INNER-CITY NEWS

INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 02, THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28,2016 2016- -August October 04,2016 2016

NNPA Declares a State of Emergency in the BlackConvention Community Financial Justice a Key Focus at 2016 NAACP New Haven, Bridgeport

INNER-CITYNEWS At Last: Volume 21 No. 2194 2202

“DMC”

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems:

Ignore Ignore“Tough “ToughOn OnCrime” Crime” New Black History Museum on the National Mall Jahking Guillory The “Kicks” Interview

Color Struck?

Snow in July?

Start AFOLLOW Movement USSizzling ON 1

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with Kam Williams

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

Free Pancakes Start A Movement Sizzling

by ALIYYA SWABY

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Xavier Payne walked by a clearing on Shelton Avenue and saw a small group of people preparing food under a canvas awning.

He wandered over for a short stack of pancakes and entered a new weekly communal happening, inspired by the Black Panthers, that nourishes Newhallville with free food, clothes, and chess and sewing lessons.

Payne was one of the first in a slow stream of kids who took advantage Sunday morning of the free food, books, and clothing up for grabs at Shelton Avenue and Hazel Street part of an effort to encourage self-sufficiency and collaboration within the black community in Newhallville.

Maurice “Blest” Peters and Yancey “Brother Born” Horton have spearheaded that effort for the past 11 weeks. They have gathered at the corner adjacent the Farmington Canal Trail on Shelton Avenue, pouring batter onto a hot griddle, giving away clothes, and gathering volunteers to teach skills including sewing and chess.

The area used to be called the “Mudhole,” back when it was the center of the late 1980s, early 1990s crack trade. And there was no mud Sunday—the patch of land was dusty and dry, with sparse tufts of grass throughout.

Blest saw U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal on the news a couple of months ago decrying the lack of school resources available to feed children on the weekends over the summer. A member of a black empowerment group called CT Red Black Green (CT R.B.G.), he approached the other chapter members to see if they wanted to help fill the gap.

Nearby “Lincoln-Bassett School does it Monday through Friday.

Saturday and Sunday; we’ll pick up the slack,” he said.

They passed around flyers down Dixwell Avenue to Munson Street, as well as on Winchester Avenue and Bassett Street. After that early round

ALIYYA SWABY PHOTO

Payne (at left) at free breakfast gathering.

Blest, Roberts.

Bayathyaallah.

of footwork, individual donations started to come in, Blest said. The movement is grassroots, so it’s sustainable, he said.

That outreach also grabbed peo-

ple who needed the donations.

Payne, a 14-year-old student at Elm City College Prep Middle School, walked by the colorful tents and small crowd 3

eight weeks ago.

“They gave me a flyer,” he said.

Sunday, eight weeks later, he finally stopped in for breakfast, eagerly devouring a plate piled high with pancakes and red grapes. And Payne had company: He brought along four sisters and his friend Damon Roberts.

Police officers July 6 shot and killed Philando Castile after pulling him over in Minnesota, an incident that sparked nationwide protest. Three days later, RBG held the first pancake breakfast, which drew a couple of dozen boys and men from ages 13 to 22.

Blest “woke up feeling nervous, scared, angry,” and he saw those emotions in the faces of the black boys and men who came for breakfast.

Breakfast turned into a group therapy session, on what is was like to see their peers being killed. They asked Blest how he functioned having to attend so many funerals of his friends. “I started seeing tears out of them,” Blest said. “They got to rehabilitate each other.”

Organizers want to help kids build skills, to positively redirect their energy. At a separate tent, Diamond Tree taught two avid students the basics of hand sewing. “Some have made pocket books,” she said. “They don’t have home ec in their schools.”

Majestic Divine and Washan Bayathyaallah were focused on a game of chess in another tent.

Sometimes kids stop by and want to learn. Majestic Divine said the game teaches them how to “strategize,” so they get better at making decisions in their daily lives.

“A lot of kids grow up and don’t exercise their minds,” he said.

Diane Brown, manager of the Stetson Library on Dixwell Avenue, said she has been spreading the word to neighbors, telling them to bring what they can and take what they want each weekend.

She grew up in Newhallville in the 1960s and ‘70s, and got involved in the Black Panther Party’s community organizing. “It brings back that kind

of spirit,” she said. Just as the Black Panthers worked to provide free breakfasts and social services for the black community, these Newhallville leaders want to inspire the same kind of self-sufficiency in their neighborhood, she said. “Start looking inside the community” and pull together resources, she said.

“They’re not looking to make a profit out here,” Brown said.

Blest, Brother Born and other organizers are far from making a profit. They began the morning at 10 a.m. with a highly stacked table of books. An hour later, the pile was considerably shorter.

Newhallville neighbor Angela Barnes stopped by after church and grabbed some fruit, a lime green fleece, and about five children’s books from the table. She lives “down the street” and said she is grateful for the organizers’ work.

Still, Blest has had a hard time getting community leaders to give as much support as he would like. Some, like State Sen. Gary Winfield and Newhallville Alder Delphine Clyburn, have stopped by and lent their support.

He is hoping to draw in church leaders and police officers, who so far have not been very involved.

When it gets cold, the pancakes will move indoors, to a karate school at 184 Dixwell Ave. “We will be able to do kung fu Saturday morning with breakfast indoors,” Blest said. He also plans on offering workshops, staffed by volunteers, in financial education, job readiness and black history.

Blest said people in Newhallville are best equipped to understand each other black kids in their neighborhood need food and stability, not necessarily medicine or heavy discipline.

Breakfast was supposed to end at 12 p.m., but kids kept coming, heading directly to the food tent, from the nearby basketball court. So organizers prepared to keep serving until every pancake, or kid, was gone.

For information on donating or volunteering, call (203) 640-4375.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

Long Wharf Extended Stay Hotel Gets Reboot

by MARKESHIA RICKS NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

A Long Wharf Drive extended stay hotel has a new owner, a new name and a new look.

The new owner, developer Juan Salas-Romer, and Mayor Toni Harp cut the ribbon Thursday on what will now be known as the New Haven Village Suites, a reboot of the city’s 112-unit extended stay hotel.

Nestled behind Jordan’s Furniture (the former New Haven Register building facing I-95) and the 1 Long Wharf office building (once the home of Seamless Rubber Co.), the former Premier Hotel & Suites has begun a transformation 18 months in the making. It sits amid a hot pocket of development, with new investments taking place or being negotiated for adjoining properties in all directions.

“The hotel we saw 18 months ago had considerable wear and tear after years of deferred maintenance,” Salas-Romser said to a crowd gathered in the parking lot of the hotel. “The hotel was ready for a major overhaul.”

The first phase of the overhaul is underway with a new sixfoot high fence and landscaping that makes the hotel campus feel less like it’s in an industrial park and more secluded.

In addition to an update of the lobby, which Salas-Romer joked was stuck in the 1980s, the outdoor courtyards have been rehabbed. Additional security features such as better lighting and a boom control gate that can be opened only by guests have been added to the parking lot. An old basketball court on the hotel property was transformed into a grassy picnic and play area complete with a bocce court.

Inside, the suites, which are set up like apartments with fireplaces and full kitchens,will be renovated over the course of the next three years. Other improvements include Ameri-

Harp joins Salas-Romer and family in cutting the ribbon on the new Village Suites.

cans with Disabilities Actcompliant renovations, fiber optics for better WiFi capabilities and a fenced dog park.

This is really the only hotel where you can come and light a fire while eating popcorn and watching TV,” Salas-Romer said. “How cool is that?”

Known for his success in developing multi-family affordable and market rate housing, Salas-Romer, the principal partner of NHR Properties, said that renovating and rebranding the hotel is a new venture for him and his company.

The company, which has become a go-to for city economic development officials when it comes to riskier affordable and workforce-housing investments in neighborhoods throughout the city, opened the Ashmun Flats complex near Science Park last year. It redeveloped the historic Palladium building on Orange Street.

City economic development chief Matthew Nemerson praised Salas-Romer

as the developer whom everyone else follows into a neighborhood after he has demonstrated some success.

“This is the first hotel that we’re getting involved in,“SalasRomer said. “For us to start on the right foot we had the help of a well recognized firm, Paramount Hotel Group, that worked along with us in marrying two worlds the hospitality world with the multifamily world.

This is an important milestone, not only for our company but for the resurgence of Long Wharf.”

Salas-Romer billed the extended-stay hotel as offering a “turnkey lifestyle” for a number of different target markets.

He said the hotel is for people who want a secluded environment, away from downtown but with easy access to the highway. It’s also for people who need anywhere from 450 square feet, which is the size of a studio suite, to up to 1,200 square feet in a two-bedroom suite.

He plans to market the hotel to those with short-term work 4

engagements with the university or Yale-New Haven Hospital. He also plans to appeal to individuals and families who are in between permanent housing situations, such as those needing a place to stay during home renovations, buying or selling a house, or emergency relocation. He also called it a flexible and mobile housing option for the growing number of millennials not yet ready to sign a long-term lease.

“For all these groups we would be offering turnkey living,” he said. “We basically sit at the intersection of the apartment world and the hotel world to offer shortterm living arrangements.”

Mayor Harp called the rebooted extended stay hotel yet another positive sign of the continued investment in the city.

“We couldn’t be more pleased,” Harp said. “NHR Properties purchased this property in 2015 and immediately began collaborating with Connecticut corporations, medical centers, educa-

tional and cultural institutions on plans for the renovation and rebranding of this hotel. This is the first year of planned threeyear transformation, and what a difference a year makes.”

Nemerson recalled when the hotel first opened. He said it was an exciting time then because it was the first hotel of its kind in the Greater New Haven region. He said it’s again an exciting time for the city given the investment that has come to the neighborhood.

Next door, 1 Long Wharf was purchased earlier this year by Healthcare Trust of America Holdings for $73 million,while Jordan’s Furniture opened at the end of last year.

Nemerson alluded to the city being in talks with Southern Connecticut State University about development of the former Gateway Community College building across the street at the corner of Long Wharf and Sargent drives.

“It shows the kind of value you can have here,” he said.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

House Democrats Try Optimistic, Bipartisan Campaign Message

by Christine Stuart CT. Junkie news

EAST HARTFORD — Democrats who have held the majority in the House of Representatives for 29 years said their message about how to help improve Connecticut’s economy isn’t a partisan one and won’t require a tax increase.

“Real leadership is more than simply being negative or launching political attacks; it’s putting forward a positive vision for Connecticut,” House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, said Tuesday during a press conference at Goodwin College’s Manufacturing Center.

The comment was a criticism of the House Republicans, who last week outlined problems with Connecticut’s government, including its estimated $1.3 billion budget deficit and a record-setting level of borrowing.

Aresimowicz said voters don’t want “squabbling” or “divisive politics.” The message from voters is, “get on the same page and move

CHRISTINE STUART PHOTO

House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz

Connecticut forward,” he said.

House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, said that would be nice, but it ignores the past few years of historic tax increases and “borrowing we can’t afford.”

“With 49 days left until Election Day the House Democrats are telling Connecticut residents that we should be relieved because they now have a plan to save us from the terrible economy they created

as accomplices to Governor Dan Malloy over the past six years,” Klarides said. “Their political rhetoric is one thing, and their record is something else entirely.”

She said unfortunately for Demo-

crats “this election will be on their record, not their rhetoric.”

The Democratic Party currently holds an 87-64 majority over Republicans, which means Republicans would only have to pick up 12 seats to win back the majority it won in 1984 when Ronald Reagan was at the top of the ticket.

Democrats saw their majority shrink by 10 seats in 2014 when Malloy was at the top of the ticket. Already, 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans have announced they aren’t seeking re-election to the 151-member chamber.

“We want people to look at the building in Hartford and be proud of their elected officials and we will put the work in behind to do that,” Aresimowicz said Tuesday.

The plan House Democrats unveiled Tuesday would make a “historic investment in state’s vo-tech schools,” exempt Social Security payments from state income taxes, cap all bonding not related to economic development, create an

“Dads Matter Too” In Scantlebury Park

by SPENCER BOKAT-LINDELL NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Accepting a certificate of achievement in Scantlebury Park on Saturday, Kendall Files was hoping to start a new legacy for his family.

Files, 26, brought his two children on stage as Dixwell Alder Jeanette Morrison applauded him for completing “24/7” Dad, an eight-week parenting education program offered by the New Haven Family Alliance.

Files was one of 18 fathers who received the same certificate at an inaugural New Haven “Dads Matter Too” event in the park Saturday. John Rogers, a supervisor at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and director of the event, said the purpose of the campaign is to encourage and celebrate fatherhood in New Haven. The “Dads Matter Too” campaign, which started in 2013, has host-

SPENCER BOKAT-LINDELL PHOTO

Files with his children.

ed similar events in Waterbury and other cities across Connecticut, and Rogers wanted to

bring it to New Haven this year.

“We want to promote dads to be more involved with their 5

children’s education, to be providers in different capacities … to be more involved with their children’s lives,” Rogers said. He said he hopes that the event will raise awareness about available resources for fathers in New Haven who are struggling to remain involved with their families.

For Files, a single parent whose own father left when he was 5 years old, the 24/7 Dad program helped him get on his feet and provide for his two young children.

“I was in a bad spot in my life, and I was just ready to give up …

I didn’t know how to deal with a little girl,” Files said. After taking advantage of the New Haven Family Alliance’s fatherhood classes and job assistance program, he was able to secure a job at a Toys ’R Us in Waterbury and feels better equipped to care for his children: “I’m gonna make sure [they] have

the best time on this Earth.”

The New Haven Family Alliance was one of dozens of organizations that showed their support for the campaign. Also present in Scantlebury on Saturday were ’R Kids, which offers reunification programs for vulnerable children and parents, the Family Centered Services of Connecticut, and My Father, My Son, a youth counseling agency for children with incarcerated parents.

The Greek Olive provided pizza from its truck, while New Haven police officers sat perched in the nearby dunk tank.

“It’s not about fathers as add-ons to the equation,” said Ken Harris, the director of the New Haven Healthy Start Association and the keynote speaker for the day. “We have to get to the point where dads know that their worth to their families is priceless.”

Career Gets A Makeover THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

by ALIYYA SWABY

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Miles Wallace was worried about Career High School getting a new principal just as he started his senior year.

But the transition has been “smooth,” and he is expects to finish the year strong.

New Principal Zakia Parrish greeted Wallace by name and is in the process of learning the names of about 637 other students at 140 Legion Ave. this fall. As she works to build connections at Career, local biotech company Alexion Pharmaceuticals helped to give the physical school a facelift Friday, painting murals and teaching workshops for its Global Day of Service.

Parrish was principal of Creed/ Hyde School for the past three years before being transferred to Career. She started in New Haven

ALIYYA SWABY PHOTO

Parrish, Wallace.

Public Schools as a science teacher at Career.

Besides learning names, she has been busy working with teachers

and students to focus on socialemotional learning for the upcoming year.

“We’re incorporating some re-

storative practices,” she said, focusing on supporting students instead of suspending or expelling them. She is working with teachers in grade-level teams to hear ideas for changes, to ensure “teachers have a voice.”

One of the other major plans: building partnerships with community organizations.

Friday’s partnership with Alexion is a “step in the right direction,” Parrish said. The company’s employees flooded the halls with blue shirts on and paintbrushes in hand, to paint a series of murals around the building. They also led workshops for students on financial literacy and solar energy from morning through afternoon.

Alexion CEO David Hallal said the Day of Service was intended for employees to volunteer in communities around the world during the workday.

“I can’t think of a better place” than Career, Hallal said, when explaining why it was a volunteer site for the Day of Service. The school has a large health and science program, dovetailing with the interests of the pharmaceutical company.

The workshops allowed Alexion employees to interact with students, teaching them skills they might not learn in the classroom.

In the financial literacy workshop, Alexion attorney Teresa Kelton taught a group of students how to decipher and write a check, going through the definitions of a routing number and account number.

Students who sat in on the solar energy workshop built a box that incorporated solar power harnessed to melt a S’more.

discussions held over the past month on a severance deal for embattled former Police Chief Dean Esserman, who resiglned Sept. 2. The city still has not answered a Freedom of Information request from the Independent for the details of that deal. Esserman has already landed a new job, at Quinnipiac University.

Harries, who’s 44, began working in the New Haven school system in 2009 as assistant superintendent. He was an architect of the city’s school reform drive.

He became superintendent in 2013 upon Mayo’s retirement.

Over the past year, he found himself in the crosshairs of the Board of Education, which went from being fully mayorally appointed to partially elected. Critics on the board accused him of not communicating effectively with them and disagreed with policies such as breaking Hillhouse High School into independent academies and pursuing a partnership with a charter

organization on a new school project. They hired attorney Mooney to pursue a possible firing. A group of retired administrators called for his departure. Meanwhile, Harries found himself stymied on what used to be routine matters, such as hiring assistant principals and a youth development coordinator.

He began this school year with a whirlwind of public events touting progress on graduation rates and test scores and highlighting campaigns to tackle challenges like absenteeism. Mayor Harp, who originally was on the fence about Harries’ tenure when she became mayor, emerged as his champion on the Board of Ed, arguing that he was demonstrating clear progress.

Harries’ departure deal, once struck, would still need approval by the Board of Education. Given the fate of other proposals at the Board of Ed this past year, that means it won’t be considered a done deal until the final vote is cast.

Harries Negotiating Exit

by PAUL BASS

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Talks are underway on a severance deal to have embattled schools Superintendent Garth Harries leave his job, with his predecessor among the names floated as an interim replacement.

The deal is not yet complete, according to numerous people familiar with the discussions.

(They didn’t want to be identified because the talks are ongoing.)

Under broad terms of the pending deal, Harries would leave his post sometime this fall, more than a year before the June 30, 2018, expiration of his contract, in return for partial payment of his outstanding salary. Harries earns slightly above $200,000 a year.

Maree Snead, Harries’ lawyer, is conducting the negotiations with Thomas Mooney, an attorney the Board of Education hired to guide its quest to push him out of the job.

A majority of the board has backed the general concept of partial pay-

Harries; Mayo. ment, but it’s not unanimous.

Mayor Toni Harp has reportedly met with Reggie Mayo, Harries’ predecessor, to discuss him potentially serving as interim superintendent until a permanent replacement is found.

Neither Harp nor Mayo would discuss the matter when contacted by a reporter.

“The board is still talking about

what we’re going to do. We haven’t made any decisions yet,” Harp said Tuesday afternoon.

“There is only one superintendent at this time. As far as I know, Garth’s still here,” remarked Ma Harries would say only: “I’m focused on building on our strong start to make sure we have a good school year that continues our progress.”

The discussions follow similar

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO

Babz Rawls Ivy

Editor-in-Chief Liaison, Corporate Affairs Babz@penfieldcomm.com

Advertising/Sales Team Trenda Lucky Keith Jackson Delores Alleyne John Thomas, III

Editorial Team Staff Writers

Christian Lewis/Current Affairs Anthony Scott/Sports Arlene Davis-Rudd/Politics

Contributing Writers David Asbery Tanisha Asbery Jerry Craft/Cartoons Barbara Fair

Dr. Tamiko Jackson-McArthur Michelle Turner Smita Shrestha William Spivey Kam Williams Rev. Samuel T. Ross-Lee

________________________

Contributors At-Large Christine Stuart www.CTNewsJunkie.com

Paul Bass New Haven Independent www.newhavenindependent.org

NEW LEADERSHIP FOR NEW HAVEN SCHOOLS Letter to the Editor The Inner-City-City News

When the New Haven Public Schools sought a new Superintendent in 2013, the following criteria were established by the Board of Education: “A superintendent with academic vision, leadership, experience, and strong communication skills…” A person “committed to collaborating and engaging with students, educators, communities, public officials and institutional leaders to continue driving dramatic gains for students, building on current successes while exploring new opportunities for change and reform.” “An individual who understands, embraces, and appreciates New Haven’s diversity and history.” The criteria further states, “A candidate committed “to transparency, access and creating equitable environments” for all New Haven’s students.

In our opinion, the current Superintendent, Garth Harries, has fallen short of meeting these high expectations of the New Haven Board of Education and this community. Our position has been confirmed by Mr. Harries’ me-

diocre evaluation by the New Haven Board of Education. In 2015, Harries was evaluated in four areas: Student impact, vision and leadership, collaboration and engagement, and transparency, access and equity, centered around twelve core competencies. In the four major areas of Mr. Harries’ evaluation, each worth five points, the Board awarded him 12.25 points out of 20. Mr. Harries was placed on a plan of improvement and was to be monitored by the Board every two months. The results of this plan of improvement have not been made public. Keeping this information from the public appears intentional in its purpose and lacking in transparency.

Many New Haven residents, seasoned administrators and other educators of the New Haven Public Schools are increasingly expressing serious doubts and concerns about the Superintendent’s performance. They are dissatisfied with his ineffective leadership, mismanagement and wasteful expenditures.

Here are several specific concerns about Mr. Harries which we believe have negatively impacted the New Haven Pub-

lic Schools and its students: Mr. Harries’ decision to divide Hillhouse High School into three academies with three Principals, demonstrated poor planning, resulting in a confusing and disruptive school environment for staff, students and parents His mismanagement of Barnard Environmental Studies School His failure to inform the Board, other Mayors, Superintendents or the Education Commissioner about charging tuition to out-of-district students.

His excessive expenditures on outside consultants, including a personal time-management consultant NEW LEADERSHIP FOR NEW HAVEN SCHOOLS

Letter to the Editor New Haven Register His failure to fill numerous teacher vacancies during the 2015-2016 school year, resulting in students having no certified teachers for months and in some cases, up to the entire school year.

His inadequate efforts to recruit minority teachers and administrators His hiring of uncertified staff His lack of communica-

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Con’t on page 15

Schools Seek Public’s Help In Reform

by ALIYYA SWABY

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

National Association of Black Journalist National Newspapers Publishers Association Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Greater New Haven Business & Professional Association Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.

tion with and insubordination to the Board of Education His unprofessional and disrespectful remarks to several school personnel His support for giving public school funds to a proposed charter school partnership with Achievement First which was strongly opposed by many in the community His plans to lay off up to 20 teachers while creating new central office positions His failure to submit to the Board deficit reduction and central office staff reorganization plans His failure to provide a district improvement plan o monitoring which has resulted in a lack of accountability His poor supervision of the Hillhouse High School 2016 graduation which resulted in many parents being barred from attending the ceremony Mr. Harries has not demonstrated the leadership and managerial skills necessary to improve the New Haven Public Schools and student achievement in our district. In our collective years of service as New Haven educators, we never experienced such a lack of focus, efficiency, unity and collab-

New Haven schools officials called out to the public Wednesday to help them roll out this year’s “change” plan.

At a press conference at 54 Meadow St., Superintendent Garth Harries described the need for an operating plan engaged the public, in part by asking community members to engage in facilitated focus groups to figure out how to improve the schools.

The focus groups are a new part of the updated “School Change 2.0” effort, which includes higher numerical goals for students and a commitment to social-emotional support.

This summer, 88 community and school leaders were trained to lead focus group discussions that will start this month and end in November, said Lola GarciaBlocker, chief of staff. Students

ALIYYA SWABY PHOTO

Garcia-Blocker at Wednesday’s press conference..

will also get training so they can lead some of the focus groups.

Those 88 people will fan across the city to get different factions of the community to talk

7

about what should and should not be priorities for school officials moving forward, she said.

And community members are encouraged to host their own fo-

cus groups, which should be kept small, about 10-12 people, to talk about their priorities and how they match with school leaders’ stated goals. A calendar on the schools site will keep track of them.

The notes from those focus group conversations will be posted on the schools website, Garcia-Blocker said.

In addition, central office department heads will hold regular public meetings Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., to hold themselves accountable for progress, and to update the community on their challenges and successes, she said.

“Our goal now is to fine-tune the priorities and metrics of all of our departments,” Garcia-Blocker said.

Parent Cindy Cadet, a trained facilitator, said she is most interested in focus groups around socialemotional learning. “I’m very invested in the system,” she said.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

New Hill Food Pantry Draws Muslim Immigrants

by ROHAN NAIK

17th Annual

Employer Recognition Dinner

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Having lived in the Hill neighborhood of New Haven for 27 years, Jamilah Rasheed grew tired of seeing crumbling buildings, poor education and people who couldn’t afford to feed themselves.

“I want to give peo ple a chance,” she said. Rasheed is the director of the New Haven Inner City Enrichment Center (NICE), a local not-for-profit that works to counter poverty in New Haven.

On Saturday morning, NICE in conjunction with the City of New Haven and the New Haven Police Department opened the The NICE Center Food Pantry at the police substation on 410 Howard Ave. On Saturday, 24 families showed up within the first hour of the food pantry;s opening. The majority were Muslim refugees who have just recently settled in New Haven.

For some coordinators, it was the first time they interacted with the new population within their community.

In the past, NICE has coordinated a variety of outreach activities, from winter clothing drives to efforts for hygiene awareness, and its new food drive calls awareness to the issues that surround food insecurity in New Haven.

For Rasheed, the food drive is hardly a new idea. She noted that many in the Hill don’t have the money to eat enough or eat healthfully. She added that those receiving government food stamps often go without food for the last two weeks of each month.

After the police department helped with NICE’s clothing drive last year, Rasheed reached out about further collaboration.

When she saw empty cabinets in the police station, her mind went straight to the food pantry. She then met with Lieutenant Jason Minardi of the Hill South substation and members of the city’s Health Department to get their approval and help.

The food pantry, which will be open on the last Saturday of each month, relies largely on donations from independent groups and local grocery stores. It also

8

works in coordination with the Connecticut Food Bank.

Mary Sorrells, the program’s assistant director, said that the multiple partnerships that NICE

ROHAN NAIK PHOTO

has formed have had an overwhelmingly positive impact. She added that without their help, it would’ve been extremely difficult to organize the drive.

In particular, both Rasheed and Sorrells spoke glowingly of the partnership with the police.

Rasheed said that the decision to hold the food pantry at the police station was a strate-

Rasheed directs immigrants to available food.

gic one. She hopes it will allow community members to feel comfortable in the space and strengthen their often fraught relationship with the police.

Lt. Minardi agreed, adding that the building’s community room is underutilized. He said that the Hill’s police department has hosted activities from tutoring to movie nights and hopes to expand its community-based programming.

“There are more good people in each neighborhood than bad people,” he said. “If those good people come together, we’ll have positive neighborhood interactions.”

For Rasheed and Sorrells, motivation to aid the community stems in part from their faith. Rasheed said that as an

observant Muslim woman, she sees charity as a fulfillment of her religious responsibility and a duty rather than a choice.

“There’ a lot of negativity about Muslims in the media, and we are more than just what you might see on the news,” Rasheed said. “We are people who care about the needs of those in our community.”

Athena Shatara, a Muslim resident of New Haven, spent the morning volunteering with her 12-year old son. For her, the morning was special.

“It hits home to see children here getting food when I have children of the same age,” she said. “As a mom and as a woman, it’s affecting me.”

WE ARE WITH HER!

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

The officers and members of the Sojourner Network of Democratic Women proudly announce our endorsement of Hillary Rodham Clinton for President of the United States.

We believe that Hillary Clinton embodies the temperament and qualifications necessary for the person who will occupy the highest political office in the world.

She has been a champion of children’s rights and welfare since the days of her employment at the Children’s Defense Fund under the watchful eye of Marian Wright Edelman.

She continues to be dedicated to the fair treatment of all and has demonstrated her dedication for more than 45 years.

0The Sojourner Network of Democratic Women (SNDW) was founded in 1998 as a state wide Political Action Committee named in honor of the famed abolitionist and political activist Sojourner Truth who traveled the country championing the emancipation of enslaved Africans and voting rights for blacks, and women in particular. SNDW’s mission is to increase the number of black women elected to and serving in public office in Connecticut Hillary Clinton’s work with the Southern Poverty Law Center established her reputation as a “freedom fighter.”

Her career in politics began in Arkansas where she served as the first lady of the state and was instrumental in passage of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. As first lady of the United States she brought to the position an independence and strength never exhibited by a First Lady, until then. It was that strength and confidence that inspired President Clinton to appoint Hillary to head the task force on health care reform. She successfully sought to increase research

Cassandra Lang funding for prostate cancer and childhood asthma at the National Institutes of Health and also helped to create the Office on Violence Against Women at the Department of Justice.

Following the White House, Clinton served two-terms as a Senator representing New York. She is the first ex-FLOTUS in US History to be elected to the United States Senate. As a Senator, she played a leading role in investigating the health issues faced by 9/11 first responders and spearheaded the fight for the Lilly Ledbetter Pay Equity Act, which is now the law of the land.

As Secretary of State, Secretary Clinton became an inspirational figure for millions of women around the globe and as a result did much to restore the shattered credibility of the United States at home and abroad. She was successful in implementing the toughest sanctions ever on Iran that forced them into negotiation.

She and President Obama formed a tight bond. “Nearly every foreign policy victory of President Obama’s second term has Secretary Clinton’s finger-

prints on it” said Harry Reid, Senate Democratic leader.

Clinton’s list of accomplishments is endless and her consistent and unstoppable determination is inspirational-encouraging all of us, especially women, to stay in the game, even when it is tough. As women, we make the positive difference in the lives of our family, community, and political engagement for all women.

WE ARE WITH HER. We cannot be apathetic about voting. This may be the most important vote within our lifetime. The voting rights of “minorities” are in jeopardy.

The Health Care act is threatened. America is poised to go backward if women, especially, do not lead during this very challenging time in our history. We must stand tall in spite of “talk of building walls” and turning our backs on the ‘tired, the poor, and the huddled masses yearning to breathe free.’

What do we have to lose?

Everything —our county, a strong America, and positions of women in National Leadership who inspire girls from around the globe to become life time warriors for democracy.

Clinton has proven that she is the most qualified candidate for President of the United States in the history of this country and it is most unique that she is on track to be the first woman President of this country. For this reason the Sojourner Network of Democratic Women CT endorse Hillary Rodham Clinton for President of the United States and strongly encourage women to vote on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 for Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Article contributions made by: Cassandra Lang, President Esther Armmand, Vice President Yvonne Manning Jones, Public Relations and Media 9

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

Day Starts Early For Turnaround Teachers

by ALIYYA SWABY

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

An hour before students arrived at Hill Central School, seventhand eighth-grade teachers were inside debating how to ensure letters about an upcoming open house actually reach parents instead of remaining in students’ backpacks.

“Some kids won’t take it home,” argued social studies teacher Robert Sobolisky. His peers agreed.

They brainstormed alternatives.

These five teachers were a small fraction of the educators who chose to head to Hill Central at 140 Dewitt St. daily at 8 a.m., divided by grade, to work on various projects to support students in the classrooms.

Hill Central’s teachers originally did that because they had to. It was a stipulation of a federal 2010 School Improvement Grant for struggling schools. ALIYYA SWABY PHOTO Ryan (at left) leads early-morning meeting on reading.

Now the school has jumped off the state list of turnaround schools. Why volunteer to show up early to all teachers are encouraged to take Meanwhile, the early-morning school if no funding is on the line? up management responsibilities. team meetings have continued. Teachers need the extra time, said Thursday morning, teachers were By choice. The meetings offer a Hill Central Principal Lillian Fon- not working on major school hint to why the school has con- tan, who took over two years ago. changes, but rather making many She inherited school of of the small decisions that keep tinued improving and become 1 8/18/16 RP inner city news sept.qxp_Layout 12:57 aPM Pagemodel 1 distributed leadership, meaning classroom teaching and parent a school of choice for parents.

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communication running without glitches between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., when students are in the building.

Jessica Ryan is new to the school this September. But she successfully applied to be a “vertical” team leader at Hill Central, directing Thursday’s meeting as fifth and sixth-grade teachers organized students into reading intervention groups of six or fewer based on their literacy levels.

Each of the teachers in the room was assigned a group of students within a specific range of literacy abilities.

“See if you have to make any behavioral movements,” said teacher Nicole Brown.

Which students don’t get along with each other? “I just know them as a group of 27” as a classroom teacher, Ryan said, soliciting opinions on which fighting pairs of students to break up.

Two students in the highest performing group often had to separated in larger group settings.

“Let’s just give them the benefit of the doubt and adjust it later if need be,” Brown said.

The other teachers agreed.

Fontan said teachers are also encouraged to bring their problems to their peers in the groups. Kindergarten and first-grade teachers were sharing ideas for how to easily keep “running records” of student reading performance, tracking the percentage of words they get right while reading aloud daily.

There’s a smartphone app for

that, said team leader Kim Turey, a first-grade teacher starting her third year at Hill Central.

“This one does everything,” she said, and it’s free. Teachers can mark errors on their phones while listening to students read. They can also record students reading and email the file to themselves for later analysis.

Another smartphone app, which would help with running records for a particular literacy assessment, costs $10 to download. “Principal Fontan?” Turey asked hopefully, inquiring if the school would foot the cost.

Fontan said she likely could pay for the app.

In the hallway, one special education teacher had just come up the stairs, heading from one team meeting to another. Fontan said she tries to keep at least one special education and English language learner (ELL) teacher in each team, so their representation can be felt schoolwide.

This year, she began a “specials” team that also meets daily, with all the teachers of electives, as well as ELL and special education.

Members of seventh and eighthgrade team were planning an upcoming open house for parents.

They debated a seemingly simple but crucial task: How do we actually get those welcome letters from the teachers to parents?

Sobolisky argued students would lose the letters instead of taking them home.

What if we get students to read it in homeroom, sign it then, and emphasize how important it is to take it home? suggested Delores Marshall, reading comprehension teacher.

That idea was dismissed as being risky and complicated. Mailing the letter home could work, Sobolisky said. But there might not be enough time to ensure the letters reach students’ homes, especially since they have to go through central office at 54 Meadow St., said school counselor Carlie Degnan.

Principal Fontan stepped in.

The parent liaison for the school should send out an electronic message to announce to parents that they should expect the letters from their students. That way, the accountability for the transfer is on both students and parents.

By the time students began to make their way into the building, the problem had been solved.

Injustice By: Briyana Mondesir Nearly all of the ways that the judicial system serves justice are unfair, and it is the poor, underprivileged citizens who are suffering. According to naacp.org, “African Americans now constitute nearly 1 million of the total 2.3 million people incarcerated population. African Americans are incarcerated at nearly six times the rate of whites.” Seeing those statistics, I can’t help assume that the justice system seems to have a bias that black people are all the same: that they’re all agitators of civilization.

This bias isn’t the truth and is displayed by many African Americans including 17-year-old Aymir Holland.

Aymir is described by his English teacher, Mr. Fitzpatrick, as being, “A good student who is like a big, gentle teddy bear.” Mr. Fitzpatrick also explained that Aymir was an antibullying student leader who would intervene in a nice, assertive manner when he saw someone being bullied.

About eight months ago, in November of 2015, Aymir went to go hang out with a friend to get his mind off of the recent loss of a close friend of his who died from cancer. Some older boys that he didn’t know were there, and while they were walking, the group of young men assaulted and robbed a prestigious, 79-year-old Yale professor. Frozen in shock from what he saw, Aymir just watched. By the time he unfroze and ran away, they were all running as a group.

As a kid, you don’t have the knowledge to know what to do in every situation.

You might not know how to react when you see something like what Aymir saw. However, not knowing how to react shouldn’t land you behind a plexiglass window watching the world leave you behind. Due to the amount and severity of the charges against him, the court wishes to try Aymir as an adult.

But since when is a 17-year-old boy an adult? You can’t vote, buy cigarettes, or buy a lottery ticket until you’re eighteen. You’re not allowed to drink “adult beverages” until you’re twenty-one, yet the justice system wants to deem Aymir an adult in this case?

Aymir now sits in Manson Correctional Facility awaiting judgement about whether or not he might be spending the next 61 years of his life behind bars.

Latoya Willis, Aymir’s mother, described how it feels to have a son behind bars: “It’s almost like I can’t breathe. As a mother, my role is to protect him, but I can’t while he’s in there.”

Community members are now

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

coming together to help Aymir work to get his case moved to family court where he may be able to get a less severe punishment.

Youth Advisory Board community organizers from Citywide Youth Coalition have made the effort of beginning a petition to help Aymir’s case get moved to family court, and are organizing a rally on his next court date, September 9th, at 9:00am at 235 Church Street to bring attention to this.

This is the situation surrounding Aymir, however, hundreds and thousands of people similar to him, have faced or are facing the same injustice. Unfortunately, they may not know where to turn or who to go to because they’ve never experienced the legal system before.

It’s hard to imagine the whirlwind of feelings Aymir’s mother, teacher, family, and friends are feeling if you never had someone you know and care about laying inside of a cage each night. But imagine this; what if it was your father, brother, son, or friend in there? How would that make you feel?

Works Cited “Criminal Justice Fact Sheet.” NAACP. Web. 17 Aug. 2016.

Incarceration

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Fire Marshal Office Grows A Team THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

by ALIYYA SWABY

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Jennifer Forslund was encouraged by her father to avoid his firefighting lineage and go into another field after graduation.

Tuesday, her decision to press ahead in the family business earned its rewards, as she was promoted from firefighter to fire investigator and inspector after more than 20 years in New Haven’s fire department.

Forslund was one of six members of the fire department to receive promotions at the New Haven Fire Training Division at 230 Ella T. Grasso Boulevard.

All of the promotions are in the fire marshal’s office, a year after the city swore in Bobby Doyle as the first fire marshal since 2011.

Acting Fire Chief Matt Marcarelli announced each of the six promotions, saluting each member and handing over a new badge. As new apartment buildings and other developments pop up throughout the city, the fire marshal’s office is more and more taxed with work inspecting them, he said.

“It’s probably the busiest fire marshal’s office in the state of Connecticut right now,” Marcarelli said. “The fire marshal plays a very active role in making sure” development takes place.

The new positions are in

ALIYYA SWABY PHOTOChris Forslund, Jennifer Forslund, Santora pose at ceremony.

Sarracco, Myers, Forslund, Maidelis, Filardo, Miranda.

place “after many years of them being vacant,” he said.

Three people were promoted from fire inspector/investiga-

tor to new positions within the office. Former fire inspector/investigator Ray Sarracco became the fire investigative supervisor, overseeing other investigators.

Frank Filardo was sworn in as life safety compliance officer, receiving all blueprints for new development to ensure they follow state safety codes and the local fire code. Heather Myers was promoted to public assembly inspector, responsible for making sure all places of public assembly as regularly inspected.

Myers was accidentally left off the fire commissioners’

agenda Tuesday. She was sworn in Tuesday, but commissioners will have to hold a special meeting Wednesday to vote her promotion through.

Their promotions left three vacancies in the fire inspector/ investigator positions, which investigate fires and conduct inspections to keep buildings up to state and local codes.

Three firefighters were promoted to fill those vacancies.

Isaias Miranda, Meghan Maidelis and Forslund all were sworn in as fire inspector/investigators Tuesday.

Forslund’s husband, Chris Forslund, a New Haven firefighter, pinned her badge. Her father, retired North Haven Fire Captain Ralph Santora, rushed up to take a selfie with her.

Firefighting is a family job. Chris Forslund joined the department five years after his wife, now on Engine 9 at Ellsworth Station.

Santora attended Wilbur Cross High School, and sent his daughter Jennifer Forslund to Sacred Heart St. Peter School, a private school in the Hill neighborhood.

He expected her to take another life path, but at 19 years old, she joined the fire department.

“I was young, tough as a bull and grew up in Fair Haven,” she said. “I wanted to give back.”

lowe’s and boys & girls clubs of america build pride at 50 clubs in 50 states through $2.5m renovation across the nation NEW HAVEN – Renovation Across the Nation. Led by @ Lowes, and in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, this major initiative is giving $50,000 to one Club per state, for a total of $2.5 million in critical repairs, improvements and refurbishments around the country. We are excited to share that the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven will receive the $50,000 grant for the state of Connecticut – and these funds will be put towards facility improvement. “The Boys & Girls Club of New Haven is excited to receive this funding to make key improvements to our Columbus

Ave. site. We plan to create a new learning center and multimedia room which will allow us to attract more young people to our programs,” said Stephanie Barnes, the Club’s executive director.

“Boys & Girls Clubs drive academic success, influence positive health and wellness, and build good character and citizenship for America’s kids and teens, putting them on a path to great futures,” said Jim Clark, president and chief executive officer of BGCA. “Our partnership with Lowe’s holistically impacts Clubs – addressing critical improvements needed while bringing the skills and dedication

of Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers to leave a lasting mark on Clubs and in the lives of our members, staff and local communities.”

To create the largest single initiative ever undertaken by Lowe’s and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, one Club in each state was selected from Clubs in need of significant repairs and improvements.

Lowe’s will support a wide range of enhancements ranging from kitchen repairs to amenities that influence creativity and well-being like music studios and counseling spaces. To see a full list of Renovation Across the Nation Club recipients, visit the Boys & Girls

12

Clubs of America partner page.

About Lowe’s in the Community Lowe’s, a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company, has a 50-year legacy of supporting the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects.

Since 2007, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together have contributed more than $250 million to these efforts, and for more than two decades Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers have donated their time to make our communities better places to live.

To learn more, visit Lowes.com/ SocialResponsibility and LowesInTheCommunity.tumblr.com.

About the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven The Boys & Girls Club of New Haven is one of the largest youth serving organizations in the city, serves over 1,000 children and teens at four program sites each year. The Club provides programs for youth ages 5 to 18, including an After School Program, Summer Camp, and “The Club” for teens. Core program activity includes Fitness and Recreation, Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career De

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

Culinary Students Feed Elm City — And Beyond

by BRIAN SLATTERY

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Duck confit crostini and vegan mushroom sliders were on display at Elm City Market on Saturday evening along with a recipe for launching new careers.

The food and the mission were intertwined at an event at the market hosted by the Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology (ConnCAT) culinary arts program.

ConnCAT is a youth arts and adult career-training program in Science Park. The culinary program’s students brought samples of their work to the market, on the ground floor of the ritzy downtown 360 State high-rise at the corner of State and Chapel streets.

So the market’s aisles were crowded not with shoppers, but with diners a gathering of city officials, community leaders, and the culinary students’ friends and family members. They came together to celebrate the market’s rejuvenation and the burgeoning partnership between the education program and the market since ConnCAT launched its Culinary Arts Academy Program in January.

Carlton Highsmith, a ConnCAT founder, walked the audience through the culinary institute’s history, from its conception in 2014 to a whirlwind 6 months of construction to openings its doors to its first students.

“It’s efforts like this that will make people want to come to New Haven to work, and play, and live,” he said.

Matthew Nemerson, the city’s economic development administrator, explicitly tied the culinary institute to New Haven’s industrial past, as the Elm City continues to move from a manufacturing to a service economy. “The people who made this city, made things,” he said, addressing the culinary students. “And you are going to be making things, carrying on that grand tradition.”

Beyond the partnership between ConnCAT and the Elm City Market, and the coordination among them, the city, and various funders that made it possible, the evening celebrated the culinary students themselves, on the verge of finishing their program this fall and the food they created.

On the menu that evening were grilled flatbread. Mediterranean salad, lamb kebabs with cous cous, vegan mushroom sliders, duck confit crostini, and a wide assortment of desserts. This reporter can say that the lamb was cooked perfectly, the cous cous was tangy and flavorful, and the vegan mushroom sliders, served on a soft roll with pickled red onions and tofu ranch sauce, made a strong case for giving up meat altogether if mushrooms can be made to taste like that.

“We all worked together to put it all together,” said Charles Nixon, one of the students. “That’s what made it come out so good.”

A 57-year-old Dwight neighborhood resident, Nixon had previously worked as a landscaper and in facilities maintenance at Yale.

He saw an announcement for the program while “channel-surfing on television,” he said. He “signed up for it and got accepted.”

“I’ve always wanted to cook,” he said, in between serving out portions of lamb and cous cous.

“I always found myself in the kitchen creating recipes. I couldn’t do them again if you asked me to,” he said with a soft laugh, “but they always came out good.”

There’s a difference between cooking at home and cooking in a professional kitchen. “There’s a lot of pressure,” Nixon said, “because everything you create, your name’s on it. But I like the challenge of it. This has been a career change

for me, and I’m just loving it.”

Nixon started the program in January. He’ll graduate in November, and is looking to possibly do his month-long externship before graduation right at Elm City Market.

The relationship between ConnCAT and Elm City Market was there from the culinary institute’s inception, according to Odell Montgomery Cooper, director of culinary arts. Her daughter, Jacqueline, was a student in the program and an employee at Elm City Market, and as the institute’s chef, Eric Blass, began talking about the kinds of ingredients they would be using, Jacqueline informed the class that Elm City Market carried

the specialty items they needed.

So Elm City Market’s relationship to the culinary institute grew, from grocery supplier to externship mentor, to potential employer.

In the externship phase of the students’ education, “they go in side by side with our chef,” explained Alexa Apotria, marketing manager at Elm City Market. The market’s different departments allow the students to follow their own passions, whether in the kitchen, the deli, or the bakery. “They love what they do. And we love what they do. And our customers love what they do,” Apotria said.

Elm City Market Chef David Lee agreed. Working at the market

gives the students a chance to “get their feet wet” in the kitchen, he said, from meeting deadlines to learning to be a team player, in addition to honing their kitchen skills. He takes his job seriously as a mentor; “I truly believe,” he said, “that a good chef will inspire them to become a lot bigger,” whether that means working into a job at Elm City Market or heading out to sea on a cruise ship.

Which is what culinary student Stanley Hair is doing, as he begins his externship with American Cruise Lines in October.

“I just wanted to travel, see the world, learn new things,” he said.

The 28-year-old was born in New York City and moved down south to Sumpter, S.C. as a child, then returned north at 19. He worked jobs in fast food and warehousing, most recently at Jordan’s Furniture, but is looking forward to getting into the kitchen as a baker and a cook work he has always been interested in since high school.

Is he more of a baker than a cook?

“Everyone in my class says yes,” Hair said, “but I’m learning both.”

One of his current favorite dishes to make is alfredo with Bechamel sauce, “with a little bit of shrimp in it,” he said. “Perfect.”

Asked about the pressure that can come with working in a professional kitchen, Hair nodded seriously.

He was ready. “I just want everybody to taste what I can do,” he said.

For more information on ACES schools, programs and services, please visit our website.

(203) 498-6800 | www.aces.org 13

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

NEW HAVEN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO OPEN SEASON WITH BEETHOVEN, MENDELSSOHN, SHOSTAKOVICH, AND LASH SEPTEMBER 29 Mayor Harp Proclaims September 29 “Women Making Music Day” in New Haven

“School Night at the Symphony” Offers K-12 Students, Families and Teachers Free Concert Tickets

New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) will kick off its 2016 – 2017 concert season on Opening Night! September 29, 2016 at 7:30pm in Woolsey Hall. Led

by NHSO music director William Boughton, the season will begin with Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 – known as the “Italian” Symphony – and the third installment of the NHSO’s newest commission, the Lash/ Voynich Project, written by Yale faculty member and composer Hannah Lash. Concert highlights will also include Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev returning to the stage of Woolsey Hall to perform both of Shostakovich’s Piano Concertos.

The NHSO has commissioned NHSO Composer-In-Residence Hannah Lash to compose a full Symphony over the course of two seasons; the Symphony is inspired by the mysterious Voynich Manuscript, which is housed at Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. The NHSO is premiering each of the four movements separately before the full piece is premiered on May 4 at Woolsey Hall. The NHSO premiered the first and second movements last season. The Opening Night program on September 29 will include the world premiere of the third movement, “Biological,” which is inspired by the Voynich Manuscript’s diagrams of plants

attached of guest pianist Ilya Yakushev and NHSO Composer-in-Residence Hannah Lash.

Additional high-res photos available upon request to Marketing@NewHavenSymphony.org.

and people. To learn more about the Lash/Voynich Project, visit NewHavenSymphony. o rg / L a s h - Vo y n i c h - P r o j e c t .

This concert will be the NHSO’s annual School Night at the Symphony, when the NHSO invites all K-12 students, teach-

ers, staff, and their families to attend free of charge. Those interested must register by Friday, September 27; the registration form can be found at www.NewHavenSymphony.org/ School-Night-at-the-Symphony.

The City of New Haven is

14

proclaiming September 29 “Women Making Music Day” in honor of the NHSO’s Composer-in-Residence Hannah Lash and female composer and trailblazer Helen Hagan. Born in New Haven at the turn of the century, Hagan was the organist for the historic Dixwell Congregational Church in New Haven starting at age nine. She was the only female African-American musician sent to perform for the troops in WWI France and was the first African-American woman to graduate from the Yale School of Music; the NHSO premiered Hagan’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra circa 1912.

Until this month, Hagan’s burial site in New Haven’s Evergreen Cemetery has been unmarked; the Cemetery will be holding a dedication ceremony for her new grave marker on September 29 at 2:00pm. Hannah Lash will be one of the speakers at the dedication and the Mayor’s office will be presenting the day’s official proclamation.

NHSO Executive Director Elaine Carroll says, “Lash is the first woman composition faculty member at Yale University, so there is a wonderful tie-in between the NHSO premiering Hagan’s piece in 1912 and now premiering Lash’s piece in 2016. We look forward to honoring Hagan, Lash and other trailblazing women making music in New Haven at our

Opening Night performance.”

Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev has performed in various prestigious venues worldwide, including Glinka Philharmonic Hall (St. Petersburg), Victoria Hall (Singapore), Carnegie Hall, Davies Symphony Hall, and Sejong Performing Arts Center (Seoul, Korea). His performances with orchestra include those with the Boston Pops, Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, and many others. Winner of the 2005 World Piano Competition, Mr. Yakushev received his first award at age 12 as a prizewinner of the Young Artists Concerto Competition in his native St. Petersburg. He has also been the recipient of the Mayor of St. Petersburg’s Young Talents award and The National Award for Excellence in Performance. Mr. Yakushev attended the Rimsky-Korsakov College of Music in his native St. Petersburg, Russia, and subsequently came to New York City to attend Mannes College of Music where he studied with legendary pianist Vladimir Feltsman.

The NHSO will repeat this program (omitting the Lash) on Sunday, October 2 at 4:00pm at The New Morgan School Auditorium in Clinton, CT as part of the George Flynn Classical Concerts Series. For tickets and information, visit GeorgeFlynnClassicalConcerts.com.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

Jahking Guillory The “Kicks” Interview with Kam Williams

An undeniable young talent on the rise, actor and rapper Jahking Guillory is already a veteran in the entertainment business at the age of 14. Born and raised in Long Beach California, ‘King’ started pursuing his dream at 9 years-old, landing jobs in national commercials, music videos and national print campaigns.

Graduating to larger roles in film and TV, ‘King has already shown how versatile an actor he is, playing the ultra-cool kid with swagger, to the computer geek, to the teenage drug dealer. In addition to acting, ‘King is a talented rapper and works on his craft every day. He writes lyrics about his life and makes beats with his friends to every song he records.

Jahking is also a championship athlete. He played running back for superstar rapper Snoop Dogg’s Junior football team, winning five championships. He is a track star, too -- winning the 800 and 1500 meter dashes in the Junior Olympics.

Here, he talks about his starring role as Brandon in Kicks, a coming-of-age adventure set in the Bay Kam Williams: Hi Jahking, thanks for the interview.

Jahking Guillory: Thank you.

KW: What interested you in Kicks?

JG: The story. It’s real. People are getting killed for materialistic things everyday and it has to stop.

KW: How would you describe your character?

JG: Brandon is shy and not confident. This changes for him drastically in the film.

KW: Who loved you unconditionally during your formative years?

JG: My mother.

KW: What is your f vorite dish to cook?

JG: I like to help my mom cook Jambalaya.

KW: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

JG: Play Ding Dong Ditch. It was crazy!

KW: Craig Robinson asks: What was your last dream?

JG: I was sitting on the beach with my great-grandma.

KW: The Kerry Washington question: If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

JG: A cheetah.

KW: Larry Greenberg asks: Do you have a favorite movie monster?

JG: Mike from Monsters, Inc. KW: Finally, what’s in your wallet?

JG: My ID and some condoms. [LOL] KW: Thanks again for the time, Jahking, and best of luck with Kicks.

JG: Thanks, Kam.

CBC Members Push Justice Department to Investigate Police Shooting Unarmed Blacks

By William J. Ford,The Washington Informer, NNPA Member On Thursday, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) held a news conference outside of the United States Justice Department in Washington D.C., calling for Attorney General Loretta Lynch to investigate, indict and even prosecute law enforcement officers, who intentionally kill innocent and unarmed Blacks.

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) recited the names of Blacks who have been killed by police in recent years including Rekia Boyd, Eric Garner, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and Terence Crutcher. Waters also read from a letter that she and Rep. G. K. Butterfield (D-N.C.) delivered to Lynch’s office minutes later.

“It is time for the Department of Justice to take aggressive action and put an end to what appears to be the targeting of and profiling of African Americans that result in their death,” Waters said while reading the nearly two-page letter.

“Officers enjoy the presumption of credibility, whereas victims endure the presumption of guilty. For

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too long, this dynamic has helped to protect law enforcement officers from being brought to justice.”

Several members of the CBC stood at the podium and passionately spoke about how recent killings continue to hurt the Black community.

For the past two days in Charlotte, people protested the death of Keith Lamont Scott, 43, who was shot and killed by a Black police officer after they sought to serve a warrant to another person at an apartment complex. Police said in various news reports that Scott brandished a gun, but family members on the scene insisted that he was sitting in his car reading a book, before the shooting.

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency Wednesday and then called in the National Guard after violence erupted in parts of the city that led to more than 40 arrests.

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota) advised all those protesting nationwide to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner.

“Exercise your right within the First Amendment,” he said. “I understand why you’re angry.

I’m angry. Just stay peaceful…”

Scott was the third Black male shot and killed by police in the span of a week.

Tyre King, 13, was shot and killed by a White police officer September 15 in Columbus, Ohio.

Police said Tyre, who later died at a local hospital, allegedly pulled a BB gun from his waistband, before he was shot. During a press conference, Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs said that, “Our officers carry a gun that looks practically identical to this weapon.”

A White police officer shot and killed Terence Crutcher, 40, in Tulsa, Okla. The shooting was caught on video from a police helicopter.

Recently, Tulsa County District Attorney Stephen Kunzweiler announced that his office would charge Officer Betty Shelby with first-degree manslaughter in the Crutcher shooting.

“The charging of the officer in Tulsa was a swift step in the pursuit of justice,” the Rev. Al Sharpton tweeted on Thursday. “We need to examine all involved.”

William J. Ford is a staff writer for The Washington Informer. You can follow him on Twitter @jabariwill.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

NNPA Declares a State of Emergency in the Black Community

By Freddie Allen,

NNPA Newswire Managing Editor

The recent extrajudicial killings of three Black males, including a 13 year-old boy, have sparked protests across the U.S. and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has declared a state of emergency in Black America.

The NNPA, is a trade group that represents more than 200 Black-owned media companies in the U.S. and reaches more than 20 million readers a week.

In a joint statement released on Friday, September 23, Denise Rolark Barnes, the chairwoman of the NNPA and publisher of The Washington Informer, Bernal E. Smith II, a member of the NNPA Board of Directors and publisher of The New Tri-State Defender, and Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., president and CEO of the NNPA said that, “Millions of our readers across the nation are once again outraged at the latest fatal incidents of police brutality in Tulsa, Okla., and Charlotte, N.C. These are not isolated incidents, but are a deadly national pattern of police violence and prosecutorial misconduct.”

On September 14, thirteen yearold Tyre King was shot and killed by police in Columbus, Ohio who were responding to an armed robbery call. Police said that King ran when they attempted to approach him and then pulled a weapon from his waistband, which was later found to be a BB gun, a toy that couldn’t even fire bullets.

On Friday September 16, Tulsa police officer Betty Shelby fired the fatal shot that killed Terence Crutcher after the truck he was driving broke down on the road.

In a video captured by the Tulsa Police Department, Crutcher can be seen walking back to his truck with his arms raised, just before he was tased then shot. Shelby was charged with felony manslaughter.

On Tuesday, September 20, police in Charlotte, N.C. shot and killed 43 year-old Keith Lamont Scott at an apartment building.

Witnesses said that Scott was sitting in his car reading a book when plainclothes officers approached him and asked him to exit his vehicle. Police have refused to release video that was captured during the incident and have said that

April Goggans, who represents the Black Lives Matter movement in Washington, D.C., said that the narrative about the killings of Black men and women at the hands of those sworn to protect them is still being controlled by mainstream media. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

Bernal Smith, the publisher of the New Tri-State Defender in Memphis, Tenn., said that, “I’ve had way too many conversations with our readers and with people in our community that feel like we’re under siege…that feel that driving, walking or even sitting while Black is a threat to their lives.” (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

no book was found at the scene.

“We’re tired of covering these stories,” said Denise Rolark Barnes, chairwoman of the NNPA and publisher of The Washington Informer, “We have been covering these stories long before mainstream media ever saw them.”

Barnes continued: “The situation has escalated and it is time for us to step up to not only tell the story, but to also make some demands.”

Bernal Smith, the publisher of the New Tri-State Defender in Memphis, Tenn., said that, “I’ve had way too many conversations with our readers and with people in our community that feel like we’re under siege…that feel that driving, walking or even sitting while Black is a threat to their lives.”

Smith continued: “We are here today to declare that there is a

state of emergency in our communities across America and it requires immediate and significant action on behalf of the federal government…it can no longer be business as usual.”

April Goggans, who represents the Black Lives Matter movement in Washington, D.C., said that the narrative about the killings of Black men and women at the hands of those sworn to protect them is still being controlled by mainstream media.

“As much as we want to protect Black lives, we also have to protect the mediums and ways in which the stories that are true about Black lives are spread and that is through the Black Press,” said Goggans.

At a recent press conference, the NNPA called on the President Barack Obama, U.S. Attorney Gen-

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eral Loretta Lynch and members of the U.S. Congress to immediately: * Appoint a Special Federal Prosecutor on Police Brutality; * Establish a National Police Oversight Commission on Use of Deadly Force, Training and Cultural Sensitivity; * Creation of a National Police Brutality and Misconduct Database that is publicly accessible; * Establish tougher federal penalties for police officers and prosecutors who violate constitutional rights.

“We’re not waiting for a new Congress, we’re not waiting for a new Supreme Court Justice, we’re not waiting for a new president, we’re not waiting for a new Attorney General,” said Chavis. “We want action, today.”

While critics of the civil rights groups that are fighting the epi-

demic of police brutality in the African American community quickly point to so-called “Black on Black crime” as the real problem hurting Blacks, Smith said that crime in the Black community and the need to address police brutality are two separate issues.

“In our community, when a Black person kills another Black person, in those cases the [perpetrator] is prosecuted and goes to jail,” said Smith. “When police are murdering Black men, women, and children in the street, there is no justice. In most cases, there isn’t even an indictment or charges filed.”

According to a study conducted

by The Guardian, young Black men between the ages of 15 and 34, “were nine times more likely than other Americans to be killed by police officers in 2015” and “Their rate of police-involved deaths was five times higher than for White men of the same age.”

Goggans said that “intercommunity violence” and extrajudicial killings of Blacks committed by police are two separate issues that are intertwined and they are also equally important.

“We’ve got to be able to hold the complexity of both of those things happening at the same time and not fall into the trap,” that only serves as distraction from the real issues plaguing the Black community, said Goggans, adding that the mothers of slain children, don’t sit around wondering whose loss is greater.

Most criminal justice experts agree that murder is often a crime that’s more closely associated with proximity to a victim and less connected to race and that police are seldom prosecuted in shootings that result in deaths, facts that detractors of the Black Lives Movement often ignore.

Chavis said that on the eve of opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture it’s important for everyone to remember, that Black history is not only a history of oppression, but it is also a history of overcoming that oppression.

“It is a history of us standing up and protesting injustice,” said Chavis. “So what we’re doing today is consistent with our history and our culture.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

At Last: President Obama Dedicates New Black History Museum on the National Mall

By D. Kevin McNeir, NNPA Newswire Contributor

The idea of erecting a museum that would highlight the contributions of African Americans first received public attention more than a century ago after Black veterans of the Civil War proposed the idea. But the real push occurred when Georgia Congressman John Lewis took up the mantle, securing the support of several of his colleagues. Finally, in 2003, then-President George W. Bush signed legislation that allowed the project to begin.

On Saturday, Sept. 24, with the ringing of a bell borrowed from the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, one of the nation’s oldest Black churches founded in 1776, President Barack Obama officially dedicated the newest addition to the family of Smithsonian institutions located on the National Mall – the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).

In his address, the president said that the museum was an essential part of America’s story.

“What we can see of this beautiful building tells us that it is truly a sight to behold. But what makes it special are the stories contained inside,” Obama said. “It is this national museum that will help tell a fuller story of who we are.

The African-American story is not a sidebar or a secondary tale.

No, it is central to the American story – a glorious story that illustrates how African Americans have been able to rise again and again from tragedy to triumph.”

Still, given the recent outbursts of civil unrest that have taken place in Charlotte, N.C. and Tulsa, Okla., following the shooting deaths unarmed Black men by police officers, the president also commented on what the museum cannot do.

“This museum won’t end job discrimination, violence in our cities or so many other ills and examples of injustice that we face – those things are up to us to change – by speaking out, protesting and voting,” he said. “Hopefully it will help us begin to talk to one another, really see one another and listen to one another.”

The president’s remarks served

Photo: Members of the Bonner family join Firs Lady Michelle Obama (left) and President Barack Obama (3rd from the left) to ring the freedom bell from the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, which was founded in 1776 and is one of the country’s oldest Black churches.

(Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

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as the finale to a program attended by several hundred guests, many of whom were donors in a remarkably long fundraising initiative, led

by Lonnie G. Bunch III, the founding director of the NMAAHC. Meanwhile, as far as the eye could see, hundreds and hundreds of men, women and children lined the grounds surrounding the museum, watching the program on Jumbotrons, periodically shouting their affirmations throughout as participants including Stevie Wonder, Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Robert De Niro, Angela Bassett, Patti LaBelle and an acapella jazz choir from Howard University mounted the stage.

President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, also joined the special guests on stage.

Bush, passionate in his remarks, shared one statement that elicited a roar of agreement from the crowd and which Obama would reiterate during his address.

“A great nation does not shy away from the truth,” Bush said, referring to the countless lessons that he believes the new museum, through its many artifacts and exhibits, could provide to all Americans.

Ken Chenault, one of the NMAAHC advisory council members and the CEO and chairman of American Express, commented on the willingness of so many to answer the clarion call to raise the millions of dollars that were needed to start the museum project.

“I look at this building with a great sense of pride,” said Chenault. “Donors came from all across the planet – large donations and small donations – because so many people believed in the importance of building this museum. It will always remind us that what brings us together is stronger than what tears us apart.”

Bunch, overwhelmed with emotion, began his remarks by saying, “Today, a dream too long deferred is a dream no longer.”

Bunch continued: “This is not just about telling the story of a people, but a nation’s story and it will forever show how the lives of all Americans have been and will continue to be enriched, because of the contributions of African Americans.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

Lack of Venture Capital and Bankers Stifles Economic

By R. Donahue Peebles, Chairman, of the Board of Directors of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.

Throughout America, minority communities are being undermined by a problem that may, in some ways, be as pernicious as underfunded schools, inadequate housing, and a scarcity of public amenities like parks and libraries. It is a problem, moreover, that goes largely unnoticed and that is not fully understood, save for a few who are steeped in the issue or grapple with it daily.

The problem—inadequate capital access for minority-owned businesses—is depriving minority communities of their own source of wealth and jobs.

Capital is the heart of small businesses. Businesses, in turn, are the economic pillars of our communities, providing secure jobs and the opportunity to generate the kind of wealth that can be passed down through generations. Forty percent of the net new jobs created in the past two decades were the result of hiring by new businesses. For communities that suffer

from high rates of unemployment and joblessness, minority-owned firms are economic life preservers, bringing a strong tax base and economic opportunity into these underserved communities.

A lack of capital access has ramifications beyond minority communities. Consider this: if the minority business community had reached economic parity in 2002, the Mi-

nority Business Development Agency (MBDA) estimates that “the minority business community would have employed more than 16 million workers, generated more than $2.5 trillion in gross receipts, and expanded the tax base by more than $100 billion.”

Lack of capital is one of the primary reasons that small businesses flounder. For new businesses,

working capital bridges the gap to keep operations running smoothly and the bills paid on time. For established businesses, capital is a lifeline for expansion, allowing businesses to hire new employees, open new stores, and upgrade technology and equipment.

Access to capital is even more critical in the technology sector.

Here, the impact of early-stage

financing on success is tremendous. Receiving a loan increases survival probability by 51 percent, according to researchers at UCLA, NYU, and the University of Texas at Austin. Yet, minority owned firms continue to be less likely than non-minority owned businesses to receive the funding they need.

When minority-owned firms do receive loans, the dollar value is often less, while the interest rates tend to be higher, according to research from the Minority Business Development Agency. The average loan amount for minorityowned businesses with gross receipts over $500,000 is $149,000, compared with $310,000 for their non-minority owned counterparts.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) has long identified the importance of providing minority firms equal access to capital and the tools they need to be competitive in a global marketplace—and reach their full potential. It is for that reason that the CBCF has created its Executive Economic Summit series.

By 2050, our nation’s minority population will be the majorCon’t on page 15

The NNPA Launches Historic Black Voter Turnout Project for 2016 Election

By Benjamin Chavis, President and CEO of the NNPA The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) proudly asserts that, “We are the authentic voice of Black America.” We must use that voice as an urgent clarion call for a massive, historic and unprecedented Black American voter turnout on November 8, 2016 across the nation.

Today, the NNPA is launching “Project Black Voter Turnout 2016: 20 Million Black Voters to the Polls.” We’re calling on our entire NNPA membership, comprised of more than 211 Blackowned media companies operating in the United States, to issue front-page news coverage and motivational editorials and to present

banner ads on their publication websites, to promote effective Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) campaigns in the Black community.

It is an undisputed fact that a record number of Black Americans (16,133,000) voted in 2008 and helped Barack H. Obama to become the first Black President of the United States. Then, in 2012, Black Americans broke their 2008 record for voter turnout, casting 17,813,000 votes. In 2012, for the first time in American history, Black voter turnout (66.2 percent) at the national level surpassed White voter turnout (64.1 percent).

The United States of America is once again at a pivotal and crucial political crossroads. The outcome of the November 8th national elections will determine the future of the nation and of the world.

This is a propitious moment, not only for 47 million Black Americans, but this is also the time for all Americans to decide whether or not American democracy will

finally fully embrace the goals of freedom, justice, equality and empowerment for all people.

Don’t let anybody attempt to suggest that your vote doesn’t count. Every vote counts. For some strange reason, there are several national pundits that are once again predicting a low voter turnout

by Black America. These external pollsters and political observers really don’t know Black America.

This is one of the reasons why the NNPA and other Black-owned media companies are so strategically important. The NNPA not only knows the facts about Black America, the NNPA also reports and defends the interests of Black America without apology or compromise of principle and integrity.

For nearly 190 years, the Black Press in America has been and continues to be the “trusted voice” of Black America. No political party should take the Black vote for granted. Our votes have mattered and our votes will continue

18

to matter. We will make the critical difference in the outcome of the upcoming national elections.

We have both a sacred obligation and a historic responsibility to ensure that we will have the largest Black American voter turnout in history. Why? Because the overall quality of life of our families and communities is at stake.

Our energy, actions, and spirits must remain high and we have to fully engage the electoral process locally, regionally and nationally.

The NNPA’s “Project Black Voter Turnout 2016: 20 Million Black Voters to the Polls” will work in coalition with other national organizations including: The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, NAACP, Rainbow Push, National Action Network, National Urban League, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Black Lives Matter, National Baptist Convention, Progressive National Baptist Convention, African Methodist Epis-

copal Church, AME Zion Church, Church of the God in Christ, United Church of Christ, and the National Council of Churches.

“Project Black Voter Turnout 2016” will engage the Black community and all voters in print, online and through social media.

Please join our efforts by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @BlackPressUSA, @NNPA_BlackPress, @ NCBCP and @NAACP and using the hashtags #BlackPressMatters and #BlackVotesMatter.

Our time is now. Let’s all work together. Let’s get out the vote!

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached for national advertisement sales and partnership proposals at dr.bchavis@ nnpa.org and for lectures and other professional consultations at: http://drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix. com/drbfc. You can follow Dr. Chavis on Twitter @drbenchavis.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016 Con’t from page 14

ity. The minority community is poised to play a major role in job creation and business development. But they cannot do so if the purse strings to capital access remain tied. The summit will tackle these disparities head on with solid discussions and actionable outcomes around capital expansion, entrepreneurial education and strategic partnerships.

The United States has a long, enviable entrepreneurial culture. If we are to continue as a world leader in innovation, we must foster broad participation in economic growth.

This starts with removing barriers to capital expansion and empowering more entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to succeed. We must develop strategies and policy recommendations for achieving economic parity.

And we must strengthen partnerships across the government, business and financial services sectors.

Now is the time to advance America’s promise of opportunity, prosperity, and growth for all.

R. Donahue Peebles is the chairman of the board of directors at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated, a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and educational institute dedicated to advancing the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public.

This article first appeared in NewsOne in May 2016.

Con’t from page 10

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

Patti Labelle Unveils 4 New Desserts to Replicate the Success of Her Sweet Potato Pies 6.4 million pounds of peaches!

Black Business.org

The four new cakes and cobblers will include:

The sweet success of Patti Labelle’s sweet potato pies exclusively available at Walmart has led to a major expansion of her personal recipe-based product line. In fact, the pies have been so successful that she and Walmart have recently announced the release of three new Pattie Labelle premium cobblers and a new apple pecan cake. All of the cakes and pies are pre-baked, and just need to be heated up in an oven.

#1 - Patti’s Good Life Peach Cobbler: Loaded with fresh peaches, this cobbler features a top crust covered in cinnamon, and is very aromatic and sweet. #2 - Patti’s Good Life Berry Cobbler: Stuffed with raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and boysenberries, this mixedberry cobbler has just the right balance of sweet to tart, and the bottom crust is enjoyably crisp.

Just how successful exactly are these pies?

Well, the pies were always a big seller, but after one of her fans (James Wright) posted a viral YouTube video of himself singing about the pies, the pies went on to start selling at local Walmart locations at a rate of one pie per second. That, of course, equals millions and millions of pies sold.

In fact, not too long after that video went viral with more than 8 million views, Kerry Robinson, vice president for bakery and deli at Wal-Mart, was quoted as saying, “We are working very hard with our supplier to try and pro-

duce more product. We’re in the process of securing another 2 million pounds of sweet potatoes.”

That’s right 2 million pound of sweet potatoes! And now, Walmart says that her new peach cobbler pie has already used up

#3 - Patti’s Good Life Apple Cobbler: Made with Fuji apples, this cobbler has a nice filling with a nice balance mixture of cinnamon and sugar. The apples have retained a bit of their tartness, which is nice with the pastry crust.

can Cake: Decorated with rich buttercream icing and rich caramel goo, this tasty cake is a southern-style layer cake of Fuji apples and Georgia pecans. It goes great with coffee or tea.

How is she coming up with these delicious recipes?

She told People Magazine, “I’ve been cooking for most of my life. As you’re standing in the kitchen and you think of certain ingredients, you just put them in — sometimes they work, and sometimes they don’t.” When asked if she will be able to replicate the success she’s had with her sweet potato pies, she laughed and said, “I better!”

For more details about Patti Labelle’s pies, cobblers and cakes, visit www.pattilabelle.com or follow her on Instagram at www. instagram.com/mspattilabelle/

#4 - Patti’s Good Life Apple Pe-

This Is Why We Have to Invest in Effective Teachers

By Julianne Malveaux, NNPA Newswire Columnist While millions of children (and teachers) welcome the call to go back to school in August and early September, all is not well in classrooms and school districts around the country. Even though every school district is not facing challenges, many urban school districts – where the majority of African American and Hispanic students are enrolled – face challenges that may either disrupt education in the classroom or affect the terms and conditions of work for teachers.

Meanwhile, some school districts are experiencing teacher shortages and an unhealthy reliance on substitute teachers. Teachers are leaving the profession more rapidly than before. And teachers of color, especially men of color, are woe-

fully underrepresented in the ranks of K-12 teachers. Indeed, African American men represent just 2 percent of all teachers. Eightythree percent of all teachers are white, despite the fact that innercity classrooms, particularly, are overwhelmingly black and brown.

In Chicago, teachers have returned to school without a contract for the second year in a row, and the Chicago Teacher’s Union will take a strike vote, proposing a strike in October. Meanwhile, the CEO says that unless the CTU agrees to concessions, there will be classroom cuts. The Chicago Public School district has already “tightened its belt” by laying off more than 500 teachers and 500 school-based workers. These workers may not be out of jobs, as they can apply for other open jobs in the Chicago Public School district, but a massive July layoff is not the best way to approach August with a positive attitude. Chicago is not the only school district with challenges. Dozens of school districts have financial challenges, which is partly, because cities and states have implemented austerity

budgets that are allocating insufficient funds to schools.

One of the major challenges for school districts and for teachers is the way that teacher pay lags behind pay in other professions. According to the Economic Policy Institute, “public school teachers’ weekly wages were 17 percent lower than those of comparable workers – compared to just 1.8 percent lower in 1994.” Those who teach must have a passion for their profession, and for students, but passion can often be dampened by low pay. Some young people who would be great teachers choose alternative, better paying, careers. And veteran teachers, who may have experienced pay freezes, because of fiscal austerity, may choose to make mid-life career changes, because more attractive financial opportunities beckon.

Why can’t we pay teachers fairly? If the teaching profession is considered as important as any other (and some might argue that it is more important than many) why does teacher pay lag so much behind other professions? As Lawrence Mishel and Sylvia Al-

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legretto note in their EPI study, “An effective teacher is the most important school-based determinant of education outcomes.” The teaching profession needs to offer pay at a level to attract the best and the brightest to our nation’s classrooms. Otherwise, as a recent study shows, few students aspire to be teachers – only 5 percent of college-bound students were interested in pursuing a career in education in 2014. Is there any wonder? Nationally, teachers earn just 77 percent of what other college graduates earn.

Meanwhile, public education and public school teachers are often under attack. Charter schools are seen as preferred alternatives; while most research shows that charter school vary in quality.

The good ones are great, but the bad ones rival the worst public schools. And school bureaucracies often snuff the creativity out of the best teachers by burdening them with preparation for stifling standardized tests that do little to engage students intellectually.

There are some who believe that “anybody can teach,” which is

why the Teach for America model is so troubling. Teach for America takes bright undergraduates, and after six weeks or so of training, throws them into inner-city classrooms, implicitly undermining the preparation that many take to get a degree in education. This notion that “anybody can teach” leads to the disdain that some have for classroom teachers, and the resulting low pay that they earn.

There are a myriad of challenges in K-12 education, a major challenge is that teachers are not too often paid sufficiently. Teachers deserve more public support than they get now. They need better pay and more autonomy. And they need to be unshackled from the frequency of the standardized tests that they must too-regularly administer. We need a pro-teacher movement.

Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her latest book “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available via www.amazon.com for booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux. com.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

We Must Close the Payday Loan Debt Trap Once and For All

By Julianne Malveaux, NNPA Newswire Columnist

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Between the unemployment rate report that was released in early September, and the Census report on income and poverty that was released on September 13, President Obama and his team got great news about the economic status of the average worker.

Incomes are up a whopping 5.2 percent between 2014 and 2015; it’s the first time incomes have increased since 2007. The poverty rate dropped 1.2 percentage points, to 13.5 percent, which translates into 3.5 million fewer people living in poverty. While the poverty rate is still higher than it was in 2007, this sharp decrease in the poverty rate is significant. Between the unemployment rate report, which shows an unemployment rate at 4.9 percent, and the income and poverty report, which shows a 2.4 million increase in the number of workers, the Obama economic team can rightly assert that economic recovery has trickled down.

Still, poverty rates are way too high – almost one in four (24.1 percent) African American households lives in poverty. The number of African American children in poverty, though falling, remains too high (31.6 percent). And the number of people living in “extreme poverty” (with incomes at less than half the poverty line) is alarming – more than ten percent of African Americans (and 6 percent of the total population) live in extreme poverty.

The persistence of poverty, even in the face of good news, provides opportunities for those whose riches come from the exploitation of poor people.

Those who provide payday loans are among the worst, because they set up a debt trap that it is almost impossible for poor people to escape from.

Indeed, these predators treat the poor as profit centers and enrich themselves from other people’s misery. Even as we celebrate the economic progress of the past year, we must ensure that usurious payday lenders are curtailed by regulators who can restrict their ability to extract interest rates in excess of 300 percent from the very poor.

This is how it works – payday lenders provide “emergency” loans for those people who have more month than money, and who simply can’t make ends meet. The loans are small and the terms are usually something like $15 per $100 for 7 to 14 days.

The loan may be secured by a paycheck, a pre-dated check, or an automobile title. If the loan is not paid back on time, a borrower may negotiate an “extension,” which requires more fees. Repeated payday loans result in $3.5 billion in fees each year.

The Consumer Financial Protec-

tion Bureau (CFPB) is considering regulations to protect consumers from exploitation and usury from short-term loans and auto title loans. A coalition of faith leaders has asked people, who have been affected by payday loans to comment on their website, FaithforFairLending.org, hoping that the CFPB will be influenced by the experiences that many have had with payday lending.

Rev. Sekinah Hamlin, who leads faith initiatives for the Center for Responsible Lending, says that faith leaders have mobilized, because they expect that the payday lending industry will fight any regulations to curtail their activity. The CFPB will be accepting comments about payday lending until October 7, and the Center for Responsible Lending (ResponsibleLending.org) hopes that people will share letters and comments encouraging CFPB to curtail payday.

While it is important to curtail payday lending so that low-income borrowers can avoid the debt trap, the longer term solution to the debt trap is better pay for people who could access traditional credit options, or avoid debt altogether, if they earned reasonable pay. The working families agenda that some in Congress have embraced (which includes an increase in the minimum wage, among other provisions to assist those on the bottom) is a step in the right direction.

The fight for $15, which would provide families at the bottom with incomes of about $31,000 a year, would also alleviate poverty and make it easier for people to make ends meet.

It is important that those of us who care about economic justice make our voices heard before October 7.

To stop the payday loan debt trap and encourage the CFBP to issue regulations that will protect those who are so easily exploited, comment online at FaithforFairLending. org, or send your comment to The Center for Responsible Lending, Faith and Credit Roundtable, 302 W. Main Street, Durham, NC 27701.

Tackling the payday lending issue, however, is only a small step toward economic justice. Those who want economic justice must also be committed to electing those who will implement a working families agenda. The economic good news that was released early this month does not mean that we are out of the woods around poverty issues.

Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her latest book “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available via www. amazon.com for booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF WHAT CONNECTICUT HAS TO OFFER.

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Come to a free cooking class or movie premiere. Or enjoy discounted admission to local perennial gardens, aquariums, zoos and more. Plus, we’re helping people like you achieve their goals and dreams with free tools and resources. Whether it’s starting or growing a small business, navigating career changes or planning your future, we can help you along your journey.

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Connecticut

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

TheAfricanDream LLC Founder makes US-Ghana trip aboard South African Airways

Oral Ofori, Founder of TheAfricanDream LLC gives thumbs up to South African Airways (SAA) who were very instrumental in the facilitation of his business trip to Ghana in September 2016.

Mr. Ofori is the Founder of TheAfricanDream LLC firm; an information and communication consultancy on African affairs based in the United States (US). On September 1, 2016, Mr. Ofori embarked on a-two-week business trip to Ghana in West Africa courtesy aboard SAA. TheAfricanDream LLC Founder recounts Ghana-trip In a conversation with Mr. Ofori, he said the trip was to enable him visit with family and meet with some business partners of his firm, TheAfricanDream LLC. “My South African Airways experience was a very pleasant one, it was my first trip outside the US aboard an SAA flight and I chose them not only because they were a direct flight to Ghana from the Washington DC area, but I had heard of their legendary in-flight experience.”

Founder of TheAfricanDream LLC told this writer that George Bright-Abu; Editor of the Afrikan Post Newspaper, a US-based publication covering Diaspora Africans recommended SAA: “George

spoke highly of them and was kind enough to put me in touch with Deborah Droke, the SAA Director of Sales Development in the MidAtlantic who is also in charge of International Sales & Marketing. The South African Airways experience According to Mr. Ofori, Deborah was very nice and went out of her way to ensure his Ghana flight on SAA was a very personal and memorable one. South African Airways started their direct flights to Ghana from Dulles airport in the

Washington DC area on August 3, 2015, with the Airbus A340-600.

Some members of the Ghanaian and other African communities in the US this writer spoke to indicated their appreciation of SAA for playing a great role in helping bridge the air transportation gap between travelers, investors and tourists in the US, Ghana and across Africa with their SA #209 direct flights.

“The almost 11hr flight without a transit stop was just perfect for me and my family, the friendly air-

line crew and entertainment were amazing, the warm South African courtesy was always felt in first, business and economy classes of the plane. When I arrived in Ghana I needed less than 24hr rest to allow me prepare to meet with some old friends and then jump into business as I was not heavily jet-lagged.” — Oral Ofori While in Ghana, Oral Ofori briefly met with Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare – Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative

Arts, Rama Brew — ace Ghanaian actress and jazz musician and Gyedu Blay-Ambolley — Legendary Ghanaian musician. The others were Andrew Asare-Boffo — CEO of Aspects Consult, Yaw AmpofoAnkrah — veteran sports journalist and President of Ghana Beach Soccer Association, and Ahmed Abdul-Rashed — Administrative Manager of Syphics Studios.

The Founder of TheAfricanDream LLC also interacted with Ameyaw Debrah, the award winning Ghanaian blogger and musicians Danny Beatz and AJ Dahottest. “these were rather brief but very fruitful meetings. I know most of these individuals will soon be in the US to finish the discussions we started in Ghana, which is why I will be recommending SAA to them” Mr. Ofori said in conclusion.

Email Mr. Ofori with contact@ oralofori.com and do not hesitate to contact South African Airways about their direct flights to Ghana from Washington DC, and connecting flights to other parts of Africa and the world or group and corporate deals by emailing Deborah Droke with DeborahDroke@ flysaa.com. Find more info also at www.flysaa.com and tell them TheAfricanDream LLC sent you.

Source: TheAfricanDream. co / Rexford Nkansah

4 Tips To Help Your Child’s Back-To-School Anxiety

by Jason Hughes, BlackDoctor.org

Here are four ways to help your child:

trustworthy advice when needed.

Back-to-School season is upon us – if you couldn’t tell by the uniforms and school supplies strewn all over every department store.

And, as the yearly routine goes, there are a few tykes somewhere in the world begging their parents not to leave them at school.

There may be an actual reason behind your child’s unwillingness to go to school besides what some parents perceive as cute stubbornness. Ever heard of school refusal? According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, your child’s refusal to go to school or stay in school may be the first sign of a mental disorder.

This anxiety-based illness usually affects 2 to 5 percent of all school-age children. Experts say the refusal occurs during those

Talk to your child about their feelings and fears.

Expose your child to school in small doses.

Sometimes, especially at early ages, children may have developed a fear that something will happen to their parents while they are at school. It’s best to have an open discussion with your little one to find out what’s bothering them and how that may be triggering their fear of going to school.

Dropping off your little one at kindergarten can be frightening if they haven’t had any exposure to school before. If your child didn’t attend pre-school, find some extracurricular activities that could get your child acclimated to the social elements of a classroom setting.

Help your child establish a support system.

Speak with a therapist.

transitional –sometimes-scary – school years, such as entering kindergarten, middle and high school.

The main symptom is complaining of physical illness shortly before its time to head to school: Your child was feeling fine last night. But all of a sudden, around

6 a.m., as you all prepare for the school day, your little one is complaining of a headache or stomachache. Then, if you let your child stay home, the symptoms disappear without any treatment only to return the next morning.

24

It’s great if your child comes to you for advice on any and every topic.

But some children may feel like they can’t have deep discussions with their parents. Help your child create a list of family members and teachers that can step in and give

If your child’s school refusal continues for more than a couple of weeks, it may be best to speak with a therapist. There could be some other event that triggered your child’s anxiety about school that only a professional can detect and help treat.

The Magnificent Seven THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

Denzel Reunites with Fuqua in Worthy Overhaul of Kurosawa Classic Film Review by Kam Williams

Directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa in 1954, Seven Samurai was a groundbreaking film which had a profound influence on the evolution of cinema for generations to come. Superficially, that seminal work merely reads like a martial arts epic set in 16th Century Japan. Yet, over the years, it has spawned a cottage industry of knockoffs trading in the picture’s novel narrative revolving around a rag-tag team of selfless heroes recruited in service of some lofty goal.

In 1960, Seven Samurai was remade as The Magnificent Seven, a sprawling Western co-starring Steve McQueen, Yul Brynner, Charles Bronson, Eli Wallach, Robert Vaughn and James Coburn. Today, that classic has been refreshed by Antoine Fuqua in an outing reuniting the director with Denzel Washington following successful collaborations on The Equalizer (2014) and Training Day (2001) for which the latter won an Academy Award.

This incarnation of The Magnifi-

cent Seven does feature a few variations on the theme. For example, the picture’s dastardly bad guy is now an avaricious white man intent on seizing a mining town’s gold instead of a Mexican bandito simply staging a series of border raids. And the good guys enlisted to engage the greedy gringo are a politically-correct, rainbow coalition reflecting every ethnicity.

Otherwise, the essence of the original plot remains intact. As the film unfolds, we find the folks in the frontier settlement of Rose Creek living in fear of Bartholomew Bogue and his gang of marauders. Bogue is your stereotypical, bloodthirsty villain, straight out of central casting, played to perfection by Peter Sarsgaard.

It is established early on just

how low the diabolical Bogue will stoop to achieve his evil ends, between murdering an innocent woman and burning the church to the ground. That makes the arrival of bounty hunter Sam Chisolm (Washington) all the more welcome by the time the exasperated and intimidated local yokels are at their collective wit’s end.

They also have no idea that

Chisolm isn’t merely motivated by altruism but has his own revenge-fueled reason to tangle with Bogue. Regardless, once deputized, the gunslinger proceeds to assemble a motley crew composed of a Civil War vet suffering from shell shock (Ethan Hawke), a hard-drinking bombmaker (Chris Pratt), a gruff mountain man (Vincent D’Onofrio), a Chicano outlaw (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), a crack Comanche archer (Martin Sensmeier) and a knife-throwing, Asian assassin (Byung-hun Lee).

Don’t expect any deeply-developed characters and you won’t be disappointed. It’s all about the inexorable march to the big showdown during which the heroes will obviously even the score, and then some. The Wild, Wild West revisited as an ethnically-diverse fantasy land Hollywood has never imagined before!

Excellent (4 stars) Rated PG-13 for intense violence, smoking, profanity and suggestive material Running time: 132 minutes Distributor: Sony Pictures

NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick Speaks Up, Forces Fans to Confront Reality of Racism in America by the FINALCALL.COM/NNPA MEMBER

“I’m not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

This bold declaration by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick at a press conference following a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers set off a firestorm that shows no signs of abating.

Mr. Kaepernick, 28, explained after cameras caught him sitting during the playing of the national anthem, that he was protesting police brutality and institutional racism reflected in stark dispari-

ties between Blacks in America and their White counterparts.

“People don’t realize what’s re-

ally going on in this country. There are a lot things that are going on that are unjust,” Mr. Kaepernick explained to a gaggle of reporters.

“People aren’t being held accountable. And that’s something that needs to change. That’s something that this country stands for freedom, liberty and justice for all. And it’s not happening for all right now.”

Kaepernick continued: “I’ll continue to sit. I’m going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed. To me this is something that has to change. When there’s significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.”

Mr. Kaepernick, a Milwaukee native, hammered rogue cops. He said he, like many Black men, has been stopped by police and

25

recalled when he and a friend were moving out of a house while in college. They were the only two Blacks in the neighborhood and neighbors called the police who came into their apartment uninvited with guns drawn.

“There’s a lot of things that need to change. One specifically? Police brutality. There’s people being murdered unjustly and not being held accountable,” he said. “People are being given paid leave for killing people. That’s not right. That’s not right by anyone’s standards.”

When asked if he was concerned that his position could be seen as a blanket indictment of law enforcement in general, Mr. Kaepernick replied: “There is police brutality.

People of color have been targeted by police. So that’s a large part of it and they’re government officials. They are put in place by the

government. So that’s something that this country has to change.”

“There’s things we can do to hold them more accountable. Make those standards higher. You have people that practice law and are lawyers and go to school for eight years, but you can become a cop in six months and don’t have to have the same amount of training as a cosmetologist. That’s insane. Someone that’s holding a curling iron has more education and more training than people that have a gun and are going out on the street to protect us.”

Police union leaders were incensed, demanded an apology and in San Francisco, police officers are threatening to boycott Niners games.

Read the entire piece in The Final Call Newspaper.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

State Of Sickle Cell Disease 2016 Report: “This Status Quo Is Unacceptable”

by Team BlackDoctor.org

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited, lifelong chronic disorder affecting nearly 100,000 Americans and a growing global health problem that will touch nearly 30 percent more people globally in the next three decades. Though new approaches to managing SCD have led to improvements in diagnosis and supportive care, people living with the disease still have severe complications to overcome.

Many are unable to access quality care and are limited by a lack of effective treatment options.

In an effort to identify unmet medical needs for people with SCD, the American Society of Hematology (ASH), along with other groups, issued the State of Sickle Cell Disease: 2016 Report, evaluating the disease in four priority areas — access to care, training and professional education, research and clinical trials, and global health. The report shows that significant improvements are needed across all areas and that, though patients are living longer, the system of care needs to change to ensure a better quality of life. To address these challenges, ASH launched the Sickle Cell Disease Coalition along with more than 20 other organizations who are issuing a call to action that will amplify the voice of the SCD community, promote SCD awareness, and transform SCD care both in the United States and around the globe.

“Not only are individuals with SCD burdened by the pain and disability that comes with a chronic condition, but they also have very few accessible treatment options due to our fragmented health care system,” said ASH President Charles S. Abrams, MD, of the University of Pennsylvania.

“This status quo is unacceptable, and we are setting out to change it. ASH is proud to make a difference for people battling this disease worldwide by

teaming up with partners from around the globe to launch the Sickle Cell Disease Coalition.”

ASH will host a press conference today in Washington, D.C., to discuss the findings of the report and issue the Coalition’s global call to action on SCD. These efforts are supported by leading patient advocacy groups, people with SCD and their families, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and foundations. Together, these groups are pledging their collective efforts to improve care, early diagnosis, treatment, and research.

ASH and its partners have identified several ways to help address the priority areas in the report. These include: Access to care: Developing evidence-based guidelines and coordinated health care delivery models to ensure that individuals with SCD can access quality care regardless of age, location, and socioeconomic status.

Training and Education: Increasing the number of providers who are able to care for those with SCD by educating established clinicians to treat symptoms and complications while encouraging medical trainees

to pursue careers in SCD care.

Research and clinical trials: Investing in strategies to expand use of existing treatments, developing novel therapies, and strengthening curative options while accelerating their discovery.

Global issues: Expanding newborn screening and early intervention programs, increasing SCD awareness and education, and improving access to quality care in developing regions.

In addition to these priorities, ASH has not only committed to developing and implementing up-to-date guidelines describing the management of acute and chronic complications of SCD, but to also educate health care providers in all settings to recognize and properly respond to SCD symptoms in their everyday practices. Targeted professionals include hematologists, primary care providers, and hospitalists. The Society is also working closely with The Emergency Department Sickle Cell Care Coalition to support their efforts to improve emergency care of individuals with SCD. ASH is also exploring the development of a consortium of African countries to institute a 26

population-based registry study for newborn screening and early intervention. In addition, the Society will continue to encourage SCD research through advocacy and has developedresearch priorities in SCD and sickle cell trait to encourage the study of unaddressed questions that could make a huge impact on the field. ASH continues to work with Congress and federal agencies to enhance and expand federal sickle cell disease programs.

“There are many unique challenges that people with SCD face. For example, the transition from pediatric to adult care can be especially difficult, and many people struggle to find health care providers with comprehensive knowledge and expertise to provide proper care, especially in rural communities,” said ASH Vice President Alexis Thompson, MD, MPH, of the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. “Given recent advances in research and treatment, there is enormous opportunity to transform the way we care for people suffering from SCD and conquer this disease.”

The Coalition will provide a platform to encourage stake-

holders to work together to develop and implement important projects and activities that will ultimately help the SCD community and improve outcomes for individuals with the disease.

About the American Society of Hematology (ASH) The American Society of Hematology (ASH) (www.hematology.org) is the world’s largest professional society of hematologists dedicated to furthering the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood. For more than 50 years, the Society has led the development of hematology as a discipline by promoting research, patient care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology. The official journal of ASH is Blood(www. bloodjournal.org), the most cited peer-reviewed publication in the field, which is available weekly in print and online.

About the Sickle Cell Disease Coalition The mission of the Sickle Cell Disease Coalition (SCDC) (www.scdcoalition.org) is to help amplify the voice of the SCD community, promote awareness, and improve outcomes for individuals with SCD. The Coalition is focused on promoting research, clinical care, education, training, and advocacy while providing a platform to encourage stakeholders to work together to develop and implement important projects and activities that will ultimately help the SCD community and improve outcomes for individuals with the disease. The Coalition is comprised of leading patient advocacy groups, people with SCD and their families, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and foundations with an interest in SCD. Contact Stephen Fitzmaurice, American Society of Hematologysfitzmaurice@hematology.org; 202-5524927

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

Fusco Corporation is seeking a Project Manager for Construction Projects in the $ 15M to $100 M range.

DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES • Develops, monitors, and maintains Progress and Cash Flow Schedules for the project.

• Reviews invoices and approves payment to all subcontractors and vendors required for the project.

• Maintains proper contractual relations with owners, subcontractors and vendors, interpreting contracts, plans and specifications.

• Keeps a complete current record of work performed under the contract, and maintains the Cost Reports in conformance with the requirements of the corporation’s established cost system..

• Reviews and drafts monthly requisitions for final processing by the Owner. Monitors the payment requirements of the contract.

• Accumulates data and prepares statements covering extra work for the owner’s account; subcontractor and vendor claims, back charges and any data required by the Manager of Construction Administration.

• Reviews required procedures and develops systems necessary to close out all projects for which he/she may be responsible.

Administers processing of guarantees, warrantees, releases, maintenance and procedures manuals.

Insures collection of final payment from owner and proper final payment to all subcontractors and vendors.

• Produces customized Monthly Owners Progress Report

• Assists in Pre-construction Services, attend meetings, produce constructability and plan completion reports...

• Participates in formal presentations and interviews on qualification based project selection teams.

QUALIFICATIONS

Housing Authority of the City of New Haven Invitation for Bids Key and Lock Service The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Bids for Key and Lock Service. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, September 12, 2016 @ 9:00 AM.

Information Technology Administrative Application Technologist. The Town of Wallingford Public Schools is seeking a highly skilled individual to provide technical assistance in managing its organizational data system needs. The position requires 4 years information technology experience in a K-12 school environment which includes 2 years experience with Microsoft Office, PowerSchool, Crystal Reports, or similar reporting software. Must have own transportation to travel between schools in the district. Wages: $29.87 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply to: Personnel Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date will be September 30, 2016. EOE.

Security 30 hrs. per week/10 months per year Security Guard- Seeking qualified individuals to perform a variety of duties associated with monitoring access to the building or assigned station, implementing security protocols as provided by district and building level administrative staff. Requires graduation from high school, plus a minimum of one year experience working with the public. One year security experience preferred. Individual considered for the positions will be required to be fingerprinted and undergo background checks. Hourly Rate: $13.99 - $14.21. Hours: 3:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. plus benefit package. Apply to: Personnel Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date will be September 21, 2016, or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

• BS degree in Engineering or Construction Management would be helpful.

• Well rounded computer skills Fusco Corporation offers a competitive benefit package including medical, dental and 401k. Fusco is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Resumes should be sent to openjobs.group@fusco.com. Phone calls will not be accepted.

City of Norwich Fire Department

Welder-Exp. Welder for Structural Steel, Misc Shop

Send resume to gwf@snet.net

FIREFIGHTER

Salary: $49,296 - $62,901 Visit www.norwichct.org/hr to apply and for more information. AA/EEO.

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 1:30-3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitt hapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

C

FENCE ERECTING CONTRACTORS

Large CT Fence & Guardrail Contractor is looking for Fence Installer foreman and helpers. Foreman must have at least 5 years’ experience. Helpers-no experience required, will train the right person. Work available 10-12 months per year. Valid Ct. Driver’s license required and must be able to get a DOT Medical Card. All necessary equipment provided. Medical, vacation & other benefits included.

Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. Foreman rates from $22 to $28/hour plus benefits, helper rates from $18/hour plus benefits. OSHA 10 training is a plus. Please email resume to rhauer@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE

Portland Youth Services – Junior Staff

Town of Portland, CT (EOE) Junior Staff: High School Youth (age 15 to 18) part-time from August 31, 2016 to June 2017, Monday thru Friday 3:00 to 6:00 PM; Counselor I, $9.60 per hour. Individual schedule determined by need and availability. Based at Brownstone Intermediate School, the Kids Blast After School Program is a very structured team program. Working, interacting and supervising children ages 5 to 12. Help with homework by staff is required. Other creative activities are also planned. Previous experience working with children preferred.

Send Seasonal Recreation Employment Application to: First Selectwoman’s Office P.O. Box 71 Portland, CT 06480-0071 Deadline: August 29, 2016 or until filled

27

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

Senior Construction Estimator for Fusco Corporation, NEW HAVEN, CT Provide cost estimating on a variety of project types including mixed use, commercial and tenant fit-out and education sectors.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

TOWN OF EAST HAVEN ASSISTANT TOWN CLERK

The Town of East Haven seeks qualified candidates to serve in the position of Assistant Town Clerk. The Assistant Town Clerk works under the direction of the Town Clerk and upon the absences of the Town Clerk, serves as such. The duties require knowledge of the laws, ordinances and charter provisions governing the duties of the Town Clerk and Registrar of Vital Statistics; some knowledge of legal instruments used in connection with the ownership and transfer of property; and strong computer skills. The Assistant Town Clerk also directly oversees and coordinates the operations of the offices as well as the employees in the office of the Town Clerk. Qualified candidates should possess a High School Diploma and one year of Business School or the equivalent and 4 years of experience in a responsible administrative position.

Experience in the Town Clerk’s Office is preferred. The salary range for this position is $47,848-53,181/ year, 35 hours per week and the Town offers an excellent benefit package. Please send resume with references to: Frank Gentilesco, Jr., Assistant Director of Administration & Management, Town Hall-250 Main Street, East Haven, CT 06512 or email to eh.gentilesco@att.net . Deadline September 23, 2016. The Town of East Haven is committed to building a work force of diverse individuals. Minorities, females, handicapped and veterans are encouraged to apply. The Town of East Haven is an equal opportunity employer.

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment.

We offer factory training on equipment we operate.

Location: Bloomfield CT Contact: James Burke Phone: 860- 243-2300 email: jim.burke@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing and clean driving record.

We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300 Email: rick.

• Be able to work with minimal supervision to prepare estimates and bids for General Contracting / Construction Management, both new construction and renovation.

• Design-Build, Hard Bids and CM-R estimating will be the main focus of this person’s estimating role.

• Take a project from schematic design through CD stage working with Owner and design professionals.

• Present budgets and estimates to management and Owners.

• Assist with the development of the project schedule.

• Participate in design review meetings with Owners and Design Professionals.

• Ability to perform constructability reviews in conjunction with the project manager.

• Ability to incorporate new estimating systems and software as they are made available.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Presentation experience and ability to participate in proposal interviews with Owners.

• Working knowledge of structural and architectural building systems including a general knowledge of all trades.

• Experience in participating as member of a project based estimating team.

• Working knowledge of various software systems such as iSqft, on-screen take-off, MC2 or Timberline, Excel and Microsoft Office applications.

• Possess the analytical skills necessary to compare various building systems and configurations

MINIMUM YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

12 + years of estimating experience working for a general contractor or construction manager.

Prior field experience a plus.

Prior experience in Design-Build a plus.

EDUCATION: BA/BS degree in related field REPORTS TO: Chief Estimator CONTACT INFORMATION: Interested candidates please email cover letter and resume to openjobs.group@fusco.com.

Candidates will be asked to provide references.

Competitive benefits include medical, dental, life and 401(k). Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Phone calls will not be accepted.

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

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. Contact Greg at 860-243-2300.

We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits Contact: Dana Briere Phone: 860-243-2300 Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

DISPATCHER The Town of Wallingford is seeking responsible candidates to perform 911, police, fire and EMS emergency dispatching duties. Must be able to work under stressful conditions and be able to type information with a high rate of speed and accuracy. Must be able to work all three shifts including weekends and holidays and be able to work additional shifts beyond the regular shift schedule. Requires a H.S. or business school diploma with courses in typing and 2 years of responsible office work experience. $ 21.32 ~ $ 25.43 hourly plus shift differential and excellent fringe benefits. Closing date is September 14, 2016 or the date of receipt of the 50th application, whichever occurs first. Apply: Personnel Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492. EOE. 28

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

The Zoo just got a little cooler!

2016 SPECIAL FEATURE AFRICAN PENGUINS ICNEWS516

50% OFF BEARDSLEY ZOO

CHILD ADMISSION (ages 3-11)

with purchase of adult ticket and this coupon.

Limit 1 free ticket per household. May not be combined with other offers. EXPIRES: 12/31/16

29

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

Toddler Special Mon-Thurs 10-12 • 1 Parent 1 Toddler • Only $15 1 hr $20 2 hr

$60

off

frequent jumper

10 1-hour jump/play passes reg. $150 now $90 Complete coupon must be presented at time of purchase.

One coupon per person. These coupons are only valid in park, in person, and not valid for online purchases.

Cannot be combined with any other offers. Exp: 9/30/16

FREE

buy 1 hour, get second hour free buy 1 hour and jump/play for two hours Mon-Thurs only. Not to be combined with any other offer or promotion. Not valid online. Does not include required jump socks. Exp: 9/30/16

$20

HOURS: 10AM TO 10PM • 7 DAYS A WEEK

off

any Birthday Party booked Monday - Friday Coupon MUST be mentioned when booking. Coupon must be redeemed at time of party to receive discount.

Exp: 9/30/16

203-989-3357 • jumpoffct.com 27

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

2016 Legendary Women Claudette J. Beamon Rosemary Bess Dora Lee Brown Katurah Bryant Florence Caldwell Sharyn A. Esdaile Dr. Judy Gray

A Special Tribute:

Capt. Patricia Helliger Gloristine Cotten-Reid Arlene Davis-Rudd

Late Florence Esdaile Late Olivia Monk A Day of Mentoring & Evening Celebration We proudly announce the 9th Annual Legendary Women’s Brunch & Evening Affair.

Our 2016 “Legends” have agreed to come forth and present to young women words of inspiration and sage advice that comes with time and experience in meeting challenges.

Hazel B. Houston-Pappas Audrey Tyson Shirley Ann Moss

Guest Speaker: Enola Aird, Founder & President Community Healing Network

A

DAY OF MENTORING

(all ages welcome)

Full Day Event

Founder Jeanette Sykes

Date: October 8, 2016

2016 Committee Members

Begins with a “Women Only” Brunch to inspire and mentor women 18 - 35 years, but all ages are welcome!

Legendary Committee: Cathy Bell, Sherry Guess, Ann Reynolds, Cathy Sykes, Jennifer Tillman Leadership Committee: Roberta Hoskie, Yi-Chun “Tricia” Lin Middle School Committee Min. Orsella Hughes, Claudine Chambers

Morning Brunch

(complimentary with ticket • $10 without) Time: 10 am - 1 pm Place: Eli’s On Whitney 2392 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT

What Makes a Women “Legendary?”

The Path of a Legend is a Legacy Leading to Greater Horizons

Evening

$55 per person 6:30 pm - 11 pm Place: Zandri’s Stillwood Inn 1074 S. Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT

• • •

For Info: 203.891.7372 theperfectblend@comcast.net

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Considered a “Building Block” Commitment to Change Activist in Areas That Impact Our LIves: Family Church Community Education Social Justice Economics

THE INNER-CITY NEWS September 28, 2016 - October 04, 2016

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