New York Amsterdam News August 21-27, 2025

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Vol. 116 No. 34 | August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

THE NEW BLACK VIEW

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LOOKING BACK AT HOUSE’S BARBERSHOP CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF A HARLEM INSTITUTION (See story on page 6)

(Photo courtesy of the Claire Oliver Gallery)

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Brooklyn politicians push back after overdue water bill snag leaves Black homeowner foreclosed

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff A Brooklyn homeowner has had his fully paid-off home sold out from under him and his tenants because of a past due $5,000 water bill that landed his property on New York City’s property and water tax lien sale. Now, he and elected officials are fighting back.

“This is my life. I don’t have nothing [sic] else,” said Filmore Brown, a 62-year-old Jamaican immigrant and a small business owner.

He purchased his three-story building in East Flatbush in 1996 and has since paid off his mortgage in full. He claims that he only found out about a month ago that he had a questionable past due water bill from 2019 that had led to the foreclosure and auctioning of his home without his knowledge.

At a press conference held in front of his building on August 15, the community and a number of politicians came together in an attempt to bring public awareness to Brown’s case and demand systemic change.

“What the hell is going on? What is frustrating me is that every single avenue that you can think of seems to be designed to steal the wealth and homes from Black, Brown, and immigrant New Yorkers. With a particular concentration on Black homeowners. That’s just a fact,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams passionately at the conference.

The city’s tax lien sale is a three-decade-old practice. When a property is on the tax lien sale

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams (podium) joined Councilmember Chris Banks and Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Watermanat a press conference against the tax lien sale process in Brooklyn on August 15, 2025. (Ariama C. Long photo)

list, it means the owner owes outstanding property taxes, has building code violations, or has water, sewer, and other property-related charges. The city can then sell the debt to an authorized buyer who has the right to collect what’s owed, opening up homeowners to predatory debt collectors. Commercial properties can be on the list for one year, while a residential property can get up to three years before the city

moves forward with foreclosure.

The city’s Department of Finance (DOF) is supposed to send homeowners warning notices at least 90, 60, 30, and 10 days respectively before the sale list is posted. Many homeowners say they end up on the list without being properly informed by the DOF or Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that they owe See BLACK HOMEOWNERS on page 36

Harlem Independent Living Center celebrates 35th anniversary of serving disability community

By SHANNON CHAFFERS Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member Dustin Jones felt isolated and adrift after he became disabled when he lost part of his left foot in a surgical accident at 23 years old.

Then he discovered a new purpose: advocacy.

He started campaigning for accessible transit and housing in the city. Along the way, he became connected with the Harlem Independent Living Center (HILC).

“What they’re doing for Harlem is an amazing thing,” he said. “Being young, Black, and disabled is really hard. I got my disability in 2011, and I didn’t really have anyone there for me. The resources that they’re bringing to this neighborhood [are] needed a lot.”

Jones was among the attendees at HILC’s 35th anniversary celebration, hosted at its newly renovated offices in central Harlem on August 13. As one of six independent living centers in the city, HILC has played an essential role supporting the Harlem disability community since its founding in 1990.

“We provide independent living services to people with disabilities, mainly to make sure See HILC on page 36

Harlem Independent Living Center’s leadership celebrates opening of its renovated offices with ribbon cutting. (Photo courtesy of Harlem Independent Living Center)

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 3

Adams pushes for forced hospitalization to address public drug use

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff The Adams administration is bluntly coming out against public drug use. Mayor Eric Adams announced his Compassionate Interventions Act last Thursday, Aug. 14, at a Manhattan Institute event, delineating plans to push expanding involuntary commitment laws towards substance abuse during the next state legislative session.

“From ‘the Hub’ in the Bronx to Washington Square Park in Manhattan, illegal drug use and the quality-of-life issues that come with it are far too common, creating serious problems for residents, visitors, and small-business owners,” said Adams.

“The evidence is right there in front of us: people openly using illegal drugs on the streets and in our parks, or passed out in doorways and sidewalks; encampments littered with syringes and vials; and unsanitary conditions that are a threat to public health and public order.

“This cannot be allowed to continue.

We must help those struggling finally get treatment, whether they recognize the need for it or not. Addiction doesn’t just harm individual users; it tears apart lives, families, and entire communities, and we must change the system to keep all New Yorkers safer.”

Currently, state law allows forced hospitalizations for serious mental illness, but

Mayor Eric Adams and administration officials conduct walkthrough of “the Hub” in the Bronx on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

(Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office)

the practice remains controversial, given the circumstantial discretion employed to transport someone for an evaluation without their consent (a clinician ultimately will have to diagnose the individual with a mental illness to hold them for treatment).

The law does not include substance abuse, which the Compassionate Interventions Act is intended to amend.

The Adams administration maintains the proposed involuntary commitments for substance use would be a rare author-

ity reserved for the most at-risk individuals. Nurses or other clinicians would decide if an individual should be evaluated and a doctor would then have to diagnose a severe substance abuse. Hospitals would See ADAMS on page 29

NASA awards $300K to Bronx Community College’s Geospatial Center

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff For 13 weeks during the summer of 2026, students at Bronx Community College’s Geospatial Center of the CUNY CREST Institute (BGCCCI) will be able to look into the factors that cause climate change in urban areas. That’s because the Center was recently awarded a $300,000 NASA-funded research grant, allowing students to focus on climate change and its relationship to land-use and land-cover changes.

The project will have students spending two and a half months analyzing Earth monitoring data from Landsat Sentinel satellites, a combination of NASA’s Landsat program and the European Union’s Sentinel program, and noting any changes.

“We believe this grant will be transformative,” said BCC President Dr. Larry Johnson.

“It moves our state-of-the-art Geospatial Computing Center one step closer to becoming a global hub for climate change research — right here in the Bronx. We are committed to charting clear career pathways in geospatial science, promoting equity and access, and shaping the next generation of professionals tackling global challenges.”

BGCCCI students will learn new ways of analyzing geographical data. They will be taught how to combine environmental science stud-

land use, it can also affect the climate in that area. Similarly, if there’s a change in climate, it can impact land use and land cover.

This creates a two-way process that causes changes in land use, land cover, or climate.

“Our goal is to understand the key drivers behind these interactions. Think of these as two main nodes: one end is land cover and land use change, and the other is climate change. We want to understand how these two influence each other and bring about changes in how we live on Earth. To do this, we study different types of drivers — biophysical, social, and anthropogenic. We need to understand what these drivers are, how they exist on Earth, how to decode each one, and how to address what causes what.”

Although the grant was initially designed for 20 students to participate in the research, funding delays mean that only Students taking part in classes at Bronx Community College’s Geospatial Center of the CUNY CREST Institute. (BGCCCI photo) seven students will now be selected for the work. Though those seven students will be ies with analysis of the physical characteris- the research grant: “Some parts of the land highly selected, Dr. Bhaskaran expects to tics and economic diversity of ten different are parks, and some are water bodies. Other do a lot of mentoring to help them underglobal cities: some in developed countries, areas are occupied by buildings. We gener- stand the work they will be performing. some in underdeveloped countries, and ally refer to this as land use and land cover.

Bronx Community College students typisome cities in fast-growing countries.

“Over time, changes in land use and land cally lack a background in geographical and “If you were to look down on the Earth cover occur. We all know this, and many fac- spatial analysis, so many will need training from a helicopter or an airplane, you’d see tors drive these changes. One of the main to understand the research. But Bhaskaran that the land is fragmented into different factors is climate change. Climate change says he looks forward to this kind of teachparts,” explains Dr. Sunil Bhaskaran, found- can influence the changes in land cover and ing, where he has to work hard to inspire er of the Center and author of the grant. land use, and vice versa: it’s a two-way pro- his students.

Bhaskaran plans to lead seven students in cess. If there is a change in land cover and See NASA on page 25

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Mamdani tops mayoral candidate field, Adams polls are lowest

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff Mayoral candidates have been out in full force campaigning around the city in preparation for the upcoming general election in November, but the most recent numbers paint a stark picture of what the vote could look like.

Several polling entities, such as Siena College or AARP New York and Gotham Polling& Analytics, have Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani leading the mayoral field.

AARP’s most recent numbers show Mamdani with about 41.8% voter support, followed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo with 23.4%, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa at 16.5%, and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams trailing behind with 8.8%.

The poll also reveals important shifts in candidate support across demographic groups. Mamdani leads across nearly all racial and ethnic categories, with particularly strong backing among Black (48%), Hispanic (45%), and East or South Asian (48%) voters. Cuomo is now performing well among Jewish voters, earning 38% of their support, when before he was heavily supported by Black and Brown voters before the primary.

Sliwa’s strongest support comes from Hispanic (20%) and White (21%) voters, while Adams’s best support is still coming from Black voters (13%), said the poll.

Mayoral candidate and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani (foreground) with New York County Democratic Party Boss Keith L. T. Wright (not pictured) and his son, Assemblymember Jordan J.G. Wright (left), at Riverton Houses square. (Ariama C. Long. photo)

Mamdani launched his “Five Boroughs Against Trump” tour on August 11. The tour highlights the devastating impacts of the Trump administration on New York City while trying to meet voters in as many communities as possible. He has made several stops throughout the boroughs, including communities in Queens, Staten Island, predominantly Black churches in Brooklyn, a lively celebration in Coney Island’s Little Pakistan community, and a walking tour last weekend of the 51st annual Harlem Week in Manhattan on its final day.

“Look, if I put faith in polls, I wouldn’t be standing in front of you as the Democratic nominee,” said Mamdani at the event.

During the primary, his campaign had initially polled far behind other candidates before his surprising win, “so I’m going to be working my hardest every single day to make the case across the five boroughs of how we will transform the most expensive city in the United States of America into one every New Yorker can afford.”

Mamdani began his walking tour of Harlem at the Riverton Square gardens near the home of New York County Democratic Party leader Keith L. T. Wright and his son, fellow Assemblymember (AM) Jordan J.G. Wright. They walked from there down West 135th Street, where Mamdani was mobbed by enthusiastic Harlemites, some of whom clamored for pictures with him, while some See MAMDANI on page 25

Bill would allow incarceration to count toward supportive housing eligibility

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff Reporter Jail is not a home, but incarceration prevents people from qualifying for city-funded supportive housing, which requires a recent track record of homelessness. For this reason, the City Council passed a bill on August 14 considering time spent in prison, jail, or court-mandated medical detention to count toward time unhoused when meeting the qualifying threshold if the individual was homeless before entering custody and would remain homeless after release.

If signed into law, the legislation, known as Int. 1100, would allow someone incarcerated for 12 or more consecutive months and facing homelessness on release to qualify for supportive housing. City Councilmember Carlina Rivera sponsored the bill, which she highlighted at a press conference as one of her last major projects before she leaves office.

“Nearly 70% of people on Rikers [Island] who could benefit from supportive housing are shut out because of the chronic homelessness definition,” said Rivera. “It costs over $500,000 a year to incarcerate them, but supportive housing saves public dollars and it changes lives. We have a responsibility to recognize incarceration as a form of housing instability [and] remove systemic barriers that keep people trapped in the

found roughly one-third of the jail population in 2023 experienced homelessness or housing instability during a current or previous detainment.

Int. 1100 proponents say supportive housing will interrupt the “revolving door” cycle by not only preventing homelessness but addressing mental health and substance use among formerly incarcerated individuals.

Rivera estimates that around 2,600 people held on Rikers Island each year could benefit from her legislation and it would cost roughly $108 million to place them in supportive housing, as opposed to $1.4 billion to incarcerate them.

Supportive housing resident Helen Taylor spent her birthday at the press conference recounting how an apartment from service provider Fortune Society saved her life after Helen Taylor speaks at Int. 1100 rally. (Emil Cohen/NYC Council Media Unit) incarceration and championed Int. 1100 in hopes that her story would not be so unique. vicious cycle of jail and homelessness and population on Rikers Island receives some “Having my apartment — the very first back again.” form of mental health treatment. apartment I have ever had in my life — has The city’s supportive housing model offers As a result, policies criminalizing home- made a difference in my life today,” said people experiencing homelessness low-cost lessness lead to a “revolving door” with Taylor. “It’s a step closer to fulfilling my misapartments, tied in with social services like incarcerated people facing re-arrest due sion to a better life. It’s not just a place to mental healthcare and addiction treatment. to low-level “quality of life” offenses like live; it’s a tremendous amount of support …

Formerly incarcerated individuals are nearly public urination or aggressive panhan- I am part of a community: There are people 10 times more likely to be unhoused, with dling. Last year, the Supreme Court’s Grants that check on me; my birthdays are celewomen and people of color facing even Pass ruling set case law toward allowing brated; when I had COVID, people went out higher rates, according to a 2018 Prison cities to arrest people for sleeping outside. and bought me groceries. Plus they have Policy Initiative report. More than half the Last year, the Independent Budget Office See BILL on page 27

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Tiana Stowers Pearson knows student mothers struggle and is helping them through the Jeremiah Program

s e f y By JASON PONTEROTTO - Special to the AmNews

g From being a teenage mother to becoming - a leader at the Jeremiah Program last year, Tiana Stowers Pearson, 48, has remained dee termined to fight against the many barriers, r including poverty and lack of access for stum dent mothers and families. She is intent on “breaking the systems” that prohibit these e vulnerable communities from receiving the - assistance they require. . The Jeremiah Program is a national organi- zation that provides resources and support for single mothers who want to pursue education.

Pearson took on the role of executive director o for the Brooklyn campus last August.

An attorney by trade, Pearson has a long e career of advocacy and is passionate about making sure other mothers have access to the same resources, programs, support systems, and scaffolding that she relied on and was able to benefit from. s “I wouldn’t have got here without the community support,” Pearson told the AmNews. “I think that’s why I see myself as t like a strategic disrupter, because I’m going to call out the systemic issues all the time.”

Born and raised in Seattle, Pearson says she always prioritized academics. Even after becoming pregnant at 17, she was on

track for a career in law, becoming a paralegal thanks to a dual enrollment program in high school. Through the support of local law firms, she would later receive her bachelor’s degree from Washington State University and her juris doctor from Idaho Law School. It was while working at these firms in family law that she saw firsthand the issues with domestic violence. After a fellowship with the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, Pearson pivoted fully to non-profit and government space in working to change policy for victims and the most impacted communities.

At age 32, Pearson moved to New York with her kids and became the senior director of the Manhattan Child Advocacy Center. It was here Pearson saw how poverty and the mothers having not been able to afford traditional childcare resulted in harmful citations for the child.

She began working with New York Communities for Change and the Black Institute to closely aid Black immigrant families who dealt with their own unique hurdles. One report from the Institute showed how the New York Department of Education had recruited top teachers 9.6” from Caribbean countries to come to New York, but failed to secure the correct visas for up to 700 families that moved here, and as a result, were left undocumented. Through See BNY on page 25

Black

New Yorker

Tiana Stowers Pearson has a long career of fighting against systemic hurdles that student mothers and families face as she dealt with many of the same struggles throughout motherhood. (Courtesy Tiana Stowers Pearson)

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Looking back at House’s Barbershop

Jeffrey Henson Scales Morning, House’s Barbershop 19861992, gelatin silver print 18 x 18 inches | 45.72 x 45.72 cm (Photo courtesy of the Claire Oliver Gallery)

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 7

Capturing the essence of a Harlem institution

By ROBERT GERHARDT Special to the AmNews “When I moved to Harlem in 1985, along with my wife Meg and daughter Coco, I began to photograph Harlem’s streets almost every day when I wasn’t working. Mostly street portraits and landscapes of the community. I had never lived in an inner-city community, and it was also my way of learning and becoming a part of this community,” photographer Jeffrey Henson Scales tells me via email. “At one point, the owner of House’s Barbershop, Mr. David House, saw me outside taking photographs and asked me if I could photograph his shop because he was in danger of losing his lease.”

That question would lead to Scales photographing the shop for the next 6 years. The resulting body of work was first published in House, by SPQR Editions in 2016. And now those same photographs make up the exhibition Jeffrey Henson Scales: House’s Barbershop at Claire Oliver Gallery on Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard, on view through September 20.

Scales’ career has spanned more than four decades, documenting Black history and culture. His photographs capture the richness of everyday Black life, no matter the subject, whether it’s the Black Panthers, street life, or a small local Harlem barbershop.

“Its importance to me was its own history. For 55 years, House’s Barbershop flourished, in no small part because of its half-block proximity to the legendary Minton’s Playhouse, the home of Bebop and the place where the most known and other extraordinary musicians of that era played,” Scales tells me about the shop itself. “Harlem’s bus drivers, scientists, postal workers, day laborers, writers, poets, artists and scoundrels sat alongside musicians like Charlie Parker, Lee Morgan, Max Roach, and many others. Malcolm X even frequented House’s, it’s said, which is plausible because Malcolm’s mosque was a mere three blocks away, on Lenox and 116th.”

Scales photographed House’s between 1986 and 1992, at a trying time during the height of the crack epidemic, using a Hasselblad 500C/M camera which produces photographs in a square format.

The large size of the negatives, compared to a 35mm camera, also allows for greater detail to be captured on the film. The tradeoff is that the camera is physically bigger, and a lot more conspicuous. People know you are taking their photograph with it. But when you look at the photographs, their intimacy is immediately apparent. They are men and boys at their most vulnerable, taking part in a ritual that is in some ways foreign to me, but amazing at the

same time.

I am white, but I have spent time in Black barbershops as I have an almost 7-year-old son who is Black. We have been going to the same local barbershop in Brooklyn for years, just like the people in Scales’ photographs have been. That connection, and familiarity, is something that doesn’t translate to white barbershops. I go to get my hair cut when it gets too long and raggedy. When I move, I simply find a closer shop, rather than following my barber to different shops or traveling to far-flung neighborhoods if the barber moves.

It’s not a community space, but rather somewhere I go to get a service I need.

When I take my son, the community formed by those who gather there is impossible to overlook. His barber is his friend. The conversations that go on around him, and me, are personal, covering sports, politics, local gossip, and everything in between. Some people just come to hang out while their friends are in the chair to talk. During all of it the clippers glide over heads, the straight razors flash, the TV glows, and the radio plays. It’s a cacophony of sounds and voices. It’s a neighborhood living room.

It is community. And it is amazing to behold. When I look at Scales’ photographs of House’s Barbershop, I can hear it all in my mind.

That’s what makes these photographs so powerful: They go beyond just showing the space — though they do — to capturing that sense of familiarity and connection that exists among those in the chairs, those waiting, and those hanging out, in this very personal space.

They show that the barbershop is more than just a shop.

“The House Barbershop series invites us into a space of care, connection, and community, offering a sense of interiority that’s both specific and universal,” gallery owner and curator Claire Oliver tells me. “While conversations around representation continue, Jeffrey’s work stands apart from trends. It captures moments that are poetic and enduring snapshots of lived experience that resonate across time. His photographs matter now, just as they did years ago, and just as they will decades from now.

That’s why this exhibition felt not only timely, but necessary.”

There is another importance to the photographs beyond capturing the space and people before him — they also work as a collective memory of a time and place. As Harlem itself has changed through time and gentrification, the photographs further work as a document of what was, so that it is never forgotten — and in particular with the closing of many smaller, and familyowned, shops in Harlem, that have been replaced with bigger retailers.

Jeffrey Henson Scales Buy Black, House’s Barbershop 19861992, gelatin silver print 18 x 18 inches | 45.72 x 45.72 cm

“I think in NYC their role is changing absolutely, as many of the older businesses are going away and more modern business models move in.

Everything constantly changes in NYC, and in the twenty years since House closed the shop I think the nature of one barbershop as a centralized gathering place for men in my Harlem neighborhood has diminished with the proliferation of more retail barbershops that have opened in this neighborhood,” said Scales.

Remembering this history is even more important today than it has ever been. With the current backlash against DEI programs, challenges to school curriculum, and the undermining of Black history by the current administration, Scales’ work offers viewers an opportunity to reflect on the political and poetic legacy of the important third places that are vital community centers.

“The rise of white supremacist ideologies having now returned to the federal government, I see that the policy decisions on the federal level [are] an attempt to erase the histories of Americans of color,” Scales tells me. “With that, for long-term residents, it’s important to see documentation of the people and history of their own community. For newcomers, it’s the same, I would submit.”

Jeffrey Henson Scales Trust, House’s Barbershop 19861992, gelatin silver print 18 x 18 inches | 45.72 x 45.72 cm

Jeffrey Henson Scales: House’s Barbershop is on view at Claire Oliver Gallery at 2288 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard through Sept. 20 House can be purchased from SPQR Editions through their website at spqreditions.com Editor’s Note: An interview for this story was conducted via email between the subject and reporter.

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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Higher grocery prices or higher pay for delivery workers?

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff The mayor’s office and City Council are finding themselves in another dustup, this time over legislation that would set minimum pay standards for app-based grocery delivery workers — a largely immigrant workforce once hailed as essential.

Many of the city’s delivery workers, or “deliveristas,” are young men from Central America, South Asia, and West Africa. They are considered independent contractors who use third-party food delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Seamless, Grubhub, and Caviar; or grocery delivery apps like Instacart, Shipt, and FreshDirect, to make a living.

Councilmember Sandy Nurse introduced a bill (1135-A) last year that would require grocery delivery services to pay their deliveristas a minimum rate set by the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez also introduced bill 1133-A, a complementary piece of legislation that would require worker protections like access to bathrooms, distribution of fire safety materials, and insulated delivery bags.

Adams, in a letter this August, vetoed and disapproved both bills.

The move seemingly shocked City Council members considering the mayor’s previous “steadfast” support of similar bills in 2023. He asserted that passing these bills right now would spike grocery prices for people who use delivery services in this time of economic uncertainty.

According to city data from 2024, consumers paid a 36% increase in fees for delivery apps while stores paid a 10% increase in fees to delivery apps when DCWP began enforcing the minimum pay rate.

“At a time when New Yorkers are especially focused on affordability and when national and international economic forces have raised the cost of many daily essentials, including groceries, my administration is focused on reducing costs for everyday New Yorkers and allowing them to afford to put fresh and healthy food on their tables,” said Adams in the letter. “To be crystal clear, I continue to believe that all New Yorkers deserve a fair wage.”

More than 60,000 deliveristas currently operate citywide, which is a boom in the industry since the COVID crisis. “As the delivery sector continues to grow, it remains critical for our city to expand protections for delivery workers that protect them from exploitation in order to have a sustainable industry,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams in a statement. “All contracted delivery workers provide essential labor, and they deserve fair workplace safety and pay standards.”

In 2021, the City Council passed Local Law 115 (LL115), which gave minimum pay protections to restaurant delivery couriers who were excluded from the city’s standard minimum hourly wage of $16.50.

A DCWP report published in 2022, found that food delivery workers earned on average $7.09 per hour without tips.

The nation’s major delivery apps

Grocery Delivery Package Rally at City Hall with Los Deliveristas Unidos, CM Sandy Nurse, CM Shaun Abreu, and CM Jennifer Gutiérrez on July 14, 2025. (Gerardo Romo/NYC Council Media Unit photo)

sued the city in 2023, attempting to stop the minimum pay rate, which is currently $21.44 per hour without tips, from taking effect. The case went all the way to the New York State Supreme Court and the judge ruled in the city’s favor. The app companies tried to appeal the court’s ruling but were denied.

At the time, Adams was proud to stand with council members and advocacy groups, like Los Deliveristas Unidos, to announce the law’s implementation. Now, many of them feel the mayor is being hypocritical and have vowed to override his veto.

“Mayor Adams’ veto defends the exploitation of grocery delivery workers and is a step backwards for workers’ rights in our city,” said Nurse in a statement. “The Mayor has aligned himself with Instacart, a multi-billion-dollar company that refuses to pay their workers fairly and instead is spending countless dollars on lobbyists and ads to spread lies. Together with my col-

leagues at the Council, we will override this veto and ensure that Intro 1133 and 1135 [go] into effect.”

Her bill does not change the price of groceries, said the City Council.

App-based grocery delivery services charge additional delivery and service fees that are separate from the cost of groceries.

Gutiérrez added that “for a mayor who claims to champion workingclass New Yorkers, vetoing 1133 and 1135 is more than disappointing — it’s a betrayal. These bills were designed to protect the very delivery workers his own administration once said they wanted to help.

The fact that this commonsense idea came from City Hall in the first place makes this reversal all the more cynical.”

A joint statement from the Worker’s Justice Project and Los Deliveristas Unidos echoed this sentiment of “betrayal” of the city’s essential workers. “Mayor Adams’ decision to veto Int 1135 and 1133 is a huge step backward for New York City,”

they said. “An attempt to advance the interests of wealthy tech corporations under the false banner of serving Black and Brown communities. In truth, this decision undermines workers’ rights, weakens community well-being, and accelerates the consolidation of political power by corporate interests.”

A spokesperson for Instacart said that when the wage law went into effect in 2023, tens of thousands of workers were locked out of their dashboards, in some cases midshift, for both DoorDash and Uber.

Many turned to Instacart to replace the lost wages and declining tips.

He said that grocery delivery apps were exempt from the 2021 wage law because they aren’t a “luxury service” and their workers tend to be part-time.

The spokesperson also said that grocery prices would go up if the laws passed.

“With food prices already straining household budgets, and with 84% of New Yorkers saying even a $10 increase in grocery costs would be a burden, we continue to stand with the thousands of Instacart customers and shoppers in New York City who have spoken out against this bill,” said the spokesperson.

“We strongly urge the Council to reconsider this legislation. Instacart has consistently supported an hourly standard, but it must be paired with realistic, commonsense rules that ensures [deliveristas] can earn fair, dependable wages while preserving the flexibility that drew them to grocery delivery work in the first place.”

Health department chief says Legionnaires’ cases down despite fifth death from outbreak

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) now reports five deaths and 108 confirmed cases as of Aug. 18 in the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem. 12 infected cooling towers across five zip codes are currently the suspected source for the disease cluster.

“As the city’s doctor, I want all New Yorkers to know this Legionnaires’ cluster in Central Harlem is the top priority of the New York City Health Department,” said DOHMH acting commissioner Michelle Morse. “We are working with the Mayor’s Office, Central Harlem elected officials, our community

partners, and health care providers to ensure New Yorkers are fully informed of this evolving cluster.

The good news is that new cases have begun to decline, which indicates that the sources of the bacteria have been contained.

“Our expert inspectors will continue to work with building owners to ensure full compliance.

New Yorkers who live or work in the identified ZIP codes and have flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible for timely diagnosis and treatment for the best chance at a good outcome.”

DOHMH released the building locations with infected cooling towers after previously refusing to. The list includes NYC Health

+ Hospitals/Harlem, a key medical facility for treating people who contracted Legionnaires’ during the outbreak. Three of the eight cooling towers contained legionella at the Wharton Properties location, the massive retail complex on 125th and Lennox anchored by the Whole Foods grocery store.

However, the city is still investigating where the outbreak originated from.

-Commonwealth Local Development, 301 West 124th St, Manhattan, NY 10035 -City College Marshak Science Building, 181 Convent Ave., Manhattan, NY 10031 -Harlem Center Condo, 317 Lenox Ave., Manhattan, NY 10030 -NYC Economic Development Corporation, 40 W. 137th St., Manhattan, NY 10037 -NYC Health Department Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic, Cooling tower locations con- 2238 5th Ave, Manhattan, NY firmed by DOHMH: 10030 -BRP Companies, Lafayette De-NYC Health + Hospitals/ velopment LLC, 2239 Adam Clay- Harlem, 506 Lenox Ave., Manhatton Powell Jr. Blvd. Manhattan, NY tan, NY 10037 10037 -The New York Hotel Trades -BVK, 215 W. 125th St. Manhat- Council Harlem Health Center, tan, NY 10027 133 Morningside Ave., Manhat-

tan, NY 10027 -Wharton Properties, 100 W. 125th St. Manhattan, NY 10027 About the Legionnaires’ Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia, largely affects the elderly and immunocompromised.

There is no vaccine to prevent an infection and there is no evidence masking prevents spread as the sickness stems from inhaling mist typically contaminated from hot water plumbing systems.

Symptoms are flu-like, which include fever, chills and muscle aches. Harlemites suspecting infection should seek medical advice or care as soon as possible, as the earlier Legionnaires’ is diagnosed, the better the outcome.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 9

Divine Nine News Things to consider if you’re interested in a Black Greek Letter Organization

By DR. MICHAEL J. WINFIELD, SR. Special to the AmNews As summer comes to a close, September marks the new school year for thousands of college students. For some, it will be their freshman year and the start of a new chapter in their lives. Others are looking forward to graduation in their senior year. However, students in between these academic poles face important decisions regarding their course loads, new professors, and choosing a major if they haven’t done so already. Within this group, there are those preparing to seek membership in a historical Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO), known as the Divine Nine. This is a decision that requires careful thought. Choosing the right organization shouldn’t be done in a vacuum or without sound judgment.

Which organization aligns with your personal vision, commitment to service, and

personality? Based on your personality traits, which fraternity fits you — Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, or Iota Phi Theta?

Which sorority — Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, or Sigma Gamma Rho? It’s important to understand that each organization has its own personality, rich legacy, and traditions, which should be appreciated by those seeking membership. Here is why.

Life in a BGLO is experienced primarily at the chapter level. This is where individuals gain a deeper understanding of their respective organizations. It is also where one may find true friendship or, conversely, choose to “denounce” their organization or become inactive; a decision, harsh as it is, can be influenced by their experiences with fellow chapter members.

With this thought in mind, here are questions to consider when trying to make an informed decision before joining a BGLO. Consider discussing these

questions with someone who knows you well, like a close family member, friend, clergy member, or mental health counselor.

Interested in a Divine Nine organization? Consider these 10 questions.

1. Have you thoroughly investigated the organization you want to join to determine if it aligns with your values? Ask yourself if the organization’s mission and local chapter suit you.

2. Have you considered whether membership in a Black Greek Letter Organization aligns with your religious beliefs or fundamental truths that formed the basis of your values?

3. Have you had the chance to speak with a representative from your place of worship to have an honest conversation about potentially joining a BGLO? 4. Have you considered the financial obligation that comes with being a member of a Black Greek Letter Organization? Ask yourself if the fiduciary responsibilities of membership in your who knowpastor you well?

Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, Morehouseare College alumnus and senior budget.

8.

Do you understand that of Abyssinian Baptist Church, presents Morehouse College President Dr. From the requirements undergraduateand David A. Thomas with5.framed photo commemorating historic ties between to the time needed to graduate-level participaAbyssinian and Morehouse, featuring images of church and Rev. Adam the member tionMays. differ Thomas, significantly?

Clayton Powell, Jr. withcomplete former president Dr. Benjamin Elijah process and 9.HBCU/Divine Are you prepared who will retire on June selection 30, 2025, spoke at Abyssinian’s Nine to take membership intake proa stand against hazing worship service, reflecting on how Historically Black Colleges and Universities cess, ask and yourself: Am I for future as generations. an undergraduate or (HBCUs) inspire faith, education, innovation (The ready? graduate candidate, alAbyssinian Baptist Church photos) 6. Have you reviewed your though some BGLO personal relationships members may view you and thought about your as a “paper pledge”? community service con10. Is this a bucket list you tributions? Are they are trying to fulfill by compatible with this your next birthday, anphase of your life? niversary, or year-end, or 7. Have you discussed your are you simply impressed interests and motivaby brotherhood or sistertions that support your hood? If so, re-examine selection with people your motivations.

(Photo by Andy Barbour/Pexels)

To share your Divine Nine News, please contact us at d9@amsterdamnews.com and at amsterdamnews.com/d9news

It’s important to recognize that becoming a member of a Black Greek Letter Organization may not be the right choice for everyone. Acknowledging this early on can facilitate personal growth and exploration, rather than leading you down a path that may not align with your true self.

For more information about joining a BGLO, consider reading “Before You Pledge: Essential Information You Should Know About Black Greek Letter Organizations and the Dynamics of Pledging in a Culture of Hazing,” with a foreword by J.T. (Ted) Childs Jr.

10 • August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Union Matters Threats to immigrant healthcare workers could affect everyone’s care

Vanessa Rosales, an anesthesiologist from Venezuela, was able to re-enter the healthcare field with assistance from Upwardly Global. (Upwardly Global photo)

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff The Trump administration’s mass deportation plans are expected to have crippling effects on the U.S. economy. Threats from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct roundups in the New York City area could lead to the detention of workers with jobs in the construction, healthcare, and food service industries, according to newly released data..

ICE’s pressures on healthcare workers could have a particularly significant ripple effect, extending to the care provided to New Yorkers. In recent years, members of the city’s immigrant communities have taken on many roles in health care and caregiving.

“The majority of healthcare workers are foreign-born (57%), compared to 42% for all other workers,” the Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS) noted in a recent study and “Healthcare

occupations across the earnings spectrum are filled with immigrant workers; 44% of physicians are foreign-born, as are 50% of registered nurses, 65% of nursing assistants, and 73% of home health and personal care aides.”

U.S.-born workers are not being trained for these jobs, and even if they start taking courses to qualify for these roles, few are expected to pursue them, especially given the salaries these positions offer.

“Median earnings for this group were $26,100, half the median income for all workers in the City ($52,100),” the CMS study reported.

Skilled immigrants Vanessa Rosales, age 44, is an anesthesiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian; she is originally from Venezuela. She spoke with the AmNews about how she restarted her medical career in New York City after initially being unsure of how to transfer her medical training credentials. Although she had extensive operating room experience in Venezuela, she is currently

working as an anesthesia technician in the U.S. It was only after she came into contact with the group Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid (VIA) and Upwardly Global, a nonprofit that helps skilled immigrants and refugees restart their careers, that she was able to work in the medical field again. Immigrants are required to already have a work permit to apply for the Upwardly Global program.

As an anesthesia technician, her job is to prepare the anesthesia machine and all supplies needed in the operating room before the anesthesiologist arrives. In the event of an emergency, Rosales has to be ready to enter the operating room and assist the anesthesiologist in managing the situation.

Rosales says the work she sees done here isn’t much different from what she did in Venezuela as an anesthesiologist. “No, it’s the same,” she said. “The only thing here that’s different is that they

have more advanced monitors for cardiovascular surgeries like heart transplants and liver transplants.

But for general cases and very sick patients, it is the same.”

The biggest hurdle she had was that it took her four months to learn the names of everything in English. Even with that challenge, she believes she is on par with other trainees who enter the hospital, “because now I’m training people [whose] first language is English, and they have the same situation as me: learning the names of the supplies.”

Before joining Upwardly Global, Rosales was unable to find a job in health care. She had been hired to work at a local community center because they knew she had medical knowledge; they wanted her to coordinate occasional community health workshops.

Although Latin American countries have high-quality medical institutions, the U.S. requires doctors educated abroad to undergo a specific evaluation and exami-

nation process. Because she completed her residency in Venezuela, Rosales wasn’t expecting to have to repeat it in this country. Yet if she wanted to work as an anesthesiologist again, she was told she would need to finish another three or four years of residency.

She had come to the U.S. with her husband and child, and couldn’t afford to spend so many years on re-licensing.

“And also, anesthesiologists are very competitive residencies,” she said, “so I have to compete with all the people who are residents to get their medical license in the U.S., plus all the immigrants who want to apply for an anesthesiologist residency.”

For now, however, Rosales’ position as an anesthesia technician is a role that, in New York City, has a median salary of around $56.44 per hour, according to the healthcare jobs website Vivian Health.

The average annual salary for an anesthesiologist is $425,375, or roughly $204.51 per hour.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 11

12 • August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Opinion Rep. Jasmine Crockett threatened with violence, as Trump threatens us all

Mamdani’s safety platform beats “tough-oncrime” and builds a big tent

By ALANA SIVIN

EDITORIAL

safety a core component of his campaign that they are. In Vera Action’s exit poll, 83% for a more affordable and livable New York, of respondents said they cared more about In the aftermath of the New York City recognizing that the cost-of-living crisis is candidates’ current platforms than past When we learned that Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas had Democratic primary, much has been writ- intertwined with voter fears about stability comments about defunding the police.

Mamdani recognized something that has ten about Zohran Mamdani’s remarkable and security. His Department of Communibeen recently threatened on the House floor to physical- win across a diverse group of voters — in- ty Safety plan emphasized “improving the eluded much of the Democratic political ly fight by Rep. Nancy Mace, cluding some Trump voters and many who quality of people’s lives [by] creating eco- establishment: Voters have evolved beyond stayed home in previous elections. Yes, nomic stability, dignified work, and well-re- “tough-on-crime” rhetoric and policies and we deemed it a minor concern want more than tired scare tactics. Mamdacompared to some of the issues Mamdani won with a relentless focus on sourced neighborhoods.” facing Black elected officials, Affordability, but he also did it by taking on crime and public safety, an issue long seen including the National Guard as a liability for Democrats. invasion of Washington, D.C. – More than one in three New York City Mayor Muriel Bowser’s turf.

A potential clash between Democratic primary voters ranked crime and public safety as a top priority in this Mace and Crockett may be minor in scale, but carries election. Conventional political wisdom major implications. The threat tells candidates they need to go “tough on on Crockett is much like the crime” to win. Andrew Cuomo campaigned on a narrative of a city in crisis and his sigactual things that are hapnature proposal was to hire 5,000 more pening to Black women. With the cancellation of medical research police officers. His aligned Fix the City at the National Institutes of Health, super PAC spent millions on crime ads, including $5.2 million calling Mamdani the critical research initiatives to understand race, gender and income dis- “defund” candidate. But Cuomo’s “toughon-crime” gambit failed. He lost by 12 parities are no longer continuing. points, while Mamdani used the very issue Fundamental research that improves his opponents weaponized against him to the conditions of people of color in build momentum and trust in the political America has been scrapped by the spectrum. Rather than ignoring the attacks Trump administration. or insisting on his own toughness, MamdaRecent research tried to determine why pulse oximeters, used to find ni’s approach to safety built the “big tent” out the severity of respiratory dis- Democrats have been grasping for.

My organization, Vera Action, conducted ease, failed Black patients. It was later discovered that the device had not an exit poll to understand the role of crime and safety in this race. We asked voters to been properly calibrated for darker indicate whose platform they favored on skinned Americans. In another inthe issue: Cuomo’s, Mamdani’s, or Brad stance, a grant that was approved to study the high maternal mortality rates Lander’s. When candidates were named, Zohran Mamdani at the Resist ascism Rally in Bryant Park on Oct 7th 2024. (Bingjiefu He photo via Wikimedia) among African American women was 44% picked Mamdani and 39 percent picked Cuomo. Without candidate names not reinstated.

We could go on listing the removal of attached, 58% picked Mamdani and only Second, Mamdani was specific about ni distinguished himself by offering a comkey research programs to advance the 16% picked Cuomo. what police should do, instead of focusing prehensive set of solutions to prevent crime, Despite crime being Cuomo’s signature solely on the number of police officers and respond to crises, and stop violence. lives of Black Americans, and gradualThis is not a fluke. In other research, New campaign issue and Mamdani’s being af- size of the NYPD budget, as Cuomo did. In ly this situation is getting wider expofordability, Mamdani drew even with the an interview with Stephen Colbert, Mam- Yorkers rank housing, gun safety, and wellsure — but hardly enough.

Yes, Rep. Crockett, we stand with former governor on voter trust in han- dani noted that we have to “let the police lit public spaces ahead of more police in dling crime: Both candidates won 44% per- do the critical work that they do toward cre- making them feel safer. The results have you, and if you plan to take on Rep. cent of voters on the issue, while 12% said ating public safety,” with a focus on seri- broader implications beyond New York City.

Mace, look for us in your corner. they weren’t sure. With Hispan- ous crime, faster response times, and better Vera Action’s public opinion research naic or Latino/a and Asian Ameri- case clearance rates. Recognizing that the tionally and in bellwether states like Michcans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) police cannot address everything, his De- igan, Pennsylvania, and Virginia tells the voters, who shifted to the right partment of Community Safety would send same story.

Mamdani’s opponents have already sigin the last presidential elec- trained outreach teams and social workElinor R. Tatum: Publisher tion, Mamdani came out ahead ers to respond to homelessness and mental naled that more “soft-on-crime” and and Editor in Chief “defund” attacks are coming in the general of Cuomo on crime — by 9 per- health crises on our streets and subways.

Member Madison Gray: Executive & Investigative Editor centage points with the former Third, he directly met the attacks against election. They would do better to save those Damaso Reyes: Editor at Large and a whopping 40 points with him. In his “Subway Takes” appearance, millions spent on ads and mailers, and inKristin Fayne-Mulroy: Managing Editor the latter.

Mamdani said, “No matter how many pieces stead invest in the comprehensive safety soCyril Josh Barker: Digital Editor Alliance for Democrats in New York City of literature you get sent, I’m not defund- lutions that voters want.

Audited Media Siobhan "Sam" Bennett: and beyond should take three ing the police. I’m actually working with the Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Advertising Alana Sivin is a program director at Vera big lessons on crime and public police to create public safety,” and laid out Wilbert A. Tatum (1984-2009): Action, the 501(c)(4) advocacy partner of the safety from Mamdani’s win. his vision.

This strategy worked to call out Chairman of the Board, CEO and Publisher Emeritus First, he consistently made the “defund” attacks as the political theater Vera Institute of Justice.

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

Remembering Sharon Morris, a Harlem stalwart and a ‘good friend’

By HERB BOYD It was a double blow of heartbreak for the Harlem community — and the Harlems of the world — when Lloyd Williams joined the ancestors on Aug. 6 and Sharon Morris did the same a day before on Aug. 5. Much closer than the dates of their deaths was the trajectory of their lives, given the ties between her husband, Voza Rivers, and his lifelong relationship with Lloyd.

There has been a vast outpouring of grief and appreciation for Lloyd’s incomparable accomplishments, but more should be said about Sharon. No one can express the arc of her life and legacy better than her husband with whom she shared her remarkable gifts and commitments, especially for the youth of Harlem.

As Voza noted in announcing the passing of his beloved partner of 28 years that Sharon was “a good friend, proud Harlemite, cultural enthusiast and passionate supporter of Harlem’s IMPACT Repertory Theatre.”

She was as steadfast in her dedication to IMPACT as she was to a number

of organizations and events, including Harlem Week, JazzMobile, New Federal Theatre productions, and the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.

More than anything it was just being

by Voza’s side, helping orchestrate countless activities and providing care and comfort after a long day on the ramparts.

I think many of you know the importance of a “helpmate,” the indispensable one often left in the shadows of a prominent partner. While, to some extent, this can be said of Sharon, she found significant ways to emerge from the background, particularly when her wise counsel was needed. As I understand it, a memorial service for Lloyd is slated for this coming Saturday at Salem United Methodist Church in Harlem at 11:00 a.m. and plans for Sharon’s homecoming are still in the planning stages. I will announce them when the information is available.

Meanwhile, offer a prayer for the departed — and another for Voza, who we know will soldier on.

A crisis is happening on HBCU campuses. Black men account for only 26% of HBCU students, the lowest level in nearly 50 years. The South, where 89% of HBCUs are located, has the lowest Black male college enrollment rate at just 33%. At Howard University, only 19% of students are Black men. Nationwide, Black male enrollment has plummeted from 38% in 1976 to just 26% today.

These aren’t just numbers. They represent a generation of Black men being locked out of economic mobility. For Democrats, economic mobility, or the lack thereof that is felt by many working-class voters, has cost us votes and pushed winnable elections out of reach. A case in point would be the 2024 Presidential campaign, which saw Donald Trump secure 24% of the Black male vote. This number is even more concerning because it says nothing about our inability to reach the millions of Black men who didn’t bother to cast a ballot at all. Democrats cannot win elections if these trends continue.

Many HBCUs are working aggressively to address the Black male college crisis. Alabama A&M just welcomed its largest freshman class in years, with 42% of that class being male. Morgan

State University has launched a Presidential Task Force to address Black male enrollment. Others are similarly focused on the crisis, but HBCUs shouldn’t shoulder this responsibility alone.

If smart policy truly is smart politics, then Democrats would be wise to make this issue a central plank of our agenda to regain power.

Black men need to hear from us directly. Addressing the Black male college pipeline crisis and the broader barriers against Black male economic mobility should be a central agenda item as Democrats plot strategy for the 2026 and 2028 national elections.

This crisis is about more than college degrees. This crisis underscores the overall lack of economic mobility for many Black men, whether they choose to attend college or would rather explore careers in the trades or entrepreneurship. No matter the path they’d like to choose, Black men don’t see Democrats as fighting for them — and that must change.

As HBCU alumni and Democratic strategists, we see this as more than an education issue: It’s a political emergency Democrats are dangerously ignoring.

First, Democrats must acknowledge the pipeline crisis starts early. We’ve experienced this firsthand. One of us

Can we make back-to-school stress-free for the kids?

CHRISTINA

GREER, PH.D.

Sharon Morris and Voza Rivers

The HBCU crisis Democrats can’t ignore

By KEVIN HARRIS and RICHARD MCDANIEL

August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 13

attended Howard and struggled to adjust after matriculating in an underfunded southern public school system.

The other got into Morehouse on academic probation after considering trade school. We each had to contend with how to pay tuition with no college trust fund to rely on, despite the best efforts of our hardworking singleparent mothers. We were able to get by, but similar economic barriers systematically filter out Black males who can’t afford tuition or need jobs right away.

Democrats should continue to carry the mantle of debt-free college and remember that HBCUs have proven themselves at producing the highest return on investment for economic mobility for Black people. As we call for debt-free college, Democrats should also fight to ensure HBCUs are fully funded. These are things we stand for as a party, but Democrats need to be more direct in communicating that support to Black men.

We should become the champions of helping HBCUs expand their missions to increase economic opportunity for Black men. With funding, HBCUs can offer multiple pathways to economic mobility, not just traditional degrees.

Why can’t Black men get HVAC certifications at Morehouse as well as entrepreneurship training?

See HBCU CRISIS on page 27

I have such fond memories of summers as a young kid. I always read lots of books over the summer. I went to what we used to call “run, swim, jump” camps where that’s what I did most of the day. For a few weeks, my parents would send my sister and me to visit a myriad of relatives in big cities and small rural towns. It seemed like summer lasted forever and when August finally rolled around, I always felt I had had significant time catching lightning bugs, playing in the sprinkler, eating ice cream and just indulging in summer’s delights.

It’s now time to return back to school. For some, that means school shopping and new outfits and backpacks, new friends, maybe, even a new school. I lived too close to my school so I never took the “cheese bus” and was always so envious of those who did.

I remember my mother wrapping our textbooks in brown paper (Catholic school requirement) and buying black and white saddle shoes and getting fitted for my new uniform – a pink blouse, grey jumper, and maroon sweater. I don’t know what memories you have about the end of summer and the beginning of the school year, but hopefully they are filled with the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and choosing just the right folder for all of your needs.

Kids these days don’t necessarily have sharpened pencils. They are more likely to have tablets and laptops. Saddle shoes are by and large a thing of the past and finding the perfect pen seems

like a bygone luxury. The reality is, far too many school children have anxiety about going to school due to lack of resources at home or at their own school. I think these past few months have shown many people that we must be deliberate in our actions to make this city and our various communities function properly.

We cannot wait for Washington, D.C. to invest in us, we must rely on a collective spirit to ensure that this school year is productive for our young people. We must do what we can to decrease the levels of stress and anxiety that so many of our young scholars are experiencing. They are not immune to the uncertainty and chaos surrounding us. They hear our conversations and feel the levels of worry permeating so many communities around lack of jobs and housing insecurities and rising prices of..everything.

It is my hope we will contribute what we can, whether it’s buying school supplies for a student or contributing to a back-to-school drive that so many churches and community organizations are putting together. We are the ones who will make our students (and our communities) great.

Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of the books “How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams” and “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.

14 • August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Caribbean Update Trinidad scales down independence celebrations amid assassination threats

By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews Trinidad’s four-month-old government says it is taking threats by gangsters to assassinate top officials seriously and has scrubbed key aspects of annual independence day celebrations this year as a precaution.

Authorities say that law enforcement agencies have credible evidence that gangs are planning to target several senior cabinet ministers as police and the military step up activities against gangs extorting the business community, abducting citizens, and being responsible for several hired hits in the country, among other felonies.

The cancellation of national events include a route march by the military and paramilitary as well as a massive fireworks display and other state-sponsored activities usually associated with the celebrations. Independence day from Britain is August 31.

Instead, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration says it will fund events linked to a national day of prayer both in Trinidad and sister isle, Tobago, as the lives of several ministers and other top officials have been threatened by armed gangs against whom the state has been moving recently.

Authorities last month imposed a second

set of emergency measures in eight months to curb gangland activities, believed to be responsible for a large part of more than 500 murders annually in the past decade. Several gangsters have been arrested, while others either awaiting trial or convicted, have been moved from state prisons to special security areas to minimize collaboration with other inmates and colleagues on the outside.

“After careful deliberation on intelligence arising out of the state of emergency, the government has taken the decision to replace the annual independence day parade and official functions with a national day of prayer and reflection. The day of prayer and reflection will bring together citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, of all faiths and backgrounds, to unite and to seek gui­ dance and strength during this challenging time, as well as to reflect on where we are as a nation and the way forward,” the government stated in an announcement.

So far, authorities have said they will increase security around Defense Minister Wayne Sturge, who appears to be the main target of gangland threats, Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen and Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath.

Sturge reportedly refused demands from gangsters to let them continue influencing

Most Honorable Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC MP, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

(Public domain photo)

a state unemployment relief program that they had apparently been using to fund criminal activities.

The PM told the Express newspaper this week that gangs have stepped up threats against officials because they “are being starved of funds due to the clampdown on” the relief programs and because of “actions taken by the police to dismantle their oper-

ations. They are attempting to retaliate and create disorder but the protective services will respond swiftly and mercilessly,” she said.

Local authorities usually take gang threats seriously, especially after the bloody July 1990 coup attempt, when more than 100 members of an Islamic sect killed over 20 people, shot Prime Minister Ray Robinson in the leg, and set fire to large parts of Port of Spain’s commercial district.

The insurrectionists had also stormed parliament, the state television station and other facilities, saying life was too hard in the republic with inflation on the rise among other complaints. They were freed on a legal technicality by a high court. The cabinet has also defended the move to cancel the key events, suggesting this is nothing new when confronted by various challenges.

“There is precedent for the cancellation of the Independence Day parade in the recent past, as the parade was not observed in 2020 and 2021. Both cancellations occurred as a result of COVID-19-related public health concerns,” the government statement noted.

“The government has, however, chosen to commemorate the occasion of our 63rd independence with a national day of prayer and reflection,” noting that it is important to take this step because of “current security priorities.”

The billion-dollar deportation business you’re paying for

FELICIA PERSAUD

IMMIGRATION KORNER When an Avelo Airlines jet lifted off from Mesa, Arizona this spring, it wasn’t bound for a vacation hotspot. It was flying detainees under a new deportation deal with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - a contract Avelo entered as a sub-carrier for CSI Aviation, the private broker at the center of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s deportation flight network.

That flight is one piece of a sprawling, taxpayer-funded machine where airlines, prison companies, tech firms, and logistics outfits make billions detaining, moving, and tracking immigrants. And with Congress’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” pumping roughly $165 billion into DHS over four years, the corporate winners are lining up.

Deportation Flights: CSI, Avelo, and GlobalX DHS’s air operations rely on CSI Aviation, which has long provided private charters, medical flights, and federal air services. The current no-bid contract to CSI is worth at least $78.1 million over six months, with the potential to climb to $162.2 million, accord-

ing to USAspending.gov. The agreement’s stated purpose: “Provide daily scheduled large aircraft & special high-risk charter flights to facilitate ICE’s enforcement and removal of operations of illegal aliens.”

CSI Aviation CEO Allen Weh, his daughter, and his wife have been major campaign contributors to the current president.

Avelo now flies some of those missions an unprecedented role for a consumer airline. Another subcarrier, GlobalX, handles about 70% of DHS flights, according to Tom Cartwright of Witness at the Border.

His logs show that as of July, total deportation flights reached 1,214, up from 1,187 in June –– a new record. GlobalX announced a five-year contract in August 2024 worth $65 million per year. These flights operate daily, often far from public view.

under a new ICE agreement, which could yield $180 million annually at full capacity.

It also won approval to reopen a shuttered prison in Mason, Tennessee as an ICE site, with a new contract worth $30–$35 million annually for its 600-bed facility. This deal runs through August 2030, with extension options.

Acquisition Logistics LLC: Awarded a U.S. Army contract on July 18 to establish and operate a 5,000-bed short-term detention facility in El Paso, Texas. Initially reported at $231.8 million, the Department of Defense later confirmed the cumulative value at $1.24 billion.

Akima Infrastructure Protection: Holds a $163.4 million contract through 2029 to operate DHS’s migrant detention facility at Guantánamo Bay. The Virginia-based company has over 40 subsidiaries and more than 2,000 U.S. government contracts.

The Detention Heavyweights The Digital Wall Then there are the corporations raking in Beyond fences and flights, billions more massive profits from running private immi- go to surveillance and biometrics. The new gration prisons. law steers $6 billion+ into border surveilGEO Group: In February, ICE awarded GEO lance and $673 million into biometrics. a $1 billion, 15-year contract to reopen the Palantir: Building ImmigrationOS, a cross1,000-bed Delaney Hall in Newark, NJ. The agency data hub for ICE, under a $30 milcompany reported $636.2 million in sec- lion contract to provide “near real-time ond-quarter revenue this year as ICE bed visibility” on self-deportations. use jumped from 15,000 to 20,000.

Anduril Industries: Awarded $41.86 milCoreCivic: Restarted the 2,400-bed South lion by DHS Customs and Border ProtecTexas Family Residential Center in Dilley tion for autonomous surveillance towers

under the SBIR program.

LexisNexis: Powering facial recognition and data pipelines; one ICE deal is worth $22 million.

Public Money, Private Profit These contracts are paid for from public funds –– yours. The Newark GEO deal locks taxpayers into 15 years of private detention costs. Fort Bliss will be the largest ICE facility in U.S. history, built by a little-known contractor with minimal detention experience.

For corporations, it’s a growth market.

For the public, it’s a question of priorities.

Should billions in taxpayer dollars underwrite an expanding web of detention centers, deportation flights, and surveillance systems — especially in an immigration system plagued by due-process concerns and human-rights complaints?

When you file your taxes, remember: some of your dollars aren’t paving roads or funding education, health care, or essential services - they’re fueling a billion-dollar deportation business.

Felicia J. Persaud is the founder and publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com, the only daily newswire and digital platform dedicated exclusively to the Caribbean diaspora and Black immigrant news across the Americas.

August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 15

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International

News

Blackwater founder to deploy nearly 200 personnel to Haiti as gang violence soars

By DÁNICA COTO Associated Press

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The security firm of former U.S. Navy SEAL Erik Prince will soon deploy nearly 200 personnel from various countries to Haiti as part of a one-year deal to quell gang violence there, a person with knowledge of the plans said.

The deployment by Vectus Global is meant to help the government of Haiti recover vast swaths of territory seized in the past year and now controlled by heavily armed gangs, said the person, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the plans.

The company, which provides logistics, infrastructure, security and defense, is run by Prince, a major donor to U.S. President Donald Trump. Prince previously founded the controversial security firm Blackwater.

The deployment was first reported by Reuters.

Vectus Global also will assume a long-term role in advising Haiti’s government on how to restore revenue collection capabilities once the violence subsides, the person said.

In June, Fritz Alphonse Jean, then-leader of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, confirmed that the government was using foreign contractors. He declined to identify the firm or say how much the deal was worth.

Romain Le Cour Grandmaison, head of Haiti Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, said the operations would violate U.S. law unless the U.S.-based private military company had permission from the U.S. government to work in Haiti.

“In the absence of a coherent, jointly led Haitian and international strategy, the use of private firms is more likely to fragment authority and sovereignty than to advance resolution of the crisis,” he said.

A Trump administration official said the U.S. government has no involvement with the hiring of Vectus Global by the Haitian government. The U.S. government is not funding this contract or exercising any oversight, said the offi-

A masked demonstrator walks past a burning roadblock placed by protesters demanding that the police and the Prime Minister take immediate action against gangs in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph)

cial, who requested anonymity to discuss the situation.

The office of Haiti’s prime minister did not return a message for comment, nor did members of Haiti’s transitional presidential council.

The private contractors, which will come from the United States, Europe and other regions, are expected to advise and support Haiti’s National Police and a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police officers that is struggling to suppress gang violence.

The U.N.-backed mission has 991 personnel, far less than the 2,500 envisioned, and some $112 million in its trust fund — about 14% of the estimated $800 million needed a year, according to a recent U.N. report.

The upcoming deployment of

private contractors comes after the recent appointment of André Jonas Vladimir Paraison as the country’s new police director general.

Paraison once served as head of security for Haiti’s National Palace and was involved in a new task force created earlier this year, made up of certain police units and private contractors. The task force has operated outside the oversight of Haiti’s National Police and employed the use of explosive drones, which some human rights activists have criticized.

Diego Da Rin, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, said that while there’s an obvious need for more anti-gang operations, “there is a risk of escalating the conflict without having enough personnel to ex-

tinguish the fires that Viv Ansanm can ignite in many places.”

Viv Ansanm is a powerful gang federation created in September 2023, that saw the merging of gangs, including G-9 and G-Pèp — once bitter enemies. The United States designated it as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year.

The gang federation was responsible for coordinating a series of large-scale attacks early last year that included raids on Haiti’s two biggest prisons that led to the release of some 4,000 inmates. Viv Ansanm also forced the closure of Haiti’s main international airport for nearly three months, with the violence eventually prompting thenPrime Minister Ariel Henry to resign.

Jimmy Chérizier, a leader of Viv

Ansanm and best known as Barbecue, recently threatened Paraison.

“Viv Ansanm has a military might that they don’t always show,” said Da Rin, the analyst.

At least 1,520 people were killed and more than 600 injured from April to the end of June across Haiti. More than 60% of the killings and injuries occurred during operations by security forces against gangs, with another 12% blamed on self-defense groups, according to the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti.

Gang violence also has displaced some 1.3 million people in recent years.

Associated Press writer Joshua Boak in Washington contributed to this report.

16 • August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

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August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 17

Arts & Entertainment

Parliament-Funkadelic’s Thurtdelic talks up new album & tour ahead of NYC show Aug. 22

By JOHNNY KNOLLWOOD Special to the AmNews Funk pioneer George Clinton is bringing famed musical collective Parliament-Funkadelic back to New York City at Palladium Times Square on August 22 for an evening of funk madness. The legendary group, who produced hits like “Give Up the Funk” and “Flashlight,” will celebrate its storied place in music history with a career-spanning setlist of hits and fan favorites.

“I love every night I’m on stage with George and my boys,” Thurtdelic, a member of ParliamentFunkadelic for more than a decade, told the AmNews in an exclusive interview via Zoom on Monday.

“Every night is not the same … we’re definitely going to play the hits, and we’re going to play some songs … that Parliament hasn’t played in 60 years live.”

Parliament-Funkadelic, founded and headed by leader George Clinton in 1956 at his barbershop in Plainfield, N.J., has infused funk into mainstream culture for more than six decades, injecting the genre’s philosophies (like “Everything is on the ‘1’”) and merging the style and sensibilities of artists like James Brown, Sly Stone, Jimi Hendrix, and Motown groups with Clinton’s own unique and often humorous worldview. Clinton and his revolving door lineup of topnotch musicians and collaborators, which has included bassist Bootsy Collins and late keyboardist Bernie Worrell, have always evolved with the times and their influence cannot be understated; their repertoire spans from ’50s doo-wop ballads to modern trap and they are one of the most sampled groups in hip-hop history.

Clinton and his group have used radical collaborative art, humor, and elaborate stage shows to address social issues concerning race and class while establishing themselves as progenitors of Afrofuturism, inspiring generations of artists like Prince, Snoop Dogg, Childish Gambino, and many more.

Songwriter and vocalist Thurtdelic has performed alongside

Thurtdelic of Parliament-Funkadelic onstage at Stone Pony on June 29, 2025. (Johnny Knollwood photos)

George Clinton and the funk collective — which still includes longtime members Michael “Kidd Funkadelic” Hampton on guitar and bassist Lige Curry — for more than a decade, contributing to 2014’s “First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate” and 2018’s “Medicaid Fraud Dogg,” as well as appearing with Clinton during their 2018 NPR Tiny Desk performance.

Thurtdelic’s latest album, “Psychedelic Therapy,” harkens back to the early days of P-Funk, using classic samples and new live recordings to create a sonic blend of psych-rock, rap, and — of course — funk. “I wanted to bring back that ‘Woodstock sound’ … but I wanted to have [a] new hip-hop flavor to it,” Thurtdelic explained to the AmNews. “And that’s the sound that I love from Funkadelic and Parliament — I love the ’80s stuff but I really love early ’70s, with the heavy bass lines and the horns. That’s my funk.”

In P-Funk tradition, Thurtdelic’s latest record illustrates how tradition and innovation often go hand in hand, taking a page from Clinton’s tried and true method of experimentation that allowed the 83-year-old songwriter to maintain longevity and relevance in an industry that is quick to abandon one thing in favor of the next fad.

On “Psychedelic Therapy,” Thurtdelic succeeds in invoking a sense

of organic nostalgia while using today’s tools, like modern production and updated slang.

“I’m in the perfect spot where I can be free in the choices I make in my music, being a part of Parliament-Funkadelic. I’m allowed to yell and scream on records, I’m allowed to rap on records, I’m allowed to sing ballads, because it’s art,” Thurtdelic said. “And I love that I’m able to do that in the field of music that I’m in, because all of it comes from funk anyway.”

While freedom is a contested subject here in America today amid great political divide in the wake of the current administration’s threats to education, reproductive rights, and health care, the sense that we can be who we are without question permeates the air at a P-Funk performance, as the band, onstage in costumed glory, leads an audience united in anthemic chants like “We Want the Funk,” often for up to three hours a night. Thurtdelic hopes that everyone who comes will “walk away with a sense of love, first of all,” he said. “I want them to know that music is an escape for everybody, and I want it to be a good escape.”

You can stream Thurtdelic’s “Psychedelic Therapy” on Spotify.

For tickets for Parliament-Funkadelic’s performance at Palladium, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Mural of George Clinton in music room at Avon Elementary School in Newark, N.J.

Cover of Thurtdelic’s latest EP, “Psychedelic Therapy.” (Image courtesy of Thurtdelic)

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Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona keeps late musician’s legacy alive

Louis Armstrong with kids from his Queens neighborhood

The exterior of the Louis Armstrong House Museum

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews While the late great trumpeter and vocalist Louis Armstrong (1901–71) had global renown and impact, for many decades of his life, his home was Corona, Queens. Today, the house he inhabited is a national landmark and open to the public as the Louis Armstrong House Museum.

Executive director Regina Bain said that was his wish. “His legacy is massive, it’s huge, and it’s definitely something that requires time to learn about,” said Bain, who became the executive director in August 2020. “There are things that many people know, such as [the song] ‘What a Wonderful World.’ Some people may also know ‘Hello Dolly.’ Fewer people know about him as a visual artist, a collage artist, about film, about who he was to the community.”

Bain, herself an artist and educator, immersed herself in Armstrong’s music and listened to how musicians and historians spoke

about him. She also heard from the kids who grew up in Queens when Armstrong lived there.

Armstrong’s fourth wife, Lucille, who died in 1983, had in her will that the home would go to New York City to become a museum. City University of New York asked Queens College to steward this project, but bringing the vision to fruition took a while. Before the museum opened in 2003, there was programming from the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation.

Dating back to the 1980s, Pops Is Tops, a children’s concert, was held annually in a garden (owned by the Armstrongs) adjoining the home. Concerts are still held in that garden. In the 1990s, the archive opened at Queens College in the Rosenthal Library.

“The people of the community were taking care of the house,” said Bain. “There was a woman who worked for the Armstrongs while they were alive. She cleaned, she cooked, she helped run the household .… After they died, she did not allow the house

to go into disrepair. She took care of the home for a decade. There were others in the community who also protected the house.”

Today, the house museum is a three-building campus: the historic home; and the Louis Armstrong Center across the street, which opened in 2023, is the permanent home for a 60,000-piece physical and digital archive. (When designing it, the center’s architect angled it to face the house.0 Within the center is a 75-seat performance space, which is also a space for programming. A third building is Selma’s Place, the home of the late Selma Heraldo (1923–2011), who left her home to the museum.

Anyone can book a ticket online to take a 45-minute guided tour of the house museum. No one has lived in the house since the Armstrongs — so the furniture, wallpaper, paintings and other objects are all theirs. Bain said it feels like they just stepped out and will return home soon. Researchers come to study the archives at the center, but also love to spend time in the home, feeling the essence of

Regina Bain (Photos courtesy of Louis Armstrong House Museum)

one of the jazz greats.

“The Center is where we can do housing workshops in the legacy of Louis and Lucille, two Black artists who owned their own home in the 1940s, and why that’s significant, and how that affects people who are trying to be homeowners in the community now,” said Bain. “It’s where we can have justice arts workshops .… Concerts, of course. We have an artists’ residency program. Artists can apply.

“We also have archival tours,” she added. “We do listening sessions. We take records that are in the Armstrong archives and we play them and have discussions about them. If you are a researcher writing a book, of course you can make an appointment.”

Selma’s Place is being renovated and will become office space and community space to tell the story of the people in the community that made Corona the place the Armstrongs wanted to live. The stories of kids who grew up in the neighborhood have been assembled into the Corona Collection of 15 oral histories that will debut

this October as an exhibition at the Louis Armstrong Center and will also be available online at louisarmstronghouse.org.

“They tell stories about who Armstrong was as a person,” Bain said. “They didn’t know he was a star. They knew him as a person in the community who cared about them. … We’re really excited about what this will mean for our community and for the broader community thinking about Black history, jazz and mentorship.”

As executive director, Bain feels responsible for the thriving of this mission to keep jazz culture alive in Queens and New York City. Visitors come to the museum and center from all over the world.

“We want people to create from the archives — books, film and more,” said Bain. “We must remember who we are; that is what propels us into the future. We know that Black history and Black culture have always persisted. So, we persist, the culture persists, the art persists.”

For more info, visit louisarmstronghouse.org.

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August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 19

Denzel Washington, Spike Lee team up again for ‘Highest 2 Lowest’

By MARK WINSTON GRIFFITH Special to the AmNews Spike Lee is showing his age.

That’s not a slight, but simply an acknowledgment of the mature set of concerns on display in his latest film, “Highest 2 Lowest,” a crime drama set in New York.

“Highest 2 Lowest” stars Denzel Washington as David King, a veteran record label mogul whose glory days are behind him. When his world is threatened by a kidnapping extortion scheme, King struggles to remain on top in his industry, protect his family, and ultimately do the right thing.

Lee’s source material is the 1963 classic film, “High Low,” directed by one of Lee’s cinematic godfathers, Akira Kurosawa. “High Low” is itself loosely based on the 1959 novel, “Kings Ransom,” by Evan Hunter. The Kurosawa film takes on archetypal moral dilemmas and presents a critique of Japanese culture under Western capitalism. But Lee ain’t really here for that. On the contrary, he’s here to celebrate New York City, his first true love, and to explore what is at stake when Black excellence, Black family, and the resulting spoils of Black privilege are threatened.

Like Scorsese with his production of “The Irishman,” “Highest 2 Lowest” feels like a reunion tour convened by a film master.

Not only is his famed collaboration with Washington revived for a fifth time, but Spike Lee Joint alumni like Wendell Pierce, Rick Fox, Nicholas Turturro, and Rosie Perez show up for random cameos. Indeed, Spike is up to his old tricks and has some new ones up his sleeve. There’s his familiar heavy-handed reliance on syrupy melodramatic scoring to establish intimate dramatic scenes, offset by a shrewdly curated soundtrack with classic old-school bangers. Lee does promotions for the Yankees (instead of the Knicks) while taking several aggressive swipes at Boston sports fans, including an F-bomb spit directly into the camera. And, speaking of characters looking directly into the camera, it wouldn’t be a Spike Lee Joint without at least one headon shot framed with a receding foreground. For extra flex, the camera also does fluttering double-takes for no apparent reason, and “A24,” which happens to be the name of the studio that released “Highest 2 Lowest,” ap-

Denzel Washington stars in “Highest 2 Lowest.” (Photo courtesy of David Lee/A24)

pears conspicuously in one scene as an apartment number.

Denzel’s performance defaults to a kind of road-weary swagger.

It’s as if each film from the last 15 years of his career depicts a different shade of the Equalizer walking the earth with an otherworldly self- possession. Jeffery Wright costars as Paul Christopher, King’s man Friday, whose own family gets dragged into the crime scene, and the film’s most tender and emotionally complicated moments occur between King and Christopher, long-standing friends. Ilfenesh Hadera plays King’s wife Pam, but her character isn’t written thoughtfully enough to take on complexity beyond the proverbial good Black woman at the side of the successful Black man.

A$AP Rocky, cast as Yung Felon, a man attempting to slap the crown from King’s head, chews up every scene he is in, even in moments when we just hear his voice. He radiates with an intensity that veers dangerously close to, but doesn’t fully succumb to, the caricature of a young Black crimi-

nally enterprising menace.

There is a sequence in “Highest 2 Lowest” that involves backpacks, motorcycles, and the recently-departed Eddie Palmieri and his orchestra that is slick and delightful, but “Highest 2 Lowest” is mostly a thriller that can’t always sustain the requisite level of tension. When the police are brought in to crack the kidnapping case, they prove to be useless (To comic effect, Lee casts Dean Winters, the actor who plays Mayhem in the Allstate commercials, as an inconsequential blowhard detective), which leads King and Paul to take matters into their own hands. One of the film’s most promising scenes features a music studio stand-off between oldschool King and new jack Yung Felon, but it then transitions to a rote shoot-em-up chase through subway stations and over subway cars in which King implausibly goes from desk jockey to sudden action figure.

While there are no autobiographical ambitions like “Crooklyn,” “Highest 2 Lowest” still feels

personal and reflective. It’s almost impossible to not see Lee (and a passing resemblance to his family) represented in David King’s life.

King is a seventy-ish man who has reached the pinnacle of his entrepreneurial success and creative power. Having long ago left the hood to live in New York luxury, he is at a crossroads as he meditates on a legendary career and what it may have cost him.

Meanwhile, you can almost hear a grumpy Spike in King’s voice rail against cell phones, social media, A.I. and a new generation of hiphop in a way that reveals a man who is uneasy with a contemporary pop culture scene he can no longer make sense of, much less keep up with.

Grounding King in his fancy East River-view apartment are members of a model loving family.

Their home is adorned with Basquiat and Kehinde Wiley originals, and images of Black political and creative genius that reinforce a sense of cultural ascendancy. But heavy is the head that wears the crown, and King feels the burdens

of living a life in which everyone wants a piece of him and his success. When King is given a chance to show himself deserving of his blessings and to make a fairly obvious moral choice between money and his chosen family, he flinches in a way that, unintentionally by Lee, fatally undercuts the content of King’s character and, with it, the moral center of the film.

Similarly, “Highest 2 Lowest” gives Lee the opportunity to make epic, career-defining observations on the impact of material wealth, the obsessive pursuit of attention and relevancy, and the decisions we make along the way. He throws a head fake at these themes, but ultimately brushes right by them.

King is more pre-scandal Russell Simmons than post-scandal Puffy; more street-slick Cliff Huxtable than modern-day Icarus. And instead of giving us a parable to live by or even a cautionary tale, Lee settles for the simple suggestion that maybe not everyone deserves to be a winner in life, but people like him and King do. Hate the game, not the playa.

20 • August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

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Travel & Resort Swing out summer and bop into fall with seven upcoming jazz festivals

Scenes from the DC Jazz Festival. (Josh Brown photos)

By TRACY E. HOPKINS Special to the AmNews As the summer season winds down, there’s still time for music lovers to jaunt to a jazz festival during Labor Day weekend, and plenty of time to mark your calendars and plan ahead for several popular upcoming fall festivals.

DC Jazz Festival (Washington, DC) August 27–31, 2025 This annual festival envelops DC’s southwest waterfront neighborhood with the sound of music. Highlights include Cécile McClorin Salvant at Arena Stage (Aug. 28), Lalah Hathaway at the Anthem (Aug. 29), Marcus Miller and the Branford Marsalis Quartet at the Wharf (Aug. 30), and the Jazzmeia Horn Quartet at the Wharf (Aug. 31). Ticket prices vary.

The Wharf also has plenty of winning dining options.

Hathaway, whose latest album, “Vantablack,” centers the African

American experience, spoke with the AmNews before her DC Jazz Festival engagement. The daughter of singer Eulaulah Hathaway and late great singer-songwriter Donny Hathaway said the District holds a special place in her heart since her parents met at Howard University.

“I feel like an honorary Howard baby,” she said. “My mom is from Virginia, so I would spend time there, and my first big gigs were in the DMV.” For more info, visit dcjazzfest. org/.

Chicago Jazz Festival (Chicago, IL) August 28–31, 2025 Produced by the Jazz Institute of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, this free festival at the lakefront Millennium Park is an annual crowd pleaser. This year’s lineup boasts bassist and singer-songwriter Esperanza Spalding and jazz vocalist Ava Logan with her quintet.

For more info, visit choosechicago.com.

Blue Note Jazz Festival Presents the Black Radio Experience (Napa, CA) August 29–31, 2025 Curated and hosted by Grammy Award-winning pianist and producer Robert Glasper, the winning roster for this year’s “Black Radio Experience” includes Jazmine Sullivan; the Roots; Willow; Stokley Williams; D-Nice featuring Slick Rick; Anthony Hamilton; and Earth, Wind & Fire.

At press time, single-day festival passes were still available. For more info, visit bluenotejazz.com.

Detroit Jazz Festival (Detroit, MI) August 29–September 1 Billed as the world’s largest free jazz festival, this year’s event will present an eclectic array of jazz luminaries on four stages in Detroit’s downtown and in midtown on the campus of Wayne State

University. Featured artists in- montereyjazz.org. clude artist-in-residence, pianist, and composer Jason Moran; the BRIC JazzFest (Brooklyn, NY) Branford Marsalis Quartet; Lake- October 17–18, 2025 Brooklyn is in the house for the cia Benjamin; and Detroit native 11th annual BRIC JazzFest. CuEndea Owens and the Cookout.

For more info, visit detroit- rated by producer and composer Adrian Younge, the 2025 JazzFest jazzfest.org. brings together legends, innoMonterey Jazz Festival (Mon- vators, and rising stars. Leading ladies of jazz dominate the terey, CA) lineup, including vocalist Dee Dee September 26–28, 2025 When it comes to jazz fests, the Bridgewater, London saxophonwest has one of the best. Mon- ist Nubya Garcia, and bassist and terey is the world’s longest con- bandleader Endea Owens.

For more info, visit /bricartsmetinuously running jazz festival, and each year, thousands of dia.org. music lovers flock to the 20-acre, oak-studded Monterey County Arizona JazzFest (Glendale, AZ) Fairgrounds. Headliners sched- November 7–9, 2025 There’s no shortage of diverse uled for the 68th annual event include Dianne Reeves, Ledisi, talent with singalong hits at this Gregory Porter, Christian Mc- outdoor, three-day music festival Bride & Ursa Major, and Trom- with reserved seating. The lineup highlights include Al Green, bone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.

At press time, single-day and Stephanie Mills, Babyface, Kem, three-day ticket packages were Dru Hill, After 7, CeCe Peniston, still available. For more info, visit and Charlie Wilson.

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Miss Harlem Shake 2025 donates winnings to the Schomburg Center

By BRENIKA BANKS Special to the AmNews Summertime in Harlem serves as the perfect time to enjoy a shake — and appreciate and support Black research and culture.

Recently, Harlem Shake announced Tanasia Smith as their Miss Harlem Shake 2025 winner.

The young artist from Harlem, a multifaceted creative and educator, chose to donate her charity winnings to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the “world-leading cultural institution devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diasporic, and African experiences,” via their website.

The center is named for activist and historian Arturo A. Schomburg, who studied printing and Black literature as a youth before moving from Puerto Rico to Harlem in 1891. (Schomburg also wrote for the New York Amsterdam News.) The center houses and continues to preserve Schomburg’s collections.

“History must restore what slavery took away, for it is the social damage of slavery that the present generation must repair and offset,” Schomburg once said. As the center celebrates its 100th anniversary, his mission and legacy continue.

As a result of her donation, Smith

Tanasia Smith in June after being announced as Miss Harlem Shake 2025. (Brenika Banks photos)

recently enjoyed an exclusive Schomburg Center tour where K.C. Matthews, deputy director of operations, showed her around.

“I am so honored to be given this special tour and to see all the history and the people who have graced the streets of Harlem,” said Smith.

She described having chills after seeing and learning about the center’s collection. “[Arturo Schomburg] knew what he was doing, and he was fully dedicated to it.”

Schomburg’s original collection of 10,000 items has grown to more than 11 million. “Arturo would be thrilled to see his vision still alive, still prospering,” said Matthews.

“It’s really special to know that Arturo’s vision means something all around the world.”

Several significant Black research centers focus on preserving and promoting Black history and culture, including Florida’s African American Research Library and

Tanasia Smith learning about Schomburg Center’s many items on her tour with K.C. Matthews.

Cultural Center, which was inspired by the Schomburg Center; Harvard University’s W. E. B. Du Bois Research Institute; and the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“I am so grateful that [Schomburg] was able to cultivate and collect everything that he had, that we had, that we created, so that I can appreciate it and learn from it,” said Smith.

Matthews noted that Smith is “more than a contestant” and winner of a competition — she is an artist. He acknowledged Smith as a photographer and said, “It’s fine to have people pay you to do your work, but find things you want to document on your own.” He told Smith that what she documents now will be history one day, and people will be interested. “Find a niche of your own,” Matthews said.

“Having young artists come to the Schomburg Center — we want her to see herself as being in this collection one day,” said Matthews. “This is what our collection is supposed to do: inspire people with their artistry.”

Matthews provided an informative and enjoyable tour for Smith. Afterward, she said her favorite moment was the Langston Hughes Lobby, which is home to “Rivers,” an art installation and memorial in honor of poet Langston Hughes and Schomburg. “It made me emotional, and it really resonated with me,” said Smith.

Arturo Schomburg’s legacy and vision will continue as the center hosts events celebrating its 100year milestone in researching and preserving African diasporic experiences. As Schomburg said in his 1925 essay, “The Negro Digs Up His Past”: “The American Negro must remake his past in order to make his future.”

For more info, visit nypl.org/locations/schomburg.

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Rapper Ferg brought music, wellness and positivity at Flo Fair in Harlem

By JOHNNY KNOLLWOOD Special to the AmNews Artist, rapper, and Harlem native Ferg — part of hip-hop collective A$AP Mob that features members A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti — brought art and wellness services back to the community on August 14 at Flo Fair, a free all-day event featuring fitness classes, a sound bath, and performances by the rapper who has achieved success with chart topping hits that include “Work,” and “Shabba Ranks.” The fair was inspired by smaller-scale health fairs Ferg’s family would throw in honor of his late father, Darold Ferguson, a fixture of the Harlem community who passed away just before the rapper’s 17th birthday. It was hosted by the Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, which boasts a slew of varied, and often free programming. “I’m glad we’re out here in Harlem, it’s a beautiful day,” Ferg told an intimate group of participants on the lawn at Marcus Garvey Park. “It’s all family vibes out here, let’s enjoy the rest of the time.”

The festivities kicked off around 11 a.m. with yoga and sound bath sessions held

by Julia Jovone, who promoted a sense of calm and serenity to the attendees who reserved spots online ahead of the event.

Ferg was spotted in the front row, participating in the sessions alongside the other attendees. Food trucks and vendors were present early, with energy drink brand Lucky onsite passing out free cans and promotional material.

In the afternoon, the energy shifted as James and Jaws hosted fast-paced workout sessions. It was all smiles as attendees broke a sweat to songs like Ferg’s “New Level,” which played over the loudspeakers.

At around 3 p.m., Ferg addressed the crowd and took photos with the team, instilling a sense of unity and positivity before a dance party broke out on the lawn. The tone was set as the gates to the amphitheater began to open to the public.

Many stars would be lounging backstage ahead of a performance like this, but Ferg was at home in his community, sitting on a lawn chair outside the venue and catching up with friends and family as fans rolled into the venue. Music kicked off inside the theater at 5 p.m. with Universal Space Jam, an experimental hip-hop duo that saw the

pair onstage utilizing rapping, live sampling, and improvisational saxophone to deliver an in-your-face, atmospheric performance. The duo was followed by Hunter BDM, a Harlem native who brought out special guests that included rapper Iceman, and a dancer named Nova. She busted out some moves for the rapper’s song, “Girlfriend at the Party.”

Special guests were in abundance at Marcus Garvey Park as TGUT took to the stage, bringing out up and coming NYC rappers Baby Osama, Scarlip, and Fergie Baby, who each brought their unique voices to the performance, and took time to show love to the community. “We in Harlem!”

Fergie Baby proclaimed to the crowd, “we home!” Anticipation built as TGUT brought out his final guest, violinist Nina Woods, who warmed the crowd up for Ferg’s headlining set, jamming to classics like “Return of the Mack,” on the fly. “I didn’t tell her about this,” TGUT professed to the audience, but Woods did not skip a beat.

Musicians began to take their positions on the stage as Ferg entered to roaring applause, opening the performance with “New Level,” that was heard earlier during the fitness sessions. Ferg was also joined by special guests including Okinawan rapper Awich, and singer Renee Neufville of 90’s R&B duo Zhane, the latter of whom performed “Sending My Love,” a hit for the group in 1994. “So, this is what it feels like to have your city behind you,” Ferg told the crowd of fans, friends and family. “All of our voices are power.”

Despite the positive energy and familyfriendly environment, the reality of being Black in America amidst today’s heated political climate could not be ignored, as Ferg addressed the presence of police onsite.

“There’s like five million cops outside — hip-hop police.” Ferg told the crowd.

“We not pushing nothing but peace.”

The set seemed to fly by, as audience members danced and took videos. Near the set’s end, Ferg pulled out his biggest hits and fan favorites, “Shabba” and “Work,” even leaving the stage to perform in the crowd.

As Ferg disappeared and attendees dispersed, a sense of togetherness and good vibrations could be felt throughout the Harlem Park that one hopes will return next year. For more info on SummerStage programs, visit cityparksfoundation.org.

Harlem rapper Ferg and singer Renee Neufville performing at Flo Fair on August 14 at Marcus Garvey Park. (Johnny Knollwood photos)

Universal Space Jam performing at Flo Fair on August 14 at Marcus Garvey Park.

The audience at Flo Fair on August 14 at Marcus Garvey Park.

Endea Owens feeds 300+ people at Harlem Community Cookout in Marcus Garvey Park

By JOHNNY KNOLLWOOD Special to the AmNews

featured free food provided by Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too, and a performance

by Owens’ group, The Cookout. “It is a Bassist and activist Endea Owens brought blessing to be alive and to share these exan afternoon of music, food, and culture to periences with you,” Owens told the crowd Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem on August in the plaza. “It’s always for the people, but 17 at her annual Community Cookout. The this one is especially for the community event, presented by the Marcus Garvey Park and you all. Thank you so much.”

Alliance in partnership with the NationOwens, who is well-known as a member of al Jazz Museum in Harlem and the Capital the house band for “Stephen Colbert’s Late One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, Show” and performed at the Super Bowl LV

Halftime Show as part of H.E.R.’s group, has brought her signature blend of soulful jazz to New York stages since graduating Juilliard in 2018. She released her latest album, “Caught Up in This Illusion,” a collaboration with rapper Juicy J, on August 15.

In 2020, Owens started the Community Cookout, a nonprofit organization that aims to unite communities through food and music. “There was a short period in my life where I experienced homelessness

as a teenager due to the recession,” Owens told the AmNews in a post-show interview.

“A lot of our basic necessities were dependent on food pantries, clothing drives from churches, and events like this.”

The bassist and educator has hosted the cookout in Harlem for three years and fed more than 300 people on Sunday. Meals were prepared by Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread See ENDEA OWENS on page 31

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Athlete-turned-author J Leonard Costner discusses his ‘Legacy’ book series

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews The son of a former professional basketball player, J Leonard Costner stands at 6’ 6”. Many thought the New Jersey-born, Europe-raised Costner would follow in his father’s footsteps as a pro. However, injuries derailed his hoop dreams but those were not his only aspirations.

Recalling that time, Costner said, “While I was recovering from having my pelvis reconstructed due to a basketball injury, I had a recurring dream every night for a month. I started to jot down what I was seeing, and eventually that turned into my first book, which was published in 2012.”

From those nights, the “Legacy” series and universe were born.

Costner shared that while books are a different medium compared to studio art, the series evolved to become something like an art gallery, but in book form.

“Having evolved and not really having an outlet at the time while being bedridden from having surgery, typing and words kind of became an outlet for me, and as I’m

writing the first book, it’s kind of just cathartic to have emotions be released, and as I’m seeing the words, I’m painting a picture,” said Costner, who received a Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design from Saint Peter’s University.

Combining historic events with fantasy, “Legacy,” written and illustrated by Costner, tells the comingof-age saga of a young man named Luke Hart. “He is the modern reincarnation of Spartacus as he is thrust into a clandestine institution that has continued the gladiator spectacle since antiquity,” he said. “The institution, known only to those of privilege and wealth, is called Legacy. A hub of secrets and influence, the quarterly events of Legacy are where money is exchanged and the world shaped.”

While the book performs best among teens and young adults, Costner emphasizes that Legacy is written for everyone. “There is a diverse range of readers who enjoy Legacy for many reasons,” he said. “Perhaps it’s my writing style or how the historical timeline seamlessly weaves into a believable saga. Maybe it’s the pro-

Author, illustrator, and creator of the “Legacy” series J Leonard Costner (Images courtesy of the author)

tagonist’s love story. I am usually surprised to hear the reception, as the tale is derived from my catharsis.”

The first four books of the series — “Legacy,” “Legacy: The Echoes of

Fate,” “Legacy: Resurrection,” and “Legacy: Sarene” — are available at Amazon.com and where books are sold. The fifth, sixth, and seventh are forthcoming, and a short film about

the series is also in the works.

Keep up with Costner at .legacyuniverse.io, on Instagram at @ thelegacyxii, or via email at aureliusuniverse@gmail.com.

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Thoughts on Lloyd Williams, Harlem’s visionary force

Upon hearing of the August 6 transition of Lloyd Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of Harlem Week, it was obvious obituaries would appear in all the major publications, as well as television and radio acknowledgements.

After having the pleasure of working with Lloyd and the Harlem Week Committee for over four decades, it was only fitting for me to discuss my thoughts and memories of the Chamber and of Lloyd — whose name was synonymous with Harlem for half a century.

The Harlem native built Harlem Week and the Chamber of Commerce from the inside out. He formed a family that existed for the betterment of Harlem and New York City. Once stepping into the office, then located at 310 Lenox Avenue, it was a necessity for men to remove their headwear or Lloyd would quickly assist in removing it, along with a friendly reminder: “It’s about respect.”

For me, the GHCC offices (then the Harlem Uptown Chamber of Commerce) at 310 Lenox Avenue served as my training ground, my Harlem HBCU (back then, the building also housed WWRL radio and the United Mutual Life Insurance Company, now it’s the address of the Red Rooster Restaurant). Like Charlie Parker or Ornette Coleman, there was only one Lloyd Williams. He led the organization similarly to Art Blakey’s or Horace Silver’s legendary bands, constantly bringing in bright young interns to work with elders, an intergenerational modality. It was an invaluable learning experience for everyone.

Guidance and job training was given to interns in an environment that helped build character, integrity, and a sense of pride for self and the Harlem community.

I engaged my office elders as much as possible, soaking up their wisdom and knowledge from the likes of Ed Greenidge, Joe Roberts (whom Lloyd joked was the only black Republican in Harlem), Voza Rivers, Tony Rogers, Peggy Waddell, Freddie Crawford, Sr., Vivian Robinson along with her trusted

Llyod Williams (Herb Boyd photo)

assistant Mary Davis, and fashion guru Lois Alexander. At the same time, I was mentoring our young interns while under the tutelage of the renowned journalist and author Peter Bailey, who handled public relations for Harlem Week.

His position was given to me, a few years later, when he relocated to Richmond, Virginia to teach at Howard University and Virginia Union University. Marko Nobles, a young college student, became my intern. Following my departure, Marko became the senior PR person, and he is now the second vice chairman. Just last week his twin daughters began their freshman year in college.

Winston Majette, also of a later generation, was the Chamber’s HBCU liaison and is currently the Chamber’s executive director. It is so rewarding to see these young men grow and prosper as they move the Chamber into the future. Other recent interns, like Howard University graduate Jason Ponterotto, have gone on to earn a degree from Columbia University School of Journalism and now freelance for this publication, as well as the New York Times.

A few days ago on Harlem Day, I stopped by the HW office that was a crazy hustle bustle, and ran into Wallace Jabaar, who informed me of his four grandchildren. I re-

member Wally as a HW intern, selling hot dogs alongside little Timmy, his brother Henry, Ade Williams (Lloyd’s son, now a father himself), and his cousin Barry.

Before the many walking tours and Harlem’s gentrification, the Chamber was pushing a big tourism initiative in the 1980s for which Lloyd accepted a meeting with the U.S. assistant secretary for travel and tourism in Washington, D.C. Allan Maybe (our tourism person) and I accompanied him on Amtrak to Washington, D.C. for the meeting. We each carried a big box filled with Harlem tourism guides. Those boxes were quite heavy and my primary goal was to just get there and unload those boxes. But to accompany Lloyd on such an important trip was definitely a confidence builder for me. But that’s what he did, gave us confidence to carry us through any situation.

Just a few months ago, during a late meeting at GHCC offices at 200A West 136th Street, as Lloyd spoke, some nodded in agreement. He noted, “Never show signs of agreeing or not when someone is speaking, it gives them the upper hand. Just listen.”

He was a tough task master similar to James Brown leading his band, and there was no room for error or being late. And one thing

for sure, like The Godfather of Soul said, “Poppa Don’t Take No Mess.”

Nope, Lloyd didn’t take NO mess!

It was an honor for me to work on two books with Lloyd, the first of which, “Forever Harlem,” also included such writers as Voza Rivers, producer and executive director of Roger Furman’s New Heritage Theatre; Herb Boyd, the renowned journalist and author of more than 20 books; Ade Williams; and noted numerologist Lloyd Strayhorn. We were in the midst of completing a second book, “Harlem’s Evolution,” cowritten with the same collaborators along with Jared McCallister.

I hope it will be finished and stand as part of Lloyd’s lasting legacy.

This month-long celebration that started out as Harlem Day in 1974 has blossomed for 51 years into this spectacular event, one of the largest in America. People like Stephanie Francis, Michelle Scott, and the legal mind of Charles Powell have been with HW since the beginning or a few years removed.

A new generation moved into our chairs at the conference table such as DB and Luther Isler, but we still return to work on HW. Barbara Burwell comes up from North Carolina and Andre Robinson comes in from Washington D.C. as HW’s stage manager.

Where else can people work intermittently for over half a decade?

As Sister Sledge so elegantly projected, “We Are Family,” or Sly and the Family Stone’s “Family Affair” — this family returns every year to work like a family reunion with a string of activities. Every year the question is the same, “how can we do better?”

I remember when Uptown Saturday Night and Harlem Day were featured on 125th Street (in front of the Harlem State Office Building); to performers, that stage became just as important as performing at the world-famous Apollo Theater. During those days performances usually finished by 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. and the sea of people that stretched from Lenox Avenue to Seventh Avenue never moved an inch. We were at the office the next day at 8 a.m. for the Harlem Day finale and Lloyd was right there with us. What’s most incredible is that from Harlem Day until his transition in the midst of Harlem Week, Lloyd never lost his enthusiasm.

“I learned so much from Lloyd and became friends with so many incredible people,” said Peggy Waddell. Lloyd made a point of introducing any office visitors to the staff, whether it was a police captain from the 32nd precinct, the president of CCNY, the honorable Charles Rangel, corporate sponsors, or Harry Belafonte.

In a world of infinite possibilities, I was fortunate to have crossed paths with Loyd Williams, an incredible human being who was instrumental in igniting Harlem’s Second Renaissance and making this world a better place.

You were the magnet that kept us all together. To say you will be missed is an understatement.

NASA

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“It’s quite challenging, because most of the students don’t have those skills; they’ve never had an opportunity to know what [this kind of research] is.

My job is to make sure that it is exciting when you listen to me. That’s the first step. Then the second step would be to

Mamdani Continued from page 4

preferred to shout encouragement as he passed by. Several stopped Mamdani to ask him pointedly what his plans were to help the Black community.

“It’s been lovely to be back here in Harlem, to be walking the streets with both Harlemites who have been leaders of this very neighborhood for so long, as well as those who have felt that politics just hasn’t represented their own needs for far too long, especially from City Hall,” said Mamdani. “What I’ve heard from so many Black Harlemites, Black New Yorkers, is the pain of this affordability crisis and how it has started to hollow out so many of the very neighborhoods that we know and [that] cherishes the hearts of Black excellence in this city.”

Jordan Wright had previously endorsed Cuomo in the primary, but has officially backed Mamdani in the general election. He said he had no regrets in choosing Mamdani as his candidate now. “I endorse Zohran Mamdani because there is a real wave of excitement in the city, and I think you’d be naive to ignore that,” said Wright. “I think that it comes with the territory of being the mayor — that you have to be responsible, have to be pragmatic, and I think those are things that Zohran will do once he’s the mayor, in the Harlem community, the Black community across the city.”

Adams, who had a less noticeable presence

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her work collaborating with the Congressional Black Caucus, namely Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Yvette Clark, they were successful in altering legislation to allow those families to receive Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

She was later connected with the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office, where she worked to provide resources for families who came in contact with the criminal justice system, including the offender, offering trauma support. She helped establish the Heroin Overdose Prevention and Education (HOPE) program, a pre-arraignment and diversion program alternative to incarceration, which has been expanded throughout the city and the country.

Pearson reflected internally on why she felt compelled to leave her role, following the

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS lead them on from that point onwards, by giving them some hands-on exercises, getting them to feel the data, getting them to open up satellite data sets, getting them to see what the different types of bands are. How can they perform basic analysis? There is a steep process of handholding, orienting them, and… training them very rigorously.”

Since founding the Center in 2014, Dr. Bhaskaran has trained and introduced sci-

ence research to over 500 students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center uploaded its workshops to the cloud and expanded its outreach, training a significantly larger number of students.

On Aug. 21, Bhaskaran and colleagues plan to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Center with a free, all-day symposium open for anyone to attend. Themed around discussions on climate change, geospatialAI, and related topics, many former Center

August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 25

students will participate in the day’s events.

“We completed 10 years from 2014 to 2024 on October 3,” said Bhaskaran. “So it’s, for me, it’s like a legacy…a lifetime.”

To contact Bronx Community College’s Geospatial Center of the CUNY CREST Institute, see their website at https://www. geospatialCentercunycrestinstitute.com/.

To take part in the Aug. 21 symposium, register at https://bcc-cuny.digication.com/ geospatial-showcase-25/register-to-attend.

on the campaign trail, nevertheless had a tent and volunteers working hard at Harlem Week to get out the vote. Lately, on his social media platforms, he has pivoted to posting trendy short videos and content that would be fit for a 30-year-old Tik Tokker in an effort to mimic Mamdani’s online success. Adams, 64, is at times a little cringey, albeit endearing, as he makes “get ready with me” videos about washing his face or making smoothies; invoking the name of the Knicks whenever he can; or even connecting with controversial and high-grossing Black Youtube and Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, who is a Bronx native.

Adams’s office also recently rolled out an “Ending the Culture of ‘Anything Goes’” platform. A former cop, he plans on deploying NYPD Quality of Life Teams, or “Q-Teams,” to police issues like noise, parking, homeless encampments, and public drug use citywide.

“Simply put, ‘End the Culture of Anything Goes’ means New York City is doubling down on our efforts to change the culture, laws, and investments that improve quality of life and prevent public disorder,” said Adams in his op-ed on August 18. “While we have made great strides in addressing subway safety, severe mental illness, and chronic homelessness, we still see too many people struggling on our streets, often as a result of drug addiction.”

Despite people taking notice of his social media strategy, Adams still faces a “challenging image” to repair in general, said the AARP poll experts, since voters surveyed expressed “significant dissatisfaction with New York City’s

current trajectory.”

“New Yorkers are telling the candidates loud and clear: Show us your plan to make the city livable and affordable, and you’ll earn our vote,” said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State director in a statement. “Older voters especially, who turn out at the highest rates, want real solutions to help them stay in the homes and communities they built and make great.”

Meanwhile, Cuomo, 67, has similarly tried to be more hip on social media with far less success than Adams.

Cuomo has attacked Mamdani’s record of supporting the decriminalization of prostitution in NewYork and announced a housing plan that aims to protect the city’s rent-stabilized apartments from being occupied by high-income individuals — which he cheekily named “Zohran’s Law.” He has hit speed bumps during his campaign, with other candidates pointing

out that he is on Jeffrey Epstein’s contact list, according to key files released by the Justice Department in February. Leaked audio from an event in the Hamptons has Cuomo admitting that he expects President Donald Trump’s help with winning the election.

Even still, some analysts see a way for Cuomo to make a comeback by November with uncommitted voters.

“Cuomo has the best path of the challengers, but even in a hypothetical one-on-one in an election that often favors lower-turnout, older electorates, he still trails by double digits,” said Gotham Polling & Analytics President Stephen Graves in a statement. “The opening for a comeback is the sizable uncommitted bloc in the consolidation tests, roughly 11% to 35% depending on who drops, which means a disciplined persuasion campaign could still make this a race.”

murder of George Floyd and working in the Staten Island DA’s office in particular. “You’re in the leadership of the DA office, and you have two Black boys, and the fact that your position doesn’t make you feel any safer for your two Black sons. That was so hard for me,” Pearson said. “If I feel like this, and I literally can pick up the phone and call the DA if anything happens to my kids, how do other black mothers feel?” Nonetheless, she says she is grateful for her experience there, as it helped mold her to where she is now.

Pearson says her work at the Jeremiah Program is a culmination of her experience both professionally and personally, having dealt with domestic violence in her own household, involving her estranged husband.

“A lot of the systems that I was actually working in, my family became in contact with. For instance, I was running the child advocacy center, and my family had an ACS case because of my husband’s substance use,” Pearson said. Her story is one of the

things she wants to be transparent about with the victims she works with to make sure that there is no barrier between them.

With Trump administration policies, Pearson says student mothers will be even more at risk, highlighting issues like food and housing insecurity, and student loans, which were already disproportionately impacting this demographic. One case she dealt with since being at Jeremiah Program was a young woman who could not accept full-time employment because she would lose her housing subsidy, and the position still would not have covered her rent.

“Oftentimes, we’re told that with your own grit and grind, it’s based on merit and meritocracy, the American dream. And what we don’t highlight enough is that there are over four million moms who are student parents, and these moms are doing all the things that they’re told they’re supposed to do,” Pearson said. “They’re juggling motherhood, they’re juggling their school responsibilities, and

yet there are these institutional and policy barriers that are getting in their way of them really achieving their dreams.”

Pearson says the Jeremiah Program is collaborating with other community partner organizations to make sure mothers get the full suite of services while also supporting the work of those groups. Special interests have to be shifted, highlighting the economic benefits of single mothers receiving their degree. She says reports from organizations like the Urban Institute and Brooklyn.org should also be referred back to.

Pearson is now pursuing her doctorate and feels at home with her work in the Jeremiah Program, dealing with families and working to affect policy. She is hopeful more can join in the fight.

“There’s a generational impact. You may be working directly with them, but the work that you’re doing, the support that you’re doing, is going to impact their family life for years to come.”

Assemblymember Jordan Wright (left), mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani (center), and Manhattan Party Boss Keith Wright (right). (Ariama C. Long photo)

26 • August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

Education

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Community organizations are holding back-to-school events to prepare kids with supplies — and fun

By TYRA WATTS Special to the AmNews It’s time to get the kids those backpacks, folders, rulers, pencils, and other items they need to turn their attention from summer fun to the blackboard — and local organizations around town are helping with multiple events to supply what they need to get those good grades. Here’s a list of events you can take your family to prepare them for the school season.

• The Harlem Academy is hosting a free carnival-style back-toschool fair featuring free books, health services, community resources, and fun activities for families from across New York City to kick off the school year.

Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Harlem Academy Outdoor Play Yard 655 St. Nicholas Avenue New York, NY 10030 Public RSVP: This is a ticketed free event. Families can register at http://bit.ly/47kqZzv. • Green Patch on Walton is hosting a back-to-school event featuring free school supplies and snacks giveaway for children.

Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 2 p.m.–5 p.m.

Green Patch on Walton 110 East 176th Street Bronx, NY 10453 • The NYC Health + Hospitals/ Jacobi is hosting a Back-to-School Health Fest featuring health and wellness screenings and resources for children and families, free backpacks and school supplies, raffle prizes, live music, and more.

The first 200 participants will receive a free backpack (child must be present).

Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Jacobi Campus 1400 Pelham Parkway South Bronx, NY 10461, Pedestrian Mall • The Greg Jackson Center for Brownsville is hosting the Youth Creative Fest back-to-school event, where youth can enjoy a free school supply giveaway, food, a live DJ, and fun activities.

Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 12 p.m.–4 p.m.

The Greg Jackson Center for

Fortune Society’s Seventh Annual Victor Rojas Block Party honors community ‘inspiration’

Community residents celebrate the life of Victor Rojas at the annual block party honoring him. (The Fortune Society photo)

By CHRISTIAN SPENCER Special to the AmNews

(Mary Taylor/Pexels)

Brownsville 519 Rockaway Ave Brooklyn, NY 11212 • Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, in partnership with the Flatbush Development Corporation, is hosting a free Back to School Courtyard Jamboree to celebrate the end of summer and prepare for a great new school year.

Registration is required: https:// forms.gle/LhQwi9uY2QDzamcz7.

Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 12 p.m.–4 p.m.

P.S. 152 Courtyard 725 East 23rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11210 • The AKP Sports Foundation is hosting a “Back 2 School” NY Festival where free school supplies will be provided for kids in grades 1–8.

Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Salvation Army Manhattan Citadel Corps Community Center 175 East 125th Street New York, NY 10035 • The Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center is hosting a Back-to-School Festival featuring free school supplies, learning how you can get involved at MOCC, sports, music, and more.

Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center 1561 Bedford Ave Brooklyn, NY 11225 (Backpacks and supplies are limited. First-come, first-served.

Children must be present to receive a backpack.)

RSVP: https://forms.asphaltgreen.org/mocc-back-to-schoolevent-2025 RSVP does not guarantee a backpack and/or book giveaway.

• The NYC Health + Hospitals/ Lincoln is hosting a Back-toSchool Health Fest featuring health screenings, health insurance eligibility, music, giveaways, and much more.

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 (Rain date: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025) 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln Lincoln Hospital: Great Lawn 234 E. 149th Street Bronx, NY 10451 • The NYC Health + Hospitals/ North Central Bronx is hosting a Back-to-School Health Fest that features health education screenings and resources, a free backpack, school supplies, raffle prizes, live music, and more. The first 200 participants will receive a free backpack (child must be present).

Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx 3424 Kossuth Avenue Bronx, NY 10467 (Kossuth Ave between 208th and 210th Street) • The New York Restoration Project (NYRP) is hosting a Back-toSchool Backpack Bonanza that features a backpack giveaway, school supplies, and more.

Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 5 p.m.–9 p.m.

Bedstuy Community Garden 95 Malcolm X Blvd.

Brooklyn, NY 11221 (BedfordStuyvesant)

The Fortune Society will host its seventh annual Victor Rojas Block Party on August 22, bringing families, alumni, and local partners together at its Castle Gardens residence in Harlem (625 W. 140th St. between Broadway and Riverside Drive) in honor of a community hero and friend. The event takes place from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

The daylong event is free and open to the public, and will feature food, games, school supply giveaways, and a new fresh produce distribution to address food insecurity in the neighborhood.

The block party honors Victor Rojas, a Fortune participant who became a counselor with the nonprofit before his death in 2018 at age 52.

Rojas first lived at Castle Gardens, a transitional housing resource for people exiting the criminal justice system, as a participant in the Fortune program and eventually became a full-time counselor there on its Family Services team. While there, he became an important part of its mission to help people with a history of criminal justice issues transition toward better lives. Rojas moved into Fortune’s permanent residence at Castle Gardens and took on further responsibilities with the organization.

“The annual block party in his name is not only a celebration of his life, but also a testament to the power of community, belonging, and hope,” said Rob DeLeon, deputy CEO of the Fortune Society in a statement shared with the AmNews. “At Fortune, we are proud to honor Victor’s legacy by creating joyful spaces

where families, neighbors, and partners can come together to lift each other up. For his son and family, we hope [the event] is a reminder of how deeply Victor touched the lives of others, and how his legacy continues to bring people together.”

Since its launch seven years ago, the block party has grown steadily in popularity, with more community members joining alongside Castle residents and alumni of Fortune’s scattered-site housing program.

The event previously featured performances from Fortune’s Creative Arts program, although this year’s focus will remain on community resources. Local partners supporting the event include the Hope Center, Democracy Prep, ICL, and Hudson Harvest.

Organizers say the gathering is more than a seasonal tradition: It creates a space for families and individuals with justice involvement to spend time together without the stigma of past mistakes.

Founded in 1967, the Fortune Society has become nationally recognized for its services to people with criminal justice histories, ranging from housing and education to job training and substance abuse treatment. The block party, staffers say, is one of the most visible ways the nonprofit’s mission is celebrated each year.

“Victor embodied the very best of Fortune: resilience, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance,” DeLeon said. “He came to us seeking support and, through his determination, became a pillar of our community and an inspiration to so many.”

For more information, visit fortunesociety.org.

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Society allowed me to go from … sleeping in parks to performing ‘Shakespeare in the Park’ Continued from page 4 at the Delacourt Theater in Central Park.”

Elected officials like Public Advocate Judone so much more. maane Williams; City Comptroller Brad “[Living] in my apartment [and] working Lander; and Council Members Alexa Aviles, with such wonderful people at the Fortune Althea Stevens, and Lincoln Restler also

HBCU crisis Continued from page 13

Democrats should also promote policies supporting HBCUs expanding their reach outside the South. Recent reports indicate officials in Boston and San Francisco are actively working to bring HBCU satellite campuses north to strengthen the pipelines for Black college enrollment. These efforts, along with affordable online degree programs, can help center HBCUs as key strategic pillars to win back lost ground with working-class Black men.

Democrats should also advocate for robust federal funding and engagement to assist local governments in ensuring that every high school graduate has a diploma, trade certification, and college tuition assistance at graduation. We should champion every child being prepared for college or the workforce at age 18. More grants should be made available to localities like Birmingham, Alabama, where Mayor Randall Woodfin, himself an HBCU alum, has developed the Birmingham Promise Program.

Birmingham Promise provides up to four years of tuition assistance for Birmingham City Schools graduates to attend any public two-year or four-year college or university in Alabama. The program also provides coaching to ensure that students can succeed in college and connects them with workforce experience to help promote economic mobility. To date, the program has provided over $11 million in tuition assistance to over 1600 graduates. HBCUs can be strong partners in this work, and federal policy should support local governments in developing and expanding such initiatives with added emphasis on Black men.

Robust federal funding and engagement at the local level can also play a role in disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline. The correlation between Black male incarceration and the pipeline crisis is undeniable.

States with the highest Black male incarceration rates show the lowest college enrollment. Democrats should be more vocal in advocating for innovative approaches to disrupt this pipeline while building on successes we have helped to pass into law, such as the First Step Act and the FAFSA Simpli-

August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 27

came out to support the bill.

“Jail is not a home for anyone at any point in time, so we are here to challenge this country’s addiction to mass incarceration and profiting over putting Black and Brown bodies in jail for profit,” said Aviles.

“When we’re in a time where we see [in]

other cities, the ‘Orange Man’ criminalizing homelessness, this bill is a symbol that New York will not stand for that,” added Stevens.

Shortly after the press conference, Rivera confirmed she would step down from office before she terms out this winter, as first reported by Politico.

fication Act. The First Step Act is a major criminal justice reform bill passed in 2018 to address sentencing disparities. The FAFSA Simplification Act expanded access to college education for incarcerated individuals by making them eligible for Pell Grants.

HBCUs can be strong partners in this work by joining local officials in providing incarcerated Black men with access to college degree programs. Democrats should advocate for policies that center HBCUs in helping to further build momentum in opportunities for incarcerated Black men.

There is no shortage of research indicating the positive benefits of Black youth being educated and mentored by teachers who look like them. There is, however, a shortage of Black male teachers and Democrats should aggressively champion the recruitment of more Black men to serve as educators. This should include loan forgiveness programs specifically for Black men willing to work as educators. HBCUs are fertile ground for recruitment partnerships that put more Black male teachers in the classroom.

As Trump guts diversity programs, Democrats should be doubling down on HBCU support and the role they can play in engaging Black men. Supporting Black male educational achievement isn’t just morally right — it’s politically smart. Republicans understand this, which is why they’re eliminating diversity programs. They know that educated, economically mobile Black men become Democratic voters and leaders. By failing to protect these pathways, Democrats are slowly conceding future elections.

When Democrats help Black men succeed economically, we’re not just changing individual lives — we’re expanding our voter base in an increasingly diverse America.

The question isn’t whether Democrats can afford to prioritize the HBCU male enrollment crisis. It’s whether we can afford not to.

Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel are veteran Democratic strategists with more than 100 political campaigns between them, including the past five presidential elections.

They co-host “Maroon Bison Presents: The Southern Comfort Podcast.”

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28 • August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Health Summer COVID cases not increasing significantly, but measles sees a comeback, experts say

By HEATHER M. BUTTS, JD, MPH, MA Special to the AmNews Concerns over a potential increase in COVID-19 cases have been consistent during the last few summers, but summer 2025 also brought a renewed focus on measles outbreaks. The American Medical Association (AMA) recently highlighted the newest COVID-19 variant and measles in their AMA Update Series.

The 10-minute video update was moderated by AMA Chief Experience Officer Todd Unger, with expert opinions from Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, vice president of Science, medicine, and public health for the AMA. As Garcia stated in the update, “the new COVID variant that’s now spreading in the U.S. and other parts of the world is called NB.1.8.1 [Nimbus] .... Nimbus is a descendant of the Omicron variant ... According to the [Centers for Disease Control] CDC, [Nimbus] now accounts for more than one third of cases here in the U.S.” Garcia noted that while COVID-19 cases have had increases over the summer since 2020, it’s important to stay up to date on case counts for 2025.

In an interview with the AmNews, Dr. Michelle Morse, MD, MPH, acting health commissioner and chief medical officer of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, stated that “there has been a lot of news coverage about the newest variant [of ] COVID and we are continuing to watch that very closely and are always monitoring the variants that are evolving, but we’ve not seen a significant increase in cases or hospitalizations or deaths related to COVID. “In fact, we’ve seen pretty stable to decreasing rates of hospitalization in recent weeks and months for COVID so [for] now, that is the case,” Morse added, referring to previous summer waves. “We do often see a summer wave of COVID-19. There is still the possibility that we could have a summer wave; we just don’t yet see evidence that we are starting to experience a summer wave of COVID right now. [We] still encourage everyone to make sure that they’re up to date with their COVID vaccines. [The vaccines] are safe and effective, and the most important thing is they’re going to keep you out

(Ono Kosuki photo)

of the hospital or from something worse.

That’s kind of where we are with COVID.” As it relates to measles, Garcia noted that in 2000, measles was officially eliminated in the United States, meaning no cases were spreading in the country. Since that time, the highest number of measles cases reported in the United States was 1,274 cases in 2019. As of July 14, 2025, 1,301 cases of measles have been reported in the United States.

In Garcia’s opinion, “this is a sobering reminder that our work in addressing vaccine-

preventable disease is not done, and we’re certainly going to have much more to do to reverse this trend in the years to come.”

According to the New York State Department of Health, there have been seven measles cases so far in New York City as of July 2025, which is not considered an outbreak. According to Morse, “they are all in people [who] either had [a history of] international travel or were unvaccinated. We’re continuing to monitor very very closely to make sure that there are no outbreaks in

New York City.

“We have no evidence that there’s a measles outbreak. We’ve only had isolated cases and no local spread of measles, which is extremely good news,” she said. “From our perspective, we’re watching very, very closely what’s happening nationally with this record-breaking year of measles cases because of the outbreak that started in Texas and New Mexico . . .for now, for New York City, we have very high vaccination rates for the measles vaccine.”

If you are recovering from #COVID19 or experiencing #LongCOVID, you can call 212-COVID19 to receive specialty care, or visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org/services/covid-19 to learn more about NYC’s COVID-19 Centers of Excellence.

For details about measles, visit the New York State Department of Health site at https://www.health.ny.gov/ diseases/communicable/measles/.

For additional resources about COVID-19, visit www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/index.page. COVID-19 testing, masks, and vaccination resources can also be accessed on the AmNews COVID-19 page: www.amsterdamnews. com/covid.

You can find resources for getting vaccinated at: https://a816-healthpsi.nyc.gov/NYCHealthMap/Service Category/Vaccines.

You can also find resources on the NYC Health site: https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/measles.page.

Adams Continued from page 3

have to provide a high burden of proof in the event a commitment is challenged in court. Further details remain in the works as the legislation gets drafted.

As the state’s involuntary commitment law stands, someone brought in for serious mental illness cannot be mandated for treatment if their episode stems from a drug-induced psychosis. Medical providers can engage them with voluntary recovery services, which they can refuse.

Adams has long championed involuntary commitment and involuntary outpatient commitment, which allow the court to order recurring psychiatric treatment in New York State under Kendra’s Law. He successfully pushed for the state legislature this year to add language toward the involuntary commitment statute to allow transportation for people “unable or unwilling” to feed, dress, or provide other basic needs for themselves. The recent state budget also included $16.5 million for municipalities to bolster Kendra’s Law treatment and another $2 million to monitor the involuntary outpatient commitments.

To be clear, the next legislative session convenes next year. By that time, either Adams’s successor will have taken office, or he will have won a second term in the November election. This means the Compassionate Interventions Act would ostensibly serve as a re-election promise.

Critics fear Adams’s advocacy focuses mainly on removing “unsightly” individuals from the streets on behalf of frustrated residents and local business owners, rather than truly promoting recovery and overdose prevention. Proponents say involuntary commitment skips the red tape for people who cannot properly consent to care (and frequently refuse help) to receive treatment.

“Forcing people struggling with substance use into treatment will not deliver recovery to the person or real community safety,” said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman. “Forced treatment can greatly increase the risk of a fatal overdose, raises serious due process and civil liberties concerns, and contributes to harmful stereotypes about people with substance use disorders.”

Debates over involuntarily committing people who publicly use drugs often center in Black and Brown neighborhoods like Harlem, East Harlem, and the South Bronx, where the Hub has become a hotbed for enforcement under the Adams administration.

At least two major voices in Harlem back Adams’s plan. Council Member Yusef Salaam extolled the Compassionate Interventions Act as “a bold and humane step forward in addressing the substance use crisis affecting too many of our communities.” Barbara Askins, 125th Street BID president and CEO, also called for the new legislation. “We have had some individu-

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS als in our district that have been out on the street [for] two to five years and we have not been able to get results because of the current laws,” she said. “It is time to realize that we need a way to provide much-needed services.”

As the Adams administration courts state lawmakers to back the legislation, mental health committee chairs from both chambers told the AmNews they oppose the mayor’s plan in a joint statement. State Senator Samra Brouk and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon believe compassionate care stems from community-based measures upholding “dignity, human rights and the safety of all people,” pointing to the Daniel’s Law bill which would approach serious mental illness and addiction as public health issues rather than public safety threats.

“Mayor Adams’ ‘Compassionate Interventions Act,’ is not rooted in compassion; instead, it centers involuntary commitment and forced detentions as its guiding principles,” said Brouk and Simon over email.

“This proposal treats people in crisis as a nuisance to be swept out of public view rather than human beings who deserve care and dignity. As Chairs of the Mental Health Committees in the New York State legislature, we know that mental health and healing are most effective when rooted in person-centered, evidence-based interventions such as supportive housing, Intensive and Sustained Engagement (INSET) teams, and culturally competent crisis response.”

Under Adams, overdose deaths are steadily declining, although federal cuts will pose new challenges because many New Yorkers will be kicked off subsidized health care used to cover addiction recovery medication like methadone and buprenorphine.

In addition, a volatile drug supply means those returning to drug use will risk low tolerance and face greater risks of overdosing.

Evidence shows that criminalizing drug use kills. On the surface, involuntary commitment seems like an appealing alternative to a drug war — Adams maintains that “this authority would belong solely to the doctors and nurses responding to people in need.” The wrongfully convicted Salaam’s support stems from his belief in an approach “to treat addiction not with punishment, but with compassion, care, and a commitment to real recovery.”

However, civil commitment can look quite carceral in practice. Massachusetts, one of the 37 states where involuntary commitment laws include substance abuse, uses correctional facilities for commitments. Reporting from the Intercept and Type Investigations found people forced into addiction treatment often found themselves in jail-like conditions, which led to deterioration rather than recovery.

Brian Stettin, Adams’s senior advisor on severe mental illness and architect of the proposed legislation, told the Amsterdam News that the Compassionate Interventions Act would avoid holding people for prolonged periods, which led to the jaillike (or actual jail) conditions in states like

August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 29

Massachusetts. He believes the city’s vision for holding people in short spurts would be wholly different from existing practices.

“What we’re talking about here is really just a time out,” said Stettin. “We’re talking about introducing the possibility of a really short-term hold in a hospital to get somebody through the physical withdrawal that often prevents them from recognizing their own need for substance abuse treatment.”

Before someone would be discharged, the city would connect the individual to harm reduction and recovery programs (the Adams administration announced $27 million in funding for such services).

There are no plans for involuntary outpatient commitments akin to Kendra’s Law for substance abuse in the Compassionate Interventions Act. Stettin also believes New York City’s integrated hospital system through Health + Hospitals will allow the Compassionate Interventions Act to function more effectively than existing involuntary commitment laws for substance abuse, which typical-

ly rely on private hospitals that do not see forced treatments as profitable.

Ann-Marie Foster, president and CEO of Phoenix House, a service provider operating city-funded mental health clubhouses, including a new location in Central Harlem, told the Amsterdam News she is disappointed with a reversion to “failed policies.”

“You don’t want treatment to be seen as punitive, as either you do this [and] go to treatment or this will happen [like] criminalization,” said Foster in a phone interview. “That’s been tried many times, and that has also failed. You want to make treatment attractive. You want to make treatment such that people say, ‘You know what, I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired, and this is a viable option for me.’”

She has seen it, Foster added. “I’ve worked in those systems before. People come in, they’re intoxicated, they’re put on a gurney, they’re given a sandwich, and they go right back out the door. I haven’t heard anything that’s going to say it’s going to be different this time.”

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30 • August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Religion & Spirituality Brooklyn’s Black church choirs persist despite attendance decline, gentrification

By FIONA MURPHY Religion News Service (RNS) NEW YORK — On Sunday mornings in Brooklyn, nicknamed “the borough of churches,” the muffled sounds of choir singers, hand‑claps, and Hammond organs can be heard from the sidewalks. The bor‑ ough still has a church on nearly every block, but over the years, the number of people in the pews has thinned.

Many church choirs in the heart of Brook‑ lyn, however, have kept singing — despite having fewer singers than in years past as neighborhoods face gentrification and or‑ ganized religious affiliation decreases.

Standing in front of the gospel choir at Concord Baptist Church of Christ in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, Jes‑ sica Howard, 25, led the gospel standard “God Is” on a Sunday in July. Dressed in a powder-pink floral dress, she called out lines naming God as “joy in sorrow” and “strength for tomorrow.” Some choir mem‑ bers wiped away tears as the song stoked emotions from around the room.

“As a Black Christian person, as a descen‑ dant of slaves, I think when I sing, I feel really connected to my ancestors,” said Howard, who grew up in Virginia and now sings as a soloist at Concord, where she’s been a congregant for six years. “I really feel sometimes like it’s not just me singing, it’s my lineage singing.”

Founded in 1847, Concord Baptist Church is Brooklyn’s oldest historically Black con‑ gregation. At the time, a nearby neighbor‑ hood known as Weeksville, now considered part of central Brooklyn, was the secondlargest free Black community in the United States before the Civil War, said Amanda Henderson, collections historian at the Weeksville Heritage Center.

Louise Nelson, a Brooklyn native and church historian of the Berean Baptist Church in Crown Heights, said music was the foundation of the early church, and that re‑ mains true for churches in the borough today.

“The songs that uplifted us and kept us going through the midst of our misery — music is who we are,” Nelson said. “I don’t think you can have a church today without the music because it brings unity in that idea that we can all do it together.”

According to Pew Research Center data, between 2019 and 2023, Black Protestant monthly church attendance fell from 61% to 46% — the largest decline among major U.S. religious groups. The COVID-19 pan‑ demic accelerated this trend, and its impact remains visible in the thinning choir stands.

According to Glenn McMillan, Concord’s director of music ministry and a musicolo‑ gy teacher at the City University of New York, who has worked in New York City church

(Concord Baptist Church Archives photos)

choirs since 1994, there was a time when his‑ torically Black churches in Brooklyn regular‑ ly had multiple choirs in each parish.

“In the last 20 years, the members of church choirs started getting older because this generation does not see church as im‑ portant as it was back in the day,” McMil‑ lan said. The choir at Concord has shrunk from about 50 voices before the pandem‑ ic to 30 today, McMillan said. Back in 2006, the choir featured 100 voices.

According to research published by covi‑ dreligionresearch.org in June, Black Protes‑ tants attended church on Zoom more than other denominations during the pandem‑ ic, and have been the slowest to return to in‑person worship.

“The internet has taken over and stream‑ ing has taken over,” McMillan said. “People don’t go into the building as much as they are streaming it.”

The news isn’t all bad, though. McMillan said that when in-person services first re‑ sumed, it took a long time for the choir to rebuild because many members were still staying home for health reasons. Recently, he’s seen more people showing up.

“I’m begging people my age to come to Concord,” said Howard, the youngest member of the gospel choir, adding that only a handful of people around her age attend the church.

Gwen Davis, a senior member of Berean Baptist Church and a choir soloist for more than 40 years, recalled Easter services in the mid‑1960s, when more than 400 people filled the pews and four separate choirs led the congregation in song.

“It was a lot of energy,” Davis said. “Your ear got trained really well.”

Today, Davis said, a typical service attracts approximately 150 people, and roughly 100 virtually. Over time, Berean’s choirs have consolidated into a single mass choir with approximately 20 singers.

A professional soloist who has been sing‑

ing at churches across Brooklyn throughout her adult life, Davis said she believes one reason for choirs thinning out is the decline of music education in New York City Public Schools.

“When I was in high school, I had music every day,” said Davis, who attended high school in the 1970s in central Brooklyn. “I don’t think the children are learning notes and sharps and clefs … that was general knowledge for us at the time.”

During the 1970s fiscal crisis, the city of New York eliminated thousands of teach‑ ing positions, including art and music teachers, and converted music rooms into other classrooms, narrowing arts access in schools in low-income and majority-Black neighborhoods.

“For me, singing is not just singing, it’s ministry,” Davis said. “Some of these old hymns were composed years and years ago, and those old hymns have sustained a people — many people.”

Gentrification is another force reshaping Brooklyn. Between 2010 and 2020, Crown Heights lost nearly 19,000 Black residents while gaining about 15,000 whites, accord‑ ing to 2020 Census data. More than 75% of Bedford-Stuyvesant residents in 2000 were Black, while in 2020, around 41% were Black.

Those demographic shifts have hit his‑ torically Black Catholic parishes hard. St. Teresa of Avila in Crown Heights, which was the first church in the nation to hold Mass in Creole, will close by the end of the year. The anticipated closure demonstrates a wider pattern of Catholic churches that serve people of color closing, often attrib‑ uted to declining attendance.

For Mike Delouis, 38, St. Teresa’s long‑ time cantor and a son of Haitian immi‑ grants who was baptized at the church, the loss is personal.

“Singing for me is not about performance but about participation,” said Delouis, who juggles three services most Sundays be‑

tween St. Teresa and the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights. “St. Augus‑ tine said singing is praying twice.”

Delouis is part of a group fighting to keep the parish open, hoping to preserve a piece of their history in a rapidly changing Brook‑ lyn. “Even through the process of gentrifi‑ cation, there are people that hear the music and they come in,” he said.

In June, from his place in the choir loft, Delouis heard the priest announce the church’s impending closure. The words hit hard. “It was actually kind of hard to finish,” he said. “We only had the closing hymn to do, and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, no — we can’t let this happen.’”

Jesteena Walters, 55, has been part of Bed‑ ford Central Presbyterian Church in Crown Heights since she was an infant. She began singing at age 6 in the junior choir, and when she turned 18, she transitioned to its Gratitude choir, which her older siblings also joined. “It was the young hip gospel choir of the church,” Walters said.

Today, Gratitude no longer exists in the same way. Its members are older and often reunite only for special occasions, such as singing at funerals. Over the decades, Wal‑ ters has also watched the congregation itself shift demographics.

“When I first went to Bedford Central, it was primarily a white church, and so we were in the minority at the time,” Walters said, referring to the early 1970s. “In the years that would come, it was primarily a Black church.”

Bedford Central later became home to a large West Indian population, and today includes many members of Guyanese heritage. “To be honest, I couldn’t break down the history of Brooklyn in a way that says who came first,” Walters said.

“At the end of the day, I believe in people coming together, if we can truly connect, feel each other’s pain and celebrate each other’s joys.”

McMillan emphasized that choirs continue to play a central role in Black church life, even as congregations decline in membership.

“Choir singers are some of the most faithful churchgoers,” he said. “A choir is a communi‑ ty within the church community, and when‑ ever you have a really consistent and strong choir, they grow with one another.”

Howard said she hopes to become a choir director one day, and she credits McMillan and the gospel choir for encouraging her toward the role.

“I’d like to follow in that tradition,” she said.

This content is written and produced by Religion News Service and distributed by the Associated Press. RNS and AP partner on some religion news content. RNS is solely responsible for this story.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Endea Owens Continued from page 22

Too, a Harlem soul food restaurant started by former model turned caterer Norma Jean Darden. The menu featured selections like Moroccan salmon, jerk or fried chicken, and grilled vegetables, complete with red velvet or coconut cake for dessert. Attendees lined up for lunch before taking

their seats in shady areas across the park to enjoy a performance by Owens and her band, which featured trombonist Jefferey Miller, Summer Camargo on trumpet, saxophonist Christopher McBride, Arcoiris Sandoval on keys, drummer Norman Edwards, and singer Charenee Wade.

A few excited concertgoers braved the hot sun to dance upfront as Owens and her band delivered two tight sets of standards that included Bill Withers’s “Lovely

Endea Owens performing with Cookout at Marcus Garvey Park for Community Cookout on August 17. (Johnny Knollwood photos)

Day,” a rendition of “On the Sunny Side of the Street” sung by trombonist Miller, and an incredibly fast interpretation of “Cherokee,” which was played twice to accommodate one instrumental performance and one with words — both versions were under a minute long.

The chemistry between the audience and the players on stage, all fierce improvisers, was readily apparent, as the musicians tested the limits of classic tunes

August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 31 with smiles on their faces, celebrating jazz in the neighborhood it was born in, just blocks from where the iconic “A Great Day in Harlem” photo was taken by Art Kane in 1958 that featured 57 of the age’s most influential players.

“It’s a labor of love, but it is one of my greatest joys — greatest accomplishments — doing this,” Owens said to the AmNews. “We all enter this Earth the same, and we all leave this Earth the same. Love goes a long way.”

Menu at Endea Owens’s Community Cookout on August 17.

Endea Owens (center) with Cookout members (l–r) Arcoiris Sandoval, Summer Camargo, Charenee Wade, Christopher McBride, Jefferey Miller, and Norman Edwards at Community Cookout on August 17.

32 • August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

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101 LEGAL NOTICES SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. NYCTL 1998‑2 TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiffs ‑against‑ CLIFTON EDWARDS, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein on July 15, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Court‑ house, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on September 17, 2025 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 1751 and Lot 66 on the New York County Tax Assess‑ ment Map. Said premises known as 14 EAST 127TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10035 Approximate amount of lien $28,613.51 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 151788/2024.

TOM KLEINBERGER, ESQ., Referee Phillips Lytle LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiffs 100 S. Clinton Avenue, Suite 2900, Rochester, NY 14604 {* AMSTERDAM*} Somethingsoft LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/16/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 125 Delancey St, Apt 1305, New York, NY 10002. Purpose: Any lawful act.

CREET LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/30/25. Office location: New York County.

SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: Entity Protect Registered Agent 447 Broadway 2nd Fl , New York,NY 10013.

Purpose: Any lawful act.

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. HILTON RESORTS CORPO‑ RATION, Plaintiff ‑against‑ MARK D. STOREY, if living, and if he be dead, etc..., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Time‑ share Unit in the building lo‑ cated at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an undivided .01995% interest in the common elements. This is a foreclosure on ownership in‑ terest in a timeshare unit, a stu‑ dio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declara‑ tions. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10019 Approximate amount of lien $136,345.09 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850161/2018.

ELAINE SHAY, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 38026 {* AMSTERDAM*} Rover Cleaners LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/19/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 5 Union SQ FRNT 1 #1171, New York, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful act.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: NEW YORK COUNTY. NYCTL 2021A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Pltf. vs. ALVIN WONG, IF THE AFORESAID INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANTS ARE LIVING, AND IF ANY OR ALL OF SAID INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANTS BE DEAD, THEIR HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEE, COMMITTES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, AND THE ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THEM, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING UNDER, BY, THROUGH, OR AGAINST THE SAID DEFENDANTS NAMED A CLASS, OF ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE VERIFIED COMPLAINT HEREIN, et al, Defts. Index #157000/2022 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 25, 2025, I will sell at public at the New York Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises k/a 1 Irving Place, Unit 17A, New York, NY 10003 a/k/a Block 00870, Lot 1347. Approximate amount of judgment is $110,501.65 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

ROBERTA ASHKIN Referee.

THE DELLO-IACONO LAW GROUP, P.C., Attys. for Pltf., 312 Larkfield Rd., Lower Level, East Northport, NY 11731. File No. 22-000009 - #102339

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. HC SUITES OWNERS AS‑ SOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff ‑against‑ MIJUNG LYNN LIND, AS PROPOSED PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN A. LIND, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Time‑ share Unit in the building lo‑ cated at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium.

Together with an appurtenant undivided 1.7341% in common interest percentage.

This is a foreclosure on own‑ ership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442512 as re‑ corded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1302.

Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, UNIT HU3, NEW YORK, NY 10019 Approximate amount of lien $23,557.30 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850466/2023.

PAUL R. SKLAR, ESQ., Refer‑ ee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39212 {* AMSTERDAM*} Gian New York LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 6/16/2025. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 201 East 66th Street, New York, NY 10065. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Lunessa Partners LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on July 15, 2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005. Purpose: Any lawful act.

JAM331E81 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/15/2025. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: C/O: JARED S. PINCHASICK, ESQ, 477 MADISON AVENUE, 6TH FLOOR , NEW YORK, NY, 10022. Purpose: Any lawful act.

THE DOCUMENTARY HELPLINE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/18/2025. Office location: NEW YORK County.

SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 545 E 12TH ST , 2B,, NEW YORK, NY, 10009. Purpose: Any lawful act.

GEMSIGHT LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/04/2023. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 300 E 40TH ST, APT 8F, NEW YORK NY 10016. Purpose: Any lawful act.

The P LYLES GROUP LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on JUNE 23, 2025. Office location: NEW YORK County.

SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 458 WEST 146TH ST UNIT 3N, NEW YORK, NY 10031. Purpose: Any lawful act.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York, Merchants Bank of Indiana, Plaintiff, vs. 19 W 55 LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on July 22, 2024, and a Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on May 8, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 19 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, Block 1271 and Lot 25. Approximate amount of judgment is $49,430,972.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to the provisions of filed Judgment Index #850114/2023.

Cash will not be accepted.

Clark Whitsett, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff

TOKPA MASSAGE THERAPY, PLLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/22/2025. Office location: NEW YORK County.

SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 234 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10001. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Guy Furrow, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY 08/06/2025.

Office: New York County. SSNY desig. agent for service of process & shall mail to: 460 West 24th Street, 14A, New York, NY 10011. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Royal Bleu LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on March 28,2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 2140, Lakeview Ridge Cir Apt 107, Apopka FL. Purpose: Any lawful act.

BGM SOLUTIONS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/04/2025. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 228 PARK AVE S #485903, NEW YORK, NY, 10003. Purpose: Any lawful act.

WEISSBERGER PRODUCTIONS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/03/2025.

Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 45 EAST 72ND STREET, NEW YORK, NY, 10021. Purpose: Any lawful act.

SB Tennent LLC LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/09/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 228 PARK AVE S #594730, New York, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Rutha Berger Design LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 5/20/25. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 437 East 80th St Apt 28, New York, New York, 10075. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Etico Managment LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/29/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 211 Thomspon Street APT 2E, New York, NY 10012. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Javier Jbara Music LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/28/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 449 W 153rd Street Apt 3, New York, NY 10031. Purpose: Any lawful act.

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

101 LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. HNY CLUB SUITES OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ PHILIP R. JACOBS, CLAUDIA G. CASE‑JACOBS, et al Defen‑ dant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 3, 2025, I, the under‑ signed Referee will sell at pub‑ lic auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with oth‑ er owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant undivided 0.0381% in common interest percentage. This a foreclosure on ownership interest in a time‑ share unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Decla‑ ration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442512 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1302.

Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY 10019 Approximate amount of lien $20,687.29 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850266/2023.

ELAINE SHAY, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39260 {* AMSTERDAM*} NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK 21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION AS MASTER SERVICER FOR CHRISTIANA TRUST, A DIVISION OF WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB AS TRUSTEE FOR KNOXVILLE 2012 TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST JIN HUA LIN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 19, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse in Room 130, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on September 10, 2025 at 2:15 PM, premises known as 44-46 Market Street, Unit 10A, New York, NY 10002. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, Block 274, Lot 1216. Approximate amount of judgment $831,930.17 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850085/2018.

Clark Whitsett, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-002279 85474 SUNNYBROOK LANE LLC. Filed with SSNY on 05/16/25.

Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to: ℅ EResident Agent, Inc. 1 Rockefeller Plaza, Ste 1204, New York, NY 10020.

Purpose: Any lawful.

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

MTA REAL ESTATE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP No. XCBridgehampton2025-01 – purchase of a portion of LIRR property located at 52 Foster Avenue in Bridgehampton, NY adjacent to LIRR’s Montauk Branch right-of-way. Designated point of contact: Xavier Carrera, 332-271-6438 – Xavier.Carrera@mtahq.org RFP No. XCYaphank2025-01 – two subsurface easements crossing the LIRR Main Line Branch near Yaphank, NY. Designated point of contact: Xavier Carrera, 332-271-6438 – Xavier.Carrera@mtahq.org For more information on the above RFPs, please visit https://mta.info/agency/real-estate/ NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ JAMES L. FERGUSON, MARY J. FERGUSON, et al Defen‑ dant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 10, 2025, I, the under‑ signed Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhat‑ tan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided .019728% common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on ownership inter‑ est in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declara‑ tions. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10019 Approximate amount of lien $16,660.87 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850372/2023.

GEORGIA PAPAZIS, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39273 {* AMSTERDAM*} NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK: COUNTY OF NEW YORK. 973 AMSTERDAM AVE FUNDING LLC, Pltf v. JOAL REAL ESTATE, INC., et al., Defts. Index No. 850115/2024. pursuant to the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on June 5, 2025, I will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, New York, Room 130, on September 3, 2025, at 2:15 p.m., prem. k/a 973 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY (Block 1862, Lot 62).

Approx. amt of judgment is $3,260,575.44, plus costs, attorneys’ fees and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Thomas R. Kleinberger, Esq., Referee. Jacobowitz Newman Tversky LLP, Attys. for Plaintiff, 377 Pearsall Ave., Ste C, Cedarhurst, NY.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ AHMEDRUFAI MOHAMMED, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. prem‑ ises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided .009864% common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on ownership inter‑ est in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declara‑ tions. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10019 Approximate amount of lien $31,530.69 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850129/2023.

SCOTT H. SILLER, ESQ., Ref‑ eree DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39136 {* AMSTERDAM*} Mosaic Strategy & Support LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 5/28/2025. Office location: New York County.

SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 523 East 14th Street, 1B, New York, NY 10009. Purpose: Any lawful act.

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that a license, number #NA-034025-105314 for Beer, Wine & Liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell Beer, Wine & Liquor at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 1890 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, New York, NY 10026, New York County for on premises consumption. Almack's Gathering Hall LLC , Almack's Gathering Hall LLC

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34 • August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

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NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. HNY CLUB SUITES OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DIS‑ TRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF PHILIP DEARBORN, if liv‑ ing, and if he be dead, etc..., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 18, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on September 24, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant undivided 0.0381% in common interest percentage.

This is a foreclosure on own‑ ership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442512 as re‑ corded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1302.

Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY 10019 Approximate amount of lien $30,742.97 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850674/2023.

BRUCE LEDERMAN, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39577 {* AMSTERDAM*}

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Plaintiff, vs. David M. Simon a/k/a David Simon, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on December 4, 2024 and a Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on May 23, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Room 130 of the New York County Courtroom, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on September 3, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 130 West 30th Street a/k/a 128-134 West 30th Street, Unit No. 16A & Storage Unit 11, New York, NY 10001. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, Block 805 and Lots 1043 & 1060 together with an undivided 2.241 percent and 0.079 percent interests respectively in the Common Elements (as such term is defined in the Declaration). Approximate amount of judgment is $943,764.76 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850382/2023. Tom Kleinberger, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 232572-1

Notice of Names of Persons Appearing as Owners of Certain Unclaimed Property Held

By Carter Bank & Trust. The following persons appear from our records to be entitled to abandoned property in the amount of fifty ($50) dollars or more.

Notice of Qualification of ADAPT INVESTMENT MANAGERS USA LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/28/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 06/30/25. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of the State of DE, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE COMMERICAL MORTGAGE SECURITIES CORP., MULTIFAMILY MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2018-SB54, Plaintiff, vs. 510 W 148 LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on January 30, 2025 and a Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on June 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on September 10, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 510 West 148th Street, New York, NY 10031. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, Block 2079 and Lot 41. Approximate amount of judgment is $6,906,398.22 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850500/2023.

Allison Furman, Esq., Referee McCarter & English, LLP, 250 W 55th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10019, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF GS MORTGAGE SECURITIES TRUST 2019-GC40, COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2019-GC40, AND THE POOLED RR INTEREST OWNER, ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS SPECIAL SERVICER, LNR PARTNERS, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. NAMOR REALTY COMPANY L.L.C, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on June 5, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 57-59 East 11th Street, New York, NY 10009. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, Block 563 and Lot 46.

Approximate amount of judgment is $61,766,450.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850285/2024.

Roberta Ashkin, Esq., Referee McCarter & English, LLP, 250 W 55th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10019, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK, KEYBANK, NA., PLAINTIFF, VS. RACHEL KIM AKA RACHEL G. KIM, ET AL., DEFENDANT(S).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order On Motion duly entered on May 16, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 100 W 39th Street, Apt. 38A, New York, NY 10018. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, Block 814 and Lot 1029. Approximate amount of judgment is $230,172.51 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850398/2023. Referee will not accept cash payments as any portion of the deposit or purchase price.

Bruce Lederman, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE SECURITIES CORP., MULTIFAMILY MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2018-SB54, Plaintiff, vs. 505 W 161 LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on January 30, 2025 and a Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on June 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on September 10, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 505 West 161st Street, New York, NY 10032. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, Block 2120 and Lot 42. Approximate amount of judgment is $5,934,554.75 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850499/2023.

Matthew D. Hunter, III Esq., Referee McCarter & English, LLP, 250 W 55th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10019, Attorneys for Plaintiff NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York , Bank of America, National Association as Successor Merger to LaSalle Bank National Association aS trustee for WAMU 2005-AR7 , Plaintiff, vs . Nicholas J. Sands a/k/a Nicholas Sands , ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order On Motion duly entered on April 23, 2025 , I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at Room 130 of the New York County, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on September 10, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 30 East 76th Street, Unit# 7B, a/k/a 971/973 Madison Avenue, Unit# 7B, New York, NY 10021. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, Block 1390 and Lot 1101 together with an undivided 3.639 percent interest in the Common Elements. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,300,211.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to the provisions of filed Judgment Index #810068/2010.

Stephen Markman, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff Something Colorful Productions LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/24/25. Office location: New York County.

SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 100 Morningside Dr. Apt 1J, New York, NY 10027.

Purpose: Any lawful act.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK, DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF WELLS FARGO COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE SECURITIES, INC., MULTIFAMILY MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2017SB34, Plaintiff, vs. RH 532 WEST 159 STREET LP, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on June 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on September 10, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 532 West 159th Street, New York, NY 10032. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, Block 2117 and Lot 20. Approximate amount of judgment is $3,174,348.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850547/2023.

Christy M. Demelfi, Esq., Referee McCarter & English, LLP, 250 W 55th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10019, Attorneys for Plaintiff Civic Spark Cleaning Co. LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/26/25. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 447 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Nassau County CONZE, BENJAMIN, 89 BELMONT PKWY, HEMPSTEAD NY 11550 A report of unclaimed property will be made to the Comptroller of the State of New York, pursuant to Article III of the Abandoned Property Law. A list of the names contained in such notice is on file and open to public inspection at the principal office of the bank, located atCarter Bank & Trust, 89 BELMONT PKWY, HEMPSTEAD NY 11550 where such abandoned property is payable. Abandoned property will be paid on or before October 31, 2025 to persons establishing to its satisfaction their right to receive the same; and that in the succeeding month of November, and on or before the tenth day thereof, such unclaimed moneys or other property still remaining will be paid or delivered to the state comptroller and that it shall thereupon cease to be the liability of Carter Bank & Trust.

Notice of Names of Persons Appearing as Owners of Certain Unclaimed Property Held

By Zions Bancorporation, N.A. The following persons appear from our records to be entitled to abandoned property in the amount of fifty ($50) dollars or more.

Albany County Mallimson, Arline, 40 Autumn Dr Apt 116, Slingerlands, NY 12159 A report of unclaimed property will be made to the Comptroller of the State of New York, pursuant to Article III of the Abandoned Property Law. A list of the names contained in such notice is on file and open to public inspection at the principal office of the bank, located at Zions Bancorporation, N.A., 40 AUTUMN DR APT 116,SLINGERLANDS NY 12159, where such abandoned property is payable. Abandoned property will be paid on or before October 31, 2025 to persons establishing to its satisfaction their right to receive the same; and that in the succeeding month of November, and on or before the tenth day thereof, such unclaimed moneys or other property still remaining will be paid or delivered to the state comptroller and that it shall thereupon cease to be the liability of Zions Bancorporation, N.A..

Notice of Qualification of WILSHIRE ADVISORS LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/28/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 01/05/21. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 320 Park Ave., 7th Fl., NY, NY 10022. DE addr. of LLC: c/o Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Corp. Dept., Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of ELITE CLINICAL NETWORK, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/05/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Nevada (NV) on 12/30/20. Princ. office of LLC: 6970 Wineberry Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89119. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 202 N. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701-4201. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of WING AVIATION LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/03/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/16/17.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of TS SIGNAGE LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/08/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 08/04/25. Princ. office of LLC: 1 Vanderbilt Ave., NY, NY 10017. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of SHARPE ADVISORS, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/13/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Wyoming (WY) on 08/12/25. Princ. office of LLC: (WeWork c/o Nick Mela), 524 Broadway, 11th Fl., NY, NY 10012. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Herschler Bldg. East, Ste. 101, 122 W. 25th St., Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

101 LEGAL NOTICES

101 LEGAL NOTICES

Notice of Qualification of GovCIO, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/30/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/11/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: IT Services remote employees working from home.

Notice of Formation of AMM APPAREL LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/18/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 315 W. 39th St., #700, NY, NY 10018. 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 122072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of RD PROPERTY LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/09/25.

Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 07/01/25. NYS fictitious name: RD MANAGEMENT REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o RD Management LLC, Attn: Richard Birdoff, 810 Seventh Ave., 10th Fl., NY, NY 10019. DE addr. of LLC: Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, P.O. Box 898, Dover, DE 19903. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of MarcyPen Capital Partners LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/14/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/22/19. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF ELLIE'S GRANOLA LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/08/2025. Office Location New York County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: WILLIAM SOBEL 93 4TH AVE, NEW YORK, NY, 10003, USA. PURPOSE: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Qualification of 577 BALTIC TIC 1 LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/11/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/22/25. Princ. office of LLC: 551 Fifth Ave., Ste. 1720, NY, NY 10176. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. DE addr. of LLC: 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. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of 155 7J LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/23/25. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 201 E. 36th St., #6A, NY, NY 10016. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

AR REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/24/25. Latest date to dissolve: 12/31/2080.

Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 80 Varick Street, Suite 1A, New York, NY 10013. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Stuyvesant Apartments 257 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/28/2025. Office in New York Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 1 W 85 th St, Suite 1F, New York, NY 10024 . Purpose: General.

c/o Corporation Service Co., wine, beer & cider at retail in a August 21,Falls 2025Dr., - August 27, 2025 • 35 THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS 251 Little Wilmington, bar/tavern under the Alcoholic DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with Beverage Control Law at 4371 195LEGAL HELP WANTED 101 LEGAL3rd NOTICES 10110457 LEGALinNOTICES LEGAL NOTICES The Secy. 101 of State of the State Ave; Bronx, NY 101 NOTICES of DE, Dept. of State, Div. of Bronx County for on premises Notice of Formation of G&N Zion John consumption.

Restaurant Notice of Formation of US NOTICE OF FORMATIONCorps., OF Notice Townsend of Formation Bldg., of 1340 FAMILY CAPITAL LLCLounge Corp OVERSIGHT PROPERTIES OMd/b/a SHADOW LLC Articles of STRATFORD INTERESTS Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any and Zion Arts. of Org. filed with Secy.

LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Organization filed with the SecOWNER LLC Arts. of Org. lawful activity.

Restaurant and Lounge of State of NY (SSNY) on Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) retary of State of NY (SSNY) on filed with Secy. of State of NY on 07/08/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 641 Lexington Ave., 15th Fl., NY, NY 10022. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

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

Notice of Formation of 60 ORCHARD PH LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/26/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 60 Orchard St., Unit 8, NY, NY 10002. 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 122072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

07/25/25. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of RBF1, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/22/25. 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.

Empire Data Advisory LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on June 16th, 2025. Office location: New York County.

SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 26 Cornelia St., New York, New York, 10014. Purpose: Any lawful act.

GWENDOLYN CODY, MD, PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/29/25. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the PLLC, 228 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003-1502. Purpose: For the practice of the profession of Medicine.

SOLID STATE BAKERY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/23/25. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 27 West 70th Street, #2A, New York, NY 10023. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of InHome BeautyServices LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/11/25. Ofc. loc: NY Cty. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Registered agent svcs, 54 State St. #804 Albany, NY 12207, Purpose: Any lawful activity.

May 31, 2025, Office Location, New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC. 7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202, BROOKLYN, NY, 11228, USA. The principal business address of the LLC is OM Shadow LLC 228 PARK AVE S #195985, NEW YORK, NY, 10003

Notice of Formation of AUBREY VENTURES 4 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/02/25. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Greeley Square Station, P.O. Box 20366, 4 E. 27th St., NY, NY 10001-9998. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

APARTMENT FOR RENT

(SSNY) on 07/21/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 116 E. 27th St., 11th Fl., NY, NY 10016. 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: Products and Services: Real estate investment & development.

Notice of Formation of BREAKTHROUGH BEHAVIORAL BILLING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/25/25. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

APARTMENT FOR RENT

Securitad I, a 69 unit, Housing Development located at 206 East 31st St. New York NY 10016, which is for the Elderly/disabled and includes 3 units designated for the mobility impaired, opened its waiting list to eligible applicants with limited incomes.

Qualification is based on Section 8 Federal guidelines.

Interested persons may obtain an application by calling 732-987-4823, Monday – Thursday, 10AM – 2PM, or by writing to; 443 Third Avenue, LLC 282F Cedar Bridge Avenue Lakewood NJ 08701 If you have a disability and need assistance with the application, please contact the Property Management office at 732-987-4824.

Completed applications should be sent to the POB stated on the application form by first class mail only.

To display your Legal, LLC, and classifieds ads contact:

TO DISPLAY YOUR LEGAL, LLC, CLASSIFIEDS ADS CONTACT ALI MILLINER  (347) 350-4  ALI.MILLINER@AMSTERDAMNEW

Brian Lawrence (617) 704-3735 brian.lawrence @amsterdamnews.com OR SCHEDULE YOUR OWN B SCANNING THE QR CODE

Or schedule your own Legal and LLC adver­tising by scanning the QR Code

36 • August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

Black homeowners

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS Brooklyn homeowner Filmore Brown at a press conference against the tax lien sale process on August 15, 2025. (Ariama C. Long photo)

Continued from page 2

money to the city, especially when it comes to unpaid water bills. The 2025 lien sale was held on June 3.

Brown maintains he wasn’t informed of what was happening until the supposed new owners breached the house in the middle of the night, drilled out the locks, and installed surveillance cameras while his family and tenants were awoken from their sleep. Frustrated, Brown said that if he had known about the bill he would have certainly paid it.

“I don’t want this to happen to other people. I don’t want them to feel like how I feel,” said Brown.

Housing advocates have long viewed the tax lien sale as a harbinger of foreclosure for many Black and Brown homeowners, and have forcefully called for its abolition.

“What’s also a fact, if this was not happening to Black, Brown, immigrant, homeowners in New York, we wouldn’t have a damn problem in the first place. Everything would be fixed,” continued Williams. “And you allow someone to come in like a thief in a night to try to break into his home. Something is wrong.”

Alice Nicholson, Brown’s attorney, said that a foreclosure case was initiated in 2020 during the pandemic shutdowns, when courts were operating under severe restrictions. The court granted a default judgment in 2021 and a final judgment in 2023 without Brown’s knowledge.

This paved the way for the property to be sold

without a formal eviction proceeding at a foreclosure auction in 2024. In late July 2025, the court denied a stay request to pause the foreclosure enforcement.

“This was one bill that fell through the cracks,” said Alice Nicholson, Esq., Brown’s attorney. “After this is sold to the New York City tax lien trust, there’s no connection of that bill to the other bills in the DOF system.

So the homeowner does not know that there’s another bill out there that’s accumulating interest at 18% a day.”

At present, Brown and his tenants are still

HILC

Continued from page 2

HILC Executive Director Yaw Appiadu (left) and Director of Operations Yonette Lewis (left), with Dustin Jones (center). (Photo courtesy of HILC)

that they live independently, they make their own choices and decisions, they are free to advocate for what they want, and [can] take risks like everybody else,” said Yaw Appiadu, HILC’s executive director.

The mood was jubilant as Appiadu welcomed guests on a tour of the renovated space, which was expanded over the course of three months.

“We used to only have three offices and three cubicles in the same space, and one conference room. Now, when you come, you have eight cubicles, you have the conference room, two meeting rooms, one training room, and … five offices,” Appiadu said. “All the spaces are also intentionally designed, including [for] people who have intellectual disabilities and folks who have other unknown disabilities.”

Christina Curry, commissioner for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) and a former executive director of HILC, praised HILC’s continued growth after attending the celebration.

“Harlem Independent Living Center has been a steady and trusted presence, and events like this remind us of the progress we’ve made together,” she said in a statement to the AmNews. “For MOPD, it’s also about staying connected at the local level, showing up in neighborhoods where residents have sometimes felt overlooked.”

Keith Taylor, HILC’s board chair, empha-

sized the important role the organization plays providing services to residents of color.

“HILC is a miracle in the sense that there are very few organizations that are run by people of color for people of color, and for this organization to successfully run for 35 years addressing the needs of the community is very significant,” he said.

Appiadu said HILC began as part of a grassroots movement primarily to respond to the needs of gun violence survivors with disabilities in Harlem.

physically in the home and have not been put out yet. The new owners are demanding they start paying rent. She said the legal team is focused on the issue of lien notices Brown said he didn’t receive, a foreclosure notice he wasn’t served, and that normally only a marshall can come to a property and change locks –– not the new owners.

“This is a responsible man. He paid off his mortgage, he pays his bills,” said Nicholson.

“There’s something wrong with the system that’s not notifying the people in the situation.”

A coalition of Brooklyn elected officials

“At that time, gun violence was so high, and people would end up with disabilities, and they didn’t know where to go for services,” he explained. “But when the Center came to be, people were able to come here for other services, get their Social Security disability, get food stamps, get Medicaid … [and get assistance] for training and applying for jobs.”

Looking toward the future, Appiadu said HILC is working to expand services for people with mental health disabilities.

“Most of the consumers we are seeing of late

were at the press conference demanding answers and immediate intervention on Brown’s behalf, including Williams, Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman, Councilmember Chris Banks, and Senator Roxanne J. Persaud.

“This is a personal matter. Our Black and Brown communities have carried the cities on their backs,” said Chandler-Waterman. “They have endured red lining, housing discrimination, disinvestment, and now gentrification and forced displacement. Enough is enough.”

Chandler-Waterman said she’s partnered with community organizations like Brooklyn Level Up and Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Brooklyn, to go door-to-door canvassing and alerting homeowners about the lien sales and offering housing resources. She is demanding a stop to the lien sale process to allow for reforms, an immediate public hearing and investigation into Brown’s case, and is planning legislation at the state level to remove water bills from the tax lien sale process.

“We will not rest until we get to the bottom of this and hold every culpable party accountable.

Reverse this illegal foreclosure, and ensure that Mr. Brown and his family have their home returned and it never, never happens again,” said Banks. “This is a systematic failure and seems to be a systemic attack on creating generational wealth in our communities.”

Banks is calling for a moratorium on the tax lien sale, the removal of the water bills as a tax lien sale liability, and intends to introduce city legislation to improve the notification procedure. are folks who come in with mental health disabilities, so we want to look for funding that can [allow us] to provide services to folks with mental health disabilities,” he said.

However, funding is a challenge for the organization. Appiadu said that HILC receives the least amount of state funding of any independent living center in the state. Funding comes primarily from the state’s Department of Education, which did not respond to AmNews requests to confirm HILC’s claim. Insufficient funding makes it difficult to provide services for everyone who needs them, Appiadu said.

“It’s been a challenge for us to grow … We only have 10 staff. [In one] day, we can have 30 walk-ins for people who need information and referral services,” he explained.

The recent federal cuts to Medicaid and safety net programs contained in the Trump administration’s “big, beautiful bill” also pose a challenge to the disability community that HILC serves. However, Taylor said the organization is prepared to fight to protect the rights and livelihoods of disabled people.

“Respect is not something that is given.

Often, you have to fight for it. And this organization, this little organization in Harlem, has been fighting very hard for 35 years against all kinds of challenges,” he said.

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

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 37

The Brooklyn College Bulldogs Esports team is building a contender Alexander Raff (left), the director of Brooklyn College’s Esports team, with club president Moustafa Salem. (Brandon Humphrey photos)

By TYRESE ALLEYNE-DAVIS Special to the AmNews Over the past decade, collegiate esports has vaulted from niche LAN rooms — dedicated spaces where players connect to a local network for low-latency, face-toface competition — to elaborate recruiting lists and budget lines, complete with national conferences, travel weekends, and streamed playoffs that draw live audiences. Brooklyn College is an institution squarely in that surge. Under Director of Esports Alexander Raff, the Bulldogs aren’t just chasing trophies; they’re building a program that doubles as a campus commons for a commuter school, where students stay because they’ve found a team and a community.

Raff’s path to the keyboard ran through a wrestling mat and the military, where he taught combatives. Two hip surgeries ended his combat sport days, but his competitive instincts mapped neatly onto the wildly popular online battle game “League of Legends.” He coached high-level amateur squads, then returned to college in 2020 with a vision: to create a pipeline to pro-tier play while also opening professional pathways in the broader games industry.

“We had to make the case that this was athletics-adjacent and a student-engagement engine — especially at a commuter school,” Raff said in a recent interview at Brooklyn College with the AmNews.

In just a few years, that vision has transformed from an idea, into one of the most

Alexander Raff speaking with writer Tyrese Alleyne-Davis.

active and recognized student programs on campus. Brooklyn College Esports now fields rosters across “League of Legends,” “Valorant,” “Overwatch,” “Rocket League,” “Super Smash Bros.,” and “Ultimate.” Practices are structured, expectations are high, and the program has earned a reputation across the CUNY system as a consistent finals contender.

A 2022–23 student referendum created a dedicated esports budget — covering staffing, competition fees, jerseys, and high-speed networking — and funded a

permanent space decked out in Brooklyn College’s maroon. The facility features 20 gaming PCs arranged in two facing banks, a console corner with a large display, ample seating for socializing and watch parties, and a trophy case (“I’ve got 11 at home,” Raff joked).

Club president Moustafa Salem sees that room as the program’s promise made tangible. “It’s really humbling and exciting to be able to work for such a large and diverse community and to be able to make something meaningful that people can

enjoy,” he said. “It’s been a long effort to build the club room and create a place where students can play games and have fun on campus.

“Legacy-wise,” he added, “I want the club to be open to everyone, so anyone can connect to a community that shares their interests and make friends. Openness and welcome should be the way it’s run.”

Inclusivity isn’t an add-on — it’s built into the design. The program incorporates adaptive peripherals and uses accessibility settings across titles. At a campus where many students commute and major in STEM fields, Raff frames esports as both an outlet and an onramp. Its four-pillar model spans casual community, competitive play, professional development, and, through collaboration with the Business School, early academic pathways into the business of games.

Partnerships reinforce the loop. Red Bull Gaming collaborations have led to student hires. The NYC Video Game Festival’s collegiate slate co-led with the Eastern College Athletic Conference, and CUNY rivalries with CCNY, Baruch, Hunter, and the College of Staten Island, the current heavyweight of “Overwatch”.

Near-term goals are both pragmatic and ambitious. Open the esports facility, deepen the roster, and become New York City’s benchmark — public or private.

“Esports makes me feel like we’re building toward progress,” Raff said. “A space, a schedule, and a standard, so that Brooklyn College students don’t just pass through campus, they plug in.”

38 • August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

With Breanna Stewart’s return near, the Liberty gear up for playoff push

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews After losing their first three games of this season to the Minnesota Lynx, the team they beat in last year’s WNBA Finals, the New York Liberty won the final meeting of the regular season between the two squads with an 85-75 win on Tuesday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

All five Liberty starters scored at least 10 points, with center Jonquel Jones leading the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while guard Sabrina Ionescu added 17 points and 11 assists.

“It is nice to finally get a win against them,” Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello said. “I am glad we are past them now. We (can) focus on the next nine games, and it’s all about focusing on us and getting the highest position we can in the standings and getting the home court.”

Five of the Liberty’s remaining nine games will be on the road.

They will face the Chicago Sky at home tonight tied with the Atlanta Dream at 22-13 for the second best record in the league behind the Lynx, which were 28-6. The Phoe-

to hold onto the No. 2 spot; their All-Star forward and second leading scorer (18.3 points per game) Breanna Stewart returned to practice this week. The two-time WNBA MVP (2018, 2023) has missed the last 11 games with a bone bruise in her right knee. The Liberty hope that she returns before September.

Stewart has yet to play alongside forward Emma Meesseman, who has performed very well in a Liberty uniform since returning to the WNBA this August. A native of Belgium, the 2025 EuroLeague MVP and 2019 WNBA Finals MVP with the Washington Mystics was playing in Europe for the better part of the last four years.

Since making her Liberty debut on August 3, the 6-4 Meesseman is averaging 15 points and 5.9 rebounds as both a starter and a reserve. When Stewart returns, Meesseman will likely shift to coming off of the bench, backing up both Jones and Stewart.

The Liberty and the Dream meet nix Mercury (21-13) and surging we have another level that we can not being able to pull them out, but in Atlanta on Saturday, following Las Vegas Aces (22-14) were breath- take it to,” said Liberty center Jon- I think what we learned from those New York’s game against Angel ing down the Liberty’s necks, just a quel Jones, who scored her 4,000th games is really going to be vital for Reese and the Chicago Sky tohalf game behind the Liberty in the career point on Tuesday, also post- us going into the playoffs.” night in Brooklyn. New York then sprint to the playoffs. ing her 100th career double-douThere is an encouraging devel- returns home Monday to host the “We’ve known for a while now that ble. “We have been in close games, opment for the Liberty as they try Connecticut Sun. New York Liberty forward Kennedy Burke drives to the basket in Tuesday’s 85-75 win over the Minnesota Lynx at Barclays Center. (Brandon Todd/New York Liberty photo)

The Jets and Giants final dress rehearsals will reveal opening game plans

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor Beginning with the 2021 season, the NFL reduced the number of preseason games from four to three and increased the regular season schedule from 16 to 17 games. Rapacious team owners put forth that player safety was their primary reason in pushing for the changes, when everyone who was an active participant in or followed the sport — and still does — knew it was a blatant lie. The change was all about the bag, or more aptly, a bank vault of billions of dollars.

Regular season games generate substantially more revenue than preseason games through broadcast rights, merchandising, ticket sales, and concessions. The expansion to an 18-game regular season is inevitable. It could happen as early as 2027 if owners and the players, represented by its union, the NFL Players Association can agree on revenue splits when future negotiations are held.

With that preamble, the Jets and Giants play their final preseason games tomorrow night and this evening respectively before the opening

tion is still ongoing and the starters may not be decided until a few days before the regular season begins.

While the Giants coaching staff has installed 36-year-old veteran Russell Wilson as QB1 — and the 10-time Pro Bowler and 2014 Super Bowl champion is a capable steward — rookie first round pick Jaxon Dart has authored two strong preseason performances in the Giants’ 34-25 win against the Buffalo Bills on August 9 and a 31-12 victory over the Jets at MetLife Stadium last Saturday. The Giants drafted Dart with the hopes he’ll be the long-term franchise quarterback they’ve been pursuing since Eli Manning was replaced by Daniel Jones as the team’s starter six years ago in September 2019.

Jones, a Giants first-round pick in (No. 6 overall) 2019, never materialized as that guy, and he and the Giants mutually agreed on his release last November. On Tuesday, Jones, who signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts in March, was named the starter over of the regular season on Septem- home to face the New England Pa- third-year QB Anthony Richardson. ber 7. In those final games, the Jets triots (8:00 p.m). Many of the firstMany Giants fans are calling for will host the Philadelphia Eagles team positions for both squads are Dart to open the regular season (7:30 p.m.) and the Giants will be at solidified. For other spots, competi- as the team’s starter. After watchJets head coach Aaron Glenn speaks to his players on Saturday during their matchup with the Giants at MetLife Stadium. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)

ing four rookies (Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix), all first-rounders, thrust into starting roles last season, it is understandable why Giants fans want the transition to Dart as the leading man to happen sooner rather than later. The Giants have the league’s toughest schedule based on the combined record of opponents from a season ago — so it would be baptism by fire.

But Giants head coach Brian Daboll remained committed to Wilson after Saturday’s game. ”Russ is our starter and we’re going to keep developing Jaxson,” he said. “… What we’re trying to do is help Jaxson be the best quarterback he can be.”

The Jets’ starting QB, Justin Fields, hasn’t engendered the same optimism from Jets fans. He looked out of sorts versus the Giants, going 1-5 for four yards in his two series.

However, head coach Aaron Glenn didn’t single out Fields in criticizing the offense’s collective struggles.

“I don’t want to say the same thing over and over. Our offense, in general, wasn’t good enough,” he said as reported by ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025 • 39

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS S P O R T S

HBCU Go’s Lawrencia Moten continues to advance her broadcasting career

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

HBCU Go’s Lawrencia Moten interviews South Carolina State defensive back Jarod Washington. (Photos courtesy of Lawrencia Moten)

Lawrencia Moten at MEAC football media day with former NFL star Michael Vick, who is now a first-year head coach of Norfolk State University.

College football season is here and on-air reporter Lawrencia Moten is ready to hit the road with HBCU Go, a media provider for the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Moten’s 13 weeks begin on August 30 with Hampton vs. Jackson State.

Throughout the season she will serve as the sideline reporter for HBCU Go’s syndicated broadcast.

“We have doubleheaders pretty much every day on the network; there are cable games and then there are games on syndication,” she said. “I’m doing basically all the Division I teams.”

HBCU Go covers all the HBCU football teams that compete in the NCAA, but Moten’s focus this season will be teams from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) as well as HBCU schools that play in other conferences, such as Hampton.

“HBCU Go has done a tremendous job with the schedule in making sure that we get a lot of classics,” said Moten, who is excited to come to come to MetLife Stadium in New

Jersey on Sept. 13 when Howard University takes on Morehouse College for the HBCU NYC Football Classic.

Moten, a former college basketball player now in her third season covering football for HBCU Go, has built her skills and knowledge of the sport. “I’ve really made it my job to be the connector between the athletes, coaches and our broadcast

there are so many tremendous stories, so I’m talking to those coaches and asking them questions far beyond game week,” she said. “It’s been go-time for me for about two months now, making sure I talk to those coaches, if they have any new players with tremendous stories, asking them to let me know.”

When football season ends, Moten

crew,” she said. “This year, specifically, I made sure that I was doing pretty much all of the coaches’ interviews and most of the student-athlete interviews during media day, so I was able to be that forward-facing person for them.”

When she is doing sideline reporting, Moten puts an emphasis on storytelling. “On a football team,

shifts to the hardwood, taking on play-by-play, color commentary, or sideline reporting depending on the game. She covers both men’s and women’s basketball.

“I’ve been leaning into the playby-play side; I feel like the storytelling is great,” she said. “There are more opportunities for me to kind of flex my skills.”

The PWHL and Barbie collaborate to promote diversity in women’s hockey

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews Barbie, Tim Hortons (the iconic Canadian restaurant chain known for its donuts) and the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) have teamed up on a new set of hockey dolls in collaboration with PWHL stars Sarah Nurse and Marie-Philip Poulin. Nurse is a niece of former NFL star quarterback Donovan McNabb and a cousin of WNBA standout Kia Nurse. The dolls went on sale earlier this month in both the U.S. and Canada and quickly became a collectors’ item.

“It was super exciting to see my PWHL-inspired Barbie,” said Nurse, who will play for PWHL Vancouver, a new team in the league. “I hope that by showing representation of girls playing hockey, through sport we can give girls a chance to see the endless possibilities for women. A hockey player Barbie shows that women can be strong and athletic, and compete on the ice.”

The hockey Barbies are helping build the next generation of

PWHL stars Marie-Philip Poulin (l) and Sarah Nurse display the Barbies they inspired. (Photos courtesy of PWHL)

girls and women in ice hockey as $5 (Canadian / $3.63 U.S.) from every doll sold at Tim Hortons and online will be donated to the Grindstone Award Foundation, which strives to get more girls involved in hockey. Although there is not a lot of diversity at present, the

PWHL consistently works to encourage girls to take up the sport.

Nurse and Poulin, both Canadian Olympians, were recognized as Barbie role models in 2020 for their trailblazing success and breaking down barriers for women in hockey. The new

hockey Barbies come game ready with a PWHL jersey, hockey stick, helmet and skates. “These Barbies show girls that we can be everything — you can love fashion and hockey, you can love pink and skating. We aren’t confined to one thing,” said Nurse.

Now revving up for its third season, PWHL has expanded from its original six teams to eight. Four teams are based in the U.S. and four in Canada, representing the two countries that have dominated the Olympic podium (no other country has won gold). It’s been uplifting to watch the way this league has been embraced and adding some Barbie pink to the equation can only show a diverse range of girls and women that there’s a place for them in the sport.

“We’re especially proud that this initiative also makes a meaningful impact, as the Grindstone Foundation continues to transform the lives of girls across Canada by helping remove barriers and create more opportunities for the next generation of players,” said Amy Scheer, executive vice president of business operations for the PWHL.

40 • August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Sports Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz are among the world’s best pursuing the U.S. Open title

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor The U.S. Open, whose main draw starts this Sunday and concludes on Sunday, September 7 (the qualifying rounds began Monday and ends today) will be two weeks of highly intense and legacy-building tennis held at the sprawling and spectacular USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens.

It is one of the world’s premier annual sporting and social events, and a revenue-generating behemoth for New York City.

The economic impact of last year’s tournament, reported by many media sources, was roughly $1.2 billion.

The total prize money has grown $15 million over last year’s $75 million purse, which was a record for the most in tennis history. This year, a whopping

$90 million is up for grabs. The men’s and women’s singles winners will bag a massive $5 million each, with the runners up banking $2.5 million.

The headliners of the 128 players each on both the men’s and women’s side all have U.S. Open titles on their resumes. For the men, defending champion Jannik Sinner and 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz will continue a rivalry that one day may be viewed as one of the best of all time. They put on a mesmerizing show in an epic championship match at the French Open in May. Alcaraz emerged victorious in the five setter (4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6) in the longest French Open ever, lasting a grueling five hours and 29 minutes. It was the second longest major final behind Rafael Nadal’s and Novak Djokovic’s marathon 2012 Australian Open, which went five hours and 53 minutes with

Djokovic besting Nadal (5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5). Djokovic, the 2023 News U.S. AM Open champion, who holds the record for most major singles 4/10/25 titles in tennis history at 24, will be pursuing his fifth U.S. Open title. He is seeded No. 7 going into the tournament with Sinner, Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Taylor AM News Fritz and Jack Draper the top five in succession.

4/17/25 The women’s draw will be led by last year’s titlist and world’s No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Coco Gauff, the 2023AM tournament champion.

News Gauff defeated Sabalenka at the French Open in May 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 4/24/25 to claim her second career Grand Slam. They will be joined by a formidable group that includes No. 3 seed Iga Swiatek, a six-time major winner AM News — including the 2022 U.S. Open winner and this year’s5/1/25 Wimbledon — along with No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula and No. 5 Mirra Andreeva.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff (pictured at last year’s U.S. Open), will seekAM her News second U.S. Open title when play begins on Sunday. (Seth Wenig photo)

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AM Newsis celebrated at the AMU.S. News Tennis pioneer Althea Gibson’s legacy Open This week, as the U.S. Open festivities commence, 40,000 comic books featuring groundbreaking tennis icon Althea Gibson will be given out at the National Tennis Center.

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By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews This week marks the second straight collaboration between AM Open News and Marvel, built the U.S. around the theme Celebrat5/15/25 ing 75 Years of Breaking Barriers. The campaign honors the late Althea Gibson, who in 1950 broke tennis’ color barrier by competing in the U.S. NationAM News al Championships (now the U.S. Open). To mark the occasion, 5/22/25 Marvel has released a comic book featuring Gibson alongside the Fantastic Four.

“We erected a statue [of Althea Gibson] on the grounds a few News yearsAM ago, but she hasn’t been a household 5/29/25 name like Arthur Ashe; so when we had this significant moment in time to recognize her contributions to the sport and how she has served as an inspiration to so many genAM News erations of tennis players, it felt like the right time to do that,” 6/5/25 said Nicole Kankam, USTA managing director, pro tennis marketing and entertainment. “It

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7/24/25 gives us the opportunity to celebrate and reaffirm the USTA’s long-standing commitment to inclusion and broadening the tent of our sport.”

AMbooks News are Six thousand comic being given out free each day 7/31/25 Monday through Friday (register for the free Fan Access Pass), and another 10,000 on Saturday for Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. “Marvel came up with an interesting way AM News to connect with young fans,” said Kankam. “We wanted to tell 8/7/25 a story and make it contemporary and relevant to fans today but pay homage to history.”

While the U.S. Open officially kicks off on August 25, this week AMThere News are is also full of events. the qualifying rounds, practice 8/14/25 opportunities for players, a full slate of fan-centric activities and the actual U.S. Open mixed doubles competition. Each day during AM News Fan Week, people can roam the grounds of8/21/25 the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for free.

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“It’s really great tennis you can see up close and personal,” said Kankam. “We see anecdotally from the research that families love bringing their kids. We have lots of family friendly activities and entertainment all throughout the grounds. In the U.S. Open American Express Fan Experience, we’ll have a tennis court where fans can get on a court and try their hand at red ball tennis, which is tennis for young people and people who are new to play.”

Saturday is all about kids ages 5 to 18. Pros will be practicing.

There will be a show by YouTube sensations Dude Perfect at Arthur Ashe Stadium and a special appearance by defending U.S. Open champion Aryna Sabalenka.

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