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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

Theaters Send Out An SOS To The Feds

By Lucy Gellman, Editor, The ARTS Paper www.newhavenarts.org

Six Connecticut theaters have lost $12 million in revenue and laid off over 150 people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now they’re calling on the federal government to help keep them afloat.

That plea brought U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal to the steps of Long Wharf Theatre Monday morning, as he spoke in favor of the Save Our Stages Act and a push to get $12 million in CARES Act Funding to Connecticut’s six flagship producing theaters. Those theaters include Long Wharf Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals, Hartford Stage, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Westport Country Playhouse, and the Yale Repertory Theatre.

It follows a request for economic aid that the theaters made to Gov. Ned Lamont in July. Earlier this year, the state received $1.3 billion in federal CARES Act funding, $75 million of which now lives in the Connecticut Municipal Coronavirus Relief Fund Program. Of the overall funding, the six theaters are asking for $2 million each, or a total of $12 million.

“It is a matter of survival,” Blumenthal said. “Not convenience. Not luxury. It is a matter of survival.”

The Save Our Stages Act would allow the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) to make grants of up to $12 million to eligible performing arts venues and operators, such as theaters and concert halls.

It would also allow the SBA to re-grant additional funding to those institutions at 50 percent of the original amount. It was initially introduced by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, in late July.

Since its initial proposal, over three dozen cosponsors have signed onto the bill from both sides of the political aisle. Blumenthal is also advocating for the Restart Act, which would extend Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding. Neither can proceed without a vote.

“Connecticut is blessed with a rich array of performing arts and theater,” he said as dramatic gusts of wind rolled off the Long Island Sound, bringing in a momentary chill that felt like an Ibsen play. “We ought to treasure that they are, in fact, gems. National treasures. To risk their demise is utterly irresponsible.”

Monday, both Blumenthal and artistic staff pointed to the arts as a significant economic driver in the state. Prior to the pandemic, Connecticut’s six producing theaters accounted for over $40 million in revenue and 1,700 jobs, including contract and seasonal positions. Arts, culture and tourism accounted for $800 million in state revenue, according to 2017 data from Americans for the Arts. For each dollar spent, institutions reported an $8 return on investment.

But theaters have operated on thin margins for a long time, meaning that lost per-

formances can add up very quickly. When COVID-19 hit the state in March, closures left postponed performances, cancelled seasons, and fledgling virtual programming in their wake.

Long Wharf, which had just announced its 2020-2021 season, suddenly found itself without the final two performances of the year. Hartford Stage postponed its season, then cancelled it. The Yale Repertory Theatre, which was 48 hours away from previews of A Raisin In The Sun, announced a cancelled season, followed by a year with no theater to cover the costs of students taking a fourth MFA year. Florie Seery, associate dean at the Yale School of Drama, said classes have been going smoothly for two weeks, as stages remain strangely quiet.

Since March, the six theaters have lost a cumulative $12 million and laid off over 150 staff members, with more losses estimated before the end of the year. While most have pivoted to virtual programming, new play development, and online summer camps, almost all of it has been free—meaning that the theaters are desperately in need of cash flow. Across Connecticut, the sector has lost an estimated $386 million and over 33,000 full- and part-time jobs, according to the Connecticut Arts Alliance.

Monday, those stories seemed to repeat themselves over and over. Kit Ingui, the managing director at Long Wharf, said the theater ended the fiscal year with an estimated $2 million loss from the 2019-2020 season, and a “complicated year” ahead (it is poised to announce its 2020-2021 season virtually on Wednesday). After an initial round of layoffs in the spring, it eliminated 40 full- and part-time positions, bringing a staff of 65 to 25. Those do not include hundreds of contract workers—actors, directors, dramaturgs, educators, artistic fellows and designers—who usually fill the theater each year.

While the theater qualified for and utilized first-round PPP funding, that money has since dried up. In June, the National

Endowment for the Arts also named Long Wharf as one of nine CARES Act Funding recipients in the state, for which the theater received a one-time amount of $50,000. That money, too, is gone.

“Our six theaters are currently appealing to the state for $12 million as an essential investment in our economic redevelopment due to COVID-19,” she said Monday. “But that is only the beginning of our industry’s needs. We all want to bring people, artists, and staff back to work to create the art and tell the stories that can help repair the damage our human infrastructure has suffered since March.”

Todd Brandt, interim director of marketing at Hartford Stage, said that it has been a devastating year of losses for the theater.

Last fall, Hartford Stage opened its season with champagne toasts and new programming to celebrate Artistic Director Melia Bensussen’s first season. Now the theater is estimating $1.4 million in losses, with more to come next year.

It has cut its Fiscal Year 2021 budget from $9 million to $3.5 million. At the beginning of the pandemic, it had 80 staff members, and an additional 120 contract workers. It is now down to just 21.

“It’s all terrible,” he said. “That’s why we’re here. Our goal is to put people back to work. We want people in our theaters, we want people on our stages, and we want people backstage.”

“Reimagining The Arts” Monday, artistic and cultural leaders also pushed beyond an economic argument, reminding attendees that the arts, at their best, can be part of the fight for social justice and racial equity. Adriane Jefferson, director of cultural affairs for the City of New Haven, noted that theater makers don’t only have the power to change hearts and minds, but also legislation on the state and federal level.

Since joining the city in February, she’s worked to do that on a municipal level, and urged attendees at Long Wharf to do the same. In particular, she encouraged

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arts leaders and theater makers to center BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists and Black joy in their work going forward.

“The City of New Haven is very special,” she said. “We are the hub of arts and culture in the state of Connecticut. I like to refer to us as the heartbeat. We are the talent. We are the innovators. We are the cultivators of what drives arts and culture in this state.”

But if theaters can’t keep their lights on or pay their employees, those artists can’t do their work. While praising the Save Our Stages Act, she pointed to the racial and socioeconomic stratification that the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare, particularly in majority-Black and Latinx cities like New Haven. She referenced the work that she and city officials have done on artist relief funding, an evolving cultural equity plan and new arts for anti-racism pledge that seeks to hold whiter, wealthier institutions and nonprofits accountable.

“We’re in unique times, and we all know this,” she said. “We’ve been in crisis mode since March. With the pandemic. With racial injustice all across our nation. And it is our duty to use the arts to start to talk about these issues and see how the arts can play a role in activating change in how we deal with crisis. I think right now, what we’re doing here is reimagining the arts.

Not only in the city, not only in the state, but in the nation.”

Nancy Alexander, who sits on the board of Long Wharf Theatre, added that she sees theater as a pathway to empathy and cross-cultural understanding. Earlier this year, Long Wharf was among several regional theaters to announce its commitment to anti-racism work, an approach with which Artistic Director Jacob Padrón has been leading the organization since his arrival in 2018.

“In any society, it’s the artists, it’s the creators who draw attention to injustice and help create the solutions,” she said.

“When theaters are shut down, some of those voices are shut down.”

Asked if the Save Our Stages Act has a demonstrated commitment to racial equity—most of Connecticut’s theaters are still run by white people, with overwhelmingly white board representation—Blumenthal pointed to community partnership programs at many of the theaters. Several of the programs, which cover everything from free childcare to student talkbacks and theater workshops to compensating local artists, have been temporarily discontinued in the midst of COVID-19.

“I don’t think there’s one size fits all approach for the number of board members that are minority or not,” he said in a conversation after the press conference.

“I think that the purpose of this funding is essential survival.”

“On The Razor’s Edge” Blumenthal said he feels optimistic around the Save Our Stages Act, particu-

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

Insurance Regulators Reduce Theaters Send Proposed Health Insurance Rates Con’t from page 02

larly as it gains bipartisan support from his colleagues. Since advocating for the act in Stamford last week, the senator has seen 10 more colleagues sign on as cosponsors.

He urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to push the bill towards a vote.

He added that there is a “need” based component to the Restart Act, and acknowledged that many small and specifically women-, Black- and BIPOC-owned businesses were locked out of the Paycheck Protection Program and emergency disaster relief funding. As he spoke, he explained that he sees the two bills as deeply intertwined: the Restart Act throws an economic life preserver to many of the restaurants and small businesses that people dine and shop at when they see theater or attend concerts.

That economic boost can’t come fast enough, he added. In Washington, Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that it may be over a year until audiences can be in indoor theater spaces without masks. Michael Barker, managing director at Westport Country Playhouse, said that the theaters won’t survive that long without a lifeline.

“All of these organizations, all of the Connecticut Producing Flagship Theaters, we are here because we were able to avail ourselves of PPP,” he said. “Our employees that we had to furlough and lay off are alive and fed and in their homes, because of the enhancement on unemployment.

We are now on the razor’s edge of a dire, dire situation.”

From a staffing perspective, that has translated to slashed positions, tiny marketing and artistic departments, and long hours for the staff members that remain.

At Goodspeed, 57 staff members have become 24, with another 172 contract workers unaccounted for. At Westport Country Playhouse, 12 people are left from an initial 32. Hartford Stage has lost 59 people; the O’Neill has lost seven full-time staff, and an additional 80 seasonal staff. The Yale Repertory Theatre has retained its 50 full-time staff members, but lost an estimated 60 guest artists. It is the only producing theater attached to a university with a $30 billion endowment, and has still reported a $592,400 loss.

Monday, Ingui said that restoring some of the staff positions would be a priority for Long Wharf the theater if it is to receive more funding. But, she added, COVID-19 has created a sort of mountain— the theater would have to make significant coronavirus-safe updates to its spaces before letting audiences in.

Even if they do, audiences aren’t particularly eager to return. A recent survey that Long Wharf sent out indicated that there was overwhelming concern around public health. In the meantime, the theater has implemented temperature checks and contact tracing for remaining staff.

“We don’t believe patrons will be coming back anytime soon,” she said. “They have been pretty clear to us. So we believe we are in for emptiness for a while inside our spaces.”

CTNEWSJUNKIE FILE PHOTO Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais

by Christine Stuart Ct Nes junkie

HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut’s Insurance Department knocked down the average health insurance rate increase insurance companies wanted for customers purchasing plans in the individual and small group market in 2021.

Proposed price increases for plans in the individual market were decreased from 6.29% to 0.01% and small group plans went from an average increase of 11.28% to 4.1%. The total amount of money 214,600 Connecticut consumers will save as a result is $96 million, according to Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais.

Support authentic, locally owned and operated public service journalism!Become a member “Working on behalf of consumers, the department was able to reduce the health insurance rate increase requests thanks to the hard work of our actuaries and professional staff,” Mais said. “I will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to find long-term solutions while continuing to promote access and eliminate barriers to coverage here in Connecticut.”

Sen. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, who cochairs the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, applauded the Insurance Department for rejecting the higher rates proposed by insurance carriers.

“While it’s positive that rates on individual plans aren’t increasing, Connecticut can and should take immediate action to lower health care premiums by following the lead of states like New Jersey and Massachusetts that have strengthened the Affordable Care Act even as they lay the groundwork for more aggressive reforms,” Lesser said. “Immediate reforms could include expanding Medicaid and providing state level premium support for plans on Access Health, Connecticut’s health insurance marketplace, and could lower health insurance costs by 20% or more.”

The two insurance carriers offering plans through Access Health CT, which is Connecticut’s insurance exchange, are Anthem Health Benefits and ConnectiCare.

The average rate increase for the 22,071 customers covered by Anthem Health Plans was slashed from 9.9% to 1.9% and the average increase for 75,174 ConnectiCare customers was cut from 5.5% to -0.1%.

Regulators were able to decrease the proposed rates mostly by looking at the medical trend.

The medical trend is the rising health care costs, including the cost of prescription drugs, and the increased demand for medical services. It was projected by the insurance carriers to grow at approximately 8.8% for 2020 and 2021.

The Insurance Department felt insured consumers used fewer medical services due to COVID-19 in the first half of the year so they were able to reduce some of that during the rate-setting process.

According to the final decision, regulators felt Anthem’s medical trend over a 24-month period was “excessive” and they reduced it to 3.5% for 12 months and 7.7% for the following 12 months. The decrease “reflects the suppression of utilization due to COVID in 2020 experience,” regulators wrote in their decision.

An Anthem spokeswoman said, “Rates are based on what medical costs are anticipated to be a year from now, which is made more challenging given the still evolving COVID-19 pandemic. We are working to evaluate the impact of this decision during this time of unprecedented uncertainty.”

ConnectiCare also saw regulators decrease their medical trend estimate from an average annual 8.9% to 7.25% over a 24-month period. The decrease, according to regulators, “reflects the suppression of 2020 utilization.”

Kim Kann, a spokeswoman for ConnectiCare, said they are mindful of the impact any rate increase has on its policyholders, especially those who are not eligible for federal subsidies.

“We do, however, respectfully disagree with CID’s reduction in our requested rates,” Kann said. “We believe that COVID-19 costs will rise through the rest of 2020 and in 2021 due to increased testing, new vaccines, and other related expenses.

CID did not allow us to factor those projected costs into our rates.”

Kann said health insurance is expensive because health care is expensive.

“Health insurance premiums will continue to escalate if the cost of care is not addressed,” she added.

Open enrollment for 2021 through Access Health CT begins Nov. 1.

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DONT LET THEM COUNT YOU OUT!

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

Special Ed Parents: Remote School Fails

by EMILY HAYS

New Haven I ndependent

While Qualina Cooper’s 11-year-old Dakarai dived into remote classes this fall, her 12-year-old Jayvyn struggled to understand why he needed to sit behind a computer screen.

Jayvyn has autism. He and other special needs students were among those who lost out the most when the Covid-19 pandemic began and schools buildings closed — and their parents worry they’re losing out again as remote learning resumes.

“My children matter,” Cooper said. “I feel [in-person instruction] is vital, and we’re being ignored. We’re playing the waiting game.”

The complete mismatch of remote learning for Jayvyn’s needs has Cooper ready to leave New Haven schools altogether, as New Haven Public Schools launched this academic year with at least ten weeks of all-remote learning.

Other special education families report varying results with New Haven’s remote classes based on factors like diagnosis and childcare availability.

New Haven Public Schools has acknowledged to the state that special education students, particularly nonverbal students with autism, can be nearly impossible to teach remotely.

District administrators are presenting more information on their special education plans at Monday’s Board of Education meeting. They declined comment until after that presentation.

Nijija-Ife Waters, president of City Wide Parent Team, has been pushing for more details on how New Haven schools will educate students with special needs in both virtual and in-person settings for months.

Her fifth-grade son, Amadi, attends East Rock Community Magnet School. He has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a reading disability.

Waters said that the amount of work Amadi was assigned after remote classes began in the spring was too much for him to handle. The workload meant that she was spending too much time helping him and too little time on her own remote job.

“I sent a couple of emails requesting tailored work. I said that he really needs to be independent. I can assist but not be fully hands on. It is beginning to affect my work,” Waters said.

The district responded by sending Amadi printed packets of work, some of which he had already done, Waters said. Waters said that she wanted simpler work for Amadi, like multiple choice questions.

Both she and her son became frustrated at the lack of tailoring.

“I think we stopped in May. The only thing we were doing was reading. We would do the special education piece of it,” Waters said, plus science class assignments that involved videos, current events and multiple choice.

NEW HAVEN PRIDE CENTERLifeline operator Karleigh Webb: Trans people under siege.

For Nicole Beverley, her daughter’s special education needs were less acute this spring than the housing troubles the family faced.

Beverley has for years been a social worker. She found herself in need of that expertise last year. She said that she has

become chronically ill, and despite administering a variety of tests, doctors have been unable to diagnose what is giving her headaches, fits of coughing and difficulty breathing.

The illness made it hard for Beverley to work, and her unstable income made

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affordable housing hard to come by. The family stayed with friends for a while, then moved into one of the individual rooms for families at the Beth-El Shelter in Milford.

Beverley said that her family’s time in the shelter should have been short-lived.

But with the Covid-19 pandemic raging, it took her seven months to get a rental assistance voucher and move the family into a home.

The shelter checked a lot of the boxes Beverley knew to look for from case managing. It was family-oriented and supportive in helping residents find work and housing.

It was not an ideal remote school environment, though. Beverley said that the unstable internet connection kept getting in the way of her daughter’s work.

“My daughter would be almost done and then the connection would drop. It would take so long to do the assignment and then the program didn’t save it,” Beverley said.

Beverley’s family has just moved into a new place and rushed to sign up for a Comcast internet package as school starts.

She’s not sure yet what her seventh grader, Natima, is getting from her IEP in a remote setting. She said she wants more communication from Edgewood School about what her daughter needs and what interventions they are implementing to get her up to speed in math, reading and writing.

Beverley said that she knows of a senior in high school who was unable to read or write.

“I don’t want her to be passed along on the idea that she is in special education,” Beverley said.

She said that her daughter’s learning differences make her feel sad or stupid.

“I want to know as a parent how to help train her brain. I don’t know how to fully help her the correct way,” Beverley said.

On the other hand, Cooper is fully trained in what Jayvyn needs. She still does not see it happening through video.

Cooper was planning to become a lawyer until Jayvyn was diagnosed with autism. He was 2, and she was 25. She decided to switch careers and now provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, one of the key interventions for autism, at ACES’ Village School in North Haven.

Cooper said that Jayvyn tried live classes over the summer. The instruction by video did not work for him.

“He did not adhere to it at all. He had a very difficult time understanding why he had to sit in front of a computer,” Cooper said.

Similarly, Cooper was able to stay home while sick last week and saw Jayvyn continue to struggle with his fall classes at Brennan-Rogers Magnet School.

“Jayvyn did not last 10 minutes,” Cooper said. “There were too many distractions

on the screen for him to focus. He kept saying, ’School tomorrow?’ He cried and became frustrated with the whole process.”

Cooper is now switching from remote work back to in-person instruction at ACES. She is worried that Jayvyn will distract his younger brother when she is not there.

Cooper said that she loves Jayvyn’s teacher and knows that everyone at NHPS is doing their best with a difficult situation.

A Learning Hub For Special Needs Students Cooper has the qualifications to dream of an alternative to remote learning for her son — a learning center just for students with autism and other special needs.

Jayvyn loves reading, typing and hugs.

He sings and dances to pop songs by Katy Perry and Bruno Mars. He is verbal and has also learned sign language.

“He’s academically there. I believe he’s academically successful,” Cooper said.

What Jayvyn needs is routine and one instructor focused entirely on him — and not through a computer screen, said Cooper.

“You can’t do math with a student who has a disability. They need materials in front of them to count. They need objects so they can sort colors or sort numbers. I had all of those. I know a lot of parents did not,” Cooper said.

Cooper started an organization, Jayvyn’s Journey, in 2018 to help other families looking for academic support and therapy for their child with autism. The learning center is the next part of her dream.

Cooper already has experience taking extra precautions, from personal protective equipment to constant cleaning of surfaces, to prevent the spread of Covid-19 between students and staff at ACES. She also already has 10 to 12 families interested in the idea. Her biggest hurdle is finding a space and getting grants and donations, she said.

“It’s becoming common in Black and Hispanic communities. A lot more children are being diagnosed with autism.

We have to outsource to get the resources we need, instead of being able to call one center our home,” Cooper said.

Those interested in Cooper’s idea can email her at jayvynsjourney@gmail.com.

The idea is not a cure-all for all families.

Waters has already decided to keep Amadi home even when New Haven Public Schools reopens for in-person classes.

Amadi has a hard time keeping a face mask on for more than 15 minutes and has life-threatening allergies that could make eating in the classroom with his peers a risk, she said. She wants him to have remote classes that he can chug through on his own at home while she works.

“I can find another job,” Waters said. “I can’t make another Amadi.”

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

Artists On The Census: Kica Matos

by Lucy Gellman, Editor, The ARTS Paper www.newhavenarts.org

This is part of a series of interviews with New Haven artists about the U.S. Census.

In installments, artists answer the same questions about the Census, which determines the amount of federal aid allocated to New Haven. To read more of these interviews, and learn about the role artists are playing in New Haven’s census effort, check out the Census 2020 tag.

When the census arrived in Kica Matos’ mailbox—or it may have been her inbox— she talked to her husband Henry about the importance of filling it out. Then she had the same talk with her son Henry, a sophomore at New Haven’s Engineering and Science University Magnet School.

Matos is a bomba dancer, drummer, legal advocate and immigration rights activist in New Haven, her home base for statewide and national advocacy work as the vice president of initiatives for the Vera Institute of Justice. Over the summer, she was a frequent fixture at protests, marches, and teach-ins, where she often stepped into the batey and helped teach bomba as the heartbeat of resistance.

For her, filling out the census is a critical part of that resistance. Earlier this year, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that it will stop counting census respondents on Sept. 30, a month earlier than previously planned. Any mailed in responses must arrive by October 7 to be considered.

Held every 10 years and mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the census is intended to count every person in the country and collect data for the proper allocation of federal funds and drawing of legislative districts.

In 2002, the state lost a representative in its fifth congressional district following a lower count on the 2000 census.

It also determines how much money each state receives from the federal government.

In other words, it directly impacts New Haven’s access to Medicaid, Medicare, Head Start early childhood education, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits, and other essential federal benefits programs.

New Haven leaves roughly $2,900 on the table for every person not counted. In 2010, some 40,000 New Haveners were left out.

In January 2020, Mayor Justin Elicker expressed a concern that undocumented immigrants, fearful of the Trump administration, would not fill out the census. When COVID-19 hit the city, those counting efforts became an even greater hardship. As of Sept. 7, only 52.7 percent of New Haveners had completed the census.

Have you completed the census?

Yes! I completed it months ago.

How do you identify personally, and how did you identify on the census?

I identify as a Black Latina. I identified on the census as a Black Latina, and I identify generally as an Afro-Boricua. So as a Black Puerto Rican woman.

And did you feel like it gave you space to

do that?

Yes! You identify your ethnicity, and you can also identify by race. So ethnic-wise, I identified as Latina. And then on race, I checked off the box for Black. I’m very clear about my race. I have always been, and until the day I die will be, Black. I am proudly Black. I think part of my proud self-identification stems from the fact that far too many Puerto Ricans who should racially identify as something other than white identify themselves as white on the census.

There have been efforts around the 2020 Census in Puerto Rico to encourage Black Puerto Ricans to self-identify as Black. I actually have a t-shirt that was designed by a social justice group in Puerto Rico that has the census identification [boxes] and it crosses off Black and Latina.

We have a long way to go when it comes to racial pride and racial identity in Puerto Rico, and I’m glad to see Puerto Rican groups taking that on.

Did you find any challenges completing it?

No. It was really straightforward.

How many censuses have you completed?

I came to the U.S. in 1988, and so I want to believe that I filled out the 1990 census.

I was in New York City at the time. From what I recall, since 1990 I’ve made an effort to fill out the census whenever it comes around.

What was your first experience with it?

I’ve always found the census to be really straightforward. I think during the last census, we were identified as one of the households that had to fill it in with more detail—the American Community Survey—and that was much more detailed and much more nuanced in terms of the questions that they asked.

When and where did you first learn about the census?

You know, I don’t really know. The census is one of those things like voting—I feel like I’ve always known. It’s just one of those things that you do as your civic duty, and as a way to participate responsibly in a democracy. So I don’t know when I did not know about the census.

What do you think people in your family or your immediate community think about the census?

What I would say about my immediate family is that we’ve always taken it really seriously, and so we have always set aside the time and made the effort to fill out the census. It doesn’t really take that long. For this census, I’ve been involved in efforts for the last two years or so to try to encourage immigrants in particular to fill it out. We were very intentional about fighting back the efforts of the current administration to include a citizenship question, because it was obviously a way to try to intimidate

immigrants from participating and to disenfranchise people in our communities.

As soon as the census came, I filled it out immediately. I let Henry [Fernandez, who is the director of LEAP and also her husband] know and we talked to our son Henry about filling out the census.

Do you think there’s a distrust around the census?

Particularly so around this last census, and that was on the part of the [Trump] administration. The first rumors we heard about the administration’s efforts to try to intimidate people from participating were that there were conversations in D.C. about the possibility of coupling the census with enforcement efforts. And what we heard was that the administration was really exploring the possibility of census takers partnering with ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] to carry out enforcement actions during the census.

That was the first whiff that we got of the administration’s efforts to really dissuade immigrants and Latinos, particularly immigrants and Latinos, from participating.

Shortly thereafter was the announcement that there would be a citizenship question that was going to be included.

I was still working at the Center for Community Change. And that’s when we pivoted as an advocacy organization, to both encourage people to take the census and to fight against the citizenship question.The last time the citizenship question was included before this was in 1950.

Do you remember any myths that you heard about the census growing up?

No. How do you think the census could be improved?

I think that the U.S. Census Bureau should start tackling hard-to-count and hard-toreach populations much earlier in the process. There are already documented groups that are hard to reach and hard to count.

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And so, I think the bureau should work with local governments to try to figure out how to address those barriers. Not the year before, but long before it’s due.

We know people of color in particular are dissuaded from participating for a number of reasons. We know immigrant populations are hard to reach. We know people who are constantly mobile are hard to reach. We know people who live in apartment buildings are hard to reach. If we have that data available, then we should be doing something about it as opposed to simply acknowledging that they’re hard to reach, hard to count populations.

Our democracy relies in part on the census, right? It is part of what shapes representation in government, and it is part of what shapes allocation of economic resources. And we should really be taking those things seriously. I would go so far as to say that we shouldn’t just try to pressure the Census Bureau to set aside resources for those things. We in New Haven should own it, and have a responsibility for figuring out how we in our own city should try to meet those needs.

And not at the last minute. Not thinking: “Oh my God, the census is next year!” Or: “The census is gonna be rolled out in a couple of months!” Between now and the next census 10 years from now, we need to begin to figure out how we systematically address the hard-to-count groups and the barriers to being counted.

Are there questions that you would like to see that currently aren’t in the census?

You know, I was really struck about the questions regarding sex and gender. I’m surprised that you have two options. You’re either male or female. And I would strongly encourage the census to consider that not everybody identifies like that. This is not a binary world—there are people who don’t fit that category. So to think about including “intersex” and “prefer not to answer.”

People also have a gender identity that’s not being addressed. It can be alienating when you don’t see yourself. You’re asked

to fill out this box, and you don’t see yourself represented there. I would encourage the Census Bureau to think about including the gender identity section. It could include: woman, man, transgender, nonbinary, nonconforming, as well as “prefer not to answer.”

I also think for purposes of research and analysis, it’s important to have that information reflected. The census is important for political and economic reasons—but a lot of research is also done by using the census data. The census data is considered really reliable data. It’s used by researchers, and people use it for all sorts of reasons. So there should be some examination of gender identity that can be used by researchers, to have a better sense of who we are and how we identify.

What would you tell folks who are still skeptical about filling out the census?

To fill it out as though your life depended on it. I say that in the most serious way. I am worried about the increasingly fragile democracy that we have in the United States.

I was appalled, and horrified, and disgusted by the efforts of this current administration to try to disenfranchise immigrant voters and people of color through the citizenship question. These are intentionally racist and political efforts. And if we don’t fill out the census, we don’t count.

If we don’t count, that means we don’t benefit from political participation in terms of representation on the federal level. We don’t benefit from the resources that should be due to us from the federal government.

So I have been encouraging people to fill out the census for months now. I just think it is absolutely critical.

The census involves tax money, and dictates where that tax money is going. In an imaginary world where we’re all talking about where that tax money is going, how do the arts figure into that?

I’m a huge proponent of the arts. The arts feed my soul in a way that nothing else does. And I think that we should think of the arts as something essential to our De-

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

Firebirds, Dwight Help Students Launch College Careers

by MAYA MCFADDEN New Haven I ndependent

Six Dwight scholars heading to college have received scholarships from The Firebirds Society of the Greater New Haven, Inc. in honor of keeping alive the influence of George Sweeney, the first black firefighter to serve in a New Haven firehouse.

The Firebirds partnered with the Greater Dwight Development Corporation to fund this year’s lineup of nine scholarships to New Haven’s recent high school graduates. Six scholars received the George Sweeney Scholarship, and three received the Firebirds Scholarship.

Six of the nine students joined members of the Firebirds and the Dwight community to accept the rewards on Saturday at an outdoor ceremony at 230 Edgewood Ave. The remaining three had already left to schools out of state and were mailed their awards.

The George Sweeney Scholarship awarded the students each $1,032.

This year the Firebirds fundraised with Dwight leaders to raise the scholarship money.

The Firebirds scholarship awarded students $750. Executive Vice President of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters and former Firebirds President Gary Tinney encouraged the scholars to keep in contact with the Firebirds and to reach out when in need of networking opportunities and academic help.

Sweeney passed away in 2014 at age 82. His daughter Karen joined the Saturday ceremony to share the history of her father with the scholars.

Sweeney joined the New Haven Fire Department (NHFD) in 1957 as the first

Raymond Nelson, Terry Rountree, Gary Tinney, William Augustine, and James Watkins.

Coree Bellamy with grandmother.

Black New Haven line firefighter. Sweeney endured racism and prejudice from his colleagues. This pushed him to fight to diversify the department. Sweeney founded and led the Firebirds organization, which represents Black firefighters.

Fifteen years into serving, Sweeney filed a lawsuit against the Board of Fire Commissioners over the low numbers of minorities hired by the department. The judge ruled in favor of the Firebirds in 1973, forcing the department to institute a one-to-one hiring ratio (one minority officer for every non-minority officer) until 75 Black and Latino firefighters were hired.

After the lawsuit victory, Sweeney’s close friend Raymond Nelson was recruited in 1975 as one of the 75 minorities to join the department. Nelson and Sweeney both retired in 1996.

Nelson and Sweeney were close friends, golf partners, and fire brothers.

“He’s unforgettable. I’m a Firebird for life because of him,” Nelson said at Saturday’s event.

The scholars present Saturday plan to attend Gateway Community College, Louisiana State University, Howard University, Spelman College, and Morgan State University.

This year the Firebirds received 100 applications, which is higher than usual.

Firebirds Vice President Terry Rountree said this was due to the effect of the pandemic’s financial strain on families.

Coree Bellamy and Christopher Suggs plan to attend Morgan State University.

Bellamy will focus in sociology and prelaw and Suggs on psychology.

“I’ve been working hard for 12 years.

It feels good,” said Bellamy who went to Hillhouse High School.

While studying psychology, Suggs hopes to focus on researching mental health in urban areas. “It’s common for Black teens and young adults to pass away early because of untreated mental health. It’s not talked about enough. I want to address that,” said Suggs, who graduated from Engineering and Science University Magnet School (ESUMS).

He is looking forward to returning to Maryland after living there during his sixth and seventh-grade years.

Suggs got an early acceptance to Morgan State. He hopes to use the scholarship money for his semester’s worth of books and then save the rest for next semesters.

In applying for the scholarships, the recipients wrote short essays about themselves and their goals. Suggs wrote about wanting to give back to the community like a true Firebird.

In the past the Firebirds would host a dinner for the recipients. This year’s plans changed due to the pandemic.

Aiden Rountree, 19, received the Firebirds scholarship and is attending Louisiana State University. Rountree, who attended Achievement First Amistad High School, said he was glad to finally be recognized for his hard work.

Rountree applied for dozens of scholarships but did not hear back from many of them.

“It feels great, I feel seen and actually got a response back,” he said.

The scholarships are meant to not only help the students financially but also motivate them to persue a higher education and always give back to their communities like Sweeney’s memory continues to today, said Firebirds President William Augustine.

Connecticut Issues New Travel Advisory

West Hartford Voters Are Receiving Absentee Ballot Applications, Now What?

Today the state of Connecticut removed six states from its travel advisory because the rate of COVID-19 in those areas has dropped. It also added Puerto Rico to the list. Connecticut also changed the rules on how its quarantine rules work.

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“The states are determined on one of two conditions. Either having a case count of greater than 10 per 100,000 over a seven week average so that’s just raw number of cases or a test positivity percentage of 10% or higher. Currently, either of those metrics will get you on the travel advisory list,” Josh Geballe, Gov. Ned Lamont’s Chief Operating Officer, says.

The absentee ballot process is now underway for the Nov. 3, 2020 election, with an initial mailing of roughly 2.2 million absentee ballot applications to registered voters in Connecticut being sent out by a mail house hired by the Secretary of State’s Office, and while there are instructions included with the ballots, many voters still have questions.

The mail house is being used only for the applications, not to send the actual ballots.

A mail house was used during the primary and then town clerks took over the task of sending absentee ballots to those who requested them.

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West Hartford Town Clerk Essie Labrot has put together a series of FAQs, which appear below and on the Town Clerk’s web page and under the Absentee Ballot tab on the Town of West Hartford website, and said her office has been fielding as many as 200-300 questions per day.

by Ronni Newton

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COURTESY OF THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE'S FACEBOOK PAGE

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

Report: 1 in 4 Inmates Need Mental Health Care

by Lisa Backus Ct Nes junkie

More than 1 in 4 of the state’s inmates is classified as having a mental health issue that requires treatment, including more than 85% of the women held at York Correctional Institution who have a mild to severe mental health disorder, according to a report drafted by the state’s Sentencing Commission.

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The findings confirm what state Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, has suspected all along, she said. “All we did was change the geography when we closed state psychiatric hospitals,” Osten said.

Osten is prepared to use the information for legislation to adequately fund community mental health programs, including supportive housing, for those with mental health conditions.

When the state closed psychiatric facilities beginning in the mid-1990s, legislators agreed to find more money for communitybased programs that would stabilize people with mental health concerns, said Osten who worked as a correction officer and supervisor for the Department of Correction for 21 years.

But in the years since, what funding has been provided mainly was funneled to addiction services as the opioid crisis spread throughout the state. As a result, Osten

said, police and the DOC routinely deal with people who have unaddressed mental health orders.

“I want people to recognize what’s going on,” Osten said. “We are using our prison system as a quasi-psychiatric facility and we expect people who work in the prison to know how to deal with a schizophrenic who may be not properly medicated or in crisis.”

The report, which was drafted at Osten’s request, examines the DOC’s administrative mechanism for determining who gets mental health care while incarcerated. The data is based on the DOC’s mental health care need classification system which rates inmates on a scale of 1 to 5 while looking at the inmate population as of May 22.

The classifications are not based on a clinical diagnosis but on a mental health evaluation as a person enters prison. A classification of MH 1 means an inmate has no mental health history and may be characterized as “emotionally stable.” A little over 31% of inmates were classified as MH 1, according to the report.

Another 40% of inmates were classified as MH 2 – with a history of mental health disorder who do not currently need treatment or who are considered as having a mild mental health disorder that does not need treatment.

The report says almost 3 in 10 inmates are classified as MH 3, MH 4 or MH 5 with

CTNEWSJUNKIE FILE PHOTO

Sen. Cathy Osten and Rep. Toni Walker, cochair the Appropriations Committee

mild to severe mental health disorders that may require a range of treatments from regular medication to specialized housing or 24-hour crisis care.

The data is broken down by gender and race with 86% of incarcerated females

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designated as MH 3 or higher while 1 in 4 males, who make up the bulk of the prison population, was designated as MH 3 or higher.

Considering race alone, Native Americans made up the largest population of inmates who needed mental health treatment at 56%, but they represented the smallest number of inmates by race at only 32.

White inmates had the next-highest incidence of mental health disorders requiring treatment at 40%, followed by Asian inmates at 31%, Hispanic inmates at 26% and Black inmates at 22%.

Osten said the numbers for male inmates are likely skewed to the low side since some of the information is self-reported.

“Men rarely self-report because it’s seen as a sign of weakness,” she said.

“What this shows to me is that we are using our prison system for thousands of people who shouldn’t be there,” Osten said.

The report does not address if those who are designated as needing help, are actually receiving it in the timeframe specified in DOC policies, said Kathy Flaherty, executive director of the Connecticut Legal Rights Project, which provides legal services for low-income clients with mental health disorders.

Flaherty pointed out that while overall, 28% of inmates are listed as needing mental health treatment, another 40% have either a history of mental health disorders or

have an issue that has not been deemed as currently needing treatment.

“You’re suddenly at 68% which means two out of three either have, or have a history of, mental health conditions,” Flaherty said. “That is definitely out of whack with overall population stats.”

“What this really shows is that the state needs to figure out where it can make more cost-effective investments,” Flaherty said.

“You can spend it on community-based mental health programs and supports or you can spend it on the DOC and then have people released with all the consequences of a criminal record.”

Keeping people with mental health issues out of prison should be a priority, said Dan Barrett, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut. “Any situation that avoids the police-prosecution-and-prison stamping machine is going to be an improvement,” Barrett said.

Police and the courts often mistakenly believe that criminal charges are a way to “get a person help,” Barrett said. He said his organization has found that people often wind up in prison with no care and then are released with a criminal record that further hampers their ability to address their own basic needs.

“People say the system will sort it out,” Barrett said. “But the system will not sort it out. The person will sit in prison where they get no care.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

The Board Challenge Launches Pledge for U.S. Boards of Directors to Add a Black Director Within One Year Cross-sector of more than 40 public and private companies and organizations commit to improve Black representation in corporate boardrooms

NEW YORK — The Board Challenge today announced the launch of a pledge for U.S. corporate boards of directors to add a Black director within the next year.

Founded by Altimeter Capital, Valence and theBoardlist, signed by 17 Founding Pledge Partners, and supported by 27 Charter Pledge Partners that already have at least one Black director, the initiative seeks to accelerate action to improve the diversity of corporate boards starting with the representation of Black leaders on the boards of U.S. companies. Every U.S. company is encouraged to take the pledge at theboardchallenge.org, and companies that have at least one Black director are asked to sign on to express their support and use their resources to drive change.

The Board Challenge launches with the support of companies and individuals representing a wide- array of industries and sectors including corporate, nonprofit and training and education. These supporters include organizations such as the Executive Leadership Council, the NAACP and National Urban League who commit to supporting the mission and using their platforms to drive awareness and participation in the movement.

Founding Pledge Partners commit to adding at least one Black director to their respective boards in the next 12 months.

Participants include: Accolade, Altimeter Growth Corp, Amperity, Bolster, Gusto, Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc., Heritage Environmental Services, HopSkipDrive, Kin, M.M.LaFleur, Nextdoor, PagerDuty, RealSelf, Ripple, Senreve, Vinyl Me, Please, and Zillow. The Board Challenge co-founders will check in with Founding Pledge Partners within six months and at 12 months to evaluate their progress in adding a Black director.

Charter Pledge Partners are organizations that already have at least one Black director and will continue to use their

resources to accelerate change. Charter Pledge Partners play a critical role in driving visibility around the importance and value of increasing diversity at the boardroom level.

Participants include: Avnet, Broadridge Financial Solutions, CDK Global, Cockroach Labs, Corning Incorporated, Elovee, Executive Leadership Council, Impact Capital Managers, Lightspeed, Lyft, Merck, Nasdaq, Nordstrom, Okta, Ranpak, Redfin, Ro, Sonos, Southern California Public Radio, SurveyMonkey, The New York Stock Exchange, The RealReal, Uber, United Airlines, Upstart, Verizon, and WW (formerly Weight Watchers).

Black leaders are underrepresented in America’s public and private boardrooms. Approximately 66% of Fortune 500 company board members are white men and 18% of members are white women, while only 9% of members are Black men and women, according to a report by the Alliance for Board Diversity and Deloitte. And while many companies tout their commitment to improve diversity, equity and inclusion, progress at the boardroom level is limited. According to Black Enterprise, 187 S&P 500 companies, or about 37%, did not have any Black directors in 2019 – only a two-percentage point improvement since 2018.

“America has been reminded again in tragic fashion that we must redouble our efforts to build a more inclusive society.

Business leaders can’t let this moment pass us by without playing our part and taking this tangible step to build a more diverse boardroom,” said Brad Gerstner, founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital and co-founder of The Board Challenge.

“As a next step, we are encouraging companies to take the pledge and add a Black director in the next 12 months. The Board Challenge is a movement to accelerate these changes and help companies tap

into the energy and talents of all underrepresented groups.”

True and full racial representation at the board level is in the best interest of companies, employees, customers and communities and helps to advance and support a more equitable society.

Diverse boards of directors are 43% more likely than non-diverse boards to achieve financial performance above the national industry median for companies in the top quartile versus bottom quartile, according to McKinsey & Company’s Delivering Through Diversity 2018 report.

More than nine in 10 directors (94%) agree that board diversity brings unique perspectives to the boardroom, according to PwC’s 2019 Annual Corporate Directors Survey. Additionally, 87% said board diversity enhances board perfor-

mance and 76% said it enhances company performance.

More than half (53%) of investors say board diversity should be a top focus, according to a 2019 report from the EY Center for Board As part of taking the pledge, partners commit to progress reports along the way, including six-month and one-year reporting on results with participants.

The Board Challenge co-founders will provide partners with access to qualified talent to help in their search and recruitment of Black director candidates, while supporters will offer resources and training.

“One objection we hear is whether companies can find the kind of diverse board talent they are looking for. It is 2020 – it is not a pipeline problem, it is a perspective problem,” said Guy Primus, CEO

of Valence and co-founder of The Board Challenge. “Valence alone is connected to hundreds of board-ready leaders from every position imaginable.”

“Another objection is that the focus on diverse candidates is too narrow. We know focus yields results and this is the start of a much bigger movement,” said Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, founder and chairman of theBoardlist and co-founder of The Board Challenge. “theBoardlist has been focused on diversifying boards since 2015 and we know that making the commitment to look outside one’s network and dedicating the effort to be inclusive is ultimately what works.”

Find more information about pledge participants and supporters, take the pledge and offer support at theboardchallenge.org.

Meet the All-Black Female Fishing Team From North Carolina Who Are Making History

‘We can do this. I already know accomplished women who are leaders and know how to win in other aspects of their lives.

We can do this.’”

She then reached out to the women who are also entrepreneurs including festival owner and educator Lesleigh Mausi, nail tech entrepreneur Glenda Turner, digital marketing specialist & editorial model Bobbiette Palmer, and Gourmet Catering Company owner Tiana Davis.

As a competitive women’s fishing team, they reeled in a 48 lb. King Mackerel in their first competition, earning them the coveted citation from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Now, they are preparing to compete in qualifying events until 2021 and hopefully join the Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament in June 2021.

By BlackNews.com

Nationwide — The Ebony Anglers, an all-Black female fishing team from Morehead, North Carolina, have recently made history after winning in the King Mackerel division of the Spanish Mackerel & Dolphin Tournament. This is the first major tournament that they’ve ever competed in.

Gia Peebles, a salon owner and entrepreneur, first thought of the idea of forming the group after she and her husband watched the annual Big Rock Fishing Tournament last June.

“When I saw women of all ages coming from their fishing boats with fish and winning prizes, I noticed that there were no women of color competing,” Peebles told Spectacular Magazine. “I said to myself,

10

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

Showdown Looms On Trans Athletes

by EMILY HAYS

New Haven I ndependent

The federal government may withhold key dollars for New Haven’s magnet school program if New Haven does not agree to ban transgender athletes from their chosen sports teams.

The New Haven Board of Education Wednesday night vowed to fight what it called strong-arm tactics, in court if necessary.

“This is effectively extortion, taking away funding from our public schools in order to put us in position where we go against important policies,” said Mayor Justin Elicker, a board member.

At stake is roughly $6 million over the course of two years, in the form of the Federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program Grant. This covers specialized programming at magnet schools like Davis Street, King/Robinson and High School in the Community.

The board held an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss a recent decision from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights that allowing transgender athletes to participate in the sports team of the gender they identify as discriminates against other athletes on that team. This follows a suit filed by the conservative Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of three female, Connecticut athletes.

New Haven needs OCR to sign off on the magnet school grant because it is an equi-

ty-related grant intended to help integrate schools. The board voted unanimously on Monday to appeal OCR’s decision within the Department of Education if OCR does not sign off on the grant. They also voted unanimously to pursue further legal action if the department turns down their appeal.

“We’ve been singled out. Other people that are getting funding for magnet schools are not having this pressure put on them,” said board member Ed Joyner.

OCR has targeted the few Connecticut districts that receive MSAP dollars with a new nondiscrimination assurance. This new document requires the district to exclude trans athletes from their sports teams of their choosing. The board said that they will not sign this document.

Board members argued that these new decisions from OCR are political moves by the Trump administration at the cost of largely academic programs for Connecticut students.

“This whole thing has really saddened me. It is so hurtful to see this administration try to make us discriminate against anyone,” said board member Tamiko Jackson-McArthur. “I am so proud of my colleagues that we will be standing up to this crap, because that’s what it is.”

“This is an attempt to fire up a base for the election and that’s not what we’re here for. We’re here to educate kids. We may not agree on all the things all of the time but we certainly agree on this one,” said board member Darnell Goldson.

Superintendent Iline Tracey pointed out that New Haven Public Schools gets other federal grants and wondered how else the district might be affected.

“They will not stop unless they are stopped,” Joyner answered.

“Part Of A Larger Plan” Karleigh Webb, a writer for Outsports. com and a crisis operator for Trans Lifeline, sees New Haven’s predicament as part of a larger attack on public schools and trans rights by the Trump administration and by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos in particular.

“Betsy DeVos has spent her adult life trying to destroy public education and has spent an immense amount of her family’s fortune to that end,” Webb said.

“Especially at this time when we have kids going back to school, dealing with this Covid crisis, we are going to need help. For them to try to threaten to withhold help, I find that vulgar.”

Webb said that cutting aid attempts to pit marginalized people against one another.

“Who gets hurt the most? The most vulnerable. Then you get the bigger picture of what this is really about, trying to cut one group of marginalized off from another group that is just as marginalized,” Webb said.

Webb said that trans students are one of the easiest groups within the LGBTQ spectrum to target, because trans people do not have the kind of nationwide acceptance that cisgender lesbian and gay

Red pandas are vegetarian carnivores?

NEW HAVEN PRIDE CENTER Lifeline operator Karleigh Webb: Trans people under siege.

people have achieved in recent years. If successful, she expects the sports ban to be followed by a locker room ban and then a bathroom ban and attacks on other parts of the spectrum.

“They can do same to trans college, to trans working people, and take away our public accommodations piece by piece,” Webb said.

Webb said that trans teenagers are particularly vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic when college and high school students must spend more time at home with families who may not accept their identities.

“Then they turn on the news. Seeing that

simply put, the people in charge of running the country don’t consider you part of the country, or even human—it’s bound to affect you,” Webb said.

Webb encouraged other local governments to follow the example of New Haven and Stamford in resolving to fight any attempts to pit public school funding against trans rights.

“Since Donald Trump has gotten into office, trans people have been under siege.

We’re trying to stand in the bunker with each other the best way we can. Every time someone stands up [like New Haven did], it helps ease that siege a little bit. But that siege is there,” Webb said.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

Meet the Black Student Loan Strategist Who Has Helped Borrowers Repay More Than $50 Million

By BlackNews.com

Nationwide — Dr. Tisa Silver Canady knows what it costs to strive for academic excellence. As a financial wellness expert with three degrees under her belt, she’s become intimately acquainted with how it feels to be a person of color navigating the financial aid system in this country.

But as a student loan strategist who has advised students on how to pay back over $50 million in student loans, she’s also seen how inherent systemic inequities make school more costly for Black borrowers. Even without the impacts of the coronavirus, student loan debt will negatively impact many Black students’ abilities to build future wealth because Black students are more at risk than other

groups. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, she is concerned that this already disadvantaged group may experience further setbacks.

“Not everyone is good at virtual studying, not everyone has a strong WiFi connection, not everyone has a quiet space to learn,” Dr. Tisa says. “The pandemic is absolutely going to affect the success of students, and any disruptions stand to affect Black students even more because they are already more vulnerable. It may mean they have to repeat classes, stay in school longer, and ultimately end up borrowing more.”

Dr. Silver Canady wrote Borrowing While Black to help Black borrowers get more strategic about their student loan decisions. The book, which is the first in

Dr. Tisa Silver Canady

her Melanin, Money, and Matriculation series, shares insider strategies for smart student loan borrowing and repayment.

She believes that now more than ever Black students must get strategic about the student loan debt that will dictate their financial futures.

“COVID-19 could really exacerbate the student loan crisis for Black borrowers because we typically borrow more and graduate less,” Dr. Tisa says. “Black students cannot afford to ignore their student loan debt situation during this pandemic.”

Written as a step-by-step manual, Borrowing While Black is a quick, easy, read ideal for students, parents, or anyone who wants to get actionable tips on how to save money on student loans. In it, the author breaks down simple ways

to borrow less, like how to revise your course sequence so you graduate on time or when it makes sense to attend a community college in order to save money on introductory courses. For first-generation students who may not have people in their family to ask about the process of paying for college, this book lays out where to get critical information that can save you thousands of dollars.

A concise yet thorough presentation of what borrowers need to do, the book was designed to help students maximize the payoff of their educational investment at the lowest cost to their families.

Borrowing While Black is available on Amazon.com.

When police stop Black men, the effects reach into their homes and families ously incarcerated.

Anger and frustration Encountering law enforcement can affect family relationships in a number of ways.

In many cities, the police presence is heaviest in low-income communities where Black men are more likely to live. These communities and their residents are often economically disadvantaged with very few viable prospects for gainful employment.

For the Black fathers in these communities, not being able to fulfill the financial provider role can contribute to relationship tension with their children’s mother.

Family researchers suggest that stressful events such as law enforcement contact may also reduce individuals’ ability to manage family problems.

Family members are inextricably linked, so when Black fathers experience a police stop, it may generate feelings of uncertainty and agitation on the part of the mother and affect the way that she views the relationship, leading to anger and frustration that negatively impacts the relationship.

Deadric T. Williams

Armon Perry The Conversation While much of the world was sheltering in place in the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans’ undivided attention was focused squarely on Minneapolis, Minnesota, where George Floyd was killed at the hands – and knees – of the police.

Floyd’s murder evoked memories of other murders by the police, including those of Walter Scott, Eric Garner, Philando Castile and Samuel DuBose. Most recently, another unarmed Black man, Jacob Blake, was shot seven times in the back in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Armon Perry We are a sociologist and a social worker who study racism, inequality and families, including a focus on Black men and their interactions with law enforcement. Each of these killings serves as confirmation that concerns about those interactions are warranted.

The problem isn’t just that Black men get killed – it’s that Black families are stressed and strained by Black men’s daily encounters with police.

Studies show Black and Hispanic drivers, compared to white drivers, experience a disproportionate number of police stops and that officers show less respect to Black drivers.

Black men are stopped by police in disproportionate numbers. (Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) Racial inequality in contact with the police may influence the lack of trust in police among Black Americans. In a recent Gallup survey, one in four Black men ages 18 to 34 reported they have been treated unfairly by police within the last month.

In our research on these interactions, we found that they have far-reaching implications for Black families. Law enforcement encounters for Black Americans stretch beyond the streets of our cities and into Black Americans’ homes, where they have a negative effect on family life.

Families suffer Studies show that one in nine Black children has had a parent in prison. Having an incarcerated parent is associated with a host of social problems for children, including behavioral problems and academic failure.

Former inmates have to navigate many barriers to reintegrate and reconnect with

their communities and families. A recent study shows that if fathers were previously incarcerated, they were more likely to report having a strained and unsupportive relationship with their child’s mother, a major factor which negatively impacts fathers’ involvement and harms their connection and relationship with their children.

Although a growing number of studies focus on incarceration and families, there is less empirical research that includes whether police stops experienced by Black fathers affect family life.

In our research, we have found the obstacles that come with economic hardship, mental illness, parenting stress and incarceration can hurt how well parents work together and the well-being of their children.

We wanted to extend our work by examining whether experiencing a traffic stop for Black fathers affected their relationship

12

with their child’s mother. This is important because the mother-father relationship plays a large role in fathers’ involvement with their children.

In 2019, we co-authored a study that examined how Black fathers’ contacts with police affects their relationships with their children’s mother.

We analyzed data from the Fragile Families and Child Well-being study, a study surveying nearly 5,000 families from urban cities. In conducting our analysis, we focused on 967 Black families that included both fathers’ and mothers’ reports of relationship quality and cooperative parenting.

We found that fathers who reported experiencing a police stop were more likely to report conflict or lack of cooperation in their relationships with their children’s mother. They also reported the same relationship problem if they had been previ-

Reinforcing racial oppression The disproportionate number of Black men who have contact with law enforcement does not happen within a vacuum.

Some researchers underscore the historical origins of policing and criminalizing of Black males since the Civil War that continues into the present. This includes negative stereotypes of Black men as dangerous, which led to more than 150 years of lynchings, mass incarceration of Black men and more recent stop-and-frisk policies that disproportionately target Blacks.

Given the prevalence of both incarceration and police stops for Black men, law enforcement contact of any kind can become a source of additional stress and may reinforce racial oppression.

As the results of our study indicate, these experiences may carry over into their dayto-day lives, including harming their family relationships.

This article originally appeared in the New Tri-State Defender reprinted here by permission.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

COMMENTARY:

By Julianne Malveaux, NNPA Newswire Contributor

Is the Economy Rebounding?

On the Friday before Labor Day, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly report, The Employment Situation. It reported good news – the unemployment rate dropped to 8.4 percent, higher than in February before the pandemic hit. We added 1.4 million jobs last month, the highest gain since the corona recession began. But while this is progress, it is no cause for celebration.

The Black unemployment rate remains double-digit and has not dropped as rapidly as either the overall rate or the white rate, 7.3 percent. Eleven million fewer people held jobs in August than in March.

And the “rebound” is not spread evenly across populations. The top 10 percent have already recovered. The bottom 40 or 50 percent are still struggling.

Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee

Senator Kamala Harris told CNN that “one in five mothers is describing her children as hungry.” The lines at the food banks have not gone down, and in some communities, they are getting longer.

Once thought to be relatively immune to the virus, small-town America is now being hit, and forcefully. The challenge is that there are fewer hospitals or health care facilities in rural areas.

Economic recovery is dependent on the development of a COVID vaccine, which the current President says will be ready in October or November. More realistic, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, say a vaccine might not be ready until next summer or even later.

The bottom line is that the macro indicators may show some progress, but a deeper dive is far less optimistic. Hundreds of thousands of small businesses, including 40 percent of Black-owned companies, have closed, resulting in permanent job

loss. Some of the hardest-hit industries include the leisure industries — travel, dining, and more.

Women, especially women of color, heavily populate some of these industries.

While COVID hit women of color harder than others, recovery will not make these women whole.

The economy will not regain its position from early March. Indeed, the slight comeback in leisure industries has been partly a function of people enjoying safer, outdoor dining. The colder it gets, the more likely it is that people will choose to pass up dining out in favor of eating at home.

People bought more groceries between March and August, not wanting to risk the possibility of contagion. Many have cautiously begun to eat out again, but restaurants lose money when they reduce seating because of social distancing.

By mid-September, we will know wheth-

er the Labor Day weekend will spark another COVID outbreak. And if there is another outbreak, count on the economy to slow again. Congress could at least prevent some of this if the Senate passed the HEROES (Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions) Act, which would extend unemployment insurance, provide relief for cities and states, and provide money for schools.

The HEROES legislation has been caught in partisan drama, with a bipartisan group of Congressional representatives passing it, but with Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell failing to even put the legislation up to a vote. Some Republicans dispute the need for the HEROES Act because of the latest unemployment rate data. But many states and local jurisdictions will lay off public servants – teachers, police officers, sanitation workers, transportation workers, health care workers, and others, pushing the unemploy-

ment rate back up.

The August Employment Situation report has more good news than bad. It indicates that for the fourth month in a row, things are improving. But this improvement is not enough, and it could be much better if our legislators would offer some assistance, especially to those at the bottom.

Even though 45 has made the economy his issue, repeatedly proclaiming that he created “the best economy in the world” until COVID, his inability to grasp the many ways that COVID will continue to plague the economy raises issues about his sagacity and discernment.

Don’t celebrate the rebound yet. Don’t stop the pressure either. The Senate must pass the HEROES Act or face the consequences. If we want economic recovery AND economic justice, we must vote.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author. She can be reached through http://www.juliannemalveaux.com

Safe & Free Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste Located at the Regional Water Authority, 90 Sargent Drive, New Haven

Working with Communities to Protect Our Water Sources Saturdays only, 9 a.m. to noon through October 31, 2020 Closed September 5, 2020

Residential Waste Only A program brought to you by the RWA and participating towns

Pre-registration required. Visit rwater.com/hazwaste to register and for more information, or call 203-401-2712.

13

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

IN MEMORIAM:

John Thompson, Coaching Legend and Unforgettable Mentor, Dies at 78

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor

John Thompson was the first Black coach to win the NCAA Championship.

In 1984, he led the Georgetown Hoyas to victory over the Houston Cougars. In 1985 Thompson was named Coach of the Year. He coached at Georgetown University from 1972 to 1999.

Thompson was a coach who set the bar high for his players on and off the basketball court. He coached Patrick Ewing, Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutumbo. He became a mentor to many long after they left Georgetown and competitive basketball.

Thompson had a preference for players

that had a passion for the game on the court. He once said, “you can calm down a fool before you can resurrect a corpse.”

He emphasized the power of habit, attitude and state of mind with his players.

“If you think you are beaten you are. If you think you dare not, you won’t,” he once said.

“Big John Thompson is the single most important African American man in the history of D.C. sports,” Sia writer Clinton Yeats. In 1999 he was selected to be in the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

In 27 seasons, Thompson compiled a coaching record of 596-239. Most importantly to Thompson, 97 percent of his players stayed four years and left George-

town University with a college degree.

Thompson was born in Washington, D.C. and went on to play in the NBA for the Boston Celtics.

Thompson is survived by his three children, John Thompson III, who also coached basketball at Georgetown, Ronny Thompson and Tiffany Thompson.

Thompson’s autobiography is due out in January 2021.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

John Thompson (Photo: Georgetown University)

HBCU Students for Biden and Black Students for Biden: ‘Four More Years of Trump Means Death for Many African Americans’

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Just how crucial will the engagement of Black students, including those from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) be in the 2020 election?

Black Students for Biden and HBCU Students for Biden say that it could mean the difference between life and death for many African Americans.

During a 30-minute livestream this week, sponsored by the Biden-Harris campaign and featuring actress Yandy Smith-Harris, an enthusiastic but focused group of young African Americans declared the race between Democratic Presidential Candidate Joe Biden and President Donald Trump a battle not just for the soul of the country, but for the lives of Black people.

“So many of our civil liberties are under attack, including the right to vote, the right to assemble, to be who we are and to exist equally,” said Smith-Harris, the star of “Love & Hip Hop: New York.”

“Our basic freedoms are under attack, so it’s incredibly important right now, more than ever, to vote for Biden. I feel like we are back in 1963, so many of the things that Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for are prevalent today.”

Smith-Harris continued: “We have to realize that our vote can change our lives. It is that serious. This administration has made blatant racism okay, and it has no concern for Black lives.

“We are traumatized that we can’t walk outside or sleep in our beds, if we continue with this administration, where you can be called a patriot when you kill someone.

“We can’t continue to live in fear with the police’s militarization and where Black lives don’t matter. If we don’t change the face of what democracy looks like in this country, there will be no more democracy.

“There is no way we can continue with

Joe Biden another four years of this administration where we are dying and being incarcerated at crazy amounts. We have to stop this, there’s no room for error and there’s, no room for [uncertainty].”

Hosted by National HBCU Students for Biden Co-Chair William Fairfax, and Lubna Sebastian, the National Director of Students for Biden, the event kicked off a series hosted by the Black Students for Biden and HBCU Students for Biden.

Organizers said the forums provide opportunities to highlight the easiest ways students can get involved, why Black youth is so important in making change, and how to mobilize their friends and families for the election.

As a Black student and senior at Duke University, a primarily white institution (PWI), Adrianna Williams, the co-chair

of Black Students for Biden, said the odds are stacked against her and other African Americans each day.

“Several of our PWIs are institutionally racist,” Williams declared.

“I know for the past four years, as much as I love my experience at Duke and the memories and friends, as a Black woman, I wake up every day knowing that I’m going to be faced with professors who don’t see me as I am and don’t see that my voice matters.”

Williams, who lists Shirley Chisolm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, as her role model, said it’s a fight each day for equality. “My role model said if you don’t have a seat at the table, bring one,” said Williams, noting that she had paraphrased Chisolm.

14

“Activism takes on different forms. Activism at a PWI is a way for Black students to support one another and remind ourselves that we matter,” Williams exclaimed.

“We are fighting for our rights to thrive and prosper in these spaces every single day.”

Williams added that among her concerns about the Trump administration is inadequate healthcare for African Americans.

“The state of public health in this country and health issues that disproportionately affect Black people and people of color concern me,” Williams said.

“We have Black women in this country who are disproportionately affected when it comes to maternal mortality. I’m going to medical school, and I want to become a doctor because it scares me that this coun-

try fails to recognize that Black women are dying at such high rates during childbirth.”

Biden’s plan for Black America includes reducing the high African American maternal mortality rate, expanding access to reproductive health care including contraception and protecting the constitutional right to choose, and doubling the nation’s investment in community health center which provide primary, prenatal, and other important care, and whose patients are disproportionately members of racial and ethnic minority groups, including African Americans.

As president, Biden has pledged to invest $70 billion in HBCUs to close the funding disparity between them and PWIs. In the plan, $10 billion would go toward funding retention, enrollment, and job placement for alumni.

“I come from the Harlem projects, and it was a challenge. So, I think I understand right now, being on the other side, a little older, how important [it is] for this community to speak out on what they’re dealing with,” Smith-Harris said.

“I remember when I went to Howard University and wondered how I would pay for it, how I would pay rent and survive. I graduated during the mid-recession, and now we’re facing the same thing with the coronavirus pandemic with people losing their jobs,” she noted.

Smith-Harris continued: “Black voices are loud and vital. I went on an HBCU campus tour, and there are so many Black youths who were so real about where they were, so many people are making decisions over the lives of young Black people who have no idea of what they’re everyday challenges are.

“They weren’t exposed to just how vital their voices are on the legislative level.

They realized how vital they are. Black youth have a very important role in remixing our democracy and the principles and practices because they are now at the forefront.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September , 2020 - September 22, 2020 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27,16 2016 - August 02, 2016

THE GLENDOWER GROUP NOTICE

Request for Proposals VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Construction Manager at Risk PREfor McConaughy Terrace HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority,

The Glendower Group isfor currently proposals foratconstrucis accepting pre-applications studio andseeking one-bedroom apartments this develtion manager for McConaughy Terrace.

Aincome complete copyapof opment locatedatatrisk 108 Frank Street, New Haven.

Maximum limitations Pre-applications will be fromfrom 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday ColJu;y theply.requirement may beavailable obtained Glendower’s Vendor 25, 2016 andPortal ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have laboration https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems. been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon recom/gateway quest by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed prebeginning September at 3:00PM applications muston be Wednesday, returned to HOME INC’s offices2, at2020 171 Orange Street, .Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

Listing: Dispatcher

NOTICIA

Extremely fast paced petroleum company needs a full time (which inVALENTINA VIVIENDAScoverage) DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES cludes on callMACRI and weekend detail oriented experienced Dispatcher. A strong logistics background and a minimum of one year preHOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está vious petroleum experience required.

Send deresume to: en HR aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos un dormitorio esteManager, desarrollo ubicado la calle 109 Frank New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos P.O. Box en 388, Guilford, CT.Street, 06437 máximos.

Las pre-solicitudes disponibles 09 a.m.-5Employer********** p.m. comenzando Martes 25 ********An Affirmativeestarán Action/Equal Opportunity 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 Listing: HVAC llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 duranteTechnician esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

Fast paced Petroleum Company is hiring for a full time, CT (minimum S2 license) HVAC Technician. Applicant must have experience in oil, propane, natural gas and A/C. Send resume to: Attn: HR Manager, Confidential, PO Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437.

NEW HAVEN

**An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**

242-258 Fairmont Ave 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR,Assistant 1 level , 1BA Listing: Customer Retail

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 Petroleum Company has an immediate full &time opening.

Excellent customer highways, near bus stop shopping center service Pet skills a must.

Requirements include: billing questions, assistunder 40lb allowed.

Interested partiesanswering contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 ing in sales calls received, scheduling service calls as well as assisting in collections and account set ups. Previous petroleum experience and/or experience in a CT. Unified Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s to also perform administrative/ very busy Deacon’s office environment a plus.

Applicant Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates clerical tasks as assigned.

Please send resume to: H.R. Manager, Confidential, in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon J. Davis, M.S., PO Box 388, Guilford CTJoe 06437.

B.S.

(203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

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

St. New Haven, CT

Listing: HOUSING HVAC Technician SEYMOUR AUTHORITY

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour Fast Company a full time, CTSmith (minimum untilpaced 3:00 Petroleum pm on Tuesday, Augustis hiring 2, 2016for at its office at 28 Street, S2 license) HVAC Technician. Applicant must have experience in oil, Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the propane, natural gas and A/C. Send resume to: Attn: HR Manager, Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

Confidential, PO Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437.

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith **An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer** Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

Construction FT-Exp Bidding documentsAdministrative are available from the Office Seymour Position.

Housing Authority Ofrequired.EmailHherbert@ gwfabrication.com fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

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

DELIVERY PERSON

Everyone Is Invited To A

V irtual P ublic i nformation m eeting

NEEDED

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and CTDOT Public Involvement Procedures (PIP) document Residents, commuters, business owners, and other interested individuals are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about and discuss the STIP and PIP.

Part Time Delivery Needed One/Two Day a Week,

Please join us on Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Must Have your Own Vehicle If Interested call

(203) 387-0354

The meetings will be live streamed via: Microsoft Teams Live Event and YouTube Live Afternoon session - Formal Presentation will begin at 1:00 pm, Evening session - Formal Presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Question and Answer (Q&A) sessions will immediately follow both presentations.

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

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

HELP WANTED:

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

Instructions on how to access the meeting and on how to provide comments or ask questions, can be found at the STIP webpage: www.ct.gov/dot/stip The public informational meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the Draft 2021 STIP and PIP. Persons with limited internet access may request that the Draft 2021 STIP and/or PIP information be mailed to them by contacting Rose A. Etuka by email at Rose.Etuka@ct.gov or by phone at 860 594-2040. (Allow one week for processing and delivery.)

Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (800) 369-2192 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 4906163. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). The MS Teams Live Event offers closed-captioning for the hearing impaired and non-English translation options. A recording of the formal presentation will be posted to YouTube following the event and closed-captioning (including non-English translation options) will be available at that time. The recording will also be available in the list of DOT virtual public meetings here: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/general/CTDOT-VPIM-Library Apple user may not have access to the live chat line. The use of email or voicemail to leave a comment is recommended. During the Q&A session and the comment period that follows the meeting, individuals may leave a question or comment via email (preferred) at DOT.Draft2021STIPComment@ ct.gov Individuals may also leave a voicemail question or comment by calling (860) 944-1111. Please reference the project in your voicemail.

Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.

FENCE ERECTING Invitation to Bid: SUBCONTRACTORS2 Notice nd

Large CT. Fence Company SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Large CT Fence & Guardrail Contractor is looking for an individual for our is looking for experienced, responsible stock yard. Warehouse shipping and receiving and Forklift experience a must. commercial and residential fence erectors Old Saybrook, MustCT have a minimum of 3 years’ material handling experience. Must be able and installers on a subcontractor basis.

(4 Buildings, 17 Units) to read and write English, and read a tape measure. Duties will include: LoadEarn from $750 to $2,000 per day. Email ing and trucks, pulling orders for installation and retail counter sales, Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wageunloading Rate Project resume to rhauer@atlasoutdoor.com AA/ keeping the yard clean and organized at all times and inventory control. IndividEOE

ual will also make deliveries of fence panels and products, must be able to lift at

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castleast 70lbs. Required to pass a Physical and Drug test, have a valid CT. Driver’s LEGAL NOTICE of in-place Concrete, AsphaltLicense Shingles, Vinyl Siding, and be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. CDL B & A drivers a plus.

TOWN OF PORTLAND, CT Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Send resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE/MF Town of Portland has amended its CitiMechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. zen Participation Plan for the purpose of This contract is subject state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. informing the public abouttoits intent to

Coventry Housing Authority

apply for CDBG, Covid-19 funding. For a copy of the amendedBid Plan go to www. is accepting applications for low income Section 8 Elderly/DisExtended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 portlandct.org.

abled 15, housing.

Annual income limit is $21,600 (one person) Anticipated Start: August 2016 Project documents available via ftp link below: & $24,650 (two people). Also accepting applications for low http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage income State Elderly/Disabled housing. Annual income limit

DELIVERY PERSON

NEEDED

is $54,950 (one person) & $62,800 (two people). Interested

Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com an application at the Coventry Housing HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran,parties S/W/MBE &may Section 3pick Certifiedup Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 Authority, 1630 Main St., Coventry, CT, or have one mailed.

AA/EEO EMPLOYER Completed applications must be postmarked or hand delivered

Part Time Delivery Needed One/Two Day a Week,

Must Have your Own Vehicle If Interested call

(203) 387-0354 15

no later than October 31, 2020. For more information call 860742-5518.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Listing: Commercial Driver

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Full time Class A driver for petroleum deliveries for nights Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT and weekends. Previous experience required. Competitive We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits wage, 401(k) and benefits. Send resume to: HR Manager, VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Contact: Tom Dunay P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437.

Phone: 243-2300 HOME INC, on behalf of860Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, ********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer********** is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develEmail: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com opment& located at 108 Frank Street, Haven. Maximum Women Minority Applicants are New encouraged to apply income limitations apof TOWN OF PORTLAND, CT ply.Affirmative Pre-applications willEqual be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning LEGAL MondayNOTICE Ju;y Action/ Opportunity Employer Town of Portland 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have has amended its Citizen Participation Plan the purpose of informing the public about its intent to apply been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will befor mailied upon reforCompleted CDBG, Covid-19 funding. For a copy of the amended Plan quest by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. preGarrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Incoffices seeks: go toStreet, www.portlandct.org. applications must be returned to HOME INC’s at 171 Orange Third Reclaimer Operators Floor, New Haven,and CTMilling 06510.Operators with current licensing

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

NOTICE

and clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

NOTICIA

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300 VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 seeks to fill 100) a full-time and/or part-time position in our julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente construction yard. The ideal candidate will be able to en lasTrailer oficinasDriver de HOME INC. & Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas correo a petición Tractor for Heavy Highway Construction Equip- por llamando HOME INCLicense, al 203-562-4663 duranterecord, esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse ment.

Must ahave a CDL clean driving capable of work indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions, . a las oficinas de equipment; HOME INCbe enwilling 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, , CT 06510 operating heavy to travel throughout theNew Haven and assist in keeping the construction yard clean and Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

Union Company seeks:

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

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

ROTHA Contracting Company, Inc.

organized. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage woman and minorities to apply. Please email resume to jobs@rothacontracting.com.

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Proposals for IT Outsourced Help Desk and Infrastructure. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 3:00PM.

Construction Administrative Office Position. FT-Exp required.Email- Hherbert@ gwfabrication.com

Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Highly skilled mechanic needed in the repair and maintenance of all plant equipment to include pumping station equipment and motor vehicles for the Town of Wallingford Sewer Division. Requires graduation from a high school/trade school and 4 years experience in the repair and maintenance of mechanical equipment. Must obtain a CDL Class B motor vehicle operator license within 6 months of employment. $29.15 to $34.18 per hour plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply to: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date will be September 15, 2020 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

Construction Administrative Office Position. FT-Exp required.Email- Hherbert@ gwfabrication.com Invitation to Bid:

NEW HAVEN

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

Town of Bloomfield2

nd

Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Lead Building Maintainer - Facilities

Finance Director Full Time - Benefited

Old Saybrook, CT Full Time - Benefited Request for Proposals (4 $31.26 hourly Buildings, 17 Units) Development of Single-Family Homeownership Housing Taxdrug Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project Pre-employment testing.

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

$96,755 - $149,345

Pre-employment testing.

For more details, visit our website – www.bloomfieldct.org CT. Unified Deacon’sdrug 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

Real Estate Controller

St. New Haven, CT Fusco Management is seeking a Real Estate Controller. Candidate should have leadership, communication and supervisory skills. Controller should have 6+ year’s hands on accounting experience and have a BS in Accounting.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Duties and Responsibilities: Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour Oversee the activities of the Accounting Department for the accurate and timely disuntil 3:00 on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at itsinternal office and at 28external Smith monthly Street, semination of pm financial management reports including Seymour, CT 06483 foraudits Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the financial statements, annual and annual budgets.

Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

Desired Skills and Experience Qualifications: A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Timberscan, BNA, TValue.

Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, Timberline on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

• Discretion, good judgment and good communication skills.

• Strong general ledger, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

Bidding available from the Seymour Housing Authority • Real Estatedocuments experience are a plus.

Request for Proposals IT Outsourced Help Desk and Infrastructure

Of-

fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

Education and Experience Required: Bachelor's degreeAuthority in Accounting or Finance.

CPAtocertification a plus.any Mustorhave 6+years The Housing reserves the right accept or reject all bids, to of reduce hands-on managerial Fusco Management offers a competitheaccounting scope of the project experience. to reflect available funding, and to waive any tive benefit package. Fusco is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the Housing Authority.

For more details, visit our website –

www.bloomfieldct.org The Housing AuthoritySite-work, of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, CastProposals for Development of Single-Family Homeownership in-place Concrete, Asphaltcurrently Shingles,seeking Vinyl Siding, Housing.

A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobbleMechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

Seeking qualified condidates to fill stonesystems.com/gateway beginning on This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. numerous vacancies to include, Monday, August 10, 2020 at 3:00PM. Benefits & Pension Coordinator Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 and more. For information and Construction Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Administrative Office Position. FT-Exp required. detailed application instructions, Email- Hherbert@ gwfabrication.com Project documents available via ftp link below: visit www.ci.milford.ct.us http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Click on SERVICES, JOBS and ELM CITY COMMUNITIES JOB TITLE. Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com

CITY OF MILFORD

QSR

Request for Proposals Electronic File Management Services

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

APPLY NOW!

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

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

Monday, August 17, 2020 at 3:00PM.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

THE GLENDOWER GROUP NOTICE Request for Proposals VALENTINA MACRIEngineering RENTAL HOUSING PREAPPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Architectural Services for McConaughy Terrace HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, isThe accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develGlendower Group is currently seeking proposals for architectural opment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apengineering services for McConaughy Terrace.

A complete ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y copy of the re25, 2016 and ending sufficientfrom pre-applications (approximately 100)Collaboration have quirement may bewhen obtained Glendower’s Vendor Portal been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon rehttps://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway quest by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street,atThird beginning on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 3:00PM. Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

NOTICIA of the City of Bridgeport The Housing Authority VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Request for Qualification (RFQ) HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está Co-Developer aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo Solicitation ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Number: Haven. Se aplican144-PD-20-S limitaciones de ingresos

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROPERTY MANAGER TAX CREDIT F/T - Bristol Housing Authority is seeking an individual with working knowledge of the general management of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and HUD Programs. Preferred at least 3 years’ experience as tax credit property manager and possess LIHTC certification. Management and administrative experience helpful. Experience in contract negotiation, budget preparation, fiscal oversight, analyzing and managing a property portfolio is beneficial. Salary will commensurate with experience. Excellent benefit package. Send resume and references by September 25, 2020 to Mitzy Rowe, Chief Executive Officer, Bristol Housing Authority, 164 Jerome Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010. The Bristol Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer.

Construction

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

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

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 Thejulio, Housing Authority of Bridgeport Park City(aproximadamente Communities (PCC) 2016 hasta cuandoofsethe hanCity recibido suficientesd/b/a pre-solicitudes 100) is seeking Statements of Qualifications from interested and pre-solicitudes qualified real serán estateenviadas developers the aReplacement Housing site C.F. en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las por for correo petición Greene Homes and Various Mixed Finance Development Projects.

Solicitation package will be available on llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse September 14, 2020 to obtain a copy of theStreet, solicitation you must send your request. to bids@parkcitycoma las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 munities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A pre-proposal conference will be held via conference call on October 6, 2020, @ 11:00 a.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 October 13, 2020 @ 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 October 27, 2020 @ 3:00 PM, to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement, 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Late proposals will not be accepted.

NEW HAVEN

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

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 for Proposals highways, near busRequest stop & shopping center Request for Proposals for Outside General Legal Services for Elm Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact MariaCounsel @ 860-985-8258

Request for Proposals IT Outsourced Help Desk and Infrastructure The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Proposals for IT Outsourced Help Desk and Infrastructure. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Invitation toWednesday, Bid: September 16, 2020 at 3:00PM. 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units) Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

City Communities/Housing Authority of The City of New Haven, Including Repairs and Improvements at the 270 State Street Parking Garage The Glendower Group, Inc. and Its Various Affiliates and 360 Haven, Connecticut CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective New Demolition, Site-work, CastCertificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates Management Group Company New Haven Parking Authority Project #20-005 in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 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

Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework,

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seekand Fire Protection.

St. New Haven, CT ing Proposals for Request for Proposals for Outside General Counsel Legal Services for Elm City Mechanical, Electrical, PlumbingBids due October 14, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. contract Communities/Housing Authority of The City of New Haven, Including The GlendowerThis Group, Inc.is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. and Its Various Affiliates and 360 Management Group Company.

Bid available BidDocuments Extended, Due will Date:be August 5, 2016 beginning September 16, 2020 at no cost by downA complete copy of the requirements may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal loading fromStart: the BuildingConnnected FTP site. Contact Maryann Bigda of Turner https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Anticipated August 15, 2016 Sealed bids are invited by the Monday, Housing July Authority ofatthe Town of Seymour 27, 2020 3:00PM Construction Company at 203-712-6070 for FTP access.

Project documents available via ftp link below:

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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 ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

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

Agency-Wide Elevator

http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

The work mainly includes concrete repairs, waterproofing, plumbing/drainage sysmetal repairs, and roof replace-

Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com tem improvements, storefront and miscellaneous HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses ment.

Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER

Bidding documents areof available the Seymour Housing OfThe Housing Authority the Cityfrom of New Haven d/b/a ElmAuthority City Communities is currently fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. seeking Bids for Agency-Wide Elevator Services. A complete copy of the requirement may

Bidders must submit with their Bid on forms provided a list of their Intended Subcontractors, including the use of Minority Business Enterprises and Women Owned Business Enterprises as subcontractors for a goal of at least 25% of the total value of the Bidder’s subcontracts.

be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenThe Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject housing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning onany or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any Monday, August 10, 2020 at 3:00PM. New Haven Parking Authority is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the Housing Authority.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

Online Language Platform, Swahili Prime, Seeks to Prepare African Americans for Opportunities in Africa

By BlackNews.com

Nationwide — In recent years, Swahili has emerged as a leading language that people should take note of. With an estimated 150 million speakers worldwide, it is the official language of Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is widely spoken in Uganda and more narrowly spoken in Burundi, Rwanda, North Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi.

Several international media outlets like BBC and The Voice of America offer programming in Swahili. In the African Union, Swahili is one of the working languages. In 2019, the Southern African Development Community adopted Kiswahili as its fourth official language.

At the beginning of 2020, South Africa legalized Swahili’s teaching in South African schools as an optional subject with Namibia to follow suit in 2021.

Shili Joseph Somi, a Tanzanian native, who has been in the U.S. for several years, has watched Swahili’s explosive growth and evolution into a dominant language.

While people globally have caught hold of the opportunities in learning Swahili, Somi believes that the African American demographic has mainly been left out of the conversations concerning the possibilities.

“The continent of Africa’s business is

booming,” he shared. “A lot of entrepreneurs are going to invest in Africa, so learning Swahili for them is going to be very advantageous. We need to accept our culture and try to learn it,” Somi said, enabling people to position themselves to work on diplomatic missions, international organizations, and NGOs in Swahilispeaking countries.

With many different dialects, Swahili is considered an incredibly fluid language, being markedly one of the easiest of African dialects.

In the United States, many have been introduced to the language through the likes of The Lion King in its most notable song Hakuna Matata, and through words like Safari (which means journey), and Siri (which means secret).

At the rate Swahili is spreading, Somi believes that it could become the primary language for the entire continent of Africa.

To encourage and ensure that people are learning Swahili properly, Somi created a teaching platform called Swahili Prime. This website allows novice speakers to explore East African culture while learning the Swahili language. “This is all done through go-at-your-own-pace, video-based learning,” Somi shared. “Some websites just teach Swahili but not the proper version,” he said.

In the states, Somi could see that people

Netflix Orders 10 Episodes of Animated ‘Good Times’ Series Co-Produced By Steph Curry

were enthusiastic about learning Swahili, estimating that about 100 universities in the U.S. offer Swahili courses.

Visiting the Swahili Prime platform will learn the language through cooking, gospel songs, music, and movies. Also, students will find Swahili for English speakers, Swahili for Chinese speakers, Swahili for French and Arabic speakers. Soon, Somi will be adding Swahili for Tourists to the course catalog sharing, “This will help people who are [traveling] to East Africa to learn the language before they go there,” he shared.

All of Somi’s instructors have degrees in Communications, or the Swahili language and are certified by the National Swahili Council in Tanzania. Gilbert Peter, a Tanzanian multilingual instructor for Swahili Prime, has been with the company

for approximately six months, sharing that he genuinely enjoys his work. “[As a Tanzanian], this [work] is important for me because I want to introduce, explore, announce, and spread Tanzanian culture.”

With his background, experience, and understanding of the Swahili language, Peter has been able to teach impactful lessons that make learning the language fun and engaging. “The comments from the platform have been really good. People are enjoying the lessons,” he shared.

For those new to the website, they will find that Swahili Prime offers 17 engaging courses, with one course alone containing up to 20 lessons. Free of memberships or contracts, Swahili Prime’s classes are listed at an affordable price, ranging from $10-$15 each.

Sway Steward; a Kenyan American says

she’s looking forward to using the Swahili Prime. “I wish I had learned Swahili from my mom. I moved to America from Kenya as an infant, and my mom did her best to teach me the languages from our home, but it was hard for her to do this, given that all of my schooling and interactions were in English. Now that I’m a mother, my husband, who is Black African American, and I hope to take time to learn Swahili as a family. We believe it will bring us closer together and help us feel more connected to our African ancestry. Plus, we want to visit my family in Kenya, and knowing the language will help! Swahili Prime looks to be a great place to begin our learning.”

To get started on your first lesson, visit SwahiliPrime.com today and begin your first lesson for free.

Black Woman Astronaut Will Be the First to Visit International Space Station

By BlackNews.com

By BlackNews.com Nationwide — Netflix has given a 10-episode, straight-to-series order to a new animated take on Norman Lear’s classic sitcom “Good Times.” Carl Jones, whose credits include animated series “The Boondocks” and “Black Dynamite,” as well as TBS’ Tracy Morgan star “The Last O.G.,” will create, showrun and executive produce the project.

The new animated series will follow “the Evans family as they navigate today’s world and contemporary social issues.

Just as the original did years ago, ‘Good Times’ strives to remind us that with the

love of our family, we can keep our heads above water.

Lear and his Act III Productions company are partnering with basketball star Steph Curry and his production company, Unanimous Media, as well as Seth MacFarlane and his shingle Fuzzy Door, to develop the show.

The original “Good Times” aired for six seasons on CBS, from 1974 to 1979, and was created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans, and developed by Lear. It was a spin-off of “Maude,” which in turn was a spin-off of Lear and Bud Yorkin’s “All in the Family.”

Nationwide — Jeanette Epps, a NASA astronaut, will soon make history as the first-ever Black woman to fly to the International Space Station on a mission into orbit. It will also be her first space flight in her career.

Epps, who is from Syracuse, New York, earned a bachelor’s degree in Physics in 1992 from LeMoyne College. She then attended the University of Maryland, College Park where she received a Masters in 1994 and a Doctorate in 2000 for Aerospace Engineering.

She was also a NASA Graduate Student Researchers Project fellow while pursuing her doctorate degree, where she authored several journals and conference articles on her research.

After finishing her graduate school,

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she worked as a technical specialist in Ford’s Scientific Research Laboratory for 2 years, co-authoring several patents. She then served as a technical intelligence officer in the CIA for 7 years.

In 2009, she was one of the nine selected people to become a NASA astronaut.

Moreover, she would have made history earlier in 2018 as the first Black woman to live on the ISS, but was later reassigned for undisclosed reasons.

Now, Epps has been assigned to NASA’s Boeing Starliner-1 mission, the first operational crewed flight of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on a mission to the International Space Station. She will be joining NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Josh Cassada for a six-month expedition which is set to launch in 2021.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 16, 2020 - September 22, 2020

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