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Vol. 112 No. 41 | October 14, 2021 - October 20, 2021
THE NEW BLACK VIEW
RIKERS RUMBLE
©2021 The Amsterdam News | $1.00 New York City
Inhuman conditions persist at Rikers By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews Last month our reporter Ariama C. Long did a fantastic job outlining the inhuman conditions at Rikers Island and a need to close it down. Among a cadre of informants she cited was the cogent comments from Brandon J. Holmes, co-founder of the Freedom Agenda. He told Ms. Long that back in August when he was doing voter registration for the incarcerated he saw whole rooms with at least 60 open cots “where people were sleeping communally, no masks, no circulating air, sticky floors, and a bad stench.” In effect, as protesters take to the streets to close that“hell hole,” the cry of “Rikers equals death” has gained resonance, particularly after Freedom Agenda member Crystal Clarke voiced her demands at City Hall Park earlier this month. “I am here to let the elected officials know
(Millena Cecilia photo)
Jab juggle: Fight against vaccine mandates continues By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff
on Oct. 26 to discuss newly available data for the currently available COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccinating children could be a hard sell for parents, according to a survey by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The survey revealed that less than half of the more than 1,700 parents who participated reported that they are likely to have their children receive a COVID19 vaccine. Results showed only 28% of parents were very likely and 18% were somewhat likely to have their child receive the vaccine. One-third were very unlikely, 9% were somewhat unlikely and See VACCINE on page 6
See RIKERS on page 6
Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration on Randall’s Island resumes
(Ariama C. Long photo)
The COVID-19 vaccine mandate fight rages on as Pfizer/BioNTech submit data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of their COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 to 11. Young children are just steps closer to being approved to get the COVID-19 vaccine after Pfizer/BioNTech submitted an emergency request for the pediatric vaccine from the FDA. Reports indicate the vaccine for children is a different dose from the one adults get. The anticipated approval already has federal officials telling governors to
be prepared to administer the vaccine in the states as early as next month. “We know from our vast experience with other pediatric vaccines that children are not small adults, and we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of clinical trial data submitted in support of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine used in a younger pediatric population, which may need a different dosage or formulation from that used in an older pediatric population or adults.” said Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock. The FDA is meeting this Thursday and Friday and again
that our loved ones are on Rikers Island, and they do not deserve to feel as though they are cast away and out of sight and mind. “They are being pushed to their limits mentally and physically every day,” she continued. “If our mayor, governor, judges, and DAs do not decarcerate they will contribute to the demise of hundreds of people.” Clarke herself is the partner of a person incarcerated on Rikers Island. At least another elected official has heard her plea. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, not related to Crystal, recently issued a statement in support of the initiatives to close the facility, linking her concerns with those already on board such as Mayorelect Eric Adams, and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. “For far too long, we have heard the harrowing, sickening stories of the cruelty and inhumanity allowed to fester within the walls of Rikers Island. These abuses are appalling, and they must be
See STORY on pages 8
Time to End Giuliani-era Policy Hamstringing Black Homeownership Urban Agenda by David R. Jones, President and CEO of the Community Service Society of New York - See page 5
