INNER-CITY NEWS

INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016 THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Financial JusticeArrest a Key FocusWho at 2016 NAACP Protestors Demand of Police Shot and KilledConvention Alton Sterling New Haven, Bridgeport

INNER-CITYNEWS 2197 Volume 21 No. 2194

“DMC”

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems:

Color Struck?

Snow in July?

Ignore “Tough Crime” Simone Manuel Gold!

IgnoreWins “ToughOn On Crime” Becomes First Black Woman To Win Individual Event In Swimming

Malloy Responds To Trump’s Criticisms,

FOLLOW US ONSummer Meal Program Touts 1

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

It’s RegIstRatIon tIme !

New Haven Public Schools Early Childhood Program

PRE-SCHOOL NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Parents with children from 3-4 years of age are encouraged to apply with us NOW. All programs promote the enrollment of children with special needs. *** NEW *** ***SATURDAY HOURS*** ( No appointments needed.)

Head Start and School Readiness spaces available now….

PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

REGISTER TODAY What to Bring ?: Age: Birth Certificate (long form) Address: Utility Bill in your name (Gas, Electric, Phone or Cable Bill) Income: Pay stubs for the last 4 weeks (consecutive and current) Medical: Current Physical—Yellow Form/ Must have been within the past year and include immunizations, anemia, hematocrit and lead test results, & TB assessment Dental: Recent Dental Exam (within the last 6 months)

(By Appointment ONLY) Please call to register today…….

NHPS—Early Childhood Registration Office - 80 Hamilton Street, New Haven, CT 06511 Monday through Friday 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m. ( See ‘NEW’ Extended Hours) ***NEW*** SATURDAYS -9AM -2PM (Starting Aug. 1st) If you have any additional questions please contact us at 203-946-6950 or 203-946-8446 2

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

We know our kids can succeed.

Together, we can help them rise.

As parents, you can help. Know the ART of School Success: Attend school everyday Read with your child everyday Talk with your child about his or her day www.nhps.net

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John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO

Babz Rawls Ivy

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Can Speed Table Calm Killer Intersection?

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 Memberships

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.

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DAVID YAFFE-BELLANY PHOTONeighbors demand action at danger zone.

by DAVID YAFFE-BELLANY NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Wary Beaver Hills neighbors showed officials a killer intersection and heard a new proposal for slowing what’s become a speedway.

The intersection is at Goffe Terrace and Ella T. Grasso Boulevard.

Two crashes were reported there in 2015. The sound of motorcycles speeding through a neighborhood where children play in the streets has raised serious concerns among residents. And in 2013, a Buick Century traveling at three times the 25 mile-per-hour speed limit crashed headlong into another car at the intersection of Goffe and Grasso. A 22-year-old woman was killed. The driver of the Buick was charged with first-degree manslaughter.

The intersection was a climactic stop on a neighborhood tour Wednesday night led by Beaver Hills Alders Brian Wingate and Jill Marks. “That’s a bad intersection,” said Wingate, who lives a few blocks down Boulevard. “It’s a big deal, because we lost lives on that street.”

The alders and neighbors walked six hilly blocks from the corner of Goffe and Crescent Street to the Goffe-Boulevard intersection to discuss speeding in the neighborhood. City Engineer Giovanni Zinn and transit chief Doug Hausladen joined the walking tour to answer questions from neighbors

and propose solutions to the problems under discussion.

“Without infrastructure that’s doing its job,” Hausladen told the group, “our quality of life is inherently diminished.”

As the group made its way up Goffe Terrace, Hausladen and Zinn stopped at each intersection to listen to neighbors’ concerns.

One resident noted that a stop sign on Colony Road was too far back for drivers to see oncoming traffic.

Another neighbor complained that a patch of sidewalk was missing from the side of the road.

Zinn, who recorded each complaint on his iPad, told the Independent that meeting community members on the street rather than in a school auditorium makes his job easier: He can readily identify problems, and doesn’t have to consult Google Maps every time an unfamiliar intersection comes up.

At the corner of Goffe and Ellsworth, Hausladen stopped to give neighbors a short history lesson about misbegotten traffic policies of decades past, including an initiative to widen lanes that had effectively encouraged speeding along the Goffe Terrace corridor.

He described his current work as the process of undoing those mistakes.

A collective sigh rippled through the group as the neighbors approached the Goffe-Boulevard intersection.

State Rep. Toni Walker, who lives on the Boulevard, said that drivers

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speeding through the intersection have twice wrecked her car while it was parked along the street.

“We’ve had cars come flying down the hill,” Walker said. “At night, we have people come here so fast.”

“It sounds like motorcycles,” she added. “This is the drag race, they’re doing tricks.”

According to Hausladen, the Goffe-Boulevard intersection has also been unpaved for years meaning that cars kick up rocks and dust when they speed by.

In New Haven, three separate agencies the transportation department, the engineering department, and public works collaborate on street projects. And Hausladen, who oversees only the transportation branch, told the Independent that he wasn’t sure whether public works had already resolved the paving issue.

“We’re about to find out,” he said, as the group approached the intersection.

“That’s how we usually find out about these things,” Zinn added with a wry smile.

It soon became clear that public works still has plenty of work to do: the intersection is lumpy and uneven, with rocks collecting in the fissures between patches of pavement.

Zinn told the neighbors that the high volume of traffic on Goffe Terrace would probably rule out an easy solution like speed bumps.

Instead he suggested a different

strategy: raising the Goffe-Boulevard intersection six inches above normal street level to create a slightly raised and textured “speed table” that would force passing cars to slow down.

A speed table at the intersection of Whitney Avenue and Audubon Street has reduced traffic problems there. Edwards Street has one too.

According to Hausladen, a similar project at the the Goffe-Boulevard intersection could actually make the paving delay seem like a blessing in disguise, because it would be wasteful to tear up a newly paved patch of street.

Zinn said it is too early to speculate about possible costs. But, he added, speed tables, which take about a week to physically construct, are usually pretty expensive. Engineers will have to examine a number of factors, including drainage costs and the hilly design of the intersection, before the city commits to building the table. And with the current construction season set to end in November, it may prove impossible to finish the project before next year.

Zinn who said he would also want to vet the plan with more community members vowed that his department will make the Boulevard-Goffe intersection an priority.

“We want to address this within the next year,” he said. “That’s probably the first thing that we’ll look at tomorrow morning.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Racial Profiling Group Struggles With How To Present Traffic Stop Data

by Jack Kramer

Connecticut “has been fortunate’’ to avoid the deadly shootings involving police and minorities that have plagued the rest of the country, the chairman of the Connecticut Racial Profiling Advisory Board said Thursday.

“We’ve escaped, so far, but something may be around the corner,’’ former New Haven state Rep. William Dyson, who chairs the board, said.

Meanwhile, he warned, “we need to be talking.’’ And by “we’’ he meant police, politicians, and people in the communities.

“I don’t mean to be preaching,’’ continued Dyson. “We all find a way to dance around the issue, to avoid talking about the elephant or the gorilla in the room – racism.’’

Dyson’s words came near the end of a more than two hour meeting of the advisory board. The board has been meeting regularly since May of 2012. Its focus has been to better understand traffic stop data in communities and report on it.

Ken Barone, policy and research specialist at the Institute for Municipal & Regional Policy at CCSU, and a member of the advisory board, acknowledged the media attention the group’s work has attracted in May. It recently released a study that found nine Connecticut police departments and a state police troop

showed racial and ethnic disparities in traffic stops they made over a 12-month period. It’s the second study the group has released.

The most damning evidence from the Racial Profiling Prohibition Project report is that black and Hispanic drivers are more likely to be pulled over during daylight hours than after dark, when officers presumably can’t see who’s behind the wheel.

The 292-page report looked at more than 585,000 traffic stops around the state.

The overall data points to potential problems in the Hartford-based Troop H and nine municipal departments.

Bloomfield, New Milford, Norwalk, West Hartford, and Wethersfield appeared to target black

and Hispanic drivers more frequently, according to the study.

Meriden, Newington, Trumbull, and Windsor were also found to have consistent disparities that raise the potential of racial and ethnic bias, the study found.

While the nine towns and Troop H are statistical outliers this year, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re engaged in racial profiling, officials cautioned. But at the same time the information included in the lengthy report and the explanations as to why some of the traffic stops occurred don’t always boil down to a sound byte.

Also some police departments have felt like they’ve been targeted by the group and don’t believe the data always gives the fullest picture of what’s actually

happening in their community.

Tamara Lanier, criminal justice chair of the NAACP, said she thinks the group needs to be careful about the follow up data it does report because the data is the data.

“We don’t want to detract from the data. The data should be the driving factor here,” she said.

Officials pointed out that Hamden, for example, de-emphasized traffic stops for equipment-related issues in the minority neighborhoods along its border with New Haven, a move that improved its record without apparently crimping its success since crime rates also fell.

Barone said that Connecticut is out front on the issue, stating that it is

the only state “that goes beyond producing an annual report.’’ The state takes it a step further, Barone said analyzing the data for trends and possible corrective actions.

“We’ve made progress in the three years we’ve been studying the issue,’’ he said.

Barone said the group’s federal funding is about to expire, but he’s hoping the work they’ve done will ensure continued funding.

In the meantime, he’s hoping Connecticut lawmakers consider revisiting some motor vehicle laws that discriminate against minority drivers.

“There are racial and ethnic disCon’t on page 10

Green Party Submits Twice The Required Number of Signatures For The Presidential Ballot

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO Jill Stein outside the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia

by Jack Kramer Ct. JUNKIE NEWS

Supporters of Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein claim they have submitted between 14,000 and 15,000 signatures of Connecticut voters to the Secretary of the State’s office asking for Stein’s name to be on November’s ballot.

If that’s true that is about twice the number of necessary signatures — 7,500 — needed to get Stein’s name listed on the ballot, along with Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic Party nominee Hillary Clinton.

Also attempting to get on the Connecticut presidential ballot is Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson.

Petitions were submitted to the Secretary of the State’s office with Carla Howell’s name on them,

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according to Patrick Gallahue, a spokesman in Secretary of the State Denise Merrill’s office.

Howell is the national Libertarian Party’s political director. She is serving in many states, not just in Connecticut, as a “placeholder’’ candidate, who would eventually be replaced by Johnson if the Libertarians meet Connecticut’s 7,500 signature threshold.

The deadline to submit the signatures was Aug. 10.

It will still take several weeks for election officials to certify the signatures and decide which candidates will get a spot on Connecticut’s ballot.

Tags: jill stein, Green Party, Gary Johnson, Libertarian Party, signatures, ballot, dh

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Malloy Responds To Trump’s Criticisms, Touts Summer Meal Program

by Christine Stuart Ct. JUNKIE NEWS

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump pulled no punches Saturday when it came to the performance of Connecticut’s Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

“Let me tell you how bad your governor is,” Trump told a crowd of 5,000 Saturday at Sacred Heart University. “He’s a very unpopular guy. He’s done a very poor job for Connecticut.”

Trump suggested voters view their vote for Trump as a vote against Malloy and his economic policies, which Trump said drove General Electric out of Connecticut.

“You’ve gotta vote for Trump just as a signal to your incompetent governor that you’re not going to take it anymore,” Trump said Saturday. “...do it as a protest vote against your governor for losing General Electric.”

CHRISTINE STUART PHOTO Gov. Dannel P. Malloy hands some milk to Javion Stuart

After handing out 49 milk cartons to kids at summer lunch program in East Hartford Monday, Mal-

Training for the future

This past weekend August 12 and 13, the members of The New Haven Club, Inc. of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. held their annual retreat in Milford, CT. During the weekend they spent time sharping their computer skills on the Southwest American Job Center Mobile Career Coach. Aside from reviewing the basics about computers and computer software, an in-depth discussion was held about the pros and cons of social media, how to and when you should delete e-mails so your computer is not compromised, along with many other suggestions that will be helpful in this computer age.

loy also didn’t pull any punches when he called Trump a “fraud.”

“Donald Trump is an outand-out fraud,” Malloy said.

“Let’s start with the fact that he won’t release his tax returns.

He’s running for the highest office in the land. He said he would release his tax returns.

He acknowledged that was necessary to run for president and he won’t.”

Malloy opined that it’s because the tax returns will show the only one who has ever benefitted from all of his bankruptcies is Donald Trump.

As for criticism that Connecticut failed to retain GE’s headquarters in Fairfield, Malloy said the public would still be howling if he spent $162 million to retain 200 jobs. That $162 million is the amount of money the state of Massachusetts and the city of Boston gave GE in economic incentives to relocate to the Bay State.

Democratic lawmakers have argued that Connecticut’s tax structure and GE’s complaints about it were exaggerated in an effort to make the state a scapegoat. They have said GE traded in its office park in Fairfield in exchange for a more 7

urban environment that better serves its workforce. Republican lawmakers have argued that GE left at least partly because of Connecticut’s tax structure and the lack of predictability in its budget process.

In a press release announcing the company’s departure in January, GE’s CEO Jeffrey Immelt said they chose Boston because they “want to be at the center of an ecosystem that shares our aspirations.”

He cited the 55 colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area and the investment the state makes in research and development.

Malloy said he’s proud of his record on job creation. He said during his tenure Connecticut has seen the creation of 100,000 private sector jobs and dramatic changes in an education system that’s graduating more kids.

“We’re a healthier state. We’re a safer state experiencing a lowest crime rate in 48 years,” Malloy said. “We’re investing money in infrastructure… so I’m pretty proud of the record.”

Malloy might be proud of his record, but his 24 percent approval rating makes it difficult for Democrats to defend the gov-

ernor against Trump’s attack.

Top Democrats in the state like U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who was also attacked by Trump for misstating his service during the Vietnam War, and U.S. Reps. Elizabeth Esty, Jim Himes, Joe Courtney, John Larson, and Rosa DeLauro didn’t come to Malloy’s defense on social media Saturday night.

“If Rep. Esty responded every time Donald Trump launched a new attack or made a new outrageous comment, she’d have no time for anything else,” a spokesman for Esty’s campaign, said Monday.

Leigh Appleby, a spokesman for the Connecticut Democratic Party, said Monday the real story is why Republicans are supporting a “presidential nominee who has attacked a Gold Star family, incited violence against his political opponent, and mocked a reporter with a physical disability.”

He said while Malloy and Connecticut Democrats were “making hard choices to balance our state budget, Donald Trump was bankrupting businesses and driving them into the ground.

While Dan Malloy was working with the Democratic legislature to raise the minimum wage and guarantee earned sick time, Donald Trump was stiffing and shortchanging the people who worked for him. And while Dan Malloy and Democrats were improving Connecticut’s education system, Donald Trump was being sued for running the bogus Trump University.”

Meanwhile, Malloy visited Sunset Ridge School in East Hartford to tout the success of a summer meal program. The program has expanded from 536 sites to 714 sites over the past six years.

The sites serve breakfast and lunch to children under the age of 18 during the summer months when school is not in session.

In 2015, the program fed 41,676 children and served a total of 1,924,450 meals across the state.

The program is funded mostly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

100 Jam Meeting Seeking Chief’s Ouster

by MARKESHIA RICKS NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Community members packed the Stetson Branch Library to decry what they allege is Mayor Toni Harp’s leniency toward embattled Police Chief Dean Esserman and his pattern of public misbehavior.

Many attendees said instead of three weeks of paid time off, Harp should have given Esserman a pink slip in response to his latest public outburst against a citizen.

About 100 community people attended the public discussion Wednesday night at the Dixwell neighborhood library branch to strategize how to get her to fire the chief instead of allowing him to return to his job next Tuesday.

The evening ended with talk of a petition drive. (In an Independent “True Vote “poll, 73 percent of responded said Esserman should not return to his job; 18 percent said he should.)

Harp explained her reasoning this week on WNHH radio’s “Mayor Monday,” saying she gave Esserman “progressive discipline” following an outburst against a waitress at Archie Moore’s restaurant while also seeking to keep streets safe in a city where crime has dropped steadily during Esserman’s nearly five-year tenure.

The paid leave was partly a rebuke of Esserman’s behavior, but also a charge to him to get his personal affairs in order.

Retired police Capt. Odell Cohens, a respected community cop, told the crowd that he was angry that the department seemed to be regressing in the recruitment of officers of color under Esserman’s leadership. Cohens joined the force in 1963, when there were just five officers of color. He was among those who sued the department in 1968 to increase representation and won. He said that it now looks like things are going backward.

“We are not in tune or in touch with people of color being on the police department,” he said to the crowd Wednesday of a conversation he had with Esserman. “I made him aware that I was watching and that I was sick and tired of seeing things done the way that they have been done in New Haven.”

He said he told Esserman that department has failed to promote

MARKESHIA RICKS PHOTO Attendees vote “no-confidence” in chief.

Fair.

Cohens: Department has regressed under Esserman.

officers of color and didn’t give them good job assignments. He said those failures result in the systematic elimination of people of color in the department.

“At that time I said to him, ‘You are making me have flashbacks pre-1968,’” Cohens said. “And he said, ‘What do you mean?’ I said, ‘Because what you’re doing is an injustice to people of color.’”

He urged attendees to “get a

backbone and stop being pushed around. Something has to happen.”

At the two-hour meeting, attendees pressed mayoral Chief of Staff Tomas Reyes and city Corporation Counsel John Rose to reveal the specifics of Esserman’s punishment. They wanted to know exactly whar conditions Esserman is supposed to meet during his paid 15-day suspension some derided it as a “paid vaca-

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tion” in order to return to work.

Reyes and Rose suggested Wednesday evening that it isn’t a foregone conclusion that the mayor would allow Esserman to reassume his duties next Tuesday. When pressed for details of his suspension, they said legally they aren’t allowed to share the details of a personnel matter with the public.

“I would not say the chief went on vacation,” Reyes said. “The chief was put out, on a leave of absence with pay. He’s got a number of things to do between the time he got put out and the time that the three weeks are up.”

State Sen. Gary Winfield pressed Rose to be more forthcoming about what the community should expect as an outcome of Esserman’s disciplinary process and what if any information people would receive about that result.

“All the information from the process that the law allows us to give,” Rose replied.

“I don’t want people to leave here saying, ‘I know absolutely nothing more than I did when I came here,’” Winfield said.

After still more pressure from the audience, Rose finally said that the mayor is not going to rescind Esserman’s appointment until she is satisfied that there is a basis for such an action. “[Esserman] is consulting with professionals for the purpose of satisfying the mayor that he is eligible and capable” of performing his duties, Rose said.

Lia Granger-Miller of New Ha-

ven’s Black Lives Matter chapter expressed concern that the administration cannot offer the public any reassurance that Esserman’s personal problems won’t continue to interfere with how he runs the department and interacts with the community.

“How do we as a people know that those things are being addressed?” she asked. “If he is supposed to be back out on the streets, how are we supposed to know that it is deemed that he’s safe to rule essentially? We don’t know because you guys aren’t providing us assurance that it’s OK for him to be back on the streets.

Granger-Miller said Esserman’s record of public outbursts and shoddy treatment of city residents and police department employees has been well documented not only in New Haven, but in his previous jobs.

“I understand the political answers that you’re giving us, but you guys are going to have to answer to us soon,” she said. “And it cannot be a blanket general answer. We want to know why you think that it’s OK for him to come back.”

Pastor John Lewis, who is among a group of African-American clergy in the city with whom Esserman consults, urged attendees to decide what they wanted, do their homework, and then go after it.

“If we want to get a new chief, let’s get a new chief,” he said.

“If we want things changed in our department, let’s get it changed. We can do it. I’m telling you, we can do it, or we can just shut stuff down. Period.”

Attendees left with a plan of action that many hope will ultimately result in Esserman’s ouster. Participants said they plan to launch a petition drive door-to-door and online to remove the chief permanently.

Barbara Fair, a longtime community activist who organized the meeting, is also pushing for a meeting with Harp to hand-deliver the petition and surveys collected at the meeting, and to discuss their opposition to reinstating Esserman before any final decisions are made.

“We need to have a chief who is going to make our city feel safe,” she said. “And our city is not going to feel safe if our chief is out of order.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Correction Officers: Staff and Overtime Reductions Put Them At Risk of Injury

by Christine Stuart Ct. JUNKIE NEWS

Nearly five months after the layoffs began, the presidents of three bargaining groups representing 4,800 Correction Department employees wrote Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to tell him they’re concerned about their safety.

More than 100 Correction Department staff were laid off in April and several posts were eliminated, at the same time staffing levels on shifts were reduced, according to the union president’s letter to Malloy.

Rudy Demiraj, president of AFSCME Local 387, said their biggest concern is the number of “post” reductions.

He said a reduction in posts means there are fewer required locations that Correction Officers have to be at in a facility, which means it will take longer if there is an assault for other officers to get to that post. Also,

CTNEWSJUNKIE FILE PHOTO Public Safety workers, including Correction officers, rally at the state Capitol in March

with fewer officers inside the facility, the longer it will take for officers to respond to an incident, including assaults on staff or inmates, Demiraj said.

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Correction Commissioner Scott Semple said Monday in a letter to Malloy that they reduced the number of posts by 56 positions, or 2.5 percent, across the agency’s 15 facilities.

Over the past year, the incarcerated population has dropped from 16,141 to 15,087 inmates, which is a decrease of about 6.5 percent, according to Semple.

“Looking back to 1997, a time with a comparable incarcerated population to that of today, the agency’s 18 facilities operated with a total of 2,171 staffing posts. Fast forward 19 years, the department operates 15 facilities with a total of 2,150 posts (even after a reduction of 56 posts) and approximately 500 more inmates.”

Demiraj said he’s not disputing Semple’s numbers, but he added that it’s happening at the same time the department is facing increased pressure to lower overtime costs.

Demiraj said they’ve been sending officers home an hour before their shift is scheduled to end.

“Every day there’s one less correction officer in a facility, is a day that a person is not there to respond to a fellow officer or keep the in10

mates safe,” Demiraj said.

“We protect the public, we protect the staff, and the inmates.”

He said the current situation is creating an “unpredictable” environment that’s likely to lead to an increase in assaults on staff. In the letter, the three bargaining unit presidents cited at least eight incidents that have occurred at the facilities dating back to 2014.

On June 8 an inmate at MacDougall Walker Correctional Institute in Suffield attacked a counseling supervisor and two Correction officers.

Then on April 30 there was a seven-inmate “melee at Manson Youth Institute in Cheshire that left several staff injured.” Those were the two most recent incidents, but Demiraj said there are serious incidents that happen every month in the facilities.

Semple, however, said the number of incidents is down.

Comparing the period between mid-March and early August with the same period last year, “assaults by inmates are down a significant 41.5 percent. Additionally, inmate on inmate fights, for the same period, are down 8.3 percent,” Semple said.

Semple said for that same period overtime costs are down about $8.8 million.

“Regardless of the numbers, we continue to assess data with an eye toward future trends and adjusting our policies; let me reassure you that safety of the public, staff, and offender population remains a top priority of this agency,” Semple said.

But Demiraj feels like the data won’t help prevent the inevitable.

“The recent layoffs make our facilities inherently more dangerous and will wind up driving up overtime costs,” Demiraj and the other presidents wrote in the letter.

He said Connecticut must do better and take steps to prevent injury.

The union is asking Malloy to re-establish a Correction Staff Health and Safety Subcommittee, which was created in 2009 under former Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell. It also wants him to join them at the facilities to hear firsthand from Correction officers about the increased dangers they face on the job.

It’s unclear if Malloy will take them up on their offer.

Con’t from page 6

Racial Profiling

parities,’’ in our motor vehicle laws, said Barone. He said a careful look at the data shows that minorities are significantly more likely to be searched by police and significantly more likely to have their cars pulled over for equipment violations.

Barone said the police weren’t necessarily at fault for pulling minorities over in higher numbers than white drivers.

“It is how policing has developed over 30 years,’’ he said.

Police have been trained, Barone said, that motor vehicle stops translates into fewer drugs being on the streets.

That’s simply not true, according to the data, Barone said.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

SERVING UP THE BEST OF SUMMER AND THERE’S PLENTY TO GO AROUND

CTOP-0353 InnerCity9.25x10GS.indd 1

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7/20/16 3:49 PM

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Mom: My Son Didn’t Assault That Professor

by DAVID YAFFE-BELLANY NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Instead of preparing for a new school year, 17-year-old Aymir Holland is preparing for a trial that could send him to prison for up to 61 years. Community members Thursday night rallied around to help him.

Last November, when he was 16, Holland was one of three young men arrested for allegedly assaulting a celebrated 79-year-old Yale professor as he walked home from work.

Holland was charged with five felonies. He remains behind bars.

His mother, Latoya Willis, insisted at a meeting at the main public library branch Thursday night of the Citywide Youth Coalition that her son deserves to go free. She said he merely watched, frozen with panic, as the two other young men assaulted the professor. Local activists from across the city promised they will wage a campaign to secure Holland’s freedom.

“When you hear ‘61 years,’ what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Life sentence,” said Addys Castillo, the executive director of the Citywide Youth Coalition. “We’re not done. This is only the beginning of the public conversation.”

On the evening of Nov. 27th, 2015, Willis said, she sent Holland out of the house to play basketball, hoping it would cheer him up after a funeral earlier in the day for a friend of his who had recently died of cancer.

Holland went downtown to meet with another friend, who was ac-

DAVID YAFFE-BELLANY PHOTO Willis

and Fitzpatrick at Thursday night’s meeting.

companied by a group of men he barely knew, according to Willis.

At around 6 p.m., near the corner of Whitney Avenue and Bradley Street, two of the men attacked the professor, punching and kicking him until he blacked out, then stealing his wallet and backpack.

The professor who served in the U.S. State Department under President Ronald Reagan administration and now teaches popular international relations classes at Yale suffered three broken ribs and later underwent surgery on a broken bone in his right knee.

According to Willis, Holland, a large, likable kid, stood speechless and terrified as the attack unfolded.

“By the time he ran, they were all running together,” Willis said. “My son’s never even been suspended from school, and now he’s looking at 61 years.”

An arrest warrant affidavit signed

by New Haven police Det. Juan Ingles tells a different story. According to the affidavit, although the professor told the police he did not know how many of the men attacked him, one of the other alleged assailants said Holland stomped on the professor while he lay on the ground. The third alleged assailant told police he wasn’t sure whether Holland had struck the professor. Another two men said to be involved in the assault ran

away from the scene and have not been identified by the police.

The professor was treated at the hospital for injuries, from which he recovered. The arrestees were each charged with five felonies: first-degree assault, first-degree assault on an elderly person, first-degree robbery, second-degree larceny, reckless endangerment, and conspiracy.

In December, Holland was sent to the Manson Youth Institution in Cheshire, where he has been held for the last seven months, with bail set at $250,000. Willis, who said she can’t afford a private attorney, has relied on the services of a public defender, Angelica Papastravros.

to subsidized tenants in Dixwell.

BCJ said it needed the extension for Monterey to qualify for a new form of federal rental subsidies that will generate enough income to keep the development in good shape.

Tenants and public-housing and elected officials supported the ask.

“They have done a phenomenal job in making sure low-income housing doesn’t look like ‘lowincome housing,’” Dixwell Alder Jeanette Morrison said before the vote Monday night. “This will allow our residents to live in a place they can be proud of.”

The company paid a little over

$100,000 in taxes on five key properties at Monterey in 2014.

Their tax bill this year would be over $500,000 without the breaks. (See chart.)

An amendment passed Monday night requires BCJ to report annually to an alder-created review committee using LISHTA (Low Income and Supportive Housing Tax Abatements Committee) standards.

The point of the review is to ensure that the tax breaks are being used to maintain the development for the benefit of low-income renters as promised, said Serena Neal-Sanjurjo, executive direc-

tor of local government’s neighborhoods anti-blight agency, the Livable City Initiative (LCI).

In other business Monday night, the alders voted to accept another $100,000 state grant to do environmental testing at the old Clock Factory at 133 Hamilton St. in hopes of arranging a sale of the property to a developer who’d renovate it “for residential or commercial use.” The state already sent $200,000 to the city for an environmental assessment there, to determine the scope of needed environmental remediation. The new money will enable New Ha-

Holland is scheduled to appear in New Haven Superior Court on Aug. 25 for a pre-trial hearing. Despite his age, he is set to be tried as an adult, given the severity of the charges against him. Willis said she hopes to convince the judge to transfer Holland to juvenile court.

At Thursday night’s meeting, Castillo and other local activists brainstormed strategies for mobilizing community members to support Holland and his family: a petition, rallies outside the courthouse, a GoFundMe page to raise money to pay bail.

Mark Fitzpatrick, an English teacher who taught Holland at Highville Change Academy, spoke at the meeting, urging the local activists to rally behind his former student. He said he tries to visit Holland at Manson Correctional Institution about once a week.

“It’s a hard thing seeing him behind this plexiglass, when you’re used to seeing him in class,” Fitzpatrick told the Independent. “He was a big kid — and he’s just so gentle.

He has stopped a couple kids in school from bullying other kids.”

Willis — who spoke through tears in front of an audience of about three dozen people at the library — said Holland studied Mandarin at Highville and hoped someday to travel to China.

“I didn’t consider my son ‘at risk,’” Willis said. “The type of person he is, I wouldn’t have expected to be sitting in this room.”

Monterey Tax Break Sails To Approval

by PAUL BASS

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

A developer won a 20year tax break worth over $10 million—with a proviso that keeps track of whether low-income renters benefit.

The Board of Alders unanimously voted to approve the 20-year break Monday night.

It comes in the form of a 20-year extension of the soon-to-expire tax abatements given Bostonbased Beacon Corcoran SP Jennison (aka “BCJ”) for the 399-unit Monterey Place public-housing development it owns and rents

12

ven to conduct radium testing.

The alders also voted to make a downtown zoning ordinance text amendment change to allow for classroom-only driving schools to operate there. The vote also allows school operators to seek special permits to run full-scale scales, including on-road driving.

The amendment, cosponsored

by Downtown Alder Alberta Witherspoon and Beaver Hills Alder Richard Furlow, allows Tyronda James to open an “affordable” downtown school.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

$10 Million Coming To Clean The Sound. Maybe

by ALLAN APPEL

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Mia Hudson and Marc Mayo and about 40 of their little pals from their New Haven YMCA Youth Center camp were enjoying the sand, the blue and green climbing apparatus, and, had the rains not threatened, would have frolicked in the clean surf of the B-plus rated waters of the beach at Lighthouse Point Park Wednesday.

A short distance down the promenade, unbeknownst to the kids, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro stood at a portable podium and remembered how she too as a little girl enjoyed the beach every summer and took delight in knowing that current and future generations will likely do the same.

That’s thanks in part to $10 million newly earmarked for Long Island Sound clean-up and other protection projects, which DeLauro announced at a press conference by the water.

Flanked by Mayor Toni Harp and Connecticut Fund for the Environment/Save The Sound Executive Director Curt Johnson, DeLauro said that the funding, contained in the appropriations bill for the Department of Interior and Environment, represents a leap from the $4 million last year.

It reflects a recognition of the importance of the Sound, she added, which she said generates through the tourism and other dependent businesses about $9.6

DeLauro, Harp, and Johnson, with Sound shipping floating by.

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO Mia Hudson and Marc Mayo with camp director Aishah Brice.

million to the regional economy.

Yet the new money is not a sure catch.

The Senate version of the bill

has only $6 million to benefit the Sound. DeLauro said she is hopeful Connecticut U.S. Sens. Chris

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Murphy and Richard Blumenthal will be able to get the final conference bill to contain provision for the full $10 million.

DeLauro, along with New York’s U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, co-chairs the House’s Long Island Sound Caucus.

Flanked by enlarged photographs of a die-off of fish due to nitrogen pollution that occurred last spring at Peconic Bay, N.Y., and the glorious humpback whale, which is returning to the Sound because of increased fish populations, Johnson hailed the new funding.

“It’s been 400 years since humpback whales have come back to Long Island Sound. Maybe Rosa talked to them,” quipped Johnson.

If and when it comes through, the money would be deposited at the Environmental Protection Agency Long Island Sound Office in Stamford and distributed from there to municipalities, not-for-profits, and partnerships among groups based on a competitive grant process, said Johnson.

Both he and DeLauro said the grant is building on previous successes in protective initiatives including reducing nitrogen in the Sound and that municipalities like New Haven are now poised to propose and implement further such plans; nitrogen in excessive amounts reduces oxygen in the water resulting in dead zones and a consequent decimation of fish populations.

Johnson said the EPA has set new nitrogen reduction plans

and so have the states of New York and Connecticut, he said.

“West River and the Quinnipiac River are suffering from too much nitrogen,” he added, suggesting that some of the futurefunded projects would address such problems in those locations.

He praised the past work, including benefits like Lighthouse Point Park beach being rated by his group a “B plus going on A” beach, and suggested the range of new projects would include aid to towns so they can build rain gardens to collect rain before it turns into dirty runoff; freeing rivers; replacing rotten dams; and in general improving water quality, bringing back fish, and making beaches safer.

While scientific monitoring and amelioration of nitrogen and other pollution seemed to be the thrust of where future work will be going, Johnson said the best projects, on a competitive basis, will succeed, and that didn’t preclude inventive solutions to flooding issues in areas, for example, such as nearby East Shore Park.

He said he has had, for example, preliminary conversations with City Engineer Giovanni Zinn about alternatives to traditional bulkheads to keep high tides and rising seas out of East Shore Park.

Instead of traditional bulkheads, Johnson said Zinn has discussed with him a concept he termed a “living shore.” That is an array of salt marshes, small barriers, and a kelp wall to attract fish.

The idea: “To protect the community from flooding but [also] build up the natural systems,” Johnson said.

The appropriations decisions must be made by a federal deadline of Sept. 30. The first new projects benefiting by the new funds would not be implemented until some time in 2017 at the earliest, DeLauro said.

Meanwhile, a few tourists were wandering about Wednesday on the neat and just raked sand of the beach. Others waded into the water. A fisherman heaved his line from the rocky end of the jetty, as a huge tug pushed a ship out from New Haven Harbor into the Sound.

YMCA Camp Director Aishah Brice said, as the kids flocked around her, “It’s very beneficial to us to know we have a place to take our kids where it’s safe in the water.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

A Decade Later, Justus’s Mom Presses On

by DAVID YAFFE-BELLANY NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Ten years after a random bullet killed her 13-year-old son, Tracey Suggs takes solace in the fact that she can still hold his hand.

Suggs keeps a plaster mold of her son Justus’ left hand, taken a day before he was removed from life support in August 2006, in a small box in his old bedroom, surrounded by flowers that were on display at his funeral. Every few days, she sits in his room, clutching the plaster hand, which is stained with her sweat, and tells her dead son over and over how much she misses him.

“I sit there and place my hand on it, and I’ll talk to him like if I’m holding his hand again,” she said. “Sometimes I think, maybe it’s just a psychological thing, that a warmth comes off it.”

Justus was a happy-go-lucky kid with dreams of opening a repair shop when he was caught in the crossfire of a gang shooting two blocks from his home on Davenport Avenue in the Hill. He was killed just two weeks after a stray bullet claimed the life of another 13-year-old, Jajuana Cole, in similar circumstances in Dixwell.

Their deaths provoked widespread outrage over the scourge of gun violence and the tragic plight of children growing up in a crime-ravaged community. Their moms became the faces of public grief as well as of a communal determination to make New Haven safer for other children.

A decade later, Suggs has figured out how to keep living without denying the pain that stays with her every day. In an interview in her living room, where pictures of Justus adorn the walls, Suggs told the Independent about her dreams for the future, her strategies for coping with grief, and her still burning love for the son she lost.

Over the past ten years, Suggs has tried to move on with her life: She recently enrolled in a general-education course at Albertus Magnus College. Once she fin-

since he died. She never considered holding a similar event to the one Jajuana’s family organized.

“I don’t want to celebrate,” she said. “That day is not a celebration of his life, it’s the taking of his life.”

At the party for Jajuana, Foreman-Ulmer and her extended family shared stories about a girl who clearly still occupies an important place in their collective memory. Suggs, on the other hand, feels increasingly alone in her devotion to Justus.

“Even though people remember him, they don’t really remember him,” she said. “It’s like, OK, he’s a thing of the past, and now he’s gone, he’s buried, and it’s time to move on to something else.”

When she reflects on the shooting, Suggs still has to exerDAVID YAFFE-BELLANY PHOTO Justus’s photo remains on display in his mom’s living room. cise tremendous willpower ishes her studies there, she plans til there’s nowhere else for it to Sondra Foreman-Ulmer, Jajuana just to hold herself together. to apply to a nursing program at go, until everything’s just de- Cole’s mother, as part of the She usually spends only five Gateway Community College. voured. It takes from your soul.” gun violence-awareness initia- or ten minutes at Justus’ grave.

For Suggs, those ambitions Stopping the Violence tive CTribat . That program has If she stayed any longer, she are inextricably tied to memo- Suggs used to write poems and since wrapped up. But the dev- would lose control, she said. ries of Justus. She worked as a diary entries about Justus in a astating consequences of gang “I start to think that if I let mycertified nursing assistant when crinkled notebook that she keeps warfare have continued to haunt self go, let everything out, will Justus was growing up; he was on a table in the living room. Suggs’ family. Three years ago, my mind still be there? Will convinced that her hospital In one entry, dated September 7, her nephew was shot and killed. I be able to recover from that scrubs meant she was a fully 2006, about a month after Justus And last year, one of Justus’ old breakdown? Or will I be just qualified nurse. (She now works died, she testified to the power friends, Francesca Ratchford, another mental statistic, anas a janitor at a local school.) of “a mother’s love”: “Precious was shot on her front porch. other mental-illness person?”

“If that’s what you want, I’m son and more than adored,” Suggs is no longer involved in Sometimes Suggs wonders a nurse,” she used to tell him. she wrote, “a mother’s love any public campaigns against what her son would have done She has returned to school will keep your memory alive.” gun violence. But she feels an with his life if he’d survived: partly because she feels it’s But Suggs whose wide smile obligation to intervene when if he’d have a wife, a famwhat Justus would’ve wanted. and hearty laugh hide the pro- she hears neighborhood boys ily, a thriving repair business.

“I do it for him. I can im- found grief that has followed joking about bullets an urge But even after all these years, she merse myself in it, but he still her every day since the shoot- to remind them that her son said, her dominant emotion is not comes to mind,” she said. “I ing realizes that it will take died “because of nonsense.” sadness or nostalgia. It is anger. tell him, ‘Your mom’s going more than just a mother’s love “I don’t condone vio- Her son’s shooter, a 17-yearback to school. She’s gonna to save lives in New Haven. lence,” she tells them, “but old named Thaddeus Rout, do this, gonna do that. I know In the summer of 2006, then- I’d rather see you fight fist was sentenced to 29 years in you’re proud of your mom.’” Mayor John DeStefano promised to fist than talk about guns.” prison. Asked if she could ever forgive him, Suggs reStill, Suggs said, she doubts to make ending gun violence a top Anniversaries that getting a nursing license priority for his administration.

In June, Foreman-Ulmer held plied not. Certain crimes, she will lessen the pain that has con- Mayor Toni Harp has continued a family party to commemo- said, are beyond redemption. sumed her ever since a crowd that crusade. Crime has dropped rate the tenth anniversary of “There are just some things, of boys banged on her door steadily over the past five years, Jajuana’s death. A crowd of like taking my son, that I just ten years ago to say that Jus- but gun violence remains a dozens of relatives gathered at can’t forgive,” she said. “I want tus had been shot in the street. serious problem in the city. the Greek Olive restaurant to my son. I can’t have my son.

“They say time heals all Of the twelve people who sing and dance and eat cake. So I can’t give forgiveness.” wounds—that’s not true,” she died of gun wounds last Suggs visited her son’s grave on said. “Time just makes the year, three were teenagers. the tenth anniversary of his shootwound deeper and deeper un- In 2009, Suggs joined forces with ing, just as she has every year

16

Breeders Bypassed

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

by ROHAN NAIK

NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT

Peter Sparks and Julia McFadden arrived at a café downtown Sunday morning for what they imagined would be a leisurely breakfast.

A few hours later, they were adopting a cat.

They ended up at a pet adoption event sponsored by the Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter at the Broadway Island across from The Shops at Yale. The event featured both dogs and cats of a variety of ages and breeds.

The mission was twofold: to increase awareness of the New Haven Animal Shelter and to increase the likelihood of pet adoption.

“A lot of people don’t actually know where [the shelter] is, so it’s good to get the word out about that,” said Deb Wan, president of Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter. (The shelter is on Fournier Street near Southern Connecticut State University.)

“But also we always hope that someone will get adopted at our events. It doesn’t always happen, but it’s great when it does.”

Organizers settled on the Broadway location for the event due to its ability to attract downtown shoppers who otherwise would not make the trip to the shelter.

Jennifer Sun, a graduate student at Yale, said the event and location were attractive for students in particular.

“I tried to adopt a cat before from the New Haven Animal Shelter, but it was difficult to schedule a time to go out there,” she said. “Having this here on a Sunday, when we can actually take a break from work, is great.”

As a not-for-profit run by volunteers, Friends has worked for over 20 years to support the Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter. Located at 81 Fournier, the shelter, the second largest in Connecticut, draws over 3,000 visitors per year. On average it takes in about 1,400 dogs and cats annually; it has an adoption rate of roughly 75 percent.

On Sunday, the animals were featured in cages in a large, airconditioned vehicle, which was sponsored by the North Shore Animal League. Visitors could

ROHAN NAIK PHOTO walk through the vehicle to then see which animals they connected with; there were around ten dogs and five cats available for adoption at the event.

After settling on an animal, interested parties would then fill out an application and wait a few days for the animal to be spayed or neutered. While the New Haven Animal Shelter reserves the right to deny an adoption for any reason, the application is fairly straightforward; it requires an $80 fee, proof of home ownership or a landlord’s phone number, and a valid photo ID. Sunday’s visitors stressed the importance of finding a pet that “fit in” to their lives.

Sparks and McFadden, who already own two cats, said they

were looking for a cat that would get along with their current pets.

“We’ve been thinking about adopting for a couple years,” Sparks said. “You have to consider a lot of factors before you decide.”

All interviewed at Sunday’s event said they much prefer adoption to purchasing a dog from a breeder.

Ann Schildroth, a Friends volunteer, said that one of the perks of adoption is that mutts are often healthier than purebreds sold by breeders.

While filing paperwork for a new adoption, Sparks and McFadden echoed support for shelter animals.

“I just don’t see the point” of buying from breeders, Sparks said.

“There are just so many pets out there that already need homes.”

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Simone Manuel Wins Gold! Becomes First Black Woman To Win Individual Event In Swimming

by Gemma Greene, BlackDoctor.Org

Simone Manuel managed to rewrite history, break a world record, and bring a little magic to the Olympics all in less than a minute.

Manuel became the first AfricanAmerican woman to win an individual event in Olympic swimming on Thursday night. She and Penny Oleksiak of Canada tied for the fastest time, an Olympic record in the women’s 100-meter freestyle: 52.70 seconds.

Manuel, originally from Sugar Land, Texas, swam at her local club, First Colony Swim Team early on when she realized this was something she was good at.

Manuel is the youngest of three and began swimming at age 5 by watching her two older brothers. She joined the First Colony Swim Team at age 11, where she swam under head coach Alison Beebe throughout her early career.

At the 2012 United States Olympic Trials, Manuel placed 20th in the 50-meter freestyle (25.63) 17th

in 100-meter freestyle. But in 2016 it was a totally different story.

When Manuel looked up after touching the wall, she saw red lit dots on her block that indicated she had at least finished among the podium places, and admitted she was “super surprised” when she

turned around and saw the “1” next to her name on the scoreboard.

Manuel said that her victory was extra special in the context of ongoing race issues in the U.S. “It is something I’ve definitely struggled with a lot,” Manuel said.

“Coming into the race I tried to

take weight of the black community off my shoulders. It’s something I carry with me. I want to be an inspiration, but I would like there to be a day when it is not ‘Simone the black swimmer.’

The last time an American won gold in the event was 1984, when

Nancy Hogshead and Carrie Steinseifer also tied and shared the gold medal with a time of 55.92 seconds.

Several black swimmers have won Olympic medals for the United States. The first woman of African-American descent… …to make an American Olympic team was Maritza Correia, a member of the 400-meter freestyle relay team that won silver at the 2004 Athens Games.

Lia Neal, a Brooklyn native, won a bronze in a relay at the 2012 London Games and a silver in a relay here at the Rio Games.

Anthony Ervin and Cullen Jones, who are black, have won Olympic gold medals.

“It means a lot, especially with what is going on in the world today, some of the issues of police brutality,” Manuel said.

“This win hopefully brings hope and change to some of the issues that are going on. My color just comes with the territory.”

Simone Biles: How One Phone Call Changed Her Life

by Aria Ellise, BlackDoctor.Org

There’s a lot of hype around the 4 feet 9 inches tall Olympic gymnast, Simone Biles. But when you talk to those who have seen her perform, they will tell you it’s not hype, it’s pure talent. Biles may be the smallest American Olympian in Brazil, but she’s threatening to become Team USA’s biggest star of Rio 2016.

Biles, competing in her first Olympic Games, led the charge as the US women won gold in the team gymnastics competition Tuesday.

Nineteen-year-old Biles is bidding to become the first gymnast to win five gold medals at a single Games. And looking at her ease in competing with such difficulty, she’s well on her way.

But her road to gold was paved with hardship. Simone’s mom struggled with drug and alcohol abuse after she was born and her father was never there. So at the age of three, Simone was in foster care.

Ronald Biles, Simone’s biological grandfather received a call that changed his and Simone’s life forever.

“I got a call from a social worker

that said Simone and her sister were in foster care. So I said without hesitation, ‘send them to me,’” he recalls. So Ronald moved them down to Houston and soon after he and his wife Nellie, adopted them.

“She was so tiny and jump-

ing off everything. I was so scared,” says Nellie. “But Simone, she wasn’t afraid one bit.”

The couple says that they had no choice but to put her in gymnastics where she flourished. Her room is a testament to that with gold med-

18

als, trophies and winning ribbons from tons of competitions. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Simone and Team USA’s win also means the US retained the title it won in London four years ago. It is unbeaten in team com-

petitions during that period.

Russia finished second, while China took the bronze medal.

Biles’ teammates Aly Raisman and Gabrielle Douglas, who became the first US women to win three Olympic gold medals.

“We had a lot of pressure coming in but I think we handled it pretty well,” said… …Raisman. “I’m at a loss for words.”

Lauren Hernandez and Madison Kocian joined Biles in taking home a gold from their first Olympics.

Its the third time the US has taken the title, with the “Final Five” adding to triumphs in 1996 and 2012.

Hernandez shared why the group had opted for the nickname “Final Five” as opposed to the “Fierce Five” of four years ago.

“We called ourselves the ‘final five’ because there will only be four girls next time and because of Martha (coach Karolyi) finishing after this,” said the 16-year-old.

Biles is the heavy favorite for victory in Thursday’s individual all-round competition, which Douglas won in London, with Raisman also set to compete.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Organizers of 4th Annual Black Breastfeeding Week Announce 2016 Theme: “Oh, What a Joy!” — and the Annual National Baby Lift-Up on August 27th

New York, NY — This year’s annual Black Breastfeeding Week celebration, August 25-31st, will focus on the joys and triumphs of breastfeeding and the blissful feelings that occur when mothers, fathers and communities come together to support the optimal first food regardless of the many barriers that exist.

“At a time when there are many reasons to be sad, we are still joyful,” says Kiddada Green, executive founding director of the Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association in Detroit and a co-founder of BBW. “The satisfaction of giving your baby the healthiest start at life with the preventative health benefits of breastmilk is one way to feel joy. Fathers, family members and communities experience this joy too when they support mothers to successfully breastfeed,” Green says.

Breastfeeding may not always feel joyful when you consider the many structural and cultural barriers such as the lack of a federal paid maternity leave policy to give mothers ample time to establish their breastfeeding routine before returning to work or the “shaming” of mothers who nurse in public in a society that uses breasts to sell chicken wings and beer yet

makes women uncomfortable for using their breasts for their natural purpose. But, the co-founders of Black Breastfeeding Week note, those barriers are exactly why breastfeeding successfully for whatever personal goal women set, is such a joy.

“There is immense joy from the

feeling of empowerment and accomplishment you get from knowing that you overcame cultural barriers, unsupportive work environments, the insidious marketing of infant formula and perhaps little or no family support along the way,” says Anayah SangodeleAyoka, CNM, co-editor of Free

to Breastfeed: Voices from Black Mothers (Praeclarus Press) and a BBW co-founder.

“Happiness is a form of resistance. It is a joy for black families to know that by breastfeeding they are helping to rewrite our cultural narrative and defying the stereotypes that say we don’t breastfeed

and that we give our babies artificial, inferior food,” says Kimberly Seals Allers, a co-founder of Black Breastfeeding Week and director of the First Food Friendly Community Initiative (3FCI). “Changing black history is a true joy.”

Black Breastfeeding Week will

Michigan and spent his developmental years living with his grandmother because his parents couldn’t decide who was going to keep him. Blanchard’s mother was a professional shoplifter and didn’t have much contact with his father.

There wasn’t much of a support system around him either. Of his 7 brothers, most ended up dead or in jail and when his Grandmother passed away when Blanchard was 12, he took most of the responsibility for his younger siblings.

“I learned some pretty interesting things about hustling,” said Blanchard. “I sold weed and other drugs. I did what I thought I had to do in order to make ends meet.”

Blanchard went to a school with 40 percent graduation rate, but excelled in academics and was active in student government. He went

on to study at the University of Michigan but his duel life eventually caught up with him. Blanchard continued to hustle on the side while he was at school in order to support himself and his family. He got caught selling drugs at school, and he spent three days and three nights in jail his sophomore year.

“I felt like I let a lot of people down,” said Blanchard. “I felt like I was the one who was supposed to make sure I show people how to pave the way so you can be great no matter where you came from.

I wasn’t doing that at the time. I needed to make a pivot.”

During his time in jail, Blanchard found a Bible in his cell and gave his life to God. From that moment, he promised if he was able to be delivered from this situation he would develop his life and

make sure young people didn’t go the same route he chose. Because of his good standing at school and relationships he built, Blanchard’s professors helped to bail him out and he was able to continue his education without expulsion. He graduated with his degree in math and economics in 2005 and went on to get his masters in secondary math education in New York. “I thought I was going to get kicked out, that’s when God kicked in,” said Blanchard.

In New York, Blanchard cofounded a mentoring program to reach out to young men with similar backgrounds as his growing up.

He even temporarily adopted one of the young men in the program who was in particularly bad shape at the time. When he graduated,

From ‘Crack Baby’ to Mentor, Shawn Blanchard Defies the Odds

By Edward Henderson,The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint

The term ‘crack baby’ emerged into the social consciousness in the 80’s and 90’s during the crack epidemic sweeping minority communities. It referred to children who had been exposed to the drug because of their mother’s usage during pregnancy. It picked up additional stereotypical connotations that labeled people with a lack of intelligence or propensity for failure in life. Shawn Blanchard is all too familiar with this term. His mother abused crack cocaine while she was pregnant with him. The physical side effects were minimal, however, the emotional toll was a significant barrier to overcome.

Blanchard faced these challenges head-on, through hard work, faith,

and passion for his purpose of mentorship. These traits lead him to success in education, business and authorship. His book “How About that for a Crack Baby” chronicles his journey towards success and empowers others with the confidence to do the same.

Blanchard was born in Detroit,

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Suicide Rate Rises For Black Children: What Parents Must Know For Back To School Ruthie Hawkins, BlackDoctor.org Contributor Researchers found that suicide rates have doubled for Black children while declining for White children over the last decade.

According to the JAMA Pediatrics study, “the overall suicide rate among children aged 5 to 11 years remained stable between 1993 to 1997 and 2008 to 2012. However, the suicide rate increased significantly in Black children,” while decreasing among White kids, the study states.

While the overall firearm suicide rate among White boys also decreased during the study, the rate of suicide by hanging/suffocation among Black boys specifically, is alarming.

As for the significance, suicide is a leading cause of death among school-aged children younger than 12-years-old, say researchers.

According to Psychologist and Clinical Therapist Angela Adams Ali, PhD, there are several reasons for the rise in suicide rates among African American kids. Post trau-

matic stress disorder (PTSD) onset by “the violence they are witnessing,” in turn, builds anxiety and depression, Ali tells BlackDoctor. org.

“Then let’s talk about the quiet violence,” Ali continued. “Being misunderstood has been a long standing problem – a lack of cul-

tural competence – a teacher may automatically assume a child is doing something wrong like stealing and that really isn’t the case. That in itself can affect a child’s self-esteem,” she added.

“In terms of social media – where people are basically doing a lot of bullying [that is another form of

violence], kids are being harassed, bullied and again this creates depression,” said Ali. “Only in this form, it’s out there for everyone to see. It’s not just being bullied on the school yard.”

Suicide Rate Rises For Black Children: What Parents Must Know For Back To School In order to address the issue, Ali suggests we diffuse the high level of “unrest in our community.” This of course requires parents and guardians to put aside the social stigma and be open, honest, and talk about the issue as well as seek professional help for their child if they are showcasing signs/symptoms that they may be a suicide risk.

“Be in tune to your child. Take note of changes in behavior. If a child is being very quiet or beginning to act – understand and know that these are behavioral issues – but also ask yourself ‘well what else could be going on,’” Ali continued.

“Err on the side of caution and open the floor to talk – it’s okay to be sad. But you want to ensure

they know they can come talk to you about anything.”

In addition, Ali says “practice compassion, understanding, and shy away from being overly critical of children,” as many have yet to develop the tools necessary to make rational decisions. “They just want to play with friends,” and may not “understand the implications of their decisions because of the lack of exposure, environment, or age.”

“Again, be aware and keep a dialogue with your children. If your child is saying things like ‘Did you want to have me?’ or ‘I wish I had never been born,’ drawing pictures that may indicate they are very sad, journaling or tweeting [if you allow your child to have social media] disturbing things and/or practicing isolation, these are all signs indicating a need for professional help.”

In spite of it all, Ali stresses that the most important thing one can do as a parent is to “check in and make changes where you deem necessary.”

The Continuing Fight for the Rights to Vote

by Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. President, Rainbow PUSH Coalition Last week, a panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rebuked the North Carolina legislature for acting with “discriminatory intent” in passing restrictions on the right to vote that “target African-Americans with almost surgical precision.”

The decision came as we celebrated the 51st anniversary of the Voting Rights Act on August 6. Reinforced by similar rulings in the appellate court in Texas and a district court in Wisconsin, the decision is a victory for our democracy and our Constitution.

The voting impediments were passed by North Carolina in 2013 in the wake of the Supreme decision in Shelby v.

Holder that struck down the central provision of the Voting Rights Act: the requirement that areas with a history of discrimi-

nation gain prior approval from the Justice Department before changing voting regulations.

Chief Justice John Roberts, the activist Republican judge, decided to rewrite the law that was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, arguing that since we now live in a “postracial society,” requiring prior approval for voting law changes was no longer justified. The flood of legislation that followed – all erecting barriers to make voting harder for African-Americans in particular – proved the chief justice’s fantasy was a lie.

In North Carolina, the legislature acted immediately after the Supreme Court decision came down. Its motivation, the Fourth Circuit panel found, was clear. African-American turnout had surged in 2008 and 2012 (with Barack Obama at the head of the Democratic ticket), nearing parity with the turnout of White voters for the first time.

Obama had taken the state in 2008 and barely lost it in 2012.

But in 2010, conservative Republicans had taken control of the legislature and the statehouse.

The new majority acted aggressively to fend off the threat posed by growing African-American turnout. As Judge Diana Motz, writing for the unanimous panel, summarized, the legislators “requested data on the use, by race, of a number of voting practices. Upon receipt of the race data, the General Assembly enacted legislation that restricted voting and registration in five different ways, all of which disproportionately affected African-Americans.”

The three-judge panel in Richmond, Va., unanimously concluded that the law was racially discriminatory, overturning a requirement that voters show photo identification to vote and restoring same-day voter registration, a week of early voting, pre-registration for teenagers, and out-of-precinct voting.

As Ari Berman, the voting rights expert who reports for The Nation magazine noted, the decision comes after North Carolina’s presidential primary in March provided a troubling indication of what might be expected in the general election

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– students waiting in three-hour lines, foreign-born U.S. citizens asked to spell their names to poll workers for no justifiable reason, and elderly voters born during Jim Crow turned away from the polls for not meeting the new ID requirements.

“The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals exposed for the world to see the racist intent of the extremist element of our government in North Carolina,” exulted the Rev. William Barber II, president of the North Carolina NAACP, on a press call Friday afternoon. “The ruling is a people’s victory, and it is a victory that sends a message to the nation.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the movement that culminated in the Voting Rights Act over a halfcentury ago. He understood that voting was the foundational right of citizenship. To strip someone of the right to vote is to strip them of their place in a selfgoverning community. In a 1957 speech titled “Give Us the Ballot,” King argued, “So long as I do not firmly and irrevocably possess the right to vote I do not possess myself. I cannot make

up my mind – it is made up for me. I cannot live as a democratic citizen observing the laws I have helped to enact – I can only submit to the edict of others.”

King understood that discriminatory election laws not only hurt minorities or the working poor, they also undermined the legitimacy of our elections and thus of our government.

The North Carolina decision and similar decisions in Texas and Wisconsin offer the hope that the courts will act to frustrate at least the most blatant versions of new Jim Crow laws.

Those decisions will remove barriers for literally millions of voters.

But the courts can only reaffirm the right to vote. That right is not effective if it is not used. The courts have lowered the barriers in North Carolina and other states. Now the citizens must mobilize and vote in large numbers to exercise the power that they have.

Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. is founder and president of the Chicagobased Rainbow PUSH Coalition. You can keep up with his work at www.rainbowpush.org

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Seattle Woman Creates Web Site Encouraging White People to Pay Reparations to People of Color

Take a Walk

Join A Health Revolution

Bring your sisters, daughters and friends and join women & girls of all ages, and fitness levels as we create a health revolution among women of color in New Haven.

Fit Haven 6-Week Walking Group - lead by community health and fitness professionals.

WHEN: Starts Wednesday July 6th, - August 13th 2016 and Meets for 6 weeks. Wednesday at 6:pm and Saturdays at 9:AM

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83% percent of Black women are overweight; Researchers predict that 95+% of Black women will be overweight by 2034.

7 in 10 people in New Haven are overweight (27%) or obese (43%) 47% of New Haven Girls in Kindergarten – 8th Grade are overweight or Obese 150 minutes of walking per week and losing just 7% of body weight can reduce your risk of diabetes by 58% and reduce the risk of a heart attack by 35%.

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Nationwide — Natasha Marin, a poet and conceptual artist from Seattle, Washington, has recently launched an online initiative that encourages white people to ask themselves: What can I do to help fix racial injustice? Her web site, www.Reparations.me, is essentially a public forum where white people can offer their belongings or services, and people of color can request help for a specific need.

But Natasha, who is originally from Trinidad, told the Washington Post, “The site isn’t about atoning for slavery. It’s about reparations for things that happened earlier today, for yesterday, for last Thursday. This is for the present tense.”

The site, which began as a social media experiment on Facebook, has garnered a lot of national attention. Some, of course, are criticizing the idea, but others are embracing it. Natasha says she has received both racist and negative responses, and has even received

FIND OUT MORE TODAY @ PPSNE.ORG ∙ 800.230.PLAN (7526)

For more details about the site, visit www.Reparations.me For more details about Natasha Marin’s work as an artist, visit www.natasha-marin.com

Black Students Develop New “Smart Mat” Idea to Help Diabetics Avoid Amputation

4 genius college students have created new technology that promises to reduce the risk of amputation among people with diabetes. Chevan Baker and Jann Butler (pictured above), along with Jordan Barber and Frederick Harris, are all engineering majors at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi.

The state of Mississippi, according to the state’s Department of Health, ranked second in the nation for diabetes in 2012. So the students decided to create a temperaturemeasuring device called the “smart mat” that measures foot temperatures, which will let patients know when they are at risk for complications that could lead to amputation.

How it works

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death threats. But this has not deterred her.

According to her web site: “For every malevolent, racist, post submitted via this website, a dollar will be donated to Reparations.me for folks who have specifically requested financial support. The time you invest in spewing hate could

be spent supporting someone who needs you in your community. But maybe you have nothing of value to offer your community except a vile contempt for creativity, compassion, and human connection?”

She says she plans to continue allowing people to pay and solicit reparations in what she calls “an organic manner without the regulation of government or committee.” She explains, “[Reparations] is a word that means repair. And I feel like many people feel broken.”

Meanwhile, the site has stirred up and renewed the controversial ongoing debate about “white privilege” and “white guilt”. It has also sparked a heated national debate about whether or not descendants of slaves deserve reparations.

The “smart mat” is designed to send early warning signals that will prevent ulceration and amputation risks resulting from diabetes complications. Some of those risks involve nerve damage and ulceration to the feet which can cause a loss of feeling; diabetes patients may not know how serious the situation is until it is too late. Monitoring temperature in the feet can result

22

in preventing damage that would otherwise lead to amputation.

As Jann Butler explains, “A diabetic patient has abnormal (high) glucose levels in the blood, affecting its flow to the lower extremities. This causes the foot to be colder than average. By outputting temperature values, the patient can see which foot is more affected.”

Diabetes and African Americans

According to the American Diabetes Association, 13.2 percent of all African Americans aged

20 years or older are diagnosed with diabetes. African Americans are 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes as whites, and they are 3 times more likely than others to have a leg amputated due to complications from diabetes.

So their invention is very timely and very much needed. For more details about the talented Jackson State University students and their new invention, visit www.stemrules.com/a-student-project-to-thwart-diabetes/

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016 Con’t form page 19

“Oh, What a Joy!”

also include the signature Baby Lift Up event–now in its second year. On August 27th at 3pm EST/ Noon PST families across the country will gather again in predetermined locations to lift up their babies (of all ages!) in unison in a show of solidarity and support for black children living healthy and thriving lives. Last year, over a dozen cities participated in the National Baby Lift Up. This year, Medela, the U.S. breastpump leader, has signed on a National Lift Up sponsor, donating one Pump In Style® Advanced Backpack (MSRP: $299.99) to each Lift Up location up to 20 sites.

Other activities during the week will include online discussions, the annual Twitter party, Facebook and Instagram events and local activities. This years’ hashtags will be: #BlackBFJoy, #BlackJoy and #BBW16. Go to www.

BlackBreastfeedingWeek.org and the BBW Facebook page (www. facebook.com/BlackBreastfeedingWeek) for more information and ongoing updates.

About Black Breastfeeding Week: Founded in 2012 by three nationally recognized breastfeeding advocates, Black Breastfeeding Week is an annual, week-long multi-media campaign from August 25-31st to raise awareness of the health benefits and personal empowerment of breastfeeding in the black community. Despite the proven benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies, for over 40 years there has been a gaping disparity in breastfeeding rates between whites and blacks—the reasons are complex. However, increasing breastfeeding rates among black women is a critical health imperative in the black community. BBW is an empowerment week to increase awareness of the critical role of breastfeeding in improving maternal and child health outcomes and reducing infant mortality rates in the black community. The week is also dedicated to celebrating all of the ways black families support healthy and strong infants from supporting breastfeeding to early literacy and good nutrition. Learn more at www.BlackBreastfeedingWeek.org

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Can The National Diversity Coalition for Trump Sway Black Voters?

By Freddie Allen, National News Managing Editor The Republican National convention in Cleveland, Ohio was a rough and raucous ride for the reality star, real estate developer turned political neophyte. After charges of plagiarism over Melania Trump’s speech, a non-endorsement from Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and an apocalyptic speech that promised to restore safety on January 20, 2017, if Trump is elected, Trump supporters are gearing up for the next phase of the campaign: a head-to-head match up against former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The Friday before the convention, Trump named Indiana Governor Mike Pence his running mate for 2016 presidential election.

Last month, the National Diversity Coalition for Donald Trump met with RNC leaders at the RNC headquarters in Washington, D.C. to discuss how the groups can work together to get Donald Trump elected.

The National Diversity Coalition for Trump is a volunteer organization of religious, business and political leaders from minority communities. The executive board includes Bruce LeVell (executive director), Pastor Darrell Scott (CEO), special counsel Michael Cohen (co-chair-

Photo: Telly Lovelace, the national director of African-American Initiatives and Media for the RNC (left) and Bruce LeVell, the executive director of the National Diversity Coalition for Donald Trump, meet at RNC headquarters in Washington, D.C. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA man) and Reverend Omarosa Manigault (co-chairman). The group also includes advisors from groups like “Hispanic Patriots for Trump,” “Sikh Americans for Trump,” and “Minorities for Trump.”

LeVell said that his volunteer status is important, because

he still has access to the candidate, but in a role where he can speak candidly with Trump.

“When someone works for you, you really don’t get the truth. If you’re my boss I’m very limited to how transparent I can be with you,” said Bruce LeVell, the executive director

of the National Diversity Coalition for Trump. “I don’t want to work in D.C. and [Trump] knows that, too.”

LeVell said that he wants his group to bolster the efforts of Jennifer Sevilla Korn, the RNC’s deputy political director. LeVell added that reports of tension between Trump

and the RNC were overblown.

“The campaign and Mr. Trump understand the value of the RNC,” LeVell said.

Telly Lovelace, the national director of African-American Initiatives and Media for the RNC said that the RNC and the coalition have a great working relationship.

“We feel their energy and we want to work with them,” said Lovelace. “We want to be a resource to the coalition. The great thing about this group is that every one brings their personal life experience to the table and they can take that and get their message out to help get Mr. Trump elected.”

LeVell scoffed at recent polling conducted before the convention that suggested that more than half of Republican voters still favored a mystery candidate over Trump, even though he has outlasted every single one of his political opponents. He credits Trump’s unique stance in the race as a non-politician for the opposition.

LeVell, a businessman from Georgia, said that Trump is a candidate that doesn’t owe anything to special interests groups and that there are no backdoor or side deals to be made.

“You can’t control this candi-

Rev. Barber’s Speech at the DNC Was Everything

By Julianne Malveaux, NNPA News Wire Columnist The North Carolina NAACP President, Rev. William Barber, tore it up and then threw down in a powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention on July 28th.

He called on those assembled to be a “moral defibrillator of our time,” to shock our nation with the power of love and morality. Rev. Barber did not use the word “endorse,” but urged delegates to “embrace” Clinton, and his rousing rhetoric was challenging and inspirational Rev. Barber is a committed and tenacious activist. He founded the “Forward Together Moral Move-

ment”, and has organized “Moral Mondays” in North Carolina. For the past three years, Moral Monday activists have gathered in Raleigh, North Carolina, and used protest and civil disobedience to shine light on the many ways North Carolina has attempted to erode voting rights, and move the state backwards on economic justice issues.

“When I hear Hillary’s voice and positions,” Barber said, “I hear and I know she is working to embrace our deepest moral values, and we should embrace her,” he said. “She nor any person can do it alone.

The watchword of this democracy is ‘we.’”

What are we, the people going to do in the aftermath of the political conventions? Some have said they will stay home, but watching the difference between the gathering

of Democrats and that of Republicans should remind us that staying home should not be an option.

Stay home, and leave our choice of leadership to others? Stay home and co-sign the hateful comments Mr. Trump made during his convention? Rev. Barber has called the democratic watchword “we,” and Hillary Clinton talked about Democratic inclusiveness, which contrasts with that we observed with Republicans. What are “we” going to do?

President Barack Obama set Secretary Clinton up nicely with his Wednesday evening speech, singing her praises and passing the baton. She caught the baton handily, offering a speech that exceeded my every expectation. The speech was full of grit and grace, humor and humility, respect and reaching out to the Bernie folks. Not only

24

could I hear the glass ceiling shattering, but also I hoped that the world could see this woman as Commander-in-Chief.

Rev. Barber reminds us, though, that we are all part of the “we the people.” He reminds us that we are only committed to democracy when we are actively involved in it. It’s not just about a convention, or a vote. It is about an imperative to transform a system that is flawed. Rev. Barber talked about the “Fight for Fifteen,” the Black Lives Matter movement, and the missing morality in our nation now. Even as he urged us to embrace Hillary, he also urged us to embrace justice.

President Obama reminds us that democracy can be frustrating and messy. Rev. Barber reminded us that it can also be moral and loving, if we make the collective

decision to rally around key principles and to engage in the process of compromise. We also have to remember that democracy is practiced with more frequency than every four years.

Voting is not the most we can do. It is the least we can do. Real democracy exists when people like Rev. William Barber gather people weekly to fight for voting rights, when he speaks up with regularity on the need for political and economic transformation. We exhibit our commitment to democracy when we hold our leaders accountable, when we pressure them to do the right thing, when we remind them of their campaign promises.

Those Bernie Sanders supporters who choose to remain engaged in the political process have the responsibility to continue to push Con’t on page 29

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Questions about your bill?

Yale New Haven Hospital is pleased to offer patients and their families financial counseling regarding their hospital bills or the availability of financial assistance, including free care funds.

By appointment, patients can speak one-on-one with a financial counselor during regular business hours. For your convenience, extended hours are available once a month.

Date: Monday, August 15, 2016 Time: 5 - 7 pm Location: Children’s Hospital, 1 Park St., 1st Floor, Admitting Parking available (handicapped accessible) An appointment is necessary. Please call 203-688-2046.

Spanish-speaking counselors available.

10652 (06/16)

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Film Review: Miss Sharon Jones!

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

By Dwight Brown, NNPA News Wire Film Critic

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings is a Grammy-nominated R&B band from Brooklyn. Their groove is funky like James Brown’s. Jones’ gyrations are as wild and ferocious as Tina Tuner’s. The group’s soul shakes and their lead singer’s indomitable spirit blend into something very special, heartfelt and familial. When Jones is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it rocks the band’s foundation. Her fight for life and that harrowing journey is what’s on view in this very emotional and inspiring documentary titled, “Miss Sharon Jones!”

According to the American Cancer Society, for all stages of pancreatic cancer combined, the oneyear relative survival rate is 20 percent and the five-year survival rate is 6 percent. Blacks are more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer than Whites.

Jones is the lead singer and the star attraction of her group. Her ability to perform and record determines whether the artists she loves can keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. She has a lot of responsibilities and a lot of reasons to want to beat her deadly illness. At just 4’11” she

carries the weight of a mountain on her shoulders.

Jones’ willingness to share her feelings, fears and her recollections of being told she was “too short, too fat and too dark” to have a successful singing career is never less than courageous. Her gutsy outlook on life puts viewers

squarely in her corner. She’s an everyday superwoman letting a lot of people ride on her cape.

In many ways, she is no different than others who undergo cancer treatments: surgery, week-uponweek of chemotherapy, a loss of energy, loss of hair, doubts and despair. In other ways her experience is so unique because of her public life and a support system that consists predominately of friends and medical/healing practitioners and not her immediate family.

Veteran documentarian Barbara Kopple (Oscar winner, “Harlan County U.S.A.” and “American Dream”) takes the audience behind the scenes as this ultra-cool music group with an old school feel goes through hell and back. Kopple’s efforts are aided by judicious editing (Anne Fratto, Jean Tsien) and illuminating cinematography (Gary Griffin, Tony Hardmon, Kyle Kibbe).

For 94 heart-warming minutes,

every emotion, every dramatic confrontation, setback and supportive gesture is on view. It’s hard not to be touched by it all. It’s as if Kopple’s camera is an invisible friend that lets you hold Jones’ hand along the way. Witnessing the singer’s day-to-day battle is an extraordinarily humbling and enlightening experience.

This personal story will make you appreciate the very essence of life. By the end of the film, you’ll desperately want Jones to recover, revive her career and make it back to center stage. Will she?

Bring a hanky and get blessed by a beautiful spirit. “Miss Sharon Jones!” is pure joy.

Dwight Brown is a film critic and travel writer. As a critic, he regularly attends international film festivals including Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and the American Black Film Festival. DwightBrownInk.com.

Top 50+ African American Fashion Designers — And Their Latest Styles and Trends Nationwide — Every year single, women spend billions of dollars on apparel, wedding dresses, handbags, shoes and accessories. But where do you go if you want to support Black fashion designers? A new book produced by Urban Ebooks entitled, Fashion Divas: Top 50+ African American Fashion Designers (The Latest Styles and Trends) solves that problem!

Exclusively available online at www.UrbanEbooks.com for just $2.99, the book lists more than 50 Black-owned fashion companies that make the most stylish dresses & skirts, the trendiest handbags, killer shoes, and awesome accessories. It’s the only book of it’s kind on the market!

Fashion Divas features more than 50 types of Black-owned fashion companies including: * China Royal * LiLi’s Creations * Monif C. * Rue 107

* CJ By Cookie Johnson * Posh Totes * First Kiss Boutique * Tiannia Barnes Shoes * Peace Images Jewelry * Melanie Marie * Hecho En Harlem * Amsale * and many more!

Producing everything from blouses to dresses to bikini tops All of the companies featured in this e-book were founded by established African or African American designers (mostly females) that produce high quality, luxury fashion products.

Most are based in the United States, but a few also based overseas in Nigeria and in England.

They produce and sell everything including: shirts/ blouses, jeans, sweaters, dresses/ skirts, wedding dresses/ gowns, bikini tops and bottoms, clutch bags, purses and totes, wallets, shoes and sneakers, boots and heels, jewelery, and headwraps & hair bows.

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To download a copy of Fashion Divas: Top 50+ African American Fashion Designers (The Latest Styles and Trends) and start supporting super talented Black fashion designers and their companies, visit www.

UrbanEbooks.com About Urban Ebooks Urban Ebooks, based in Columbus, Ohio and founded by award-winning entrepreneur Dante Lee, is the newest publisher of books for African American readers. The company released 22 new books in their first six weeks! Their goal is to publish affordable and powerful “urban ebooks” – that is, ebooks that empower African Americans and other minorities. All of their books cost just $2.99 or less, and are available for immediate download on all tablets, smartphones and computers.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Common Ground High School is seeking a passionate, creative, and

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

DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES

CT certified Social Studies/History teacher. This teacher will have the chance to teach Common Ground’s core history and social studies classes, help to build a social studies curriculum that addresses intersections of social studies and social justice issues, and incorporates culturally relevant content for our student body, and co-teach interdisciplinary courses that integrate social justice and environmental issues with content from social studies and history. Common Ground is particularly eager for candidates who help us fulfill our commitment to building a racially and culturally diverse faculty and staff. To apply, please send resume and cover letter to: Liz Cox, School Director lcox@commongroundct.org. For full job description, visit http://commongroundct.org/2016/07/social-studies-teacher.

NOTICE

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply.

Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed pre-applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

NOTICIA

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

Facilities Manager:

Responsible for leadership, management & maintenance of plant infrastructure and all related/associated equipment. 5 plus years supervisory experience. Email: Info@redtechllc.com, Fax: 860-218-2433, RED Technologies, LLC is an EOE.

ELECTRICIANS

Semac Electric is seeking Electricians (CT Licensed Journeymen & Foremen, E1 and E2) to join our team for medium & large commercial construction projects thru out the State of CT: Hartford, Fairfield & New Haven Counties. We have excellent wages and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications available at our main office at 45 Peter Court, New Britain, CT or send resume to P.O. Box 638, New Britain, CT 06050 or via fax to 860-229-0406 or email: careers@semacelectric.com

Town of Bloomfield Town Assessor

$77,881 - $120,209

For details and how to apply, go to www.bloomfieldct. org. Pre-employment drug testing.

AA/EOE

• 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

• 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.

Maintainer II Must have 2 yrs. exp. as laborer in field of construction work involving the operation and care of mechanical equipment or 2 yrs. in a skilled trade and 1 yr. exp. in construction operations or and equiv combination of experience and training. A valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B and a clean driving record. Pay rate: $21.33 to $25.00 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply Personnel Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received, or August 17, 2016, whichever occurs first. Candidates without a valid CDL should not apply. A copy of your license will be

City of Norwich Fire Department

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 August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

NEED QUOTE

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DANBURY Cleaning Services RFP No. P16002

CONTACT PERSON HOW TO OBTAIN THE RFP DOCUMENTS: MANDATORY WALK THROUGH

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL RETURN QUOTE SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

Ms. Devin Marra, Director of Procurement Telephone: 203-744-2500 x141 E-Mail: dmarra@hacdct.org Contact Ms. Devin Marra, via phone or email.

August 16, 2016 at 9:00am (EST) Housing Authority of the City of Danbury 2 Mill Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 Envelope Must be Marked: RFP No. P16002 Cleaning Services August 23, 2016 at 2:00pm (EST)

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

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

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

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

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

FIREFIGHTER Town of Greenwich

Applications are being accepted thru 7/21/16 4PM. Candidates must possess a H.S. diploma or G.E.D., valid driver’s license, & be at least 18 years of age & a US Citizen. Candidates must also possess CPAT certification (Candidate Physical Ability Test) issued 1/1/16 or after, or be registered for the fall CPAT with the CT Fire Academy by 7/21/16.

For detailed information & to apply online visit NEED QUOTE www.greenwichct.org/jobs. Town of Greenwich, HR Dept., 101 Field Point Rd, Greenwich, CT EOE M/F/D/V NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DANBURY Cleaning Services RFP No. P16002

CONTACT PERSON HOW TO OBTAIN THE RFP DOCUMENTS: MANDATORY WALK THROUGH

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL RETURN QUOTE SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

Ms. Devin Marra, Director of Procurement Telephone: 203-744-2500 x141 E-Mail: dmarra@hacdct.org Contact Ms. Devin Marra, via phone or email.

August 16, 2016 at 9:00am (EST) Housing Authority of the City of Danbury 2 Mill Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 Envelope Must be Marked: RFP No. P16002 Cleaning Services August 23, 2016 at 2:00pm (EST)

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

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE TRUMBULL HOUSING AUTHORITY Accepting applications from August 1, 2016 at 9 AM - August 31, 2016 up till 4 PM. Eligible applicant households must have a head, co-head, or spouse age 62 or older, or eligible disabled, at least 18 years old to qualify. Applicants that meet the criteria/national credit & criminal background checks will be selected randomly for a place on the waiting list by a lottery system.

Income Cannot Exceed:

$46,100/YEAR FOR 1 PERSON $52,650/YEAR FOR 2 PEOPLE

For a smaller 1-bedroom, the base rent is $300.

For a larger 1-bedroom, the base rent is $310.

Rent calculation is based on 30% of adjusted monthly income.

Tenant pays for utilities, except water.

Applications can be downloaded at www.sternvillage.com, or can be obtained at The THA Office, located in the Stern Village Community Room, at 200 Hedgehog Circle, Trumbull, CT 06611.

To apply by mail:

Must send a pre-stamped, self-addressed envelope marked THA/Application Phone, fax, email or voice-mail applications will NOT be accepted. Only one application per family; one family submitting more than one application will be disqualified.

The Trumbull Housing Authority does not discriminate in admission or access to its housing programs on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, mental retardation, mental or learning or physical disability, handicapped condition, and hearing impairment, lawful source of income, familial status, and sexual orientation. Both State & Federal Law contain specific exceptions for certain protected classes.

For additional information, please call the Main Office: 203-261-5740 x1 for Heather LeMoult, Office Assistant

TRUMBULL HOUSING AUTHORITY 200 HEDGEHOG CIRCLE TRUMBULL, CT 06611

of experience and training. A valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B and a clean driving record. Pay rate: $21.33 to $25.00 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply Personnel Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received, or August 17, 2016, whichever occurs first. Candidates without a valid CDL should not apply. A copy of your license will be required when applying. EOE 28

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

This Is Why Black-Owned Newspapers Matter

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA President and CEO In 2017, we will celebrate 190th anniversary of the Black Press in America. Since the first publication of Freedom’s Journal on March 16, 1827 in New York City, Blackowned newspapers have led the way when it comes to raising a voice of consciousness for Black America. Today, in 2016, Blackowned newspapers still matter.

Black Lives Matter. Black Votes Matter. Black Press Matters. In order to overcome racial inequality and injustice, we have to emphasize the importance of nurturing and mentoring the rise of a new generation of freedom-fighting journalists, publishers and African American owners of newspapers and media companies.

There is a huge, qualitative difference between media that is Blackowned and non-Black-owned media that is targeted to Black consumers. Numerous national studies have documented that Blackowned newspapers remain the “trusted and respected” source of news, empowering success stories, and cultural aspirations for more than 45 million Black Americans.

The inaugural Discover the Unexpected (DTU) NNPA Journalism Fellowship Program this summer at the Howard University School of Communications supported by Chevrolet has done remarkably well in identifying and encouraging the next generation of gifted, talented and committed young journalism scholars. The National Newspaper Publishers Association is pleased with the positive and transformative results of the DTU fellowships.

The NNPA fellows scored frontpage news features in NNPA member newspapers across the nation.

In addition to attending both the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio and the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pa., the NNPA fellows completed assignments that covered a wide range of subjects from Muhammad Ali’s legacy and Black arts and culture to contemporary Black family life, the 2016 Olympics in Rio, mass incarceration, new data on police and prosecutorial misconduct and abuse, and the struggle to preserve Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

This summer, Brandi Montgomery and Brelaun Douglas worked at the “Atlanta Voice,” Briahnna Brown and Mckenzie Marshall at the “Chicago Defender,” Victoria Jones and Rushawn Walters at “The Washington Informer,” and Tatyana Hopkins and Sidnee King worked at the “Michigan Chronicle.”

Black-owned newspapers are businesses and employers that continue to serve the economic development interests of Black communities. As the economy in the United States continues to rebound from economic stagnation and recession under the leadership of the first African American President, it should also be a national priority to ensure the advancement of the economic well-being of Black families, businesses, and communities.

In the face of historic, political opposition led by the Republican-controlled Congress, President Barack H. Obama, has achieved leadership success in restoring and revitalizing the U.S. economy. In particular, the automotive industry has set new records this year in automobile sales. Thus, we note, with appreciation, those companies in the automotive sector that have been supportive of the NNPA during these difficult and challenging times.

General Motors brands continue to advertise with the NNPA and as a consequence contribute to the sustainability of the Black Press in America. In particular, Chevrolet has been outstanding in its support of Discover the Unexpected scholarships as part of the current NNPA fellows program. Chevrolet also increased its advertising with many NNPA newspapers this year. It is our hope that this successful pilot program will be continued and even expanded in the upcoming academic year.

Long live Black-owned newspapers and the struggle for freedom, justice and equality. Yes, Blackowned newspapers surely do matter.

Learn more about the Discover the Unexpected (DTU) program at http://www.nnpa.org/dtu/ and use the hashtag #DiscoverTheUnexpected on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter @BlackPressUSA and @ NNPA_BlackPress and like our Facebook page at NNPA Black Press.

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.

Con;t from page 24

‘Crack Baby’ Trump Sway Black Voters?

Con’t from page 24

however, the young man had become class president, touted a 3.8 GPA and was accepted to every college he applied to.

News coverage from the temporary adoption prompted a publishing company to reach out to learn more about the story. When they heard about Blanchard’s background, they asked him to write a book for them. His book entitled, “How About that for a Crack Baby,” delves into the details of his past and how he overcame everything that was in his way.

“People can expect an emotional roller coaster,” said Blanchard. “It’s going to entertain you, it’s going to show you how you can do anything you want to do, it’s going to challenge you to mentor and be mentored.”

The young author moved back to Detroit to go to law school and the book came out five years later. He spent time teaching math at this alma mater, started a fitness company and became a co-owner of a custom suit company.

Blanchard continued his work as a mentor in the mayor’s office as the director of youth services. He’s helping ignite President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative in the city of Detroit.

Today, Blanchard is the CEO of Shawn Blanchard Productions, which focuses on public speaking, publishing mentorship, entrepreneurship and the image of excellence.

“I’m excited about duplicating greatness,” said Blanchard.

“I want to keep making sure I raise the bar, so more people start falling into the rule instead of the exception.”

To learn more about Blanchard and his company visit www. iamshawnblanchard.com/.

29

date,” said LeVell. “This is why there is a lot of pushback in all different aspects of the GOP, because they can’t make a play.”

LeVell noted that Trump received more votes than any other Republican presidential candidate in the history of the primary elections. The Georgia businessman said that Trump found out what Americans were really thinking about (illegal immigration, national security and foreign trade) and then carefully crafted a message that resonated with those voters.

“Look at the ones who are complaining,” said the Georgia businessman.

“It’s not the 16 million people.”

Even though his surrogates have promised that more deals and more targeted policy proposals are coming down the pike for the Black community following the Republican National Convention, Trump has steep hill to climb.

Nearly 90 percent of Black voters and 75 percent of Latino voters hold an unfavorable view of Trump, according to an NBC News/SurveyMonkey poll.

Black clergy and parishioners were split over Trump’s misstep with the Black pastors’ meeting in New York City last November, but LeVell said that billionaire real estate developer used the assembly to gather insight into the Black community, something that Trump has been doing for years.

LeVell said that Trump’s meeting with the pastors was less about an endorsement and more about taking the pulse of the Black community.

Trump and his surrogates have often touted his ability to create jobs, his business credentials and his long-standing relationship with the Black community as the candidate looks to make inroads with Black voters in November, but his record is mixed.

The New York Times reported that the Justice Department sued Trump and his father for housing discrimination in New York in the early 70s. The Justice Department, “also charged that the company had required different rental terms and conditions because of race and that it had misrepresented to blacks that apartments were not available.”

The Trumps settled with the Justice Department, admitting no guilt, and promised to reform their rental practices, ac-

cording to The New York Times.

Trump’s track record for filing for bankruptcy under the federal codes has also drawn criticism.

Still, LeVell said that Trump’s business record and his ability to grow jobs will resonate in the Black community and that his unique message of economic empowerment will start picking up more momentum after the convention.

“A poor man really doesn’t want to listen to a poor man,” said LeVell. “A poor man will listen to a rich man, if it relates to how you can lift yourself up.”

The Georgia businessman said that he hasn’t felt this energized for a candidate since he was 18 years-old working on Ronald Reagan’s campaign licking envelopes.

LeVell continued: “I really feel like Donald Trump is going to make the biggest headway for Black people of the all presidents in the history of the United States.”

Con’t from page 24

Rev. Barber’s Speech

their progressive agenda at the national, state, and local levels. Indeed, they honor their movement and their struggle by continuing to feel a burning desire for social and economic justice. If Sanders’ supporters decide to pick up their marbles and go home, because their candidate did not win, it suggests that they are committed to personality, not democracy.

Our system is far from perfect, but it’s the system we have. We can change it if we are committed to democracy. Or, we can accept imperfections, if we eschew activism.

Thank you, Hillary Clinton for reminding us of your service.

Thank you, Rev. Barber for reminding us that Secretary Clinton won’t be able to achieve much, unless we work with her. If you can listen to William Barber and fail to get fired up, you have truly embraced apathy. Barber is a role model, because of his fierce commitment to democracy.

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 more information visit www.juliannemakveaux.com.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Protestors Demand Arrest of Police Who Shot and Killed Alton Sterling

By Candace J. Semien The Drum, NNPA Member

ing and authorization from the governor. Officers that worked protests would also be required to clearly display their names, agency and identifying number.

“These protests are and will continue to be one of the strategies our citizens use to bring attention to the issue of police brutality and demand justice in the death of Alton Sterling,” said Michael McClanahan, president of the NAACP Baton Rouge Chapter.

On July 5, BRPD officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake II were responding to a 911 call about a “man with a gun” at the Triple S on North Foster Drive at Fairfields Avenue. There they met Sterling who was selling CDs outside the store with the owner’s permission. Two videos of the shooting surfaced online via Facebook within hours, raising doubts about whether the police officers were justified in the shooting. Defenders of the police say other video exists that will exonerate the officers.

At the request of Gov. John Bel Edwards, the U.S. Department of Justice took over the investigation and the officers were placed on paid, administrative leave. District Attorney Hillar Moore III recused himself due to personal ties to Salamoni’s parents, who are also police officers. The State’s Attorney General will be in charge of prosecuting any state charges.

Groups from across the nation have traveled to Baton Rouge to join protestors, train observers, and organize activists for the long-term work of demanding justice. Organizers of rallies have said the work for justice will continue.

Across nearly every part of the city, citizens—Black and white, elected officials, and police— are working to find solutions in closed meetings, criminal hearings, at policy meetings, during city council and legislative sessions, at mass, on the stage of poetry slams, and in safety briefings. “But the work began in the streets,” said McClanahan.

BATON ROUGE — Whether it was a gathering of 300 in front of the Triple S convenience store, small groups of 50 meeting at area churches, nearly 400 at city hall, dozens painting signs at LSU, or a thousand marching through downtown, Baton Rouge residents and visitors are protesting the death of 37-year-old Alton Sterling, who was shot by Baton Rouge police officers on July 5.

The shooting immediately drew public attention and protesters began taking their cries for justice to the streets, starting on North Foster. Demonstrations for Alton Sterling followed in major cities across the nation.

Protests have been largely peaceful, however local, city, and state officers’ use of force when arresting protesters have resulted in injuries. Reports have serviced of police attacking, beating, and illegally arresting protesters.

This treatment has been publicized in national media. Following closed meetings between Black elected officials and the U.S. Department of Justice, East Baton Rouge metro councilman Lamont Cole said the group has “some serious concerns” about how protesters have been handled by police.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana agrees. On July 13, the group filed a lawsuit against the Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD), the Louisiana Department of Public Safety, EBRP Sheriff’s Department, and state police for using excessive force and “violating the First Amendment rights of demonstrators who were protesting peacefully against the killing of Alton Sterling.” The ACLU has requested a restraining order that would put restrictions on how protesters can be scattered and detained during future demonstrations. Under the order, officers would not be able to use chemical agents—such as tear gas— without clear warn-

30

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 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

31

THE INNER-CITY NEWS August 17, 2016 - August 23, 2016

Faxon Law New Haven Road Race

Labor Day: 9/5, 8:15am

Half Marathon (13.1 Miles), 20K (12.4 Miles), 2-PERSON RELAY, 5K & Kids Fun Run On the New Haven Green

NEW HALF MARATHON & 2-PERSON RELAY • Flat and scenic courses!

• Tech tees to the first 6,000 entrants • USATF 20K National Championships

• Voted New Haven Living Magazine’s •

BEST LOCAL ANNUAL EVENT! Perfect fall marathon tune-up!

Faxo axon nLa LawG wGroup The

Inner-City News S P O N S O R S 99.1PLR A&A Office Systems Able to Assist Limousine Active Health AMR Amtrak Chabaso Bakery

Crystal Rock Curvin K. Council Funeral Home Inc. Day Pitney LLP Deep River Snacks East Coast Overhead Door The Farmer’s Cow Frank Capasso & Sons, Inc.

Generation UCAN Harpoon Brewery Halloran & Sage, LLP Henkell IKEA Littler Mendelson, P.C. Marcum LLP Murtha Cullina, LLP

Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C. New Haven Register NEWS8 New Haven Living Magazine New Haven Terminal Nulo Pet Food Orange Theory Fitness Shelton Park New Haven

Register at — newhavenroadrace.org 01

Schindler Elevator Turkey Hill Ice Cream Yale Daily News Yale Orthopaedics Yale University Yasso Zangari, Cohn, Cuthbertson, P.C.