THE INNER CITY NEWS

Election Proves Black Americans Have No Allies

INNER-CITY INNER-CITY

“DMC” “DMC”

Pastor Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes is one of many authorities who say that

Pastor Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes is one of many authorities who say that joyful activities can help people through difficult circumstances

Color Struck? Color Struck? Malloy To Dems: Ignore “Tough On Crime” Malloy To Dems: Ignore “Tough On Crime”

Despite A Red Wave Nationally, Connecticut’s Congressional Democrats Post Another Clean Sweep

by Doug Hardy and Niveen Ghoneim

With six of seven possible seats up for election this year, Connecticut’s congressional delegation remained in Democratic hands Tuesday following what was likely going to end up being five lopsided victories and one that was close in the 5th, once official results are in.

Democrats were not celebrating early Wednesday, however, following what appeared to be another likely victory for former president Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris within a red wave that Democrats were not expecting.

Trump was declared winner in Pennsylvania early Wednesday, similar to his victory over Hillary Clinton in 2016, leaving him with 266 electoral votes – just four shy of the 270 needed to win. Alaska, with three electoral votes, and Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, with one electoral vote, were both leaning Republican early Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Republicans had taken control of the US Senate, flipping seats in Ohio and West Virginia on their way to winning the minimum of four they needed to reach a 51-42 seat majority with seven seats still up for grabs.

Control of the US House was still uncertain at 4 a.m. as Republicans were holding 193 seats to the Democrats’ 173, with 218 needed for control.

US Sen. Chris Murphy extended his lead over Republican challenger Matthew Corey overnight after he was declared winner shortly after the polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

With 81% of precincts reporting statewide, Murphy held a 56.4% to 41.9% advantage over Corey. Green Party candidate Justin Paglino polled 0.8% of the vote and unaffiliated candidate Robert Finley Hyde has 0.9%.

Murphy told his supporters relatively early Tuesday evening that while he didn’t know what the results of the election were going to be, he believed the Democratic Party had done everything it could to win.

“I am feeling in my heart that we have left it all on the table,” Murphy said. “I know that there is no effort that wasn’t spared. I am hopeful and confident whether it be tonight, tomorrow morning, or Wednesday afternoon, that Kamala Harris is going to be the next President of the United States.”

Murphy said the party is focused on improving people’s lives.

“I have seen the possibility of democracy. I have seen our work, our collec-

tive work, be able to change people’s lives. It’s why I asked the people of the state of Connecticut for a third term in the United States Senate,” Murphy said. “And tonight, I am so, so grateful to this state that means so much to me, so much to our family, for giving me the chance to continue to represent Connecticut in the United States Senate. God bless the state of Connecticut and God bless the United States.”

Sen. Richard Blumenthal was not up for re-election this year.

Hayes Re-Elected In Connecticut’s 5th District

US Rep. Jahana Hayes was named the projected winner of the race for Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District early Wednesday, defeating Republican former state Sen. George Logan, according to the Associated Press.

Hayes was leading Logan 53% to 47% as of 2:26 a.m., with 93% of precincts reporting.

Logan was still campaigning shortly before polls closed on Tuesday, criticizing Hayes’ foreign-policy record.

“We need to make sure that we stick to supporting our allies, like Israel,” Logan said. “My opponent, she kind of tries to play both sides. She’ll support funding for Israel, but then she was one of 40 members of Congress who signed a letter [asking] the Biden administration not to send the actual resources to Israel.”

Hayes dismissed Logan’s critique at later Tuesday in Waterbury, saying

Logan “has no record on anything, so when he can put up some receipts on any issue, then we can compare records.”

Hayes and Logan previously faced off in the 2022 midterm election, which Hayes won by less than 1%.

The Hayes-Logan rematch had drawn the support of the Republican Party at the national level following Logan’s close loss two years ago. Logan’s campaign was advertising on television up until about two weeks ago when the Congressional Leadership Fund PAC – which had reserved

fin 61% to 37%. Green Party candidate Mary Sanders had 2%.

Larson, who has championed efforts to protect and improve funding for Social Security from conservatives at the federal level and also campaigned in favor of reproductive rights for women, will serve his 14th term in the US House.

Larson’s campaign released a statement from the congressman just before 1 a.m.

“Thank you to the voters of Connecticut’s First District for entrusting me with another term in Congress. It has been the honor of my life to represent you,” Larson said. “Results are still coming in, but I remain hopeful that once all of the votes are counted, Kamala Harris will win the Presidency and Democrats will take back control of the House. Together, we will continue the fight to defend women’s reproductive rights, protect and expand Social Security, and lower costs for working families.”

Himes Declared Winner In 4th District

The Associated Press called the race in the 4th Congressional District for incumbent Democrat Jim Himes early Wednesday.

With 70% of the precincts reporting, Himes had 57.2% of the vote to Republican challenger Michael Goldstein’s 41.1%. Unaffiliated candidate Benjamin Wesley had garnered 1.6% of the vote.

Himes serves as the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee and was among the first elected officials to publicly call for President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race in July.

Courtney Wins 10th Term In Sprawling 2nd

With 98% of the precincts reporting in the 63-town 2nd Congressional District that covers the eastern half of Connecticut, Congressman Joe Courtney had outpolled Republican challenger Mike France 57.9% to 42.1% with 98% of the precincts reporting.

$600,000 in TV ads to help Logan’s campaign down the stretch – pulled the funds in favor of other competitive districts.

Larson Holds Off Griffin To Win 14th Term

Incumbent Democrat John Larson was declared the projected winner in the 1st Congressional District early Wednesday, defeating his Republican opponent, Jim Griffin.

With over half the district’s precincts reporting after 4 a.m., Larson led Grif-

Courtney thanked his supporters in Norwich and touted the accomplishments that he and his team had achieved over the last few years in eastern Connecticut, including the burgeoning job market in his district with 5,300 hires at the Electric Boat shipyard in 2023 and another 3,000 so far this year.

He said the ongoing work in Virginia-class submarine construction in Groton has ripple effect both in terms of other jobs in the district as well as “exciting new enterprises that we’ve been directly involved with.”

At The Polls, Arts & Culturer Fuel Voter Literacy

By Lucy Gellman

The words floated over the sidewalk outside Wexler Grant Community School, a balm as the sun began its long descent in the sky. Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery/None but ourselves can free our minds! At the center of the group, Solomon Geleta lifted his face to the sky. Have no fear for atomic energy/'Cause none of them can stop the time. He sang for his ballot, for the women in his life, for the state that raised him. How long shall they kill our prophets/While we stand aside and look?

A mile away, Jaquan Blount emerged from the heavy doors of Lincoln-Bassett Community School, a first-time voter with his older sister’s urgings still heavy on his mind. In the parking lot, Johnnie Epps lifted a sign that read “I Voted” beside a poster for WYBC. For a moment, both busted a move to Aaliyah’s “Try Again.”

Hours before the country turned red on Tuesday night, instances of beauty popped up everywhere in New Haven, as artists, storytellers, educators and future voters all preached the gospel of voter literacy across the city. From Election Day storytime at Possible Futures to soul-stirring music at Lincoln-Bassett and Wexler Grant Community Schools, they worked to spread joy through the final stretch of a divisive election season, and even more divisive result.

“It feels so good to use art to promote voting,” said Geleta, a freshman at Yale who cast a ballot for Kamala Harris in Florida, his home state, in honor of and fear for the women in his life. “It’s a great project.”

“It feels good to use my voice,” said Christopher Scott, a first-time voter at Lincoln Bassett who cast a ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. “I think it’s important to exercise your right as an American citizen. We need change—it’s the only smart decision.”

“All Those People In Different Places”

For a few voters—and their young charges—that work began Tuesday morning at Possible Futures, which is nestled between polling sites on Ellsworth and Edgewood Avenues. As parents and kids trickled in, bookspace founder Lauren Anderson set up a space for storytime among the couches and chairs. Outside, a tribute to Ruthie Wilson Gilmore wound around the Hotchkiss Street side of the building, a reminder that abolition is everyday work.

Beside Anderson, a small, neat stack of stickers sat among copies of Winsome Bingham’s The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll) and Ani DiFranco’s Show Up and Vote. Sample ballots waited on a table nearby, with a small “ballot box” covered in

butcher paper. Attached to windows and bookshelves, two large sheets of white paper asked kids to vote on drinks and snacks that the bookstore should carry, as well as employee of the month.

By 11 a.m., bookstore dog Sugar appeared to be an early contender. Sunlight streamed through the window, falling across the floor and onto snugly packed shelves of books. “Does anybody know what day it is today?” Anderson asked.

Six-year-old Edwin Langberg’s hand flew up. “Election Day!” he answered matter-of-factly. He explained that Tuesday morning, he had gone to the polls to vote with his mom. This year was doubly special because his parents vote at Edgewood School, where he is normally a student.

“I vote for Eliza!” cut in three-year-old Sophia, referring to a friend who sat beside her. Sophia, in turn, said she would happily vote for Eliza, who is four.

Anderson considered the declaration seriously. “There is a part where you can write in your own suggestions,” she said. Her hand hovered over Show Up and Vote for a moment. In the book’s world, November had brought wind and rain to Election Day, and the narrator was getting soaked.

“It’s a beautiful day today,” Anderson said, gesturing to the sun-soaked sidewalk and fall leaves outside. “But somewhere today it’s raining. Somebody is walking to go vote and their coat is getting wet.”

Back in the book, the character and their mother headed to the polls. They had a job to do—and nobody could do it for them, Anderson explained. As she turned the page, the young narrator came face-to-face with her neighbor, who was checking voters in.

“What do you think she’s looking for?” Anderson asked. Edwin’s hand went up again.

“I think she’s like …” he paused and collected his thoughts. “This morning when I watched my mama vote, I saw she, like, crossed off my mom’s name on sheets of paper,” he said.

“Yes!” Anderson said. “That’s exactly what she’s doing. She’s going through all the pages to find the name of the person who’s gonna vote!”

In the book, DiFranco’s character saw more of her neighbors while waiting at the polls. There were teachers, school administrators and family friends, community artists and magic-makers and muralists. When the time came to finally move into a voting booth, her mom explained that all would be well—they were voting for the candidates who would get things done.

“When you went to go vote with your mom, did you press buttons?” Anderson asked Edwin.

“We colored the paper,” Edwin said.

Anderson nodded as she reached the last page. “You colored the little circle?”

In the book, her narrator closed her eyes and imagined millions of people casting their ballots at the same time.

“All over the country, people are doing the same thing right now!” Anderson said. “What are they doing today?”

“Voting!” pint-sized readers answered in not-quite-unison.

“Voting!” Anderson echoed, and already there was a small chorus of tiny voices, talking about voting with their parents. “I imagine all these people in my mind! All these people in different places! Voting!”

“Who is ready for another story?” she added after leading the group in gentle stretching. As she opened Bingham’s The Walk, she transported young readers to a city not too unlike New Haven, where a young girl was accompanying her grandmother on the way to the polls. Along the way, her grandmother spoke about the importance of not missing a single election. As the two made their way to vote, they picked up neighbors from homes and barbershops, corner stores and churches, the group growing bigger at each stop. Finally, they reached a bright brick building that rose up from the sidewalk, not too unlike Troup School down the street.

“Mama!” exclaimed three-year-old Gabriel Payano as he studied a sea of faces brightly illustrated across the page. Anderson smiled. Eliza reached up, and took his hand. For a moment, voting took a backseat to their serene, budding friendship. Then Bingham’s characters were front and center once again.

“They don’t want us to say what we have to say,” Anderson read in her best impression of the grandmother. “That’s why we have to show up, show out, and show them.”

“Okay, now I need your help,” she added as she closed the book, handing out stickers to each young reader who came into the store. She asked them to vote on drinks and snacks that she could carry (while popsicles were an early frontrunner, cookies and hot chocolate ultimately won in a landslide), whether kids should be able to vote (children voted yes; adults voted no) and who should be the employee of the month (98 percent of voters opted for Sugar, the bookspace dog).

“I want a sticker that says, ‘We did it!’” Sophia exclaimed before heading out to lunch with Eliza and three-year-old Liam Trueman. Liam’s mom, Amanda, is their nanny—and an advocate for early attempts at voter literacy.

“We always vote,” she said. “We vote on which playground to go to. We vote on where we’re gonna go for lunch.” So when it came to explaining the presidential election—the first that any of the kids have been alive for—she returned to the same groundwork.

The new haven independent

WYBCs Johnnie Epps with the Greater New Haven NAACP's Dori Dumas and Elise Bethea-Cotton at Lincoln Bassett School

Lynette Murphy greets voters

Kim Harris brings students into Lincoln Bassett with her to

Three-year-old Gabriel Payano and his dad, Fernando.

STATEMENT BY MAYOR ELICKER ON THE 2024 ELECTION

NEW HAVEN, CT – This morning, former President Donald Trump was announced by news outlets as the projected winner of the 2024 general election as the next President of the United States. Mayor Elicker released the following statement upon the announcement of the election results:

"While New Haveners made a different choice, Donald Trump is now our president-elect.

These results are disappointing, and I believe a true setback for our country on its long and winding road towards a more perfect union. However, just like when Donald Trump was president before, we will once again come together as a city to stand up for what is right and just.

We will be a place of inclusion and belonging for all. We will protect the rights and freedoms of our residents. We will make decisions based on data and science. We will extend compassion to those in

need and support the most vulnerable among us. We will advance our shared values of creating a more equitable and just society for all.

While the task has now gotten

harder, we are not going back. We didn’t the first time Donald Trump was president – and we’re not going back this time either.

We are going forward. We will journey through this together and

we will continue to work together to ensure New Haven is a city where all are welcome and where all can thrive.”

New Haven Celebrates with Mohammed S. Barrie

By Althea Norcott

On Saturday, October 26, Althea Norcott and Jacqueline Randolph, traveled to Boston to participate in the celebration of the newly appointed Sierra Leone Ambassador to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mayor Justin Elicker provided a proclamation which recognized Mr. Barrie’s many contributions to New Haven’s civic life and the life of his people.

For over 30 years Ambassador Barrie has been a friend and mentor to members of the Amistad Committee and the Freetown-New Haven Sister Cities Program. At the gala in Boston, many used those same adjectives to describe his relationship with them. He often housed fellow Sierra Leoneans until they could get settled, contributed funds for funerals and offered many other acts of kindness. Mr. Barrie was always so impressed that New Haven might have been the only American city to help Sierra Leone during the Ebola Crisis. Before his appointment, Mr. Barrie was Consul for Sierra Leone in the New England Region, a position he served since 2012. He mentioned at his gala that he will miss the friends he has

made in New Haven and hopes we will continue to support our brothers and sisters in Freetown.

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From left to right: Jacqueline Randolph, Vice Chair of Freetown-Sister Cities Program; Ambassador Barrie and Althea Norcott, Chairperson of FreetownNew Haven Sister Cities Program.

Alders Cautiously Advance More School $

by LAURA GLESBY

Is a $3 million budget-balancing fund for New Haven Public Schools a “cushion” or a “lifeline”?

It depends on who’s asked.

Two narratives about the state of public school finances emerged at a Board of Alders Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday evening, at which alders tentatively advanced a total of $8.5 million toward school-related funds while waiting for answers.

The alders were weighing two separate proposals to transfer funds previously budgeted for the city’s general use toward New Haven Public Schools (NHPS), at a time when the school system’s budget has a $2.4 million hole.

One is a proposal to reallocate $5.5 million of funding that the city received as American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) pandemic relief funds. That $5.5 million was initially slated to balance the city’s Fiscal Year 2023 – 24 general fund budget, but it turned out that the city didn’t need the extra funding and wound up with a $16 million surplus.

The ARPA funds have to be obligated by the end of 2024 in order for the city to claim them. Mayor Justin Elicker is proposing that they be used for school maintenance, at a time of mounting complaints related to the safety and conditions of NHPS buildings.

Another proposal is an assignment of $3 million for “education purposes,” drawing from the city’s $16 million surplus

after the 2023 – 24 fiscal year.

The $3 million would be designated as funding that the Board of Education can request from the Board of Alders this fiscal year if school expenses go over budget, according to Finance Chair and Westville Alder Adam Marchand. It would function as a “cushion,” he said, for the Board of Education to draw from in order to cover over-budget expenses.

This unusual budgetary move (as opposed to a direct transfer of funds to the

Board of Education) enables the city to increase funds for the school system this fiscal year without necessarily committing to that same funding next fiscal year. According to City Budget Director Shannon McCue, had the city directly transferred the $3 million, it would have had to raise its minimum contribution to the school district’s budget the following year, due to a state law that prevents cities from decreasing municipal contributions to school funding.

When McCue pitched the alders on the $3 million proposal, she framed the funding as a “contingency.”

The funds, McCue said, would “hopefully stay as a reserve” and would be available just in case the Board of Education happens to need it.

“There are some spending pressures” on the school system, she said, but “it’s still early in the school year. There’s still lots of tools, lots of ways to save.”

Superintendent Madeline Negrón offered

a different take on the urgency of the funds, referring to the funding as a “lifeline.”

“I don’t see it as a cushion,” she said. She pointed out that while she had requested a $17 million increase in funding from the city for the current year’s budget, the mayor and alders approved only an additional $5 million. In June, the Board of Education approved a budget with a more than $2.3 million hole.

“We already know when we open up our doors at the beginning of the year that we’re in the negative,” she said. “Our budgets aren’t cushioned.”

"We Need Accountability"

Both school funding requests drew rebukes from several alders, who lambasted the Board of Education’s fiscal practices. Majority Leader and Westville Alder

Richard Furlow asked whether the school system would have to meet certain conditions in order to obtain the money:

“So your office would say, ‘these are the things you have to do in order for us to release these funds. You have to apply for this grant, you have to jump through this hoop, you have to dance on one foot in order to get it.’”

“There’s no hoops,” said McCue. “It’s essentially free and clear money.” “It just seems like year after year, the Board of Ed has had an extreme lack of budget downfall,” Furlow pressed. Marchand pointed out that the alders

2nd Annual College Fair Fills Q House

by THOMAS BREEN

Dixwell Alder Jeanette Morrison said that more than 500 people visited the fair, which ran at the 197 Dixwell Ave. community center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vanessa Newman of Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs Inc. said that students from nine different high schools in New Haven and Hamden attended Wednesday’s event, which also featured more than 50 colleges.

Those colleges spanned from Maine to Pennsylvania, and included University of Bridgeport, Southern Connecticut State University, various University of Massachusetts schools, University of Rhode Island, and many more. Newman said college representatives provided information about their respective institutions, and offered some on-the-spot acceptances.

“It’s important to bring resources to our students,” Newman said about Wednesday’s fair, and to show them the “endless possibilities for them to succeed.”

Morris thanked Mayor Justin Elicker, New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) Supt.

Madeline Negron, and Asst. Supt. Paul Whyte, among others, for visiting the fair. She also thanked the Hillhouse cheerleading squad for serving as the “hostesses” of the event, and the Q house’s youth council for organizing this fair in partnershipfor the second year in a row.

“This generation of young people, they don’t know a Q house,” Morrison said, noting that the Dixwell community center closed in 2003 and reopened in 2021.

“A lot of these young people were born during that time. To be able to come into this amazing building right in their community, that in itself is just awesome.”

She also spoke about how visiting a college fair in October 1985 is what inspired her to eventually go to Morgan State, and then get her master’s degree. A college fair and the educational opportunities that followed “changed the trajectory of my life.”

Morrison said that Wednesday’s college fair was just the latest entry in the yearlong celebration of the Q House’s centennial, as the original community center was founded in 1924.

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO

Supt. Negrón (right), with schools CFO Hannans: “I don’t see it as a cushion.”

Alder Morrison, Mayor Elicker, and Asst. Supt. Whyte (far right) with Q House's youth council members.

The new haven independent

The new haven independent

Mzansi Magic where she played ‘Winnie.’

November 12, 2024

sion series ‘The Underground Railroad.’

Her international debut was in ‘The Underground Railroad’ an American fantasy historical drama series based on the novel ‘The Underground Railroad’ written by

In 2009, at age 43, I was diagnosed with Stage IV HER2+ ER+ invasive breast cancer. I never presented with early-stage breast cancer as I was diagnosed “De novo,” with an initial diagnosis of Stage IV and have been living with metastatic disease for 14 years as of December 2023.

The first symptom I had was when I sneezed one day and, at the same time, I felt a burning pain under my right breast. I sought the advice of my doctor who ordered several tests including x-rays. At the time, I was an active-duty Air Force Senior Master Sergeant and mother of one.

Since being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, I have undergone many aggressive treatment plans including a mastectomy on my right breast, nine months of chemotherapy in 2010 and another nine months of chemo in 2012/2013. From 2013 through 2018, I remained stable until my doctor confirmed there was a slight progression in one of my ribs for which I started treatment again in 2018. In 2023, another progression was noted, and I switched treatments again to help stop that progression.

The term Stage IV was not new to me, having lost my mother to Stage IV breast cancer in 2004. However, I never knew that metastatic was another word for Stage IV and how important that word would become in my life. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the cancer had already metastasized to other parts of the body. Since my diagnosis in 2009, my friends and family have always been there in support of my journey.

I am a 25-year Air Force decorated military veteran, having received four Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, seven Air Force Commendation Medals

She won the ‘Critics Choice Television Awards’ for ‘Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Movie’ for her role ‘Cora Randall’ in ‘The Underground Railroad.’

In her keynote speech at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit, Thuso Mbedu tearfully spoke of how she overcame the loss of her dear parents, grandmother, and aunt. But her role in Amanda Lane’s ‘IS’THUNZI’

“…my world was that blur, until Amanda Lane happened in 2016. The role that Amanda Lane gave me was the difference between life and death for me. Receiving that audition brief, I told myself that I would audition like it was my last audition. I gave it the last of everything that I had, that at the time I got the callback, I had nothing left. I secretly made the decision not to do the callback because I had nothing left to give. But fortunately, I received the callback. So I didn’t do the callback because the role was mine. I had given up. I was in a very dark place at the time, and the character, the role, the opportunity, was a much needed light. And I told myself that I will act as if it was the last character that I will play. And through a great script and an amazing director, I earned two International Emmy Awards for that role…”

and four Air Force Achievement Medals. Every day is a new challenge for me. Every day I get up and I ask myself: “How can I make the breast cancer community better?”

I have also received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from McKendree University in Business Administration. I am a member of New Life Community Church in East St Louis.

I have one daughter, Janaia Glover and one special canine friend, a Cane Corso named Duchess.

I am also a newly published author of A Survivor’s Lens: A Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivor’s Focus on Faith and God’s Word

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November 9, 2024

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Anti-Violence Rx: Food. Laundry. Community

by LAURA GLESBY

When an 11-year-old made headlines for stealing a car, a team of violence preventers knocked on his door to ask him what he needed. They found only a mattress and a milk crate in his bedroom.

That child was on Len Jahad’s mind when a group of politicians arrived at Connecticut Violence Intervention & Prevention (CT VIP)’s headquarters to celebrate $275,000 in federal funds allocated for capital improvements to the building.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, State Rep. Toni Walker, city Youth and Recreation Director Gwendolyn Busch-Williams, and city Community Resilience Director Tirzah Kemp visited CT VIP’s soon-tobe-renovated home base at 230 Ashmun St. on Monday afternoon.

There, Jahad, who is CT VIP’s executive director, and Director of Operations Linda Baylor recounted the 11-year-old’s story as they made the case for why anticipated amenities for food and laundry are themselves a form of violence prevention.

“These kids really don’t want to carry a gun,” said Jahad. “Oftentimes, they feel like they have to. Or they feel like it gives them power.”

The nonprofit employs a growing team of violence prevention professionals, who work to mediate community conflicts and mentor individuals considered at risk of being involved in a shooting, often drawing from their personal experience with gun violence.

The organization aims to help community members of all ages find alternative routes to that sense of hope and agency.

In the case of the 11-year-old, that meant providing him with a bed and some sheets, connecting him to a new hobby of playing video games, and enrolling him for a time in a football team affiliated with CT VIP.

One day, after his home life had become even more stressful, the child called CT VIP from the seat of a stolen car.

“We asked the right questions,” Jahad said. The 11-year-old eventually told them where he was located. “He didn’t want to be in that car.”

“We weren’t trained to deal with 11-year-olds,” Jahad added but adapting to the unpredictable is built into the job.

“This is a place that provides [community members] with protection,” said State Rep. Walker, “without feeling like somebody’s going to judge them.”

CT VIP has occupied the Beacon Communities-owned building at 230 Ashmun St. since 2019.

Currently, the building includes offices for the organization’s staff though at

the moment, there’s not enough room for all 25 employees, according to Baylor. Also at 230 Ashmun St., CT VIP hosts a music production studio for young people, a community garden, an employment program in conjunction with the NAACP, and New Haven’s Pop Warner-affiliated elementary and middle school football teams, the New Haven Steelers, among other programs and events.

These activities, Jahad said, are a means of teaching life skills, instilling confidence, and building community. They address a mental health and loneliness crisis that can feed into violence “there’s a lot of anxiety, depression,” said Jahad and they’re also simply a source of fun and meaning for anyone who wants to participate.

The New Haven Steelers is one of the city’s largest mentorship programs, serving over 200 kids from ages 6 through 13. The program requires at least a 70 percent average in school, incentivizing kids to go to class.

Some of the teams may qualify for this year’s national championships at Disney in Florida. The organization aims to raise up to $30,000 in order to pay for the trip. The travel experience itself would be meaningful, Jahad said: “some of the kids are very, very closed within the confines of their communities,” and may have a chance to see new parts of the world.

The organization envisions expanding the home base into a fully-fledged community center with laundry, a full kitchen, and a computer lab.

“There’s a real bipartisan consensus

behind community violence intervention,” said Blumenthal. For his colleagues who are loyal to the gun lobby, it’s “politically safe” to support programs like CT VIP, compared to policies that restrict gun access, he added. “So I would think that we can get more money” in the future.

The federal funding will be used to renovate the interior, Jahad said, while Beacon is investing in upgrades to the building’s exterior. The organization is forming a committee to detail an exact breakdown and timeline for the renovations.

Baylor envisions CT VIP’s headquarters as a place not only for these structured programs, but eventually for community members to come by without an appointment to access resources.

Visitors to the building would need to sign in and potentially go through an intake process, as Baylor imagines it. She pointed out a room by the building’s entrance that she hopes could be revamped as a waiting room or check-in station. A portion of the federal funding will go toward security measures, such as cameras, aimed at maintaining safety, according to Jahad.

She hopes to build out a computer lab in a room that currently houses out-ofservice desktops alongside some silk screen and crafting technology. “I want [community members] to be able to come here and create an email address,” Baylor said. She imagines a room with real desks and a degree of privacy, which could accommodate students who need computers to take standardized exams.

CT VIP also plans to install a washer and dryer which can be used not only for sports uniforms, but for any client in need of a place to clean their clothes “whether it be for an interview or just to go to the Housing Authority,” Baylor said.

Jahad added that some kids stay home from school rather than “risk going to school smelling” if they lose access to laundry at home.

Thanks to the renovation funds, the building’s kitchenette is slated to be expanded to a fully-fledged kitchen. In the past, CT VIP has hosted a cooking class, said Baylor, which entailed bringing in separate equipment. With an expanded kitchen, the organization hopes not only to feed the community members who come by for events, but to host culinary training courses on a more permanent basis.

Finally, Baylor imagines repainting the walls to “get rid of the prison blue” and hanging up local artists’ work throughout the building.

“I want to change the mood when you walk in here,” she said.

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO CT VIP Director of Operations Linda Baylor: “I want to change the mood when you walk in here."

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Beacon's John Elliott, and Len Jahad.

Community Resources As Violence Prevention

The new haven independent

Students Make Their Votes Count In Mock Election

Lucy Gellman, Editor, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

Senior Carizma Buonome, who is studying theater, after casting her mock vote Monday. “I’m so sad I can’t vote this year,” she said. Lucy Gellman Photos. Carizma Buonome leaned over a long table at one end of Co-Op’s cacophonous cafeteria, a marked “ballot” filled out neatly beneath one hand. Heading for a ballot box, she cast a vote—for democracy, for reproductive health care, and for victims of gun violence, including her brother Jericho.

Monday morning, Buonome brought that message to Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School, as dozens of students cast their ballots in a mock election meant to teach them about voting, engagement, and civic participation. Held during the school’s three lunch waves, the event brought in over 200 student votes, with 174 for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and 21 for former President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance.

Three students cast votes for Green Party candidates Jill Stein and running mate Butch Ware; one student voted for Libertarian Chase Oliver, and seven students wrote in their history teachers for president. In the race for U.S. Senate, Democratic incumbent Chris Murphy took 141 votes while Republican Matthew Corey took 17 votes and Green Party candidate Justin Paglino took seven.

It is the brainchild of the school’s history department, which last held a mock election at the school in 2016 (any bestlaid plans for 2020 were upended by the Covid-19 pandemic, which kept New Haven schools remote through April 2021). Monday, both teachers and students seemed excited to have it back. For a voter guide to Tuesday’s real-life election, click here.

“I think it inspires students to see the workings of our government, and it gives them practice,” said Zania Collier, who teaches modern world history, women’s studies and civics. “They see the effects—that these votes count, on both local and state levels.”

Monday, several students weighed in on the election, with concerns that ranged from reproductive health care and LGBTQ+ rights to gun violence to the cost of living in New Haven. As they got up from a sun-soaked table, seniors Jalen Edwards and Jordan Oliver both named human rights and the economy as significant factors in their choice to vote—even if it was symbolic.

At home, both have gotten an earful on the election from their parents—especially around inflation. Oliver agrees with her parents most of the time, she said; Edwards considers himself "more open-minded," particularly on LGBTQ+ issues. Both ultimately cast a mock ballot for Harris and Walz.

“I put in a lot of my own research,” said Oliver, who added that abortion and reproductive healthcare are at the top of her list of priorities. While “human rights, civil rights” also remain at the front of her mind, she said she’s also thinking critically about the economy, which has taken center stage in the last weeks and months of election season. “Life is not affordable anymore and that’s crazy.”

Behind them, a stack of mock ballots waited quietly on a long table, teachers at the ready to help students parse through the options. Plush, caricatureesque Trump and Harris dolls sat nearby, as if they were keeping watch. Along the room’s back wall, two cardboard boxes waited for the mock ballots, their outsides festooned with stickers and student artwork. Educator Ryan Boroski, who is teaching a new elective on African American and Latinx studies, talked Jeremiah Serrano through the options for president and U.S. Senate.

As she buzzed through a sea of her peers, senior Carizma Buonome checked in to see if people were casting their ballots, so smiley it seemed at times that she was emitting light. While she isn’t yet old enough to vote, she said, she wants to affect change where she can—including in the classroom and in the city that raised her. She’s been vocal this election cycle, and hopes that New Haveners who can raise their voices do so on election day. For her, gun control and reproductive rights have become the most important issues in her life, often intertwined when she thinks about her own future, her family and the kids she hopes to one day bring into this world. Nine years ago, her older brother, Jericho Scott, was killed in a drive-by shooting on Exchange Street in the city’s Fair Haven neighborhood. At the time, she was just a kid, and it turned her entire world upside down.

“It’s made me who I am today,” she said. “I look for someone who will try to have stronger background checks. I know that the Second Amendment is important, but people need to be more sensitive.”

It’s not only Jericho’s life she thinks of, she added. Three years before her brother was killed, Buonome was the same age as many of the students who died at Sandy Hook Elementary School. “They were babies,” she said. For the first time this year, survivors of that shooting—now college students—will cast their first presidential votes. She, like many of them, wants to see stricter gun reform, particularly around the use of semiautomatic weapons.

“I’m so sad I can’t vote this year,” she said. She added that she’s hoping for a Harris-Walz victory to ensure access to reproductive rights—both for patients currently seeking treatments like IVF and safe termination, and for a future family she hopes to have herself.

“Men don’t have to fight for their healthcare!” she exclaimed. Why should she?

That resonated for freshman Menolly Chevalier, who also cast a mock ballot for Harris-Walz. Sitting with her friend Lillian Delgado, she said that she’s alarmed by the number of women who see Trump as a viable option. Delgado, who is also a freshman, said that she had cast a mock ballot in favor of Harris-Walz because she wants to see "everyone being equal and having equal rights."

That discussion has been more nuanced for many of the teachers, several of them said. Boroski, who teaches American history, kicked off the year with an essay prompt asking students who they would tell undecided voters to cast a ballot for on Nov. 5. He focused on a number of issues: tax policy, abortion, gun control, LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, immigration and the Southern border, and Democracy itself.

About eight percent of his students— all young men, reflecting a larger national trend—suggested that undecideds should swing for Trump (in two hours at the school, none of the students that this reporter approached had cast a mock ballot for Trump).

And yet, his students managed to respect each other when they were talking it out. “I’ve noticed that in the debates I’ve had in my classes, some of them have varying views and they are more respectful in my classroom than what we see from Congress,” he said.

For Collier, it’s a chance to make change in a country where it is increasingly hard to do so. Born and raised in Waterbury, she grew up attending the polls with her mom each election day, excited to vote when she turned 18. She hasn’t missed an election since. In her own life, the issues that are most central to her include access to reproductive care, as well as the rights of women, people of color, and immigrants (who often live at two or more of those intersections).

She added that it’s important to her to be able “to teach accurate history,” against which there have been legislative efforts in several U.S. states.

“I just think it’s terrible how we turn our noses up at people who come here for a better life,” she said. In her classes, students learn how migration—both voluntary and forced—is central to the story of America itself. As a voter and an educator, “I want for us to get back to a place of unification,” she said. “This rhetoric of unspeakable hate, I don’t like it,” she said. Not only is it divisive for adults: she can see it teaching children not to respect or value each other’s differences.

This year, she added, she’s seen how the election cycle resonates with many of her students. In her classes, it has come up in recent lessons about women’s suffrage, the 19th Amendment, and the break with colonial rule that launched the American Revolution. Often—and despite hundreds of years in between—that discussion can feel incredibly close to home.

Assistant Principal Talima Andrews-Harris and history teacher Zania Collier. The "T" in her "V-O-T-E" sweatshirt was a uterus.

Twins Alijah and Aaron Steed.

Freshman Lillian Delgado with history teachers Ryan Boroski and Dana Adimando.

13th Annual Gala Connects Jamaica, America

by LISA REISMAN

The crowd listened, rapt, as Sasa Harriott told them about her lowest point. The scene was a lavish Saturday-night black-tie affair in the ballroom of the Omni Hotel at the 13thannual trailblazer and scholarship gala of the Jamaican American Connection of Greater New Haven. Founded in 2010 by Karaine Smith-Holness, the organization has as its mission to build connections and opportunity within the Jamaican and Caribbean diaspora.

“It was at this very gala in 2019,” said Harriott, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and trailblazer honoree at the event. “I was in the middle of breast cancer treatments and I had just finished a resignation letter to my company.” There she met Smith-Holness. “She helped me to see that my fight was not over yet.”

Little did she know, Harriott told an animated dressed-to-the-nines audience of 320, that when the pandemic hit the region a few months later, “the fight would not just be my own. It would be for the residents of this state, with me on the front line.”

She saw, she said, “those in my com-

munity unable to access the same care as others.” There was another obstacle: “the mistrust that many communities of color, including the West Indian community, have of people in the medical field, a mistrust rooted in outsiders coming into our community with a lack of cultural competence.”

The result was Harriott Home Health

Services, a company Harriott founded with “nurses in the community unafraid of going into neighborhoods impacted by drug violence, into multi-generational homes, and into shelters, all with the goal of providing the highest quality of care to those who needed it the most, to those who are often forgotten,” she said. Emceed with keen wit by the singer, ac-

tor, and director Andrew Clarke, the event featured Audrey Marks, the Jamaican ambassador to the United States, and Sandra Lindsey, RN, the first American to receive the Covid vaccine, as well as recognition of five area scholarship award recipients of Caribbean heritage.

The purpose, according to Smith-Holness, was to raise funds, including those from a raffle and silent auction, “to create opportunities for deserving scholars this year and in the years to come to continue their education beyond high school.”

Franklyn D. Reynolds, the second trailblazer honoree and first Jamaican American president and CEOof UIL Holdings Corporation, recalled looking at the photographs from United Illuminating’s 125thanniversary this year. “Seeing the folks that have come before me, I’m really proud of the diversity I represent,” said Reynolds, a native of Mandeville, Jamaica who immigrated with his family to Hartford when he was four.

He credited his success to his father’s granite work ethic. “He worked three jobs,” he said. “He worked 11 at night til 7 in the morning at a print shop, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. driving a truck around the state of Connecticut for the Hartford Courant, and

on the weekends he cleaned offices.

“He kept a roof over our heads and he also made sure I could pursue an education and military career,” said Reynolds, a retired major of the Connecticut Army National Guard.

Keynote speaker Juliet “Julie Mango” Bodley, a comedic actress and social media influencer, led the audience in Jamaican songs while recounting her battle with depression and her suicide attempts that prompted her to become a mental health advocate.

“We think we only get second chances,” she said, as attendees enjoyed dessert. “We get many, many chances, and when they come, you have to be ready. It can miss you if you’re not ready, if you’re living on regret, if you say my time has passed. Everyone should feel they deserve the blessings that are coming to them.”

“Be like a slingshot,” she exhorted the crowd. “Let your setbacks create opportunities for your greatest comebacks.” Smith-Holness, JAC’s founder president, expressed appreciation to all who were involved in the event. “It was a magical night,” she said. “We all showed the best of ourselves.”

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The new haven independent

Home Appliance Biz Grows On Grand

by ALLAN APPEL

Evelyn Jimenez was on the lookout for a location to rent in the Nutmeg State in order to expand her Philadelphia-based home appliance business.

By chance, she ended up in Fair Haven and decided to put down retail roots.

Jimenez described that commercial journey to Grand Avenue Tuesday afternoon during a ribbon cutting for her recently opened business, J&M Home Appliance.

That’s Jimenez’s bright, shiny emporium full of stoves, refrigerators, and washer/dryers at 302 Grand Ave., near Blatchley.

She said that her search for a Connecticut location for her business took place early this summer. Her only relatives in the state are in New London.

First she explored in West Haven, then Hamden. Then Jimenez, who did not know Fair Haven, and was not particularly looking for a Latino neighborhood, came to an intersection where a right turn would take her into that district’s main commercial corridor, and a left somewhere else.

Her car and her heart, she said, opted for the right turn.

The result is the opening of what city economic development officials say is only the third individually owned, nonbig-box appliance store in New Haven. “I felt a connection, something called me [to Fair Haven],” Jimenez said on Tuesday as a full crew of city economic development staffers, alders, neighbors, and local business advocates joined her, Mayor Justin Elicker, and a giant pair of blue scissors for the ceremonial ribboncutting.

When she told the real estate agent the nature of her business, Jimenez recalled, “the agent said, ‘[302 Grand is] too small.’ But that’s the one I want,” Jimenez replied.

And business has been very good, she reported, since the actual opening of doors in late June.

“I try not only to sell, but to help people,” she said. Appliances are no longer inexpensive, and because of that her store also offers repair services for customers’ existing appliances if someone can’t afford something new.

She’s also partnering with a credit provider. “I try to make the customer feel like family,” she said, and that’s the basis of her plans to grow the business.

Deputy Economic Administrator Carlos Eyzaguirre made emotional remarks emphasizing the importance of women-

run and women-owned businesses in the city. And Fair Haven boasts many of them.

Grand Avenue Special Services District director Erick Gonzalez said that of Fair Haven’s approximately 130 business establishments from the Quinnipiac River to the Mill River, about 55 are owned and/or run by women.

And Christine Schlike, whose Connecticut Main Street Center is advising the city on its overall business development strategy, said that a business like Jimenez’s, which helps people with their daily needs and necessities, is a real force for community-building.

It helps “to make their house a home,” she said, so that people don’t have to buy online “but through a personal relationship,” so that Jimenez’s service, along with her personal style, adds to what Schlike termed “the diverse tapestry” of Fair Haven.

Mayor Elicker said Jimenez had chosen a propitious time to open her business. Jimenez had noted, when she spotted the vacant store, that a church and school were very close by.

She did not know, as Elicker detailed, that Fair Haven Community Health Care’s major new complex is rising down the street or that $7.5 million of city, state, and federal funds are being invested along Grand Avenue in the months ahead in a project called “Grand-er Grand Avenue.”

The projects include a completely repaved Grand Avenue from the Quinnipiac River to State Street, major sidewalk upgrades, pedestrian safety enhancements, some kind of plaza or esplanade in the area where the municipal parking lot sits near Poplar Street, improved lighting, signage that will help brand Fair Haven, and ongoing support for clean-up crews and graffiti removal.

Jimenez seemed to take all this in with grace and stride. After all, she hails from a business family that includes a sister who’s an accountant and another who runs a supermarket in the Dominican Republic.

Jimenez herself emigrated five years ago. She originally operated an appliance store with her husband in Union, New Jersey, and now she also manages an appliance store and warehouse in Philadelphia.

It’s true J&M Home Appliance is a place of modest size, but the business, along with Evelyn Jimenez’s ambition, hardly feels mom-and-pop. She sells all brands and if a customer doesn’t see what she wants, Jimenez will truck it in from the Philadelphia warehouse, no additional charge, to 302 Grand Ave.

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO

Evelyn Jimenez (second from left) helps cut the ribbon on J&M Home Appliance.

Mayor Elicker and Jimenez.

For the first time in American history, two Black women will serve together in the Senate

by Dollita Okine, Face2FaceAfrica. com

Delaware Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks have made Senate history by becoming the first two Black women elected to the upper house of Congress at the same time in over two centuries.

On January 3, the two will take the oath of office, making them the fourth and fifth Black women to hold the Senate.

Carol Moseley Braun was the first Black woman elected in 1992, followed by Kamala Harris, who was elected in 2016, and Sen. Laphonza Butler, who was appointed to serve out the remainder of the term of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, which runs its course in January.

Before their historic win, Rochester told NBC News while campaigning that her motivation for aiming for the position wasn’t just to make history: “I’m

doing this to make a difference.”

The 62-year-old, a Democrat, became the first Black woman to represent Delaware in the Senate after defeating Republican Eric Hansen and independent Mike Katz.

According to Delaware Republic Media, Rochester, who has been Delaware’s only representative in the U.S. House since 2017, will succeed fellow Democrat Tom Carper, who is leaving the Senate after more than 20 years in office.

She stated in her victory speech on Tuesday night, “In Delaware, as we embark upon this new journey, here is my commitment to you. That I will go to the Senate each and every day with you in my heart and on my mind, whether you voted for me or not.”

Likewise, Alsobrooks, the 53-year-old history maker, was elected as Maryland’s first Black senator, per the Associated Press.

She expressed her joy to her supporters and fans, stating, “It is remarkable to me

that in two years America will celebrate its 250th birthday and in all those years there have been more than 2000 people who have served in the United States Senate and only 3 have looked like me.” “I want to salute all of those who came before me. Who made it possible for me to stand on this stage tonight,” she said, according to WAMU.

Per the outlet, Alsobrooks, who defeated former Gov. Larry Hogan in Maryland, has advocated for progressive causes. Since taking office as Prince George’s County Executive in 2018, she has stood up for economic development, public safety, and support for public education. She was the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County prior to her position as the county’s leader.

According to People, Rochester and Alsobrooks have long regarded the vice president as a friend and mentor, and both served as surrogates during the Harris campaign.

Monroe Nichols becomes first Black mayor of Tulsa over a century after the Race Massacre

By Francis AKhalbey, Face2FaceAfrica.com

State Representative Monroe Nichols wrote his name in the history books on Tuesday when he defeated Karen Keith to become the first Black mayor of Tulsa. The 41-year-old former University of Tulsa football player on Tuesday night confirmed his victory while addressing supporters who had gathered at the Greenwood Cultural Center for a watch party.

Fox 23 reported that Nichols, a Democratic Party member, expressed his gratitude for the support he received when he started his campaign and said he’s prepared to start work.

The mayor-elect also said that he decided to carve his own path during his

campaign, adding that he provided a comprehensive plan of what he envisioned for Tulsa.

“Now, there will no doubt be some setbacks, maybe a few missteps, but we will continue to march forward,” Nichols said. “We are not going to be in a marked time. We may not always agree on the pathway to greatness, but we will always be united in our commitment to get there, and I will be an honest leader willing to engage with all citizens, even when we disagree.”

Outgoing Mayor G.T. Bynum in a statement congratulated Nichols. “I want to congratulate my friend Monroe Nichols on being elected Tulsa’s 41st mayor. This is the greatest honor Tulsans have in our power to bestow on one of our neighbors,” Bynum said.

“Mayor Nichols has my full commitment to do all I can to help him launch his administration successfully on December 2nd. I am excited to begin that transition, and we are scheduled to meet on Thursday to kick things off.”

Bynum also lauded the efforts Nichols’ opponent Keith put in when she was contesting the mayoral seat.

“I also want to thank my friend Karen Keith for loving our city enough to put her name forward as a candidate, and for running a campaign that attracted the support of thousands in our city,” he said. “Karen has our city’s gratitude for all she has done and will continue to do for Tulsa.”

Nichols’ victory comes over a century after the Tulsa Race Massacre.

Angela Alsobrooks (L) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (R) have made Senate history by becoming the first two Black women elected to the upper chamber of Congress at the same time in over two centuries.

Photo credit: Instagram, Alsobrooks, Rochester

Photo Credit: Oklahoma Legislative Service Bureau

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VP Harris Bids Farewell to Howard University Crowd, Urges Supporters to Keep Fighting for America

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire @StacyBrownMedia

A diverse group of supporters, family members, and well-known allies, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, a host of other elected officials, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, looked on as Vice President Kamala Harris emerged onto the stage at Howard University to the stirring strains of Beyoncé’s “Freedom.” Jeezy’s song “My President,” which features the stirring line “My president is Black,” energized the crowd before her entrance, setting the scene for a moving farewell speech. The atmosphere was charged as Harris began, looking out at a sea of American flags and expectant faces at her alma mater.

“Every one of us, no matter who we are or where we start out, has certain fundamental rights and freedoms that must be respected and upheld,” she stated, pausing as applause swelled from the crowd. Harris made it clear that while her campaign had reached its end, the fight for justice and equity was only beginning. “We will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courts, and in the public square,” she affirmed, issuing a call to action that echoed

her campaign’s spirit.

Harris addressed the emotions that many in the crowd were visibly grappling with.

Speaking directly to the young people watching, she said, “It is OK to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it’s going to be OK… Sometimes the fight takes a while, that doesn’t mean we won’t win.”

She reminded them, “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars,” a line that drew a mix of cheers and solemn nods as the crowd took in her message of resilience.

Reflecting on the campaign, Harris shared her pride in the coalition they had built.

“We have been intentional about building community… bringing people together from every walk of life,” she said, emphasizing the need to accept the election results but with an eye to the future. “This is not a time to throw up our hands,” she declared, urging her supporters to channel their emotions into continued efforts. “This is a time to roll up our sleeves.”

Harris acknowledged the fight ahead, framing it not as a loss but as a turning point. “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” she said firmly. “That is a fight I will never give up.” She took a moment to express her gratitude to those who had

the air once more.

stood by her side, including her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and her vice presidential candidate, Tim Walz. “I am so proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it,” she said. Her voice cracked slightly as she added, “We owe loyalty not to a president or to a party but to the Constitution of the United States.”

She acknowledged her call to Presidentelect Donald Trump, stating that she offered assistance to him in the upcoming transition. She urged her supporters not to give up, and to keep fighting for the Constitution and Democracy.

As she neared the end of her speech, Harris’s words took on an unmistakable urgency. “The fight for our freedom will take hard work, but like I always say, we like hard work,” she told the crowd. She urged them to continue engaging, reminding them that meaningful change requires sustained effort.

With a final, defiant wave, Harris walked off the stage arm in arm with Emhoff, her head held high as Beyoncé’s “Freedom” filled the air once more. Her last words: “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”

Election Proves Black Americans Have No Allies

For many African Americans, Trump’s victory felt like an isolating moment, a reaffirmation of what they’ve long suspected: their allies were never permanent.

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia

Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s words mirrored Shirley Chisholm’s groundbreaking observation decades ago: “Of the two handicaps, being Black is much less of a handicap than being a female.” Crockett’s reflection on Donald Trump’s resounding victory over Vice President Kamala Harris pointed to what many saw as a dissonance between the candidate and the country’s decision. Crockett highlighted Harris’s qualifications, intelligence, and kindness compared to Trump, yet acknowledged the public’s apparent preference for fear over progress. “As I said many times on the trail, this election was more about us and what it is that we wanted for our future… and well PROJECT 2025 is loading,” she warned, referencing the former president’s sweeping agenda.

For many African Americans, Trump’s victory felt like an isolating moment, a reaffirmation of what they’ve long suspected: their allies were never permanent. Bishop Talbert Swan put it bluntly on social media: “There is no Black/brown coalition…Latinos voted on the side of white supremacy. We’re in this by ourselves.” Swan’s words echo the sentiments of many Black voters who watched as Latino support for Trump surged, even as his platform targeted marginalized communities. Meanwhile, Black voters were again held to their high stan-

dard of loyalty to the Democratic Party, only to feel abandoned as alliances dissolved and communities prioritized their own survival.

“Black people are tired,” shared journalist Kathia Woods on Let It Be Known, the Black Press of America’s daily news broadcast. This sentiment of exhaustion has been echoed across social media, as Washington Informer journalist Anthony Tilghman tweeted an arresting graphic illustrating Black Americans’ sense of isolation: “This presidential race highlights the significant influence of race on the election outcome,” Tilghman wrote. “A majority of white women and men expressed reluctance towards having another Black president in office, regardless of the individual’s qualifications.”

Public figures sounded their own alarms on the social media landscape. Cardi B took to Instagram, bluntly posting: “I hate ya’ll bad,” in a pointed message to Trump voters. Justice correspondent Elie Mystal offered a sobering perspective: “Black people are relatively well prepared for what’s about to happen because it’s happened to us before. America has done this to us before.”

The stakes stretch further than any one individual’s leadership, with significant consequences predicted for American institutions. Actor Wendell Pierce, reflecting on Trump’s influence on the Supreme Court, tweeted, “The Supreme Court will be changed for a generation… I’ll never see

a moderate court again in my lifetime.” For others, Yvette Nicole Brown captured the sentiment that the rest of the country may now begin to feel what Black communities have long endured. “The rest of you are

about to be shocked by how America treats you when it doesn’t care about you… The find out phase has begun,” she posted. Across demographics, voting trends highlighted a widening rift as each non-Black

group increased their support for Trump. “When we say Black people have no permanent allies… we mean Black people have no permanent allies,” noted one commenter, underscoring a stark double standard: the willingness to elect a convicted felon, with seemingly little regard for qualifications or integrity.

The sense of betrayal was palpable in many reflections. Elie Mystal captured this frustration, stating, “Watching Latinos chase model minority status has never sat well with Black people, but this is a wound the Black community won’t soon forget.” The solidarity once hoped for among marginalized groups seems distant, fractured along lines of race, ideology, and self-interest.

Meanwhile, University of South Carolina Professor Sueanna Smith weighed in on the structural underpinnings of this political moment, explaining, “There is a reason why educated people vote blue. What we’re seeing is the uneducated population of America holding the rest of the country hostage. This is why there’s such a push to weaken education, ban books, and outlaw the teaching of Black history by the Republican Party.”

As Mystal aptly put it, “One thing I do worry about, is that the ‘solidarity’ between ‘people of color’ has been significantly damaged. Black people have learned that all we have is each other.”

With a final, defiant wave, Harris walked off the stage arm in arm with Emhoff, her head held high as Beyoncé’s “Freedom” filled

Why We Should All Celebrate Head Start’s Success

Khari M. Garvin, Director of the Office of Head Start, Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health

and Human Services

Did you know that Head Start programs are more than just preschool? The program can be a lifeline for children ages birth to five and their families, helping them thrive through education, health, and community support. It is also a place built on the strengths of children, families, staff, and communities. Head Start programs support children's growth from birth to age 5 through services centered around early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Head Start staff actively engage parents, recognizing family participation throughout the program as key to strong child outcomes. Head Start services are available at no cost to children ages birth to 5 in eligible families. Head Start preschool services work with children ages 3 to 5 and their families. Early Head Start services work with families that have children ages birth to 3, and many also serve expectant families. Many programs operate both Head Start preschool and Early Head Start services. Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients provide services in every U.S. state and territory, farm worker camps, and more than 155 tribal communities. It’s important to understand how our programs go above and beyond early learning to ensure every child and family is included, respected, and empowered. What Does “Belonging” Look Like?

Inclusion and belonging aren't just buzzwords — they’re the foundation of everything the Head Start program does. Staff are committed to creating spaces where everyone, regardless of their background, can succeed — whether it’s recognizing each child’s unique abilities and ideas, valuing parents as experts on their own children and as program volunteers and leaders, or linking families with needed services. Take, for example, how programs recruit and enroll families.

Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, programs tailor their outreach to meet the unique needs of each community. This might mean offering materials in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for all, building upon civil rights

laws requiring translation when necessary to facilitate understanding and participation. Programs are proactive in supporting families with disabilities, ensuring they have the necessary aids and services they need to participate in the program. The goal is to open doors and provide support for children and families furthest from opportunity and offer them a place to belong.

A Classroom That Reflects Every Child’s World

Head Start classrooms aren’t just places where children learn their ABCs — they are vibrant spaces where each child’s culture, language, and identity are celebrated. Teachers take the time to get to know each child’s strengths, interests, and challenges, crafting learning experiences that resonate with them personally. In fact, Head Start staff are trained to recognize and address implicit biases, so no child is unfairly limited by preconceived notions about their background. Through updated resources like the Multicultural Principles for Early Childhood Leaders, program staff are equipped to create environments where diversity is not only acknowledged but embraced.

For children with disabilities, Head Start programs provide tailored support like visual aids and personalized learning tools that help them thrive alongside their peers. They ensure children get the aid and services they are entitled to under disability rights laws. Staff make sure no one is left out by ensuring every child can fully participate, whether they have a formal diagnosis. Research has shown that inclusive classrooms lead to better outcomes for all!

Health Equity Is a Critical Part of Belonging

Health is a key part of a child’s ability to learn and grow. Head Start programs make health services a central part of children’s experiences. But here’s the thing: not everyone has equal access to health care. That’s why Head Start programs work hard to eliminate the barriers some families face. These barriers may include a lack of health insurance, language barriers, or limited access to doctors.

Head Start health staff partner with families to help them navigate these challenges, ensuring every child starts school healthily and ready to learn. Through nutrition programs, mental health services, preventive and follow-up care, and more, each Head Start program works to close health services gaps and promote equitable outcomes for children.

Partnering with Families for Lasting Change

In Head Start programs, family is everything. Fundamental to the program is the belief that children thrive when families are fully engaged. That’s why the Head Start approach to family engagement goes beyond parent-teacher conferences. It’s about building genuine, respectful partnerships with families from all walks of life.

In every interaction, Head Start staff are trained to meet families where they are — culturally, linguistically, and personally. Whether they are helping families experiencing homelessness acquire stable housing or supporting families facing economic challenges, Head Start programs ensure everyone has a seat at the table.

Through resources like the Family Economic Mobility Toolkit , programs help families build financial stability and create brighter futures for their children. By addressing not only the child’s needs but also the family’s, the Head Start program creates lasting, positive change for generations.

A Future Where Everyone Belongs

The Head Start mission has always been to break the cycle of generational poverty — providing children and families with a head start in life. The Head Start program is about so much more than academics. It’s about creating a world where every child — regardless of background, ability, or circumstance — feels confident and competent and knows they belong. These children will persist as they continue to grow and learn even after they leave their Head Start programs.

Let’s celebrate every program’s commitment to serving the children and families furthest from opportunity and helping them thrive.

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Head Start classrooms aren’t just places where children learn their ABCs — they are vibrant spaces where each child’s culture, language, and identity are celebrated.

Opens with Expanded Options and Subsidies

Health officials said the ACA Marketplace’s enrollment success reflects expanded access under the Biden-Harris administration. However, political opposition from Trump and MAGA Republicans threatens these gains.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace opens its 2025 enrollment season, offering millions the opportunity to secure or adjust health insurance plans. This year’s opening enrollment is vital, particularly if Donald Trump is re-elected. The twice-impeached former president and MAGA Republicans have vowed to repeal the healthcare law, which would deprive an estimated 40 million Americans of coverage. Under Trump’s plan, millions of individuals with pre-existing conditions would also lose health insurance.

In 2024, approximately 4.2 million Floridians enrolled in an ACA health plan, marking a more than 200% increase from 2020, according to White House data. Florida, one of 10 states that hasn’t expanded Medicaid, is seeing around 823,000 residents lose Medicaid coverage.

More than 418,000 Michigan residents signed up for new health plans through HealthCare.gov—a nearly 30% increase over 2023. In Wisconsin, over 250,000 residents secured ACA coverage, as state officials reported. Meanwhile, 1.26 million Georgia residents enrolled, reflecting a 206% rise from 2020, with about 96% receiving an advanced premium tax credit to help cover premiums.

Maryland also saw a 33% increase in Black enrollees and a 30% increase in Hispanic enrollees. In Virginia, 389,568 residents enrolled, marking a 67% increase since 2020, with 88% receiving advanced premium tax credits to help cover costs. Meanwhile, 11,910 District of Columbia residents enrolled, although enrollment has de-

creased by 26% since 2020 — about 22% of D.C. enrollees qualified for advanced premium tax credits. With increased enrollment nationwide, this year’s Marketplace offers more options than ever. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), consumers can choose from a broader array of plans, with benchmark silver plans averaging a 4% premium increase and bronze plans up by 5%. However, enhanced subsidies introduced under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) continue to make coverage affordable, capping monthly premiums at a percentage of income. Most enrollees on HealthCare.gov can find plans for under $10 per month, despite unsubsidized premiums reaching $497

for a 40-year-old on a benchmark silver plan. KFF researchers noted that some states, like Vermont, Alaska, and North Dakota, face double-digit premium hikes, while others, like Louisiana, see decreases in low-cost plans. Under the Biden-Harris administration, the ACA Marketplace has expanded to include more insurers, with an average of 9.6 participating insurers per state, allowing 97% of Healthcare.gov users to choose from at least three insurers. The range of options includes silver and bronze plans tailored to meet different healthcare needs. Silver plans, which serve as the basis for subsidy calculations, offer a balance of coverage and cost, while bronze plans provide lower premiums

but higher deductibles.

Federal funding has also been allocated to ensure continued support for enrollees. The Biden-Harris administration committed $100 million to the Navigator program, providing more resources to help Americans understand and select the best health plan.

Enhanced subsidies—initially introduced under the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the IRA— are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless renewed by Congress. Without renewal, millions would face premium hikes in 2026, with costs doubling in some cases. A young family of four in Pennsylvania earning $125,000 would see an annual increase of $6,448, while a 45-year-old in Wisconsin with

a $60,000 income would experience a $1,354 hike.

DACA recipients are eligible for ACA coverage for the first time, with subsidies that help reduce costs. Effective November 1, this new eligibility offers a special enrollment window for an estimated 100,000 DACA recipients despite ongoing litigation. Additionally, states like California and New Mexico are leveraging federal tax credits to reduce deductibles, enhancing affordability for those with lower incomes.

KFF found that further safeguards and protections accompany this year’s enrollment. Stricter fraud protections require brokers to secure consent before making plan changes and respond to complaints about unauthorized plan modifications. Non-ACA-compliant short-term plans are now limited to four months and must display clear disclaimers noting they lack comprehensive health coverage. Similarly, fixed indemnity plans, which pay a set amount for specific medical events but lack ACA protections, now carry required disclaimers.

New network adequacy standards for federal Marketplace plans also ensure timely access to care. Wait times are capped in 2025 at ten business days for behavioral health, 15 days for primary care, and 30 days for non-urgent specialty care. Compliance will be monitored through “secret shoppers” surveys to verify access.

Health officials said the ACA Marketplace’s enrollment success reflects expanded access under the Biden-Harris administration. However, political opposition from Trump and MAGA Republicans threatens these gains.

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White Women, Latinos Return Trump to Power as Democrats’ Missteps Helps Usher in New Era

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire @StacyBrownMedia

If there were a job description for the presidency, it might as well be written in bold print: women and people of color need not apply. America made history on November 5, though not the kind many would have foreseen. Voters chose a convicted leader whom a jury has found guilty 34 times, a man whom a judge ruled committed massive business fraud, while another court determined he had sexually assaulted a journalist. They chose the felon over the prosecutor, fascism over democracy, and servitude over freedom.

Latinos and white women, many of whom once more voted against their own interests, who have borne the brunt of his attacks, were primarily responsible for this outcome. But plainly put, Donald Trump has ascended to the highest office in the land once more. A bruised Kamala Harris, meanwhile, didn’t bother to address the thousands of heartbroken supporters who had gathered at Howard University and soaked up hours by dancing, praying, and hoping that they’d witness the first woman—and first Black and Southeast Asian woman—claim the presidency. As the clock ticked toward midnight, it became clear: Trump had taken the race, and, surprisingly, it wasn’t even close.

“I have to say from basically start to finish this night has been clear,” election analyst Harry Enten said on CNN. “There hasn’t been any weird shifting directions. It’s basically been Trump since we got the first counties in. Very much unlike 2020 when there was whiplash as the vote count went on.” Unofficial results showed that Trump earned at least 276 electoral college votes compared to Harris’s 223. The battleground states that so-called experts had insisted were in play weren’t close at all: North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio all went Trump.

Riding Trump’s wave, the GOP regained control of the Senate, guaranteeing the rapid implementation of their sweeping conservative agenda, Project 2025. Democrats held out hope for the House, but with Trump facing little to no punishment for his alleged crimes, many wonder if it matters. Many European leaders watched the results overnight.

A French official told NBC News that President Emmanuel Macron viewed the results with some sleep breaks in between. He was one of the first to congratulate Trump, posting on X that he was “ready to work together as we did for four years.”

In Europe, the viability of NATO and other trans-Atlantic alliances hangs in the balance. Despite controversy over Labor Party officials openly backing Harris, Prime Minister Keir Starmer had little choice when he expressed optimism

about the “special relationship” between the U.K. and U.S., saying, “I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, himself viewed as the kind of dictator Trump promises to become, appeared ecstatic, writing on X, “The biggest comeback in U.S. political history! A muchneeded victory for the World!” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took a more formal tone, emphasizing Germany’s commitment to working with the U.S. “promoting prosperity and freedom,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the E.U.-U.S. relationship as “a true partnership.”

Back home, the path forward looks perilous for Trump’s political enemies. The outcome is a catastrophe for the world, many said. While Harris’s campaign was characterized by skill, grace, and a desire to become the first female president in America’s 248-year history, Trump’s campaign was marred by vulgarity, inflammatory rhetoric, and an attitude toward immigrants that often-echoed history’s darkest chapters. It may have been fair to ask, how was the race even close?

Exit polls reveal that white women, who appeared on the verge of breaking free

from the grip of MAGA ideology, voted heavily for Trump despite his disregard for their rights and autonomy. Latino voters also leaned toward Trump, despite his incendiary rhetoric, which included labeling Puerto Rico as an “island of trash” at a recent Madison Square Garden rally.

Democrats must also face the reality of their shocking defeat. After a final debate in which some questioned his cognitive skills, the party sidelined President Joe Biden yet failed to portray Trump as the volatile threat he posed. With his 2020 victory in hand, Biden had warned that he alone could defeat Trump. But instead of managing their issues internally, Democrats choose to embarrass Biden, forcing him out just over 100 days before the election.

Although Harris raised unprecedented amounts of cash and had the backing of global celebrities, she and the Democratic National Committee faced criticism from Black Americans. There were complaints that the campaign appeared to scapegoat Black men, with even former President Barack Obama publicly admonishing Black voters for not doing enough.

High-ranking Democrats, including DNC Chair Jamie Harrison and former

Latino communities as effectively as megastars like Beyoncé, Tyler Perry, and Samuel L. Jackson. Instead, as an extension of the Biden administration, they offered cursory invites to functions like the White House’s Black Excellence celebration, and, after some pleading, access to campaign events like the vice president’s closing argument on the Ellipse and her no-show appearance at Howard University.

There’s little doubt that limited ad buys and the flat refusal to engage the Black Press backfired.

A lack of Trump’s accountability made the mistakes worse. Following his second impeachment by the House, Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, who had called Trump “stupid” and “despicable,” had the opportunity to bar Trump from ever running again. But McConnell balked, and Trump was acquitted. After Trump incited the January 6 insurrection, Democrats in Congress led a drawn-out investigation before finally recommending criminal charges. By the time prosecutors in New York, Georgia, Washington, and Florida issued indictments, Trump had rebranded these as “political witch hunts,” gathering momentum as a martyr figure.

“For nearly a decade, he has tapped into America’s id,” U.S. Guardian editor Betsy Reed observed, pointing to a painful racial history stoked by Obama’s election and a sense of displacement among white Christian Americans. Xenophobia, Reed added, remains the backbone of Trump’s political identity. His campaign’s investment in ads stirring fear over transgender rights (“Kamala’s agenda is they/them, not you”) only magnified the appeal.

Congressman Cedric Richmond, played and lost the dangerous game of alienating Black voters, too. The campaign and the DNC largely ignored the Black Press, notably the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)—the trusted voice of Black America. Instead of engaging with Black-owned outlets in a move that would not only have provided needed resources for these African American small businesses while helping to get the party’s vital messaging to a critical constituency, the DNC choose to enrich wealthy mainstream outlets and leave out the Black Press. The DNC betrayed the NNPA by allowing the DNC to approach some Black newspapers with miniscule ad buys.

Harris’s campaign, if reluctantly so, only carried through on Biden’s original promise to spend the same $1.5 million with the Black Press of America that Biden’s people had promised. The paltry sum even rankled high-ranking Black lawmakers like Congressman Benny Thompson of Mississippi, who led the House Committee investigating Trump. Harris’s campaign and the DNC wrongly determined that the nearly 200-year-old Black Press couldn’t reach Black and

With a sinister assist from billionaire Elon Musk, Trump secured his victory. “Now brace for another Trump inauguration—American carnage redux—and another fantastical claim about his crowd size,” Reed declared. “Brace for norms to be trampled, institutions to be undermined, opponents to be targeted for retribution. Brace for an Oval Office occupied by a malignant narcissist without guardrails this time. Brace for unhinged all-caps tweets that trigger news cycles and move markets. Brace for national anxiety off the charts and global tremors from China to Ukraine. Brace, also, for a new resistance and surge of anti-Trump energy.”

While many across the globe and in America ask how Trump returned to power, Reed concluded with an ominous reflection: “America had ample opportunities to stop Donald Trump, but each time, it failed. It won’t turn into an autocracy overnight, but there’s no doubt this is a democracy in decay.” And in a piercing final remark, she paraphrased Oscar Wilde: “To elect Trump once may be regarded as a misfortune; to elect him twice looks like madness.”

Latinos and white women, many of whom once more voted against their own interests, who have borne the brunt of his attacks, were primarily responsible for this outcome.

VERSIÓN REVISADA

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA PARA

NOTICE

Town of Bloomfield

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR

LA AUTORIDAD DE VIVIENDA DE NEW HAVEN (ECC/HANH) INFORME ANUAL DE TRABAJO (MTW) DEL AÑO FISCAL 2024

Salary Range:

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

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.

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

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

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

ID de la reunión: 185686287

Contraseña: yaw6Zk28PK

O marque:

+12679304000 Estados Unidos (Filadelfia, PA)

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

Contraseña de acceso telefónico: 9296952875

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

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

242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

Listing: Mechanic

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

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

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

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

Assistant Business Office Manager

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

$87,727 to $136,071 Deputy Finance Director/Controller

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE.

For Details go to  www.bloomfieldct.org

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

Construction

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

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.

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.

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

Meeting ID: 185686287

Password: yaw6Zk28PK

Or dial:

+12679304000 United States (Philadelphia, PA)

Access Code / Meeting ID: 185686287

Dial-in password: 9296952875

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

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

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.

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

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

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

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.

This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

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

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

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

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

The Town of Wallingford Water & Sewer Division is seeking a responsible administrator to perform professional accounting, administrative and supervisory work involving a variety of professional financial control and business office functions. Annual salary: $81,314 to $103,185. 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. Applicants should possess a Bachelor’s degree in accounting plus 3 years of responsible accounting experience, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. 1 year of work experience must be in a supervisory capacity. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut driver’s license. To apply online by the closing date of November 19, 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) 2942080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

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

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

MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

Management Group’s vendor Collaboration Portal. https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FAIRFIELD HOUSING CORPORATION

NOTICE

The JUDD HOMESTEAD at RUSSO ESTATES FAIRFIELD, CONNECTICUT

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Request for Proposals from Builders

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.

NOTICIA

The Fairfield Housing Corporation (FHC) is seeking a Builder (General Contractor) to develop the property known as the Judd Homestead at Russo Estates located at 980 High Street, Fairfield, CT. The proposed affordable rental housing development project includes removal/demolition of two small sheds, a barn, and the back portion of the existing home, and then renovations/additions to the existing home and construction of 40 new residential units contained in the five new buildings. The Project includes the installation of all necessary site infrastructure to support the development in strict accordance of all land use approvals. The Project is anticipated to be funded in part by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) through the use of Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and the State of Connecticut, Department of Housing (DOH).

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

RFP submission responses shall be delivered to the Fairfield Housing Corporation’s offices located at 15 Pine Tree Lane Fairfield CT 06825 with one original and three (3) copies on or before Friday, November 8, 2024 at 3 PM. Faxes or electronic submissions will not be accepted.

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Planning Analyst in the Health and Human Services Policy and Planning Division.

Police Accreditation Manager

The Town of Wallingford Police Department is seeking a skilled administrator to oversee and manage its accreditation process. Applicants should possess an Associate's degree in business administration, criminal justice, police administration, planning, public administration or related field plus 10 years of experience in police work with 1 year of experience in police accreditation work, or any equivalent combination of experience and training substituting on a year-for-year basis. Must have current or previous certification as a Police Officer from POST, current certification as a Police Accreditation Manager, and a CT driver’s license. Annual salary: $74,039 to $93,880 plus 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 October 30, 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

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DANBURY

Information Technology Services RFP No. P24004

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

Interested firms will be provided the complete RFP Information & Instructions by requesting a package via email to the attention of Carol J. Martin, authorized representative of the FHC, at HYPERLINK "mailto:cmartin14@snet.net" cmartin14@snet.net or by requesting in person at the Fairfield Housing Corporation’s office.

Fairfield Housing Corporation and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employers and conduct its business in accordance with all Federal, State and Local laws, regulations and guidelines. Small, Minority, Women Business Enterprises and Disabled are encouraged to participate in this process.

NEW HAVEN

Fairfield Housing Corporation

Carol J. Martin

Authorized Representative

242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

Fairfield Housing Corporation

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/ sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 241008&R2=6297AR&R3=001

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

WANTED TRUCK DRIVER

Please register here to obtain Bid Package: https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/ requests.html?company_id=49968

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL RETURN:

Housing Authority of the City of Danbury, 2 Mill Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 Envelope Must be Marked: RFP No. P24004, IT Services Attn: Lisa Gilchrist, Purchasing Agent

SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

November 20, 2024 at 10:30am (EST)

CONTACT PERSON FOR IFB DOCUMENT: Lisa Gilchrist – Purchasing Agent

Telephone: 203-744-2500 x1421

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

E-Mail: lgilchrist@hacdct.org

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

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

INVITATION TO BID

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

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company (WT), the construction manager, is currently accepting bids for ConnCAT Place on Dixwell – Phase 1A for the following bid packages: 04A – Masonry, 05B – Misc. Metals, 06A – Millwork, 07A – Roofing, 07B – Exterior Façade, 08A – Storefront, 08B – Doors, Frames, Hardware, 08C – Operable Partitions, Coiling Door, 09A – Carpentry, 09B – Flooring, 09C – Tile, 09D – Painting, 09E – Acoustical Ceilings, 10A – Bathroom Partitions, Accessories, 10B – Signage, 11A – Kitchen Equipment, 12A – Window Treatments, 21A – Fire Suppression, 22A – Plumbing, 23A – Mechanical, HVAC, TAB, Controls, 26A – Electrical, Fire Alarm, Security, 27A – Communications, AV, 32A – Landscaping, 32B – Site Improvements for the new ~70,000 SF two-story ConnCAT headquarters which will contain teaching spaces, kitchen, offices, and daycare/early childhood facility. Interested firms may obtain a bid package and instructions to bid by emailing 020822@whiting-turner.com.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

Prevailing Wage | Tax-Exempt | CHRO and City of New Haven

Subcontracting Requirements will apply | Section 3 HUD

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.

Truck Driver with clean CDL license

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Please send resume to attielordan@gmail.com PJF Construction Corporation AA/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.

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for Construction Manager at Risk for Newhall Ville Development. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for an Associate Research Analyst in the Data and Policy Analytics Division.

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

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

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

Bids wills be accepted at The Lab at ConnCORP located at 496 Newhall Street, Hamden, CT 06517, no later than 10AM on 10/11/24. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. WT and the Owner reserve the right to amend this invitation to bid, reject bids, waive minor irregularities in the bid, and award the contract to the proposer that is deemed to be the best interest of the Owner, ConnCORP. WT is an EEO/AA; Disadvantaged, Small, Minority and Women Business Enterprises are encouraged to bid.

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

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/ sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 241003&R2=6856AR&R3=001

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

Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking bids for General Contractor for Westville Manor. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

beginning on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 3:00PM.

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

NOTICE

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory training on equipment we operate.

Location: Bloomfield CT We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

VALENTINA

Contact: Tom Dunay Phone: 860- 243-2300

MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

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

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

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for an Information Technology Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary in the Office of Finance. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/ sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 241015&R2=5571MP&R3=001

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

NOTICIA

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

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES

DISPONIBLES

Union Company seeks:

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

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com

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

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

Construction

NEW HAVEN

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.

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

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

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

WANTED TRUCK DRIVER

Truck Driver with clean

CDL license

Please send resume to attielordan@gmail.com

The Milford Redevelopment & Housing Partnership (MRHP) is seeking sealed bids for the following Fire Alarm Upgrades at Catherine McKeen Village in Milford CT. Bids will be received until December 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Milford Redevelopment & Housing Partnership offices located at 75 DeMaio Drive, Milford, CT 06460. All bids will be opened and read aloud. A pre-bid walk thru will be held on November 18, 2024 at 2:00 pm at 95 Jepson Drive, Milford, CT, Catherine McKeen Village – Community Room. Contract documents including plans & specifications can be viewed on-line and purchased from Digiprint’s website beginning on November 11, 2024. Visit www.digiprintplanroom.com. 5% Bid Security (Over $25K ONLY) and 100% Performance/ Payment Bonds (Over $100K ONLY) are required. Bidders will note requirements of minimum wage rates, nondiscrimination/equal opportunity rules (Executive Order 11246) and related provisions in the General Conditions. No bid shall be withdrawn for sixty (60) days. Complete bidding requirements are noted in the Contract Documents. This project is federally assisted. Therefore, bidders must comply with the following requirements: Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968; Equal Opportunity provisions of Executive Order 11246; Non-Discrimination provision of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Labor Standards provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act and related acts and Contract Work Hours Standards Act; prevailing wage determinations as issued by the United States Department of Labor; and all applicable provisions under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

MRHP is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Housing Provider. Any individual with a disability who needs special assistance to participate should contact Cheryl Giers at cgiers@mrhp.org at least five (5) days before the bid opening.

Anthony J. Vasiliou, Executive Director

Milford Redevelopment & Housing Partnership

75 DeMaio Drive

Milford, CT 06460

203-877-3223

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

PJF Construction Corporation AA/EOE

Senior Sales Representative Wanted

PLUMBING WORKERS NEEDED. Have you ever wanted to become a plumber or work in the plumbing field? LBR Mechanical Corp is seeking plumbing mechanics, journeymen and helpers for a construction project located in Bridgeport, CT. Experience in plumbing/heating, construction and roughing a plus. Will train the right candidates. Driver’s license and proof of citizenship required. Please call 914-276-1493 for an application to start your new career.

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Advertising and the cultivation of existing and new advertising clients is key to the growth and continued success of The Inner-City News. The paper is delivered weekly to businesses, schools, shopping outlets and wherever newspapers can be found. This is a remote sales position.

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.

Work closely with the Publisher and editor to create a successful sales strategy. Must

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

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

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

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

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

Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 HCC encourages the

Written by Michael J. Payton

NNPA NEWSWIRE – I believe in an aspirational America, one that celebrates rags-to-riches stories and welcomes those who dream big. VP Harris’s background as a woman of color achieving firsts speaks to who we are and, more importantly, who we can be. That’s the America I believe in, and I believe Kamala Harris can help lead us there.”

It was a warm day in Oakland. A crowd gathered around Kamala Harris, who had just wrapped up a town hall. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, I felt small in her presence— she commanded the energy in the room. My mom, ever protective, ensured I got to the front of the line, where Harris greeted us warmly.

It was 2017, and I had recently completed a YouTube documentary on her journey from San Francisco district attorney to US Senator. Her team noticed and invited me to attend this event, solidifying my belief that she’d be a future presidential contender. Meeting her sparked a sense of possibility. “Congratulations, Mama—I know you’re so proud.” She congratulated me on my path to working in Governor Brown’s office and shared a moment with my mother that filled us both with pride. Since that day, I’ve pursued a career in public service and media, carrying forward the inspiration she gave me. So much has changed since that warm day in Oakland—Kamala is now the Democratic nominee for President, yet the country feels more divided than ever. But despite the noise, I still believe in her vision for an America that’s bigger than all of us—a vision that embraces the impossible and turns it into reality.

The Backlash for Supporting Harris

When I express my support for VP Harris, I’m often met with skepticism, particularly from other men of color. They think my support comes from ideological loyalty, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Growing up in a single-parent home with limited resources, I learned early on that achieving big dreams wasn’t easy, especially for people who looked like me. It wasn’t until I was 17, when I witnessed the groundbreaking election of President Obama that I grew a sense of hope—a belief that America’s promise was within reach if I worked hard.

My support for Kamala Harris is rooted in that same spirit of optimism. She represents a path forward that values character, resilience, and a commitment to lifting everyone up. I’m not looking for a quick fix or short-term gain but for a long-term vision for America—one that doesn’t just serve the wealthy but builds opportunity for everyone.

I believe in an aspirational America, one that celebrates rags-to-riches stories and welcomes those who dream big. VP Harris’s background as a woman of color achieving firsts speaks to who we are and, more importantly, who we can be. That’s the America I believe in, and I believe Kamala Harris can help lead us there.”

It’s Not Just the Economy

America’s greatness isn’t just about financial gains—it’s about shared values of freedom, equality, and opportunity for all. Reducing our purpose to economic metrics risks losing what truly makes us exceptional.

Kamala Harris embodies this broader

vision, advocating for a united America where every voice is valued and everyone has a fair shot. Supporting her isn’t just about immediate financial gains; it’s an investment in a future rooted in inclusion and opportunity.

A friend once dismissed concerns about racism, focusing only on the economy. As a business owner, I value economic stability, but ignoring systemic racism overlooks its deep impact on financial security. Racism isn’t just an attitude; it’s embedded in our systems, affecting housing, employment, and more.

Kamala Harris understands this link. Her policies reflect the need for reforms in criminal justice, housing, and education to create both economic opportunity and equity.

The Biden-Harris administration has faced tough economic challenges but has prioritized American families, from record job growth to historic infrastructure investments. Kamala’s record shows her focus on affordable health care, infrastructure, and lowering prescription drug costs. Supporting her means backing a leader committed to an inclusive and prosperous America for all.

This condensed version maintains the core message, highlighting Harris’s commitment to a just and inclusive future without getting too caught up in the economic specifics. This helps keep the tone personal and impactful.

Protecting Our Children and Communities from Gun Violence

I visited the White House’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention on March 4 to discuss the urgent need to address gun violence. This issue hits home for me—I lost

my uncle to gun violence in 2001, a tragedy my family has never fully healed from. Growing up in neighborhoods where gunshots were common, I know firsthand the trauma this violence inflicts.

While I support the Second Amendment, I believe we need sensible gun safety measures. Children shouldn’t be growing up with gun drills as a norm, and it shouldn’t be so easy to access firearms that entire communities live in fear. Kamala Harris advocates for common-sense solutions that respect the rights of gun owners while prioritizing public safety. This isn’t about taking away rights; it’s about saving lives.

Borderline Scary

This past March, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin invited me to visit the Department of Defense. I saw the dedication of our military members, including many young Black men and women who serve with courage. Harris’s approach to national security respects this service. Unlike Trump, who has shown disrespect for our troops, Harris values their sacrifices and understands the importance of steady, strategic leadership.

In a world of complex threats, we need leaders who act with care and honor those who serve. Harris personifies this, showing that America’s role is as an economic powerhouse and a trusted global leader.

A Balanced Approach to Immigration

Conversations around immigration often reveal misconceptions, even within my community. While I agree that we need secure borders to protect jobs and public safety, there also needs to be a pathway to citizenship for those who come

here legally and contribute. It was the hard work and dreams of immigrants that built America—we can’t lose that spirit.

Earlier this year, a bipartisan immigration bill that balanced security with a pathway to citizenship was blocked. Harris, however, understands the need for a nuanced approach that upholds our values and benefits us all. When people have the chance to come here legally and contribute, our entire society benefits.

A Vision for America

Looking back on that day in Oakland in 2017 when I met then-Senator Harris, I remember the optimism I felt—the belief that in America, even the impossible can become a reality. A Jamaican and Indian girl from Oakland had become a U.S. Senator, then and now, I predict, our next President.

When I vote for Kamala Harris, I’m voting for an America that is bold, inclusive and aspirational—a country that leads with integrity, not fear, and an economy that serves everyone, not just the privileged. This choice isn’t just about policies; it’s about believing in a country that doesn’t shrink from its values but fully embraces them.

Kamala Harris represents a balance of strength and empathy, promoting stability for families and communities, not just quick gains for the wealthy. Supporting her is about building an America where compassion and resilience coexist. I want an America that lives up to its promise, a beacon of justice and opportunity for all. That’s the America Kamala Harris embodies, and that’s why I’m proud to support her.

Even Amidst the Stresses

Pastor Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes is one of many authorities who say that joy ful activities can help people through difficult circumstances

By Hazel Trice Edney

Joy. The Oxford Dictionary describes it as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” Merriam-Webster says it is “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune.” Thesaurus.com gives a string of synonyms for joy, including elation, humor, bliss, and cheer.

How ever one chooses to describe or define, “joy”, medical doctors, psychologists, counsellors and preachers say it can be the world’s best medicine – especially for brain health.

“Growing up in the Black church, we used to say, ‘This joy I have; the world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away,’” writes New York pastor, author and educator Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes. “What we were saying was that the conditions of this world didn’t produce joy for us; rather, something within us created the joy that the world continually tried to steal. Time and time again, systems of this world tried to steal our joy, our dignity, our hope and our future.”

In America's Black community, the "conditions of this world" that Pastor Cudjoe-Wilkes writes about often comes as a result of systemic racism and societal attitudes of White supremacy. These historic racial attitudes toward AfricanAmericans simply because of the color of their skin often cause traumatic assaults to their emotions and their psyche. Those assaults - whether emotional or physical - can result from a number of activities, including race discrimination, racial profiling, and even racial violence. These deeply personal experiences are often compounded by news accounts of such horrific incidents also happening to other people. Spiritual reinforcement and a lifestyle of faith can heal these mentally stressful and sometimes depressing reac-

tions, authorities say, because lifestyles of faith can inspire joy.

“Joy is unspoken hope that floods your being. It’s that ‘It is well with my soul’ that resonates deeply within your spirit,” writes Cudjoe-Wilkes, who is co-lead pastor of The Double Love Experience Church in Brooklyn.

Medical doctors agree. A Harvard School of Medicine article reports that joyful laughter can actually stimulate brain chemicals that gives a feeling of

happiness and well-being.

“A good belly laugh can do wonders for your state of mind,” as it releases levels of dopamine, a chemical released by the hypothalamus of the brain, which provides an “intense feeling of reward,” the article states.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic as George Floyd was publicly asphyxiated by now imprisoned Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in 2020 and mass protests spread throughout the na-

tion, psychologists began looking closer at brain health and the impact of racial trauma on those who observe it or experience it.

“Living While Black: Using Joy, Beauty, and Connection to Heal Racial Trauma" is a book written by veteran psychologist Guilaine Kinouani during the height of that season. Kinouani highly recommends self-care that increases levels of joy.

“Based on her findings, Kinouani has devised tried-and-tested strategies to help

protect Black people from the harmful effects of verbal, physical, and structural racism. She empowers Black readers to adopt self-care mechanisms to improve their day-to-day wellness to help them thrive, not just survive, and to find hope and beauty—or even joy—in the face of racial adversity,” states a review of the book by Beacon Press. “With the rise of far-right ideologies and the increase of racist hate crimes, Living While Black is both timely and instrumental in moving conversations from defining racism for non-Black majorities to focusing on healing and nurturing the mental health of those facing prejudice, discrimination, and the lasting effects of the violence of white supremacy.”

An article published by AARP, also during the COVID-19 pandemic, gave a list of ways to bring joy to the mind. The article, titled, "9 Simple Habits to Make You Happier: Easy ways to spark joy today", in a nutshell, includes the following suggestions:

Watch the dawn, the sunset, enjoy nature or just listen to some birds; Get some ice cream with a friend or treat yourself to a dessert, a delicious meal or your favorite beverage; Play a game with other people during which you can let your guard down; Engage in a hobby like art, dancing or other fun activities; or spend time gazing at a baby, a puppy or something else that causes you to feel happy.

There are hundreds of ways to invoke joy in one's life, depending on the individual. Even amidst civil rights battles, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "The surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others."

This article is part of a series powered by AARP for the purpose of brain health education. Here's more information.

FILM REVIEW: So Amazing: Dawn Porter Brings Luther Vandross to Life in New Doc

By Nsenga K. Burton, PhD, NNPA Culture and Entertainment Editor

“Ain’t nothing perfect in this world other than Jesus and Luther Vandross’s first album.” – Ruby (Jenifer Lewis), Black-ish In the world of documentary filmmaking, few names shine as brightly as Dawn Porter. Known for her poignant explorations of political and social issues (Good Trouble, Power of the Dream, Gideon’s Army), Porter has taken a bold step into the realm of music documentaries with her latest film, Luther: Never Too Much, which celebrates the life and legacy of legendary singer Luther Vandross. In a recent interview, Porter discussed her motivations for choosing Vandross as her subject, the emotional journey of making the documentary, and her hopes for what audiences will take away from the film.

When asked why she chose to focus on Luther Vandross, Porter explained her passion for telling stories that resonate with themes of joy and creativity. “I do a lot of political films and films about injustice,” she noted. “But with Luther, he seems joyous. I wanted to stretch myself and explore a music documentary for the first time.” The abundance of archival materials available through Sony made the project irresistible. “We had so many different materials to work with; it was heavenly for a documentary person,” she said, emphasizing her desire to let Vandross tell his own story.

While there are countless narratives surrounding Vandross’s upbringing, Porter chose to concentrate primarily on his illustrious career. “His siblings and mother have passed, so there wasn’t a lot we could authentically explore,” she explained. “I thought about the audience and

what they want to know. The origins of his songs are what truly matters.”

With Vandross’s roots in New York City, Porter felt that focusing on his professional journey would best serve his legacy. Porter set out to tell a story about Vandross that would satisfy fans and teach those who may not know the artist the significance of his role in Black music. Vandross was a workhorse from writing and producing the music, handling all business dealings, and being the creative lead on the shows, including the costumes. “He wrote music, composed music, arranged music, directed, sketched costumes,” says Porter. “I want viewers to think about his brain – I want people to see the work and his work ethic and how much he cared about his fans. He was doing this work because he was appreciating the audience,” the Sundance Film Festival winner adds.