New York Trend NYC: May 11 – 17, 2023

NEW YORK TREND

May 11th, 2023 - May 17th, 2023

MAYOR DAVID DINKINS, REP. CHARLES RANGEL, HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 16

LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR BANNING BOOKS

The Black Stars News 2015 Annual Awards Dinner will honor Mayor David Dinkins, Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Yvette Clarke, R. Donahue Peebles, Barbara Arnwine, Inez Barron, Sabrina Lamb, Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen Byrd, Alia Jones, and the Central Park Five survivors of gross injustice on December 18 from 6:00pm –10:00pm at MIST Harlem, 46 West 116th Street

A lawsuit has been filed in United States District Court seeking to reverse the Pickens County School Board's decision to remove Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi's Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You from every school in the district. The lawsuit alleges that the District's removal of Stamped is politically and racially motivated censorship that cannot be tolerated under the First Amendment.

According to the lawsuit, which was brought by three families on behalf of their minor children in Pickens County Schools and the Pickens Branch of the NAACP through their attorneys from the NAACP and the ACLU of South Carolina, Stamped was reviewed and unanimously approved for classroom and library use by separate school- and district-level review committees. Those committees — which were comprised of educators, administrators, and parents — concluded that Stamped is developmentally appropriate for high school students, that it is aligned with SC Department of Education's English Language Arts standards, and that it should remain as a resource in classrooms, libraries, and media centers. But in September, without explanation, the Pickens County School Board rejected those conclusions and voted unanimously to remove the book entirely from district schools.

“Each honoree chosen for recognition has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in her or his respective profession or endeavor and in some significant measure has contributed towards creating a more just society in this country,” says Black Star News founder and publisher Milton Allimadi. “Obviously much work needs to be done here and around the world.”

The gala starts at 6:00pm with a cocktail hour to be followed by the dinner and awards ceremonies. There will be musical entertainment by opera singer Cassandra Douglas and from harmonica phenomenon William Galison. David Dinkins is honored for Lifetime Achievement

— he was New York City’s first African American mayor and also welcomed Nelson Mandela to the city after his release in 1990.

"The Board's decision to remove Stamped was antithetical to the First Amendment and reflects a deep hostility towards America's promise of a free and pluralistic society," said Allen Chaney, Legal Director for the ACLU of South Carolina "We are hopeful that the courts will vindicate the Constitution and rebuke the cresting wave of censorship we're experiencing across South Carolina."

Rep. Charles Rangel, also honored for Lifetime Achievement, has served in Congress since 1971. He is a recipient of The Bronze medal for helping save soldiers behind enemy line during the Korean War

"The NAACP and the Office of General

Since 1989

curriculum, and educational institutions. The groups who are behind these book bans are discriminatively targeting books that highlight and discuss race, culture, women's issues, and LGBTQ issues. The NAACP is actively fighting against any unjustified book bans and will continue to support teachers, libraries and other institutions who are

CELEBRATING30 YEARS!

York and a former chancellor of the New York public schools system. Pioneering producers Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones, through their company Front Row Production, brought “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” with a multi-ethnic cast to Broadway. In 2016 they bring “Eclipsed” with Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong ’O to Broadway.

the bad. The Pickens County School Board's decision to ban "Stamped" from the public school curriculum is a disservice to all of our students. The Pickens County Branch of the NAACP is proud to stand with the national NAACP and ACLU of South Carolina in this lawsuit to protect a curriculum that celebrates diversity, promotes equity, while furthering justice for Black America."

The lawsuit asserts that the school board's vote to remove the book aligns with Freedom Caucus ideology meaning it is politically motivated censorship and therefore unconstitutional. The lawsuit asks the court to declare the removal of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You unconstitutional, allowing for its return to classrooms, libraries, media centers in Pickens County.

Transformative Justice Coalition. Arnwine was for 26 years executive Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law. , honoree, formerly a member, is now council member and a champion of education for

Counsel are proud to stand in support of the Pickens County Branch of the NAACP and the local families advocating on behalf of their children as they fight against this unjust and unlawful censorship," said Martina Tiku, Assistant General Counsel of the NAACP. "This lawsuit represents a continuation of their unwavering advocacy and will act as the next step in ensuring that children in Pickens County have access to an education free from such political attacks."

Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives from New York whose 9th district covers much of central Brooklyn. Before entering Congress in 2007, she

"Educators and library systems are under attack through this newfound increase of support to ban culturally relevant books from our schools,

R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is a leading developer and founder of The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest African American-owned real estate firm with $3.5 billion worth of properties under development or management — he was one of the pioneering developerswho helped turn around and revitalize the once-blighted Anacostia neighborhood in Washington, D.C. A champion of African-American economic empowerment Peebles’ is contemplating a possible run for NYC mayor in 2017.

Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil rights lawyer, is a champion of protecting voting rights of ethnic minority groups — the emerging

Imhotep Gary Byrd is a legendary radio talk show host and executive producer, radio DJ, poet, songwriter, music recording artist and producer, rapper, writer and community activist. He began his career as a radio DJ in Buffalo at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s been a talk show host at WBLS and WLIB radio in New York City. He also has a Friday night radio talk show on WBAI

targeted by censorship," said NAACP State Conference President Brenda Murphy "It has been made inherently evident that the true intent behind banning certain books is to destroy the relevance of Black history and that of historically marginalized groups. The South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP will not stand by, voiceless, allowing politicians and radical groups to erase our history or culture."

NAACP Pickens County Branch

President Shelia Crawford stated, "Black history is American history. We have a responsibility to provide our students with a complete teaching of our nation's history – both the good and

Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founder of World of Money, is a champion of financial literacy for youth-- she teaches knowledge about handling money, budgeting and planning.

Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of the nation’s leading educators. He’s president of Medgar Evers College of The City University of New

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.   ACLU of South Carolina's mission is to realize the promise of the United States and South Carolina Constitutions for all and expand the reach of their guarantees. ACLU of SC works in the courts to defend liberty and seek relief for its clients harmed by unjust policies, in the legislature to advocate for policy that protects or advances civil liberties, and in communities to educate and mobilize citizen activists.

Honorees, the so-called Central Park 5, are collectively and individually heroes. They are survivors of one of the ugliest miscarriage of justice in New York’s history; having been railroaded and unjustly convicted for a crime they did not commit and for which they served long prison sentences ranging from seven years to 13 years before being exonerated when the actual rapist confessed. They are: Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, and Kharey Wise. The Black Star News, which focuses on investigative journalism, has been featured as a result of some if its news scoops, on CNN, The New York Daily News, The New York Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s Content magazine.

Past Black Star News honorees have included: Gil Noble (Like It Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William Pollard (Medgar Evers College), Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna Fountain (Columbia University), Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National Action Network), and many others.

“We are hopeful that the courts will vindicate the Constitution....”

 ALLEN CHANEY Legal Director for the ACLU of South Carolina

Photo Source: naacp.com

CIVIL RIGHTS ICON PASSES

-- BY NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement regarding the death of Harry Belafonte:

“The passing of civil rights icon Harry Belafonte leaves a devastating void in the racial justice community. Before his rise, no entertainer had ever used the platform and resources his fame afforded him to accomplish so much. His personal and financial support was critical to every major event of the Civil Rights Movement , from the Freedom Rides and the Birmingham Campaign to the March on Washington and the Freedom Summer of voter registration.  “Every American who works for racial justice takes inspiration from his unwavering commitment. He faced down threats to his career, having been blacklisted during the McCarthy Era, and threats to his life, notably

when he and Sydney Poitier were chased by Klansmen while delivering contributions to voting rights activists

in Mississippi. “It was an honor and a privilege to know him. The National Urban League

and the Urban League Movement will cherish his memory and strive to honor his legacy.”

NEW NAACP DIRECTORS TO STRENGTHEN WORK IN EDUCATION

The NAACP is pleased to welcome three new directors to our organization's strategy team. The Strategy Office is growing to strengthen the NAACP's ability to tackle key issues impacting the Black community. In recent weeks, the NAACP added wellknown, trusted experts to our roster to lead our strategy.

Dr. Jamie R. Riley joins the Association as Director, Race and Justice. Dr. Riley has worked as a racial justice and social change agent in higher education and/or non-profit administration for the past 15 years. As a published researcher, he is a critical race theorist and investigates the systemic role of race and racism within American culture, systems, and institutions. Previously, he led his own diversity and strategic planning consulting company, Engaging U, LLC, and served as the Director of Racial Equity for the Center for Law & Social Policy (CLASP), a national anti-poverty policy non-profit in Washington, DC. Within his role at CLASP, Dr. Riley leads organizational strategies focused on infusing racial equity within all external policy and advocacy efforts.

Dr. Ivory A. Toldson will serve as Director, Education Innovation and Research. Dr. Toldson was dubbed a leader "who could conceivably navigate the path to the White House" by The Washington Post, one of "30 leaders in the fight for Black men," by Newsweek Magazine, and the "Problem Solver" by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education

Dr. Toldson served as the President and CEO of the QEM Network, Professor of Counseling Psychology at Howard University, and Editor-In-Chief

of The Journal of Negro Education. He was appointed by President Barack Obama to devise national strategies to sustain and expand federal support to HBCUs as the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCUs). Throughout his career, Dr. Toldson also served as a senior research analyst for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and contributing education editor for The Root, where he debunked some of the most pervasive myths about African-Americans in his Show Me the Numbers column.

Christy Ross will join us as Director,

Health and Wellbeing Mrs. Ross has over 18 years in both the clinical healthcare and public health sectors. She has held key leadership positions with local institutions including the Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans (Charity Hospital), Tulane HCA Hospital, Louisiana Public Health Institute and Metropolitan Human Services District. Mrs. Ross has also served as an adjunct instructor at Dillard University in the School of Public Health. She most recently served as Senior Vice President, Grants, with Baptist Community Ministries, a health conversion foundation serving the Greater New

Orleans region.

Mrs. Ross is a 2018 Terrance Keenan Institute (Grantmakers in Health) Fellow and a 2017 graduate of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. She sits on the board of Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana and the community advisory board of LSU Health Sciences Center School of Public Health. Over the coming months, these directors will begin to develop our strategies to strengthen civil rights within their issue areas. We are pleased to welcome them to the team and excited for their leadership and the path forward.

Photo Source: nul.org

optimum ANNOUNCES INNOVATOR AWARDS WINNERS

Optimum, and parent company Altice USA, are thrilled to announce the winners of the fourth annual Optimum Innovator Awards, which recognizes FIRST Robotics Competition teams for their innovation and efforts in areas such as community engagement, technology, inspiration, diversity, and sustainability. This year, Optimum is celebrating the accomplishments of five winners, five runners-up, and 11 honorable mentions and awarding

grants to support their growth, creativity, and innovation. As a long-time supporter of the FIRST Robotics Competition, an organization that provides students with mentor-based programs to build science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills, Optimum is committed to championing programs in its local communities that help inspire and educate future innovators.

With the 2023 season

of FIRST competitions completed, the Optimum Innovator Awards not only recognize the drive and hard work that teams have made, but further support FIRST Robotics students as they prepare for the next competition season and find new and creative ways to engineer and construct their robots.

Team winners will receive grants of $2,000; runners-up will receive $1,500; and honorable mentions will receive $500.

 2023 OPTIMUM INNOVATOR

AWARD WINNERS

Inclusion Award

 Winner: O-Bots (Ossining, NY)

 Runner-up: Pitt Pirates Robotics (Greenville, NC)

Excellence in Technology Award

 Winner: FeMaidens (Bronx, NY)

 Runner-up: F.R.O.G. (Grove, OK)

Community Connector Award

 Winner: The Full Metal Jackets (Rockwall, TX)

 Runner-up: Robotalons (Prosper, TX)

Inspiration Award

 Winner: Rebel Robotics (Great Neck, NY)

 Runner-up: Regal Eagles (Bethpage, NY)

Sustainability Award

 Winner: Putnam Area Robotics Team (Winfield, WV)

 Runner-up: Warhawks (Edison, NJ)

 HONORABLE MENTIONS

 Nemesis (Robbinsville, NJ)

 Hurricanes (Westhampton, NY)

 Sachem Aftershock (Ronkonoma, NY)

 The Mechanical Bulls (Smithtown, NY)

 Thundercolts (Huntington Station, NY)

 The POBots (Plainview, NY)

 PSIcotics (Lindenhurst, NY)

 Jbirds (Hicksville, NY)

 Sciborgs (Bronx, NY)

 Gorillas (Hendersonville, NC)

 Black Hawk Robotics (Heath, TX)

SECRETARY OF STATE COLIN POWELL RECEIVES AWARD POSTHUMOUSLY

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies’ Board of Governors posthumously honored Secretary of State Colin Powell with its highest honor — the 2022 Louis E. Martin Great American Award

The Louis E. Martin Great American Award recognizes individuals who have made transformational contributions that furthered the promise of America as a land of hope and opportunity for all. The award, first given in 2003, is named in the memory of Louis E. Martin (19121997), a principal founder of the Joint Center and the first chair of its board. President Spencer Overton presented Secretary Powell’s son, Michael Powell, with the award.

“I am honored to posthumously present this award to Secretary Powell in recognition of his trailblazing leadership in advancing equity and his service to our nation. The morals and qualities Secretary Powell embodied — included but not limited to a commitment to collaboration, excellence, fairness, bipartisanship, and leadership — seem particularly important to recognize and hold up in this moment.” Overton said. “Secretary Powell was a friend of the Joint Center. He ensured that opportunities would remain open to others —  as evidenced by his support of programs

designed to promote economic mobility and the full participation of Americans from all backgrounds. His memory will live on as a demonstration to the importance of building bridges across party lines for Black communities. Secretary Powell was a truly inspirational American who embodied the spirit of Louis E. Martin and the other remarkable individuals who have received the award in the past.”

“I am honored to accept this award on behalf of our family,” said Powell “Like Louis Martin, for whom this award is named, my father was a mentor, friend, and confidant to so many and his legacy of kindness, compassion, and service to this country will live on. We are grateful to the Joint Center for this recognition.”

Past recipients of the award include La June Montgomery Tabron, Cedric Richmond, Stacey Abrams, thenSenator Kamala Harris, Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, Senator Cory Booker, Ambassador Susan Rice, Congressmen John Lewis and James Clyburn, Dorothy Height, and Muhammad Ali.

Martin was a 1934 graduate of the University of Michigan, a Chicago Defender journalist, the founding editor and publisher of the Michigan Chronicle, and a founder of the National Newspaper Publishers

Association. In serving as an advisor to three presidents, Martin was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the nomination of Thurgood Marshall

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black

to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1967. Martin was one of the founders of the Joint Center in 1970, and served as its board chair from 1970-1979.  Among friends and colleagues, Martin was known for expressing his warmest respects with his favorite compliment: “You are a great American.”

people in America. We are the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies.

COMMENTARY “I GOT BANK” CONTEST ANNOUNCED FOR YOUTH FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH

In celebration of National Financial Literacy Month, OneUnited Bank, the nation’s largest black-owned bank, is proud to announce its 13th Annual “I Got Bank!” National Financial Literacy Contest where ten children will win a $1,000 savings account. To make financial literacy a core value of the Black community, the Bank is offering a free “I Got Bank” E-Book.

Students from across the country between the ages of 8 and 12 are encouraged to read a financial literacy book of their choosing, and either write a 250-word essay or create an art project to show how they would apply what they learned from the book to their daily lives. Submissions must be emailed or postmarked by June 30, 2023. The Bank will choose ten winners and award each winner a $1,000 savings account at OneUnited Bank by August 31, 2023. For more information, please visit: www.oneunited.com/book.

Teri Williams, OneUnited Bank President and author of “I Got Bank! What My Granddad Taught Me About Money,” wrote the book when she discovered that there weren’t enough books geared toward educating urban youth about finances. “Given the current economic climate, it’s important for our community to

get good with money,” states Ms. Williams. “Our contest and free e-book make it easy for families to teach their children how to build wealth and make financial literacy a core value in the Black community!”

The 2022 winners are Aida Anderson, 11, Cooper City,

FL, Hahrin Vivian Chiang, 9, Santa Monica, CA, Kendyl Gray, 11, Reseda, CA, Liam Hughton, 9, Los Angeles, CA, Golden Littlejohn, 8, Knoxville, TN, Grayson Nevel, 9, Boston, MA, Ryllie Stephens, 12, Sarasota, FL, Zya Taylor, 12, Decatur, GA, Kordell White, 12, Sylmar, CA, and Lukas Wormack,

12, Plainfield, NJ.

“I Got Bank! What My Granddad Taught Me About Money” is published by The Beckham Publications Group, Inc. (Beckhamhouse). For more information about the official contest rules, please visit: www. oneunited.com/book.

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Early screening of your cognitive health allows for earlier detection and diagnosis of potential Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Early diagnosis means more time to plan for the future, express your preferences for care, adapt your home environment and seek support. We can help you learn about available resources.

Early diagnosis also provides opportunities to try new treatments. For those who are experiencing possible early cognitive decline, we offer the opportunity to participate in ongoing research studies/clinical trials that may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms. Our Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease — one of 10 centers in New York State — is funded in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

If you have trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating or making decisions that affect everyday life, the sooner you can find out what’s going on, the better.

NEW COMEDY DEBUTS

Blonde Medicine is pleased to announce the Friday, May 5 release of Pack a Lunch , the sophomore comedy full-length album from longtime comedian and perennial fan-favorite Dave Stone! Pack a Lunch is the audio accompaniment to Stone’s debut stand-up special of the same name, out the same day on his YouTube channel: youtube.com/@ davestonecomedy.

Pack a Lunch is mostly autobiographical with zero crowd work or politics. Although Los Angeles-based for over a decade, Stone is originally from North Georgia. He recounts growing up in the deep south, his introduction to married life, a love of both Bigfoot and baseball, and his experiences as a cop!

Stone started comedy in

Atlanta sixteen years ago at age 29 following several neardeath experiences stemming from his previous career as an Atlanta police officer. This work involved both uniformed patrol and undercover plain-clothes operations which yielded endless cop stories including car chases, high-speed pursuit of a bathroom, and retrieval of a human head!

These stories are something Stone has kept hidden for his entire comedy career, reluctant to share them for fear of alienating his audience. After 16 years however, it is finally time to tell some of them. In the current political and social climate, Stone was eager to veer away from divisiveness and simply tell some dumb stories about a middle-aged goober trying to figure things out!

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HILTON EARNS BEST COMPANIES AWARD

As the travel industry continues its incredible post-pandemic growth, Hilton has once again been recognized for its remarkable workplace culture. Great Place to Work (GPTW) and Fortune named Hilton #2 on the 2023 Best Companies to Work For list in the U.S. As in previous years, Hilton is the highest-ranked hospitality company to appear on the list.

“We are so honored to be recognized as a Great Place to Work for the eighth year in a row – and especially proud to be the #2 in the U.S. this year. Since our founding, our team members have always been at the heart of our hospitality – and this recognition is the result of everything they do to deliver on our founding vision, to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality,” said Chris Nassetta, President and CEO, Hilton “Our Hilton family is so proud of the incredible culture we’ve built together, and we look forward to building on that work for years to come.”  Hilton has also achieved top honors globally. For the first time, Hilton has been named the #1 Best Workplace in France. This win comes as we celebrate being named a Great Place to Work

in more than a dozen other countries, including in Argentina (#1), China (#1), Peru (#1), Portugal (#1), Uruguay (#1), Nigeria (#2), Singapore (#2), Brazil (#3), Oman (#3), Ireland (#4), Kuwait (#4), Philippines (#4), Saudi Arabia (#4), Spain (#4), UAE (#6), Germany (#8), Qatar (#9), Bahrain (#10), and Colombia (#15).

The last few years had a tremendous impact on ways of working, and today more than ever, team members are looking for more diverse, inclusive, and flexible working experiences. Hilton has committed to building a culture that supports team members at every step of their personal and professional journeys while creating a fully human experience at work through inclusion, wellness, growth and purpose.

With a workforce spanning more than 420,000 people across 123 countries and territories, this recognition is a result of positive feedback direct from team members. Hilton continues to iterate on this feedback as it develops an increasingly growing suite of team member benefits. Recent additions include the launch of its new Care for

All caregiving platform, in partnership with Wellthy, and offering debt-free education through a partnership with

financial decisions that work best for them; “SuperFlex” workforce model for Call Center team members that allows

Guild Education

Additionally, team members are looking for new kinds of flexibility in how and when they work. Hilton recognizes that flexibility is more than just choosing whether to work in-person or remotely. Through recently created programs like DailyPay, which provides U.S. team members the flexibility to make

them to choose their own schedule and number of work hours; and reduced schedules and sabbaticals available for all U.S. full-time team members, enabling them to arrange a condensed work week or take temporary, unpaid leave while maintaining full benefits and job security, Hilton continues to make flexibility a key focus moving forward.

5 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU GET YOUR FIRST PAYCHECK

Getting your first paycheck is an exciting experience and an opportunity to kickstart your financial journey. Mapping out your short and long-term financial goals early on will allow you to build a strong foundation for your future.

Here are five things to help you make the most of that first paycheck:

Open a Bank Account: Checking accounts allow you to deposit money, make transfers, withdraw cash, pay bills and take care of other banking transactions either in person, online or through your bank's mobile app. Most accounts come with a debit card that can be used anywhere cards are accepted. What’s important is that you’re fitted with the account that best suits your needs. Learn more about the documents you need to open an account.

Set up Direct Deposit: For quick access to the money you earn, set up direct deposit. It will make your funds available in your account on pay day, making it easier to pay your bills, send money and meet financial obligations on time, and without needing a trip to the bank or ATM.

Set Up Automatic Savings: Autosave helps you reach your savings goals with automatic transfers from your Chase checking account

to your Chase savings account – just set it, forget it and watch your savings grow! For instance, every time you get paid, pay yourself first or set up an automatic transfer of even $1 per day. Autosave allows you to adjust your goals or pause at any time. Savings goals are personal and setting money aside to build an emergency fund for unexpected life events is a great habit to start.

Tackle Your Debt: Assess your current debt—like student loans or credit cards—then tackle the most critical ones first with a high interest rate. A local Chase banker can help you create a plan so it doesn’t feel like an overwhelming task. Having a plan often comes with assurance and peace of mind.

Plan for the future: If you have access to a retirement account through your work, sign up for it – your employer will automatically deduct the money from your paycheck and many companies even offer a match. It is never too early to start saving for your future. The more proactive you are in planning for these life events, the less of a burden they become when the time comes.

For more information, visit your local Chase branch and speak to a banker or visit chase.com/communityteam to schedule a visit.

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THE ARTS AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS TO LINCOLN CENTER

Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) and African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) will celebrate the kickoff of the 30th New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) at FLC from May 10 to 16. Launched in 1993 and one of the first of its kind in the United States, the festival reflects on the myriad ways African and diaspora storytellers have used the moving image as a mold to tell stories with their own nuances and idiosyncrasies. Under the banner, Freeforms, the festival presents over 30 films from more than 15 countries that invite audiences to explore the infinite realms of African and diaspora storytelling and embrace its visionary, probing and fearless spirit.

“The New York African Film Festival was founded to counteract the voice over, where Africans were being spoken for over grim images and to provide a place where the seventh art could become a weapon for us to reclaim our voices, to reappropriate our images and to add layers to the narrative,” said NYAFF Founder and AFF Executive Director Mahen Bonetti “In each frame presented by the festival over three decades we have found our connection with each other and our footing in other people’s spaces, while presenting myriad stories about all corners of the African diaspora and the human experience itself.”

Opening Night marks the New York premiere of Moussa Sène Absa’s Xalé, the third film in his trilogy focused on women. When twin brother and sister Awa and Adama’s grandmother passes away, their Aunt Fatou and Uncle Atoumane pledge to marry to preserve the family union. Tired of waiting to consummate their marriage, Atoumane commits an act from which there is no return.

The Centerpiece selection is the U.S. premiere of Hyperlink, comprised of four short films and directed by South African filmmakers Mzonke Maloney, Nolitha Mkulisi, Julie Nxadi, and Evan Wigdorowitz, who reflect on the seductive, and at times treacherous, illusory reality of the internet. Using humor, suspense and social criticism, this collective production sketches a society dominated by idealized projections of the dreamt self. Four festival features are U.S. premieres: Fatou Cissé’s A Daughter’s Tribute to Her Father: Souleymane Cissé, an intimate portrayal of the life and career of Souleymane Cissé, one of Africa’s most celebrated filmmakers; Ottis Ba Mamadou’s Dent Pour Dent, a comedic drama placing the unemployed Idrissa in the position of being entirely dependent on his wife after budgetary restrictions imposed by the IMF and seeking revenge; Katy Léna N’diaye’s Money, Freedom, a Story of CFA Franc, a revealing account of why a currency holdover

resulting from French colonialism is still in use to this day; and Ery Claver’s Our Lady of the Chinese Shop, a delicate urban tale that reveals a family and city full of resentment, greed and torment in Luanda, Angola, in part due to a peculiar, holy plastic figure of Our Lady. The festival is also proud to host the U.S. premieres of two short films: Chadrack Banikina and Cecilia Zoppelletto’s Ota Benga, an animated film that captures a moment in the true-life story of Ota Benga (1883–

and community bonds with particular attention to the perspectives of the mothers of migrants. The event takes place in the Amphitheater at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center with tickets available through www.africanfilmny. org

Two free talks are Safi Faye Memorial Talk: Women of African Cinema, a conversation which will bring together contemporary African directors and curators to reflect on Faye’s legacy in the wake of the

Evoking poet Lucille Clifton’s call to “sing for red dust and black clay” in her book of poetry Good News About the Earth, Nigerian-American artist Zainab Aliyu invites thirty filmmakers working within African diasporic cinema to explore pottery as a metaphor that points towards the potential of free forms in her video piece, From red dust to Black clay. This free digital art exhibition will run from May 10 – 16 in the Amphitheater.

Tickets go on sale April 13 at noon ET.

1916), the pygmy who was exhibited at the Bronx Zoo; and Babetida Sadjo’s Hématome, about a woman who after twenty-five years, breaks her silence for a rape she suffered as a child and seeks justice.

Other highlights from the slate include the New York premiere of Know Your Place, Zia Mohajerjasbi’s slice of life drama set in present-day Seattle in which an errand undertaken by Robel, a 15-year old Eritrean-American, transforms into an odyssey across the rapidly gentrifying city; and Souleymane Cissé’s Den Muso, an exploration of repercussions of a mute girl’s assault, that shines a light on the societal and economic challenges facing women in urban Mali during the 1970s. The film was restored by Cissé – who was among the first wave of subSaharan African filmmakers – and La Cinémathèque française in 2020, in collaboration with the Cinémathèque Afrique and the French Institute, thanks to the support of Pathé Acclaimed Senegalese filmmaker Moussa Sène Absa will present a free masterclass on Saturday, May 13, at 11:30 am, which will probe the impact of migration on familial

pioneering filmmaker’s death in February, and what her work means for feminist African cinema today; and In Conversation with Souleymane Cissé, a special keynote talk with the acclaimed Malian director about his career and legacy, in conjunction with retrospective screenings of Den Muso and Yeelen. Yeleen was screened during the first NYAFF. Both events will be held in the Amphitheater in the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center

NYAFF will present a Town Hall at The Africa Center on Thursday, May 4, at 6:00 pm, featuring African and diaspora artists displaying and discussing work that explore the festival’s theme Freeforms. Participants include Assane Sy, Senegalese photographer and film curator of Jollof Films; Ladan Osman, Somali-American poet and filmmaker; Bocafloja, rapper, poet and spoken word artist; and Khane Kutzwell, hair stylist and barber for film and TV. Moderator Maboula Soumahoro is a French-Ivorian scholar and writer, whose book, Black is the Journey: Africana the Name (2021), will contextualize the program.

Ticket prices are $17 for the general public; $14 for students, seniors, and persons with disabilities; and $12 for FLC Members. See more and save with the $79 All-Access Pass or the $39 Student All-Access Pass. Contact info@africanfilmny. org for information about attending the Opening Night Party.

The festival continues at Maysles Documentary Center in Harlem from May 19 to 21 and culminates at the Brooklyn Academy of Music under the name Film Africa from May 26 to June 1 during Dance Africa.

The programs of AFF are made possible by the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, New York Community Trust, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Bradley Family Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Domenico Paulon Foundation, NYC & Company, French Cultural Services, Manhattan Portage, Black Hawk Imports, Essentia Water, South African Consulate General, National Film and Video Foundation and Motion Picture Enterprises

ANNUAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL

Kids Video Connection, Inc. will present the 16th annual Atlanta Children’s Film Festival (ACFF) June 9 - 25, 2023. The ACFF features two weeks of eye-opening and exciting activities, including film screenings and workshops for children, teens, and industry professionals. Showcasing films produced by youth and adult independent filmmakers from around the world, the festival promotes positive, educational, and entertaining children and family-oriented independent productions.

As the film industry continues to grow in Georgia, educational opportunities like this festival are key to training the next generation of filmmakers.

“The ACFF programming aims to expand children’s imaginations, teach media literacy, guide youth in creating their own positive media content, and introduce youth to careers in film and other media,” says Alesia Johnson, ACFF Director “I’m excited that our simple idea to show films that would encourage and inspire youth has grown over the years.”

This year the festival is hybrid with both online and in-person events.

 JUNE 9, OPENING DAY CELEBRATION - At the Fulton-County Public Library - Central Library in downtown Atlanta. This event is free and open to the public. There will be a Media Career Fair for youth (7-17) from 10:30 a.m.  - 12:30 p.m.  Students will be introduced to the world of filmmaking, meet media professionals and learn about the film production process. In the afternoon (1:00-3:00 p.m.) there will be a showcase of films produced by youth and Georgia filmmakers. Free for the Entire Family.

 JUNE 14, ANIMATION WORKSHOP

- In this interactive online animation workshop, students will learn

2-Dimension 2-Cell animations moving toward stop motion. In addition, they will learn about timing, storytelling and world building.

 JUNE 12 -16 FILM CAMP - This will be a hybrid film camp. The first will be a class taught by Emmy-award winning producer, Fran Burst-Terranella. She was one of the first women directors in Atlanta and instrumental in helping to start the Atlanta Film Festival. She served on KVC’s Board for five years, and now she is an advisor.

Burst-Terranella says: “I'm excited to see ACFF expanding opportunities for a diversity of children and youth to learn to tell their own unique stories in ACFF's exciting, inclusive filmmaking workshops. And it's great to see young

people begin to consider pursuing careers in the film, TV and digital entertainment industries.”

 JUNE 17 - 25 - VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL - 72 films produced by youth and adult filmmakers from around the world will be screened.

There are some funny, educational and eye-opening films in this year’s lineup, including these award-winners by Georgia Filmmakers

 “In the Craft Room” - This educational and fun engaging documentary-style children’s show teaches young viewers about science creatively through arts and crafts.  It was written, directed and produced by Joey Johnson, an Art Institute of Atlanta graduate.

 “Morning Joy” – A short, animated film about a beautiful blue bird that helps a man grieving see the beauty in life after a great loss. Directed by Atlanta native John Henry. He previously penned the feature-length adaptation of the Oscar-nominated animated short film “The Dam Keeper” for 20th Century Fox.

 JUNE 24, FILM FESTIVAL FAMILY DAY — This day features several creative workshops at Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322. This event is cosponsored by the Emory Department of Film & Media. The workshops include acting, storytelling, creating and communicating through puppets, and a media career fair to introduce

youth to careers in the film industry.   There will be a special screening of ACFF’s award-winning shorts from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Also, there will be a special guest appearance by Ken Feinberg, the Founder and CEO of Creative Studios of Atlanta. Feinberg is known for producing some of the most ground-breaking and successful children’s TV series of all time, including Thomas the Tank Engine and Teletubbies. Feinberg founded Creative Studios Atlanta in 2005 after years of nurturing his professional career in Los Angeles and New York City. Feinberg is an international award-winning director, producer, screenwriter and actor. Feinberg was honored with The Outstanding Achievement Award for his contribution to the film community in Georgia, as well as having six films premiere in France at the Cannes Film Festival short film corner.

Johnson adds: “I am thankful to my colleagues who work in the TV & film industries who have volunteered their time to help KVC teach underserved youth in Atlanta.”

Many young people see themselves through the lens of negative media which causes low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Everything we see, hear or interact with on the Internet affects how we all feel. There are challenges in the world, but maybe if more youth saw some positive and happy TV programs and films they would be encouraged instead of

depressed.

The ACFF appreciates the support over the years from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Georgia Council for the Arts, DeKalb Entertainment Commission, Emory University Department of Film and Media, and the Tyler Perry Foundation

There are several free events for the entire family. Prices for the workshops and screenings start at $10. For more information about the festival and to register, go to https://atlcff.eventive. org/welcome or call (678) 954-8441.

Kids Video Connection is an educational media arts organization that specializes in teaching youth media literacy, communication skills and video production. For more information, to register, or to screen the films go to https://atlcff.eventive. org/welcome.

8 kids a day are accidentally killed or injured by FAMILY FIRE.

FAMILY FIRE is a shooting involving an improperly stored gun, often found in the home.

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