THE INNER CITY NEWS

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Ribbon Cut On ‘R Kids “Resiliency” Expansion

by LISA REISMAN

There’s a wall hanging in the entrance hall of the new Resiliency Center, a reconnection agency on Dixwell Avenue that opened as part of ‘r kids Family Center with a recent ribbon-cutting.

It’s headed: “How to Really Love a Child.”

“Be there,” that poster, by Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy, known by her pen name SARK, reads. “Say yes as often as possible. Let them bang on pots and pans… If they’re unlovable, love yourself. Realize how important it is to be a child… Read books out loud with joy. Invent pleasures together. Remember how really small they are.”

In 1996, Randi Rubin Rodriguez and her husband Sergio Rodriguez co-founded ‘r kids, an organization to fill existing gaps in child welfare services for children and families impacted by mental health, substance abuse, and family violence. Its mission: permanency, safety, and stability for vulnerable children and their families.

In September 2000, the ‘r kids Family Center opened on Winchester Avenue as a place for parents and families to meet with the children who had been removed from their care and provide the guidance and support to reunify them.

The center found its permanent home three years later, in a one-story structure built on a narrow lot just north of where Dixwell Avenue meets Goffe and Whalley. Over the next two decades, it flourished, boasting an 85% to 95% reunification rate among the hundreds of families referred to them by the state Department of Children & Families (DCF), as well as offering a full range of adoption services, including home study and license approval for both domestic and international adoptions. It also outgrew its space.

On Nov. 22, a group of roughly 30 gathered on that 45 Dixwell Ave. site to mark the $5 million, 11,000 square-foot expansion of the facility. The new Resiliency Center, the first of its kind in the state, is a multi-generational trauma-informed program with a state-licensed therapeutic childcare component for up to 16 infants and toddlers under the age of three who are at risk of removal or already removed by the DCF. It includes a licensed day care, meeting rooms for families and children, and a licensed food pantry on the first floor.

National Zero-Three, a federally funded organization, provided the seed money for programming. The Resiliency Center is supported this year by Congressionally-approved funding through the efforts

and advocacy of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

“Statistics have shown that in the U.S. every seven minutes a baby or a toddler is removed from their family due to alleged maltreatment, abuse, or neglect,” said Lorraine Rogers, director of the center, as she stood among cribs, a wooden boat, and a small rocking chair in the spacious, brightly lit classroom. “We are committed to empowering those families, who often are facing economic insecurities, extreme stress, and trauma, with the tools and support they need on their journeys.”

She said the new emphasis on infants and toddlers is rooted in maintaining the bond between parents and children during their formative years birth to age 3 as part

of the safe babies model, which is based on early childhood education findings that children who live in safe and supportive homes have the best chance for healthy development throughout their lives.

That’s where the newly licensed therapeutic day care center comes in. “We have babies and toddlers on site up to seven or eight hours a day,” Rogers said. The observation room, where parents, behind a two-way mirror, can initially follow interactions between the teaching staff and their child, and then progress to practicing what they learn with their kids means, she said, “parents and children can do the work at the same site.”

Rubin Rodriguez, who retired in June, cited a study from the Community Founda-

tion for Greater New Haven showing that 70 percent of the center’s birth families had grown up in the child welfare system. “What we’re really about is not the physical teaching but supporting and healing people, parents, from their own trauma experiences,” she said.

Lou Mangini, congressional aide to U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, lauded the impact of the ‘r kids Family Center in the Greater New Haven area. “From its inception, it has provided a place where families can come together and get the resources and help they need to provide every child with a forever family,” he said.

Architect Craig Newick discussed the process of building upward from the narrow one-story structure on Dixwell by adding the second floor in a way to cantilever, or horizontally extend, over the existing driveway and yard on the north side. About its distinctive quality on Dixwell, “it’s not just some commercial building,” he said. “It’s kind of mute, but it also has this incredible presence.”

For Rodriguez, it seems, that description also sums up the 26 years of the center’s existence. “Prior to ‘r kids being in New Haven, no one talked about the needs of children in foster care,” she said. “It wasn’t an issue. But it is. You remove an infant from a parent. That’s very, very traumatic for both. So the work becomes the key.”

“This is about the next generation,” she said, acknowledging the ongoing support of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, DCF Commissioner Jody Hill-Lilly, and Commissioner Beth Bye of the state Office of Early Childhood, as well as the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. “But even before that, there’s nothing more important than providing safe, secure, and loving homes for our children,” she said. “That’s everything.”

School Parade Flies Balloons Over State St.

by MAYA MCFADDEN

Aaliyah Staton cheered on her son, Kai, and her niece, Cherish, as they marched in Booker T. Washington Academy’s first-ever Balloons Over State Street celebration.

That was the scene last Wednesday as K 4 students and families from the 804 State St. charter school brought out the balloons and walked around their school building in true Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade fashion. The local parade was organized by science educator Kate O’Donnell, and had a theme of “Choose Joy.”

Each class decorated balloons inspired by everything from Minions to the beach to Thanksgiving turkeys to Pokemon. Students then showed off their pieces of balloon art while parading around the building as 15 parents took photos and cheered.

“When you’re a kid you love support and can easily get discouraged when someone is not around for you,” Sta-

ton said, in reference to her son, who is in kindergarten, and her niece, who is in third grade. “I always wanted to be a parent and aunty that shows up because it helps them when they get older. Confidence needs to be built up.”

She concluded that she’s enjoyed being a parent at Booker T. Washington Academy a charter school now in its 11th year because the school keeps parents informed and included in school activities.

John Taylor, the founding principal of the school and its current executive director, told the Independent Wednesday that parent involvement is the school’s mantra.

The best way to get the students excited and curious about learning, Taylor and O’Donnell agreed, is by encouraging parent partnerships with the school so students are motivated to excel.

O’Donnell was inspired to host the event after reading the book “Balloons Over Broadway” with her students. Students decorated their balloons the day be-

fore. Families donated materials to their students’ classrooms for the school-wide activity.

This year is O’Donnell’s first year at the elementary school. She previously taught at Booker T. Washington Academy Middle School in Hamden. She’s been an educator working throughout Connecticut for a total of 30 years.

Wednesday’s celebration was also a part of the school’s years-long efforts to reduce its student chronic absenteeism rate. The elementary school has been doing so by hosting fun learning celebrations the day before a school break to avoid dips in attendance. Last year, the school decreased its chronic absenteeism by 9 percent, Family & Community Engagement Manager Kenneth Joseph reported.

This year the school hosts monthly STEM activities, particularly before breaks, to encourage students to come to class, and to urge parents to get their kids to school to avoid missing out on schoolwide celebrations.

LISA REISMAN PHOTO The Resiliency Center team, including interim executive director Judy Barron, co-founder Sergio Rodriguez, director Lorraine Rogers, and educational consultant Andrenna Paolillo.

Aaliyah Staton, with Cherish and Kai: Showing up now helps kids when they're older.

The New Haven independent

The New Haven independent

Thanksgiving Arrives Early In Fair Haven

by ALLAN APPEL

A menu of pollo asado, arroz con gandules, and tres leches for dessert was the centerpiece of a joyous afternoon of gratitude, service, and community love in Fair Haven.

The scene was the annual pre-Thanksgiving lunch at the Atwater Senior Center, where about 100 older folks regular clients of the five-daya-week multi-service senior center on Atwater near Grand were treated like honored holiday guests.

There was bounteous food provided by local restaurants like J & J and Apicella on Grand Avenue, and by anchoring institutions like the Mary Wade Home, where the tres leches were prepared.

The congenial volunteer food preparers and waiters included some 20 people full of a spirit of gracias neighbors, staffers from the health and other city departments, and no fewer than a dozen police officers (many on their own time).

Several were spotted balancing plates of food from the kitchen en route to the guests and trying to emulate the waiter chops being demonstrated by their two assistant chiefs, Manmeet Bhagtana and David Zannelli.

The center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m five days a week and draws about 75 people, largely Latino, each day for lunch and a growing menu of classes including line dancing, tai chi, arts and crafts, and music lessons.

“I learned to play piano here,” said Francine Advincula as she enjoyed a tooth-picked spear of assorted fruit that emerged from a kind of pineapple piñata, one of which was being placed on each of the two dozen tables arrayed throughout the center’s bright main room which began life decades ago as the gymnasium of the local elementary school.

More enjoyable, and important, than the music or the bingo, Advincula said, was the camaraderie the center offers day in and day out.

“We’re grateful for the people who live around us,” said Fair Haven Alder Sarah Miller, a long-time organizer of the event, although this year the Democratic Ward 14 Co-Chair Ana Juarez took charge.

She helped to bring no fewer than three local school groups to entertain the diners. They included Dominican-style dancers from the Fair Haven Middle School and a fourth-grade class from the Clinton Avenue School led by their teachers Doreen Canzanella and Michael Testa. They entertained, in English and then in Spanish, with selections from the music curric-

ulum centered on the remarkable power of gratitude.

Some kids from the F.A.M.E. (Family Academy of Multilingual Exploration) school also distributed gift bags between the food courses.

“Kids love this,” said Canzanella after applause for the musical performance died down. “Some of them have family members here, and we can give them an experience where they feel joyful and are successful and want to come back again.”

One of those performers, Luis Cruz, gave a confirming thumbs up to the experience; he said he enjoyed it and didn’t feel nervous at all.

Estrella Rivera, who very much enjoys the line dancing activity at Atwater, enjoys lunch and the dance demonstration

Chantel Cave, a management and policy analyst with the city’s department of elderly services, said the intergenerational spirit of the lunch points to some of the new kinds of programs that may be coming to Atwater in the near future.

Attendance is up in general, she reported, across all three senior centers citywide (the other two are in the East Shore and Dixwell/Newhallville) and the idea is to keep finding programs that draw seniors.

They well might include helping seniors to deal safely with technology, she said, along with perhaps other intergenerational activities like a variation on pen-pal programs with local schools.

Miller said that the renovations coming to Atwater – funded in part by $2.3 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding are designed to make upgrades and flexible expansions so the center’s rooms will lend themselves to programming for young people and adults as well as the seniors.

While most of the changes contemplated are coming to the interior of the building the surrounding rooms and wonderful main gymnasium space also feature one of the city’s historic WPA murals the scope might include some features on the outside as well.

By way of example Miller suggested the addition and expansion of gardening beds, an activity that spans generations.

The overall renovation plans are in the process of being drawn up by the city engineer, Miller reported, and when a solid proposal is in hand, it will be presented to the community.

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO Francine Advincula, with Eneida Arroyo: Music's great, camaraderie's better.

Asst. Police Chief Manmeet Bhagtana and Grand Avenue Special Services Manager Erik Gonzales preparing plates for guests.

Estrella Rivera, who very much enjoys the line dancing activity at Atwater, enjoys lunch and the dance demonstration

The New Haven independent

December Survivor of the month- Rebecca Grant Jenkins

Thank God for Our Global Village….

We often don’t know how big our village is until there is a disaster. In 2013, disaster hit our house with a multipronged attack. On December 23, I found out I had breast cancer. That news was preceded by the death of my mother-in-law, an aunt, my grandmother, and two uncles.

My husband also had been in the hospital for three weeks when I got the news. I had been laid off from an organization I had been with for more than 10 years due to downsizing. A friend once said, “We all have our turns when it comes to hard times.” This was ours. Through this time of incredible suffering for our family, our village was there – with food, friendship, and most importantly, faith. I first felt the lump when I laid down on the bed, exhausted, after visiting my husband Juan in the hospital. I reached over to turn the light off and there it was. As someone who has had multiple family members die of cancer, and a grandmother who had been a 40+ year breast cancer survivor, I had usually been on top of monthly self-exams, mammograms, and routine check-ups. But in the midst of all the crazy and making sure others were tended to (you know how WE do!), I had not kept up with them.

The next morning, I made an appointment to see my OB/GYN. You know it’s bad when your doctor gets quiet and calls to make an appointment at the imaging center and schedules an appointment for a biopsy right after. I got the results on December 23. My kids, then ages 15, 13, and 10 were waiting for me in the car. After crying in my doctor’s office for a minute, I wiped away the tears and called my mother. Then I put my game face on and walked out to my car.

My kids were none the wiser. I love Christmas and was NOT going to ruin my favorite holiday with my biopsy re-

sults. My husband was still hospitalized, and we weren’t sure if he would be home for Christmas. I wasn’t going to add to the stress with my diagnosis and ruin the holiday season for their lifetimes. I also wanted to wait until I had the MRI done to have more information to share because I was certain they were going to have questions. I waited until January 3 to tell my family.

When my surgeon confirmed my breast cancer diagnosis, he told me I was not going to die from it. My faith and my recently deceased grandmother, a breast cancer survivor who had lived to be 97, made me believe his words. But I saw fear on the faces of my family. My husband, who by this time had made it home from the hospital, was still terribly ill. He was fearful that yet another one of his loved ones was going to die of cancer. My children were fearful they were going to lose both parents at the same time. I told them all to have faith in God’s plans. His plan for me at that moment was to survive, to fight.

I believe our children watch how we as parents handle setbacks and obstacles in our lives. It informs how they will respond to such situations later in their own lives. I said we all have jobs to do. My job for the foreseeable future – beat breast cancer, My husband’s job – get well. The kids’ job – keep going. The best way they could help was to go to school, do their best, and help out at home. And most important, our job was to have faith. In the meantime, I told my friends Susan, Angela, Marianna and Tonya – the Mamma Mafia. They all brought their skills and life experiences. Susan had recently completed cancer treatment, Angela was a nurse, Marianna handled food coordination and flow of information and Tonya had experience with Naval logistics. The Beat Cancer Brigade had begun. Initially, I was told I wouldn’t need chemo, which I was excited about because of

the horror stories I had seen and heard about its side effects. But all that changed when it was determined that I had triple-negative breast cancer which requires intense chemotherapy. Initially, I was upset and actually argued with my doctor about it. But God told me to breathe. And listen. I scheduled an a pointment for my port.

As a Type-A person, not having a sense of control was difficult. I decided to get control of what I could and leave the rest to God and the doctors. If my hair was going to fall out, then I was going to color it hot pink before it did. We held a hair-dying party at a salon owned by a neighbor. My daughters, in solidarity, got their ends dyed with me. Marianna coordinated a chemo kick-off party with ladies from the neighborhood. Later when my hair started to really fall out, I let my kids shave my head.

June Williams Davis, 92

June Williams Davis, age 92, and longtime resident of New Haven, CT entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. She was the daughter of the late George K. and Esther (Glasgow) Williams, born on June 7, 1932. June was also the mother of the late Glenda Paige Boyd.

Prior to her retirement, June served as a coordinator for the historic Hannah Gray Home. While that was her career, June’s true work and dedication was to her Church and her family.

As a lifetime member of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in New Haven, CT, June served in many capacities. She delivered the Word as a Lectern, an active member of Saint Ann’s Guild, and a mentor in Girls Friendly Society. Her closest friendships came from the congregation and these friendships inevitably became more like family!

In her pastime June enjoyed a good

shopping trip, whether it was to a clothing store or grocery store! (On any of those trips, a red lipstick was definitely in the cart.) Jazz, swing, and soca music was the soundtrack to her day-to-day life. That is, of course, when she wasn’t enjoying Saint Luke’s Steelband, especially when her Grandson Eddie was playing! She was also a member of the Antillean Friendly Society. June was the official baker of the family. For all family gatherings she made sure to have your dessert of choice ready. Family gatherings were always done up well when the trio of our now ancestors Lillian, June, and Glenda ensured all of the family stayed connected through food and laughter.

June to you, “Nonnie” to us, is survived by her beloved granddaughter, Thais G. Moore of Silver Spring, MD; her great-grandson, Edward Michael Moore, Jr. (aka “Nemo”), Hamden, CT, great-grandson Milo Barack Aubrey

As chemo began, I began to realize just how big our family village is. Marianna’s Meal-Train site quickly filled up with people not only from my neighborhood, but also from our church, from our Jack-N-Jill chapter, and from our school families; old friends and new ones. People who don’t cook supported us in other ways –walking the dog daily, housecleaning during treatment, transporting food and the kids. My family and I were truly humbled by the outpouring of kindness, generosity, prayer, and love from “My Village.”

At least one member of the Mamma Mafia was with me for every appointment and treatment. Sometimes we cried together. Sometimes we sat in silence. Sometimes we laughed. Sometimes they held me up when I was weary. Always, they were there.

On November 13, 2014, I rang the bell after my final radiation and cancer treatment. That ringing wasn’t just for me; it was for everyone in our village: my husband and children, the Mamma Mafia, and our friends and family, near and far. Together our village beat my breast cancer with kindness, generosity, hope, faith, and love.

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Moore and Mijah Bella Glenda Moore of Silver Spring, MD. She is also survived by her special son, Raymond Paige, Jr.; nephew, Edwin “Perry” Williams; niece, April McCoter; and a host of nieces, nephews, and very good friends that she loved so very much! In addition to her loving parents and only cherished child, she was predeceased by her sisters, Delores (“DoDo”) Lewis and Cheryl Foreman; along with so many dear family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 9:00 AM at Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511. An Episcopalian service will be led by Father Martinez of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Friends may call from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM at Howard K. Hill Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ei-

ther of these causes which were very near and dear to June: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, New Haven, CT or Saint Luke’s Steelband. To leave a message of comfort for the Davis family, please visit, www. hkhfuneralservices.com

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Rebecca Grant Jenkins

June Williams Davis

Students Seek Clearer Communication Between Schools, School Board

by MAYA MCFADDEN

Elevating the voices of 19,000 New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) students may no longer fall just on the Board of Education’s two student representatives if the school district agrees to a new “liaison” role drafted up by city high schoolers.

Nearly 100 New Haven students took a unanimous vote in support of creating that new role Friday morning during their monthly Citywide Student Council meeting, held at the Floyd Little Athletic Center on Sherman Parkway. NHPS’ Citywide Student Council group is made up of high school leaders who are part of their individual schools’ student government groups.

That vote marked a first step to creating what the students deemed as necessary positions, known as “NHPS student liaisons,” which would help make sure that all high schools, no matter their size, have their voices heard by the Board of Education.

Student liaisons would interview seven to 15 classmates at their respective schools each month, and then create reports based on that student input. Those reports would be provided to the Board of Education’s elected non-voting student representatives to present in their student reports at the school board’s regular meetings.

Wilbur Cross senior and Board of Education member John Carlos Serana Musser explained that the role would provide the district with school-specific data that would help the board to better understand student perspectives and needs.

“We could consistently get info from schools and have them represented in student reports,” he said on Friday. “It creates a more dependable line of communication.”

This school year, Serana Musser joined NHPS Supt. Madeline Negron to create a Student Culture and Climate Committee to support increased student input for the school board.

Serana Musser is one of 10 students on the committee, representing high schools throughout New Haven.

During the first weeks of the school year, the committee members conducted interviews at their schools with their peers to understand how students view the school board’s presence around the district. The input gathered exposed to Serana Musser that students desire a deeper connection with Board of Education members and district-level decision making processes.

This led to the committee working to draft a proposal for new student liaison positions in all high high schools that would serve to collect monthly data through interviews with high schoolers around the district.

The 80-plus students at Friday’s City-

wide Student Council meeting unanimously approved the proposal set forth by the committee. Next, Serana Musser plans to present the proposal to the full Board of Education for possible approval.

Serana Musser’s goal, if approved, is to get applications for the liaison roles open in the Spring.

While presenting the proposal to the student council leaders Friday, Serana Musser got several head nods from the group as he discussed the disconnect between the school board and students.

After students reviewed the proposal document, they asked questions like where they can find the application and when and who can apply for the role if approved.

The liaison position would be open to rising sophomore and junior students, Serana Musser informed the group. He said further details will be worked out around biweekly meetings and interview trainings with a committee mentor if approved by the full Board of Education.

Others relayed their interest but shared that they likely couldn’t apply because they would want to prioritize their academics and current extracurriculars.

Hillhouse junior Johanelyz Arroyo asked, “Why can’t we leave this to admin and teachers,” because students like herself are so busy with academics, sports, and being a Miss Puerto Rico Court Member. She said she trusts her school’s staff to represent her and her peers’ interest and inputs.

Serana Musser said details still have to be worked out but the goal is to have the number of liaisons at each school, particularly the larger high schools,

proportionate to the student populations. He also hopes for some of the student liaisons that apply to be multilingual to represent the diverse range of NHPS students.

Just before students voted to approve the proposal, Serana Musser asked the group, “Do you think this would actually help you guys be represented on [the] board?”

Every student’s headed nodded in agreement Friday.

Arroyo, who is Hilhouse’s junior class vice president, added Friday that students deserve to have dedicated community members who “take their time and hear us out.”

“Half of the time we’ve let the adults decide for us. We want to take initiative for what’s going to go on for the next years. This could really be impactful,” she said.

She concluded that opportunities around advocacy have pushed her to improve her academics from her first two years of high school and build her confidence. She hopes that will be the case for her peers who are interested in the liaison role and that it will motivate students currently not involved in student advocacy work to join.

“We want to learn together to make a better environment in New Haven,” she said, while noting areas to focus in on at Hillhouse including that the school still does not have free menstrual products stocked in its bathrooms.

“We have the dispensers but they don’t put anything in there. These are things we could have a liaison telling the board that this is important to us, including other things like climate change,” she said.

Serana Musser said he thinks the liaison positions will improve culture and climate dramatically because Board of Education members will also be able to make inquiries to student reps that can then be relayed to student liaisons to form questions around for monthly interviews. A mentor will be assigned to the committee to support student liaisons and help students craft unbiased questions.

“It will provide school-specific data and counters the narrative that the board doesn’t listen to students,” Serana Musser said.

He concluded that it will be a very useful project as the district considers how it will role out its phone restriction policy for high schools for the 2025 – 26 school year.

During Friday’s meeting students also began drafting logos for the Citywide Student Council group and discussed creating a student petition to present to the board to advocate for funding to be bussed to Hartford and rally for fully funded public education.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO Hillhouse junior Johanelyz Arroyo (center): "Hear us out."

Metro senior Adinah and freshmen Madeline and Chardell look forward to student liaisons. They hope the roles will help the school's neglected internal bathroom plumbing problems. They think the internship could be opened to all grade levels.

High schoolers ask Serana Musser about liaison role.

The New Haven independent

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Inspiration in Education: A Conversation with Julia Miller

Everyday Hometown Hero, Teacher of the Year at New Haven Museum

New Haven, Conn. (November 25, 2023) – Julia Miller knows first-hand the challenges faced by New Haven Schools. A proud Elm City native, teacher, parent and alumna, she fully understands that student learning, growth, and mastery of skills and content are what’s important, not random numbers. Miller will be joined by Inner City News Editor and WNNH host, Babz Rawls-Ivy, for “Inspiration in Education: A Conversation with Julia Miller,” on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 6 p.m., immediately following the Annual Meeting of the New Haven Museum Board of Directors at 5:30 p.m. A reception will follow. Register here. The free event will also stream on FB Live.

Despite the challenges, Miller taps a wellspring of inspiration for her work: in her students, colleagues and community. “I love New Haven,” says Miller, the New Haven Public Schools 2024 Teacher of the Year and the 2025 Connecticut Teacher of the Year. She notes her deep New Haven pride, especially in its public schools. “I started my teaching career in Brooklyn, New York, and moved back to New Haven to raise my kids in this incredible vibrant community like no other and have them attend New Haven public schools.”

“Growing up in New Haven made me who I am and is what led me to become an educator teaching in my hometown,” Miller says. She attended a small, integrated K-8 magnet school in New Haven, where themes of diversity, parent involvement, and community drove the school, students felt supported, and creativity was nurtured.

In high school, however, Miller encountered a different reality. As a white, middle-class student in the honors track at a large, comprehensive high school in the district, she quickly discovered she had different opportunities available to her than many of her peers. She learned that even those opportunities paled in comparison to the resources suburban students had at their disposal. “I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to tackling these inequities and making sure young people’s needs were met,” she says.

As an education and civics teacher, student-council advisor, and restorative-justice instructor at Metropolitan Business Academy in New Haven, Miller imparts to her students a deep understanding of the power of their voices to make change.

“I want my students to be informed so that they can be empowered to make the changes they want to see in society,” she says. “I try to help them learn how to analyze sources, think critically, and make applications to their lives and the world around them. I want them to be engaged and practitioners of their learning.”

Of similar mind, moderator Rawls-Ivy says her motivation for taking part in the discussion can be summarized by a quote from Marian Wright Edelman, the activist for civil rights and children's rights and founder of the Children's Defense Fund. “I, like Edelman, believe, ‘When I

fight about what is going on in the neighborhood, or when I fight about what is happening to other people's children, I'm doing that because I want to leave a community and a world that is better than the one I found.’"

Miller notes her high school alma mater today is doing incredible work but is still severely underfunded and over-enrolled, trying its best to provide for all its students, including the hundreds of newcomers who come to the city for refuge and opportunities each year. “We need to fully and fairly fund our schools so that every student has what they need, so that students receive the services they need and the resources they so deeply deserve, no matter their zip code.”

Acknowledging the value of incorporating history into the curriculum, Miller notes that although she teaches civics, she grounds it very much in history. “You can’t make the changes you want to see if you don’t understand what happened before,” she says. For example, the final exit task in her civics class is a social-movements research paper in which students choose a movement from the 1960s/1970s to research, evaluate its impact and make important connections to

today.

Miller is excited to be bring her civics classes to the New Haven Museum this year to view the Shining Light on Truth exhibit and the new Amistad exhibit. “We began the year exploring and interrogating monuments with New Haven specific examples: the Columbus statues coming down, the William Lanson statue going up,” she says. She adds, “Our school (Metro) is two blocks away from the site of where the proposed 1831 Black college would have been, and I’m excited to have students think about how they could make a monument to what could have been, a historical marker for this until recently mostly untold story, and perhaps a call to action!”

About Julia Miller

Julia Miller is a social studies teacher committed to antiracist education and project-based learning. Miller currently teaches a 10th-grade education course, 11th-grade civics, and a 12th-grade restorative justice law class at Metropolitan Business Academy. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University’s Gallatin School, a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and a sixth-year certificate in educational leadership from Southern Connecticut State University.

Miller leads new initiatives including the Metro Youth Justice Panel, a student-led restorative justice program that aims to repair harm, provide accountability, and support students who make mistakes. She also helped launch a “Grow Your Own” model to nurture the next generation of NHPS teachers through the creation of a new education and leadership pathway. She serves as pathway colead and is a teacher leader with Educators Rising.

Miller plays a variety of leadership roles as grade-level team lead, member of the Leadership and School Planning and Management Teams, student council advisor, and mentor teacher. She col-

Julia Miller

Babz Rawls-Ivy,

From Many Cultures, One School

by ZACHARY GROZ

Sitting around a lunch table draped in an aquamarine cloth and topped with festive fall ornaments, Robina, 10, Faryal, 12, and Ghofran, 12, giggled and cracked jokes, translating them into English after the fact, in between bites of fried chicken, bread rolls, and rice.

They were among more than 100 students and parents at the Augusta Lewis Troup School who gathered last Wednesday afternoon for the school’s sixth annual multicultural luncheon.

Like many students at the Edgewood Avenue public school, Robina, Faryal, and Ghofran are new arrivals in New Haven.

Robina came to the Elm City from Afghanistan, Faryal from Pakistan, and Ghofran from Syria. Other students have come from countries ranging from Ecuador to El Salvador to Ethiopia to Ghana.

Fifty eight out of a student body of 340 are enrolled in English as a Second Language classes, according to fulltime English-language learner (ELL) teacher Ann Beardsley. More have graduated from the program.

At the luncheon, flags from 15 countries and Puerto Rico lined the auditorium walls, representing where the kids hail from.

“The kids are very respectful of different backgrounds,” said Troup Principal Eugene Foreman. “They help the students who don’t speak English, they work with them. We have some students who speak the same languages as those kids so they’ll kind of work with them as well.”

As the luncheon began, dozens of 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders filed into the auditorium by classroom, dropped their bags off, and hung up their coats. Then, below a huge projector screen playing Home Alone 2, each grade lined up for the main event: the food.

Martine Marcellus, who has taught special education at Troup for the last two years, spent the whole morning cooking up a storm for the kids: Haitian baked mac and cheese, rice and beans with sofrito, parsley, and thyme.

“A lot are not going to have anything tomorrow,” Marcellus said, “and they get to eat with their friends, which makes it special.”

In previous years, the luncheon hap-

pened in two waves: 5th and 6th first, 7th and 8th next. This year, thanks to new funding, the school had enough chairs to accommodate all four grades together at once, and to invite parents and siblings.

On the half day before Thanksgiving, which typically poses challenges with attendance, about 90 percent of the upper classes came to school. Dozens of staff volunteered to help out in one way or another, by cooking or setting up the decorations, and the tall-ceilinged room felt full and homey. “One student told me, ‘it’s like a family reunion,’” said Ms. G, who teaches 6th grade.

Loudine Mathis, whose grandson Jayden, 10, goes to Troup, had heard about the event early in the week through an announcement sent out on Class Dojo, an online portal, by school Culture and Climate Specialist Da’Jhon Jett, who spearheaded the luncheon. Mathis said she’s already looking forward to next year.

“They have so many kids of different cultures, different foods. My culture is Caribbean,” she said. “Next year, I will try to keep more in touch with it, cook a few dishes, like curried chicken.”

Tenants Unions Cleared To Grow

by THOMAS BREEN

Five thousand more apartments’ worth of New Haven renters are now eligible to form tenants unions thanks to a Board of Alders-approved update to the laws governing the Fair Rent Commission.

Local legislators unanimously OK’d that ordinance text amendment Monday night during the latest full Board of Alders meeting,

The now-approved update clarifies and expands the purview of the state-empowered local body charged with cracking down on rents deemed “harsh and unconscionable” and hearing tenants’ retaliation complaints against landlords.

In particular, it builds off of a September 2022 local law that made New Haven the first municipality in Connecticut to create a legal pathway for the formal recognition of tenants unions, which are then able to participate in Fair Rent Commission investigations and hearings.

That 2022 law established that tenants unions could form only at apartment buildings with 10 or more dwelling units. A total of seven tenants unions have formed in New Haven during the intervening two years. (Six of those unions formed at buildings that were owned at the time by affiliates of the megalandlord Ocean Management.)

The amendment passed on Monday night, meanwhile, lowered the threshold for buildings open to tenants union organizing from ten units to five.

To quote from the ordinance update itself: “Tenants’ Union shall mean an organization whose membership is comprised of the tenants living in a housing accommodation containing five (5) or more separate rental units sharing common ownership and located on the same parcel or adjoining parcels of land, and that has been created by agreement of a majority of the tenants listed as lessees within the housing accommodation.”

During a Nov. 12 Board of Alders Legislation Committee meeting, Fair Rent Commission Executive Director Wildaliz Bermúdez and Assistant Corporation Counsel Joseph Merly explained the rationale behind lowering that bar from ten to five units.

“In the City of New Haven, there are more tenants unions meeting and forming,” Bermúdez said. Reducing the size of buildings eligible for official tenants union organizing from those with at least ten units to those with at least five is “a way to meet the needs of what constituents have been approaching us with.”

How many more apartments would be eligible for tenants union organizing thanks to this shift? asked Board of Al-

include:

• An expansion of the definition of prohibited landlord “retaliatory” behavior. Previously, the Fair Rent Commission ordinance barred landlords from evicting or hiking the rent on tenants within six months of a tenant filing a complaint with the Fair Rent Commission. Monday’s expansion states that landlords can’t undertake such retaliatory actions within six months of a tenant filing a complaint with not only the Fair Rent Commission, but also the Livable City Initiative, or the city’s health, building, or fire departments “relating to the conditions of the tenant’s housing unit.”

ders Majority Leader Richard Furlow during that committee meeting.

Expect more of this, now that tenants unions can form at buildings with at least 5 rental units. tenants unions has increased from around 19,000 to over 24,000.

According to data provided by the city assessor’s office, Bermúdez said, there are a total of 19,191 rental units in New Haven that are included in apartment buildings that have at least ten dwelling units.

Lowering the threshold for tenants union organizing to buildings with at least five units, she said, adds another 5,293 apartments to that list. That means, thanks to Monday’s vote, the number of apartments in New Haven where renters can legally seek to form

“Our understanding is that the majority [of five-unit buildings] are [owned by] LLCs,” as opposed to individuals who may reside in the building they own, Bermúdez said. That’s why the city proposed lowering the tenants union organizing threshold to buildings with at least five units, as opposed to buildings with at least three units, for example, which are more likely to be owned by “mom and pop” landlords, she said.

Other updates included in the ordinance amendment approved on Monday night

• The commission may administratively dismiss a tenant’s complaint if that tenant fails to comply with three attempts by the commission to inspect their property after issuing an order, to make sure that a landlord has complied with the terms of that order.

• The commission can now take into consideration whether or not a property complies with the city’s residential rental business licensing program when determining whether or not to order a rent reduction.

• A requirement that Fair Rent Commission orders, including rent reductions or recognitions of tenants unions, be filed on the city’s land records, so that a future

ZACHARY GROZ PHOTO

Classmates Robina, Faryal, and Ghofran, at Troup's annual multicultural luncheon.

At Wednesday's festive pre-Thanksgiving lunch.

The New Haven independent

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO

The New Haven independent

Hillhouse Attendance Rx: Focus On First-Years

by MAYA MCFADDEN

Hillhouse’s average attendance rate so far this year is 84 percent a number the high school’s principal credits to, and hopes to improve on, by paying special attention to making sure ninth graders come to class.

Hillhouse High School Principal Antoine Billy gave that update Monday evening during the latest biweekly Board of Education meeting, held at John S. Martinez School in Fair Haven.

He described how the city’s second largest high school has identified 190 ninth graders most in need of wraparound services.

The school has created this year a grade nine consisting of five staffers who work directly to support first years. Those students meet weekly with the team of administrators, educators, and a counselor whom Billy referred to as the “first responders for grade 9 students.”

He also spoke about how Hillhouse, like other New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) high schools, has established a summer bridge program for first years. And in September, the school arranged a goal setting conference with Hillhouse alums. “We’re not where we want to be, but

we’re better than last year,” Billy said at Monday’s meeting.

His presentation was one part of a broader check-in by district leaders on NHPS fight against chronic absenteeism, a term that refers to when students miss 10 percent or more of school days.

On Monday, NHPS Chief of Youth, Family & Community Engagement Gemma Joseph-Lumpkin reported that, for the first few months of the school year, through October, the district’s chronic absenteeism rate was 24.9 percent. That’s down from 32 percent for the same time period last year, and from 49 percent for the same time period the year before. Since the Covid pandemic caused a spike in chronic absenteeism rates districtwide, Joseph-Lumpkin’s team has been tasked with getting that rate on a steady decline by doing thousands of home visits, hosting “attendance matters” challenges, and bringing in community partners to incentivize school attendance.

Joseph-Lumpkin told the school board that 74 percent of families contacted by her team have said student absences were due to concerns with medical issues and physicals/immunization records.

Hillhouse Principal Billy, meanwhile, described in detail on Monday what

chronic absenteeism-combatting efforts have looked liked at the city’s second largest high school so far this year Billy, who has been at the helm of Hillhouse for the past ten months, emphasized that the work currently happening is done by the school’s staff on the daily. When he first arrived at Hillhouse in January, Billy spent time asking students how they feel being in the building. After collecting a series of “I feel …” statements from students, Billy learned students felt not welcome in Hillhouse’s school building. Some described it as feeling like a “jail;” others said it is a place people didn’t want them to be.

Billy has since been on a mission to change student morale and the narrative of Hillhouse.

So far this year, his students have focused their attendance efforts on first-year students, or ninth graders, who make up the Class of 2028.

Through district data collection, Billy identified that 49 percent of the current ninth grade class were severely chronically absent last school year. A similar percentage of students were identified as in need of social and academic supports.

Re-Election As Chair Of CT Democrats

by Lamont endorses CTNewsJunkie Staff

With her term set to end in January, Nancy DiNardo announced Wednesday that she won’t seek re-election as chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party, according to a release.

The Democratic State Central Committee will meet in January to elect a new chair. Gov. Ned Lamont has endorsed Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves for the job and said he is “the exact type of leader we need at this moment” and that he’ll be a great resource for the party in the years ahead.

DiNardo, who has been one of the longest-serving chairs of the party, said it has been an honor and thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve again for the term ending in January. She was first elected state party chair in 2005 and served 10 years before stepping down. She returned to the job in 2020.

“I have met and worked with extraordinary Democrats across the state, and I hope to continue to do so in the coming years,” DiNardo said in a statement. “Roberto Alves will make a great Chairman, and I wish him the very best.”

Alves was elected mayor of Danbury in 2023 after previously serving as Democratic Town Chair as well as Treasurer of the Connecticut Democratic Party. He thanked DiNardo for her service.

“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for his continued leadership and trust as we

look toward the future of the Connecticut Democratic Party, and I also want to thank Nancy DiNardo for her years of dedicated service,” Alves said in a statement. “Now, we need to focus on what’s next: building a Democratic Party that’s ready to face

the challenges of tomorrow, mobilizing voters, activists, and grassroots support in every corner of our state, and working together to get things done for the people of Connecticut.”

Lamont said DiNardo has always

looked out for the “working middle class,” and touted the party’s record under her leadership.

“Nancy DiNardo has always looked out for the working middle class, which is why she is the most successful chair

of any political party in Connecticut history, leading Connecticut Democrats to victories year after year, including every state constitutional office and every U.S. Congressional office,” Lamont said. “Her steadfast leadership has strengthened our party and has set a solid foundation for forthcoming elections. I am grateful that she is not going far and she will continue to provide Connecticut Democrats with guidance in the years to come.”

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz thanked DiNardo for generously volunteering “her time and talents to make our state bright blue at the state and federal level,” and wished her well.

Of Alves, Bysiewicz said he “exemplifies the very best of our state’s values,” and highlighted the fact that he immigrated to Connecticut as a child and graduated from Danbury High School before working as a Technical Sales Engineer at Cartus.

“His love of giving back to his community is demonstrated through his numerous volunteer roles, his time on the city council, and his leadership as mayor,” Bysiewicz said. “Last year, Roberto led a team of Democrats that defeated the incumbent Republican mayor and successfully flipped other offices in town. I know Roberto will take his winning strategy to our state party and deploy energy, enthusiasm, and new ideas in future elections.” It’s not clear whether anyone else will seek the post.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO

Hillhouse Principal Billy: "We're better than last year."

FILE PHOTO: Democratic State Chair Nancy DiNardo Credit: Hugh McQuaid / File Photo / CTNewsJunkie

The New Haven independent

Nursing Home Industry Wants Trump To Rescind Staffing Mandate

by Jordan Rau, KFF Health News

Covid’s rampage through the country’s nursing homes killed more than 172,000 residents and spurred the biggest industry reform in decades: a mandate that homes employ a minimum number of nurses.

But with President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the industry is ramping up pressure to kill that requirement before it takes effect, leaving thousands of residents in homes too shortstaffed to provide proper care.

The nursing home industry has been marshaling opposition for months among congressional Republicans — and some Democrats — to overrule the Biden administration’s mandate. Two industry groups, the American Health Care Association and LeadingAge, have sued to overturn the regulation, and 20 Republican state attorneys general have filed their own challenge.

Consumer advocates, industry officials and independent researchers agree that the incoming administration is likely to rescind the rule, given the first Trump administration’s “patients over paperwork” campaign to remove “unnecessary, obsolete, or excessively burdensome health regulations on hospitals and other healthcare providers.” Among other things, Trump aided the industry by easing fines against homes that had been cited for poor care.

“The Trump administration has proven itself really eager to reverse overreaching regulations,” said Linda Couch, senior vice president for policy and advocacy at LeadingAge, which represents nonprofit elder care providers. “We think it’s got a pretty good chance of being repealed, and hope so.”

Issued in April, the staffing regulation requires nursing homes to have registered nurses on-site around the clock — something that the industry has endorsed — and to maintain minimum numbers of nurses and aides. Four in 5 homes would have to increase staffing. The requirements would be phased in, starting in May 2026.

Even before the election, many experts and activists had doubts that the rule would be effectively enforced, given the poor results in states that have imposed their own minimums. In New York, California, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts

— states with the most robust requirements — many homes remain below the legal staffing levels. Governors have given many homes reprieves, and other homes have found that paying penalties costs less than the increase in payroll for additional staff.

The federal government estimates the average annual cost over a decade to meet the Biden mandate would be $4.3 billion a year, a 2% increase in expenses, though the changes do not include increases in federal Medicare or Medicaid payments.

“Staffing is everything in terms of nursing-home quality,” said R. Tamara Konetzka, a professor of public health sciences at the University of Chicago.

While the rule’s effectiveness was uncertain, she worried that repealing it would send the wrong message. “We would be losing that signal that nursing homes should try really hard to improve their staffing,” she said.

Advocate groups for nursing home residents, who had criticized the Biden administration rule for not requiring even higher staffing levels, have since pivoted and are trying to protect it.

“We’re hoping the president-elect will come in and take a look at the science and data behind it and see this really is

a modest reform,” said Sam Brooks, the director for public policy for the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit. “We’d be devastated to see it fall.”

The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment. The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment, but in a court filing it argued that nursing homes should be able to reach the required staffing levels.

“There is more than enough time to identify, train and hire additional staff,” the Biden administration wrote. The quality of care in the nation’s 15,000 nursing homes and the lack of adequate staffing for their 1.2 million residents has been a concern for decades. Inspection reports continue to find homes leaving residents lying in their own feces, suffering severe bedsores and falls, contracting infections, choking on food while unattended, or ending up back in a hospital for preventable reasons. Some nursing homes overuse psychotropic medications to pacify residents because they do not have enough workers to attend to them.

Leslie Frane, executive vice president of the SEIU, the Service Employees International Union, which represents

health care workers, said in a statement that “far too many nursing home owners will not do the right thing and invest in workers without oversight and binding regulation.”

The nursing home industry says many homes cannot afford to increase their workforces, and that, even if they could, there is a scarcity of trained nurses, and not enough people willing to work as aides for an average $19 an hour. A registered nurse earns $40 an hour on average in a nursing home, less than what they could make at a hospital, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Biden administration noted in its court filing it was planning to spend $75 million to recruit and train more workers, and that there were more than 100,000 workers who left nursing homes during the pandemic and could be lured back if salaries and working conditions were better.

How many nursing homes could afford the increased cost remains a mystery because of weaknesses in the government’s requirements for financial transparency.

About half of homes lose money, according to their reports to Medicare, but some nursing home owners grow rich through clandestine maneuvers to siphon profits

into their own pockets.

Last month, owners of Centers Health Care, one of New York state’s largest nursing home chains, agreed to pay $45 million to settle allegations by Attorney General Letitia James that they diverted $83 million intended for resident care to themselves during the pandemic.

Maryellen Mooney, a spokesperson for the Centers Health Care chain, which denied the allegations, said in a statement that Centers was “committed to fully implementing the settlement terms, including a significant investment in resident care.”

About three-quarters of nursing homes are for-profit. The industry, though, highlights the most sympathetic examples: rural nonprofit nursing homes like Kimball County Manor & Assisted Living in Kimball, Nebraska. Its staffing levels for registered nurses are 40% below what the new rule would require, federal data shows.

Sarah Stull, Kimball’s administrator, said recruitment had always been challenging and that temporary nursing staffing agencies charged more than double what she paid her own staff.

“We had to pay $65 for a nurse aide during covid, and that’s insane,” she said. The government estimated that about a fourth of the nation’s nursing homes would be eligible to apply for hardship exemptions if there were a documented shortage of nurses and aides in their communities compared with the national average.

But Nate Schema, the chief executive of the Good Samaritan Society, which runs 133 nonprofit homes mainly in the rural Midwest, estimated that only seven would be likely to qualify for a hardship waiver.

“Philosophically, they sound great,” he said. “But in practicality and how they’re put together, they won’t do much for us.” KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF. Subscribe to KFF Health News’ free Morning Briefing.

This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Credit: Photo by Kampus Production / Pexels.com

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Murphy Votes To Block Sale Of Offensive Weapons To Israel

Tensions Mount As Governments Reveal Support Or Opposition To International Criminal Court’s Intention To Prosecute Netanyahu

by Niveen Ghoneim / CTNewsJunkie

US Sen. Chris Murphy voted Wednesday to block the sale of offensive weapons to Israel in light of the unfolding carnage in Gaza. Murphy split with Connecticut’s other senator and fellow Democrat on the vote and was one of less than 20 to support the measure, which comprised three resolutions.

The Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRD) were introduced by US Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator who caucuses with the Democrats but is otherwise unaffiliated with any political party. The resolutions specified three types of offensive weapons: bomb guidance kits, tank and high explosive mortar rounds, Sanders explained, adding that the vote is the only available mechanism to prevent a pending US arms sale to Israel valued at over $20 billion.

Murphy released a statement about his votes on Wednesday:

“I continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself in the wake of the horrific attacks of Oct. 7. Since last October, I have consistently supported sending Israel the military aid it needs, totaling more than $18 billion, to ensure that Hamas cannot launch another similar attack,” Murphy wrote. “But that funding cannot and should not be a blank check. As with aid to all US partners, there are rules that Israel must comply with – especially regarding the protection of innocent civilians and provision of humanitarian aid. We should make sure that our military aid is being used to pursue a goal shared by the US and Israel – the destruction of Hamas’ military capability – and not a goal that is contrary to US security interests – the destruction of a path to a future Palestinian state.”

US Sen. Richard Blumenthal voted against the measure.

“I’ve supported Israel’s right to defend itself, but also a cessation of fighting to enable the return of the hostages, more humanitarian aid, reduction in civilian casualties, and a path toward normalizing relations between Israel and other nations in the region. I was sympathetic to the

resolutions’ goals, but felt they were the wrong vehicle. They were aimed at Netanyahu, but harmed Israel,” Blumenthal said in a statement to CTNewsJunkie.

Pro-Palestine groups – who had led efforts to lobby Murphy and Blumenthal to support Sanders’ JRD – welcomed Murphy’s vote, but said he needs to do more to better represent his constituents’ views on the question of Palestine.

Representatives for the CT Palestine Solidarity Coalition, which comprises Jewish Voice for Peace New Haven, Hartford Jewish Organizing Collective, as well as Muslim Advocacy for Rights, Unity and Fairness-CT, sent a statement to CTNewsJunkie on the vote:

“We welcome Sen. Chris Murphy’s vote to block arms sales to Israel – a decision that reflects the values of the majority of Americans and the growing movement for justice in Connecticut –but this vote alone is insufficient to halt

the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza. If Sen. Murphy is truly committed to his principles and to representing his constituents, he must take bold and decisive action by advocating for a total arms embargo while leveraging his influence and his congressional appointments to hold Israel accountable for its actions. Our coalition will keep organizing across Connecticut to demand an end to arming Israel, an end to the genocide, and a steadfast commitment that our state and federal taxes, pensions, and other resources go toward supporting our communities here.”

Less than a day after the resolution was defeated in the US Senate, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas military commander Mohamed Deif, whom Israel killed in July.

In its decision, the ICC accused Netanyahu and Gallant of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare.

“There are reasonable grounds to believe that [Netanyahu and Gallant] intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity,” the ICC statement reads.

In a speech Thursday, Netanyahu called the court’s decision “antisemitic” and accused ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan of corruption.

“This is an antisemitic act that has one goal, to deter me, to deter us from exercising our natural right to defend ourselves against our enemies, who rise up against us to destroy us, accusing the state of Israel of genocide, while we are

working to defend ourselves from an enemy who is trying to commit genocide against us,” Netanyahu said.

he court also has accused the two Israeli officials of intentionally targeting Gaza’s civilian population, with at least 44,000 Palestinians – an estimated 70% of whom are civilians – reported killed.

The court said there is also probable cause to believe Deif committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Hamas-led attack against Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023, which saw nearly 1,200 Israelis killed – including at least 800 civilians, according to the Israeli government – with 250 taken hostage, of whom around 100 are still believed to be alive but hidden in or below Gaza in Hamas’s tunnels.

United Nations experts also concluded in March that there were reasonable grounds to believe that Hamas and other Palestinian militants also committed acts of sexual violence against Israelis during the Oct. 7 attack.

The vote on the weapons transfer indicates that members of the US Senate are moving toward a different approach to relations with Israel as the war with Hamas unfolds. International law matters to the extant that nation-states are willing participants.

Countries that are party to the Rome Statute – which is the treaty that established the ICC – are now required to enforce the International Criminal Court’s decision, which would entail the apprehension of Netanyahu and Gallant to face charges. As such, countries have been signaling their willingness, or unwillingness, to abide by the court’s decision.

In the European Union, Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands and Jordanhave all confirmed their support for the ICC. Hungary and Germany have said they won’t arrest Netanyahu or Gallant.

Canada has signaled support for the ICC. However, the US – which is not an ICC member state – has contested the ICC’s jurisdiction over the matter.

Senate Republicans have said they’ll sanction EU states that enforce the ICC’s decision.

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal. Credit: Hugh McQuaid / CTNewsJunkie

Blumenthal, CCMC Warn Families About Potentially Dangerous Toys

by Jamil Ragland / CTNewsJunkie

HARTFORD, CT – US Sen. Richard Blumenthal on Monday joined leaders of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center to warn parents and caregivers about the potential dangers that specific toys can pose to young children this holiday season.

“This is a very festive time of year with Christmas and Hanukkah coming up in a few weeks, a time of great joy, a time when we’re out buying presents for our kids, and we want it to be a very joyous time for the whole family,” said James E. Shmerling, President and CEO of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC). “There’s also risk when we’re buying these gifts for our kids. Some are not safe. As the only hospital in the state of Connecticut that’s 100 percent focused on children, this is something that we take very seriously.”

Along with the usual suspects of toys with small parts and other common safety threats that the wrong toys can pose, Blumenthal and Kevin Borrup, the executive director of the Injury Prevention Center at CCMC, highlighted the dangers of water beads and magnets, which children can ingest with the risk of significant internal injuries that are difficult to treat.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), water beads are small, water-absorbing, often colorful balls of super-absorbent polymer that can grow 100 times their original size when

exposed to water. They are often sold as toys, in craft kits, as sensory tools for children with developmental disabilities, or for agricultural use.

“These kinds of toys look absolutely harmless,” Blumenthal said. “They’re colored, they’re attractive, and they look like candy. These little toys look like the stuff that you might actually eat. Little

does a child know that these can inflate and literally block the body from working.”

When swallowed, water beads absorb liquid inside the body and grow, causing significant and potentially life-threatening internal injuries for small children. CPSC data show that nearly 7,000 water bead-related ingestion injuries were treat-

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ed in emergency departments in the US from 2018 through 2022. A 10-month-old girl also died from injuries caused by ingesting water beads in 2023.

Small magnets pose another danger, as even though they may be ingested individually, their strong forces of attraction will draw them to each other, potentially pinching delicate internal tissues between them and leading to holes in intestinal lining and other critical areas.

Another perennial danger are button batteries, which can be found in numerous modern gifts, including everything from LED lights to watches and more. The batteries can become caught in a child’s esophagus, and despite not being plugged in, they can still develop a charge that can burn a hole into the throat lining in as little as two hours.

One of the other dangers that Blumenthal discussed is the threat that unregulated toys pose to younger children. Thanks to a loophole known as the “de minimis exemption,” shipments valued at less than $800 enter the United States without duties, taxes, or customs inspections. According to the US Public Interest Research Group’s (US PIRG) annual report, “Trouble in Toyland,” a billion shipments will enter the US in 2024 through the de minimis loophole, including hundreds of thousands of toys and games ordered through internet sellers.

“Direct-to-consumer sales through the internet can come from overseas across borders without inspection, from China

or elsewhere, and 80% of those toys sold in the United States come from China,” Blumenthal said. “So the mounting threat of unsafe toys, particularly from China, but from all overseas manufacturers, is one that demands action, and I will be introducing legislation to close the loophole for those de minimis shipments that come across our borders, from China and elsewhere.”

Borrup offered some simple tips that parents can follow to help make the holidays safer, including:

• When buying a wheel or a riding toy, ensure that child safety equipment is also provided, such as helmets, elbow and knee pads

• Ensure that toys and non-toys with button batteries remain out of reach of young children

• Check all the toys that being purchased for children under the age of three in advance for small pieces that can easily break away

• Purchase toys from a reputable retailer rather than at questionable websites “The most impactful thing you can do as a parent is to give the time to your kids,” Borrup said. “Get down on the floor and play with them, read to them, listen to them. Your time will help your child build the social and emotional skills and protective factors that can provide a lifelong benefit. You can even develop a family game night, the dreaded forced fun that is part of many families and traditions.”

US Sen. Richard Blumenthal holds a container of water beads during a news conference on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford about the risk they pose to young children. In the background is Kevin Borrup, executive director of the Injury Prevention Center

Ghana features in Viral Netflix Documentary Buy Now! which spotlights global waste crisis fueled

by Prosper Kuzo, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Ghana features in new Viral Netflix Documentary Buy Now- original photo credits: Lady Sena / X The new viral Netflix documentary Buy Now! highlighted Ghana in its release and production. It sheds light on the global waste crisis perpetuated by top brands in an endless cycle.

Produced by Grain Media and directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Nic Stacey, ‘Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy’ reveals the ‘manipulative and tactical’ strategies global brands such as Apple, Amazon, H&M, Shein, and Zara use to perpetuate a cycle of overconsumption, often at the expense of vulnerable regions like Ghana.

The documentary captures details of the never-ending waste cycle and what global brands would certainly not wish for consumers to find out.

With Ghana as a case study, the film highlights how brands profit from unsustainable practices and then shift the burden of waste to countries ill-equipped to manage it.

Ghanaian content producer Lady Sena played a pivotal role in the local production of the documentary which highlights the environmental and societal consequences of consumerism, particularly in the Global South. Her contribution helped shed light on the

impact of fast fashion and how discarded clothing from the U.S. and other Western countries often pollutes Ghana’s water bodies.

The film also features whistleblowers and industry insiders who expose how multinational corporations employ deceptive marketing and psychological tactics to manipulate consumer behavior. These strategies are deployed not just to drive excessive consumption, but to also externalize the environmental and human costs to nations like Ghana.

It awakens viewers to the realization that when we throw something away, “away” is often polluting another country’s air, sea, land and food with a never-ending cycle of waste.

Chloe Leland, BAFTA and Emmy

Award winning Executive Producer and Creative Director of Grain Media said in the team’s press statement that the film’s aim is to empower brands to take responsibility for their actions.

“Grain is proud to have been able to bring such an original and important story to life. Rather than pointing the finger at, lecturing and guilt-provoking consumers, Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy does the opposite, turning the lens on those selling us all this stuff. It was essential that the film be both inspiring and motivating, while also playful, mischievous, and visually striking. We hope that viewers feel empowered and that the film

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will encourage big brands to take responsibility for their actions and products.”

Through the film’s investigative lens, Buy Now! challenges viewers to rethink their purchasing habits while uncovering the stark reality of global consumerism’s fallout.

This serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, and it urges viewers to demand greater accountability from corporations and more conscious consumption

by individuals.

Director Nic Stacey also left his thoughts on the viral documentary, saying, “To me, it felt like now was the perfect time to make this film. Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy is about power, control, and the relentless drive to make us buy more. I started out thinking of myself as a ‘well-informed consumer,’ but was repeatedly shocked by the interviews with people in high-ranking positions at major

companies. We found that the system is far more troubling than most people realize.”

“The truth is, there’s a highly sophisticated machine at work, making it incredibly hard for us to make conscious and responsible choices. My hope is that when people watch the film, they realize that we can take back control. While the subject is inherently dark, I wanted to present it in an honest and entertaining way—emphasizing that as consumers, it’s not always our fault. Here’s how we can break the cycle.”

Sena’s work amplifies Ghana’s global story. For her, it is more about raising awareness and consciousness especially within the black diaspora.

“Ghana’s segment tied everything together and demonstrated how interconnected we are as a global community and diaspora. ‘Buy now!’ brings awareness to a story often told, but to a new worldwide audience”, Sena exclusively told Face2FaceAfrica’s Prosper Kuzo.

“It’s inspiring to see and hear people speak about making conscious choices off the back of the documentary and, as the saying goes, ‘When you know better, you do better.’ I’m grateful to be one of many hands involved in making it happen. Storytelling is my passion and in this case, it is aligned with a greater purpose”, she added.

New in 2025, all Medicare plans will include a $2,000 cap on what you pay out of pocket for covered prescription drugs. The cap only applies to drugs that are covered by your plan, so it’s more important than ever to review your plan options to make sure your drugs are covered.

Get help with drug costs.

If you are struggling with your prescription drug costs, Extra Help is a Medicare program that can help pay for your drug coverage (Part D) premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs. If you make less than $23,000 a year, it’s worth it to apply. Visit ssa.gov/extrahelp to complete an application.

Credit: Photo by Kampus Production / Pexels.com

UNCF Economic Impact Report Highlights Unmatched Contributions and Urgent Funding Needs of HBCUs

By Roy Betts, UNCF Communications

HBCUs have long been pillars of educational excellence and economic engines, driving prosperity in their communities and across the nation. Despite these contributions, chronic underfunding threatens their ability to sustain this impact. Transforming Futures: The Economic Engines of HBCUs, underscores the urgent need for equitable and sustainable funding to ensure HBCUs can continue their vital role in promoting social mobility and economic growth and calls on the public to advocate for these essential institutions.

“As UNCF observes its 80th anniversary, one of the highlights of our yearlong celebration is the release of the sequel to our groundbreaking 2017 report. This report reaffirms what we have always known about the resilience of HBCUs: despite a deadly pandemic, social unrest caused by the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and the economic uncertainties of the past seven years, HBCUs continue to do more with less—not only in preparing the next generation of leaders but also in contributing to our nation’s economic impact,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF. “At this critical moment, with a crucial election on the horizon, we all must immediately actualize our commitment to these cornerstone institutions.”

Key findings in the 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report include:

• HBCUs generate $16.5 billion in direct

economic impact nationally.

• If they were a company, the nation’s HBCUs would place in the top 50 of the nation’s Fortune500 companies in job creation.

• Collectively, 136,048 jobs exist because of HBCUs.

• On average, for each job created on campus, 1.5 off-campus jobs exist because of spending related to the institution.

• HBCUs are far more accessible to students and more successful at moving students from the bottom 40% of a coun-

try’s income distribution to the top 60%, signaling social mobility.

• The 51,269 HBCU graduates in the class of 2021 can expect work-life earnings of $146 billion, 57% ($53 billion) more than the $93 billion they could expect without their degrees or certificates. The 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report is a continuation of the landmark 2017 study, HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which showed that HBCUs’

economic benefits extend beyond the students they educate. In addition to the comprehensive report, a website has been launched where users can explore state-specific data and insights for individual HCBUs. This resource allows users to explore the localized impact, emphasizing the critical role HBCUs play in communities across the nation.

“Transforming Futures: The Economic Engines of HBCUs represents the latest chapter in a longitudinal research initiative by UNCF’s Frederick D. Patterson

Research Institute.

By leveraging robust methodology and extensive data, we highlight how HBCUs continue to be critical drivers of economic growth and social mobility,” said Dr. Nadrea R. Njoku, assistant vice president, of Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute, UNCF.

“This report not only underscores the substantial economic benefits generated by HBCUs but also contextualizes the broader challenges they have faced over the past three years, including the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the threats of violence that have been levied against many of these institutions.”

“Now more than ever, we must recognize the indispensable role HBCUs play in shaping not just the future of their students but the future of our nation. This report is not just a call to awareness but a call to action,” said Lodriguez Murray, senior vice president, of public policy and government affairs, at UNCF. “As we move forward, it is imperative that we leverage this data to galvanize our communities and demand the necessary support from our policymakers by voting for HBCUs. We urge every supporter to make their voices heard, to advocate for the equitable funding our HBCUs deserve, and to ensure that these institutions can continue to thrive and contribute to America’s future.”

For more information on how to actualize a commitment and be a voice for HBCUs, visit: UNCF.org/EquityPledge.

Embracing Home Visits: Honoring Parents and Strengthening Communities

The transition to parenthood is far from easy – and even more difficult if parents don’t have support. Studies show that less than half of parents feel prepared for parenthood before the birth of their first baby, and only 18% feel confident as parents after their child arrives. While many external factors can affect a parent’s early experiences with their children, one thing is clear: new parents need support from people who understand their experiences. Home visiting programs, like Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), can help. These successful programs redefine empowerment. Under these models, designated community members, known as home visitors, don't “bestow” power upon parents. Instead, home visitors affirm that parents simply need support to elevate their natural abilities. To provide that support, home visitors work alongside parents and other primary caregivers in a child’s home, taking family needs into account to tailor support. This might look like encouraging positive parenting practices or helping parents develop their children’s early math and reading skills. Home visitors can also help parents find resources in their communities, like daycare, health care, and more.

Peer-to-peer engagement is a central and striking feature of home visits. Often, the home visitors are parents themselves and draw on personal experience to connect with families. This model underscores a

Caption: A Mother

with Children truth too often overlooked: credentials alone do not define an educator. Instead, genuine empathy among parents can be just as — if not more — impactful. Home visiting programs use peer-to-peer knowledge sharing to build on parents’ unique understanding of their children in three key ways:

1. Parents are their children’s first teachers — and can have long-term positive effects on their children’s futures. Home visitors often teach parents the basics of educational play. This form of play has demonstrable positive developmental effects

on children, specifically on early literacy, math, social and emotional, and other cognitive skills. These positive effects persist even after a child’s participation in a home visiting program has been concluded. As a result of home visiting programs and parents’ educational play, children experience increased school readiness, and participants will have higher rates of both school and college attendance. Children’s younger siblings often benefit from their older siblings’ participation, as well. Over the longer term, participants will see higher lifetime earnings totals due to their in-

creased educational attainment and better employment outcomes.

2. Parents can affect change beyond their own child’s education. We need to celebrate home visiting models not just as educational tools, but also as catalysts for civic engagement. Parents gain confidence from teaching their children, which empowers them to advocate within their communities. These programs are guided by the ethos of neighbors working alongside one another — a “we,” not an “I.” Through these relationships, parents see that it’s possible to initiate change on their blocks, in their neighborhoods, and their communities. And parents can go to civic meetings, stand up, and say, “I’m a parent, and these issues matter to me.” They move beyond passive roles to become active participants in their communities, influencing local policies and championing causes that affect not only their children but also our collective future.

3. Parents find new opportunities to learn and grow as both parents and professionals. But programs like HIPPY don’t just inspire parents to participate in civic engagement. They also give parents a professional path forward. Through experiences in home visiting programs, some parents unlock a passion for early childhood education, leading to work as home visitors, pre-K professionals, or even K-12 educators. These parents are then inspired to share their knowledge with other parents,

and they apply for jobs and are hired to work for programs like HIPPY as part of an individual equity accelerator model. In fact, after participating in the program, home visitors often experience an increase in their educational attainment and wages in the long run. Many home visitors are also incentivized to continue their education and develop their careers, moving into nonprofit management with home-visiting partner organizations or community organizing. Home visitors invest in parents, and parents invest in their children. This kind of “triple workforce” development uplifts everybody, from kids to parents to entrepreneurs.

While becoming a parent can be challenging, programs like HIPPY can make the process easier—and empower parents in new ways. Home visiting programs are about so much more than teaching parents how to facilitate educational activities for their children. They are also powerful platforms for transforming parents into community leaders and advocates, redefining what it means to educate and engage.

HIPPY has dedicated staff, school partners, service agencies, community leaders, advocates, and families in 20 states and the District of Columbia, comprising a total of 96 HIPPY sites. HIPPY is a free program for parents of children ages 2, 3, or 4. To learn more about HIPPY, who qualifies, and where it’s available, please visit https://www.hippyus.org/

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By Mekhi Abbott Special to the AFRO mabbott@afro.com

Tennessee State University Set to Debut the First Division I Hockey Team at An HBCU

THE AFRO — “I am incredibly excited to embark on building this program, supported by God, my family, TSU students, alumni, and all those eagerly awaiting this moment,” said Duanté Abercrombie, the head coach of the Tennessee State Tigers ice hockey team, in a press release courtesy of TSU Athletics. “I firmly believe that one day, TSU will be recognized not only as a powerhouse on the ice but also as a program whose student-athletes leave a profound legacy on the world, enriched by the lessons learned at TSU.”

National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman (left), Tennessee State University (TSU) Athletic Director Mikki Allen (center) and TSU president Glenda Glover share a moment after holding a press conference announcing TSU’s intent to become the first historically Black college or university with a Division I ice hockey team. Credit: AP Photo/George Walker IV

Tennessee State University (TSU) continues to break ground on a historic journey to become the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to field a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I ice hockey team. Alongside some assistance from the National Hockey League (NHL), the NHL Players’ Association and the Nashville Predators, the TSU Tigers have already named their official head coach, unveiled their jersey and received their first official commitment from a student-athlete.

TSU held an official press conference to announce the plan in June 2023. Their

first official season as a sanctioned Division I program is planned to commence in 2025-26. On April 18, TSU named Duanté Abercrombie as the head coach of the Tennessee State Tigers ice hockey team.

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“I am incredibly excited to embark on building this program, supported by God, my family, TSU students, alumni, and all

those eagerly awaiting this moment,” said Abercrombie in a press release courtesy of TSU Athletics. “I firmly believe that one day, TSU will be recognized not only as a powerhouse on the ice but also as a program whose student-athletes leave a profound legacy on the world, enriched by the lessons learned at TSU.”

Abercrombie was raised in Washington, D.C., and was mentored by hockey legend Neal Henderson, the first Black man to be inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame. Abercrombie at-

tended Gonzaga College High School and graduated from Hampton University, where he was a track and field athlete prior to retiring due to an injury. After college, Abercrombie briefly played professional hockey in both the New Zealand Ice Hockey League as well as the Federal Hockey League.

After his career as a professional hockey player, Abercrombie moved onto coaching, including stints with his alma mater Gonzaga and Georgetown Preparatory School. In 2022-23, Abercrombie

was a member of the coaching staff for NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs organization. “We are no longer doing club play in 2024-25. We are going right into D1 play for 2025-26,” Nick Guerriero told the AFRO. Guerriero is the assistant athletic director of communications and creative content at Tennessee State.

On Jan. 19, TSU got their first official commitment from an ice hockey recruit, Xavier Abel. Abel played at Drury University and scored 12 goals in 34 games, including three game-winning goals. Abel was recruited by Guerriero.

In July, the Tigers got their second commitment from forward Trey Fechko. In October, Trey’s brother Marcus Fechko also committed to Tennessee State. Since, the Tigers have also signed forward Greye Rampton, goaltender Johnny Hicks, Grady Hoffman and four-star forward Bowden Singleton. Singleton flipped his commitment from North Dakota to Tennessee State. Guerriero said that TSU has a “few” other recruits that they are waiting to announce during their November signing period.

“I think it’s important to invest in these unorthodox sports for Black athletes because it allows Black children to have more opportunities to play sports in general,” said Zion Williams, a 2024 Gettysburg College graduate and former collegiate athlete. “The more opportunities that children have, the better. They won’t feel like they are boxed into one thing or sport.”

Namibia poised to elect first female leader

by Kweku Sampson, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s Vice President, could become the nation’s first female president if she wins the highly anticipated presidential election. Her potential victory would mark a historic milestone for the country and for her party, the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), which has governed Namibia since its independence from apartheid rule in 1990.

More than 1.4 million voters—nearly half the population—have registered to participate in the election, where 15 political parties will compete for the presidency and seats in the National Assembly. Early results from special polls, including votes from overseas missions and security forces, indicate that Nandi-Ndaitwah and SWAPO are in a favorable position, according to the Electoral Commission of Namibia.

A challenged legacy

Despite its liberation credentials, SWAPO’s dominance has waned. In the 2019 elections, the party lost its two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for the

first time since 1994, largely due to public outrage over corruption scandals, including a high-profile case involving money laundering in the fishing industry. The scandal led to the arrest and conviction of two cabinet ministers, shaking public confidence.

Henning Melber, a political analyst and professor at the University of Pretoria, warned that SWAPO must learn from its 2019 losses. “The process of erosion of legitimacy as a former liberation movement has advanced too much,” Melber said. He emphasized that younger voters, often referred to as “born-frees” because they were born after Namibia’s liberation, prioritize effective governance over historical loyalty.

“There is no way back to regain such dominance,” Melber added, noting that SWAPO faces the same challenges as other former liberation movements in Africa, such as South Africa’s African National Congress, which recently lost its parliamentary majority after 30 years in power.

Campaign promises and criticism Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, has made job creation a central focus of her campaign, pledging to invest 85 billion Namibian

dollars (approximately $4.7 billion) over the next five years to create 500,000 jobs. Critics, however, have questioned the feasibility of her plan, given Namibia’s current economic constraints and youth unemployment rate of 20%.

She has also prioritized issues affecting women, including reproductive rights, healthcare, and equal pay. If elected, Nandi-Ndaitwah would join a distinguished group of female African leaders, includ-

ing Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Malawi’s Joyce Banda.

Erika Thomas, a political science lecturer at the University of Namibia, said Nandi-Ndaitwah’s success would depend on her commitment to transparency and accountability. “She must push for policies that increase women’s participation in politics and leadership,” Thomas said.

A shifting political landscape

SWAPO’s main challengers include the Independent Patriots for Change, led by former dentist Panduleni Itula, and the Affirmative Repositioning party, headed by university professor Job Amupanda. Both opposition parties have gained traction with younger voters by focusing on economic reform and anti-corruption measures.

This election is part of a broader trend in southern Africa, where long-dominant parties are losing ground. South Africa’s ANC recently lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in three decades, and Botswana’s Democratic Party was ousted after 58 years in power.

Meanwhile, ongoing protests in Mozambique over contested election results have resulted in at least 30 deaths, underscoring the volatility in the region.

As Namibia prepares to head to the polls, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s candidacy represents both a historic opportunity and a test of SWAPO’s ability to adapt to a changing political landscape. The election’s outcome will determine whether Namibia’s electorate is ready to embrace new leadership or will remain loyal to the party that led it to independence.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah [Phot credit: BBC]

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Florida woman who fatally shot Black neighbor Ajike Owens sentenced by Francis Ackhalbey,

By Face2FaceAfrica.com

Susan Lorincz, the White Florida woman accused of fatally shooting her Black neighbor during a dispute over the victim’s children playing outside, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Monday.

Per CBS News, Lorincz’s sentencing came after a jury found her guilty of manslaughter in August. Lorincz, 60, gunned down Ajike Owens, a mother of four, in their Ocala neighborhood on June 2, 2023.

The incident occurred outside Lorincz’s home after Owens went there to confront her. The convicted White woman was initially charged with one count of manslaughter with a firearm and one count of assault, and she faced up to 30 years in prison.

During her sentencing, Judge Robert Hodges noted that Lorincz had enough time to contact authorities, adding that nothing indicated Owens was attempting to force her way into the convicted woman’s home.

“The shooting was based, I find, more in anger than in fear,” Hodges said. The case stirred controversy last year when it

took police two weeks to charge Lorincz, and she was charged with manslaughter rather than the more severe second-degree murder, which could have led to a life sentence.

During the trial, the jury was shown ev-

idence that Lorincz shot Owens through her door using a .380-caliber handgun. Prosecutors argued that Lorincz fired out of anger over Owens’ four children playing in a shared grassy area between their homes, per the New York Post.

Illinois Supreme Court Overturns Jussie Smollett Conviction in Hate Crime Hoax Case

The court determined that Smollett was unjustly prosecuted after an earlier agreement with state prosecutors had resolved the charges.

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire National Correspondent

The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction, ruling that his second prosecution for filing a false police report violated his constitutional rights. The court determined that Smollett was unjustly prosecuted after an earlier agreement with state prosecutors had resolved the charges.

In January 2019, Smollett reported being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in downtown Chicago. He claimed two men physically assaulted him while shouting slurs and declaring, “This is MAGA country.” The report initially drew national attention and widespread condemnation of hate crimes.

Authorities later accused Smollett of orchestrating the attack, alleging he recruited two brothers, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, to stage the incident. He was charged with felony disorderly conduct for filing a false police report. In a 2019 resolution, prosecutors dropped the charges after Smollett forfeited his $10,000 bond and completed community service. However, public backlash led to appointing a special prosecutor who revived the case.

Smollett was convicted on five counts of felony disorderly conduct in 2021, based largely on testimony from the Osundairo brothers, who said Smollett planned and directed the staged assault. He was sentenced to five months in jail in 2022 but served just six days before being released pending appeal.

On Thursday, Nov. 21, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled 4-2 in Smollett’s favor, citing violations of his due process rights.

“We hold that a second prosecution under these circumstances is a due process violation, and we therefore reverse defendant’s conviction,” Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford wrote.

Nenye Uche, Smollett’s attorney, welcomed the ruling. “We are thankful to the Illinois Supreme Court for restoring order to Illinois’ criminal law jurisprudence,” Uche stated. “This decision is a victory for justice and due process.”

Smollett’s acting career began in childhood, with early roles in films such as The Mighty Ducks (1992) and North (1994).

In the mid-1990s, he co-starred with his siblings on the sitcom On Our Own. After a hiatus, Smollett returned to the spotlight as a musician, releasing the EP Poisoned Hearts Club in 2012, and as an actor in the independent film The Skinny.

In 2015, Smollett achieved widespread recognition for portraying Jamal Lyon on the hit TV series Empire. Jamal, the open-

Lorincz had reportedly complained for nearly three years that the children were harassing her. Lorincz’s defense attorneys argued that she acted in self-defense, claiming that the much larger and younger Owens, 35, aggressively banged on her door.

They asserted that Lorincz’s actions were justified under Florida’s “stand your ground” law, which permits the use of deadly force in self-defense. Owens had confronted Lorincz after her children reported that Lorincz threw roller skates and an umbrella at them due to their noisy play.

The two neighbors had clashed previously over similar issues. And in one 911 call, Lorincz had whinged, “I’m just sick of these children.”

Prosecutor Rich Buxman argued that the evidence showed Lorincz acted out of anger, not fear, when she shot Owens. Although Lorincz did not testify, the jury heard a recorded police interview where she claimed she never intended to harm Owens.

“This case is undoubtedly a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence. The defendant’s choic-

es have left four young children without their mother, a loss that will be felt for the rest of their lives,” Bill Gladson, the state attorney for Florida’s fifth judicial district, said in a statement, CBS News reported. “While today’s verdict can’t bring AJ back, we hope it brings some measure of justice and peace to her family and friends.”

The attorney for Owens’ family, Ben Crump, also said that the verdict was a “a critical step in securing justice” for the deceased victim and her family.

“We are profoundly grateful that the jury has delivered a guilty verdict in this heartbreaking case. AJ Owens was a devoted mother whose life was tragically cut short, leaving her children, including a young son who witnessed this horrific act, to carry the burden of her loss,” Crump said in a statement.

“While nothing can erase the pain they’ve endured, today’s decision sends a clear message that senseless violence will be met with accountability. We will continue to stand by AJ’s family as they heal and fight for a future where no family has to experience such devastating loss.”

Meet Oregon’s first Black member of Congress: ‘I am proud to be the first, but not the last’

by Dollita Okine, Face2FaceAfrica.com

who were teachers.

ly gay son of music mogul Lucious Lyon, became a groundbreaking character for LGBTQ+ representation on television. Smollett also contributed original music to the show’s soundtrack, which became a commercial success. His performance earned him critical acclaim and a recording contract with Columbia Records.

Smollett described his role on Empire as one of the highlights of his career, noting the impact it had on fans. “I received a letter from a kid that said Jamal gave him the courage to come out to his parents. It touched me deeply, and it’s an honor to help people,” he said in a 2015 interview. While his legal troubles resulted in Jamal being written out of Empire during its final season, Smollett’s contributions to the show remained significant. His attorneys hope he can now rekindle his career.

“This case has always been about protecting constitutional rights,” Uche remarked. “Today, justice has prevailed.”

Janelle Bynum became Oregon’s first Black member of Congress after successfully flipping a U.S. House seat from Republicans this month. The Democrat took the seat after defeating Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

She said in a press conference, “It’s not lost on me that I am one generation removed from segregation. It’s not lost on me that we’re making history.”

“And I am proud to be the first, but not the last, Black member of Congress in Oregon,” she said, according to the Guardian.

Oregon created laws in the past that excluded Black people from settling there from the 1840s through 1857.

Bynum, who was first elected to the Oregon legislature in 2016, served in the state’s 51st district, which included the southeast corner of Portland, the majority of Happy Valley and Damascus, and the surrounding area. This district spans southern Multnomah County and northern Clackamas County.

From an early age, Bynum learned the importance of education from her parents,

As per the Democratic Party of Oregon website, the native of Washington, D.C. received scholarships and pursued education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

WWeek reports that she worked as an engineer for General Motors for six years, traveling the world. Her experience working with GM’s suppliers influenced how she approached business and policy.

“I’m a data person,” she said to WWeek. “I want to see the numbers, not hear the hyperbole.”

Aside from her political career, the 49-year-old is a mother of four children and runs her family’s modest business, which includes two restaurants in her neighborhood.

She spreads her educational principles even in her business by mentoring her staff, granting scholarships for furthering their education, and pushing them to dream big.

Bynum’s tenure as Oregon’s representative will begin when she is sworn in in January 2025.

Susan Lorincz (left) fatally shot Ajike Owens (right) during a dispute -- Left photo credit: Ben Crump |

Right photo credit: Marion County Sheriff's Office

She took the seat after defeating Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Photo: Janelle Bynum

Momentum Builds for Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Ahead of Centennial

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

As the 100th anniversary of Shirley Chisholm’s birth approaches on November 30, a growing effort to honor her legacy is taking shape. Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress in 1968 and a trailblazer for equality and justice, remains a powerful symbol of courage and leadership. The Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act, spearheaded by Democratic Sen. Laphonza Butler, is moving closer to passage with bipartisan support.

Butler, the bill’s primary sponsor, has garnered backing from key lawmakers, including Democratic Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. The legislation seeks to award Chisholm one of the nation’s highest civilian honors, cementing her place as one of the most transformative figures in American history.

Carlo Jerome Juntilla, Education and Labor Policy Advisor for Butler, acknowledged the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) for its critical role in advancing the bill.

The NNPA is the trade association of more than 200 African American-owned newspapers and media companies, which comprise the 197-year-old Black Press of

America.

“Thanks to your efforts, we have secured the necessary number of co-sponsors to move the bill forward, and we are now in a strong position to pass it,” Juntilla wrote in an email to the NNPA. “With the late Shirley Chisholm’s 100th birthday approaching on November 30, we are looking for ways to collaborate further in order to elevate her legacy.”

Juntilla also emphasized the importance of continuing to amplify Chisholm’s story through additional collaborations, including op-eds and media campaigns. Juntilla

even noted the value of highlighting Butler and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), who is leading the effort in the House.

NNPA President & CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and members of the NNPA’s main office had organized a meeting with Butler where they discussed the honor for Chisholm. “The legacy of the Honorable Shirley Chisholm lives radiantly today and for generations to come,” Chavis remarked. “The NNPA stands resolutely in support of the leadership of The Honorable Laphonsa Butler to bestow to Chisholm with the Congressional honors that she deserves.”

Bobby Henry, Chairman of the NNPA, also expressed the organization’s unwavering support for the bill and its significance.

“As Chairman of the NNPA, I am honored to stand in support of the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act, a vital recognition of one of the most transformative figures in American history,” said Henry, who also publishes the Westside Gazette Newspaper in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. “Shirley Chisholm’s legacy as the first African American woman

elected to Congress and a fearless advocate for equality and justice continues to inspire generations.

“We commend Senator Laphonza Butler and Representative Barbara Lee for championing this historic legislation and for their commitment to ensuring Chisholm’s contributions are celebrated and remembered. As we approach the centennial of her birth, the NNPA is proud to collaborate in elevating her enduring impact on our nation and the world.”

Chisholm’s groundbreaking career includes her historic 1972 presidential campaign, during which she became the first Black woman to seek the nomination of a major political party. Her slogan, “Unbought and Unbossed,” embodied her commitment to justice and refusal to conform to traditional political norms.

Butler, who made history herself as the first Black lesbian to serve in the U.S. Senate, has made the bill a top priority. With growing bipartisan support and co-sponsors from across the political spectrum, the legislation represents a unifying effort to honor Chisholm’s legacy.

“Shirley Chisholm’s legacy continues to inspire generations,” Henry said. “As we approach the centennial of her birth, we must ensure her enduring impact is celebrated, remembered, and elevated for the nation and the world to see.”

ON 'CHISHOLM TRAIL'—Shirley Chisholm leaves USC's Bovard Auditorium, where she said Presidency should not be exclusive domain of white males." 24 January 1972. Photo: Tony Barnard, Los Angeles Times

Trump Has Nominated Only One Black American to a Top Administration Position

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “When your Attorney General pick couldn’t even pass an FBI background check to be a field agent, you know you’ve completely sacrificed merit. I don’t ever want to hear another word about “unqualified” Black people getting a damned thing. Not ever,” wrote Tim Wise, an expert on racism in America, on Trump’s recent appointees.

For months, Florida Congressman Byron Donalds has been seen on cable news defending Donald Trump. There have even been times when Rep. Donalds has been called out for misrepresenting or glossing over many of Trump’s assertions that “crime is on the rise in the United States and increasing because of illegal immigration.

“You’re lying. You’re lying, Congressman,” exclaimed CNN political analyst Keith Boykin during an episode of Abby Phillip’s show News Night on Oct. 1 on the question of crime.

“It’s true, I’m not lying,” Donald shot back. The moment was just one of many times the top Trump surrogate defended the President. Surprisingly, Donalds has yet to be chosen for a cabinet-level position in Trump’s Administration.

Another dedicated Black surrogate, U.S. Senator Tim Scott, has yet to be selected by Trump to join the Administration. Both Donalds and Scott may be looking at other positions. Rep. Donalds is said to be weighing the possibility of running for governor of Florida as current governor Ron DeSantis’ term is limited. Senator Scott would have to resign from the U.S. Senate to serve in Trump’s Administration. If his history is a guide, Scott would likely be aware that the level of turnover during Trump’s first four-year term from

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

2017 to 2021 was filled with cabinet departures and short stints marked by controversy and, at times, chaos.

“Guess y’all were on the campaign trail betraying your people for NOTHING… Not even an opportunity Byron Donalds and Tim Scott. Y’all are the WEAKEST LINKS in the Black community,” wrote Nikki Barnes on the situation.

But it’s not just that Donalds and Scott have been so far passed over. Trump has only chosen three Black or Hispanic nominees for his cabinet or senior staff: Former Texas state lawmaker and motivational speaker Scott Turner, who is Black, for Housing and Urban Development; Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.), who is Hispanic, for Labor and Florida

Sen. Marco Rubio, who is likely to be confirmed as the first-ever Hispanic secretary of State.

Several of the selections have been highly controversial. The resumes of Trump’s selection for Department of Defense and Attorney General, Fox News Host Pete Hegseth and Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, have been questioned.

Both men have reportedly been investigated for sexual assault-related allegations.

The lack of qualifications has won the attention of many because many MAGA Republicans have railed against what they believe is a problem regarding diversity in hiring. But the recent hires of Fox News host Hegseth, who has no management experience, and Gaetz, who has no experience as a Judge or a prosecutor cited as another reason why the Trump Administration is expected to be damaging to federal employees, democracy and the rule of law.

“When your Attorney General pick couldn’t even pass an FBI background check to be a field agent, you know you’ve completely sacrificed merit. I don’t ever want to hear another word about “unqualified” Black people getting a damned thing. Not ever,” wrote Tim Wise, an expert on racism in America, on Trump’s recent appointees.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the publisher of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and speaks on Crisis Comms on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke.

Medicaid Faces Uncertain Future as Republicans Target Program Under Trump Administration

Medicaid’s role in American healthcare is substantial. It supports

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Medicaid, a critical lifeline for millions of Americans, faces an uncertain future as Republicans prepare to take control of Washington. The program, along with the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), provides health and long-term care coverage to 80 million low-income children, pregnant women, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities, is under scrutiny with proposed funding cuts and new eligibility requirements.

In Washington, D.C., Medicaid and CHIP collectively covered 260,218 residents as of June 2024, with total spending reaching $4.2 billion in fiscal year 2022. The federal government accounted for 78.2% of these costs. Since pandemic-era continuous enrollment provisions ended in March 2023, the District has disenrolled 67,619 individuals, even as total enrollment remains 7.7% higher than pre-pandemic levels. These numbers reflect growing pressures on state budgets and federal support.

Nationally, Medicaid’s expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) added 23 million people to its rolls, but that growth has made it a target for Republican lawmakers. With President-elect Donald Trump returning to office, proposals to

cut Medicaid funding and impose work requirements have resurfaced. These measures, they argue, could help fund the extension of tax cuts that primarily benefit corporations and the wealthy.

GOP Rep. Jodey Arrington of Texas, chair of the House Budget Committee, has described work requirements as “responsible and reasonable,” while Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn has advocated for block grants to replace the current funding model. Critics caution that these changes could destabilize Medicaid, leaving states with significant funding gaps.

“If you want to avoid a debt spiral, there have got to be reforms made to federal health programs,” Brian Blase, a former Trump adviser who supports reducing federal contributions to Medicaid expansion, told the New York Times. Proposals under discussion include lowering the federal match rate for expansion enrollees from 90% to as low as 40%, a move that could force some states to drop the program entirely.

Medicaid’s role in American healthcare is substantial. It supports nearly half of all children in the U.S., covers significant portions of mental health and nursing home care, and plays a vital part in managing chronic conditions. In D.C., for instance, 95,577 Medicare beneficiaries and 71,021 enrollees in Medicare Part D also depend on Medicaid for supplemen-

tal support.

Advocates for the ACA’s expansion and consumer protections warn that cutting Medicaid would disproportionately harm vulnerable populations. “Without Medicaid coverage, you’ve got folks choosing between how to put food on the table or pay for their kids’ health care,” said Daniel Tsai, head of Medicaid at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

(CMS).

The appointment of Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead CMS signals the Trump administration’s intention to focus on cost reduction and fraud prevention. However, significant resistance is expected to sweeping cuts. In 2017, similar efforts met with public outcry, and polls show that over 70% of Americans support keeping Medicaid largely unchanged.

State officials are revisiting measures such as work requirements, which faced legal and logistical challenges during Trump’s first term. Arkansas saw thousands lose coverage due to work requirements before the court struck down the program. Georgia remains the only state that has implemented these requirements successfully.

The financial strain on states is already mounting, with federal Medicaid funding reduced by $60 billion for fiscal year 2024. Technical and administrative hurdles have left eligible Americans needing more coverage, exacerbating the problem. Crystal Harp, a mother from Tennessee, described to the New York Times how Medicaid enabled her to manage her daughter’s rare epilepsy. “It’s unbearable to think about the medical debt we would be in if we did not have Medicaid,” she said.

As Republicans advance their policy agenda, Medicaid’s future is in peril. With millions depending on the program for basic healthcare needs, the debates in Congress will determine whether Medicaid continues as a cornerstone of American life or faces sweeping changes. “It could be the most consequential year in Medicaid’s life,” said Joan Alker of Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families.

(Pictured from Left to right:) Rep. Byron Donalds official photo, 117th Congress / Photo: United States Congress. Official portrait of U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) / Photo: U.S. Senate Photographic Studio-Renee Bouchard. Former Executive Director of the White House Opportunity & Revitalization Council Scott Turner delivers remarks at the 2019 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Conference Tuesday, Sep. 10, 2019/ Official White House

Photo by Shealah Craighead. Official portrait of US Senator Marco Rubio of Florida/ Photo: US Senate.

Town of Bloomfield

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA PARA

LA AUTORIDAD DE VIVIENDA DE NEW HAVEN (ECC/HANH)

Salary Range:

REVISED VERSION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR

Job Posting: Construction Project Coordinator

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

INFORME ANUAL DE TRABAJO (MTW) DEL AÑO FISCAL 2024

Position: Construction Project Coordinator

Location: East Granby, CT

La Sección II y la Sección VII del Acuerdo de Trabajo de la Autoridad {el "Acuerdo") exige que antes de que la Agencia pueda presentar su Plan y Informe Anual de Trabajo Aprobado al Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los EE. UU. (el "HUD"), debe realizar una audiencia pública, considerar los comentarios del público sobre las enmiendas propuestas, obtener la aprobación de la Junta de Comisionados y presentar las enmiendas al HUD.

Job Summary:

Company: Galasso Materials LLC

Job Type: Full-time

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.

El período de comentarios de treinta (30) días comienza el viernes 1 de noviembre de 2024 y finaliza el sábado 30 de noviembre de 2024. Se pondrán a disposición copias del Informe Moving to Work (MTW) del año fiscal 2024 en el sitio web de la agencia www.elmcitycommunities.org o a través de Twitter, www.twitter.com/ECCommunities o a través de Facebook www.facebook.com/ElmCityCommunities.

NOTICIA

$87,727 to $136,071

Deputy Finance

Director/Controller

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE.

For Details go to  www.bloomfieldct.org

THE ELM CITYCOMMUNITIES, HOUSING AUTHORITY OF NEW HAVEN (ECC/HANH) MOVING TO WORK (MTW) FY2024 ANNUAL REPORT

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Construction Project Coordinator to join our team. In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring efficient project management by tracking job productivity, reviewing contracts and timesheets, conducting field measurements, and verifying material quantities. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and a collaborative approach, working closely with both field and office personnel to ensure accurate billing summaries and project progress.

Se le invita a enviar comentarios por escrito dirigidos a: ECC/HANH, Moving to Work FY2024 Annual Report, Attn: Evelise Ribeiro, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511 o por correo electrónico a: eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org.

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Responsibilities:

De conformidad con las Secciones II y VII mencionadas, se ha programado una audiencia pública en la que se aceptarán y registrarán los comentarios públicos para el lunes 25 de noviembre de 2024 a las 3:00 p. m. a través de RingCentral: https://v.ringcentral. com/join/185686287?pw=d7db4e4f735df6289ed5adfb24f3f113

• Job Productivity Tracking: Monitor project timelines and productivity metrics to ensure project goals are met.

ID de la reunión: 185686287

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay.

Contraseña: yaw6Zk28PK

• Contract Review: Assist in reviewing project contracts to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with project goals.

O marque:

+12679304000 Estados Unidos (Filadelfia, PA)

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

• Timesheet Review: Oversee and review timesheets, ensuring accurate reporting of work hours for field personnel.

Código de acceso/ID de la reunión: 185686287

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 .

• Field Measurements: Conduct accurate field measurements to support project planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.

Construction

Contraseña de acceso telefónico: 9296952875

Números internacionales disponibles: https://v.ringcentral.com/teleconference

• Material Quantities Confirmation: Verify that material quantities align with project needs and orders.

• Billing Summaries: Prepare detailed billing summaries for client invoicing, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Cualquier persona que requiera una adaptación razonable para participar en la audiencia puede llamar al Gerente de adaptaciones razonables (203) 498-8800, ext. 1506 o al número TDD (203) 497-8434.mber (203) 497-8434.

NEW HAVEN

• Collaboration: Work closely with field personnel to gather project updates and ensure alignment on timelines. Collaborate with office personnel on project documentation, reporting, and billing.

242-258 Fairmont Ave

Qualifications:

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

Listing: Mechanic

• Experience in the construction industry, with a focus on project coordination or related roles.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

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

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.

Immediate opening for a full-time mechanic; maintenance to be done on commercial diesel trucks and trailers. A valid driver’s license is required in order to run company errands efficiently and safely. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email hrdept@eastriverenergy.com

• Proficiency in project management software and MS Office Suite.

Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

***An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans***

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Why Join Us?

Continuum of Care, New Haven, Connecticut –

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team.

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

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID

• Career growth and development opportunities within the company.

If you are an organized, detail-oriented professional with a passion for construction and project management, we encourage you to apply!

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

To Apply: Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to KLamontagne@galassomaterials.com

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.

Galasso Materials LLC is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We are an affirmative action equal-opportunity employer.

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.

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID: CONTINUUM OF CARE, NEW HAVEN is requesting licensed and insured contractor bids for their property located at 979 Quinnipiac Avenue, New Haven. Complete first floor kitchen renovation. Scope to include new kitchen layout. Owner to supply new cabinets. Scope to also include new flooring of area. Job also includes complete first floor bathroom renovation. This includes a complete gut (down to studs) of the bathroom. Environmental testing will be conducted by the owner. Scope includes supplying and installing new step in shower stall, vanity, toilet, tile flooring and wall finishes, tile 4ft wainscot is desired, lighting, grab bars by toilet and showers, exhaust fan with motion sensor, and baseboard heating. The scope of work to include floor drain for the bathroom. Scope to include replacement of existing windows, entry doors. Owner to select tile style, colors, and style of faucets and light fixtures. Further detailed information will be given on the scheduled site visit. GC price should include dumpster and permit feeds. Minority/women’s business enterprises are encouraged to apply. A bidding site meeting will be held at 979 Quinnipiac Avenue, New Haven on 11/22/2024 at 1pm. All bids are due by 12/6/2024 at 10 am. All bids, W9, work scope timeline and copy of license and questions should be submitted in writing to Monica O’Connor via email moconnor@continuumct.org or delivered to 109 Legion Avenue, New Haven.

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

Section II and Section VII of the Authority's Moving to Work Agreement {the "Agreement") requires that before the Agency can file its Approved Annual Moving to Work Report and Report to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (the "HUD") that it must conduct a public hearing, consider comments from the public on the proposed amendments, obtain approval from the Board of Commissioners, and submit the amendments to HUD.

ATTENTION STEEL TRADE SUBCONTRACTORS AND IRONWORKERS.

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

The thirty (30) days comment period begins on Friday, November 1, 2024 to Saturday, November 30, 2024 and copies of the Moving to Work (MTW) FY2024 Report, will be made available on the agency website www.elmcitycommunities.org or via Twitter, www.twitter.com/ECCommunities or via Facebook www.facebook.com/ElmCityCommunities.

You are invited to provide written comments addressed to: ECC/HANH, Moving to Work FY2024 Annual Report, Attn: Evelise Ribeiro, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511 or via email to: eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org.

Meeting ID: 185686287

Password: yaw6Zk28PK

Eastern Metal Works is actively seeking bids and employment applications for the Steel Point project in Bridgeport, CT. SWMBE businesses, minorities and local residents are encouraged to apply. To request bid documents or employment applications, please contact EMW at mchernesky@easternmetalworks.com. Bids and applications must be received before January 15, 2025 Eastern Metal Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Or dial:

+12679304000 United States (Philadelphia, PA)

Access Code / Meeting ID: 185686287

Dial-in password: 9296952875

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

International numbers available: https://v.ringcentral.com/teleconference

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

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

Pursuant to said Sections II and VII), a public hearing where public comments will be accepted and recorded is scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024 at 3:00pm via RingCentral: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/185686287?pw=d7db4e4f735df6289ed5ad fb24f3f113

Any individual requiring a Reasonable Accommodation to participate in the hearing may call the Reasonable Accommodation Manager (203) 498-8800, ext. 1506 or at the TDD Number (203) 497-8434.

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Bids for Window Glass/Screen Repair & Replacement Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 3:00PM.

Listing: Service Supervisor

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

HVAC department in a Petroleum Company has an opening for a full time Service Supervisor. Candidate must possess a technical school certificate in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, oil, propane and natural gas. Must have a S1 or S2 license. 20+ years of experience required. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@eastriverenergy.com **An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disabled and Veterans**

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Galasso Materials is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

Listing: HVAC Installer/Technician

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

HVAC department has openings for experienced, full time, installers for mechanical systems. Trade license and 3-5 years of experience preferred. Benefits, 401k, Paid Time Off, Company Vehicle. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@eastriverenergy.com

and Veterans**

Galasso Materials LLC, a quarry and paving contractor, has positions open for the upcoming construction season. We are seeking candidates for a variety of positions, including: Scalehouse Dispatcher/ Equipment Operators and Laborers. NO PHONE CALLS. Please email resume and cover letter to “Hiring Manager”, Galasso Materials LLC, PO Box 1776, East Granby CT 06026.

ing Services & Preventative Maintenance. A complete copy of the requirements may be obtained from 360 Management Group’s vendor Collaboration Portal. https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Attendant II)

NOTICE

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The Town of Wallingford Sewer Division is seeking qualified applicants to perform skilled duties associated with the operation and maintenance of its modern, upgraded Class IV wastewater treatment facility. Applicants should possess a H.S. diploma or equivalent, plus possess a State of Connecticut DEEP Class II Operator or higher, or a Class II Operator-in-Training or higher certification. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Driver’s License. Wages: $28.44 to $33.89 hourly plus on-call pay when assigned. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, individual and family medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and deferred compensation plan. To apply online by the closing date of November 26, 2024, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

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.

ELECTRIC UTILITY DISTRIBUTION SUPERINTENDENT

NOTICIA

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF NORWALK, CT IS REQUESTING PROPOSALS FOR INSURANCE AND BENEFITS BROKERAGE SERVICES FOR HEALTH (Medical, Dental and Vision) BENEFITS.

Invitation for BIDS

Agency Wide Plumbing Services & Preventative Maintenance

TO OBTAIN A COMPLETE COPY OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS, CONTACT GUILLERMO BENDANA, PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST AT GBENDA@NORWALKHA.ORG PROPOSALS ARE DUE AT 5:00 P.M. ON 11/25/2024.

360 Management Group, Co. Is currently seeking bids for Agency Wide Plumbing Services & Preventative Maintenance. A complete copy of the requirements may be obtained from 360 Management Group’s vendor Collaboration Portal. https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

NORWALK HOUSING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ADAM BOVILSKY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

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

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

The Town of Wallingford is offering an excellent career opportunity for a strong manager and leader in the electric utility industry to oversee the construction, operation, and maintenance of the electric transmission and distribution systems and related facilities of the Town’s Electric Division. This highly reliable municipally-owned electric utility, located 10 miles from New Haven, CT, serves 25,000 customers in a 50+ square mile distribution area with a peak demand of 130 MW with an excellent rate structure. Applicants should possess 8 years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility distribution construction, maintenance, and operations which includes at least 4 years of experience as a supervisor, plus a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (power), or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Must possess, or obtain within 12 months of hire and maintain ESOP-100 Switching and Tagging qualifications. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Driver’s License. Salary: $119,632 to $149,540 annually plus on-call stipend when required. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, individual and family medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and deferred compensation plan. To apply online by the closing date of November 22, 2024, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

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

Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

LEGAL NOTICE

SCRCOG’s Regional Purchasing Consortium is accepting sealed Request for Qualifications for:

#024-02: ON-CALL GRANT SERVICES

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (“SCRCOG”) will be accepting sealed Qualifications for On-Call Grant Services. SCRCOG is seeking proposals to provide “On-Call” services to all fifteen municipalities in the region. Disciplines include, but are not limited to, grant management and comprehensive technical assistance, grant writing, strategic grant planning, and other disciplines. Disadvantaged, minority, small, and women-owned business enterprises are encouraged to respond.

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.

POLICE OFFICER City of Bristol

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

$75,636 - $91,939/yr. Required testing, general info, and apply online: www.bristolct.gov

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

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

DEADLINE: 01-03-25 EOE

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

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.

The complete request for qualification (“RFQ”) document can be obtained on the SCRCOG website, www.scrcog.org/ RFQs shall be submitted in the manner specified to the SCRCOG Regional Purchasing Consortium, 127 Washington Avenue, 4th Floor West, North Haven, CT 06473 until 12:00 P.M. local, eastern standard time on Monday, December 23rd, 2024

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

For questions concerning this RFQ, contact Brendon Dukett, Municipal Services Coordinator at bdukett@scrcog.org. SCRCOG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

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

a CT based construction firm, has an immediate opening for a Project Accountant. This role is crucial in managing financial records, ensuring the accuracy of project costs, and supporting our accounting functions tailored to the construction sector. The ideal candidate will have experience in construction accounting and a strong understanding of project-based financial management. Minimum of 5 years or equivalent experience. Fax Resumes to 203-468-6256 or emailvfederico@cjfucci.com. C.J. Fucci, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

What Do Standardized Tests Say About College Achievement?

By Annie Lennon | Stacker The Sacramento Observer

(Stacker) – Every year, millions of high schoolers prepare for the arduous process of college admissions. Most will take either the SAT or the ACT, multi-hour examinations that can feel like the climax of an epic battle students have been waging ever since they entered the halls of formal education.

But is it a battle worth fighting in the first place?

The SAT is one of the longest-standing standardized college admissions in the United States. Along with its counterpart, the ACT, these tests have been at the center of heated debates. Some say these tests only serve to reinforce racial inequities in education. Supporters of SAT and ACT scores say that they help universities understand how likely students will be to succeed in college by predicting grades, chances of graduation, and success after college.

Numerade analyzed academic research to see what standardized test scores say about academic success.

The SAT contains two sections: math and evidence-based reading and writing. Most answers are multiple-choice, but some math questions require entering an answer instead of selecting one. An optional SAT essay was discontinued in 2021, however, a small number of schools still choose to offer it.

The ACT is a little different in that it contains four sections: English, math, reading, and science. All of its questions are multiple-choice, and it has an optional writing section that may be required by some universities.

Standardized testing may be better predictors than generally supposed

In a study published in January 2024, Harvard-based research initiative Opportunity Insights, along with researchers from Brown University, Dartmouth College, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, investigated the value of standardized test scores in the college admission process. They found that SAT and ACT scores—but, surprisingly, not high school GPA scores—can better predict academic success in college. “Test scores have vastly more predictive power than is commonly understood in the popular debate,” John Friedman, the lead author of the study, told The New York Times.

The study looked at students who were admitted to all eight Ivy League colleges plus Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Duke, and the University of Chicago between 2017 and 2022. It

found that students with perfect scores on the SAT or ACT, 1600 or 36 respectively, achieved a 0.43 point-higher first-year college GPA than students who earned SAT and ACT scores of 1200 and 25. However, students with a perfect (scaled) GPA of 4.0 in high school achieve less than a 0.1-point higher GPA in their first year of college than students with a high school GPA of 3.2.

Some have raised concerns that these standardized test scores may not show the full picture. They worry these tests could be biased against students who aren’t able to afford the additional cost of tutors or other resources that can help them prepare for college, a question the Opportunity Insights paper also answered. Controlling for family income, race, gender, and legacy status, the study found that there was no evidence that students from higher-resource backgrounds performed better than

peers from lower-resource backgrounds.

In fact, their college GPAs were practically identical.

All together, the researchers concluded that standardized test scores may help highly selective colleges provide upward mobility and accept students from a wide range of backgrounds.

A history of imperfectly measuring potential

Standardized tests emerged alongside the growth of publicly funded education in the mid-1800s. As more children entered the education system, oral examinations were replaced with standardized written tests.

The first standardized college entrance exams in the U.S. appeared with the College Entrance Examination Board in 1900, formed from 12 colleges, including Harvard University and Columbia University.

SATs were introduced less than a century ago in 1926, and ACTs came in 1959. Both became staples of the college application process.

In recent years, however, some have started to doubt the efficacy of standardized tests for college applications. In May 2020, for example, the University of California decided to drop SAT/ACT scores to allow for fairer evaluation of college applications.

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred other universities to reconsider their SAT/ ACT policies too as the testing bodies were forced to close temporarily. During this time, many colleges made test scores optional.

Since then, however, some colleges such as Dartmouth, Yale, and Brown have announced that they will once again require applications to include standardized test scores. Other colleges however, such as the University of California system, have declined to even consider these scores, while others like Emory and Vanderbilt have extended test-optional policies.

Whether or not colleges decide to include standardized test scores in their admissions process depends on views about how well they help identify the most academically prepared students.

Previous research published in October 2023 from Opportunity Insights shows that students from less advantaged backgrounds receive lower standardized test scores on average and are less likely to undergo testing than peers from higher-income families. Only a quarter of children from the bottom 20% of income distribution take the SAT or ACT versus about 80% for those in higher-income families. For those who do take the test, only 2.5% of those in the lower-income bracket score Con’t on page 26

The Daughters of Malcolm X Sue the CIA, FBI and NYPD Over the Civil Rights Leader’s Assassination

NEW YORK (AP) — Three daughters of Malcolm X have accused the CIA, FBI, the New York Police Department and others in a $100 million lawsuit Friday of playing roles in the 1965 assassination of the civil rights leader.

In the lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court, the daughters — along with the Malcolm X estate — claimed that the agencies were aware of and were involved in the assassination plot and failed to stop the killing.

At a morning news conference, attorney Ben Crump stood with family members as he described the lawsuit, saying he hoped federal and city officials would read it “and learn all the dastardly deeds that were done by their predecessors and try to right these historic wrongs.”

The NYPD and CIA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Nicholas Biase, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice, which was also sued, declined comment. The FBI said in an email that it was its “standard practice” not to comment on litigation.

For decades, more questions than answers have arisen over who was to blame

for the death of Malcolm X, who was 39 years old when he was slain on Feb. 21, 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom on West 165th Street in Manhattan as he spoke to several hundred people. Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, Malcolm X later changed his name to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz.

Three men were convicted of crimes in the death but two of them were exonerated in 2021 after investigators took a fresh look at the case and concluded some evidence was shaky and authorities had held back some information.

In the lawsuit, the family said the prosecution team suppressed the government’s role in the assassination.

The lawsuit alleges that there was a “corrupt, unlawful, and unconstitutional” relationship between law enforcement and “ruthless killers that went unchecked for many years and was actively concealed, condoned, protected, and facilitated by government agents,” leading up to the murder of Malcolm X.

According to the lawsuit, the NYPD, coordinating with federal law enforcement agencies, arrested the activist’s security

detail days before the assassination and intentionally removed their officers from inside the ballroom where Malcolm X was killed. Meanwhile, it adds, federal agencies had personnel, including undercover agents, in the ballroom but failed to protect him.

The lawsuit was not brought sooner because the defendants withheld information from the family, including the identities of undercover “informants, agents and provocateurs” and what they knew about the planning that preceded the attack.

Malcolm X’s wife, Betty Shabazz, the plaintiffs, “and their entire family have suffered the pain of the unknown” for decades, the lawsuit states.

“They did not know who murdered Malcolm X, why he was murdered, the level of NYPD, FBI and CIA orchestration, the identity of the governmental agents who conspired to ensure his demise, or who fraudulently covered-up their role,” it states. “The damage caused to the Shabazz family is unimaginable, immense, and irreparable.”

FILE - Malcolm X's daughters Malikah Shabazz, left, Attallah Shabazz, second from left, Malaak Shabazz, third from left, and Gamilah Shabazz, talk to the media outside the Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx borough of New York, following the death of their mother, Betty Shabazz, June 23, 1997. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm, File) LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press

Denzel Washington Opens Up About His Former Struggle With Alcohol

By BlackNews.com

Denzel Washington is nearing a decade of sobriety, proudly stating, “I haven’t had a thimble’s worth since” giving up alcohol at age 60. Now preparing to celebrate his 70th birthday next month, the celebrated actor reflects on his journey with sobriety in ahe winter issue of Esquire, where he graces the cover.

In the interview, Washington opens up about his past relationship with alcohol, which began innocently with wine. “Wine is very tricky. It’s very slow. It ain’t like, boom, all of a sudden,” he explains. Despite experimenting with substances in his youth, he shares that he never became dependent on hard drugs or liquor, though wine became his particular indulgence. What began as a sophisticated hobby, complete with wine tastings, gradually escalated into a costly habit.

According to People, Washington recalls that when his family installed a wine cellar at their home, he began drinking premium vintages, including bottles worth thousands of dollars. “I learned to drink the best. So I’m gonna drink my ’61s and my ’82s,” he shares. Eventually, he found himself routinely ordering expensive bottles from Gil Turner’s Fine Wines & Spirits in Los Angeles, limiting himself to two bottles a day, though he admits he always finished both. When questioned by his wife, Pauletta, about his habit, he candidly responded, “Because if I order more, I’ll drink more.”

The Oscar-winning actor, known for his discipline, says his drinking never interfered with his work. “I never drank while I was working or preparing,” he notes. However, after completing projects, he would indulge for months at a time before

Denzel Washington

cleaning up again to resume work. By the time he filmed Flight in 2012, where he portrayed an alcoholic pilot, Washington says he was not drinking during production but likely resumed afterward, acknowledging he was nearing the end of his drinking phase.

Reflecting on his journey, Washington admits, “I’ve done a lot of damage to the body. We’ll see. I’ve been clean.” Now looking forward to his 70s, he sees this stage of life as his “last chapter,” drawing inspiration from his late mother, who lived to be 97. “Things are opening up for me now — like being seventy. It’s real. And it’s okay. If I get another thirty, what do I want to do? I’m doing the best I can,” he concludes.

Bronny James is the Highest Paid Player in the G League But Ranks Almost Last. BlackNews.com

When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James, the 20-year-old son of LeBron James, with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, expectations were mixed. While some assumed he would spend most of his rookie season developing in the G League, the Lakers surprised many by signing him to a guaranteed contract and keeping him on the NBA roster to start the season. Notably, Bronny is the highest-paid player in the G League making more than $1 million but currently, he ranks 330th out of 336 players in performance metrics.

According to Bro Bible, after struggling in his initial NBA games, where he appeared out of sync, the Lakers reassigned Bronny to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. However, the move came with a unique arrangement: Bronny would only play home games for South Bay, rejoining the NBA roster when the G League team traveled.

Bronny has since made two appearances for South Bay, but his performances have been far from promising. In his debut on November 9, he scored just six points on 22% shooting. His second outing didn’t fare much better, as he finished with four points on 2-of-10 shooting, along with two rebounds, two assists, and a block, in a 127-

A Conversation

laborates with community partners and universities and is a steering committee member of the Anti-Racist Teaching and Learning Collective. Miller has facilitated professional learning workshops at both the local and national level.

About Babz Rawls-Ivy

Babz Rawls-Ivy happily works to hold the stories and images of local and global Black people sacred. Believing print media is still a great way to engage, support and add to the rich conversations taking place in Black communities locally and abroad, she is editor-in-chief of The Inner-City News. The 30-year-old, award-winning weekly print publication published in New Haven is a Blackowned legacy publication, one of two Black print publications in New England.

Talking with folks is one of Rawls-Ivy’s finest assets. She is the weekday radio personality and producer of the “LoveBabz LoveTALK” show on 103.5 WNNH-LP Community Radio, during which she catches up with interesting newsmakers in Greater New Haven and beyond. She is renowned for her folksy, intimate and engaging style. She is a nationally recognized blogger and social media thought leader, popular podcaster, and is frequently sought after guest for appearances on local and national radio, television and podcasts.

122 loss.

South Bay head coach Zach Guthrie offered a candid assessment of Bronny’s early struggles. “It’s about competing at a high level and playing the right way,” Guthrie explained. “We need to raise our collective intensity on the ball. It’s hard when you haven’t played at a high level your whole life. You have to learn to be physical, dictate the pace, and adapt to modern offenses. In the G League, there are no days off; every possession matters.”

Bronny’s difficulties stand in stark contrast to players like Mac McClung, the 2024 G League MVP and two-time NBA Dunk Contest champion. Even McClung, despite his success in the G League, has struggled to secure a permanent spot on an NBA roster, highlighting the uphill battle Bronny faces in his professional development.

Rawls-Ivy holds a B.S. in marketing from Barber-Scotia College, a Historically Black College in Concord, North Carolina. She is a National Urban Fellow with a master’s in public administration from Baruch College, City University New York. She is certified as a spiritual director from Mercy Center School of Spirituality & Practicum in Madison, Connecticut. Her board/trustee commitments include: chair, Arts Council Greater New Haven Board; secretary, Long Wharf Theater; Planned Parenthood of Southern New England; member, New Haven Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; president, Winnett Food Forrest; chair, CT End Solitary Confinement; founder/creator, The Freed Woman Fund, an endowed fund to aid Black women exiting prison and returning to the community.

About the New Haven Museum

The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue, the Museum brings more than 375 years of New Haven history to life through its collections, exhibitions, programs and outreach. As a Blue Star Museum, the New Haven Museum offers the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, free admission all year. For more information visit http://newhavenmuseum.org or @NewHavenMuseum or call 203-562-4183

Many

• Payment plans and electric discount rate to help you manage today’s bills

• No-cost programs like Home Energy Solutions, to manage your energy use and improve comfort

• Ask us about My Account and our Energy Analyzer tool

OP-ED: Credit Card Swipe Fees Are Financial Inequities for Black America

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Swipe fee reform isn’t radical; it’s about fair competition and a level playing field. The Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) — a bipartisan bill being considered in Congress — aims to introduce competition into this marketplace by requiring at least two competing processing networks on each credit card. This could save American consumers and businesses an estimated $15 billion annually.

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association

America’s financial system is quietly reinforcing old inequities. Black American communities — historically denied access to wealth-building tools due to practices like redlining and restrictive banking — now face a new predatory financial hurdle: credit card swipe fees.

For Black Americans, swipe fees — which credit card companies use to fund luxury points programs — act as yet another layer of systemic discrimination, forcing many to pay more while receiving less in return.

Consider how credit card swipe fees work. Every time someone uses a credit card, the merchant is charged a fee — usually between 2% and 4% — which is often passed on to consumers through higher prices. Wealthier cardholders benefit from this system, recouping costs through rewards like fancy hotel stays and airline miles. But a legacy of discrimination has left Black families with fewer wealth-building opportunities, resulting in lower homeownership rates,

lower credit scores, and higher debt burdens — putting those premium credit card and their luxury rewards out of reach for many.

In simple terms, Black Americans and other communities of color are left to foot the bill for the flights and perks of those who are considerably more affluent. Black Americans are less likely to hold credit cards — 72% ownership compared to 88% for White Americans — and often face higher interest rates. 58% of Black Americans have more credit card debt than emergency savings, compared to 30% of White Americans. Black college graduates carry $25,000 more in student

loan debt than their White counterparts, which can further harm their credit scores and financial stability.

It’s a painful irony: Black Americans, who are systematically excluded from wealth-building tools, end up paying more to access the same basic financial services. These financial pressures make it hard to escape revolving debt, and harder still to enjoy the rewards that banks offer. The promise of “free” rewards from swipe fees is an illusion for those who can barely afford to pay down their balance every month. While swipe fees aren’t solely responsible for racial wealth disparities, they compound existing financial

burdens, making it even harder for Black families to build savings and financial security.

Black Americans are far from the only group that would benefit from comprehensive swipe fees reform: Small business owners and advocates across the country have been sounding the alarm and leading the calls. For small merchants, swipe fees are often their second-highest monthly cost after labor. These businesses — which operate on razor-thin profit margins — are forced to raise prices to stay afloat. The average American family pays more than $1,100 a year in higher prices due to these fees.

Move, Play and Learn at Home

By SHAPE America

SHAPE America (the Society of Health and Physical Educators) serves as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education professionals across the United States and recognizes the importance of early childhood education. It suggests these activities to help teach families the importance of physical activity for young children. SHAPE America offers a variety of ideas, strategies, information, and resources for parents to use the space within their homes, the materials they have, and their limited time to model and encourage physical activity.

Here’s an idea for infants (age 2 months or when the child can lie on their tummy and hold up his/her head): The Adult lies on his/her back on the floor with the baby lying on top of the adult, facing each other. Place blankets or pillows around the sides of the adult so there is something soft for the baby to touch as the adult rolls from side to side.

Description

As you are lying on your back on the floor, place the infant on your tummy, so that the child is facing you. Begin by holding the child with both of your hands on his/her back. Gently roll your body from side to side. This will cause the child to explore using his/her body to maintain a balanced position, thus contracting many muscles. As the child gains more control, let go little by little, to the point where you are barely holding on to the child as you gently roll from side to side. As the child gets older, you can make this a bit more “rough and tumble” by holding onto the child and increasing your rolling motion from side to side. As you play this game, make the sounds of an airplane engine taking off and banking through the air.

Learning Outcomes Large Motor Skills:

The child begins to gain voluntary control of arm movements, using arms, legs, and torso to maintain balance.

Social Emotional Development: The child displays pleasure in interacting with familiar adults, and engaging in

social games through playful, backand-forth interactions.

It’s important to know that balance requires the use of many different parts of the body at one time. To fully balance, the body must learn to work its different parts together, contracting and relaxing various muscles to achieve the desired posture. As infants lay on their tummies and move their arms and legs, they work very hard, contracting numerous muscles while relaxing others, allowing them to achieve the constantly changing postures while achieving some sense of balance.

Movement Milestone

Most children can lie on their tummies and hold up their heads to look around by the age of 1-4 months. Here’s a pre-K activity that teaches families the importance of physical activity for young children.

Get ready

Space: Outdoors

Stuff: Your imagination

Time: Playing after school, weekend fun

The current swipe fee structure exists because the Visa-Mastercard duopoly controls 90% of the U.S. credit card processing market, allowing them to set and increase rates for merchants while blocking out competitors.

Swipe fee reform isn’t radical; it’s about fair competition and a level playing field. The Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) — a bipartisan bill being considered in Congress — aims to introduce competition into this marketplace by requiring at least two competing processing networks on each credit card. This could save American consumers and businesses an estimated $15 billion annually.

The CCCA won’t end rewards programs — only the banks that offer them can decide that. In fact, a recent study found that the CCCA would have little to no impact on rewards. What the bill would do is end a broken system that preys on those with the least and benefits those with the most. Reducing swipe fees through pro-competition reform won’t undo generations of economic inequality, but it’s a step toward dismantling one of the structures that reinforce it. A fairer financial landscape benefits everyone, not just those most impacted — and Black Americans have paid more to receive less for too long. It’s time for that to change. An inequality anywhere is a threat to equality everywhere.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) representing the Black Press of America and Executive Producer of The Chavis Chronicles on PBS TV Network. Dr. Chavis can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org.

About College

Get set

Throw a leaf or bunch of leaves up in the air and watch them float through space. Talk about how they move high and low and fast and slow. Some leaves even twist and twirl as they float down toward the ground.

Go Now it is your turn. Use your imagination to pretend you are a leaf that has just fallen from a tree. Float all over space. Dart high and low, fast and slow, twist and twirl until you reach the ground. Try it again but this time pretend to be a very small leaf or a very large leaf. Help your children grow and learn by providing opportunities for both movement and creativity. Children will improve their thinking and movement skills while getting much-needed physical activity. Extend the activity above by pretending to move like other things you may see in nature — jump like a frog, fly like an eagle, roll like a rock, or flow like a stream. Act out a few examples with your child and then let your child lead the activity with a few ideas.

1300 or higher versus 17% for those in the top 20%.

With the findings from the latter Opportunity Insights research, the SAT and ACT may easily be dismissed as tests only for the wealthy. However, economist David Deming, who worked on the paper, cautions against oversimplifying these exams as “wealth tests.” Doing so overlooks their capability to help administrators discover the potential in candidates regardless of background.

He argued that if SATs or ACTs were removed altogether, it might disadvantage lower-income students even more. Deming told the Harvard Gazette, “If you get rid of the SAT, as many colleges have done, what you have left is things that are also related to wealth, probably even more so. Whether you can write a persuasive college essay, whether you can have the kinds of experiences that give you high ratings for extracurricular activities and leadership; those things are incredibly related to wealth.”

Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. This story originally appeared on Numerade and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA.

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