INNER-CITY NEWS

On the “Other Side of Prospect,” Hope

by ALLAN APPEL

A young African American musician named Ibn Orator wanted to know if Black and white people, who have such starkly different common memories the one of slavery and incarceration and the other a rosier patriotic version of the American past can ever develop a memory broad, shared, and potent enough to be the basis to solve our country’s seemingly intractable problems.

An answer, well, a partial answer to that profound question came during a Friday night book talk from Nicholas Dawidoff, the white, New Haven-born prize-winning author of the recently published The Other Side of Prospect: A Story of Violence, Injustice, and The American City.

The answer was: “Yes, for all our enduring troubles, this is a country where historically change has happened. “

That sober but ultimately optimistic exchange unfolded at the Neighborhood Music School (NMS) before an audience of 40 people as Dawidoff was interviewed by fellow journalist and New Havener, Emily Bazelon.

The gathering – the first large public event at the anchoring Audubon Street cultural institution since the onset of the pandemic was part of Dawidoff’s local tour promoting, through the book, greater understanding of the post-industrial poverty, systemic injustice, gun culture, and the day-to-day grinding hopelessness that drives young men to violence, and to become its victims as well.

Dawidoff’s deeply researched and passionately personal narrative features how a young, scared, impressionable 16-yearold Newhallvillian Bobby Johnson was framed for murder by the police; how he was jailed for nearly 10 years, and when

finally freed, in 2016, was left to struggle without sufficient supports to reorient, to thrive, and to prosper.

Although Dawidoff’s story unfolds in Newhallville – the other side of Prospect Street from the East Rock where Dawidoff himself grew up – it is a thoroughly American story, Dawidoff said on Friday night, playing out unrelentingly in Baltimore, Trenton, and dozens of other post-industrial American cities.

The book talk was preceded by a concert featuring Jesse Hameen, longtime local jazz musician and NMS teacher, who grew up in Newhallville playing in such legendary music venues as the Monterey Club.

Halfway through the talk it was Hameen who, in a sense, challenged the bleak portrait Dawidoff’s book presents and elicited the author’s guarded optimism about things to come.

In answer to a question by Bazelon as to the origins of street violence, Dawidoff replied: “Street violence exists on a continuum of hopelessness. If people give up on other people, it is part of a long chain of building hopelessness.”

“In the 1940s and 50s,” Hameen averred, “there were zero teenage murders. Yes, Black community people fought, but there was a code. People hear about the murders [and conclude], that’s life in the commu-

nity, but it’s not. The majority of AfricanAmericans are good. Only a small number are bad.”

“You said the truth,” Dawidoff replied. “One of the great ironies is that when the gun factories were there, there were no guns! It was the joblessness. It is also completely true that violence is like a shark attack. It takes one, a tiny number [of people] are involved, but it doesn’t take much for the whole community to be affected. The same with police violence and mistreatment.”

And solutions offered?

Dawidoff called out and read sections from his book of the many people of good

will in the city and described in his book – who fought on behalf of people like Bobby, from the street outreach workers to Bobby’s dedicated attorney Ken Rosenthal, “but the problems are too big for individuals” alone to solve, he said.

“It requires institutional effort and leverage.”

Including from Yale University.

“New Haven is famous for having so many nonprofits and many from Yale do generous things,” but the general attitude of Yale is mistaken in that vision is limited to providing an education for its students, he said.

“There are enormous problems in their backyard. Why, for example,” he posited, as an example of what more could be done, doesn’t Yale have“an institute for post-industrial studies?”

Dawidoff also gave shout outs to places like NMS and the new bookstore and community reading room in the Edgewood neighborhood – Possible Futures, which was the group selling his books at the NMS lobby as places where people from all the city’s communities can meet and genuinely listen to each other.

“One of the things that gives me optimism is that there are many people of good will. What gives me optimism for my kids is that this country is one where change has happened across my own lifetime.”

Ibn Orator, the production fellow at NMS, who had asked Dawidoff the question about the creation of enough common memory to move forward, said he was satisfied with the author’s answer.

“He recognizes how difficult it is, what we all yearn for, a small pebble in a giant ocean, and it’s sometimes barely noticeable, but it’s there. I thought his answer was heartfelt.”

Gather New Haven Director Steps Down

by NORA GRACE-FLOOD

Two years after stepping into the role of executive director at Gather New Haven, Brent Peterkin has resigned leaving the organization to continue his work of diversifying and growing local environmental engagement and preservation.

Gather New Haven the merged, nonprofit 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 community 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 underrepresented 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 organization’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 chapter.”

MAYA MCFADDEN FILE PHOTO Brent Peterkin.

The Board of Directors said that as they plan to search for the next executive director, 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 leadership development program, introducing their new Eco-Entrepreneurship Creative Lab in partnership with Next Haven, which will provide funding for urban youth to design products and services 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 interest to edsearch@ gathernewhaven.org.”

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO

Neighborhood Music School Director Noah Bloom and NMS Production Fellow Ibn Orator Friday.

New Haven Independent

New Haven Independent

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 microphone, the sound filled the room, making it into every nook and cranny that it could find.

Dozens packed the renovated Trowbridge Environmental Center on a recent Sunday afternoon, listening intently as song, instrumental music, prepared remarks and the steady beat of clapping hands filled the room for close to three hours. The event marked the grand opening for the Monk Youth Jazz & STEAM Collective, which is working with the city to provide art, music, and educational STEAM (science, technology, engineering, 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; sculpting 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 applause 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 Pavilion, Barnard Nature Center, East Rock Ranger Station, Goffe Street Park Community 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 shuttered 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 realized. 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 Environmental 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 togetherness and empower youth through recreational 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 students. 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 Stewart, Rielynn Johnson, and Laila Hughley all shared their excitement for singing. “Well, it just makes me feel happy sometimes. 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, learning grammar rules through songs and lyrical 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] exclamation 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 Worthington 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 Houston’s “Greatest Love of All.” Naima, an eighth grader at Mauro Sheridan Interdistrict 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 thunderous 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, Naima said. She added that singing helped boost her confidence and encouraged her to be in front of people and introduce herself 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 respecting 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 Environmental 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 sculpting 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 Initiative 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.

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.

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO

Fire Chief John Alston addresses the family of Thomas Mieles.

New Haven Independent

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 Democrat Raphael Warnock against Republican challenger Herschel Walker in a run-off election that will determine whether Democrats have 50 or 51 seats in the U.S. Senate 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 concessions 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 Democrat 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 react 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 begins by saying. “Georgians realize the impact that they’re having on the rest of the United States of America. We’re all connected. 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 belong. 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 understand that the [Republican] governor just won a race by 300,000. That operation 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

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 transit. 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 intelligence of Black people. That’s been coming up on the doors constantly,” Brackeen said. “I feel that’s also driving out the vote: Just because someone’s an individual 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.

have otherwise cast ballots.

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 holiday 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 Christmas” 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 Department.

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 table 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 lighting ceremony and gift distribution program in the Hill. In 2015, employees of the Women’s Health Services at YNHH began volunteering their time and donating 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 Delerme’s sentiment: “We delivered a lot of these families, and it’s so cool that now

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

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, driving the fire truck. Parents took out their phones to capture the look on their children’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 collaboration among the varying city departments 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 family 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 beyond 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 began to line up to pose with Santa and receive 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 Santa their Christmas wishes. After posing for a photo, with smiles ranging from shy to reluctant to beaming, the nurses handed 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 something,” 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.”

New Haven Independent

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.”

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

Mustafa Abdul-Salaam

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 revelers 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, especially 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 businesses, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Gonzalez and Martin had been moving to the rhythms of “Let It Snow!” performed with flair by the New Haven Jazz Underground, led by trumpeter and Truman 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 lighting,” 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 Clothiers, 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 festival 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 emblazoned 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 always 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 Action was handing out “Celebrate Kwanzaa” buttons to passersby.

“Kwanzaa is for everyone and it promotes unity in our community,” he said, as the high-pitched strains of children

singing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” filtered from the main stage.

It was the Celentano School Chorus under the direction of David Minnella. Among the members was 6th grader Medalyn Martinez.

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

“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 donated by East Haven’s Alma JohnsonSauro in memory of her companion Ronald 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, enveloping the Green with holiday spirit.

“Chalk ‘N Choc” Brings Climate Talk To City Hall

by ABIBA BIAO

Climate change, human rights, holiday treats, and sidewalk art intersected outside City Hall as environmental activists sought to heat up the public conversation around a warming planet and what to do about it.

That was the scene on Church Street Friday afternoon at the New Haven Climate Movement-hosted “Chalk ‘n Choc.”

Participants chalked environmental messages on the sidewalk outside of City Hall, snacked on cookies and hot beverages, and fitting for the event’s falling right before Human Rights Day – talked about the social, political, and moral obligations of taking action to mitigate climate change.

Friday’s speakers and presentations focused on NHCM’s “50% Fossil Free by 2023” campaign. This campaign calls for individuals, corporations, and city governments to commit to reducing their carbon emissions by 50 percent through an online pledge.

“We want to have something that was a more tangible goal for people to commit to in recent years,” said Sophia Rivkin, a NHCM Youth Action Team member and junior at Co-op High School. “And since this is December, we’re in the final month of 2022. We want to have a big push towards this campaign.”

The actions of NCHM have gained recent traction over the past few years as the Elicker Administration and the Board of Alders has created a climate change task force and allocated $5 million in federal pandemic-relief ad towards “climate emergency” initiatives. The city’s Board of Education also recently adopted a climate emergency resolution, and, on Friday, Steve Winter announced that he has resigned as Newhallville/Prospect Hill alder in order to become the city’s first-ever executive director of climate and sustain-

ability.

ESUMS juniors, Leah Mock, 15 and Tenzin Youdon, 16, showed up to Friday’s event as members of NHCM’s climate education subcommittee. They described their work as focusing on ways that interdisciplinary climate education can be integrated into the New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) district and enhance the K-12 climate curriculum. The curriculum focuses on climate literacy and eco-friendly actions, and highlights environmental racism and the disproportionate effects cli-

mate change has on minority populations.

Mock described that work as focusing on “parts of the curriculum that are already existing, but having those activities be more focused specifically on energy efficiency.”

The challenge is to make sure these changes are implemented seamlessly and don’t disrupt the day to day operations of schooling, she said, so as not to incur any pushback from public school staff and educators.

“So we’re going through like the NGSS standards for Connecticut, New Haven and then from there we kind of just like breaking down part by part like where we can fit in small climate education activities,” Youdon said.

They hope to make climate education standardized in schools and make the topic accessible to everyone.

Lila Kleppner, a 17-year-old senior at Wilbur Cross High School, read on Friday an excerpt from a speech that UN Secretary General António Guterres delivered at the 2022 UN diversity conference. “With our bottomless appetite for unchecked and unequal economic growth, humanity has become a weapon of mass extinction,” she read.

Kleppner added: “We are treating nature like a toilet and ultimately we are committing suicide by proxy, because the loss of nature and biodiversity comes with a steep

human cost, a cost we measure and lost jobs, hunger, disease and death.”

Co-president of the Yale Student Environmental Coalition and Yale junior Sebestian Duque also spoke on Friday. Born in Colombia and raised in Miami, he recounted his experience working with Dejusticia, an environmental human rights group based in Colombia.

One of Dejusticia’s initiatives is to stop the Colombian government from perpetuating the deforestation of the Amazon. In litigation filed by that group, Dejustica and 25 young people who have signed on to the lawsuit have cited the right to a healthy environment as a legal right.

“This is kind of like a lesson that we can take away that this is an avenue that we can pursue in the future, and we have to force and we have to fight so that the United States government recognizes these rights, which have been already recognized by international bodies such as the Inter-American Human Rights Commission,” Duque said.

Duque criticized Yale and the U.S. government for violating his and his peers’ human rights through continued investment in fossil fuels.

“And so I just want to take a moment to kind of recognize all of that, and call on us to continue our fight for rights,” he said, leaving the audience on an upbeat and inspirational note.

NHCM Youth Action Team.

New Haven Independent

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

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Wábi Artists Make Waves On Orange Street

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

From far away, Ruby Gonzalez Hernandez’ “A Myth In My Heart, A Stake In Your Hand” is a trick mirror, changing every few moments as a viewer moves toward it. One step down the hallway, and it’s a hawk facing towards the ground, plumage thick and its head nowhere in sight. Another, and a carpet of leaves appears underfoot, birch and oak trees rising above them. A third, and the filigreed edges of a mirror appear, a hand and shoulder reflected on its surface.

The work is part of Assemblage, a nineartist show from Wábi Gallery founder and curator Kim Weston running now through February 2023 at KNOWN Co-Working at 139 Orange St. As it sprawls across the fourth floor of the building, it is a show of firsts, placing a group of artists in conversation with each other—and with the space.

It marks a period of growth for Weston and for Wábi, which this year piloted its first FOCUS fellowship cohort, taught photography classes, and landed a spot in the KNOWNprenuer program that will allow Weston to work toward a brick-and-mortar space on Court Street. Artists, all of whom are also represented by or affiliated with Wábi, include Kwadwo Adae, Oi Fortin, Ruby Gonzalez Hernandez, Noé Jimenez, Susan McCaslin, Susan Clinard, Qiana Mestrich, Daniel Ramos and Weston.

“When I came up with the title Assemblage, it was another way of saying ‘Gathering.’ It was another way of saying family,” said Weston, who has included one of her first long exposure photographs in the show. “When I think about the artists I work with, we’re family. We’re a team. I think about how special each of them are in their own right.”

The exhibition was born months ago, when Weston was finishing the 16-week KNOWNprenuer program and knew that Wábi wasn’t going to be ready for an exhibition at 124 Court St. After buying the first-floor space last year, “I ran into roadblocks,” most of them related to funding, she said. Juan Salas-Romer, executive director of KNOWN and president and CEO of NHR Group, suggested that she turn the coworking space into a temporary gallery instead. Weston was thrilled.

“So many of us, we have hundreds of pieces, sometimes thousands of pieces, and they don’t get exhibited,” she said. “I’m trying to create space for these artists. More eyes need to be put upon, shown upon, what we’re doing. More needs to go into making sure artists get paid. ”

Those words come to life across the Orange Street coworking space, where artwork is now installed above desks, along hallways, in hidden alcoves and beside windows that look out onto downtown New Haven. Between the nine artists, KNOWN has become a haven for painting, sculpture, collage, multiple types of printmaking, and large-scale photography. What makes Assemblage relatively unique is not just the breadth of work, but the quiet hum that runs through it as the pieces find points

of connection.

From the moment a person steps off an elevator, they are in the center of this nascent gallery, where each work warrants a second look (or ten). Above a couch, Weston’s 2013 “Emitting” blurs space and time, paying homage to her own history as Black and Native artist. In the work, a pow wow dancer moves through the frame, light bending across the exposure. The dancer turns, and for a moment the viewer can feel their movement. Behind the lens, Weston is there, working the shutter with the heartbeat-like rhythm of the drum.

For Weston, who is Black and Mohawk, it is an early image from her Layers of the Soul series, which explores what it means to live her identity as an artist, a mother, and a Native woman who has had multiple close brushes with death. Almost ten years—and multiple exhibitions and projects—after it was first taken, it also marks a reminder of how much self-discovery she’s done in the last decade.

So too in Daniel Ramos’ 2014 “Monk at the Ojo de Agua,” which hangs just feet away above a coworking desk. A Chicago-raised artist who has worked in New York, Texas, and Los Angeles, Ramos met Weston through NXTHVN, where he was a 2021 fellow. The photograph, taken with a large-format film camera, depicts the Ojo de Agua in Lampazos Naranjo, Nueva Léon, Mexico, his grandmother’s hometown. The space, seemingly empty of people, is an artesian spring surrounded by Montezuma Cypress trees.

In the work, there’s a sense that he has one foot between Chicago and New Haven and another in Lampazos de Naranjo, where he spent summers as a child and has since returned as an artist. On the wide trunk of a Montezuma Cypress, a monk falls to his knees, hands clasped in supplication.

Branches hang down, rope-like in the sepia tone. To his left, a sign reminds people that fishing is not allowed anywhere on the premises.

The longer a viewer stands with it, the more details emerge: gnarled tree trunks spreading their roots beneath the water, an overhang that seems straw-like, the sense Ramos is the only person in the world in this place. Here, the meeting of the sacred and the profane is jarring, even funny: the Ojo de Agua feels like one of those thin spaces, where one goes to find and talk to the divine. At the same time, Ramos reminds his viewer that no area is too holy to also include pedestrian reminders that it is a public space.

Throughout, there are invitations for close looking like this, each challenging a viewer to see the world with new eyes. In one room, a print from Qiana Mestrich’s The Black Doll Series finds itself in conversation with Susan Clinard’s multimedia sculpture boxes. An early work from painter and public artist Kwadwo Adae chatters eagerly with three small, sculptural paintings from the artist Noé Jimenez. Around a bend, Susan Mcaslin’s “Singing Bridge” starts a dialogue with the architectural elements just outside the window, where a

parking garage beckons. Weston is a masterful curator, with a keen sense of how works can build on and talk to each other. Down a hallway, Jimenez’ “Untitled,” is soaked in a sea of pinks and purples, at once eye-catching and deeply meditative. Slightly psychedelic—and very much in the vein of portraiture—it gels with Fortin’s “The Sun Also Rises,” a symphony of color and form that seems much calmer, measured. The two play off each other: Jimenez’ work has a frantic quality, but somehow also keeps it copacetic. Fortin, working in monotype, gives the medium the precision it demands. Together, they buzz and crackle with a new energy, as if they are building a friendship.

At an opening last Wednesday, Jimenez said that the piece is inspired by a dream he had after getting back from a recent trip to California. As soon as he woke up, he painted as much of the dream as he could remember, including a series of words that now scroll illegibly across the back of the canvas. “I don’t remember what I wrote,” he said while describing the piece to attendees last week.

It feels like a fitting pendant to “A Myth

In My Heart, A Stake In Your Hand,” a large-scale woodcut that is part of Gonzalez Hernandez’ series SubSeven. When Gonzalez Hernandez was working on the series last year, she began with a series of iPhone photos, many of them taken in East Rock Park. “It’s where I go to talk to God and get aligned with myself,” she said, drawing a through line from her work to Ramos’ photograph in a nearby room.

After taking photos, she “destroyed them using code,” creating the deep lines that now slice through the work. Using a CNC machine, she engraved the image on a large piece of plywood, and then printed it by hand. Together, works in the series are part of a healing process, she said—they mark her choice “to leave oppressive systems,” including organized religion. In the work, the mirror allows her to insert herself in the print.

“It was really important for that aspect to be apparent,” she said of making both her labor and her process visible. “I’m moving towards self-portraiture and this is a first step for me.”

Other work is tucked into hallways and corners, such that a viewer must walk

through the fourth-floor coworking space to see each piece. Down one hallway, Oi Fortin’s “La Rambla” and “Mindless Chatter” burst into color, so richly layered that the color only translates in person.

There is a wonderful sense of surprise there: Fortin’s printmaking revels in its detail and abstraction, with a delicate touch that is meant for someone to spend time with it (even the paper opens a conversation around substrate as artwork).

In “Mindless Chatter,” shapes dance atop each other, as if they have been rendered midway through a delicate balancing act. Just beyond the print, another of Fortin’s work’s beckon, as if it is a signpost drawing the viewer forward.

At an opening last Wednesday, she praised Wábi for creating a space for her to show her work. She looked to the role of joy in both creating and sharing artwork, which Weston has facilitated.

“There’s many galleries here where I don’t feel included in the space,” Fortin said. “Wábi has a different approach welcoming artists. I was so grateful that Kim contacted me about doing work together—this wonderful entrepreneur who was willing to take a chance.”

“I truly believe that when you make art that is from your heart and soul, it will permeate in the community,” she added. “I think there’s an energy that comes through when an artist is working from their soul.”

That is perhaps the strongest part of Assemblage: there’s a sense of truth-telling, of intimate histories, of self-discovery and celebration throughout the show.

Weston, who has worked toward running her own space for decades, said she is especially grateful for Salas-Romer and the KNOWNprenuer program, which supports artists and entrepreneurs of color. When she graduated from the program in June of this year, KNOWN provided her with a desk, a year of membership, and a $10,000 line of credit that will help her move toward renovations on 124 Court St.

Last week, Salas-Romer said he is equally grateful for Weston, who is breathing new life into the space with Assemblage. When the show comes down next February, he plans for Weston to stay on as a sort of inhouse curator that the KNOWN team also supports. For him, the project is exactly the kind of initiative he imagined when he designed the KNOWNprenuer program. In Wábi’s vision, he said, he can also see his own.

“It’s wonderful!” he said. “I think it’s wonderful on many levels. Having someone like Kim be able to graduate from the program and watching her grow—you really understand the ‘why.’ What drives her. It really connects to the mission of KNOWN. For a coworking space, you want things that are inspirational.”

Assemblage runs at KNOWN Coworking through February 2023. The space, located on the fourth floor of 139 Orange St., is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information is available at its website www.nhvknown.com

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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Biden Administration Opens Door for HBCU Students to Work in Government

The White House celebrated alumni, students, chancellors and presidents of Historically Black Colleges and Universities during National HBCU Week. The week included a three-day conference and a career fair that granted White House HBCU Scholars access to federal government jobs and other opportunities.

Two Howard University students, Malaya Moon and Naheim Banks, were among the at ambassadors from 56 schools who were honored during the conference at the Washington Hilton through the White House Initiative on HBCUs. Banks, who is a senior political science and criminology double major and chair of the Howard University Student Association senate, enjoyed being able to network with various federal agencies.

“At the federal government level — whether it’s all of Congress and different federal agencies in the White House — Black students are really underrepresented when it comes to that. So, it was amazing being able to go to career fairs and connect and have conversations with the assistant attorney generals, to be able to connect with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) representatives and

people from the Department of Justice and the Department of State, to get more Black students to take up space in these predominantly white spaces and to use our experiences to influence policy no matter at what level … that might’ve been my favorite part of the whole program,” Banks said.

The HBCU Scholars also worked in10 teams for the Mini Minute Competition. Each team had to craft an idea to solve a scientific issue that they would pitch to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Students spent the past five months researching and refining ideas

Keke Palmer Announces Pregnancy of First

by Jenny A. Casiano, BlackDoctor.org

The long-running show, Saturday Night Live, has been the birthplace of many comedians as well as celebrity news, exclusive, never-before-seen images, and funny reveals on live television. This past weekend was no different.

Actress and comedian Keke Palmer hosted Saturday Night Live this first weekend of December and gave the audience a surprise, and during her opening monologue, revealed she is pregnant with her first child.

The “Akeelah & the Bee” and “Hustlers” star wore a trench coat with snap buttons and said she wanted “to set the record straight” about some “rumors going around” that she’s having a baby.

“I am!” she continued, whipping open her coat to reveal her bare baby bump underneath.

She continued, “I gotta say, though, it is bad when people on the internet spread rumors about you y’all, but it’s even worse when they’re correct. I mean, like, I was trying so hard to keep it on the down low, cause I got a lot of stuff going on, you know? But honestly this has been the biggest blessing, and I am so excited.

Guys, I’m going to be a mom.”

The 29-year-old then joked how she had been trying to keep her pregnancy on the “down low” for fear of losing some sponsorship deals, including one with a liquor label.

“Let the check clear, and then we can get to the damn baby shower,” she joked.

She wore a cropped shirt and jacket in the closing credits to emphasize her expecting state one more time as the episode ended.

Palmer had pretty much kept her romantic life private until now. So many are wondering who the child’s father, Darius Jackson, really is.

Darius is the brother of actor Sarunas Jackson, who appeared in Issa Rae’s hit HBO show, Insecure. He also is working on an acting career, and has had worked in fitness as an instructor at Inspire Fitness.

Palmer was introduced to Darius by Sarunas, after she had a cameo on Insecure herself. They reportedly met at a Memorial Day Party in May of 2021, and went public with their relationship in August 2021.

At the time, Darius celebrated Palmer

Child: “It’s

that address climate change, renewable energy, health care and more.

Danielle Jathan, a sophomore at LeMoyne Owens College, was a part of the winning team. Her team pitched technology that can attach to transportation sources, among other things, and convert air pollutants into reusable energy

sources with the goal of reducing global warming and climate change.

“We were basically inspired by the crisis that we’re now facing: the high rates of global warming and also climate change,” Jathan said. “Our ecosystem is in dire need of help.” NASA provided a virtual platform for each team to meet. “That was really helpful to us, because we’re all from different universities,” she said.

The team will showcase its research in March 2023 at the OPEN Annual Conference hosted by Venturewell, a funding organization for faculty and student businesses.

Banks said the scholars also received free passes to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and a White House tour. They were also able to meet the second gentleman and Keisha Lance Bottoms, network with the U.S. House Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and speak on Capitol Hill.

Darreonna Davis is a reporter and regional bureau chief for HUNewsService.com. She is also an Inside Climate News Environmental Justice Reporting Fellow and Howard University’s ambassador for the Solutions Journalism Student Media Challenge.

The Biggest Blessing!”

on her birthday, in a post that has since been deleted.

“You’ve been a blessing from above,” he wrote at the time. “Never would have expected summer 2021 to turn out the way it did, but here we are. I’m glad we were able to help each other throughout our lowest of times & show one another that what we are bringing to the table is everything that we got.”

Still up on her TikTok account, however, is a video of her leaning in for a kiss from Darius behind a fan, covered with the words, “Lady miss takes what she WANTS.”

On Sunday, December 4, the day after her SNL reveal, Darius shared a photo of Palmer looking very obviously pregnant in his Instagram Stories with the numbers, “2023,” and a red heart emoji. This news is extremely uplifting to Palmer as she’s struggled with some health issues behind the scenes for years.

Over the span of her 20+ year career, Palmer notes that she struggled with unexplained weight gain, facial hair, and chronic acne. Yet, she was only diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in 2020.

What Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is

a chronic condition in which a woman’s body produces an excess of the male hormones known as androgens. The condition typically affects those who are within their reproductive years. While some people develop cysts within their reproductive system, others don’t.

As a consequence, the symptoms that they experience can differ but may still include irregular periods, enlarged ovaries, thinning hair, unexplained weight gain around the stomach, and excess body hair.

The exact cause of PCOS isn’t known but doctors estimate that there are some factors that can increase your risk of developing the illness.

If you have a family history of PCOS, are overweight, have insulin resistance, or have a form of low-grade inflammation in the body, there’s the possibility of being diagnosed with PCOS.

Studies have also shown that Blacks are disproportionately affected by PCOS but the reason for this is not yet clear.

It may be something in the air, because we just reported on actress Keisha Knight Pulliam announcing her first baby with her husband Brad James, and now Keke. Who do you think will be next?

Photo: The pitch competition winning team poses with White House HBCU Initiative personnel.

By Darreonna Davis, reporter and regional bureau chief for HUNewsService.com.

Winter Holidays Are High Time for Heart Attacks: 5 Tips for Protecting Yourself

by Jason Henderson, BlackDoctor.org

The winter holidays are a time of celebrating and sharing precious time with family and friends, but they can also be deadly: More people die of heart attacks on Christmas Day than on any other day of the year.

Experts aren’t certain what’s behind that troubling fact, but they offer some suggestions to help ensure that you and your loved ones aren’t among them.

Disrupted routines

“The holidays are a busy, often stressful, time for many of us. Routines are disrupted; we may tend to eat and drink more and exercise and relax less. We’re getting too little sleep and experiencing too much stress,” says Dr. Mitchell Elkind, chief clinical science officer for the American Heart Association (AHA).

“We also may not be listening to our bodies or paying attention to warning signs, thinking a trip to the doctor can wait until after the new year,” he adds.

Citing a study published in the AHA’s journal Circulation, the AHA said that after Dec. 25, the second-most heart attack deaths happen on Dec. 26, followed by Jan. 1.

While cold weather restricting blood vessels is one potential cause, another study, also published in Circulation, found that even in Los Angeles County’s mild climate, about one-third more heart attacks happen in December and January than in June through September. This is true even in New Zealand, where the weather is warm at Christmastime, ac-

cording to another study.

“While we don’t know exactly why there are more deadly heart attacks during this time of year, it’s important to be aware that all of these factors can be snowballing contributors to increasing the risk for a deadly cardiac event,” Elkind said in an AHA news release.

How to stay heart-healthy this holiday season

While experts aren’t certain what causes a spike in heart attacks during this time of year, the good news is they are able to pinpoint ways you can prevent them.

Among the ways to stay heart healthy during the holiday season:

• Celebrate in moderation, looking for small, healthy food swaps to keep overindulging in check. Especially watch your salt intake.

• Keep moving with family walks or other fun activities that help you continue to get the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity weekly.

• Reduce the stress from family interactions, strained finances and hectic schedules by making time for self-care.

• Don’t forget to take your medications, and keep filling them in a timely manner so you don’t run out.

• Know the symptoms of a heart attack, which can vary in men and women. Call 911 as soon as you notice the signs.

While heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person and depending on

your gender, they typically consist of:

• Chest pain

• Chest discomfort or pressure ( a feeling of “fullness,” squeezing, or pressure that can even be mistaken for heartburn)

• Pain in other parts of your body (ie. the upper part of your stomach, your shoulders, one arm (probably the left) or both, your back, neck or jaw, or your teeth.

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)

• Coughing or wheezing

• Fatigue

• Nausea, vomiting and dizziness

• Sweating

“Research also shows that the biggest increases in these holiday heart attack deaths are among people who are not in a hospital. This highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking immediate medical care,” Elkind shares.

“Don’t ignore heart attack warning signs because you don’t want to spoil the holidays, the consequences could be much worse.”

It’s also important that people learn how to perform hands-only CPR so they can help when they witness someone having a heart emergency.

“You could be out holiday shopping,

enjoying an office party or spending time at a family gathering and witness someone having a heart attack and going into cardiac arrest,” Elkind says. “Starting CPR immediately and calling 911 could be the difference in life or death in those situations. Hands-only CPR is something nearly everyone can learn and do.” We are all looking forward to the holiday season and spending time with family, but make sure that you aren’t neglecting yourself in all the preparation for this exciting time of year.

Your Apple Watch Could Catch Early Heart Failure

by Ty McDuffey, BlackDoctor.org

Numerous accounts attribute the Apple Watch’s ability to save lives in emergency scenarios. Per a recent Mayo Clinic study, Apple Watches can now aid in detecting cardiac dysfunctions and potentially fatal heart conditions.

According to a survey, heart failure affects at least 26 million users globally.

Through their investigation, Mayo Clinic researchers looked into the possibility of using the Apple Watch ECG to diagnose left ventricular dysfunction. The absence of symptoms makes heart dysfunction frequently misdiagnosed.

The study includes 2,454 people from 11 nations and 46 US states. Between August 2021 and February 2022, the patients’ 1,25,610 ECGs were sent via Apple Watch. The researchers’ in-house AI technology was then used to process the ECG data.

Because the Series 4, 5, 6, and 7 watches

of the Apple Watch contain a sensor capable of detecting the electrical impulses indicative of the heartbeat and its rhythm, those watches were chosen for the study. This information can be used to determine whether atrial fibrillation is present (irregular heart rhythm).

According to the study:

“The findings suggest the implementation of an AI algorithm based on ECGs can enable the early detection of poor EF (ejection fraction) in patients in the context of normal primary care.”

Additionally, the study suggests that smartwatches may be able to assist with early-stage remote digital health investigations.

However, the research study has not released the AI algorithms’ source code. This is so that the FDA can review the code, which is exclusive intellectual property (patent pending), according to the statement.

Consequences for Patient Care Malfunction of the Left Ventricle

A type of heart failure called malfunction of the left ventricle occurs when the left ventricle, one of the heart’s chambers, weakens and is unable to pump blood

throughout the body efficiently.

It could be brought on by persistent or poorly managed high blood pressure or by coronary artery blockage-related heart muscle injury.

Shortness of breath and weariness are a few signs and symptoms of heart failure,

along with the following:

Coughing and swollen legs and abdomen

Gaining weight

Nausea

Chest ache

Rapid heart rate

This type of heart failure can also show no symptoms at all.

The researchers discovered that the Apple Watch is just as effective as a 12lead ECG that your doctor might perform in their office, according to Dr. Annabelle Santos Volgman, Professor of Medicine and Senior Attending Physician at Rush Medical College and Rush University Medical Center.

According to Volgman, she has been taking care of her patients using the Apple Watch for several years.

“We are able to record the patient’s

Does Marijuana Use Increase Alzheimer’s Risk?

by Ruthie Hawkins, BlackDoctor.org Contributor

Bad news for Mary Jane enthusiasts. According to a study, pot could restrict blood flow to the brain, which in turn, may affect your memory and ability to reason.

According to research recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, brain scans of nearly 1,000 past and present marijuana smokers – collected from nine outpatient neuropsychiatric clinics across the United States, where patients sought treatment for complex psychological or neurological problems — revealed abnormally low blood flow throughout their brains, when compared to a smaller control group of 92 people –who had never used pot.

“The differences were astonishing,” according to lead researcher Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist and founder of the U.S.-based Amen Clinics. “Virtually every area of the brain we measured was lower in blood flow and activity in the marijuana smokers than in the healthy group.”

According to Amen, the findings were particularly disturbing in the hippocampus of marijuana users. “The hippocampus is the gateway to memory, to get memories into long-term storage,” he shares. “That area distinguished healthy people from pot smokers better than any other area of the brain.”

“We’ve also seen it with people who don’t smoke, who get marijuana in cookies or ingest it in other ways,” says Amen, cautioning those who may also be ingesting the drug.

Using SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) to track blood flow throughout the body, researchers discovered that 982 patients in the database had been diagnosed with cannabis use disorder — described as a strong desire to

take the drug, difficulties in controlling its use, and harmful consequences on one’s health, as well as their work or their family life.

The significance Amen reveals, is the “growing lore in our country is that marijuana is innocuous, it’s good medicine and it should be legalized.” He continues, “This research directly challenges that notion.”

As for that “glowing lore,” currently

twenty-six states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana in some form, primarily for medical purposes.

Those states include:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania,

Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

While the study doesn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship nor does it provide much information differentiating the two groups – other than the use of weed — researchers concluded that doctors should think twice before recommending marijuana in the treatment of illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease.

According to a June 2016 study, conducted by Salk Institute in San Diego, researchers found that the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), plus a handful of other active compounds removed amyloid beta proteins, a toxic protein known to accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

The findings suggest cannabis reduces cellular inflammation, a major component of the damage associated with the disease, according to Professor David Schubert, senior author of the study, in a Salk Institute press release.

“Although other studies have offered evidence that cannabinoids might be neuroprotective against the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, we believe our study is the first to demonstrate that cannabinoids affect both inflammation and amyloid beta accumulation in nerve cells,” says Schubert.

In other words, we anticipate the latest study is just one of many to come in the case of whether or not marijuana is good for your health.

rhythm when they experience palpitations as a symptom. When we don’t notice any arrhythmias, I can tell them that it’s not a concerning issue,” she says.

When issues do arise, she claims that she might then go to the next stage of assessing their risk and determining what to do about their symptoms.

The Apple Watch can measure heart rate, oxygen saturation, step counts, frequency of standing, calories burned, and sleep patterns in addition to completing a single-lead ECG, all of which can provide helpful data for patient management.

Dr. Paul Friedman, the study’s lead author, says it is “absolutely astounding that AI transforms a consumer watch ECG data into a detector of this illness” and that we may now be able to add the diagnosis of a weak heart to the list.

With an app and their Apple Watch, people may be able to screen for and monitor heart failure in the comfort of their own homes in the future.

This holds the potential for broader access to care as well as a significant decrease in the cost of some diagnostic testing and research studies.

However, this study is still in its early phases and must be evaluated and validated before it is made accessible to patients.

TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands Receives Two Grammy Nominations

HBCUbuzz.com

Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands is living up to the school’s motto “Excellence Is Our Habit” as they have officially been nominated for two Grammys.

On Tuesday, it was announced that Aristocrat of Bands has been nominated for a Grammy for their album The Urban Hymnal in the Best Roots G Dr. Reginald McDonald, director of bands, said the nominations are a huge accomplishment for the university.

“This is a tremendous day in the history of our beloved Tennessee State University,” Dr. McDonald said in a news release.

“This is not just a band accolade, but a university-wide accomplishment. I personally appreciate our President Dr. Glen-

da Glover’s vision for our university.”

Dr. Reginald McDonald, Director of Bands at TSUospel Album category.

They received a second Grammy nomination for their collaboration on a spoken word single with artist J Ivey.

The band submitted their nomination application to the Grammys in August ahead of the release of The Urban Hymnal.

The 10-track album is filled with organic sounds that were created on the TSU campus and features gospel music trailblazers such as Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, and Kierra Sheard.

The Aristocrat of Bands is the first collegiate band in history to earn a Grammy nomination.

The Grammys will take place on February 5, 2023, at Cypto.com arena in Los Angeles.

Dancer & Former Ellen DeGeneres

DJ, Stephen “Twitch” Boss Passes Away at 40

by Tarshua Carter Williamson, BlackDoctor.org

Former Ellen DJ, dancer, and hype man and Stephen “tWitch” Boss has passed away at 40. The news of the passing of the big-smile and funny turntablist who first rose to fame on MTV’s The Wade Robson Project in 2003 before earning the runner-up spot on So You Think You Can Dance in 2008 quickly spread on social media. Becoming a runner up on “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2008 marked the beginning of his rise to fame and he would later return to serve as a judge for the dance competition. He then joined DeGeneres’ daytime show as guest DJ in 2014 and stayed there until the show ended earlier this year.

Boss was also a guest on BlackDoctor. org when he partnered with Novartis, manufacturer of ADAKVEO (crizanlizumab-tmca), to launch the “Do U” Dance Challenge in support of sickle cell warriors.

In an exclusive statement sent to People, his wife, Allison Holker Boss said, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us. Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.”

Boss and Holker wed in 2013 and shared two kids: son Maddox, 6, and daughter Zaia, 3. He was also the stepfather of her daughter Weslie from a previous relationship. Us Weekly confirmed earlier on Wednesday that the former Ellen DeGeneres Show DJ died on Tuesday, December 13. He was 40 years old.

“To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt,” Holker continued on Wednesday. “I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children.”

She concluded her statement with a message to her husband: “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”

According to People.com, Boss and Holker marked their ninth wedding anniversary on Saturday, December 10 — three days before she informed police that her husband left their house without his car, according to TMZ. After Holker reported Boss’ unusual behavior to authorities, the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call of a shooting at a hotel where Boss was found dead.

Boss took to Instagram to honor his wife for this year’s anniversary, “Happy anniversary my love @allisonholker #9years ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️,” he wrote.

When DeGeneres was paying tribute to

tWitch on her last show, she said, “Over a decade ago, I met someone who changed my life and I’m talking about you Twitch. I used to be a huge fan of So You Think You Can Dance, and I wanted to do a dance. So, the producers of So You Think You Can Dance set me up with tWitch,” DeGeneres while paying tribute to Boss in May during one of the final episodes of the talk show. “tWitch came over to my house and he helped me try to copy it. It was like a crash course in getting to know each other. He was so patient with me. That was my initial love for him — we bonded over learning to dance together.”

While his cause of death has not yet been released, some initial reports say that Twitch committed suicide. But why? And why are more Black men and boys committing suicide?

Prior to the pandemic, suicide deaths were increasing dramatically for Black adults in the U.S. The rates have continued to increase during the pandemic.

“Over the last decade, suicide rates in the United States have increased dramatically among racial and ethnic minorities, and Black Americans in particular. Suicide deaths occur across the lifespan and have increased for Black youth, but the highest rate of death is among Black Americans aged 25-34 years of age.” said Walker, who believes one way to stem the

trend is to continue bringing these conversations into the public arena.

“Suicide is a preventable public health problem and it’s time we get proactive in addressing it,” said Walker.

After news hit, celebrities and artists paid tribute to the late dancer and “Ellen DeGeneres Show” DJ.

Posting a lengthy statement to Instagram, Questlove wrote, “I have no words man. May his family find resolution in this dark time. May we all find peace of mind in our everyday lives. Everyday is a winding road and you just may never know who is on the edge. A lot of us can’t process emotions & how to deal with it. I’ll admit yesterday was rotten and every minuscule occurrence of a Murphy’s Law nature sent me spiraling.”

Questlove continued, “Take time out for yourselves if you feel like you’re on the edge (I know most of us are confused when it comes to darker emotions like sadness and anger — both healthy to express but becomes problematic when your solution is to figure out how to get rid of the feelings that don’t feel good to you. Take time out for yourselves & sit in silence people. Time literally heals wounds. Rest in melody, Twitch.”

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.

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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 African 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 believe would be very difficult for the families,” 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, including ten counts of hate crimes resulting in deaths, three counts of hate crimes involving an attempt to kill, and 13 counts of using, carrying, or discharging a firearm related to a hate crime.

Prosecutors said Gendron possessed a 180-page manifesto that revealed troubling 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 people 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 media and political leaders on the right promoting theories that vilify or dehumanize segments of our society like ‘the great replacement theory’ is a factor too,” wrote U.S. House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson in an earlier statement.

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

rhetoric that has sparked such violence.

“The constant repetition of white supremacist conspiracy theories on social media and even mainstream media outlets 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 spoken against those who promote the “great replacement” and other racist conspiracy theories.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown told Na-

tional Newspaper Publishers Association’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 people to write and subscribe to such philosophies 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, remained 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, Demetrius Massey, told reporters.

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

Staff Editor | Atlanta Daily World

Apple Original Films’ “Emancipation,” directed and executive produced by Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day,” “The Equalizer”) and starring and produced by Will Smith (“King Richard,” “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “Ali”), will premiere in theaters on December 2, 2022, and globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, December 9, 2022.

“Emancipation” tells the triumphant 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 freedom. The film is inspired by the 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” taken during a Union Army medical examination, that first appeared in Harper’s Weekly. One image, known as “The Scourged Back,” which shows Peter’s bare back mutilated by a whipping delivered by his enslavers, ultimately contributed to growing public opposition to slavery.

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

Sickle Cell Warrior Writes The Children’s Book She Never Had Growing Up

by Aja Sheppard, BlackDoctor.org

Combating a chronic disease can be challenging, especially when we don’t have the tools to combat it. Unfortunately, sickle cell disease affects 100,000 Americans a year. Furthermore, the chronic illness affects red blood cells, changing their shape and can even prevent oxygen from reaching blood cells.

It is particularly common in people with African or Caribbean family backgrounds. Even worse, 1 in 13 AfricanAmerican babies are born with the disease. Even more disturbing, not much research has been done on how it affects Black patients compared to white ones.

Recently, award-winning UK author Jenica Leah decided to write the “My Friend Jen” children’s book series centered around sickle cell disease. Having suffered from the blood disease since birth, she didn’t grow up with any knowledge about the chronic illness.

Having been in and out of hospitals for most of her life, Leah decided to write books based on the challenges she faced. Now, the 25-year-old uses her books to draw awareness and help other child sufferers better understand the disease. In a

sense, Jenica Leah wrote the children’s book she never had growing up.

Jenica Leah Weathered Through The Worst Of The Disease

From birth, Jenica Leah encountered one problem after another. Growing up with sickle cell disease wasn’t easy, as it led to serious health complications, such as suffering a stroke at the age of 13 and needing a hip replacement at 25.

Despite all the hardships she’s endured living with the disease, Jenica Leah still conquers every day with a sense of purpose. Now the award-winning author of the children’s book “My Friend Jen” series, plans to drive awareness for the chronic disease that many Black children struggle with.

She Has High Hopes For Her Book Series

Back in October this year, Leah spoke with BBC about her condition and how it inspired her to write a children’s book series. She explained to the media outlet that she often felt alone in her struggle with the blood disease as a child.

“Even though I knew I had this thing called sickle cell, I didn’t really know what it meant. I knew I went to the hospital, I knew I got better again, but I didn’t really understand it,” she told BBC. To this day, more research needs to be done in order to understand how it affects other races, especially Black patients. Unfortunately, the Black community has to write its own narratives in order to inspire change. Furthermore, the awardwinning Birmingham author believed that by writing a children’s book series, she could give other children the confidence and peace of mind she never had growing up.

Her Books Can Help Children Describe Their Symptoms To Doctors

Specifically, her books are written entirely from the point of view of Jen’s friend. In this fashion, Jenica Leah has crafted a support system for the main character Jen, helping others to not feel alone in their struggle with sickle cell disease. Whenever we endure tough times in life, it’s always best to surround ourselves with people who we know love us. Leah hopes to involve and educate

parents on the blood disease as well, so that they can better help their children.

In further talks about her hit children’s series “My Friend Jen”, Leah explains that many of the symptoms she describes will be easy to understand for children.

Additionally, they can use these descriptions to help identify and relay to doctors what they’re experiencing.

“Things such as, ‘My friend Jen has to drink a lot’, ‘My friend Jen has to get lots of rest’, ‘My friend Jen gets tired very easily’. Little things that are easily broken down to explain to people things that their friend or family member… can do to stay well,” the award-winning author tells BBC.

In addition to writing children’s books, Jenica Leah has also appeared at a few speaking engagements this past fall. Recently, Leah held a cultural workshop at Bear Book Shop, Bearwood, on Thursday, October 27th. That following Friday, she ran an online workshop on the history of sickle cell disease.

Hopefully, Jenica Leah does help thousands of Black children and others everywhere suffering from sickle cell disease. In the end, she can help save as many lives as possible.

Deion Sanders Leaves JSU Coaching Position for Colorado

By HBCU Editors, HBCUbuzz.com

Football legend Deion Sanders, aka Coach Prime is officially leaving Jackson 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 University of Colorado.

The announcement of his departure 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 attend 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 always 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 football 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, defeating every single conference team it played, and claimed another on Saturday.

WLBT reports Coach Prime’s financial impact on the capital city, saying that JSU’s four home games brought in $16.2 million for the city this season, 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 Minutes on CBS.

During his appearance on “60 Minutes” 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 program in better shape than he found it.

While breaking the news to the team, Coach Prime shared that he was aiding the program in finding its successor. 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 Sanders,” Colorado athletic director Rick George said in a statement.

“Not only will Coach Prime energize 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 Director Rick George

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

see Jackson State through the Celebration 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 myself and to me, that’s a problem” Sanders 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 explained, “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 Shedeur and said, “This is your quarterback.”

“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 compete, 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 coming 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 Predominately White College (PWI), has received 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.

Notice of Public Hearing

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

The Bristol Housing Authority is developing its 2023-2027 Agency Plan in compliance with the HUD Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. A Public Hearing will be held on February 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Gaylord Towers Community Hall located at 55 Gaylord Street, Bristol, CT.

Information is available for review and inspection at Bristol Housing Authority, 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT during regular business hours. Please call (860) 582-6313 for an appointment.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT MANAGER

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.

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

NOTICIA

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

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.

INVITATION TO BID: SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 for ROOF REPLACEMENT at the Reverend Albert Callahan House, 32 Smith Street Seymour. The work includes the removal and replacement of asphalt shingle and built-up roofing as well as ACM abatement.

A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Reverend Albert Callahan House at 2:00 pm, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.

Bid documents may be obtained by visiting www.seymourct.org under the Bids and RFPS tab and the Connecticut State Contracting Portal www.das.ct.gov/portal.

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.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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:

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 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.

THE

GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

Request for Qualifications

Architectural Design for 201 Hazel Street

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for Architectural Design for 201 Hazel Street. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

beginning on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 3:00PM.

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 pre-bid 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.

MINORITY CONTRACTOR OPPORTUNITY

– 80 South Road, Farmington

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

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.

Invitation for Bids

Plumbing Repair Services

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

Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for plumbing repair services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

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

Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 3:00PM.

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

Honeyspot Rd. Ext. Stratford, CT 06615

CT SOLICITATION OF SBE/MBE CONTRACTORS: Enterprise Builders, Inc., an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, seeks certified SBE/MBE Subcontractors and/or suppliers and local business enterprises to bid applicable sections of work/equipment/supplies for the following construction project: 80 South Road: Enterprise Builders is the Construction Manager for this project and is solicitating GMP pricing based on 70% CD set of drawings. Project is anticipated to start early September of 2023. This project consists of the construction of two new apartment buildings totaling 65 units and 72,623 sf. Bid Date and Time: 12/21/2022 @ 3:00PM. Electronic Plans and specifications can be obtained at no charge by contacting the Estimating Department at Enterprise Builders at (860) 466-5188 or by email to e-mail. Project is Taxable on New Construction and Residential wage rates DO NOT apply. This project is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. EBI encourages the participation of certified SBE/MBE contractors. EBI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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)

Pursuant to Teamsters Collective Bargaining Unit

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.

Bids

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 requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

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

NOTICIA

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

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

AA/EEO EMPLOYER

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 developed through creative designs and are implementable and supported by strong engagement with residents, stakeholders, and visitors. The candidate must be proficient with MS Office, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, SketchUp, and Google Analytics and have experience working in GIS or community-based mapping tools. The ability to communicate effectively in a second language is a plus (Spanish preferably). Additionally, 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, Hartford, CT 06103. FHI Studio is an EEO/AA /VEV/Disabled employer.

ELM CITY

at McConaughy Terrace

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 Bridgeport (HACB) d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is seeking proposals from developers and owners of New Construction, substantial rehabilitation projects, 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.

beginning on

Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 3:00PM.

Waste Treatment

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

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Attendant III): Operates and maintains equipment and processes in a municipal sewage treatment plant. Requires a H.S. diploma or GED. A State of CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Class III Operators License or higher certification plus three (3) yrs. of experience in the operation of a class II or higher wastewater treatment facility, with one (1) yr. in a supervisory capacity of foreman level or higher. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license $ 30.76 to $ 35.10 hourly / $ 28.53 to $ 35.10 based on certifications & experience plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received, or January 10, 2023 whichever occurs first. EOE

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Construction

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

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

NOTICE

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Contact: Tom Dunay Phone: 860- 243-2300

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 Qualifications

IQC Architectural Services

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

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

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

0

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

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.

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

NOTICIA

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

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

Invitation for Bids

Agency Wide Roofing Repairs/Replacement

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

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:

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.

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, December 12, 2022 at 3:00PM.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Request for Proposals

Communications Media Consultant

Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals for a communications media consultant. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ gateway beginning on

Monday, December 12, 2022 at 3:00PM.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Invitation for Bids

Cornell Scott Ridge I 437 M&N Eastern Street Fire Damage

Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for Cornell Scott Ridge I 437 M&N Eastern Street Fire Damage. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

Monday, December 12, 2022 at 3:00PM.

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

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

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.

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.

Everyone deserves to live comfortably no matter what. MyPlaceCT is helping older adults and people with disabilities to do just that! MyPlaceCT is a free, online resource that provides information about the options for services and support needed to live your best life.

Learn more. Visit MyPlaceCT.org.

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.

FILM: Top 10 Must-See Black documentaries

By The Houston Defender | Word in Black

The AFRO’s October Special Edition is all about the roots of our culture, 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 American culture, compiled by our Word in Black partner, The Houston Defender. From I Am Not Your Negro to High on the Hog, each film offers up the origin stories of our most important activists, artists, athletes and traditions.

#10: Attica (2021)

In September 1971, Attica Prison became the location of one of the largest prison riots in US history, taking place just weeks after revolutionary activist George Jackson was murdered by prison guards at Rikers Island, an act that initiated the birth of Black August and the prison reform movement. The constant abject cruelty and inhumane treatment doled out to the incarcerated (who were overwhelmingly Black and Latinx) by Attica guards (all White) created the context. The riot itself, and its aftermath, 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 family 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 Birmingham, Ala., was bombed by four members of a Ku Klux Klan-affiliated 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 domestic 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 powerfully 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 Malcolm 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 ownership. Cooke even pulled a “Prince” long before Prince—gaining ownership 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. Thunder Soul spotlights the extraordinary alumni from Houston’s storied Kashmere 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 struggling 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 defense/civil rights lawyer Jeffery Robinson “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 superstardom 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 fruition 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 galaxy-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 generation. Described as a work that imagines the completion of Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, Remember This House (about Baldwin’s personal reflections 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. Martin 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’ championship 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 professional 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 foreign; or rather, things we’ve come to believe are foreign to us, but are really 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.

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