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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

2Financial HamdenJustice Dems Running On Working Families Ticket a Key Focus at 2016 NAACP Convention INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

New Haven, Bridgeport

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10-Year Old Black Student Facing Assault Charges Over a Game of Dodgeball

To Malloy To Dems: Dems: 2 Hamden Dems RunningMalloy On Ignore “Tough On Crime” Ignore “Tough On Crime” Working Families Ticket

“DMC”

Bad Chad Snow in July? Elm Shakespeare Company brings Color Struck?

Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors FOLLOW US ON 1

Gets The Key To The City

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

CRB Activists: “We Need To Do Better” by STAFF

(Opinion) A group of white Civilian Review Board advocates submitted the following reflections on the history of race and policing that informed their protests against board candidates Steve Hamm and Bob Proto. The piece as submitted is entitled: “We Need To Do Better.” This is the third opinion piece the Independent has published in the wake of last week’s CRB nomination hearings. The full Board of Alders will vote on the nominees on Aug. 5. As a group of White people committed to the struggle for racial justice, we feel it necessary to respond to Steve Hamm’s op-ed “Truth Matters.” We believe Hamm’s article reflects a deep lack of understanding of structural racism in our policing systems, and models a harmful response to criticism that we must be open to hearing. Here, we wish to outline why any Civilian Review Board (CRB) member must be open to receiving criticism from the Black and Brown people who are the primary targets of police brutality and violence, and why failure to reflect on that criticism demonstrates a lack of preparedness to serve on the CRB. Since its inception, policing in the United States has disproportionately targeted Black people (as well as Brown people, poor people, and others not considered White at the time), and New Haven is no exception to this violent history. At its core, policing was a system designed to protect White citizens and their property. This is still very much true. At the time this system was created (initially as ‘slave patrols’), ‘property’ of White people included enslaved humans. Still today, Black people are incarcerated, beaten, and killed by the police at disproportionate rates. Although people in Black and Brown communities have been living with this terror of state sanctioned murders for decades, White people are just now hearing about it on the national news. Therefore, we should take ownership for our history of White supremacy that we continue to uphold, and follow the lead of people of color who are working to dismantle it. Considering this history, the purpose of the CRB is to provide a transparent process to investigate police misconduct that is independent from the New Haven Police Department. The CRB was created in response to an intergenerational history of unchecked racism and police violence against Black and Brown people in our city. These New Haven communities have been systematically and intentionally ignored when they speak out against police misconduct. That injustice is legitimized when we continuously allow police to police themselves. Traditionally, incidents of police brutality have been investigated in private, internal meetings with no transparency or accountability, resulting in a system incredibly well-designed to exonerate police officers who “feared for their lives” while in

MARKESHIA RICKS PHOTO

CRB supporters protesting outside City Hall in December.

the presence of an unarmed Black person. The policing system, as it has been empowered, entrusted and incentivized to uphold White supremacy, has no motivation or ability to amend or reform itself. The CRB must counter this practice of perpetually co-signing violence by establishing trust through transparency and independence from the police department. That is why we are disappointed in Hamm’s response to the criticism he received from People Against Police Brutality (PAPB)—criticism rooted in authentic concern for his attitudes, past actions, and lack of knowledge on the topic of structural racism. Even as he is being considered for a seat at the table, Steve Hamm’s response reveals

an unwillingness to pause and listen, and to better understand the experiences and challenges that people of color face. Instead, his defensive stance toward PAPB seeks to delegitimize the voices of the very people the CRB is meant to support, and the very people whose hard work has gotten the CRB this far. Accusing these committed activists of devaluing truth and justice is more than just ignorant—it is deeply problematic and ultimately harmful. Equally problematic is Hamm’s criticism of PAPB without understanding the context in which it formed or the collaborative and difficult work the group is doing. PAPB was created in 2010 in response to the work of Emma Jones and the M.A.L.I.K Organization after Emma’s son, Malik Jones, was

brutally shot and killed by an East Haven police officer, Robert Fludquist, in 1997. There is a movement of organizers in Connecticut working to bring justice to victims of police violence. Not only are groups like Black Lives Matter New Haven, Justice for Jayson, Hamden Action Now and PAPB organizing, but there are countless of our neighbors who show up to the scene when their friends and family members are attacked, create healing spaces for their loved ones, finding attorneys or medical treatment and more. Unfortunately, there is no funded entity tracking police killings in Connecticut. According to organizers working to combat police brutality, over 25 people have been murdered as a result of state-sanctioned police violence, including bystanders as young as three from 2016 to 2019. In addition, 18 people (that we know of) have physically survived police violence due to chases or other violent acts. These cases, such as the lethal chase of Jarelle Gibbs in 2018 who was a passenger killed by Hamden police, are rarely investigated, and even more rarely lead to disciplinary action. The sheer number of incidents and lack of independent investigation is why a CRB is so important. Steve Hamm says groups like PAPB only want to be “prejudiced against the police and [are] determined to punish them—no matter the facts of a particular case.” This comment does not acknowledge the existing culture of policing which instills loyalty to ‘blue’ first and foremost; a culture that creates and sustains a blue wall of silence, where police will not hold their fellow officers accountable. People who have experienced police violence for so many years do not want to ‘punish’ police—it is the CRB’s purpose to hold the entire system accountable, so that someday Black people and other people of

color no longer need to fear for their lives or the lives of their children. To that end, we stand in solidarity against a system that has violently targeted Black and Brown communities for centuries. People who promote the narrative that any challenge toward police officer misconduct is a ‘lack of respect,’ or an ‘attack on all police officers’ is uninformed and undemocratic. Anyone who aims to undo systemic and structural racism must question and call out these violent systems. We agree with you, Mr. Hamm. Truth does matter, and core truths about our violent policing system are essential for anyone seeking to create a more just system. However, White people often think that our lack of (violent) experiences at the hands of police somehow equips us with an objective wand of truth. That we can use this perceived power of objectivity to mediate conflicts born of hundreds of years of oppression and subjugation we ourselves have created. Your implication that you are the most trustworthy arbiter of truth in this situation—more trustworthy than the people who have directly seen and experienced police brutality—is exactly why we oppose your appointment to this board. All of this is not to say that we want you to stop engaging and learning about this issue. As White people dedicated to racial justice, each of us writing this makes mistakes in our work for justice and equity. Each of us has experienced being called in for our ignorance and harmful behavior. In these moments of error, we have an opportunity to more fully embody anti-racist principles. When we pause, listen, and sit with the vulnerability that comes from our mistakes, we learn how to move forward in closer solidarity with our Black and Brown neighbors. While we ask you to reflect on our criticism, Mr. Hamm, we are also committed to dismantling racism within ourselves and our communities. We must rely on each other to approach this work of unlearning with open hearts and minds, and we hope that you will continue to learn and unlearn with us. Some additional readings, for those who want to learn more about structural racism in policing and how we as White people can oppose it: - The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander - White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo - Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi - “Letter from Birmingham Jail, 1963” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Signed: Jett Jonelis Katie Jones Emily Lorin Ann Hartman Massaro Caitlin Maloney Cassi Meyerhoffer Jessica Powell Johnny Shively Laurie Sweet

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

New Commissioner of Corrections Visits New Haven Contributed by Barbara Fair

Commissioner Rollins Cook, former Commissioner of Corrections in Utah has replaced retired Conn Corrections Commissioner Scott Semple. When Cook was asked to come to New Haven for a community engagement meeting at Christ Chapel New Testament Church he readily obliged the invite. Weeks later he brought along several staff members including the warden at the women’s state facility in Ct, York CI. Pastor John Lewis hosted the historical event at his church. The meeting began in a space that provided for 50. As people poured in reaching capacity a decision was made to move into the sanctuary. It lasted for nearly two hours as Cook and his staff spoke to an audience of approximately 75. Questions included concerns about restrictive visiting regulations, poor prison conditions, increasing wages for the incarcerated from $.75 a day, revamping a failed grievance process, reducing the number of time spent in cells, lack of quality mental health and addiction services, and addressing parole processes. One woman came before the crowd and bravely told her story of being raped by a correctional officer while incarcerated, stating it was the first time publicly speaking about it. Another came forth to speak to the retribution faced when people complain about

their treatment. One individual who had experienced both the state and federal system talked about the lack of availability of resources and opportunities found in the federal system. NAACP Criminal Justice coordinator, Teretha Green brought up the issue of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which is prevalent yet undiagnosed and untreated among the formerly incarcerated population. “We recognize PTSD in veterans returning from war and yet we fail to recognize it among our most vulnerable within our communities”, she said. Lewis spoke about his role in the Male Empowerment group which is a part of Family Alliance. He spoke to the issue of barriers so many men and fathers face once they return home. In response to recent cutbacks which caused reduction in the hours parole officers will be available to see people on parole, Dorothea Green, retired DOC employee suggested multiple shifts for parole officers just as they have for correctional officers to accommodate those whose work hours conflict with hours when parole officers are available. Several years ago prison advocates were able to move the department to extend officer hours to avoid conflicts. Recent cutbacks are rolling that progress back. Mr Cook promised that all concerns were

being noted by staff attending the meeting and would be discussed with a prison accountability group he has formed within DOC. “We have not always done things the right way but I am committed to chang-

ing the way we treat people” and he stated he is committed to his staff following his lead “beginning with the language we use in interacting with incarcerated people”.

Through community conversations, his advocacy committee and his personal commitment to do better he promised the audience they would see changes.

Celebrating GNHMC 3rd Annual Impact Awards. Mentoring in Real Life

The Greater New Haven Mentoring Collaborative is an initiative established and supported through the Governor's Prevention Partnership. The Greater of New Haven Mentoring Collaborative is a local network comprised of mentoring programs, faith-based organizations, local health, academic, and other youth service providers who work with area youth identified as at-risk. Participating programs collaborate intentionally to share resources specific to mentor recruitment and training, as well as receive technical assistance to strengthen the individual mentoring programs so that they can serve more youth. Greater New Haven Mentoring Collaborative Co-Chairs Angelina Wilson and Brittany Baines

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

Elm Shakespeare Company brings Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors to Edgerton Park in Summer 2019

Elm Shakespeare Company returns to Edgerton Park this summer with one of Shakespeare’s most wild comedies The Comedy of Errors. Celebrating its 24th Season, Elm Shakespeare provides world class theater, free of charge, to almost 30,000 audience members from throughout the greater New Haven area each August. Elm Shakespeare Company’s 2019 production of The Comedy of Errors is a wild rumpus of a play -- a whimsical tale with TWO sets of identical twins, multiple cases of mistaken identity, witty wordplay and riotous mishaps in a story of familial separation that is resonant for our times. The production starting August 15th is set in a fantastical world influenced by Dr. Seuss highlighting the allegorical and fantastical world of the play with live music before and throughout the performance to transform Edgerton Park into a party for all ages and tastes. The Comedy of Errors is, at its heart, a tale about family love. Egeon, a merchant from ‘Syracusa’ arrives in the rival nation of ‘Ephesus’ searching for his son who himself has gone in search of his long lost twin brother. As the xenophobic Ephesians debate helping Egeon, the town erupts in confusion as (unbeknownst to anyone) his son arrives and BOTH twin sons and their identical twin servants befuddle everyone. As the mistakes multiply, everyone’s fears about loneliness, infidelity, money, unwanted suitors, and even magical meddling emerge as the complexity of the world becomes seemingly insurmountable. Director Goodheart says “The Comedy of Errors is so often underestimated, seen as no more than its delightful mix-ups and wacky fun, but it’s also more relevant than it first appears. It has real stories with real stakes and some of the most beautiful love poetry that Shakespeare wrote. It’s more

than all its silliness… although there is a LOT of silliness.” This year Elm Shakespeare Company is proud to feature acclaimed local and national artists, including SCSU Theatre Department Chair Kaia Monroe, professor Benjamin Curns, as well as master fight choreographer Michael Jerome Johnson. In residence at Southern CT State University since 2016, the company employs a number of current and former SCSU students as actors and production staff including Cailey Harwood Smith as Property Master, James T. McLoughlin as sound designer and actors Gracy Brown and Matt Iannantuoni. Costume Designer Rebecca Welles is both a SCSU and Yale School of Drama alumna and is joined by YSD’s Izmir Ickbal who is returning for his 2nd season as Set Designer. Summer Performances will run Thursday, August 15th through Sunday, September

1st, Tuesday-Sunday at 8:00pm (with live music beginning at 7:30pm) in Edgerton Park in New Haven located at 75 Cliff Street. The performances will be free to the public with a suggested donation of $20, $10 for students and $5 for children 12 and under. Picnicking prior to the performance is encouraged and audiences should bring their own lawn chairs. Please visit the Elm Shakespeare website for more information including pre-show conversations called Tree Talks and protocol for cancellations due to inclement weather. Website: https://www.elmshakespeare.org/ shakespeare-in-the-park. About the Director Rebecca Goodheart (Producing Artistic Director) has been a director, actor, and teacher specializing in Shakespeare and voice for over 25 years. She has directed over 30 professional and 50 educational productions in her career including last year’s

Love’s Labour’s Lost (for Elm) and The Tragedy of Dr. Faustus (for SCSU). Having worked with numerous Shakespeare theaters around the world, she is a proud lifetime member of Shakespeare Theater Association and company member Shakespeare & Co. in Lenox, MA. She was the Producing Artistic Director for Maryland Shakespeare Festival (an equity theater she founded in 1999) for twelve years, as well as serving as Artistic Director of the Metawhateverphor Theater in NYC, Director of Education for Baltimore Shakespeare Festival and most recently Director of Training for San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. She holds a BFA from NYU, a Master of Letters in Shakespeare & Renaissance Literature and an MFA in Directing (both from the American Shakespeare Center). She is proud to be a Designated Linklater Voice Teacher. As a scholar and theater researcher, she has been published in the Wooden O Journal and the online journal Shakespeare Criticism. Her research on Shakespeare’s theatrical use of rhetorical figuring has been presented at numerous national conferences, and her rhetorical staging techniques are taught at actor training programs throughout the world. About Elm Shakespeare Company Since 1995, Elm Shakespeare Company has been a premiere theater company known for producing outstanding, accessible theaterperformances and educational programs that enrich the lives of people with widely diverse cultural, socio-economic and educational backgrounds from throughout the Greater New Haven region. Igniting a spark in our creativity and enriching the artistic landscape of our city, Elm Shakespeare Company brings people together through Shakespeare to celebrate our shared humanity and strengthen our community.

Take That Dog Out Of That Car As the temperatures continue to rise, the North Haven-based animal shelter, The Animal Haven, published a public service announcement about the dangers of leaving dogs in cars in the summer heat. Read below, or on the shelter’s website . The proverbial “dog days of summer” are here, and The Animal Haven in North Haven would like to remind you that your dog can die in a hot car, even if you’re gone for only a few minutes. Across the country each year, thousands of animals are needlessly lost this way. “We think we’re doing our beloved pets a favor by bringing them along for a car ride on a hot day,” says Dr. Arnie Cary, DVM, and board member of The Animal Haven, “but when a five-minute errand turns into a 10-15 minute one, the result can be lethal for the pet.” Cracking the windows to let in air is not sufficient, nor is parking in a shady spot— as the sun moves that shade can become full sun within minutes. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the temperature inside your car in the

sun will increase by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. You may think it’s a pleasant 80 degrees, but that becomes 100 in the car in that short time. In 20 minutes it can increase by 30 degrees to 110, and in only 40 minutes, almost 40 degrees, to 120. Dogs typically do very poorly in the heat, so these temperatures are killers. They don’t perspire like we do, and the only way they can cool themselves is by panting, which evaporates moisture from the upper respiratory tract. A hot car makes for very poor evaporation conditions, causing your dog’s body temperature to increase rapidly, which leads to heat stroke and brain damage in a very short time. In Connecticut, under certain circumstances, people can be charged with animal cruelty for leaving their pet in a parked vehicle in adverse weather. If you see a dog in a car on a hot day, the Humane Society advises you to record the car’s make, model, and license plate number, try to alert the owner by asking nearby businesses to make an announcement, and call animal control or the police’s non-emergency number. Stay with

THOMAS BREEN FILE PHOTO

the dog if you can until help arrives. The term “dog days” of summer originated with the Greeks, and referred to the time when Sirius, the dog star, rose before the sun. This usually happened during the hottest time of the year. It has come to mean

days that are so hot, even dogs don’t want to do much but lie around. So, remember to take this advice “Sirius-ly,” and never leave your dog in the car in the summer heat, for any length of time.

John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO

Babz Rawls Ivy

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

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

Editorial Team Staff Writers

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

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

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

_______________________

Contributors At-Large

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

Memberships

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

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

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

NHPS - Early Childhood Registration Office: 54 Meadow Street, New Haven, CT 06519 If you have any additional questions please contact us at: Head Start (475) 220-1463 and School Readiness (475) 220-1482

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

Bad Chad Gets The Key To The City by SOPHIE SONNENFELD

CONGRATULATIONS New Haven Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for receiving the 2019 Exemplary Regional Day of Service Program Award We are so thankful for all of the generous donations collected for our 2019 Regional Day of Service. Together, we collected over 20,000 diapers and wipes for The New Haven Diaper Bank in March 2019.

Mayor Toni Harp Friday recognized the triumphs of three New Haven-raised boxers at a pro-amateur event at Foxwoods Casino. Super flyweight prospect Marisa MesserBelenchia and undefeated featherweight prospect Tramaine Williams got special proclamations and former three-time light heavyweight world champion Chad Dawson (pictured above) received a key to the city. “They made their hometown proud that day,” Harp said of the June 29 event. She said the boxers “embody the connection between commitment, dedication, hard work, and professional success.” At an event on the steps of City Hall last month to announce the fight, Harp revealed she too has been taking boxing lessons. Of the flourishing boxing community in New Haven, Harp said , “the coaches and trainers at these facilities work with young people in New Haven towards fitness, endurance, and expertise. All of which are useful and productive skills, especially for young people to develop.” “Bad” Chad Dawson beat opponent Quinton Rankin at Foxwoods at the June 29th bout in his 35th career win. Dawson serves as a coach and mentor to young boxers at his Chad Dawson’s Champion Breed Boxing Gym. He said he plans to “stay on the right path, and hopefully win one more world title before I call it quits.” The inscription on Dawson’s key reads: “To ‘Bad’ Chad Dawson for his distinguished career in professional boxing as a Middleweight and Light Heavyweight boxer. Chad was raised and attended public schools in New Haven. Bad Chad has won 35 of 42 professional boxing matches and has held multiple Light Heavyweight world championships.” Messer-Belenchia had a successful professional debut with her unanimous decision win over Delaney Owens in the female flyweight division on June 29. Although she said the fight “went very well,” she admitted it was also “very bloody.” MesserBelenchia said this was the first time she had ever been head-butted in a fight, and had to celebrate her win in the hospital right afterwards. Messer-Belenchia thanked her coach, saying she was well prepared to make it through the fight. Now that she’s healed, she said, her next fight might be in Kansas City, Missouri. The city of New Haven Proclamation for Messer-Belenchia states: “Boxing is not about your feelings; it’s about performance. Where as Marisa’s biggest accomplishments are as follows: Black Belt Western New England Champion, World Champion, New England Novice Champion, and a number of other titles. Now therefore, the city of New Haven acknowledges and applauds Marisa Messer-Belenchia for her continued success in the professional sport of boxing.” Classic Entertainment in Sports (CES) Founder and CEO Jimmy Burchfield Sr. referenced Harp’s current hard-fought reelection campaign, saying “Mayor, you’re

SOPHIE SONNENFELD PHOTO

Chad Dawson standing over opponent Bernard Hopkins Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall in 2012.

MELISSA BAILEY PHOTO

in a fight too, but champions have that perseverance as Chad and Marisa have.” CES Boxing Promoter Luis Serrano also grew up and learned to box in New Haven. “It’s awesome to see the hard work these guys put in to live up to their dreams and see how they are giving back to the community in building the next series of box-

ers.” he said. Undefeated fighter Tramaine Williams missed out on the award presentation because he was preparing for a fight on Saturday in Texas. Saturday’s fight will determine if he has a chance to compete for an IBF or WBO world title.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

2 Hamden Dems Running On Working Families Ticket by LAURA GLESBY

Galvanized by a recent officer-involved shooting in Newhallville, two registered Democrats are vying to replace the only two Republicans on the Hamden Legislative Council by running on a thirdparty ticket. Those two candidates, Rhonda Caldwell and Laurie Sweet, officially launched their candidacies at a joint press conference Tuesday afternoon outside Hamden’s Town Hall. They’re both running for at-large council seats as members of the Working Families Party, which has historically served as aa third-party haven for progressive Democrats looking to push the mainstream party to the left, as a means of sidestepping Town Charter rules that reserve at least two council seats for minority party representation. Caldwell and Sweet both said they chose to affiliate with the Working Families Party in the hopes of unseating Republicans on the council and granting complete control to Democrats and Democratic Party-leaning members. Democratic Legislative Council members Justin Farmer of District 5 and Brad MacDowall of District 9 endorsed Caldwell and Sweet’s candidacies at the press conference. In Hamden, each political party can put four candidates on the ballot for at-large council seats, meaning seats that aren’t affiliated with any one particular geographical area of the town. Rhonda Caldwell with daughter Simone. In November’s general election, Hamden voters can then choose up to four of those at-large candidates to support. The six at-large candidates who receive the most votes then receive council positions, joining the nine other districtspecific council seat winners. Historically, this system has allotted Republicans at least two seats on the Legislative Council. Sweet and Caldwell said they hope to change that. Caldwell works as an affordable housing property manager for state. Sweet worked for seven years as a doula before becoming a “rapid response” volunteer for Immigrant Families Together. Both candidates said that if elected, they would prioritize police reform. Caldwell framed her candidacy as a response to Hamden Police Officer Devin Eaton’s shooting of Stephanie Washington and Paul Witherspoon in Newhallville in April. Eaton and Yale Police Officer Terrance Pollock are both currently being investigate by the state’s attorney’s office for shooting at the unarmed couple. “It was then when I knew I had to do

more,” Caldwell said, “as Stephanie Washington could have easily been my own daughter.” Sweet said she supports instituting a Civilian Review Board with subpoena power to look into allegations of police misconduct in Hamden. “The police should not investigate themselves,” she said. She had worked with activists to successfully advocate for a Civilian Review Board in New Haven “with the hopes of using theirs as a model for Hamden,” she said. Both Caldwell and Sweet criticized the town’s Police Commission for not adequately addressing the April shooting. “At their last meeting, before their summer break in May, the April shooting of Stephanie and Paul wasn’t even on their agenda,” Sweet said of the commission. “When questioned about it, they hid from Hamden residents.” She called for the mayor to replace the commissioners. In addition to police accountability, Sweet and Caldwell listed fiscal responsibility and educational equity as other priorities they would bring to the council. Justin Farmer. The idea to run as part of the Working Families Party was Farmer’s. Sweet had initially approached Farmer with her interest to run for the Legislative Council as a Democrat. “Instead of causing contention” within the party, Farmer said, he encouraged her to run for a minority seat. Sweet said that Working Families Party officials advised her to find someone else to run for the second minority seat, prompting her to recruit Caldwell. In a text message, Republican At-Large Representative Marjorie Bonadies accused the candidates of utilizing a loophole for “party politics” rather than “what is actually in the best interest of the town.” “What she would like to create is an echo chamber,” Bonadies said in response to Sweet’s stated goal of electing all Democrats. “There are 4,000 registered Republicans and others in Hamden that she would like to deny representation.” MacDowall challenged the notion that the minority seats should automatically go to Republicans. While Republicans have controlled the seats for decades, “it’s time we make them work for that,” he said. Democrats Dominique Baez, Berita Rowe-Lewis, Jody Clouse, and Macdowall as well as Republicans Elizabeth Wetmore, Dian Lewis, Austin Cesare, and Dolphus Addison are also running for at-large seats on the council.

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO Laurie Sweet with daughter Olivia.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

Energy Fund Raids Have Stopped, But Industry Says The Damage Has Been Done by Christine Stuart

HARTFORD, CT — The General Assembly adjourned this year without restoring $67.5 million to clean energy funds that had been swept as part of the budget in 2017. The $67.5 million was part of a larger $145 million in energy fund sweeps the General Assembly approved under former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to close a budget deficit. Environmentalists and energy-efficiency businesses pointed out that the legislature and Gov. Ned Lamont could have used the budget surplus to restore some of the funds, but they decided against it and failed to restore them before the session adjourned on June 5. Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said Monday that he doesn’t know how to measure how much more progress his city could have made in improving its rankings on a clean energy scorecard if those funds had been available. Hartford was recently ranked one of three “Cities to Watch” in the 2019 City Clean Energy Scorecard because it eliminated all minimum parking requirements in its zoning regulations and mandated electric vehicle charging stations on everything except one, two, and three unit residential housing. At a press conference Monday outside the Connecticut Science Center, Depart-

ment of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes credited Lamont with “ending the damaging practice of sweeping the important funds that are contributing to the Connecticut Green Bank and to our award-winning energy efficiency programs across the state of Connecticut.” Leticia Colon de Mejias, chair of Efficiency For All (EFA) and president of Energy Efficiencies Solutions, has pointed out that “these funds are not tax dollars. When they are not swept they create 1.4% in annual Gross State Product and hundreds of millions more in Connecticut tax revenue, and lower our energy costs.” Roger Reynolds, chief legal director at Connecticut Fund for the Environment, said the sweeps have forced some clean energy businesses to close and others to lay off staff. That’s because the decision to sweep the funds — which are collected as a fee on everyone’s electric bills — stopped the flow of revenue to the program in order to balance the budget in 2017. “You can’t create a sector of the economy by creating these funds and all of a sudden take it away,” Reynolds said Monday. Reynolds is representing Colon de Mejias, the lead plaintiff in the federal lawsuit. According to a release from the plaintiffs in March, the industry has been forced to shed 3,000 jobs because of the sweeps.

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE

Gov. Ned Lamont with DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes Monday outside the Connecticut Science Center

Colon de Mejias and the other plaintiffs appealed the decision last year to the Second Circuit Court in New York. The two sides have been filing motions and getting ready for oral arguments that are likely to be scheduled in the fall or winter. The state of Connecticut maintains that

it didn’t violate the contract between ratepayers and utilities because one doesn’t exist. Reynolds said the state interfered with a contract between the ratepayers and the utility companies. In the 20 years since the General Assem-

bly created the Conservation and Load Management Fund and the Clean Energy Fund, money has been transferred four times to be directed into the general fund. However, the largest sweep was the most recent one. Reynolds said the state’s argument seems to be, “I’ve robbed smaller banks in the past so I can rob this big bank now.” Stephen J. Humes, a partner at Holland & Knight and co-counsel on the case, has also commented on the situation. “The shameful reality is that the State is defending conduct that — if anyone else in Connecticut tried to do it — would face serious criminal and civil punishment,” Humes said. “If it’s illegal for anyone else to seize millions dedicated for specific purposes, how can the State get away with this deceptive conduct? We look forward to making these arguments at the Second Circuit and await the day when the Court holds the State accountable. It will be an expensive day of reckoning.” Environmentalists and energy-efficient businesses sued the state, but in October 2018 U.S. District Court Judge Janet Hall found that the state’s sweep of $145 million in ratepayer funds did not impair contracts between ratepayers and their electricity distribution companies because neither utility tariffs nor state law ever promised ratepayers that their dollars would not be transferred to the General Fund for unrelated purposes.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

Wooden Celebrates Reduced Interest Rate by Christine Stuart

HARTFORD, CT — Late last week, Connecticut Treasurer Shawn Wooden celebrated his first successful bond refinancing that will save Connecticut taxpayers $42.9 million over the next 10 years. Wooden and his staff oversaw an online bidding war to refinance $239.9 million in Connecticut’s general obligation bonds. It was the first bond sale following passage of the two-year, $43.8 billion budget, which includes changes to the Teacher’s Retirement System. “Wall Street is not only paying attention, they are investing in our future. With renewed investor confidence, Connecticut hopes to continue to lower borrowing costs and ensure greater savings to taxpayers in our state,” Wooden said. He cited pension reforms and budget surpluses for the reduction in interest rates. “Every incremental step we’ve taken to get our fiscal house in order — from pension

funding reforms to budget surpluses — has strengthened our standing in the financial markets,” Wooden said. A total of 11 firms competed in the sale to refinance bonds that currently have a 4.82% interest rate. J.P. Morgan led the winning syndicate that included Estrada Hinojosa & Company, Inc., a Hispanic-owned firm; Academy Securities, a Hispanic-owned disabled veteran-owned firm, and; PiperJaffray, a regional firm with a Connecticut office. J.P. Morgan had the winning bid coming in at 1.67% on the 10-year bond issue. This dramatic reduction in interest costs, from 4.82% to 1.67%, adds up to $42.9 million in savings to Connecticut over the next 10 years, roughly $4.2 million annually for the next decade. “Together, working with the Governor and the Legislature — from restructuring our teachers’ pensions, to shoring up our rainy day fund and making smarter longterm debt investments — each step we take continues to move this state forward to fis-

cal stability and greater economic growth,” Wooden added. Gov. Ned Lamont, who was in Utah at the National Governors Association meeting over the weekend, also applauded the refinancing. “Just like when you apply for a credit card, the better your credit, the lower the interest rate you will pay,” Lamont said. “Connecticut has a better credit score today as a result of our collective actions and responsible long-term financial planning.” Earlier this month, the Kroll Bond Rating Agency elevated its outlook from negative to stable and reaffirmed its AA- rating for the state. Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch each maintained their previous ratings. S&P rated Connecticut bonds an “A” with a positive outlook, Moody’s at “A1” with a stable outlook, and Fitch at “A+” with a stable outlook. It’s the second time in four months that a major credit rating agency has upgraded its outlook for Connecticut bonds.

Destined to Succeed Whatever your child wants to be is within reach when you are involved. Your engagement in their education will prepare them for the future. To learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and how you can advocate for your children, visit us at www.nnpa.org/essa Sign-up for our ESSA alerts at www.nnpa.org/essa

State Treasurer Shawn Wooden

In March, Standard & Poor’s upgraded Connecticut’s credit outlook from stable to positive and affirmed its “A” rating on approximately $18.3 billion of the state’s

general obligation bonds. The General Assembly and Lamont are still negotiating a bond package for 2020.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

Schumer Latest to Support Reparations for African Americans By Stacy Brown

WASHINGTON INFORMER — Count New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer among those supporting House Resolution 40, legislation by Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee that would form a commission to consider reparations proposals for African Americans. Count New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer among those supporting House Resolution 40, legislation by Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee that would form a commission to consider reparations proposals for African Americans. “I’ve always believed racism is the poison of America. When Alexis de Tocqueville came to America in the 1830s – he was a French, famous historian,” Schumer said. “He said America was a nobody then and he said, America is going to become the greatest country in the world … it was a puny country compared to France, or Britain or Russia. But one thing could do it in: race and racism.” Schumer said. The senator continued: “He said that in the 1830s. Well, it’s still true. Racism is the poison of America, and the disparities in race affect everything. Not just the obvious things, but the non-obvious things like pollution, climate change,” Schumer said. HR 40 is intended to examine the institution of slavery in the colonies and the United States from 1619 to the present, and further recommend appropriate remedies. Since the initial introduction of the legis-

lation, its proponents have made substantial progress in elevating the discussion of reparations and reparatory justice at the national level and joining the mainstream international debate on the issues. “Though some have tried to deflect the importance of these conversations by focusing on individual monetary compensation, the real issue is whether and how this nation can come to grips with the legacy of slavery that still infects current society,” Jackson-Lee said. Through legislation, resolutions, news, and litigation, she said Congress is moving closer to making more strides in the movement toward reparations. “Today there are more people at the table – more activists, more scholars, more CEO’s, more state and local officials, and more Members of Congress,” Jackson-Lee said. “However, despite this progress and the election of the first American President of African descent, the legacy of slavery lingers heavily in this nation. While we have focused on the social effects of slavery and segregation, its continuing economic implications remain largely ignored by mainstream analysis,” she said. Those economic issues are the root cause of many critical issues in the AfricanAmerican community today, such as education, healthcare and criminal justice policy, including policing practices and the call for reparations represents a commitment to entering a constructive dialogue on the role of slavery and racism in shaping present-day conditions in our community and American society, Jackson-Lee said. Schumer joins a long list of supporters

of HR 40, including Democratic Sens. Edward Markey, Richard Durbin, Mazie Horono, Christopher Coons, Bob Casey, Tammy Duckworth, and Chris Van Hollen. Additionally, Democratic presidential hopefuls Corey Booker, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand and Amy Klobuch, have all expressed support for the measure. “I have tried to address racial inequality, I have felt very strongly about it from even when I ran for congress, and a bigoted campaign was run against me in 1980, and so I’ve tried to do a lot, but more has to

be done,” Schumer said. “So what I’m telling you is, I will support the legislation by Senator Cory Booker and Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee to establish a commission to study the issue of reparations for slavery and discrimination,” he said. The senator noted that he’s accomplished some reparations-related legislation already, including securing $130 billion in the 2018 budget. “That did a lot in terms of healthcare. We doubled the child care block grant, we got more funding for public housing and Pell grants, and that was something,” Schumer

said. “We also are very strong on expungement and the sealing of records so that people who five years ago, or twenty years ago, had a small amount of marijuana in their pocket, are not going to have unfair difficulty in finding jobs and living decent lives,” he said. “The legacy of slavery and Jim Crow are still with us … and that’s why I’m supporting this legislation,” Schumer said.

til November 2020 to act against a president who believes in neither the rule of law nor the Constitution of The United States. The next fifteen months can witness the perversion of most of the federal agencies just as it has already seen the perversion of the Departments of Justice, Treasury and Interior. The Speaker insists that her strategical moves on Trump are based on political savvy, but to more and more Americans her strategy appears to be based upon personal interest and political cowardice. More than 100 Democratic members of the U.S House of Representatives favor impeaching Trump and that number is certain to increase. It can no longer be argued by Pelosi and her “Moderate” supporters in Congress that the calls for impeachment are coming from a few disgruntled “Progressives” who lack seasoned skills in negotiating the thicket of politics in our nation’s Capital. The Constitution of this nation requires Congress to provide “oversight” of the

President and the Executive Branch. But the Democratic leadership in the House has chosen to “overlook” the buckling of our democracy. There is a written record of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s two-year investigation that clearly sets out that Trump has committed crimes by lying to the special counsel and obstructing justice. There has been evidence presented in open court during the criminal proceedings against Trump’s legal counsel and former “fixer,” Michael Cohen, who pled guilty and is now in prison for having committed crimes at Trump’s directions. Trump flouts his violations of the Emoluments Clause at his many real estate properties where he enriches himself by inducing foreign nationals and governments pay his organization as a means of gaining access to his administration and to him personally. Anyone with a radio or television has heard or seen Trump making it clear that

he welcomes Russia’s interference in our elections. This person who sits in the Oval Office has disparaged the American intelligence community and invited a hostile foreign power to corrupt our electoral system so that he can remain in power. Through judicial appointments, he has managed to line the federal courts with breathtakingly partisan judges and justices, and we should assume that they will do all that they can to protect his legal flanks and prevent him from answering for these crimes. Apart from his illegal activities, Trump is morally unfit to lead this country. Many women have come forward with charges of sexual abuse and even rape against Trump. And it boggles the mind that someone who gleefully bragged about grabbing women in the most inappropriate sexual way is able to tamp down accusations of rape and sexual conduct by dozens of women. Even with the rise of the “Me Too” movement,

the revelations of these offenses have had little impact upon Trump’s former misogynistic behavior to account. Trump’s racist and xenophobic outbursts also give evidence that he is morally unfit to sit in the White House. His thousands of vile and moronic tweets attacking people based upon their race, religion or place of birth have led America down a tortured path of the worst form of nationalism. And with all of this in plain sight, Nancy Pelosi counsels us to do nothing for fear of angering Trump’s supporters and lessening the chances for Democratic victories in 2020. How much more will America be corrupted by then? Will it be possible to have a free and fair election in 2020? Robert Mueller has raised the alarm of Russians undermining our democracy. He testified before the House Intelligence Committee on July 24th that “even as we sit here” the Russians are working to

This article originally appeared in the Washington Informer.

IT COULDN’T BE CLEARER by Oscar H. Blayton

History will flay the skin off Nancy Pelosi’s legacy. This prediction may seem harsh, but the current Speaker of the House, as the leader of the House Democrats, is creating a problem that we will not be able to easily correct. The United States has a chaotic, criminal installed in the Oval Office who is leading the country to ruin, both domestically and internationally. And with blindingly bright warning lights flashing and deafening warning sirens blaring, Nancy Pelosi politely taps her gavel in order to conduct business as usual. It is difficult to believe that Nancy Pelosi believes that the nation can wait un-

Con’t on page 18

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

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July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

Security Guards Falsely Accuse Black Couple of Stealing a T-Shirt While They Were Getting Engaged BlackNews.com

Walden, NY — Dr. Cathy-Marie Hamlet says that Angry Orchard, a cidery in Walden, New York, falsely accused her and her fiance of stealing a T-shirt from their store in the middle of his marriage proposal to her. Hamlet called out the white security guards working at the cidery on her Facebook post, and said they racially profiled their group because they were “the only Black people at [the] establishment.” Hamlet was celebrating the 40th birthday of his boyfriend, Clyde Jackson, who surprised her with a marriage proposal. What could have been a memorable moment was ruined when security staff from the Angry Orchard approached them and accused Jackson of stealing. Hamlet said in her Facebook post that a female security guard first approached them while Jackson was preparing to propose to her. The security guard accused him of stealing a T-shirt and asked to check his back pocket. When she found nothing, she walked away. A few minutes later while Jackson was al-

ready saying his proposal speech, Hamlet said “the same young lady from security walked back towards [us] and says to me. ‘I’m sorry, I need to check your bag. I was told that he gave it to you, and you put it in your bag.’ I emptied my entire bag in front of her, and since this was the second time she had walked over, I said, ‘I know you’re just doing your job, but I can’t help but wonder if this is because we’re Black. We were the only Black people here at your establishment.’” The security guard denied that the check was due to race and left. The proposal continued and she said yes, causing bystanders to cheer and their friends to gather and congratulate them. That was when the female security guard returned for the third time to search the entire group allegedly telling them, “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you all were a part of the same party. I have to check all of your purses and pockets.” Several other security guards walked over and search their the couple and their 6 friends. “Of course, my friends told them none of us

stole a T-shirt from their establishment, at which point they started getting aggressive and saying that not only them but also patrons saw my boyfriend steal the shirt and transfer it to me to put in my bag! Another woman in security yelled to one of the male security, ‘Call the police! I saw you steal it.’” Hamlet asked the guards if they had security cameras — which they did — and told them to watch the tape to prove that they did not steal anything. When the security guards took photos and videos of them and their license plate number, their group just decided to leave the place. Hamlet, who is a doctor, wrote in her Facebook post, which went viral, that she and her friends were left in tears for the humiliation they suffered on what was supposed to be one of the best days of her life. Meanwhile, Angry Orchard issued a statement apologizing for what happened. They admitted that they have mishandled the situation and already removed those involved in the incident. “We recognize that we badly mishandled this situation and our team’s response was

inexcusable. As of yesterday, we have replaced the security team members working that day and the manager who was on duty. We are initiating additional, mandatory training on security awareness and unconscious bias for everyone on staff to prevent something like this from happening in the

future. We’re deeply sorry that our guests were mistreated. This event does not reflect our company values of respect for all and creating a welcoming environment for our guests, and while we wish it didn’t occur at all, we are treating this moment as a valuable learning experience for our staff.”

The Truth About Black People and Country Music — We Created It! BlackHistory.com

The global success of rapper Lil Nas X’s hip hop country song “Old Town Road” should not be a surprise to anyone. According to The True Origins of Country Music, a very powerful TED Talk by vocalist/ historian Queen Esther, not only is country music rooted in Black culture, but it also originated with blues music and West African music traditions. When our African ancestors were violently uprooted from their homeland and enslaved by white colonizers, they saturated America with their slang and languages, their native plants, fruits and vegetables as well as traditional African dishes, their rural ways – and their music! It took 400 years of the Middle Passage, work songs, field hollers, shouts, chants, arhoolies, spirituals, bloodshed and sorrow to create blues music. There is no question that this genre – with African musical traditions like call and response and the bluing of a note at its essence – is the DNA of American music. Without blues, there would be no rock and roll or any of its derivatives, like punk; and there would definitely be no country or bluegrass. The banjo, a key instrument in country music, originated in Africa Like blues music and all of its sonic offshoots that continue to flourish from its blood-soaked roots, the banjo is uniquely African-American. Originating in Africa, the banjo – also called banjar, bangie, banjer and banza – was created in the early 17th century by African captives and brought to America through the West Indies. Thomas Jefferson was the first to mention the banjo in a footnote to his Notes on the State of Virginia, published in 1785: “The instrument proper to them [African cap-

tives] is the Banjar, which they brought hither from Africa...” It is nearly identical to the akonting of Senegal and Gambia, and played with the exact same downstroke technique. Up until the early 1840s, African captives were the only ones who played banjos. The white man who popularized the banjo learned how to play it from slaves

Joel Sweeney, a white blackface minstrel performer and the earliest documented white banjo player, is responsible for popularizing the banjo. But he learned how to play it from slaves on a Virginia plantation, then standardized its construction, created a lesson book and sold it. The banjo grew in stature worldwide thanks to minstrel shows, a wildly popular form of theater in the 19th century that stemmed from medicine shows, traveling theaters and circuses, music halls, Irish music and dance, and African syncopation. With the explosive acclamation of Harriett Beecher Stowe’s book Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the subsequent plays, vignettes and “Tom shows” that recreated scenarios from the novel, minstrelsy eventually incorporated those story lines into its presentation, included the banjo for Southern authenticity and brought this to an international audience for more than 100 years. How country music was whitewashed Once phonographs came along in the early 20th century and segregated sound, creating categories along racial lines to market and sell music, the longstanding traditions that blurred those lines were virtually discarded. Country grew from a need to appease a Southern audience that had idealized “The Great Cause” in the wake of the Civil War

During the Great Migration North, many Black folk left the banjo, country music and so many other African traditions in the South for a new life elsewhere. Yet our influence in country and bluegrass remained substantial in fundamental ways, most notably as a guiding force behind its brightest luminaries. Black musicians taught country music’s “legends” how to play • Tee Tot Payne, a guitarist and street performer from Louisiana, was the only teacher and mentor to the legendary Hank Williams, teaching him passing chords and

how to write songs. • Musician Lesley Riddle befriended the Carter family, found and transcribed Negro spirituals for them and gave them guitar lessons, thus establishing the bedrock of country music. • Fiddler and guitarist Arnold Shultz – the son of a former slave, from a family of musicians and performers – played a pivotal role in the life of Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass. He gave him his first gig, introduced him to the blues and taught him a Kentucky “thumb style” guitar technique that would make musician Chet Atkins famous. Bill Monroe said that Arnold Shultz was his best friend, and always spoke of

him fondly. Cultural appropriation at its finest How the banjo was so thoroughly sanitized of its blackness is an analogy for the kind of cultural appropriation that has always defined America, now more than ever. The overwhelming African American contributions to country and bluegrass remain just beneath the surface for anyone that’s willing to listen. Queen Esther is an African American vocalist and songwriter that performs country and bluegrass music all over the world. Be sure to support her music!

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

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July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

The Storied History of the NAACP By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Much has changed since the creation of the NAACP 110 years ago, and as we highlight these achievements during this year’s convention, we cannot forget that we’re still tirelessly fighting against the hatred and bigotry that face communities of color in this country,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said. The NAACP plans to highlight 110 years of civil rights history, and the current fight for voting rights, criminal justice reform, economic opportunity and education quality during its 110th national convention now happening in Detroit. The five-day event which began on Saturday, July 20, will also include a session on the 2020 Census, a presidential roundtable, CEO Roundtable, and LGBTQ and legislative workshops. “We are excited to announce the 110th annual convention in Detroit, my hometown,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “For me, it is a homecoming and I will also be excited to announce our theme for this year which is, ‘When we Fight, We Win,’” Johnson said. Winning is what the NAACP was built on – winning battles for racism, freedom, justice and equality. The NAACP was formed in 1908 after a deadly race riot that featured anti-black violence and lynching erupted in Springfield, Illinois. According to the storied organization’s website, a group of white liberals that included descendants of famous abolitionists Mary White Ovington and Oswald Garrison Villard; William English Walling, and Dr. Henry Moscowitz, all issued a call for a meeting to discuss racial justice. About 60 people, seven of whom were

African American, including W. E. B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Mary Church Terrell, answered the call, which was released on the centennial of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln. “Echoing the focus of Du Bois’ Niagara Movement for civil rights, which began in 1905, the NAACP aimed to secure for all people the rights guaranteed in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution, which promised an end to slavery, the equal protection of the law, and universal adult male suffrage, respectively.” Accordingly, the NAACP’s mission remains to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of United States and eliminate race prejudice. “The NAACP seeks to remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes,” Johnson said. The NAACP established its national office in New York City in 1910 and named a board of directors as well as a president, Moorfield Storey, a white constitutional lawyer and former president of the American Bar Association. Other early members included Joel and Arthur Spingarn, Josephine Ruffin, Mary Talbert, Inez Milholland, Jane Addams, Florence Kelley, Sophonisba Breckinridge, John Haynes Holmes, Mary McLeod Bethune, George Henry White, Charles Edward Russell, John Dewey, William Dean Howells, Lillian Wald, Charles Darrow, Lincoln Steffens, Ray Stannard Baker, Fanny Garrison Villard, and Walter Sachs. Despite a foundational commitment to multiracial membership, Du Bois was the only African American among the organization’s original executives. Du Bois was made director of publications and research, and in 1910 established the official journal of the NAACP, The Crisis. By 1913, with a strong emphasis on lo-

cal organizing, the NAACP had established branch offices in such cities as Boston, Baltimore, Kansas City, St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and Detroit. NAACP membership grew rapidly, from around 9,000 in 1917 to around 90,000 in 1919, with more than 300 local branches. Joel Spingarn, a professor of literature and one of the NAACP founders formulated much of the strategy that fostered much of the organization’s growth. He was elected board chairman of the NAACP in 1915 and served as president from 1929-1939. The NAACP would eventually fight battles against the Ku Klux Klan and other hate organizations.

The organization also became renowned in American Justice with Thurgood Marshall helping to prevail in the 1954’s Brown v. Board of Education, the decision that overturned Plessy. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, which was disproportionately disastrous for African Americans, the NAACP began to focus on economic justice. Because of the advocacy of the NAACP, President Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed to open thousands of jobs to black workers when labor leader A. Philip Randolph, in collaboration with the NAACP, threatened a national March on Washington movement in 1941. President Roosevelt also set up a Fair Em-

ployment Practices Committee (FEPC) to ensure compliance. The NAACP’s Washington, D.C., bureau, led by lobbyist Clarence M. Mitchell Jr., helped advance not only integration of the armed forces in 1948 but also passage of the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1964, and 1968 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. NAACP Mississippi field secretary Medgar Evers and his wife Myrlie would become high-profile targets for pro-segregationist violence and terrorism. In 1962, their home was fire bombed, and later Medgar was assassinated by a sniper in front of their residence. Violence also met black children attempting to enter preCon’t on page 18

10-Year Old Black Student Facing Assault Charges Over a Game of Dodgeball BlackNews.com

Canton, MI — Cameishi Lindley, a mother from Michigan, says she was shocked and disappointed when she learned that her 10-year old son, Bryce, is facing assault charges for allegedly causing injuries to another student while they were playing a school game similar to dodgeball. Last week, Lindley reportedly got a call from Wayne County Juvenile Court saying that her soon-to-be 5th grader son is being charged with aggravated assault in connection to the incident. Lindley argued that the game was similar to dodgeball, except that the ball is thrown in the air. “These kids are basically playing a game we all have played,” Lindley told 7 Action News. In the incident that happened on April 29, while Bryce was playing at Ruth Eriksson

Elementary in Canton, an unidentified student was hit in the face with a ball. The student’s mother claims her son is suffering a medical condition that makes head injuries especially dangerous. A police report filed after the incident stated that Bryce intentionally threw the ball at the other student’s face, which caused him a concussion. “He sustained facial tissue damage to his face. He had a black eye and a bruised nose,” the other parent said. After the incident, Bryce was suspended from school for one day. Lindley thought his son already received proper punishment and it’s over. “I couldn’t believe it,” Lindley said about the charge. “This is a kid that was playing on the playground with his friends.” Meanwhile, the victim’s mother claimed that it wasn’t the first time his son experienced the same incidents at school. She

said her son had been targeted before and she reported it mid-April before the recent incident, which she said she can’t let pass anymore. “I tried not to let it get to this point,” the other boy’s mother said. “My son was hit twice in the face with a ball previously due to this. The child apologized to my son and my son said, ‘Mom, it’s OK, we’re still going to be friends.’” Moreover, Lindley believes such incidents could have been solved at the school instead of the court. Lindley also said she and her son wasn’t aware of the other boy’s medical condition and added that he should not have been playing a game like that if that’s the case. A pre-trial conference for the case is scheduled in Juvenile Court on August 1. Lindley has set up a Facebook fundraiser to help pay for her son’s legal fees. It has so far raised double the $4,000 goal.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

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If Interested call

INVITATION TO BID: LaRosa Building Group invites all trade contractors

to bid the Renovations to Exchange Place Towers project located in Waterbury, CT. The scope of work in occupied residential units includes, not intended to be limited to:

· Final Cleaning · Dumpsters · Finish Carpentry · Doors, Frames and Hardware · Window replacement · Drywall Patching and Replacement · Acoustical Ceiling Tile · Flooring Replacement · Painting · Toilet Accessories · Kitchen Cabinets & Counter Replacement · Window Treatments · Plumbing Upgrades · HVAC Upgrades · Electrical Upgrades

This project is tax exempt. Project is not subject to prevailing wage rates. ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos The work to be performed under the contract is being assisted by the máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 State of Connecticut through the Department of Housing. As such, the The Authority of the suficientes City of Norwalk, CT(aproximadamente 100) julio,Housing 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido pre-solicitudes project is subject to CHRO Set-Aside requirements. en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición is requesting for durante Legal esas Services. llamando a HOME INCproposals al 203-562-4663 horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse Subcontractor bids are due to LaRosa no later than 3PM August 07, 2019. fordeProposal documents canStreet, be viewed andNew Haven aRequest las oficinas HOME INC en 171 Orange tercer piso, , CT 06510 . Accounting Department has two immediate openings for full Bids can be emailed to Vincent Parete vparete@larosabg.com or faxed printed at www.norwalkha.org under the time Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable professionals to 203-599-6210. All RFI’S must be submitted through email by Friday July Business section RFP’s/RFQ’s in a fast-paced office environment. Must be highly organized, 26, 2019 by 3PM. RFI’s beyond this time may not be answered. possess good computer skills, be detail oriented, and able to Norwalk Housing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. manage multiple projects. Benefits include health, dental & Plans and Specification can be obtained electronically by contacting Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director. LTD insurance plus 401(k). Send resume to: Human Resource Vincent Parete by email or phone 203-235-1770. Dept. P O Box 388, Guilford CT 06437. Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks: InvitationLaRosa to Bid: Building Group is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in nd ********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer********** 242-258 Fairmont Ave Notice 2 Employer. Disabled, Small, Minority, Women, and Section 3 Business Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory are strongly encouraged to bid. training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1CT level , 1BA Large We offerapartments, excellent hourly & excellent benefits All new newrate appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 &CT. I-95Fence Company is looking for an individOldand Saybrook, CT Contact: Tom Dunay Phone: 860highways, near243-2300 bus stop & shopping centerual for our stock yard. Warehouse shipping and receiving (4 Buildings, 17 Units) Forklift experience a must. Must have a minimum of 3 years’ Email: Tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 TaxtoExempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project material handling experience. Must be able read and write Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply English, and read a tape measure. Duties will include: Loading Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer Request for Proposals and unloading trucks, pulling orders for installation and retail CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, CastCertificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation Candidates counterofsales, keeping the yard clean and organized at all times Information in-place Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Technology Consulting Services in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30and inventory control. Individual will also make Concrete, deliveries Asphalt of 3:30 Contact: Chairman, DeaconReclaiming, Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S.Inc seeks: Garrity Asphalt Authority CityCasework, of New Haven d/b/a Elm city Communities is currently Division 1070lbs. Specialties, Housing Appliances, Residential fence panels and products, Flooring, must be Painting, able to lift at least (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current seeking Proposals for Information Technology Consulting Services. A complete copy Required to pass a Physical and Drug test, have a valid CT. Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. St. licensing New Haven, and CT clean driving record, be willing to travel of the requirement may be obtainedfrom Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration PorDriver’s License and be able obtain aisDrivers Card. Thistocontract subjectMedical to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. throughout the Northeast & NY. tal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on MonCDL B & A drivers a plus. Send resume to pking@atlasourWe offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits day, July 22, 2019 at 3:00 PM door.com AA/EOE/MF Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300 Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Women & Minority Applicants encouraged to apply Sealed bids are invited by the are Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour Project documents available via ftp link below: Equal Opportunity Employer untilAffirmative 3:00 pm onAction/ Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street,

(203) 387-0354 Listing: Accounting

NEW HAVEN

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Elm City Communities

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

KMK Insulation Inc.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Invitation for Bids http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. 1907 Hartford Driveway and Parking Lot Repaving and Restriping at Cornell Scott Fax or EmailTurnpike Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com

Union Company seeks:

HCC CT encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses North Haven, 06473

Ridge and McConaughy Terrace Tractor Trailer Driver for & Highway Construction Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 A pre-bid conference willHeavy be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Equipment. Must have a CDL License, clean driving record, AA/EEO EMPLOYER Street CTheavy at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. capableSeymour, of operating equipment; be willing to travel The Housing Authority of the City of New Havend/b/a Elm City ComInsulation company offering good pay throughout the Northeast & NY. munities is currently seeking Bids for Driveway and Parking Lot Repavand benefits. Please mail resume to We offer excellentare hourly rate &from excellent benefits Housing Authority Bidding documents available the Seymour Ofing and Restriping at Cornell Scott Ridge and McConaughyTerrace. A at 860-243-2300. fice, 28 SmithContact Street,Dana Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. above address. complete copy of the requirements may be obtained from Elm City’s Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesysMAIL ONLY Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or This all bids, to company is an Affirmative Action/ tems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, July 15, 2019 at 3:00PM. Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Mechanical Insulator position.

reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the Housing Authority.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

NOTICE OF INVITATION FOR BID

NOTICE

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DANBURY CHIMNEY CLEANING & REPAIR SERVICES IFB NO. B19001

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS PREBID INVITE AVAILABLE

MATTHEW RUOPPOLO MANOR/FAIRMONT HEIGHTS RENOVATIONS

HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, DATE: July 30th,apartments 2019 at this develis accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom opment located at 108 Frank Street, New10:00 Haven.am Maximum income limitations apTIME: to 12:00 pm ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday LOCATION: Ruoppolo Community Room, 480 Ferry St, NewJu;y Haven 25, 2016 and & ending when sufficient pre-applications 100) have Kitchen Bathroom Renovations, Flooring,(approximately Painting, Limited Mechanical and been received at theElectrical offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied resystem upgrades (3 Buildings, 177upon Units) quest by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 duringand those hours.compliance Completedrequirements. preThis contract is subject to state setaside contract applications must be returned toBid HOME INC’sAugust offices30, at 2019 171 Orange Due Date: 3:00 pm Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. Project documents available via ftp link below:

CONTACT PERSON HOW TO OBTAIN THE IFB DOCUMENTS: BID SUBMITTAL RETURN

Ruoppolo Manor: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=ruoppolo Fairmont Heights: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=fairmontheights

BID SUBMITTAL DEADLINE/BID OPENING

NOTICIA

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

The Glendower Group, Inc

ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. EMPLOYER Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos AA/EEO máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición Large CT Fence Company is looking for an individual to manage deberán our warehouse/yard. Prior warellamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes remitirse house forklift must. Duties a las shipping/receiving oficinas de HOME INCand en 171 Orangeexperience Street, tercerapiso, New Havenwill , CT include 06510 . loading and unload-

Request for Proposals Co-Developer of the Redevelopment of Valley Street Townhouses

Warehouse/Yard Manager:

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

NEW HAVEN POLICE

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

NOW HIRING

Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

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

August 5, 2019 at 10:00am (EST)

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

Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 2038818372 dlang@haynesct.com HOMEencourages INC, en nombre la Columbus House de la New S/W/MBE Haven Housing HCC thedeparticipation of ally Veteran, & Authority, Section 3está Certified Businesses aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios yCompany, apartamentos un dormitorio este desarrollo Haynes Construction 32deProgress Ave,enSeymour, CT 06483

ing of trucks, pulling and staging orders for installation and retail counter sales and maintaining general yard organization. Basic computer skills required, ability to fill out daily paperwork accurately, assist with inventory control and supervise other yard staff. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test, have a valid CT driver’s license and be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. Competitive wages and benefits provided. Send resume to: gforshee@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE/MF

Ms. Devin Marra, Director of Procurement Telephone: 203-744-2500 x141 E-Mail: dmarra@hacdct.org Contact Ms. Devin Marra, via phone or email. Housing Authority of the City of Danbury 2 Mill Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 Envelope Must be Marked: IFB No. B19001 Chimney Services

The Glendower Group, Inc an affiliate of Housing Authority City of New Haven d/b/a Elm city Communities is currently seeking proposals for Co-Developer of the Redevelopment of Valley Street Townhouses. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Invitation to Bid: Monday, July2nd22, 2019 at 3:00PM Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

The Glendower Group, Inc Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units) Request for Proposals Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK FOR FARNAM COURT PHASE II

New Construction, The Wood Glendower Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Group, Inc an affiSite-work, liate of CastHousing Authority City of New Havin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, en d/b/a Elm city Communities is currently seeking Proposals for Construction Flooring, Painting, Division 10at Specialties, Appliances, Residential Phase Casework, Manager Risk for Farnam Court II. A complete copy of the requireMechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. ment may be obtained from Elm City’s This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

on Monday, July 8, 2019 at 3:00PM Bid Extended,beginning Due Date: August 5, 2016 Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Project documents available viaThe ftp linkGlendower below: Group, Inc http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

Apply online at Policeapp.com

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

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE MANAGER & Section 3 CertifiedAT Businesses CONSTRUCTION RISK FOR VALLEY TOWNHOUSES Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER The Glendower Group, Inc an affiliate of Housing Authority City of New Haven d/b/a Elm city Communities is currently seeking Proposals for Construction Manager at Risk for Valley Townhouses. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s

Or Visit our Social Media Pages For More Information Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority OfA pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

New Haven Police Department Recruitment Team

Nhpdrecruitment

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

Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

NHPDrecruitment

beginning on Monday, July 8, 2019 at 3:00PM 16

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

PUBLLC Notice

The Housing Authority of the City of Norwalk, CT is requesting proposals for Financial Advisory Services. Request for Proposal documents can be viewed and printed at www.norwalkha.org under the Business section RFP’s/RFQ’s Norwalk Housing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director.

The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) hereby announces its federal fiscal years 2020-2022 49 CFR Part 26 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) plan related to FAA-assisted contracts for professional services and construction projects for the Bradley International Airport. The proposed plan, which includes the 3-year goal and rationale, is available for inspection between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at Bradley International Airport, Administration Office, Terminal A, 3rd Floor, Windsor Locks, CT 06096 or on CAA’s website http://www.ctairports.org , the Bradley International Airport website http://www.bradleyairport.com for 30 days from the date of this publication.

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

Comments on the DBE goal will be accepted for 45 days from the date of availability of this notice and can be sent to the following:

Equipment Operator

Laurie A. Sirois Manager of Grants, Procurement and Insurance Programs Connecticut Airport Authority Bradley International Airport Administration Office Terminal A, 3rd Floor Windsor Locks, CT 06096 or lsirois@ctairports.org Mr. Thomas Knox DBE & ACDBE Compliance Specialist FAA Western-Pacific Regional Office Los Angeles, CA 90009-2007 thomas.knox@faa.gov

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Invitation for Bid (IFB) Moving and Storage Services Solicitation Number: 131-AM-19-S

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) seeks proposal for moving & storage services from licensed and bonded moving/storage companies. A complete set of IFB documents will be available on July 29, 2019. To obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A pre-bid conference will be held at 733 South Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604 on August 14, 2019, @ 1:30 p.m. Although attendance is not mandatory, submitting a bid for the project without attending conference is not in the best interest of the Offeror. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no later than August 21, 2019 @ 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. Proposal shall be mailed of hand delivered by August 29, 2019 @ 11:00 AM to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement, 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. No bids will be accepted after the designated time.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Request for Proposal (RFP) Relocation Consultant Solicitation Number: 130-PD-19-S

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is currently seeking proposals from qualified relocation firms for the relocation of C.F. Greene Homes. Solicitation package will be available on July 29, 2019. To obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities. org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A pre-proposal conference will be held at 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605 on August 15, 2019, @ 2:00 p.m. Although attendance is not mandatory, submitting a bid for the project without attending conference is not in the best interest of the Offeror. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no later than August 22, 2019 @ 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. Proposals shall be mailed, or hand delivered by August 29, 2019 @ 3:00 PM, to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement, 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Late proposals will not be accepted.

HELP WANTED:

Help Wanted: Immediate opening for Equipment Operator for Heavy and Highway Construction. 10 hour OSHA certificate required. CDL license a plus but not required. Please call PJF Construction Corp.@ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F.

Laborer Help Wanted: Immediate opening for Construction Laborer for Heavy and Highway Construction. 10 hour OSHA certificate required. Please call PJF Construction Corp. @ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F.

CDL Driver Help Wanted: Immediate opening for CDL Driver for Heavy and Highway Construction. 10 hour OSHA certificate and clean CDL license required. Please call PJF Construction Corp. @ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F.

Project Manager/Project Supervisor Help Wanted: Immediate opening for a Project Manager/Project Supervisor for Heavy and Highway Construction. Previous experience on CTDOT projects required. Please call PJF Construction Corp. @ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F

Accounting

Listing: Accounting

Department has an immediate opening in Accounts Payable. This full time position in a fast-paced office environment could be an excellent entry to an Accounting career. Requires good computer and organizational skills, attention to detail, and multi-tasking. Benefits include health, dental & LTD insurance plus 401(k). Send resume to: Human Resource Dept. P O Box 388, Guilford CT 06437.

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

Town of Bloomfield

Emergency Medical Services Coordinator for the Bloomfield Volunteer Ambulance Full Time - Benefited

$79,785 annual salary

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

WALLINGFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY WAITING LIST OPENING State Elderly/Disabled

Effective Tuesday, July 9, 2019 The Wallingford Housing Authority (WHA) will open the zero (0) bedroom waitlist for its State Elderly/Disabled housing program. The closing date for the Waiting List will be Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 3 p.m. Applicants may apply for the waiting list by completing the appropriate application. Following the closing date, each applicant’s Waiting List position will be determined by a lottery selection as set forth in the WHA’s Tenant Selection Plan. Copies of this plan can be obtained at the management office address listed below. All applications must be complete with copies of all required documentation attached. Applications must be signed & dated by all adult members of the applicant household 18 years of age and older. All applications & documentation must be datestamped at the Wallingford Housing Authority on or before September 3, 2019 at 3:00 PM. FAXED OR EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. WHA WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. Applications can be obtained in person at 45 Tremper Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492 or by mail please call 203-269-5173. The fax number is (203) 269-5150 and the email address is info@wallingfordha.com. Efectivo el Lunes 9 de Julio 2019, La Autoridad de Vivienda de Wallingford (WHA) abrirá la lista de espera de cero (0) dormitorio para la programa de vivienda de Estatal de Ancianos y Discapacitados. La fecha de cierre de la lista de espera será Jueves 3 de Septiembre 2019 a las 3 p.m. Los solicitantes pueden solicitar la lista de espera completando la solicitud correspondiente. Después de la fecha de cierre, la posición de la lista de espera de cada solicitante se determinará mediante una selección de lotería tal como se establece en el Plan de selección de inquilinos de la WHA. Se pueden obtener copias de este plan en la dirección de la oficina de administración que se detalla a continuación. Todas las aplicaciones deben estar completas con copias de toda la documentación necesario adjunta. Las solicitudes deben estar firmadas y fechadas por todos los miembros adultos del hogar solicitante de 18 años de edad en adelante. Todas las aplicaciones y documentación deben estar selladas con fecha en la Autoridad de Vivienda de Wallingford el 3 de Septiembre 2019 o antes, a las 3:00 p.m. SE ACEPTARÁN LAS APLICACIONES ENVIADAS POR CORREO O POR CORREO ELECTRÓNICO. WHA NO HARÁ COPIAS DE LOS DOCUMENTOS REQUERIDOS. Las solicitudes se pueden obtener en persona en 45 Tremper Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492 o por correo, por favor llame al 203-269-5173. El número de fax es (203) 2695150 y la dirección de correo electrónico es info@wallingfordha.com.

Town of Bloomfield Truck Driver/Maintainer II Full Time - Benefited

$27.31 hourly

Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website – www.bloomfieldct.org Electric Apprentice Meter Technician - Trainee position involved in the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical metering equipment for a municipal electric utility. Requires a H.S./trade school diploma or an equivalent in experience and training. $21.79 to $26.23 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. The closing date for applications is August 5, 2019 or the date we receive the fiftieth (50) application whichever occurs first. Apply: Human Resources Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, (203) 294-2080. EOE. ELECTRIC Distribution Technician - The Town of Wallingford Electric Division is seeking highly skilled candidates with electric utility constructions experience to work in the utility’s distribution system. The successful applicant must be a H.S. graduate and be fully qualified as a Journeyman Lineman or First Class Lineman. Hourly rate: $38.16 to $43.22, plus an excellent fringe benefits package. The closing date for applications is August 20, 2019. Apply: Human Resources Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, (203) 294-2080, Fax: (203) 294-

The Housing Authority of the City of Norwalk, CT is requesting proposals for Endowment Trust Fund services. Request for Proposal documents can be viewed and printed at www.norwalkha.org under the Business section RFP’s/RFQ’s Norwalk Housing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

Serena Williams gets first Wheaties box cover, hopes to inspire next generation By Paige Elliot

MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER — Serena Williams started July off with a bang, becoming the new face on the cover of Wheaties cereal boxes. The cereal giant announced the honor on June 25 with a tweet: “She’s an athlete. She’s a fashion designer. She’s a philanthropist. She’s a mother. @serenawilliams is a Champion. #ShesAChampion” The tennis champ follows in the footsteps of Althea Gibson Serena Williams started July off with a bang, becoming the new face on the cover of Wheaties cereal boxes. The cereal giant announced the honor on June 25 with a tweet: “She’s an athlete. She’s a fashion designer. She’s a philanthropist. She’s a mother. @serenawilliams is a Champion. #ShesAChampion” For Williams, the achievement fulfills a long-held goal. “I have dreamt of this since I was a young woman and it’s an honor to join the ranks of some of America’s most decorated athletes,” Williams said in a press release.

One of those decorated athletes includes tennis great Althea Gibson, who became the first Black female tennis player to grace Wheaties cover in 2001. On Instagram, Williams made sure her 11.1M followers knew the score. “In 2001, Wheaties paid homage to a true

champion and an icon by putting her on the cover of a Wheaties Box. Althea Gibson was the FIRST Black Woman tennis player to be on the box. Today, I am honored to be the second.” Gibson and Williams are among just a handful of Black women to covet a

What We Can Learn from Schools that Educate Military Children

Dr. Elizabeth Primas, NNPA ESSA Awareness Campaign Program Manager NNPA ESSA AWARENESS CAMPAIGN — A unique program in Virginia Beach public schools includes 28 Military Family Life Counselors, who work closely with schools’ staff and families to support students. One mother we spoke with, talked about the fears her five-year-old daughter had while her father was deployed. It is not uncommon for military programs to be adopted for use in civilian life. Schools in Virginia Beach, VA, that have some of the highest percentages of military children in the country, are doing an incredible job helping those students cope with the added stresses of having parents in the military. Other schools and communities can learn from Virginia Beach City Public Schools. I recently spent a day with families and educators from Shelton Park Elementary School. About 70 percent of the students there were children with a parent in the military or a defense contractor. There is a large population of special forces

personnel in Virginia Beach and at any moment, a parent can be called on for deployment to a warzone. Their families often do not know to where they are deployed, which compounds stress and anxiety. A unique program in Virginia Beach public schools includes 28 Military Family Life Counselors, who work closely with schools’ staff and families to support students. One mother we spoke with, talked about the fears her five-year-old daughter had while her father was deployed. After a particularly bad night, the mother let the school staff and the assigned counselor know that her daughter was going through a very difficult time. However, mom was able to send her daughter to school knowing that the school community would play an active role in engaging with her to help her work through her fears. The Virginia Beach counselors, funded under a program by the U.S. Department of Defense, are licensed and specialize in child and youth behavioral issues. It’s not just supporting students through the stress of having a parent deployed where Virginia Beach schools excel in supporting this population of students. A report from The Lexington Institute looks at how schools and districts with high percentages of military families are supporting students, who, on average, move every 2-3 years to far and distant places. Uprooting and moving so often is disruptive to a child’s educational

progress, and it can stall their academic achievement. However, moving is not the only thing that can disrupt educational progress. Low teacher retention, frequent absenteeism, and unsafe school environments are all factors that can also inhibit academic progress. The Every Student Succeeds Act, a federal education law, requires schools and districts to have a well-rounded curriculum. Too many schools have eliminated music, art, drama, and essential academic courses like social studies and science to give more instruction time to reading and math. Math and reading are critical, but these other subjects enrich the learning experience and help make a well-rounded, whole human being. From the very beginning, students at Shelton Park Elementary School are exposed to art, music, leadership strategies. The well-rounded curriculum combined with support from the military counselors creates a school environment that can – and should – be modeled across the country. As a lifetime educator, I am inspired to see how Virginia Beach Public Schools are supporting military children. They are truly a model to be emulated by any school, because every kid—military or not-deserves this kind of high-quality support and instruction. Dr. Elizabeth Primas is the ESSA Program Manager for the National Newspapers Publishers Association.

“Breakfast of Champions” cover. Gymnast Dominique Dawes received hers in 1996 and Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee in 2004.

“Serena exemplifies all of the personal attributes that Wheaties looks for when choosing who its next champion will be,” stated Wheaties Marketing Manager Tiffani Daniels in a press release. “On the court, she has been named the women’s most valuable player seven times, while off the court she uses her voice to inspire and spark change to make the world a better place.” Williams, widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, is currently competing at Wimbledon in both women’s singles and mixed doubles with Andy Murray. She’s on a quest for a 24th Grand Slam singles title. She’s won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and four Olympic gold medals. The limited-edition Wheaties box featuring Williams will be on the shelves for the month of July. “I hope my image on this iconic orange box will inspire the next generation of girls and athletes to dream big,” said Williams. This article originally appeared in the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Con’t from page 14

The NAACP

viously segregated schools in Little Rock, Arkansas, and other southern cities. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s echoed the NAACP’s goals, but leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, felt that direct action was needed to obtain them. Although the NAACP was criticized for working too rigidly within the system, prioritizing legislative and judicial solutions, the Association did provide legal representation and aid to members of other protest groups over a sustained period of time. The NAACP even posted bail for hundreds of Freedom Riders in the ‘60s who had traveled to Mississippi to register black voters and challenge Jim Crow policies. Led by Roy Wilkins, who succeeded Walter White as secretary in 1955, the NAACP collaborated with A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin and other national organizations to plan the historic 1963 March on Washington. The following year, the Association accomplished what seemed an insurmountable task: The Civil Rights Act of 1964. “Much has changed since the creation of the NAACP 110 years ago, and as we highlight these achievements during this year’s convention, we cannot forget that we’re still tirelessly fighting against the hatred and bigotry that face communities of color in this country,” Johnson said. “With new threats emerging daily and attacks on our democracy, the NAACP must be more steadfast and immovable than ever before to help create a social political atmosphere that works for all,” he said. The NAACP provided all historical information for this report.

Con’t from page 10

IT COULDN’T BE

subvert our 2020 elections. And if their interference led to Trump’s election in 2016, it stands to reason that he will benefit from their interference in 2020. Americans should take a lesson from history when assessing Pelosi’s behavior. In September of 1938 Neville Chamberlin, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, counseled a course of Appeasement with Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany. Seeking peace in their time, Chamberlin allowed Germany to absorb a large part of western Czechoslovakia in return for Hitler’s promise not to start a war. We all know how that turned out. Within six months, Hitler had invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia and in just over a year, he invaded Poland, casting the world into the abyss of a global war. Chamberlin’s naïveté helped pave the way to World War II. Nancy Pelosi’s hesitation to impeach Trump may be due to her calculation that Democrats can woo conservative voters by not impeaching him. Or it may arise from a naïve refusal to accept that millions of Americans are willing to vote for a racist, xenophobic, misogynistic and corrupt villain. She would be wrong in either case. It could not be clearer. America is a house on fire because of Donald Trump and it serves no one to calmly suggest that we wait until everyone agrees to extinguish the flames. Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps combat pilot and human rights activist who practices law in Virginia.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

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

JOE UGLY IN THE MORNING Weekdays 6-9 a.m.

THE TOM FICKLIN SHOW Mondays 10 a.m.

MAYOR MONDAY!

MERCY QUAYE

Mondays 11 a.m.

Mondays 1 p.m.

“THE SHOW”

“DJ REL”

MICHELLE TURNER Tuesdays 9 a.m.

“WERK IT OUT”

ELVERT EDEN Tuesdays at 2 p.m.

MORNINGS WITH MUBARAKAH

“JAZZ HAVEN”

Wednesdays 9 a.m.

Wednesdays 2 p.m.

STANLEY WELCH

“TALK-SIP”

LOVEBABZ LOVETALK

Thursdays 1 p.m.

Mondays-Fridays 9 a.m.

ALISA BOWENSMERCADO

FRIDAY PUNDITS Fridays 11 a.m.

At Saint Aedan Pre School

We believe in supporting and valuing all families. We believe that a parent is the child’s first and best teacher. We are committed to providing a high-quality experience that enhances the overall development of the child and supports the family unit. We incorporate play in our detailed experience plans that are in line with the CT ELDS and CT DOTS.

** Our Program is Full Day / Full Year /Open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm ** NAEYC Accredited ** Care4Kids accepted ** State mandated sliding scale fee based on income and family size ** Onsite Social Worker and Educational Consultant

https://catholicacademynh.org/pre-school/pre-school-overview Dr. James F. Acabbo, Director St. Aedan Pre School 203-387-0041

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

July 31, 2019 - August 06, 2019

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6/17/19 6:43 PM