Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 124 by IQ INC.

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ISSUE 124 VOLUME 21

June 3, 2021

SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES!

June is Caribbean-American Heritage Month: Let’s Celebrate! PAHO Director on COVID-19’s Impact on Women ....4

BY MARY CAMPBELL SPECIAL TO CAW

une is National Caribbean American Heritage Month, and this year marks the fifteenth anniversary. The commemoration of this observance aims to remind Americans that our greatness lies in our diversity. The official campaign for National Caribbean American continued on page 6

3 Signs You Are in an Emotionally Abusive Relationship ....19

Marriage Fraud Consequences BY JANET HOWARD

arriage fraud is a crime, regardless of the circumstances under which you sought to “help” an illegal immigrant circumvent legal immigration channels or if you took part in a sham marriage for money. What are the consecontinued on page 17

The Tulsa Race Massacre ....4

NYC School Chancellor: Summer of Renewal for Students....8

Knowledge is Power when you use it! Get a FREE Consultation! Ask the Lawyer:

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4-page Real Estate Section ....13-16

Brian Figeroux, Esq., Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Plan to Travel More in 2021 ....23

Reggae Girlz Goalkeeper Joins Princeton’s Staff ....21

Child Out of Wedlock? Child Custody & Support Issues ....11

The Situationship: What and Why ....24

Osaka and the Value of Mental Wellness ....26

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CARIBBEAN NEWS ROUNDUP Caribbean Consulates Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street, Suite 6A New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117 The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-421-6420 Barbados 820 Second Avenue, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-551-4325 Belize 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1911 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-593-0999 Dominica 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400H New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-949-0853 Dominican Republic 1500 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-599-8478 Grenada 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1101 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-599-0301 Guyana 308 West 38th Street New York, N.Y. 10018 Tel: 212-947-5119 Haiti 815 Second Avenue,6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-697-9767 Jamaica 767 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-935-9000 Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-838-6887 Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 20th Floor New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-840-2450 St. Kitts & Nevis 414 East 75th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10021 Tel: 212-535-5521 St. Lucia 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel: 212-697-9360 St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 800-786-2278 St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 125 Maiden Lane, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10038 Tel: 212-682-7272 For more Consulate information go to www.cawnyc.com/directory

CANARI Welcomes National Ecosystem Assessments

he Council of Ministers for Environmental Sustainability in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) signaled their interest in National Ecosystem Assessments at their virtual meeting held May 20-21. These studies will enable Eastern Caribbean states to integrate the values of biodiversity and ecosystem services into economic decision-making and support the OECS’ commitment to sustainable, inclusive and resilient development and COVID- 19 recovery. National Ecosystem Assessments support decision making for biodiversity and ecosystems management, climate change mitigation and adaptation and disaster resilience, and are highlighted as critical tools in the OECS’ Biodiversity and Ecosystems Management Framework, which was endorsed by the Ministers in 2020.

Since 2019, the Government of Grenada has been undertaking a National Ecosystem Assessment with technical support from the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) and the UN Environment Program World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), engaging scientists and local experts in the assessments. This year, OECS Ministers were informed of a proposed collaboration between the OECS Commission and UNEP-WCMC to mobilize resources to assist other OECS Member States to conduct similar assessments. CANARI has been identified to provide technical advice and mentoring for this work in the OECS. CANARI’s Executive Director, Ms. Nicole Leotaud, who was an observer at

the OECS meeting, noted that “CANARI welcomes the work by the OECS Commission towards scaling out national ecosystem assessments across the region and confirms our commitment to supporting this critical work for the sustainable management of our region’s biodiversity.”l

Saint Lucia Recognized by WHO on World No Tobacco Day

aint Lucia’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has won a 2021 World No-Tobacco Day Award in the Americas from the World Health Organization (WHO). The Ministry of Health, one of six winners of the award in the Americas, received recognition for achieving key advances in tobacco control efforts. “The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) extends its congratulations to the Government of Saint Lucia for this meritorious achievement. Saint Lucia has emerged as one of the most outstanding contributors and leaders in the implementation of tobacco control among the ECC,” said Dr. Yitades Gebre, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries (ECC). Saint Lucia's Ministry of Health was instrumental in the June 2020 adoption of the Public Health (Smoking Control) Regulations, which establish a smoking ban in enclosed public places and workplaces and on public transportation. The regulations apply to electronic cigarettes and prohibit the sale of tobacco products in health, sport, government, childcare, educational and religious facilities. “Nosmoking” signs also will be displayed prominently at the entrances of the facilities and in at least one other prominent place on the premises. With the adoption of its quit-tobacco regulations, Saint Lucia became the eighth country in the Caribbean and the 22nd in the Americas to adopt regulation in keeping with Article 8 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which asserts that people should be protected against tobacco smoke in indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transportation.

The tobacco regulations were developed by the Ministry of Health and the Attorney General’s Chambers in collaboration with the Tobacco Control Working Group, a multisectoral committee that includes NGOs and public agencies. PAHO supported the development of the regulations. With support from the Bloomberg Initiative to reduce Tobacco Use grants program, the government is also working on a comprehensive tobacco policy that would lead to development of tobacco control legislation. Saint Lucia’s government in strengthening further its tobacco control efforts recently has established a Tobacco Cessation Program, by training primary care providers in how to help people quit smoking. Saint Lucia signed onto the FCTC in February 2004. “The recognition of Saint Lucia by WHO for the accomplishments in tobacco control is of great significance to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The implementation of comprehensive tobacco policies remain an effective pillar in the reduction of tobacco use. Tobacco use is one of the main causes of preventable disease, disability and premature death and a risk factor contributing to

chronic non-communicable diseases. I express gratitude to WHO for such an esteemed award as we remain committed to the health improvements of all Saint Lucians,” said Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, Chief Medical Officer, Saint Lucia. The other award winners in the Americas are Costa Rica’s mSalud interinstitutional Team, comprised members of three government agencies: Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, the Uruguayan National Resource Fund, the California cities of Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach, and Brazilian oncologist Dr. Tania Cavalcante. The six Americas winners are among many winners globally whose tobacco control efforts are recognized by the WHO on World No Tobacco Day, which is celebrated May 31. World No-Tobacco Day was created by WHO Member States in 1987 to raise awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke and to discourage use of tobacco in any form. Tobacco kills more than 8 million people globally each year.l

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THOUGHTS

COVID-19 Is Inflicting “Devastating” Impacts On Women, PAHO Director Asserts

TEAM My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6 Publisher I.Q. INC. Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief

Pearl Phillip

an American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Carissa F. Etienne warned that continued disruption of women’s health services due to COVID-19 could “obliterate” more than 20 years of progress in reducing maternal mortality and increasing access to family planning in Latin America and the Caribbean. “I want to spotlight the devastating health, social and economic impacts that this virus has had on women,” Dr. Etienne said during her weekly media briefing. Women have been particularly impacted by interruptions of reproductive and maternal health services, she said. “According to UN estimates, up to 20 million women in the Americas will have their birth control disrupted during the pandemic, either because services are unavailable or because women will no longer have the means to pay for contraception.” Pregnancy and newborn care also have been interrupted in nearly half of countries in the Americas, she said. At the same time, pregnant women are more vulnerable to respiratory infections such as COVID-19. If they get sick, they tend to develop more serious symptoms that require intubation, which can put both the mother and baby at risk. “If this continues, the pandemic is expected to obliterate more than 20 years of progress in expanding women’s access to family planning and tackling maternal deaths in the region,” Dr. Etienne said. “Nearly all maternal deaths are preventable and even getting back to pre-pandemic levels of maternal mortality, which were already high, could take more than a decade.” The maternal mortality rate in Latin America and the Caribbean declined from 96 to 74 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births between 2000 and 2017, an overall reduction of 23.1%. Calling attention to the upcoming International Day of Action on Women’s Health, celebrated on May 28, Dr. Etienne said, “We urge countries to do

Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Kenrick Williams

Director calls for counteracting potential rollback of gains in women’s access to family planning and in reducing maternal mortality. just that – to act. We can start by ensuring that women and girls can access the health services they need – like sexual and reproductive health services, and pregnancy and newborn-related care – during the COVID response.” “We must remember that the challenges and inequities that we faced prior to COVID haven’t gone away during the pandemic – they’ve only worsened and can’t be overlooked. That’s why we must make protecting the lives of women a collective priority,” she continued. Cases and deaths are plateauing at alarmingly high levels Dr. Etienne also drew attention to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) assertion last week that casualties due to COVID-19 have been seriously underreported. “COVID’s true global 2020 death toll is closer to three million people – nearly double the figures reported last year,” she said. “Worryingly, half of these deaths have taken place here, in the Americas, demonstrating the outsized impact this pandemic has had in our region.” Recently over 1.2 million new COVID19 cases and 31,000 deaths were reported in the Americas. “These figures have remained unchanged over the last weeks, illuminating a worrying trend: cases and deaths are plateauing at alarmingly high levels,”

Dr. Etienne said. “In fact, last week, four out of five of the countries reporting the highest number of new infections were here in our region, and Latin American countries represented the top five highest mortality rates worldwide.” Increases in cases have been reported in Central American countries, including Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, and Honduras, where ICU beds are at more than 80% capacity. In the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago has declared a national emergency following a recent COVID-19 outbreak. Cuba continues to report a significant increase, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are still experiencing spikes after people were moved to shelters because of recent volcanic eruptions. “We are also concerned about increasing trends in hospitalizations in Haiti,” Dr. Etienne noted. In South America, new infections have declined in Chile, Peru, and Paraguay. But Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil, after experiencing progress for several weeks, are once again seeing a rise in cases. Bolivia is reporting a dramatic increase in cases and deaths, and Guyana is experiencing its highest volume of cases and deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.l —PAHO.org

Contributors Jennine Estes Erin Telesford Janet Howard Mary Campbell Tarsha Gibbons Travis Morales Email info@myiqinc.com Telephone 718-771-0988 Website www.cawnyc.com

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CIVIL RIGHTS

100 Years After the Tulsa Race Massacre, Lessons From My Grandfather dents came to his defense, some armed. The groups traded shots, and mob violence followed. My family eventually returned to a decimated street. Miraculously their home on Latimer Avenue was spared.

BY GREGORY B. FAIRCHILD THE CONVERSATION

hen Viola Fletcher, 107, appeared before Congress in May 2021, she called for the nation to officially acknowledge the Tulsa race riot of 1921. I know that place and year well. As is the case with Fletcher – who is one of the last living survivors of the massacre, which took place when she was 7 – the terror of the Tulsa race riot is something that has been with me for almost as long as I can remember. My grandfather, Robert Fairchild, told the story nearly a quarter-century ago to several newspapers. Here’s how The Washington Post recounted his story in 1996: “At 92 years old, Robert Fairchild is losing his hearing, but he can still make out the distant shouts of angry white men firing guns late into the night 75 years ago. His eyes are not what they used to be, but he has no trouble seeing the dense, gray smoke swallowing his neighbors’ houses as he walked home from a graduation

rehearsal, a frightened boy of 17. His has since been a life of middle-class comfort, a good job working for the city, a warm family life. But he has never forgotten his mother’s anguish in 1921 as she fled toward the railroad tracks to escape the mobs and fires tearing through the vibrant Black neighborhood of Greenwood in north Tulsa.” “There was just nothing left,” Fairchild told the newspaper. The Washington Post article said the Tulsa race riots of 1921 were among the

“worst race riots in the nation’s history.” It reported: “The death toll during the 12hour rampage is still in dispute, but estimates have put it as high as 250. More than 1,000 businesses and homes were burned to the ground, scores of Black families were herded into cattle pens at the fairgrounds, and one of the largest and most prosperous Black communities in the United States was turned to ashes.” Riots began after a white mob attempted to lynch a teenager falsely accused of assaulting a white woman. Black resi-

Disturbing history Hearing about these experiences at the family table was troubling enough. Reading a newspaper account of your ancestors’ fleeing for their lives is a surreal pain. There’s recognition of your family’s terror, and relief in knowing your family survived what “60 Minutes” once called “one of the worst race massacres in American history.” In spite of my grandfather’s witness, this same event didn’t merit inclusion in any of my assigned history texts, either in high school or college. On the occasions I’ve mentioned this history to my colleagues, they’ve been astonished. In 1996, at the 75th anniversary of the massacre, the city of Tulsa finally acknowledged what had happened. Community leaders from different backcontinued on page 5

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CIVIL RIGHTS

Tulsa Race Massacre/ continued from page 4 grounds publicly recognized the devastation wrought by the riots. They gathered in a church that had been torched in the riot and since rebuilt. My grandfather told The New York Times then that he was “extremely pleased that Tulsa has taken this occasion seriously.” “A mistake has been made,” he told the paper, “and this is a way to really look at it, then look toward the future and try to make sure it never happens again.” That it took so long for the city to acknowledge what took place shows how selective society can be when it comes to which historical events it chooses to remember – and which ones to overlook. The history that society colludes to avoid publicly is necessarily remembered privately. Economically vibrant Even with massive destruction, the area of North Tulsa, known as Greenwood, became known for its economic vitality. On the blocks surrounding the corner of Archer Street and Greenwood Avenue in the 1930s, a thriving business district flourished with retail shops, entertainment venues and high-end services. One of these businesses was the Oklahoma Eagle, a Black-owned newspaper. As a teenager in the early 1940s, my father had his first job delivering the paper. Without knowing the history, it would be a surprise to the casual observer that

years earlier everything in this neighborhood had been razed to the ground. The Black Wall Street Memorial, a black marble monolith, sits outside the Greenwood Cultural Center. The memorial is dedicated to the entrepreneurs and pioneers who made Greenwood Avenue what it was both before and after it was destroyed in the 1921 riot. Although I grew up on military bases across the world, I would visit Greenwood many times over the years. As I grew into my teenage years in the 1970s, I recognized that the former vibrant community was beginning to decline. Some of this was due to the destructive effects of urban renewal and displacement. As with many other Black communities across the country, parts of Greenwood were razed to make way for highways. Some of the decline was due to the exit of financial institutions, including banks. This contributed to a decrease in oppor-

tunities to build wealth, including savings and investment products, loans for homes and businesses, and funding to help build health clinics and affordable housing. And at least some was due to the diminished loyalty of residents to Black-owned businesses and institutions. During the civil rights movement, downtown Tulsa businesses began to allow Black people into their doors as customers. As a result, Black residents spent less money in their community. Historical lessons At the end of my father’s military career in the 1970s, he became a community development banker in Virginia. His work involved bringing together institutions – investors, financial institutions, philanthropists, local governments – to develop innovative development solutions for areas like Greenwood. For me, there are lessons in the experiences of

three generations – my grandfather’s, father’s and mine – that influence my scholarly work today. On the one hand, I study how years after the end of legal segregation Americans remain racially separate in our neighborhoods, schools and workplaces and at alarmingly high levels. My research has shown how segregation depresses economic and social outcomes. In short, segregation creates closed markets that stunt economic activity, especially in the Black community. On the other hand, I focus on solutions. One avenue of work involves examining the business models of Community Development Financial Institutions, or CDFIs, and Minority Depository Institutions, or MDIs. These are financial institutions that are committed to economic development – banks, credit unions, loan funds, equity funds – that operate in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. They offer what was sorely needed in North Tulsa, and many other neighborhoods across the nation – locally attuned financial institutions that understand the unique challenges families and businesses face in minority communities. Righting historical wrongs There are interventions we can take, locally and nationally, that recognize centuries of financial and social constraint. Initiatives like the 2020 decision by the Small Business Administration continued on page 6

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IN THE NEWS Caribbean-American Heritage Month/continued from page 1 Heritage Month began in 2004 when a legislative bill was tabled in Congress by Congresswoman Barbara Lee. The language was provided by the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) Founder and President Dr. Claire Nelson. The Bill was reintroduced and passed the House in June 2005 and the Senate in February 2006. President George W. Bush signed a Proclamation making the resolution official on June 5, 2006. Here is an excerpt of the inaugural proclamation by then-President Bush: "Our Nation has thrived as a country of immigrants, and we are more vibrant and hopeful because of the talent, faith, and values of Caribbean Americans. For centuries, Caribbean Americans have enriched our society and added to the strength of America. They have been leaders in government, sports, entertainment, the arts, and many other fields. During the month of June, we also honor the friendship between the United States and the Caribbean countries. We are united by our common values and shared history. I join all Americans in celebrating the rich Caribbean heritage and the many ways in which Caribbean Americans have helped shape this Nation." According to the Institute of Caribbean Studies, "Caribbean immigrants have been contributing to the well-being of American society since its founding. Alexander Hamilton, the First Secretary of the Treasury, was from the Caribbean island of Nevis. We count among our famous sons and daughters, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, W.E.B Dubois, James Weldon Johnson, Harry Belafonte, and Sidney Poitier, to name a few. ICS's effort began in 1999 with a petition to President Bill Clinton to recognize a Caribbean American Heritage Month. In this year's Proclamation, President Joseph Biden stated: "America's diversity is and always has been the defining strength of our Nation — in every generation, our society, spirit, and shared ambitions have been refreshed by wave after wave of immigrants seeking out their American dream. Throughout our history, Caribbean Americans have brought vibrant cultures, languages, traditions, and values that strengthen our country and add new chapters to our common story. In recognition of Caribbean Americans' countless gifts and contributions to our Nation, we celebrate National Caribbean-American

Tulsa Race Massacre/ continued from page 5

Editorial credit: Nelson Antoine / Shutterstock.com

Heritage Month. Caribbean Americans have made our country more innovative and more prosperous; they have enriched our Nation's arts and culture, our public institutions, and our economy. I am honored to celebrate this National Caribbean-American Heritage Month alongside CaribbeanAmerican barrier-breaking public servants in my Administration — including Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, and Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice — all of whom continue to be sources of pride and inspiration for Caribbean Americans across the country. Caribbean-American intellects and artists like James Weldon Johnson, the poet who gave us the anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing; celebrated neo-expressionist painter Jean-Michel Basquiat; and John B. Russwurm, the first Caribbean-American editor of a U.S. newspaper, have left a lasting impact on our country. Caribbean-American jurists like Constance Baker Motley, the first Black woman appointed to the Federal bench, and the Nation's first Latina Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, have made innumerable contributions to the American justice system. Shirley Chisholm, the daughter of Caribbean immigrants, blazed new trails as our Nation's first Black Congresswoman — and the first Black woman to launch a major-party bid for the Presidency. Public servants like Antonia Novello, our Nation's first female Surgeon General, and Colin Powell, our first Black Secretary of State, have followed in her footsteps,

charting new paths of their own in service to the American people. Despite the powerful legacy of achievement of Caribbean Americans, many members of the CaribbeanAmerican community continue to face systemic barriers to equity, opportunity, and justice. Systemic racism has uniquely impacted Black and Latino immigrant communities, including Caribbean Americans, leading to disparities in health care, education, housing, criminal justice, and economic opportunity. My Administration is committed to addressing those entrenched disparities — and to bringing our Nation closer to its promise that all people are created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout their lives. That is why I have launched a whole-of-government approach to advancing racial justice and equity. During National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the legacy and essential contributions of Caribbean Americans who have added so much to our American fabric." This year's theme is Our Shared History, Our Shared Future. CaribbeanAmericans represent over thirty nations, having a unique blend of heritage and culture. The past year has been a difficult and challenging one. As we move forward, let's remember those we lost to COVID-19, violence and otherwise, appreciate our everyday heroes, and celebrate each other and our achievements!l

Read more at cawnyc.com

and U.S. Treasury to allocate US$10 billion to lenders that focus funds on disadvantaged areas are a start. These types of programs are needed even when there aren’t full-scale economic and social crises are taking place, like the COVID-19 epidemic or protesters in the street. Years of institutional barriers and racial wealth gaps cannot be redressed unless there’s a recognition that capital matters. The 1921 Tulsa race riot began on May 31, only weeks before the annual celebration of Juneteenth, which is observed on June 19. As communities across the country begin recognizing Juneteenth and leading corporations move to celebrate it, it’s important to remember the story behind Juneteenth – slaves weren’t informed that they were emancipated. After the celebrations, there’s hard work ahead. From my grandfather’s memory of the riot’s devastation to my own work addressing low-income communities’ economic challenges, I have come to see that change requires harnessing economic, governmental and nonprofit solutions that recognize and speak openly about the significant residential, educational and workplace racial segregation that still exists in the United States today. l

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DIASPORA CONCERNS

The Importance of Test and Trace BY VICTORIA FALK SPECIAL TO CAW

he NYC Test & Trace Corps is a public health initiative to fight the threat of COVID-19. The Corps is a group of doctors, public health professionals, and community advocates working to reverse the COVID-19 outbreak and protect our city. NYC Health + Hospitals lead the Corps' work in close collaboration with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and other city agencies. New Yorkers have faced multiple challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rightfully, much attention has been given to our frontline and essential workers; we applaud them for all they have done to aid our city during this worldwide crisis. Caribbean American Weekly had the pleasure of interviewing one of the city's unsung heroes, Ms. Karen Martin, Community Engagement Specialist, at NYC Test and Trace. During an exclusive interview with Karen Martin, she shared the importance of contact tracing, free resources available to New Yorkers, and other pertinent information for the community to know for the sake of helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

NYC, YOU’RE RIGHT, YOU SHOULD KNOW!

Ms. Martin, a proud Jamaican who migrated to the United States, does not want the Caribbean community to feel leery regarding getting tested for COVID-19, the contact and tracing procedures, or gaining access to services. "Our purpose is to encourage everyone to get tested and, if you're positive, to isolate or quarantine. That's it. The NYC Test & Trace Corps will not ask about anyone's immigration status. Immigration status is not an issue. We don't speak about immigration status at all, and we observe HIPPA laws. Whatever you say to me sticks with me. Plus, the Corps database is not linked to any law enforcement databases. Any information the NYC Test & Trace Corps obtains will be stored securely and used by authorized staff for the limited pur-

pose of protecting public health," she emphasized. In addition, Ms. Martin assured Caribbean American Weekly that people need not be concerned if they struggle with English. "We have over 40 languages, plus we have access to Language Line, where we can have an interpreter join us on a visit," shared Karen Martin. Karen Martin explained to the day-today activities of a Contact Tracer. She said, "Once someone is tested and they test positive, we reach out to the person who tested positive and start a trace. We encourage you to give us information about the persons you came in contact with. Our tracing is all done while observing HIPPA laws. We ask questions to jog your memory. The goal is to reach as many people as possible that you were

in contact with and encourage testing and quarantine." The outreach begins by telephone, but as Ms. Martin explained, "If we call and nobody answers, we go to the door and keep coming until you are reached. Contact tracing is so important to stop the spread of the virus." The work goes beyond contacting and tracing those people who tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. In addition, people who test positive are informed of and connected to services to aid them during their time of need. Karen Martin told Caribbean American Weekly some of the free services available to New Yorkers that includes: free hotel stay when people cannot safely isolate themselves at home, free cell phones for people who don't have one so they can stay connected throughout the contact and trace process, free meals delivered to the house, medication delivered to the home by the pharmacist, and help with getting letters to give to employers for the Family Medical Leave Act to show that you are isolating due to COVID-19. The NYC Test & Trace Corps is fighting COVID-19 through free testing and other resources. PLEASE answer the phone if you get a call from "NYS Contact Tracing." Answering the phone will keep your loved ones and community safe. Please visit the website: testandtrace.nyc to learn more.l

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5/13/21 3:24 PM 5/13/21

EDUCATION

A Summer of Renewal for Our Students BY MEISHA ROSS PORTER NYC SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR

his year has demanded that all New York City families and students do so many things differently—they’ve had to think differently, learn differently, and connect differently with teachers, peers, and the whole school community. At the Department of Education, we know we also have to think differently as we look towards the summer. For the first time ever, we are inviting all students to join us for a free, funfilled, enriching summer program: Summer Rising. This year, we will serve any student in grades K-12 in July and August who wants to participate, and I am excited to be partnered with the Department of Youth & Community Development to reimagine what summer can be. Our children’s days will be filled with innovative academic support, social-emotional learning, and engaging enrichment activities. These programs will be designed by school teams in partnership with local community-based organizations and offered in hundreds of sites across all five boroughs. After all the trauma and disruptions caused by the pandemic over the past 15 months, our children need a chance to reboot their education in fun and supportive ways as we approach the full reopen-

ing of our schools in September. It is time to begin regaining what the pandemic took away. Summer Rising is an opportunity to do just that, creating spaces for students to learn, grow, play, and explore the City around them – from field trips to Central Park and museums to dance and art classes. Summer Rising will also provide an enormous relief to families by keeping children safe, supported, and productive this summer. After enduring months when so many of our students were isolated from their teachers and peers, the opportunity to rebuild those face-to-face relationships will do so much to support their healing process and prepare them for returning to school in the fall. All K–8 students participating in programs will have access to academic class-

es and enrichment programming, including field trips, arts activities and outdoor recreation. Students will also engage in daily community building and social emotional learning activities. We know some students with disabilities may require additional supports to participate in Summer Rising, and those supports will be provided as needed. In addition, Summer Rising is a chance for high school students to complete courses in progress, make up credits to march towards graduation, and participate in academic acceleration opportunities. They will also be able to engage in important work experience and internship opportunities, like the Summer Youth Employment Program. As always, health and safety remain a top priority. Summer Rising will follow

the rigorous health protocols that succeeded in keeping our schools among the safest places in the city this school year. To support these efforts, parents will need to complete a testing consent form for their child so we can keep everyone healthy and safe! Summer Rising will be the start of revitalizing the powerful joy of learning together as we head toward a strong reopening of our schools and warm homecoming for our students in the fall. I strongly urge the families of every child who can join us over the summer to sign up now. To learn more about the options available for your child or to sign up, go to nyc.gov/summerrising. All programs are free, in-person, and have something to offer for everyone.l

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Common Problems When Dealing with a Workers' Compensation Claim ered. In many cases, medical benefits are granted before a ruling is even made on the claim. Secondly, you have non-medical benefits, which are not quite as immediate. These benefits often become available after your claim is granted and you fill out some additional paperwork, which means that it can take weeks or even months to start receiving non-medical benefits.

BY JARED RICHARDSON

orkers' compensation can be incredibly helpful if you were injured on the job, but that is only when it works out in your favor. Some claims are rejected, while others are accepted, yet not every successful claim results in the injured party getting the benefits that they need and deserve. If you are considering a workers' comp claim and are worried about possible problems that you may encounter during the process, here are several common questions and answers: What if your claim is rejected? Many individuals worry about what would happen if their claim were rejected, but there is fortunately a system in place that can assist with that. There is an appeal process that allows individuals to strengthen their cases and ask for approval again, which means that you will be able to include any details that you may have missed the first time around. Furthermore, the denial of your claim should be accompanied by specific rea-

soning as to what went wrong and what you might be able to do in the appeal to change the ruling. If you feel that your claim was rejected unfairly, then it might be time to get some legal help and hire an employment lawyer to assist you. What if you don't get your benefits in a timely fashion? If your claim was granted, but your benefits aren't arriving as quickly as they should, then you may need to take legal

action to speed up the process. However, benefits are divided into two separate categories, so it's important to understand how they are different and how that might affect the problems that you are experiencing. Firstly, you have medical benefits, which should be granted immediately. As long as you have properly documented the entire process and filled out a workers' comp claim as early as possible, your medical bills should be cov-

How can you maximize your chances of getting a successful claim? Ultimately, your best course of action is going to be to talk to a lawyer that is specialized in the field. Not only can they help you understand the law and what you are required to do in a workers' comp claim, but they can also help you get a better idea of just how strong your case is and how much you stand to win. If you aren't sure that you want to commit to a lawyer and the fees that such a course of action would entail, then you can probably get a free consultation to determine the best course of action and whether you even need serious legal aid in the first place.l

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HOUSING

Battle Over Rent Hikes Turns to Who’s Suffered More: Tenants or Landlords? BY GREG DAVID, THE CITY

hile Aaron Weber waits for the city Rent Guidelines Board to decide whether he will be forced to freeze rents for the tenants in the 40 buildings he runs at WeberFarhat Realty Management, he ticks off the higher costs absorbed in the past year. Among them: rising water and electric bills as residents work from home during the pandemic, along with insurance premiums and property tax hikes. Then there’s intensified cleaning procedures required due to COVID-19. The overall jump in expenses: 15%. “And all of these cost increases have been paired with lower income because of unpaid rent, vacancies and lower rents for market-rate apartments,” Weber added. The Rent Guidelines Board is slated this month to announce its final decision on rent increases for leases beginning in October or later after establishing a range of 0% to 2% for one-year leases. A vote is expected June 23, after two virtual public meetings. Landlords are making a last-ditch argument that helping tenants in need is the

job of the government, especially now that Albany’s federally funded $2.4 billion rent relief plan is accepting applications. The cost increases suffered by building owners have been ignored for too long, they say, and will lead over time to a deterioration of the city’s housing stock. “We are tremendously sympathetic to tenants in trouble and that’s why we advocated for aid,” said Basha Gerhards, senior vice president at the Real Estate Board of New York. “We know owners are in trouble too.” Tenant advocates agree that landlords have faced steep challenges but contend renters are in a worse situation.

“The scale of the hardships facing tenants and landlords are in no way equivalent,” said Sam Stein, a housing researcher at the Community Service Society, in testimony to the Rent Guidelines Board. Last Year’s Pandemic Freeze A combination of low rates of inflation and the appointment of more pro-tenant members of the rent guidelines board by Mayor Bill de Blasio has led to much smaller increases in rents over the past seven years than in times past. Three times since 2015 the board has frozen rents for one year-leases — including last year. In the other years, the board granted increases of 1.5%. For the first part of the de Blasio administration and reaching well back into the Bloomberg era, landlords generated income by both converting higher-rent apartments into market-rate units when they became vacant and by increasing rents after renovating units. But the 2019 renewal of rent regulations ended so-called vacancy decontrol and sharply curtailed the ability of landlords to recover money spent on renovations by raising rents. A REBNY study found a 48% drop in the number of filings for renovation filings in rent stabilized buildings from 2018 to 2020. REBNY expects data on the number of apartments deregulated in 2020, to be released later this year, to show a precipitous decline. “Rent laws impact our ability to keep up with expense growth,” said Marc Pollack, director of asset management for Greenthal Management Corp., which manages 2,000 apartments in Manhattan, half of them rent-stabilized. Landlords argue the Rent Guidelines Board has for years ignored the cost increases. Property taxes have gone up more than 3% each year as the city increases the assessment on buildings as have water rates and labor costs since his buildings are unionized, said Pollack. The key this year is that the Rent Guidelines Board, following tradition, is using 2019 data for making its decision, although members could take into account the extraordinary circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic. “We ramped up our cleaning services, contracted with new companies to professionally sanitize on a weekly basis

and increased pay because the cleaners were essential workers,” said Weber, citing one pandemic-caused increase. ‘Sort of Injustice’ The finances of his owners have gone south, he said. In one case, the restaurant on the ground floor of a building Weber manages in Tribeca closed early last year. A problem with the façade forced expensive repairs. With minimal rent increases for six rent-regulated units, the owner lost $200,000 in 2020, Weber said. Stein of the Community Service Society pointed out in an interview with THE CITY that the board’s key measure of how landlords are doing, called net operating income, increased in 14 of the last 15 years, and 2.9% in 2019. He believes that the $2.4 billion in rent relief that became available starting June 1 will bolster owners’ finances substantially. He also notes that any landlord who accepts the rent relief will be obligated to freeze rents for that tenant for the next year. “A rent increase will only apply to those who don’t get relief money and that’s sort of injustice,” he said. Real estate groups disagree. They note that any increase will apply to tenants 12 months after the rent relief is received. “The state’s rent relief program will provide aid to eligible tenants and begin to address the crushing debt facing struggling property owners as a result of the pandemic,” REBNY, the Community Housing Improvement Program and the Rest Stabilization Association said in a joint statement to THE CITY. “This is an entirely separate issue and has no bearing on the [Rent Guidelines Board’s] obligation to provide fair rent increases to keep pace with rising operating expenses and allow for maintenance of quality housing for millions of New Yorkers.” Meanwhile, landlords have their fingers crossed that the board will at least authorize a 2% increase. “But it doesn’t help me to provide safe housing with a certain level of safety and service,” Pollack said.l

This story was published on June 2, 2021 by THE CITY.

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FAMILY MATTERS

Child Out of Wedlock: How Do Child Custody and Child Support Work? Often, people don't go into relationships out of wedlock planning for the long haul. When a child arrives, it may be a surprise, and one parent may find themselves less equipped for a parenting role than the other. The law, however, could help ensure that the parent who puts the greater amount of time into child-rearing is adequately supported by the other.

BY JANET HOWARD 311DIVORCE.COM

or couples navigating divorce, custody and child support negotiations are a normal part of the proceedings they go through. While close to 40 percent of births in the United States happen outside of marriage, however, most information available to parents tends to focus on children born within marriages. If you're an unmarried parent and are separating from your partner, you may need to know about how the law helps you gain custody, visitation, and child support. How does being an unmarried parent affect your chances at custody? When unmarried parents separate, the law is of the view that the lack of a legally recognized union shouldn't impact the way visitation, custody, and support are determined. The law in California, for instance, does not consider the unmarried status of parents a factor. Other relationship intricacies may be considered, however — for example, if there has been a history of consistent neglect by one parent, their behavior is likely to be

taken into consideration, should they attempt to gain custody. The courts respect the rights and duties of both parents regardless of gender, and also focus on the child's best interests when determining custody and visitation. Hiring a family law attorney could help you seek mediation for the issues you face with your partner through the course of your separation, determine what kind of relationship you wish to have with the child, and what kind of contribution you can make to their support, all without going to trial. If you are unable to see eye-to-eye through mediation, however, you should be able to go to court, and have your rights as a parent upheld, regardless of how short your relationship has been.

What happens with child support when you aren't married? Child support considerations usually remain unaffected by whether parents splitting up are married or not. It is usually a computer algorithm that calculates the quantum of child support that either parent is to contribute. The algorithm takes different parts of the lives of the parents into account to come up with a number — their incomes, the taxes and payroll deductions they pay, and the amount of time they spend with the child, among other things. In general, if one parent spends a great deal of time with the child, and the other parent doesn't, the unavailable parent is ordered to compensate financially by paying greater child support.

How do you make a claim for custody or support when you aren't married? While the courts aren't involved when unmarried parents separate, parents are able to file parentage or paternity actions in court. The mother's relationship with the child is never in question, given that she gives birth, but the father's paternity may need to be established. The father could either come forward voluntarily, or paternity could be established through appropriate legal process. Parentage actions can be complicated, and it can help to go in with the help of a qualified family law attorney. It's important to understand, however, that as an unmarried parent you do have legal rights.l

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LANDLORDS USING CONSTRUCTION AS A FORM OF TENANT HARASSMENT IS ILLEGAL. Renters have rights, including not being intimidated or harassed by landlords. Construction can be used as a form of tenant harassment. This can include cutting off essential services like heat, hot water, or gas and doing excessively noisy work at odd hours. The Ofﬁce of the Tenant Advocate. Enforcing tenants’ rights when landlords are wrong. TO FILE A COMPLAINT, CALL 311 AND ASK FOR DOB’S OFFICE OF THE TENANT ADVOCATE.

WWW.NYC.GOV/BUILDINGS

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No. 32

Are Judicial Foreclosures on the Rise Amid the COVID 19 Pandemic? BY NORMA LEWIS, LLM

a judicial foreclosure, the property owner gives a mortgage and note to a lender in exchange for a loan. The real property is collateral for the loan. Suppose the borrower fails to repay the loan or otherwise defaults on the loan by failing to follow the loan terms. In that case, the lender may file a foreclosure action in the appropriate New York State Court, which would be the Supreme Court in the county in which the property is located. Most foreclosure cases in New York State are of the judicial type. Another type of non-judicial foreclosure involves a mezzanine loan. A mezzanine loan consists of a security interest in the company's stock shares that owns the real estate in question, similar to a coop loan. Because New York State currently has a moratorium, due to the effects of

and a notice of Lis Pendens.

the Covid-19 pandemic, on judicial foreclosures. Under this Administrative Order, "no auction or sale of property in any residential or commercial matter shall be scheduled to occur before October 15, 2020." However, not every foreclosure case in New York is a judicial foreclosure or requires the lender to go through the Court. Non-judicial foreclosures occur most commonly in proceedings instituted

on behalf of cooperatives. Now let's explore the Judicial Foreclosure Process in New York State: To commence judicial foreclosure litigation here in New York State, there are (3) three court pleadings that the lender usually prepares to initiate a foreclosure lawsuit, i.e., the complaint, a summons,

What is the Complaint for Foreclosure? The "complaint," sometimes called a "petition," for foreclosure sets out the claims of the foreclosure lawsuit. It generally describes the following: •the mortgage •the promissory note •the property to be foreclosed. •the default •the amount due, and •the defendants, along with their interest in the property. The complaint will also state the type

continued on page 3

Types of Property Deeds Survivorship Deeds A survivorship deed is used to transfer ownership of a property to a surviving spouse. It is used most commonly when property is purchased by couples and one of the spouses dies. This type of property deed allows the surviving spouse to avoid probate.

BY SUSAN M. KEENAN

he legal documents used to transfer titles to real estate are referred to as property deeds. The names of the legal owners to real estate are placed directly onto the property deeds. Each time a piece of real estate is sold, a new property deed must be issued. The two most commonly used types of property deeds are warranty and quit claim deeds. Warranty Deeds Commonly used in most real estate transactions, warranty deeds provide guarantees that the property being sold is free and clear of any encumbrances or claims. The grantor, or seller of the property, warrants that he is the rightful owner of said property and that he holds the title to it. Therefore, he offers the assurance that he has the right to transfer the title to the property. The guarantee that the property is free and clear is limited to that particular transaction only. Each time a property is sold, a new deed must be issued.

Quit Claim Deeds Used when special circumstances exist, quit claim deeds do not offer any guarantees that the property is free and clear. However, the grantor of the real estate guarantees that he owns the property and has the right to transfer it with a quit claim. Circumstances when quit claim deeds are used include: •Property ownership is transferred into a living trust. •A spouse is removed from inclusion on the deed. •A property is transferred as part of an inheritance.

Life Estate Deeds A life-estate deed is designed to transfer the title to real estate directly to a new owner upon the previous owner’s death. It is sometimes used when a parent promises a child that he will receive the property when the parent dies. A life-estate deed includes the stipulation that the parent can remain in the home until the time of his death. Life estate deeds are utilized less frequently than other types of property deeds. If you have questions or want to set up a deed transfer, consult with a well-qualified real estate lawyer. Help is just a phone call away. Call us at 855-768-8845. n

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EQUITY SMART REALTY

Advantages of a Listing Agent

efore listing your home for sale, many home sellers are tasked with the decision to hire an agent or make the venture alone. While the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) avenue might save you a little money by avoiding the commission cost of a listing agent, a real-estate transaction is best navigated with the guidance of an expert. Recent data from the National Association of Realtors reveals that only 7% of FSBO attempts were actually successful in 2017. Typically, these sales were made when sellers already had a buyer in mind. Finding the right listing price is considered the most difficult task for this type of sale. Before attempting to join this small percentage of those who sell their homes without expert help, consider the advantages of hiring a professional real estate agent. Setting the Price Choosing a price point is more involved than having a home appraised and asking that amount. In fact, while an appraisal is a good starting point, an expert can access a CMA or comparative market analysis to analyze current trends in the area including

what similar homes sell for, current market trends, interest of local buyers, and how long homes are listed. With this important information, a real estate expert can price your home to ensure a profitable sale with a quick turnaround. Suggest Renovations A real estate agent is efficient in finding flaws in your property that may slow down a transaction or effect bids from buyers. For instance, if you live in an area that experiences heavy rain fall, a new roof or air-tight windows and doors may be necessary before listing. Homes for sale in regions with intense summers and brutal

winters can benefit from an updated HVAC system. If you decide to purchase a new unit, make sure to keep warranty paperwork on hand to pass on to the next owner. Small incentives like this can make the difference between receiving unimpressive offers and making a sale. Be sure to brag about recent upgrades in your listing. Buyers know what they’re looking for, and an agent understands how to advertise your property so they can find it. Dealing with Negotiations Once you have accepted an offer from a home buyer, there is still one roadblock in the way before you head to close. Most offers are contingent on a home inspection, meaning an independent professional will inspect the property for flaws or defects that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Keep in mind, some states require you to disclose information about known problems that may affect the value of your home. If you fail to inform them, you may be held legally responsible for fines and fees or the rescission of a sale. Your real estate agent is an expert on the sometimescomplicated responsibilities that sellers face and can ensure your deal won’t fall through. If unexpected problems are discovered, it’s common for a new offer to be written up. An agent will use his expertise to negotiate with the buyer’s agent to maintain fair terms. Free Consultation Need assistance? We will be happy to meet with you and share our guidance. Schedule an appointment today. call us at 855-7688845. n

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Judicial Foreclosures/ continued from page 1 ing; For example, the complaint will ask for the right to sell the property and apply the sale proceeds to the mortgage debt. The complaint may also request a deficiency judgment if the proceeds at the foreclosure sale do not fully cover the total debt amount. What is a Summons in a Foreclosure Lawsuit? In a judicial foreclosure, a summons is issued by the Supreme Court for each Defendant named in the foreclosure lawsuit. Once prepared and dated, the Summons should be filed in the Supreme Court of the county where the property is located. Typical defendants in a foreclosure lawsuit are the: •homeowners (borrowers) •lienholders •judgment holders, and •occupants (if any). The Summons notifies Defendant their right to file an answer to the suit and how many days Defendant has to respond, which is usually 20 to 30. As per CPLR[1] §3012(d), a party may extend the time to appear or plead or compel acceptance of a pleading untimely served, upon such terms as may be just and upon the showing of reasonable excuse for delay or fault. Additionally, the parties stipulate to extend the time to answer if it is so war-

ranted. The Summons is generally issued to the Defendant in his/ her native language. If you want to answer the complaint's claims and fight the foreclosure, you must file your answer within this time frame once you duly served. What is a Notice of Lis Pendens? "Lis pendens" is a Latin phrase that means "suit pending." When a lender starts a foreclosure, a notice of lis pendens is recorded in the County Clerk's records. The notice of Lis Pendens' purpose is to inform the public that a lawsuit involving the property is pending. In other words, the lis pendens serves as actual and constructive notice to the world that there is a pending lawsuit concerning the real property. The notice of lis pendens is typically a one- or two-page document that includes the legal description of the property and states that a foreclosure has been started. How to answer the Foreclosure complaint? In your answer, you need to address all of the allegations in the complaint. For each

numbered paragraph in the complaint, you should admit, deny, or say you don't have sufficient information to admit or reject (and therefore you deny) the allegations contained in that particular paragraph. You may also ask that the lender prove its causes of actions, like how much it says you owe and the fees it says are due. Remember that if you admit an allegation, the lender doesn't have to prove it. You'll also need to raise any defenses, and affirmative defenses in your answer, such as the lender doesn't have standing (the right to foreclose) or improper service of process. Also, as well as any counterclaims, like the servicer violated federal mortgage servicing laws when you applied for a loan modification, if applicable. Suppose this is your first foreclosure lawsuit, and you decide to answer the foreclosure complaint without an attorney's assistance and represent yourself in court proceedings. In that case, you'll need to devote a substantial amount of time to conducting research, getting your paperwork in order, and preparing your arguments. Because the law is complicated and court procedures vary quite a bit, it's a good idea to hire a skilled attorney to assist you in the process. In conclusion, because your home is your castle and you may have invested a significant amount of money and resources before default, you should consult with a professional attorney to assist you in the judicial foreclosure process. n

Call Equity Smart Realty at 888-670-6791 for a FREE consultation.

Creditors’ Harassments! Lawsuits! Foreclosures! Get the legal help you need NOW! Call 718-222-3155!

FREE BANKRUPTCY CONSULTATION Documents Required: Save Your: *Home *Business *Car

*Health *Peace of Mind/Health *Marriage/Relationship

*List of debts *Your most recent tax returns *Correspondence from creditors *Lawsuit documents *Social Security and ID *List of assets

Filing a Chapter 7, 11 or 13 bankruptcy may be your only choice!!!

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HOME OWNERSHIP

7 Things You Need to Know Before Switching Careers to Real Estate

f you’ve been thinking of changing careers and earning your real estate license, there are a few things you should know before taking the leap: 1. You Decide How Successful You Are That’s right! You will get out of a real estate career exactly what you put into it. This is a career that rewards hard work. Your income potential as a real estate agent is basically unlimited. But it goes both ways…part-time effort will likely lead to part-time pay. 2. You’re Going to Need a Plan When newly licensed real estate agents fail, it’s usually because they didn’t think about that period of time between passing their exam and cashing their first commission check. You need to set goals, as well as develop a business plan and marketing plan. 3. You Should Have a Small Nest Egg The period of time between earning a license and getting a commission check is not a set amount of time. You’re going to need to be able to cover the costs of your day-to-day life, as well as business startup costs. 4. You’re Going to Be the Boss Now If you’re used to the typical company structure with a boss telling you what you’re responsible for, this can sometimes be a shock. The broker you work for will likely keep an eye on how you’re performing. But for the most part, it’s up to you. You need to be disciplined enough to take control of your career and make the most of your time. 5. You May Have to Work Some Weekends If you are planning to work in residential real estate sales, you will likely need to dedicate at least a portion of your weekend to work. People shop for homes in their free time. And their free time is typically on nights and weekends. As a result, buyers and sellers expect their real estate agent to be available for showings, open houses, and office visits on the weekend. 6. You Need to Set Yourself Apart So what are you going to do to set yourself apart from someone’s neighbor, brother, or best friend from college? The most successful real estate agents know the value of differentiation. You need to develop a brand that sets you apart from the rest of the market. 7. Real Estate Is an Incredibly Rewarding Career It isn’t easy, and it is incredibly competitive. There also isn’t a guaranteed weekly paycheck. But all of these challenges are what make real estate such a rewarding career. The rewards are worth it. n Source: Kaplan Real Estate Education

Saving Your Home from Foreclosure and Predators BY ERIN TELESFORD

he greatest financial crisis in the United States was the last recession which spanned from December 2007 to June 2009. During this time, unemployment rates were raised by about 6.1% resulting in a loss of consumer spending and business investments. Before the recession, many Americans bought houses using mortgages they couldn’t afford, eventually causing them to fall into poverty and their homes into foreclosure. The effects of the Great Recession did not recover once the economy stabilized in 2009. According to The State of Working America, “In October 2010, 16 months after the official end of the recession, the economy still had 5.4% fewer jobs than it did before the recession started.” The unemployment levels are little to no better in 2019, and speculation that another economic collapse has come into the news. The devastation of the Great Recession implored many people to take better action with their finances and mortgages in fear of another financial crisis that could cause them to lose their homes. However, many Americans lack knowledge on the options available for them in lieu of another recession and end up needing to file for bankruptcy when financial hardship arises. Much of the recent financial problems lower-income individuals and families face are a result of their inability to afford or deal with unexpected major expenses such as job loss or medical bills. When these expenses become detrimental, one decision could be to file for bankruptcy. According to a study published recently, 46 percent of bankruptcies were related to outstanding medical conditions. The major cited reasons in this category included injury or illness, medical expenses not covered by insurance or losing at least two weeks’ worth of work because of illness. Other causes of bankruptcy include reduced income, job loss, credit debt, illness/injury, unexpected expenses and divorce. In the same time period, the percentage of filers age 55 or older more than doubled; those filers now account for about 20 percent of all bankruptcy petitioners. The study also found that 60 percent of bankruptcy filers have salaries of less than $30,000. Bankruptcy is not a moral decision. It is a legal choice made when the debt situation is hopeless. Filing for bankruptcy can save your home and also stop wage garnishment. This can be troublesome due to the racial inequality involved with lawyers who specialize in bankruptcy. In an interview with Brian Figeroux, Esq., on the radio show, Ask the Lawyer, he stated that you must ”know the motives of the person giving you advice. There have been cases where people of color in America, specifically black Americans, encountered lawyers and investors who claim to want to help them save their homes when, in reality, 10 out of 10 times, they are trying to hoodwink you.” Figeroux also warned about a New York Times article which stated that white attorneys were not giving the best advice to black clients. According to the New York Times article,

“Blacks Face Bias in Bankruptcy,” by Tara Siegel Bernard, blacks are about twice as likely as whites to wind up in the more onerous and costly form of consumer bankruptcy as they try to dig out from their debts, a new study has found. The disparity persisted even when the researchers adjusted for income, homeownership, assets and education. The evidence suggested that lawyers were disproportionately steering blacks into a process that was not as good for them financially, in part because of biases, whether conscious or unconscious. The vast majority of debtors file under Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code, which typically allows them to erase most debts in a matter of months. It tends to have a higher success rate and is less expensive than the alternative, Chapter 13, which requires debtors to dedicate their disposable income to paying back their debts for several years. The study of racial differences in bankruptcy filings was written by Robert M.

Lawless, a bankruptcy expert and law professor, and Dov Cohen, a psychology professor, both with the University of Illinois; and Jean Braucher, a law professor at the University of Arizona. A survey conducted as part of their research found that bankruptcy lawyers were much more likely to steer black debtors into a Chapter 13 than white filers even when they had identical financial situations. The lawyers, the survey found, were also more likely to view blacks as having “good values” when they expressed a preference for Chapter 13. As communities of color, we have to be aware of what is happening. Persons are coming into our communities, offering to purchase our homes for cash. These persons are not trying to help you. Your property is an investment. It is the path to wealth-building and transferring wealth from one generation to another. Do not be fooled. Figeroux's real estate office, Equity Smart Realty, Inc., was created because he “saw how our people suffered” from these types of scams and wants to be truthful with the black community in order to prevent the wrongful foreclosure of our community’s houses through bankruptcy consultation. For a free bankruptcy or save your home from foreclosure consultation with the Law Firm of Figeroux and Associates, call 855768-8845.n

Your Success in Real Estate Starts Today

When you succeed, the Chamber Coalition succeeds. That’s why we’ve partnered with Kaplan Real Estate Education. From prelicensing and exam prep to continuing education, you’ll be guided through every stage of your real estate career.

Education that fits your schedule Visit www.nacc.nyc/kaplan At check out enter the code Chamber5.

Questions? Call 800-636-9517.

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IMMIGRATION

17 Immigration Fraud

Marriage Fraud/ continued from page 1

quences of marriage fraud? Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Investigation U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have an important job to do. Immigrants that have been married for less than two years to a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident must prove that their marriage is genuine and valid and apply to remove the conditions of their residence. But if they cannot prove that their marriage is valid or they fail to file on time, and if there is any suspicion in the minds of USCIS employees that marriage fraud has taken place, USCIS can refer the case to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE will decide whether to pursue a criminal investigation. If ICE decides to take things further, they will then conduct an investigation to see whether marriage fraud has indeed taken place. If fraudulent proceedings are uncovered, ICE will then pursue criminal prosecution by the District Attorney’s Office. What Happens when ICE Does Not Conduct a Criminal Investigation? If for whatever reason, ICE chooses not to pursue a criminal investigation against a suspected case of marriage fraud, the case will then be returned to USCIS, who will pursue their own

administrative investigation against the suspects in question. This does not mean that the suspects have been exonerated. Following the conclusion of the investigation, if there is strong evidence to suggest that marriage fraud has taken place, the immigration benefits that have been sought will be denied and USCIS will start removal proceedings (deportation) against the applicant. Further Penalties for Marriage Fraud In addition to a criminal investigation and deportation, those who are involved in marriage fraud and are later convicted for the crime may face a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. An illegal immigrant who has been deported and/or faced further

penalties will find it difficult to apply for future immigration benefits. The consequences of marriage fraud are just not worth the stain on your reputation or criminal record. A marriage should be the lifelong union of a couple that is devoted and committed to one another, not a shifty, fraudulent union of those who are simply trying to bypass the legal requirements. Before you decide to take part in marriage fraud, think through the consequences of your actions and reconsider. Legal Help Schedule an appointment at www.askthelawyer.us or call 855-768-8845. The lawyer you hire does make a difference.l

ederal law enforcement agents arrested Arleigh Louison on July 18, 2019, and he was indicted in Vermont on 12 counts of making false statements and submitting over 1,800 fraudulent immigration applications to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). “A federal grand jury returned a 12count indictment against Arleigh Louison, 53, of Brooklyn, New York, charging him with running an immigration fraud scheme that included the filing of false statements with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, including over 1,800 fraudulent applications for over 1,000 petitioners within the last four years. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agents arrested Louison in Brooklyn, New York, and executed a federal search warrant at his office,” said the U.S. Department of Justice press release. Louison has since passed. However, he has left a carnage of victims facing deportation and a myriad of immigration issues. Since Louison was arrested for immigration fraud, the files of all his clients will be reviewed. Additionally, every single client will be served a Notice to Appear (NTA) and be interviewed by ICE agents with the sole purpose of seeking admission to initiate deportation proceedings. For a FREE case evaluation, call 855-768-8845.l

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IMMIGRATION

Getting Your Marijuana Record Expunged BY NORMA LEWIS, LM

here was quite a bit of excitement, relief, and joy, and a few spiffs smoked when New York legalized recreational marijuana. Several advocates and lawmakers welcomed it as one of the most progressive cannabis laws in the country. That's in part because it automatically clears the criminal records of people with certain marijuana-related offenses. "For generations, too many New Yorkers have been unfairly penalized for the use and sale of adult-use cannabis, arbitrarily arrested and jailed with harsh mandatory minimum sentences," Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said in a news release. "After years of tireless advocacy and extraordinarily hard work, that time is coming to an end in New York State." To right the wrongs of our failed drug war against the sale and recreational use of cannabis sativa, also known as "marijuana", on March 31, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) into law. The law eliminates penalties for possession of less than three ounces of cannabis. Provisions in the law legaliz-

Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Stop & Frisk Policy played a great part in criminalizing Brown & Black men. Editorial credit: LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Governor Cuomo signed the MRTA into law on March 31, 2021. Editorial credit: Hans Pennink / Shutterstock.com

ing the personal possession of up to three ounces of cannabis and/or up-to 24 grams of concentrates for those ages 21 and older took immediate effect. The new law also establishes procedures for the automatic review and expungement of the criminal records of those with low-level cannabis convictions. Under the law, the smell of marijuana alone is no longer probable cause for a search by law enforcement. Use of cannabis in public may be subject to civil penalties.

Possession of marijuana in excess of three ounces is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by no more than one year of imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $1,000. Possession of marijuana in excess of 8 ounces – 16 ounces is a Class E felony and is punishable by no more than four years of imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $5,000. Possession of marijuana in excess of 16 ounces – 10 pounds is a class D felony and is punishable by no more than seven years of imprisonment and a fine not to

exceed $5,000. Possession of marijuana in excess of 10 pounds is a class C felony and is punishable by no more than 15 years of imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $15,000. The recently passed law decriminalizes marijuana in New York and allows those previously convicted of certain marijuana-related crimes to seek post-conviction relief (PCR) from the court. While this has far-reaching consequences for every New Yorker, it is crucial for non-citizens whose status can be jeopardized by a marijuana-related criminal conviction. •First, with the passage of the New York Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), there are still significant immigration consequences for marijuana violations including in some circumstances deportation, being denied admission to the U.S., being denied permanent residency or a green card, or being denied naturalization. •Second, those who have already been convicted of possessing marijuana of up to one ounce or publicly using marijuana can seek relief to have those convictions expunged or vacated. In both cases, the convictions will be effectively removed from your criminal record. However, an expunged conviction can still be the basis for negative immigration consequences, including deportation and removal. On the other hand, a vacated conviction cannot. Thus a legal immigrant previously convicted on marijuana charges should, if possible, seek vacatur of their previous charges to protect their immigration status. They may need to hire a lawyer to file a 440 Motion/Application in the District Attorney's office or county of the underlying arrest. •If you face a challenge to your legal status due to a previous marijuana conviction or are having trouble with any other immigration issue, please call the attorneys at the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates. They will help you through the process of vacating your previous charges, protecting your rights, and giving you the best chance possible at maintaining your legal residency and applying for U.S. citizenship.l

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IMMIGRATION

3 Signs You Are in an Emotionally Abusive Relationship BY MARY CAMPBELL

ometimes relationships end up being a source of pain. You may feel you're not getting the security and comfort of having a partner. Instead, your life may start to feel like it's a series of traumas. In such situations, you may often end up doubting yourself. You may feel confused about why your partner treats you so bad. At the same time, you may still hold on to the positive aspects, making it hard for you to make a decision. If you're not sure if your relationship is abusive, here are three signs to look out for. These are by no means the only symptoms. But, they signal a high-level of danger to your physical and emotional health. You're Not Allowed to Have an Opposing Opinion People will always disagree on certain things. Conflict is not a bad thing if it's an avenue to learn, grow, and exchange ideas. However, certain people can only accept their own points of view. If you keep getting dismissed or demeaned in arguments, you're being abused. It doesn't matter if your views are accurate or not. Nobody has the right to make you feel inferior. Sadly, certain people don't know how to deal with opposing opinions. This may cause them to lash out. They may also use your disagreements as a chance to take out their frustrations. You Can't Raise Issues About How You Feel Similar to the point above, you may end up being attacked when you raise an issue. This may be a demand for something you want, such as more attention or affection. Or perhaps your partner has a double standard. For example, they may think it's OK for them to make you look bad in public. Yet, if you complain about it they'll accuse you of disgracing them. Such situations may make you feel worthless. You may feel confused about whether your perception is based on reality. This may weaken your confidence and damage your self-image. You Find Yourself Hurting Your Partner In certain cases, you may end storing up feelings of anger and humiliation. When you can't take anymore, you may end up lashing out at your partner. This may increase conflict and you may end up getting hurt even more. The key here is to not allow your partners behavior to turn you into something you're not. Don't let their abuse be an excuse for acting against your own

beliefs. Instead, assess your situation. Decide if you want to continue being in a situation that causes you to lose self-control. Dealing with emotional abuse is hard. At the same time, staying a victim will only make your life worse. If you feel abused, take action to change the situation. Most importantly, connect with yourself and learn to understand your own actions. Do things that make you feel loved and respected. That will make it harder for you to stay in situations that threaten your well-being. Be prepared for an uphill battle. But, remember, you're fighting for your life.

11pm and Sundays, 11pm to 12am. The program provides great information and also an opportunity for a FREE, no obligation legal consultation. The number to call is 855-768-8845. You can also visit www.askthelawyer.us Domestic violence is against the law regardless of one’s immigration status. Be a loving family member, good friend, and caring neighbor: please share this information. l

“Dress for the BODY you are in, while creating the IMAGE that you want! - Tarsha Gibbons, Stylist

Follow me on Instagram: @tarshastyles Follow me on Facebook: TGImageandStyle Contact me: tgimageandstyle@gmail.com

Immigrants and Domestic Violence Immigrants in the US. have the right to live life free of abuse. Due to the victim’s immigration status, abusive partners have additional ways to exert power and control over their victims. If you are an immigrant or refugee in an abusive relationship, you may face unique issues that make it hard to reach out for help. VAWA As a victim or survivor of domestic violence, there are laws that can allow you to gain legal status in the United States. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was created in 1994 by then Senator Joe Biden, to protect victims of domestic violence, and offers specific protections for people without legal status in the US. VAWA also protects men and children who are victims of domestic violence. As part of the perpetration of domestic violence, abusers often may refuse to assist you with applying for immigration status, may promise to apply for you, but never actually help, or threaten to contact immigration and report you. VAWA helps victims of domestic violence allowing them to self-petition for their own legal status without the abuser’s help or knowledge. A specialized immigration attorney should always be your first point of contact when it comes to immigration questions and concerns. You can also listen to Ask the Lawyer Radio Program on WVIP 93.5FM on Thursdays, 10pm-

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Reggae Girlz Goalkeeper Joins Princeton Women’s Team Staff as Assistant Coach

Photo: Nicole McClure

BY STEPHANIE K JAMAICANS.COM

icole McClure, the goalkeeper for Jamaica’s senior women’s Reggae Girlz football team, is now serving as an assistant coach in the women’s football staff at Princeton University. McClure, 31, was a member of the Jamaican national team when it made its historic appearance at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament in France. McClure posted to Instagram that she was “super excited” to begin this new part of her career by becoming the soccer goalkeeper coach to the women’s Princeton Tigers team. The women’s program at Princeton has a strong reputation of fielding outstanding studentathletes, she added, stating that she is looking forward to providing guidance and being a mentor to the young women athletes. She is also excited to have the opportunity to learn from the team’s head coach Sean Driscoll and assistant coach Mike Poller as they work to prepare future leaders and continue the program’s success. McClure is an American-born Jamaican who has played professionally

for eight years. During her time at the University of South Florida, McClure was a stand-out performer. She also played for the Tampa Bay Hellenic before leaving the United States to play exclusively for European and Israeli clubs. McClure last played for Northern Ireland’s Sion Swifts WFC. She began her experience with the Jamaican Reggae Girlz in 2008 when she joined the Under-20 team. Her first senior national appearance was in 2014. In 2019, she helped Jamaica qualify for the first time for the Women’s World Cup when the team finished third at the CONCACAF Women’s Championship in 2018. Jamaica’s bid for the Women’s World Cup occurred in the third-place match versus Panama, which went into a penalty shootout. Reggae Girlz coach Hue Menzies brought McClure on as a 120th-minute substitute for the penalty shootout, and she saved two of the four penalties she faced, and Jamaican won the match 4 to 2. As part of the Princeton program, McClure will become part of a team and staff that won the Ivy League and qualified for the NCAA tournament in three of the five seasons it competed under the leadership of Coach Driscoll. l

nSPORTS

nHOROSCOPE

Kitchen Corner

Whiskey Pineapple Chicken Recipe

2 cups pineapple juice 1 cup raw honey Juice of 2 limes Pinch of salt

Ingredients 2 each 6 oz boneless chicken breasts (butterflied or not) I prefer butterflied for presentation

Grilling Ensure your grill is at or above 325 degrees F and the racks are clean Place the chicken breasts on the grill skin side or presentation side down first at 10 o’clock for 3-5 minutes then turn the chicken to 2 o’clock for 3-5 minutes for perfect grill marks. Then flip the chicken and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. You can either glaze the chicken on the grill and cook until an internal temperature of 165 degrees or remove chicken from the grill and glaze then place in the oven until 165 degrees. Present the chicken with the grill marks showing, drizzle the remaining glaze on top, garnish with fresh cilantro!l

his chicken will have you in a state of bliss and excitement at the same time, offering sweetness, rich molasses flavors, and a subtle note of heat. Ensure that you marinade the chicken according to the recipe the night before so the seasonings permeate throughout the meat and allows for tenderness. —Chef Boss, Jamaicans.com

For the Marinade 2 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, coriander 1 tsp allspice, brown sugar, dried habanero powder, salt & pepper, dry mustard 2 tbsp coconut oil 2 cups pineapple juice Directions Clean your chicken breasts thoroughly, pat dry, place in a clean mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients then mix in the coconut oil. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight For the Glaze 2 cups, yes 2 cups Jack Daniels Whiskey

Chef Boss Dana Nelson is a graduate from The Chef’s Academy of Morrisville, NC and known to many of her clients as “Chef Nel.” She has served in the Culinary Industry and North Carolina for over 15 years working as an Executive Chef, Chef Consultant and Private Chef to radio personalities at K97.5 and The Light 103.9. Her work is currently shared Globally through various networks inclusive of magazines, social media and word of mouth.

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TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE

Plan to Travel More in 2021 BY VICTORIA FALK

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Are you looking to get into the health & wellness business?

ummer has begun, and many people are hoping for better days after the lockdown in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With more persons vaccinated and the opening up of businesses and resorts with health and safety precautions in place, it’s time to make that dream trip or vacation a reality. A word of advice, delay travel until you are fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC's recommendations for unvaccinated people. People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization can travel safely within the United States. CDC will update these recommendations as more people are vaccinated, as rates of COVID-19 change, and as additional scientific evidence becomes available. This guidance applies to travel within the United States and U.S. territories. Here are a few tips on how you can accomplish your travel goals for summer 2021:

what activities you’d like to do when you get there. Play out the fantasy of that fabulous vacation in your head. If you can visualize yourself having fun in that location, you are more likely to make it there.

Focus on the benefits of travel. Travel makes people happier, healthier, and more productive. Trips add to the person’s lifestyle and help improve worklife balance.

Do your research. Gather information about your dream vacation. Please find out how much it costs to stay at a quality hotel/resort and prepare your budget. Find out what special activities and events will be taking place when you plan to visit.

Imagine yourself there. Write down your travel goals and be specific. Don’t just say you want to travel more. Write down where you want to go, when, and

Start a vacation fund. Save for this fantastic vacation now so you’ll have money on hand when you see incredible travel deals. The best travel deals are time-lim-

ited, so if you’re not financially prepared when the values appear, then you will miss out. Save money continuously so you’ll be able to take advantage of those 2-for- the- price- of- 1 cruise deals and other great offers that are available this time of year. Get an accountability partner. Tell at least one other person about your travel plans so you’ll have someone who’ll remind you, “You, said this is the year you would definitely take a great vacation. What happened?” Even better, find an accountability partner with similar travel goals so they will have a vested interest in getting you to travel. l

Contact:

Stacy Young Board Certified Holistic Health Coach Tel: 917-459-8431 Stacy@HealthCoachStacyNYC.com

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

The Situationship: What and Why we want to take things slower. We want to know that if someone is interesting to us, and if we can continue the relationship and take it deeper; but we also want the security of knowing that if we abruptly stop hanging out or dating that there will be no hard feelings for either party.

BY MARY CAMPBELL

ur society is becoming more and more saturated with labels. We have increasingly more labels for ourselves, our lifestyles, our relationships, and our habits. A new label you may have heard of is the situatationship. If you haven't heard of it yet, you probably will soon. What Is a Situationship and How Do You Know if You're in One? The exact definition is a little vague and open to many interpretations as the term continues to find its footing, so instead of regurgitating one of the many definitions people have come up with, here are some general guidelines to help you understand the term and if you or someone you know is in a situationship: •You aren't in a committed relationship, at least not yet. Maybe you're just getting to know someone, or you want to keep your options completely open. Your situation can still change, so you may view your relationship as a situationship if you can't think of another label for it. •Maybe you hang out with someone, but you aren't a big part of each other's lives. You don't share dreams or plans or hang out with their friends and family the way you would with a normal friendship. •Often the relationship feels superficial,

as if there's no emotional depth to it. In a dating relationship, this could mean that the connection is physical only. •Perhaps there's no consistency to the relationship. You don't make plans ahead of time to hang out, and the frequency of your interactions tends to be sporadic. This is a sure sign of a situationship! As you can see, it's marked by an inbetween feeling. You're more than an acquaintance, and you might even be getting physical with someone, but you haven't committed and perhaps don't feel the strong emotional attachment you need to truly become part of someone's life or to allow them into yours. Why Are They Popular? Our lives are changing rapidly in the modern world. More and more, people are marrying later in life and starting

their families later. As our lifespans increase, we seem to be putting things off more and more until we're older and more mature; we're saying our long goodbyes to those days when people married their high school sweethearts right after graduation (if they waited that long) or fell in love at university. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we moved around quite freely and more often for work and study, leaving friendships behind and trying to find new ones. Often these friendships weren't the fast and true ones that could withstand distance or hardship; they were superficial ones or those based on mutual benefit. Due to all of this, people are more willing to explore relationships in an unstructured way. Instead of jumping from one intense relationship to the next, or just getting hitched right off the bat,

But Are They Good for Us? A conservative group may find such a lifestyle choice appalling, but there is evidence that a situationship can actually be good for your mental health. Many relationships within the dating scene don't happen organically. People seek out other people, looking for marriage or a committed relationship right away, which puts pressure on them. You go on a few dates and spend your nights lying awake, wondering if he or she is "the one". Is the other person into you? Are you really into them? Is either of your circumstances spelling doom over the relationship? The maddening questions pile on and the pressure valve can lead to long sessions on a therapist's couch! Situationships are like releasing the pressure from a pressure cooker. They allow a relationship, romantic or otherwise, to grow in a more organic way. Instead of reading quick-fix books about how to make your girlfriend or boyfriend continued on page 25

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS The Situationship: What & Why/ continued from page 24 want you now, you can navigate your way through the relationship without guessing or trying to force commitment from someone who is still unsure about what they want. For friends, this means being able to hang out without becoming too involved, especially if you know your circumstances are temporary, such as moving abroad a bit for work. Of course, everything has a downside, and situationships do have a dark underbelly to them. Situationships, at least with regards to dating, are generally favored by men over women. Men are often looking to "play around" or have casual relationships, while women are more frequently looking for commitment and security. They don't want to be a thing men use to test the waters; they want to be valued, respected, and loved. This is often where problems arise, as even a woman who is into the idea of a situationship will typically want more of a commitment earlier than a man will. Many women who have been in a heterosexual situationship attest to feeling as though they were being used, as the men they were with were either seeing them along with multiple other women to keep their options open, or they were certain that the relationship would only continue for so long before he would end the situationship to seek out new thrills. On the flip side, men often complain that after they had moved on, the women

benefits of an exclusive relationship without any of the responsibility. Lazy at best, abusive at worst. There's also the issue of regret that lingers whenever a situationship is called off. If the situationship lasted for any significant length of time, the lack of ever finding a commitment can be a difficult thing to process sometimes. Even a situationship requires a degree of time and effort, sometimes even some money, but if it never bears any fruit, it was only ever a stagnant relationship. This can result in a deep sense of regret, for at least in marriage there was, at one time, a deep level of commitment and some fruits born of the efforts of both parties. A situationship doesn't provide that. they were previously dating would still seek them out. This leads to complaints that the woman had already "grown too clingy" for their liking. This differential in the level of commitment experienced by partners likely stems from the fact that women are the ones who can get pregnant. If the casual sex of a situationship should result in an unexpected pregnancy, it is usually the women who bear the responsibility. Men don't face the same consequences, so a casual relationship isn't a big deal to them and can continue to remain casual on for longer. On both sides of the aisle, some simply consider a situationship, especially one that goes on for years and years and doesn't involve dating multiple people, to be an excuse for one party to reap the

Do You Think You're in a Situationship? In order to make a situationship work in a healthy way that doesn't lead to the dark road of regret, you need to ask yourself a few questions. •If I decide to start looking for a serious relationship, is this person someone I would consider an option? •Is this, honestly, the type of person who would consider me a strong contender for a committed relationship, or are they just leeching? If you answer "no" to either of these, you should probably terminate the relationship. Situationships, at least in the romantic sense, are meant to be temporary, not a forever thing. If you can answer "yes" to both of these

questions, then you need to have a long talk with whomever you're seeing when you feel the time is right. You need to tell them if you're starting to need a commitment, and what you really want out of a relationship. Don't wait until you've been "seeing" them for years and years, hoping that the relationship naturally blossoms - do it early so you don't feel like you've wasted a substantial amount of time. Don't be alarmed if the other person has no interest in a deeper relationship. Process any grief you feel (which shouldn't be a lot, since you were both aware that this was a situationship and not a serious relationship) and move on. This can be a good learning experience, too. You can review your interactions with the other person and see if you missed any warning signs, gave in to grossly unfair compromises, or didn't quite recognize the other party's priorities sooner. A situationship can be a healthy way to begin a relationship, but boundaries must still be set and you need to be upfront and honest if and when you start looking for something deeper and more significant. They can be fun and relieve stress, but if you're aching for a deeper, more emotional relationship, a situationship will only bring frustration. In the end, you need to analyze yourself and your circumstances. What are you looking for? If you aren't ready for a commitment, then a situationship could be right for you.l

GET BACK TO FRIENDS

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and will help us all get back to the people and activities we have missed.

Get 琀e facts. Get facts. GGet et 琀e vax. vax To get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine. Visit nyc.gov/vaccineﬁnder or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to ﬁnd a vaccination site to get your COVID-19 vaccine.

Health

Bill de Blasio Mayor Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc Commissioner

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CONVERSATIONS

Naomi Osaka’s Withdrawal from the French Open Highlights How Prioritizing Mental Wellness Goes Against the Rules, on the Court and Off BY DOROTHY CHIN & TAMRA BURNS LOEB THE CONVERSATION

apanese tennis star Naomi Osaka announced that she would withdraw from the French Open after she was fined and threatened with being disqualified for not speaking to media during the tournament to protect her mental health. French Open officials and others initially reacted not with concern but by criticizing her for not fulfilling her obligations. This occurred despite the fact that her refusal came after a first-round win, unlike others fined for skipping press conferences after losses. The evolving maelstrom that has followed weighs two priorities – the obligation to fulfill one’s job requirements, which in Osaka’s case includes talking to the press – and protecting one’s mental wellness. While a physical injury is routinely accepted as a legitimate reason for not performing aspects of one’s duties, mental or emotional injury has yet to reach the same level of attention or legitimacy. For instance, Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers did not speak to

Osaka. Editorial credit: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

the press after suffering a groin strain earlier this week. This decision, while discussed in the media, was accepted. His injury even led to talk about whether athletes should have shorter seasons and lighter loads. As research psychologists who study the effects of culture and trauma on mental health, we’re taking note of how these issues play out in Osaka’s predicament.

Taking heat for protesting As a high-profile Black athlete, Osaka has taken a leading role protesting the death of George Floyd and other African Americans who died at the hands of police, wearing a mask with a different name on each match day at the 2020 U.S. Open. Elite athletes who speak out on social justice issues have often faced a backlash for their stances. Osaka, who is Black (Haitian-parentage), Asian and female, may have contended with an even greater sense of vulnerability this past year, in light of the Black Lives Matter protests and the increased violence against Asian Americans. Studies have shown that individuals suffer from vicarious trauma when members of their group are targeted and discriminated against. Adding to the complexity is the fact that the norms in Osaka’s native Japanese culture frown upon speaking out, which could exacerbate anxiety and vulnerability. Osaka’s gender also may have contributed to the negative reaction following her refusal to do press conferences and her subsequent withdrawal. There may be an implicit expectation that women accommodate questioning no matter how inappropriate the questions or uncomfortable they may feel, while male athletes may be accommodated for remaining silent. Pressing problems with stigma For several years, even before the pandemic, Osaka has explained that speaking with members of the media during press conferences causes her anxiety and sometimes feels like being bullied. She has alluded to being shy, even “really depressed” after losing a match. She has said she grew anxious “off the court, if I was ever thrown into a situation where I had to speak in front of 100 people, I feel like I would start shaking.” She tweeted that she has experienced long bouts of depression and anxiety triggered by speaking to the press. The misery and loss that many endured during the pandemic year are resulting in poorer mental health, particularly for ethnic minorities. It’s not surprising that this manifests in the workplace – in Osaka’s case, a press conference – and needs to be reckoned with. And, stigma surrounding mental health issues is more pronounced among African Americans and Asians, where personal concerns are expected to remain private. There is a long-held notion that individuals suffering from mental distress should just get over it. The crux of the matter is that people don’t think about mental challenges the same way as physical injury. For hundreds of years, society upheld the notion that the mentally ill were morally deficient or lacked character. Families banished mentally ill mem-

bers and rendered them invisible. Bringing mental health out of the closet Mental health is an essential part of one’s overall health, and mental illnesses are extremely common, yet mental health is often overlooked, minimized or stigmatized. Approximately 20% of U.S. adults age 18 or older (nearly 47 million individuals) report having a mental illness. The prevalence of mental illness is higher among females than males, in part due to greater social and economic difficulties that women face. Among people age 15-44, depression is the most common cause of disability in the United States. In addition, many individuals suffer from more than one mental illness, and depression and anxiety often occur together. In December, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 42% of U.S. adults experience symptoms of anxiety or depression, a six-fold increase during the pandemic. Finally, the prevalence of mental illness is highest among adults with more than one racial or ethnic affiliation. Addressing mental wellness in the workplace Despite its common occurrence, about half of U.S. workers worry about discussing mental health challenges in the workplace, and are afraid of negative repercussions to if they ask for help. We hope that Osaka’s choice to make her mental health struggles public serves as an inflection point in how mental illness is perceived and addressed in professional settings. Among elite athletes in particular, the perception of invincibility may inhibit any disclosure of emotional struggles, which reinforces the idea that such struggles are a sign of weakness. Yes, talking to the press is currently part of the job, but perhaps the dimensions of the job need to be reexamined when they contribute to poor mental health, on par with discussions about physical health. One suggestion is to provide players opportunities to participate in decisions about issues that affect the level of stress experienced in their profession. In general, workplace policy should be updated to reflect the importance of mental health as a key aspect of overall well-being. Wellness programs can screen for depression, anxiety and other sources of stress, provide support and facilitate linkages with appropriate treatment. Naomi Osaka is just 23, but she has already won four major tournaments and emerged as a leader among her peers in social justice issues. That she has disclosed her experiences with depression and anxiety and is seeking to protect her well-being, in spite of the backlash, may be the ultimate reflection of her mental toughness.l

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Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 124

Articles inside

Osaka and the Value of Mental Wellness

Reggae Girlz Goalkeeper Joins Princeton’s Staff

3 Signs You Are in an Emotionally Abusive Relationship ....19 NYC School Chancellor: Summer of Renewal for Students