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THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

$539MJustice City Budget Wins Final Financial a Key Focus at 2016 NAACPApproval Convention New Haven, Bridgeport

INNER-CITYNEWS

Nefertite Nguvu

Volume 27 . No. 2234

Volume 21 No. 2194

International Festival of

Arts & Ideas

“DMC”

Camille A. Brown,

Color Struck?

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems:

Ignore Ignore“Tough “ToughOn OnCrime” Crime”

The “In the Morning” Interview Rawls-Ivy with Kam moderates. Williams

SnowKhandi in July? Alexander:

Labor Deal Will Save Nearly $5 Billion In First Five Years FOLLOW US ON 1

The Speech Heard By Black Women Around The World

Choreographer Camille A. Brown THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

brings Black Girl Linguistic Play to the International Festival of Arts & Ideas by Christian Lewis, ICN Correspondent

I absolutely love meeting artists from different walks of life, whether they be authors, musicians, painters, etc the energy they exude just puts me in a positive place. Recently I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Camille A. Brown, who is a professional choreographer from New York, she was an absolute joy to interview and I can’t wait to see her perform next month at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas! I hope you enjoy her interview just as much as I enjoyed interviewing her! Q: When did you realize that you wanted to dance and be a choreographer? A: Speaking wasn’t the first way I felt comfortable communicating so dance was something I felt was my safe space. My mom loves to dance and has always loved to dance and loves musicals so she would take me to the library and we would take out some of her favorite musicals and we would watch the dance scenes over and over again and I loved it! I didn’t know that was something I could do as a career because usually being an artist, when you grow up, is something you never hear, you hear doctors, lawyers, teachers, you never hear artist. It wasn’t until I went to Laguardia High School and Ailey School at the same time and had access to the Ailey dancers and I said, you can do this everyday? Dance for a living, and travel the world and get paid for it? Wow, this is actually a career, that’s how I got into dance. Q: What will your role be in the upcoming International Festival of Arts & Ideas? A: I will be the choreographer and I will be dancing as well, showing my piece that is almost two years old, Black Girl Linguistic Play. I’m excited about showing that. Q: To date, what would you say is one of your greatest achievements? A: That I haven’t given up. You can say a specific experience or an award, you can go there but I think the hardships is there, really living life, having the conviction, having the strength to keep going forward and I feel like that is my achievement. I think regardless of what people thought of me or didn’t think of me, I kept going. Q: How does dance inspire you?

Camille A. Brown,

A: I’m doing this project and it’s centered around stereotypes, I’m doing a muscial written by a Black playwright, Kirsten Childs, Bella: An Amreican Tall Tale, she’s really inviting all types of stereotypes about Black people, Black women, our bodies, how we’re objectified and I constantly have conversations with the actors and with other people to say how important movement is because when you deal with stereotypes, you’re not just talking about what those stereotypes are vocally, you’re also embodying them, so this also affirms how important movement is to the conversation. Movement is something that can translate when you have a language barrier, so for me, it inspired me to continue to move in a way that I want , helps me to connect to my ancestors and my ancestry, and my lineage, something that in terms of the dance world, you don’t see as much of, dance tends

to have this hierarchy of the more Eurocentric type movement, being of greater value than African or Hip Hop and there’s just as much value. It inspires me to continue to educate about Black history and tradition and continue to learn more about myself. Dance is how we communicate in African tradition. Q: How long have you been dancing? A: I started moving and doing my thing when I was three-years-old and I’m thirty-seven now so I’ve been moving and dancing for a long time. I started dancing professionally when I was twenty-one. Q: What kind of emotions do you feel when you dance? A: I feel every type of emotion. It depends on the role, what it requires, if it’s something I’m trying to depict, if it’s a specific character that I’m playing and what type of emotions are attached to that. Also, just

in terms of performing, there’s some fear, you don’t know how people are going to react, especially if you’re dealing with a piece called Black Girl Linguistic play, you don’t know what the energy is you’re going to get back. My other piece, Tolerance, where I’m specifically inviting stereotypes and purposely wanting to make people feel uncomfortable in the audience. There is this type of fear, along with the normal excitement, there is that sense of fear too. Q: Why do you love to dance? A: It’s the only way I know how to express what I want, how I want it, it’s the clearest form for me, it’s not talking, that’s not where I hold my power, my power is in my dance and that is why I do it. I choreograph because it gives me the freedom to tell stories how I want and how goes does that feel for you to create your own safe space? I don’t have to fit into someone else’s view or perspective, I can create my own, so that’s why I do it, for the freedom. Q: Do you have any dance role models? A: Diane McIntyre, I always tell her I wasnt to be like her when I grow up, it’s a joke because i think just how, she works in the space is extremely inspiring. She trusts her instincts, she just very, very poetic in how she expresses her views or the things she wants to accomplish in the space. Also, Katherine Dunham, the importance it was to her to honor and unearth the African tradition and bring them back to America and teach us. She also choreographed on Broadway and as someone who is pursuing a career in musical theatre, to see a

reflection of yourself, I mean yes, we can encourage ourselves, but it also helps when you see other people who have done it and that is who I aspire to be, a Black woman working in musical theatre the way they have. Q: Have you had any embarrassing moments? A: HA! I’m always embarrassed! One time I fell off the platform, I lost my balance and fell off, it was quiet and no one on stage but me; it was the most embarrassing thing. I’ve fallen off stages, said really crazy things that made me think, ‘maybe I shouldn’t have said that’, and I’m a klutz. People say how can you be a klutz when you’re a dancer? But I actually am, it’s fascinating how you can be balanced on stage and totally trip every block you walk on the sidewalk, but that just keeps you humble. It makes you question or feel like you have to check yoursel, it lets you know you’re not in control. Q: Do you have any advice or inspiring words for anyone who is thinking about dancing or becoming a choreographer? A: Be yourself, it’s going to be hard; there was one point when I thought I had to fit into this thing that everyone seemed to be into, like the hot thing, ya know. You feel like if you’re outside of that you feel tempted to want to assimilate to that, I would say even if you’re by yourself, if I were to put you into a room and you’re the only one in the room and you don’t know if someone is going to walk into or walk out or whatever, you have to be OK with being yourself because as I continue to climb, I feel so good climbing being myself and being true to who I am, instead of climbing and assimilating trying to be liked by others. Focus on doing yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable; sometimes you have to be OK with standing alone. Camille wants any males interested in dancing or being a choreographer to come see her perform at the upcoming Festival! I plan on being there and I hope to see and even meet some new faces! Hope you enjoyed her interview as much as I enjoyed interviewing her! Peace and Blessings ~ C. Lewis

The Legacy of Andrew Joseph III THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

by William Spivey, Noted Blogger and ICN Contributing Writer

On August 29, 2005 Deanna HardyJoseph experienced what she imagined would be the worst experience of her lifetime. Hurricane Katrina devastated much of New Orleans. She along with her husband, Andrew Joseph, Jr and 5-year old son Andrew Joseph III were uprooted from their home and moved to Florida to make a new start, looking to a hopeful future. On February 7, 2014 Hurricane Katrina became a distant afterthought as she learned her oldest child and only son had been killed in a traffic fatality while he was supposed to have been at the Florida State Fair in Tampa. Andrew III had asked his parents months before if he could attend the fair along with one of his football teammates. He raised his own spending money. Andrew went to private St Stephen Catholic School while his friend attended a local public school. Hillsborough County Schools offers free tickets to children K-12 to attend the fair on the first Friday night. It was a tradition that some say dated back to the 1950’s and “Negro Day” which was the one day black people were allowed to attend the fair. Andrew was to go and return with his friends mother. The parents exchanged contact information and Deanna’s number was stuck on a pink post-it note on the other mother’s dashboard. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office expected trouble. They were aware of incidents at other locations across the state. They were concerned about gang activity. There’s no evidence they took proactive steps to tell the schools and the community. The schools didn’t require permission slips. The Sheriff’s plan was to arrest, evict and if need be shut down the fair. The Sheriff had two paddy wagons on-site and throughout the day they made 12 arrests for fighting or trespassing. They “evicted” 99 youth, almost all black and claimed that they were “wilding” which apparently consists of running through the fair. Some allegedly grabbed candied apples and threw them at deputies. In 2013, 56 people were evicted and two arrested. In 2012 it was 48 evictions and eight arrests. In 2011 it was 93 and nine. The Sheriff’s Department wants you

to know that an “eviction” is not an arrest. They detain a child. Require them to hold up or remove their shirts in a search for gang tattoo’s. They take mug shots while holding a card with their name in front of them. It sounds very much like an arrest except for a specific charge or due process. Many of those “evicted” were minors. Their parents were not contacted. None were handed off to parents but instead transported to a site in groups the two paddy wagons could accommodate which was across Interstate 4 from the fairgrounds. Andrew Joseph III had never been in trouble. He was an outstanding student who strove to achieve academically at his almost all-white Catholic school. His mother said of him, “He was an aspiring designer of shoes and clothing. He loved people, family, and friends. He would give the shirt off his back or half of any money he had.” Andrew had no gang tattoos to show the police when detained. He was wearing three bracelets made by his younger sister Deja, then in fourth grade. Andrew had his cell phone with him when dropped off by the Sheriff’s Department. His friends mother was scheduled to pick him up at the fairgrounds on the other side of the Interstate. Perhaps the 14-year-old was still thinking of what to tell his mother and father about how he’d been stopped by the police, had a mugshot taken and been dropped

off at a different place. Whatever his thoughts, he decided to make his way back to the fairgrounds and his ride, crossing the Interstate to get there. When his friend’s mother arrived at the fairgrounds to pick up the two boys. Andrew was nowhere to be found. Her son hadn’t seen him in some time. She called Deanna who advised her she could leave and that Andrew’s father would pick him up. “Big Drew” arrived as the fairgrounds was closing down, earlier than expected. He inquired about his son and was ultimately directed to State Troopers. He was in constant contact with Deanna who was steadily calling the younger Andrew’s cell phone. It rang unanswered. The State Trooper asked “what was Andrew wearing?” Deanna kept calling and the phone only rang. The trooper got in his car and rolled up the window as he communicated with others where Andrew’s father could not hear. He eventually got out and told him Andrew III was at the morgue, victim of an auto accident. Nothing was said about the “eviction” or the role of the Sheriff’s Department or the fair. They found Andrew had been listed as a John Doe. When his parents inquired about his phone they were told, “Yeah, a phone keeps going off in his pocket.” Apparently the simplest and easiest way of identifying the black boy on the slab was ignored. A child’s life and subsequent death was so insignifi-

cant that identifying him and notifying his family was of little priority. He just didn’t matter. I spoke with Deanna Joseph for over an hour and that point came up in different ways several times. Yes she wanted someone to be responsible. She wanted policies to change so that no other parents had to get news like she got that day in February. She wanted Andrew to have a legacy. She needed him to matter. Her husband lost his namesake, they shopped together, mowed the lawn, pressure washed the house. Many of his friends he had met from coaching their son’s along with Andrew over the years. He now finds it painful to be around them talking about their son’s progress and goals while his is gone. Younger sister Deja Marie Joseph would tell Deanna, “Mommy don’t cry, he’s in a better place.” After the tragic fatality, Hillsborough County Sheriff sent a letter to various black community organizations. It said in part, “I am more concerned that the overwhelming number of youth and young adults arrested or ejected from the midway for misconduct were African American, and I recognize the responsibility to address the issue and ensure that the circumstances are not repeated in the future.” Dr. Carolyn Collins, President of the Hillsborough County NAACP responded to the letter saying, “We need the help of law enforcement,

educators, the media. We need all the groups together, and this cannot be an African-American issue,” The letter from Sheriff David Gee placed the blame for the situation on the black community while defending the deputies who “evicted” youth that day. His department has never released a police report. They indicating the Florida State Highway Patrol has a report, seemingly referring to the accident report taken at the scene there. Andrew’s parents ultimately sued the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department and the Florida State Fair Authority. In addition to monetary damages. They wanted recognition that the role Andrew’s death had in the new policies implemented after his death. They wanted perhaps a pavilion at the fair named after him. Some indication he mattered. The driver that killed him surely didn’t try to kill a black teenager that day. He indicated “when he looked up” the teenager was “right there.” That response indicates he was looking down as opposed to watching the road. The driver was not drug tested nor given a breathalyzer. There was no need, it was just a black teen that shouldn’t have been there. Weeks later when Jonathan Hatfield was being sentenced for an unrelated crime in a neighboring County. Andrew’s death wasn’t mentioned nor part of his record. Were it not for Andrew’s father the Judge wouldn’t even have known. It apparently didn’t matter. The boy’s evicted from the fair were given no due process. After the event, the Sheriff’s Department asked the public for videos and photo’s. Hoping to document crimes after the fact to justify their actions that day. One of the boy’s evicted said Andrew was not among the kids running. He got off a ride and saw some of his football teammates being manhandled. One was “slammed” by an officer and his hat fell off. Andrew witnessed the hat fall and picked it up and handed it to him. Andrew was then grabbed and arrested with the rest though the Sheriff’s department prefers to call it something else. After his death, there were many including the Sheriff’s department that needed this to be Andrew’s fault. He was called a thug, they made the issue his behavior, with no witness, video or evidence of any kind attesting to it. Andrew’s crime was one of kindness. He handed a friend his hat. Sheriff Gee recently announced

350 Mourn Officer “E.J.” THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

by ALLAN APPEL

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

New Haven police brass and white-gloved young officers gave one final salute to one of their own: Officer Edward C. Douglas, Jr., celebrated as an exemplary officer and an equally exemplary human being whose quietly charismatic presence made everyone feel better about themselves. That rare combination of qualities was at the emotional heart of the funeral for Douglas, a New Haven police officer killed in a motorcycle accident on May 27 while vacationing in South Carolina. The service for the man affectionately known as E.J. drew 350 mourners to Trinity Temple at Dixwell Avenue and Henry Street on a rainy, overcast Monday morning. Douglas, a 31-year-old New Haven native who had been an athletic stand-out at Hillhouse High School, had most recently been assigned to the narcotics unit. The death of someone so young, so loved, and so valued as officer and friend hit the department hard, reported police spokesperson Officer David Hartman. He described a “great emptiness” that swept the department. As Douglas’s open white casket, surrounded by large bouquets of flowers, stood available for viewing in the nave of the church and hundreds lined up to pay their respects, you could still very much feel that emptiness. Members of Douglas’s academy class flanked the rows of the pews on two sides of the sanctuary in a silent guard of honor as the ceremonies began. Just before they ended and the casket was carried out for transportation and burial, Officer Christopher Acosta asked everyone in the sanctuary to join in the academy class’s shout one last time in honor of their departed colleague. In between those moving moments, there were hymns of praise and words of comfort offered by, among others, Mayor Toni Harp, Police Chief Anthony Campbell, and Sgt. Shafiq Abdussabur, who was Douglas’s last commanding officer in the Newhallville/East Rock/ Cedar Hill district. In addition to a stellar and rising police career, Douglas was known in the community for his athletic prowess — especially as a baseball short-

Officer Douglas.

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO

2013 academy class members serve as pall bearers.

stop, beginning as a kid in the Pop Smith Leagues, and through his varsity play at Hillhouse High School. He was also a popular member between 2006 and 2009 of the Presidents Motorcycle Club of New Haven and Bridgeport. Representatives of those groups—coaches and black-vested riding buddies—were in attendance in large numbers, many teary-eyed. “An entire city is shaken,” Mayor Harp declared “His smile, his stride, his cool stride walk ... all his goodness remain with us,” said Abdussabur. A lifetime friend, James Lewis, who is also the business manager of the Presidents Motorcycle Club, said he had accompanied Douglas to Myrtle Beach, S.C., for a motorcycle weekend. That’s where the the early-morning motorcycle accident occurred and took the officer’s life. Douglas’s club nickname was “Herc” as in Hercules because as soon as Douglas had discovered the gym, he became a muscled guy, but one who expressed himself with the quiet strength of optimism and smiles. “He was always helping people. He had the character to be a cop. He greeted people with grace and compassion. He always made you feel happy around him. That was a gift. I’m a little less happy today,” Lewis added. Douglas “laid down his colors,” as the club term has it, when he became a police officer, said club President Leroy Pearson. That’s because an

Members of the Presidents Motor Cycle Club salute Douglas.

Police Capt. Patricia Helliger, Sgt. Charlette Barham, and Capt. Anthony Duff at the funeral.

The casket is followed by Douglas’s family, led by mother Gloria Lester, middle.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO

Babz Rawls Ivy

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

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

Editorial Team Staff Writers

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

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

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

_______________________

Contributors At-Large

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

Memberships

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

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$270,000 in Scholarships Awarded to 230 New Haven Students New Haven Scholarship fund to celebrate students at award ceremony

Founded in 1959 by Jean Paton Lovell (1894-1996) the New Haven Scholarship Fund (NHSF) has been assisting New Haven students in their pursuit of Higher Education for over 58 years. NHSF’s sole mission is to provide scholarships to eligible New Haven resident students who have academic potential and unmet financial need. In its initial year the NHSF awarded eight $100 scholarships. This year the NHSF will award scholarships to 230 New Haven

students for a total of $270,000! Thanks to the many donations from New Haven and surrounding communities, the NHSF will be reaching $9 million in awarded scholarships to over 7,700 students since its inception. This year we are pleased to recognize former Mayor Bart Guida and his family for their very generous donation of $55k to the NHSF in the name of Mayor Guida. We will also recognize Ms. Margaret Whatley for her many contribu-

tions to the youth of New Haven. The 2017 scholarship award ceremony is scheduled for Sunday June 11th at 5:00pm at the United Church on the Green, 270 Temple Street, New Haven CT. There will be a donor reception at 3:00 and students will begin to arrive at 4:00 pm. To donate to the NHSF (all donations go directly to students): http://www.newhavenscholarshipfund.org/ or simply mail your donation to:

New Haven Scholarship Fund PO Box 8936 New Haven CT 06532-8936 “A good education is important because it contributes to world peace. Properly educated persons apply their knowledge, insight, understanding, and fine ideals to meet more adequately their family needs and beyond that, to develop the justice which alone can earn for us ‘Peace on earth, good will to men.’ “ -Jean Lovell

House Ready To Debate (and Then Table) Recreational Marijuana by Christine Stuart CT. JUNKIE NEWS

HARTFORD, CT — With less than two days left in the legislative session, the House of Representatives is preparing for a debate on legalizing marijuana. It would be the first time the Connecticut House debates establishing a recreational cannabis law in the state, which already has a medical marijuana program and has decriminalized small amounts of marijuana. House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, said the issue would be debated for more than an hour and, like a handful of other bills this session, it would be tabled without a vote. Aresimowicz said he doesn’t believe there’s enough support to pass the measure, however, he wants to make sure the topic is debated in case it gets added to the state budget. Democrats have estimated that legalizing marijuana will bring in $60 million in revenue in 2018 and $100 million in 2019. House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, confirmed the plan Monday night. There is still bipartisan support for the measure even after an argument between the bill’s lead Republican proponent and Democratic lawmakers killed any prospect that it would be raised on Monday. A press conference called by Rep. Josh Elliott, D-Hamden, and Rep. Juan Candelaria, D-New Haven, on Monday was first delayed and then abruptly called off after Rep. Melissa Ziobron, R-East Haddam, walked out. “For this legislation to pass the House it needs to truly be a bipartisan effort,” she said. “For me to be

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE

House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin

left out of the process until the last minute is just wrong.” The amendment has been modified to win Ziobron’s support, even though it won’t be called for a vote. The pattern of debating and tabling is a recognition that the Democrats don’t have as large a majority as they have had in the past. They have a slim, 79-72 majority over Republicans in the House and are tied 18-18 in the state Senate. On Monday, a bill to require the Division of Criminal Justice to compile a preliminary report within 40 days after a deadly police shooting was tabled in the House and last week a debate on whether undocumented immigrant students should have access to the college financial aid pool into which they pay with their tuition was tabled in the Sen-

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

Labor Deal Will Save Nearly $5 Billion In First Five Years by Christine Stuart CT. JUNKIE NEWS

HARTFORD, CT —Facing criticism following a concession package he negotiated with the state employee workforce in 2011, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy obtained an actuarial analysis for the tentative framework his administration reached last month for the latest deal. The analysis by Cavanaugh MacDonald Consulting and Segal Consulting found the plan that still needs to be ratified by the rank-and-file union members provides $700.9 million in savings in the first year and $868.6 million in the second year for a cumulative savings of $1.569 billion over the next two fiscal years. “The materials affirm that the proposed structural reforms to pension and benefit costs will result in billions in savings to the state, obtaining significant annual savings for taxpayers over each of the next twenty years,” Malloy said in a press release. It’s estimated to save nearly $5 billion in the first five years, and $24 billion over the next 20 years. The contract for health and pension benefits would be extended another five years from 2022 to 2027. “Our state’s employee unions came to the table, entered discussions in good faith, and arrived at an ambitious framework that achieves sig-

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Rep. Pat Boyd at celebration of agriculture outside the state Capitol

nificant long-term savings,” Malloy said.” Should this agreement be adopted, it will deliver substantial structural reforms that will produce billions in savings for our taxpayers while continuing to provide for essential government services.” The individual bargaining groups are expected to vote on the contract over the next few weeks. Voting could go well into July. Union officials declined to comment on the analysis Tuesday.

The workers’ agreement provides for wage freezes that save $716.4 million over the biennium and nearly $500 million per year thereafter, according to the analysis. The analysis sought by Malloy also showed that proposed pension changes will save the state $210 million in fiscal year 2018 and $238 million in fiscal year 2019. It determined over the course of the deal the amount the state would have to contribute would decline by

$400 to $500 million per year. Proposed health changes will save $136 million in the first two years, but both the premium cost sharing and formulary changes increase those savings to well over $100 million per year into the late 2020s and early 2030s, according to the analysis Retirement savings, according to the analysis, will eclipse $200 million per year in the 2020s as retirees move to the Medicare Advantage

program. Malloy said an added benefit of the deal is at least a quarter of our workforce is likely going to retire before the existing State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition agreement ends, allowing the state to change the benefits structure five years sooner, meaning there will be more than 10,000 employees with the new Tier IV pensions on July 1, 2022. This attrition will save the state almost $77 million in the first two years, with the savings increasing to $97 million annually by 2037, according to Malloy. House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, said she appreciated the work. “We appreciate the governor’s attempts to validate the savings he hopes to derive through the professional assessments he has provided,” Klarides said. “The report presents a rosier picture than we have seen to this point.” She added that a previous SEBAC agreement hatched in 2011 failed to

live up to its promises. Senate Republican President Len Fasano, R-North Haven, has argued that the state would save more money if they made changes to the health and pension benefits of state employees through statute, instead of allowing them to be collectively bargained by the unions and the governor.

Jack Kramer contributed to this report.

$539M City Budget Wins Final Approval by MARKESHIA RICKS NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

The Board of Alders gave final passage to a new city budget that shaves another $2.4 million off Mayor Toni Harp’s original proposal — and acknowledged that what happens in Hartford might force more cuts midyear. At a meeting Monday night at City Hall, the alders voted to approve an operating budget of $538.9 million — down from the revised budget of $541.3 million that the Harp administration presented last month — for the next fiscal year which starts July 1. The budget alders passed Monday keeps mill rate for real estate and personal property at 38.64 (or $38.64 for every $1,000 of net assessed value) and for motor vehicles at 37 mills. The new budget also revises downward the expected increase of state aid from

MARKESHIA RICKS PHOTO Anna Festa, who limited open-ended new Tennis Open money.

$21 million to $18.6 million. (The city had originally counted on $31 million until the state discovered a $5.1 billion two-year projected deficit.) The Board of Education will bear the brunt of those new cuts with a fresh $3 million reduction, though it is possible it could get some of that money back. Alders are holding $1 million of that money in sequestration pending the

outcome of deliberations in Hartford over a new state budget. The legislative session is slated to end Wednesday, but legislators aren’t expected to pass a budget until a subsequent special sessions. The mayor’s original proposed budget from March would have increased the BOE’s budget by $8 million; the final budget the alders passed Monday night increases it by only $4 million. Annex Alder Alphonse Paolillo Jr., who also pulls double duty as a state representative, led the amendment process Monday evening, which also included increasing the city’s savings plan by $400,000 by not filling certain vacancies. He praised city Budget Director Joe Clerkin for finding additional savings through vacancies given that there is a strong possibility that the state will not have its budget in place by July 1. “We want to be cautious and conser-

vative,” Paolillo said, “and this is part of getting savings from all city departments through vacancies so that that money cannot be moved or used in other line items in order to cover the deficits in other city departments.” He also praised interim schools Superintendent Reginald Mayo and Chief Operating Officer Will Clark for sounding the alarm about a budget deficit six months ago so that alders had time to act. Upper Westville Alder Darryl Brackeen Jr. added a budget amendment that transfers $60,000 from contract reserves to the other contractual service budget line item for the Office of Legislative Services. The money will pay for salary increases for five senior staffers in that office who have been there at least 14 years, pending the conclusion of contract negotiations between the city and Local 3144. Several alders stood Monday night

to give full support to raises for members of AFSCME Local 3144, which represents professional and supervisory workers who have not seen a significant increase in their salaries in the last four years. Legislative Services staffers have not seen a salary increase since 1998, according to Brackeen. “Since the last Office of Legislative Services reorganization in 1998 and resulting salary increase, the workload, duties, and expectations have increased exponentially, yet no additional staff has been hired,” he said. “OLS duties have significantly expanded and grown more complex over time.” “We’ve given back,” said Local 3144 Vice President Harold Brooks. “In our last contract, we took home less money and so we went in hole because medical costs rose, pension cost rose, and the cost of living has gone up. I Con’t on page 21

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

LEAP Launches Free Youth Community Swim Team

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What: With support from the USA Swimming Foundation, LEAP is starting a seven-week competitive community swim team this summer for youth ages 6 to 15 to join with no cost. Children do not need to be in other LEAP programs to participate in the swim team. Where: LEAP Community Center at 31 Jefferson Street, New Haven, CT 06511 When: Swim team tryouts for all skill levels will be held on Friday, June 23, 2017, 6 pm - 8 pm, and Saturday, June 24, 2017, 10 am - 12 pm. It is mandatory that kids try out so that we can place them in the appropriate group based on skill level. Participants must demonstrate their ability to swim the length of the pool without stopping. If children are not able to meet this standard, we will recommend they instead join LEAP’s swim lessons that occur year-round. Evening swim team practices will be from 6-7:30 pm at the heated LEAP pool at 31 Jefferson Street

in New Haven. Practice will begin Wednesday, June 28th, and meets will be held Saturdays starting July 15th (10 am-1 pm). Contact: Elvert Eden, Director of Aquatics at LEAP 31 Jefferson St New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 773-0770 eeden@leapforkids. org Leapforkids.org Who: LEAPs mission is to develop the strengths and talents of young leaders who implement year-round, community and school-based programming designed to achieve positive academic and social outcomes for children living in high poverty urban neighborhoods. Since 1992, LEAP (www.leapforkids.org) has led the movement to provide children and youth with opportunities to thrive in all areas of their lives. Through a year-round after-school and summer camp program, LEAP serves more than 1,000 young people each year, ages 7 through 15, with a literacy-based curriculum and classes in the arts, computer science, swimming, athletics, camping, cooking, and team building. In addition, LEAP trains and employs more than 200 high school and college students to help run these programs.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

Celentano Search Sparks Security Review by CHRISTOPHER PEAK NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

New Haven’s Board of Education is reexamining security policies citywide after parents raised questions about why security guards at Celentano School recently conducted searches of all students before letting them enter the building. The searches took place April 12 at Celentano Biotech, Health, and Medical Magnet, a PreK-8 school on Prospect Hill, have split parents into two camps. One incensed group claims their children’s rights were violated in unjustified prying; the other shrugs it off as a necessary measure to keep their kids safe. According to parents who witnessed the scene while dropping off their kids, around five district security staff told students to place their backpacks and purses on tables, then rummaged through belongings. The security staff also patted down middle-schoolers’ clothes, from their shoulders to their shoes, parents added. No contraband was found in the school-wide search, district officials reported. Since then, parents have brought their concerns to the Board of Ed, which plans to discuss the episode and examine system-wide policies at its next meeting. That dispute reflects a systemwide dynamic. “Security is a concern for everyone, not only for stuff but espe-

ALIYYA SWABY PHOTO

Principal Keisha Redd-Hannans.

cially for students. And it’s always a balancing act,” said teachers union President David Cicarella. “We want everyone to feel safe, to be secure, but we also don’t want to be so onerous that it interferes, that kids are feeling like they’re being targeted.” The key to a successful policy? “The messaging has got to be clear.” Neither side of the Celentano debate has received information about what specific security threat warranted the entry inspections, leading some parents to question whether Celentano followed the district’s stated policy on student searches and school board members to wonder if the full-scale searches will continue at other schools. According to New Haven Public Schools’s student handbook, which

is posted online and sent home in annual orientation packets, an individual student may be searched “if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school.” A group of students, “where no particular student within the group is suspected,” may be searched “only if there is a reasonable suspicion of conduct immediately harmful to students, staff or school property.” That policy seems to conflict with a letter that Principal Keisha ReddHannans sent home to parents on the day of the search, assuring them there had been no imminent danger. “Please know that there has not been any reported security threat to our students, parents or staff,” she wrote. Redd-Hannans declined an interview with the Independent, ordering a reporter “to vacate the premises.” Through district officials, the principal later indicated that she felt it was reasonable to conduct schoolwide entry inspections due to parents’ complaints about students’ possession of items that violated school policy. (The district would not elaborate on what specific items were suspected.) Based on those concerns, Redd-Hannans consulted with the district’s chief of security to authorize a search. Older students interviewed at the school said that Celentano initiated the crackdown to flush out a wallet

and cell phone that had been stolen the day prior, on April 11, and reported to police. In a written statement, Redd-Hannans said she’s trying to “balance” the interests of students and staff with those of parents and visitors “to make the decisions which promote the safest environment of all.” “As a school administrator responsible for the education and well-being of over 400 students, it is incumbent upon me to consistently review school operations and to engage in proactive supports where appropriate,” she added. In her letter home to parents, ReddHannans also indicated that the district’s security team routinely conducted the “proactive” searches at various schools and “will continue to rotate to various schools throughout the district,” she wrote. Will Clark, the school district’s chief operating officer, said that most of these entry inspections are centered on the high schools and specific events, like a major sports game. He declined to say if there had been other searches at elementary and middle schools this year. At their last meeting, on May 22, Board of Education members requested more information about the district’s protocols. “I’m concerned about having a blanket search policy which is not based on an actual threat, and thereby Con’t on page 9

Con’t on page 9

350 Mourn Officer “E.J.”

officer in training is not supposed to have other affiliations, he said. “He was really good riding a bike. He did his wheelies. He was mildmannered. It was a loss when he had to lay his colors down to become a cop,” Pearson said. Because Douglas was still a member in good standing, at least 40 of the club’s 90 or so members were in attendance at the funeral and provided a gauntlet, on the steps of the church, as family and other mourners entered. You would think an officer who loved motorcycles so much would want to become a motorcycle cop. But that wasn’t the case with Edward Douglas. Campbell said Douglas was eager to learn, most recently expressing an interest in joining the department’s canine unit. “He set the example of what it means to be a phenomenal police officer and a good man. If I can recruit another 400 Edward Douglases, man, New Haven would have no problems,” said Campbell. Bishop Lee A. Haynes of the Last Day Healing & Deliverance Church in Spartanburg, S.C., came up to New Haven to preside over the services. After he concluded, Douglas was transported with a motorcycle police escort to Evergreen Cemetery for burial.

Saint Aedan School

School Readiness/Pre-Kindergarten Program 351 McKinley Ave., New Haven, CT 06515 Now accepting applications for both 3 and 4 year old programs The Saint Aedan Readiness Program, based on Creative Curriculum allows children to learn based on the uniqueness of each child. Building self esteem, friendships and a sense of community, Saint Aedan School is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment. Full Year/Full day (7:30-5:30) Parent Fees-sliding scale Care4kids Available For enrollment information, contact

NAEYC Accredited Dr. James Acabbo, Director

drashsp@yahoo.com Mr. Michael Votto, Principal mvotto@staedan-brendanschool.org Or call the school at 203-387-5693 Visit us at www.staedan-brendanschool.org

Police Chief Sworn In THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

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The Legacy of Andrew Joseph III

he’s retiring in September, unexpectedly after just being re-elected. The lawsuit goes on but Gee will not be held accountable for his methods. Andrew’s parents formed the Andrew Joseph Foundation which focuses on “Safety First” in community venues. They “illuminate the disparity among policies that impede the premise of protecting children and those entities that claim safety as their #1 priority.” Many changes have taken place at the Tampa State Fairgrounds. The Sheriff’s Department still plans to use “evictions” which they claim aren’t arrests. Deputies will contact parents or guardians of minors who can be picked up at the Amphitheater. If no parent/guardian can be contacted, children will be held at the County’s Children’s Service Facility. Youth will not be admitted after 6pm without an adult. Andrew’s parents want schools to require permission slips to receive the free tickets. They think it would be safer to disperse attendance throughout the week as opposed to all coming on a single day. The Fairgrounds serves alcohol. In 2011 the Florida Legislature passed a law that says you can bring your permitted gun to the Fairgrounds. What could possibly go wrong? Former Congressman Alan Grayson asked the Justice Department to investigate Andrew’s death… they declined. In one of his last official acts after he lost his bid for re-election. Grayson filed the Andrew Joseph III Act requiring those who request a specific type of federal funds to have a Civilian Review Board. In this Republican Congress, it will likely never receive a vote. There is still much to be done yet Andrew has left an important legacy. His death had resulted in changes at the Fairgrounds which have already made minors safer. The Foundation bearing his name is making strides to increase safety at public venues across the country. Perhaps one day around the world. The lawsuit will eventually shine a harsh light on the Sheriff’s Department evictions that are arrests in all but name. Lastly, he left a legacy of love. Not only his family that he loved as they loved him. Because of the way he lived his life with kindness, caring for others, and the changes ultimately wrought. He is survived by us all. He accomplished much in his too brief stay but his impact will be everlasting. Perhaps the next time a phone goes off in a dead black boy’s pocket, someone will bother to answer. William Spivey can be reached at spiveywilliamf@gmail.com Blogs at www.EnigmaInBlack.com

by PAULBASS

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Don’t tell anyone but New Haven has a new police chief. The Harp administration made a point of telling hardly anyone that the mayor was swearing in the new chief at a ceremony Tuesday afternoon in the mayor’s conference room on the second floor of City Hall. There, Mayor Toni Harp administered the oath of office to Anthony Campbell, whom the Board of Alders Monday night formally confirmed as the successor to former Chief Dean Esserman. Earlier in the day, the administration said the chief would not be sworn in until June 20. Meanwhile, it gathered Assistant Chiefs Otoniel Reyes, Achilles “Archie” Generoso, and Luiz Casanova at the mayor’s suite at 4 p.m., along with officials of the Chief Administrative Officer’s department and Campbell’s wife Stephanie for a private official swearing-in. Before administering the oath, Harp told Campbell that he is assuming the reins of “the best police force in the United States of

PAUL BASS PHOTO

Harp swearing in Campbell Monday afternoon

Assistant Chief Reyes offers a congratulatory hug to Campbell after the oath.

America.” “We’re probably the only city in Connecticut that does it right,” Harp said of community-based policing, citing plummeting crime rates and bonds between cops and neighborhoods. (Click here for an alternate take on the state of community policing.) Harp told Campbell that she expects him to take the city’s policing strategy “to the next level.” After the swearing in, everyone in the room was invited to share in a celebratory cake thanks to the efforts of mayoral staffer Patricia Lawlor. The city had been without an official chief since Esserman resigned in September amid controversy. Campbell has served as interim chief, and received positive reviews for his performance. Harp said hundreds of people will be invited to a public version of Campbell’s swearing-in on June 20. The administration held a similar secret swearing-in for John Alston, the current fire chief, before holding a second more public event. But for the record, as of 4:15 p.m. Monday, New Haven has a new top cop.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

AMAZING! Engineer Born With No Arms: “Can’t Is Never The Answer” by T. R. Causay, Social Reporter, BlackDoctor.org

Meet Richie Parker. He likes to fix up old cars in his spare time. He drives a very sweet 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS. At his day job, he’s an engineer for the most winning organization in NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports. The most NASCAR wins have come from the team that Richie works with and designs. He turned a 10-month internship there into a career that has so far spanned ten years and five championships. But did I mention that he doesn’t have arms? It turns out that living without arms is just a minor detail for 30-something Parker. From driving to doing computer design work, Parker does it all with his feet. With the help of his incredible parents who taught him never to say the he “can’t”, Parker spent his whole life coming up with or “engineering” solutions to this problem and proving people wrong when they tell him he can’t do something. So, it’s no wonder he became an engineer as a profession. “In life, there were a whole lot of people who said I couldn’t do things: They said I couldn’t ride a bicycle. That I couldn’t live on my

(Photo credit: The Christian Post) (Photo credit: good-newz)

own or get a good job and support myself or couldn’t go to college and graduate… I don’t listen to people who say I can’t do something. There’s not a whole lot that can stand in my way.” Richie was born with bilateral amelia, a non-genetic birth defect in which limbs aren’t formed. It can also result in a shrunken or deformed limb. For example, a child might be born without an elbow or forearm. The complete absence of an arm or leg in amelia occurs as a result of the limb formation

process being either prevented or interrupted very early in the developing embryo: between 24 and 36 days following fertilization. In a few cases, amelia may be attributed to health complications during the early stages of pregnancy, including infection, failed abortion or complications associated with removal of an IUD after pregnancy, or exposure to specific drugs While the idea of not having any arms might be terrifying to many, having dealt with it since birth has lead Richie to develop a number of

Saint Aedan School

NAEYC Accredited Dr. James Acabbo, Director

drashsp@yahoo.com Mr. Michael Votto, Principal mvotto@staedan-brendanschool.org Or call the school at 203-387-5693 Visit us at www.staedan-brendanschool.org

interesting solutions. He can ride a bike, open the fridge and microwave on his own, use a computer and drive a car with his feet – virtually everything we can do (and take for granted). Just like every other hurdle in his life, Parker found a way. Like placing the keyboard and mouse on the floor, then… … operating both with his feet to build custom high-performance automotive parts. Parker’s can-do attitude is behind him not only accomplishing a wide-range of tasks,

but also creating a system to help him do anything he wants to. More than that, his story has also inspired countless others, not the least of which is Magic Johnson.

After watching an ESPN segment on Parker, the retired NBA star tweeted, “Richie Parker’s story proves that you can do anything you set your mind to. We should all stop complaining and giving excuses.”

“I wouldn’t say there isn’t anything that I can’t do. Just things that I haven’t done yet,” Parker says.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

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Hillhouse Attempts A Rebrand THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

by CHRISTOPHER PEAK NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

With an eye toward luring students favoring charters and magnet schools, Hillhouse High — renowned as a powerhouse on the football field, track circuit and basketball court — is trying to gain a new reputation by living up to its mascot’s name as home of the “Academics.” Under the direction of new Principal Glen Worthy, Hillhouse, the city’s second-largest general high school, is attempting to shake off a reputation for second-tier education that comes second to sports and to get past public criticism during recent years of turmoil. At an open house for incoming freshmen on Thursday, Worthy shared his vision for where the city’s oldest high school is headed. In the second-floor library, he told a crowd of roughly 40 parents and kids about the school’s many new offerings, including a rigorous academic track to prepare for Advanced Placement classes and apprenticeships that come with guaranteed jobs in construction or digital printing. Teachers will be bolstering their credentials with professional development days this summer, and next year, they’ll try out a new system for monitoring students’ progress with semimonthly get-togethers, Worthy said. “You all have heard the negatives about Hillhouse. My job is to rebrand and do a better job of telling the story of how great this place really is. Not only are they great on the playing field, they’re really great in the classroom,” Worthy remarked. The Hillhouse open house is part of a districtwide effort to make neighbor-

Principal Glen Worthy.

hood schools more competitive with in-demand magnets and charters. Each March, preschoolers and eighthgraders apply en masse for the schools they hope to attend. Disappointments inevitably follow in April, when the initial placements are randomly allocated and seats run out. Last year, only 29 students marked Hillhouse among their top two picks, yet 124 students ended up being placed there. Compare that to Engineering & Science University Interdistrict Magnet, where the numbers were nearly reversed. The system’s toughest high school draw, 246 students clamored to fill just 31 seats. This year, Hillhouse will accept more than twice as many freshmen as in years past — an estimated 260 students — meaning even more parents likely need to be convinced.

CHRISTOPHER PEAK PHOTO Worthy Thursday pitches the new Hillhouse to parents.

By showing off the amenities at less desired schools through tours and expos, district officials said they hope parents will feel better about where their kids end up. Sherri Davis-Googe, the director of choice and enrollment, said she hopes the open house helps parents see they’re not “losing the lottery” if they don’t nab their first choice. “No one wants to hear there’s only 12 seats in a school. But at the end of the day, our goal is to empower our families no matter which school they’re in,” she said. “They’re going to a school like any other.” Alex Sinclair, a Hillhouse history teacher turned administrative intern, said he doesn’t believe the change

will be hard to sell, because the vibe has changed so dramatically. In the past, “we never really thought about [how we wanted to present ourselves]. Teachers have individually, but now it is part of our collective discourse,” he said. One of the top priorities for staff was identifying new ways that scholastic success can be rewarded, Sinclair saidd. “There’s nothing here that recognizes academic excellence,” hehas heard from students. “Because it’s not celebrated, it’s not something that other students aspire to be.” Instead, they seek recognition for their accomplishments outside the classroom, he said. “But it’s only a select few that make

it on the football team. So where does that leave you? If we start celebrating it and we’re on that trajectory now and it’s something that matters, we’ll have more kids that aspire to achieve academically.” A big step next year will be providing honors classes for freshman and sophomores, better preparing them for the tough Advanced Placement exams that can earn them college credit. Known as the Hillhouse Summit Program, this selective, pre-AP track for students entering with a GPA of 3.5 or higher will have a curriculum that’s faster-paced, more complex and wider in scope. A separate summer orientaCon’t on page 13

Six Charged With Disorderly Conduct and Interference with the General Assembly by Jack Kramer CT. Junkie News

HARTFORD, CT — Six activists who believe budget proposals being bandied about would make devastating cuts to human services were arrested Monday after singing, chanting, and demonstrating against the spending plans inside the state Capitol. The rally was led by Moral Monday CT — a social and racial justice organization founded by Bishop John Selders and other faith leaders from across the state. The group gathered in the north rotunda of the capitol while the House of Representatives and Senate were conducting business on Monday after-

noon. The group started to sing loudly and chant, which according to State Capitol Police Public Information Officer Scott Driscoll “caused a distur-

bance in the building.” The group was asked to stop and exit the building, Driscoll continued. Several did, but those who refused were

arrested. Those charged with Disorderly Conduct and Interference with the General Assembly were: Kent J. Siladi, 61, of Middletown; Carleen R. Gerber, 68, of Lyme; Joshua M. Pawelek, 50, of Glastonbury; Michael J. Reardon, 53, of Glastonbury; and Elizabeth Marie Alford-Harkey, 51, of Milford. Selders, 54, of Hartford was charged with Interference with the General Assembly. All charged were issued a misdemeanor summons and released on a promise to appear at Hartford Superior Court on Thursday, June 8. Moral Monday CT and interfaith clergy, along with labor, education and advocacy group leaders, said they were

calling on lawmakers to reject drastic cuts to human services and to embrace revenue options that will “create greater equity and justice.” They are looking to modernize the sales tax by extending it to services and increasing income taxes on the wealthy. They also support a fine for large employers who don’t pay their employees $15 an hour and a sugary beverage tax. Legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy have agreed to continue budget discussions. All parties have admitted they won’t get a deal before midnight June 7, but they are largely trying to avoid increases in taxes or fees. The budget deficit over the next two years is estimated at $5.1 billion.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

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tion program will also help students develop proper study skills to manage an increased workload. The separate tracks are just one way that education is becoming more personalized at Hillhouse, which has over 900 students. Administrators also plan to “cluster” freshmen together into 75-member cohorts that share the same math, science, social studies and English teachers. These four educators will meet every two weeks to discuss any difficulties students are facing before they fall behind. For example, if one teacher knows that a student is having difficulties at home, she could inform the other teachers and create an action plan. “We can discuss, ‘Well, are we going to bring the parents in? Are there supports and services in the school, in the community that we can provide for them?’” Sinclair explained. Some parents, while enthused about the plans Worthy laid out, said they’re waiting to see how he executes. To those skeptics, the principal reiterated that they should feel free to hold him accountable to deliver what he’s promised. “Here’s what I want to say, moms and dads and future graduates of 2021: For me, I’m being selfish by being here. My sisters, my nieces, my old aunt, my old uncle still live in New Haven. So, if I don’t get more and more of my kids educated and ready for college and the workforce, they have one option: rob my aunt or uncle, because I didn’t do a good job here,” Worthy summed it up. “For me, it’s a personal challenge. Being a product of Newhallville, that’s my challenge. I wanted this job three years ago. I always wanted to go to Hillhouse. There’s something about this school that’s really special. Do we have our issues? Of course we do, we ain’t perfect. But the majority of kids are quality. That’s what I’m looking for.” Worthy took over Hillhouse this past year after some members of the public panned an experiment that broke it into three schools with three separate principals and students went public with complaints that the school was running poorly. In April, on the other hand, Hillhouse received state recognition — in the form of a visit by the governor — for improving its graduation rate. What will Hillhouse look like in four years, when the same students who got their first tour of the high school this week are wearing their caps and gowns? Assistant Principal John Tarka said he hopes by then he and Worthy won’t be the only ones articulating where the school will go. “It’s really going to be [our grads] talking to younger students about why this program works,” he said.

NEW HAVEN’S TARYLL JORDAN NAMED DIVISION’S NO. 1 STEAK MASTER Top Grillers from LongHorn Steakhouse Restaurants Nationwide Compete for $200,000+ in Cash Prizes

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – New Haven resident Taryll Jordan is a finalist for LongHorn Steakhouse’s Steak Master Series, an epic culinary competition where the restaurant’s top-performing grill experts vie for the coveted title of Steak Master. Jordan is one of seven division winners selected this year from nearly 5,000 culinary professionals, making this a truly prestigious honor. Jordan, a Grill Master at the LongHorn Steakhouse at 70 Universal Drive in North Haven, will advance to the final round taking place at the restaurant’s headquarters in Orlando, Fla., to compete in front of top executives for a chance to win the $10,000 grand prize. “This recognition is a welldeserved testament to Taryll’s grilling expertise,” said Paul Livrieri, executive vice president of operations at LongHorn Steakhouse. “All of us at LongHorn share his passion for serving outstanding food and perfectly grilled steaks.” Jordan has worked at LongHorn for more than seven years. His culinary expertise and onthe-job training make him an expert on all things steak. The second annual Steak Masters Series, which awards cash prizes totaling more than

$200,000, celebrates LongHorn’s commitment to craftsmanship on the grill and challenges participants to continuously strive for excellence. This year’s competition began on the restaurant level, as culinary team members were invited to participate in written tests and grill-offs. All 490 LongHorn locations selected 59 winners at the regional round. The seven finalists will compete to become the Steak Master Series Champion on June 29 in Orlando, Fla. About LongHorn Steakhouse® LongHorn Steakhouse is known for fresh, boldly seasoned and expertly grilled steaks – like the signature bone-in Outlaw Ribeye® – all served in a relaxed, warm atmosphere inspired by a rancher’s home. LongHorn has 490 restaurants across 40 states and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others in the community. As part of this commitment, LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants have donated nearly 17 million pounds of food to local non-profit organizations across the country. For more information and to find a location near you, visit www. LongHornSteakhouse.com. Fans can also follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/LongHornSteakhouse or on Twitter and Instagram @LongHornSteaks.

JACKSON ROOMING HOUSE: THE RESTING SPOT FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN CELEBRITIES by Jae Jones, BlackThen.com

The Jackson Rooming House, noted for being the “Boarding House of the Celebrities,” housed only well-known black entertainers and civil rights leaders, such as Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and Cab Calloway. The residence, located at 851 Zack Street in Tampa, Florida, was designed and built by Sarah and Moses Jackson and passed down from generation to generation. In 2007, the home was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Although the house was originally structured with six bedrooms when it was built in 1901, as the establishment became more popular,

additional rooms were added. The Jackson boarding house closed its doors in 1989. The estimated cost to restore the house was over $900,000, so the building has yet to be refurbished. A debate continues between the local black community and city officials about the boarding house. The mayor wants the barely-standing home to be torn down; however, he is willing to work with those who are trying to restore the residence.”As long as they’re making progress, we’ll continue to work with them,” Mayor Bob Buckhorn to The Tampa Bay Times. Nevertheless, the fate of the boarding house has yet to be determined.

Dixwell Tells Its Own Story THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

by HAILEY FUCHS

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

When students walked through the doors at the old Winchester Community School, they were welcomed by teachers who knew them — their strengths, their challenges, and their aspirations — Barbara Tinney recalled, telling her old neighborhood’s story the way her neighbors would remember it. She remembered how one teacher committed herself to ensuring every student’s proficiency in reading before the end of the academic year. “Proficient!” she stressed. She reminisced about daily sojourns to grab lunch back home and afternoons spent in dance, musical, and athletic after-school activities alongside her peers. At Winchester (now closed, its successor merged into the HAILEY FUCHS PHOTO Tour attendees first arrive at Prince Hall Masonic Temple, forWexler-Grant School), children were merly the city’s first African-American school. “an end unto themselves,” Tinney explained. “You don’t hear about the laughter of children in the backyard of Winchester School,” Tinney worried. “We don’t control our narrative. Our narrative is being written by others who don’t see the strength that still resides in our community.” On Sunday evening, Tinney, who today runs New Haven’s Family Alliance, and others who hail from Dixwell told the story themselves, on the first of a series of neighborhood walking tours and panels scheduled for the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, which opened this weekend. A&I tours of Wooster Square and Downtown will follow, base don new books and web tour prepared by the THOMAS MACMILLAN FILE PHOTO Ethnic Heritage Center. Though the Barbara Tinney U.S. Supreme Court ordered schools to racially desegregate in 1954, Tinney stipulated that more than 90 percent of Winchester’s student body was African-American back then — arguing that the Winchester was “still a segregated school” even in the postsegregation era. In her youthful naivete, Tinney assumed that all New Haven schools mirrored Winchester’s predominantly African-American leadership. Now, looking back, she guessed that Winchester employed more than half of all African American teachers in the city. She could recall only one Caucasian educator, a third-grade teacher. She underscored the fact that Winchester defied the terms now used to label the experience of African American children in New Haven: “disadEdward Cherry, the Q house’s urban renewal-era architect, on the tour. vantaged” and “traumatized.”

Jaqueline Bracey, another panelist Sunday, emphasized that history must serve as a learning experience and criticized the neglect of African American heritage in schools. “Other people tell our history. I grew up very secure in a happy home. We knew that we were rich in love and community,” said Bracey, who echoed Tinney’s sentiments about misrepresentations of the experiences of black youth in New Haven. “I think that everyone has to tell their own story.” Bracey, a Winchester graduate who introduced herself as “a Dixwell girl,” emphasized that the Dixwell Community or “Q” House,served as a home for the neighborhood’s children, providing a legacy of leaders and role models for African American youth. The community center often served as a familial hub, as it offered seminars for parents in addition to its youth programs before it closed in 2003. (Bracey described this neighborhood community as “simply another member of the family.” After the conclusion of the first panel, the thirty attendees filed into the impending drizzle out of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Masons, which was formerly Goffe Street Special School for Colored Children, New Haven’s first school for African American children. In a huddle of neon umbrellas, Rhoda Sachs Zahler Samuel, the tour’s coordinator, reminded the group that Dixwell “was not solely an African American neighborhood.” In addition to Irish policemen, the area hosted a vibrant Jewish community, including a synagogue and multiple Jewish business owners, earlier in its history. Edward Cherry, Connecticut’s first licensed African American architect and a panelist who led the tour, pointed at various modernist buildings where demolished community centers and neighborhood businesses had once stood before the urban renewal process. Though Cherry acknowledged that the regeneration of the neighborhood’s design was, in many ways, “an asset” to the city, it also took community spaces and business that could have been saved. Cherry raved about Bazooka’s, an ice cream shop with ridiculous banana splits that he frequented in his childhood. “That’s part of New Haven that’s no longer here,” Cherry said in a matterof-fact tone. “This is all very sad!” one attendee

exclaimed. “Oh yeah,” Cherry soberly replied. During the tour, a few groups of teenagers were gathered along Dixwell Avenue, the district’s major retail street. In a silent moment, the teenagers matched the tour group’s gazes with looks of perplexity. Neither group acknowledged the other, and the tour moved on. The tour group filed into the basement of the Varick African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, New Haven’s first black congregation, for the second panel. A floor above the attendees’ heads, Booker T. Washington had made his final public speech in 1915 a month before his death. Deaconess Geraldine Poole recalled a lookout in a nearby building where runaway slaves hid at a checkpoint along the Underground Railroad. Helen Ogundipe, another panelist, lauded the legacy of Hannah Gray, an African-American seamstress and laundrywoman, who left her fortune to the establishment of a retirement community for impoverished African American women Now, the 20-bed complex supports men and women of all colors. The home was forced to close in 1996 due to financial woes Then the Rev. Anthony J. Davis of the Varick African Methodist Episcopal Church raised enough money to allows the residence, which has historically doubled as a hub of community philanthropy, to reopen in 2010. As she inquired about the current relationship between the Hannah Gray Home and the Dixwell community, Bracey recalled holidays where she and other children brought cheer to elders at the residence, a pillar experience of her youth. As a supervisor at the Q house, she often brought “youngsters” to serve the house’s residents. After the event, attendees reflected on how the neighborhood has changed. Willy Collier, a trustee at the Varick AME Church, described how the neighborhood has quieted over time. He questioned whether the replacement of the old Elm Haven public-housing high-rises into the low-rise Monterey Place development. Both Bracey and Tinney grew up in those towers, or “projects,” as they referred to them, in a rejection of the mainstream term. “Now they call them ‘complexes,’” Tinney bemoaned, which drew a few chuckles from the audience.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

Reps Press For Criminal Justice Bills by MARKESHIA RICKS NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Hartford — A local lawmaker told supporters of bills that would significantly restrict the use of solitary confinement and establish stronger penalties for police officers who use excessive force to be prepared to continue the fight in the next legislative session. With the days of the legislative session winding down, Sen. Gary Winfield said Wednesday no bill is dead until June 7 when the session ends. But during a rally outside the Capitol building, he also said that if the bills pass, they might not be the strong versions that were introduced at the start of the session, which means advocates have to keep pushing for reform. Winfield said that the police bill — HB 6663, which is being shepherded by fellow Newhallville legislator State Rep. Robyn Porter — has received pushback from police officers and their unions, who want provisions that would affect an officer’s pay during an active investigation out of the bill. Winfield said those provisions are what give the bill teeth to hold officers accountable for how they use force. “We’re concerned with public safety in the same way as any community is concerned with public safety,” Winfield said to the more than 50 people gathered to press lawmakers to take up the excessive force and solitary confinement bills. “What we don’t want is public siege. We don’t want police

Fighting until June 7…and likely after that.

Fair: Still work to be done.

who operate with impunity. We don’t want police who do some things out-

side of the character of what we think police should, and are able to get away

with it — who are able to sit around for two, three, four years while investigations are going on and get paid. We don’t want that.” Winfield said because of that opposition, there is a chance that HB 6663 could be passed before next Wednesday, but not the version of it that he would want. “If it’s not the bill that I want then we have to keep fighting,” he said. “The bill that I want says that when you take certain actions, when you shoot someone whether they die or not, after 40 business days, the preliminary investigation is completed, there is a determination of whether or not that investigation is going to go forward and if it is going to go forward you don’t get to sit around for two to three years and collect a check.” The version of HB 6663 that Winfield wants also outlines an investigative procedure into police conduct that results in a wrist hematoma from an officer overtightening handcuffs, a black eye, or a laceration that requires sutures. Winfield wants HB 6663 to require that such incidents receive a preliminary investigation within 120 days. Activist Holly Tucker said had such a law been in place after she was stopped by police for an alleged traffic violation last September, she might not have ended up with bruised arms and blood clots, which she claims was the result of being dragged from her car and thrown to the ground. She also said it likely would have helped her daughter, who since the incident wor-

ries if Tucker isn’t home by 10:20 p.m. Tucker was held in police custody overnight after the traffic stop. The solitary confinement bill, HB 7302, doesn’t seem to have the same kind of obvious opposition. But it too continues to be stalled in the last days of the legislative session. “On the solitary confinement bill, I feel like we were all working together and then we weren’t,” Winfield said. “I feel like that a lot in this building.” He speculated that ultimately someone will use a perceived cost that hasn’t been determined yet as an excuse not to support the bill. He also predicts that some of his colleagues in the legislature will say that they want to help, but will find an excuse not to do so. “Every time we try to do a bill like this, it’s ‘I would like to help you but,’” he said. “‘I think that’s a good idea, but.’ If you would like to help me then help me.” Prepared To Keep Fighting Long-time activists like Barbara Fair was built for this fight. Not only has she spent many years challenging city officials to hold cops accountable for misconduct, she’s been working on the problem of solitary confinement for more than a decade. She said that some people like state Corrections Commissioner Scott Semple understand the need for a criminal justice system that is humanizing, but she said he can’t make changes alone. “It’s not easy to improve this evil sys-

Sally Brown Tapped For New City Hall Assignment by PAUL BASS NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Rather than a disciplinary hearing, Deputy City Clerk Sally Brown has been handed a new assignment. Mayor Toni Harp has temporarily reassigned Brown from the clerk’s office to help pick up the slack in the Chief Administrative Officer’s (CAO) suite on the third floor of City Hall. The deputy chief administrative officer, Jennifer Pugh, is out on long-term leave. And work has piled up. Harp said Friday that she has exercised her statutory authority to transfer Brown to cover some of the work Pugh does. Brown said Friday she is also taking on special

projects that have piled up. CAO Mike Carter said the projects include a “vulnerability analysis, looking at department strengths and areas to improve; documentation of department achievements; [and] a ‘Clean City’ strategy.” Harp has also assigned Maggie Targrove to assume some of Pugh’s duties in addition to Targrove’s existing duties as deputy director of emergency management. Brown will continue earning her $93,897 annual salary in the temporary assignment, which does not have a set expiration date, according to city human resources chief Steve Librandi. Targrove is eligible under her union contract to receive an extra $3 an hour on top of her $79,851 salary for performing work usually done by someone

PAUL BASS PHOTO

Sally Brown in her temporary new quarters in City Hall.

at a higher pay grade. Brown’s regular supervisor, City

Clerk Michael Smart, had suspended her in May 2016 for al-

legedly certifying absentee ballots and nominating petitions that he said she had no authority to do. She disagreed. The State Elections Enforcement Commission ruled this February in Brown’s favor, and she returned to work. Smart said at the time he still planned to proceed with a disciplinary hearing. On Friday Smart said he “didn’t have an issue” when the request came to transfer Brown temporarily to help out in the CAO’s suite. He said no disciplinary hearing is scheduled. “At this point, we’re moving forward,” he said. “As long as I’m busy, I’m happy. I’m busy now,” Brown, who has worked for the city since 1980, said Friday in her office overlooking the Green. “I’m a worker.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

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Nefertite Nguvu THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

The “In the Morning” Interview with Kam Williams

the film in Brooklyn in just eight days.

In Harmony with Nefertite!

Nefertite is a graduate of New York’s School of Visual Arts, where she obtained a B.F.A in Film. Her thesis project at SVA won the award for outstanding screenplay. Nefertite has written, produced and directed two short films: a uniquely stylized black and white romance entitled “I Want You,” and “The End of Winter,” an emotional meditation on loss, both of which screened at numerous film festivals. Amongst other web-based programming, Nefertite also directed a tenpart web series featuring Queen Latifah for Cover Girl and Flavor Unit Entertainment entitled ‘U.N.I.T.Y. Re-ignighted’, ‘Love Star’ a mini music documentary, as well as an eight-part web series entitled ‘Black America Again’ featuring Academy Award-winner Common for Universal Music and Freedom Road Productions. As a writer/director/producer, Nefertite made her feature film debut with “In The Morning,” a film about love and its inevitable change/decline charting the emotional anatomy of several relationships over the course of one day. “In The Morning” delves into the emotional landscape of contemporary black life in a way rarely seen in modern cinema. The picture debuted at the Urban World Film Festival in New York City and won the Audience Award for Best Feature Film. After a string of successful film festival screenings across the country and in Paris, Rome and Johannesburg, the film also won the award for Best International Film at the Terra Di Siena Film Festival in Italy, Best Narrative Feature at the BlackStar Film Festival in Philadelphia, and Best Feature Film and Best Overall at the Bronzelens Film Festival in Atlanta. The film is now available worldwide via Video on Demand. “In the Morning” will be showing in Philadelphia on Friday, May 26th at 7 pm at the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery, located at 3401 Filbert Street. Following the screening, there will be a conversation between Nefertite and multimedia visual artist Sosena Solomon and questions from the audience.

KW: What’s your next project? NN: I’ve got two short narrative projects I’m working on now that I’m very excited about. One I’m in post-production on entitled, “Myself When I am Real,” and another I’ll be shooting this summer in collaboration with AT&T as part of their “Hello Lab” program.

To find out about future screenings of In the Morning elsewhere around the country, visit: http://inthemorning-thefilm.com/ Kam Williams: Hi Nefertite, thanks for the interview. Nefertite Nguvu: It’s my pleasure, Kam. Thank you for taking the time.

KW: What’s your dream project? NN: I’d love to adapt one of James Baldwin’s novels. That would be a dream project, for sure.

KW: What inspired you to write In the Morning? NN: I was very inspired by the women in my life. I wanted to make a film that reflected and honored the women I know. There are so many overlooked narratives when it comes to black women. In The Morning is my love letter to women: beautiful, smart, elegant, vulnerable, sensitive, complex black women who don’t often get to see themselves in movies.

KW: AALBC.com founder Troy Johnson asks: What was the last book you read? NN: The last book I read was filmmaker Kathleen Collins’ recently published book of short stories entitled, “Whatever Happened To Interracial Love.” KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What was the last song you listened to? NN: Frank Ocean’s cover of “At Your Best.” I’m kind of obsessed with it!

KW: How would describe the film in 25 words or less? NN: Our film is about something we’ve all wrestled with, this terrible and beautiful animal: love. It explores romantic love, but it’s ultimately about the power of self-love. KW: How did you go about assembling your cast? NN: Our cast came together pretty organically. We were working with a small budget, so there was no casting director. I reached out to members of my filmmaking community for recommendations: Emayatzy Corinealdi, JoNell Kennedy and Jacky Ido came to me that way. I also chose to work with some artists I’ve known for awhile whose work I loved, like De’Adre Aziza, Kim Hill, Numa Perrier and C.J. Lindsey. I feel very lucky to have this lovely and talented ensemble cast. KW: I interviewed Emayatzy for Roots. She was nominated for an NAACP Image Award this year for her performance in the miniseries. Why did you pick her to play Cadence in your film? NN: It’s great to see her continue to shine. I chose her for many reasons. Emayatzy brings a lot to our film. She is quite beautiful and brings a delicate balance of hubris and humanity that draws us into the com-

KW: Ling-Ju Yen asks: What is your earliest childhood memory? NN: My earliest childhood memory is probably walking while holding the hands of my father and my sister. KW: Was there a meaningful spiritual component to your childhood? NN: Yes, my mother was a very spiritual person and she made that a very grounding component of my upbringing. plex emotional world of her character, Cadence. She’s wonderful! KW: What message do you want people to take away from the film? NN: In The Morning explores the lives of beautiful but imperfect people navigating their way through life and love challenges, without placing judgments on anyone. We are all human and therefore all flawed. Our message is really about deepening connection, intimacy and empathy. More than anything else, I want our audience to see true and deep reflections of themselves. KW: You wrote, directed and pro-

duced In the Morning. What was it like having to juggle all those responsibilities? NN: As a first time feature filmmaker, it was daunting. But I was incredibly determined to get this film made. So, I threw myself wholeheartedly into each of these responsibilities and worked very hard. It was not easy to manage it all. Luckily, I had a lot of support. I’m so proud of the film we made. KW: How long did it take to make the movie? NN: Though it’s been a five-year journey from script to screen and now to wider distribution, we shot

KW: Who loved you unconditionally during your formative years? NN: I am very fortunate in that I felt loved unconditionally by my entire family. KW: What is your favorite dish to cook? NN: I don’t often have a lot of time to cook, usually a quick tofu and veggie stir-fry is my go to! KW: Sherry Gillam would like to know what is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far? NN: To stay the course.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

President Trump, Ed Sec DeVos Make False Claims about Education Policies By Freddie Allen, NNPA Newswire Managing Editor

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President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos continue to make misleading statements about Common Core State Standards (CCSS), muddying the waters for school districts working to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). President Barack Obama signed ESSA into law on December 10, 2015, reauthorizing the landmark Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). According to the U.S. Department of Education, ESSA includes provisions designed to advance equity in education by upholding critical protections for America’s disadvantaged and highneed students; requires that all students in America be to high academic standards that will prepare them to succeed in college and careers; helps to support and grow local innovations—including evidencebased and place-based interventions developed by local leaders and educators; ensures that vital information is provided to educators, families, students, and communities through annual statewide assessments that measure students’ progress toward those high standards; and sustains and expands this administration’s historic investments in increasing access to high-quality preschool. The law does not, however, eliminate CCSS. The Los Angeles Times reported, that President Trump said that he wanted to get rid of Common Core, during a recent town hall with business leaders. “Common Core to me, we have to end it,” said Trump. “We have to bring education local.” Last year, as the Republican presidential nominee, the reality TV star even proposed getting rid of the Education Department altogether, according to Breitbart.com. During an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Trump said that the Department of Education “can be largely eliminated.” Education Week reported that DeVos told a Michigan radio host that ESSA “effectively does away ‘with the notion of the Common Core.’” She later went on Fox News and made the same false claim. “There isn’t really any Common Core any more,” said DeVos on Fox News. “Each state is able to set the

standards for their state. They may elect to adopt very high standards for their students to aspire to and to work toward. And that will be up to each state.” Neither President Trump, nor Education Secretary Betsy DeVos can make any changes to CCSS, because states, local officials and community stakeholders developed those standards. Writing for The Washington Post’s “Answer Sheet” blog, Valerie Strauss called the Common Core State Standards, “among the most controversial topics in education for years,” noting that, “It started as a bipartisan effort to create a set of math and English language-arts standards for students across the country to use, but it became an educational and political mess.” Strauss wrote, “Most states adopted and implemented the standards early in the Obama administration—but failed to give teachers sufficient time to learn it, and critics from every part of the political spectrum found fault with some part of the initiative.” In a blog for Education Week, posted back in February, Andrew Ujifusa wrote that, “states adopt content standards like the common core— the federal government doesn’t get to choose for them. Washington also didn’t write the common core. There was intense debate during President Barack Obama’s administration about whether Washington improperly coerced states into adopting the common core through programs like Race to the Top grants. But regardless of that debate, the president by himself doesn’t have the authority to scrap the standards with the stroke of a pen.” Ujifusa continued: “What about

Congress? The Every Student Succeeds Act explicitly bars the education secretary from influencing states’ decisions about standards. So right now, neither Trump nor DeVos can bar states from using the common core. Absent a change to federal education law that bans the common core outright or in some way relaxes those prohibitions on the secretary (neither of those possibilities appears at all likely right now), their hands are tied.” Politifact also debunked the myth that ESSA eliminated Common Core standards, back in 2016, when Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) made similar claims. “[The Every Student Succeeds Act] prevents the federal government from mandating what a state decides to do with its specific education policies, such as requiring Common Core,” Politifact reported. “The government did not, however, require states to adopt Common Core before this law.” While some education writers like Strauss try to decipher what DeVos might have meant and conservative columnists simply dismiss journalists who take the president’s vows and campaign promises, “literally, but not seriously,” the fact remains that limiting the role of the federal government in how states designed their own education policies, received bipartisan support under ESSA. Yet, the Republican-controlled Congress has taken votes weakening ESSA’s accountability standards, further reducing the federal government’s influence over the states to close the achievement gap between Black and White students and to ensure equal education standards for all students.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

The Truth About Tilapia: 3 Facts You Need To Know by Jamie N. - BDO Contributing Writer

Tilapia is now the fourth most-consumed seafood in the United States, after shrimp, tuna and salmon. This is largely due to it being inexpensive and light, flaky taste that can be easily used in a number of dishes. Due to increased demand, much of the tilapia consumed by the public is now farmraised rather than wild-caught. Now, a post making its rounds on Facebook is saying a lot of bad things about tilapia, but are the claims true? The post makes three big claims: – Tilapia can’t be found in the wild, but only in fish farms. – That it is worse for you than bacon or hamburgers. – It contains dioxin, a cancer causing chemical. But here’s the truth. Myth #1: Tilapia Can’t Be Found In The Wild Tilapia can be found in the wild, but it’s not a single type of fish. Instead, it’s the name for nearly a hundred species of fish commonly found in Africa and the Middle East. Myth #2: Tilapia Is As Bad As Bacon In comparison to bacon, it is low calorie and low fat. It is also low in omega- 3, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad for you. The comparison came from the fact that tilapia raised on farms in China and Central America, which account for three-fourths of the tilapia we get, has very high levels of omega-6 fatty acids and negligible omega-3s (due to the fish’s diet). Unlike omega-3s, which tame inflammation and promote heart and brain health, omega-6s may increase inflammation, but only when they’re consumed in excess of omega-3s. In other words, omega-6s themselves aren’t bad for you. But when your fatty acid ratio falls out of whack, “omega-6s are converted to pro-inflammatory messengers that orchestrate diabetes, stroke, heart disease, arthritis, and even Alzheimer’s,” says Floyd Chilton, director of the Wake Forest Center for Botanical Lipids and Inflammatory Disease Prevention. Therefore, Chilton insists lean, protein-rich tilapia shouldn’t be branded “unhealthy” just because… … it’s high in omega-6s. Choosing this fish isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if you’re eating fish mainly to reap the benefits of omega-3s, you can do a lot better than tilapia. “The big winners are salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, and trout, which give you more than a gram of omega-3s per 3 ounces,” Chilton says. Myth #3: Tilapia Can Cause Cancer

When it comes to dioxins, tilapia is like a lot of farmed fish. So, it depends on where it was raised. If you are concerned about contamination, look on the label for fish raised in the U.S. Although there are some highly reputable global producers that grow healthy fish in an environmentally sound fashion — namely the world’s largest producer, Regal Springs — there are many farmers, especially in Asia, that do not. Many foreign producers in under-regulated nations have been found to raise diseased tilapia in too-tight quarters, pumping fish full of antibiotics, clearing forests to make room for on-shore tanks, and even feeding fish feces. Such measures not only yield poor-quality fish but can cause major damage to the surrounding land and water. To ensure that we receive safe, healthy tilapia that’s also been farmed responsibly, there are now more checks and balances in place that go far beyond the Food and Drug Administration’s spot-testing of tilapia shipments for traces of unapproved antibiotics and environmental toxins. The U.S. government–run NOAA Fisheries Office of Aquaculture inspects foreign fish-processing plants for safety and sanitation at the request of either U.S. buyers or the producers. Global Aquaculture Alliance, a nonprofit trade organization, certifies operations that follow strict ecological standards. There is also the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), which since 2011 has been auditing and certifying tilapia farms that make the grade for production standards and environmental and social impacts. Only about 15 percent of the tilapia available in the U.S. carries the ASC seal, one of the best indicator of safe, responsibly raised tilapia. So if you’re looking for good, healthy tilapia, look for it with this seal. If you get it from the seafood counter at your local grocery story, ask to see if their tilapia packaging has the seal.

Con’t from page 17

Nefertite Nguvu

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? NN: I see a lot of the faces of the women in my family and my father’s eyes. KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for? NN: I’d wish for a just world. KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? NN: Not that I can think of… other than, work-wise, I’d love for someone to ask if they could finance my dream project! KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles asks: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you’d like to direct? NN: There are so many these days, which I think has been a great way to introduce some films to a new audience. It’s daunting to think about taking on a classic, but one I’ve always loved that I think would be interesting to redo is Elevator To The Gallows. KW: Judyth Piazza asks: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? NN: The key quality that stands out to me for many is grit. KW: Finally, what’s in your wallet? NN: Ha! The usual necessities, and a ton of receipts from a shoot this past weekend. KW: Thanks again for the time, Nefertite, and best of luck with all your endeavors. NN: Thanks so much, Kam.

Khandi Alexander:

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

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Even though you can catch veteran actress Khandi Alexander on ABC’s megahit, Scandal, she has also starred in such TV shows like CSI: Miami, HBO’s gritty drama hit, The Corner and the criticallyacclaimed post-Hurricane Katrina drama Treme. But it was during the “Scandal” season finale, that Khandi spoke to a truth that far too many black women understand and can relate to. While being detained for conspiring to kill the president-elect, Olivia’s mom, Maya (played by Khandi Alexander), addresses her ex-husband, Eli, whom she accurately suspects is behind her arrest. Maya pleads her case to Eli, who’s behind a one-way window, insisting that she’s in Washington, D.C. to help protect their daughter. She comes to the realization that Eli thinks he doesn’t need her help. Every second of her monologue is a painful reminder of how tragically under-appreciated, devalued and disrespected black women are by everyone, including black men: “Damn shame. I tell you… being a black woman. Be strong, they say. Support your man, raise your man, think like a man. Well damn, I gotta do all that? Who’s out here working for me, carrying my burden, building me up when I get down? Nobody. Black women out here trying to save everybody and what do we get? Swagger jacked by white girls wearing cornrows and bamboo earrings. Ain’t that a bitch? But we still try. Try to help all y’all. Even when we get nothing. Is that admirable or ridiculous? I don’t know.” The scene was shared on “Scandal’s” Facebook page and it’s been viewed over 3 million times. Many people, from facebook, to twitter, and instagram commented about how much Maya’s monologue resonates with them. “I’ve been having a ball,” Alexander said of being on the show. “I’ve had a chance to meet everyone and hear them read. Everyone is from the theater, which is where I’m from. It’s a joy to be amongst such a wonderful cast.” As for the “Scandal”-crazed fans, “I love that the fans really love this show. There’s so much excitement

as well as support. I’m just thrilled to be a part of all of it,” Alexander said. “I love the world I’ve been dropped into,” the New York City native said. “There are so many incredible storylines.” But before all the TV shows, Alexander began her career as a dancer on Broadway. She also appeared in the original Tony Award-winning Broadway production of Dreamgirls. What are her fitness secrets? Alexander started out on stage, as a dancer. She wanted to act, but she was concerned about her prospects. “I never saw a consistent through line of employment for black actresses,” she explains. “I was like, ‘How are they supporting themselves?’” But she found an example in actress Diana Sands. “I knew that she worked consistently in theater and occasionally had great roles in film and TV,” Alexander tells Als. “But I saw her consistency in theater, so that’s where I really focused.” In between doing Broadway shows, Khandi forged a four-year-long creative collaboration with the multiplatinum songstress Whitney Houston. Their association culminated in Khandi choreographing Houston’s successful “I’m Your Baby Tonight” international concert tour. Khandi Alexander also served as choreographer for the 1992 American Music Awards. Khandi’s no-nonsense flair, coupled with her fantastic build, helps make her a force to be reckoned with onscreen. She attributes her slim frame to always being in dancer shape. Although it may not come easy, follow these three steps to be dancer-ready: Do Cardio 4-5 Times A Week You need to be a healthy body weight. If you aren’t already there,

regular cardio can help. Doing cardio develops long, lean muscles. Even if you are at a healthy bodyweight, cardio is great for your heart. Eat To Dance The other component is making sure that your diet is healthy. Make sure that the majority of your diet consists of… … fresh foods and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, as well as empty calories and excess sodium. Strength Train If you want to be lean and toned like a dancer, strength training should be on your radar. To stay lean, use light weights and high repetitions. Keep in mind though, that lifting heavy has a longer-lasting benefit in terms of helping you stay lean, due to building more lean muscle. To Get A Dancer’s Body: DANCE! Dancing is one of the best workouts. Plus, it’s fun! This physical activity burns a lot of calories. If you really want to have that kind of shape, start dancing now! Even though Alexander got noticed on TV for her parts in News Radio, roles for Black women haven’t always been plentiful. But roles for black women have broadened, especially in the last few years. Alexander credits producer Shonda Rhimes, who created Scandal. “Thank God for Shonda,” Alexander says. In Rhimes’s shows, black female actresses have received top billing for the first time that Alexander can recall. “It’s really outrageously wonderful to look up when you’re driving down Sunset Boulevard and see a billboard with only Kerry Washington [the star of Scandal] on it,” she says. “It’s not a little thing for a little black girl to see that.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017 Con’t from page 6

$539M City Budget Wins Final Approval

JUNE 3-24

A R T ID E A .O R G

ti c u t N e w H a ve n , C o n n e c

Calavera Estudio

tive of the community. Alders approved the following policy amendments to the budget: • One bars the corporation counsel from spending money for outside contracts until a summary report on investigation that has been requested by Board President Tyisha Walker provided; requires the corporation counsel to forward all outside contracts to the board for an alder committee hearing prior to being entered into; and also bars the office from spending any city money until a report is produced on “all pending investigations, audits, reviews, inquiries concerning city departments that are currently underway.” •Another bars the police department from spending money on salary increases for assistant chiefs until a new police union contract is settled. The department also is barred from spending on new lieutenant salaries or reassigning sergeants until a deployment plan for supervisors and patrol officers is presented and discussed with alders. Paolillo said the amendment’s purpose is to maintain “open lines of communication unlike with the past administration and to be crystal clear as to the direction of the department.” • Alders commit to acting on any executive management salary increases proposed by the mayor within 120 days of the meeting that it is communicated to the board. Paolillo said the reason the charter requires the involvement of the Board of Alders in the budget process is “so that it can exercise its sound judgment as to whether or not certain costs and policies are reasonably necessary. The board is responsible for the total amount of money that needs to be spent. To ignore the requirements in that charter in that regard is to ignore the electors and approval—a situation expressly prohibited by the charter.” • City funding for the Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) will be reduced by $1.6 million. Paolillo said that the Harp administration had budgeted both the city and the state’s share of this reimbursement program (for road paving) anticipating that the state might not come through with its portion. Alders removed the state’s portion to see what happens in the upcoming budget votes. Should the state money not come through, leftover money in capital project line items will be used to fill the gaps. • Funds for the embattled Teen Escape Center are sequestered until a committee of alders reviews the plans and approves the release of the money. “This is a terrific idea and a terrific vision,” Paolillo said of the teen center. “But it also has to be a vision backed by professional support both on the construction side and on the legal side

TROKER + FULASO JUNE 17

JIMMY GREENE QUARTET AND NEW HAVEN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

JUNE 18

Jimmy Katz

think we’ve given back to help balance the budget and I think it’s time now that if we’re going to give out raises for executive management it’s only fair that we give raises to 3144.” Tennis Tourney Bump — For Now East Rock Alder Anna Festa made a friendly amendment that supports providing an additional $100,000 to the Connecticut Open, which increases the city’s contribution from $100,000 to $200,000. But the amendment contains with a caveat. The tournament will get the additional funds for the coming fiscal year only. If it still needs the money the following fiscal year it would have to come back to the board and make the ask. The Harp administration made the ask on behalf of the tournament during its revised presentation last month because of budget cuts at the state level. Fest, a Finance Committee member, had tried to block the funding in committee but was overruled. “This was a very difficult budget year,” she said. “We say every year is a difficult year but particularly this year because of the state’s deficit. Not knowing what we’re going to get from the state makes it extremely difficult to work on a budget that makes sense for the livelihood of the residents of the city of New Haven. “I think everyone in this room and the residents of the city enjoy the tennis tournament,” she added. “I know I do with my family, and we support any type of economic development. My friendly amendment is that we give the $100,000 for [fiscal year] ‘17-‘18, but only for that year. If any other requests to be made thereafter that it comes to the Board of Alders.” Paolillo supported Festa’s amendment, pointing out that the city provides up to 5 percent of the tournament’s budget through in-kind police, fire, and other city services. He admonished the tournament for not acknowledging that additional contribution from the city, which he estimated is worth at least $125,000. Dixwell Alder Jeanette Morrison had initially opposed Festa’s amendment after some slight confusion about whether it was an attempt to keep the tournament, which provides shortterm part-time jobs for local people, from receiving the additional money. She ultimately joined her colleagues in supporting it Westville Alders Adam Marchand and Brackeen both supported the amendment. Marchand saying that the requesters need to be ready to defend any additional request in the future. Brackeen noted the strong support in the neighborhood for the event and the impact it has made on his life as a na-

THE WAILERS + RUSTED ROOT JUNE 24

HEADLINE CONCERTS ON THE KEYBANK STAGE ON THE NEW HAVEN GREEN 21

FREE

MORE AT artidea.org

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ 200th Anniversary Program Committee presents

“HOW WE GOT OVER”

Songs of our People: Soul and R&B in the Sanctuary Sunday, June 11th, 2017 4:00 PM Music is the tie that binds the African Diaspora. Through Soul and Rhythm & Blues, we transformed our pain and yearning into an art form. Each drumbeat connects us to the Mother Land. Each blue note reveals our unique gifts. Each lyric proclaims our humanity. Performing Artists: Harriet Alfred Nancy Greene Battle Hank Bolden Trina Greene Bostic Erik Brown Vaughn Collins Lisa Fluker William Fluker & The Sanctuary Ensemble

Markel Greene Curtis Harmon Ronald Pollard Aleta Staton Earl Whitaker Dixwell Church Choirs

Purchase Tickets at Dixwell Avenue Congregational UCC or call (203) 787-5839

The Reverend Dr. Frederick J. Streets, Senior Pastor Mr. Ronald Pollard, Music Director Dixwell Avenue Congregational UCC We’re located at 217 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BRIDGEPORT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) PROJECT-BASED VOCUHER FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR MARINA VILLAGE REPLACEMENT UNITS Solicitation Number: 086-S8-17-S

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport (HACB) d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is seeking proposals from developers and owners of New Construction Units that desire to enter into an Agreement for a Housing Assistance Payment (AHAP) Contract for Project Base Vouchers (PBVs) for Contract Units under PCC’s Project Based Voucher Program. Under this Request for Proposals, PCC will make available PBVs for units that will house extremely low and very low income households. A complete set of RFP documents can be obtained on June 5, 2017 by emailing your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held at PCC’s Administrative Offices at 150 Highland Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 on June 21, 2017 at 11 a.m. Although not mandatory, all applicants are encouraged to attend to better understand the PCC’s requirements under this RFP. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org. Proposals shall be mailed or hand delivered to 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604. This RFP will remain Open until Completion of PBV Units.

Westbrook Housing Authority Request for Proposal

Notice is hereby given that the Housing Authority of Westbrook in Westbrook, CT is requesting proposals from qualified fire protection firms or individuals to obtain bids for a service and inspection contract at a housing complex for the elderly and disabled in Westbrook, CT. The Housing Authority of the Town of Westbrook strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women owned business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. Parties or individuals interested in responding may contact Robert Piscitelli, Project Manager by June 15, 2017 at (203) 415-5055 for details. Aviso por este medio es que la autoridad de vivienda de Westbrook en Westbrook, CT está solicitando propuestas de las empresas de protección de fuego calificado o individuos para obtener las ofertas para un servicio y la inspección de contrato en un complejo de viviendas para los ancianos y discapacitados en Westbrook, CT. La autoridad de vivienda de la ciudad de Westbrook recomienda empresas certificadas minoría y mujeres negocios empresas para responder a esta solicitud. Las partes o personas interesadas en la respuesta pueden comunicarse con Roberto Piscitelli, Gerente de proyecto por 15 de junio de 2017 en (203) 415-5055 para más detalles.

The Housing Authority of the City of Norwalk, CT is requesting qualifications from

experienced firms for Internet, Internet Voice Bundle and Hosted Voice service. RFQ documents can be viewed and printed at www.norwalkha.org under the business tab, RFPs/ RFQs. Norwalk Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Curtis O. Law, Executive Director The GUILFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY

is currently accepting applications for COUPLES ONLY for its one bedroom apartments At Guilford Court and Boston Terrace in Guilford CT. Applicants must be age 62 and over or on 100% social security or Federal Disability and over the age of 18. Applications may be obtained by calling the application line at 203-453-6262, ext. 107. An information packet will also be provided with the application. Applications will be accepted until June 30th , 2017. Credit, Police and Landlord checks are procured by the authority. Smoke Free Housing. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY HOUSING

VNA Community Healthcare is searching for Certified Home Health Aides (HHA). Must have 6 months – one year of experience as a HHA. Several opportunities for full and parttime flexible schedules. Submit resume and cover letter to jobs@vna-commh.org. Visit our website www.connecticuthomecare.org for other opportunities. EOE/M/F

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Invitation for Bids

McConaughy Terrace Furnace and Hot Water Heaters Replacement The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Bids for McConaughy Terrace Furnace and Hot Water Heaters Replacement. 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 8, 2017 at 3:00PM. TRANSFER STATION LABORER Off load trailers, reload for trans/disp. Lift 50 lbs., operate industrial powered trucks and forklift. Asbestos Worker Handler Training a +. Resumes to RED Technologies, LLC, 173 Pickering St., Portland, CT 06480; Fax 860-342-1022; or Email to lkelly@redtransfer.com RED Technologies, LLC is an EOE.

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

Apartment Living in Fairfield

Brand New Affordable Apartments Available

The City of Norwalk Housing Authority

Trademark Fairfield 777 Commerce Drive Suite 220, Fairfield, CT 06825 Trademark Fairfield offers brand new studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments in Fairfield, CT. The apartment community features an outdoor pool, bocce court, state of the art fitness center, raised garden beds, clubroom with billiards, shuffleboard and more! Our apartment homes are thoughtfully appointed with sleek quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, full-size washers and dryers, oversized windows with solar shades, 9 foot ceilings, gas cooking, ceramic tiled bathrooms and central air conditioning. Heat, hot and cold water included. Open Enrollment Period Begins: June 1, 2017 at 9:00am Applications must be received by: June 30, 2017 at 6:00 pm For application forms please contact: 203.255.4000 or Trademark@greystar.com Applications may be submitted via mail or in person to: Trademark Fairfield 777 Commerce Drive Suite 220 Fairfield, CT 06825

Monthly Rents: Studio One Bedroom Two Bedroom

$954 $1,131 $1,424

Maximum Income Limits (Per Household) 1 Person $47,600 2 Person $54,400 3 Person $61,200 4 Person $68,000

Rent and income limits are based on Bridgeport, CT HUD Metro FMR Area. Other monthly charges not listed may apply. Minimum monthly income required is equal to three times the monthly rent.

is seeking qualifications from photographers, videographers, journalists and graphic production professionals to create documentary materials related to a major urban redevelopment project. The Washington Village / South Norwalk Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) is a $150 milliondollar housing and neighborhood revitalization strategy being implemented with federal, state, municipal and private investments. The transformative nature of this collaboration provides a unique and extraordinary opportunity to tell a story and share the lessons learned over a 4 to 5-year period. It is also an opportunity to engage local residents including children in documenting this transformation. This Request for Qualifications is directed to firms, collaborations, partnerships or individuals with the pre-requisite skills to produce professional quality video productions, photo journals, graphic illustrations and journalistic copy to document this historical transformation. A complete copy of the Request for Qualifications can be viewed and printed at www.norwalkha.org under the Business tab, RFPs/RFQs or the project website: www.norwalkcni.org Norwalk Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Curtis O. Law, Executive Director

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - Portland Administrative Assistant for reception, phones, filing, and corporate staff support. Working knowledge of Haz. Waste Regs., Manifests, AP & billing. OSHA certification a +. Forward resumes to RED Technologies, LLC Fax 860-218-2433; or Email to HR@redtechllc.com RED Technologies, LLC is an EOE.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

Help Wanted:

Immediate opening for construction laborer for Heavy and Highway Construction. Please call PJF Construction Corp.@ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F Help Wanted: Immediate opening for Dump Truck Driver for Heavy and Highway Construction. CDL A license and clean driving record required. Please call PJF Construction Corp. @ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F.

The Town of East Haven is currently accepting applications for the following positions: Firefighter D/Paramedic-Lateral Transfer: Salary- $48,972/year Firefighter/Paramedic-New Recruit: $48,972/year

Requirements for both positions and the application is available online at www.FirefighterApp.com/EastHavenFD. East Haven is committed to building a workforce of diverse individuals. Minorities, Females, Handicapped and Veterans are encouraged to apply. The Town of East Haven is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Assistant Building Official – Town of Manchester $62,434.71 - $75,071.06 CLOSING DATE: Friday, May 26, 2017 Call HR Recruitment Line at (860) 647-3170 for info or view website: www.townofmanchester.org.

OFFICE ACCOUNTING HEAVY AND HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Immediate opening for organized, self motivated, multitask person. Skills & Duties required: Microsoft Word, EXCEL a must/ Timberline Software a plus Classify-Scan documents to Timberline files Manage Subcontractor Service Agreements, Certificates of Insurance & W-9 requests Assist with: Certified Payroll reports & Lien Wavers Bond Filings on delinquent AR accounts Municipal Bids Contract documents Monthly, quarterly federal/ various state tax reporting Other duties as required Equal Opportunity Employer Minority and female candidates encouraged to apply

2BR Bristol, CT $950-$990 Zbikowski Park Neighborhood now taking applications for newly rehabbed 2BR apartment. Available immediately. Income restrictions apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. Contact Beatrice Nieves at (860) 585-2042 or at bnieves@bristolhousing.org

Apply at Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming 22 Peters Rd Bloomfield, CT 06002 Phone: 860-243-2300 Fax: 860-243-3100 Send resumes & salary requirements to : Email: garrity.careers@garrityasphalt.com

Listing: Senior Accountant

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

2+ years public accounting or 4 + years corporate accounting experience. CPA preferred. Monthly tax prep, assist w/monthly closing, account analysis/reconciliation, maintain subledgers, assist managing network and system projects. Must be able to work independently with little/no supervision. Report to Dir. of Acctg. w/heavy exposure to CFO. Strong Excel and analytical skills a must. Great growth potential! Benefit package. Petroleum industry experience a plus. Send resume to: Human Resource Dept. P O Box 388, Guilford CT 06437. **An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer** VNA Community Healthcare is searching for Certified Home Health Aides (HHA). Must have 6 months – one year of experience as a HHA. Several opportunities for full and parttime flexible schedules. Submit resume and cover letter to jobs@vna-commh.org. Visit our website www.connecticuthomecare.org for other opportunities. EOE/M/F

VNA Community Healthcare is searching for Certified Home Health Aides (HHA). Must have 6 months – one year of experience as a HHA. Several opportunities for full and part-time flexible schedules. Submit resume and cover letter to jobs@ vna-commh.org. Visit our website www.connecticuthomecare.org for other opportunities. EOE/M/F

KMK Insulation Inc.

1907 Hartford Turnpike North Haven, CT 06473

Mechanical Insulator

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

Class A CDL Driver

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

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

***HELP WANTED***

DEEP RIVER HOUSING AUTHORITY OPENING WAITING LIST FOR SENIOR/DISABLED

Total Fence LLC currently has an opening for a fence/guardrail installer. We offer competitive wages, medical, and a Simple IRA plan. Must have 5 years minimum fence/guardrail installation experience and a valid CT Driver’s License. Applicant must be fluent in English.

Please apply in person to:

TOTAL FENCE LLC 525 ELLA GRASSO BOULEVARD NEW HAVEN, CT 06519 ***No phone calls*** Total Fence LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Deep River Housing Authority will open it’s waiting list for Senior/Disabled Housing on June 1st, 2017. This list will remain open until July 31st, 2017. To request an application, please call 860-526-5119. Applications will be accepted by mail (must be postmarked by 7/31/17) Housing is available to anyone over 62 or handicapped/disabled that meet the income guidelines. Monthly rates are based on income with a minimum base rent requirement of $697.

Deep River Housing 60 Main Street Deep River, CT 06417

***HELP WANTED***

J & S General Contractors LLC currently has an opening for a fence/ guardrail installer. We offer competitive wages, medical, and a Simple IRA plan. Must have 5 years minimum fence/guardrail installation experience and a valid CT Driver’s License. Applicant must be fluent in English. Please apply in person to: J & S GENERAL CONTRACTORS LLC 525 ELLA GRASSO BOULEVARD NEW HAVEN, CT 06519 ***No phone calls*** J & S General Contractors LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The GUILFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY is currently accepting applications for COUPLES ONLY for its one bedroom apartments At Guilford Court and Boston Terrace in Guilford CT. Applicants must be age 62 and over or on 100% social security or Federal Disability and over the age of 18. Applications may be obtained by calling the application line at 203-453-6262, ext. 107. An information packet will also be provided with the application. Applications will be accepted until June 30th , 2017. Credit, Police and Landlord checks are procured by the authority. Smoke Free Housing. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY HOUSING

Field Engineer

BA/BS in Civil Engineering or Construction Management. 2-5 yrs. experience. OSHA Certified. Proficient in reading contract plans and specifications. Resumes to RED Technologies, LLC, 10 Northwood Dr., Bloomfield, CT 06002; Fax 860.218.2433; Email resumes to info@redtechllc.com. RED Technologies, LLC is an EOE.

Translator/Clerk (Part-time)

Wallingford Public Schools is seeking candidates for a part-time Clerk/Translator position. 19.5 hours per week/$19.16 per hour/12 months per year. Must be fluent in written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish. Bachelor’s degree in Spanish or related field preferred. Apply on-line through our website - www.wallingford.k12.ct.us. EOE

Project Manager Environmental Remediation Division 3-5 years exp. and Bachelor’s Degree, 40-Hr. Hazwoper Training Req. Forward resumes to RED Technologies, LLC, 10 Northwood Dr., Bloomfield, CT 06002; Fax 860.218.2433; or Email to HR@redtechllc.com RED Technologies, LLC is an EOE.

The GUILFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY is currently accepting applications for COUPLES

ONLY for its one bedroom apartments At Guilford Court and Boston Terrace in Guilford CT. Applicants must be age 62 and over or on 100% social security or Federal Disability and over the age of 18. Applications may be obtained by calling the application line at 203-453-6262, ext. 107. An information packet will also be provided with the application. Applications will be accepted until June 30th , 2017. Credit, Police and Landlord checks are procured by the authority. Smoke Free Housing. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY HOUSING

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

D S L O R I G G R E O L T W UP T I L

SISTAHS UNITE proudly presents

What About Me? Jeremiah 1:5

June 10, 2017 • 6:00PM - 10:00PM New Beginning Ministries 21 Pershing Street • New Haven SPECIAL SPEAKERS Elder Patricia Parks

Evangelists Taress Marshall

from

Will of the Master Deliverance Ministeries of

Elder Patricia Parks

Free Will Offering. Food will be sold.

Mt. Vernon, NY Dr. Gwedolyn J. Wilson, Senior Pastor

Pastor Doreen Strong CEO/President of Sistahs Unite 26

Open Door Mission True Light Church of

Philadelphia

tem from the inside when there is so much opposition to that change and not nearly enough support,” she said. Studies have shown that the use of solitary confinement has detrimental effects on a person’s mental and physical well-being, particularly if they are very young, elderly or have a mental or physical disability. “Some describe it being buried alive,” Fair said. “There is a lot of work to be done across America to just resemble a semblance of humanity and some of the steps needed to bring change start here with all of us.” Beatrice Codianni, who was once incarcerated in Danbury, said that solitary confinement can have a devastating effect on older inmates who often have chronic health conditions and sometimes even mental health problems that are only exacerbated by being isolated from other inmates. Hope Metcalf, who directs the Orville H. Schell, Jr. Center for International Human Rights and co-teaches at the Lowenstein International Human Rights Clinic at Yale University, said not only is solitary confinement exceptionally cruel, it’s expensive. She said it costs over $100,000 a year to house someone in Northern Correctional Institution, the state’s super-maximumsecurity prison. “We also know solitary is a waste [of human life],” Metcalf said. She said there is no evidence that incarcerating someone in a supermax facility has any beneficial effect. In fact, she said all evidence points to “caging people for months, years, even decades makes them worse, not better.” The Rev. Allie Perry of New Haven, president of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture board, called solitary confinement “spirit killing” and torture, and pointed out that with HB 7302 on the table, Connecticut has joined a number of states grappling with how to end the practice, including Ohio, New York, Maine, Colorado, and Nebraska. She said studies have shown that solitary confinement hurts those who are subjected to it and those who are charged with inflicting it. “The only question for our legislators is: will you act?” she asked. Winfield said he does not plan to give up. “In the next few days we’re going to keep fighting,” he said. “We don’t know what we’re going to come up with but we’re going to have to keep fighting. And that’s OK because we love our community. “Our community that we talk about at least when we talk about these bills is the whole state of Connecticut whether people recognize it or not,” he added. “But in particular we know that we are talking about some people whose voices don’t get heard. They have voices but they don’t get heard.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

Former NFL Player Turned Astronaut, Leland Melvin, Tells His Inspirational Story in New Book Entitled “Chasing Space” Nationwide — Retired pro football player Leland Melvin thought his road to the NFL was an incredible journey until he climbed aboard the shuttle Atlantis and traveled to outer space. Twice. Melvin, a former wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, engineer and astronaut, shares his real-life experiences, triumphs and challenges in an inspirational memoir entitled CHASING SPACE: AN ASTRONAUT’S STORY OF GRIT, GRACE, AND SECOND CHANCES (Amistad Hardcover Original). Melvin, who was named the NASA Associate Administrator for Education, and served as co-chair on the White House’s Federal Coordination in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Task Force, has also penned a version of his book for children, CHASING SPACE – YOUNG READERS’ VERSION (Amistad Hardcover Original). This version also includes hands-on experiments and activities for boys and girls ages

8-12. CHASING SPACE is a poignant story of Melvin’s personal journey from the end zone to outer space and back. He is the only person in history to have played for the National Football League and serve as mission specialist for two flights aboard the shuttle Atlantis, working on the International Space Station. His remarkable testimony is a must-read for adults and children! “The more that I thought about it this journey of a skinny Black kid, from a small southern town going to space and with all the other things happening in our country and the world, what better way to tell a story of inspiration, hope, second chances, and grace,” says Melvin, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia whose parents were longtime educators in the local school system. About the Author Leland Melvin, a former wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, engi-

neer and NASA astronaut. He served on the space shuttle Atlantis as a mission specialist and was named the NASA Associate Administrator for Education in October 2010. He also served as the co-chair on the White House’s Federal Coordination in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Task Force, developing the nation’s five-year STEM education plan. In Spring 2018, he will appear in One Strange Rock, a National Geographic Channel event series that explores life on Earth and its rarity in the universe. He was the host of the Lifetime show Child Genius and a judge for ABC’s BattleBots. He holds five honorary doctorates and has received the NFL Players Association Award of Excellence. He lives in Lynchburg, Virginia. Follow him on social media: Twitter – @astro_ﬂow Facebook – Facebook.com/lelandmelvinpublic Instagram – @lelandmelvin

You Otter Be Outside. Spend the day a world away!

BRIDGEPORT, CT

50% OFF BEARDSLEY ZOO CHILD

ADMISSION (ages 3-11)

with purchase of adult ticket and this coupon. Limit 1 discount ticket per household. May not be combined with other offers. EXP: 12/31/17 INRCTY517

THE INNER-CITY NEWS June 07, 2017 - June 13, 2017

School's out. Summer's in. Let the WiFi fun begin. Get the speed, coverage and control you need throughout your home with XFINITY xFi. XFINITY delivers the best in-home WiFi experience so everyone can stream, surf and game online at the same time. View who’s connected to your home network and pause WiFi for dinnertime, family time, bedtime or any time you choose. Change the way you WiFi.

Get started with XFINITY X1 Triple Play

a month for 24 months with a 2-year agreement

With up to 100 Mbps download speed

Ask how to add X1 DVR service FREE for a year

Call 1-855-504-7136, go to xfinity.com or visit your local XFINITY Store today

Offer ends 6/21/17. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to the X1 Starter XF Triple Play with Digital Starter TV, Performance Pro Internet, and Voice Unlimited services. Early termination fee applies if all XFINITY services are cancelled during the agreement term. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, including regulatory recovery fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $7.00/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $5.00/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. After applicable promo, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast’s service charge for DVR service is $10.00/mo. and for HD Technology Fee is $9.95/mo. (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service required to receive other services. Internet: WiFi claim based on XFINITY’s fastest available download speed, router coverage and speed on 5 GHz band and xFi features. Actual speeds vary. XFINITY xFi requires subscription to XFINITY Internet customers with compatible XFINITY Gateway. Limited to home WiFi network. Does not apply to XFINITY WiFi hotspots. Voice: $29.95 activation fee applies. If there is a power outage or network issue, calling, including calls to 911, may be unavailable. © 2017 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA203330-0001 DIV17-2-203-AA-$79TPsale-A3

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5/22/17 5:56 PM