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Vol. 113 No. 24 | June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022

THE NEW BLACK VIEW

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BUDGET BRAWL NEW YORKERS WANT FAIR SHARE (See story on page 3)

AMNEWS ENDORSEMENT Interviews will be held on June 17 and 20, via Zoom.

Candidates who have filed petitions with the New York City Board of Elections to participate in the June 28, 2022 Primary Elections and who wish to obtain the endorsement of the New York Amsterdam News, please email endorsements@amsterdamnews.com to secure your interview.

Special juneteenth insert

(See stories starting on page 25)

Q&A with Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado on the campaign trail (See story on page 6)

(Nayaba Arinde photo)

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado outside of a futuristic and artisanal coffee shop, Voyager Espresso (Photo by Ariama C. Long)

2 • June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022

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INDEX Arts & Entertainment ���������������� Page 21 » Astro/Numerology �������������������Page 34 » Food ������������������������������������������� Page 35 » Jazz ������������������������������������������� Page 36 Caribbean Update ���������������������� Page 14 Career/Business ������������������������ Page 46 Classified ������������������������������������� Page 47 Editorial/Opinion ��������������������Pages 12,13 Education ������������������������������������Page 40 Go with the Flo ����������������������������Page 8 Health �������������������������������������������� Page 16 In the Classroom ����������������������� Page 38 Nightlife ������������������������������������������Page 9 Religion & Spirituality �������������������Page 18 Sports ������������������������������������������� Page 56 Union Matters ������������������������������� Page 10 MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS INFORMATION U.S. Territories & Canada weekly subscriptions: 1 year $49.99 2 Years $79.99 6 months $30.00 Foreign subscriptions: 1 year $59.99 2 Years $89.99 6 Months $40.00

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Francia Márquez gets to second round to become Colombia’s vice president

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Special to the AmNews Francia Márquez’s route to being elected the first Black female vice president of Colombia is still on track— even if it has hit a surprising hurdle.

Márquez, a Proceso de Comunidades Negras (PCN, Process of Black Communities) human-rights activist who has won awards for her environmental work, is campaigning alongside Senator Gustavo Petro, the leftist presidential candidate of the Pacto Histórico (Historic Pact) coalition, to govern the nation for the period of 2022 to 2026.

When the first round of elections were held on Sunday, May 29, Petro garnered 40% of the vote and Rodolfo Hernández, the candidate of the LIGA de Gobernantes Anticorrupción (League of Anti-Corruption Governors) party, received 28%. Since the Petro-Márquez ticket did not win an outright majority, a second round of voting will take place between Petro-Márquez and Rodolfo Hernández and his running mate, Marelen Castillo, on June 19.

Again, if the Petro-Márquez ticket wins, Francia Márquez would become Colombia’s first Black, female vice president—and the first vice president with progressive lean-

ings. Colombia has never, in its history, been governed by a leftist oriented administration. And Petro is a former left-wing guerrilla fighter from the now-defunct M-19 movement—a group that disarmed and became a left-wing political party. The Petro-Márquez ticket is promising to confront the nation’s stark wealth inequality by “democratizing the economy” via tax reforms and with the institution of more anti-poverty programs. They also want to put a halt on new oil and gas exploration in the country while promoting Colombia as a tourist destination.

This is Gustavo Petro’s third run for the presidency, and he appears to have garnered tantalizing support with the addition of Francia Márquez to his ticket. Márquez has brought the philosophy of her people-led Soy Porque Somos (I Am Because We Are) movement to the Pacto Histórico.

“It took 30 years for a person of the stature of Francia Márquez to burst onto the public stage and represent the new political perspectives that have emerged with the development of the 1991 Constitution,” noted Dr. Claudia Mosquera RoseroLabbé, head of the University of CoFrancia Márquez is the balm Co- lombia’s IDCARÁN, a research group lombia needs on racial equality, cultural differences, Francia Márquez voting on May 29 (Photo by Darwin Torres)

International AFRICAN UNION HEAD FINDS COMMON GROUND WITH PUTIN REGARDING SANCTIONS (GIN)—African Union chair Macky Sall, after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressed his western and European “partners” with a plea to remove their sanctions hurting African economies.

Senegalese president Sall underscored the pain resulting from the barrage of international sanctions on Russia which have disrupted supplies of fertilizer, wheat and other commodities, pushing up prices for food and fuel.

“We no longer have access to grain from Russia and especially fertilizer” that is crucial for Africa’s “already deficient agriculture,” Sall said at the meeting of the leaders at Putin’s Black Sea residence in Sochi on the 100th day of Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine.

Sall was joined by AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat at the confab.

African countries are “victims” of the Ukraine conflict, Sall was quoted to say by the French news agency, adding that food supplies should be “outside” of Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over Ukraine.

Neither the U.S. nor the EU has sanctioned Russian fertilizers or wheat, but the African Union is concerned that sanctions on Russia’s financial system will make it harder for countries to buy them.

Putin blames the West for the global food and energy crises and repeated his government’s offers of safe passage for ships exporting grain from Ukraine, one of the world’s leading exporters of wheat and corn.

“We will facilitate the peaceful passage and guarantee the safety of arrivals to these ports, as well as the entry of foreign ships and

environmental conflicts and racism in the Black Americas, in a recent article. “Francia Márquez is the balm that Colombia needed after the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed the crudeness of socio-territorial inequalities in regards to access to health and in the number of households that became even more vulnerable due to the loss of formal and informal income for families.”

The opposition candidate, real estate tycoon Rodolfo Hernández, also has an Afro Colombian female in the running to be his vice president: Marelen Castillo has had an extensive academic background, and many were surprised that she signed on to run with Hernández.

Castillo is from a middle class background and has taught and had administrative roles at the Universidad Minuto de Dios (UNIMINUTO)—a private, Catholic, non-profit that is part of a group called the “Minute of God Organization.”

Castillo’s campaigning alongside Hernández, who is known to refer to indigenous and Black people in derogatory terms, marks them as the center right choice for Colombia.

Those who want to ensure that Colombia’s political persuasion does not change, are lining up to vote the Hernández-Castillo ticket.

News

their movement through the Azov and Black seas, in any direction,” Putin pledged, in remarks carried on Russian state TV after his meeting with the African heads of state.

African countries are especially hard hit by the food shortages and price increases. They imported 44% of their wheat from Russia and Ukraine between 2018 and 2020, according to U.N. figures, and wheat prices have soared around 45% as a result of the supply disruption, according to the African Development Bank.

“The fact that this crisis brought the cessation of exports from Ukraine, but also from Russia because of sanctions, we have found ourselves in between these two,” Sall told reporters. “It’s of absolute necessity that they [Western partners] help to facilitate the export of Ukrainian grains, but also that Russia is able to export fertilizers, food products, but mainly cereals.”

After initially citing Russian propaganda, Sall’s message is now strikingly similar to Moscow’s line, observes the news site Politico, by driving a wedge in international support for sanctions..

Senegal was one of 17 African nations that abstained from voting on the U.N. resolution condemning Russia’s military action in Ukraine. Sall reportedly told Putin many African countries didn’t condemn Moscow despite what he described as strong pressure to do so.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has warned that 18 million people are facing severe hunger in the Sahel, the part of Africa just below the Sahara Desert where farmers are facing their worst agricultural production in more than a decade. About 13 million more people face severe hunger in the Horn of Africa region as a result of a persistent drought.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

The search for missing college student TiJae Baker continues

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Exactly a month later, she resurfaced in Maryland, at a nail salon.

There, Baker was seen calling her mother from the surveillance footTiJae Baker, a 23-year-old Brook- age. In a terrified whisper, she asked lynite, remains missing after dis- her mom to come get her immediappearing a month-and-a-half ago ately. Toquanna Baker did just that, while traveling to Washington, D.C. but by the time she reached MaryThe soon-to-graduate art student land, her daughter was gone. went to the nation’s capital to meet The NYPD is continuing to investiwith an online “client” who commis- gate Baker’s disappearance with the sioned her to make posters. help of Washington D.C.’s MetropolOn May 1, Baker left East New York itan Police Department. at around 3:30 p.m. from the Linden On Monday, June 1, Toquanna Housing complex, where she stays Baker held a rally to drum up attenwith her mother Toquanna. Wear- tion for her missing child. Joining her ing a black sweater, white top and were city council members Charles gray shorts, she traveled to Washing- Barron and Darlene Mealy. ton, D.C.’s Union Station. According “I just want my daughter to return,” to Baker’s mother, she got off. But she said Toquanna Baker at the rally. never checked in.

Those with information to bring

TiJae home should contact the NYPD’s Crime Stopper’s Hotline at 1-800-577-8477 or 1-888-577-4782 for Spanish-speakers. She’s approximately 5-foot-7, 130 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

Tips can also be submitted via the Crime Stopper’s website https:// crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member and 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 today by visiting: https://tinyurl. com/fcszwj8w

Education cuts to city budget rile advocates, electeds, & parents

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams came to an agreement on a $101 billion dollar city budget for the fiscal year of 2023.

The budget highlights many community investments, however $215 million in cuts to education have deeply aggravated advocates and a handful of city councilmembers.

“With upstream investments to promote public safety, give young people real opportunity, support our human and legal services providers, offer relief for working families, improve our public spaces, boost affordable

housing, combat food insecurity, and so much more,” said Adams after the city council voted to pass the budget on Monday. “This budget promotes an equitable recovery for New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs.”

The budget prioritizes youth programs, expansion of housing access programs, a property tax rebate for small homeowners, restoration of parks and sanitation cuts, and public safety programs. The city budget promised “curbs” to the over $11 billion NYPD budget while delivering on transparency and accountability for jails and other areas of policing.

The NYPD budget is still the largest it’s been, even though it was not expanded and new corrections officers for Rikers

Island were not hired.

Adams also drilled down on adding $8.3 billion to the city’s reserves in what’s been consistently referred to as his ‘austerity budget.’

Inshirah Duwors is a parent of three, a teacher, and a NYC Coalition for Educational Justice Leader.

She taught in person through June in 2020 and then made the abrupt jump to virtual. She said it was truly an “unimaginable” experience for teachers, which got even worse in 2021 with hybrid, full time virtual, and in person classes resuming. Duwors began her advocacy work shortly after against the unfair conditions. She focused on educational equity and culturally See BUDGET on page 51

New report identifies blindspots in victims of violent crime compensation

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Earlier this month, nonprofit Common Justice released a report delineating barriers victims face when applying for compensation from New York State after a violent crime. This research coincides with a New York State Senate bill currently in the works aimed to expand access to the fund by eliminating mandated reporting to law enforcement and alternative methods of submitting evidence to prove a crime

was committed.

According to the report, roughly 70,000 violent crimes were recorded in 2019. But only around 11,000 claims were filed with the Office of Victim Services (OVS) that year and just 6,140 applicants were compensated in the 2018-19 fiscal year. To be clear, not every victim is qualified for disbursement. The fund is a last resort, reserved for out-of-pocket emergency expenses from the crime that aren’t covered by insurance or worker’s compensation, including medical bills, loss of wages and damaged property. But Common

Justice believes eligible victims, especially those from marginalized communities, aren’t applying because of the forced interactions with law enforcement.

“We know survivors have really legitimate reasons to not want to speak to police—survivors of domestic violence may feel that engaging law enforcement will increase the likelihood that they will sustain greater harm in our homes,” said Danielle Sered, executive director of Common Justice. “People who have See COMPENSATION on page 51

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 3

MetroBriefs Metro Briefs City Harvest rescues 50,000 pounds of specialty food at 2022 Summer Fancy Food Show to New Yorkers in need On Tuesday, City Harvest partnered with the Specialty Food Association to rescue excess food items from thousands of exhibits at the 2022 Summer Fancy Food Show.

Returning to the city after a three-year hiatus, the 2022 Summer Fancy Food Show is the largest U.S. show devoted exclusively to specialty foods and beverages. Specialty food items this year include D’Artagnan Mangalica ham carving and burger patties featuringWagyu beef, grass-fed regenerative beef, and bison.

After the event, more than 200 City Harvest volunteers are expected to collect 50,000 pounds of gourmet perishable and non-perishable food items—including artisan cheeses and organic snacks—to help feed the 1.5 million New Yorkers facing food insecurity, a 36% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The rescued food will be delivered, free of charge, to food pantries and soup kitchens across the five boroughs.

State library’s research center named in honor of Regent Joseph E. Bowman Jr. The New York State Library’s Research Library is dedicated in memory of former Regent Joseph E. Bowman Jr. The honor recognizes Regent Bowman’s lifelong work as an educator, advocate, and champion of libraries, and the indelible legacy he left through his efforts to advance equity in educational technology. Bowman’s family joined Board of Regents members and NewYork State Education staff on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center in Albany to unveil the newly updated entrance wall, renaming the library as the “Regent Joseph E. Bowman Jr. Research Library.”

During his tenure on the Board from 2001 to 2010, Bowman contributed to the creation of an Office of Instructional Technology, and a State Educational Technology Plan which included digital literacy standards. He was instrumental in creating the African American Studies Department at the University at Albany during his undergraduate tenure, where he earned a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s in Library Science and Secondary Education. Dr. Bowman continued his education at Teachers College, Columbia University where he pursued other master’s degrees in educational technology as well as a doctorate in Communications and Technology in Education. He returned to his alma mater, UAlbany, as an associate professor, where he continued to work for equity in education.

Adams, Hochul appoint ‘new’ New York panelists New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul today appointed 54 leaders from across New York City’s business, labor, academic, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors to join the “New” New York blue-ribbon panel, which will examine the future of New York City and the region’s economy. Announced in May and co-chaired by Robin Hood CEO Richard Buery and former Sidewalk Labs CEO Daniel Doctoroff, the 56-member panel will develop actionable strategies for the recovery and resilience of the city’s commercial districts, challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and longstanding and systemic challenges facing New York City and the region.

The panel will examine issues such as how and where people work and the use of space in key commercial centers, with the goal of minimizing vacancy, catalyzing vibrancy, and bolstering the tax base. The recommendations will support an inclusive economic recovery for New York City and the region with increased opportunities for New Yorkers to thrive in family-sustaining jobs. The panel will recommend specific, immediate initiatives that will serve as the basis of a shared city-state agenda, as well as long-term, transformative ideas for the city and state to consider.

Bronx DA internship program offers hands-on experience to 52 students Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that 52 students have joined the Bronx District Attorney’s Office this summer as interns.

This summer’s group of interns are 30 students from 19 law schools and 22 students from colleges throughout the nation. Fifteen of the undergraduate students are from the Bronx.

Under a Student Practice Order, law school interns can perform some functions of an attorney in a courtroom. Interns have been assigned to bureaus throughout the Office, including Homicide, Domestic Violence, Trial Bureaus and the Investigations Division.

—Compiled by Cyril Josh Barker

4 • June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Gun reform proposal strengthened with McConnell’s support

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews A bipartisan deal in response to mass shootings, particularly the one in Uvalde, Texas, was given a considerable boost on Tuesday when Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he supports the framework agreement. There was concern that even with 10 Republican senators on board to negate the filibuster, one of them could balk and kill the proposal.

“For myself, I’m comfortable with the framework and if the legislation ends up reflecting what the framework indicates, I’ll be supportive,” McConnell said during a press conference.

There is still work to be done on the completion of legislative text, but with McConnell’s announcement the deal has gained a significant headwind. President Biden has said the agreement was a step in the right direction, but expressed that it fell short of what he envisioned, especial-

ly on the reinstatement of the federal ban on assault weapons like the AK-47 and AR-15 that have been the semi-automatic weapons of choice as well as raising the minimum purchasing age from 18 to 21, issues that were unlikely to meet with Republican approval.

Once the negotiations end and a final draft is produced, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he will bring the bill to the floor.

“Make no mistake about it, we have a lot of work left to do before we actually pass a bill, but yesterday’s announcement was a positive and necessary step in the right direction. Now comes the important work of turning this framework into legislation and legislative language that can pass Congress and be signed by the president,” Schumer said on the floor Monday.

As it stands, the agreement provides incentives for states to pass “red flag” laws, which would allow the courts to

take guns away from potentially dangerous persons, improve mental health resources, increase funding for school safety resources, and push for stronger measures on licensed gun dealers. Republicans also rejected mandatory safe storage requirements for guns, universal background checks and the ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines.

The National Rifle Association said it will not state its position at the moment and will wait until the legislation is finished. “We will make our position known when the full text of the bill is available for review,” the NRA said in a statement.

Opposition may come from Republicans and conservatives around the closing of the so-called boyfriend loophole, where a federal law currently bars current or former spouses from possessing a weapon if convicted of domestic violence.

A provision to close that loophole failed earlier this year because of Republican rejection.

Mayor Eric Adams appears on TV following bad week of gun violence

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member As New Yorkers woke up Monday morning to the news that at least eight people were shot overnight throughout the city, Mayor Eric Adams and Gun Violence Prevention Task Force co-chair A.T. Mitchell went on FOX5’s “Good Day New York” to talk about gun control.

“No one wants to see someone shooting in the air, shootouts on our streets,” said Adams on the morning TV program.

“So, that is part of what we are up against and that’s why the Crisis Management Team, partnering with our agencies, our deputy mayors, and having a holistic approach to fighting violence, is why we are moving in this direction.”

Throughout the interview, Adams and Mitchell echoed the importance of gun violence prevention, targeting gaps in foster care, housing and education as contributors to shootings around the city. Additionally, the mayor mentioned stricter en-

forcement, calling out judges to “use the power when they have it to hand down sentences.”

Adams was optimistic, mentioning that the number of shootings and murders are actually down in the city. Homicides are 11.5% lower this year, according to the NYPD. Still, those stats serve as little comfort to those who were shot this past week. On Thursday afternoon, 27-year-old Avanti Frowner was shot inside a Bronx pharmacy and later died at St. Barnabas Hospital in Belmont, according to police. The killing is believed to be an attempted robbery.

The Los Angeles-native was a father and up-and-coming musician performing under the name MoneyGangVontae. His son just graduated kindergarten last month. Police are looking for five individuals involved with the shooting.

On Friday night, 25-yearold Isaiah Bowman was shot and killed in East New York. He is survived by his 4-year-old daughter and his killing marks the 14th murder in the 69th precinct in 2022, already surpass-

ing last year’s total. On Saturday, 21-year-old Delijah Farmer was shot and killed at a playground in Walter Gladwin Park, just down the block from where the Bronx man lived.

The weekend ended with the aforementioned series of overnight shootings. None were fatal, with all victims currently in stable condition. In Long Island City, a 25-year-old man was shot in the neck while trying to sell his Playstation 5. Also in Queens, a 23-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman were shot in Richmond Hill. In the Bronx, a 24-year old man was shot in Southview. Three others were shot at Starlight Park in Crotona Park East. In Manhattan, a 27-year-old man was shot in the foot in East Harlem.

Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member and 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 taxdeductible gift today by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w

NewJerseyNews Newark native Shaquille O’Neal helps open new mixed use residential tower

By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Gov. Phil Murphy, and partners Shaquille O’Neal and Boraie Development held the topping-off ceremony for 777 McCarter this week in Newark.

The ceremony took place on Edison Place between McCarter Highway and Mulberry Street in Newark. Built under Newark’s Inclusionary Zoning, with 20% of the 370 apartments affordable, this is the largest 80/20 mixed income project in New Jersey. Informally called “Shaq Tower 2,” a penthouse apartment in 777 McCarter will become the home of the NBA Hall of Famer.

“Today, when we have billions in development going on, it may be easy to forget that not so long ago, Newark was a city where developers feared to come and invest, where the entire city had a heavy red line around it,” said Baraka. “This is a time to honor those who had the vision to invest in Newark when others did not.

“Today is a day to salute Boraie Development, Shaquille O’Neal, Goldman Sachs, Prudential, and our new finance partners to the City of Newark, Citibank and Bridge Development Group for their continued investment in our city.” They built CityPlex 12, a complex of 12 new movie theaters that opened in 2012. They were pioneers in creating Mulberry Commons.

They gave Newark 50 Rector, downtown’s first high-rise in more than 50 years.

Now, they are creating 777 McCarter and

they, along with their current finance partners, are about to begin on 930 McCarter, a residential tower that will transform a long-neglected section of the Passaic River waterfront. And there’s more. They are about to partner in the revitalization of the Dayton neighborhood, with new mixed income housing on the site of the deteriorated Seth Boyden public housing with Goldman Sachs and NJEDA. “Newark has proven to be a City of Opportunity within our State of Opportunity, and with the many upcoming developments in this area, I am proud that the top priority remains for there to be quality affordable housing for the residents who call this city their home,” said Murphy. “I applaud Mayor Baraka, Boraie Development, and the many community leaders who have made affordable housing available to the families of Newark.”

777 McCarter is expected to create approximately 500 construction jobs and 50 permanent jobs. Many of the construction workers are participants in Project IMPACT, a training program for Newark residents that enables them to obtain positions in local labor unions. 777 McCarter will have a range of amenities including a roof deck lounge, fifth-story gym and outdoor pool, 24/7 concierge, and 12,000 square feet of retail space for fine restaurants. The project received New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency tax credits awarded in 2018 and a 30-year tax abatement awarded in 2020 from the City of Newark.

Newark non-profit outlines 5 ways to celebrate Juneteenth by supporting Black businesses

By CYRIL JOSH BARKER Amsterdam News Staff Newark non-profit the Institute For Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL) is promoting ‘Juneteenth’ as a day of action in support of the over 3.12 million Black-owned business enterprises in the U.S. Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, originating in Galveston, Texas in 1865.

Launched in May 2020, IFEL’s “Small Businesses Need Us” initiative is a turnkey volunteer program where professionals provide hands-on, high-touch implementation support to help small businesses overcome barriers and to solve their most pressing issues.

“Juneteenth is a missed opportunity

if it just becomes another day off,” says IFEL CEO and co-founder, Jill Johnson. “Companies and individuals who truly value DEI, should use this as an opportunity to commit to action that leads to economic freedom and inclusion for people who have been historically excluded. More individual action by more individual people leads to systematic change.”

IFEL recommends five ways that individuals can take action on Juneteenth: purchase goods and services from Black-owned companies, volunteer to use your professional skills to assist a Black-owned business, connect with five new Black individuals on LinkedIn who are in your industry/profession, attend a Juneteenth cultural celebration or get educated about the racial wealth gap and expand your knowledge of Black history.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 5

CONNECT NYC director Quentin Walcott curbs violence by thinking ahead

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

Quentin Walcott’s friends call him “Q,” but the community knows him best as the executive director of CONNECT NYC, an antiviolence program that preemptively works with male New Yorkers. For the past two decades, he’s looked into the future when it comes to stopping gender-based abuse.

Walcott’s activism began as a student at York College/CUNY. As a youngster, he advocated for the release of political prisoners, protested police brutality and championed Black studies. His work formed his worldview to consider the intersection of race, class and gender whenever he approached an issue. So when Walcott sought to address domestic violence, he grappled with what role men like him should play.

“We make this about men in what they’re experiencing, because they’re not just waking up and being harmful in their relationships,” said Walcott. “They’re being harmed by systems, by racism, by what it means to be a man—being the breadwinner, making all major decisions and all of the other things attributed to being a man and a husband. All those [ideals] are difficult to live up to, right?”

Most anti-violence programs are intervention-based. They protect victims from their abusers, offering them spaces to stay and resources to remain safe. Walcott knows these services are critical in New York City. But he

believes CONNECT can stop abusers long before they become abusers. With domestic and interpartner violence, Walcott cites that over 85% of abusers are men.

“Wherever there is violence, we scratch the surface deep enough, there’ll be a man standing,” he said. “So we have to be really honest about that. What can we do? And what resources can we give men to interrupt this?”

But he also knows that men can be victims.

And some are neither. So he just meets them where they are. Many times, that starts at CONNECT’s roundtable conversations.

“We talk about male privilege, entitlement, expectations, and we also talk about the harm that men do [to] women and girls,” said Walcott. “But we’re also talking about accountability and what that looks like, and how can we hold each other accountable.”

Accountability isn’t always punitive according to Walcott. To him, throwing people in jail doesn’t fix the root causes. Instead, CONNECT focuses on changing attitudes and belief systems towards masculinity, encouraging vulnerability over violence. From there, men can hold other men responsible as peer mediators. Transforming a culture of violence to a culture of peace, as he calls it.

In 2010, Walcott co-founded the Father’s Day Pledge Against Violence with former councilwoman Julissa Ferreras. Initially, men would swear to never participate in domestic abuse but it’s since expanded to all forms of violence, including bullying and workplace harassment. There are 11 tenets in the pledge

ranging from confronting sexist language to mentoring young men.

Today, the pledge is found in over 50 cities and three different countries. New Yorkers can participate this upcoming Thursday at the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall. The pledge takes place at noon.

As for Walcott, he’s compiled a resume milelong with distinctions since his days as a student activist. He’s the first man to win the National Organization for Women - New York City’s Susan B. Anthony Award in 2012, received the United Nations Trust Fund Award in 2013 and spoke at the White House for the United State of Women Summit in 2016. In 2018, he served on the city’s Domestic Violence Task Force Steering Committee. And his work isn’t provincial to New York City. Walcott trekked the globe, speaking at anti-violence forums in countries such as Brazil, India and South Africa. The past 22 years have been quite meaningful.

“Providing spaces for men to engage has been a powerful thing that we’ve done,” said Walcott. “And it’s all again strategy to keep women and children safe and other men safe—but also for men to transform.”

Father’s Day Pledge Against Violence will start at 12 p.m. EST on Thursday, June 16, at 209 Joralemon St., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201-3709. There will be an online pledge on Saturday, June 18, on Zoom.

Those interested can sign up on FathersDayPledge.com. Contact fathersdaypledge@gmail.com for more information.

Early detection is your best protection.

Are you overdue for a cancer screening?

General Screening Recommendations Breast Cancer: Ages 40-74 Cervical Cancer: Ages 21-65 Colon Cancer: Ages 45-85 Lung Cancer: Ages 50-80 If you smoke or smoked

Get back to your routine cancer screenings. Talk to your provider about your health and family history to see when to screen.

Visit nyc.gov/health and search “Cancer Prevention” to learn more.

Quentin “Q” Walcott (Contributed photo)

Black

New Yorker

Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member and 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 today by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w

6 • June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Q&A with Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado on the campaign trail

By Ariama C. Long Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, 45, is blazing a campaign trail across downstate in an effort to connect with more New York City voters and ensure his re-election with Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The Amsterdam News caught up with Delgado in between campaign stops at a futuristic and artisanal coffee shop, Voyager Espresso, that’s located underground near a train station in Lower Manhattan. The shop is run by a local Dominican American couple. The coffee shop’s design was inspired by the 1977 spacecraft, said William Mejia, one of the owners.

Walking down the somewhat hidden stairs, away from the bustling tourists on Williams and John Street, and peering through giant glass doors to greet Delgado definitely felt like a top secret mission that was a little out of this world.

Delgado has spent a very brief time as the state’s first Afro Latino lieutenant governor since his swearing in at the tail end of May. He said he draws on his ex-

parents worked for General Electric, back when GE had a real strong presence for a lot of families. We moved probably six or seven different times to safer neighborhoods. As my parents put more and more money away, [we] ended up moving into our first brand new home my freshman year of high school. So I literally watched my parents work us up into the middle class.

Church was [also] a big factor in my life. I went to Macedonia Baptist Church in Albany. [I] was baptized there. That was very much a part of my upbringing because it wasn’t just church on Sundays, it was Sunday school, choir practice, summer vacation, Bible school. There was a lot of church growing up and education. Big time.

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado outside of a futuristic and artisanal coffee shop, Voyager Espresso (Photo by Ariama C. Long)

periences as an upstate congress member for the 18th District, an athlete, church-goer, and Rhodes scholar to target a diverse array of voters as the countdown to the June primaries begins. Here’s

what he had to say in the short AmNews: Tell me a little bit time allotted about his role as Lt. about the city of Schenectady.

Gov., his campaign, and about That’s where you’re from, right? himself. (Questions and answers have been shortened or edited for Delgado: Yes. Born and raised space and clarity.) in a working class family. My

2022

NY JUNE PRIMARY

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Election Day: June 28

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ON THE BALLOT:

• Governor • Lieutenant Governor • State Assembly • Judges • Party Positions

AmNews: Do you ever worry about who’s going to fill your seat if you get reelected?

Delgado: I know [Ulster County Executive] Pat Ryan has decided to run in the special election. I think he’s a very strong candidate for Congress.

See DELGADO on page 44

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

A neighborhood is only as healthy as its neighbors.

Art by SOPHIA YESHI

Regular checkups can help communities thrive. That’s why we go beyond coverage to connect you to local doctors, free nutrition and fitness classes, and in-person support at our Neighborhood Care centers. Get connected at emblemhealth.com/annualcheckup.

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 7

8 • June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS G O W I T H T H

Go With The Flo

third Black person. Whoopi Goldberg first earned the distinction in 2002, followed by John ANTHONY Legend in 2018. Hudson is also the first American Idol contestant to become an EGOT. Her new talk Newark, New Jersey marked an- show debuts in the fall. other big milestone June 13 from a celebrity-turned-housing develAspire TV recently premiered a oper when Shaquille O’Neal re- new music series “London Love” turned to his hometown to give the to celebrate Black Music Month. residents an update about “Shaq The weekly television program Tower 2,” reports patch.com. Shaq will feature live, previously rewas among those present, who in- corded performances and exclucluded Newark Mayor Ras Baraka sive interviews from some of the and NJ Gov. Phil Murphy at a top- hottest artists in music includping-off ceremony for 777 McCart- ing Usher, Cee Lo Green, Sean er, which officials say is the “largest “Diddy” Combs, Jason DeRulo and 80/20 mixed income project in New A$AP Rocky. The series will air SatJersey.” It will also house a pent- urdays and Sundays throughout house apartment that will become the month of June exclusively on the new home of the NBA Hall Aspire TV. of Famer, who is partnering with Boraie Development on the projFormer “Empire” star Jussie Smolect. “When I first met Mayor Ras lett’s directorial debut, “B-Boy Baraka, we talked about restoring Blues,” the film adaptation of James my favorite city to its past glory,” Earl Hardy’s best-selling novel, held said O’Neal. a private screening film premiere on June 8 at Silverspot Cinema in AtOn June 12, Jennifer Hudson lanta with a room filled with nearly joined the elite group of 17 en- 200 LGBTQ influencers, commutertainers in the history of Holly- nity organizations and cast and wood to become an EGOT. Hudson crew. Following the premiere was picked up her final qualifying a Q&A hosted by Dr. Daniel Black award at the 2022 Tony Awards as with the cast, Smollett, James Earl co-producer of “A Strange Loop” Hardy and Mona Scott-Young. which won Best Musical. JHud “B-Boy Blues” is available now is only the second Black woman on BET+. Celebrities who attendto receive an Emmy, Grammy, ed included Kandi Burruss and Oscar and Tony Award and the Miss Lawrence.

FLO

Lena Waithe, Cynthia Erivo, and Phylicia Rashad at the Tonys (David Goodson photo)

E

F

L O

March for Our Lives protestors take over Brooklyn Bridge

It is time to be rid of the “paralysis of analysis,” and do something to address the ongoing national pandemic of gun crime, demanded New York Attorney General Letitia James at the

(Nayaba Arinde photos)

March for Our Lives rally in Downtown Brooklyn. Calling for the passage of comprehensive gun control laws, hundreds of chanting, poster-waving marchers took to the Brooklyn

Bridge on Saturday, June 11. In the wake of the recent Buffalo and Ulvade, Texas mass shootings, there were hundreds of similar rallies from Washington, D.C. to Florida.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS O U T & A B

O

U

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 9

T

Nightlife

Written by David Goodson

BLACK EXCELLENCE REWARDED

Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington gave a rousing performance (David Goodson photos)

Days like Sunday, June 12, affirm that when it’s poppin’ in NYC, there’s no place that can really touch us. The Puerto Rican Day Parade, the Yankees, the Tribeca Film Festival, J Cole’s headline turn on Day 3 of the Governors’ Ball and Summer Jam were all in contention and worthy for your celebratory attention. I opted for the shot to witness history, so the Tony Awards won out this year.

Ironic that on this night we saw a win for Michael R. Jackson for Best Book of a Musical: “Strange Loop” and Myles Frost for his portrayal of Michael Jackson in “MJ,” getting the nod for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. Other winners of note include: Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Phylicia Rashad, “Skeleton Crew” Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: Joaquina Kalukango, “Paradise Square” Best Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon, “MJ” Best Lighting Design of a Musical: Natasha Katz, “MJ” Best Sound Design of a Musical: Gareth Owen, “MJ” Best Musical: “A Strange Loop” The latter victory was historic in the sense that it solidified Jennifer Hudson as the G.O.A.T of “American Idol” alumni as

she has secured GOTE (Grammy, Oscar, Tony, Emmy) status as she’s one of the show’s co-producers. To add distinction from the 17 others that preceded her in this accomplishment she’s one victory away from BIG (BET Award, Image Award, Golden Globe Award) GOTE. If you’re keeping count here are the plaudits that earned her place in history: BET Awards – Best Actress and Best New Artist Image Awards – Entertainer of The Year Golden Globes – not yet Grammy in 2009 for her selftitled album, in 2017 for best musical theater album for “The Color Purple” Oscar - Best Supporting Actress for “Dreamgirls” Tony - Best Musical: “A Strange Loop” Emmy “Baba Yaga” In an Instagram post Hudson stated, “Wow!!! I am overwhelmed by all the outpouring of love and support that I am Still receiving and I’m still processing this whole new ground.

What an honor! Thank u all for being with me on this journey. I could not live this life without u.

Like I said when I won my Oscar, look what God can do. Well, He did it again!”

The very next night, the Apollo

Theater hosted their annual Spring Benefit where the first African American woman to achieve the GOTE awards, Whoopi Goldberg, handed out the evening’s biggest honor, The Impact Award, to Tyler Perry.

“When you are honored by a legacy and history as rich as the Apollo’s you have to honor that.

So, I hope that we understand how important it is to support these kinds of venues; that we give to these kinds of venues.

There’s so much happening in the world where people are trying to erase our history, it’s so important that we ourselves let our kids and other people know and remember the history.” He continued with “Don’t ever take this place for granted Harlem!” before putting his money where his mouth is and donating an additional 500,000 dollars bringing the already record fundraising total to $3.7 million. Aryeh Bourkoff, founder and CEO of Global investment and merchant banking firm LionTree, was given the Corporate Award for their achievements and artistic contributions. It wouldn’t be the Apollo without a special music moment occurring and that was delivered in spades. With a band as versatile as the Roots holding court, you never know how they’re going to come; this night they literally came with the Instant Funk, setting the evening off with their homage paying rendition of “I Got My Mind Made Up” before transitioning mix tape style to “You’re the One For Me,” “Jungle Boogie” and “Soul Makoosa.”

Kawasi Washington and Anthony Hamilton gave rousing performances, but the crescendo was the great Stephanie Mills’ definitive version of “Home.”

New York we back! This Sunday the JUNETEENTH UNITYFEST Concert takes place at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park. Falling on Father’s Day Sunday, the event will feature performances by some of the world’s leading gospel artists, including Tye Tribbett, Deborah Cox, Israel Houghton and Mali Music. See you there. Until then, enjoy the Night Life.

Whoopi Goldberg, handed out the evening’s biggest honor, The Impact Award, to Tyler Perry

Stephanie Mills singing her signature song,“Home.”

10 • June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Union Matters Union to vote on authorizing Atlantic City casino strike

By WAYNE PARRY Associated Press ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP)—Atlantic City’s main casino workers union will vote Wednesday on whether to authorize a strike against the city’s casinos, with whom they have yet to reach new contract agreements.

Local 54 of the Unite Here union says its members will decide whether union leadership can call a strike against any or all of the nine casinos. Contracts with the casinos expired nearly two weeks ago, and talks have yet to produce a new agreement.

“We’ve been saying for some time now that casino workers need a real raise,” Unite Here Local 54 Union President Bob McDevitt said. “We’re two weeks past our contract expiration, and we’ll continue to try to get there with the companies, but we’re taking a vote this week to put in the hands of the negotiating committee the power Members of Local 54 of the Unite Here casino workers union picket outside the Tropicana casino in Atlantic City to call a strike, if necessary.”

N.J. on June 1, 2022 after contracts expired. On Wednesday June 15 the union's members will vote on whether No target date for a potential to authorize their leaders to call a strike if new contracts are not reached soon. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry) walkout has been set, but an obvious date would be the July 4 holA “yes” vote will not result in an casinos, the power to call a strike if as they negotiate with the union, iday weekend, which is crucial to immediate strike. It simply gives and when they see fit. which says it is seeking “signifithe casinos’ business plans as one the union’s negotiating committee, But it would be likely to in- cant” wage increases in the next of the busiest times of the year. comprised of workers from all nine crease pressure on the casinos contract to help workers deal

with financial setbacks caused by the coronavirus pandemic and rapidly rising prices.

The labor dispute comes at an uncertain time in Atlantic City: the casinos and their online partners are collectively making more money now than before the pandemic hit.

But the casinos say those statistics are misleading because they get to keep only about 30% of online and sports betting money, with the rest going to their thirdparty partners. They say that in-person revenue won from gamblers is the crucial metric, and not all the casinos have surpassed their pre-pandemic levels.

The union went on strike in 2004 for 34 days, and walked out against the former Trump Taj Mahal casino in July 2016, which ended with the casino shutting down in October of that year. It has since reopened under different ownership as the Hard Rock.

So far, the union has secured agreements with the Ocean Casino Resort and Bally’s to honor the terms of contracts eventually reached with some of the larger casino companies in town, but no contracts have yet been agreed upon.

Workers vote to become first unionized Starbucks in Alabama Associated Press Starbucks has until later this week to file any objections with the National Labor Relations Board after workers at a shop in Birmingham became the first of the company’s locations in Alabama to vote to organize.

Baristas and other employees at a downtown store voted 27-1 to organize in a tally announced Thursday, news outlets reported. Documents show they would be represented

by Workers United if the vote stands.

Company officials didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment on whether Starbucks would challenge the vote—the latest in a series of wins for labor at Starbucks stores across the nation.

The employees had the backing of Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, who publicly

(Bill Moore photo)

expressed his solidarity with the workers. Employees who supported the union complained about a lack of respect from management.

Alex Buford, a Starbucks employee for three years who transferred to the store six months ago, also cited racial discrimination as a problem.

“There’s a lot of racial issues that we’ve been dealing with, managers purposely cutting our hours, attacking us for no reason,” she told al.com. “A lot of us have complained and the managers, they’re just not hearing us out, or they’re not really listening to us, or they say they’re listening but they’re not really listening.”

A Starbucks in Buffalo, New York, became the first in the United States to unionize late last year. Based in Seattle, the company has more than 34,000 stores worldwide.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

GOT MY

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 11

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12 • June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Opinion Ms. Griner’s ordeal EDITORIAL

For more than a century elite Black American athletes have been at the center of controversy on international stages. When Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns for the heavyweight championship in 1908 in Australia it created an uproar; in Berlin at the 1936 Olympics after the great sprinter Jesse Owens won several Gold Medals it caused Adolph Hitler to leave the stadium; Tennis immortal Althea Gibson stunned Wimbledon in 1956 when she became the first African American woman to win the singles championship; and when John Carlos and Tommy Smith with black gloved fists expressed their political views on the victory podium in Mexico in 1968, the Olympic committee suspended them from the team.

Now comes WNBA star Brittney Griner, currently held in detention in Moscow and charged with drug smuggling. Of course, we are not comparing the clamor around Ms. Griner with the other historic moments, but it’s hard to ignore the intersection of discrimination and racism in each of the incidents.

Griner, for those unfamiliar with her ordeal, was arrested four months ago after Russian officials claimed she was in possession of vape cartridges bearing traces of hash oil

in her luggage as she moved through customs at Moscow’s international airport.

This occurred on Feb. 17 one week before Russia invaded Ukraine, but it wasn’t revealed that she was detained until after the war began.

A critical concern in the whole affair is the extent to which her arrest and detention—and possible conviction that could lead to a 10-year sentence—is part of Russia’s plan to use her as a pawn in a prisoner exchange with the U.S. Like the political intrigue and drama that proceeded from the other incidents with Black American athletes, to properly contextualize them requires a deep dive into global affairs, particularly when it comes at a time of world events that have ramifications for America’s interest, either socially, culturally or economically.

What we know for certain is that the above mentioned Black athletes embroiled in these circumstances often had their careers hampered, if not altogether waylaid, and this was especially detrimental to Jack Johnson, John Carlos, and Tommy Smith.

We can only speculate that the repercussions from this ordeal in Moscow will be a troubling obstacle in Ms. Griner’s promising career, and let us hope that she doesn’t turn out to be a pawn in Putin’s game.

Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher Member

Alliance for Audited Media

and Editor in Chief

Kristin Fayne-Mulroy: Managing Editor Nayaba Arinde: 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

What does the summer mean for our safety?

By DR. CLARENCE WILLIAMS JR. This is the time of the year that creates a perfect storm. Our children are saying goodbye to the school year, the weather is getting warmer, outdoor activities increase, more cars are on the road and the issues that the fourth of July bring are always imminent.

Not coincidentally, this is also the time when after what has already been a violent year, criminal and violent activities increase. If history is any teacher, this year will not be an exception. The mayor has created the position of gun violence czar to combat the surge in gun violence that has plagued the city. As commendable as this is, the mayor must be proactive in planning for the summer. Crime is a multi-tiered epidemic in New York City. It’s not just gun violence, although this is

a major concern, we cannot ignore quality of life concerns that seem to accompany the more serious crimes. These crimes consist of fare evasion, shoplifting, unlicensed ATVs and dirt bikes, harassment, assault and so on. The belief that decreasing gun violence by taking guns off the streets and monitoring highways will change our environment this summer is very optimistic. When the mayor campaigned, he stated that he would have longterm and short-term solutions. Getting guns off the street is long term.

It will not happen overnight. We must begin to look at those mid-level crimes to improve the morale of the people of the city.

Now let’s keep in mind this does not fall squarely on the shoulders of the mayor. To achieve the goal of reducing crime in our neighborhoods, we will have to accept and

adjust to new realities and become accustomed to a new norm. For example, all laws must be enforced; this includes loitering and traffic violations. Loitering is a tough one because it’s not so much the gathering of people but the activities that sometimes accompany it, such as gambling, consumption of alcohol or drugs, and having barbecues on the sidewalks. If the mayor were to address these violations, some in the community would push back and say it’s overpolicing, but we can’t have it both ways.

I compare this to airline check-ins.

Everyone is required to take off their shoes to defend against terrorism. We go through metal detectors to go to sporting events and concerts. These are some of the concessions we make for our overall peace of mind and security.

See SUMMER SAFETY on page 45

We need an honest conversation about how to fund housing in New York City

By JAY MARTIN The New York City Rent Guidelines Board is currently considering rent adjustments for the upcoming year. Its own data, supporting research and analysis from the Furman Center at New York University, and expert opinions from other housing experts have reached the same conclusion. A modest rent adjustment from the RGB is necessary to stabilize New York City housing.

We want to work with the mayor, the New York City Council and other partners to create a sustainable pathway to better and more housing in New York City. Things New Yorkers desperately need.

This is why we fought for an additional $2,000,000,000 in funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)––including registering thousands of tenants to get the help they needed.

We went to Albany to push for $800,000,000 in funding for the Housing Access Voucher Program.

Because we believe struggling New Yorkers need housing and dignity.

We want to build more housing. We want to invest in our current housing. We want tenants to have reasonable rights. We actually want many of the same things as the folks that disagree with us.

Our goal is to give as many New Yorkers access to the best and most affordable housing there is by an equal effort from our members and our government partners.

But after a decade of rent freezes and de minimis increases, we need real relief. The heating bills have doubled. Water bills have increased. Property taxes have gone up. Inflation is over 8%. After years of bending, we are finally breaking.

A reasonable correction is desperately needed from this RGB to allow our members the breathing room to ensure we can continue to provide safe and high-quality housing.

Whether it is the Haitian American family who owns several buildings in Flatbush, the third-generation Chinese American woman who manages properties in Chinatown, or the Mexican brothers who own 18 units in Corona, the numbers

aren’t adding up for owners and property managers across New York City.

Our members are small business owners. We employ tens of thousands of New Yorkers and are an immense part of the New York City economy. According to all available data our request for a small rent adjustment is modest and is key to keeping folks employed with good housing and contributing to the New York City economy.

We’ll fight like hell for better housing policy, more government investment, more money for vouchers, better low- to mid-income housing, and lots more. We just need to build the bridge to get there.

An increase from the RGB will help our members keep up with costs. That’s all. It is a vital step in the right direction to the all-of-theabove housing approach New York City needs. Let’s get this done and move our city forward.

Jay Martin is executive director of the Community Housing Improvement Program.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS O P I N I O

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 13 N

A victory for the truth How are we moving 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.

ARMSTRONG

WILLIAMS

Amber Heard’s social media post, made in the wake of the verdict and which is peddling the notion that the outcome of the Depp/Heard trial is a setback for women, is shameful, to say the least. This case was not about women.

This case was about nothing other than finding the truth, irrespective of gender. The world and the jury listened to Heard’s testimony and saw the evidence with their own eyes. Unsurprisingly, few people believed a word out of her mouth and most everyone, including the jury as reflected in the verdict, saw that she was a liar.

Powerful woman have used their platforms to propagate completely fabricated lies about domestic violence and sexual assault that occurred against them. We’ve seen so many despicable instances of this, look no further than the Justice Kavanagh hearings during his nomination process to the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, this is just one of many examples.

The blunt reality is that the “believe all women” narrative is a farce; it only serves to destroy the lives of good men and to make it impossible for men to have their side of the story told, even in cases when they themselves may be the victim. It should go without saying that men can lie and women can lie.

Lying is not exclusive to one gender.

Believe the truth, that is what we should believe, full stop. If you are someone who is quick to judge others without hearing both sides of the story, then shame on you, as

you are part of the problem.

Johnny Depp’s victory is so much more than a personal victory and is perhaps a bigger victory for men across the U.S than it is for Depp.

In the wake of the woke #MeToo movement, Americans have practically been forced to blindly believe the woman as if women are incapable of lying. Well, they can and while we should take these matters seriously; we should look at the evidence and facts before we just believe someone because they happen to be a woman.

The #MeToo movement taught us to automatically believe women. If an accusation against a man is made we are to accept the woman’s claims as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. On the other hand, the man is presumed guilty and regardless of what truth might later arise, he has likely already lost his career, family, friends and reputation. However, this isn’t how justice in America is supposed to work, there is a well established process where evidence is acquired and even the accused must have a chance to argue their innocence and recently that was no longer the case, until the Heard/Depp verdict.

Johnny Depp is the first man to successfully fight back against this attack and injustice. After his exwife Amber Heard wrote an op-ed, though not mentioning Depp by name, it was very clear that he was the man whom she was talking about and in it, stated she was a victim of domestic abuse from a marriage. The impact

her article had on Depp and his work and financial earnings can’t be understated.

They had a real and serious impact as companies like Disney who own the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise severed ties with the actor as a result of Heard’s claims.

Now, Depp could have done what many have had to do, accept it, lose his career and become a pariah forever. Instead, however, Johnny fought back, he fought back against allegations that were clearly fishy and the jury clearly agreed with him, as did most of those viewing the trial around the country.

He fought tooth and nail to win and to maintain his reputation, his career and the legacy he has built through years of dedication to his craft and hard work.

Despite Heard’s social media post, this victory is not to say that going forward men will not stand up for women who are actual victims of abuse or assault.

This victory should simply remind us that in the United States, justice remains blind and fair regardless of gender, race or the woke left agenda. We must maintain that when an allegation is made it should be taken seriously, but that does not equate to blindly believing someone because of their gender and ruining someone’s career, livelihood and reputation because we may not have ALL of the facts!

As the saying goes, the truth will win out and we owe it to each other the opportunity for justice.

Armstrong Williams (@ ARightSide) 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

through all of this loss?

CHRISTINA

GREER PH.D. If you watch the news, you are well aware that it feels like each week seems to bring a new set of horrors and stressors.

If it’s not white supremacists targeting Black communities or a school full of young people or doctors at a hospital, we must digest stories of police officers shooting Black and Latino civilians first and asking questions later. And as the summer months approach, we have more

grief was so large it was as if I could not feel any grief at all. I hate to say I am nearing that point. It seems like each day there is a new story about a community who has lost someone due to senseless violence, which has become such a common occurrence, many of those stories barely make the news and if they do, they don’t remain in our collective imagination for more than a few days.

So, what are we to do

friends over time. We’ve lost objects we’ve loved.

We lose so many things on any given day, life is indeed an exercise of triumphing over loss. This is a unique concept I am still struggling to fully embrace. However, if I see life as a vessel of loss, it helps me pay attention to all the things and all of the people around me so I can appreciate them even more. I am still working through this concept and will likely need more time

"[A]ll of life is a series of losses. We have lost friends over time. We’ve lost objects we’ve loved. We lose so many things on any given day, life is indeed an exercise of triumphing over loss." neighborhood killings of young Black people who are sometimes in the wrong place at the wrong time and caught in neighborhood squabbles or all out wars. With all this violence surrounding us, in addition to the perpetual losses due to COVID, my question is, “How are we to process and move through this supreme amount of loss that surrounds us?”Many years ago, I lost my maternal aunt, grandmother, and grandfather in the span of two weeks. The feeling of loss was all encompassing. The feeling of

with all that we are presently enduring? I wish I had an answer. I do know that I am trying to find and hold on to all the joy and beauty that surrounds me on a daily basis, that helps me stay present and not get too overwhelmed with the constant thought of grieving families and communities. So many people are living through the unimaginable and besides donating to particular causes, I wish I could do more.

A mentor once told me that all of life is a series of losses. We have lost

to fully articulate the ever present and all-encompassing concept of loss.

Until then, I will continue to do my part to support communities struggling to find a sense of normalcy after their tragic and unexpected losses. One day and one action at a time.

Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University, the author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream,” and the co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.

14 • June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Caribbean Update

BVI avoids direct rule; Gov’t to fully cooperate with UK on reforms

By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has avoided being fully recolonized by Britain for the next two years after London agreed to hold off on such a decision in the wake of a commission of inquiry report that had exposed poor governance practices and widespread corruption in the archipelago near Puerto Rico.

At the weekend, British island Governor John Rankin and Premier Natalio Wheatley told reporters that London has decided that rather than administering BVI affairs on a daily basis, it will work with the new unity government in implementing

a series of agreed reforms in finance, land administration affairs, the issuance of contracts and other areas of life.

London had threatened to act on a recommendation from the inquiry to take over state affairs for two years while reforms are implemented, but local authorities successfully pre-emptied the move by hurriedly forming a unity government with opposition lawmakers, drafting a slew of reform measures and pledging to cooperate fully with the U.K. in implementing them. Britain said it will accept the deal and will, for now, postpone any plans for direct rule.

The result is that locals will still largely be in charge of daily

archipelago affairs except for foreign affairs, immigration and defense as these are preserve of Britain which owns the BVI, The Turks and Caicos Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat, Bermuda and The Cayman Islands in the Caribbean.

As proof of the governance problems, the report had been unveiled just hours after the arrest in Florida of former Premier Andrew Fahie, Ports Authority head Oleanvine Maynard and her son for allegedly plotting to set up a massive cocaine smuggling ring through the islands on behalf of Mexican drug cartels. The three were nabbed in April after a protracted federal undercover sting operation.

Rankin and Wheatley met reporters jointly to make the announcement. There were real fears of a constitutional suspension along similar lines to the Turks and Caicos in 2008 following a probe that had unearthed widespread corruption and other poor practices.

“Last week, following discussions, the government of national unity submitted a final proposal to the U.K. government outlining, with clear timelines, how they will deliver the commission of inquiry recommendations but without the need for a temporary partial suspension of the constitution. I can inform you this morning that U.K. ministers have agreed to the

proposal submitted by the government,” Rankin said.

He also said that authorities had demonstrated clear and strong political will to ensure improvements are made to local systems.

Premier Wheatley had in recent weeks admitted widespread malpractices and has suggested that the formation of a unity government was primarily designed to show London that locals are serious about improving the situation on the island.

“It is only with the most anxious consideration that I have been driven to the conclusion that such a suspension [of the constitution] is not only warranted but essential, if the

abuses which I have identified are to be tackled and brought to an end. These are abuses against the people of the BVI. If they are allowed to continue, then, in my view, they would put at severe risk steps towards self-determination as a modern democracy to which they are entitled and wish to take,” Rankin argued. If direct rule had been re-imposed, Rankin would have assumed executive powers similar to those of a premier or chief minister of a colony.

The 15-nation Caribbean Community of which all of the remaining colonies are associate members, had stridently come out against direct rule, calling such a backward step.

3 Caribbean immigrants in the fight for abolition and Civil Rights you should know FELICIA PERSAUD

IMMIGRATION KORNER One of the main drawbacks to the failure to teach Black history in schools across the country is the loss of the intersection of Black and Caribbean history in the United States. This has led to pure ignorance by many, especially in the African American community, that Caribbean immigrants just got here a few decades ago and are simply benefiting from the hard-fought battles for Civil Rights.

This could not be further from the truth as history tells us. Here are three major Caribbean immigrants in U.S. Black history you should know—who also made an impact in the fight for abolition and civil rights.

1: Denmark Vesey Many would find it stunning that a Caribbean-born slave led the first major slave revolt in the U.S. But it is a fact.

Denmark Vesey, also known as Telemaque, was born into slavery in 1767 in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., then the Danish West Indies. He was bought at age 14

by Captain Joseph Vesey who renamed him Telemaque. After a time, Vesey sold the youth to a planter in French Saint-

Domingue (present-day Haiti).

But when the teen was found to suffer epileptic fits, Captain Vesey took him back and returned his purchase price to the former master. He was enslaved in Bermuda for some time before being brought to Charleston, South Carolina.

Vesey won a lottery and purchased his freedom around the age of 32. He had a good business and a family but was unable to buy his first wife Beck and their children out of slavery.

He worked as a carpenter and became active in the Second Presbyterian Church. In 1818 he helped found an independent African Methodist Episcopal (AME) congregation in the city, today known as Mother Emanuel. Vesey’s congregation began with the support of white clergy, and with over 1,848 members rapidly became the secondlargest AME congregation in the nation.

In the summer of 1822, Vesey allegedly used his influential position as pastor to plan a major slave revolt. According to the accusations, Vesey and his followers planned to kill slaveholders in Charleston, liberate the slaves, and sail to the newly independent Black republic of Haiti for refuge.

By some contemporary ac-

counts, the revolt would have involved thousands of slaves in the city as well as others who lived on nearby plantations. City officials sent a militia to arrest the plot’s leaders and many suspected followers before the rising could begin, and no white people were killed or injured. Vesey, 55, and five slaves were rapidly judged guilty by the secret proceedings of a city-appointed court and executed by hanging on July 2, 1822.

2: John Brown Russwurm On March 16, 1827, the first Black newspaper was published in the U.S. It was founded by 27-year-old Caribbean immigrant John Brown Russwurm who was born in Port Antonio, Jamaica to an English father and enslaved mother. As a child he traveled to the United States with his father and received a formal education, becoming the first African American to graduate from Hebron Academy and Bowdoin College.

Russwurm, along with his co-editor Samuel Cornish, published the first edition of Freedom’s Journal, an abolitionist newspaper dedicated to opposition of slavery.

During his tenure as editor, Russwurm regularly included material about ancient and modern African history, provid-

ing readers on both sides of the Atlantic with a curated source of information about the continent.

The literary education Russwurm provided in the Freedom's Journal also included canonical texts of English literary education. In the poetry column of this first issue, for example, he reprinted “Prediction of the Origin of Rome,” an excerpt from John Ring.

Russwurm became supportive of the American Colonization Society’s efforts to develop a colony for African Americans in Africa, and he moved in 1829 to what became Liberia.

3: Richard Benjamin Moore The earliest advocacy for the term African American over “negro” is credited to a Caribbean immigrant from Barbados. Richard Benjamin Moore was born on August 9, 1893, in Barbados, West Indies, to Richard Henry Moore and Josephine Thorne Moore.

Moore migrated to the United States and arrived in New York City on July 4, 1909. However, Moore would not become a naturalized citizen until September 11, 1924. Although Blacks were free in the United States, they were far from being treated equal to European-Americans.

Moore was immediately faced with ethnic discrimination

when it came to employment and educational opportunities.

Although trained in Barbados to do clerical work, he was forced to turn to other jobs such as an elevator operator and work in a silk manufacturing firm.

The struggles that Moore encountered and observed made him become a strong advocate for the rights of African Americans. In 1919, he joined the African Blood Brotherhood, which was an organization formed to defend African Americans from race riots and lynching. Moore, along with other African American advocates, joined the Socialist Party in the early 1920s.

Moore joined the Socialist Party partly because the Socialist Party was then transforming itself into a force to fight against segregation.

Moore was a frequent political candidate of the Communist Party. In 1928 he ran for the U.S. Congress in New York’s 21st congressional district.

In 1934, Moore ran on the Socialist ticket for Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals.

In 1935, he became the organizer for the International Labor Defense in the New England Territory. He used his position in that organization to speak on behalf the Scottsboro Boys, a case in which nine young Af-

rican American males were accused of raping two young European-American women.

In 1942, Moore was expelled from the Communist Party because he was accused of being an African American nationalist and kept African American issues on the front burner.

He continued his efforts for equal rights in America. He also played a leading role in Caribbean advocacy groups. Moore, like his friend Hubert Harrison, was a bibliophile, collecting over 15,000 books and pamphlets on the African American experiences worldwide. That collection of books is currently housed in a library that Moore developed in Barbados. Moore also ran the Frederick Douglass Book Center in Harlem. Moore died in his homeland of Barbados in 1978, at the age of 85.

As you can see, the history of Caribbean Americans in the United States dates back to slavery making National Caribbean American Heritage Month a special time to also find out your own Caribbean history that may be lying dormant in your family tree. Happy National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

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

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 15

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Health New program aims to address Black youth drowning crisis While summer fun often includes visits to the beach, lake or pool, not every child is offered the same opportunities to learn to swim or gain confidence in the water. In fact, Black children in the United States are nearly six times more likely to die from drowning than white kids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Advocates say that this unfortunate truth is directly related to decades of segregation and exclusion from public pools and beaches. A national program, “Making Waves” from Outdoor Afro, is working to change that legacy by making the water safer for Black children, aiming to impact 100,000 Black youth and their caregivers over the next 10 years.

“Making Waves” is a partnership with Outdoor Afro, the nation’s foremost not-for-profit organization celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature and KEEN, the global footwear brand on a mission to make outside inclusive and accessible to all.

growing movement through a new collection of KEEN x Outdoor Afro limited edition sandals. The collection, released in support of the program, is designed to raise awareness of this issue while raising funds for Swimmerships. The collection features artwork from Outdoor Afro volunteer leader, Leandra Taylor. Taylor has been an inspiration, teacher and friend to kids hungry to learn about the outdoor experience. Her art is incorporated into silhouettes for the whole family, including the Newport H2 for men, the Astoria West for women and the Newport H2 and Stingrays for kids.

“The statistics speak for themselves,” says Erik Burbank, vice president of The KEEN Effect, the team pools. To learn more or to sign up for that leads the brand’s social justice efa Swimmership, visit outdoorafro.com. forts. “We’re proud to be supporting Outdoor Afro in this movement, and to Supporting the movement help it continue to build momentum.”

Individuals can sponsor a swimmer on The statistics are alarming, but there is Outdoor Afro’s website. $10 = a lesson, hope. Giving kids confidence in and around $100 = a Swimmership and $1,000 funds the water will save lives, reduce water-relata full class of 10 new swimmers. ed injuries in every community, and help Additionally, they can support the forge strong connections to the outdoors.

“A national program, ‘Making Waves’ from Outdoor Afro, is working to change that legacy by making the water safer for Black children, aiming to impact 100,000 Black youth and their caregivers over the next 10 years.”

Participating Kids and their caregivers may sign up for scholarships for swimming lessons, known as Swimmerships, on Outdoor Afro’s website beginning this summer.

Each Swimmership provides a new swimmer with a full swim course of 8-10 lessons. Swim lessons take place at local YMCAs and select community

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GET VACCINATED AND STAY UP TO DATE WITH YOUR BOOSTERS. To find a vaccination site, visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4NYC.

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June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 17

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18 • June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS A R T S & E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Religion & Spirituality Public art exhibit honors legacy of nation’s first enslaved Africans freed decades before the Emancipation Proclamation Kicking off the city’s Juneteenth celebration weekend, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano along with sculptor Vinnie Bagwell, local artists, and community leaders will officially unveil The Enslaved Africans’ Rain Garden (EARG), along the Yonkers waterfront at 20 Water Grant Street, on June 17th from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The urban-heritage sculpture garden honors the legacy of enslaved Africans who resided and worked at Philipse Manor Hall in Yonkers. The garden’s opening will feature the presentation of five life-size bronze sculptures of enslaved Africans who were freed decades before the Emancipation Proclamation.

“On behalf of the residents of Yonkers, I am proud our city is the permanent home to this poignant art exhibit that not only tells the remarkable story of some of our first residents but the place they and our city have in the nation’s complicated history,” commented Mayor Spano. “Public art has become a hallmark of Yonkers’ diversity and vibrancy—and the Rain Garden joins the growing landscape of beautiful expression here. Through Vinnie’s artistry and devotion to their journey, we are paying homage to the lives and sacrifices of our early ancestors and ensuring their voices are heard for future generations.”

Created by sculptor Vinnie Bagwell, the public artwork interprets the legacy of five enslaved Africans who were among the first to be manumitted by law in the United States in 1799 (64 years before the Emancipation Proclamation). The sculptures named “Themba the Boatman,” “I’Satta,” “Bibi,” “Sola,” and “Olumide,” will reside in a half-acre rain garden

Yonkers to unveil Enslaved Africans’ Rain Garden, an urban-heritage sculpture garden, along Hudson River (Photos courtesy of Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers)

along the Hudson River esplanade. Each sculpture will be set in a vignette that includes a unique bench and landscape features of trees, shrubs and flowers with the backdrop of a stone-lined ravine flowing behind the sculptures. Each sculpture is designed to explore it for the entire 360 degrees, accented with prominent features on the backs of their garments.

Bagwell states, “Public art sends a message about the values and priorities of a community. In the spirit of transformative justice for acts against the humanity of Black people, I am grateful for those who supported this collective effort. The strongest aspect of the Enslaved Africans’ Rain Garden coming to fruition is that it begins to address the righting of so many wrongs by giving voice to the previously unheard via accessible art in a public place while connecting the goals of artistic and cultural opportunities to improving educational opportunities and economic development.

Here is the impetus for the realization of

the Enslaved Africans’ Rain Garden.”

The Enslaved Africans’ Rain Garden Initiative was incorporated in 2015 as a nonprofit 501.c.3 arts organization. The mission is to enlarge the perspectives on the subject of slavery, bring humanity and dignity to the memory of enslaved Africans; foster environmental responsibility and green stewardship; employ artists to create culturally resonant artwork to map the assets of communities; educate students in an art medium and advanced concepts unavailable in public-school programs; and foster cross-cultural dialogue worldwide.

The Enslaved Africans’ Rain Garden is funded by the City of Yonkers, the County of Westchester, the State of New York Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, the New York State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, ArtsWestchester, Con Edison, and Entergy.

Former Yonkers City Council Majority Leader Patricia McDow, ArtsWestchester’s CEO Janet Langsam, the Yonkers Board of Education, Sarah Lawrence College, historians, scholars, communi-

ty-based organizations, and community members collaborated with Bagwell to develop the creation of the Enslaved Africans’ Rain Garden.

The design, construction, and landscape architectural plans of the Enslaved Africans’ Rain Garden were completed by BCT Design Studio, TJR Excavating Contractors, Inc., and Bowman Design Company.

Vinnie Bagwell was born in Yonkers, New York, and grew up in the town of Greenburgh in Westchester County. A Morgan State University alumna, Bagwell is an untutored artist who began sculpting in 1993. She is an accomplished sculptor with 20 public-art commissions across the country. Bagwell won “Victory Beyond Sims,” a $1M public-art commission to replace the J. Marion Sims sculpture removed from Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street. Her notable public-art mentions include: “Sojourner Truth” at the Walkway Over the Hudson’s Welcome Center, Yesterday for Irvington, New York, two bas-reliefs sculptures to enhance a 112-year-old piano for August Wilson’s play “The Piano Lesson,” “Liberté” for the Alabama Historical Society and the Alabama State Council, “The Man in the Arena” a bronze three-quarter, life-sized bust of President Theodore Roosevelt, “Frederick Douglass Circle,” commissioned by Hofstra University in Hempstead New York. Her first public artwork, “The First Lady of Jazz Ella Fitzgerald” for the City of Yonkers was the first sculpture of a contemporary African American woman to be commissioned by a municipality in the United States. Civic engagement is the keystone to her practice.

In 2020, she won the Americans for the Arts inaugural Jorge and Darlene Perez Prize for her civic-engagement practices.

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Mindful of what’s important At Bank of America, our employees’ emotional wellness is very important to us. We drive open and ongoing conversations to help break through the stigma around mental health. Whether it’s one-to-one professional counseling during critical life events or simple education and tips to manage daily stress, our goal is to ensure our teammates get the resources they need.

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My teammates and I are proud to work for a company that creates a supportive and emotionally healthy environment for all of us.

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Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender © 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 19

20 • June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

AmNews introduces Tandy Lau, new Public Safety reporter

By STEPHON JOHNSON Amsterdam News Staff It didn’t hit him right away, but the journalism bug bit Tandy Lau early enough.

“I got it my sophomore year of college,” said the Amsterdam News’ newest Report for America corps member who will be covering public safety. “Before then, I was figuring out what I wanted to do. I was studying Asian American Studies and kind of just picked it up, you know?”

Lau was born and raised on “Ventura Boulevard,” he said, which is right around the San Fernando Valley in California.

He said the location of his upbringing was the catalyst for his personality and thought processes.

“You look south [of Ventura]: it’s mansions. You look north:

it’s bungalows. It’s apartment buildings. It’s factory warehouses, right?” said Lau. “So I think because of that, you get to see both sides of LA.” But what made him want to work specifically for a historically Black newspaper that caters to a predominantly Black audience?

“I think the idea of being able to write to a specific audience and being able to tell specific stories, and to advocate for specific issues is something I’ve always wanted,” said Lau. That’s part of Lau’s agenda: wanting to tell stories no matter whose stories they are. He wants what all journalists want: to inform the people.

“It’s a cool way to live, right?” said Lau to the AmNews.

Lau’s journey took him from California to New York City where he studied at the Co-

lumbia Graduate School of Journalism and contributed to Character Media, an Asian American publication. But as Lau progressed academically, he wanted to make sure his light of hope didn’t dim as it did with other people he saw.

“The last year, working late, you know, going to grad school where everyone is a little bit idealistic and optimistic and likely to stand for stuff,” said Lau. “But even then, I think there’s a lot of…apprehension about wanting to really advocate for somebody through your journalism … There’s the idea that you’re not being objective, and not being balanced and amplifying voices. I often feel almost pressured to do that in a legacy newsroom.”

This fits in perfectly with Report for America’s ethos.

Report for America (RFA) is a

national service program that places talented emerging journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered topics and communities. Last year Ariama C. Long, who covers politics, joined the AmNews as its first RFA corps member.

RFA supports local newsrooms by paying for a portion of corps members salaries and helping publications to raise the rest.

But where does “objectivity” end and “advocacy” begin for Lau? For him, it may be that those things are not exclusive.

“I think they see it more as advocacy journalism, when in fact [it’s] the kind of journalism that they’re [kind of ] pushing that could be advocacy,” Lau said about the mainstream media. “It could be, you know, a form of advocacy journalism towards an upper middle class.”

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On a much lighter note, the AmNews asked Lau about the first time he saw snow, since he is from the West Coast. He shared a feeling people who see snow regularly feel: “I think it was less intense than I thought it was,” Lau said. “And then… when you get deeper into December, January and February, that’s when…let’s just say it’s [not] a total coincidence that that was when I really got good at sending emails. There were less men and women on the street stories,” said Lau laughing about the winter and the challenge it presents for finding people to interview.

Report for America is paying half of Tandy’s salary and the AmNews is asking the community to help raise the other half by making a tax deductible donation here: https://tinyurl. com/fcszwj8w

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Arts & Entertainment Theater pg 24 | Food pg 35 | Jazz pg 36

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 21

Pg. 34 Your Stars

Resmaa Menakem talks Black healing & ‘Quaking of America’ Author Resmaa Menakem (Nancy Musinguzi photo)

By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH Special to the AmNews

Resmaa Menakem: I’m 55, and I live in Minneapolis, Minn. I have a wife and two kids. I’m a clinical social worker by trade.

Resmaa Menakem is a world-renowned I was a director of counselor services for a Black therapist, clinical social worker number of treatment organizations. I was a and director of counseling services for community care counselor in Afghanistan a number of organizations, and has for two years; I’ve been in private practice written The New York Times bestselling for about 20. book “My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to MendAmNews: Your books, “My Grandmother's ing Our Hearts and Bodies” and newest Hands,” and your latest, “Quaking of Amerbook, “The Quaking of America: An Em- ica” both talk about generational, spiritual, bodied Guide to Navigating Our Nation’s and emotional health among other things.

Upheaval and Racial Reckoning” which How did you traverse from clinical work to gives a guide to Black and white Ameri- the esoteric spiritual, energetic? cans on how to prepare their minds and bodies for a racial war following the JanMenakem: That’s a great question. I deciduary 6th Insurrection. ed to approach it from an embodied place “Quaking of America” shares exercises that because [of] what I had been saying, eshelp the physical and psychological body pecially as it relates to the brutality of ensteady itself to be able to handle the Amer- slavement, the brutality of genocide. What ican racial crisis, and also gives a deep dive people started to do, what they were calling into the generational trauma Black people “healing” is this mystical, this almost… have experienced since our arrival onto the shores of what is now known as the United AmNews: Unattainable spirituality?

States of America.

Menakem spoke candidly to the AmNews Menakem: Yeah. And that’s why I situated about health, wellness, race and his new a lot of stuff in terms of history and the body book. and how things end up showing, and try to as much as I could [to] connect it to some AmNews: Please introduce yourself for type of science. I had been seeing a lot of this those who aren’t familiar with your impor- shifting of people who meant well, but what tant and impressive work. they started to do was make things so mys-

tical that people couldn’t relate.

AmNews: Because that aligns with the I don’t consider my work to be “esoteric”; sacral chakra [an energy point in one’s I talk about energy from the point of view lower abdomen], particularly with women. of Einstein.

We hold a lot of our emotions, our trauma in our womb and in and around the naval…

AmNews: Talk a little bit about the “soul nerve,” how it unifies the nervous system.

Menakem: And the hips.

Menakem: The “soul nerve” is the vagus nerve. The reason why I moved away from the [term] “vagus nerve” is because when I would talk about things like the “vagus nerve” people would constrict.

They wouldn’t know what I was talking about. The vagus nerve is one that comes right out of the brain stem. It hits the face, the throat, the pharynx; it constricts and expands. It’s very sensitive to environmental stuff. It’s sensitive to stress, things that the body may need to protect itself from.

Most of the vagal nerve lands in our gut. The belly—if you touched your belly right now, you notice that there isn’t any bone or anything to protect this vital stuff around your belly area. The way that your belly protects stuff, protecting itself from the environment, it pulls back, it constricts.

I started playing with a number of different words. When I came up with “soul nerve” people would nod, Okay I get it. I don’t know why that’s the case…

AmNews: Which is why I think uterine fibroids are a huge issue with Black women and women of all backgrounds and ethnicities.

Menakem: Absolutely. I talk about that in my private practice. One of the things that was happening was I was getting a lot of Black women who were coming in.

They were having relationships around the vaginal thyroids. I started researching a lot of that stuff and finding out that very few doctors associated—especially with Black women—vaginal thyroids with enslavement and the 250 years of rape, legal rape. This was an industry [affecting] not only Black women but Black men and women—rape is a power thing. Those thyroids, for me, were a real indicator of the historical impact of trauma.

What would be your definition of an empath, a highly sensitive person?

I believe that there is a conditioning and See RESMAA MENAKEM on page 24

22 • June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 A

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For Father’s Day, some gifts to make him smile (Courtesy photos)

an integrated pressure gauge, a removable stainless steel spout, a handle grip, and an upgraded bottomless portafilter for better flow dynamics.

For the dad that loves Japanese steel: Made from strong Japanese steel, the construction and design of the Induction 21 Steel cookware line guarantee superior quality. This Fry Pan pack includes an 8-inch and 10-inch Fry Pan. The main body of these fry pans has copper melted into the steel, which effortlessly conducts heat quickly and evenly. Titanium is also added for strength and durability to endure everyday cooking. To ensure healthy cooking, the steel is nickel-free to prevent allergic reactions to nickel. A dripless pouring rim reduces spillage along the side of the body. The easy-clean ceramic coating is PFOA and PTFE Free and no toxic fumes are released during heating. Featuring a wide flat bottom, sloped sides that cool to the touch, and long ergonomic handles.

By MARGRIRA Special to the AmNews

know’—you know. BedStuyFly is an African American owned boutique founded by Stephen Usenbor, with storefronts in both Every Father’s Day, I imagine a group Bedford-Stuyvesant and Williamsburg. of kids scrambling to figure out the best gift for their dads because they usualFor the dad that loves African American ly pretend not to care about gifts. You history: know the “dad” I am talking about. He’s “We Return Fighting by The Smithsonian the one that doesn’t really want any- National Museum of African American Histhing but won’t say no if he receives it tory and Culture” as a gift. He’s the dad just happy with a Bookshop recently published a histonew pair of socks. ry book from The Smithsonian National Museum of African American HistoWell, here are a few gift selections for Father’s ry and Culture. It focuses on African Day 2022 that are a lot more adventurous.

American soldiers in World War I and seems perfect for those dads who are African and African American owned always looking for new ways to brush For the dad who loves Chutney: up on their history. Bookshop offers $11 Chilli Chutney UPS Ground shipping, which takes one Based in Essex, England this African-in- to five days to arrive. spired company makes sauces and condiments, like this chutney, which you can get For the dad with adventurous taste buds: in mild, medium, or hot.

Four Four South Village (located on Broadway’s restaurant row, 368 W. 46th St.) For the dad that likes candles: is named after Taiwan’s first military de228 Grant Street Candle Co. pendent village. Taiwanese Beef Noodles This candle brings the aroma of oak- are a delicacy but you can also get other moss-and-amber. Perfect for the person Taiwanese specialties, including soups, that loves outdoorsy dads. The company, rice dishes, and luwei (braised foods). which hand-pours and packages its products in Baltimore, uses all-natural soy wax, For the dad who craves creativity: braided-cotton wicks, and scented oils House of Intuition, Creativity Magic with no other additives or dyes.

Candle (Los Angeles) Ignite the creative fire within and put For the dad that collects T-shirts: those ideas into action. Apply your intenBedStuyFly New York T-Shirt tion to the candle in order to manifest inFor the dads that know—‘cause if you spiration and spark your creative process.

For the dad that likes to stay very clean: Swash 1400 Electronic Bidet Seat This intuitive, user-friendly electronic bidet toilet seat is the result of over two years of research, design, and testing. Brondell conducted extensive reviews of their customer comments and feedback before Whether you want a muse for your next creating a next-generation seat packed full project, or need to break through some se- of the most-loved and most-requested fearious writer’s block, the Creativity Magic tures like the nightlight, programmable Candle can release blockages and get your settings, and additional nozzle positions. imagination flowing again. Handmade in Los Angeles, CA with 100% all-natural and For the dad that loves to try new sauces: sustainable palm wax, as well as locally Fly by Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp produced recyclable glass.

Created by chef Jing Gao, Fly by Jing’s chili crisp is beloved by Ghetto Gastro For the dad with big hands: co-founder Jon Gray, who puts it on evThe CURVD Ergonomic mugs add a new erything from ice cream to pizza. Gray level of comfort to your morning coffee. says, “It transforms the vibe. It’s got a The award-winning patent-pending complex umami-to-chile flavor. You handle transfers the weight of the drink get garlic. You get black beans. You get to the muscles and not to the joints. This peppercorn. It gives you a little numbway the mug requires minimum effort to ing, tingling sensation.” pick up and allows for a more enjoyable experience for all users while still being For the dad who likes smoky reds: accessible to the elderly and those with Secret Aardvark Habanero Sauce disabilities, creating a friendlier, more inThis habanero-laced hot sauce (with clusive environment for everyone. the cutest mascot we’ve ever seen) will hit the spot.

For the dad that loves the perfect knife: Hast 6-inch utility knife is their goldFor the dad who takes pasta seriously: ilocks size, ideal for those in-between Marcato Atlas Pasta-Maker kitchen tasks: slicing cooked meats, Whether he’s a certified Italophile or smaller vegetables, and soft bread. simply loves to cook, this precisely calEvery kitchen needs a knife worth ibrated pasta machine from an Italfighting over during brunch prep, and ian company that’s been around since the Utility Knife is sure to fill that need. the 1930s is a classic and comes recommended by a pasta pro.

For the dad that loves his espresso: The Flair PRO 2 manual espresso For the dad who has podcast dreams: maker ensures the best in espresso while Blue Yeti X Professional Condenser USB maintaining a portable package. Still Microphone beautiful, and still the best in manual A professional microphone will set him apart espresso for the price, the PRO 2 features from the other tinny-sounding podcasters.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 23

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‘American Buffalo’ is brilliant & funny!

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

The tone is set from the time the lights go on, on the beautiful revival of David Mamet’s “American Buffalo” playing at the Circle in the Square Theatre on West 50th Street. It is a tone that shouts, “Brilliant!” From the time that veteran actor Laurence Fishburne opens as Donny talking a mile-a-minute to school Bobby on life, you know you’re going to be sitting up at attention as well, to take in his pearls of wisdom. Darren Criss plays Bobby with a child-like innocence and ignorance. Sam Rockwell’s character Teach is another person who struggles to survive and finds a common thread with these other two characters.

Though he is also someone who is self-absorbed.

These three men speak in very blunt and raw language that demands your attention. Sometimes they are sharing life lessons and other times they are complaining about the simplest things. Complaining that easily and often takes it over the top! This is one hilarious play that will have you

question is there loyalty among thieves, “American Buffalo” gives you a yes and no answer. Not sure what I mean? You’ll have to go to the theater to find out.

This cast is worth your time, attention and ticket. “American Buffalo” is a tremendous theatrical treat! I laughed like hell. When it was over, I knew that I was deeply appreciative of the acting chops of these three men. They gave flawless, riveting performances that had the entire audience on their Sam Rockwell, Darren Criss, and Laurence Fishburne in “American Buffalo” (Richard feet clapping and shoutTermine photo) ing. Director Neil Pepe has masterfully brought wondering where these three yourself flying dangerously high and posthese fine thespians toactors get the energy from to on the flowing, funny and some- sibilities gether and it is quite apspeak and think so quickly. times vile dialogues shared. through propriate that not only There is no doubt you are in “American Buffalo” begs the ques- robbing is the script filled with Laurence Fishburne in the presence of greatness, in the tion, how much would you do to get others? a lot of fast talking, but “American Buffalo” (Richard abilities of these actors, as they that big score? If you had the oppor- If you the stage is cluttered Termine photo) take Mamet’s powerful dialogue tunity to rob someone and come are conwith junk as they have and bring their own humanity away with a lot of money, would you spiring to commit a crime, how all the play taking place in Donand creativity to it. The words be fine with doing that? What hope much allegiance do you have to ny’s cluttered Junkshop. “Amerisoar in front of you and you find is left to people that only find hope your fellow criminals? If you ask the can Buffalo” is a MUST-SEE!

Resmaa Menakem

tempering we didn’t really have access to. In order to survive what our community was dealing with we had to override a lot of our own personal lived experiences, in order to get to the next day.

I think what’s starting to happen—in particular the African American community, in the Indigenous community— people are starting to re-claim pieces.

There are things that are showing up that I can actually have access to, not just the cognitive pieces. And what you’re starting to see is, I’m going be honest with you, a lot of bullshit out there selling. People are trying to tell people this is the way, that mystical stuff. And that’s fine, but what our people really are needing is a redress of the thwarting and the damage that has been done to us, both individually and communally.

What you’re starting to see is people, particularly African American and Indigenous people from all around the world, re-claim[ing] those pieces of our intelligence that have always been there. A part of that is the conditioning and tempertempering process. What you’re describing is ing process. And that’s what you just dewhen you were…are you African American? scribed. If you’re not conditioning and tempering your body enough to withAmNews: Yes. stand and withhold 400, 500 years of brutality, and then you just open yourself Menakem: When you were a little girl up to people, you’re going to experience these pieces around conditioning and things that are very, very overwhelmContinued from page 21

ing. When we were coming up nobody was saying to us, “Okay if you’re going to work with bodies, you’re going to work with people with this level of terror and horror. You better be able to condition and temper your body to withstand that.”

AmNews: I came up around white artists as I was coming up in the rock music scene. I had gone to some hypnotists; they were always talking about grounding, “Oh sit on the grass and put your root chakra on the ground.” But I’ll be honest with you, I always kind of dismissed it because it never truly worked. But the last week or two I’ve been walking around barefoot. It’s been cold, but I’ve been walking indoors, outdoors barefoot, just as a grounding source.

I feel like I had to incorporate it naturally, instead of spiritual people trying to push it on me.

Menakem: Absolutely. That’s what I’m talking about. People have packaged [the knowledge]. The new thing now is packaging all this stuff and wrapping it into yoga.

And it’s making it so the people can’t really use it anymore. Because what ends up happening is you end up making it marketable in a way that it loses its essence.

of the things that you just described is that idea of coming to it yourself and allowing that to emerge forth, as opposed to somebody bestowing some type of ancient knowledge to you that you could only have access to because they told you.

But that’s not the creation idea. The creation idea is that I am attached to creation itself. The first human expression on Earth is a Black woman; everybody else came through her. And so I am tied to that part of creation. So I don’t need to go through another medium in order to do that.

I respect everybody’s traditions, but this whitewashing of traditional and people’s emerging experiences is a billion-dollar industry. And this is why a lot of times when somebody, especially a white person, comes t o us and tries to sell us Buddhism, or tries to sell us yoga, or tries to sell us these things, there’s something in us that constricts.

AmNews: The labor of “Quaking,” you’re preparing people to do labor to prepare for potential Trump-era insurgent or civil war, right?

Menakem: Well, that’s a piece of it. There’s also prepping and preparing, specifically for white folks, to reclaim their humanity AmNews: And white-ified… that they gave up in order to be white. And so this idea of prepping and conditioning Menakem: That’s exactly right. And one and tempering is a large part of my work.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

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JUNETEENTH SPECIAL SECTION

(Bill Moore photo)

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Juneteenth should be about culture not capitalism

By NAYABA ARINDE Amsterdam News Editor Juneteenth is right around the corner.

But, with their tasteless ‘Juneteenth red velvet and cheesecake ice cream,’ and ‘It’s the Freedom for Me’ napkins and plates and panned corporate Juneteenth paraphernalia, companies like Walmart were dragged on social media.

“Corporate America has found a way to commercialize the emancipation of enslaved people,” wrote Jezebel.com’s Khalisa Rae. “America loves to co-opt a revolution and sell it back to people like they’re doing us a favor.”

“Those people who do not have that lineage…do your homework, and learn more about it!” diversity coach Kim Crowder told the Amsterdam News. The founder and CEO of the consulting firm with the same name continued that Walmart can not expect to do a ‘Juneteeth ice cream,’ ‘It’s the Freedom for me,’ brand, nor the Indiana Children’s Museum do a Juneteenth watermelon salad, and not expect a Blacklash, and the economic consequences— like the withdrawal of expected financial compensation as folk decry the tone-death marketing ploy.

“My hope is that for those of us who have that lineage that we ourselves would decide what feels like liberation for us, and we celebrate based on that.”

From appearances on platforms like Fox Soul and CNN, Kim Crowder Consulting’s founder and CEO is known as “one of the country’s leading anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion speakers,” coaches and trainers.

Crowder told the Amsterdam News that it should be culture, community economics, equity and inclusion that should take center stage, and not raw gravalicious capitalism. Big box retailers like Walmart, ShopRite, and institutions like Indiana’s Children Museum should come from behind exploitative marketing ploys, and give back to the communities which have historically been underserved, discriminated against, and for whom Juneteenth marks a painful period in history with ongoing consequences.

It is a day to “commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S.,” says Crowder. Not one to make a fast, and offensively-gained buck.

On Monday, June 20, Black people— nationally and also worldwide—will commemorate Juneteenth, the 158th anniversary of the end of official slavery in Galveston, Texas.

The traditional story runs with that Tarzan-like narrative that it was white Union Army General Gordon Granger who got to Galveston on June 19, 1865, and informed the 250,000 enslaved men, women and children that the Civil War was over and that President Abraham Lincoln had

Kim Crowder (Contributed photo)

issued an Emancipation Proclamation (later the the 13th Amendment) officially outlawing slavery on Jan. 1, 1863, freeing them two years prior. But, according to another version, it was Black union soldiers who told Black folk in Galveston the news.

The Juneteenth Legacy Project said, “Organizations such as the Juneteenth National Observance Foundation have uncovered a little-known element of that narrative: the presence of several Union regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) that, by coincidence, marched into Galveston at the same time as Granger. These actions provided a powerful image to the island’s enslaved people, who were oblivious to the fact that they had been granted freedom by Lincoln two years prior.”

“We know slavery did continue to take place after that,” said Crowder, and while many immediately packed up and headed north and to other parts of the nation, others stayed working on the plantation, share-cropping, and providing for their families the best way they could.

“For years after that it was a holiday where they got dressed up. There’s beautiful images from back then, but if you fast forward…the truth of the matter is that none of us, particularly young people, have really learned the full gambit of United States history, and so this conversation about Juneteenth started happening a few years ago.” The Houston, Texas native learnt about the holiday when she was young, she said, but so many of her peers and the younger generations have not.

“Even those above who are descendants of enslaved people have not learned about Juneteenth.

“It came as a surprise to so many people,

and so now we are at this juncture where Black people —in particular Black people who have enslaved ancestors—are figuring out how to celebrate this. Culturally what does that celebration look like, and now companies are starting to adopt the idea of celebration.”

Hence, Walmart’s illconceived ice cream, Indiana’s Children Museum watermelon salad and ShopRite’s Freedom bags.

“I live in Indianapolis, so the watermelon salad from the Indianapolis children museum is not how you celebrate Juneteenth; and how Walmart took a flavor that a Black woman had created, and coined it as their own and then called it a Juneteenth flavor—is not how you celebrate Juneteenth.”

The solution is simple, said Crowder, “For those of us who have ancestors who were enslaved in the United States, then we get to decide how everyone celebrates it. A day off is appropriate right? If we choose to do nothing, if we choose to have a barbecue—that is absolutely ours to own.”

The challenge, she said, is that federal holidays become “commodified. Look at Cinco de Mayo. People don’t even know what it is about, but they show up and eat a taco. And so my hope is that for those of us who have that lineage that we ourselves would decide what feels like libration for us, and we celebrate based on that. For people who do not have that lineage, my recommendation is to do your homework and to learn more about it.

“Think about how you are impacting people whose lineage is from enslaved folk. So what is your impact around that?

How are you looking at your voting? How are you looking at the ways that you are advocating for those communities?”

And what about companies and employers?

“We talk about workplaces and how they have been crappy celebrating it. Often times they want to quarantine the message as when finally folks who were slaves were freed. And what I encourage workplaces to do is instead to look at the impact of folks who have that lineage on business, on the world in general, and take that out broader because often times they are not elevating leaders who are Black…and they look at ways that they can advocate for Black workers in those industries.”

When companies see the date coming

up and want to be down and make a buck, Crowder responded, “Don’t try and make a dollar.”

But, they’ll say that they are a business.

“Then put that money into the communities that are directly impacted by it.

Move forward and highlight those folks in the front. Walmart did have a Black woman who had created that flavor. Why didn’t they choose to highlight her? Why make a [tag] that says ‘It’s the freedom for me’?

And what’s interesting with the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis is that they took that and basically blamed it on the employee who came up with the idea, instead of owning it. And that’s where I kind of paused in seeing organizations sort of leaning on the community that are directly impacted most, in the way of saying ‘OK great, if this goes wrong we’re gonna blame you for it.’ Why come up with something new during that time of year for the organization itself to make a dollar?

“Why aren’t those organizations looking for ways to directly impact communities, impact Black-owned businesses during that time period? To me, moving that wealth over is absolutely a direct and appropriate through-line considering what enslaved folks went through and what that meant for their families; the lack of economic wealth, the labor that was used and exploited. So, we’re just talking about the ways that capitalism shows up, and so if an organization is trying to self-correct or to change the battle norm, then what they should be doing is looking for opportunities for folk where it already exists, and creating opportunities for folks who don’t have the space to do so.”

And then there are the companies which have directly benefited, even had their beginnings from enslavement—that old money, as brought up during the 2005 “Slavery in New York” New York Historical Society exhibition.

“There is the actual through-line,” Crowder said. “This is what this looks like in 2022. Organizations can sort of scapegoat by saying, ‘Oh, look we’re highlighting it and not taking accountability.”

A major thing they can do, Crowder said, is to “create a plan to make it right. Reconciliation is often a part of the conversation that does not get spoken about, because that’s dirty right? Organizations don’t want to touch that—that could mean exposure.

And it would mean that they might have to undo quite a bit and even our country doesn’t want to do that level of work.

Organizations and companies are being held accountable, the much-sought-after consultant said, “Once you start talking about race, people don’t want to put their hands up…look into pay equity for your organization. Are you paying Black and Brown…enough. What is your retention rate for those who have been historically See CULTURE on page 30

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The Village of Harlem, the Black Mecca, celebrates Juneteenth 2022

Juneteenth—a commemorative celebration or a platform for reparation and equity?

By DALEEL JABIR MUHAMMAD Special to the AmNews

By ASSEMBLY MEMBER STEFANI ZINERMAN

Commemorating Juneteenth in New York City

By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews Signed into law June 17, 2021, by President Joe Biden, the newest federal holiday will be acknowledged for the first time this weekend. Although Juneteenth (short for June 19th) National Independence Day (a.k.a. Black Independence Day, Emancipation Day, and Freedom Day) actually falls on Sunday, businesses and schools will observe it on Monday. Former NYS Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill in October 2020 making Juneteenth a state-wide holiday, and this past April, NYC Mayor Eric Adams designated Juneteenth a paid local holiday.

The day off from work is in acknowledgement of when the last enslaved African was released from bondage in 1865, after the legal abolishment of chattel slavery in the United States of America upon President Abraham Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. Since then, the holiday has traditionally been observed on the third Saturday of each June by many, without fanfare.

Locally, there’ll be several events commemorating the federal holiday, with art, dance,

education, and music, throughout 5 days of festivities, beginning this Thursday.

On Thursday evening (June 16), at Harlem Stage (150 Convent Ave.), event planner Carl Hancock Rux will moderate a panel discussing “the myths of the Emancipation Proclamation and the truth of modern-day slavery.”

The 13th annual Juneteenth NY seminar kicks off on Friday with an all-day, online webinar detailing the history of Juneteenth and covers various aspects of African Americans’ plight for freedom in this country over the past couple centuries. Then Saturday afternoon, the ‘Celebration of Black Kings Award Brunch’ takes place at Brooklyn’s Vermont Street, and concludes Sunday afternoon with an all-day concert at Prospect Park.

Also on Saturday, the 18th annual Juneteenth virtual summit, concert and festival will be conducted at Brooklyn’s Linden Park, featuring live music performances, food and cultural items during the day. Then on Sunday, Brooklyn’s Prospect Park will stage a live music concert commemorating the occasion.

The Brooklyn Museum hosts an allday event on Sunday, filled with activities See COMMEMORATTING on page 30

This weekend, from Brooklyn to Buffalo, people of African descent will host a myriad of festivals “commemorating” the freeing of the last enslaved Africans in America. But as we celebrate, I must turn our attention to the legislative imprisonment and government-backed injustice that continues to plague Black America. On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, General Gordon Granger declared General Order No. 3 which says: “The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.

This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former enslavers and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.”

We have yet to see this order rightfully enacted as we are still battling for basic human rights in this country. We are under siege.

For 155 years, freedom has been our collective mission. In ways we’ve piecemealed our liberation with celebrations, spiritual revivals, art and through accolades. And certainly, in this time the African spirit that lives and breathes within us all has worked tirelessly to nurture this country to a level of greatness that from which we have yet to reap full benefit, while others refuse to acknowledge our foundational and sustaining contributions. We now fight to create spaces and legislation where we can realize our own destiny and own our liberation as we’ve learned that asking for equality doesn’t work, understanding that the debt owed will never allow us to be equal in the present state of America.

Over the decades, we and our ancestors have activated our collective ingenuity and indomitable spirit to achieve uber excellence to level the playing field, but always with sacrifices. For two centuries we have become heads of state, captains of industry, and leaders of movements. But we’ve also suffered mental trauma that carries forth and continues to impact our current generations. We face rising suicide rates, chronic diseases, and racism is still killing us in the form of domestic terrorism, gun violence, infant and maternal morbidity, and a lack of quality, affordable and safe housing, health care, jobs and education.

In 1870, five years after emancipation, we came to understand that voting rights + equal rights = human rights. The elected and business leaders of the time who were in the struggle for political representation and political power, helped to ratify the 15th Amendment which established that the right to vote shall not be denied or abridged on the basis of race, color or previous condition of servitude. Similar to the election of President Barack Obama in 2012, we celebrated the victory, congratulated ourselves for the hard-fought win for recognition, representa-

OPINION

In the heart of central Harlem, Juneteenthnyc.org committee will hold the 29th annual Juneteenth celebration on June 18 to commemorate the 157th anniversary of the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas in 1865.

The history of Juneteenth marks June 19th as the day when, after two and a half years of the passing of then-President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, and the later establishment of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery in the United States in 1865, Union soldiers, led

by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved Black people were no longer captives and were granted freedom.

This year’s holiday will be celebrated nationally, on Monday, June 20, after President Joe Biden declared it to be a federal holiday.

Locally, in New York City, the second African American mayor of the great metropolis has also declared Juneteenth, which falls on June 19 each year, as a paid city holiday for the first time in New York City history. Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement, “Juneteenth is a time for reflection, assessment and selfimprovement.”

Brother Ade A. Rasul, who has spearheaded the Juneteenth Committee of the Historic Masjid Malcolm Shabazz under the leadership of Imam Izak-el M. Pasha, in the village of Harlem has gathered, along with the help of the committee members, sponsors, supporters, community leaders, politicians, musicians, and local businesses to make the

festivities planned to be the best historical, educational, and cultural expressions of the African American experience.

The parade with floats, music and marching bands will begin at 11 a.m. sharp at 116th Street and Malcolm X Blvd. Afterwards, vending, health screenings, presentations to honor our unsung heroes and sheroes of Harlem, spoken word artists, sports activities, children’s face painting and other activities including three stages of live entertainment.

Three stages of live entertainment include a free outdoor jazz concert featuring the jazz and soul music of the John Satchmo Band. On the 2nd stage artists from Ruff Ryders hip hop entertainment. Presentations to honor some of Harlem’s icons and special cultural performances on the 3rd stage.

“It is our hope and prayers that Juneteenth does not become another holiday for shopping and material gain. We hope that Juneteenth doesn’t become just another day off from work to rest, sleep, do chores or just party” stated Brother Ade A. Rasul, coordinator and General Field Marshall. Pointing towards a more positive acknowledgment he added, “Our hopes and prayers are that Juneteenth will become a great day of action, celebration and reflections of our ancestors who endured slavery in America and the vision that they saw for freedom for all Black people today.

Almighty G-D has answered their prayers. That day is NOW! Join us in Harlem for this great celebration of Peace, Love and Life this Juneteenth, as we continue to bring our ancestors’ vision into a reality,” stated Brother Ade. For more information call 212-662-2200 or visit the website at www.juneteenthcelebrationnyc.org

tion and equality and forgot the enemy.

In those confederate states where Blacks outnumber whites, the dog whistle of “state’s rights” sounded and known domestic terrorists like the Ku Klux Klan and the Knights of the White Camellia used any and every violent tactic to suppress the Black vote. Those bent on advancing their racist ideology began the process of political gerrymandering by packing and cracking districts to ensure their perpetual electoral power. Their hatred of Black progress and excellence would commit us to a new reign of terror in the form of lynchings and land theft for generations. Despite the laws of 1865 and 1870, we were not free or equal. It would take Black people until 1965 to regain the right to vote and begin the journey to freedom anew.

Yesteryear could be today. In the 56th Assembly District, where I proudly represent the residents of Bedford Stuyvesant and Crown Heights, we are still under attack. A redistricting battle is raging in my district and across the nation. We are fighting to protect our right to vote, and our property is being stolen or bought for less than it’s worth.

Earlier this month, I voted for the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Gov. Hochul has yet to sign it and instead has added a series of amendments that exclude school board elections. As a city, we are reexamining mayoral control vs. school board or community control of schools. Remember, “whoever controls the education of our children, controls our future.”

In Congress, we are pushing to finally put in place the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021, which would restore protections for the Black Vote established by the original voting rights act. The law would prohibit states who seek to disenfranchise the Black Vote from making any changes to their state’s laws and constitution without pre-clearance from the federal government. We need this law to begin the process of holding our government accountable.

The question I ask is, why are we still fighting battles that we’ve won over a century ago? The laws our ancestors fought for have not been sufficient enough to protect Black people. The United Nations recognized this fact in 2015 when it established the International Decade for People of African Descent. The FBI and CIA both agree on the empirical data that Black People are the most hated group in America.

The ACLU, NAACP, and Southern Poverty Law Center continue to fight for racial justice and to protect Black lives—reference the fight against qualified immunity. Yet, as the first architects, mothers, farmers, and creators in this country, not to mention, the world, we still fight for basic protections.

While we celebrate Juneteenth, know that we will never be free until these legislative promises move from law into general practice. Let us all take a hard look within ourselves, reflect, and acknowledge that it is our collective responsibility to hold our government accountable. It is only then that we can hold these entities responsible for reparations, at minimum in the form of See JUNETEENTH on page 30

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Simon Burris *Africana diaspora –– Black History Month II Crossword *JUNETEENTH: 2022 www.simonburris700.com ACROSS

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13. *“At Last” singer James

4. *“Cabin in the Sky” actress

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29. *Mayor Bradley of Los Angelcolm X les (1973-1993) 24. *Nelson Mandela’s homeland: initials nt30. *Place for married couples to: 13. *"At Last" singer James Jump over the broom 25. *Musician/actor Terry Raymond IV ley of Los Angeles (1973-1993) 34. *“True to our God, true to 15. *Initials for Attorney Crump (George Floyd's our ___ ___ : Negro National 26. *Writer Zora ___ Hurston Anthem” (2 wds.) family) rried couples to: Jump over the 30. *105 for Afro-Roman emper37. “Genesis 25” twin or Severus (193 - 211) 31. Brake part 16. "___ and behold!"

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20. *Olympics gymnast champion Biles

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Juneteenth community events Culture The Juneteenth Committee of Masjid Malcolm Shabazz is hosting the 2022 Juneteenth Celebration Parade and Street Fair on Saturday, June 18, in Harlem from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Festivities will start at 116th Street at Malcolm X Boulevard.

New York’s 13th annual Juneteenth Celebration – From Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19. Enjoy a weekend of events and activities dedicated to celebrating Juneteenth. Friday, June 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

- Summit Event. Location:Virtual Event, Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Festival Event. Location: Linden Park, Linden Blvd. &, Vermont St, Brooklyn, NY 11207 Sunday, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Concert.

Location: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY Juneteenth Community Block Party – Sunday, June 19 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Join Universe City and Grow Brownsville, CM Nurse, LDC of ENY and other sponsors for a block party celebrating Juneteenth on Glenmore Ave. between Van Sinderen Ave and Snediker Ave side of the IBZ. Juneteenth “Take Back the Block” Block Party – Saturday, June 18 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

East New York Community Land Trust is hosting a Juneteenth Block Party. Enjoy free food (on first come, first serve basis), music selected by a DJ, performances, and activities for children and adults. Event will be located on Hinsdale Street between Blake Avenue and Dumont Avenue.

Hosted by Athenia Rodney, executive director & founder of Juneteenth NYC, 13th annual Juneteenth Unity in the Black Family Unit in Brooklyn Friday, June 17 – 19, 2022. Juneteenth Flag Raising June 18, 2022, at Linden Park also known as Gershwin Park check for the time.

On Sunday, June 19, the December 12th Movement in Association with the Cooperative Culture Collective will hold a Juneteenth Celebration on Nostrand Avenue between

Putnam Avenue and Frederick Douglass Square. Speakers will include Dr. Mary Louise Patterson on Health Care and Racism, Zayid Muhammad on Juneteenth, ManUp’s A.T. Mitchell on Stopping Gun Violence, Majid Gadsen on Reparations, Assemblywoman Stefani Zinnerman and other elected officials. There will be live performances by the Kipp Amp Legacy Jazz Ensemble, Javier Gooden and Ron Magic Coleman, as well as offerings by local artists and artisans.

poetry performances within the galleries, presented by the Breathing Space. Throughout the day, families can join family programming partners Cool Culture and Culture Connected for drop-in art-making, a reading corner, a sound bath with Rena Anakwe, book giveaways, and an Afrocentric dance workshop with Tiffany Barett, and more in the outdoor space behind the Museum. Conclude the afternoon, or get your night started, with Brown Sugar Bounce, a celebration of Blackness MoMA: In the Critical Fab- and soulful music in its purest ulations gallery, artists use form featuring music by Clasartifacts, archives and testi- sicNewWave.

Throughout monies in works that respond the performance, participate to the legacy of colonialism in community portraits by and its hold in the present. Brooklyn photography colThe title of this gallery is bor- lective Souls in Focus. rowed from Saidiya Hartman, a cultural historian who has Museum of the City of New written about the afterlife of York: On Juneteenth, the slavery. Responding to the Museum will hold a seated, limits of official archives, Hart- outdoor concert with a soulman offers us “critical fabula- ful acoustic performance by tion”—the use of storytelling Martha Redbone Roots Projand speculative narration as a ect. The Museum will also means of redressing history’s continue to hold Soul of the omissions, particularly those City: Live @ MCNY, a new in the lives of enslaved people. series of intimate concerts This gallery brings together re- featuring a wide range of NYC cently made art that evokes artists, both upcoming and Hartman’s method with a se- veteran, performing acoustic lection of early 20th-century sets and sharing the personphotographs. Together they al stories behind their music. strive to tell what Hartman has described as “an impossiNew York Botanical Garden: ble story.”

Join the garden for its Juneteenth Weekend filled with New York Historical So- educational opportunities ciety Museum: Opened in including how crops in the February 2022, Our Compos- African American Garden: ite Nation: Frederick Dou- Remembrance & Resilglass’ America is a special ience—from cotton to sweetinstallation that features arti- grass—were used historically facts, images and a theatrical in everyday life. design that brings Douglass’ compelling speech to life and NYC Slavery & Underexplores his vision of free- ground Railroad Tour: dom, citizenship and equal Listen to the stories of New rights that remains urgent- Yorkers who put it all on the ly relevant today as a hopeful line and risked their lives to plea for America to live up to help slaves as they tried to its founding ideals. escape. While on the tour, you’ll get to visit some of the Brooklyn Museum: Visit historic stops on the Underthe museum for a number ground Railroad and hear of events on June 19. Partici- testimonies from that era. pate in Kemetic breathwork, Each tour is led by expert drawn from a form of yoga- guides who do an amazing inspired by ancient Egyptian job of breaking down the hieroglyphs, and medita- sights that you are seeing tion for liberation led by in- and also feeding you inforstructors Maya Eberhart and mation on New York City Steven Rousseau. Plus, enjoy during the age of slavery.

organizational change. Diversity, inclusion and equity.

Continued from page 26 It’s workplace culture. It’s organizational structure. It’s racialized? And when you part of everything that you add intersectionality, when do. It’s the way you market, you add people with dis- and message, and commuabilities, when you look at nicate with audiences. age, you know the protect“Are your prices higher ed classes…what are you and in certain communidoing to make sure that they ties that specifically don’t are being equitably treated have the money to pay within this organization.” those prices? We are thinkThose are the conver- ing about it at that level. sations that “we should We’re talking about acbe continuously having; countability and organicultural improvement, zations having a moral

Commemorating Continued from page 28

beginning at noon, geared towards Black liberation and creativity.

Sunday morning, at 10 a.m., Brooklyn Bridge Park will hold formal yoga sessions, along with dictation about Juneteenth.

On Saturday and Sunday, Brooklyn’s Weeksville Heritage Center hosts the Jimmy’s Picks

by Black-Owned Brooklyn Juneteenth Food Festival.

Sunday evening, midtown Manhattan’s Lincoln Center hosts the “Dream a Dream That Dreams Back At Me—A Juneteenth Celebration” (7 p.m.), featuring rock band Living Colour’s guitarist Vernon Reid, singer Nona Hendryx, musicians Etieenne Lashley and The

Juneteenth

which is already being raped and commoditized by the very institutions and organizations that have and continue to benefit from this historical oppression.

If we are serious about addressing these concerns, then we must stand and demand our reparations now. The power to make change is within the people. In every victory, our people have been singularly focused on our survival because we knew it was

Continued from page 28

quality and accessible education for our children, opportunities for employment, truly affordable housing, quality health and safety. Reparations are meant to repair the decades and decades of damage and trauma we are left to heal from and overcome. We need reparations, not just a holiday

Answer to: Simon Burris *Africana diaspora –– Black History Month II Crossword Juneteenth 2022 on page 29

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compass. Maybe that’s asking too much. You’re talking about capitalism, you’re talking about money. It’s almost a direct conflict. I don’t want to say always, but it can be.”

Juneteenth, as all cultural holidays—like Dr. Martin Luther King’s January 15th day of recognition—should be celebrated in the way those affected decide.

Communities are now fully aware that businesses, unscrupulous or not, will always look for an angle.

Collective, Marcelle Lashley, Cedric Burnside, Kiki Hawkins, Patrice Johnson Chevannes, Vincent Fraley, and DJ Belinda Beck (directed by Carl Hancock Rux).

On Monday, with many people off work, some plan to advocate Black unity in their communities, and will also plan local block parties and cookouts.

These are just a handful of events. Check for other local listings. the only way we could continue to thrive. Juneteenth is the celebration of what we’ve done but it is also a clarion call to focus on our collective salvation, guard our backs, build, and maintain our institutions while demanding that America pay its debt and make good on its promises.

Stefani Zinerman represents the 56th District (Bedford Stuyvesant and Crown Heights) in the New York State Assembly.

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS (Nayaba Arinde photo) (Bill Moore photos)

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Ornette Coleman’s ‘The Shape of Jazz’ has arrived!

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews One purpose for the recent “Ornette Coleman: The Shape of Jazz to Come” event at BAM, as part of the Bang on a Can Long Play Festival, was to celebrate that historic recording of 1959, and another, as Ornette’s son Denardo told a packed audience, was “to keep that energy going that he set in motion.” And that mission was more than accomplished by the 20-member ensemble and Denardo’s “Ornette Expressions,” including pianist Jason Moran, guitarist James “Blood” Ulmer, bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma, trumpeter Wallace Roney Jr., and saxophonist Lee Odom.

Odom was an exceedingly wonderful surprise for those unfamiliar with her potency, and during several riveting solos she cap-

tured not only Ornette’s exuberance but his uniquely created harmolodic vocabulary, her horn a searing mix of spectacular intervallic leaps and modulations. Her power was particularly noteworthy against the orchestral arrangements, at once blending and then soaring with every wave of Awadagin Pratt’s conduction.

There was no program denoting the new arrangements of the six tracks from Ornette’s third album, now listed in the Library of Congress’s National Recording Industry, and on Rolling Stone’s 500 best albums of all time, but that was unnecessary to a segment of his followers who with the first notes of “Lonely Woman,” erupted in applause. Arranged by vocalist and electronics avatar Pamela Z, her treatment gradually opens like a blooming flower, with expansive interpola-

tions from Roney and Odom, and a delicate, lyrical phrase or two from the alto flutist. The tune rises and falls with a haunted sadness before fading like one of Ornette’s poignant codas.

Equally captivating during the more than two-hour performance was the bravura moment when Ulmer, Tacuma, and Denardo, in contrast to the aforementioned “Lonely Woman,” laid down a sizzling piece of rhythm and blues with Ulmer’s guitar leading what appeared to be a musical conversation. A similar intensity closed out the evening, and Denardo summoned all the driving energy he referenced at the beginning of the concert, all the musical maturity acquired under his father’s tutoring.

Overall the music was as splendid and colorful as the garments of the sextet in front of the orchestra, from Moran’s flowing yellow jacket to De-

Scenes from BAM’s recent “Ornette Coleman: The Shape of Jazz to Come” event (Ellen Qbertplaya photos)

nardo’s brilliant turquoise suit, all of which would have probably commanded Ornette’s approval. And all the talk nowadays about Afrofutur-

ism in music can to some degree add this interpretation to the mix, and realize that the shape of jazz to come has arrived.

The Flea celebrates Juneteenth with art across NYC, Fire Island June 11-19 (Courtesy photo)

By MARGRIRA Special to the AmNews The city embraces Juneteenth by presenting The Flea commissioned works created by Ebony Noelle Golden, James Scruggs, and Chanon Judson simultaneously across NYC and Fire Island from June 11-19.

The artists were given full autonomy over artistic vision and their budgets. Flea Artistic Director Niegel Smith will also participate as a performance artist. The Flea has also launched a partnership with the Black and Brown Equity Coalition of Fire Island to support the 2nd annual Mx. Juneteenth Drag Pageant on Fire Island.

An informative symposium about Juneteenth and this year’s line-up will take place at The Flea on June 16, at 7p.m. The symposium will feature all commissioned artists with moderation by acclaimed artist, scholar, and ritual-maker Nia Witherspoon.

“Juneteenth marks the beginning of our journey toward liberation, and I’m thrilled The Flea can continue that legacy by commissioning exceptional Black artists and presenting their work in public spaces for our city,” said Smith.

Nona Hendryx, co-chair of The Flea’s board of directors, said, “Juneteenth is a day of celebration and a day of remembrance of freedom, freedom to be who you are, to love, dance, sing, create, enjoy and live your best life in no one’s shadow. On Juneteenth, look for the four Black artists and a drag pageant supported by The Flea Theater, celebrating and showing their True Colors!”

“World culture is influenced by American culture. American culture is influenced by Black culture and therefore Black culture influences everything. BaBEC is excited to be partnering with The Flea for a celebration of Black liberation and jubilee during the week of Juneteenth. As equity architects we are empowering Black artists to utilize their multiple mediums of expression to remind everyone who this world’s tastemakers really are,” said Tomik

Dash, founder and president of the Black and Brown Equity Coalition of Fire Island (BaBEC).

Some highlights include “The Worthy,”

by Niegel Smith, on Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 19—11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. shows on both days. Tickets: www.theflea.org. Join an Afro-futuristic griot (Niegel Smith) on a Juneteenth walk exploring our city through the lens of liberation, Black love, queer joy, and community healing. Co-led

by Talu Green with his commanding Djembe drumming, “The Worthy” is a performance that will take you through the African Burial Ground National Monument, past civic buildings, and through the streets of lower Manhattan as we consider the worth of Black and Queer folks. The walk will conclude at The Flea.

Check www.theflea.org for up-to-date information about each performance. www.theflea.org www.facebook.com/thefleatheater www.instagram.com/thefleatheater www.twitter.com/thefleatheater

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HOROSCOPES BY KNOWYOURNUMB3RS

By GODDESS KYA June 16, 2022 — June 22, 2022 Rebirth of a New Nation: Globally, humanity is feeling the healing, remuneration, indemnifications, and fortuitous sudden events taking place. There’re also other serendipitous events floating on the physical

plane, and from the spiritual plane within the governmental structure. Change is inevitable for the prior, past, current, and future generations, laying out a blueprint just as you would a business plan. Each generation teaches another the tools and resources needed to progress forward for the economic development of oneself, and your community. A great tool you can have is knowledge of self and apply Godgiven gifts, talents, skills, and expertise with a service or product to assist humanity in day-to-day operations. “Your purpose in life is to use your gifts and talent to help other people. Your journey in life teaches Vinateria you how to do that.” Tom Krause

Exercise is vital to allow the energy within to circulate the oxygen Remodeling and rearranging the home are in your forecast this through the body to discard any excess. Information flows to you as the week. Follow up on doctor’s appointments, and if you have any wind blows, so take heed. What’s meant for you to receive will play itself concerns, ask for a second, or even a third opinion. This cycle year Capricorn out in its own way. Your gut instincts will determine the nay or yay. This Cancer indicates a possible misdiagnosis of health conditions. This is a Dec 22 June 22 Jan 21 weekly cycle relaxes like a person with a sedated feeling, sensing, and time for harvesting and taking the lid off to breathe while taking July 23 seeing how the dots are connected to the movie playing out in your afcontrol of your affairs. Put on those old fashion suspenders, with fairs and environment. An extraordinary phenomenon is likely to occur yet the experi- a suit and tie, and handle your business. It’s showtime! On June 18th - 19th, it’s enced shine light within the darkness. Communication and conversations are essential either a deal or no deal. to your mental health and wealth. Stay, tap in.

Matters of the heart, health, work, spirituality, and partnerships You have the green light to ask, do and receive, to get what you need and are connecting with organizations as part of your forecast. Conwant. Create a new adventure and attract new opportunities and experitracts and legal agreements need signing after agreed upon. Set Leo ences in your life. This is the cycle to purchase a big-ticket item on sale, aside time for a 15-minute cat nap or rest for stillness for a peace Aquarius equipment, winning a huge prize, or receiving an offer. A cycle to enhance July 24 of mind. This is an exceptional cycle due to you feeling a renewed Jan 22 Aug 23 your reputation. It’s a great week to debut a new service or product, along sense of a higher calling. It feels like a spiritual initiation. It’s a Feb 19 with networking and assisting in community events. You’re quite popular great week for events, promotions, travel, study, and ending what this cycle where it appears everyone knows your name and knows what you do. During no longer serves a purpose in your life. During June 20th - 22nd, things may June 16th -17th, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. occur out of the ordinary that add flavor to your agenda.

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A rebirth is a process that takes place after metamorphosis is complete.

There appears to be a breakthrough before the upgrade this When you’re ready to give it your all the universe works with you. Get in week. Through trials, and tribulations, an epic triumph is on the a position to secure the bag, the deal, and the assignment that advancway. As you reflect, you’re filled with gratitude in your heart that Virgo es you to the next phase. Pregnancy, or some form of separation, graduayou made it through the storm with open eyes. You can call it the Feb 20 Aug 24 Mar 20 tion, demise, or the birth of a new concept is occurring this week. Money rebirth of a new you. Now you’re able to share your magnificent Sept 23 may also be attracting itself to you. It could come in forms of a gift, an instory as others are experiencing something similar. The details are heritance, stocks, bonds, or something that you manifested into your reality. On June different due to the nature of the journey. You’re a beacon of light 18th - 19th it appears that something signed, sealed, and delivered has your name writ- that allows your light to shine brightly. ten all over it.

It’s a great week to step out into the arena to showcase your Health, wealth, family duties and responsibilities, and reconstructing talents and share information. Do you have a publicist, as this your foundation, is what’s showing up in your forecast. Old debts and obweek you’ll need extra help or backup to keep the consistent flow?

Libra ligations are being settled. A few hiccups occur or things postpone where There’re a few things that’ll be up in the air, then suddenly fall Sept 24 Aries you may have to shuffle to stand your ground.

Not in an inferior way.

Reinto your lap as if it was there all along. That’s the universe dropOct 23 Mar 21 Apr 21 lationships seem to be the theme whether it’s a marriage, pregnancy, sepping information. Give thanks when it occurs. Pay attention to arations, a proposal, a new deal, completion of a project, or ending of a the signs and those quick flashes in the moments of seeing somechange of career as well. Things seem like a whirlwind of life-transforming itself, all hap- thing before it happens. It’s all in divine order. On June 16th - 17th, smile and pening at once. On June 20th- 22nd make the commitment to move forward in your life. patience are advised.

 Pisces

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You are not the kind of person that just wishes. You make it happen! You Compensation, health, work, friends, and neighbors are assistknow what it takes to build the dreams you envision. One thing’s for sure ing in some shape or form. What messages are you hearing, and is that everyone is born with a gift, and you discover how to apply your gift most importantly, seeing the outcome before it takes place? This Scorpio to be a benefit and resource to humanity. This week you’re in the spotlight is going to be a beautiful, yet melancholy cycle of issues coming to Apr 22 Oct 24 May 21 whether it’s being a keynote speaker, a spokesperson, or a business accelthe surface. At the same time, the traditional way of doing things Nov 22 erating and making big decisions. You’re a leader, an innovator, a disrupcarries out its mission to fulfillment. It’s also likely to be an auspitor, and a trendsetter that comes from a generational background of prominent people cious week of news regarding graduations, birth, promotion, cerewho are revolutionary in your family, stirring up the pot in your community and society. monies, appreciation, and a settlement of monies announcing itself.

 Taurus

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Reasoning, through logic, is like entering a space to what may seem Information is coming to you like water flowing through the river. In like a vortex of infinite knowledge. It’s like the messenger to humanity the midst of it, you’re getting projects accomplished as some are ready, that senses something is occurring this week. It’s building up the conand packaged for sale. Keep on pushing, and working, and keep in mind Gemini Sagitarius the goals and results you seek. The special ingredient is you and taking fidence to show its face. Traditionally, always plan and be prepared May 22 Nov 23 for emergency events. This is like an avalanche effect occurring out care of yourself first. There are likely to be thoughts of changing your June 21 Dec 21 of the blue. You’re adding an addition to your projects, or a surprise dietary habits, plus the discipline to stay the course. Your aura is attracto a member of the family. During the 16th - 17th think about big and tive and inviting so don’t mind if people stare at you or ask for a hug or long-term investments. advice. The divine creator is working its magic through you and globally.

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WWW.KYAFRENCH.COM | CONSULTATIONS 866-331-5088

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 35

AmNews FOOD Sweet ideas for celebrating parents all year round Regardless of the occasion, any excuse to celebrate moms and dads is a worthy one.

From birthdays and holidays to regular weekends at home, one of the best gifts you can give them is time spent together.

The entire family—including little ones— can get involved when the celebration calls for easy yet delicious recipes. Start a day of celebrating on a high note with these Apple Cin-

namon Waffles for a sweet breakfast in bed. As the day goes on, keep everyone energized with Apple, Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwiches or Apple Berry Salsa served with chips, apples or graham crackers. Finally, as the day winds to a close, finish off the festivities with Apple Blondie Cupcakes for one last reminder of how much Mom and Dad mean to you.

These recipes and more family-friendly

breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snack ideas are enhanced by the satisfying texture and taste of Envy Apples for a consistently balanced, refreshing sweetness coupled with crisp, elegant crunch. Easy to spot by their large, shareable size and crimson red skin that sometimes features a golden blush, they offer a fresh flavor perfect for snacking.

Try serving them as a tasty snack next time

your loved ones gather for time together to watch an exciting family-friendly show like “Strawberry Shortcake.” Enjoy seasonal stories about her and her pals discovering hidden treasures while on vacation, encountering mysterious monsters and tangling with out-of-control spring flowers as she's ready to “bake the world to a better place” all year round.

Visit EnvyApple.com to find more recipes

Apple Berry Salsa Prep time: 15 minutes Servings: 4-6

tortilla chips, pita chips, apple chips or graham crackers, for serving In medium bowl, combine apples, strawberries, blueberries and salt.

In small bowl, whisk honey and lime juice. Pour honey and lime juice over fruit mixture. Stir together to combine.

Serve immediately with tortilla chips, pita chips, apple chips or graham crackers, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

2 Envy Apples, cored and chopped 1 pound strawberries, hulled and chopped 1 pint blueberries ½ teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Apple Blondie Cupcakes Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 12 1¼ cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ½ cup unsalted butter (1

stick), melted and cooled 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 large egg, at room temperature 2 Envy Apples, peeled, cored and 1/4-inch diced Preheat oven to 350°F. Line

12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.

In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.

In large bowl, whisk butter and brown sugar 2 minutes, or until well combined. Add vanilla and egg; whisk until incorporated.

Add flour mixture to large

bowl of wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful to not overmix.

Fold in diced apples.

Spoon batter evenly into cupcake liners.

Bake 18-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of cupcake comes out clean.

Let cool and serve.

Apple, Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwiches Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 2 (1 sandwich per serving) 1 Envy Apple 6 tablespoons peanut butter 4 slices of bread

2 tablespoons honey

Layer apple slices on top of peanut butter.

Core apple and thinly slice.

Drizzle 1 tablespoon honey over Spread 3 tablespoons peanut butter apple slices on each sandwich half. on two slices of bread, reserving two Top each sandwich half with reserved slices of bread for sandwich tops. slice of bread.

Apple Cinnamon Waffles Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 4

nonstick cooking spray apple. Fold grated apple into 4 tablespoons unsalted butter batter. (½ stick), at room temperature Prepare waffle iron with maple syrup, to taste nonstick cooking spray.

1 cup all-purpose flour Ladle 1/4 of batter mixture ½ teaspoon kosher salt In large bowl, whisk flour, into waffle iron and cook ac1 teaspoon cinnamon salt, cinnamon, baking cording to manufacturer’s 2 teaspoons baking powder powder and brown sugar. instructions. Repeat with re2 tablespoons brown sugar In smaller bowl, whisk maining batter.

2 eggs eggs, milk and melted butter.

Top each waffle with 1 ta1 cup milk Make well in dry ingre- blespoon room temperature 4 tablespoons unsalted butter dients then mix in wet in- butter and maple syrup, to (½ stick), melted gredient mixture until just taste.

1 Envy Apple, peeled and combined. cored Using cheese grater, grate (Family Features)

36 • June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022

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LOUIS ARMSTRONG CONTINUUM, SMOKE REOPENS arranger and songwriter Quiana Lynell.

Some may be saying this event sounds like one of those straight intellectual, academic affairs where a subscription to The New York Times is mandatory. Not here the truth last year after covering this event I walked away with a wealth of knowledge as it related to Armstrong many facts about his life which are rarely discussed. The media often portrays him as a happy guy in love with the world but in real life he was straight-up gangsta, his big smile and laugh fooled a lot of people.

He was well in-tuned with what was happening in the world and never hesitated to give his opinion.

This event is free and there will be an abundance of history on Armstrong to be shared and digested.

To attend: https://jazz.columbia.edu/the-louis-armstrong-international-continuum-2/

(Photo Credit: Louis Armstrong House Museum)

The trumpeter, composer, actor and singer Louis Armstrong is the architectural father in jazz, he constructed the “j.” He was an American jazz ambassador who didn’t mind speaking his mind as it related to Blacks and the Civil Rights struggle in America. Miles Davis once stated, “Whatever you play, Pops has already played it.”

June 13-19 Columbia University’s Center for Jazz Studies, in conjunction with The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, presents The Louis Armstrong International Continuum: Armstrong & Company, A Virtual Symposium and Concert (daily beginning at 9 a.m. EST).

The seven-day series will highlight Satchmo’s Extraordinary Collaborations with Jazz Greats and World Leaders During Times of Global Crisis.

Highlighting this year’s Continuum theme, Louis Armstrong and Company, the seven-day event brings together an exceptional group of musicians, authors, scholars, academics and art administrators to examine Armstrong’s historic collaborations with a core of outstanding jazz musicians, including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Building on last year’s theme, this symposium also examines how Armstrong worked with leaders from various professions and disciplines to uplift the world during trying times.

“Louis Armstrong is a founding father of our music, and his collaborations with some of the brightest stars in jazz allowed them to tap directly into the wellspring of his artistry, which this symposium will explore in depth,” said Robert G. O’Meally, the Columbia University Zora Neale professor of English and Comparative Literature, director of the Columbia University Center for Jazz Studies, and author of “The Jazz Cadence of American Culture,” and his latest book, “Antagonistic Cooperation: Jazz, Collage and the Shaping of American Culture.”

Participants will include the living jazz legend NEA Jazz Master tenor saxophonist and composer Sonny Rollins, Robert G. O’Meally, writer Gary Giddins, political activist and author

Croker, with a Special Award PresentaAngela Davis, Aidan Levy, Robin tion to Ran Blake. He is known D. G. Kelley (Thelonious Monk, for his 40-year professorship at Free Press 2009), drummer, com- the New England Conservatory poser, educator Terri Lyne Car- of Music where he started the Derington, author and Director partment of Third Stream (now Elect of the Columbia University called the Department of ConInstitute for Research in African temporary Improvisation) with American Studies at Columbia Gunther Schuller. Blake’s focus University Farah Jasmine Griffin, on improvisation and ear traintrumpeter and composer Theo ing, and his diverse influences

from gospel to jazz and classical music, have made him one of the more inventive music educators of the jazz world. “We’re delighted to celebrate the accomplishments and legacy of Ran Blake,” said LAEF Executive Director Jackie Harris. “Like Louis Armstrong, he is a pioneer who has moved the music forward and inspired generations of musicians.”

There will be performances by jazz vocalist, songwriter Nnenna Freelon and blues and jazz singer,

The Smoke Jazz Club has the distinction of being the only jazz club located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side (2751 Broadway between 105th & 106th). They have been closed since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. During those two years the club was involved in conducting modified operations with livestreams, sidewalk concerts and outdoor dining. While New York City jazz clubs began opening at the end of last year, Smoke remained closed looking at their larger goal for reopening which included an impressive expansion and renovation that will take the club to greater heights for the post-pandemic 21st century.

Smoke’s return brings muchneeded hope and rejuvenation to the city, particularly the Upper West Side and the music community. “Smoke Jazz Club has so much history,” says husband and wife co-owners Paul Stache and Molly Sparrow Johnson. “Despite the struggles of the last few years, we just knew that the music couldn’t stop here. The past couple of years have not been easy for anyone, but having live music back in the club with everyone together, musicians and listeners, seems like a turning point. We are very excited to take this next step.”

The club’s newly renovated expansion allows for more comfortable accommodations for operating under mandated See JAZZ NOTES on page 45

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Helen Hagan, a pianist hailed for her prowess and originality

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews Our plan this week, after featuring William Henry Johnson, one of the heroes of World War I and a member of the famed Hellfighters, was to showcase one of the brave Black women who served during that war. In the past, we’ve profiled Kathryn Johnson and Addie Hunton, but never Helen Curtis, who was often mentioned along with Johnson and Hunton. In fact, they cited her in their book but we have been unable to locate a photo of Ms. Curtis.

It was during this pursuit that we stumbled on another Helen, this one Helen Hagan, who was a pianist and often performed in France for the Black soldiers. According to a comment from Johnson and Hunton’s book “Two Colored Women with the American Expeditionary Forces,” Hagan was a crowd-pleasing entertainer.

“The soldiers had seen every variety of entertainer sent to France,” they wrote. “They had heard some of the very best American and foreign pianists, but none had received the ovation from the colored soldiers given to Miss Helen Hagan, the only colored artist sent to France. Everywhere she was received by tremendous crowds of men with rapturous applause, and her wonderful talent was never put to better use nor more deeply appreciated.”

She was dubbed the “darling of the doughboys,” according to an article in the Pittsburgh Courier. Her 1912 passport application described her as a 5-foot-2 music teacher with an “olive” complexion.

Only a scant bit of information is available on Hagan’s early years,

Helen Hagan in YMCA uniform. From Hunton & Johnson, “Two Colored Women in the AEF”

though she was born Helen Eugenia Hagan in 1891 and died in 1964. She apparently was part of the Proctor Party formed by the request of Gen. Pershing and accompanied Joshua E. Blanton, who taught spirituals to the soldiers and the Minister Henry Hugh Proctor, who

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delivered sermons and led the soldiers in folk songs. Hagan returned to the U.S. in August 1919 on the Nieuw Amsterdam.

She probably resumed a position she had prior to the trip to France as chair of the music department at Tennessee

Agricultural and Industrial State College, now Tennessee State University.

In 1920, she married John Taylor Williams of Morristown, N.J. but in a letter to W.E.B. Du Bois there is an indication they were divorced by 1931. In that letter or another, she complained about the difficulty of getting her concerto performed, which is the only surviving composition entitled a “Piano Concerto in C Minor.” Meanwhile, her career as a pianist got a jump start in 1921 when she became the first African American pianist to present a solo recital in New York. Ten years later in The Crisis, it was stated she was the first Black woman to be appointed to the chamber of commerce in Morristown. Ever involved in a flurry of activity, she continued performing and at the same time began pursuit of a graduate level degree at Teachers College at Columbia University. She began teaching at Bishop College in Texas in 1933 as well as private piano lessons in New York City.

It should be noted that she received the Samuel Simons Sanford Fellowship for her concerto.

Horatio Parker, dean of music at Yale University, hailed the concerto for its originality and movement. He said she demonstrated not only pianistic talent for rate promise but also clearly marked ability to execute musical ideas of much charm and no little originality. In a review in the Iowa State Bystander, she was regarded as “truly a master in her art.”

Hagan died in March 1964 and is buried in New Haven’s Evergreen Cemetery next to her parents.

ACTIVITIES FIND OUT MORE Delving deeper into the letters to Du Bois and the Johnson & Hunton book may reveal larger bites of information on the pianist.

DISCUSSION She seemed to be of mixed ancestry though very little information is available about her parents.

PLACE IN CONTEXT The highlight of her years beam to us from her activity during World War I but she lived and performed in the ’50s and ’60s.

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY June 12, 1963: Civil Rights legend Medgar Evers was gunned down by white supremacists in his driveway in Mississippi.

June 13, 1967: Thurgood Marshall became the first African American Supreme Court Justice.

June 14, 1931: Actress Marla Gibbs was born in Chicago.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

AROUND THE TABLE: STORIES OF THE FOODS WE LOVE

On View June 4–Sept 11 An Exhibition Celebrating the Art and Science of Edible Plants

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June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 39

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Education Harlem hosts an HBCU College Fair

On Saturday, June 11, from noon to 6 p.m., there was a HBCU College Fair and a free block party where all were welcome. The 28th Precinct (Bill Moore photos)

sponsored the HBCU college fair on Frederick Douglass Blvd. at St. Nicholas between 122nd and 123rd Street, Harlem. Many prestigious universi-

ties and colleges were in attendance at the College Fair. The 28th Commanding Officer Inspector Andre M. Brown hosted the event. State Sen.

Cordell Cleare was in attendance and spoke at the fair. Bill Atkins of the AmNews’ advertising department was also present at the fair.

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June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 41

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June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 43

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HENRY PHIPPS PLAZA SOUTH KIPS BAY, MANHATTAN WAITING LIST OPENING

Henry Phipps Plaza South, located in the Kips Bay area of Manhattan, is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the studio, one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments for the waiting list. Households must meet the below income and family size requirements.

Unit Size1

Studio

1 Bedroom

2 Bedroom

3 Bedroom

4 Bedroom

Household Size2

Annual Household Income3 Maximum4

1 Person

$56,040

2 People

$64,080

1 Person

$56,040

2 People

$64,080

3 People

$72,060

2 People

$64,080

3 People

$72,060

4 People

$80,040

3 People

$72,060

4 People

$80,040

5 People

$86,460

6 People

$92,880

4 People

$80,040

5 People

$86,460

6 People

$92,880

7 People

$99,300

8 People

$105,660

Household size includes everyone who will live with you. Including parents and children. Subject to occupancy criteria 2 Rent subject to change and includes heat, hot water, electricity, and gas for cooking 3 Household earnings include salary, hourly wages, tips, Social Security, child support, and other income for household members.

4 Maximum Income guidelines adjusted for family size 1

Interested parties can complete an application online at: https://www.waitlistcheck.com/NY3141-3915 If you have a disability and need assistance with the application process or to request a paper application, please contact Phipps Rentals at 646-388-8227.

Paper applications must be mailed to 2 East 28th Street, PMB 428, New York, NY 10016, and must be postmarked by September 20, 2022. Duplicate applications will not be accepted. Qualifications will be based on Section-8 and Low-income Housing Tax credits. Federal guidelines and additional selection criteria.

Please note that applications will be selected via a lottery and placed on the waiting list. Applications will be interviewed based on the future availability of vacant units.

APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET BACKGROUND CHECK & ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA NO BROKERS FEE. NO APPLICATION FEE. SUPERVISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HUD

Delgado Continued from page 6

AmNews: You released a series of campaign ads recently, $1.5 million for TV called Game Changer and $300,000 ad buy for radio. Do you ever feel like you’re pandering?

Delgado: [I] want to be able to connect to people where they are, meet them where they are, and listen to them on the ground. And so what we try to do through the ads is to convey to people who I am. No matter their backgrounds, no matter the stories, you know. [I’m] somebody who’s lived a pretty diverse set of experiences, from working class to Colgate to Oxford as a Rhode Scholar to law school to being a hip hop artist to working in a law firm. Then on to be the first person of color to represent upstate New York.

your identity as an Afro Latino?

Delgado: I’m Afro Latino. I’m African American with both Cape Verdean roots and Latino roots. My mother has roots in Latin America. My father has roots in Cape Verde. So that’s my background, and like a lot of New Yorkers, I have a mixed background. My focus is really trying to figure out how no matter what room I’m in, no matter who I’m in front of, whether you’re Black or white or Brown, that I’m gonna listen to you, that I’m gonna engage with you, that I’m gonna do the work to empower marginalized communities.

AmNews: Do you think former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin has overshadowed you in your position as the Lt. Gov.? Do you feel like you’re just the ‘Black man who’s a runner-up’ so that Hochul saves herself from political embarrassment?

Delgado: I look at myself and say, ‘What’s AmNews: Some big, universal issues in my control?’ That is what I am focused facing the city are gun violence and subway on. The work. And making sure that as I insafety. Do you have a formal plan? troduce myself to the folks all across the state, they get a real chance to hear directly Delgado: You know, I lived in New York from me and get a chance to know my story.

City from 2011 to 2015. I worked, I com- How I define leadership, and what it means muted, and took the subway, so I’m very fa- to be a public servant. That’s what I control. miliar with how people get around in the And that’s what I continue to control. city. More recently in talking to folks about gun violence, it’s not just gun violence but AmNews: In Congress, you have more quality of life and just feeling safe in their power in terms of legislation or impact and neighborhoods. I can’t tell you how many it seems like as Lt. Gov. you’re seen as someindividuals, especially our seniors, but also one who tours the state and doesn’t really just concerned mothers and fathers, who do much for the people. How do you feel pull me aside to say that we really need to about that sentiment? get a handle on our safety here and our security. Folks are struggling to pick up groDelgado: The most important piece is ceries or to walk down the street and take making sure that one is an active partner care of dry cleaning, or whatever the case with the governor. These are discussions might be, without fear, and it shouldn’t be that I’ve had directly with the governor going that way. So yes, gun violence is a real con- into this position to make sure she undercern. The rise of crime is a real concern. stood that. She understands the importance [We should be] doing what we can to create of my perspective, from a policy standpoint more opportunities to combat that. Em- and having been a legislator in Congress, powering our young people, and certainly having secured billions of dollars to the state doing what we can to get these illegal guns of New York to local governments directly. I off the streets. think there is an appreciation for what I can bring to bear based on my relationships with AmNews: How do you feel about the push my former colleagues in Congress and also for ‘more cops’ as an answer to gun violence? with my ability to develop similar relationships with individuals in the state body and Delgado: I think we need an all hands-on become a real liaison. deck approach. Whether it’s making sure that we have law enforcement that is emAmNews: What’s a fun fact that most bedded in the community in a healthy and people don’t know about you? constructive way and that they’re empowered with resources to make sure that they Delgado: I’m in the upstate New York Bascan do their jobs. [Or] whether it’s other ketball Hall of Fame. I love basketball and I professionals, like social workers, to step was inducted some years ago. I was a shooting in and address some of the more social re- guard. I definitely miss, you know, being young alities when it comes to mental health and enough to actually play like I used to play. substance abuse. I think it’s also focusing on the rise of hate just more broadly. The Ariama C. Long is a Report for America ways in which political leaders are utilizing corps member and writes about culture and that hate to drive wedges between commu- politics in New York City for The Amsterdam nities and incite violence as a result of that. News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; AmNews: How do you feel about your op- please consider making a tax-deductible gift ponents in the Lt. Gov.’s race saying you’re of any amount today by visiting: https://tinot Latino or the media hyperfocusing on nyurl.com/fcszwj8w

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Summer Safety Continued from page 12

Part of the mayor’s plan to decrease gun violence is to increase police presence in high need communities. I have personally seen this in Harlem, however public facing and presence is no longer enough. We need more active engagement and a mutual respect between law enforcement and citizens. Let us be clear, defunding the police whether by the definition of eliminating the police department or repurposing funds, was not a viable solution. The police and the community

must work together and put our checkered history aside and place our energy where it belongs: on crime.

With regards to funding, more funds need to be available for mental health and support for those in need. The mayor’s office on community and mental health states, •“New Yorkers without health insurance are less likely to be connected to mental health care.

•“Black, Latinx, and Asian American and Pacific Islander New Yorkers are less likely to be connected to mental health care than white New Yorkers.”

•“The highest poverty neighbor-

Jazz Notes Continued from page 36

occupancy restrictions, social distancing regulations, and safety protocols for the staff, musicians, and patrons. “We had already agreed, in principle, with our landlord to take on the two adjacent storefronts before the pandemic,” recounts Johnson, “but it quickly became obvious that combining the new spaces with the jazz club was not only a priority but really a necessity to operate safely. We feel very fortunate that our landlord has been so supportive these last two years.” The ad-

hoods have over twice as many psychiatric hospitalizations per capita as the lowest poverty neighborhoods in New York City.”

It appears that mental health issues also fall under disproportionality and equity issues.

Finally, we need law enforcement training to identify and support mental health concerns. We must differentiate mental health issues from criminal issues and know when they collide with each other.

1980 has been called the worst year for crime in the history of New York City. Department statistics stated the following for 1980: “The total number of reported crimes

dition of these smaller combined spaces serves as an attached lounge featuring the relocated, historic, full-length bar providing more space for audiences and a larger stage for performers in the main listening room– while preserving the club’s warm friendly ambiance. Smoke’s reputation for being musician friendly usually boasts a list of noted musicians on any given night.

A cultural cornerstone of Upper Manhattan, Smoke Jazz Club opened its doors on April 9, 1999. Since that time, this Uptown jewel of a jazz spot has folks venturing uptown rather than downtown for live jazz, along with their international clientele. The club’s stage has played host

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 45 last year, 710,153, represented a 14.3 percent increase over the 1979 figure of 621,110, and a 7.9 percent increase over the previous record of 658,147, set in 1976.”

Let’s compare this to 2022: according to CNN, “The New York Police Department tracked increases across every major crime category. The city recorded a 41% increase in overall major crime through the first months of 2022 compared to the same period last year, including a nearly 54% increase in robberies, a 56% increase in grand larceny incidents and a 22% increase in rape reports, the data shows.” Statistics show we have a long way to go to

to legendary artists and rising stars alike, including Wynton Marsalis, Ron Carter, Benny Golson, Christian McBride, Brad Mehldau, Harold Mabern, J.D. Allen, Nicholas Payton, Peter Bernstein, Eddie Henderson, Johnnie O’Neal, Gary Bartz, Eric Alexander, Bill Charlap, Jimmy Cobb, and Lezlie Harrison among others. With so many outstanding performers it’s not surprising that Smoke also boasts a GRAMMY-nominated label, Smoke Sessions Records, and a celebrated streaming concert series, Smoke Screens.

“We set the tone on opening night in 1999 with the great George Coleman and Harold Mabern,” says Stache. Fittingly,

match 1980, but can the summer close that gap? And more importantly can we afford to take that chance?

Dr. Clarence Williams Jr. is a retired assistant superintendent in the New York city public school system. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership, a master’s in education administration, and a master’s in multicultural education. Williams Jr. has a K-12 license in special education and educational leadership, has worked as an educator and leader in the public school system for over 30 years and is an assistant professor.

NEA Jazz Master Coleman returns to christen the new and improved Smoke with a four-night grand reopening concert celebration July 21-24, 2022 (also streaming live worldwide). Tenor saxophonist Coleman will be joined by pianist Davis Whitfield, bassist Peter Washington, drummer Joe Farnsworth and special guest guitarist Peter Bernstein. Other artists scheduled in the near future will include Charles McPherson, Vijay Iyer, Mary Stallings, Bill Charlap, Bobby Watson, Nicholas Payton, Renee Rosnes, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Cyrus Chestnut, and Buster Williams.

For the upcoming grand opening visit SMOKEjazz.com.

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CLASSIFIED ADS 100 PUBLIC NOTICES

RULES AND REGULATIONS CANCELLATIONS must be made in writing by 12 Noon Monday.

The forwarding of an order is construed as an acceptance of all advertising rules and conditions under which advertising space is sold by the NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS. Publication is made and charged according to the terms of this card.

Rates and regulations subject to change without notice. No agreements as to position or regulations, other than those printed on this.

Til forbid orders charged for rate earned. Increases or decreases in space take the rate of a new advertisement.

The New York AMSTERDAM NEWS reserves the right to censor, reject, alter or revise all advertisements in accordance with its rules governing the acceptance of advertising and accepts no liability for its failure to insert an advertisement for any cause. Credit for errors in advertisements allowed only for first insertion.

CLASSIFIED • Classified advertisements take the regular earned rate of their classification. Four line minimum on all ads except spirituals and horoscopes (14 lines).

CLASSIFIED DISPLAY • Classified Display (boarder or picture) advertisements take the regular earned rate of their classification. Display (boarder or picture) advertisements one column wide must be 14 lines deep; two columns, 28 lines deep; 3 columns, 56 lines deep. Classified Display (boarder or picture) placed as close to classifications as rules and makeup permit.

CLASSIFICATIONS All advertisement accepted for publication is classified according to the standard classifications. Misclassification is not permitted.

BASIS OF CHARGE Charges are based on point size and characters per line. Upon reaching 15 lines the rate converts to column inch. Any deviation from solid composition such as indentation, use of white space, bold type, etc., will incur a premium.

In Case of error, notify the Amsterdam News 212-932-7440

101 101LEGAL LEGALNOTICES NOTICES

101 101LEGAL LEGALNOTICES NOTICES

101 101LEGAL LEGALNOTICES NOTICES

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK BOARD OF MANAGERS OF CENTRAL PARK PLACE CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff -againstCHINESE AMERICAN TRADING COMPANY, INC., Defendant. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein on March 1, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York on July 6, 2022 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, the Condominium Unit known as Unit No. 52B in the Building known as Central Park Place Condominium, 301 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019. Together with an undivided .3006% interest in the common elements.

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as 301 WEST 57TH STREET, UNIT 52B, NEW YORK, NY Approximate amount of lien $207,442.94 plus interest, accrued common charges/ assessments, attorneys fees, and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision and Order on Motion and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 157857/2020.

ROBERTA ASHKIN, ESQ., Referee SMITH, BUSS & JACOBS, LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 733 Yonkers Avenue, Suite 200, Yonkers, NY 10704 SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK NYCTL 2019-A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiffs -against- SICHAO ZHU, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Amended Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein on March 16, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York on July 20th, 2022 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, known and designated as Block 928 and Lot 1505 on the New York County Tax Assessment Map, and being further known on a such tax rolls as 300 East 23rd Street, Unit 3C, New York, NY 10001.

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as 300 EAST 23RD STREET, UNIT 3C, NEW YORK, NY Approximate amount of lien $38,913.90 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 158239/2020.

ELAINE SHAY, ESQ., Referee Phillips Lytle LLP

101 101LEGAL LEGALNOTICES NOTICES

101 101LEGAL LEGALNOTICES NOTICES

ADMINISTRATION CITATION File No. 2019-4219 SURROGATES COURT - NEW YORK COUNTY SUPPLEMENTAL CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent, TO: The heirs at law, next of kin and distributees of decedent, Lillian Hester Brown, deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead, to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence, The Public Administrator of New York County, The Attorney General of the State of New York; A petition having been duly filed by ONE 100 STREET CORPORATION, who is domiciled at 148-45 Hillside Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11435, YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogates Court, New York County, at 31 Chambers Street, New York, on June 21, 2021 at 10:00 oclock in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of LILLIAN HESTER BROWN, a/k/a Hester Lillian Brown, lately domiciled at 240 W 132nd Street, New York, in the County of New York, New York, granting Limited Letters of Administration upon the estate of LILLIAN HESTER BROWN, a/k/a Hester Lillian Brown, the decedent, to ONE 100 STREET CORPORATION, for the purposes of prosecuting and performing such actions necessary to confirm and uphold the petitioners title in and to the real property known as and by Block 1937, Lot 48 on the tax map for New York County, City and State of New York, and by the street number 240 W 132nd Street, New York, AND FURTHER, that a kinship hearing be held by the Court to determine the existence, and rights, of any unknown distributees of the decedent.

Dated, Attested and Sealed, HON. RITA MELLA, Surrogate May 16, 2022 Diana Sanabria, Chief Clerk (Seal) Name of Attorney for Petitioner: James P Demetriou Tel. No.: 516-5704900 / 407-377-7730 Address of Attorney: 3208 E Colonial Dr, #284, Orlando, FL 32803 New York Address: 200 Old Country Road, Suite 190, Mineola, NY 11501 Note: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney-at-law appear for you.

Attorney(s) for Plaintiffs 28 East Main Street, Suite 1400, Rochester, NY 14614 SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK BOARD OF MANAGERS OF CENTRAL PARK PLACE CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff -againstCHINESE AMERICAN TRADING COMPANY, INC., Defendant. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated March 1, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located on the portico at 60 Centre Street, New York on July 6, 2022 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, the Condominium Unit known as Unit No. 50A in the Building known as Central Park Place Condominium, 301 West 57th Street. Together with an undivided .7032% interest in the common elements.

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as 301 WEST 57TH STREET, UNIT 50A, NEW YORK, NY Approximate amount of lien $179,792.02 plus interest, accrued common charges/assessments, attorneys fees, and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision and Order on Motion and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 157856/2020.

ROBERTA ASHKIN, ESQ., Referee SMITH, BUSS & JACOBS, LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 733 Yonkers Avenue, Suite 200, Yonkers, NY 10704 Notice of Formation of Big Rosie BK LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/16/20. Office location: New York county.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o PO Box 20169, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: Architecture services.

Formation of 11 EAST 29TH STREET APT 32C, LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/28/2022. Office loc.: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

The address SSNY shall mail process to Jane Liu, 101 Tournament Dr., Monroe Twp., NJ 08831.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice is hereby given that license number, pending, for beer and wine has been applied for by Chase Sinzer (Sabo LLC) to sell beer and wine at a retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 90 E. 10th Street New York, NY for on premises consumption.

Chase Sinzer d/b/a Claud's.

The New York City Police Department is seeking a vendor to furnish all labor and materials necessary and required to Modernize One (1) Elevator at the 48th Precinct Station House. This Competitive Sealed Bid is released through the New York Citys online Procurement and Sourcing Solutions Portal (PASSPort). To access the Competitive Sealed Bid, visit PASSPort at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/mocs/sys tems/about-go-to-passport.page, click on Procurement Navigator, then insert the EPIN # 05622B0002 into the keyword search field.In order to respond to the Competitive Sealed Bid, vendors must create an account within PASSPort, if they have not already done so. An in-person, mandatory pre-bid conference will be held on June 22, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the 48 Precinct Station House located at 450 Cross Bronx Expressway Bronx, New York 10457, Muster Room. Any inquiries concerning this Competitive Sealed Bid should be directed by email, under the subject line Modernize One (1) Elevator at the 48th Precinct Station House to contracts@nypd.org or through the PASSPort Discussion Forum. The deadline for the submission of questions is June 29, 2022, 5:00 p.m. This project is subject to HireNYC and M/WBE Local Law 1. The bid due date, submission via PASSPort, as well as hard copy, as instructed, is due at or before 2:00 p.m. on July 20, 2022..

Notice of Formation of JJR Property Management, LLC Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/04/21. Office Location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 1395 South Platte River Drive, Denver, CO 80323. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of STONOVER MEDIA, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/26/22. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Anthony Bonsignore, 200 Park Ave. S, Fl. 8, NY, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

48 • June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022

101 LEGAL NOTICES

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

OFFICE OF CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER | City of New York General Counsel Civil Service Title: Executive Agency Counsel General Counsel Work Location: 421 East 26th Street NY, NY 10016 Title Code No: 95005 Salary: $80,931 - $198,000 (Annual)

Division/Work Unit: OCME Number of Positions: 1 Level: M4

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person. We exist to provide answers in support of families, victims, and community during times of profound need.

JOB DESCRIPTION The core values of the OCME are to put the mission of the agency first, to be truly dedicated and to have integrity in every aspect of our professional life. Under Executive direction, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent initiative and judgement, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) seeks a highly motivated individual whose main function will be to advise the Chief Medical Examiner and Agency Executive Staff on all matters of New York City Laws and rules as they pertain to government.

Selected candidate will exercise legal knowledge and judgement in heading a section responsible for a legal activity of significant policy or financial consequences. Other typical responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: • Serves as a legal counselor to the agency’s Chief Medical Examiner, executive, managerial, and other staff members.

• Assists the New York City Law Department in litigating lawsuits brought against the agency, including complex and significant matters involving intricate determinations of law or fact.

• Drafts legislation and policy statements of importance to the agency and advises the agency on the impact of proposed and enacted legislation on OCME. • Routinely reviews and prepares and negotiates complex procurement and other contracts on behalf of the agency.

• Develops and reviews agency and administrative policies.

• Supervises the agency Quality Assurance Director.

• Supervises a team of attorneys and support staff, including reviewing, revising and providing materials relating to civil matters, subpoenas, Freedom of information law requests, and expert forensic science testimony.

• Serves as liaison with relevant City agencies including district attorneys’ offices, criminal defense organizations, the judiciary, oversight agencies such as NYS Commission on Forensic Science, and legislative bodies at federal, state, and local levels.

• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.

Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

PREFFERED SKILLS Candidate should possess the following: superior team building capabilities and highly developed facilitation skills and be able to work independently and exercise the highest degree of initiative to produce results. The candidate should also have superior ability to prioritize, demonstrate excellent judgment, use professional discretion, and effectively handle multiple competing priorities; and be detail oriented.

Candidate should have a minimum of five (5) years as a senior attorney.

SPECIAL NOTE The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 1. The selected candidate will be required to submit a DNA sample by swabbing.

2. As of August 2, 2021, all new hires must be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religion or disability. If you are offered city employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire, unless a reasonable accommodation for exemption is received and approved by the hiring agency.

3. As a current or prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. Please review the notice to see if you may be eligible for programs and how to apply at www.nyc.gov/studentloans.

NOTE: New York City residency is required within 90 days of appointment. However, City employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for two continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

TO APPLY, PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO: www.nyc.gov/ocmecareers , Job ID#529800.

Please note that only candidates selected for interview will be contacted for this position. **FINAL APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET APPROVAL** POST DATE: April 2022 | POST UNTIL: Until Filled | JOB ID # 529800 The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Official NYC Web Site: www.nyc.gov

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Amsterdam News Size: 1/2 pg (4.9375” x 10.75”) Issue: Thursday, June 16th Due: Monday, June 13th by 11am Cost: $3,312.31 NYC: $2,153.00

Notice of Qualification of DW MARCY, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/17/22. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/04/19. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 3, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of MOTIF ADVISORS LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/11/22.

Office location: NY County.

LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/04/22. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o 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 of the State of DE, Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19901.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of STR8LINE INSURANCE ENTERPRISES, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/27/22.

Office location: NY County.

LLC formed in Idaho (ID) on 04/22/16. Princ. office of LLC: 2005 Vista Pkwy., Ste. 200, W. Palm Beach, FL 33411.

NYS fictitious name: STR8LINE INSURANCE AGENCY LLC. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Cert. of Form. filed with ID Secy. of State, 700 W. Jefferson St., Rm. E205, Boise, ID 83702.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of WSW PRESERVATION GP, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/09/22. 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.

110 SERVICES NOTICE OF QUALIFICATION of Unconventional Minds LLC. Authority filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/23/22. Office location: New York County.

LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 1/6/20. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: InCorp Services, Inc., One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Ave., Ste. 805-A, Albany, NY 122102822. Cert. of Formation filed with DE Secy of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of WYANDOT SQUARE PRESERVATION CLASS B, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/04/22. 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 ASBURY PRESERVATION CLASS B, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/04/22. 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 SSNY shall mail proCityserved. of New York cess to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of WSW PRESERVATION CLASS B, NOTICE OF FORMATION of LLC Arts. of Org. filed with FSRNY 22-22, LLC. Articles Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) of Organization filed with the on 05/09/22. Office location: Secretary of State of New NY County. Princ. office of York (SSNY) on 10/28/2021.

LLC: 30 Hudson Yards, 72nd Office location: New York Fl., NY, NY 10001. SSNY County. Secretary of State is designated as agent of LLC designated as agent upon upon whom process against it | OFFICE OF CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER whom process against the may be served. SSNY shall General LLC may be served. SOS mail process Counsel to Corporation shall mail a copy of any proService Co., 80 State St., Alcess LLCExecutive served Agency bany, NY 12207. Purpose:Division/Work Unit: OCME Civilagainst Servicethe Title: Counsel upon him/her to: CSC; 80 Any lawful activity.

General CounselAlbany, NY State Street Work Location: 421 of East 26th Street NY, NY 10016 Number of Positions: 1 12207-2543.

Purpose LLC: Notice of Formation of ASFor anyCode lawful activity.

Title No: 95005 Level: M4 BURY DEVELOPER, LLC Notice of Formation of Salary: $80,931 - $198,000 (Annual)SWEET PLANTASY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on Arts. of Org. filed with Secy.

Notice of Qualification of The Office of LLC ChiefAppl.

Medical cases of persons within New City NY 05/04/22.

OfficeYork location: of investigates State of NY (SSNY) on who die REBEL GAIL, for Examiner fromfiled criminal accident, by suicide, suddenly in apparent health, when unattended byLLC: County.

Princ. office of 5/09/2022.

Office when location: Auth. with violence, Secy. of by State Hudson Yards, 72nd New Yorksuspicious county. SSNY des- manner30 ofa NY (SSNY) 05/26/22.facility or physician, in aon correctional in any or unusual or where an application is Fl., NY, NYanswers 10001.inSSNY desigignatedaas agent LLC upon Office location: toNY made pursuant law County. for a permit to cremate body of aofperson.

We exist to provide support nated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may LLC formed in New Jersey of families, victims, and community during times of profound need. whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail (NJ) on 10/13/15. SSNY desbe served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o United States ignated as agent of LLC upon JOB DESCRIPTION process to Corporation SerCorporation Agents, Inc. whom process against it may th The core values of the OCME are to put the mission of the agency first, to be truly to have vice dedicated Co., 80 and State St., Al7014 13 Avenue, Suite 202, be served. SSNY shall mail NY latitude 12207.forPurpose: Brooklyn, NY 11228.

Purintegrity to in every aspect Attn: of our professional life. Under Executive direction,bany, with wide the process the LLC, Any lawful activity. pose: Any lawful purpose.

Nancy Caravetta, 153 W. exercise of independent initiative and judgement, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) seeks 27th St., #202, NY, NY a highly motivated individual whose main function will be to advise the Chief Medical Examiner and 10001. NJ addr. of LLC: 466 Agency Executive Staff on all matters of New York City Laws NOTICE and rules OF as they pertain to government.

Ridgewood Rd., Maplewood, SALE NJ 07040.candidate Cert. of Form. filed legal knowledge and judgement in heading a section responsible for a Selected will exercise with Muoio, legalElizabeth activity ofMaher significant policy or financial consequences. Other typical responsibilities include but State Treasurer, 125 W. State are not limited to the following: St., Trenton, NJ 08608. PurSUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK, WILMINGTON • Serves a legal counselor to the agency’s ChiefNATIONAL Medical Examiner, executive, managerial, and other pose: Anyas lawful activity.

TRUST, ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL staff members.

CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF MFRA TRUST 2016-1, Plaintiff, lawsuits vs. JOHN FARACCO, Defendant(s).

• Assistsof the New York City of Law Department in litigating brought againstET theAL., agency, including Notice Formation SUZANNE complex BINGHAM and significant matters involving intricate determinations of law or fact.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision DENNEY LLC Art. and Of policy Org. statements • Drafts legislation of importance to the andonadvises the agency on the + Order on Motion dulyagency entered February 22, 2022, I, the filed with SSNY on 4/19/22. impact of proposed and enacted legislation on OCME. undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the portico Office Location: NY County. of the New York County Courthouse, 60contracts Centre Street, New • Routinely reviews prepares and negotiates complex procurement and other on behalf SSNY designated as and agent of York, NY on July 20, 2022 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as theofLLC whom process the upon agency.

411 E. 53rd Street, Apt. 6G, New York, NY 10022.

All that ceragainst it may servedagency and and administrative policies.

• Develops andbereviews tain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and imshall mail process to: United • Supervises the agency Quality Assurance Director. thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the provements States Corporation Agents Borough, County, reviewing, City and State of and Newproviding York, Block 1365 • Supervises teamSuite of attorneys staff, including revising materials Inc 7014 13tha Ave 202 and support and Lotof1060 together with an undivided 0.4011 percent interBrooklyn, 11228. relatingNY to civil matters, subpoenas, Freedom information law requests, and expert forensic science est in the Common Elements. Approximate amount of judgPurpose: Any lawful purpose. testimony. ment is $512,695.95 plus interest and costs. Premises will be • Serves as liaison with relevant City agencies includingto district attorneys’ defense sold subject provisions of offices, filed criminal Judgment Index TITAN MOMENTUM LLC #110188/2009. safety protocols will Science, be followed organizations, the judiciary, agencies such asCOVID-19 NYS Commission on Forensic and at Filed with SSNY on: oversight the foreclosure sale. legislative bodies at federal, 05/02/2022 Location: New state, and local levels.

York County SSNYand designat• Special projects other duties as assigned.

Mark McKew, Esq., Referee ed as agent for service of process & shall mail to: TIMINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS TAN MOMENTUM LLC, York 167 State Bar; Admission to the New and four yearsLLP, of recent full-time responsible, Friedman Vartolo 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, relevant, New York, Madison Avenue Ste 205 New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 181712satisfactory legal experience #160, New York, NY 10016subsequent1to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or Purpose: Anysupervision Lawful.

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Budget Continued from page 3

responsive education. She also took some time off from working in the public school sphere to homeschool her own children during the pandemic.

“I have never come to understand why education is political when this is what children do.

They go to school by law,” said Duwors. “We expect so much out of teachers and students and then don’t give them the funding that they need to have the basics.”

Duwors said other than the allocations for child care assistance to children who are undocumented, the cuts to K- 12 grades “make no sense” when there is still billions of dollars available, just in the reserves. She absolutely disagrees with mayoral control of the education system and is disappointed with Schools Chancellor David Banks “taking

Compensation Continued from page 3

experienced community violence may believe that engaging law enforcement increases the likelihood that they’ll experience retaliatory violence, and that they know that the police will be unable to protect them from that violence. People who are not full citizens may be concerned that putting themselves on the radar of law enforcement could ultimately compromise their status in this country and their ability to stay with and connected to their families.”

Sered is confident Senate Bill S7573A will change things.

Sponsored by State Sen. Zellnor Myrie and State Rep. Demond Meeks, the legislation would allow victims to access compensation if they come forward to non-police channels like therapists or hospital providers. For those who do report to law enforcement, the bill would give them more time to reach out.

This can be especially helpful for the families of deceased victims applying for compensation.

“No one ever prepares to be assaulted or attacked or [experience] their child being murdered or things of that nature,” said activist Oresa Napper-Williams, who lost hersonAndrellin2006.“Preparing foritisn’tthenorm.Childrenusually outlive their parents.”

While police reports are the

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 51

money away from children” as an educator himself.

Natasha Capers is director of the Coalition for Educational Justice and a mother of two high school students. She said the cuts to the schools budget are not justified, especially when the enrollment numbers used for the city budget are uncertain “projections.” She said a reduction in resources and teachers in schools at this time in the pandemic is painful. In one of her children’s schools, a small Career and Technical Education cooking school, she said hundreds of thousands of dollars will be lost resulting in possible cuts to their paid internship programs and work with fivestar Michelin chefs.

“We’re balancing our city budget on the backs of children,” said Capers. “Black and Brown children. Yet the NYPD budget continues to skyrocket but children have to do more with less.”

Speaker Adams, along with City Councilemembers Rita Joseph and Gale Brewer, released a statement on school budgets on Monday as well.

They explained that there had been “significant changes due to lost federal funding and declining enrollment in public schools,” but students were still the top priority as the city went back to its “existing school budget formula that it had suspended because of these pandemic-related federal funds.”

The school’s student population declined by 120,000 students.

“While schools with increased enrollment received proposed school budgets with funding increases due to the formula, other schools received lower proposed budgets without the stop-gap of federal funding that could lead to the loss of important services. Our focus must be on equity, ensuring schools and students who have historically been un-

derserved are prioritized,” they said in the joint statement.

They promised to address the issue of lost federal funding by putting millions more into funding education than last year, working with local electeds to understand what’s happening in schools, holding a joint oversight hearing to figure out how to fill certain gaps of lost funding, and lastly, pushing the Department of Education to prioritize funding within its current budget to meet the specific needs of individual schools.

Six city council members voted against the city budget including Councilmembers Charles Barron, Alexa Aviles, Chi Osse, and Sandy Nurse, reported the Brooklyn Paper. Councilmember Shahana Hanif voted yes to the budget, but later said publicly how dissatisfied she was with cuts and attended an education funding rally at MS 839.

“Last night, I voted “yes” on

the FY23 budget. I did so with a full understanding of its shortcomings, and of the important investments my progressive colleagues and I have won. I am deeply saddened by these education cuts, but our fight for a better city isn’t over,” said Hanif.

“Let me be clear, the primary responsibility of these budget cuts lies at the feet of the mayor.

His total and absolute authority over the education system is being wielded to harm our community. Students will lose essential programs because of these callous cuts,” continued Hanif.

Additionally, criminal justice groups such as Communities United for Police Reform, said that their calls for “deep investments in community safety solutions went ignored.”

“This year, the NYPD’s budget will continue to be an oversized portion of the city’s budget, which will result in more police flooding our neighborhoods

main source of documentation, OVS also accepts forensic rape examination, orders of protection and reports made to child or adult services for compensation claims. Napper-Williams believes going through such “official” channels would be easier with the passing of S7573A. But what about the barriers during the claim process?

RoddelWest was loaned $15,000 from a friend to pay for temporary dental implants after losing six teeth from an attack. The exmarine thought the claim process would be a breeze, but soon ran into problems with the application. He pored over it meticulously for days, all the while compiling medical receipt after medical receipt. One misticked box and his initial application was denied. According to him, OVS has asked for the same documentation numerous times.

West was attacked in 2018. He’s still waiting for his money.

“I still have a pending case,” saidWest.“Now they’re asking for a new form from my insurance company. At least they’re asking for a new piece of paper. On the other hand, I’m bracing myself for them to ask me for that form about 10 to 15 more times.”

OVS says it examines all cases “through a lens most favorable to the victim.” However, there’s significant red tape to prevent ineligible applicants from gaming the system. To help navigate the bureaucracy, OVS funds programs to assist victims

with filing claims. Ironically, one of those programs is Common Justice, who sent someone to assist West with his application.

“One key reason we fund programs statewide [is] to raise awareness of the agency and help victims of crime and their families with filing compensation claims,” said OVS spokesperson Janine Kava in a statement. “More than 80% of claims are submitted through OVS-funded programs, which also provide ongoing support with the claim and direct services: therapy, support groups, case management, emergency shelter, civil legal assistance, accompaniment to court, and transportation, among others.”

For those who do receive compensation from OVS, the money can be life-changing. One uninsured victim got $14,000 to pay for her medical bills after reporting the sexual abuse she experienced. Another victim received a track-andpulley system in her apartment after she was paralyzed from a gunshot. And an Indingeous mother could cover her daughter’s funeral expenses thanks to OVS after the money from the Seneca Nation wasn’t enough.

But those still in application limbo view the organization less fondly. West knows that he might not literally own a million-dollar smile, but his bright grin cost him quite the fortune.

He flashes it regardless, as a bittersweet attempt to overcome

his financial anxieties.

“If I wouldn’t have known about this program, I would have just had no teeth…instead of owing someone $15,000, and struggling to pay them back on top of the bills that were piling

up because I was missing work,” saidWest.“The promise of assistance put me in a worse financial decision.”

and the continuation of failed, abusive policing tactics,” said CPR spokesperson Darian X. “While the council pats themselves on the back for merely restoring already insufficient community investments, the already bloated NYPD was given its largest budget ever. We demand deep cuts in the NYPD budget because we know that police do not prevent violence, they don’t keep us safe.

We needed vision and bold investments, and instead, we are getting more of the same: criminalization and over-policing.”

Ariama C. Long is a Report for Americacorpsmemberandwrites about culture and politics in New York City 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://tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w

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 taxTandy Lau is a Report for Amer- deductible gift today by visiting: ica corps member and writes https://tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w

La Casa de Felicidad Apartments MELROSE, BRONX REOPENING WAITING LIST

La Casa de Felicidad is seeking interested applicants for its waiting list. The building is located at 3097 Third Avenue in the Melrose neighborhood of the Bronx, NY. The building is under the direction of the U.S. Dept. of HUD Section 202 PRAC Program. Applications are available for mobility-impaired persons age 18 and over and for persons age 62 or over who meet the following income and family size guidelines.

Family Size*

Apt. Size

Monthly Tenant Portion of Rent*

Total Maximum Gross Annual Income**

1

1 Bedroom

Eligible resident pays 30% of income

$46,700

1-2

1 Bedroom

Eligible resident pays 30% of income

$53,400

Subject to occupancy standards *includes cooking gas **income guidelines adjusted for family size Monthly rent is based on 30% of the family’s total household income (as per US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development regulations) and includes gas for cooking.

Interested parties can complete https://www.waitlistcheck.com/NY3141-3914

an

application

online

at:

If you have a disability and need assistance with the application process or to request a paper application, please contact Phipps Rentals at 646-388-8227.

Paper applications must be mailed to 2 East 28th Street, PMB 428, New York, NY 10016, and must be postmarked by September 20, 2022. Duplicate applications will not be accepted. Qualifications will be based on Section-202 Federal guidelines and additional selection criteria.

APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE A BACKGROUND CHECK & ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA NO BROKERS FEE. NO APPLICATION FEE. RETURNED APPLICATIONS WILL BE SELECTED AT RANDOM. SUPERVISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HUD

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Vol. 111 No.

Vol. 111 No. 27 | July 2, 2020 - July 8, 2020

ne 11, 20

20 - Ju ne 17, 20 THE NEW BLACK VIEW 20

June 17, 2020

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York City Police Department. He said the city would shift the funding from the NYPD to youthBy STEPHO and Responsibility and account- social services, many of whom Amsterda N JOHNSO ability. Some agencies in New are N m News disproportionately targeted Police De Staff York City have had to work by partmen police. city wo Respons uld shi t. He said the with less, but still uphold their ibility ft the “The City will find significant from the ability. funding Some ageand accountend of the financial bargain. A savings NYPD to soc York Cit to the NYPD budget,” ncies in y have lack of funds leads to a lack of said New are ial services, ma youth and the mayor.“This funding withwill ha ny of d to wo dispropo less, bu resources. A lack of resources go rk rtionately whom t stil end of the towards youth developmen t fin l uphold their by police. targeted led to a lack of services to the and ancial ba lack of social services for commu“Th e rga funds lea City wil people. And, sometimes, lack nities l find sig resouwill ds to a in. A savings of color. The amount rces. A nificant lack of to the of services to the people led to be NYPD said the led finalized with the City to a lac lack of resource Council encounters with law enforce- during k of ser s go tow mayor.“This fun budget,” people. the budget process.” ding ard And, som vices to the ment who take a significant and soc s youth develop will of seraway The move to shift funds etimes, vices to ial servic ment lac sum of taxpayer money. k the es nities of encoun from the police department ters with people led to color. Th for commuAccording to New York City comes on the heelsmeofntmaswho tak law enforce- be finalized wit e amount will Mayor Bill de Blasio and police sive h the Cit e during the sum of protests against police taxpayer a significant budget pro y Council reform activists, those days brutality mo (Cyril Jo Th Ac ne after ces cor e the deathdin y. mo s.” ofg to sh Barke are over.

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June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 53

St. Francis College wraps a successful sports year

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews As St. Francis College in Brooklyn prepares to move to its new home this summer, the athletic department is celebrating a successful 2021-22 competitive year and building to do even better in 2022-23 despite future athletic facilities not yet finalized. Assistant Director of Athletics Dionne Dodson spoke about some of the recent highlights.

Among those earning post-season honors is versatile track and field athlete Beyonce Blake, who was named to the Northeast Conference’s All-Rookie team. “Beyonce is very charismatic and has brought tremendous leadership to our track and field team,” said Dodson. “Her work ethic has been beyond what Coach [Christopher] Mills expected of a freshman.”

It’s not easy to train in New York City, but both the men’s and women’s track and field teams have a huge drive to excel. “A lot of it stems from Coach Mills, who was also a

New York City high school track athlete,” said Dodson.

Mills attended Christ the King High School and is a St. Francis College graduate. “His drive and his scrappiness to beat the odds and overcome some of the challenges of living in New York…has really rubbed off. I know when he’s recruiting student-athletes, he does look for those kids that are a little bit under the radar who come from the city and have shown toughness and resilience.”

Multi-sport athlete Beyonce Blake wraps a strong freshman year (Photo credit: St. Francis Athletics)

soccer, which only began in 2019, is gaining momentum. “Having to recruit 30 to 40 student-athletes to St. Francis and have them be able to compete at the conference level right away, Coach [Justine] Lombardi has done that,” Dodson said. “They are fantastic in the classroom. They are fantastic outside of the classroom. They are at every community service event.

They’re at every activity for which we ask for volunteers. They’re leading from the front in terms of what

they’ve accomplished.”

The college also has a men’s volleyball program, launched in 2020. Dodson praised Amable Martinez, director of volleyball and head coach of the women’s team, and Niko Lambert, head coach of the men’s team and women’s assistant coach. “They have done a great job of finding male volleyball student-athletes from all over the world who want to come in and help grow the program,” she said.

Jumper Malachi Aiken received NEC All-Rookie honors for both indoor and outdoor season (Photo credit: St. Francis Athletics)

Women’s basketball had a winning season, especially excelling in NEC play. Although it doesn’t yet have quite as impressive a winloss record, women’s

Women’s hoopers’ road to the 1996 Olympics chronicled in ‘Dream On’

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews “Dream On” is the first ESPN Films 30 for 30 production about women’s sports to receive a multipart docuseries. The three episodes cover the 14-month journey of the 1996 U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball Team, which is credited as laying the foundation for the launch of the WNBA. Now showing on ESPN, it had its world premiere last week with players and head coach Tara VanDerveer.

“We were a little naïve because we knew we wanted to win a gold medal, but we had no idea what [the process] would feel like,” said Carol Callan, former National Women’s Team director for USA Basketball.

“We wanted to be perfect.”

Paid $50,000 a piece for the 14 months, several players took significant pay cuts from what they earned playing overseas. The schedule was grueling and VanDerveer could be brutal in her criticism. Not only were they expected to be ferocious on the court, but also portray a heteronormative picture off of it.

In the current day interviews, Jennifer Azzi, now an executive with the Las Vegas Aces, said

1996 Olympic team members in present day (Photo credit: Melissa Rawlins/ESPN Images)

“I’m so grateful that [today] I can just live a great life, have a wonderful wife, amazing children,” Azzi said. “There was a time in my life she believes the reason she was where I didn’t feel like I could be cut from the 1992 Olympic Team 100% open.” was because she was gay even The premiere took place at the though she wasn’t publicly out. Hulu Theater at Madison Square

Garden, a building familiar to the final player added to the 1996 team, Venus Lacy, who played with the New York Liberty in 1999. “This film is well overdue,” said Lacy, who coaches. “It means everything to be with my Olympic teammates.

I’m so happy that Tara chose me to be a part of the 1996 team.”

Carla McGhee said she wishes she’d kept a journal during those fateful 14 months. The film, which

includes vintage footage that helped propel director Kristen Lappas through the storytelling, will bring back many memories.

“I would tell my younger self to enjoy the moment,” said McGhee.

“We did so many firsts…that I didn’t understand the full scope of it. Now I see, we were trailblazers. We made it possible for people to dream about so many different parts of women’s basketball.”

54 • June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

Four reasons why Sabrina Ionescu is a 2022 All-Star

By CHRISTOPHER PERSLEY and PEPPER PERSLEY Special to the AmNews

sists and nine rebounds a game. The Liberty shared, “She became the first-ever player to record a triOn Monday, June 13, the New York ple-double within three Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu was selected quarters.” This comes WNBA Eastern Conference Player of after accumulating 26, the Week. No doubt, Ionescu is one of eight and eight in only the hottest players in the league. How- three quarters against the ever, after the first round of WNBA All- Lynx on June 7.

Star fan voting, Ionescu found herself in 19th place, which leaves her nine spots Third Quarter: Bringout of an All-Star starting position. So, ing the Liberty back into here is our pitch as to why Ionescu de- playoff contention serves your vote.

All-Stars aren’t just about gaudy numbers.

First Quarter: Her game is exciting.

They also make their Ionescu is becoming one of the more ex- teams better. After a 1–7 citing players in the W. Over the last six start, the Liberty have games, she has displayed just how potent gone 4–2 to move back she can be. Her range is unlimited, as she into playoff contention. has been hitting logo 3s. When she’s not This is due in large part to scoring, she is making electrifying passes Ionescu’s recent play, esto set up her Liberty teammates. Ionescu pecially her cutting down is a walking triple-double. She just had her on turnovers. second pro career triple double on Sunday in a last second loss to the Sky. This makes Fourth Quarter: She her the youngest WNBA player ever to represents the future of have two career triple doubles. the league.

The All-Star Game is an Second Quarter: The numbers important opportunity for the league to As previously stated, Ionescu was named highlight its players. But it isn’t just about Eastern Conference player of the week. highlighting veterans we love like Diana Why? Because she averaged nearly a triple- Taurasi, Candace Parker and Sylvia Fowles double for the week: 22 points, nine as- who have been there and done that. It’s

Sabrina Ionescu is bringing the heat this season (Photo credit: New York Liberty)

also about highlighting the next generation of star players like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson, as well as emerging stars like Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces and yes, Ionescu.

Fans can submit one complete ballot each day via WNBA.com and the WNBA App, as well as vote for up to 10 unique players per day on Twitter. Voting for this year’s All-Star game concludes June 20.

WNBA launches mentoring and financial education initiative

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

The WNBA, U.S. Bank and Project Destined recently kicked off She’s Invested: Supporting Emerging Female Leaders. The program will provide mentoring and financial education to women of color from HBCUs as well as universities in Southern California. Thirty female students will receive mentoring with a focus on resilience and building a success mindset led by executives and WNBA players. The program runs until the end of regular season, when the participants will attend a Los Angeles Sparks game. “[U.S. Bank] really wanted to be part of the effort to create access and to have diverse communities receive education and training that allows them to be healthy financially and begin to tackle some of the opportunity gaps… and systemic issues that disproportionately impact women and people of color,” said Bethany Donaphin, head of WNBA League

nancial literacy, entrepreneurship and real estate, which included an essay explaining how the program can help them in achieving their goals. WNBA players will be attending some of the training sessions and interacting with the 30 participants. The topic of personal branding will also be discussed.

“Being mentors and speaking about their own experiences around entrepreneurship and financial literacy and career readiness,” said Donaphin. “Economic empowerment is a topic that players want to focus on. Players will be excited to be engaged with this work. … It will be a full curriculum and one that I hope will really benefit the participants.”

In other WNBA news, the Las Bethany Donaphin is actively engaged in WNBA initiatives (Photo credit: NBA Photos/Getty Images) Vegas Aces continue to sit atop Operations and a former New York sion. Donaphin spoke about the as another step toward creat- league standings followed by Liberty player. importance of HBCUs and the ing equity and part of the broad- the Connecticut Sun. The New Earlier this year, U.S. Bank was impact of those institutions in er fight for social justice that the York Liberty has picked up a named a WNBA Changemaker, a communities that the league and WNBA has always been about.” few wins and lost a close one collective of companies focused its players care about.

Interested individuals complet- to the Chicago Sky, defending on elevating women’s sports “It’s about tapping into talent ed an application through Project WNBA Champions. The Liberty and the league’s mission to ad- and potential wherever it exists,” Destined, a social impact plat- takes on the Washington Mysvance diversity, equity and inclu- said Donaphin. “I look at this form that provides training in fi- tics tonight at Barclays Center.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 55

Aaron Boone leads Yankees to mounting wins

By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews L e d by f i f t h - y e a r m a n a g e r A a r o n B o o n e, t h e Ne w Yo r k Ya n k e e s s i t a t o p t h e A m e r i can League and had the best re c o rd i n b a s e b a l l a t 4 5 - 1 6 when they took on their AL E a s t r i v a l Ta m p a Ba y Ra y s l a s t n i g h t ( We d n e s d a y, Ju n e 1 5 ) i n t h e Br o n x . T h e y w e re a l s o r i d i n g a f i ve - g a m e w i nn i n g s t re a k a n d h a d w o n 1 2 o u t o f t h e i r p re v i o u s 1 3 .

The Yankees are proving to be a dominant force 62 games into this season.

Their longest losing streak has only been three games and they’ve lost two in a row just twice. They’ve swept the series against the Cleveland Guardians, Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels and last weekend hosting the Chicago Cubs.

The Yankees were 92-70 last season and finished second in the division behind the Rays.

They lost to the Boston Red Sox in the wildcard game. Without any setbacks, they’re on pace to exceed 92 by a substantial margin.

Boone, 49, is a former MLB third baseman and spent 13 seasons as a broadcaster before taking over as Yankees manager in 2018, replacing Joe Girardi, the last Yankees manager to win a World Series in 2009. Boone is noted for his walk-off home run for the Yankees versus the Red Sox in Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series.

Recognized as a manager who relies heavily on analytics Boone guided the Yanks to 100 wins his first season in the dugout and 103 his second season but still hasn’t reached the World Series. This could fi-

nally be the year.

They have a balanced team with strong pitching and versatile lineup, anchored by outfielder Aaron Judge, who thus far is the top MVP candidate in the American League. He was the MLB leader in home runs with 24 and fourth in RBI with 48 before last night’s game.

The Yankees 18-4 bashing of the Cubs this past Sunday was an example of their superior play.

“It’s not like we were pounding the ball all over the place,” said Boone of his team. “It was just a lot of really, really good at-bats making their guy work h a rd . Ju s t q u a l i t y a t - b a t s that set the tone for the d a y.”

T h e Ya n k e e s b e g i n a t h re e - g a m e s e r i e s w i t h t h e To ro n t o Bl u e Ja y s t o m o r row a n d t h e n w i l l b e i n Ta m p a f o r t hree games with the Rays.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone has led his team to the best record in baseball at 45-16 when they hosted the Tampa Bay Rays last night in the Bronx (Photo credit: MLB.com)

The Mets maintain NL lead after enduring West Coast trip

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor Prior to heading out West on their recent 10-game, 11-day road trip on June 2, the prospects of the Mets, who at the time were 35-18, maintaining the best record in the National League, were daunting. They were facing two of the NL’s best teams in the Los Angeles Dodgers for four games and the San Diego Padres for three. And despite the Los Angeles Angels losing 14 games in a row, leading to the firing of their manager, Joe Maddon, breaking the losing streak one day before the Mets arrived, they were still capable of getting the better of their opponent over the threegame series.

Upon their return home to Citi Field on Tuesday to host the Milwaukee Brewers, the Mets had proven to be resilient and resourceful. They had gone 5-5, splitting with the Dodgers, dropping two of three to the Padres and winning two out of

three games versus the Angeles.

After shutting out the Brewers 4-0 on Tuesday, the Mets were 41-22, first in the NL East, five games ahead of the second place Atlanta Braves and still holding the best record overall in the National League.

“Could have been better, could have been worse,” said Mets manager Buck Showalter via SportsNet New York. “People out there really don’t want to hear you complain about a tough West Coast trip.

“What was really tough about it as far as your mode of travel and your plane and your car and your hotel and food? I mean, come on. You just have to be disciplined with your sleep.”

The Mets averted losing one of baseball’s best power hitters on the trip after first baseman Pete Alonso was struck on his right hand in the first inning by a pitch on June 7 versus the Padres. But he returned three days later to play against the Angels. Heading into last night’s game, Alonso was tied for second in Major League

Baseball with 18 home runs and second in RBIs with 59. When the Mets took the field last night, second baseman Jeff McNeil led them in batting with an average of .321, was tied for the team lead in hits with 67, and was second on the team with 15 doubles behind third baseman Eduardo Escobar who had 16.

Starter Tylor McGill also came back last Friday after being out almost one month with right biceps tendinitis. Megill went 3.1 innings, giving up five hits and two earned runs in his return. At 4-2 with a 4.50 ERA, he is scheduled to start tonight in the series finale against the Brewers.

Fellow starters Max Scherzer, who has been out since May 18 with an oblique strain, and Jacob de Grom, who hasn’t pitched since last July, as his most recent arm ailment is a stress reaction of his right scapula, are both are reportedly progressing well in rehab with no definitive time set for either to be back in the rotation.

Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil was tied for the team lead in hits with 67 when they hosted the Milwaukee Brewers last night at Citi Field (Photo credit: MLB.com)

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

June 16, 2022 - June 22, 2022 • 56

Sports Celtics are on the brink heading into Game 6 of the Finals

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor The Boston Celtics’ quest to become the franchise with the most NBA titles, breaking a tie with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers, is in peril. Both have 17, but it is the Golden State Warriors who are in a favorable position to win their seventh championship and fourth in the last eight seasons when Game 6 of the Finals takes place tonight at TD Garden in Boston.

After losing Game 4 at home by 107-97 last Friday, the Celtics dropped Game 5 on Monday on the Warriors’ home court at the Chase Center in San Francisco by 10 points again (104-94) to fall 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.

The Celtics’ carelessness with the basketball and poor foul shooting doomed them in Game 5.

They commited 18 turnovers

and missed 10 free throws (3121), and lost a game in which Warriors guard Stephen Curry, widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, was an uncharacteristic 7-22 from field including misfiring on all nine of his three-point attempts (0-9) an occurrence as rare and unbelievable as a sighting of Bigfoot. Curry had gone 233 straight games and 133 consecutive playoff games making at least one three.

However, it is the Celtics’ 2022 All-NBA First Team selection Jayson Tatum’s inconsistency and haphazardness with the rock that has been problematic for his team. While Tatum’s stats in the Finals in important measures such as points (23.2) rebounds (7.6) and assists (7) are suitable, he has not elevated his game to the level of imposing his enormous talent on the Warriors.

Conversely, below the surface of the aforementioned numbers, Tatum is shooting just 23.8% (5-21) in five games in the fourth quarter heading into Game 6, and managed only three points in the last 12 minutes in Game 4 and five in Game 5.

“I had a couple of shots that were short,” the 24-year-old three-time NBA All-Star said on Monday after playing 44 of the game’s 48 minutes. “I just got to not fade as much. Use my legs.

I mean, you’re not going to be a little more tired in the fourth than you are in the first quarter.”

Cherishing possessions is also an issue for Tatum. He is averaging 3.6 turnovers per game in the Finals and after having four in Game 5, reached his 95th in 23 playoff games this season, passing LeBron James for the most in a single postseason. James had 94 in 22 games in 2018.

Tatum isn’t wholly account-

able for the Celtics facing elimination tonight and is capable of having seriesaltering performances in Games 6 and a possible Game 7 to lead the Celtics to a title. Credit the Warriors’ blanketing, physical defense—similarly the prominent characteristic of the Celtics—with causing Tatum, fellow All-Star Jaylen Brown and the Boston’s collective offense to shoot a modest 43.7% in five games and turn the ball over an average of 15.6 times per game.

The Celtics’ negative trends must dramatically change for the better tonight or the Warriors will be celebrating another NBA championship victory.

Boston Celtics All-Star forward Jayson Tatum and his teammates are facing elimination from the NBA Finals by the Golden State Warriors going into Game 6 tonight (Bill Moore photo)

The Warriors look to to close out the Celtics in Game 6

By VINCENT DAVIS Special to the AmNews

Andrew Wiggins, who has been exceptional as the best two-way player in the series, had a team-high 26 points. Curry’s Game 6 of the NBA Finals tonight at TD longtime backcourt partner Klay ThompGarden in Boston could be the last game son added 21, and guards Gary Payton II AMofNEWS 01154 and Jordan Poole contributedAM the league’s 75th season.

15 NEWS and 14 AM NEWS off the bench.

With a victory, the Golden State Warrespectively 04/07/22 06/02/22 04/07/22 0 the Boston Celtics 7 3-2 riors, who lead While the Warriors have been one of the 74470 22784 after a 104-94 victory in Game 5 at home NBA’s best offensive teams for the most of on Monday night, will close out the series the past 10 seasons, they have also become out and win the franchise’s fourth cham- a top defensive squad during the same pionship in the last eight seasons. period led by forward Draymond Green Game 6 comes after the first back-to- and Thompson, and it has shown versus back win of the series for either team. the Celtics. Green, who had struggled earlidominating the third quarters of the er in the series but bounced back with solid AMAfter NEWS AM NEWS series, the Warriors were outscored 3501164 to performances in Games 4 and 5, has been AM NEWS 04/14/22 06/09/22 24 by the Celtics in Game 5 and led by just a seven-time NBA All-Defensive Team se04/14/22 75-74 entering0the74470 fourth.22784 It was 7an un- lection and was the 2017 NBA Defensive usual circumstance in that Stephen Curry, Player of the Year. Thompson has been who forced the Celtics for 43 points in named to three NBA All-Defensive teams.

Game 4, was ice cold. He would finish the But in this series, nobody has been game going 0-9 on three-point attempts, a better defender than Wiggins, who his first game in the last 233 dating back to played for the Minnesota Timberwolves Golden State Warriors forward Andrew 2018 without making at least one. from 2013 to 2020 before coming to the Wiggins’ stellar performances in Games “Keep shooting," said Curry after missing 2020.

AM NEWS AM NEWS 01174 Warriors in a trade in February 4 and 5 of the NBA Finals against the 15 of 22 shots in a 16 point, 8 assist perfor- The former No. 1 overall AM27-year-old NEWS 04/21/22 Boston Celtics helped lift this team to mance. “I’m not pick (2013) has locked in on 06/16/22 the Celtics’ 04/21/22 0 afraid to go 0 for whatev7 a 3-2 series lead heading into Game 6 er, because I’m going 74470 22784 to keep shooting.” potent All-Star duo of Jayson Tatum and tonight (Photo credit: Wikipedia/Erik Drost Curry’s teammates made up for his Jaylen Brown, forcing them into tough creativecommons.org) surprisingly deficient scoring. Forward shots and limiting their impact late in

games.

“He’s definitely confident, he’s definitely enjoying the playoffs,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr after Game 5. Along with his scoring, Wiggins had 01234 13 rebounds in Game 5 after posting a AMreNE crucial 17 points and career-high 16 06/02/ 0 7 bounds in a 107-97 Game 4 Warriors’ win.

74470 22784 “He loves the challenge,” continued Kerr, “he loves the competition. He’s found such a crucial role on this team. I think that empowers him. He knows how much we need him. He’s been fantastic.”

Wiggins, who made his first NBA AllStar team this season, expressed his ap01244 to be preciation for the opportunity AM NE playing for a championship after his 06/09/ 0 7 noteworthy Game 5. “It’s something I 74470 22784 dreamt about for sure,” said Wiggins.

“This is the ultimate stage. It doesn’t get bigger than this.”

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