INNER CITY NEWS

West Hills Kicks Off Summer In Song, Style

Lucy Gellman, Editor, The Arts Paper newhaven.arts

Onstage, Erica Wilkins was taking it to church. She stepped up to the mic, four singers swaying behind her. Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance! she sang, and the lyrics rose skyward. In the grass, Shelley Goode wheeled her bike over past the speakers, and let the sound soak into her skin. Vendors, packing up their tents, paused to feel the music. Everyone, it seemed, was home.

Family, friends and fellowship came to the annual West Hills/West Rock Neighborhood Festival Saturday afternoon, as music, dance, and dozens of lifelong neighborhood boosters graced the park and playground outside The Shack and former West Rock STREAM Academy. An initiative of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas and a West Hills/West Rock planning committee, this year’s event focused on “Coming Back Home,” from soul-lifting, buoyant dance to music that got the whole crowd on its feet.

Over the course of the day, a few hundred people attended. This year, the festival also featured a midday neighborhood parade, which doubled as a chance to fête West Hills Alder Honda Smith on her birthday. Smith, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1997, has left a record of service in her wake that neighbors were excited to celebrate.

“These are my stomping grounds!” said Andrea Daniels-Singleton, a lifelong West Hills resident and head of A2A Productions, who helped plan the festival.

“What I hoped for was people coming together, celebrating one another. It’s really becoming the community that I remember.”

“Really, Ms. Andrea is the visionary,” added Sha McAllister, associate director of education and community impact at the Festival of Arts & Ideas. “She really wanted to create a cookout feel, and show that there’s a culture here. There’s a neighborhood here. It’s a blessing to be part of it … to see people come out and show where they from.”

Throughout the park, that sense of celebration was palpable, flitting through the warm afternoon as attendees gathered across the grass and made their way to a vendor stations and tents for New Haven social service agencies. Close to the stage, dozens danced, some only with their hips, shoulders, and vigorously bobbing heads, and others hand-in-hand with children and family members in the grass.

Ringing the park, booths that ranged from hand massages and handmade jewelry to citywide social service organizations beckoned. At one, Holistic Remedies’ Eboni Dinkins offered five dollar hand massages, each delivered with a side of conversation. At another, city staffers collected feedback on New Haven’s 2034

visioning process, the next meeting for which is coming up on June 4.

For Jesse Austin, who performs as “God’s Poet,” it was exactly what he hoped for when he moved to West Hills. Born and raised in Bridgeport’s Father Panik Village, Austin came to New Haven several months ago through the VA Hospital in West Haven. After a wet winter and spring, the festival was a chance to be in community with several of his neighbors. He called Saturday, during which he performed poetry, a way to give back to the community.

“I love the camaraderie“ he said as the Golden Stars proclaimed “there’s a blessing in this house!“ onstage, and a cheer went up from attendees sitting nearby.

“There’s music, food, T-shirt design — all the different arts make for one great chowder."

As she played with her niece Nylah on a sun-soaked patch of grass nearby, vocalist Shahell Jefferson agreed. While Jefferson technically grew up in Beaver Hills, her cousins and grandmother lived on South Genese and Valley Streets in West Hills.

“So even though I didn’t grow up here, I grew up here,” she said. To her, Saturday felt like a family reunion.

“It’s wonderful! I love to see the neighborhood come together in peace,” she said. “It’s a good time.”

By mid-afternoon, it felt like a fullblown party. In front of the stage, dancers Kani Kee and Alec Tarver danced right into the festivities, arms and legs slicing through the summery air. Moving in time with one another, they sprang over the grass, landing in a crouch that soon

took them airborne again. When Master KG’s “Jerusalema” came on after their set, the people that got up to dance felt like a natural encore.

Taking a moment to catch his breath after performing, Kee said he was excited to show up for West Hills, where dozens of young Black creatives might not often see a dancer who looks like them. Over a decade ago, it was dancing that helped

At a tent nearby for her business Kittys Missey, Casey Jones said she was glad to join the event—her first Arts & Ideas neighborhood festival, but likely not her last. Over a decade ago, she started the business as a way to spread autism awareness in the Black community after her son, CaDian, was diagnosed.

At first, Kittys Missey was small, with just a few items and a bright puzzle piece logo. Slowly, it grew into t-shirts, baby outfits and drinking glasses emblazoned with slogans. For her, it’s an accessible on ramp for talking with people about autism. Particularly in the Black community, she’s found that there’s a lot of stigma and silence around the diagnosis.

“That’s why I use my voice,” she said. “I love it. My favorite part is teaching people about autism.”

Up a gentle, grass-lined walkway that led to The Shack, a series of new murals from the artist Edmund “B’Wak” Comfort beckoned, as the artist himself made his way gingerly across the grass. He stopped for a moment to take in musician Sean Gardner, and burst into a smile that glowed in the afternoon sun.

Back onstage, Wilkins was helping bring the afternoon to a close with a soulstirring cover of “I Hope You Dance.” While Lee Ann Womack made the song famous in 2000, it was Gladys Knight’s 2013 version of the song that put it on Wilkins’ radar. When she sings it, she said, she feels like it’s a form of worship. Performing it Saturday felt like a fullcircle moment, she added. She has known and loved West Hills Alder Honda Smith since she was born. While she was growing up in the neighborhood, Wilkins’ dad founded a church in the Valley Street police substation. She worked her first job as a camp counselor at what is now The Shack. The neighborhood is part of who she is.

That was also true for Daniels-Singleton, who introduced Jozanna with a memory of her time in the once-hot New Haven music group, Revelations. When she was just a young person making music, Daniels-Singleton said, Jozanna was one of the rockstars she looked up to. So when she reached out asking the artist to perform, she was thrilled when she got a response.

him break out of his shell and learn how to communicate without any words at all. Now, he tries to pay that forward whenever he can.

“It’s [dancing] really unlike any other feeling I can explain,” he said. “I always make an appearance for the community.”

“Praise the Lord, New Haven!” Jozanna said as she took the stage, and attendees cheered as they prepared to dance. Riding her bike onto the lawn, new West Hills resident Shelley Goode eased right into the music. After moving to the neighborhood from Fair Haven, she made the festival an all-day affair.

“Oh my God, this is amazing,” she said, with high praise for the double dutch that had rocked the parade earlier in the day. When she saw the parade, “I said, this is in my neighborhood! It’s so good to see the community getting involved. Being in this community is just wonderful.”

Jesse Austib. Bottom: Shahell Jefferson and Nylah.

Shelley Goode. "This is amazing," she said of the festival.

In Photos: New Haven Celebrates The Hill

Alisha Martindale | May 21st, 2024

The family of community activist and former Hill Parents Association President Fred Harris poses for a portrait together in honor of the 40 years he has been serving the Hill Neighborhood. The International Festival of Arts & Ideas held its celebration of the Hill neighborhood last Saturday. Alisha Martindale Photos.

Watercolor artist Joyce Lee, who is also a visiting PhD Scholar from Peking University, showcases her artistic talents at The Hill Festival open-air vendor fair. Here, she not only demonstrates her skills but also sells her own handcrafted creations.

Hill resident Bud Mench brings vibrancy to the Hill Neighborhood Festival with his bold attire. Reflecting on the many years he has attended the event, he shares, "I've been coming for years, for the old school hip hop salute. This is a great event, keep it up!"

AMP_Hill Festival_24_W-7100Shenae Draughn and Karen DuBois-Walton of Elm City Communities

Loraine Cannon, Jerry Cannon, Raylin Carr, and Quadyr Cannon pose for a family portrait in front of the Arts and Ideas Mobile Stage at the Hill Neighborhood Festival.

A & I Festival Director Shelley Quiala, Carlah Esdaile Bragg, Dr. Pamela Monk Kelley and Sophie Edelstein.

Jean Nelson, a resident of the Hill Neighborhood since 1974, shares her thoughts on why this event means so much to the Hill community.

Graffiti artist and CT rapper-producer, DJ Dooley-O, creates a custom spray-painted design during the Hill Neighborhood Festival.

Trailblazing Lawyer Named New CEO of Girl Scouts of Connecticut

-CT NATIVE

ELICIA

(Hartford, Connecticut) – May 28, 2024 –Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Elicia Pegues Spearman, Esq. of Cheshire as chief executive officer effective April 29, 2024. The accomplished attorney and human resources executive has shattered glass ceilings as a leader at some of the state’s top corporations. Outgoing CEO Diana Mahoney passed the torch to Pegues Spearman at the GSOFCT annual meeting on April 28, 2024.

Over the course of her career, Spearman has successfully managed C-Suite roles in many industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, defense, and higher education, most recently as the first dual General Counsel & Vice President of Human Resources for Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT.

Previously, Spearman was the first person of color hired to the Executive Team at General Dynamics Electric Boat where she served as the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer. She has had a distinguished law career where she worked for state, federal and Fortune 500 corporate entities including Aetna, Hubbell, the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

“Elicia’s experience with leadership training and development will be an asset to ensuring that the mission of the Girl Scouts remains at the forefront of leading the team and volunteers,” explains Diana

ROLES AT QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY AND GENERAL DYNAMICS ELECTRIC BOAT-

Girls Scouts of Connecticut announces the appointment of Elicia Pegues Spearman, Esq. as chief executive officer effective April 29, 2024. The GSOFCT alumnae from Cheshire has served as a Human Resources and Legal Executive who successfully managed C-Suite roles in the healthcare, manufacturing, defense, and higher education industries. Credit: Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Mahoney, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) since January 2021. “As a Brownie herself and mother to a former Girl Scout, Elicia is an exceptional role model who believes strongly in the importance of providing

young girls and teenagers with the opportunities to learn and grow.”

In 2022, Girl Scouts of Connecticut honored Spearman as a champion of girls and young women at the organization’s Annual Breakfast Badge Awards. When accepting this honor, she expressed “I’ve seen firsthand in my own mentees’ lives how much it means to give an encouraging word and challenge them to think bigger. I love being a champion for girls, helping them discover how big their goals could be. We should want to help the next generation do better than we’ve done, think critically and innovatively solve the problems of today. I love seeing people succeed.”

Spearman mentors professionals and students and has dedicated a lifetime of community service to local and national organizations.

Mahoney notes “We are honored to have a leader that was raised in Connecticut and who has deep ties to several like-minded organizations in which she has or currently serves in leadership roles or as an active member, including the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated® Board of Directors, The Links, Incorporated, Jack & Jill of America, and the Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church.” Spearman was recognized as one of the “2019 Most Influential Women in Corporate America” by Savoy Magazine. Additionally, she has received numerous awards including 2024 Citizen of the Year

Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. First District; and James W. Cooper Fellow designation with the Connecticut Bar Association.

Spearman holds Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University Law School and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science from Wellesley College.

“Girl Scouts is extremely fortunate to have this fearless female to guide the organization in the coming years,” says Mahoney. “It will be exciting to see new programs and initiatives unveiled under Elicia’s skillful leadership.”

Visit https://www.gsofct.org/en/discover/ about/about.html for more information.

About Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit www.gsofct.org.

C Tax Repeal’s Flop, General Assembly Eyes Special Session

by Hudson Kamphausen

HARTFORD, CT – Key members of the General Assembly are considering a special session following a surprise move on the final day of this year’s legislative session regarding the state’s much-maligned car tax.

An amendment giving towns the option to repeal the long-detested tax – which some in the legislature have made their mission to repeal – was added on the last day of the session to a bill being debated on the Senate floor.

That bill – House Bill 5172 – would have changed the way in which motor vehicles are assessed for property taxes, but would not have repealed the car tax as a whole. However, the amendment proposed by Sen. John Fonfara, D-Hartford, meant that it would have to go through the House again as amended. That did not happen, and that bill was not called again in the lower chamber before the session ended.

The bill itself would have rectified a statute that is set to go into effect in October, which some advocates are saying could disproportionately affect low-

income residents.

Essentially, the bill would have canceled out some of the provisions of the public act that is set to go into effect, including the possibility of certain mo-

tor vehicles being reclassified as regular property, as opposed to being assessed as motor vehicles.

The bill would have also adjusted a provision of the 2022 statute that will –

John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO

Babz Rawls Ivy Editor-in-Chief Liaison, Corporate Affairs Babz@penfieldcomm.com Advertising/Sales Team

Keith Jackson Delores Alleyne

John Thomas, III

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

if not changed – require towns to introduce a “depreciation schedule” so that the tax paid on a car decreases as the value of the car does the same.

It would have increased the starting rate of the 20-year schedule from 80% to 85%.

House Majority Leader Jason Rojas told the CT Mirror last week that there are ongoing conversations about a possible “special session” – which calls in the state’s legislators to work on specific issues – to fix the problem.

Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw, a Democrat from Avon who co-chairs the Planning and Development Committee, echoed those comments to the Mirror.

“This isn’t something we can just leave alone,” she said.

Rojas called the aborted legislation “a must-do bill.”

Legislators have long been frustrated at an inability to repeal a tax that many call “regressive.”

Sen. MD Rahman, a Democrat from Manchester who co-chairs the Planning and Development Committee, has made it his mission over the past couple

Con’t on page 11

National Association of Black

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.

PEGUES SPEARMAN HAS HELD EXECUTIVE

Sen. John Fonfara, left, speaks to Cutter Oliver, Director of External Affairs for Senate Democrats, during the final hours of the 2024 legislative session on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the state Capitol in Hartford. Credit: Hudson Kamphausen / CTNewsJunkie

CTNewsJunkie

Plaza Demo Done; Building Jobs Sought

by LAURA GLESBY

Now that the old Dixwell Plaza has been knocked down and remediated, Terrance Lee wants a chance to help build it back up alongside other New Haveners.

Lee joined 20 other Dixwell and Newhallville residents in Stetson Library at 197 Dixwell Ave. Tuesday night for an update on ConnCORP’s long-anticipated redevelopment of Dixwell Plaza. There, Lee and other neighbors pressed ConnCORP to hire local construction workers and contractors for the project.

Meanwhile, the redevelopment team assured neighbors that the organization still intends to go forward with building a mix of housing, retail, and community resources on Dixwell Avenue between Webster Street and Charles Street, even though progress has been slow.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day,” said ConnCORP Real Estate Vice President Ian Williams. “So don’t panic.”

The organization has long been planning to construct 184 apartments (20 percent of which will be set aside at below-market rents), a food hall and grocery store, a new Cornell Scott Hill Health Center location, a Friends Center for Children-affiliated daycare, a public plaza, additional retail spots, and a parking lot where the former Dixwell Plaza once stood. ConnCAT has also planned to relocate its headquarters, currently based in Science Park, to the Dixwell Avenue location.

So far, all of the buildings have been demolished, save for a police substation and Cornell Scott Hill Health Center’s original Dixwell Plaza location. Those last buildings will ultimately get demolished, said ConnCORP Chief Operating Officer Paul McCraven, but for now they are still operating as usual.

Meanwhile, the rest of the site has been environmentally remediated. The developers plan to request bids for initial stages of construction starting in June. They anticipate completing the first phase of the project, which will include the healthcare and daycare centers, the new ConnCAT home base, and a public plaza, by 2026.

Among the attendees of Tuesday’s meeting were local workers and business owners seeking to contribute to the project.

That included Lee, a unionized construction apprentice from New Haven, who was the first to raise his hand with a question. He asked whether the project’s construction workers will include local residents, and whether they will be unionized.

Tim Kostuk, a vice president of the construction manager on the project,

Whiting-Turner, replied that his company aims to employ “not only New Haven residents, but Newhallville and Dixwell residents.”

He urged anyone interested in a job to reach out to Tyra Stanley of New Haven Works (tyra@newhavenworkspipeline. org) as well as Whiting-Turner’s Kaitlin Aviles (020822@whiting-turner.com).

After the meeting, Kostuk elaborated that whether workers will be unionized depends on the contractors who win bids for the project. “We don’t dictate if it’s union or non-union,” he said.

Jean Jenkins referenced another Whiting-Turner construction project down the block at 222 Canal St. “I don’t see nobody from there on that site from this neighborhood,” she said.

“We definitely have some locals from DIxwell-Newhallville,” Kostuk replied.

“Unfortunately, we don’t hire the workers, we hire the trade contractors. We can only connect [anyone interested in a job] to the contractors.”

Michelle Cave, a construction worker and union steward who said she lives down the street, asked how the company will verify whether people are really from New Haven if they say they are. “A lot of people will use a New Haven address” without actually living here, she said.

“We’re going to do the best we can,” said Williams. The organization could require proof-of-residency, such as a piece of mail received at a New Haven address, a colleague added.

ConnCORP CEO Erik Clemons noted that “there can be someone who lives in New Haven with a Boston accent.” Cave nodded, conceding Clemons’ point. “I have an Island accent” from Trinidad, she said with a laugh.

Newhallville resident Carlota Clark pointed out that many local residents have the skills to do construction work, but they may not have the proper licensing and insurance.

Clemons agreed. “That is a historical issue in our community,” he said. He announced that ConnCAT plans to soon launch a “pre-apprenticeship” program for local residents interested in the trade, with a focus on carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing. Trainees at that program could eventually become part of the Dixwell Plaza reconstruction, he said.

What about local small business owners who want a shot at being hired as one of the 40 or so contractors anticipated for the project?

Jose Cuapio, who owns the Guilfordbased flooring company Floor Craze, said after the meeting that the bidding system for these kinds of construction projects can often be “overwhelming,” especially for smaller businesses with less experience. “The paperwork, bureaucracy, that’s rough.” He said he may be interested in bidding on the project, but primarily hopes to spread the word among fellow business owners.

During the meeting, Cuapio asked about “workshops to guide people who may not have the experience or know how to bid.”

Kostuk replied that Whiting-Turner does host such workshops, and that businesses can sign up to pre-qualify with the company. He also suggested reaching out to the Minority Construction Council and New Haven’s Small Business Resource Center.

After the meeting, several attendees said they planned to seek out work at the Dixwell Plaza project.

Dixwell resident Raymond Thompson had learned about Tuesday’s meeting while passing by the Canal Street construction site on his bike. He inquired about a construction job there, and Kostuk recommended that he come out to the meeting. A former truck driver who worked construction jobs back when he lived in Jamaica, Thompson said after the meeting that he does intend to apply for a job building Dixwell Plaza.

So does Lee, who said he’s lived in New Haven his whole life. “Especially because my daughter goes to New Haven Reads right here,” down the street by Scantlebury Park. Lee envisions working a shift at Dixwell Plaza, then picking up his daughter from after-school literacy tutoring to go home together.

A rendering of ConnCORP's anticipated Dixwell redevelopment.

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO

Raymond Thompson and Jean Jenkins at Tuesday's meetup.

Terrance Lee hopes to work shifts constructing Dixwell Plaza, then pick up his daughter from New Haven Reads down the block.

The new haven independent

5 Hillhouse Athletes Declare College Picks

by MAYA MCFADDEN

Less than a day after Hillhouse High School track star Leonaya Knox broke a 25-year state record for 100-meter hurdles, she signed paperwork before a cheering crowd of family, friends, and peers to declare her commitment to becoming a Division I student athlete at Georgia Southern University.

Knox was one of five Hillhouse athletes to announce their college decisions during a Wednesday signing ceremony at the Floyd Little Athletic Center on Sherman Parkway.

The Hillhouse track team seniors who declared their college-bound decisions Wednesday included Travis James and Khalil Antoine, both of whom attend Cooperative Arts & Humanities Magnet High School; Shalisha Robertson and Knox, who go to New Haven Academy; and Devin James, of Highville Charter School.

These student athletes have broken decades-old state records, become CIAC division champions, and earned a New England gold medal during their time competing at Hillhouse. Some did so even after dealing with major injuries and family losses.

Just a day before Wednesday’s signing, the Hillhouse girls team won the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) Championships. Knox took the gold medal in 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.78 seconds, breaking a 25-year state record. Co-op’s Khalil Antoine broke a 30-year record for indoor high jump, after clearing more than 7 feet.

Wednesday’s emcee and Hillhouse assistant coach Darrell Brown told the crowd of over 50 supporters that this year’s group of students not only broke and set their own records but also helped the younger athletes on Hillhouse’s team break records, too.

Brown advised the class of 2024 athletes to lean on the training they’ve received not just to continue their athletic careers, but in all aspects of life as well.

During the ceremony each student took the microphone to give thanks to their coaches, families, and peers for getting them where they are.

Highville’s Devin James, who is a thrower for Hillhouse, said he never imagined getting the opportunity to leave Connecticut, despite wanting to. His dreams came true Wednesday as he committed to Delaware State University.

Each of the students shared about the impacts of the Covid pandemic on their high school and athletic careers as well as the journey to developing confidence in their abilities, not just on the track, but in the classroom as well.

James dealt with a torn knee meniscus in his left leg his junior year, which required him to sit out for four months of the season and learn to walk, run, and throw all

over again. “I felt like I lost everything. I lost my peace,” he said.

New Haven Academy’s Shalisha Robertson committed to Temple University for communications and public relations Wednesday. She thanked the entire track team of students and coaches for becoming a second family for her.

Before Knox took the microphone, Brown recalled her journey to the track. She previously played volleyball and would “sprint across the court faster than the ball” and therefore was encouraged to join Hillhouse’s track team.

Knox told Wednesday’s crowd that she’s learned lessons she’ll remember for life from track. “This taught me more than the sport, it taught me leadership and organization,” she said.

Co-op’s Travis Jones said he originally joined the track team to stay in shape and get faster for football. That was until he learned more about the sport.

Jones recalled just how much the loss of his mother impacted his mental health during high school, and how being on the track team helped him get through. Jones committed to Wheaton College Wednesday and concluded that Hillhouse track taught him to have tough skin and how to deal with adversity.

Antoine celebrated not only his next steps to College of the Holy Cross, but also being the third generation of athlete in his family to be trained by Hillhouse’s girls head coach Gary Moore.

The athletes’ advice for the future Hillhouse track team ranged from telling them to always take care of your mental health and don’t let setbacks determine your future to always put your academics first and to always give 100 percent the first time.

Coach Moore reminded the room that “everything begins and ends with education.”

He continued that his track instruction is not just to develop talented athletes but to teach them life lessons that prepare them beyond the track. He said the secret to three decades of successfully coaching dozens of New Haven athletes lies in his motto: “I’m not going to lower the bar, you got to meet me there.”

He described the five students athletes as legends who have a strong work ethic and, once they graduate from his team, won’t have to endure the occasional punishments of pushups and holding weighted plates over their heads for not being on time or communicating their absences to him.

Hillhouse’s track teams will attend the Class M State Championships on Tuesday in New Britain and the Class L State Championships for the boys team on Thursday.

Co-op's Khalil Antoine signs letter for D1 athletics at the College of the Holy Cross.

Hillhouse's current track athletes, a.k.a legends in the making.

Wednesday ends in selfies and dinner at the fieldhouse.

Devin James, Leonaya Knox, Shalisha Robertson, Travis James and Khalil Antione.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO Leonaya Knox: Next stop, Georgia Southern.

The new haven independent

3rd Democrat Joins Race For Open State Rep Seat

by STAFF

Local school administrator and Pastor Tarolyn Moore announced on Friday that she’s entering the race to win the Democratic nomination to represent the 94th General Assembly District.

This makes Moore the third candidate to enter the race for the seat, which is open for the first time in eight years after incumbent State Rep. Robyn Porter did not show up to a convention to receive the Democratic Party’s endorsement.

Moore joins Hamden Legislative Council member Abdul Osmanu and former New Haven Alder and current city climate and sustainability Chief Steve Winter. Read more about those two candidates here.

“I am proud to be from the 94th District, and I am committed to giving back to the community that shaped me,” Moore, who has spent her life in New Haven, stated in a Friday press release annoiuncing her candidacy. “I work in this city, I love it, and I want to contribute to posi-

tive change.”

Her campaign priorities include “improving public education, enhancing access to quality jobs, and promoting affordable housing for all residents.”

Moore, a family resource coordinator at a New Haven public elementary school, said she has “firsthand insight into the challenges faced by families and the importance of strong community support systems.”

In addition to her more than “ten years of experience in public education,” she has served as a pastor of The Meeting Place in Woodbridge for 11 years, as part of her “three decades of service in the faith community.”

“I am running for State Representative in the 94th District because I believe in the power of community and the importance of effective representation,” said Moore. “I am committed to advocating for policies that support education, economic development, and family wellbeing. Together, we can build a brighter future for our district.”

Teachers, Students Rally For Schools Budget Bump

by MAYA MCFADDEN

(Updated) “What do we want? Fully-funded schools! When do we want it? Now!”

Those chants echoed down Mitchell Drive Friday morning as New Haven students, teachers, and paraprofessionals kicked off a day of action to rally support for increased funding for the city’s public schools.

As Wilbur Cross students filed into their East Rock school building at around 7 a.m., they were greeted by a crowd of more than 20 school staffers and fellow students. Those assembled rallied in support of the New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) district’s $220 million budget request for next school year.

The Board of Alders is set to take a final vote on next fiscal year’s budget on Tuesday. The amended budget that the Board of Alders Finance Committee endorsed earlier this month preserves Mayor Justin Elicker’s recommendation that the city send the school district $208 million which is $5 million more than the current fiscal year, but $12 million less than that sought by NHPS and the Board of Education.

Members of the New Haven Federation of Teachers (NHFT), Paraprofessionals union, Connecticut American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME Council 4), and Connecticut for All rallied alongside students and educators to make that plea for a $12 million budget bump Friday morning.

The “Day of Action” encouraged school staff to wear black and a green sticker reading “Fund our Schools” to express solidarity for the requested budget increase. NHFT President Leslie Blatteau arranged to make rounds to several schools Friday to encourage others to support the school district’s budget ask.

Blatteau said that over 100 towns in Con-

necticut have higher per-pupil spending for their students than New Haven.

“The needs of our students are growing more and more complex. We know there are English language learning needs. We know there are mental health needs. We know that facilities of our schools need investment,” Blatteau said.

She added that the city’s funding of the Board of Education has made up a smaller and smaller share of the city’s overall general fund budget as the city’s budget has grown and grown in recent years. She reported that in 2010, the public schools budget made up 37 percent of the entire city budget. According to the mayor’s proposed 2024 – 25 budget, she said, the Board of Ed makes up only 31 percent.

“We say enough is enough. We say fund our schools,” she concluded. “We want the alders to send us and our students a mes-

sage that they believe in us.”

Update: Mayor Justin Elicker said in a Friday interview that he agrees with the “spirit” of what the morning’s rally was calling for. “The question is: how do we get there?” The best route, he said, is by keeping the budget pressure up on the state. In that vein, he said that the group’s budget analysis is not correct. The numbers they were working off of included both city dollars and state Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant dollars that the city passes along to the school board each year as part of its general fund allocation. It’s the ECS grant dollars from the state that have stagnated, Elicker said, while the city portion of budget dollars sent to the Board of Ed has actually increased from 2010 to now from around 6.7 percent of New Haven’s budget to around 9.7 percent. “We need to focus

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Tarolyn Moore.

Cross senior Harmony Cruz-Bustamante.

The new haven independent

The new haven independent

Guv Signs Paid Sick Days Expansion

by THOMAS BREEN

The bill doesn’t single out female workers as such.

But everyone who took the microphone to speak at a packed, celebratory press conference heralding the expansion of the state’s paid sick days program made clear on Tuesday that this law freshly signed by the governor is meant to make Connecticut a more familyfriendly place, by helping women stay in the workforce.

Dozens of local and state Democratic politicians and progressive policy advocates crowded into the third floor offices of The Narrative Project, an anti-racist public relations firm located at 142 Temple St., to witness Gov. Ned Lamont sign House Bill No. 5005.

That’s the state law that was approved by both chambers of the state legislature this year that builds off of Connecticut’s first-in-the-nation mandatory paid sick leave legislation from 2011.

While that decade-old law required some Connecticut employers with at least 50 employees to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year for “service workers,” this newly passed expansion – which was signed by Lamont on Tuesday broadens the scope of covered employees and will require nearly all employers to participate by 2027 (with a three-year phase in, based on employer size, starting in 2025).

This paid sick leave program allows part-time and full-time workers alike to benefit, as employees accrue paid time off based on the total hours they work namely, one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours of paid time off per year. The benefit kicks in only after a worker’s 120th day of employment. It also prohibits employers from requiring employees to provide documentation proving that they’re taking paid leave for a valid reason under this law.

The paid sick leave expansion also allows eligible employees to take time off to care for more than just their own physical health; valid reasons for getting paid to stay home from work include care for an employee’s or an employee’s family member’s mental health, as well as for a business or school closure due to a public health emergency.

“We are so fortunate to live in a state that takes women’s rights seriously,” said Janée Woods Weber, the executive director of the statewide advocacy organization She Leads Justice, one of the lead backers of the paid sick day expansion law along with CT Working Families Power. “No longer will we have to make the choice between taking time to care for our loved ones and a paycheck.”

State Sen. Julie Kushner, one of the cochairs of the state legislature’s labor committee and another key proponent of the bill, noted just how many loopholes were built into the initial 2011 law. That law excluded, for example, domestic workers and personal care assistants jobs disproportionately filled by women.

She also described how the state’s landmark 2019 paid family and medical leave law was designed to benefit workers suffering from serious illnesses and expected to be out of work for relatively long periods of time and left out many workers who just needed to take a day or two or three to care for themselves or a loved one.

This expansion, she said, helps “level the playing field” and fill those gaps.

“We are no longer penalizing women” for taking necessary time off to care for themselves, their families, their communities, said Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. Since the state passed the country’s first paid sick leave program in 2011, she said, “Connecticut has fallen behind.”

“With more women needed across the workforce,” she continued, “it’s very important that our state enact policies that are female- and family-friendly.” And this bill is just that.

Lamont lamented that this bill “was not very bipartisan” recognizing how Democrats prioritized and passed this law, and Republicans lined up to oppose it, mostly on the grounds that it will impose too many costs on businesses looking to grow and hire in Connecticut.

He and New Haven State Sen. and President Pro Tem Martin Looney said that the arguments that Republicans have made about the supposedly businessunfriendly nature of such legislation are similar to those made against bills that increased the minimum wage and enacted the paid family leave program. Looney reached back a century to opposition to child labor laws as being in that same vein.

Lamont said that, despite those concerns around the minimum wage and paid family leave laws, Connecticut is booming with startups. Looney decried opposition to the bill, just like opposition to child labor protection laws, as “a fraud and a lie then” and a fraud and a lie now. Kushner said that an “overwhelming majority” of Connecticut employers more than 80 percent, she estimated already voluntarily offer the same benefit mandated by this law. This new mandate will not impose any additional requirements on those already in compliance. Instead, it will make employers that do not currently offer at least five days of paid time off provide such a benefit to eligible employees.

THOMAS BREEN PHOTOS Paid sick leave advocates celebrate ...

... Gov. Lamont's signing of bill, alongside Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz and State Sen. Kushner.

Witness Stone Honors Enslaved New Havener

The following writeup was submitted by Hillhouse High School history teacher Kate Goodwin and Hillhouse Assistant Principal Jonathan Q. Berryman.

by KATE GOODWIN and JONATHAN Q. BERRYMAN

On May 21, James Hillhouse High School students, faculty, and community members gathered in front of City Hall’s Amistad Memorial to unveil a Witness Stone to Jack Woolsey, who was enslaved in New Haven in the 1790s.

Jack Woolsey was sold at the age of 19 to Henry Lloyd in Long Island; Jack joined Lloyd’s daughter’s (Rebecca) and son-in-law’s (Melancthon Taylor Woolsey) household. When her husband died, Rebecca retained legal rights to Jack. Rebecca moved to New Haven and into her daughter’s and son-in-law’s, James Hillhouse, home where Jack continued to be enslaved by Rebecca. Jack joined the crew of the Neptune as a cook. Neptune sailed from New Haven in November 1796 to the Falkland Islands and then to China, where the crew traded seal skins for silks, teas and other items. On the return voyage home, Jack succumbed to dysentery on July 14, 1799 on the voyage home

helping you come back home

Making the transition back home after a long-term care stay can be hard, but Money Follows the Person, or MFP, can provide the support you need! MFP helps people who have been in a nursing facility for 60+ days to get the care and supports they need at home. MFP can also help people find housing and assist with home modifications. Learn more.

CAREER CONQUER YOUR YOU CAN

in the China Sea.

James Hillhouse High School partnered with the Witness Stones Project (WSP), a nonprofit organization which seeks to restore the history and honor the humanity of enslaved individuals who helped build our communities, in 2023 funded by the Graustein Foundation.

The Witness Stones Project curriculum teaches students Connecticut’s involvement in the West Indies and Triangle Trade System, the experience of enslavement in Connecticut and highlights an enslaved person from the community in which the students reside through the analysis of primary documents.

This is the second Witness Stone James Hillhouse High School students have laid; the first stone was laid in May 2023 to honor Dick Bristol. Jack Woolsey’s stone will be installed next to Bristol’s in early June. James Hillhouse High School was recently featured in CT Public’s “Unforgotten: Connecticut’s Hidden History of Slavery” (episode 5) for their work with WSP.

Have you thought about a new career path but aren’t sure where to start?

With Career ConneCT, you have a partner through application and training – plus the support and resources to take you even further!

Enjoy connections to job opportunities in high-demand industries in Connecticut, like:

Technology (IT)

Learn more about your options at MyPlaceCTMFP.org or call the toll-free number 1-888-99CTMFP (1-888-992-8637).

today at ct.gov/careerconnect

Top Row: Dr. Jonathan Q. Berryman, Dennis Culliton, Joy Burns, Malik Gordon, Christopher Thompson, Makenzie Poe, Anthony Duncan, Jaiquan Harrigan, Aniya Harris, Ajah Burney, Quadir Trimble, Luis Suarez Bottom Row: Michael Morand, Kaitlyn Good-

Eyes Special

of years to find a way to remove the tax while not taking away important funding from the state’s 169 municipalities. Fonfara said at the time that residents will look back in shock that there ever was a car tax in the state.

“We are an outlier in this country of states that have a car tax,” he said. However, some members of Fonfara’s and Rahman’s caucus did not support the amendment, fearing it would do more harm than good.

Sen. Norm Needleman, who also serves as First Selectman of Essex, is one of the members of the upper chamber who opposed Fonfara’s amendment. He said during the debate that he did so because he felt the underlying statute was too important to be bogged down by the car tax appeal, which he saw as a potential death sentence for the bill.

Advocates for small towns have been hesitant to throw their support behind any legislation that would repeal the car tax, saying that it would cost too much money for small towns that lean heavily on the tax for funding.

While replacement techniques – such as raising the assessment rate for regular property – were baked into the amendment, the reticence remained during the debate.

Why Winfield Didn’t Need To Keep Talking

by PAUL BASS

The new haven independent

Gary Winfield was ready to talk. And talk. And talk. For hours and hours. He let his colleagues in the legislature know that he was ready to talk and talk and talk.

So he didn’t need to end up talking. He got the message across and mission accomplished.

The hours of talk would take the form of a filibuster on the floor of the State Senate. Winfield threatened to wage the filibuster near the end of the just-completed legislative session to keep talking and asking questions and tie up other votes to prevent the legislature from approving the governor’s pick as the state’s first prison ombudsman and bypassing two higher-ranking more activistoriented choices.

Winfield, a Democratic state senator running this year for a sixth two-year term representing the 10th District (covering swaths of New Haven and West Haven), talked about that no-need-totalk-and-talk-and-talk episode during a conversation Tuesday about the session on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven.”

The story began earlier this year when Gov. Ned Lamont nominated a veteran public defender named Hilary Carpenter to serve as ombudsman. He picked Carpenter from a list of three recommendations of a Correction Advisory Commit-

tee.

Winfield has championed criminal justice reform and specifically prison reform throughout his years at the Capitol, fighting to end the death penalty and solitary confinement and improve health care access behind bars. He had an investment in the law creating the ombudsman.

So he, like other reform advocates, was dismayed to see that Lamont bypassed the committee’s two top choices who happen to be active in the issue in New Haven: New Haven civil-rights lawyer Ken Krayeske and activist Barbara Fair. Lamont didn’t give a public reason for his choice. Winfield said the reason was obvious.

“Ken had sued the state, sometimes,

successfully, on behalf of prisoners. Barbara is a person who is going to fight. It’s not always going to feel good for the person on the other side of it.” Winfield said. “I want someone who is going to take this seriously. The governor didn’t want somebody like Barbara who would fight on these issues in a strong way.”

Winfield, who chairs the legislature’s Judiciary Committee, said he notified the governor’s office that the Carpenter choice would be “problematic.” It went ahead with the nomination anyway.

Winfield then informed his colleagues that he planned to filibuster for at least four hours on the floor to prevent the vote. That would eat up time needed to consider other legislation near the session’s end. His colleagues had reason to take him seriously: Winfield went through with a filibuster threat in 2015 to stop a proposal to have police collect DNA of all arrestees, no matter what offense. He had been blocking the bill for five years, he said, when he learned that it had passed the House at 3 a.m. on a Saturday. The Senate was scheduled it take it up hours later.

“OK. I’m ready,” Winfield recalled telling his colleagues. In between making his arguments, he had a list of 500 to 600 questions to pose to the bill’s supporters. How do you come up with that many questions about an issue? Winfield was asked on “Dateline.”

“Let’s say you have a sentence, and the

sentence is, ‘All bikes should be ridden downtown,’” Winfield responded. “What is ‘all bikes should be ridden downtown’ about?

“Do you mean tricycles …”

The questions can be endless. Three hours into that 2015 filibuster, colleagues asked how much longer he prepared to speak. “I went in the desk and showed them the questions,” he recalled. “I was at Question 2.”

The bill died. It has not resurfaced since.

This time around, with the prison ombudsman issue, Winfield didn’t need to start the clock. The bill was withdrawn.

The Black and Puerto Rican Caucus (of which he’s a member) struck a deal with the governor’s office: They will negotiate a “compromise” candidate to serve as ombudsman on an interim basis. Then the process of interviewing candidates will begin again. Krayeske and Fair will be eligible to participate again. The Correction Advisory Committee will again draw up three ranked finalists for the governor to choose from.

Winfield was asked if he worries the governor will bypass the top choices again to avoid appointing a prisoners’ advocate to the post.

“I don’t think he would do that again,” he responded, “given that the administration is aware that if they do it, they have a least one problem. Which is sitting right here.”

The New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (NHE3) is a business-support network partnering with entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) to build an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem for historically marginalized entrepreneurs in Greater New Haven.

With a focus on funding BIPOC-and Woman-owned businesses, NHE3 intentionally provides grants to help small businesses thrive.

Grant round dates: 2nd round opens on Dec 1st and closes on Jan 31st (review and awards: end of February) 3rd round opens on Mar 1st and closes April 30th (review and awards: end of May) 4th round opens on June 1st and closes July 31st (review and awards: end of August)

“Shack” Sign Shows Way To West Hills

by ABIBA BIAO

West Hills Alder Honda Smith couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate her 60th birthday than with a bright new sign welcoming guests to a Valley Street community center and a parade and festival celebrating the neighborhood she calls home.

Music, banter and fun flowed from West Hills Community Center, better known as “The Shack,” at 333 Valley St. Saturday afternoon. The sign unveiling took place after the West Hills Community Parade, the first parade of its kind in the neighborhood which featured 12 organizations, according to parade organizer Keerome Lawrence.

“Next year we’re gonna do it a little bit bigger, a little bit better, but I’m glad I was able to execute it so we can show people what’s possible with the support of community,” Lawrence said.

After the parade, Arts & Ideas hosted its West Hills/West Rock neighborhood festival at the adjacent former West Rock STREAM Academy property at 311 Valley St. on Saturday afternoon.

Sitting on the side of The Shack after an eventful performance was Willow House, her sister Mia Brown and their cousin Journey Brown. Resting under the shade, they enjoyed some ice cream, while reclining comfortably in their lawn chairs.

Willow, 11, and Journey, 12, said they had fun during the parade holding up the banner for The Shack, while Mia, 4, proclaimed her favorite part of the parade which started at Valley and Blake streets as all of the dancing.

When asked if they would participate in the parade again, the three girls didn’t hesitate to say yes and have a chance to showcase their West Hills pride once more.

“We’re coming out next year!” Mia said, holding up a big thumbs up.

Marching alongside Willow, Mia, and Journey was their grandmother Cythronia Brown. A longtime resident of West Hills, Brown said that she has seen the community grow and wanted to show her granddaughters “it was enlightening for them, because they were a part of something.”

“I’ve been in this community since 1985 and it’s a beautiful thing for the community to come together,” she

“I love seeing all of us united and I loved seeing the kids,” Edwards said. “The kids had a great time, lots of smiles, and you can tell that they were all in their element.”

Edwards also expressed gratitude to Alder Smith and attributed her civic engagement as a main motivator for participating in the parade, wanting to celebrate Smith’s efforts of neighborhood vitalization.

said after the parade, watching the activities in front of the Shack.

Brown emphasized the community spirit of West Hills and that there’s a lot more good in the neighborhood than people assume.

“They only report the bad things, but they [the public] don’t see the good things, and there’s a lot of good things going on in our neighborhood,” she said.

To Brown, the parade shows the community’s resilience and pride.

“This is the start of many [programs] for us to come together and thrive together and see what the neighborhood needs and what the community needs and take it from there.”

Another group in the performance was the 40+ Double Dutch, a sisterhood for women over 40 to help with mental and physical health. The group meets every Saturday from 2:30 4:30 at the Dixwell Q House, said Taneha Edwards, captain of the 40 + Double Dutch New Haven SubClub.

40+ Double Dutch members Fredericka Grant, 54, and Tina Foreman, 57, said they showed up to Saturday’s parade and festival to “give people hope.”

“I joined 40+ Double Dutch last year looking to involve myself more in community events and this was a great day! We all came outside, we all worked together, we had fellowship,” Foreman said. Edwards, 48, second that statement.

“Outside of being an Alderwoman, she goes above and beyond, and definitely represents the West Hill community to the fullest, even when it comes out of her own pocket, which is a really, really big part of her,” she said. “It’s been a long time coming for The Shack to come back,” Smith said in an address to the audience. “We’ve been waiting for over 30 years to do something like this in our community. For so long we have been isolated from the other side of the communities and no one wanted to do anything around here. We only have one way in and one way out. But nevertheless, we’re back.”

Smith went on to emphasize community engagement and the importance of collaboration.

“After we finish with this sign reveal, we’re gonna have the biggest dance line ever. So whoever ready to dance, be ready to throw down because you know why? It’s my birthday and I’m ready to dance!”

The inspiration for a new sign came when the Jamaican American Association (JAC) partnered with Harriott Home Health Services, a health care service based in Hartford, to host a program at The Shack. The problem was however that participants had difficulty finding their way to The Shack.

“One of the things that we discovered was that no one could find where The Shack was,” said Karaine Holness, president of Jamaican American Connection. “And they put it in a GPS and it took them downtown. And when people came in, [and] it says ‘you’ve reached your destination,’ people didn’t know where they were going.”

Thus, Holness took the issue to the JAC board who voted to create a sign. JAC’s commitment to West Hills doesn’t stop there, with Holness saying that they have plans to distribute food and meals to neighborhood kids throughout the summer.

“We are part of the community. We have been here and we’re going…to be here continuously over the summer and beyond,” Holness said.

40+ Double Dutch Squad.

Chucky, Cythronia Brown, and Kevin Grimes.

ABIBA BIAO PHOTO Alder Smith (third from right) and Jamaican American Connection members with The Shack's new sign.

The new haven independent

To All The Cassies Known and Unknown

ByCorynne Corbett BlackHealthMatters.com

Now that we have faced the reality of the video, whether we have watched it or not, read Cassie’s statement, and heard countless witness recollections, there is no denying Cassie’s lived experience. And there are so many Cassies we know and don’t know all around us; 40% of Black women will experience domestic violence in their lives, according to a study by The Institute of Policy Research. Some of them will lose their lives to intimate partner violence.

Yes it Happened

Cassie, like many victims of domestic abuse, had her experiences questioned. Denial can sometimes invalidate a woman’s lived experience because, according to Martha E. Banks, Ph.D, a Research Neuropsychologist, ‘Women are sometimes victims of romantic terrorism coercive romanticism,” she says. “To victims, as well as people in the victims’ networks, the abuser appears to be especially loving. The abuse is private, but the public appearance is overwhelmingly — and exaggeratedly — loving.”

While the tape may have triggered some who were victims of domestic violence.

Others were emboldened to speak about their experiences. Dr. Banks says, “The release of this and similar videos can provide validation to victims who are repeatedly told by abusers that there is no abuse. It is sometimes easier to perceive and be outraged by the abuse of someone else than to recognize that victims themselves do not deserve abuse.”

Power Dynamics Lead to Isolation

One of the drawbacks of social media is that everyone has become an expert on everything. And we have opinions on things we know nothing about, even complicated issues like domestic violence. However, it is critical to understand that there are more factors to consider before we tell a woman to “just leave.”

“There are multiple power dynamics involved. Emotional abuse, which is present as a component of all abuse, includes isolation. Such isolation can prevent victims from financially supporting themselves, so victims remain in relationships because they cannot access paths to independence.” Dr. Banks explains. “Emotional abuse includes repeatedly telling victims that they deserve the abuse because they are “bad” people.”

The Cycle of Domestic Violence

Dr. Banks points out that we primar-

ily know bout explosions. “Early in the relationship, explosions are generally followed by denial — either that nothing really happened or that it wasn’t really all that bad. Then there is a honeymoon phase — flowers, candy, romantic dinners,” she explains. “Then, the tension builds, and there’s another explosion. After a while, the honeymoon disappears, and the cycle is just explosion, denial, and tension. Then, the denial disappears, and all that’s left are periods of tension and violent explosions. If the downward spiral is not stopped, it ends when somebody dies.”

As we read the news about more Black and Brown women losing their lives as a result of intimate partner violence, Dr. Banks points out that there is a critical lack of information available, and the information available predates the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is important to note that increased access to gun ownership in the United States has led to increased intimate partner homicide,” Dr. Banks concludes.

If you need more information, reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline Call 1.800.799.SAFE

Biden Makes Historic Strides in Diversifying Federal Judiciary

As

mid-May,

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

President Joe Biden has set a historic precedent by appointing more non-white and female judges to the federal judiciary than any other president in U.S. history, a significant achievement in his first three and a half years in office. According to a published analysis of self-reported data from the Federal Judicial Center, only 13 percent of Biden’s Senate-confirmed judicial appointments are white men.

“I’m particularly proud that these judges reflect the diversity that is our country’s strength, Biden said in February following the confirmation of his 175th judge.

As of mid-May, Biden remains the only president to have appointed more women than men to the federal bench, with over 60 percent of his judges being female. This surpasses the previous record set by former President Barack Obama, who appointed 138 female judges during his eight-year presidency. Biden is on track to surpass this figure as he nears the end of his first term.

The Senate is set to confirm more of Biden’s judicial nominees this week, including Seth Aframe of New Hampshire, who will serve as a Circuit Court Judge on the First Circuit. “This is a big deal,”

the

White House Deputy Communications Director Herbie Ziskend asserted. “These highly qualified individuals have diverse professional backgrounds: they’ve been labor lawyers, civil rights lawyers, public defenders, served in the U.S. military, and more,” Ziskend continued, noting that over 60 percent of women and 60 percent of individuals of color have been included in Biden’s appointments. “These men and women will rule on issues critical to fun-

damental freedoms: reproductive healthcare, the freedom to cast ballots, whether workers have the freedom to unionize, whether children have the freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water,” Ziskend declared.

Aframe’s confirmation will mark the 198th judge confirmed under Biden. “This week, the Senate will confirm more of President Biden’s outstanding judicial nominees for lifetime appointments to

the federal bench, and we will hit a major milestone along the way,” Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) stated. “Later, the Senate will vote on the confirmation of Aframe.”

Schumer praised Aframe as an exceptional addition to the First Circuit, highlighting his unanimous “well-qualified” rating by the American Bar Association and extensive experience in the U.S. Attorney’s office in New Hampshire.

“I expect that the Senate will reach the significant milestone of 200 judges under Senate Democrats and President Biden,” Schumer continued. “That is a figure we can all be proud of and shows how intensely focused we are on filling the bench with jurists who will make our democracy stronger and uphold the rule of law.”

Despite being locked out of a Supreme Court majority, Biden, with the support of the Democratic-majority Senate, has made substantial changes to the federal courts by emphasizing diversity. The absence of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) due to his corruption trial and the opposition from Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), who has pledged to support only nominees with bipartisan backing, poses challenges for Schumer in advancing more controversial judges.

Notably, Biden’s appointments have gen-

erally garnered bipartisan support. Many have received voice votes, and some have the support of moderate Republicans like Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), who backed a procedural vote on Aframe’s nomination.

The racial and ethnic breakdown of Biden’s judicial appointments reveals a diverse slate: 36 percent white, 27 percent Black, 16 percent Hispanic, 14 percent Asian, 5 percent multi-racial, 1 percent Native American, and 1 percent Middle Eastern.

In contrast, 65 percent of Trump’s judicial appointments were white men. Biden has appointed 125 non-white judges compared to Trump’s 37 and Obama’s 120.

As Biden aims to match Trump’s record of 237 federal judicial appointments, including three Supreme Court justices, his administration will require significant Senate cooperation in the coming months. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022 was a prime example of the conservative influence that Trump’s administration and a Republican-controlled Senate had on the judiciary.

Reflecting on the importance of judicial diversity, Schumer concluded, “We are intensely focused on filling the bench with jurists who will make our democracy stronger and uphold the rule of law.”

of

Biden remains

only president to have appointed more women than men to the federal bench, with over 60 percent of his judges being female.

our attention on the state of Connecticut” to ensure fuller funding for school districts like New Haven’s, he said.

Wilbur Cross staff and students offered a backdrop for the day of action Friday with posters reading messages like “Small classes = better student-teacher relationships,” “dignity for paraeducators” and “fund our future.”

Norma Martinez Hosang, executive director of the group Connecticut For All, requested that Connecticut’s lawmakers make use of billions of dollars sitting in the state reserve to support underfunded districts like New Haven. Those dollars, she said, could provide New Haven students with universal school lunch and child care for all families.

“Just in the last few weeks our neighbors in Massachusetts agreed to use surplus revenue to enhance educational opportunities and invest in infrastructure,” Martinez Hosang said. “We need to do that in Connecticut.”

“We are here to tell the Board of Alders that they must fully fund New haven Public Schools,” Paraprofessional union President Hyclis Williams added Friday. “It is high time for the right action.”

Before teachers and students headed out to their first classes of the day, Cross sophomore Maya Harpaz-Levy shared Friday that while Cross is already a place she enjoys because of students and staff, there are glaring issues that should be addressed.

Harpaz-Levy said Cross lacks basic resources that impact its growing number of students on a daily basis.

“We have rotting ceilings, flooding classrooms, and bathrooms that don’t lock. Our school is not equipped to handle the sheer volume of students, making it a hazard,” Harpaz-Levy said. “We deserve better.” She concluded that students can’t “perform at a higher level when we are in a school that is falling apart. The bathrooms are unusable, the air conditioning and heating are constantly malfunctioning, we are lacking many teachers, and the staff are barely or not paid a living wage.”

Cruz-Bustamante described the difference of being in a learning environment where all the lights worked, with brand new TVs and mahogany tables and chairs. “The support and deep scholarship that Yale students enjoy just down the street from Wilbur Cross is something that all New Haven youth deserve,” they concluded.

The group demanded that the alders show the city that they truly care about New Haven students and their education.

Cross guidance counselor Mia Comulada Breuler added that over the years NHPS has seen less funding and more need.

She said at Cross, teachers are now having to share classrooms, which is causing burnout to happen earlier in the school year. “Our teachers are trying to do the impossible,” Comulada Breuler said.

Comulada Breuler added that educators are funding their own classrooms “because its the only way to make it work.”

“I really plead for the New Haven Board of Alders and the New Haven Board of Education to really keep us alive and keep us thriving because we all deserve it,” she said.

New Haven Public Schools

Programs for 3 and 4 Year Olds in New Haven

Free 6-hour early childhood programs for low-income New Haven families in the following New Haven Public Schools:

Dr Mayo Early Childhood School

Fair Haven School

Family Academy of Multilingual Exploration

Hill Central School

John Martinez Sea & Sky STEM School

Lincoln Bassett Community School

Truman School

Additional community locations also participate in the program.

Sliding scale, fee-based 6-hour early childhood programs for New Haven families in the following New Haven Public Schools:

Augusta Lewis Troup School

Family Academy of Multilingual Exploration

East Rock Community School

Hill Central School

Nathan Hale School

Additional community locations also participate in the program

any questions

Will be Accepting Applications

How to apply

The Office of Early Childhood will be accepting applications electronically beginning May 20th Parents of 3 and 4 year old's are encouraged to apply online.

What you will submit with your Application

1) Proof of Age

Child’s Birth Certificate, Passport OR Legal Custody/Guardianship Papers

2) Proof of Address

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

• Letter from leaseholder or homeowner along with a document listed above with their name on it

3) Proof of Income

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

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

•Notarized Statement indicating Parent is unemployed

• Additional forms may be requested

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

• CT Department of Education Early Childhood Health Assessment Record

• Anemia and lead level test results

•TB assessment

• Immunizations records

• Seasonal flu vaccination

• Health insurance card

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

Dental Exam record

Meet Captain Theresa M. Claiborne, the first Black female pilot in the U.S. Air Force who just retired

by Abu Mubarik, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Get to know Capt. Theresa Claiborne, a trailblazer in modern aviation. In 1982, she became the first Black woman to fly with the U.S. Air Force, and in 1990, she joined United, where she later became a captain, according to CNN.

Claiborne accumulated more than 20,000 flight hours during her career. On Thursday, May 23, 2024, she undertook her last flight to mark the end of her career in the aviation sector. She made her final landing for United on Thursday at Newark, New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport.

“I’ve had a great career,” Claiborne told CNN Travel ahead of her final flight. “And it’s time for me to park the brakes for the final time on a big airplane.” While on retirement after 43 years of flying planes, Claiborne hopes she can “still make an impact on the industry,” she noted in the interview with CNN.

In a post on Instagram to mark her retirement, she wrote, “I plan to spend my days inspiring young people to follow their dreams by turning them into goals, shattering glass ceilings, and defying all odds. I’ll be calling in my friends from

all around the world to share their experiences to empower the next generation of trailblazers who are destined for greatness.”

“It’s been a pleasure to be your Captain and an absolute honor to fly the friendly skies,” her post concluded.

Claiborne did not imagine herself becoming a pilot. She was only seven years old when she took her first flight, an international jaunt to Turkey. Originally from Virginia, her father served in the military, which gave her the opportunity to be on big planes.

“My father was military,” she said. “So I grew up really all over the world… I’d been on big airplanes before but never dreamt of flying one.”

However, things changed when she joined the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) during college and was allowed to fly in a T-37, a twinengine jet trainer, according to CNN.

“Once I got that first taste of being in the air and being in command of the airplane, I was like, ‘Yeah, this is what I’m going to do,” said Claiborne, who was about 20 at the time.

Claiborne initially wanted to apply for

undergraduate pilot training, but at the time, the U.S. Air Force was only training 10 women a year and had already selected the women for the training. However, when the number increased, she seized the opportunity to earn her pilot wings. After six months, she graduated from California State University in Sacramento and began pilot training.

“It’s sink or swim… Either you make it or you don’t,” she noted about her initial challenge of getting trained as a pilot. According to her, she “didn’t have a strong math background.” She continued, “I just beared down and made sure that I made it, because that’s the kind of personality I have.”

She became the first black woman to fly in the U.S. Air Force after receiving her commission as a second lieutenant in 1981. She then became a flight officer for United Airlines while committed to increasing pilot diversity.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 93.7% of professional pilots are White and 92.5% of professional pilots are male. Thee are now about 150 Black women pilots in the U.S. Claiborne was one of 25 Black female pilots at United Airlines at the time of her retirement.

From refugee to Northern Ireland’s first Black mayor, meet Lilian

by Au Mubarik, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Lilian Seenoi-Barr has made history by becoming the first black mayor in Northern Ireland. Seenoi-Barr, who is originally from Kenya, will represent the city of John Hume and Derry Girls, according to the Guardian.

She first arrived in the country as a refugee from Kenya and became part of the region’s growing multi-ethnic

identity. However, her election has also raised questions about her safety. This is because not everyone is happy with her elevation.

According to the Guardian, far-right activists have capitalized on her elevation to create the notion that Ireland, north and south, is being “invaded.” As a result, she has received multiple death threats and racist abuse.

“To have your life threatened is not a good feeling when you genuinely just

Seenoi-Barr

want to serve the people of your city,” Seenoi-Barr, who will assume office on June 3, told The Guardian in an interview. “People are absorbing populist information that is quite loud. It’s kind of like every single problem that exists in the north of Ireland or across Ireland has been caused by immigrants.”

Derry and Strabane mayor-designate Seenoi-Barr’s feat has come at a time when there is a backlash against immi-

Forbes reveals how much Kamala Harris is worth now after almost four years in office

by Abu Mubarik, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Kamala Harris is the first woman and first Black person to be elected Vice President of the United States of America after running with Joe Biden in 2020. Before becoming U.S. vice president, she served as a Senator for California from January 2017 to January 2021.

She first ran for office in 2003 and was elected to become the district attorney of San Francisco. In 2010, she ran for the attorney general post in the state of California, which she won, making her the first Black woman to hold the position.

As vice president of America, Harris is expected to earn $235,100 per year,

a lot more than she made as Senator for California which was around $174,000.

In her memoir, The Truths We Hold: An American Journey, Harris noted that “We weren’t rich in financial terms. But the values we internalized provided a different kind of wealth.”

Now, as the vice president of America, and having served in various capacities, Harris is surely rich. In 2021, Forbes estimated her net worth, which she shares with her husband, Douglas Emhoff, at $7 million. The Business magazine noted in 2019 that their assets include an estimated $5.8 million homes in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco as well as retirement accounts worth at least $1.4 million.

After almost four years in office, Forbes now estimates that her net worth, along with her husband, has increased from $7 million to about $8 million, which is roughly 20 times the median net worth of Americans in their age bracket. Besides owning a multimillion-dollar home in Los Angeles, Forbes wrote that the rest of their assets mostly comprise cash, index funds, bonds and pensions.

In 2020, Fortune reported that Harris and Emhoff’s net worth is $6.3 million, basing it on the assets listed in her Senate financial disclosure, filed in May of that year. “More recently, Harris disclosed that she personally made $277,763 in income in 2019 in her latest Senate financial disclosure, all from

book publishing advances,” Fortune wrote.

Harris is the eldest child of her immigrant parents. Her mother comes from India and her dad comes from Jamaica. They first met as undergraduates while participating in a civil rights movement at the University of California Berkeley.

However, her parents separated not long after her younger sister, Maya, was born. The sisters moved into a Berkeley apartment with their mother before moving to Montreal, when her mother landed a new job there. After High School, Harris attended Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of Law to become a prosecutor.

Claiborne landed her final flight at Newark Airport in New Jersey. She flew a Boeing 787 with her friends and family on board from Lisbon, Portugal.(Source: United Airlines via CNN)

Lilian Seenoi-Barr. Photo via RTE

Black mayor

grants and refugees on both sides of the border. There is also a misunderstanding between London and Dublin over asylum seekers entering the republic via Northern Ireland, according to the British newspaper.

“I don’t think I would have ever been elected in Derry if people were hostile, but if you look at reports of hate crimes [across Northern Ireland], we do have racism,” she said. “If you talk about housing pressures, the scapegoat is immigrants. The collapsing NHS, the scapegoat is immigrants. Lack of school infrastructure, the scapegoat is immigrants.”

Figures show that 65,600 people or 3.4% of the population of Northern Ireland belong to an ethnic minority. Police recorded 1,353 racist incidents and 839 racist crimes over the past year, the Guardian noted.

Social Democratic and Labour party (SDLP) councilor Seenoi-Barr has even done a six-week “self-defense” course that included running, weight-lifting and threat assessment on the advice of her family in Kenya.

The 42-year-old grew up in Kenya in the Maasai community. Her father was a doctor and her mother ran a business. After attending university in Kenya, where she studied women’s reproductive health, she started running women’s empowerment programs in Kenya.

“I was always focused on empowering the Maasai child, amplifying their voice and giving them the choice I was given by my parents, which enabled me to make good decisions,” Seenoi-Barr told Irish News.

She moved to Northern Ireland in 2010 to protect her son, who is autistic. “It was a very dangerous job I was doing back home. The rescuing of girls was quite intimidating and quite dangerous.

“When I was doing it by myself, I didn’t care much about the implications but when I had my son, there were threats made towards both of us and, as a mum, I had to think twice about what was most important.”

Seenoi-Barr came to Northern Ireland as a refugee when she was 28 and later married a local man. She founded an advocacy network, North West Migrants Forum, in 2012. It now has six staff and 50 volunteers.

In 2015, she joined the moderate nationalist SDLP and first ran for council but lost. She was co-opted in 2021 and held the seat in a 2023 election.

She said of the SDLP’s mayoral selection process: “I put my name forward when we were asked to express our intentions, because this year was the party’s year to have a mayor. I engaged with that open process, and I was selected after very robust interview.”

Escuelas Públicas de New Haven uelas Ha

ESTAREMOS

Programas para niños de 3 y 4 Años de edad en New Haven

Programas para la infancia temprana GRATUITOS de 6 horas para familias de bajos ingresos de New Haven en las siguientes escuelas públicas de New Haven:

Dr. Mayo Early Childhood School

Fair Haven School

Family Academy of Multilingual Exploration

Hill Central School

John Martinez Sea & Sky STEM School

Lincoln Bassett Community School

Truman School

Con lugares comunitarios adicionales que tambien participan en el programa

Programas de educación temprana de 6 horas con tarifa variable y de escala móvil para familias de New Haven en las siguientes escuelas públicas de New Haven:

Augusta Lewis Troup School

Family Academy of Multilingual Exploration

East Rock Community School

Hill Central School

Nathan Hale School

Con lugares comunitarios adicionales que tambien participan en el programa

dudas o preguntas

Para mas informacion contactar:

P a m e l a N g

Coordinadora de inscripción de Infancia Temprana Tel: 475-220-1440 pamela.ng@new-haven.k12.ct.us

La oficina de Registracion de Infancia Temprana esta ubicada

Oficina de Elección e Inscripción Escolar 54 Meadow St 1st Fl New Haven, CT 06519

ACEPTANDO APLICACIONES PARA EL CICLO ESCOLAR 2024-2025 !!!!!

Como aplicar: La Oficina de Infancia temprana aceptará solicitudes electrónicamente a partir del 20 de mayo Se anima a los padres de niños de 3 y 4 años a presentar su solicitud en línea.

Qué incluir en su inscripción:

1) Prueba de edad

• Certificado de nacimiento / Pasaporte del niño/a O

• Documentos legales de custodia / tutela

2) Prueba de dirección •Factura de servicio actual (gas, electricidad, teléfono) a su nombre •Formulario de declaración jurada de residencia

3) Demostración de ingresos

•2 meses de talonarios de pago actuales y consecutivos O W-2 o Formulario de impuestos 1040

• Declaración de presupuesto del Departamento de Servicios Sociales de CT, o de la Oficina del Seguro Social, o de la Oficina de Cumplimiento de Menores (Child Enforcement Bureau)

• Declaración ante notario indicando que el padre o la madre es desempleado/a

4) Físico (dentro del último año)

• Registro de evaluación de la salud del Departamento CT de educación de primera infancia

• Resultados de exámenes de anemia y plomo

• Evaluación TB

• Registros de inmunizaciones

• Vacunación de la gripe de estación

•Tarjeta de seguro de salud

5) Examen dental

• Registro de examen dental (dentro de los últimos 6 meses)

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

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

Location: Bloomfield CT We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

Contact: Tom Dunay Phone: 860- 243-2300

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

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

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Union Company seeks:

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

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Construction

Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 621-1720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

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

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The Housing Authority of the City of Danbury (HACD) is seeking sealed bids for the following Project:

Laurel Gardens – Stair Replacement Project. Bid Opening date is 19th of June 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Housing Authority of the City of Danbury, 2 Mill Ridge Road, Danbury, CT 06811. All bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. A pre-bid walk thru will be held on 10th of June 2024 at 10:00 AM at 385 Main Street, Danbury, Connecticut. Contract documents including plans & specifications can be viewed on-line and purchased from the Digiprint Plan Room Services website.

Visit ww.digiprintplanroom.com/jobs/public and select Laurel Gardens – Stair Replacement beginning on the 29th of May 2024. Bidders will note requirements of minimum wage rates, nondiscrimination/equal opportunity rules (Executive Order 11246) and related provisions in the General Conditions. No bid shall be withdrawn for ninety (90) days. Complete bidding requirements are noted in the Contract Documents. This project is federally assisted. Therefore, bidders must comply with the following requirements: Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968; Equal Opportunity provisions of Executive Order 11246; Non-Discrimination provision of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Labor Standards provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act and related acts and Contract Work Hours Standards Act; prevailing wage determinations as issued by the United States Department of Labor; and all applicable provisions under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Section 3 requirements will be required on this project. HACD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Ms. Devin Marra

Acting

Executive Director

Senior Sales Representative

Penfield Communications, Inc. Publishers of The Inner-City News Weekly Print Publication is seeking a Senior Sales Representative The Inner-City News is a legacy, Black owned print publication, celebrating 30+ years as Greater New Haven’s urban news and information outlet. The Inner-City News is a weekly print publication with a readership spanning across Greater New Haven. From Hamden, New Haven, West Haven, Stratford, Milford, Bridgeport. This free weekly print publication is committed to sharing news and information important to the Black community.

Advertising and the cultivation of existing and new advertising clients is key to the growth and continued success of The Inner-City News. The paper is delivered weekly to businesses, schools, shopping outlets and wherever

360 Management Group Company is currently accepting applications for Mill River Crossing

Located in revitalized neighborhoods, our newly constructed apartments and townhouses feature one, two, three, and four bedrooms with convenient access to transportation, great schools, and amenities. Community features include 24-hour emergency maintenance, resident activities, and playground access.

REQUIREMENTS:

Household earnings must not exceed 60% of the Area Medium Income (AMI) Please see the table below for specific income and household requirements.

Apply online at https://ecc myhousing com or download an application at: http://www.elmcitycommunities.org

To receive an application by mail, please call 475-355-7289 or send a written request to Attention: Waitlist Department, Elm City Communities, PO Box 1912, New Haven, CT 06509 Scan the QRL code to apply! Submit

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

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

360 Management Group Company está actualmente aceptando aplicaciones para la lista de espera de Mill River Crossing

NOTICIA

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Ubicados en vecindarios revitalizados, nuestros apartamentos y casas adosadas de nueva construcción cuentan con una, dos, tres y cuatro habitaciones con acceso conveniente al transporte, excelentes escuelas y comodidades. Las características del complejo incluyen mantenimiento de emergencia las 24 horas, actividades para residentes y acceso al área de juegos para niños.

REQUIREMENTS:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR

24-HOUR TOWING SERVICE FOR ALL HOUSING AUTHORITY DESIGNATED PROPERTIES

The Housing Authority of the City of New Britain is soliciting proposals from licensed towing contractors under the laws of the State of Connecticut, to furnish all labor, materials, equipment and supervision necessary to complete all work as specified or reasonably implied in the RFP, relating to towing and storing illegal parked vehicles and/or removal of abandoned vehicles on properties owned by the Authority. BIDS ARE DUE: JUNE 14, 2024 BY 3:00 P.M.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Request for Proposals

Services- Non-Payment, Nuisance and Lease Violation

Los ingresos del hogar no deben exceder el 60% del ingreso medio del área (IAM). Consulte la siguiente tabla para conocer los requisitos específicos de ingresos y del hogar. # Personas en el hogar 1 2 3 4 5

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

Ingreso máximo para

Ingreso máximo para

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

Solicite en línea en https://ecc myhousing com o descargue una aplicación en: http://www.cthcvp.org/ http://www.elmcitycommunities.org

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

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms for Legal Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 3:00PM.

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Para recibir una solicitud por correo, por favor llame 475-355-7289 o envíe una solicitud por escrito a Attention: Waitlist Department, Elm City Communities, PO Box 1912, New ¡Escanee el código Haven, CT 06509

QRL para aplicar!

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 ofPitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

Las solicitudes se pueden presenta � En persona en 360 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06511 (a través de un buzón ubicado en la puerta principal); o � Enviada por correo al PO Box 1912, New Haven, CT 06509

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

FIRE CHIEF

The Town of Wallingford is seeking a highly innovative manager to lead its Fire Department. Applicants should possess 10 years of progressively responsible fire services experience, plus a bachelor’s degree in fire services management, public administration or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis, including 5 years as a Captain or higher. Salary: $124,968 to $159,899 annually. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, individual and family medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and deferred compensation plan. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be faxed or mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of May 24, 2024, 2024. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Si usted necesita acomodación razonable para completar su aplicación llame al 203-498-8800 ext. 1506

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

Las solicitudes se procesaran en el orden en que se reciban y se sellaran la fecha y la hora

Las solicitudes estarán disponibles el 6/17/2024 y deben presentarse antes del 7/17/2024

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

Listing:  Commercial Driver

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

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

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

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

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 informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the

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

Galasso Materials LLC, a quarry and paving contractor, has positions open for the upcoming construction season. We are seeking candidates for a variety of positions, including: Scalehouse Dispatcher/ Equipment Operators and Laborers. NO PHONE CALLS. Please email resume and cover letter to “Hiring Manager”, Galasso Materials LLC, PO Box 1776, East Granby CT 06026.

Galasso Materials is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR BID

Town of Bloomfield

NOTICE

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DANBURY

Chimney Cleaning and Repair Services

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

IFB No. B24005

Please register here to obtain Bid Package: https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/requests.html?company_id=49968

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL RETURN:

Salary Range:

$87,727 to $136,071

Seymour Housing Authority

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

Deputy Finance Director/Controller

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE.

Housing Authority of the City of Danbury, 2 Mill Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 Envelope Must be Marked: IFB No. B24005, Chimney Cleaning and Repair Services

Attn: Lisa Gilchrist, Purchasing Agent

SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

NOTICIA

June 17th, 2024 at 10:30am (EST)

For Details go to  www.bloomfieldct.org

Town of Bloomfield

Finance Director

Salary Range - $101,455 to $156,599

Heights NOTICE OF BID

Sealed bids are invited and will be received by the Seymour Housing Authority, until 2:00PM on Monday June, 24, 2024, in the Office of the Seymour Housing Authority, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Proposals must be submitted on the forms provided and in a sealed envelope plainly marked with the appropriate title. “Revitalization at Castle Heights for the Seymour Housing Authority”.

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

CONTACT PERSON FOR IFB DOCUMENT: Lisa Gilchrist – Purchasing Agent Telephone: 203-744-2500 x1421 E-Mail: lgilchrist@hacdct.org

[Minority- and/or women-owned businesses are encouraged to respond]

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

Request for Proposals

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG), North Haven, Connecticut is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced Environmental Consultants to develop a comprehensive regional climate action plan, which builds upon the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) completed and submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 1, 2024. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms are strongly encouraged to respond as a prime contractor or to play a significant role within a consultant team. Responses are due by June 13, 2024 (12:00 p.m. local time). The full RFP document and any potential updates can be viewed at SCRCOG’s website: www.scrcog.org. If you would like to request a copy of the RFP, please contact Stephanie Camp, Director of Regional Planning via email: smcamp@scrcog.org.

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

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

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

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 ofPitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

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

Proposal Documents will be available beginning May 1, 2024 at no cost by downloading from the New Haven Union Station Partnership website at https:// unionstationnewhaven.com/bids-and-proposals/.

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

NHPA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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

(expected starting pay maximum is mid-range)

Fully Benefited – 35 hours weekly

Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website –www.bloomfieldct.org

Portland

Police Officer

full-time

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

A NON-MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held at the Seymour Housing Authority, Seymour Avenue, Seymour, CT 06483 on Tuesday June 4, 2024 at 2:00PM. All prospective bidders are required to attend.

A satisfactory Bid Bond or Certified Check, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the base bid, shall be submitted with each bid. The Bid Bond shall be made payable to the Seymour Housing Authority and shall be properly executed by the Bidder. A 100% Performance, Labor and Material Bond is also required. All sureties must be listed on the most recent IRS circular 570.

Attention of bidders is directed to certain requirements of this contract which require payment of Davis-Bacon wages, and compliance with certain local, state and federal requirements. This is a partially Federally funded project.

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

Contract Documents including plans & specifications can be viewed online beginning Wednesday May 29, 2024 and purchased from Advanced Reprographics Planroom website, visit http://www.advancedplanroom.com/ select “Public Jobs” and select “Revitalization at Castle Heights for the Seymour HA” dated 5/28/24.

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

APPLY NOW!

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Note: Addenda to this bid will be issued via email. Contractors intending to bid MUST BE REGISTERED on the Advanced Reprographics Plan holder’s list in order to receive direct email of any and all addenda.

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bids, to receive consideration, must be in the hands of the authorized representative, no later than the day and hour mentioned above.

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

The Seymour Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids; to waive any informalities, or; to accept any bid deemed in the best interests of the Seymour Housing Authority.

All bids will be considered valid for a period of One Hundred Twenty (120) days.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Labor Relations Specialist in the Office of Labor Relations.

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

The contractor who is selected to perform this State project must comply with CONN. GEN. STAT. §§ 4a-60, 4a-60a, 4a-60g, and 46a-68b through 46a-68f, inclusive, as amended by June 2015 Special Session Public Act 15-5.

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

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/ sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 240508&R2=5256MP&R3=001

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

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

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

State law requires a minimum of twenty-five (25%) percent of the state-funded portion of the contract be set aside for award to subcontractors holding current certification from the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (“DAS”) under the provisions of CONN. GEN. STAT. § 4a-60g. (25% of the total state-funded value with DAS-certified Small Businesses and 6.25% of the total state-funded value with DAS-certified Minority-, Women-, and/or Disabled-owned Businesses.) The contractor must demonstrate good faith effort to meet the 25% set-aside goals

NOTICE

MAINTAINER II PUBLIC WORKS

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Attention Landlords!

The Housing Authority of the City of Danbury Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program

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

If you have a rental unit in Danbury, Bethel, New Milford, New Fairfield, Ridgefield, Newtown, Brookfield, Redding, Sherman, Bridgewater, Roxbury or Washington CT Learn how this program can benefit you!

• Tenants are required to comply with your lease.

• Keep your vacancy rates low with a large pool of tenants to select from.

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

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

LEGAL NOTICE

Request for Proposals (RFP) RFP# 2025-0904: AIDS CADAP

The Town of Wallingford Department of Public Works has openings for Maintainer II. Applicants should possess 2 years’ experience as a laborer in construction work involving the operation and care of trucks and other mechanical equipment, or 2 years training in one of the skilled trades and 1 year of experience in construction operations, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. A valid (CDL) Class B or higher is required. $24.87 - $29.16 hourly plus retirement plan, paid sick and vacation time, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, family medical & dental insurance, and promotional opportunities. A complete job announcement and application may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of June 3, 2024, 2024. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

NOTICIA

• Tenants are already prescreened for criminal background.

• Guaranteed portion of rent each month from the Housing Authority, direct deposited to your account.

• Tenant rent portion is affordable based on income.

• No cost, documented inspections of your unit.

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

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

• Stay in compliance with the law, Section 8 (HCV) discrimination is illegal.

Visit our website at www.hacdct.org or call for more information and to have your rental advertised for free to our HCV participants at 203-744-2500 x1260

NEW HAVEN

The Department of Public Health (DPH) Infectious Disease Section is requesting proposals for the Connecticut AIDS Drug Assistance Program (CADAP). A qualified Pharmacy Benefits Manager or other organization is needed to provide enrollment, pharmacy benefits, insurance premium payments, and rebate management for CADAP.

The Request for Proposal is available in electronic format on the State Contracting Portal at https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard, on the Department’s website at https://portal.ct.gov/ DPH/Request-For-Proposals/Request-forProposals, or from the Department’s Official Contact: Mitchell Namias, 860-509-7718, Mitchell.namias@ct.gov

Deadline for submission of proposals is Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 4:30 PM.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms for A & E Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ gateway beginning on

Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 3:00PM.

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

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

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

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

Request for Proposals Legal Services- Non-Payment, Nuisance and Lease Violation

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Request for Proposals Independent Audit and Tax Services

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms for Legal Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ gateway beginning on

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 ofPitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 3:00PM.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

Please send resume to attielordan@gmail.com

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

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals from qualified firms for Audit and Tax Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 3:00PM.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

Invitation for Bids On-Call Electrical Services

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

currently seeking Bids for Key and Lock Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

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

May 20, 2024, at 3:00PM.

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

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids from qualified firms for On-Call Electrical services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Monday, May 6, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

The Housing Authority of the City of Danbury is an equal housing opportunity provider.

Taye Diggs and His Sister Christian Want to Change the Conversation Around Schizophrenia

ByCorynne Corbett BlackHealthMatters.com

There are some mental illnesses we have been afraid to talk about, and schizophrenia is one of them. Actor Taye Diggs believes we need to change the conversation. “Those cliches are rooted in the past.” He should know. His sister, Christian, was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a young adult, and he and his family have been supporting her through her journey every step of the way. Recently, Bristol Myers Squib announced Diggs as a Schizophrenia Community Partner to empower those with the condition through the Live Your PosSCZible Campaign.

Christian Diggs opened up to us about her diagnosis, treatment, and learning to live, learn, and thrive beyond that.

“My first episode occurred on a flight. That day, my life completely changed. Everything in my world suddenly felt disconnected,” she says. “I felt out of control; my mind was not mine.”

“At first, it was really scary and shocking, but after getting a diagnosis. I felt a sense of relief.” Since she comes from a family of academics, she immediately went into research mode to discover everything she could about the condition. The adjustment took some time.

“I felt like a passenger in my own body,” she says. “I had to constantly remind myself that that phase of my life was over and that I must focus on learning how to live and succeed in this next phase.”

However, since schizophrenia is so

misunderstood, Christian experienced many mixed emotions early on. “When I was first diagnosed, I experienced a lot of shame and embarrassment about what I was going through. I felt that I had let

my family down,” she explains. “I didn’t fully realize until years later, when my symptoms had lessened, how integral and solid my family’s support had been. Honestly, I would not have made it to where

I am today if it weren’t for my family.”

Through her schizophrenia journey, Christian has learned a lot about herself: I’ve learned that I can change and adapt to tough and seemingly insurmountable situations.

I am capable of more than just surviving my diagnosis; I can live again. I thought I had lost everything, but with patience and determination, I have slowly gotten back out there and learned to reconnect with people.

I learned to trust that I know what I need to be okay now and ask for help if unsure. When living with symptoms of schizophrenia, it is crucial to have a care team to help you find tools and coping mechanisms that work and make sense for you.

It is essential to stay connected to friends and family and to use outside resources, including those from the advocacy groups featured on the Live Your PosSCZible website.

I seek joy in my work as a Carpenter! Christian is now in her 4th year as a Carpenter Apprentice. “Every day, I go to work feeling so much gratitude and awe that I’ve made it to this phase of my life!”

Hot yoga is essential to her, too. She started the classes as a way to develop mental discipline. “At first, being in a hot room with so many people was extremely difficult, and I would have to leave the class,” she says. “With time, I could stay longer and longer, and now taking a class is no sweat…actually, a lot of sweat is involved. I also find happiness in dancing

and cycling, and I’m learning to roller skate. When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t think that….. living your PosSCZible could become a reality.”

Since being diagnosed with schizophrenia at 21, Tyson McGuire has discovered that he doesn’t give up easily. “Even though dealing with schizophrenia is a challenge, I try my best not to make sure I don’t spiral down,” he says. “I try to be happy and smile a lot.”

Tyson has a sound support system that includes his mother, sister, and friends, who keep him grounded in reality. They make sure that he’s okay and that he doesn’t isolate himself. “I have had some friends who didn’t understand schizophrenia and how it affects people,” he says. “Some people have bad stereotypes about it. I had one friend whose girlfriend didn’t want me to come over to their house because of my diagnosis.”

“Music also helps me a lot. I play piano and compose my own music, which I started before my diagnosis and continue today,” Tyson says.

If I had to use one word to describe myself today, it would be “perseverance.”

Although some of my goals don’t look the same as before my diagnosis, I am finding new ways to Live my posSCZible. I was recently accepted into Ohio State University (OSU), where I’ll continue my physics degree. And I continue to develop skills – like music and art – that I started when I was younger and continue to enjoy today.

For the first time, a Black woman has been crowned as Miss Universe Philippines

by Dollita Okine, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Chelsea Manalo, a Filipino American, broke ground as the first Black woman to win the Miss Universe Philippines title. At the competition held in the Asia Arena in Pasay on Wednesday, the 24-year-old, representing the province of Bulacan, located north of Manila, trounced 52 other competitors from all across the archipelago and abroad.

As the competition drew down to the final five, Manalo, the daughter of an African American father and a Filipino mother, was asked on stage how she would utilize her beauty and confidence to empower others.

She boldly replied, “As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, actually,” she said, adding that she was taught to “believe in my mother, to always believe in yourself, uphold the vows that you have.”

“Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are fac-

ing me right now,” she said, according to CNN.

Despite being bullied in the past because of her skin and hair, Manalo said her family and friends helped her “realize that I am beautiful in my own extraordinary way.”

Now, the trailblazer, who started her modeling career at age 14, will have the opportunity to compete for the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant, which takes place in Mexico in September.

Netizens lauded her historic victory. One fan said, “You are making your country proud,” while another noted, “I never knew the time will ever come when a woman of color will be crowned as Miss Universe Philippines. Cheers to this change.”

Some Filipinos in recent years have been speaking up to end the obsession with light skin. The idea of being “fair-skinned” is cherished in the Philippines, like in many other Asian cultures. Fair-skinned women are mostly preferred for billboards, commercials on television and movies.

June 04, 2024

DUEL REALITY

Growing up in the early 1990s, Thuso Mbedu never dreamt of being an entertainment figure. At a very young age, she want-

her parents

the 2021 TV series ‘The Underground Rail-

drama television series ‘IS’THUNZI’ from

her role ‘Cora Randall’ in the 2021 televi-

‘DSTV Viewers Choice Awards’ and the ‘International Emmy Awards for the ‘Best Performance by an Actress’ for her role ‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the 2016 -2017 television drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’

In 2018, she won the ‘South African Film and Television Awards’ for ‘ Best Actress – TV Drama’ for her role ‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the 2016 -2017 television drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’ She was also nominated for the ‘International Emmy Awards for ‘Best Performance by an Actress’ for her role ‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the television drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’

In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Television Critics Association Award’ (Individual Achievement in Drama), the

between life and death for me. Receiving that audition brief, I told myself that I would audition like it was my last audition. I gave it the last of everything that I had, that at the time I got the callback, I had nothing left. I secretly made the decision ing left to give. But fortunately, I received cause the role was mine. I had given up. I was in a very dark place at the time, and the character, the role, the opportunity, was a much needed light. And I told myself that I will act as if it was the last character that I will play. And through a great script and an amazing director, I earned two International Emmy Awards for that role…”

Africans by New African Magazine.

of

– Thuso is a Sotho name,

Studio of Acting in New York City.

– TV Movie / Limited Series), the ‘Holly-

Where personal breakthroughs are powered by medical ones.

At Yale New Haven Health, we’re delivering pioneering research from Yale School of Medicine to improve people’s lives every single day. Like Dr. Roy Herbst, an international leader in innovative research, who leads clinical trials that have advanced the use of immunotherapy and gene-targeted therapies to personalize treatment for lung cancer. Together, we’re powering breakthroughs with the greatest of care.