INNER-CITY NEWS

Hill Holiday Bash Brightens Kimberly Square

by KIMBERLY WIPFLER

Eight-year-old Nova and her three-yearold sister Zora shared big smiles as they posed for a photo on Santa’s lap. When St. Nick asked Nova what she wants for Christmas this year, she surprised him. She said she didn’t care about what to ask for.

Nova offered that gratitude-filled holi day wish Sunday night at the 14th annual Hill / City Point tree lighting at Kimberly Square Triangle Park. Families started gathering for the event at around 5 p.m.

Bundled toddlers held parents’ hands while tweens looked for their friends and children chased one another around a lamppost. Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christ mas” played over the speakers, along with other holiday classics like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

At one end of the triangle stood the notyet-lit tree, more than twice the size of the tallest adults in attendance. The tree was provided by the New Haven Parks De partment.

Adjacent to the fir was a bounty of presents: gift bags in a rainbow of colors, each stuffed with presents for varying age groups. The offerings had been donated by employees of the Women’s Services Department at Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH). Nurses and midwives from the department were on site to volunteer and distribute the gifts.

On the other side of the tree stood a ta ble of refreshments, from juice boxes to coffee, apple cider and an array of cookie varieties, all of which had been donated by surrounding businesses C Town, Gem Liquors, and Kevin’s Seafood.

Hill Alders Carmen Rodriguez and Kampton Singh welcomed families upon their arrival, compiling a list of children’s names and ages for the Santa visit and gift distribution later on. Singh said he was excited to bring Christmas events back to the kids after a two-year pause during the pandemic.

This year marked the 14th tree light ing ceremony and gift distribution pro gram in the Hill. In 2015, employees of the Women’s Health Services at YNHH began volunteering their time and do nating gifts for the event. The past two years, the in-person event took a hiatus, and volunteers delivered donated gifts to families’ homes.

YNHH Midwife Pamela Delerme, one of the event’s primary organizers, said she was grateful that the event was back in person and that the volunteers could see the smiling faces of the children when they leave.

Nurse Courtney Carter echoed Del erme’s sentiment: “We delivered a lot of these families, and it’s so cool that now

Parker Balisciano, daughter of RN Taylor Balisciano, came along to help out for the first time, wearing reindeer antlers that Carter brought for her. Her mother’s coworker Nicole Starno said she thought it was important for kids who are very blessed to come out and help out in the community.

Just after 6:15 p.m., Santa arrived, driv ing the fire truck. Parents took out their phones to capture the look on their chil dren’s faces as many little ones got their first glimpse at Kris Kringle in real life. Walking through the crowd up to the tree, he shook his hands over his pot belly and laughed, “Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!”

Delerme then took to the mic to share some remarks of gratitude for the col laboration among the varying city de partments and community groups before passing it off to the mayor, who arrived moments earlier with his family.

“This is a time to be kind to each other… There’s a lack of respect in a lot of ways in our world right now. Let’s remember to be kind and think about one another. Try to imagine walking in someone else’s shoes. Be openly supportive. Say some kind words to your neighbors, your fam ily members, and to other folks around,” Elicker said.

Then, Alder Singh went up to thank the nurses for putting the event together year after year, and going above and be yond for the children of the community throughout the pandemic.

Finally, Alder Rodriguez closed out the announcements to kick off the countdown to the tree lighting: “Thank you to the community, you guys are all here, and we’re ready to party with the nurses and Santa. Let’s get this rolling!”

After the countdown, the giant tree lit up with colorful bulbs, and children be gan to line up to pose with Santa and re ceive their gift bags.

Genevieve Volquez, 7, waited patiently in line with her mother, Darkis. Genevieve was excited to ask Santa for “one hundred LOL dolls.” She said she had one at home and was hoping for more so that she could mix and match their accessories.

One by one, kids took turns telling San ta their Christmas wishes. After posing for a photo, with smiles ranging from shy to reluctant to beaming, the nurses hand ed the kids a gift bag according to their age group, and handed parents Walmart gift cards.

Fourteen-year-old Desiree Scott shared the contents of her bag, which included candy and winter accessories. She shared her gratitude for the present and for the evening.

“This is a really good event to have near Christmas because if families can’t afford presents, then the kids can still get some thing,” Scott said.

KIMBERLY WIPFLER PHOTO Nova and Zora Zanders at Sunday's Hill holiday fest. Pamela Delerme with husband Asher and daughter Amaya.

“I just want to be grateful no matter what I get.”

we get to see them here again in person. We’re still behind the masks at work, so this is great.”

New

Desiree Scott, 14, (right) and family.

Mayor Elicker and his daughter watching the arrival of Santa.

Parker Balisciano, Courtney Carter, Nicole Starno, Melanie Tracz and Pamela Delerme.

Seven-year-old Genevieve and mother Darkis Volquez.

Newhallville Lesson Inspires “Chocolate City” Quest

by PAUL BASS

Mustafa Abdul-Salaam remembers how tough it was to include his neighbors’ voices in the development of New Haven’s Science Park — and is bringing insights gained back then to a laststand anti-gentrification battle in the nation’s capital.

Abdul-Salaam spoke about those insights and that quest during an interview on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven.”

Abdul-Salaam has been spearheading a grassroots effort to insert a citizens’ agenda into investors’ and city officials’ plans to redevelop Washington, D.C.’s 8th Ward. That district is one of the last overwhelmingly Black areas in a city once known as “Chocolate City” until new investment and gentrification pushed people of color and working families out of other neighborhoods.

“D.C. is ground zero for gentrification. There are more cranes in the sky than birds,” said Abdul-Salaam.

Ward 8, historically a “dumping ground for low-income people” on the other side of the Anacostia River from the heart of the capital, is expected to see building to accommodate 15,000 new residents over the next decade thanks to an expansion of the nearby federal homeland security

complex, Abdul-Salaam said. A battle has ensued about how to avoid a repeat of what happened elsewhere in D.C.: displacement and a lack of oppor-

tunities for existing residents to share in that growth. (Read more about the battle for the future of the area here and here.)

Enter Community Economic Develop-

ment Partners. As the group’s managing partner, Abdul-Salaam obtained support to conduct a years-long “bottom-up” plan with Ward 8 neighbors about the changing neighborhood. They’ve now completed that plan, which calls for entrepreneur coops, downpayment assistance and credit repair for aspiring homeowners, a housing improvement fund for current homeowners, industry-specific back-office help and technical assistance for existing small businesses, youth opportunities, workforce development, and universal guaranteed basic income.

Now the task is to convince public officials and developers to negotiate with the group on the plan.

Back in the 1980s, when the Science Park tech incubator emerged from the ashes of the old Winchester rifle factory complex in New Haven’s Newhallville neighborhood, officials met with some neighbors and heads of organizations to describe the plans and ask for support. But they didn’t have a clearly defined group of organized neighbors with a developed agenda to engage with, Abdul-Salaam recalled. And that mattered.

Abdul-Salaam was there. He grew up in New Haven, was a UConn basketball star in the mid-1970s. When Science Park started, he led a community nonprofit

called the Newhallville Restoration Corporation.

“The missing piece was the lack of community involvement,” he recalled. “True community engagement” goes beyond just “telling people what you want to do” and asking them to “sign off on it,” he said.

“When you come into a community like Ward 8 or New Haven, it’s who you talk to” and how “you partner with us.”

Part of the challenge: “The community has to be well-organized” so officials and builders know whom to deal with and so they have concrete proposals to consider, Abdul-Salaam continued. That requires community organizing, which requires “resources.” In lower-income neighborhoods that’s an extra challenge, because neighbors “engage in day-to-day struggles for survival” that can crowd out time or energy for long-range communal agenda-setting.

Since that time, Abdul-Salaam has made a career out of working on that community-powered development agenda-setting. Now that he and his D.C. neighbors have a plan in hand, he’s hoping to accomplish what eluded Newhallville back in the day.

“If you invest in communities from the bottom up,” he argued, “they can take care of themselves.”

Mustafa Abdul-Salaam

Word On The Street: Dad Awaits The Call

by PAUL BASS

The engine was running. The baby was bundled up. Stephen Jones was ready for the call.Jones awaited the call — from his 6-month-old son Kyrell’s babysitter — in the driver seat of his car Tuesday morning with Kyrell on his lap.

The car was parked outside Jones’s home on the winding stretch of Blake Street between Osborn and Whalley.

Jones had already dropped his four daughters to three different schools around town.

“I’m waiting for the babysitter so I can start my activities with my training,” Jones said during a conversation on the “Word on the Street” segment of WNHH FM’s “LoveBabz LoveTalk” program while Kyrell sat still on his lap staring at his face.

The babysitter had a doctor’s appointment Tuesday. Jones was warming up the car so that once she phoned to say she had returned home, he could bring Kyrell, his first son, to her home across town.

After drop-off, he planned as usual to pump up his energy by stopping at Dunkin for his “natural remedy” (aka black coffee) and cranking up DMX and Guns & Roses, “my workout music.” Then it was on to LA Fitness at the Mil-

ford Mall, where he has belonged for 23 years.

His own training would come first: “I do heavy weights. I do body weights. I do calisthenics. I do everything.

“If I don’t work out, I’ll feel like crap. Working out is like my addiction. I’m all natural. No preservatives. I never use anything in my body.”

The next hours are spent with other members. Jones works as a personal trainer.

With his clients, Jones first assesses their capabilities. Then he guides them — and joins them at each step.

“I don’t like to tell my people what to do. I have to do it with them. So I’m basically working out four, five times a day.” “I don’t like personal trainers who tell you what to do and they look like crap themselves. I’ve got to tell you what to do and do it with you,” he said.

Back at home, he’ll sometimes continue the workout with Kyrell. The “military press” — lifting the baby in the air — is Kyrell’s favorite. It also helps dad work on a shoulder injury.

Jones looked back into Kyrell’s eyes.

“When I’m away from this guy,” he said, “I miss him. If I’m away from him a few minutes, I’m missing him.”

PAUL BASS PHOTO

Alders Honor Family Of Firefighter Killed In Highway Crash

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by LAURA GLESBY

A month after a car struck and killed 27-year-old firefighter Thomas Mieles on the I-91 highway, the Board of Alders honored his service to the city with citations issued to the late Fair Havener’s family members.

Thomas Mieles.

That recognition took place Monday night during the latest regular bimonthly meeting of the full Board of Alders.

As more than two dozen family members of Mieles, including his parents and fiancee, walked to the front of the Aldermanic Chamber on the second floor of City Hall, the room full of local legislators and pub-

lic officials stood and clapped.

Mieles, who grew up in New Haven and graduated from Wilbur Cross, has been described as a vivacious and warm-hearted person by those who knew him. He fulfilled a longtime dream of becoming a firefighter less than a year ago, and had served for months protecting his home neighborhood of Fair Haven.

“We’re honored that your son, your brother, your fiance … served as a New Haven firefighter,” said Board of Alders Majority Leader Richard Furlow on Monday night.

“We will miss him along with you,” Fire Chief John Alston said as Furlow handed a folder of official citations to Mieles’ closest relatives.

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

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LAURA GLESBY PHOTO

Fire Chief John Alston addresses the family of Thomas Mieles.

New Haven Independent

Sisters’ Journey December Survivor of the Month: Adassa Cowen

My journey began the year I turned 50 years young. In January 2012 I felt a tiny lump in my left breast. I immediately asked my husband if he could feel it as well, which he did. Although he assured me that it was probably nothing, we both thought it best for me to go check it out. My mammogram had been normal the prior year.

My OB/GYN referred me to her breast surgeon, Dr. Anty Demestihas, who sent me for an ultrasound and a mammogram. The results showed a small cyst, so she suggested a follow up ultrasound and mammogram in six months. At that time, we all thought everything was ok, especially since my family did not have a history of cancer. The follow up showed nothing but the same cyst in the same place. All was well.

Four months later, my life was forever changed when I woke up and my breast was inflamed, swollen and

warm to the touch where the cyst once was. I reached out to Dr. Demestihas, who sent me to St. Vincent’s Hospital immediately for an ultrasound and mammogram. This time I knew something was wrong. After waiting for what seemed like a lifetime, the radiologist said, “You need to follow up with your doctor immediately. We have already notified her and she will schedule a biopsy for you.”

On December 4, 2012 I received the call with the biopsy result. I can remember her exact words: “Adassa, my dear, I don’t have good news for you. You have breast cancer at the 4 and 8 o’clock in your left breast.” I had HER2 negative (stage 3C) aggressive breast cancer and it had spread to my lymph nodes. After the call, my husband held me, and we cried together and prayed. He said, “We will fight this together, you are not going to die.” I told the Lord that I would not worry because if He brought me to this journey, He would take me through it.

The hardest thing for me was telling my three children. My daughter’s and

older son’s cries were heart breaking. My mom’s cry was the most painful.

I had to convince her that I was going to be ok. I was more worried about my youngest son as he was only five years old at the time and my fear was leaving him.

After getting a second oncologist opinion, we decided to go with Dr. Kwok Ming Lo, MD at Stamford Bennett Cancer Center. My treatment consisted of eight weeks of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, eight weeks of radiation, followed by one year of Herceptin treatment. The chemo treatment was especially hard on my body with hair loss, mouth sores, blackening of my nails and complexion, neuropathy in my feet, and body aches, just to name a few. But through it all there was God holding my hand.

Each time I got in the car with my daughter on our way to Stamford for treatment, this song, “My God is Awesome” by Charles Jenkins, would be

playing on the radio. It never failed. It was like God was talking to me. I had a 14-hour DIEP flap double mastectomy surgery and a week later while at home I had a pulmonary embolism and went through a six-hour surgery. The next day I had another pulmonary embolism and had to be rushed back to the operating room. Through it all my daily bread was Psalm 103: 1 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”

I could not have fought and won this battle without my husband Lloyd, who asked every question, prepared every meal, held me up when I was too sick and took me to every doctor’s appointment; my daughter and son, who were there to help their dad take care of me; my parents who came up from New York every weekend; my brothers and sister-in-laws; and my dear sisters in Christ who prayed me through. I am forever grateful. I am now 10 years cancer free. To God be the Glory!

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With Music Flowing, Rehabbed Environmental Center Opens In East Rock Park

Abiba Biao | November 29th, 2022

The lyrics floated over the audience, carried on the most certain of small, stillgrowing voices. Wait a minute, bring it back! Wait a minute, bring it back! belted pint-sized performers Penelope Stewart, Rielynn Johnson, and Laila Hughley. As they formed a half-moon around the mi crophone, the sound filled the room, mak ing it into every nook and cranny that it could find.

Dozens packed the renovated Trow bridge Environmental Center on a recent Sunday afternoon, listening intently as song, instrumental music, prepared re marks and the steady beat of clapping hands filled the room for close to three hours. The event marked the grand open ing for the Monk Youth Jazz & STEAM Collective, which is working with the city to provide art, music, and educational STEAM (science, technology, engineer ing, arts, and math) programming at the center four days a week.

Prior to this month, the Collective did not have a permanent home. Now, its programming at the center includes story time and podcasting on Mondays; sculpt ing on Wednesdays; and dance and gospel on Fridays. More information is available at the bottom of this article and on the Collective’s social media page.

“Please give yourselves a round of ap plause for being here,” said Marcella Monk Flake, a singer and former New Haven Public Schools educator who is now the executive director of Monk Youth Jazz and STEAM Collective. “Let’s do this thing.”

The center’s transformation, one of eight such conversions across the city, has been months in the making. Earlier this year, Mayor Justin Elicker and members of the city’s Youth and Recreation Department (YARD) announced that they would be turning underused park buildings across the city into youth centers.

The other seven centers include the West Rock Nature Center, Coogan Pa vilion, Barnard Nature Center, East Rock Ranger Station, Goffe Street Park Com munity Building, Atwater Senior Center, and the Andrew Salperto Skating Rink in the city’s East Shore neighborhood.

Trowbridge, which sits in College Woods on the Orange Street side of East Rock Park, was a perfect candidate: it was built and opened decades ago, but had since fallen into disrepair. A sad porta potty has sat wistfully outside the shut tered building for years.

Now, fresh coats of bright paint cover the walls, welcoming visitors inside.

For Monk Flake, who has looked for a permanent home for Monk Youth Jazz’ programming for years, it is a dream real ized. At the opening, she praised Elicker and city officials for both rehabbing the space and opening it to the collective, which provides music, arts, and academic education for youth. Currently, she runs programming with her husband, the mu

Since 2011, Monk Youth Jazz & STEAM Collective has jumped around, finding temporary space in school buildings and, during the Covid-19 pandemic, online.

The Trowbridge Environmental Center marks the first time it has had a reliable home. Monk Flake described moving into the space as an act of serendipity.

“There was an open house [at the Envi ronmental Center] a few weeks ago and I shared [with Mayor Justin Elicker] the fact that I needed a place,” she recalled

Sunday with a smile. “‘You know we have all these kids. I can’t do this work here and there. Come on Justin, I need a place!’”

Elicker also spoke before performances started. Looking to the remaining seven environmental centers that have yet to be reopened, he said that these initiatives are designed to promote community togeth erness and empower youth through recre ational and educational activities.

“We particularly emphasize programs that work on family and community and youth and we see a lot of young people around here,” Elicker said. Jokingly, he

added that there was already one small problem with the setup: Monk Flake might need a bigger space for her stu dents. The room responded in laughter and applause.

As musical performances filled the space, attendees got a firsthand look at the kind of work Monk Youth Jazz & STEAM Collective will be doing on a weekly basis. After performing “When Jesus Says Yes,” students Penelope Stew art, Rielynn Johnson, and Laila Hughley all shared their excitement for singing. “Well, it just makes me feel happy some times. Like when I’m sad. I just sing and

I feel better,” said Penelope, a student at Worthington Hooker School.

Penelope and Laila both attended the Collective’s summer program at Davis Street Arts and Academics School, learn ing grammar rules through songs and lyri cal patterns. In addition to singing, both also do dance in the program.

“Last year we learned this really fun game where there are characters that teach you about like, [the] exclama tion point, and then there’s the question mark,” Laila said, referring to Dr. Beryl Irene Bailey’s game of “Pingo.” During the year, she is also a student at Worthing ton Hooker School.

Rielynn, a fourth grader at Davis Street Arts and Academics School, first got into singing at church and said that it makes her “feel like I’m truly me.”

Just moments later, Naima Jahad kept that energy going with Whitney Hous ton’s “Greatest Love of All.” Naima, an eighth grader at Mauro Sheridan Interdis trict Magnet School, said she was nervous performing in front of a large crowd. It didn’t show as she flowed into “The Greatest Love of All,” drawing a thunder ous round of applause and at least one call of “Come on now!” from Monk Flake. After performing, Naima said she first came into Monk Youth Jazz’ program in the summer of 2017, where the collective would hold small performances. Monk Flake nurtured her passion for singing: she noticed Naima’s “good voice” and pushed her out of her comfort zone, Nai ma said. She added that singing helped boost her confidence and encouraged her to be in front of people and introduce her self to others.

“I kind of take, like, what they have, but maybe change it up so I can feel more comfortable with it,” she said.

Naima added that her growth as a singer took two years, during which she built confidence by singing to her cousins and family members. While performing is still sometimes intimidating for her, she finds ways to make music her own by respect ing her boundaries and having a healthy medium between not too many high notes and not too many low notes.

Now, that same trajectory can be true for dozens of students, who find their voice in the Collective’s new home.

The Monk Center will continue to hold weekly programs at the Trowbridge En vironmental Center several days a week. Monday features story time from 4 to 5 p.m. and podcasting from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.. On Wednesdays , there is a sculpt ing class for students nine and older from 4 to 6:15 p.m. Friday includes dance from 4 to 5 p.m. and a gospel choir from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.

Abiba Biao is a graduate of the Arts Council’s Youth Arts Journalism Initia tive and has stayed on with the Arts Paper as a freelance writer and photographer. She is currently a freshman at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU).

Penelope Stewart, Rielynn Johnson, and Laila Hughley. Abiba Biao Photos.

sician Dudley Flake, and a number of fellow educators, musicians, parents, and Collective alumni.

Marcella Monk Flake, executive director of the Monk Youth Jazz & STEAM Collective. Abiba Biao Photos.

New Haveners Hit Doors For Georgia Run-off

by PAUL BASS

A New Haven knock came on many Georgia voters’ doors Tuesday as history hung in the balance.

Darryl Brackeen Jr. and Jayuan Carter made that knock as part of a brigade seeking to turn out the vote for Demo crat Raphael Warnock against Republican challenger Herschel Walker in a run-off election that will determine whether Dem ocrats have 50 or 51 seats in the U.S. Sen ate for the next two years and whether they’ll be able to control committees and pass legislation without needing a vicepresidential tie-breaking vote or conces sions to a single hold-out senator. Turnout is considered crucial in the tooclose-to-call election. New Haven’s UNITE HERE unions and related New Haven Rising organization helped send local campaign veterans like Brackeen, a New Haven alder, and Carter to the front. (UNITE HERE also sent locals down to Georgia to knock on doors and help Warnock and fellow Senate Demo crat Jon Ossoff win their seats in January 2021.)

For the past week, Brackeen has knocked on the doors of Democratic voters in rural,

urban, and suburban stretches of Gwinnett Country, first to help them arrange to vote early, then on Tuesday to make it to the polls on official Election Day. Carter has done the same in the city of McDonough. The pair took a mid-day break to discuss their efforts on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven.”

They were asked how Georgia voters re act to people from Connecticut appearing at their doors about an in-state election.

Brackeen said he’s up front about his hometown and in this case it helps.

“Hey, I’m Darryl Brackeen coming from New Haven, Connecticut,” he said he be gins by saying. “Georgians realize the im pact that they’re having on the rest of the United States of America. We’re all con nected. Every vote counts. ‘Look. I drove down 20 hours down this way to ensure that you are able to vote.’ People are pretty impressed by that.”

Brackeen does play a local card as well: His family has been rooted in Georgia since the 1700s. Family members still live there. So he talks about that, and about the Atlanta Falcons. He wears the shirt of the historically Black fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, to which both he and Warnock be long. And he does run into some fraternity

brothers on some doors.

Carter said he makes the case for how turnout will determine this election: “If Warnock is your guy, you have to un derstand that the [Republican] governor just won a race by 300,000. That opera tion is on the ground for Walker. So ev

ery vote matters. If you can get out there, we can make sure Warnock can remain in that seat” to send “good jobs” and policy changes like cheaper insulin to Georgia. Both men said they have seen concrete results in their work, with arrangements made for numerous voters who might not

have otherwise cast ballots.

Brackeen Tuesday encountered one household in rural Duluth with seven adults eager to vote and no way to get there because of an absence of public tran sit. The campaign arranged rides for all of them. “They were just so ecstatic that someone came to their door.”

Carter spoke of one disabled voter he met Tuesday who hadn’t received an absentee ballot; Carter called his campaign “lead” who arrived with a vehicle big enough to accommodate her wheelchair. (Carter’s two-door wouldn’t do the job.)

Both candidates on the ballot in Georgia Tuesday are Black. Brackeen reported a recurring theme among Black voters he has met: Outrage over the Republican Party’s selection of a Black candidate they consider unfit for the office.

“People are insulted to know that the Republican Party would insult the intel ligence of Black people. That’s been com ing up on the doors constantly,” Brackeen said. “I feel that’s also driving out the vote: Just because someone’s an individu al of color, football player, does not mean that we’re an uneducated voter or a voter that is not informed about our candidates.”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Darryl Brackeen Jr. in Lawrenceville, Jayuan Carter in McDonough Tuesday.

Tree Lighting Shines A Light On Holiday Green

by LISA REISMAN

On a bone-chilling Thursday evening, friends Alex Gonzalez and Ellen Martin danced amid scores of high-spirited rev elers under a perfect half-moon on the New Haven Green the massive, dark, soon-to-be-illuminated Norway Spruce behind them lending the festivities an air of happy anticipation.

“I love seeing everyone out, seeing the small businesses, seeing the kids, espe cially given the last few years,” Gonzalez said of the annual tree lighting, which was hosted by the New Haven Department of Arts, Culture & Tourism. “It’s like a hometown celebration.”

That was the scene Thursday evening downtown as hundreds gathered for the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony. The event featured live music, small business es, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Gonzalez and Martin had been moving to the rhythms of “Let It Snow!” per formed with flair by the New Haven Jazz Underground, led by trumpeter and Tru man School teacher Nick DiMaria.

On the way to the pop-up gift market, a man who gave his first name as Ernesto was hawking twinkling Christmas tree balloons for $10 apiece.

“I don’t know anything, except that I love Christmas,” he said, his breath showing in the air, as a little girl stood to the side, regarding the balloons with great interest.

Outside Anthony Murrell’s pop-up shop, New Haven’s Fadrika Hardy was placing a bar of goat milk soap on top of a bag. It was full to bursting.

“I’m here for the Christmas tree light ing,” she said, as a group huddled around a pyramid flame heater nearby. “I had a cup of cocoa and now I’m shopping for me.”

Murrell, the designer behind local men’s sportwear brand Black Goat Milk Cloth iers, said he got the goat milk soap from a combat veteran in Storrs.

“He was a customer from a few years back, runs a goat farm so he bought a goat sweatshirt, thought it would be cute,” he said. “Then he showed up at another fes tival and handed me a bag of goat milk soap that he manufactured on his farm.”

Mostly, Murrell said, “I upstyle readymade garments and see if the brand and the style resonates with people.” The most popular item: the hoodies embla zoned with a formidable-looking goat.

A few shops down, Linwood Lacy of Woody’s Wings was taking an order for wings, with a side of yams and buffalo mac and cheese.

“We’re feeding the people and that’s al ways a good thing,” said Lacy, who owns the Whalley Avenue establishment with his wife Lachelle.

Not far from the Christmas tree, Garrett Griffin of the group Anti-Racism in Ac tion was handing out “Celebrate Kwan zaa” buttons to passersby.

“Kwanzaa is for everyone and it pro motes unity in our community,” he said, as the high-pitched strains of children singing “We Wish You A Merry Christ mas” filtered from the main stage.

It was the Celentano School Chorus under the direction of David Minnella. Among

the members was 6th grader Meda lyn Martinez.

Her mother Amy Martinez, swathed in a blanket, and father Hector, stood watch ing.

“Very excited and proud,” Hector said.

Past a line for The Best Fried Dough that ranged across Elm Street, a group of kids were deep in concentration, beading bracelets and necklaces under a tent.

“I might wear this to school tomorrow,” said a girl named Londyn.

Back on the stage, Carlos el Lunatico was leading El Grupo Tipico in a spirited rendition of “Feliz Navidad,” the song lighting up faces in the audience.

“Everyone get up and dance,” el Lunatico called out.

Some waved their arms. Others clapped. A mother lifted her child and swayed her in her arms to the music.

In the shadows behind the stage was a booth for Covid PCR Testing. It was quiet.

A woman walked by. “It’s still here, but we have to live,” she said.

Soon, the crowd was assembling around the tree, a 45-foot Norway Spruce do nated by East Haven’s Alma JohnsonSauro in memory of her companion Ron ald Morgan.

At 7:24 p.m., the lights dimmed. The countdown began.

“Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One!” everyone shouted in unison.

“Whoa,” someone exclaimed, as the tree came to life, blanketed with lights, envel oping the Green with holiday spirit.

Gather New Haven Director Steps Down

by NORA GRACE-FLOOD

Two years after stepping into the role of executive director at Gather New Ha ven, Brent Peterkin has resigned leav ing the organization to continue his work of diversifying and growing local environmental engagement and preser vation.

Gather New Haven the merged, non profit entity of New Haven Land Trust and New Haven Farms announced the departure of their first executive director, Brent Peterkin, in their latest newsletter on Nov. 30. The newsletter also celebrated Peterkin’s contributions and laid out some of the organization’s future plans.

Since taking on that first-of-a-kind top role in 2020, Peterkin, who was not available for comment for this story, launched the first annual Gather New Haven Festival which brought commu nity out to Goffe Street Park for yoga,

fresh produce, and starter plants for home gardens. He brought residents into local parks to look for fowl during Black Birders’ Week in another slate of efforts to, as the newsletter put it, “connect un derrepresented groups to the outdoors.”

The organization also acknowledged Peterkin’s work to begin diversifying Gather New Haven’s team and board and achieve grants to support the orga nization’s work in entrepreneurship and environmental education.

Gather New Haven Board President Tyra Pendergrass Boomer stated: “We appreciate Brent’s efforts over the last two and a half years to consolidate our merger, expand our efforts to engage the diverse communities that are the fabric of New Haven, and articulate a vision for Gather New Haven as we endeavor to build connections to nature across our unique programs to enhance community health, wellness, and opportunity. We wish him all the best in his next chap

ter.”

The Board of Directors said that as they plan to search for the next executive di rector, they are also looking towards how to grow community engagement this coming new year. They said they plan to achieve that by developing their Growing Entrepreneurs youth leader ship development program, introduc ing their new Eco-Entrepreneurship Creative Lab in partnership with Next Haven, which will provide funding for urban youth to design products and ser vices that support energy conservation, climate protection and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

“The board is putting in place interim management while we plan a search for our next Executive Director,” the Nov. 30 newsletter reads. “As we formulate our search process, individuals who might have an interest in the position should forward their expression of inter est to edsearch@gathernewhaven.org.”

Brent Peterkin.

LISA REISMAN PHOTO The Celentano School chorus performing at Thursday's annual treelighting ceremony on the Green.

Rayna Walter and Kurt Zimmermann with Garrett Griffin.

MAYA MCFADDEN FILE PHOTO

New Haven Independent

Deion Sanders Leaves JSU Coaching Position for Colorado

By HBCU Editors, HBCUbuzz.com

Football legend Deion Sanders, aka Coach Prime is officially leaving Jack son State University.

After weeks of speculation, it has been confirmed that Sanders is leaving his position as head football coach at JSU and taking his talents to the Uni versity of Colorado.

The announcement of his depar ture came just hours after he led the Jackson State Tigers to victory at the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship on Saturday, defeating Southern University 43-24.

After the big win, Sanders did not at tend the SWAC-sanctioned postgame press conference but instead met with the team at Jackson State to inform them of his decision to accept the offer to be the next head football coach at Colorado.

“It’s not about a bag but it is about an opportunity. … If you dominate your opportunity and you treat people right, the bag is gone always come… I’ve never chased a bag. A bag has al ways chased on me” Sanders told the players.

That same night he boarded his flight to Boulder, and Colorado made the news official.

An Impressive Impact

Coach Prime came to JSU in 2020 in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic with the task of revitalizing the foot ball program.

That he did, compiling a record of 26-5, including going undefeated this season. In 2021, Jackson State won the Southwestern Athletic Conference title for the first time since 2007, de feating every single conference team it played, and claimed another on Sat urday.

WLBT reports Coach Prime’s finan cial impact on the capital city, saying that JSU’s four home games brought in $16.2 million for the city this sea son, up from $7.2 million in 2017.

Sanders has said that coaching the Tigers was a “calling,” and brought national exposure to the program through appearances on shows like ESPN College Gameday and 60 Min utes on CBS.

During his appearance on “60 Min utes” he said that he accepted the offer to coach Jackson State three months after the murder of George Floyd because “a lot of folks sit back with Twitter fingers and talk about what they’re going to do; I wanted to do it.”

He detailed his goal, saying he wanted to “change lives, change the perspective of HBCU football. Make everyone step to the plate and do right by these kids.”

Although his departure comes as a huge disappointment to many JSU fans, some may say that he completed his goal and that he’s leaving the pro gram in better shape than he found it.

While breaking the news to the team, Coach Prime shared that he was aid ing the program in finding its succes sor. He said that he recommends T.C.

A New Journey at Colorado

On Sunday, Sanders held his first news conference as the new football coach at the University of Colorado.

“There were a number of highly qualified and impressive candidates interested in becoming the next head football coach at Colorado, but none of them had the pedigree, the knowl

edge, and the ability to connect with student-athletes like Deion Sand ers,” Colorado athletic director Rick George said in a statement.

“Not only will Coach Prime ener gize our fanbase, I’m confident that he will lead our program back to national prominence while leading a team of high quality and high character.”

– University of Colorado Athletic Di rector Rick George

During Sunday’s news conference Sanders confirmed that he intends to

see Jackson State through the Celebra tion Bowl, which takes place Dec. 17 as they face off against North Carolina Central.

By taking the position to coach the Buffaloes, Sanders will be one of few black coaches at a Power 5 program.

“It’s been four or more African American head coaches that has been terminated [at the FBS level]. I haven’t heard not one like a candidate like my self and to me, that’s a problem” Sand ers told the Jackson State team.

Sanders thanked Colorado Athletic Director Rick George for having the “courage” to replace one Black coach with another one.

“Because there are several African American coaches around the country that were terminated,” Sanders ex plained, “and they were not replaced by an African American coach. But you had the audacity to do such a thing. … I thank you for seeing past the color and the ethnicity, and seeing the man with a plan to bring you back to the place of promise.”

Sanders also indicated that his son Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State’s starting quarterback, will be joining him at Colorado.

During Sunday’s news conference, Deion Sanders pointed toward She deur and said, “This is your quarter back.”

“He’s going to have to earn it, though,” Sanders added.

A sophomore, Shedeur can enter the transfer portal and follow his father to Boulder.

“I just want you to know we’re on the way,” Sanders said. “Not to com pete, but to win. Not to show up, but to show out. Not to be among the rest, but to be the absolute best. We’re com ing to work, not coming to play. We’re coming to kill, not to kick it.”

Mixed Reactions From Fans

Sanders decision to leave Jackson State University, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), for University of Colorado, a Predomi nately White College (PWI), has re ceived mixed reactions from fans on social media.

Some feel as though he fulfilled his goal of helping advocate for HBCUs and should now be able to pursue other opportunities, while others feel as though he used Jackson State as a stepping stone and has sold out by leaving an HBCU for a PWI.

Taylor, who currently serves as JSU’s wide receivers coach. It remains to be seen who will fill Sanders’ shoes.

Black History of Health: Megan Thee Stallion

by Karen Heslop, BlackDoctor.org

Born in 1995, Megan Jovon Ruth Pete was first exposed to rapping when her mother used to take the young girl to the studio with her. Though she expressed an interest in music, Megan didn’t write her first rap until the age of 14. It took another four years for her to show her rapping skills to her mother, but she was advised to wait until the age of 21 to actually embark on a rapping career. megan thee stallion

Still, in 2013, Megan started to upload her freestyle raps to social media. These raps garnered a lot of attention and led to her adopting the name ‘Megan Thee Stallion’ to start her career. In 2016, she released her first single to a lot of acclaim.

After releasing more music, Megan was signed to 1501 Certified Entertainment in 2017. Since then, she has released additional albums that garnered numerous accolades such as Grammy Awards, MTV Music Awards, and BET Music Awards.

Given her persona as an outspoken and sociable person, though, her admission of having an anxiety disorder took many people by surprise. Releasing a song aptly titled ‘Anxiety’, Megan talked about having hard days despite portraying confi-

dence and the importance of getting the help she needed. Later in the year, she went further to launch a mental health website that’s geared towards helping people of color to navigate mental health disorders and access important resources.

What Is An Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that can significantly impact how well you carry out daily activities. Though many people consider anxiety to be like worrying, it’s much worse than that.

Anxiety is characterized by obsessive thoughts, panic, fear, and uneasiness. You can also experience physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweaty hands.

It’s also important to note that anxiety disorders can take different forms. Some types include generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and separation anxiety.

Even if it’s not often discussed, anxiety disorders are relatively common – affecting about 40 million Americans. These disorders are most likely to affect people who have had traumatic experiences, avoid social interactions, have a family

history of mental health conditions, and have certain chronic illnesses like thyroid problems.

How These Disorders Are Diagnosed

There are no specific tests to diagnose anxiety disorders so your doctor would start with a thorough physical examination. The purpose of the examination is to establish that there are no illnesses that are causing anxiety as a symptom.

If there’s an underlying illness, your doctor will develop a medical regimen to treat or manage it. In the absence of an illness, they may refer you to a specialist for a mental health assessment.

After discussing your symptoms and comparing them to the requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the specialist can determine if you have an anxiety disorder.

How Anxiety Disorders Are Treated

Anxiety disorders generally can’t be cured. However, they can be managed through a combination of medication and therapy. While the exact combination of medications can vary, some of the options

include anti-anxiety drugs, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. Additionally, your dosages may change over time as your doctor works on figuring out what works best for you.

Where therapy is concerned, your doctor might recommend a type of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is to give you the skills you need to manage your symptoms and carry out your daily tasks.

One effective part of CBT is known as exposure therapy, in which you’ll slowly encounter situations that cause anxiety until you’re able to handle them. This form of psychotherapy is typically shortterm but can be recommended multiple times during treatment depending on your needs.

Millions of Americans have an anxiety disorder but many of them don’t seek treatment. Unfortunately, this means that they have trouble with their required tasks. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of an anxiety disorder, it’s in your best interest to talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

SPEAKER: LUKE TILLEY is Executive Vice President, Chief Economist and Head of Economics, Asset Allocation & Quantitative Services for Wilmington Trust Investment Advisors (WTIA), a part of the M&T Bank family. A member of WTIA’s Investment Committee, Luke will provide an economic forecast for the upcoming year for Connecticut and the region. Tilley has appeared on CNBC and Fox Business Network.

SPEAKER: JORGE ROBERTS CEO, Avports Learn more about the Tweed New Haven Airport expansion.

‘Fame’ & ‘Flashdance’ Singer & Actress Passes Away at 63

by Christian Carter, BlackDoctor.org

The legendary Oscar, Golden Globe and two-time Grammy-winning singer, actress and dancer Irene Cara, who starred in and sang the title song from the 1980 hit movie Fame and then belted out the era-defining hit “Flashdance … What a Feeling” from the 1983 hit movie Flashdance, has passed away. She was 63.

Her publicist, Judith Moose, is the one who announced the news on Cara’s social media account on Saturday. She said a cause of death was “currently unknown.”

“Irene’s family has requested privacy as they process their grief,” Moose wrote.

“She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.”

“This is the absolute worst part of being a publicist,” Moose prefaced her post.

“I can’t believe I’ve had to write this, let alone release the news. Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I’ll be reading each and every one of them and know she’ll be smiling from Heaven. She adored her fans.”

Born into a working-class Puerto Rican and Cuban family in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City, Cara has been a triple-threat veteran entertainer since she first dazzled audiences at the tender age

of five. One of her earliest TV credits is from multiple episodes of the popular 1970s children’s show The Electric Company. The youngest daughter of a Latin musician, she began her career singing and dancing on Spanish television performing with her fathers’ mambo band.

She went on to be a prominent actress with leading roles in theatre, television and films. Although, as a teenager, she worked as a background vocalist for many famous recording stars, it was during her breakout role in the acclaimed 1980 musical “Fame” that she was signed to be a recording artist in her own right.

Then came the 1983 acclaimed musical film “Flashdance” which became her biggest hit and which garnered her an Academy Award for best original song. This was a pivotal moment in Oscar history being that Miss Cara was the first African American female to win the coveted award since Hattie McDaniel (“Gone

With The Wind – 1939”), the first Hispanic female since Rita Moreno (“West Side Story” – 1961) and the first bi-racial female ever to win in any category predating Halle Berry by nearly twenty years. Ms.Cara is one of the most awarded artist of her generation, winning Grammies both as a vocalist and a songwriter. She won a Golden Globe award as well as a nomination for best supporting actress, a Peoples Choice award, an Obie award as a child for her work in theatre, an Image award as well as countless other industry honors for outstanding actress, singer and composer.

Cara influenced a future generation of artists.

Rocker and actor Lenny Kravitz wrote, “Irene Cara, you inspired me more than you could ever know. Your songwriting and vocals created pure energy that will never cease.”

Broadway conductor and radio host Seth Rudetsky says watching Cara on screen as a kid helped shape his career ambitions.

“Irene Cara represented making it in the arts and gave us so much excitement and hope and enthusiasm to pursue the arts,” he said.

Warnock clenches a victory in Georgia U.S. Senate race

By Catherine Pugh, Special to the Inner-City News courtesy of The Afro

The seesaw race in the Georgia State run-off election for the U.S. Senate handed incumbent Democratic United States Senator Raphael Warnock a victory against former football player and Republican candidate Herschell Walker.

According to information released at 12:54 a.m. on Dec. 7 by the Georgia Board of elections, a total of 3,518,244 voters took part in the run-off election. Warnock had 1,804,189 ballots cast in his favor, compared to Walker’s 1,714,055 votes. The state has 7,008,263 registered voters.

This was Ralph Warnock’s fifth time on the ballot in two years for the Georgia Senate seat. He had won all the past races, but had not gained the majority of the votes, which led to the run-off. This victory gives Senator Warnock a full six year term in the United States Senate.

Republicans had a lot riding on this race. A win for Walker would have put them even with Democrats in the United States Senate, with 50 democrats and 50 Republicans.

Democrats would have still controlled the Senate with Vice President Kamala Harris having the authority to break a tie with vote, a power she has utilized in

the last two years to keep the Democratic agenda moving. Often, Harris has found herself making compromises with Democrats like Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

However, the Warnock victory gives the Democrats a clear majority with Republicans holding only 49 seats in the United States Senate.

In January, because of the election of Warnock to the Senate, Democratic majority leadership can set the make-up of the committees as they choose. What this does is keep democratic legislation from being watered down, compromised, or denied a vote by the full Senate.

Importantly, for President Biden the victory of Warnock gives him the flexibility to nominate whoever he wants to fill the nine federal appeals-court vacancies and six dozen federal district court vacancies.

It also allows for the confirmation of other positions to be filled by the administration.

The election of Warnock also gives power to the Democrats to issue subpoena’s without support from Republicans.

The victory of Warnock in Georgia further signals a change in the demographics and a rise in the Black, Latino and Asian populations. The win lends Democrats more hope in swinging Georgia in future elections in the democratic column.

Some Republicans are pulling away

from former President Trump and looking for new leadership of the party, while others are doubling down on their support of his rhetoric.

Collectively, $401 million was spent on the Georgia Senate campaign, making it one of the most expensive races in history. When the polls closed, Senator Raphael Warnock held a less than .2 percent lead over his opponent Herschell Walker. In less than five minutes the lead switched giving Walker the lead and then flipped again in two more minutes, putting Senator Raphael Warnock back on top. That was the story for the next few hours with political pundits trying to predict the outcome of the race.

It was 10:30 p.m. when major television networks like CNN declared Senator Raphael Warnock the winner of the highly contested race.

It was 11 p.m. when Walker gave his concession speech and nearly 11:15 p.m. when Senator Raphael Warnock gave his victory speech, which was live streamed from his official social media accounts.

“Against unspeakable odds, here we stand together,” proclaimed Senator Raphael Warnock. As he ended his One More Time Tour and campaign, Warnock thanked God, his mother, his family, and Georgia residents for his victory.

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Helping older adults and people with disabilities live wherever and however they want!

United States Senator Raphael Warnock a victory against former football player and Republican candidate Herschell Walker.

Racist Sentenced to Life in Prison for Buffalo Mass Killing of African Americans

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

A white man who traveled to a Buffalo grocery store in May and killed 10 Af rican Americans, including Black Press writer Katherine Massey, pled guilty to 25 criminal counts on Monday and will spend the rest of his life in prison.

A grand jury previously indicted Payton Gendron, 19, on domestic terrorism, firstdegree murder, attempted murder, hate crimes, and weapons possession.

A single domestic terrorism motivated by hate charge carries an automatic life sentence upon conviction.

Prosecutors said Gendron acknowledged that he committed the heinous crimes “for the future of the white race.”

A lawyer for the victims indicated relief that the state’s case didn’t go to trial.

“It avoids a lengthy trial that they be lieve would be very difficult for the fami lies,” said Terrence Connors, an attorney representing the victims’ families.

“I think it was pretty clear they had no real defense.”

The self-described white supremacist, Gendron, previously pled not guilty to federal hate crime charges. Federal law allows for the death penalty in those cases.

He still faces 27 federal counts, includ ing ten counts of hate crimes resulting in deaths, three counts of hate crimes in volving an attempt to kill, and 13 counts of using, carrying, or discharging a fire arm related to a hate crime.

Prosecutors said Gendron possessed a 180-page manifesto that revealed trou bling perceptions the self-avowed white

supremacist had. He complained of the dwindling size of the white population and included his fears of ethnic and cultural replacement of white people.

Gendron described himself as a fascist, a white supremacist, and an anti-Semite.

His live-streamed shooting spree has left at least ten dead and several more wounded.

Unlike the many unarmed Black peo ple killed during encounters with law enforcement, the white racist is alive to plead not guilty in court.

“While past violent white supremacist attacks seem to have factored into this heinous act, we must acknowledge that extremist rhetoric espoused by some me dia and political leaders on the right pro moting theories that vilify or dehumanize segments of our society like ‘the great re placement theory’ is a factor too,” wrote U.S. House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson in an earlier statement.

Council on American-Islamic Rela tions (CAIR) National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell added that the organization condemns the white su premacist terrorist attack targeting Black men and women in Buffalo and the racist

rhetoric that has sparked such violence.

“The constant repetition of white su premacist conspiracy theories on social media and even mainstream media out lets has led to horrific violence in places as distant as Christchurch, El Paso, Oslo, and Charleston,” Mitchell asserted earlier.

“Those who promote racism, white supremacy, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of bigotry must be held accountable for the violence they inspire.”

Mitchell added that CAIR has often spo ken against those who promote the “great replacement” and other racist conspiracy theories.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown told Na

tional Newspaper Publishers Associa tion’s live daily morning show, Let It Be Known, that Gendron surveilled both the community and the grocery store as part of the attack’s planning.

Brown said the teen surveilled the area for several days and targeted a busy place in an area predominantly populated by Black people.

Gendron’s manifesto noted, “Zip code 14208 in Buffalo has the highest Black percentage that is close enough to where I live.”

According to the U.S. Census, the zip code is 78 percent Black and among the top 2 percent of zip codes nationwide with the highest percentage of the Black population. In addition, it has the highest rate of the Black population of any zip code in upstate New York.

“Well, this manifesto tells everything to us. And that is what’s so bone-chilling about it is that there is the ability for peo ple to write and subscribe to such philos ophies filled with hate,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said after the shootings.

“The white supremacist acts of terrorism that are being fermented on social media and to know that what this one individual did has been shared with the rest of the world as well as the live-streaming of this military-style execution that occurred in the streets of my hometown.”

Massey, one of Gendron’s victims, spent her life trying to clean up and help her community. While she retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Massey, 72, re mained active in her community as the Cherry Street block club president and as a columnist for the Buffalo Challenger, an NNPA member newspaper.

“She was the greatest person you will ever meet in your life,” her nephew, De metrius Massey, told reporters.

Will Smith Returns in Apple Original Films’ Drama “Emancipation”

Staff Editor | Atlanta Daily World

Apple Original Films’ “Eman cipation,” directed and execu tive produced by Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day,” “The Equal izer”) and starring and produced by Will Smith (“King Richard,” “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “Ali”), will premiere in theaters on December 2, 2022, and glob ally on Apple TV+ on Friday, De cember 9, 2022.

“Emancipation” tells the trium phant story of Peter (Smith), a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith and deep love for his fam

ily to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for free dom. The film is inspired by the 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” taken during a Union Army medi cal examination, that first ap peared in Harper’s Weekly. One image, known as “The Scourged Back,” which shows Peter’s bare back mutilated by a whipping de livered by his enslavers, ultimate ly contributed to growing public opposition to slavery.

The post Will Smith Returns in Apple Original Films’ Drama “Emancipation” appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

NOTICE

Project Information Session for:

Building Maintainer

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

808 and 848 Chapel Street New Haven, CT New Construction of 2 Buildings, 166 Units

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Request for Proposals

$25.37 hourly (40 hrs weekly)

Information session for interested subcontractors will be held at: 824 Chapel St, NH (front entrance/1st floor): Thursday, December 8, 2022 5pm to 6pm.

Opportunity to review plans, specifications and bidding information with the Project Team. We are working wit the Small Contractor Development Program with the City of New Haven. If you are unable to attend the meeting please contact: Dawn @ 203-888-8124 or email at dlang@haynesct.com

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

Pursuant to Teamsters Collective Bargaining Unit This position has a 9-step hourly range ($25.37 to $28.54)

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

Consultant with Project Rental Assistance Contract (PRAC) Experience for the Redevelopment of 34 Level Street

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for a consultant with PRAC experience for the redevelopment of 34 Level Street. A complete copy of the require ment may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://ne whavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

beginning on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 3:00PM.

NOTICIA

Bids are due December 22, 2022 @ 3pm to dlang@haynesct.com

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

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

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

Urban Designer/Community Planner

FHI Studio is seeking an Urban Designer or Community Planner for our Community Planning team. As a Designer/Planner, you are vital to advancing plans that are devel oped through creative designs and are implementable and supported by strong engage ment with residents, stakeholders, and visitors. The candidate must be proficient with MS Office, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, SketchUp, and Google Analyt ics and have experience working in GIS or community-based mapping tools. The abil ity to communicate effectively in a second language is a plus (Spanish preferably). Ad ditionally, the candidate must possess excellent oral and written communication skills. A bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, or related field with a minimum of 2 years of experience is required. Salary ranges from $62,400 to $93,600 yearly, commensurate with level of experience. Please apply at https://fhistudio.isolvedhire. com/jobs/ or send a cover letter and resume to Bonnie Torres, 416 Asylum Street, Hart ford, CT 06103. FHI Studio is an EEO/AA /VEV/Disabled employer.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Norwalk, CT. is currently seeking bids from qualified electrical companies for Electrical Service Lateral Replacement at Leroy Downs Apartments, 26 Monroe Street, Norwalk, CT 06854 Copies of bidding documents including plans & specifications can be purchased starting 11/30/2022 from Technical Reproductions Inc., 326 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Bid proposal are due at 2:00 PM on 12/20/2022

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

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

The Norwalk Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Adam D. Bovilsky, Executive Director

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

Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport (HACB) d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is seeking proposals from

and owners of New Construction, substantial rehabilitation

or existing units that desire to enter into an Agreement for a Housing Assistance Payment (AHAP) Contract for Project Base Vouchers (PBVs) for Contract Units under PCC’s Project Based Voucher Program. Under this Request for Proposals, PCC will make available PBVs for units that will house extremely low and very low income households. A complete set of RFP documents can be obtained on October 24, 2022, by emailing your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org. Proposals shall be mailed, or hand delivered to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement,150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604. This RFP will remain Open until Completion of PBV.

households. A complete set of RFP documents can be obtained on October 24, 2022, by emailing your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org. Proposals shall be mailed, or hand delivered to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement,150 Highland Ave, Bridge port, CT 06604. This RFP will remain Open until Completion of PBV.

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Construction

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

Contact: Tom Dunay Phone: 860- 243-2300 Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

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) 6211720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

Request for Proposals (RFP) for Services

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management, is seeking proposals to provide certain services related to a Community Engage ment Training Program.

0

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

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

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

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

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

The intent of the request is to identify individuals or firms with the neces sary expertise to provide administration of the Community Engagement Training Program within a stated timeframe.

The RFP is available online at: https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/ BidBoard and https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Root/RFP/Request-ForProposals or from Emily Burnett, Office of Policy and Management, Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division, 450 Capitol Ave., MS#52C JP, Hartford, Connecticut 06106-1379. E-mail: Emily.Burnett@ct.gov Telephone (860) 418-6365. Deadline for response submission is 5:00 P.M., December 1, 2022.

NOTICIA

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Large CT Fence Company looking for an individual for our PVC Fence Production Shop. Experience preferred but will train the right person. Must be familiar with carpentry hand & power tools and be able to read a CAD drawing and tape measure. Use of CNC Router machine a plus but not required, will train the right person. This is an in-shop production position. Duties include building fence panels, posts, gates and more. Must have a valid CT driver’s license & be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com. AA/EOE-MF

THE

GLENDOWER

GROUP, INC.

Request for Qualifications

Union Company seeks:

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

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

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Construction

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

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

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

IQC Architectural Services

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for IQC Architectural Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 3:00PM.

Control Room

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Operations/Dispatching

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Grant Administration Lead Planning Analyst position.

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at:

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units) Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= 221121&R2=0007AR&R3=001

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

The Town of Wallingford Electric Division is seeking qualified candidates for the position of System Operator/Dispatcher for a municipal electric utility serving 25,000 customers. Coordinates electric system switching and places equipment in and out of service during routine and emergency operations. Requires HS diploma/GED with 2 years experience in the operation of Distribution SCADA equipment and/or switchboards used in the distribution of electricity or other qualifying experience in a related field. Experience and training may be substituted on a year for year basis. Must maintain valid system operation certification from Connecticut Valley Exchange (CONVEX) or other approved agency or be able to obtain the same within 90 days of hire. Must posses and maintain a valid State of CT Driver’s License. $34.63 - $41.15 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefits package to include a defined benefit pension plan. Apply to: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Application materials can be emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov. Application forms will be mailed upon request by calling the Department of Human Resources, (203) 294-2080 or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date will be December 29, 2022. EOE.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

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

INVITATION TO BID:

Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER

LaRosa Building Group invites all trade contractors to bid on the McConaughy Terrace project in New Haven, CT consisting of the renovation of an existing apartment buildings and new construction of 26 new apartments. A prebid meeting will be held on December 08, 2022 at 2pm at 122 Wilmot Rd, New Haven, CT. This project is residential prevailing rate and is subject to CHRO Set Aside requirements. Trade contractor bids are due to LaRosa no later than 3PM Thursday, January 5, 2023. Bids are to be emailed to Vincent Parete at vparete@larosabg.com. Plans and specifications are available electronically by contacting Vince by email or phone 203-235-1770. LaRosa Building Group is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Small, Minority, Women, Disabled, and Section 3 Businesses are strongly encouraged to bid.

Control Room Operations/Dispatching

NOTICE

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Invitation for Bid (IFB)

PT Barnum Windows Replacement Solicitation Number: 226-MD-22-S

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

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

The Town of Wallingford Electric Division is seeking qualified candidates for the position of System Operator/Dispatcher for a municipal electric utility serving 25,000 customers. Coordinates electric system switching and places equipment in and out of service during routine and emergency operations. Requires HS diploma/GED with 2 years experience in the operation of Distribution SCADA equipment and/or switchboards used in the distribution of electricity or other qualifying experience in a related field. Experience and training may be substituted on a year for year basis. Must maintain valid system operation certification from Connecticut Valley Exchange (CONVEX) or other approved agency or be able to obtain the same within 90 days of hire. Must posses and maintain a valid State of CT Driver’s License. $34.63 - $41.15 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefits package to include a defined benefit pension plan. Apply to: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Application materials can be emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov. Application forms will be mailed upon request by calling the Department of Human Resources, (203) 294-2080 or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date will be December 29, 2022. EOE.

NOTICIA

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Grant Administration Lead Planning Analyst position.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is requesting sealed bids for Windows Replacement at PT Barnum Apartments. Solicitation package will be available on November 14, 2022. To obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A pre-bid conference will be held at 96 Bird Street, Bridgeport, CT 06605 on December 1, 2022 @ 11:00 a.m. Attendance is mandatory, submitting a bid for the project without attending conference will be REJECTED. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@ parkcitycommunities.org no later than December 8, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. Seal bids will be received until December 20, 2022 @ 2:00 p.m. at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at:

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT MANAGER

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

https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= 221121&R2=0007AR&R3=001

360 Management Group, Co. is currently seeking bids for agency wide roofing repairs/replacement. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from 360 Management Group’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Monday, October 24, 2022 at 3:00PM.

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

FHI Studio is seeking a full-time Community Engagement Project Manager to join our team. As a Project Manager, you are vital to managing project teams, project budgets, schedules, workflows, and responsible for high quality project deliverables. Strong candidates have strong organizational and planning skills and have experience in developing and implementing engagement strategies. Our ideal candidate preferably has experience with a variety of stakeholders and presenting public presentations. A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, event organizing, public relations, or related field with a minimum of 8 years of experience is required. Salary ranges from $93,600 to $145,600 yearly, commensurate with level of experience. Please apply at https:// fhistudio.isolvedhire.com/jobs/ or send a cover letter and resume to Bonnie Torres, 416 Asylum Street, Hartford, CT 06103. FHI Studio is an EEO/AA /VEV/Disabled employer. For more information, visit fhistudio.com.

B

HAVEN 242-258 Fairmont Ave 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

Full Time Class B driver for a fast paced petroleum company for days and weekends. Previous experience required. Competitive wage, 401(k) and benefits. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@eastriverenergy.com

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

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

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

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

Rd. Ext. Stratford, CT 06615

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Invitation for Bid (IFB)

PT Barnum Roofs Replacement Solicitation Number: 225-MD-22-S

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is requesting sealed bids for Roofs Replacement at PT Barnum Apartments. Solicitation package will be available on November 14, 2022. To obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A prebid conference will be held at 96 Bird Street, Bridgeport, CT 06605 on December 1, 2022 @ 10:00 a.m. Attendance is mandatory, submitting a bid for the project without attending conference will be REJECTED. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no later than December 8, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. Seal bids will be received until December 19, 2022 @ 2:00 p.m. at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

FILM: Top 10 Must-See Black documentaries

By The Houston Defender | Word in Black

The AFRO’s October Special Edi tion is all about the roots of our cul ture, our family lineage and the return to old ways and traditions. Below you will find a list of documentaries, based on the roots of African Ameri can culture, compiled by our Word in Black partner, The Houston De fender. From I Am Not Your Negro to High on the Hog, each film offers up the origin stories of our most im portant activists, artists, athletes and traditions.

#10: Attica (2021)

In September 1971, Attica Prison be came the location of one of the larg est prison riots in US history, taking place just weeks after revolutionary activist George Jackson was mur dered by prison guards at Rikers Is land, an act that initiated the birth of Black August and the prison reform movement. The constant abject cruel ty and inhumane treatment doled out to the incarcerated (who were over whelmingly Black and Latinx) by Attica guards (all White) created the context. The riot itself, and its after math, are something all human beings should be required to reckon with.

#9: Quincy (2018)

If you’re Black, it literally doesn’t matter when you were born, what generation you’re a part of, or where you’re from. You’ve been impacted by the genius of Quincy Jones. We’ve all been influenced by the genius of Quincy Jones. The music he made, the albums he produced, the artists he developed, the movies he scored, and about a gazillion other things Jones did, means, as I’ve already said, if you’re Black, Quincy has had a hand in your life. Don’t believe me. What Black person do you know who isn’t a Michael Jackson fan, who hasn’t seen The Wiz, or who doesn’t have a fami ly member who worships jazz music?

Quincy Jones had his hand in all that and so much more. Directed by one of his daughters, actress Rashida Jones, this doc is most definitely a must see.

#8: Four Little Girls (1997)

On Sept. 15, 1963, just 18 short days after the much-celebrated March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the 16th Street Baptist Church in Bir mingham, Ala., was bombed by four members of a Ku Klux Klan-affiliat ed racist group. Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley, four African American girls between the ages of 11 and 14 who had been attending the church’s Sunday school, were killed in the blast, an act of White domes tic terrorism that served as a horrific and sober reminder that Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech was not enough to end the hold the myth of White supremacy had on so many. Director Spike Lee tells this power fully compelling and important story as only he can.

#7: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke (2019)

For generations that came after the Baby Boomers, it’s hard for us to fully fathom how big a star Sam Cooke was. Think of the biggest singer of any generation. That was Sam Cooke in his heyday. And not only was he hyper-talented, but not only did he call some of the biggest

names in Black history his personal friends (Muhammad Ali and Mal colm X just to name a few), Cooke was a man of the people. And he was heavily invested in the Civil Rights Movement and an advocate for Black self-determination and Black owner ship. Cooke even pulled a “Prince” long before Prince—gaining owner ship of his own music, something that was as rare then as it is today. This documentary chronicles Cooke’s life, rise to fame, and eventual end, though his influence never died.

#6: Thunder Soul (2010)

Here’s a hometown entry. Thun der Soul spotlights the extraordinary alumni from Houston’s storied Kash mere High School Stage Band which the iconic Conrad Johnson led. These alums return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for the 92-yearold ‘Prof’, their beloved band leader who transformed the schools strug gling jazz band into a world-class funk powerhouse in the early 1970s. This one will have you out of your seat and dancing in the streets. Check it out.

#5: Who We Are: A Chronicle of

Racism in America (2021)

In this documentary, criminal de fense/civil rights lawyer Jeffery Rob inson “draws a stark timeline of antiBlack racism in the United States, from slavery to the modern myth of a post-racial America.” It’s that simple, and yet that complex. And it goes without saying; it’s a must see.

#4: Jeen-Yuhs (2022)

No matter where you score on the Love Ye / Hate Ye scale, this 2022 documentary about his rise to su perstardom is beyond compelling. I mean, who thinks to chronicle their every move from the moment they start pursuing their dream until they either give up on it or see it to frui tion and beyond? Who does that? No one but this negro Kanye. He may be the only human being with an ego big enough to conceive of such a project. And believe me, the scope and scale of this documentary match that gal axy-sized self-obsession brahman has that make him both insanely talented and just plain insane at the same time.

#3: I Am Not Your Negro (2016)

This documentary by Raoul Peck, director of Exterminate All the Brutes (2021) which made the first list of must-see documentaries, introduced the brilliance and unabashed Black of James Baldwin to a whole new gener ation. Described as a work that imag ines the completion of Baldwin’s un finished manuscript, Remember This House (about Baldwin’s personal re flections on and recollections of three of his personal friends who were killed during the Civil Rights and Black Power movements—Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Rev. Dr. Mar tin Luther King Jr.), I Am Not Your Negro is about so much more.

#2: The Last Dance (2020)

You don’t have to be a basketball fan to get caught up in the chronicling of the last run at an NBA championship by the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls who had been told before the season began that the team would be broken up. The doc not only takes you on that 1996 Bulls’ champion ship ride, but it also digs deep into the past of players, coaches, and family members, spotlighting triumphs and tragedies that are part of the human story, not just the story of profession al athletes.

#1: High on the Hog

How African American Cuisine Transformed America (2021)

If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for anything that celebrates our history, especially those things that connect us to our African roots and our Pan-African family. This documentary does all that and more. Because the main character is food. Our food. The stuff we grew up on. The meals many of us are eating right now, and never stopped eating since our youth. This beautifully filmed, beautifully narrated piece of art is full of both the familiar and the for eign; or rather, things we’ve come to believe are foreign to us, but are re ally part of our story and our heritage. And the okra on top? High on the Hog has a powerful H-Town connection. A few, in fact.

This list of documentaries based on the roots of African American culture was compiled by Word In Black. This article originally appeared in The Afro.

Ellington Jazz Series

George Coleman

16 | 7:30 p.m. | Morse Recital Hall A performance by “one of the most fluent and inventive tenor saxophonists around” (The Observer, London), an artist whose career has featured collaborations with Betty Carter, Miles Davis, Lionel Hampton, B.B. King, and Max Roach. Tickets from $23, Students $10 | music-tickets.yale.edu

Put

your heart to work. A job with the State of Connecticut is a way to put your compassion into action. We have open roles in healthcare and direct support, with great benefits and opportunities to grow your career. If you’ve got the heart for it, join us. Apply today at ct.gov/ctstatejobs

Lee Rubin, MD

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