New York Amsterdam News Issue Dec. 7-13, 2023

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Vol. 114 No. 49 | December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

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2023 WORLD AIDS DAY NYC HEALTH DEPT RELEASES HIV/AIDS STATS (See story on page 6)

Your Holiday Gift Guide is here!

(See guide on page 21)

Steel pan music education bill intro'd (See story on page 36) (Adobe stock/Amanda Ulloa illustration)

Congestion Pricing Will Mean Fewer Cars, Safer Streets and Cleaner Air Urban Agenda by David R. Jones, President and CEO of the Community Service Society of New York - See page 5

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2 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

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Rescuer raises hope of survivors at Zambian mine where more than 30 buried for days Zambian Army special forces officers follow rescue operation of miners on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Chingola, about 400 kilometers (248 miles) north of capital, Lusaka, Zambia. Seven miners confirmed dead and more than 20 others missing and presumed dead after heavy rains caused landslides that buried them inside tunnels they had been digging illegally at a copper mine in Zambia, police and local authorities said Saturday (AP Photos)

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INDEX Arts & Entertainment �������������������Page 17 » Astro ��������������������������������������������Page 20 » Jazz ����������������������������������������������Page 32 » Travel �������������������������������������������Page 29 Caribbean Update �������������������������Page 14 Classified ��������������������������������������� Page 40 Editorial/Opinion �����������������������Pages 12,13 Education ���������������������������������������Page 36 Go with the Flo ������������������������������Page 8 Health �����������������������������������������������Page 16 In the Classroom ��������������������������Page 34 Community ��������������������������������������Page 9 Religion & Spirituality ��������������������Page 38 Sports ����������������������������������������������Page 48 Unions Matter ����������������������������������Page 10 MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS INFORMATION U.S. Territories & Canada weekly subscriptions: 1 year $49.99 2 Years $79.99 6 months $30.00

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By TSVANGIRAYI MUKWAZHI and NOEL SICHALWE Associated Press

under the landslides but couldn’t give an exact number.

Police have said that all the miners are suspected to have died and named seven of them as confirmed fatalities, but no bodies have been retrieved and the Zambian government said it was premature to say how many had died.

Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango said in a statement that rescuers were still removing debris and pumping water out of the tunnels in the hope of finding some survivors.

“Their condition remains unknown,” Nalumango said of the miners. Rescue efforts were being hampered by more rain and one of the three sites where rescuers were working was completely waterlogged, she said. The army is also helping with the rescue effort.

Zambia is among the top 10 copper producers in the world. Chingola, which is around 400 kilometers (250 miles) north of the capital, Lusaka, has large open-pit copper mines surrounded by huge waste piles of rock and earth that have been dug out of the mines.

Informal mining is common, where artisanal miners dig in search of minerals, often without proper safety procedures.

LUSAKA, Zambia (AP)—A member of a rescue team raised hope Monday that there may be survivors at a Zambian mine where more than 30 informal miners have been trapped under debris for days and presumed dead after heavy rain caused landslides.

Rescuers have been searching for the miners since early Friday, after they were buried Thursday night while digging tunnels at an open-pit mine near the city of Chingola in the country’s copper belt.

“We are getting close and expect to find survivors as there [are] some voices we are hearing from one of the tunnels,” Wiva Chanda, an informal miner from the area helping with the rescue effort, told the Associated Press by telephone. “There is hope, but I think it will be a mix of survivors and dead bodies.”

Chingola District Commissioner Raphael Chumupi said at least 36 miners were buried in three separate tunnels while they were digging for copper ore illegally at the Seseli mine without the knowledge of the mine owner. Zambian government offiTsvangirayi Mukwazhi reported from Harare, cials said more than 30 miners were trapped Zimbabwe.

Government officials and miners at scene of mine rescue mission.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 3

“Cruelty,” says NYC City Council hearing of shelter evictions impact on immigrant students in public schools

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Councilmembers grilled Department of Education (DOE) officials last week at a joint hearing on education and immigration. Testimonies concluded that Mayor Eric Adams’s 60-day shelter eviction policy, as well as budget cuts, have wreaked havoc on the lives of migrant families and students just settling into the city’s public schools.

As of this Tuesday, there have been more than 100,000 new migrant arrivals to the city, and more than 175 Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers (HERRCs), shelters, and respite centers built. As a result of the influx, school enrollment numbers that were on the decline have skyrocketed.

More than 32,000 children are now classified as living in temporary housing in the public school system and nearly one in five kindergarten through 12th grade students in the city are English Language Learners (ELL), according to the Independent Budget Office (IBO).

The joint hearing was headed by Councilmember Shahana Hanif, who chairs the

migration, I oppose them in the strongest possible terms.”

Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala and Joseph later further condemned the 60-day shelter limit policy for removing asylum-seeking families with children from shelters.

“It is clear from the Council’s recent oversight hearings and the longtime experiences of students in temporary housing that the City has not taken the necessary measures to ensure that children from asylum-seeking families will continue receiving their federally mandated education once forced out of shelter,” they said in a joint statement.

They said the decision to proceed with 30- and 60-day shelter stay limits risks further destabilizing these families, taking them away from the communities and schools they joined after harrowing jourtionally worsen” conditions for migrants al- neys. They also said the mayor’s office ready here. hasn’t “produced any proof” that these pol“For this administration, cruelty is the icies provide meaningful cost savings or inpoint,” said Hanif at the hearing. “As we’ve creased shelter capacity. seen over the past few days, shelter evicJoseph said the mayor’s order to cut tions have resulted in asylum seekers asylum seeker spending by 20% and edsleeping outside in weather so cold that ucation by 15% severely affected migrant it required the city to declare a code blue communities, as did cuts to library servicemergency. The shelter evictions are inhu- es that provided reliable computer access, mane, and as chair of the committee on imSee SHELTER EVICTIONS on page 33

City Council Committee on Immigration on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 (William Alatriste/NYC Council Media Unit)

immigration committee, and Education chair Rita Joseph. The DOE testified about struggles to provide adequate bilingual instruction due to staff shortages, transportation to school, language access, special education services, and more for immigrant students and their families. Hanif said it is obvious the Adams administration does not want immigrants to move to New York City, but it’s “egregious” to “inten-

NYCHA Nostrand Houses holds first residents vote for preservation trust, Bronx River up next

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) public housing residents at Nostrand Houses in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, will be the first to vote on whether to join Mayor Eric Adams’s Public Housing Preservation Trust. Voting will conclude this week, and Bronx River Addition will be voting next.

“Their decision, and the decisions of other NYCHA residents to come, will shape the future of public housing in New York City for decades to come,” said Adams in his most recent op-ed about the subject.

“NYCHA residents are now making their voices heard and making their own choices. That is how good government should work—and this is just the beginning. Next up is the Bronx River Addition, which has dealt with several severe infrastructure issues in recent years that caused tenants to be relocated in one of its two buildings.

And in the coming weeks and months, other NYCHA campuses will vote as well.”

NYCHA is the largest public housing stock in the country under federal Section 9 of 1937 U.S. Housing Act. It was meant to be safe and low-income housing for families

and seniors, but its crumbling infrastructure has suffered decades of deliberate disinvestment from the federal government and other entities. The city’s public housing now overwhelmingly serves low-income Black and brown New Yorkers.

The Public Housing Preservation Trust is a public entity established by Adams and NYCHA in May 2023. It was signed off on by Governor Kathy Hochul last year.

The trust aims to bring billions of dollars in federal funding for renovations to chronically underfunded NYCHA buildings while “maintaining residents’ rights” and “affordability.”

“This is a historic day for NYCHA, as we embark on the voting process at the very first development, giving the residents of Nostrand Houses a true voice in the future of their home,” said NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt in a statement.

“This milestone is a testament to the many partners who understand the vast and compelling needs of NYCHA and the New Yorkers who live in public housing.

We are thrilled to join residents on this journey and to present them with modernization options, including the newly established Public Housing Preservation Trust, for improving conditions and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams held a rally on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, to mark start of in-person voting as New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents at Nostrand Houses decide whether to enter development into Public Housing Preservation Trust, Permanent Affordability Commitment Together program, or remain as Section 9 housing (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

This voting process is for any NYCHA resident over 18 years old and offers an opportunity to pick one of three options. They can join the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together/Rental Assistance Demonstration (PACT/RAD) program, which converts Section 9 to Section 8 housing;join the trust, which does the same thing as PACT but as a public entity; or remain as a Section 9 development.

Section 8 housing is a similar subsidized housing program to Section 9 with some

key differences. It was created under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1978 and provides vouchers for rental assistance to eligible low-income families so they can find homes in the private market.

The family has to pay a portion of their income toward rent while NYCHA pays the rest. Discrimination from homeowners and building owners against voucher holders has been a major drawback of the program.

Some NYCHA resident leaders and advocacy See NYCHA on page 33

4 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

A more assertive VP Harris

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

President Biden did not attend the COP28 UN Climate Summit in Dubai, but Vice President Kamala Harris did, and she was far more assertive than on her other trips abroad. The main item on her jammed agenda was to put forth the U.S. position on climate change, particularly the concern that the planet faces a 1.5-degree Celsius increase if the fossil fuel emissions are not curbed. But there were other pressing mat-

ters to deal with, none more urgent than the resumed conflict in Israel/Palestine.

Harris’s speech at the summit was almost as brief as her appearance, because she had other meetings to attend, and other leaders to confer with on Middle East issues.

Among those she spoke with were King Abdullah II of Jordan, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, and President Isaac Herzog of Israel.

“The United States has turned ambition into action. Today we are demonstrating through action how the world can and must meet this

crisis,” Harris said. There was a quick remark about the looming possibility of Trump returning to the White House and then back to the climate: “The clock is no longer ticking; it’s banging. And we must make up for lost time and we cannot afford to be incremental.”

Another clock is ticking, and that’s the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the Israel Defense Fund (IDF) focusing its bombardment on the southern portion of the territory, after alerting people to retreat there.

“We all want this conflict to end as soon as possible, and to ensure Israel’s security and

ensure security for the Palestinian people,” Harris said. “We must accelerate efforts to build an enduring peace, and that begins with planning for what happens the day after the fighting ends.”

To date, more than 15,000 Palestinians have been killed and 1,200 Israelis since the conflict began after the Hamas attack on October 7. More than 200 Palestinian deaths have been reported since resumption of the war after a brief cease-fire to allow the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian detainees.

Section 702, misused against BLM protesters, now quietly up for renewal

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member New year, same Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The controversial provision permitting warrantless government searches abroad expires when the ball drops in Times Square at the end of the month, ushering in 2024.

But another ball is in the court of Congress, which can renew or reform it.

In theory, Section 702 only greenlights surveillance of non-Americans overseas “expected to possess, receive, or communicate foreign intelligence information.” American citizens anywhere in the world and residents in the United States regardless of nationality cannot legally be targeted.

But in practice, a database born out of Section 702 was misused more than 278,000 times, including by the FBI to search Black Lives Matter protesters, reported the Washington Post in May. Even within the guidelines, there’s a gray area

due to communication between citizens and non-Americans, which critics say is often painted over with “overbroad” enforcement as “reverse targeting,” the act of surveilling a foreign person with the purpose of gathering information about an American or person on U.S. soil, is banned.

Six advocacy groups, including local organizations Surveillance Technology Oversight Project: S.T.O.P and the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem (NDS), penned a letter to Sen. Charles Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries last Tuesday, Nov. 28, urging Democratic floor leaders to oppose reauthorization due to the history of misuse authorized by the provision.

“This is part of the post-9/11 surveillance expansion that Edward Snowden so memorably documented, which allowed the full collection of surveillance data on people all around the world,” said Albert Fox Cahn, S.T.O.P. founder and executive director. “It would be disturbing to have this power put in anyone’s hands for any purpose. The reality is that this has been rapidly abused

Excerpt from declassified April 2023 FISC Opinion of Section 702. (Office of the Director of Intelligence/ Screenshot)

against American citizens, despite so many broken promises that it would only be aimed overseas.”

Neither Schumer nor Jeffries responded to requests for comment by press time.

The original FISA legislation was signed into law in 1978 by then-Pres. Jimmy Carter and mandated that non-criminal electronic surveillance only be authorized when “collecting foreign intelligence and/or foreign

counterintelligence.” The United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) was also created to handle warrants to surveil foreign agents.

Since then, amendments loosening and modernizing the law’s requirements include the post-9/11 USA Patriot Act and the Amendment Act of 2008, which created Section 702 and serve as the legal root See SECTION 702 on page 35

Little empathy for former Secretary of State Kissinger

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews On the few occasions that Henry Kissinger, who died on November 29 at 100, reached out to the Black community, it was usually in the context of discussing African affairs, as he did in 1976. At that time, as Secretary of State, Kissinger merely solicited Black Americans to join him as he sought to build a large constituency for his new African policy. Thomas Johnson, the pioneering Black reporter at the New York Times, wrote in the August 1 edition of the paper that Kissinger, in preparation for his speech for the 66th annual conference of the National Urban League (NUL), had contacted several prominent African Americans, including the Rev. Leon Sullivan, director of the Opportunities Industrial Centers.

While Johnson did not disclose the content of that meeting, he put it in a broader context, including the cancellation of Kissinger’s speech at the NAACP four weeks earlier. “While his speaking to the Urban League is important,” said Vernon E. Jordan, NUL director, “it is also important to Black America to finally talk directly to the secretary about this nation’s basic policy on Africa.

“I hope it means,” Jordan continued, “that Kissinger realizes that Africa cannot be treated like some ghetto in the international conference of world affairs and that Black Americans are vitally concerned with Africa.” Perhaps the closest he came to mentioning Black Americans in his speech was a reference to Abraham Lincoln, the Declaration of Independence, and their link to the nation’s emancipation of Blacks in bondage. He did salute one of the Urban

League’s stalwarts, Lester Granger, who he considered a lifelong friend.

“Let us pray it will not be so,” Kissinger said toward the end of his speech, referring to the notion that freedom should not be denied in Africa. “Let us help the voice of reason to prevail in Africa. In so doing, we will have reflected America’s values on the world. And we will have taken a great step toward the goal of a true world community of brotherhood that remains our most noble vision.”

Johnson pointed out that Kissinger, during his tour of Africa, was very impressed with Senegal’s leader Leopold Senghor, President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, and Tanzania’s President Julius Nyerere, although he was rebuffed by Nigeria and Ghana.

In the Times’ lengthy obituary, former President Barack Obama was quoted as

being “less than enamored of [Kissinger]”: “Mr. Obama noted toward the end of his presidency that he had spent much of his tenure trying to repair the world that Mr. Kissinger left. He saw Mr. Kissinger’s failures as a cautionary tale. ‘We dropped more ordnance on Cambodia and Laos than on Europe in World War II,’ Obama said in an interview with the Atlantic in 2016. “And yet, ultimately, Nixon withdrew, Kissinger went to Paris, and all we left behind was chaos, slaughter, and authoritarian governments that finally, over time, have emerged from that hell.”

He said the U.S. is still trying to help countries “remove bombs that are still blowing off the legs of little kids.”

Hardly a bright legacy for Kissinger, and an outlook that is shared by many Black Americans, particularly in the politically activist community.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Dr. Mila Gauvin’s best medicine is her relationship with her patients

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff Dr. Mila Gauvin always enters her patient’s examination rooms at a quick pace.

She takes the time to greet you. She may have a series of patients to see that day, but she takes the time to make eye contact, ask how you’re doing, and only turns to the computer screen to check the readout on your vitals after she’s made a connection with you, the patient.

She is proud of the fact that she gets to know her patients emotionally as well as physically. “It’s a big relationship; it’s the biggest,” she said. “It’s just like you got married to someone or you have a friend for some time…they ask me about myself and I ask them about their family as well, and then we become family somehow.

“When you have a patient who’s [been] your patient for 20 years, it’s a big trust, right? And you would do anything for that person; you’ll do anything for all your patients. So, I have 20 years of trust coming to me to do their physical every year, to help them take care of themselves. And you hear a little bit of their family history, their social history, of things that they’re not proud of themselves about that they come to you to discuss.

“I think it’s sacred, this relationship.”

Dr. Gauvin has worked for the last 20 years as a board-certified doctor of internal medicine at Advantage Care Physicians’ medical offices in Brooklyn Heights.

On top of caring for her own patients, Dr. Gauvin serves as the regional director for Advantage Care’s Downtown Brooklyn hub of medical offices.

Each day, she has a long list of patients to see. To get an appointment with Dr. Gauvin, you usually have to schedule for an opening that could be months away.

(But in cases of emergency, the doctor said she can make exceptions and get a patient in to be seen). Because she is a Black doctor, who speaks French, Spanish and Creole, she’s in high demand.

She said part of her job is just reassuring patients and helping them understand what’s going on with their bodies. She’s had to explain things like the devastating effects of diabetes and about how exercising, healthy eating, and a low carbohydrate diet with a few medications could help patients. “Just by finding words and sometimes, you know, because I have an accent, I say, ‘If you don’t understand, let us go and explain it again.’ And you get the patient to explain it back to you and see if they get it.”

Occasionally she has female patients who are going through menopause and perimenopause but don’t always understand what’s happening to them. They will have insomnia or a little bit of anxiety. Their hair might be thinning and skin changing. Dr. Gauvin said she tries to calm them down with explanations and education.

Dr. Mila Gauvin is a board-certified internal medicine physician (Karen Juanita Carrillo photo)

December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 5

THE URBAN AGENDA

By David R. Jones, Esq

Congestion Pricing Will Mean Fewer Cars, Safer Streets and Cleaner Air The city’s subway system celebrated a milestone recently with the recording of its billionth rider in 2023.

Black New Yorker “I’m a woman about your age right now,” she will say to them, “and I can tell you, if you understand what’s going on, you will know that you do not need medication.

What you can do is healthy eating and exercising, a little bit of yoga, you know, and understand what you are going through.

Once you understand what you are going through, you are more calm. But when you don’t understand, and your medical provider fails to explain to you what’s going on, that’s when the problems start.”

Being able to talk with patients and help them realize how to care for their health was one of the primary reasons Dr. Gauvin became a physician. When she was 14, she noticed that people were often misdiagnosed because they misinterpreted what was going on with their bodies. “I come from a country where going to the doctor is a privilege, where you have to work with what you have. That’s why semiology is a big deal for us because sometimes we don’t have a lot of clinics or lab tests and all of these kinds of things you rely on. We would have to know the symptoms and signs of a disease in order to do something about it.”

Dr. Gauvin attended medical school at the State University of Haiti where she met and married her husband, Yves Anthony Gauvin, MD. While she completed her residency at Woodhull Medical Center, her husband completed his at Bronx Lebanon Hospital––the same place his mother had worked as a nurse and later given birth to him. Dr. Yves Gauvin practiced primary care medicine in Greenwich, Connecticut and served as a U.S. army officer for several years before recently retiring.

Now both Dr. Gauvins look toward the future they see for their daughter, Mila Gauvin II, who attended Stanford Law See DR. GAUVIN on page 39

In the media capital of the world, it’s a story that many may have missed. But it served as the latest sign that riders are indeed coming back to the city’s public transit system after the coronavirus pandemic decimated bus and subway ridership numbers, pushing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to the brink of financial collapse.

Overall, ridership on the subway system is regularly surpassing four million riders daily, or about 70 percent of the prepandemic average of 5.5 million daily riders.

Still, I have to admit I was disappointed to learn that the system’s “billionth” rider was not a New Yorker. That distinction went to a New Jersey commuter from Bergen County.

And that’s notable because the “Garden State” is at the center of a lawsuit that seeks to put the brakes on New York’s plan to generate more than $1 billion annually for public transportation improvements.

Congestion pricing, which was approved

by New York State lawmakers in 2019, is designed to discourage the use of cars in one of the world’s most traffic-clogged urban centers, reduce dangerous carbon emissions and remove some 143,000 vehicles from midtown Manhattan. Under the plan, cars entering Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak periods could be charged a toll of up to $15 dollars per day.

Taxis would pay $1.25 per fare, with ridehail apps like Lyft and Uber charged $2.50 per ride. Commercial trucks would pay $24, with the very largest trucks paying $36.

Revenue generated by congestion pricing – approximately $15 billion -will help finance crucial transit projects in the MTA’s $51.5 billion 2020-2024 Capital Plan, including investments in buses, subways and commuter rail.

It will also create tens of thousands of local jobs throughout the state.

As a member of the MTA Board, I strongly support congestion pricing. Without it, New York City will eventually choke on its own traffic problems. Not to mention walk away from our best opportunity to generate the necessary funding to upgrade and bring the city’s mass transit system into a state of good repair.

However, not everyone is apparently on board with New York’s forward-thinking policy to end the vicious cycle of endless gridlock and more air pollution. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is leading the fight

against congestion pricing, arguing that it will result in more traffic and pollution in his state as motorists try to avoid the toll. It’s a stance that seems very much at odds with Murphy’s reputation as a self-proclaimed environmentalist and champion of policies to reduce carbon emissions.

New Jersey politicians may try to slow down congestion pricing with legal challenges at the federal level, but they cannot stop it.

Even so, it is a shame that the courtroom battle over congestion pricing playing out in the media is overshadowing one of the most powerful arguments for congestion pricing. Because after nearly a century of deferred maintenance on a mass transit system that serves as the primary mode of transportation for the city’s communities of color -- both in the transit labor force and among millions of daily riders -- New York is finally going to make basic, systemic upgrades to the public infrastructure they depend on.

During the pandemic, we witnessed the value of the public transit system as a lifeline for essential workers across the city’s service sector, most of them working-class Black and brown city residents. With congestion pricing, we now have a potent remedy for what has been a persistent inequity at the heart of New York’s previous failures to invest in the MTA network. And those investments are long overdue.

With the $15 billion raised by congestion pricing, dozens of subway stations will be made accessible. Signals from the 1930s will be upgraded to allow for more reliable subway service. The Second Avenue Subway Line will (finally!) be extended up to Harlem-125th Street.

And four new Metro-North stations will be built in the East Bronx, providing quick and easy commuter rail access not only down to Midtown, but also up to New Rochelle, Stamford and other employment centers north of the City.

Before congestion pricing goes into effect, the public will have an opportunity to comment on the plan’s proposed toll rate schedule. Public hearings will be held early in 2024. Concerns about how the plan will impact communities will be aired and will help inform the final plan.

A vote to adopt the plan is expected to happen in the spring.

For now, the idea of a city with fewer cars, safer streets and cleaner air sounds pretty good.

David R. Jones, Esq., is President and CEO of the Community Service Society of New York (CSS), the leading voice on behalf of low-income New Yorkers for more than 175 years, and is a member of the MTA Board. The views expressed in this column are solely those of the writer. The Urban Agenda is available on CSS’s website: www.cssny.org.

6 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

2023 World Aids Day—NYC health dept releases HIV/AIDS stats

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member New York City’s City Hall and municipal buildings were lit up in bright red to honor the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day and the countless lives lost to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) pandemic. City stats this year indicate new HIV cases are down as the global movement has united people in a common goal to beat back the disease, especially in heavily affected and marginalized communities.

“New York City stands in support of those living with HIV/AIDS and honors the New Yorkers we have lost to this tragic epidemic,” said Mayor Eric Adams as he hosted a ceremonial reading and vigil for HIV/AIDS victims at City Hall on Friday, Dec. 1. “While New York City has been hit by this crisis harder than any other city in the country, we are also the birthplace of the national movement to help those living with HIV/AIDS; make treatment more accessible; and reduce disparities to prevention and care, especially in communities of color.”

According to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) 2022 HIV Surveillance Annual Report, there were 1,624 newly diagnosed people with HIV in the city last year, which is down 2% from 2021 and 17% from 2018. DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said new HIV diagnoses continue to fall and there’s been a “rebound in HIV testing and care-seeking” that had dropped during the onslaught of the COVID19 pandemic, when HIV testing services were less accessible. The year after COVID hit, the city had a huge increase in new infections, and the Bronx is the only borough that continues to have an increasing number of new diagnoses.

“Every step in the HIV movement was underscored by tragedy and loss, but its successes radically transformed the field of public health and changed the hearts and minds of generations that followed,” said Vasan.

“The people who worked in this movement changed history, and World AIDS Day is an important moment to reflect on what’s been achieved and recommit to doing whatever it takes to end the epidemic once and for all.”

The DOHMH numbers indicate that inequities persist across many communities: Of all women newly diagnosed with HIV in 2022, 84% were Black or Hispanic; of all men newly diagnosed, 83% were Black or Hispanic; at least 62% of all men newly diagnosed were identified as LGBTQ; and 41% of all

newly diagnosed New Yorkers lived in neighborhoods of high or very high poverty.

“I’m old enough to remember, as a young member of ACT UP, the first World AIDS Day 35 years ago,” said PrEP4All Board Member Peter Staley in a statement. PrEP4All, founded in 2018, is an organization that sprang up to increase equitable access to HIV medication. “Much has been accomplished since then, but we won’t end AIDS until the health

py) is HIV medicine that reduces a person’s viral load so chances of transmitting HIV to a sexual partner drop to zero.

“There are gaps. We aren’t always able to get the tools to people who need them most at the right time and they were exacerbated during the pandemic. We saw a reduced number of people starting PrEP,” said Dr. Denis Nash, a professor and executive director of Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health at the City University of

In this Nov. 28, 2007, file photo, social worker displays earrings and pendants made using AIDS awareness symbol at counseling center in Chennai, India. As World AIDS Day was marked on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, some experts were growing more outspoken in complaining that AIDS is eating up funding at expense of more pressing health needs.

(AP Photo/M. Lakshman, File)

inequities that today’s statistics highlight become the primary focus of our fight.”

Last year, 79% of all people with HIV in the city were “virally suppressed,” meaning if they were on treatment and their virus was “undetectable,” they couldn’t transmit HIV through sex, said DOHMH. This is thanks in large part to widespread sexual education and medicines, such as PrEP and ART. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a highly effective pill or shot that can reduce a person’s chances of getting HIV from sex or a contaminated needle. ART (antiretroviral thera-

New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, about people with HIV during the COVID pandemic in 2020. He runs a dashboard called Ending the AIDS Epidemic in New York State that tracks the rollout of HIV/AIDS care.

Nash concurred that New York City, in particular, has been a leader in its response to the local HIV/AIDS epidemic, achieving great strides in ending the disease as a public health threat, but said there have been significant setbacks and inequities in treatments.

When the HIV/AIDS pandemic began in

the 1980s, it only peaked in the mid-1990s because some people were able to access treatment, said Nash, but the death statistics did not drop to zero. Now HIV drugs and medications in the city are fairly easily available and covered by the state through Medicare and Medicaid. Vulnerable communities still do not always have access, though. For instance, said Nash, among the impoverished, homeless communities, or those with severe mental illness, a diagnosis may not happen soon enough to prevent death and it’s harder to adhere to a regimented schedule for medication with a transient lifestyle.

According to Dr. Jessica Justman, associate professor of medicine in Epidemiology at Columbia University School of Public Health and senior technical director at ICAP, there are disparities in access to medications along racial lines. In 2021, 78% of white people who were eligible in the U.S. to access PrEP did so, while only 21% of Hispanic/Latinos and 11% of Black/ African Americans did.

Furthermore, she said PrEP can only be effective if taken correctly. “PrEP definitely helps to prevent HIV. It works if you take it [but the] oral pills are a challenge for some people. Women need to take them every day, but men who have anal sex with men can use PrEP before and after sex,” said Justman via email.

Nash said the main focus in the medical industry now is to eliminate the “public health threat” as opposed to eradication of the virus, and to reach the most affected communities through effective programs and policies.

“As we see nationwide threats to reproductive and sexual health care, we renew our commitment to our communities and call for action and compassion in the face of HIV/AIDS. At the core of our mission is the needed work toward a world where HIV/AIDS care is as accessible to all, and where those living with these conditions can thrive and live with dignity and opportunity. HIV care is reproductive health care,” said Tamika Howell, vice president of Planned Parenthood of Greater New York’s Project Street Beat (PSB) in a statement.

Howell said that concentrating on places where HIV/AIDS care is most needed is essential. The PSB clientele includes people who use drugs and other substances, are homeless, are sex workers, or have other circumstances that place them at increased risk for HIV. She said PSB also provides people with wraparound services like legal support, substance use counseling, opioid overdose prevention, birth control, wellness visits, See WORLD AIDS DAY on page 37

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 7

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8 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

Go with the Flo FLO

ANTHONY According to multiple reports, Jamie Foxx made a surprise appearance at the Critic’s Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television: Honoring Black, Latino, and AAPI Achievements on December 4, which took place at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

The evening was hosted by Nicco Annan, who plays Uncle Clifford on STARZ’s hit show “P-Valley.”

Taking the stage for the first time in public since he suddenly became critically ill back in April, Foxx received the Vanguard Award for his role in “The Burial” on Amazon’s Prime Video.

After receiving a standing ovation as he walked across the stage, Foxx told the audience, “You know, it’s crazy, I couldn’t do that six months ago—I couldn’t actually walk…I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy, because it’s tough.”

The Oscar and Grammy award-winner was also the star of “They Cloned Tyrone,” which earned him a Gotham Award nomination in November...

International recording artist Nicole Henry is ringing in the holidays on Friday, Dec. 8, at Aaron Davis Hall on the campus of City College in Harlem.

The 7 p.m. concert, “Get Set for the Season,” features an array of holiday favorites and popular classics by the powerhouse jazz vocalist. The Soul Train Traditional Award-winner will perform Christmas classics, including “My Favorite Things” and “Mary Did You Know.”

Henry will be accompanied by David Cook on piano, Richie Goods on bass, Jerome Jennings on drums, and Tom Jago on guitar.

“I can’t think of a better way to end our successful fall season at Aaron Davis Hall and help set the tone for the holiday season than with the brilliantly dynamic Nicole Henry,” said City College Center for the Arts (CCCA) Managing Director Gregory Shanck…

On the December 4 episode of “Sherri,” talk show host Sherri Shepherd gave a hilarious recap of the show staff’s trip to the AMC Theaters to experience the documentary “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé!” Later in the show, Shepherd welcomed Amari Marshall, co-dance captain of the Renaissance World Tour, who is a standout star of the film. Marshall opened up about her emotions during the tour and how she approached her role in representing curvy women. She also offered a glimpse of what is in store for her in the future…

Hot new couple alert! Rumors have been running rampant that Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o and former “Dawson’s Creek” star Joshua Jackson are an item, after they were spotted standing together at a Janelle Monae concert in Los Angeles in October, after Jackson filed for divorce from “Queen and Slim” star Jodie Turner-Smith and Nyong’o’s break-up with her boyfriend, Selema Masekela, son of jazz musician Hugh Masekela.

On December 4, according to “OK!,” Nyong’o and Jackson were spotted at Erewhon Market in Los Angeles, California, where they attempted to avoid photographers by leaving Jackson’s car a few minutes apart. I wonder what was on their menu for dinner…

G

O

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS W I T H T H E F L O

Thelma Golden receives 2023 Gish Prize Thelma Golden, director and chief curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem, received the 2023 Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize at a recent reception at the Museum

of Modern Art in New York City.

Guests at the event included Darren Walker, Raymond McGuire, Glenn Lowry, Charlotte Eyerman, Adam Weinberg, Sade Lythcott,

Anna Glass, Terrance McKnight, and Kate Levin. A group of eight present and former museum directors joined Golden to celebrate the occasion.

(L-R) Kathy Halbreich (former Director of the Albert and Vera List Visual Arts Center, former Associate Director of MoMA, former director of the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation), Patrick Charpenel (Executive Director, El Museo del Barrio), Thelma Golden (Director and Chief Curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem), Glenn D. Lowry (Director, Museum of Modern Art), Ian Wardropper (Director, The Frick), Lisa Phillips (Director, New Museum) , and Anne Pasternak (Director, Brooklyn Museum).

(Craig Barritt/Getty Images for JPMorgan Chase Bank, Trustee of the Dorothy & Lillian Gish Prize photo)

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS O U T & A B O U T

December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 9

NYS Comptroller reminds New Yorkers to check for unclaimed funds as balance reaches $18.4 billion

$118,490,000 oversized check hypothesizes how much a payout would be for South Bronx residents if their unclaimed funds were claimed (Courtesy of the NYS Comptroller Office photo)

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Queens gets the money? NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli sure hopes so, along with the other four boroughs. There’s currently $18.4 billion—yes, billion with a “b”—sitting in his office’s custody, waiting for the rightful owners to collect, including nearly $5 billion owed to New York City residents.

Kelly Kuracina, assistant bureau director for the Office of Unclaimed Funds, said the money can belong to almost anyone, but they need to check first.

“It really comes from all different types of transactions that you might have, from a bank account that you used and maybe forgot about, to a gift card that you received and didn’t use, or maybe a check that you [should have] received [that] got lost in the mail,” she said. “Any type of financial transaction can turn into unclaimed funds. It can happen to anyone, so Comptroller Tom DiNapoli naturally really wants to spread the word and let people know.”

How do New Yorkers go about finding whether they’re owed money and how can they collect it? Kuracina said they can simply

look up lost funds online under their name or organization from the comptroller’s website. The office also sends out letters to inform those with lost money. From there, they can file a claim.

To be clear, most unclaimed funds aren’t windfall fortunes—they’re typically south of $100—but balances as high as $9.2 million currently are metaphorically gathering dust (the money goes toward the state’s general fund in the meanwhile). Larger sums could come from an uncashed last paycheck or being unknowingly named as a life insurance beneficiary.

There’s no catch, so why does the amount of money held go up by roughly a billion dollars each year, even when $1.5 million is collected each day? Kuracina pointed to a few barriers keeping New Yorkers socially distanced from their own money. Collection sometimes requires some red tape, such as court documents and death certificates, although address verification through valid ID like a driver’s license often does the trick. In an age of scam calls, phishing emails, and catfish texts, a government agency appearing to reach out about free money with no strings attached is naturally met with suspicion.

Kuracina advised New Yorkers who receive

messages about unclaimed funds to only trust websites starting with “http:” and ending in a “.gov.” She added that the office does not provide an actual unclaimed fund balance until after identities are confirmed.

“We do everything that we can to make sure that we’re putting the security in place to make sure that the information that you provide us and that we provide you is protected, but you do need to be on guard—you need to make sure. Sometimes websites really do a pretty good job of mimicking government websites, and so sometimes it’s okay to say ‘I want to pick up the phone’ or ‘I want to send [verification] in the mail.’ You can always go to our website and get good information and verify that through Google or through something else, but you want to be looking to make sure that you’re dealing with a trusted website.”

Last month marked the busiest time of the year for unclaimed funds because all banks report in November. Through bank accounts alone, around $400 million was added to the office’s custody.

To drive awareness, DiNapoli’s visit to the Bronx last week highlighted the $118 million in unclaimed funds owed to the borough, which boasted a 31% Black population as of 2021 according to census data retrieved by the office.

“We want to encourage our residents, businesses, and nonprofits to reach out to New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s Office to see if they are owed any unclaimed funds,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson over email statement. “Currently, the state has $18.4 billion in unclaimed funds and each day they return $1.5 million back to New Yorkers. Especially during the holiday season, any amount of financial compensation can have a huge impact on the budget of a working-class family and brings money back into our borough.”

And remember when Kuracina said anyone could have a balance? Well, DiNapoli managed to track down $2,190 in unclaimed funds for the Bronx Museum of the Arts, which he presented in one of those oversized checks.

Readers can look up any unclaimed funds online free at https://www.osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member who writes about public safety for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

10 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Unions Matter NYC needs transparency in policing. It’s time to pass the ‘How Many Stops Act’

GEORGE

GRESHAM Public safety is a matter of urgent and rising concern among New Yorkers. The impact of the pandemic, rising inequality, a growing mental health crisis, and skyrocketing costs of living have made life for working families difficult here in New York, the largest city in the U.S. It is all the more important, in this context, that our elected officials work to improve the long-strained relationship between the NYPD and the communities it serves. Passing the How Many Stops Act would be an important step forward.

A decade ago, the healthcare workers of 1199SEIU were proud to take a leading role, together with civil rights leaders, advocates, and NYC residents, in demanding the end to the NYPD’s racist practice of “stop-and-frisk,” which targeted New Yorkers of color at alarming rates. In August 2013, a federal court ruled the police department’s use of the tactic unconstitutional, and there were high hopes that we were ending the era of unequal policing and beginning to focus on true public safety and justice for all New Yorkers.

Although for a time the number of NYPD’s reported stops declined, they are today again on the rise. Yet we lack crucial data as to precisely how many New Yorkers are being stopped and questioned by police, and the demographic and geographic data needed for adequate public oversight.

According to the federal monitor for the NYPD, at least 24% of the reported stops made by Neighborhood Safety Teams—the rebrand of the notorious Anti-Crime Unit—have been unconstitutional, and 97% have been of Black/Latinx New Yorkers. These percentages are even more dramatic in vulnerable, low-income communities. For example, in the Bronx’s 41st Precinct, an astounding 59% of the stops, 68% of frisks, and 74% of searches reviewed by the monitor were deemed to be unlawful.

Under current law, the NYPD is not required to disclose information about the vast majority of pedestrian stops and investigative encounters its officers are making—what the NYPD calls Level 1 or 2 stops. These kinds of encounters are the most common interactions between officers and civilians, but because they don’t rise to the level of a stop-and-frisk (considered Level 3, when officers must have “reasonable suspicion” of criminal activity), the NYPD is not required to share data with the City Council or the public. We simply have no idea how many Level 1 and 2 stops are happening, whether they are constitutional, and how they affect various deSee STOPS ACT on page 39

Maintenance workers, property owners push and tug for new contract

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff The maintenance workers, porters, and handypersons who keep New York City’s offices operating are trying to negotiate a new labor contract.

With a current contract set to expire on December 31, their union representatives at 32BJ SEIU (Service Employees International) have been in talks with the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations Inc. (RAB)––the union that represents building owners––to negotiate a new deal.

32BJ members took to the streets of Manhattan on November 9 as negotiations began.

So far, they have not liked what they’ve heard about the new contract, which is designed to cover 20,000 employees who labor in more than 1,300 New York City buildings.

RAB has suggested changes to its current health insurance arrangement with 32BJ members, and creation of a program of healthcare premium sharing that would have employees pay a portion of their healthcare costs. RAB also wants to decrease hours from employee work schedules since office usage has declined over the last three years in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

In Manhattan alone, as of October 1, 2023, “vacancy rates have soared from 12.4% to 22.7%,” RAB cites the CBRE Group real estate firm as stating. And vacant offices won’t have to be cleaned as frequently.

“Over the past three years, the New York commercial real estate industry has [encountered] and continues to encounter soaring vacancies, untenable interest rates, declining building valuations, and the resultant economic uncertainty,” said Howard Rothschild, RAB president, in a press release. “The future of both the industry and our workforce is at risk without implementing alterations

Luchiana Owens, proud member of 32BJ SEIU: “[W]e want to sustain what we have and what we’ve been able to gain over the past few decades because of the people before us [who] have fought for these good contracts for us. We’re willing to stay and continue to fight for our future and for the futures of the generations to come as well.” (32BJ photos)

to enhance flexibility in our [collective bargaining agreement] and our healthcare coverage. At this crucial point, it is essential for the union and the industry to come together to create an agreement that secures a future that is both viable and sustainable.”

32BJ representatives have called RAB’s proposals “insulting.” Any cuts to employee take-home pay and benefits would be devastating for workers who already sacrificed for their jobs by having served as “essential workers” at the height of the pandemic.

32BJ member Luchiana Owens has worked as a cleaner at New York City’s Port Authority Bus Terminal for more than 23 years. Contracted to work with the Port Authority under her employer, T.U.C.S. Cleaning Service, Inc., Owens is part of the janitorial crew that cleans up after the estimated 260,000 passengers who stream through the Port Authority every day. Part of her job is to power-wash the terminal’s corridors and sanitize the restrooms.

Owens worked at the Port Authority throughout the COVID-19 pandemic lock-

32BJ SEIU members took to the streets of Manhattan on November 9 as collective bargaining negotiations with Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations began.

down. “It was very stressful for me, myself, because I was pregnant during the pandemic, and I had to continue to work,” she told the AmNews. “And knowing co-workers were coming down with COVID, numerous times, some multiple times––some passed away––it was just very scary not knowing if passengers were sick and me just touching something and getting infected and bringing that home to my family. It was just very stressful during that time; I was very worried and did not want to work, but I had no choice because we were considered essential workers. We didn’t qualify for unemployment, like others did. I continued to come to work.”

32BJ union reps specify that “workers got up to 10 additional days of COVID sick leave during the pandemic––this was in one of the 18 memorandums of understanding 32BJ and the RAB made during the pandemic––but it was also part of various federal and state requirements, which varied by employer size.” More than 40 members of 32BJ died from COVID-19 at the height of the pandemic.

RAB pointed out that sharing healthcare costs is not unusual: “32BJ members are part of only 5% of U.S. employees that do not contribute anything for family healthcare premiums,” the building owners’ union said.

That fact does not detract from the point that healthcare premiums would be costly for working-class laborers, 32BJ said: “The changes proposed by the RAB would upend essential workers’ lives, making life untenable for thousands of working-class families in the city. Single parents could be forced to move out of the city if forced to take on new healthcare expenses; workers would have to choose See CONTRACT on page 39

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 11

Senior center welcomes councilmember-elect Yusef Salaam

City Councilmember-elect Yusef Salaam was a guest speaker recently at Harlem’s A. Philip Randolph Senior Center, which is in the area he represents. He was warmly welcomed by the seniors, who all wanted a photo with him. (Bill Moore photos)

12 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Opinion No democracy at Climate Change Summit EDITORIAL

“The planet is burning,” a group of activists chanted at the COP28 UN climate summit in Dubai. They are trying to bring a measure of heat to the attendees at this two-week-long event, particularly the 1300 fossil fuel lobbyists.

The demonstrators also want their voices to be heard by the 170 nations at this annual confab.

Two other numbers beyond the nations and lobbyists present are in play: Keep the global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius pre-industrial levels, and—equally distressing—that one nation can scuttle any deal made to put an end to fossil fuels.

We understand that the average American Joe and Jane may be perplexed by these numbers, and might find it troubling that one nation—in this case, the gigantic oil-producing Saudi Arabia—could jam the proceedings.

There are indications that Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman will not support an agreement calling for a phase-down or phase-out of fossil fuels.

Why are so many lobbyists at the event, when having it take place in Dubai is like a homecourt advantage for them? Most disturbing is why one country could torpedo any agreement. There is no sense of democracy on such a critical issue, and it is much like the absence of democratic rules in our electoral arena.

Once again, we’ve raised more questions than answers. This will probably continue to be a burning issue—excuse the pun—for many years to come, if the planet survives the increasing temperatures.

It’s time to change some of the rules about the Climate Change Summit, beginning with a reduced number of lobbyists and more opportunities for Africa to get a say about the issues it faces from the poisoned atmosphere caused by gas, coal, and oil emissions. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to host next year’s event in a country with a stronger resolve to stifle deadly emissions.

Your thoughts?

Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher Member

Alliance for Audited Media

and Editor in Chief

Kristin Fayne-Mulroy: Managing Editor Cyril Josh Barker: Digital Editor Damaso Reyes: Investigative Editor Siobhan "Sam" Bennett: Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Advertising

Wilbert A. Tatum (1984-2009): Chairman of the Board, CEO and Publisher Emeritus

Gov. Hochul: You can prevent generational trauma by signing this law

By TANESHA GRANT and ZAINAB AKBAR We are an activist and an attorney for family rights in Harlem who every day witness the pain that New York’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) inflicts on Black, Latine, and low-income families, particularly when it comes to the agency’s policies about family separation.

One of us (Tanesha) was removed from her mother at birth and placed in foster care. By the time she was 11, an abusive adoptive parent dropped her off at a police precinct, saying she was done.

Tanesha spent the rest of her teenage years in a series of institutional group homes, where she was molested and raped. She managed to escape, and today is a proud Black mother of three, a community organizer, and a founder of the nonprofit Parents Supporting Parents, which was recently featured in this newspaper for their laptop giveaways to Harlem youth.

The other (Zainab), is managing attorney at Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem’s Family Defense Practice and also a mom. She’s worked with parents who have lost their rights, including young parents who themselves were severed from their parents through a court proceeding.

All of these clients, and Tanesha, have tragically missed out on important relationships with their biological families due to the current state of the law.

They suffer from generational trauma that gets passed along to the next generation, who are also denied an opportunity to know their origins and history.

In the recent words of one young person who was adopted out of foster care and whose biological mother died before they could meet again, “Other people’s decisions left a void in my life.”

That’s why we, along with a coalition of public defenders, affected parents and children, and others, are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the Preserving Family Bonds Act, a measure founded on the principle that children

deserve more love in their lives, not less.

The Preserving Family Bonds Act (PFB; A5394, Joyner/S6720, Brisport) allows a judge to order contact between a child and their parent after the termination of parental rights only when this is in the child’s best interests. Ironically, in vetoing a version of the PFB in 2021, Hochul said she was acting “in the child’s best interests.”

Let’s talk about what actually is in a child’s best interests. Current New York law operates under the fiction that terminating a parent’s legal rights also ends the emotional relationship between a parent and a child. Because New York law does not allow a court to order continuing contact, termination of parental rights can make it impossible for children to stay connected to their parents, communities, and culture. As Tanesha puts it, “You never get over not knowing your people.” She’s tried repeatedly to find her birth mother but keeps hitting a brick wall.

Then there are the words of one of the bill’s sponsors, Assemblymember Latoya Joyner, who was adopted herself: “People want to know their identity,” she told Gothamist in 2021. “Knowing our past is so crucial for us in developing our future selves. This bill is going to open that pathway, and not target Black and brown parents who end up in this web of a system that at times destroys families.”

Let’s not forget that this practice of family separation has historic roots in slavery and genocide—and these roots still show today. As the Amsterdam News and The New York Times reported last year, ACS disproportionately investigates, separates, and traumatizes Black, Latine, and low-income families. Even ACS’s own employees call the system racist. And no wonder, given that: • 1 Black child in 2 will experience an investigation.

• 1 Black child in 10 will be separated from their parents.

• Black children make up 14% of the general child population, but 23% of children in the foster system, where they generally receive fewer services than white children.

What’s too often misunderstood is that most children in the foster system were not separated from their parents because of abuse, but because poverty is

mistaken for neglect. When a child is in the foster system, the parent and child almost always have regular, ongoing visitation and contact. This is because frequent, high-quality visits are understood to be highly beneficial for children in the system.

Another common misconception is that the foster system saves children who would not otherwise have a family. Not true: Most children in the system have a strong desire to return home and a family who is fighting to make that happen.

Experts agree that separating children from their parents is incredibly harmful.

Those in the system fare much better when they are able to maintain familial bonds. Yet, after a year—or more—of visits with their families, the involuntary termination of their parents’ rights can abruptly deny children the right to contact, speak to, and see their parents.

The current law also forces biological parents into the untenable position of either fighting the termination of their rights (which, if they lose, becomes permanent) or giving up their rights in exchange for an opportunity to negotiate minimal, court-ordered visits with their child. The experience is so devastating and severe that it has been called the “death penalty” of child welfare.

By allowing children the opportunity to maintain contact with their families, this bill will help children reconcile pieces of their identity, including language, food, and religion, and promote the exchange of critical family and medical health information. Making these connections is vital to a young person’ ability to develop a sense of self and well-being.

We have until the end of the year to convince the governor that Preserving Family Bonds truly is in the best interests of the child. We urge New Yorkers to take action in favor of the bill and in support of the many children who are adopted out of the foster system and are yearning to make contact with their families.

Zainab Akbar is managing attorney of the Family Defense Practice at Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem.

Tanesha Grant is a system-impacted community organizer in Harlem and founder of the nonprofit Parents Supporting Parents who has lived experience as a child in the child welfare system.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS O P I N I O N

DeSantis’s dilemma

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the New York Amsterdam News. We continue to publish a variety of viewpoints so that we may know the opinions of others that may differ from our own.

December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 13

We have one month left in 2023 CHRISTINA

GREER, PH.D.

ARMSTRONG

WILLIAMS

Once hailed as a hero of the right during the pandemic, Ron DeSantis, Florida governor and presidential candidate, has now become a villain to much of it. The reason why is tragically obvious; DeSantis is trying to rival Donald Trump, a man who many on the right view as a deity much more than a hero. But DeSantis should not be underestimated in this race. Despite the numerous attempts to take him down by both the right and the left, he has stood strong, taking on his rivals and showing up when others haven’t. Let’s look at a few examples.

During the pandemic, Ron DeSantis showed his strength by making it clear that he would not bow to the mainstream media, the World Health Organization, corrupt Big Pharma, or Big Brother government. He forged his own path, taking the stance of a commonsense interpretation of the science rather than blind allegiance to the media’s interpretation of it. In the face of an onslaught of criticism, DeSantis showed strength.

When told that masks and closed businesses would stop the spread, he didn’t require mask mandates; instead, he kept businesses open – unlike other states, and he refused to penalize and vilify businesses when they kept their doors open.

In sum, his efforts showed that lockdowns and restrictions were, to a large extent, meaningless and that there was little rhyme or reason to higher

or lower rates of death among states. Florida had the 11th lowest deaths per 100,000 persons among the states in 2020 (though there was a practical three-way tie around their ranking), and the 18th highest deaths per 100,000 persons among the states in 2021, and now, like every other state, COVID-19 is essentially a non-issue. On the other hand, New York, one of the most restrictive states, had the highest rate in 2020 and the 21st lowest rate in 2021. And, once again, COVID-19 is not a significant issue today.

Of course, this didn’t stop every pro-mandate person and organization from going after DeSantis.

Florida was practically the talk of the left during the pandemic, with activists skewing the numbers in a feeble attempt to prove that mandates worked.

When it came to education, DeSantis showed his strength. He firmly refused to degrade the Florida educational system by banning pornographic content from schools and by refusing to allow an excessive focus on sexual orientation in the classroom.

This common-sense approach to public health and morals demonstrated that DeSantis understood that the loudest people are often in the minority.

It’s clear that the relentless teachings of transgenderism have little to do with respecting them and much more to do with trying to convert people to their ideology.

So, as a prize for his efforts to protect children from being brainwashed by this ideology, DeSantis was smeared by the media and activists who referred to his law, which banned the teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms, as the “Don’t Say Gay” law. This deliberately misleading name dragged DeSantis’s already vulnerable name through the mud and emboldened liberal activists and the media to rally against him with even more strength.

People are beginning recognizing the clear benefits of living in Florida and other conservative states. They are realizing that they are in the minority in liberal states, and so many are choosing to vote with their feet, moving to states like Florida instead of staying in places like New York or California, where they are constantly oppressed by liberal policies and forced to deal with potential violence and the erosion of their children’s identities.

Liberal cities have become havens for crime.

Consider detailed crime data, which shows the five most dangerous cities.

Four out of these five cities have Democratic mayors.

Even when you expand the scope, 16 out of the top 25 cities have Democratic mayors. It doesn’t take a genius to see the impact that liberal policies have on cities. And it’s not just crime either. Take the well-known map of public feces in San Francisco, which conclusively

reveals that the city is not just a crime haven but also a public restroom for California’s ever-expanding homeless population.

Now, the question that remains is whether DeSantis will actually win the Republican nomination.

DeSantis’s numbers don’t look too great. He is currently in second place, but by a wide margin— 60% Trump versus 12.6% DeSantis. No doubt he has an uphill battle. But let’s not forget, in the 2008 cycle, then candidate Barack Obama was polling nationally around 20% with Clinton at nearly 40%; Obama ended up winning.

DeSantis is up against a foe who will stop at nothing to destroy his name.

If he is to win, DeSantis must draw upon the resilience and strategic acumen he has honed over the past four years.

He must take notes from this period, which was marked by heavy fire from the mainstream media, Big Pharma, and special interest groups. Should he successfully leverage these experiences, DeSantis stands a strong chance of not only holding his ground against President Trump but also distinguishing himself among other Republican contenders and winning the nomination. AW Armstrong Williams (@ ARight-Side) is manager / sole owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations and the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the year. www.armstrongwilliams.co | www.howardstirkholdings.com

As 2023 comes to a close, I am constantly thinking about all of the things I need and want to get done before the close of the year. Last week I wrote about end-of-year giving to the Octavia Project and organizations doing great work in our community. As I think about how I want to celebrate the end of a truly tumultuous year filled with so many surprises, coming from a host of directions, I want to be sure to take advantage of some of the beauty and interesting exhibits around me.

First, I am going to make time to see two amazing art exhibits. I must see the Henry Taylor exhibit at the Whitney Museum. “Henry Taylor: B Side” presents the Los Angeles-based artist’s paintings, along with rarely exhibited early drawings. The exhibit also showcases a selection of his sculptures and new installations made specifically for this exhibition. The second exhibit I am going to see is Barkley Hendricks at the Frick Collection. “Barkley L. Hendricks: Portraits at the Frick” displays Hendricks’s large-scale Black subjects, emphasizing the dignity and individuality of his sitters.

Both artists have been a source of inspiration for me and I cannot wait to see these two exhibits. The Hendricks exhibit closes on January 7, 2024, and the Taylor exhibit closes on January 28, 2024.

Second, I am going to clean out my closets and drawers in preparation for the new year. I recently passed a pop-up shop giving coats and clothes to recently arrived migrants

and families in need. So many people need clothing, coats, and shoes, and I am sure I have plenty of items I have not worn in ages. We must get rid of material items to make room for more positive energy to come our way.

Third, I am going to get on a more committed schedule to work out, meditate, and do yoga. I must prioritize my health and mental wellbeing. The holidays are such a busy time, filled with lots of food and fun, but it is imperative that we prioritize consistent habits and not wait until New Year’s resolutions to get started.

Lastly, I am going to get better organized with my family. As I’ve written before, Black families must have potentially complex conversations about our finances and our files, where to find documents, what insurance policies are still in effect, what bank accounts have authorized users or beneficiaries, and our desired arrangements for when we pass on.

These conversations take time and energy, and we must begin them sooner rather than later.

These are just some of the items I plan to tackle in the final weeks of 2023.

I hope you will make a plan as well.

Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC and host of The Blackest Questions podcast at TheGrio; and a 2023–2024 Moynihan Public Scholars Fellow at CCNY.

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Caribbean Update

Africa-Caricom collaborate to return stolen artifacts

BY BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews With the Caribbean Community leading the global fight for the U.S. and European nations to pay reparations for the trans Atlantic slave trade, African governments and tribal leaders are also beginning to team up with the Caribbean to force former colonizers to return artifacts of significant cultural and religious importance back to the African continent.

For example, in recent weeks, leaders of the Pokomo people of Kenya have stepped up demands for the British Museum to return the Ngadji, a huge tribal drum which, for decades, had functioned as a symbol of authority and social order.

For years, the Ngadji has been hidden away in a special area of the British Museum while pressure mounted on British authorities to return the symbolic drum to the Pokomo. Museum officials claim that the Ngadji was gifted

to the facility by Sir Alfred Hollis in 1908, so in effect it was not stolen or pillaged by white British colonizers during that era.

With anger rising in the Pokomo community and in neighboring Uganda, which is also a victim of stolen artifacts, the Pokomo is getting ready to reach out to Caribbean governments through the umbrella CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) for help in increasing the pressure on the arrogant stance of the British. The museum in the past has advanced flimsy arguments that the drum would be better preserved by its facility and exposed to thousands of gawking visitors every year rather than being in possession of a remote people in a remote region along the Tana River in Kenya. The British have also stoutly refused to return it despite approaches

by Pokomo leaders. The absence of the Ngadji is linked to the belief that it has stripped the Pokomo of who they were, as the elderly with links to its present and past are dying out.

Only one Pokomo leader, Mkidjo Baiba, has had the privilege of seeing the drum in more than 100 years and that was back in 2013. “Only one man has seen it and has touched it in more than 100 years and it was quite an emotional experience,“ said Dr. Makorani Mungase who with other scholars and activists is leading the effort to recapture the Ngadji, to the AmNews at the weekend.

“We cannot rest on our laurels and allow other people to have our artifacts. I will go to all lengths possible to get Ngadji back because it is not an item which is supposed to stay where it is. It is of importance to my people and of greater importance than the museum.

It is of no value to them. The value to us is immense. To them [it] is cowhide.

That is the Picasso of my people. Therefore, it is priceless. With all the support we have on the ground and in Caricom, I believe we will get it home,” he said.

He said the Brits also have some smaller, less significant drums in a

“ramshackle and dilapidated state,” so it would be unthinkable for the Pokomo to have voluntarily surrendered the much larger and symbolically important Ngadji to anyone outside of the community as it is possessed and held only by the royal king. “The other ones are simply trinkets. They have to acknowledge it is ours. It belongs to only one person and one community.

[At] one point, the British were talking about joint ownership. That point is not for discussion, not the ownership of it.

We now have to tell the international community that this person has taken my property and does not want to give it back. The royal nation will go to all lengths to get it back,” said Mungase.

“They have no valuable use for it. It is like a fire attracting the moths.”

Even closer collaboration is being planned with the Caricom commission and other reparatory justice movements across the globe as a showdown with a still imperialistic British Museum leadership looms in the coming months.

Three top immigration headlines making news FELICIA PERSAUD

IMMIGRATION KORNER Now that the expulsion of first generation immigrant, George Santos, is complete, House Republicans are busy pushing to tie aid to Ukraine and Israel to stricter immigration measures at the border. The move has made strange bedfellows with many Democrats supporting the measure as major ‘blue’ cities like New York and Chicago are forced to deal with the fallout from the surge at the border.

Here are three top immigration headlines making news this week: 1: House Republican’s Narrow Approach Continues Instead of working towards comprehensive immigration reform to address the country’s broken immigration system, Republicans are pursuing a piecemeal approach that reinforces the narrative of a border crisis. Their focus is on tightening the asylum and humanitarian parole processes, which thousands use to temporarily stay in the U.S. while their claims navigate the heavily backlogged system.

The Biden administration has faced pressure to negotiate and make concessions on immigration in exchange for

foreign aid, benefiting Ukraine and Israel with a total of $106 billion for ongoing conflicts. Behind closed doors, senators have explored measures to make it more difficult for migrants to pass the initial screening, known as the “credible fear interview,” which asylum officers use to determine if individuals can stay in the country to pursue their asylum cases. The aim is to raise the threshold for asylum claims, shifting from a “significant possibility” of success before an immigration judge to a “more likely than not” standard, according to sources familiar with the private discussions.

While a majority of asylum seekers pass the initial interviews, the final approval rate is considerably lower.

Critics argue that the current screening standard is too lenient, allowing many asylum seekers to remain in the country for extended periods as their cases navigate the overwhelmed courts, only to ultimately be denied.

In addition, senators are exploring ways to restrict President Biden’s ability to use an Eisenhower-era law, previously relied upon by multiple presidents, to admit individuals temporarily into the country under humanitarian parole.

This has been used for various groups, including Vietnamese, Cambodians, Laotians in the late 1970s, Iraqi Kurds

during the 1990s Gulf War, and Cubans fleeing their country at different times, as documented by the Cato Institute.

Nothing is being discussed to help DACA recipients who continue to live in limbo.

2: House Passes Bill To Bar Use Of Public Lands For Migrant Housing On November 30, the U.S. House passed H.R. 5283 by a vote of 224-203, aiming to prohibit the utilization of public lands for temporary housing for asylum-seeking migrants. The bill’s sponsor, Republican Representative Nicole Malliotakis of New York, argued that New York City’s decision to accommodate migrant families on public land incentivized individuals to undertake perilous journeys instead of applying for asylum in the nearest safe country. This action followed the Biden administration’s approval of New York City officials’ request to establish temporary housing and facilities for migrant families at Floyd Bennett Field in southeastern Brooklyn.

The legislation specifically prohibits such activities on lands under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Forest Service. Additionally, it rescinds a 2023 lease agreement between the National Park Service and New York City, which allowed the use of sections of the Gateway Nation-

al Recreation Area for migrant housing.

However, the bill’s prospects appear dim in the U.S. Senate, where Democrats maintain a narrow majority. Many Democrats have criticized the bill, viewing it as a political maneuver geared towards the 2024 elections, in which stringent immigration policies are a focal point of the GOP platform. Currently, the Senate is engaged in negotiations over a $14 billion request from the White House to fund U.S. border security measures.

3: U.S. Closes Remote Arizona Border Crossing A surge of migrants crossing from Mexico into the United States near remote Lukeville, Arizona, has led U.S. officials to make the decision to temporarily close the port of entry, the Associated Press reported. This move will allow the officials responsible for monitoring both vehicle and pedestrian traffic in both directions to assist Border Patrol agents in apprehending and processing the new arrivals. U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced this temporary closure, which begins on Monday Dec. 4, as they grapple with shifting migration patterns that have placed a significant strain on Border Patrol agents stationed in the area.

The writer is publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com, the Black Immigrant Daily News.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 15

kem

with special guest marsha ambrosius

dec 27

the hip hop nutcracker with MC Kurtis Blow Sat, Dec 23 @ 2 & 7:30PM NJPAC’s original holiday mash-up remixes Tchaikovsky’s ballet with supercharged hip hop dance (and some surprises)!

freedom now suite Celebrating Max Roach’s Centennial Fri, Jan 26 @ 8PM Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite with Cassandra Wilson, Ravi Coltrane, Sonia Sanchez, Saul Williams, Nasheet Waits and more.

@NJPAC • 1.888.MY.NJPAC • njpac.org Groups of 9 or more call 973.353.7561 One Center Street, Newark, NJ

forces of nature dance theatre Sat, Dec 23 @ 3PM Celebrate Kwanzaa with a festive African dance performance starring the acclaimed Forces of Nature Dance Theatre.

a night of love Fri, Feb 9 @ 8PM • Prudential Center 25 Lafayette St., Newark A Valentine’s R&B celebration featuring Keyshia Cole, Trey Songz, Jaheim and K. Michelle

stephanie mills & the whispers Sat, Jan 13 @ 8PM Welcome “Home” to GRAMMY®-winning songstress Stephanie Mills and R&B supergroup The Whispers.

valentine’s all-star comedy show Sat, Feb 10 @ 7 & 9:45PM A night of laughs and love! Bring a date (or a group of friends) to see Bill Bellamy, Luenell, Radio Big Mack, Capone and Bruce Bruce.

Generous support for The Hip Hop Nutcracker is provided by the Smart Family Foundation/David S. Stone, Esq., Stone & Magnanini.

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Health Medical student discusses getting beyond the walls of the hospital to serve communities

By HEATHER M. BUTTS, JD, MPH, MA Special to the AmNews Sunjay Letchuman, BBA, is from Shreveport, Louisiana and is a second year medical student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He recently co-authored an article entitled Community Health Partners in Unexpected Places that looks at bringing healthcare beyond the walls of the hospital. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Sunjay Letchuman (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

AmNews: Please give us an overview about your research on healthcare outcomes.

Sunjay Letchuman: We spend 4.3 trillion dollars on healthcare every year and then don’t see the outcomes that you’d expect when you spend that much money. My work over these last few years, starting in college, has been focused on how we can improve health without either spending more money or spending very little additional money and then getting a bigger out-

come. How can we reduce waste? How can we reduce spending in some areas and appropriate that spending in [other] areas?

What we have to do, what hospitals have to do, is look beyond their walls right now.

Hospitals focus on ‘how do we improve care within these walls?’ and the standard idea is by improving care within these walls, we’re going to improve the health of our patients and our community, but the truth is, to really make a difference, they have to go beyond the walls of the hospital.

There’s no other option and that’s what [our] article focuses on. It’s called “Community Health Partners in Unexpected Places” and those are all places within the community. Sometimes they’re next door to the hospital. That’s what our article focuses on, and it focuses on these other entities that are trusted and that are frequented. These are places that patients go to all the time, and they’re places that patients trust. Hospitals should look to these community partners that we talk about as they explore new and more

meaningful ways to invest in their surrounding community. Frankly, I can’t think of a more impactful way to invest in the community than to partner with these trusted local services and organizations like barber shops, dollar stores, fire departments. There are so many potential partnerships and so many ways to make a much bigger impact than we can within the walls of the hospital.

AmNews: Could you expand more on what these partnerships would look like?

S.L.: You meet people where they’re at.

Here’s the thing with our examples, to actually bring them into practice, it has to be a true partnership in the sense that the barber shop can’t do it alone and the hospital can’t do it alone and it takes buy-in from both, so the barber shop not only has to allow someone healthcare-related to come in but the barber himself or herself has to be involved. They’re the person who these [individuals] trust.

See HEALTH on page 37

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Arts & Entertainment

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Film/TV pg 18 | Travel pg 29 | Jazz pg 32

‘Radio City Christmas Spectacular’ is a must for your holiday list

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews If there is one show that ushers in the holiday season for me and my family, it is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. My daughters and future son-in-law went with me to see it and we had such a marvelous time. There is something so amazing and inspiring about this production, and I know I’m going to cry several times before the 90 minutes is up. This show has such a deep meaning for my family, as it does for countless families I’m sure. It represents memories of my daughters when they were younger and their joy and amazement at watching the Rockettes—their eyes lighting up at the gorgeous and stunning costumes and their joy in seeing the live animals in the Nativity scene. Of course, my youngest daughter’s fa-

vorite part is the journey that happens at the beginning when Santa is on his way to New York City from the North Pole and we all see 3D images as he makes this fun, scenery filled journey with gifts falling out of the sleigh, almost into the laps of the audience.

Santa is always so warm and friendly as he starts us off with the Rockettes doing “12 Days of Christmas.” The Rockettes are fabulous as always, and I counted at least four Black women this year! The next number that Santa introduces has been one of my favorites my entire life: “The Nutcracker.” I can remember the first time that my oldest daughter, Nikki, who is now 30 years old, went to see it with my mother, who passed away some years ago.

I remember my mother not looking at the scene but instead at the

Some of the Rockettes in “12 Days of Christmas”

Pg. 20 Your Stars

Rockettes in Rag Doll number at Radio City Christmas Show (MSG Entertainment photos)

smile and joy that was in her young granddaughter’s face. It’s a memory I will always cherish and it made me teary eyed. But I must admit this number has always meant a great deal to me for other reasons as well. My youngest Jasmine, now 21 years old, also loved and laughed at the dancing bears, especially the Queen Bear.

Everyone gets a thrill from the Rag Doll number and of course, as always, the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” is a crowd favorite. The synchronized, precise timing is absolutely stunning to watch. This is one of those moments where you know what is coming, but you still hold your breath as it happens. In the end, everyone erupt-

ed with great enjoyment at the accomplishment of this number.

All the moments in this show are so beautifully executed. “New York at Christmas” is such a dazzling piece

between the Rockettes, the dancers, the harmonizing singers, and the ice skaters. What a number!

This year, the Spectacular took diversity and non-traditional casting to another level, and for the first time cast a Black Mrs. Claus, who put some serious soul into her performance. Now, the Nativity scene is definitely a tear-jerker for me.

It’s not just about the story of the birth of Christ and the wisemen, it’s the moving music. Once I hear the music for “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” I’m done; the tears are flowing and I am sobbing softly in the audience. This moment means so much to me. It is truly glorious! This fantastic production features a full orchestra and organ music, which truly transforms New York City into the Holiday season. When the cast goes into “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” I can’t help but agree. The holidays truly have a special meaning. People are kinder, more considerate and understanding, and many are grateful for the things they have and show compassion to those without. Go take someone you love to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, you will be so glad you did!

For more info, visit www.rockettes.com/christmas.

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‘Renaissance’ film unveils freedom, liberation during record-breaking opening weekend

Clips from “Renaissance” film (Brenika Banks photos)

By BRENIKA BANKS Special to the AmNews The Renaissance prevails as Beyoncé Knowles-Carter brings her worldwide tour experience to the big screen. “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” captures the superstar as a hands-on master of her craft. Running 2 hours and 48 minutes, the documentary concert film reveals a Beyoncé tour that is more than a concert: it’s a culture. “We are pretty much creating our own world,” Beyoncé said in the film.

The BeyHive, the name of Beyoncé’s fan base, wore their tour-inspired silver outfits and Beyoncé apparel to theaters.

The movie, written, directed and produced by the superstar, grossed over $11.5 million on its opening day, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, according to IMDB’s Box Office Mojo. It broke the record for the biggest post-Thanksgiving opening Friday of all time in the United States.

The film explores themes of freedom and liberation. Beyoncé meets the qualifications of an auteur, especially with artistic control over everything. She gives the world a glimpse into the making of her biggest tour yet. The film has been met with very positive reviews thus far, especially from her fans.

Aside from the BeyHive enjoying the glitz, glamor, and musical performances, the film exposes the difficulties and challenges of putting together a massive production. The movie provides viewers with the opportunity to experience the tour as if they were there and a chance for those

who attended to relive it. “It took four years to create the show; this tour is a machine,” said Beyoncé.

“Renaissance” reveals Beyoncé’s title as tour director, involved in every single part of the show’s process. The film paints Beyoncé as a visionary and perfectionist who spent a great amount of time striving for greatness, and who decided to pull back the curtains and unveil all the tireless work that goes into creating a stadium experience like this one.

“Everyone always wants the outcome but not the process and I love that she showcases that in the film,” said theatergoer Jennise Hall. She and two friends were excited for their Friday evening viewing. Hall thought the film was amazing and is grateful that Beyoncé’s artistry was accessible to fans like her who didn’t see the concert in person. “Like her or not, you have to respect the work ethic and the boss moves.”

Being the boss woman that she is, Beyoncé made sure the film included a power outage at one show during her song “Alien Superstar,” showcasing imperfections. “It’s the mental strength, the mental stability required to survive and to stay inspired, to stay focused on intention,” Beyoncé said.

The level of focus her editing team possesses is apparent. The movie flawlessly exhibits the artistic continuity between Beyoncé, her dancers, and band over the course of 55 shows. She also included candid family moments featuring her parents, her husband Jay–Z, and their three children, Rumi, Sir and Blue Ivy Carter.

When Blue Ivy first took to the stage with her mother, she received negative com-

ments about her dancing. Blue found liberation through practicing more, and as the film conveys, improved her dancing while the tour continued. “From now on, I’m just going to get better and better from where I am now and on the last show, I’m going to be dancing as hard as I possibly can,” said Blue Ivy in the film.

“She was ready to take back her power,” Beyoncé said about her daughter while the film transitioned meticulously from behind-the-scenes moments back to concert footage. “My ultimate goal is to create a space where everyone is free, and no one is judged.” Along with safe spaces, the superstar is no stranger to the essence of time. “Time is money, but money can’t buy you back lost time,” she said.

“I love how the concept of time is so important to her at this point in her life,” said Hall. “As we get older and more intentional, time is so valuable […] and Beyoncé has truly claimed her space in time.”

Beyoncé has allowed time to help her create this Renaissance culture movement that unlocked her freedom. She didn’t care about what made sense and aimed not to repeat her past work. “This album is all about fun and escapism,” she said. Beyoncé expressed that “Renaissance” was a great transfer of energy between herself and the crowd in the different stadiums.

“It’s a cycle of pure love; I feel liberated.”

Beyoncé voiced feeling “full” at this stage in her 26 year-long music career. “I have nothing to prove to anyone at this point; I’ve allowed myself to just be free.”

For more info, visit www.beyonce.com

Jennise Hall and two friends posing before the film at Regal Union Square movie theater.

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Clips from “Renaissance” (Brenika Banks photos)

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HOROSCOPES BY KNOWYOURNUMB3RS

By SUPREME GODDESS KYA WWW.KYAFRENCH.COM | CONSULTATIONS 866-331-5088

Rebirth of A New Nation: The new moon in Sagittarius at 20 degrees contributes to the change in humanity’s perspective to see both the bigger and smaller picture, hear both sides of the story, and be the person who witnesses what happens. Since Mercury is in transit in Capricorn, here come the facts, figures, reports, transcripts, inventory, bill of rights, and history. What are some areas in your life that are missing facts and figures, where history is not adding up correctly? An explanation is in order along with a recommendation for inner standing for humanity. “If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree.” Michael Crichton

Sam Cooke has a song titled “A Change is Gonna Come,” which is the

What’s the fuss about? What is truly in your heart to do, to create, make amends or forgive yourself, or simply let it go before it “eats you alive” as folks said back in the day. Look up at the stars; the stars speak to us. No Dec 22 June 22 better perspective. When you first decided to follow your heart, and mentaltime for slow motion, keep it moving. Kendrick Lamar has a song called Jan 21 July 23 ly got with the program and followed your heart’s passion, you didn’t know “All the Stars,” listen to it or read the lyrics. From December 8 around the ins and outs. You had to start and build from the bottom up through all 10:35 p.m. until December 11 around 5 a.m., it’s a time to make changfour seasons of change. Progress builds your strength and character with discipline, and ex- es for your personal, financial, and social growth. The universe loves to grant wishes to perience is always your teacher. In the days leading up to December 13, look on the bright provide humanity with the avenue to do so and be a service. What is your wish? Work toside; you made it this far, keep progressing forward. Who is going to stop you? wards it and results will come.

 theme for this cycle week. Change is growth. When you reflect, like when Capricorn Mercury retrogrades 3-4 times out the year, you can see your progress from a

 Cancer

This cycle week is all about cleaning, clearing, cleansing with much concenWhy fight or work against energy when the universe is genuinely working tration to weed out what no longer serves value in your daily life. That means with you to solve any matters at hand? Folks say oil and water don’t mix, so cleaning out your closet, and donating or contributing to someone who can why try to see if they do? No need to waste your time. You have a foundaLeo Aquarius use it. Yes, it’s a heavy-duty week, yet you’ve been here before, you know. Ortion and establishment to build on. Expand it just like you envision. Apply July 24 Jan 22 ganization is key to focus and stay on your due diligence.

From December 6 your fuel to the vision and apply your monetary currency to the dream to Aug 23 Feb 19 around 11:35 a.m. until December 8 around 10 p.m., romance, finances, and carry out your mission. From December 11 around 6: 11 a.m. until Deresponsibility have you in high demand, so ensure there’s some you-time on cember 13 around 10 a.m., it’s a cycle to go against the grind and be the the calendar as well. Invest your time wisely to accomplish the task at hand. disruptor in society. Saying “yes” is always the best answer to give. Take a stand and stand on your boundaries.

Was a big surprise forthcoming? Neptune in Pisces filled the fish tank enough for you to swim around and find some hidden treasure. Neptune When you flow, you glow. No need to do anything extra, you have been stationed direct on December 6, so pay attention to the slow-motion effects putting in the work. You will see rewards, compensation, or some payment Pisces like a football replay on the big screen to see what really happened. Show and approaching soon. This cycle week you mean business, and where there is Feb 20 Virgo prove this week to reap the rewards. You must put in work. From December 8 business, there are deals, offers, and a body of people looking for your serMar 20 Aug 24 around 10:35 p.m. until December 11 around 5 a.m., sitting there looking cute vices. Checking in on your health also includes some form of exercise to Sept 23 is not going to get you a meal ticket nor a complimentary ride without money in your hand. keep your physical, mental, and emotional status operating at 100%, which There is a test before you can proceed to the next grade just like in grade school. helps you spiritually. You feel great when you do. Get what you need done this week. No need to waste time on simple-minded people with one-track minds who are What kind of mess is going on? Set the record straight this time around. not comprehending.

Let folks gossip: that means you are doing something right, no need to entertain it. It is about getting what you need in order for things to work What skeletons in peoples’ closets are being revealed to you? Some inout. Follow your first thought, as this cycle week the feeling of going formation is being shown to you for a particular cause to wake you up. Use Aries Mar 21 against yourself is stronger. You know what you need to do and say. Get your words with a taste of caution, as Libra is in the south node until JanuApr 21 over yourself. Follow your intuition and get involved to take the lead. ary 2025. People will always have something to say, and no response speaks Libra Sept 24 From December 11 around 6:11 a.m. until December 13 around 10 a.m., volumes on certain occasions that can benefit you in the long run. From Oct 23 there’s a time to act and there’s a time to sit back and gather the clues before acting.

December 6 around 11:35 a.m. until December 8 around 10 p.m., when you sign contracts and operate in partnerships, know what you are walkOld folks used to say “too many irons in the fire.” Who is in your ing into and sign nothing until you agree. Observation is key. immediate environment influencing you to carry out your mission?

Certain beneficial information can come up around this time; be Short- and long-distance traveling is in your forecast, or if you are netwise about with whom you share information.

Some folks pretend working with people from a far distance. Working with a crowd of folks who Taurus to be your friend, mentor, guide, or sensei until they show their true love to meet you and listen to what you have to offer is instrumental to your Apr 22 May 21 colors. In the days leading to December 13, your six senses are your growth. Your words are powerful this cycle week, and this can help change Scorpio Oct 24 confirmation, so trust them. Partnerships, deals, offers, semi-legal and shape folks’ lives due to the fact that they can relate. From December 8 Nov 22 matters and creating a new path are in your forecast. An end or completion is around 10:35 p.m. until December 11 around 5 a.m., there is also a change taking place. within your personal life that may seem like a challenge. Remember, as you move towards higher heights of yourself, the old sheds away to form into something greater.

You are on fire and the pressure is on. Gemini, you are a task manager who loves mental stimulation to keep your tranquility at bay. A lot goes It’s a time to make a power move in your life, as you’ve been in the waitinto putting things together, be it a routine, cleaning, decorating, looking room before your name is called. Either you are “ready or not” like the Gemini ing for something, solving something, or inner standing something.

Fugees song. Here comes the workload, are you ready for the job and reMay 22 The peace of stillness has its moment to aid and assist. From December sponsibilities? It’s a great time to get into a new regime or routine to preSagitarius June 21 Nov 23 6 around 11:35 a.m. until December 8 around 10 p.m., financial gains, pare for the work required and the things you need to do around the home.

Dec 21 recommendations, advanced placement, and even creating a proposFrom December 11 around 6:11 a.m. until December 13 around 10 a.m., al for consideration of bringing your services into certain facilities are featured. Go a change in your appearance, attitude, home, and business affairs might with the flow—your ancestors are floating all around you, providing you with the re- be called for. Build a solid foundation as if you are building your castle. Be a person of your sources needed. word and stand on your ground.

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THE HOLIDAYS ARE ONCE AGAIN UPON US!

By J. STEIN AND THE AMSTERDAM NEWS ELVES

’Tis the season to be jolly! Yes, be jolly!

We are allowed to smile, have fun, and share merry even though the world is darker these days and budgets for many are stretched. This year, more than ever, kids and grownups alike need moments of light and laughter. We need to create community and family.

Great games are less expensive than the price of some movie tickets and bring players together. Fluffy plush can make kids feel safe as transitional objects. Dolls allow children to role play. Art can be used for people to express themselves. Candles are a warm

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comfort with soothing scents. Items for selfcare allow users to pamper themselves and feel great. Holiday gifts can bring joy for years to come and bring us closer.

Not all gifts have to be physical. This holiday season, if you would like to teach kids about giving or make a difference yourself, consider donating to a charity. Giving even a small amount can make a huge difference.

The Amsterdam News Education Foundation (www.amsterdamnews.com/donate) supports organizations involved with arts and culture, baseball, childcare, and the nonprof-

it sector. Sanctuary for Families (www.sanctuaryforfamilies.org) is dedicated to the safety, healing, and self-determination of victims of domestic violence and related forms of gender violence. A third charity to consider is STOMP Out Bullying® (www.stompoutbullying.org), which is dedicated to changing the culture for all students; it works to reduce and prevent bullying and digital abuse; educates against homophobia, LGBTQ+ discrimination, racism, and hatred; and deters violence in schools, online, and in communities across the country.

The items below are hot for the holidays and have been tested by the Amsterdam News Elves to make sure that they are fun, dependable, and safe. Prices will vary depending on where you purchase presents.

Communication is key to gift-giving— ask people what they want to get. Tell people what you want. Discuss your real options this year. You just may be pleasantly surprised.

Happy holidays to all and to all a safe, merry, healthy, and bright New Year. Happy shopping!

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a. BEST FOR BABY 0-3

1a. Peekaboo Bear 10 Pc 18m+ Magformers, $19.99. This set is great for toddlers to explore tactile learning and hands-on magnetic play. Each Stick-O piece uses magnets that rotate, so creations always stick together. Build a bear, duck, and more. www.magformers.com 2a. Playworld Treehouse 2+ Bababoo and Friends, $54.99. This 31-piece wood heirloom set has a treehouse, train, and characters. It is great for working on storytelling, logical thinking, roleplay, and motor skills. www.us.bababooandfriends.com 3a. Build-a-Slice Pizza Cart 2+ Leap Frog, $49.99. Learn about food, numbers, and money while you wheel your pizza cart around and sell your pizza to friends and family. Lights and sound make this amazing cart even more special. www.leapfrog.com 4a. Tranquil Turtle 0+ Cloud B, $54.99.

This turtle will help everyone in the house get to sleep with its underwater melody, sound of waves, and underwater projections. Made from recycled fabric and a shell that can illuminate, this is a plush with purpose. www.cloudb.com 5a. Solid Wood Counting Worm 18m+ TCG/ Little Tikes, $19.99. Children learn to count to 10 with this cheerful colorful wood puzzle worm that has a base. Also look for the Solid Wood Animal Ark 12m+ $29.99. Noah and 14 colorful animals are on this shape-sorting ark.

Makes a great first birthday gift. www.tcgtoys.com

6a. Babablocks 1+ Bababoo and Friends, $38.50. This wood block keepsake set comes with Lion Bababoo. It is a green product made with eco-friendly packaging and nontoxic, waterbased paint. www.us.bababooandfriends.com 7a. You See A Girl, I See the Future Onesie Prinkshop, $35. These adorable messaged onesies are so soft. They make great birth or holiday gifts. Also, look for T-shirts by the same brand, such as New York Girl for little ones, $35. www.social-goods.com 8a. Little Big Friends 0+ BTL Diffusion, $14.99 each. Tested for harmful substances, these 22 adorable little PVC-free animals are beyond darling. Each is soft and made from a leathery material. We played with Elliot the Seal, Martin the Penguin, Emilie the Turtle, Nathan the Polar Bear, Octave the Octopus, and Madeleine the Whale. The creatures were designed in France. www.little-bigfriends.com 9a. Life in the Amazon Triple Fun Bouncing Activity Saucer 0+ Evenflo, $167.99.

25+ fun activities, playtime mat with toy bar, bouncing activity center, and cruising activity table make this the center of fun and learning for babies. www.evenflo.com 10a. Blue Triceratops 0+ Wildberry, $35. With a knitted look like Granny made it, this adorable and super-soft blue and white dino is sure to become a transitional object. www.wilderrytoys.com

b.TERRIFIC FOR TODDLERS 3-5

1b. Carnival Plus 48pc Set 3+ Magformers, $79.99. This set is great for creative STEMconstruction fun. Build unique ferris wheels, carousels, and more. The carnival wheel can be converted to a carousel—add Magbuddies and watch them swing.

2b. Pinata Smashlings Series 1 3+ Toikido, $27.31. The Panda Smashling figure comes with a baby unicorn, a bamboo rod, and a hidden figure inside. The game that you can scan is connected to Chuck E Cheese. Collect all four Smashlings. www. incrediblegroup.com 3b. Storytime With Sunny™ 3+ VTech, $59.99. Sunny tells stories with surprising plot twists to keep kids engaged and invites participation in 300+ activities with four disks and more than five hours of fairy tales, classic songs, guessing games, a poem creator, silly jokes, tonguetwisters, daily routines, and much more.

Sunny teaches healthy habits, encouraging good manners, brushing teeth, and mindfulness exercises. It leads kids in a bedtime routine and has an alarm and a glowing night-light. www.vtech.com 4b. Spin Plus Set 6 PC 3+ Magformers, $19.99. Turn any Magformers creation into a moving and mobile wonder with this set.

Build your cube and use the fidget as a spinning base to set your builds into motion.

5b. Rock and Roll It JR 6+ Mukikim, $34.99. This fantastic flexible roll-up piano features 32 standard keys, more than 20 different sounds and songs, and a builtin speaker. www.mukikim.com 6b. Duplo Disney 100 3 in 1 Magical Castle 3+ LEGO, $99.99. This giant 160-piece Duplo castle set comes with Minnie and her friends.

Build three castle structures or be creative and build something entirely different. www.lego.com 7b. Wonder Tree Shape Sorting Clock 18m+ Bababoo and Friends, $32.99.

This amazing heirloom-quality wood shapesorting clock teaches numbers and shapes while looking fantastic.

8b. Arctic Adventures 3+ Meemzy Magic, $49. This amazing sensory kit comes with wood animals, an arctic adventurer, trees, Goo, furry snowballs, and more. The beautiful carrying case keeps it all neat. Kids love the tactile nature of this play set and how different it is from other toys. www.meemzymagic.com 9b. Explorer Balance Bike 2-6yrs MOBO $89.99. Little people will love this sturdy bike that comes in 4 cool colors! It has a cushioned premium seat and this beautiful bike holds kids up to 60 pounds. www.mobocruiser.com

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS H O T F O R T H E H O L I D A Y

c. PERFECTLY PLUSH

1c. Disney Hocus Pocus 2 Winifred Sanderson Plushie 0+ Funko, $26.56.

Adorable soft plush to add to your collection, based on the popular Disney movie. www.disney.com 2c. Pinata Smashling Plushy Box Series 1 0+ Toikido, $5.97. Collect all six bright mini plushies. www.smashlings.com 3c. Punchi Gumi 0+ Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co., $9.97. These happy soft plushies are easy to take on walks, when traveling, or give as a sweet gift. www.Plush.com 4c. Scented Smelly Jelly Blind Bag 0+ Beverly Hills Teddy Bear, $9.97. Scented adorable pets in a blind bag. Collect them all. www.Plush.com 5c. Lote the Blue Whale 0+ Lily Toys.

This plush from Ecuador is soft and huggable, and has huge eyes that make kids feel like their friend understands them. www.lilytoys.com.ec 6c. Plushie Rabbit Tote Bag 3+ Teeturtle, $10. The bag fits in the plush to play

with when you are not carrying stuff around.

The plush sits on your shoulder when you pull out the bag. Collect the whole line. www.teeturtle.com 7c. Emma the Whale & Sammy the Seal Bundle 3+ Shore Buddies, $34.95.

Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles for the eco-conscious kid. www.shore-buddies.com 8c. 30” Jumbo Orangutan Mom & Baby 0+ Wild Republic, $120. The expressive Mom and Baby are attached but can be cut apart. They are supersweet and beyond soft. www.wildrepublic.com 9c. Shark Set 2+ Night Buddies, $36.42. Happy parent and child shark plush set with glowing eyes that act as night lights. www.nightbuddies.com 10c. Pickle Ami Amis Wave 1 3+ Jakks Pacific, $20. Cute, quirky, and collectable little plush that look knitted. Pickle is a frog. www.jakks.com

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1d. Shark Bite 4+ Pressman, $15.79. Snag the play fish with your rod and be the winner, but if the hungry shark jumps, you could be dinner. www.pressmantoy.com 2d. Cake-N-Bake Challenge 4+ Hey Buddy Hey Pal HBHP, $29.99. Stack your colorful birthday cake pieces first to match your card and hit the bell to win a card candle. Win six card candles and you get to wear the chef’s hat. www.heybuddyheypal.com 3d. Stackers Trio 6+ Tactrics, $27.95. A game for two to four players from the Netherlands. Be the first to puzzle and place all of your stackers and not tip the balance. Also look for Stackers Columns 8+. www.tactrics.com 4d. Monopoly Scrabble 8+ Hasbro, $52.47. This is what you get when you mix the two classic games: an exciting mash-up.

Also look for Monopoly Chance 8+, $19.99.

by Hasbro. www.hasbro.com 5d. Shout It Out 8+ Mukikim, $14.99.

Shout out as many words matching the letter to the category cards in 60 seconds.

www.mukikim.com 6d. Green Team Wins 10+ Goliath, $13.99. Three to six players can play this fast card game of thinking like everybody else in 15 minutes. www.goliathgames.com 7d. Coca-Cola Polar Rollers Game 13+ Funko, $9. This winter themed game uses the adorable Coa-Cola Polar bears to roll and then match to score. It comes in a box with a bow for easy gift giving. www.funkogames.com 8d. Unsolved Case Files Avery & Zoe Gardner Case 14+ Pressman, $26.97. Be the detective and solve all 3 objectives to crack the case! www.pressmantoy.com 9d. Giant Monopoly 6+ SpinMaster, $29.99. Play Monopoly in 30 minutes on a huge board inside or outside with giant playing pieces. Go big and stay home. www.spinmaster.com 10d. Inside Job 10+ Thames and Kosmos, $19.95. An insider is hiding in this mostly cooperative tricky card game. www. thamesandkosmos.com

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1e. Kodak Cork 1000 Piece Mandala Stones Puzzle 8+ Rose Art, $25.19.

This Kodak Corkboard Puzzle has fully interlocking soft fit pieces and bright rich colors. www.cra-z-art.com 2e. Liar Liar 10+ Dyce, $19.95. This funny group game has everyone fibbing. ID the liar and laugh. www.liarliargame.com 3e. Wizard Potion Science Kit 8+ Thames & Kosmos, $24.95. Make magic with five chemistry experiments that you can drink. The kit includes a wand, cauldron, flasks, tools, and ingredients. www.thamesandkosmos.com 4e. Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Krang 8+ BST AXN, $29.99. With 31 points of articulation, incredible sculptural details, and multiple hand weapon acces-

e. TOTAL TWEEN

sories, this collectable figure is a must. Look for the other collectable TMNTs in the collection. www.TheLoyalSubjects.com 5e. Creatto Rainbow Butterfly 8+ Thames and Kosmos, $29.95. Create and design with this innovative, versatile, light-up 3D puzzle system that is supereasy to put together.

6e. Ankara and Beauty Puzzle by Nigerian artist Clement Nwafor, 10+ Art & Fable Puzzle Company, $23.95. The beautiful 500-piece puzzle has a velvet-touch surface and comes with a high-quality print.

Donations from every sale of this puzzle go to the Malala Fund to help female students.

www.artandfablepuzzlecompany.com 7e. Wash Your Filthy Mouth Out Ceramic Toothbrush holder 8+ Buffalovely, $16.

This is a cheeky toothbrush holder for older kids who are starting to say things that may be a bit questionable… www.baffalovely.com 8e. Rabbit Hole 10+ Dyce, $19.95. Players take turns reading the beginning phrase for popular internet searches and must then try to complete it with the most believable answer. They don’t have to be right; they just need to fool their friends into believing their answer is. www.dycegames.com 9e. All Love Is Valid Limited-Edition Sweater Paws of Pride, $45. Celebrate

the way you love with Paws of Pride. The company is all about inclusive clothing and supporting youth. They also make a Triple Trouble Beanie, $25. Their soft Beanies keep you warm while looking cool. The company stands for values and self-expression. www.pawsofpride.com 10e. Laser X Ultra 6+ NSI International, $49.99. With the Laser X Ultra Double Blasters, you can blast opponents with beams from up to 300 feet away, indoors or out, in darkness or bright sunlight.

Select from more than 20 different teamcolor combos and have the whole family play. Blaster beams go through windows and bounce off walls and mirrors. www. getlaserx.com

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1f. Disney Hocus Pocus 500 pc Puzzle 7+ Funko Games, $15. Colorful and cute cartoon puzzle with the main characters of the movie. www.funkogames.com 2f. Puzzle by Numbers Map of the United States 5+ PlusPlus. Create all 50 states by following the enclosed pattern and placing each color on its matching number. Flip the poster over to discover more than 700 interesting state facts—flags, mottos, state capitals, and more. You can display your map anywhere—no glue or ironing required. Also look for the Learn To Build Big Activity Set, $44.99. www.plusplususa.com 3f. Captain Teel Plunderlings 8+ Lone Coconut LLC, $39.99. The captain comes apart so you can change his accessories, hands, and heads. This cute creature is a cool collectible. www.plunderlings.com 4f. Maya Flya El Grande Sayil 3+ Buena Unda Games, $24.99. There are more than 20 games and 50 uses for each flyer, handmade by Mayan Artisan partners in Guatemala. This is a Fair-Trade and Green Certified company that has a lifetime guarantee. They also make awesome hacky sacks. www.

BuenaOndaGames.com 5f. Tower Bridge 3D Puzzle 10+ Revell, $20. In about 3 ½ hours put together the 120 parts to build an amazing replica of London’s Tower Bridge. www.revell.de 6f. Spin Flip Puzzle 8+ TCG, $17.99.

Spin, flip, solve the unique, two-sided, 360º

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8f. puzzles. Collect all the artistic masterpiece puzzles in the collection. www.tcg.com 7f. Shashibo Battle Shapes Puzzle Game 8+ Fun In Motion Toys, $49.99. Create the most shapes with your limited edition Shashibo puzzle cube to win. One or two players can have a brainy battle. Also look for Forrest Shashibo 8+ $25. Create more than 70 shapes with this cool cube. Powered by 36 rare-earth magnets, this puzzle cube can be connected with others to build extraordinary structures. www.funinmotiontoys.com 8f. Brontosaurus and Stegosaurus Fleece Stuffed Animals 3+ ISCREAM, $42 each.

Squeeze their tummies and these plush will roar. They are exciting and inviting due to their colors and soft bodies. Also look for the giant T-Rex Fleece Stuffed Animal 3+, $65. Ferocious and fluffy, this makes an amazing prehistoric present. Large, soft, and very vivid.

Kids will go wild for this plush companion that can double as a pillow. www.iscream-shop.com 9f. Tamagotchi Uni 6+ Bandai, $58.99.

Feed, bathe, explore with, play mini games, party, and travel with your Unique Tamagotchi in the Tamaverse. www.tamagotchiofficial.com/uni-select/ 10f. Boop by Scott Brady 10+ Smirk & Dagger Games, $34.99. This fast, cute cat strategy game for two players is challenging and fun. Herd cat pieces on a quilted cloth playing board to win. www. smirkanddaggar.com

1g. Positively Perfect Diana 3+ World of EPI, $24.99. Created by Dr. Lisa Williams, this is a beautiful 18-inch doll with long braids. Her plush body makes her a huggable friend and her storyline is inspirational for youngsters. We want her shoes! Also, Fresh Dolls Regine 3+ World of EPI, $17.99. This is for doll collectors. Regine has an amazing afro; clothing that a child can twist, wrap, tie, and knot; and stellar shoes. She can be friends with Barbie, but has her own super style and lux look. Collect all the dolls in the line like Keisha. This is a Black female-owned Blackdolly that is interactive with 20+ baby business. www.thefreshdolls.com sounds and cries, and connects through a bracelet. www.crybabies.toys/en-us 2g. Molly Tripple F 3+ Triple F, $45. This plush doll is Soft for Cuddling and designed 5g. Positively Perfect Kiara doll 3+ by a real female firefighter. She has brush- World of EPI, $22.97. Created by Dr. Lisa able hair and removable fire gear. A portion Williams, this endearing doll has amazing of the proceeds go to support the Triple F hair play and comes with a brush. The plush Foundation, which helps female firefighters huggable body has a bright and positive who are battling cancer and on-the-job inju- outfit and calls to kids. Her feet are absoluteries. The doll gear guide is informative and ly adorable. This is a Black female-owned supercool. www.TripleFRescue.com business. www.PositivelyPerfect.com 3g. Surprise Powerz Codie “The Coder” 2+ STEM Generation, $49.99. This plush Black doll with pink glasses, a backpack, tutu, and orange hair makes coding fun for young girls. Codie has 75+ early-learning coder expressions, counting, sound effects, and singalongs. Kids can start with the positive soft doll and grow with the concept of coding and STEM. This is a Black femaleowned business. www.surprisepowerz.com

6g. Truly Me 18” Doll #113 and Book 6+ American Girl, $115. This short-haired, androgynous-looking Black doll has a friendly face and beautiful detail. The book has plenty of activities. Pop of Plaid Holiday Outfit, $40.

The set comes with dress shoes, pants, a bow tie, button-down shirt, and more. www.americangirl.com

7g. Crawling Miley 18m+ Cry Babies, $26.98 This is a magnificent must have 4g. Newborn Molly 18m+ Cry baby doll that crawls and makes 35 realisBabies, $34.49. Molly is a beautiful tic baby sounds! www.crybabies.toys/en-us

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5h. Ugly Sweater Thinking Putty 3+ Crazy Aarons, $15. 3.2 oz of sparkling putty with little sweaters makes this magical art. The putty can be used as a fidget toy, stress reliever, or medium to sculpt with. The Surprised Santa & Elphie Selphie are also great choices from this line. www.crazya rons.com

8h. 3Doodler Start + 6+ WobbleWorks Limited, $59.29. The exclusive bundle includes 75 extra refill strands, nine challenge cards, a 3Doodler Start+ DoodlePad, and 3Doodler Start+ Pen. Draw in 3D and engineer amazing creations. www.the3doodler.com

6i. DIY Tie-Dye Chalkboard T-shirt Kit! 6+ with adult supervision Chalk Me Up, $34.99. This creative kit comes with a T-shirt, six pieces of chalk or chalk markers, a cloth, dye powder packets, bottles, disposable gloves, rubber bands, and a tablecloth. Great activity for 2i. Tracer Bot 4+ Mukikim, $37.99. The groups, holidays, and parties. www.chalkTracer Bot detects and follows marker trails. meup.com This silly but super STEM toy promotes logical and critical thinking. www.mukikim.com 7i. Outer Space 3D Tunnel Book kit 6+ Eye Connect Crafts, $34.97. Get 3i. Fresh Inspirations Color Me Queen super-creative as you paint, assemble, Coloring Book 6+ World of EPI, $9.67. and pose playing pieces in this unique Color in 64 pages of beautiful women from artistic and innovative book. This is an around the world to celebrate culture, ethnic- exciting weekend project or vacation ity, and the female form. This coloring book family activity for all. New independent is for kids and adults to enjoy. Also look for female-owned company. www.eyeconFresh Inspirations Hip-Hop Vibes Coloring nectcrafts.com Book 6+, $5.97. From the Rock The Bells Collection of coloring books, this Hip Hop 8i. Bee Genius 6+ The Happy Puzzle themed coloring book gives an education Company, $29.99. This puzzle dice game on where the beat began to where it is now. teaches spatial awareness and strategic The Fresh and Fun Hustle coloring book is thinking skills. There are thousands of puzalso amazing. World of EPI is a Black female- zles kids can do with this super-STEM game. owned business. www.thefreshdolls.com www.happypuzzle.co.uk

9h. Yummy Gummies 0+ ISCREAM, $44.

Calling all candy lovers because strawberryscented, different colored mini plush gummy bears hang out in their soft, pillow-like box that has a see-through peephole. It smells great and looks adorable. www.iscream-shop.com

4i. Opaque Colors VividPop! 8+ Ooly, $14.99. The pack consists of eight wild, water-based nontoxic paint markers that stay on porous surfaces like paper, rocks, cardboard, or wood. This is great for the young artist on your list. www.ooly.com

6h. Mind Reader: The Psychic Party Game 10+ Dyce, $24.95. Players earn points the more their thoughts are intertwined in this hilarious card game. www.dycegames.com 1h. 40th Anniversary Space Shuttle with Booster Rockets model kit 13+ Revell, $53.28. Create your own 17.20” model rocket with 97 parts and paint it.

The freight compartment doors open and loading arm moves. This is for space enthusiasts and model-makers. It makes a great family project. www.revell.com 2h. Gelli Spa 5+ Zimpli Kids, $19.99.

The silky set includes a pedicure kit and messaging marbles, pink gelli packs, inflatable foot tub, and essential oil. Additional gelli packs can be purchased. www. zimplikids.com 3h. Lion Pillowkin Wild Republic, $8.

This real-size lion pillow has serious character. It has a mane, arms, and cool clothes. www.wildrepublic.com 4h. SnuggleLuvs Brown Bear Wild Republic, $43.99. This delightful happy big brown bear is fluffy and the size of a small child. www.wildrepublic.com This giant huggable bear is a great friend for little ones.

7h. Canvas Pack by Nanoleaf, $129.99.

Nine color light panels come in the sensational set, with an easy customizable layout.

They react to sound, the app, and touch.

Create and illuminate with this safe, beyond cool STEAM set. www.nanoleaf.me

10h. Disney 100 Rubik’s Cube 8+ Spin Master, $14.99. The collectable Rubik’s Cube with Disney characters on it, such as Mickey Mouse, is magical. www.spinmaster.com

1i. Silly Scents Smashups Dual-Ended Markers 3+ Crayola, $5.99. This playful pack has 20 nontoxic washable, broadline, color and scented markers. The scents include S’mores, fluffernutter, key lime pie, and plum pudding. www.crayola.com

9i. Pixicade Unlimited with Sparks 6+ BitOGenius, $29.99. Design and create as many cool video games as you want and share them with this new game from award-winning Pixicade. Place the new Spark coins onto any Pixicade video game that you draw and watch them come to life 5i. Rainbow 42pc Clixo 4+ Toyish Lab in the app in seconds in your now-playable Inc., $59.99. A magnetic art set that allows video game. The coins have sound, mega you to create crazy creations in vibrant colors. movement, and exciting powers. Sparks are They are Brooklyn-based. www.clixo.com also sold separately. www.pixicade.com

26 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 H 1j.* Jeweled Series Pepper Spray with Snap Clip and Key Ring 21+ Sabre, $12.99. Maximum strength red pepper spray with UV marking dye in a bejeweled pink case. #1 brand used by police and Santa’s security forces. Also look for the Pepper Gel in the black case with finger grip. (*Note: This is not legal in every state.) www.sabrered.com 2j. Pink Eyes Tote PopBag designed by Jonny Detiger by POPBAGSUSA, $375.

Made in Italy but designed by you. You pick the leather panels and straps to go with your bag.

They are perfect for travel because they pack flat. This specific bag is fun, fashion forward, edgy, and feminine. www.popbaggusa.com 3j. DIY Natural Dye Kit by Laila Textiles, $50.

Dye a silk scarf using plants and flowers with this

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all-natural kit. Create the perfect scarf and show your flair for fashion. www.lailatextiles.com 4j. The Lunar Dial 14+ Morbid Network/ Goliath Games, $24.99. This celestial strategy card game is based on the top true crime podcast “Morbid.” The game is for people interested in astrology, astronomy, and the occult. “Alter” the phases of the moon by how you cast your cards and collect them.

5j. Premium 800 Upper Arm Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor by Beurer, $68.

This amazing health tool has 15 features and a talking function. There is also smart health monitoring with app share data to get info

k.STELLAR SELF CARE

(Before using any CBD product, ask your doctor if the compound is right for you.)

to your doctor. This monitor works well for people who are blind or visually impaired. www.shop-beurer.com 6j. Lucky Butterfly by Baccarat, $240. Iridescent and sparkling crystal butterflies are a Baccarat staple. Mom makes us feel lucky, so give a gift that makes her feel special every time she looks at it. www.baccarat.com 7j. Hot Seat 10+ Dyce, $24.99. Find out who knows you best when all the players answer the cards pretending to be the player in the hot seat! What answer was really theirs? www.hotseat.com 8j. The Mom’s Bucket List 15+ Flowjo,

$49.99. This 100-card kit gives wonderful ideas for how to create great memories with loved ones. The game has sections for things to do, doing, and then done. www.flowjo.co 9j. Cherapy-Therapeutic Heat Pillow 8+ Cherapy, $32. Made from cherry pits by a female massage therapist, this soft fabric heat- or cold-temp pillow is great for menstrual cramps, bruises, or muscle aches. Keep a few of the birthday ones in the house for great gifts at any time. www.cherapy.com 10j. Inspired by Claude Monet, the Japanese Footbridge 7+ PlusPlus, $19.99.

Learn about the artist and artwork with this beautiful Danish puzzle kit. Also look for Inspired Hokusai, the Great Wave puzzle, $19.99. www.plus-plus.com

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1k. Body Oil Jo’s Body Shop, $24. This lightly scented unisex body oil for very dry skin is healing. The nourishing blend of oils from this Black female-owned company come together to give users silky, hydrated skin. Also look for their Scalp Soother, $32. It soothes, balances, and strengthens.

The Green Fiend Face Mask is also a terrific treat. www.josbodyshop.co 2k. Lavender & Charcoal Soap Potager Soap Co., 12+ $11.98. Crafted in the USA by a family-run company, these fragrant luxury soaps clean and delight with their beauty. www.potagersoap.com 3k. Neem soap Pure Mitti, $9.99. Pure, 100% chemical-free, and made to help with acne, rashes, and sensitive skin. This soap is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. www.puremitti.com 4k. Mauve Mystique Mineral Vanilla Bean Gloss Beauty By Rhonda, $26.

Made with chamomile, shea butter, aloe vera, and jojoba seed oil, this vanilla-flavored gloss keeps lips from chapping and tastes terrific. Also look for Mega Frost Berry Lip Gloss $26, that is plant-based, cruelty-free, and vegan. The formula keeps lips kissably soft. www.beautybyrhonda.com 5k. Relief Recovery Cream Astraea, $54.95. This CBD-based cream absorbs quickly, smells relaxing, and helps tired and aching muscles and joints. Also try the Relief + Warming Salve $34.95. It is easy to take on the go to the gym or travel with.

At the end of the day, rub it into your feet for soft winter skin. www.astraea.co 6k. Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Balm Stick Charlotte’s Web Stanley Brothers, $31.99. This incredible balm has 525 mg of CBD, menthol, ginger oil, turmeric oil, and peppermint oil. Fantastic for neuropathy and arthritis. www.charlottesweb.com

l.SEASONAL

1l. Exit: Advent Calendar- The Silent Storm 10+ Thames & Kosmos, $49.95.

Each door in this 24-day game hides a riddle.

Solve the riddles and save the holiday in this exciting exit game and adventure story.

2l. Nickelodeon Rugrats—The Meanie of Chanukah Game 5+ Funko, $9. Flip the tiles and find pairs to make candles. Light your candles to score. Your favorite Rugrat characters are all mentioned. www.funkogames.com 3l. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Snowstorm Scramble Game 5+ Funko

Games, $9. Roll the die, flip the tokens, and match to move while working together to help three reindeer reach the end to win. www.funkogames.com 4l. Judah Maccabee 3+ Monkeybar Consulting LLC, $29.99. This huggable plush Jewish superhero with his lion shield teaches that little guys who are persecuted can hold their own and win. Also look for The Mensch on a Bench $32.99. This kit comes with a Hanukkah book and plush doll to celebrate the holiday with. www.TheMenschOnABench.com 5l. Winter Bananagrams 7+ Bananagrams, Inc., $16.99. Winter Bananagrams comes with a winter holiday-themed banana

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS H O T F O R T H E H O L I D A Y 1m. History Trivia Game 14+ Dyce $29.95.

More than 2,000 history questions in five categories. www.historytriviagame.com 2m. Fondue Set Pro L by Boska, $129.99 This stylish set, by the company that makes some of the best cheese instruments, comes with a durable cast iron fondue pot, 6 fondue forks, a burner, and a beautiful base. Say “cheese” this holiday season! www.boska.com 3m. Foot Reflex Zone Massage FM 60 Beurer, $69.99. This powerful shiatsu foot massager with 18 rotating massage balls will make you feel merry and bright day or night— the gift of relaxation. www.shop-beurer.com 4m. Safe Escape 3 in 1 Pepper Gel with Seat Belt Cutter and Window Breaker Sabre, $15.99. Great gift for a Dad who travels in ve-

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hicles! Feel safe and secure with this practical tool. Also look for the Personal Alarm With LED Light & Key Ring for when you cannot travel with pepper gel. The 130 dB alarm is heard up to 1,250 feet away. www.sabrered.com 5m. Nordic Lux Premium Microplush Heating Blanket Beurer, $99.99. Equipped with an overheating safety system, this large, soft, four-temperature blanket has a lifetime warranty and makes the ultimate cozy gift.

6m. Pick Your Poison 10+ Dyce, $12.89.

The hilarious party game where you anonymously answer “Would you rather?”

7m. Knife with Charcuterie Board Buffalove-

eled cast iron, and is finished with a memorable gold-tone star knob. The easy-to-clean, durable, vibrant porcelain enamel requires no seasoning ly, $34. The” I will cut you” little knife for cheese and minimizes sticky messes. www.lecreuset.com is hysterical. Add that to the Launchable Char- 10m. Would You Rather 14+ SpinMasCu-te-rie board and you will have a funny and ter, $19.99. Laugh through this party practical present. www.buffalovely.com game that has 600 fun questions that span 8m. Mend Egg Kit $45. These eggs and sili- four categories. www.spinmaster.com cone gel toe-spreaders help people do hand and feet exercises. This works for diabetics, people with arthritis, and those who just want to keep up their health. www.mendstretch.org 9m. Noël Collection Holiday Tree Round Dutch Oven Le Creuset, $400. This expertly crafted cast iron Dutch oven is for the festive home chef because it features embossed tree 7m. scrollwork on the lid, is designed from enam-

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case, 144 letter tiles, and eight festive tiles.

Play the classic game at your next holiday celebration. www.bananagrams.com 6l. Puzzle by Number Wreath 5+ PlusPlus, $24.99. This colorful 500-piece Danish 2- or 3D puzzle can be customized to include ornaments and candy canes. Hang it when you are done. www.plusplususa.com 7l. Santa’s Workshop 3+ Meemzy Magic, $49. Sensational sensory seasonal play kit that has an incredible painted miniature wood train, trees, Santa family, toys, slime, and more. The case is sturdy and beautiful as well. www.meemzymagic.com

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8l. Root and Seed Conversation Cards 13+, $29. These cards feature playful prompts that link to an online tool and help people preserve family memories. Get additional holiday sets to add to the information you are already storing. Traditions, tales, and even recipes can be saved this way from the cards. www.rootandseed.com 9l. Light Up Neon Effect Message Frame ISCREAM, $32.49. Illuminate your message after writing on the glass frame for a bright, neon-effect glow. The frame is the perfect way to tell people what’s for holiday dinner, present special holiday messages, and give fun reminders. www.iscream-shop.com

1n. Positive Pals Trio 0+ Kids for Culture, $35.99. Three super-soft diverse pals with positive affirmations on them. www.kidsforculture.com 2n. Backyard League Gaming Baseball 8+ Playfinity, $99. Join the world’s first connected baseball league with a water-resistant Bluetooth regulation-sized ball. Kids can play games with the app and have fun training. 4.2 IOS and Android. Also look for the SmartBall from Playfinity, $79. This soft, squishy ball and its free companion app are packed with exciting interactive games, sound effects, music, and a real-time audio coach that makes playing catch feel like an arcade game. The SmartBall merges virtual and physical play. www.backyard-league. com www.playfinity.com 3n. Teenie Needoh Cool Cats 3+ Schylling, $3.95. Three squishy nontoxic colorful cats per box. There are eight to collect.

Look for Teenie Needoh Funky Pup, too.

The Nee Doh Gum Drop Super Solid Squish 3+ Schylling, $4.99, is a fantastic fidget toy. There is great texture in this squishy, nontoxic, giant-looking gumdrop. www.schylling.com 4n. Clipkins Squirrel Monkey Wild Republic, $4.99. Clip this adorable little creature onto fingers, bags, or pens. www.

WildRepublic.com

5n. Wood Keychains by 15+ Buffalovely, $12. Laser-engraved keychains with snarky phrases to make you laugh. An amazing present. www.buffalovely.com 6n. Twinkling Tree Mini Cosmic Glow Thinking Putty 3+ Crazy Aarons, $4. The green putty with sparkles is perfect. It is not sticky and holds its shape. www.crazyaarons.com 7n. You are enough! Coin purse and keychain 10+ Dance Happy Designs, $14.95. The future is inclusive with this dynamic line that celebrates differences. The keychain has a pouch for cash and a positive slogan. www.dancehappydesigns.com 8n. Dream Lash by Tai Lite, $22. Light up your face with long lashes that have colorful flowers on the ends. Look dreamy with lashes from founder and makeup artist Tai Ceme. Look for their Glow Pigment as well.

This is a Black female-owned company that knows beauty. www.tai-lite.com 9n. Actually Curious Human Rights Edition 13+ Actually Curious, $25. This brilliant card game sparks thought-provoking and important discussions about mental health, environmental justice, race, gender, women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and general civil rights. The cards create knowledge and empathy so people might see other views as they move forward. This is a Black-owned business. www.actuallycurious.com

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1o. Affirmation Bath Book: I Love Being Me! 0+ Kids for Culture, $2.98. This colorful positive book for baby to look at in the bath is for all kids. www.kidsforculture.com 2o. Sensory Panel Book I LOVE ME 0+ Kids for Culture, $5.88.

The soft book has 10 panels with a mirror & a ring. It celebrates diversity and inclusion. www.kidsforculture. com Proud minority and women owned business. Also look for their Travel Activity Book, $5.88. Everyone is Different.

3o. Disney 100: 100 Years of Wonder 12 Little Golden Books Anniversary Boxed Set 2+ Random House, $71.88.

The classic stories are here for fans and collectors. www.penguinrandomhouse.com 4o. DK Virtual Reality Dinosaurs 8+ DK Publishing, $59.99. Delight in dinos and learn all about

them with this 80-page awesome image book that has activities. www.abacusbrands.com 5o. Food, Hope & Resilience Authentic recipes and remarkable Stories from Holocaust Survivors

by June Hersh with forward from Daniel Boulud, $29.99. Recipes that give a taste of history with a life affirming message for all people! www.junehersh.com 6o. A Court of Thorns and Roses

by Sarah J. Maas 14+ Bloomsbury Publishing, $19. The book is a dark and exciting fairy romance adventure thriller. www.bloomsbury.com 7o. Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonne, Simon & Schuster, $19.99. Bree is the bold Black magical hero we have been waiting to read about. In this second book in the series, we see her face enemies, uncover truths, and grow. It is an addictive read. www.tacydeon.com

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1p. My Lil Ride RC (Carmen) 2+ Mukikim, $19.99. This first RC is easy to handle as well as adorable. www.mukikim.com 2p. Lolo’s Fire Truck My First Car 10m+ Bababoo and Friends, $17.99. Elephant Lolo has a classic red wooden fire truck with a fold-up turning ladder and the fire hose made of two movable wooden rings, so he can help anywhere. The lovingly illustrated playbox “Fire Station” provides a perfect backdrop for imaginative play.

3p. My Little Food Truck Playset 12m+ SpinMaster, $25. The plush set is fantastic for your little foodie. www.spinmaster.com 4p. Friends on Tour Pull-Along Toy 12m+ Bababoo and Friends, $38.50. This is a fun-filled exploratory pulling toy. Creative objects are attached to the bus to promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The vivid colors and integrated

sorting box encourage shape recognition and promote spatial thinking.

5p. Pink Slips 8+ Jada, $22.99.

Collect all 12 detailed, next-level diecast radical rides. The Pink Slip line contains classic cars in different sizes and is made for auto enthusiasts. www. mjorette.com 6p. Carrera First Mario Kart Slot Car Racing Set 3+ Carrera, $39.99. The set comes with 9.51 feet of track for two Mario-themed cars that race and can crash. This is a super first racing set for any child. www.carrera-toys.com 7p. Carrera Go!!! Mario Kart Slot Car Racing Set 6+ Carrera, $104.99. 2.4 GHz technology racing fun with lights and body tilting action.

Speeds up to 5.6 mph and up to 16 cars can be run in parallel on the track.

The durable tires can grip on almost any terrain, in or outdoors. Race headto-head with this high-speed Carrera GO!!!! www.carrera-rc.com

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1q. Cafecito Con Leche Candle Bonita Fierce, $34. Hand-poured in New York, this coconut soy candle smells like rich coffee. It burns clean for hours, making any room smell delicious. www.bonitafiercecandles.com 2q. Under Construction II candle ArtistScent, $38. With notes of vanilla, sandalwood, and warm spices, this hand-poured candle packs a fragrant punch that was developed by the African American artist Ronnie Queenan and ArtistScent. The visual and olfactory fusion adds another dimension to the work. www.artistscent.com 3q. Orange Series Candle Everything is Everything Lit By Lex, $34.44. Some notes in this candle are teakwood, sandalwood, ginger, amber, and cedar. The candle is vi-

8p. Malibu 20” Wheel Bike 6-10yrs Mobo $225. This comfortable classic beach cruiser is built to last! It is safe, durable, and stylish. www.mobocruiser.com 9p. Barbie Dream Camper 3+ Mattel, $99.99. Drive to your dream destination in this cool camper that has seven play areas and tons of accessories. Drive dolls to their next adventure. www.mattel.com 10p. 1981 Camaro Z28 model kit 12+ Revell, $25.49. The model 1981 Camaro has 37 parts, is 7.875”, has stock alloyed wheels, and when you open the hood has a detailed v-8 engine. Putting this bad boy together takes about five hours. www.revell.com 11p. Rain and Sunshine Vehicles 13+ Nylint, $64.99. Built to last, these collectible die-cast heirloom-quality vehicles are made from high-quality steel. They are a must for automotive toy connoisseurs. www. nylinttoys.com

brant, and the glass is beautiful. This Black female-owned business makes long-lasting, clean-burning candles. www.litbylexcandleco.com 4q. Pumpkin Tobacco Candle LitRituals, $25. Fragrance notes of clove, pumpkin, tobacco, tea, leather, oak, and cinnamon surround this complex fall candle. www.litrituals.com 5q. Woo Candle Oasis Soul, $30. 60-plus hours of burn with this deluxe, layered, handmade coconut wax blend. This Black femaleowned company makes fragrant, fun items. Also check out their Southern Girl peach peony coconut soy wax candle, $29. www.oasissoul.com 6q. Art of Tranquility Incense Sticks $14.99. Premium-quality citrus-coconut-sandalwood aromatic incense sticks by a Black female-owned com-

pany. www.endlessesthetiques.com 7q. Queen Bee Beyonce Prayer Candle Buffalovely, $22. Unscented 8-inch candle ode to the Queen candle. They make a Radical RBG Candle, too, to celebrate the other queen. www.buffalovely.com 8q. Revive The Noble Brand, $50.

Eucalyptus, peppermint, and patchouli are some of the notes from this relaxing 16 oz candle. The scent fills a room without overpowering it. www.thenoblebrandco.com 9q. Mountain Daddy by Nose Best, $22. Hand-poured in Brooklyn, Nose Best is a POC, queer, and women-led small business. Music and drink recipes are given for each fragrant candle. The names of the candles are fun. www. nosebestcandles.com

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r. FOOD FOR THOUGHT

1r. Mango Peach Spicy Fruit Spread Arawak Farm, $9.49.

This spicy and sweet spread pairs well with poultry and cheeses—a delicious treat based on tradition, from a Black-owned business. www.vassellfoods.com

as a delish dip, a super spread, or a marvelous marinade. Mouth-watering treats from a Black-owned business. www.vassellfoods.com

4r. Queendom Reign Tea 2 oz Modestine, $18.50. This soothing, caffeine-free herbal tea blend 2r. Cookies N’ Crème Stuffed Puffs for women contains holy basil, $3.59. Marshmallow and cookie fennel, spearmint, and chamocombo—yum. www.stuffedpuffs.com mile, and will relax you any time. www.modestine.com 3r. Jerk Pepper Sauce Arawak Farm, $9.49. This Jamaican Jerk 5r. Tree’ts 3+ Stuffed Puffs, pepper sauce is an authentic blend $8.99. Two pepperminty marshthat is a marinade for meats and is mallows with minty, real milk savory, smooth, and spicy. Also try chocolate filling are a holiday their Sweet Ginger Basil Pepper treat. They are super for holiday Sauce, $9.49. This can be used baked goods.

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Travel

3 Mid-Atlantic holiday hotel escapes

By TRACY E. HOPKINS Special to the AmNews

Christmas Eve Dinner (December 24, 5–10 p.m.) and New Year’s Eve Dinner (December 31, 5–10 p.m.): Enjoy festive dinners at the property’s iconic steakhouse

“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?” That might be your signal to get out of town for a winter weekend getaway in the Mid-Atlantic region. To keep your spirits bright and filled with yuletide cheer (gift markets, holiday brunch, s’mores, and more), here are three hotel escapes that will make a festive home away from home this holiday season.

Philadelphia, PA

Sagamore Pendry Baltimore (Photo courtesy of Sagamore Pendry Baltimore)

Wanna make a weekend out of it? The Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package (https:// www.visitphilly.com/features/visit-philly3-day-stay/) is the gift that keeps on giving: Buy two nights and get a third for free.

Baltimore, MD

Philadelphia’s Christmas Village (Photo courtesy of Christmas Village)

Philly is always lit and the holiday season is no exception. As an incentive to visit the City of Brotherly Love, book your stay via the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get great perks like free hotel parking valued up to $100 and tickets to must-see attractions, including the Franklin Institute or the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Our pick is the lavish, 268-room Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia (https://www. visitphilly.com/places-to-stay/hotels/hotel-monaco-philadelphia/), conveniently located in Center City near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The pet-friendly hotel has a hopping rooftop lounge and is a great launchpad for exploring popular holiday attractions like the Christmas Village at Love Park and City Hall (daily through Christmas Eve), Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular in South Philadelphia’s FDR Park, and Miracle on South 13th Street Holiday Light Display.

About an hour outside of Philly, you can also check out the dazzling holiday light displays at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa., and pick up last minute gifts at the massive King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia, Pa.

Salamander Middleburg (Photo courtesy of Salamander Middleburg)

Enjoy an upscale Noel at the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore (https://www.pendry. com/baltimore/), overlooking the waterfront in Fells Point. The 128-room hotel is housed in the reimagined landmark Recreation Pier, which was built in 1914. Fans of the Baltimore-based TV series “Homicide: Life on the Street” may recognize the building’s exterior, which doubled as the show’s police headquarters.

Backed by Under Armour founder Kevin Plank’s Sagamore Ventures, the hotel’s tasteful design choices include Art Deco accents, abstract art, marble counters, dark woods and ironwork, and nods to regional history, including framed passages from “The Star Spangled Banner,” written

by Francis Scott Key at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry.

The boutique hotel’s centerpiece is the handsome lobby-level Rec Pier Chop House restaurant, and it’s the perfect spot for weekend brunch (say yes to the lemon pancakes) or cocktails by candlelight. It also offers a bird’s-eye view of the quaint harborside neighborhood’s cobblestone streets, shops, and eateries. While in town, shop at the Christmas Village (daily through Christmas Eve) and go ice skating (through January 15), both at the Inner Harbor.

During your stay at the Pendry, participate in the hotel’s scheduled seasonal activities: “Whiskey Workshop” in the Cannon Room (December 1–31): Sagamore Pendry Baltimore will fully transform the Cannon Room for the festive season for the first time as the Whiskey Workshop. An opening night celebration will feature holiday drink specials, live music, a jewelry engraving station, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

Throughout December, festive decor, a curated festive jazz playlist, and a seasonal beverage and bites menu will help set the enchanting scene.

Old Tyme Christmas (December 2, 6–8 p.m.): View the annual seasonal boat parade from Sagamore Pendry Baltimore’s cozy top-floor suite. Watch boats adorned in lights come through the harbor and enjoy a specialty cocktail, hot cocoa and snack, or hors d’oeuvres and sweets, and settle in for a stunning display of holiday cheer.

Letters to Santa (daily in December): Sagamore Pendry Baltimore’s littlest guests can enjoy a letter-writing station in the lobby with custom Pendry stationery, letter templates, and creative materials in the concierge lounge for writing letters to Santa. Letters to Santa will be delivered with care by the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore front desk team.

Middleburg, VA The holidays are magical at Sheila Johnson’s sprawling countryside resort, Salamander Middleburg (​​https://salamanderresort.com/), and we’d expect nothing less from America’s first Black female billionaire. The pristine property has a 15-foot-high artificial tree in the center of the main gathering space, the Living Room, and the hotel hosts a tree lighting ceremony for the community every year.

To capture the holiday spirit at every turn, the halls of Salamander Middleburg are decked with garlands on fireplaces, wreaths and artificial trees, and lights lining the trees on the front drive. Each year, there’s also a grand holiday showpiece created by Executive Pastry Chef Jason Reaves on display in the Living Room.

Ready to treat yourself to a sophisticated stay? Here’s a sampling of the Salamander’s seasonal events.

Elf on the Resort’s Shelf (daily in December through Christmas Eve): Santa is sending a special elf, Sally, to keep an eye on the children and holiday happenings at the resort. Look around to see where Sally the Elf is playing and remember to be “nice.”

When everyone is asleep, Sally uses her magical powers to go back to the North Pole to report to Santa.

Decorate Your Very Own Gingerbread House (December 9 & 17, 12 noon–2:00 p.m. | $79 per gingerbread house): The Salamander’s pastry team sets up the ultimate candy display for guests to create their dream gingerbread houses. Using frosting, candy canes, gumdrops, and so much more, create the perfect holiday house of sugar to take home to share with your family and friends. Maximum two guests per gingerbread house.

New Year’s Eve Grand Salamander Party (December 31, 10 p.m.–1 a.m. | Living Room): Say farewell to 2023 and hello to 2024 with a jovial celebration! The party will take over the Living Room and feature music, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, endless libations, and more while dancing the night away on the large dance floor. At midnight, toast to 2024 with a complimentary champagne toast and balloon drop.

New Year’s Day Brunch (January 1,10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. | Middleburg Ballroom) You can count calories later. Kick off the first meal of the New Year with delectable brunch offerings, including endless mimosas and Bloody Mary’s.

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Lynn Nottage honored with 22nd Monte Cristo Award

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews Lynn Nottage is a gifted playwright and screenwriter who always tells the stories of Black people, especially Black women. She is also the only woman to be a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. If you have ever seen a Lynn Nottage play, you would understand why.

Nottage earned her two Pulitzers for “Ruined” and “Sweat,” and I have had the pleasure of seeing both and was immensely moved. Nottage tells stories that need to be voiced and they are stories you will never forget.

Recently, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center bestowed its 22nd Monte Cristo Award on this deserving playwright. The award is given annually to a prominent artist whose work has had an extraordinary impact on American theater. The gala event also supports the mission of the O’Neill to develop new work and new artists for the stage. How appropriate it was for Nottage to receive this honor: She was in residence at the O’Neill Theater Center in 2006, when she worked on “Ruined.”

This year’s gala was held at the Capitale Lynn Nottage and Michael Douglas at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards (130 Bowery in New York City).

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images) A very grateful Nottage said, “Sometimes art is there to soothe us, sometimes it is there lighten us. Sometimes art truly is a lifeline— comfort [each other] and process and shine to entertain us, sometimes it is there to en- it is there because it is the only way we can light on injustice. Theater can be a refuge, but it can also be a loudspeaker, amplifying the complexities of our human experience.

I wrote those first words of my play ‘Ruined’ at the O’Neill Theater Center. I had an overstuffed life and it was really hard to push out all of this noise, and I needed a space where I could sit and conjure a play that I knew was going to be difficult and painful and, in that room in Connecticut, it provided me with safe space. “‘Ruined’ exists because I was given a desk and a quiet place to write a play in Connecticut, and that play really became a rallying cry for a community that was much larger than I ever imagined. It shifted the way in which I would think about making theater moving forward. I feel indebted and thankful that I had that short period of time where I could escape and invest in my practice.”

The evening began with remarks from Tiffani Gavin, executive director of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. “Lynn is one of the greatest storytellers of our time, artfully weaving the stories of the African diaspora into our shared American story,” Gavin said. “She is a torchbearer who gracefully captures the world in motion and leads her audiences to places unfamiliar and to meet people that are often overlooked.

She is an advocate for gender and racial parity in our industry, a challenger of the status quo in the American Theater, and a proud Brooklynite. She is the real deal and deserving of all of the honors she has received and more. Her extraordinary career is a clear reflection of the COMMUNITY CALENDAR powered by spirit, commitment, and excellence that the Monte Cristo Award represents.”

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The event featured a line-up of special performances celebrating Nottage’s work.

These included a reading of “Poof!” by Tonya Pinkins and Joyce Sylvester; “Even the Night Has Ears” from “Mlima’s Tale,” performed by Justin Hicks; a scene from “Ruined” read by Quincy Tyler Bernstein and Jason Bowen; a scene from “Intimate Apparel” read by Stacey Sargeant and CJ Wilson; and a monologue from “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” performed by Gabby Beans. The evening was capped off with an unforgettable performance of “I’ll Be There” from “MJ: The Musical,” featuring Max Chambers, Bre Jackson, and Ilario Grant.

Nottage’s daughter, Ruby Aiyo Gerber, presented the 22nd Monte Cristo Award to her mom.

The evening was directed by Seret Scott.

Attendees were a who’s who of theater and film, including Michael Douglas, O’Neill Board Chairperson Tom Viertel, Carlo Alban, Krystal Joy Brown, Mario Cantone, Angel Desai, Jerry Dixon, Ben Durocher, John Jellison, Isabel Keating, Chalia La Tour, Jevares Myrick, Michael Potts, Laila Robbins, and Ryan Spahn.

Nottage’s impressive body of work includes the libretto for “Intimate Apparel the Opera,” performed at Lincoln Center Theater, and the books for “MJ: The Musical” and “Clyde’s.” Other work includes “The Watering Hole” and “The Secret Life of Bees; “Sweat,” which won the Pulitzer Prize, Obie Award, and Susan Smith Blackburn Award and played at the Public Theatre and on Broadway; “Mlima’s Tale”; “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark,” winner of the Lilly Award; “Ruined” which won the Pulitzer Prize, Obie Award, and Lortel Award; “Intimate Apparel,” which earned the American Theatre Critics and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Play; “Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine,” winner of the Obie Award; and “Crumbs from the Table of Joy,” “Las Meninas,” “Mud, river, stone,” “Por’knockers,” and “POOF!” Nottage has also developed “This is Reading,” a performance installation at the Franklin Street Reading Railroad Station in Reading, Pennsylvania. She was a writer and producer on the first season of Netflix series “She’s Gotta Have It,” directed by Spike Lee. She is an associate professor at the Columbia University School of the Arts, and recipient of a MacArthur Genius Grant Fellowship, Steinberg “Mimi” Distinguished Playwright Award, Doris Duke Artists Award, and PEN/Laura Pels Master Playwright Award. She is also a member of the Dramatists Guild.

Whenever you get an opportunity to experience a Lynn Nottage work, run with it.

You should definitely experience “MJ: The Musical,” which is, of course, on Broadway right now. Nottage is a playwright who makes her community proud.

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December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 31

Anthony McGill, 1st Black principal player with NY Philharmonic, performs at 92nd Street Y Dec. 14

By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH Special to the AmNews Clarinetist Anthony McGill will grace the stage at the 92nd Street Y on December 14, at 7:30 p.m., performing the Copland clarinet concerto alongside the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.

McGill is the first Black principal player in the New York Philharmonic's 182-year his-

o) ot li l ph cG erg y M enb n o s th Ro An dd o (T

tory, marking a historic milestone in the classical music realm.

McGill’s journey through the world of classical music is a symphony of achievements, activism, and commitment to fostering diversity in the industry.

McGill’s artistry extends far beyond the concert hall. His career reached a crescendo during the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama, where he shared the stage with luminaries such as Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, and Gabriela Montero.

His recent Grammy nomination for his “American Stories” album with the Pacifica Quartet is a testament to his dedication to exploring perspectives shaped by the American experience. The album features works by living composers, delving into narratives often overlooked.

From Ben Shirley’s recollections of homelessness to Richard Danielpour’s reflection on the 1963 Birmingham church bombing, the album

serves as a melodic tapestry of history, resilience, and diverse voices.

In addition to his virtuoso performances, McGill plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of classical music education.

He serves on the faculty of the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music.

As artistic director for Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program, he leads a tuition-free Saturday program that actively seeks students from diverse backgrounds and aims to address underrepresentation in classical music.

Beyond the confines of traditional concert venues, McGill’s commitment to social justice is both notable and effective. His partnership with Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) involves co-hosting classical music industry convenings at EJI’s Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. McGill’s #TakeTwoKnees campaign, initiated in 2020 to protest the murder of George Floyd, went viral, demonstrating the artist’s dedication to using his platform for advocacy.

McGill’s contributions to the world of classical music have not gone unnoticed.

Receiving the Avery Fisher Prize, one of classical music’s highest honors, acknowledges his artistry and impact on the industry on a global scale.

This season, McGill’s solo appearances include performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and at the Barbican in London. Of particular note is his upcoming performance of Anthony Davis’s “You Have the Right to Remain Silent” at the Barbican, a composition based on the composer’s actual “Driving While Black” experience, emphasizing McGill’s commitment to showcasing works that resonate with contemporary social issues.

Anthony McGill’s journey is a symphony, resonating with the harmonies of musical excellence, advocacy, and a commitment to rewriting the narratives of classical music. As he continues to break barriers, inspire students, and lend his voice to social justice causes, McGill stands as a beacon of change in an industry that is evolving toward a more inclusive and diverse future.

For more info about the December 14 event, visit www.92ny.org.

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Nicole Henry, Mcbride, Jazz Gallery, Oneness Fest

What he did was not only different but maybe a first in jazz performance. His ensemble Ben Wendel’s BaRcoDE consisted of four vibraphonists: Joel Ross, Simon Moullier, Patricia Brennan, and Juan Diego Villalobos. Aside from vibraphone, they also played marimba, percussion, balafon, glockenspiel, and other exciting effects. Wendel was also on EFX. The group’s repertoire consisted primarily of Wendel’s originals which swung on the shores of creative intensity, and offered music that kept listeners on edge waiting for that next note to drop.

His composition “Birds Ascend” was full of textured phrases, vibraphones igniting the room with marimba and percussions, and accelerated saxophone riffs culminating into a powerful jazz movement. The group revised Antonio Carlos Jobim’s solo piano composition “Olha Maria” into a spirited and haunting melody.

Following the show, Ross noted that the gathering of vibraphones reminded him of the great percussive ensemble M’Boom founded by drummer Max Roach.

For a complete listing of upcoming shows visit the website jazzgallery.org.

Nicole Henry (Photo courtesy of artist management)

Nicole Henry built her vocal prowess on her adventurous nature for interpreting songs in her own unique style. Over her career, she’s added her definitive stamp to such well-traveled tunes as “Teach Me Tonight” which were memorable hits for Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson, and Liza Minelli. With a warm breezy timbre, she reconstructs compositions from the American Songbook, jazz, and pop. For her genre is just a word, not a deterrence.

The Philadelphia native will perform on December 8 (7 p.m.), at City College Center for the Arts (CCCA), Aaron Davis Hall. Henry’s “Set for the Season” will feature holiday favorites and perhaps familiar classics like Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed,” Sade’s “Is It a Crime,” and Maria Muldaur’s “Midnight at the Oasis.” Henry’s adaptable instrument can range from a hearty soul-gospel pitch to soft-whispers of bliss. “My goal is to encourage people, to inspire them,” said Henry. She will be accompanied by an incredible cast that includes pianist David Cook, bassist Richie Goods, drummer Jerome Jennings, and Tim Jago on guitar.

In a 2014 interview with CBS Miami, Henry said her greatest influences were Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan. Her album “Time to Love Again” (Banister, 2021) is a beautiful interpretive journey of the standards like “Wild is the Wind,” and “Until It’s Time for You to Go.” Aaron Davis Hall is located at 129 Convent Avenue, (at West 135 Street). For ticket information visit the website citycollegecenterforthearts.org.

The bassist, composer, and eighttime Grammy Award winner Christian McBride comes to the fabled Village Vanguard for an extended engagement beginning on December 5-10, with a tribute to the great bassist titled “Remembering Ray Brown.” McBride will be joined by pianist Benny Green and drummer Gregory Hutchinson Brown, one of the jazz world’s most heralded bassists, played on over 2,000 recordings. He arrived in New York City from his native Pittsburgh at the age of 20 and was immediately hired by Dizzy

Gillespie. He played with Charlie Parker and those who invented bebop in the 1940s and was a long-time member of the celebrated Oscar Peterson Trio, and a member of the original lineup of the Modern Jazz Quartet. In his later years, Brown played with the “Quartet” pianist Monty Alexander, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, and drummer Mickey Roker.

In 1996, Brown formed the unheralded bass trio group called SuperBass with McBride and fellow Brown protégé John Clayton. The trio released two albums: ”SuperBass: Live at Scullers” (1997) and ”SuperBass 2: Live at the Blue Note” (December 15-17, 2000).

The latter at the Blue Note was recorded 23 years ago this month.

music representing Brown’s versatility working with luminaries like Steely Dan, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Richie, Linda Ronstadt, Ella Fitzgerald (who he married), and Big Joe Turner.

The bassist’s engagement continues at the Village Vanguard on December 12-17 with Christian McBride’s Inside Straight (his long-standing group) featuring alto saxophonist Steve Wilson, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, pianist Peter Martin, and drummer Carl Allen. The group has performed annually at the Vanguard since 2007.

Inside Straight is one of five groups led by McBride which also include a trio, an 18-piece big band, an experimental group, and New Jawn. Inside Straight is Having all played under Brown’s a hard bopping band meant to leadership, the trio will perform swing, said McBride, calling it “No a host of his originals, as well as holes barred swinging.” In 2015,

the group recorded their “Live at the Village Vanguard” album (Mack Avenue) released in 2021.

The band is always in high intensity mode with McBride’s percussive basslines. Just be prepared to swing!

For reservations for both shows visit the website villagevanguard. com or call 212-855-4037.

Since its inception in 1995, The Jazz Gallery has been an influential vanguard in presenting musicians, who never follow the crowd, but rather enjoy their boundless explorations. One such musician, saxophonist/composer/producer Ben Wendel recently enjoyed a two-night sold out date at the Gallery with an entirely new concept.

Wendel, the recipient of the Jazz Gallery Fellowship Commission 2023, said, “I wanted to do something different.”

The upcoming Cultural Oneness Festival in Accra, Ghana is gearing up to be one of the largest events of the year from December 6-9. The Festival will bring together various cultures, traditions, and artistic expressions. Attendees will be treated to an experience that highlights the richness and vibrancy of Africa’s heritage. From cultural music and dance performances to art exhibitions and culinary delights, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience historical and present-day Africa in one place.

“The Cultural Oneness Festival is basically for connecting the roots of the northern region of Ghana. All the chiefs and kings of Ghana see the importance of this event and are coming together in unity,” said Tengol K. Kplemani, co-founder of the festival and CEO/co-founder of The Taste of Afrika, during our phone interview. “We ask the ancestors to help us send a message to all the continent and the global world that we are spiritually strong.

We want to celebrate our cultural similarities and diversities. We call on people from across the world to come home and enjoy the true culture of Ghana.”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Shelter evictions Continued from page 3

help with obtaining city IDs, and a safe space for their kids to read.

Hanif said that the shelter evictions have further exacerbated situations for migrant students, which nonprofits like New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) attested to.

Some students have had to transfer to shelters outside of the district of their school, possibly in another borough, without reliable bussing services. Due to the circumstances, many migrant children have missed several days to weeks of schooling.

“Even prior to this shift in housing rules for these families, it was taking weeks for families to be enrolled in quality schools and shelters, and longer still to figure out their transportation,” said an NYIC representative at the hearing. “Displacing families from shelters will interrupt their education, create even longer commutes, or require students to hop from school to school, and this will create absenteeism and even more instability for families who are already experiencing so much.”

DOE Chief of Staff Melissa Ramos testified that school leadership, shelter coordinators, and dedicated community-based organizations are doing their best to gather donations, establish care closets, help with school supplies, provide bus transportation or MetroCards if students are forced to move, and staff

bilingual programming. She said the DOE is working “aggressively” to change the mindsets of teachers and schools in regard to welcoming students in temporary housing at all schools.

“One of the things we’ve learned in the last year is that while we have structures in place to support all students in temporary housing, and we deeply value our shelter-based coordinators given this experience, we also need an ecosystem across schools to support our students in temporary housing,” said Ramos. “That looks very different [among] schools.”

The office of Comptroller Brad Lander testified that the Adams administration has seemingly created “resource scarcity” at schools with newly arrived migrants on purpose through budget cuts to all city agencies, flawed fair student funding (FSF) calculations for students in temporary housing, and the 60-day shelter limits.

Adams has maintained that the budget cuts will not affect children’s education. He is traveling to DC this week to reconvene with President Joe Biden staff about immigration policies and federal funding to deal with the asylum seeker crisis.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member who writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

NYCHA Continued from page 3

groups are categorically opposed to joining the trust because they believe it’s designed to push people out of public housing. Save Section 9, a tenant-led organization, claims that the mayor’s Housing Preservation Trust will implement “project-based Section 8 leases” that do not guarantee a rent cap or protect against the possibility of future demolitions and displacement.

NYCHA Frederick Douglass Houses Tenant President Carmen Quiñones said flat out that no one wants to leave Section 9 and called “privatization” of public housing a “slap in the face” to residents.

She doesn’t expect many tenants to vote to move away from it, and feels that it’s a betrayal when other tenant presidents deny the “will of the people.”

“Public housing is Section 9. There’s perks that we get, being Section 9. When you move to Section 8, there [are] no perks,” said Quiñones. “You could lose your apartment, you could get evicted.

That Section 8 voucher is no good. They’re literally taking your rights away.”

Quiñones emphasized the importance of maintaining the rights that tenants currently have under Section 9’s 964 regulations, which state that NYCHA residents must be involved in shaping public housing.

Home for the Holidays?

Knowing your family health history is important for your health.

Holiday gatherings can be a chance to talk with family members about health issues you and your loved ones may share.

For tips on getting the conversation started, point your smartphone camera at the QR code and tap the link.

Find us in Harlem at the MSK Ralph Lauren Center, and at msk.org/RLC.

December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 33 There are 2,191 residents in 1,148 apartments in 16 buildings at Nostrand Houses, according to the city. Their Tenant Association President Barbara McFadden, who said her brother has a connection to Adams from his days as a police officer, was ecstatic about the vote. She said they knocked on doors day in and out to get out the vote.

“Nostrand is the first to do the voting process. This is historical. This is history in the making,” said McFadden at the press conference. “I want to tell you, I’m happy…Nostrand is the first…Do you know what that means to be the first? Let’s clap for it. Do you know how many NYCHA developments we have? Nostrand is the first. Let’s clap it up everybody.”

The city and NYCHA leaders did their best to reach out to the local community before the voting period began, with notices this past July, outreach meetings, and opportunities to submit questions. An independent, third-party election administrator is overseeing the voting process, said the city.

The 30-day voting period began on November 8. After this vote concludes on December 7, the Bronx River Addition senior housing, with 146 residents, will start.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member who writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

34 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

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Lester B. Granger, civil rights leader and stalwart in the NUL Lester B. Granger (Photo courtesy National Portrait Gallery)

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews While researching an obituary for Henry Kissinger, we discovered that he had at least one close African American associate: Lester Granger. If you know something about the history of the National Urban League (NUL), then Granger’s name should not be unfamiliar. Even so, many Americans have no idea who he was and what he accomplished during his 79 years. We start with his birth on September 16, 1896, in Newport News, Virginia.

He was one of six sons of a mother who was a teacher and a physician father from Barbados. Granger grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1918, where he was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Four of his brothers were also graduates of Dartmouth.

During World War I, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and began his long association with the NUL in the organization’s Newark chapter.

After his military service, Granger was an extension worker with the Bordentown School, New Jersey’s state vocational school for African American youth in Bordentown.

Eight years later, in 1930, Granger was in Los Angeles where he organized that city’s chapter of the NUL. In 1934, he was on the ramparts in the demands to include Black workers in the trade unions, persistently challenging racism by employers and the unions.

He was an unstinting activist during the Great Migration, heading the NUL’s Workers’ Bureau. According to Hugh B. Price, who led the NUL from 1994 to 2003, Granger should be appreciated for his attention to jobs, self-help, and political action. “If you’re to function daily, you need food, clothing, and shelter,” Price said. “And you want the right to vote and the right to not be lynched.”

By 1940, Granger was the assistant executive director of the NUL in charge of industrial relations, where the integration of the trade unions was a top item on the agenda. A year later, when Eugene Kinckle Jones was ill and no longer able to function as the organization’s executive secretary, Granger

ACTIVITIES FIND OUT MORE Files at the National Urban League and Dartmouth College are replete with documents and articles about the esteemed activist.

DISCUSSION I wish we could have found at least one of his speeches to give some indication of his scholarship and commitment.

Place in Context PLACE IN CONTEXT During his nearly 80 years, Granger was on the ramparts as a soldier, civil rights activist, and leader of the NUL.

was appointed his successor. It was a propitious moment for him and he immediately lent his support to the proposed March on Washington

by A. Philip Randolph.

Granger played a vital role in the desegregation of the armed forces, working with the Department of Defense. An article in the Dartmouth Alumni Bulletin noted that “In 1945, amid growing racial tension and conflict in the Navy—including a mutiny near San Francisco and a race riot in Guam—Navy Secretary James V. Forrestal, class of 1915, appointed Granger to investigate. In six months, Granger traveled 50,000 miles, visited 67 naval installations, and talked to nearly 10,000 Black sailors without their officers present. Largely at Grang-

er’s behest, the Navy went from having the most severe racial policies among the armed forces at the time to the most liberal: It integrated facilities, removed restrictions that limited assignments to Black sailors, and commissioned more Black officers.”

Through his leadership and determination, a breakthrough occurred in 1946. This commitment to bringing about change in racial policies continued into the 1960s, particularly his concern about the discrimination in the nation’s educational system. U.S. President Harry S. Truman presented Granger with the President’s Medal of Merit in 1947.

He retired from the NUL in 1961 and later joined the faculty at Dil-

lard University in New Orleans.

At the NUL, he was succeeded by Whitney Young.

After ending his connection to the NUL, Granger continued to be actively involved in various issues of social work, and by 1952, he was the president of the National Conference of Social Work, the first American citizen to hold this position. In 1976, the same year Kissinger invoked his name during his address to the League’s annual conference, Granger died on January 9 in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Each year, the Tucker Foundation presents the Lester Granger 18 Award to a Dartmouth College graduate whose commitment to public service, social activism, or nonprofit professions has been exemplary.

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY Dec. 4, 1969: Rapper Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. Dec. 5, 1870: Cowboy legend Bill Pickett was born in Travis County, Texas. He died in 1932.

Dec. 5, 1933: Actor Adolph Caesar was born in Harlem, N.Y. He died in 1986.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

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to many surveillance programs, as leaked by the whistleblower Snowden.

NDS Harlem Managing Director Alice Fontier said that while most cases Section 702 will affect are at the federal level and would generally not affect the organization’s work locally, the public defense service signed on due to concerns with transparency; most information, including the documents obtained by the Post, comes from declassified court documents.

Even the little information provided publicly is frequently redacted (crossed out) in classic spy movie fashion.

“The problem with FISA as a whole is that it operates entirely in secret, applications are made in secret, the judges’ decisions are made in secret, and then everything is held in secret unless and until they want to use it against someone,” said Fontier. “But what we know for sure is that they are not limiting themselves to surveillance of foreign nationals and they use a very, very broad lens in determining what might be in support of any foreign interest that they are interested in knowing more about and surveilling.

“It was important to sign at any point in time, given the recent spate of protests calling for a ceasefire or in support of Palestine,

and the fact that Hamas is…a registered terrorist organization in the United States.

It is almost certain that they [intelligence agencies] are going to be using these techniques and surveillance on a broad scope at this time in our communities. At any point, I would have likely signed on, but it feels urgent right now.”

She added that these concerns are exacerbated locally by collaboration between intelligence agencies like the FBI and local law enforcement, namely the NYPD. While the initial FISA law discouraged such joint efforts without ever officially mandating a ban, the Patriot Act dissolved the imaginary “wall” prohibiting such information sharing.

Fontier said she fears mass information about pro-Palestinian protest attendees can be handed over to police and subsequently chill New Yorkers’ right to protest. The NYPD did not respond to inquiries by press time.

The reauthorization talks coincide with the violence in Gaza. During a Senate hearing testimony roughly a month ago, National Counterterrorism Center Director Christine Abizaid pointed to the October 7 attack by Hamas against Israel as a reason for renewing Section 702.

“Our country must preserve [counterterrorism] fundamentals to ensure constant vigilance,” she said on October 31.

“Among these fundamentals is the intelligence collection enabled by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which provides key indications and warn-

ings on terrorist plans and intentions; supports international terrorist disruptions; enables critical intelligence support to, for instance, border security; and gives us strategic insight into foreign terrorists and their networks overseas.”

Federal officials credit Section 702 for tools used to track down and kill former ISIS Minister of Finance Hajji Iman. The FBI has pointed to the provision for successful queries undermining hacking efforts by Iran and the People’s Republic of China, along with disrupting kidnapping and assassination attempts by an unnamed foreign government.

An FBI spokesperson pointed to comments made by Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the most recent Senate Judiciary Committee. He argued the provision provided permissions for tools that “identify the intended target or build out the network of attackers so we can stop them before they strike and kill Americans.”

Wray added that Section 702’s expiration would equate to “a form of unilateral disarmament” for the FBI. The director also maintained that reported misuse of Section 702-backed tools from the declassified documents “involve compliance errors” before the late 2020 creation of the agency’s Office of Internal Auditing, which specifically handles FISA-related oversight. Recent FISC opinion is that there’s currently a 98% compliance rate.

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re by no means done,” said Wray.

December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 35 “This is an ongoing effort, and we’re determined to work with Congress to get it right.”

While there’s certainly potential for international law concerns over a totally compliant Section 702, Fourth Amendment rights protecting Americans and people on U.S. soil from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government do not apply to non-resident property on foreign soil.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also publicly opposes Section 702’s reauthorization and suggests that Congress reform the provision to narrow the “overbroad” specifics of who and what can be surveilled, along with improving oversight and transparency.

“The government itself admits that Section 702 has been abused to unlawfully conduct backdoor searches in ways that undermine civil rights, including to spy on Black Lives Matter activists protesting George Floyd’s murder at the hands of police,” said ACLU Senior Policy Counsel Kia Hamadanchy by email. “This authority has been used to repeatedly violate the civil liberties of millions of Americans, and should not be reauthorized absent fundamental reform.”

Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member who writes about public safety for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

36 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Education ‘More Mas Camp!’ AM Cunningham introduces bill for Caribbean steel pan music program in NYC public schools

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Assemblymember Brian Cunningham has introduced a New York City Caribbean steel pan educational music program bill (A1717) in the state assembly that would establish a music citywide curriculum centered around traditional Caribbean instruments and require school grounds to be available in summer months for bands and youth to practice for the popular West Indian Carnival on Labor Day. Cunningham was raised in Flatbush by Jamaican immigrant parents and attended city public schools. In his youth, he was a sound engineer and spent time as a DJ as a teenager, sparking a lifelong passion for music and culture.

“I think a lot of folks are just really excited about the preservation of the culture—making our education system more culturally competent and expanding how we look at music classes,” said Cunnigham about the bill. He said the current assault and bans on Black/Caribbean history in education in other states make it important that New York always be a leader in that regard and make cultural programming in schools a priority.

Music is the lifeblood of various islands in the Caribbean region, each unique in their own way. In Brooklyn, the Caribbean community puts on the annual West Indian Carnival, leading up to and during the Labor Day Parade on Eastern Parkway, to honor as many island cultures as possible.

“Part of a lot of the gentrification that’s happening, particularly in our neighborhoods—there were more open lots. In the open lots, people would pay fees to owners to play steel pan and practice for the pageantry of the West Indian Day parade,” said Cunningham. “There’s a lack of space now because every site is being built on and there’s a number of noise complaints. A lot of these bands are not able to rehearse in the way they used to.”

Cunningham was elected to represent the Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Wingate, and East Flatbush neighborhoods

Sesame Flyers International Inc. presents woman steel pan player and band at Pan Jazz–On the Rooftop festival. (Contributed by Sesame Flyers.

Christopher Slater photos.)

in Brooklyn last November. His bill is co-sponsored by Assemblymembers Monique Chandler-Waterman, Manny De Los Santos, and Chantel Jackson. It also has the backing of Senator Kevin Parker, Councilmembers Rita Joseph and Farah Louis, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, and Congressmember Yvette Clarke, not to mention the city’s steel pan band groups and educators. There’s also a huge backing by Caribbean organizations like Tropical Fete and Jouvert International.

According to the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), the origins of J’Ouvert, Mas, and the carnival parade are deeply rooted in enslaved African traditions, such as outdoor celebrations with elaborate costumes and music. As people have migrated to the city over the last several decades, so have their individual festivities, sounds, artists, dances, styles, languages, foods, politics, ideals, and enduring sense of pride for their native countries.

The steel pan was an instrument invented in Trinidad and then adopted by several islands, said Sesame Flyers Founder Winston Munroe. It is one of the last acoustic instruments created in the 20th century. The drum of a steel pan is circular and the instrument’s 32 note elements are situated inside.

Seniors keep the culture going, he said, but it’s up to the youth to sustain it after they’re gone. Ideally,

he’d like to see a curriculum that teaches not only the history of and how to play the instrument, but how to make and tune the drum, which is a bit of a niche art.

“The actual instrument is made out of an oil drum,” said Munroe. “...it’s burnt, and after it’s hot, it is hammered out and sunk. The drum then has a belly to it. The notes are hammered out individually and then tuned like a xylophone or saxophone.”

In the 1920s, Jesse Waddle, who was Trinidadian, organized one of the first local indoor carnivals in the city, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that Waddle filed the permits to hold an outdoor carnival during Labor Day. In 1964, the permit to hold the carnival in Harlem was revoked “due to a violent riot.” The celebration then found a home in Brooklyn in 1969, beginning at Eastern Parkway and Utica Avenue and ending at Grand Army Plaza.

“The community was receptive. People were curious about the instrument,” said Munroe, who immigrated from Trinidad to Brooklyn in 1966. “We had more leverage in setting up steel bands, what we call camp, because there were so many dilapidated buildings around Brooklyn. It was easy to get into one of the buildings and make a home, so to speak. That doesn’t exist anymore.”

Munroe said that the neighborhoods started losing spaces during the time former Mayor Rudy Guliani was in office. His organization

and others have been advocating since then to preserve steel pan culture in schools for the cultural and public safety value. He’s retired and living in Atlanta, Georgia, at the moment, but still plays in his garage late at night and is looking to expand his one-man band soon.

Brooklyn’s “Little Caribbean,” the parade down the parkway, and the Carnival Panorama steel band competition behind the Brooklyn Museum are still a huge draw for tourism in the city, generating millions in revenue every year despite some serious public safety issues in the past.

“They’ve been advocating to create curriculums, work in schools, as well as giving the electeds on the ground suggestions to advance the steel band movement in New York City,” said Rhea Smith, a member of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) board. “Our hope is, and our advocacy work focuses on, having the bill, city, and state support steel bands and mas-making workshops as part of Caribbean culture programming in all of the public schools and CUNY and SUNY college campuses.”

Smith has worked with local musicians to get grants, licenses, and corporate sponsors. She said that steel bands are not only thriving cultural purveyors but also provide a safe space for youth after school and in the summer, adding to the promotion of public safety.

“We have a place where latch-

key kids largely can go from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the summer—stay off the streets, learn to read music, learn to play music, be disciplined, have male role models in their lives teaching them how to be productive citizens that love their culture,” said Smith.

She also concurred that in previous decades, steel bands would practice in open fields, parking lots, or school gyms whenever possible. Nowadays, she said, bands have worked closely with the surrounding NYPD precincts to get permits and permissions for practice space, but issues persist with noise complaints.

“None are running illegal operations,” said Smith, “but we have neighbors—even though the permits are intact, they call consistently.”

The city’s Department of Education (DOE) has welcomed the cultural aspect of the music education program and appears to be unopposed to the bill.

“Celebrations like the West Indian Day Parade fill our streets with music, dancing, and joy, and we’re wishing all of our young people a safe and happy weekend,” said DOE Press Secretary Nathaniel Styer. “Arts education and music are central to the mission of the New York City Public Schools. Our schools are the centers of our communities, and our buildings are open to all community organizations.”

Styer suggested that community See MUSIC continued on page 44

December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 37

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Norman Lear, producer of TV's ‘The Jeffersons’, ‘Good Times’ has died at 101

By LYNN ELBER AP Television Writer LOS ANGELES — Norman Lear, the writer, director and producer who revolutionized prime time television with "All in the Family" and "Maude," propelling political and social turmoil into the once-insulated world of sitcoms, has died. He was 101.

Lear died Tuesday night in his sleep, surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles, said Lara Bergthold, a spokesperson for his family.

A liberal activist, Lear fashioned bold and controversial comedies that were embraced by viewers who had to watch the evening news to find out what was going on in the world. His shows helped define prime time comedy in the 1970s, launched the careers of Rob Reiner and Valerie Bertinelli and made middle-aged superstars of Carroll O'Connor, Bea Arthur and Redd Foxx.

"I loved Norman Lear with all my heart.

He was my second father. Sending my love to Lyn and the whole Lear family," Reiner wrote on X, fomerly Twitter.

"All in the Family" was immersed in the headlines of the day, while also drawing upon Lear's childhood memories of his tempestuous father. Racism, feminism, and the Vietnam War were flashpoints as blue collar conservative Archie Bunker, played by O'Connor, clashed with liberal son-in-law Mike Stivic (Reiner). Jean Stapleton co-starred as Archie's befuddled but good-hearted wife, Edith, and Sally Struthers played the Bunkers' daughter, Gloria, who defended her husband in arguments with Archie.

When the network finally aired "All in the Family," it began with a disclaimer: "The

program you are about to see is 'All in the Family.' It seeks to throw a humorous spotlight on our frailties, prejudices, and concerns. By making them a source of laughter we hope to show, in a mature fashion, just how absurd they are."

By the end of 1971, "All In the Family" was No. 1 in the ratings and Archie Bunker was a pop culture fixture, with President Richard Nixon among his fans. Some of his putdowns became catchphrases. He called his son-inlaw "Meathead" and his wife "Dingbat," and would also snap at anyone who dared occupy his faded orange-yellow wing chair.

Hits continued for Lear and then-partner Bud Yorkin, including "Maude" and "The Jeffersons," both spinoffs from "All in the Family" and both the same winning combination of one-liners and social conflict. In a 1972 two-part episode of "Maude," the title character (played by Arthur) became the first on television to have an abortion, drawing a surge of protests along with the show's high ratings.

Nixon himself objected to an "All in the Family" episode about a close friend of Archie's who turns out to be gay, privately fuming to White House aides that the show "glorified" same-sex relationships.

"Controversy suggests people are thinking about something. But there'd better be laughing first and foremost or it's a dog," Lear said in a 1994 interview with The Associated Press.

Lear and Yorkin also created "Good Times," about a working class Black family in Chicago; "Sanford & Son," a showcase for Foxx as junkyard dealer Fred Sanford; and "One Day at a Time," starring Bonnie Franklin as a single mother and Bertinel-

to outreach, concentrating on the places where people hang out,” said Howell. “Our Continued from page 6 teams engage clients and provide services that help them make the transition from dayhealth insurance enrollment, initiation of to-day survival to a safer, healthier lifestyle.”

ART treatment, emergency PEP (post-expoNew Yorkers can text CARE for informasure prophylaxis) and PrEP, clean syringes, tion about HIV treatment or TESTNYC for and syringe disposal.

HIV testing info to 55676. There is also a “We use an innovative, targeted approach new Sexual Health web page at nyc.gov/

World Aids Day

my life to health policy. Ultimately, we want to get care to vulnerable patients before they Continued from page 16 come to the hospital. That’s why we wrote this article in the first place and the truth, One of [our] most successful examples there’s been a hundred ways we’ve tried to was where a pharmacist was there from the move the needle on disparities, and we’ve hospital to help lead some of those conver- definitely made measurable improvements sations after the barber talked about it to ac- on a small scale but overall, when you look tually work on prescribing the blood pressure at life expectancy for [poorer] Americans it reducing medications. hasn’t really changed, even before COVID, in the last decade. So, to move the needle forAmNews: What specialty do you wish to focus ward we can’t continue to do what we’re curon in the future? rently doing, and what we’re currently doing S.L.: I really want to do a specialty that will is delivering more and more care within the allow me to do policy work. I want to dedicate walls of the hospital.

Health

Norman Lear, the writer, director and producer who revolutionized prime time television with such topical hits as "All in the Family" and “Maude” and propelled political and social turmoil into the once-insulated world of sitcoms, died Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. He was 101.

li and Mackenzie Phillips as her daughters.

In the 1974-75 season, Lear and Yorkin produced five of the top 10 shows.

Lear's business success enabled him to express his ardent political beliefs beyond the small screen. He was an active donor to Democratic candidates and founded the nonprofit liberal advocacy group People for the American Way in 1980, he said, because people such as evangelists Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson were "abusing religion."

"I started to say, This is not my America. You don't mix politics and religion this way," Lear said in a 1992 interview with Commonweal magazine.

In his later years, Lear joined with Warren Buffett and James E. Burke to establish The Business Enterprise Trust, honoring businesses that take a long-term view of their effect on the country. He also founded the Norman Lear Center at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication, exploring entertainment, commerce and society. In 2014, he published the memoir "Even This I Get to Experience."

sexualhealth for sexual and reproductive health information and how to get low- to no-cost sexual and reproductive healthcare services in New York City.

ca corps member who writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for Ameri-

Longtime AP Television Writer Lynn Elber retired from The Associated Press in 2022.

Contributors include Alicia Rancilio in Detroit and Hillel Italie in New York.

PUBLIC NOTICE December 4, 2023

DEMOCRACY PREP NEW YORK SCHOOL MEETING OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES Pursuant to Section 104 Public Notice of the Open Meetings Law, this notice is to inform the public that the board of trustees of Democracy Prep New York School will hold a board meeting on December 12tg, 2023 at 6:30 pm., local time, at 1767 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10035, 4th Floor.

Video Location are as follows: •1767 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10035, 4th Floor.

•Brittany Buffaloe: Babylon Bean Coffee Shop, 17 Fire Island Ave, Babylon NY 11702.

•Ross Frommer: Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington DC Convention Center (465 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001) Hotel Lobby.

•Doug Snyder: Luxor Capital Group LP W. R. Grace Building, 1114 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036

38 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Religion & Spirituality In the U.S., Black survivors are nearly invisible in Catholic clergy sexual abuse crisis

By TIFFANY STANLEY and LEA SKENE Associated Press BALTIMORE—As Charles Richardson gradually lost his eyesight to complications from diabetes, certain childhood memories haunted him even more.

The Catholic priest appeared vividly in his mind’s eye—the one who promised him a spot on a travel basketball team, took him out for burgers, and helped him with homework. The one, Richardson alleges, who sexually assaulted him for more than a year.

“I’ve been seeing him a lot lately,” Richardson said.

As a Black middle schooler from Baltimore, Richardson started spending time with the Rev. Henry Zerhusen, a charismatic white cleric. It was the 1970s and Zerhusen’s parish was a fixture in a neighborhood experiencing white flight and rapidly becoming majority-Black. Zerhusen welcomed his church’s racial integration and implemented programs for struggling families, including Richardson’s.

Black survivors like Richardson have been nearly invisible in the Catholic Church sexual abuse crisis—even in Baltimore, home to a historic Black Catholic community in the nation’s oldest archdiocese. Cases of clergy abuse among African Americans are underreported, experts say, and the U.S. Catholic Church generally does not publicly track the race or ethnicity of victims. Without that data, the full scope of the abuse and its effects is unknown.

“Persons of color have suffered a long legacy of neglect and marginalization in the Catholic Church,” said the Rev. Bryan Massingale, a Black Catholic priest and Fordham University professor whose research has focused on the issue. “We need to correct the idea that all or most of the victims of this abuse have been white and male.”

Earlier this year, the Maryland Attorney General’s Office released a scathing report on child sex abuse in the Baltimore archdiocese. The report documents more than 600 abuse cases but leaves out any context about race. There are clues, however, in the names of priests and churches listed.

Out of 27 parishes in the archdiocese that have significant Black populations, at least

Gloria Webster, left, who is retired and lives in Raleigh, N.C., and her daughter Angelique Webster, of Worcester, Mass., an independent filmmaker, at Angelique’s home, in Worcester. Black victims have largely been invisible in the Catholic sexual abuse crisis, including Baltimore, where Angelique was abused by their parish priest. Gloria fought hard for justice. The priest was later convicted and defrocked.

The family settled with the archdiocese in 1993 (AP Photo/Steven Senne photo)

19 (70%) previously had priests on staff accused of sexual abuse, according to an Associated Press analysis. For parishes that experienced demographic shifts, these abusers were in residence in the years after Black membership increased and white membership declined.

In 2013, Zerhusen faced accusations from another victim—the grandson of a woman who had worked at St. Ambrose. The archdiocese settled with the victim for $32,500 and added Zerhusen to their list of credibly accused priests.

Christian Kendzierski, an archdiocese spokesperson, said he was just learning of Richardson’s allegation about Zerhusen, who died in 2003, when contacted by the AP.

HAVE YOUR LOVED ONES MEMORIALIZED IN THE AMSTERDAM NEWS’ OBITUARY SECTION. FOR MORE INFO EMAIL: William.Atkins@amsterdamNews.com

The last time Zerhusen abused him, Richardson said, he jumped out a stained-glass window to escape. He still bears scars that he attributes to the fall. The emotional scars have never healed. Until recently, he had never told his family about the assaults.

As Black men, “we have a reputation we have to carry with us, a façade,” Richardson said. “Something like this is one of the worst things—to say you have been raped or touched by another man.”

After the attorney general’s report, Maryland lawmakers voted to repeal the statute of limitations for child victims to sue. At age 58, Richardson retained a lawyer and decided to go public.

Ray Kelly, chair of the pastoral council at

St. Peter Claver, a Black Baltimore parish, said the archdiocese has failed to address racial disparities.

“The Americanized Catholic Church still sees the Black population as a perpetual charity case, so to speak,” he said. “And the predators are going to go where the prey is—Black communities relying on the church for support.”

Abuse also came from within Baltimore’s Black community.

When he was ordained in 1974, Maurice Blackwell was a celebrated rarity: a homegrown Black priest. Since then, he has been accused of sexually abusing at least 10 boys See CRISIS continued on page 44

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Dr. Gauvin Continued from page 5

School and is now working as a law clerk.

“Having two parents as physicians, we thought that she would go into medicine,” Dr. Gauvin said. “We never pushed her toward any field, she had to be the one to choose because she’s going to be the one living with it, right?

“You have to love what you do. I’m happy with my life because I love what I do. I feel happy coming to work because that’s my temperament: if I am in something, I’m 100% and it shows. I’m even a bit emotional when I talk about it because when we were around the table having dinner with my daughter, I used to tell her if you are choosing medicine you have to understand that you’re going to have people who are sick and when you are sick you are anxious and when you are anxious you want things to be as fast as possible,” Dr. Gavin began. “When you are a patient, or a family

Contract

Continued from page 10

between their health and paying rent; grandparents could be forced to take on second jobs; workers already forced to work second jobs could face impossible choices,” union reps said in a statement. “The industry reduced the workforce by 2,000 jobs since the pandemic, accounting for increased office

member is a patient, that’s when you understand your patient, that’s when you really understand your patient... you have got to communicate right away. You have got to tell your patient if everything’s fine.

They want to know immediately, that’s why I told my daughter, you have to understand that people are going to come to you to complain. A physical exam is a physical exam, but most of your patients are going to come for something that is not working right. Whether this is a simple thing or something complicated, they’re going to come with complaints. If you see 20 patients per day, 15 of them are going to have something to complain about.

Even when they come for a physical, they grab the opportunity to tell you, ‘Doc, this is, you know, I was having some ear pain last week. I wanted to see if you could take a look at it now.’ And I think this is where you can make the most impact. You are kind of like the gatekeeper for the patient to remain healthy.” vacancies and the fact that cleaners are not tasked with regularly cleaning empty office space. That translates to a reduction in labor costs by some $200 million annually. The industry agrees cleaners are essential.”

Owens said she’s pushing for 32BJ to keep healthcare costs off the table for union workers. She’s been a union member for as long as she’s been working at the Port Authority.

“I come from a union family: My mom, my

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December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 39

Stops Act

NYPD to fully report on its use of consent searches—stops in which an officer asks permission to conduct a search of mographics and communities. a person or their belongings despite not In the context of well-documented police having probable cause. abuses, the actual experience of being apThis common sense, good government proached and questioned by an officer can legislation is supported by a majority of be frightening. So-called “low-level” en- our City Council and was heard by the counters can escalate on a dime, with fatal Public Safety Committee earlier this consequences, as we know from the deaths year. There is no reason for the speakof Eric Garner in 2014 and Antonio Wil- er and the City Council to wait on passliams in 2019. ing this critical legislation, and there is As an essential step toward accountabil- no reason for Mayor Adams—who has ity, improved police-community relations, made promises to hold abusive officers and greater safety for all, the City Council accountable—not to support legislation must pass both bills of the How Many Stops that could shed light on those abuses. It’s Act without further delay. time to repair the division between law The How Many Stops Act will require the enforcement and our communities, to NYPD to report on low-level street stops ensure safety, equity, and dignity for all. and encounters, including where they happen; demographic information about George Gresham is president of those stopped; the reason for the encoun- 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workters; and whether they led to use of force, ers East, the largest union of healthcare a ticket, or an arrest. It also requires the workers in the nation.

Continued from page 10

grandparents, my dad, they all have union jobs. Once they knew I was in a union building, they were telling me all the benefits of having a union to stand by you, so there was no question, from me, about joining the union; I was very excited to join.”

Owens said she wants to be able to keep a job that pays enough for her to be able to raise her four children. “Most of the members of 32BJ are Black and brown or im-

migrant workers, and we just want to live dignified lives and just be able to live the American dream,” she said. “On average, we want to sustain what we have and what we’ve been able to gain over the past few decades because of the people before us [who] have fought for these good contracts for us.

We’re willing to stay and continue to fight for our future and for the futures of the generations to come as well.”

40 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

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This is to announce that the next meeting of the Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy I Charter School Board of Trustees will occur in person on Thursday, December 14th, 2023 at 7:30am. The meeting will be held at 245 West 129th St, NY, NY.

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This is to announce that the next meeting of the Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy II Charter School Board of Trustees will occur in person on Thursday, December 14th, 2023 at 7:30am. The meeting will be held at 245 West 129th St, NY, NY.

101 LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK 21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION AS MASTER SERVICER FOR CHRISTIANA TRUST, A DIVISION OF WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB AS TRUSTEE FOR KNOXVILLE 2012 TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST JIN HUA LIN, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 19, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse in Room 130, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on January 10, 2024, at 2:15PM, premises known as 44-46 MARKET STREET, UNIT 10A, NEW YORK, NY 10002.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City, and State of New York., Block 274, Lot 1216. Approximate amount of judgment $831,930.17 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850085/2018.

The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NEW YORK County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Clark Whitsett, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19002279 77271 Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #23-149240 for beer, wine & liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine & liquor at retail in a restaurant under the ABC Law at 206 210 W 118th St., NYC 10026 for on-premises consumption; Legacy Hospitality Group LLC Stop, Drop & Scroll LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/04/2023. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 228 Park Ave. #619229, NY, NY, 10003.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff -against- JEFFREY A. HILLS, PATRICIA E. HILLS, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 7, 2023 and entered on April 10, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on January 3, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided .015838% common interest percentage. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations.

Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY. Approximate amount of lien $17,683.86 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850073/2020.

DORON LEIBY, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. JOHN THOMAS SHAPAKA and PATRICIA ADELE SHAPAKA, Defts. - Index # 850038/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated September 5, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 7,000/28,402,100 tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as HNY CLUB SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $10,845.39 plus costs and interest as of March 29, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Sofia Balile, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY. SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. SAIF A. AMAN, Defts. - Index # 850037/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 24, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 5,000/28,402,100 tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as HNY CLUB SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $32,542.31 plus costs and interest as of March 29, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Allison M. Furman, Esq., Referee.

Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY. SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. JOSEPH G. DONOVAN, PATRICIA A. DONOVAN and BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF 57TH STREET VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Defts. - Index # 850217/2021. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 9, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided .015838% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57th STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $38,019.21 plus costs and interest as of May 5, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Roberta Ashkin, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY. SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. PATRICK FRANK ROSS and CARLA HENRIQUES-ROSS, Defts. - Index # 850403/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 9, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.00493200000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57th STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $15,278.67 plus costs and interest as of August 15, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Roberta Ashkin, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF KINGS SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Index No: 510883/2023 Plaintiff Designates Kings County as the Place of Trial The Basis of Venue is the Location of the Plaintiff place of Business and the Premises. Premises: 1143 Saint Johns Place, Brooklyn, New York 11213 Block:1251, Lot: 50 Saint Johns Organization LLC. Plaintiff, -against- Unknown Heirs of Vilna Smart, a/k/a Vilna E. St. Louis et al, and “John Doe”, “Jane Doe”, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and the assignees of said Defendants or any one, being unknown to Plaintiff, it is being intended to designate persons or parties having or claiming an interest in or a lien upon the premises, if the aforesaid individual/s defendant/s are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and the assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them, fee owners, tenants or occupants of the premises and/or persons or par- ties having or claiming an interest in or a lien upon the premises, Defendants, TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, (or within thirty 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

Dated:04/04/2023 Manhasset, New York 11/06/2023 By Leslie S. Nizin, Esq., Attorney for Plaintiff, 55 Fair- way Drive, Manhasset, N.Y. 11030, 718-263-2411 To: Unknown Heirs of Vilna Smart, a/k/a Vilna E. St. Louis et al. NOTICE: THE NATURE OF THIS ACTION AND THE RELIEF SOUGHT. THE OBJECT OF THE ABOVE CAPTIONED ACTION IS TO SEEK A DECLARATORY JUDGMENT ESTABLISHING THAT THE PLAINTIFF HAS A 100 PERCENT INTEREST IN FEE SIMPLE FOR REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1143 Saint Johns Place, Brooklyn NEW YORK, 11213, BLOCK1251, LOT 50.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, Plaintiff -against- ADEWALE GEORGE, ENATA GEORGE, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 25, 2023 and entered June 1, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on January 4, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an undivided 0.00986400000% interest in the common elements.

This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37. Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY. Approximate amount of lien $38,780.17 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850060/2022. PAUL R. SKLAR, ESQ., Referee, DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff, 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK HNY CLUB SUITES OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff -against- WILLIAM D. VONVOSS, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 18, 2023 and entered on July 20, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on January 10, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant undivided 1.4182% common interest percentage.

This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442513 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1303. Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, UNIT HU2, NEW YORK, NY. Approximate amount of lien $17,119.13 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850042/2020.

TOM KLEINBERGER, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, Plaintiff -against- GEORGE FUBARA TOLOFARI, WOBIA ALEXANNEDRA TOLOFARI, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 6, 2023 and entered on June 7, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on January 3, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an undivided .009864% interest in the common elements. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37. Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY. Approximate amount of lien $45,569.06 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850097/2022.

CHRISTY M. DEMELFI, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NEW YORK THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-6, Plaintiff, v.

ALLAN A. JOHNSON, ET AL. Defendants.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of New York County on May 3, 2023, I, Scott H. Siller, Esq. the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on December 20, 2023 at the New York County Courthouse, Room 130, at 60 Centre Street, County of New York, State of New York, at 2:15 PM the premises described as follows: Frederick Douglass Boulevard, Apt/Unit 5F a/k/a: 300 West 140 Street a/k/a: 301 West 139 Street a/k/a New York, NY 10030 Block 2042 Lot 1123 ALL THAT CERTAIN plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York.

The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 850102/2019 in the amount of 584,567.02 plus interest and costs.

The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System's COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 101862-2 WORKSHOP DIGITAL LLC. Arts of Org filed SSNY 10/13/23, NY Co. SSNY desig. agent for process & shall mail to: US Corp Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave, #202, BK, NY 11228.

Purpose: General.

Notice of Formation of QBV CAPITAL LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/21/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated an agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 1 Union Square, South 210, New York City, NY 10003.

Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of BRODSKY FLATIRON LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/11/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: The Brodsky Organization, Attn: J. Dean Amro, 400 W. 59th St., NY, NY 10019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of RGNMCA ITHACA I, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/01/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/27/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Corporataion Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of COMMONWEALTH PIER F&B LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/05/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 853 Broadway, 17th Fl., NY, NY 10003. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o Union Square Hospitality Group at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 41

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NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff -against- ANYA SARA HORWITZ A/K/A ANYA SARA HORWITZ LYONS AS CO-EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF CRYSTAL M. HORWITZ, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 22, 2023 and entered on August 30, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on January 3, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided .009864% common interest percentage.

This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37. Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY. Approximate amount of lien $16,794.56 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850072/2020.

GEORGIA PAPAZIS, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

Notice of Qualification of FOCUSED RESEARCH ORGANIZATION FOR IMMUNOLOGY, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/31/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/05/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Crowdwork Hack LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/18/2023. Office: NY County.

SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy to: 685 Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK HNY CLUB SUITES OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff -against- JJL CAPITAL CORP., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 18, 2023 and entered on July 20, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on December 20, 2023 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an undivided 3.1810% in common interest percentage. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442512 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1302. Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY. Approximate amount of lien $21,722.48 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 850089/2018. SCOTT SILLER, ESQ., Referee, DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff, 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 Notice of Qualification of PALACE CAPITAL LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/10/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/05/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Tarter Krinsky & Drogin LLP, Attn: Gina Piazza, Esq., 1350 Broadway, 11th Fl., NY, NY 10018. DE addr. of LLC: c/o Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

GCW & Associates LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/29/2022. Office: NEW YORK County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of HabSchu Holdings, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/21/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 311 11th Ave., Apt. 5306, NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Attn: Brian Haber at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

AC TAXPROS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 8/07/2023. Office: NY County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to: 157-16 45th Avenue, 1st floor, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Qualification of CORIO GENERATION USA LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/22/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/25/23. Princ. office of LLC: One Lincoln St., Ste. 2400, Boston, MA 02111.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808.

Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Wilmington Office, 820 N. French St., 10th Fl., Wilmington, DE 19801. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of 163 CSTREET LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/21/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 121 Varick St., 4th Fl., NY, NY 10013. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of RGNMCA BOWMANSVILLE I, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/26/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/25/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of THE HEAVY JAMZ LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/23/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 07/05/23. Princ. office of LLC: 111 E. 10th St., #8, NY, NY 10003. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543.

DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808.

Cert. of Form. filed with Jeffrey W. Bullock, Secy. of State DE, 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of 17 EAST 70TH HOLDINGS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/28/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of WEST 48 MASTER TENANT LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/10/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 7 Penn Plaza, Ste. 600, NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Jeffrey Levine at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of WILLETS TRIANGLE HOUSING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/09/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 30 Hudson Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of JDW SOCIAL, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/11/23. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: John David West, 536 W. 47th St., Apt. PHE, NY, NY 10036. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qual. of MOSTLY TRUE FILMS LLC Auth. filed with SSNY on 09/21/2023. Office location: New York. LLC formed in TX on 06/08/2022.

SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to: 66 Leonard Street, New York, NY 10013. Arts. of Org. filed with TX SOS. P.O. Box 13697, Austin, TX 78711-3697.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of TrayScapes LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/25/23. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Kent Beatty & Gordon, LLP, 11 Times Sq., 10th Fl., NY, NY 10036. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of (C)worthy, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/14/23. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/05/23.

Princ. office of LLC: 1909 Broadway, Ste. 200, Boulder, CO 80302. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Charitable and scientific purposes.

MHO - My Humble Opinion LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/02/2023. Office: NEW YORK County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 200 E 62ND ST APT 16B, NEW YORK, NY 10065. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF M. Perotti LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/08/2023. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon her is: United States Corporation Agents, 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn NY 11228.

The principal business address of the LLC is 320 W 38th Street, New York, NY 10018.

42 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

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101 LEGAL NOTICES

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS IN THE 25TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF HAMPTON Case No.: 2023CP2500241 WILHELMINA RICE - Plaintiff vs.

GENEVA WARE, JEANNETTE SMART GOINGS, ROBERT STINSON, JR., PRENETTA RICE, JAMES SAMUEL STINSON, SR., DERRICK STINSON, DEXTER STINSON, STEVE BRODUS WILLIAMS, all in their personal capacities and as heirs of the ESTATE OF FRANK DEVESE, JR.; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ESTATE OF FRANK DEVESE, JR; HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES “JIM” DEVESE; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES “JIM” DEVESE; HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MEDILEE DEVESE, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MEDILEE DEVESE, HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIE DEVESE; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIE DEVESE; THE HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTINE BAILEY DEVESE, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTINE BAILEY DEVESE, THE HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF JESSE DEVESE, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF JESSE DEVESE, THE HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF ALICE DEVESE STINSON, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF ALICE DEVESE STINSON, THE HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLIE DEVESE, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLIE DEVESE, THE HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MURRAY J. HALL, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MURRAY J HALL, THE HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF ALICE DEVESE, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ALICE DEVESE, and JOHN DOE, a class made up of all unknown parties who may have or claim some right, title, or interest in the property subject to this action, and Richard Roe, infants, insane persons and Incompetents being fictitious names, designating as a class any person, who may be an heir, devisee, widow, widower, assign, administrator, executor, personal representative, creditor, successor and issue, issue and alienee and all other persons or legal entities, known and unknown, owning, having and claiming any right, title and interest in the parcels of land described in the complaint herein or any part thereof; and JANE DOE, a class made up of all unknown parties who are in the United States military who may have or Claim some right, title, or interest in the subject property - Defendants SUMMONS: TO: THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE NAMED YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint herein, which was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Hampton County and to serve a copy of your Answer to the said Complaint upon the subscriber at his office, situated at Post Office box 1346, Orangeburg, South Carolina, 29116, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof upon you, exclusive of the day of such service. If you fail to answer the complaint within the time aforesaid, the Plaintiff will apply to the Court for the relief demanded therein.

NOTICE OF FILING: TO: THE ABOVE – NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the original Summons and Complaint and in the above entitled action were filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Hampton County, South Carolina on August 11, 2023, the object and prayer of which is to obtain Declaratory Judgment/Quiet Title/Possession of real property located in Hampton County, South Carolina, and other relief as set forth in the Complaint.

LIS PENDENS: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT an action has been or will be commenced in this Court upon Complaint of the above-named Plaintiff against the above-named Defendants and against the following property located in Hampton County: Property Address: The exact address is unknown but the property is in Hampton County, South Carolina. Case No. 2023LP25-00016.

ORDER DIRECTING SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION: ON CONSIDERATION OF THE FOREGOING PETITION of Glenn Walters, Sr., on behalf of the Plaintiff(s), praying that an Order Directing Service of Process by Publication be granted in the cause of action referenced in the motion and it appearing that such procedure is both necessary and proper, IT IS ORDERED that service of the SUMMONS, LIS PENDENS, NOTICE OF FILING, GUARDIAN AD LITEM NOTICE NISI, ORDER DIRECTING SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION and NOTICE OF INTENT TO REFER in this action be made on each Defendant listed hereinabove, by publication in a newspaper of general circulation for Hampton County, South Carolina, or as most likely to give notice to Defendants; and IT IS ORDERED that publication be made at least once per week for three weeks in a newspaper of general circulation for Hampton County, South Carolina, or as most likely to give notice to Defendants. IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Mylinda D. Nettles, Hampton County Clerk of Court ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM AND ORDER OF PUBLICATION: Upon reading and filing the petition of the Plaintiff for the appointment of KOREY L. WILLIAMS, Esquire as Guardian Ad Litem Nisi and attorney for the unknown Defendants who are minors and unknown Defendants under legal disability, If any, herein collectively designated as John Doe, Richard Roe and Jane Doe, and it appearing that the names and addresses of such minors, or other persons under legal disability, if any, whether residents or non-residents of the State of South Carolina are unknown to the Plaintiff and cannot with reasonable diligence be ascertained, and that said KOREY L. WILLIAMS, Esquire is a suitable and competent person to understand and protect the rights and interest of said minor Defendants and others under legal disability, if any, and has no interest therein adverse to the interest of said minors or Defendants under disability, if any, and is not connected in business with Plaintiff in this action or with their counsel. IT IS, THEREFORE, ORDERED that the said KOREY L. WILLIAMS, Esquire, 450 Summers Avenue, Orangeburg, SC 29115, be, and he is hereby, designated and appointed guardian ad litem nisi for said unknown minor Defendants and those other Defendants under legal disability if any, herein collectively designated as John Doe, Richard Roe and Jane Doe and he is hereby authorized to appear and defend said action on behalf of said Defendants, unless said minor Defendants, other Defendants under legal disability, if any, or either of them shall within twenty (20) days after the service of a copy of this Order upon them, exclusive of the day of service, as herein provided, procure to be appointed a guardian ad litem for said minor Defendants or other Defendants under legal disability, if any, for the purposes of this action. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this Order shall be served upon unknown Defendants, unknown minor Defendants and other unknown Defendants under legal disability, if any, herein collectively designated as John Doe, Richard Roe and Jane Doe, by publication of such notice of this Order is required by law in a newspaper of general circulation published in Hampton County, South Carolina, once a week for three successive weeks as well as any other state or county known to Plaintiff. s/Mylinda D. Nettles, Hampton County Clerk of Court

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Notice of formation of Currant Productions LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/27/2023. Office location: New York County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon them is 135 W 52nd St, Apt 31B, New York, NY 10019. The principal business address of the LLC is 135 W 52nd St, Apt 31B, New York, NY 10019. Dissolution date: Perpetual. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

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Snackbasket LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/03/2023. Office: NY County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to: MYCOMPANYWORKS, INC., 187 E. WARM SPRINGS RD. SUITE B, LAS VEGAS, NV, 89119. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REFER: TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that upon the expiration of thirty (30) days following the service of a copy of the Notice of Filing Complaint, Summons, Lis Pendens, Notice of Order Appointing Guardian Ad Litem, Notice of Intent to Refer, and Order of Publication herein upon you, the Plaintiff, through her undersigned attorney, will appear before the Honorable Presiding Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Hampton, State of South Carolina, and will move His Honor for an Order, referring the above entitled matter to the Master in Equity for Hampton County, with finality of authority, and for any appeal to be taken from the Final Judgment and Decree of the Master of Equity for Hampton County, shall be directly to the Supreme Court of South Carolina. /s/ Glenn Walters, Sr. Esquire_____ GLENN WALTERS, Sr., Esquire Post Office Box 1346, Orangeburg, SC 29116 Phone: 803 531-8844 Attorney for Plaintiff Dated: 08/11/2023 - At Orangeburg, SC SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. MARIO ROMO AHUMADA and TAMMY ANN AHUMADA, Defts.

- Index # 850408/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 9, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.00493200000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57th STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $29,797.40 plus costs and interest as of August 11, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Roberta Ashkin, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

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Notice of formation of Hagley's West 137 Management LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 5/11/2023. Office: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail copy to: 226 West 136th St, Apt 1R, New York, NY 10030. Purpose: Any lawful act.

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NOTICE OF NISI: TO: ALL DEFENDANTS, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, AND SUCH OF THE DEFENDANTS JOINED IN THE ABOVE ACTION WHO MAY BE INFANTS, INSANE PERSON AND INCOMPETENTS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there has been filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Orangeburg County, State of South Carolina, an Order, appointing for you as Guardian-ad-Litem, Nisi, Attorney KOREY L. WILLIAMS, whose address is 450 SUMMERS AVENUE, ORANGEBURG, SC 29115, which appointment shall become absolute upon the expiration of thirty (30) days following the last day of the publication of a copy of the filed Summons, Notice of Intent to Refer, and Notice Nisi, herein, unless you or someone in your behalf, on or before the above mentioned date, procure someone to be appointed as the Guardian-ad-Litem to represent you and your interest in the above entitled action.

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SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. SEAN PATRICK FRANCIS, CATHERINE ELAINE FRANCIS and NYC TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, Defts. - Index # 850039/2023. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 24, 2023, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the NY County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.00986400000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57th STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, New York.

Approximate amount of judgment is $29,758.29 plus costs and interest as of March 29, 2023. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Allison M. Furman, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

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Music

Continued from page 36

organizations interested in using school property should reach out to a school’s principal for guidance. Updated guidelines are available from the Schools Chancellor’s office from 2021 that allow for some practices on a case-by-case basis.

Some schools have already gone the distance and established their own cultural music programs. Principal Jamie Hendrickson implemented a steel pan band music program about four years ago at the Myer Levin IS 285 Performing Arts School (Beverley Road in East Flatbush). Others are throwing their support behind Cunningham’s legislation. Dr. Arlene Burnett, principal of the Parkside Preparatory Academy at MS 2, is excited about the possibility of offering her students a steel band curriculum and hopes others can do the same.

“Embracing the rich tapestry of Caribbean music in our public schools not only enhances cultural diversity, but also fosters a harmonious blend of education and artistic expression,” said Burnett. “AM Brian Cunningham’s bill is a visionary step toward celebrating our cultural roots, and I am a strong supporter of this initiative.”

Crisis

Continued from page 38

To display your Legal, LLC, and classifieds ads contact: Shaquana Folks 212-932-7412 shaquana.folks @amsterdamnews.com

under 18, most at majority-Black parishes.

Darrell Carter alleges he was one of Blackwell’s victims. Now 63, he decided to sue under the new state law.

As a teen, Carter visited two of Blackwell’s parishes, looking for odd jobs.

Instead, he said, Blackwell sexually abused him for four years and paid him $25 each time. Carter said Blackwell brandished a gun and threatened to kill him if he told anyone.

Carter said he reported the abuse to the archdiocese several years later, but nothing came of it. The archdiocese said it received a report of Carter’s abuse in 2019 and reported it to law enforcement. Blackwell didn’t respond to recent messages seeking comment.

Of the abuse, Carter said, “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about it.”

In 2002, another of Blackwell’s victims, Dontee Stokes, confronted and shot Blackwell after he refused to apologize. The shooting became a defining event in Baltimore’s mishandling of clergy sex abuse claims, just as the scope of the crisis was breaking open in Boston.

Blackwell survived, and Stokes was later acquitted of attempted murder.

He served 18 months of home detention for gun charges.

(Contributed by Sesame Flyers. Christopher Slater photo)

Joseph, chair of the City Council’s education committee, said she strongly supports Cunningham’s bill because “it embraces the rich tapestry of steel pan music in public schools.”

Many good ideas get held up by funding, but this one might not face such a fate. Cunningham said that New York State has a lot of control over education funding outside of the mayoral control of New York City’s public school system. His plans for the music

program would be funded primarily by the state and shouldn’t be affected by city budget cuts, he said.

Stokes had reported the abuse nearly a decade before the shooting, but police never filed charges.

Although the archdiocese found his claims credible, its leaders returned Blackwell to ministry. Blackwell was finally removed in 1998 after another victim came forward, but it was only after the 2002 shooting that Blackwell was formally laicized and criminally charged.

Despite being convicted of three counts of child sexual abuse, he was granted a new trial because of the “improper testimony about possible other victims,” according to the attorney general’s report. Prosecutors ultimately declined to retry him.

In 1990, not long before Blackwell was first publicly accused, Gloria Webster’s daughter became suicidal and admitted she had been sexually abused by her white youth pastor, the Rev. Richard Deakin, starting when she was 13.

“It was like I was suing God,” said Webster, who pursued criminal and civil charges against Deakin. “All my friends turned against me.”

Meanwhile, Angelique Webster navigated the case between psychiatric hospitalizations. “I couldn’t hide from it because it was there all the time,” she said.

Deakin pleaded guilty to seconddegree rape and child sex abuse, receiving no jailtime with a sus-

pended sentence and probation.

He later became a social worker at a Veterans Affairs facility in Pennsylvania. He didn’t respond to a message seeking comment.

In 1993, the Websters settled out of court for $2.7 million, a staggering sum for the archdiocese, where most settlements fall under $100,000.

Survivors coming forward now will probably receive smaller settlements since the archdiocese declared bankruptcy.

For his part, Richardson recently found solace in telling his daughter about the abuse: “A great weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

He’s retired now, but Richardson recalled a moment that stood out during his career as a car salesman: when another clergy abuse victim walked into his dealership.

That was sometime after Stokes had shot Blackwell, and Richardson recognized him from media coverage.

Before selling him a car, Richardson told Stokes he was proud of him.

But he couldn’t yet say what he really wanted to share: that it happened to him, too. Now, he finally can. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from the Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member who writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 45

Florida A&M looks to end its season with HBCU national championship

Florida A&M head football coach Willie Simmons (center) celebrates his program winning the SWAC title on Saturday after a 35-14 victory over Prairie View A&M. (Florida A&M athletics photo)

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor The coronation of Florida A&M as the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) champion and with it a spot in next Saturday’s Cricket Celebration Bowl versus Howard University for the HBCU national championship took roughly 90 minutes longer than expected.

It wasn’t because the game went into overtime, but rather that Mother Nature wasn’t cooperating.

The game, played at Florida A&M’s Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, was delayed 30 minutes before kickoff due to lightning; the bolts later held the contest up for an hour in the third quarter.

But it only prolonged the inevitable as the 11–1 Rattlers, 8–0 in the SWAC and ranked No. 5 among all FCS Division I schools, took a 21–0 lead at 10:50 of the second quarter on a 1-yard touchdown by redshirt junior running back Jaquez Yant and never surrendered the lead.

“We couldn’t control the lightning, and we couldn’t control how soon we got on the field,” said FAMU head coach Willie Sim-

mons. “We just had to make sure that when we got on the field, we were ready to play.”

The Panthers cut the margin to 21–14 at 7:53 of the third quarter on a 35-yard jaunt by redshirt senior running back Ahmad Antoine but Florida A&M struck back quickly as quarterback Jeremy Moussa, a graduate transfer from Vanderbilt, connected on a 32-yard pass to fellow grad student, wide receiver Marcus Riley, with 4:35 left in the third to push the score to 28–14.

The Rattlers capped off the scoring with a five-play, 88-yard drive, concluding with a 33-yard TD run by running back Terrell Jennings, a graduate student-athlete, at 13:29 of the fourth quarter. Jennings, who accounted for 113 of FAMU’s 229 yards rushing was named the game’s offensive MVP. Javon Morgan, a graduate defensive back from Tallahassee, was selected as the defensive MVP with a stellar five tackles and two interceptions.

“A great day for Tallahassee, FAMU, and these young men,” extolled Simmons following the victory. “It warms my heart to

celebrate a goal we set for ourselves long ago.”

The win holds a special place for the university and Simmons. It was the Rattlers first SWAC title since officially becoming a member of the conference in the summer of 2021. They had previously been in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Confer-

ence (MEAC) dating back to 1986.

For the 43-year-old Tallahassee native Simmons, who played quarterback collegiately first at Clemson from 2000-2002, then at The Citadel in 2003, the significance was heightened as he was once the head coach of Prairie View and in three seasons compiled a 21–11

record including 19–6 in conference games.

While the Panthers ended this season 6–6, the Rattlers will be at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta for a 12 p.m. nationally televised (ABC) match up with the MEAC champion Bison, which is 6–5 and was 4–1 in conference play.

UConn defeats North Carolina as Hubert Davis returns to the Garden

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews Two head coaches with strong ties to the New York area faced off at a venue very familiar to both of them on Tuesday night The No. 5 ranked Connecticut Huskies, led by Dan Hurley of the legendary Jersey City Hurley basketball family, defeated the No. 9 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels, guided by Hubert Davis, who was drafted by the New York Knicks with the 20th overall pick in 1992, 87–76 at the annual Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden in front of nearly 18,000 fans.

The annual basketball tournament is named after Queens, New York-born and Long Island raised Jim Valvano, the iconic men’s basketball coach who died of cancer in 1993.

UNC senior guard RJ Davis from White Plains, New York, who was named the state’s 2020 Gatorade Player of the Year and won the Catholic league (CHSAA) championship and state title as a sophomore playing for Archbishop Stepinac High School, topped all scorers with 26 points, 19 in the second half—but it wasn’t enough.

Guard Cam Spencer, who is a graduate

student, led Connecticut with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, while sophomore forward Alex Karaban added 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals.

“We just got absolutely everything out of what we wanted when we put this on the schedule,” said Hurley about playing at MSG. “The atmosphere is awesome.” The 50-year-old Hurley, who piloted UConn to the NCAA men’s Division I title last season, played many games at the Garden as a college point guard for Seton Hall.

Coach Davis, whose NBA playing career stretched from 1992-2004, including the first four with the Knicks, lauded RJ Davis.

“Well, I mean, you know, RJ is RJ,” the Tar Heel (1988-92) alumnus noted. “He’s been that way four years straight and he’s one of our leaders and not just on the court, but off the court as well.”

Both the Fordham Rams and St. John’s Red Storm will play Sunday at Barclays Center.

Fordham will battle North Texas to kick off a quadruple header at 11:30 am, and the Red Storm will take on former Big East foe Boston College at 4:30 pm. On December 16, the Red Storm and the Rams face off at 3:30 pm at Madison Square Garden.

UNC’s Hubert Davis (foreground) and UConn’s Dan Hurley (background) paced the sidelines of Madison Square Garden on Tuesday as the Tar Heels RJ Davis handled the ball. (Derrel Johnson photo)

46 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

The Jets and Zach Wilson are headed towards a separation

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

The status of Jets quarterback (c) Zach Wilson-pictured in Week 11 versus the Buffalo Bills-is uncertain after he was benched for the past two games. (Jets.com photo)

For the betterment of the franchise and his own career, the Jets and quarterback Zach Wilson should part ways at the end of this season.

Wilson is never going to be the Jets’ regular starter. He has been given ample time to show he can be a galvanizing and productive leader on the field and in the locker room. To date, Wilson has been the antithesis of an uplifting team cornerstone.

One evidentiary exhibit is when his teammates openly advocated for Mike White to be the team’s starter over Wilson last season, going so far as to wear tee shirts emblazoned with the then backup’s likeness and the words “Mike f’ing White” displayed under it as they were boarding the team plane for a Week 13 game against the Minnesota Vikings on December 4.

Jets players had become frustrated not only with Wilson’s poor play but his aversion to taking accountability. White, who is now with the Miami Dolphins, was unquestionably outperforming Wilson.

The 24-year-old No. 2 overall pick by the Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft is a polarizing presence whose demotion to third string for the past two games, a 34–13 loss to the Miami Dolphins on November 24 in Week 12 and last Sunday’s Week 13 defeat, 13–8, to the Atlanta Falcons, both at home at MetLife Stadium, reflects the increasing likelihood he will not be

a Jet when the team starts training camp next summer.

Wilson began this season as Aaron Rodgers’ primary backup and was elevated to the starting spot when Rodgers tore his left Achilles in the opening game on September 11.

In 10 games played, Wilson has just 1,944 yards throwing for a meager average of 194 yards per

outing, six passing touchdowns, seven interceptions and no rushing scores for the 4–8 Jets, which have lost their last five games.

The latest drama involves Wilson reportedly not wanting to play to avoid being injured. The Athletic first published a story making the allegation, compelling Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Rodgers to refute it and defend Wilson.

“Let’s be clear, if he was reluctant to play guys, he wouldn’t be here,” Saleh told reporters on Tuesday.

“I actually coincidentally just got done speaking with [Wilson]… and we had a really good conversation. The young man wants the ball. He wants to start.”

Rodgers took aim at the media and the Jets’ internal safeguards in an appearance on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday. “When you use sources and whether intentional or unintentional to try and assassinate someone’s character like that report does for Zach I have a real hard time with that,” he said.

“What is your motivation to try to bury someone like that? And that’s a problem with the organization, we need to get to the bottom of whatever this is coming from and put a stop to it privately…”

The Jets released Tim Boyle, who had started at quarterback the last two games and was replaced by veteran Trevor Siemian at the end of the third quarter. The Jets will host the 7–5 Houston Texans this Sunday (1:00 p.m.).

The 4–8 Giants will play the 6–6 Green Bay Packers at MetLife on Monday night (8:15 p.m.).

Seton Hall celebrates 50 years of women’s sports

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

Current starting point guard Amari Wright (c) and head women’s basketball coach Anthony Bozzella with former player Jodi Brooks (r) and other attendees (Seton Hall Athletics school)

Last weekend marked a time of celebration at Seton Hall University as the Pirates recognized 50 years of women’s sports. There was a panel discussion, recognition at last Saturday’s women’s basketball game (a 78–54 victory over Maryland Eastern Shore), and a cocktail reception and dinner on Saturday evening that was attended by more than 200 former student-athletes.

People came from around the U.S. and even Europe, and every sport that has competed over the past 50 years—including discontinued ones like track and field—were represented.

Participants shared the stories of all the sports.

“It was a great opportunity to look back and celebrate the foundation of Seton Hall athletics and these women [who] did so much to pioneer,” said Tatum Colitz, deputy athletics director for compliance and student-athlete development,

and senior woman administrator. “We wanted to really make sure that we’re doing right by the women who built this and make sure we’re representing every decade, every generation, and treating it like a celebration.”

The two sports that began

women’s varsity competition during the 1973–1974 academic year were basketball and tennis. Of the 12 members of that first basketball team, 11 were on hand. Two women from the team shared their stories on Friday with students, facul-

ty, and campus members about “[w]hat it was like to be on a campus where women were only recently included in the academic experience (Seton Hall went coed in 1968), let alone the athletic experience,” said Colitz.

“Having our student-athletes in

that space hearing those stories—they were so moved.”

Also making the return to campus was track star Flirtisha Harris, the first Seton Hall woman to win an individual NCAA title. “She is one of the most decorated track and field student-athletes in the state of New Jersey,” said Colitz.

While some of those original student-athletes spoke about being grateful for simply having an opportunity to compete, women from the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s addressed their efforts toward equitable treatment. After Saturday’s basketball game, current-student athletes led groups of alumnae on tours around the campus and the athletic department.

“They could see the parts of the building that have been renovated, locker room spaces, the refueling spaces, and all of the things we have for our current-student-athletes,” said Colitz. “Our current studentathletes learned so much from the alums.”

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023 • 47

Columbia track and field kicks off indoor season

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews Columbia University track and field started their indoor season at the Rutgers Holiday Classic at the Armory. Sophomore middle distance runners Lucy Henkel and Rory Clare won their respective events—the mile and 3,000 meters. The women’s distance medley relay team also placed first.

“We have one new coach on staff [who] started this fall—David Pickett (sprints and relays), and coach David Lado (jumps and sprints) became full-time this summer,” said Daniel Ireland, director of track and field. “Our sprinters and hurdlers are super-excited. We’re trying to build on what we did last year.”

Since many of the athletes had not competed since May, they were excited to get back into competition. “December is a little low key,” said Ireland. Some Columbia track athletes were in action at two other meets over the weekend. Mid-terms don’t start until mid-December, so the timing out worked well.

“I am looking to enjoy[ing] my last year with my teammates, but also throw[ing] really far. I’m hoping to make a lasting impression by breaking the school record,” said senior thrower Lailah Malone, who finished fourth in the weight throw at

the Rutgers Holiday Classic. Malone, who is premed, also throws the discus, shot put, and hammer.

“There have definitely been some difficult times managing everything, but I’ve been throwing since I’m 10 years old,” Malone said. “Track and field is my relief time.

When everything else is stressing me out, being with my teammates and throwing, I feel a lot better. Being a student-athlete is very demanding, but it’s also rewarding because I love what I do.”

Senior sprinter Kimmi Woods, who ran the 300 meters at the Armory, said she’s excited to work with Pickett. “Last year, I didn’t meet my expectations of what I thought I could do and wanted to do, so I’m trying to work off how I ended my season well and run the times I want to run my senior year,” said Woods, who is an operations research major (engineering).

Woods knows her college experience has been atypical, because the Ivy League schools did not compete during the 2020– 21 academic year. Starting serious training and competition as a sophomore brought extra pressure. Due to the challenges, some people quit the team. Woods is grateful she persevered.

“I love the sport and I want to do another year,” said Woods, who is exploring graduate school options.

Columbia University thrower Lailah Malone (Columbia Athletics photo)

Brooklyn College basketball continues to flourish under new leadership

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews The Brooklyn College Bulldogs capably handled their CUNY Athletic Conference opener vs John Jay College, prevailing 74–60 last Friday. No surprise for the team that has long been a dominant force in the conference. The big change is that for the first time in two decades, the team has a new head coach. After more than 20 years, Alex Lang, the winningest women’s basketball coach in CUNYAC history, has stepped down, and Megan Campbell, an assistant coach with the Bulldogs for the past two years, has become head coach.

“It was definitely a tough matchup. John Jay is always a great program,” said Campbell. “It was a game that we were looking forward to, a rematch of the championship game (Brooklyn won 64–58 for the 2023 CUNYAC title). It’s a big game to start off conference play, and I think we really rose to the occasion.

“Obviously, it’s a lot of pressure taking over something that Alex has built over the last 20-plus years,” she added. “I played within the system (Campbell is an alumna of Brooklyn College and the Bulldogs), so…it’s an easier transition as opposed to coming in from the outside.”

Some of the top Brooklyn players thus far

Brooklyn College junior guard Suliat Afolabi (Brooklyn College Athletics photo)

this season are junior point guard Alina Estrella, senior forward Sarah James, senior guard Ericka James and junior guard Suliat Afolabi, who came in this year as a transfer student. Estrella is currently the team’s leading scorer and Sarah James is the leading rebounder.

As with most coaches in the CUNYAC, Campbell has another full-time position.

She is a physical education teacher for the

NYC Department of Education.

“It’s definitely challenging at times, especially being in your first year [as a head coach], you’re trying to get your feet under you. But my assistant coaches have done a really good job of stepping up, such as getting the game film uploaded,” Campbell said. “So, they take a lot of the pressure off of me. It’s definitely long days and long

nights, making sure that we’re prepared.

You have to put the work in.”

The team has several non-conference games to close out 2023, including a road trip to Rochester, New York, for the Nazareth Tournament on December 29 and 30.

CUNYAC action gets into full swing in the new year when Brooklyn College takes on Baruch College on January 3.

48 • December 7, 2023 - December 13, 2023

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Sports Defense abandons the Knicks in NBA tournament elimination

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

at Madison Square Bucks first-year head coach Adrian Griffin Garden on Monday was encouraged by his team’s showing. before beginning a six“Tonight was a huge step. We wanted to get The Knicks entered their NBA In-Season day, four-game West- to Vegas but when we get to Vegas we’ve got to Tournament quarterfinal game on Tuesern Conference road take care of business. We’ve got two games to day night against the Milwaukee Bucks trip next Wednesday. win there,” he emphasized. “I thought tonight on the road ranked third in the league in They’ll return to play in our team was the better team. Our bench was overall defensive rating and first in oppoNew York on December terrific and I thought the crowd was terrific. It nents points allowed at 106.

20 but will be in Brook- had all the makings of a playoff game.”

Uncharacteristically, it was a lack of delyn to meet the Nets.

Lillard viewed the onslaught as his team’s fense that was at the root of their elimina“It’s hard to win on the top performance. tion from the event. The Knicks gave up the road against a team like “I thought this was probably our best ofmost points in a game they have played all that,” said Knicks head fensive game,” he said. “That doesn’t mean season, losing 122–146 and being eliminatcoach Tom Thibodeau we’re going to turn into a team that does ed from the inaugural showcase. of the Bucks. that every night, but I do think we have that It was an outlier that the Knicks defense “We were slow react- type of explosiveness. We can’t depend on put up little resistance in seeing the Bucks ing tonight. We didn’t having these types of nights every time, but shoot 60.4% (55–91) in total and 60.5% on play well tonight. Now it’s definitely a look at the kind of nights we 3-point attempts (23–38). Two-time league the challengeAM is News go can have offensively.”

AM News AM News MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo spearheaded home, don’t change Knicks forward Julius Randle, who the charge 06/01/23 with 35 points (15–22), 10 assists how you look 11/2/23 at each scored a season high 41 points on Tues08/17/23 and 8 rebounds. Damian Lillard added 28 other semifinals match up. The 12–8 Knicks, game. Every game reveals things to you.” day, was named the Eastern Conference points and 7 assists for the 15–6 Bucks (No. No. 5 in the East, will resume their schedule Brunson assessed the Knicks’ performance Player of the Week on Monday.

2 in the Eastern Conference), which will now tomorrow in Boston versus the conference’s succinctly.

Randle averaged 24.7 points on 54.9 perface the 11–8 Indiana Pacers (No. 6) in Las current No. 1 seed Celtics (15-5), which lost “Defensively, we didn’t really do anything cent shooting with 13.3 rebounds and 7.3 asVegas this afternoon in the semifinals. to the Pacers 122–112 in the East’s other all game. That’s the story. That’s it,” he said. sists in 36 minutes per game, in three games News AM News AM Newsduring the league’s schedule from November The Los AM Angeles Lakers (13–9) will meet tournament semifinal game.

“They hit a lot of shots. They got comfortable. the New Orleans Pelicans (12–10) in the The Knicks will host the Toronto Raptors It’s on us to make them uncomfortable.”

27 through December 3.

Knicks forward (r) Julius Randle was named the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the period of November 27 through December 3. (Bill Moore photo)

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Nets trend upward during successful five-game homestand

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

AM News

After losing three straight games and fall06/15/23 ing to 6–8 two weeks ago, the Nets won four of five on their recent homestand at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn spanning from November 25 to last Saturday, raising their record to 10–9 heading into last night’s (Wednesday) AM Newscontest against the Atlanta Hawks on the road.

The Nets06/22/23 opened by defeating the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Toronto Raptors before dropping a tough 129–128 matchup with the Charlotte Hornets in the fourth game. Two days later, they bounced back and beat the Orlando Magic 129–101 on SaturNews day, led byAM forward Mikal Bridges, who had 42 points, 34 scored in the first half.

06/29/23 “I was ready—I was ready to play,” Bridges said of his fast start. “Just didn’t like that loss against Charlotte…We won three straight and just want to keep that win streak going.

You know, you can't, we definitely can't lose games like AM that…We can’t just give away wins News like that. It’s not like we’re a top team in the East, so you can’t just give away wins and 07/06/23 that’s how it felt. We need every win possible and we just let that game go. Just relaxed a little too much.”

“And most nights, had been sidelined for six games with a man, you can, not lower back injury.

AM News “You just see it—you feel (Smith Jr.) and pencil, but pen him in that he’s going to be you feel his presence,” said Vaughn, “wheth11/23/23 available, that he’s going er that is him picking up full court, whether to give what he has. I that is him getting his own offensive reknew mentally that he bound and putting it back up as the smallest was ready to get off to a dude out there, whether that is him cheering good start. I just hoped for his teammates.” the ball went in for him.”

AM News Nets forward Ben Simmons recently reNets guard Cam ceived an epidural injection as part of his Thomas, who was out recovery from a lower back injury and is 11/23/23 22 days and nine con- scheduled to be reevaluated on or around secutive games with December 16. He hasn’t played since Noan ankle sprain suf- vember 6 and has appeared in only six fered on November 8 games this season. in a 100–93 win versus Brooklyn will host the Washington WizAM Newsards tomorrow before heading on a fivethe Los Angeles Clippers, returned last game road trip that begins against the 11/30/23 Thursday.

Thomas, Sacramento Kings on Monday, followed by who was averaging the Phoenix Suns next Wednesday.

26.1 points per game in 10 games played before last night, picked up right where he left off, scoring 26 points in the loss to Charlotte and 20 points in the win againstAM OrlanNews do on Saturday night.

Nets point guard Dennis Smith Jr. 12/07/23 also was back active on Saturday, leading Brooklyn with 11 rebounds, while adding 10 points and six assists. Smith

After missing six straight games with a lower back injury, guard AM News (l) Dennis Smith Jr. returned to Nets’ lineup on Saturday (Bill Moore photo)

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Bridges averaged 28.3 points over his previous six games before facing the Hawks.

“He was as frustrated and disappointed as I was after the Charlotte game,” said Brooklyn Nets head coach AM Jacque News Vaughn regarding Bridges. “I’ve always talked about what are the things that make him 09/21/23 special is his will to win. And at the end of the day, it takes a lot to get yourself ready to play and do the things necessary to win.

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