for a referendum vote the following year, in 1964.

“Many Negroes don’t want to vote on something that already is their right,” Richardson told The Evening Sun at the time. “Public accommodations are a right and cannot be given or taken away with a vote.”

After rioting broke out in June, Gov. J. Millard Tawes imposed martial law on Cambridge and ordered the Maryland National Guard under the command of Gen. George M. Gelston to take charge of the city. Nightly marches that began in the 2nd Ward with the singing of “We Shall Overcome” could be heard as demonstrators headed for Main Street. There, whites lined both sides of the street, pelting them with eggs while calling out racial epithets as Guardsmen stood by.

Led by the efforts of Attorney General Kennedy and other Justice Department officials, a five-point Treaty of Cambridge was agreed to and signed in Kennedy’s office by Cambridge city officials and African American representatives.

After President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the historic Civil Rights Act in July 1964, the National Guard finally withdrew from Cambridge.

Gloria resigned the CNAC in the summer of 1964. Divorced from her first husband, she married photographer Frank Dandridge and moved to New York where she worked for the City’s Department of Aging and National Council for Negro Women.

Gloria still speaks truth to power. A New York resident for 55 years, she continues to inspire people around the world – and in her hometown.

In 2017, the state of Maryland honored her legacy by dedicating February 11 as “Gloria Richardson Day.” Due to an ice-storm in New York, she was not able to travel as planned to Cambridge’s historic Bethel AME to be recognized in person. Thanks to modern technology, she spoke to the packed church in a live remote broadcast from her apartment.

Biden nominates five Blacks to serve in judicial seats on Chicago Staff Report, The Chicago Crusader

President Joe Biden on Tuesday, March 30, nominated five accomplished Blacks to judicial seats in federal court. They represent half of the 10 people nominated to the positions.

One of Biden’s nominees, Attorney Tiffany Cunningham, is a partner at the law firm of Perkins Coie LLP in Chicago and was tapped for a judicial seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington.

Another nominee, Candace JacksonAkiwumi, is a former federal public defender who was nominated to serve on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals based in Chicago.

The other nominee, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, whom Black leaders in 2016 urged President Barack Obama to nominate for the U.S. Supreme Court to replace the late Antonin Scalia, was tapped to serve for the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. In 2016 Obama instead nominated Merrick Garland, who was not confirmed, after the Republican Senate refused to review his nomination in Obama’s final term in office.

The other two Black nominees are Judge Lydia Griggsby, who made history as the first Black judicial nominee for the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, and Morehouse graduate Julien Neals, who was nominated to the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.

The nominees are part of Biden’s push to diversify the judicial seats in the nation’s federal courts after former President Donald Trump picked mostly white males to serve on the bench. During his presidential campaign, Biden promised that he would nominate a Black woman to fill his first Supreme Court vacancy.

The judicial nominees must be approved by a majority in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

In a statement, Senator Dick Durbin, D-IL, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted that lack of diversity in his statement.

“I am particularly heartened by the nomination of Candace Jackson-Akiwumi to an Illinois seat on the Seventh Circuit.

As a former federal public defender, Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi brings with her an important perspective that is a valuable asset to the judiciary. Once confirmed, Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi will bring much-needed demographic diversity back to the Seventh Circuit, which currently has no African American judges,” Durbin said.

The Seventh Circuit was left without a Black judge after Ann Claire Williams retired in 2018. If confirmed JacksonAkiwumi would be the second Black to serve on the Seventh Circuit.

In a statement, Biden emphasized diversity in his nominations for lifetime appointments.

“This trailblazing slate of nominees

Ketanji Brown Jackson,

Tiffany Cunningham

draws from the very best and brightest minds of the American legal profession.

Each is deeply qualified and prepared to deliver justice faithfully under our Constitution and impartially to the American people — and together they represent the broad diversity of background, experience, and perspective that makes our nation strong,” he said.

White House officials said the first group of judicial nominees are lawyers “who have excelled in the legal field in a wide range of positions, including as renowned jurists, public defenders, prosecutors, in the private sector, in the military and as public servants at all levels of government.”

White House officials say Biden’s initial picks are “groundbreaking nominees,” including three African American women chosen for Circuit Court vacancies, as well as candidates who, if confirmed, would be the first Muslim American federal judge in U.S. history, the first AAPI woman to ever serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of D.C., and the first woman of color to ever serve as a federal judge for the District of Maryland.”

A graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School, Jackson-Akiwumi, 41, is a partner at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP in

17

Candace Jackson-Akiwumi

Julien Neals

Washington where she handles complex civil litigation, white collar criminal defense and investigations.

Jackson-Akiwumi began her legal career as a law clerk for now retired U.S. District Court Judge David Coar from 2005 to 2006. She then worked as a litigation associate at the Chicago office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom from 2007 to 2010.

She later served as federal public defender in Chicago in the Northern District of Illinois from 2010 to 2020. As a federal public defender, Jackson-Akiwumi represented more than 400 indigent clients accused of federal crimes, according to the White House.

According to her a biography posted on Yale Law School’s website, JacksonAkiwumi said as a public defender, “I work harder and longer hours than I did as a law firm associate. But I do not mind the harder work, longer hours and lower pay because my job has meaning to me.

I provide quality representation to people who would not be able to afford it, and I am there for clients at a most dreary and frightening juncture: when they are being judged for the worst day or days in their life.”

A Harvard Law School graduate and Phi

Lydia Griggsby

Beta Kappa graduate of M.I.T., Cunningham is partner at Chicago’s Perkins Coie law firm. She handles trial and appellate cases for large multinational companies and cases involving complex patent and trade secret disputes. She previously served as partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where she joined as an associate in 2002.

Brown Jackson, who was tapped to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard University and cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School.

Brown Jackson has served on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia since 2013. Prior to joining the federal bench, Judge Brown Jackson served as a Vice Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission beginning in 2010.

Brown Jackson began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Patti Saris on the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts from 1996 to 1997 and then for Judge Bruce Selya on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit from 1997 to 1998.

She was an associate at Miller, Cassidy, Larroca & Lewin LLP from 1998 to 1999.

She clerked for Justice Stephen Breyer of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1999 to 2000. Judge Brown Jackson was an associate at Goodwin Proctor LLP in Boston, Massachusetts, from 2000 to 2002 and an associate at Feinberg Rozen, LLP (formerly The Feinberg Group, LLP) in Washington, D.C., from 2002 to 2003.

From 2003 to 2005, Judge Brown Jackson served as an Assistant Special Counsel for the United States Sentencing Commission, and from 2005 to 2007, Judge Brown Jackson served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Washington, D.C. From 2007 to 2010, Judge Brown Jackson was of counsel at Morrison & Foerster LLP where her practice focused on criminal and civil appellate litigation in both state and federal courts, as well as cases in the Supreme Court.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

Award-Winning Singer Norm Lewis Joins the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts Board of Directors

By BlackNews.com

Nationwide — Celebrated singer and actor Norm Lewis has been named to the board of directors of the Coalition for African-Americans in the Performing Arts.

Lewis’ extraordinary musical and gifts as an actor have been well-documented on concert hall stages and TV screens around the world.

The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts is a Washington, D.C. area-based arts organization whose mission is to bring a wide range of performing arts opportunities to diverse communities, particularly those of color.

Commonly known as CAAPA, the arts advocacy group provides numerous cultural programs to the surrounding community, as well as regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Notably, in May of 2014, Lewis made history as The Phantom of the Opera’s first African American Phantom on Broadway. He has been seen on PBS in the Live From Lincoln Center productions of Showboat with Vanessa Williams, Norm Lewis: Who Am I?, and New Year’s Eve: A Gershwin Celebration

with Dianne Reeves, as well as American Voices with Renée Fleming and the PBS Special First You Dream – The Music of Kander & Ebb. A DC favorite, Lewis appeared with Fleming, alongside The Choral Arts Society of Washington in Some Enchanted Evening, a program of beloved duet favorites conducted by artistic director Scott Tucker.

CAAPA Co-Founder Pamela Simonson expressed her excitement about Lewis’ presence on the board and her appreciation to board chair Reginald Van Lee for the strong recommendation: “We are honored to have Norm Lewis join the board of directors. On a personal note, I have been a fan for a long time. I know with his creativity and love for the arts, he will bring much to CAAPA,” Simonson stated.

The recipient of numerous awards, Lewis received Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle award nominations for his performance as Porgy in the Broadway production of The Gershwins’ “Porgy & Bess.” Other Broadway credits include “Sondheim on Sondheim,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Les Misérables,” “Chicago,” “Amour,” “The

Wild Party,” “Side Show,” “Miss Saigon,” and “The Who’s Tommy” just to name a few include Porgy in The Gershwins “Porgy and Bess” Ragtime, “Dreamgirls” (with Jennifer Holliday), “First You Dream,” “Sweeney Todd,” and “The Fantasticks.” Most will also recognize him from his starring role on the hit TV series “Scandal.”

Additionally, on film, he can be seen in the newly released drama, “Magnum Opus,” and has appeared in “Winter’s Tale” “Sex and the City 2” “Confidences” and “Preaching to the Choir.”

About the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts: The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) is a nonprofit 501c3 arts organization in support of Black classical musicians, youth, and others in the performing arts, by Bringing Color to the Classics ®, through The CAAPA Cause: Community Outreach, Arts Education, Audience Development, Performance Opportunities, and Arts Partnerships. For more information, visit www.4caapa.org or call 301-839-1444.

Empowering Black Women in America

By Bre’ionya Irvin, Data News Weekly Contributor

Black women have made history in 2020 in American politics and in 2021 they begin the challenging work of empowering all women, particularly as the country aims to recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“More than 22 million women have been forced out of the workforce in the past year, and many of them were Black women,” said Vice President Kamala Harris in her opening remarks for the 10th Annual Black Women’s Roundtable National Virtual Summit titled “Women of Power” this year.

The summit which ran from March 24th through March 28th featured many of the influential, and trailblazing Black women, teens and girls who have been at the forefront of public and civic life in recent years.

Important speakers like; Melanie Campbell, (President and CEO of the Black Women’s Roundtable), Vice President Harris, Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Marcia Fudge, joined other business and community leaders to speak not only about the challenges they face as Black woman, but how Black women can cope, recover from trauma, and rise above the challenges.

“They are women who work in industries that have been devastated. Women who work in jobs that didn’t pay enough even before, and have disappeared now,” Harris said of the impact of the pandemic

on women.

“They run small businesses that are struggling to stay open, and with day cares closed and schools remote, they are juggling responsibilities at work and at home. I want you to know that President Biden and I see it all. The power of Black women and the pain Black women are experiencing,” Harris told attendees of the virtual summit.

More women have been laid off from their jobs or cannot find a job because most essential jobs aren’t typically looking to rehire women at this time, or

Black women in particular, the presenters shared. The pandemic has worsened poverty levels in Black communities, and most Black families continue to struggle to find affordable, adequate housing.

“Job losses, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, have set labor-force participation among women back to its lowest point in more than 30 years,” said HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge. “In 2019, more than 500,000 people experience homelessness,” Fudge added.

The numbers have increased now that the pandemic has hit. In recognizing

18

Women’s History Month, Fudge reflected on the roll women have played in laying the foundation for the household and for society.

“The fact that through the ages it was women who carried the water, smoothed the rocks, broke the walls, shattered the ceilings, and saved and sustained families, communities, countries, and people,” Fudge said. “That is the legacy from which we benefit. We drink the water they carried and the wells they dug. Even today we drink from wells we did not dig.

I am grateful for all the strong women

who defied place, and time, and circumstance,” Fudge added.

Additionally, today, women are setting new records. Fudge noted that women are leading the way in becoming homeowners, breaking new records and closing the gender gap in all areas. She noted recent data that showed women have emerged as key home buyers, with single women owning more homes now than single men, about 1 and a half million more.

“Women are breaking the stereotypic holds of ‘men having more power than women,’ or ‘a woman will never be as good as a man,’” Fudge said.

As the country aims to recover economically from the pandemic, White House Director of Domestic Policy, Susan Rice said that women are operating in key positions in federal government to pull the nation out of the economic slump from COVID-19.

“My pledge to you is that we will not shy away from these challenges, we will continue to make the federal government accountable for advancing equity for families across America,” Rice said in her remarks. The history of this nation from reconstruction to the Civil Rights Era, to the 2020 election showed that Black workers, families, and voters, especially Black women, have never stopped pushing this country forward, and demanding that the nation live up to its highest ideals, Rice said.

“May their struggle galvanize us. May their perseverance inspire us, and may Con’t on next page 19

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

SCLC wants President Joe Biden to use executive order to Black Women restore the gutted 1965 Voting Rights Act with expansion Con’t from page 18

their courage embolden us to keep marching forward as we continue this vital work together,” Rice said.

Harris shared that it is this sisterhood of Black women that has pulled the Black community through hard times in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

“Over the past year, faced with this devastating pandemic, Black women have been true heroes,” Vice President Harris said.

“The power of Black women is undeniable. We see it in the ballot box, and in the boardroom, in state houses, and in the Halls of Congress,” Harris added.

Vice President Kamala Harris delivered the opening address for the 10th Annual Black Women’s Roundtable National Summit on March 24, 2021.

U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia Fudge, delivered the keynote address for the Annual Black Women’s Roundtable Women of Power National Summit.

Former Ambassador Susan Rice, who currently serves as the Director of the United States Domestic Policy Council spoke at the Annual Black Women’s Roundtable Summit that was held virtually from March 24th to 28th, 2021.

The post Empowering Black Women in America appeared first on New Orleans Data News Weekly.

Staff Report | The Atlanta Voice

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) called on President Joe Biden to use an executive order to restore Section 4 and Section 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Officials of the organization, which was co-founded and first led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said the order would restrict states like Georgia from passing legislation that prevents some citizens from participating in the voting process without pre-clearance of the U.S. Department of Justice.

“We have to do it all over again,” said Dr. Charles Steele, Jr., president and CEO of the SCLC. “We are asking President Joe Biden to do an executive order, not on a new Voting Rights Act, but on the existing 1965 Voting Rights Act. Some members of Congress are working on a new voting rights bill. We simply need to bring back the 1965 Voting Rights Act with expansion.”

Last week, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed into law legislation that provides greater voting oversight, such as requiring ID for absentee voting, earlier deadlines for absentee ballots and limited drop boxes for absentee ballots where law enforcement authorities are seated next to the drop boxes.

According to Steele, this law retreated

America 56 years, to the period before the Voting Rights Act was signed in 1965.

Steele said the SCLC has been advocating, since June of 2103, for sections 4 and 5 of the Voting Rights Act to be restored.

That year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Section 4, which designated which parts of the country must have changes to their voting laws cleared by the federal

government or in federal court.

Later that year, the court ruled against Section 5, which required states with a history of racial discrimination in voting to get certification in advance, or “preclearance,” to ensure election changes are not discriminatory.

“The SCLC was being proactive. We have been stating publicly this is going

to happen. While we were out here emotionally celebrating that we had a Black president, the Supreme Court was gutting sections four and five. Now it is raining as we predicted. It is raining down racism, insensitivity, and Jim Crowism, and we are going back 56 years, Steele said.

According to Steele, with the use of an executive order, a power tool at the president’s disposal, Biden can restore the preclearance for the Department of Justice, which would prevent states like Georgia from denying access to the right to vote.

“The Emancipation Proclamation was the result of an executive order,” Dr. Steele said. “We would not be free today if we waited on Congress to change the law. Black people would still be slaves.”

With this call to action, Steele said the SCLC supports organizations that are calling for a boycott of Georgia until the legislation is repealed.

“There should be no Major League Baseball All Star game, No Majors at the golf course in Augusta, no major event of any kind until our state provides access for all people to participate in the voting process,” Steele said. “It is time we move forward not backward in America. This is how we become a stronger nation.”

This article originally appeared in The Atlanta Voice.

at home

artists in conversation

Hurvin Anderson Live at noon April 30, 2021

Register for free britishart.yale.edu

A conversation between artist Hurvin Anderson and Michael Prokopow, Associate Professor, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Ontario College of Art & Design

@yalebritishart

19

Photo courtesy Hurvin Anderson, © Sebastian Nevol

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Listing: Commercial Driver

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory Immediate opening for a Class A part time driver for a petroleum training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT and asphalt company for deliveries for nights and weekends.

We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits Previous experience required. Competitive wage, 401(k). Send VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Contact: Tom Dunay resume to: Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437.

Phone: 243-2300 HOME INC, on behalf of860Columbus House and the New Haven HousingHR Authority,

NOTICE

is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develEmail: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com ********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer********** opment& located at 108 Frank Street, Haven. Maximum Women Minority Applicants are New encouraged to apply income limitations apply.Affi Pre-applications willEqual be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y rmative Action/ Opportunity Employer

Listing: Dispatcher

25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preGarrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Incoffices seeks: applications must be returned to HOME INC’s at 171 Orange Street,fast Third Extremely paced petroleum company needs a full time Reclaimer Operators Floor, New Haven,and CTMilling 06510.Operators with current licensing (which includes on call and weekend coverage) detail orientand clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the Northed experienced Dispatcher. A strong logistics background east & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

NOTICIA

Graphics Designer/Visual Communicator FHI Studio is seeking a Graphic Designer/Visual Communicator to support project managers and marketing staff in producing graphics, marketing materials, and visually engaging documents and digital content. The successful candidate should have mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop). This early career position brings potential for growth; both with respect to creative graphics development and leadership. The position will also include writing and review of marketing material for clarity, consistency, and brand messaging. The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, marketing, or communication. The candidate should demonstrate the capability of developing a strong visual identity for materials that are not already branded, as well as support creative, visual storytelling. Proficiency in Adobe After Effects and Premiere for video creation/editing and familiarity with HTML/CSS for editing/updating websites are preferred. Salary commensurate with level of experience. Send resume to graphicdesigner@fhistudio.com, FHI Studio, 416 Asylum Street, Hartford, CT 06103. FHI Studio is an EEO/AA /VEV/Disabled employer.

and a minimum of one year previous petroleum experience

required. Send resume to: Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300 VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES Email: rick.touHR Manager, P.O. Box 388, Guilford, CT. 06437

signant@garrityasphalt.com HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply ********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer********** aceptando pre-solicitudes estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo Affirmative Action/ para Equal Opportunity Employer

ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en lasTrailer oficinasDriver de HOME INC. & Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas correo Materials a petición LLC, a quarry and paving contractor, has posiTractor for Heavy Highway Construction Equip- por Galasso llamando HOME INCLicense, al 203-562-4663 duranterecord, esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán ment.

Must ahave a CDL clean driving capable of tions openremitirse for the upcoming construction season. We are seeking a las oficinas de equipment; HOME INCbe enwilling 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, , CT 06510 operating heavy to travel throughout theNew Haven candidates for 1) .Quality Control (experienced preferred), 2) Office Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits Clerks, 3) Truck/Scalehouse Dispatcher (experience and computer knowledge preferred) and 4) Equipment Operators and Laborers and a Grading Foreman. NO PHONE CALLS. Please mail resume and cover letter to “Hiring Manager”, Galasso Materials LLC, PO Box 1776, East Granby, 06026.

HELP WANTED:

Union Company seeks:

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer 242-258 Fairmont Ave

NEW HAVEN

ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT ATTENTION TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENnd DER IDENTITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, VETERAN OR DISABILITY STATUS.

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

We all have

DREAMS.

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

Let Job Corps SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY help you Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2,achieve 2016 at its office atyours.

28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Now enrolling!

Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

Tuition-free career training High school diploma programs A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith College credit opportunities Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

Housing, meals and medical care provided

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority OfFor more information, visit jobcorps.gov or call (800) 733-JOBS [5627] fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

New Haven County - Jesselica Rodriguez – Rodriguez.Jesselica@JobCorps.org !"#$%&'(")*+,$*-+#".&/$*0(1,)2*3*4&//2*0(,,&"*5*Conner.Kelly@JobCorps.org Waterbury and Surrounding Areas – Abdul Shabazz – Shabazz.Abdul@JobCorps.org

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

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

Invitation to Bid: 2 Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Town of Bloomfield

Old Saybrook, CT

Maintainer II - Driver (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Exemptted & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project Full-time,Tax benefi $27.94 hourly

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, CastPre-employment drug testing.

For details and how to apply go to Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, in-place Concrete, www.bloomfi eldct.org Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, AA/EOE Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

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

Town of Bloomfield

Town of East Haven

Assessment Clerk/Computer Operator Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Zoning Enforcement Officer The Town of East Haven seeks a qualified candidate to fill the poAnticipated Full-time, benefi ted Start: August 15, 2016 sition of Assessment Clerk/Computer Operator in the Assessor's OfProject documents available via ftp link below: $38.03 hourly http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage fice. The annual salary for this position is $27,301, 19 ½ hours per Pre-employment drug testing. week. Applications are available at https://www.townofeasthavenct.

For details and how to apply go to www.

Faxbloomfi or Email eldct.org Questions &AA/EOE Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com org/civil-service-commission/pages/job-notices-and-tests and must be

QSR

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses returned along CT with Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, 06483resume and cover letter to: Michelle Benivegna, STEEL CORPORATION Assistant Director of Administration & Management, 250 Main Street, AA/EEO EMPLOYER

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

20

East Haven, CT 06512, email mbenivegna@townofeasthavenct. org<mailto:mbenivegna@townofeasthavenct.org> or fax # 203-4683372. The deadline to apply for this position is April 30, 2021. The Town of East Haven is committed to building a work force of diverse individuals. Minorities, females, handicapped and veterans are encouraged to apply. The Town of East Haven is an equal opportunity employer.

THE INNER-CITYNEWS NEWS -July April , 2021 - April 2021 INNER-CITY 27,21 2016 - August 02,27, 2016

NOTICE

Invitation to Bid:

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

THE TOWERS

HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this devel18 Tower Lane New Haven, CT (1 Building) opment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply. Pre-applications be available from 9AM TO 5PM Monday The project iswill a ground floor renovation andbeginning expansion of Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have a multi-story senior INC. housing community. been received at the offices of HOME Applications will be mailied upon rePrevailing Wage Rate quest by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 duringProject those hours. Completed preThis contract is subject to statetoset-aside and contract compliance requirements. applications must be returned HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

Bid due date: April 16, 2021 by 9:00am NOTICIA All bids and questions must be submitted in written form and directed to the appropriate estimator:

MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES EricVALENTINA Facchini efacchini@haynesct.com for Site Concrete, Masonry and MEP trades.

John Simmons jsimmons@haynesct.com for all trades in Divisions 6 through 14.

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando Project pre-solicitudes para estudiosavailable y apartamentos un dormitorio en este desarrollo documents viadeftp link below: ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=thetowers máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse AA/EEO EMPLOYER a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

Black & Boucher, LLC

has an immediate opening for experienced asphalt milling machine operators for our Wirtgen W220’s and W50 machines. Positions are full time seasonal work. Union wages along with Union Benefits (Health, Pension, Annuity, Supplemental Unemployment). Must be willing to work nights and some weekends. Work is in the New York/New England area. Black & Boucher, LLC is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportuni242-258 Fairmont Ave ty Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 2BRtoTownhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR,orientation, 1 level , gender 1BA identity, without regard race, color, religion, sex, sexual national and protected status.new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 Allorigin, new apartments, newveteran appliances, highways, near bus stop & shopping center

NEW HAVEN

CITY OF BRIDGEPORT

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

CONNECTICUT

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

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH

St. New Haven, CT

Salary: $134,340.00 - $147,771.00 (salary for this position is established per Bridgeport Municipal Ordinance 2.36, salary of selected candidate will be determined by the Mayor). This summary provides a brief overview of the benefits available to regular full-time municipal employees; depending on the employee group some of these benefits may include: retirement pension administered by CMERS (Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System), health insurance Sealeddental, bids are invited by thelife, Housing Authority theholidays, Town of Seymour (medical, vision, prescription), disability, paid leave,ofpaid 457(b) deferred compensation paid),August and other 2, voluntary employee paid at benefi until 3:00 plan pm (employee on Tuesday, 2016 at its office 28ts.Smith Street,

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

CTmail, 06483 fororConcrete Sidewalk and(3)Replacement at the ToSeymour, Apply: Please deliver email a resume, a coverRepairs letter, three professional references, to Smithfield the Civil Service Commission offi ce, Room 106, 45 Lyon Terrace, Bridgeport, CT 06604 Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. or by email to COB.Jobs@bridgeportct.gov.

AResumes pre-bidmust conference will be at the Housing Authority 28 2021.

Smith be submitted or held postmarked no later than Friday,Office April 23, (Any/all changes to CT this at deadline be Wednesday, at the discretion the 2016.

City of Bridgeport).

Street Seymour, 10:00 shall am, on Julyof20, An Equal Opportunity Employer MF/AA/DIS

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority OfFor further information and contact: fice, 28 Smith Street,CIVIL Seymour, CTCOMMISSION 06483 (203)OFFICE 888-4579.

SERVICE 45 LYON TERRACE, ROOM# 106

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

DELIVERY PERSON

NEEDED

Part Time Delivery Needed One/Two Day a Week,

Must Have your Own Vehicle If Interested call

(203) 387-0354

Town of Bloomfield

Assistant Director of Information Systems & Technology

Full Time - Benefited $75,909 to $117,166

Pre-employment drug testing. For details and how to apply go to www. bloomfieldct.org AA/EOE

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

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE FIREFIGHTER

City of Bristol (4 Buildings, 17 Units) Old Saybrook, CT

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

$53,964/yr.

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, CastRequires valid CPATConcrete, Cert in-place Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, issued on or after June 1, 2020, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, written & oral tests. Registration Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. information & apply online: This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. www.bristolct.gov

DEADLINE: May 2021 Due Date: August 5, 2016 Bid 1, Extended, EOE

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Project documents available via ftp link below: Town of Bloomfi eld http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

THE GLENDOWER GROUP

Maintainer II - Driver Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com Invitation for Bids HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 Architectural Design for 34 Level Street Full-time, benefited AA/EEO EMPLOYER The Glendower Group is currently seeking Proposals for Architectural Design for 34 Level Street. A $27.94 hourly complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal Pre-employment drug testing. For details and how to apply go to www. bloomfieldct.org AA/EOE

21

https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Monday, March 8, 2021 at 3:00PM.

THE INNER-CITYNEWS NEWS July - April , 2021 - April 2021 INNER-CITY 27, 21 2016 - August 02,27, 2016

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

Essex Townhouse Fencing Improvements and Basement Abatement

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay.

NOTICE

Invitation for Bids

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for Essex Townhouse fencing improveHOME on behalf of Columbus Housecopy and the New Haven Housing Authority, ments andINC, basement abatement.

A complete of the requirement may be obtained is accepting for studio and one-bedroom at this develfrom Elm Citypre-applications Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal apartments https://newhavenhousing. opment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven.

Maximum income limitations apcobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have Monday, March 29, 2021 at 3:00PM. been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Invitation for Bids NOTICIA

Landscaping Services at McConaughy Terrace MACRI VIVIENDAS ALQUILER DISPONIBLES Elm VALENTINA City Communities is currentlyDE seeking bidsPRE-SOLICITUDES for landscaping services at McConaughy Terrace. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City HOME INC, en nombreCollaboration de la ColumbusPortal Househttps://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesysy de la New Haven Housing Authority, está Communities’ Vendor aceptando pre-solicitudes paraon estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo tems.com/gateway beginning ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 Monday, March 29, 2021 at 3:00PM. julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP COMPANY Request for Proposals

Legal Services for Nonpayment Summary Process 360 Management Group is currently seeking proposals for legal services for nonpayment summary process. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from 360 Management’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave 2BR Townhouse, 1.529, BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA Monday, March 2021 at 3:00PM.

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

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Invitation for Bids

Robert T. Wolfe Building Upgrade

CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. Elm Communities is currently seeking bids forChapel Robert T. Church Wolfe64Building (203)City 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts U.F.W.B. Brewster

Upgrade.

A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City St. New Haven, CT Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY Monday, March 29, 2021 at 3:00PM.

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Coventry Housing Authority is accepting applications for low inSeymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the come State Elderly/Disabled housing. Annual income limit is $54,950 Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. (one person) & 62,800 (two people). Interested parties may pick up an application at the Coventry Housing Authority, 1630 Main St., CovA pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith entry, CT, or have one mailed. Completed applications must be postStreet Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. marked or hand delivered no later than April 30th. For more information call 860-742-5518.

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

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

APPLY NOW!

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DELIVERY PERSON

NEEDED

Part Time Delivery Needed One/Two Day a Week,

Must Have your Own Vehicle If Interested call

(203) 387-0354

Town of Bloomfield

POLICE OFFICER Competitive examinations will be held for the position of Police Officer in the Guilford, Orange, and Wallingford Police Departments.

Candidates may register for the testing process at www.policeapp.com/southcentral.

Application deadline is Thursday, May 6, 2021.

The written and oral board exams will be administered by the South Central Criminal Justice Administration. All candidates must possess a valid CHIP card dated after November 10, 2020.

THE DEPARTMENTS PARTICIPATING IN THIS RECRUITMENT DRIVE ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS.

CT Certified Police Officer Town of Greenwich The Greenwich Police Department, acting without fear or favor, strives to provide superior law enforcement and public services in cooperation with its community.

The Greenwich Police Department will actively promote an environment that encourages independent judgment and allows its employees to attain the highest levels of professional achievement.

Candidates must fulfill several requirements, including:

* Possess at least 2 years of experience as a Connecticut POST Certifi ed Police Offi cer or Connecticut State Trooper $23.40/hourly (benefited) * Be a U.S. Citizen Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE. Invitation to Bid: For Details go to www.bloomfieldct.gov * Be at least 21 years of age 2nd Notice To view detailed information and apply online visit

Custodian

www.governmentjobs.com/careers/greenwichct

CITY OF MILFORD Old Saybrook, CT Salary Range: $69,701 - $86,427, plus benefits, including generous Defined Current SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Seeking qualified condidates to fill 17 Contribution Retirement Plan. The Town of Greenwich is dedicated to Diversity & (4 Buildings, Units) Equal Opportunity Employment; Town of Greenwich, HR Dept., 101 Field Point Rd, numerous vacancies to include, Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project Greenwich, CT 06830. Close Date 4:00 PM 5/10/21.

Deputy Assessor, Mechanic Sewer Line, Public Health Nurse and New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castmore. For information and detailed TheVinyl Housing in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Siding, Authority of the City of Norwalk, application instructions, visit www.

CT is requesting proposals for Development Partner for Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Colonial Village Phase II construction. ci.milford.ct.us Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

Request for Proposal documents can be viewed and printed at www.norwalkha.org Click on SERVICES, JOBS and This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. under the Business section RFP’s/RFQ’s Norwalk Housing JOB TITLE. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director.

FIREFIGHTER Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 documents available via ftp link below: City ofProject Bristol http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

$53,964/yr.

Chief of Police

The Town of Wallingford, CT is seeking highly qualified candidates for the posiRequires valid CPAT Cert Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com tion of Chief of Police. Salary: $117,933 to $150,898 annually plus an excellent issued on or after June 1, 2020, HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses fringe benefi t package. For a complete announcement, please go to the webpage written & oral tests.

Registration Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 for the Town of Wallingford, Department of Human Resources at https://www. information & apply online: AA/EEO EMPLOYER wallingford.ct.us/government/departments/human-resources/ www.bristolct.gov Application materials must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021 at: South Central Criminal Justice Administration, Director Charles Sherwood, DEADLINE: May 1, 2021 Sc.D., 675 State Street, New Haven, CT 06511. Email: charles.sherwood@neEOE whavenct.gov. Telephone: (203) 946-6072. EOE

22

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

23

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - April 21, 2021 - April 27, 2021

Jumping the Broom (PG-13) !"!#$!%$&'()'*+')#,-'.,/&!0'!11

4#$35#6378&%98:#;:7)<#3!=32%3$)3( Introducing the ;:7)<#>!=32%3$)3# *$# 0"#$%&'!" #" $"%&'()*(+'&(,+-." ./&'+-#'+)-" /-.)%&/." 01" '2/" 3*%+4#-" 35/%+4#-" 6+75" 8%+'+4&"3&&)4+#'+)-9":'%/#5"+'!"#7)-;"<+'2"#77"1)=%"*#>)%+'/"#??&"%+;2'"')"1)=%"@A!"<+'2"B$"-+'1"67/C!"#">)+4/(4)-'%)77/."

DE"&'%/#5+-;"./>+4/9"F-G)1"*#&'"H-'/%-/'")-"'2/"7#%;/&'"I+;(&?//."-/'<)%,"#-."0/&'")*"#77"J"67/C"+&"+-47=./."<+'2"1)=%" B$"-+'1"&/%>+4/9"@<)"#5#K+-;"&/%>+4/&"#-."'2/"=7'+5#'/"+-"L7#4,"&')%1'/77+-;"#77"*)%"'2/"?%+4/")*")-/9

0"#$%&'#?$&32$3&

34

$

99 @+*$&A

9(/':;' 0(),<5

=&,'!

B:3!#CD#1&237+%$E 6*!#

?$):8F3F

23,(0!,#4'1!-0&),5'!)6 1!1&/$&55'%#$$#)7'/&83#/&6 Equipment, taxes, and other charges extra, and subject to change. See below for details.

Go to !"#$%&'()*+, call ,-.//-!"#$%&', or visit an 0"#$%&'#1&*23 today.

Offer requires enrollment in both automatic payments and paperless billing. Must enroll within 30 days of placing the order. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10. The automatic payment and paperless billing discount is for a period of 24 months and will appear on the bill within 30 days of enrolling. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are subsequently canceled during the 24-month term, or if services are reduced to Limited Basic only, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Offer ends 5/4/21. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Performance Pro Internet. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees extra, and subject to change. After promo. period, regular rates apply. Comcast’s current monthly charge for Performance Pro Internet is $95.95/mo. (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Flex: Not available in all areas or to current Xfinity Video customers.

Requires post-paid subscription to Xfinity Internet, excluding Internet Essentials. Pricing subject to change. Taxes, fees and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change. Limited to 3 devices. 1 device included, additional devices $5/mo. per device. All devices must be returned when service ends. Separate charges apply to On Demand and certain streaming services. Viewing will count against any Xfinity data plan. © 2021 Comcast. All rights reserved. Lakeview Terrace © 2008 Screen Gems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Death at a Funeral © 2010 Screen Gems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Jumping the Broom © 2011 Stage 6 Films, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Watch these titles and more on Xfinity On Demand. Celebrity endorsement not implied. NPA234634-0003 NED AAQ2 BE 34.99 V10

140162_NPA234634-0003 Black Exp ad 9.25x10.5 V10.indd 1

24

4/9/21 5:11 PM