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Concerned ‘Citizen’? City opens account on crime alert app despite past criticism
By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff
New Yorkers can find the Adams administration on the Citizen app officially under the new account “NYC Public Safety,” announced on July 20. Around 3 million people across the city currently subscribe to the platform, which provides real-time alerts about crime, emergencies, and other local incidents — but not everyone is happy about the collaboration.
“Millions of New Yorkers already use the Citizen app to stay informed about public safety incidents in their neighborhoods, and now the people who protect our city will be able to use this platform to send critical information directly to the people we serve,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry in a statement. “Whether it’s an alert about a major incident, a crime pattern, or a safety tip that could help someone avoid being scammed, we’re putting that information right into New Yorkers’ hands.”
Through Citizen, public safety agencies like the police department (NYPD), fire department (FDNY), and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) also receive secure access to a dashboard for user-submitted videos to aid investigations and review incidents.
The account hit the ground running with the Park Avenue mass shooting last week. Kayla Mamelak, spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams, told the AmNews the Citizen account allowed the administration to put out updated information as the event was unfolding. Traditionally, such emergencies typically went over X
(formerly known as Twitter) and through press releases on Instagram. However, concerns remain about the app formerly known as Vigilante, which has long been blamed for fearmongering and racial profiling. The platform crowdsources incident reporting and allows
See CITIZEN APP on page 35
Legionnaires’ disease cluster claims second life, despite Harlem CB 2021 call for preventative measures
By JANAE ANTRUM Special to the AmNews
A Harlem community board sounded the alarm about Legionnaires’ disease risk factors to the city four years ago and is still waiting to be updated about its preventative recommendations amidst an outbreak of the disease in the area. So far, the spread has killed three and 67 have
been diagnosed, according to the NYC Department of Health.
The outbreak of the disease, across five ZIP codes in Central Harlem stretching river to river (10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039), remains under investigation by Health Department officials. Legionnaires’ disease is often linked to plumbing systems that create conditions conducive to the growth of Legionella bacteria. Howev-
er, the agency says this is not an issue with the plumbing system of any building and residents can continue to drink tap water, bathe, cook, and use their air conditioners. Water from all operable cooling towers within the affected area has been sampled by the officials.
Building owners with initial positive screening results have been instructed to initiate remediation efforts within 24 hours to mitigate the risk of further infection.
But members of Manhattan Community Board 10, which represents several areas affected by the cluster, said with the assistance of a civil rights icon, they spoke up about possible hazards in 2021 when it hit ZIP codes 10037 and 10039, and have yet to hear back.
“Community Board 10 raised these concerns in 2021, in a formal letter to the NYC Department of Health written by our former Health and Human Services Chairperson, the late and dearly missed Dr. Hazel N. Dukes,” said Hon. Marquis A. Harrison, the board’s chairperson. The board’s letter recommended several changes including: monthly testing of cooling towers rather than every three months, cleaning four times a year instead of twice, and See LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE on page 35
New York City Mayor Eric Adams makes public safety announcement at Cypress Hill Houses in Brooklyn on Sunday, July 20, 2025. (Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office)
A rooftop view of Harlem, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
Mayor’s CRC adopts ballot proposals about housing — voters get choice about the future
By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff
Mayor Eric Adams’s Charter Revision Commission (CRC), which should not be mistaken for the dueling CRC convened by the City Council, voted to adopt ballot proposals mostly about housing last month. These will appear on ballots during the general election this November, giving voters a choice to make about the future of housing in New York City.
Adams describes his administration as the “most pro-housing in city history,” so it is unsurprising that his CRC came up with four ballot proposals that center on housing and land use. The ultimate goal of his City of Yes for Housing Opportunity (CHO) plan is to build 500,000 homes in every neighborhood across the city by 2032.
After about seven months of public hearings, the CRC concluded on July 21 and put out a final proposal report soon after. The proposals will appear as questions on the
ballot to be voted on in November.
Question 1: Fast Track Affordable Housing to Build More Affordable Housing Across the City
This proposal would create a new action at the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA), and establish a streamlined public review procedure for housing applications.
Question 2: Simplify Review of Modest Housing and Infrastructure Projects
This proposal would create a new Expedited Land Use Review Procedure (ELURP) process, instead of the current Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP).
Question 3: Establish an Affordable Housing Appeals Board with Council, Borough, and Citywide Representation
This proposal would create a new Affordable Housing Appeals Board to replace the mayor’s veto at the end of the ULURP process and have the ability to reverse City
Council decisions about certain land use matters. It would be made up of a borough president, the Sspeaker of the City Council, and the mayor.
Question 4: Create a Digital City Map to Modernize City Operations
This proposal would consolidate the official City Map, which plays a little-known but critical role in the approval of housing and infrastructure projects, into a single map and digitize it. Today, the City Map consists of five sets of maps, one for each borough, totaling more than 8,000 individual paper maps.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and councilmembers pushed back against the first four proposals, asserting that they were examples of the mayor’s attempt to expand his power over land use decisions. “This commission’s misguided proposals would undermine the ability to deliver more affordable housing, homeownership opportuni -
ties, good-paying union jobs, and neighborhood investments for New Yorkers across the five boroughs,” they said in a joint statement.
The fifth ballot proposal would move city elections to even-numbered years when presidential elections are held, also called a “jungle primary” system, in an effort to increase voter turnout. However, it was the only adopted proposal that the commission would not move forward with, according to NYC Charter Revision Chair Richard Buery.
The decision to drop the last proposal was celebrated by grassroots organizations like Citizen Action of New York.
In addition, the state Senate passed a bill in June 2025 that would protect ballot access for charter revision proposals advanced by New Yorkers or local elected officials from being blocked by mayoral-enacted charter revision commissions, and increase transparency requirements for commissions.
New York City vote sticker. (Eden, Janine, and Jim photo via Wikimedia)
Remembering Lloyd Williams, Harlem’s tireless advocate and eternal friend
By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews
If Harlem can be said to have a bellwether, a focused visionary, it was Lloyd Williams. As president and CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and cofounder of Harlem Week, his leadership was indispensable. Williams died Tuesday, following a private and courageous battle with cancer. He was 80.
The 51st Harlem Week celebration is currently underway and will continue until Aug. 17, said Winston Majette, executive director of the Chamber. “Our theme this year is ‘Celebrate Our Magic,’ which is fitting because Lloyd always celebrated the magic of his beloved community,” he added.
Very little transpired in Harlem without Williams’ knowledge, and far too many instances without his imprimatur. When he called a meeting, the movers and shakers of Harlem showed up, along with several of the city’s major players — and if anyone arrived late they knew a chastisement from him would be part of the minutes.
His touch, his footprint was indelible on Harlem’s history, and he summoned a coterie of leaders to help him document the community’s illustrious history and culture. One of his most significant volumes to that end was “Forever Harlem,” and a second volume was in progress.
Williams is known for developing and co-
founding Harlem Week, which he, along with friend Voza Rivers, former Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton and numerous others, grew from a one-day event in 1974 to the major celebration of arts, culture and community joy that we know today.
Much of Williams' time recently was devoted to rounding up the staff and volunteers to ensure that another edition of Harlem Week was consistent with its remarkable past. Only a few New Yorkers and Harlemites were aware that Williams, whose family has lived in Harlem since 1919, was the godson of Malcolm X, but he recounted that relationship numerous times to his confederates and they got to know it verbatim.
“Once a month, we had breakfast with him as he encouraged us, gave us history lessons, and shared his vision for the future,” Williams recalled. “Malcolm X also allowed us to listen to some of the discussions that he had at the restaurant with others. He then would quiz us as to what we had learned from our observations.”
We can say for certain that Williams not only absorbed those moments but put them into practice in various aspects of empowering Harlem. There is so much more to be said about this tireless leader and advocate for Harlem, and we will continue this encomium and prepare for the memorial tribute.
Lloyd Williams (Photo courtesy of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce)
Lloyd Williams (left), funeral director Dorrence Benta and New York Amsterdam News Publisher Elinor R. Tatum. (Bill Moore photo)
Lloyd Williams at Harlem Week 1983 (AmNews Archives photo)
Going from a heart condition to heartstrong, and everything else, by juicing
By ESMERALDA MORAN Special to the AmNews
Alton Weekes sits proudly at his desk recounting his life story and describing his successful business. It would be hard to tell that Weekes previously struggled with his health and experienced a heart attack in 2014, making him realize that he needed to turn his life around.
After visiting a cardiologist, Weekes was prescribed seven different medications to treat his health conditions. Not satisfied with the idea of being confined to seven different medications for life, he turned to a more holistic approach to his recovery.
“I went to the supermarket and picked up everything that was green,” said Weekes.
Over the course of the next year, Weekes continued to juice and eventually reversed his diabetes and weaned himself off all seven prescription medications. When he visited that same cardiologist, Weekes was shocked to find out he was the only patient in 30 years to have been able to reverse his diagnosis.
“I thought to myself: Why am I the only person that’s been able to reverse it?” said Weekes.
In this time, Weekes also lost more than 100 pounds after struggling with obesity. He continued to juice and maintain the new lifestyle that he worked hard to obtain.
“It was over a year of hard work,” said Weekes.
Weekes began to consider the idea of creating his business, citing the pandemic as his main motivation to expand his juicing and turn it into something bigger than himself. Throughout the pandemic, Weekes began to post on social media and share his journey. This soon garnered the attention of people and he decided to open his juic-
Black New Yorker SAVE SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICAID
& MEDICARE. SUE WASHINGTON.
In 1935 the Social Security Act was signed by President Roosevelt. In 1937, three companies appealed two parts in the social security Trust, unemployment compensation and old age retirement. These companies lost their appeal when the UNITED STATE SUPREME COURT rejected their appeal and held the Social Act to be constitutionally protected. funds.
ing business, calling it Cellful.
“You wanna be where everybody is,” said Weekes when asked about the importance of social media to his business growth. “I wanted to show everyone, ‘I’m just like you; you can do this too.’ ”
It wasn’t until Weekes had his own segment on WPIX that he saw his business really take off. Although local to Harlem, Cellful ships its juices nationwide. As Cellful gained popularity, Weekes began to seek out more information about juicing, gaining a certificate in juicing and using the credentials to further his potential.
Along with selling his juices, Weekes also hosts a multitude of programs, such as juice labs, an interactive program where he teaches people how to juice for their own needs.
The transition to juicer is a stark contrast from Weekes’s previous experience.
He served in the U.S. Navy during Operation Desert Storm. He earned an undergraduate degree in visual presentation and a graduate degree in arts administration, and “juice guru” falls far from what he originally chose to do in life.
“I was talented in it, but I’m passionate about this,” he said.
Weekes expressed an interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in lifestyle medicine, moved by the ability to help people with their health through the use of techniques similar to those he used to better his own life.
Thinking about the serious health conditions he faced brought Weekes to reflect on the importance of being able to better oneself. As Cellful continues to grow, so does Weekes’s hope that the health disparity in his own community will lessen and that he can be part of this impact.
“This is not a dress rehearsal,” said Weekes. “I’m interested in transitioning [people’s] lives.”
The Social Security funds cannot be used for any purpose other than those stated in the Social Security Act. It is held illegal to use funds from social security for general expense {political promises} unless authorized by law 31 U. S, C.1341 (a) (1) CA), emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. This would be contradictory to giving a five trillion dollars tax break to the wealthy oligarchs. Federal employees who violate the Ant deficiency Act would be subject to administrative and penal actions.
Shocking ... in 2024, social security paid $1,4178 trillion dollars to the IRS while corporations had a profit of $3.9 trillion of dollars and paid only $530 billions of dollars in taxes.
Special note! As we talk about Social Security, remind yourself that it is your money not tax money that is supposed to be managed by the United States government to make profits for us.not loses. We have a simple comparison; the New York State Comptroller manages the New York State Common Retirement Fund and the results show a 47.68% return from 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2013, and 2024. Wow! Let each state manage their social security and keep Washington issues out of our hard earned funds.
Waiting for a Democratic victory in 2026 is a terrible strategy, hoping to win the house. What about the senate? It takes two thirds of the house and senate to overcome a certain presidential veto. WE NEED PRIMARIES ! Citizens, please begin ! Governors take note! We have other strategies if we lose a supreme court vote against the billionaires and the politicians!
Brought to you by senior citizens of Dumbo Brooklyn. New York.
Alton Weekes (Contributed)
New York pols sound alarm, fearing far-right will weaponize Census against Black and Brown people
By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff
President Trump’s administration has already started chipping away at the 2030 Census, using Project 2025, the playbook of far-right and racist policies that aims to overhaul the country and reshape governmental infrastructure. However, Black political leaders want to get ahead of it before people in New York State — particularly its Black and Brown population — are left disenfranchised and endangered.
The Census, taken every 10 years, plays a critical role in determining state representation in Congress and allocation of funding for local communities. New York lost one congressional seat in 2020 by only 89 people, largely due to the rush to get people counted during the COVID-19 crisis.
“We have to coordinate a statewide effort before the Census gets here,” said Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages, who sponsored Assembly Bill A5864, which establishes a New York State office and commission for a local Census count. “We were caught flat-footed in 2020. Allocation for funding to health care, education, food, and assistance may be cut, but with an accurate Census count, we can stem the bleeding.”
The count is used to determine the number of congressional seats each state has — a process called apportionment — and electoral districts are redrawn based on where populations have increased or decreased. The government then gives or takes away hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding for communities based on that information. The U.S Census Bureau is currently in the research and testing phase of planning for 2030.
“I’m ringing the bell. The Census is the end game,” said Assemblymember Landon Dais, who has been passionately championing state Census legislation. “If Democrats don’t wake up now, if we mess this up, it’s likely we won’t have another Democratic president or Senate for at least a generation. I need Governor Hochul to understand that this is a priority.”
Eliminating public input
The Trump administration moved in March 2025 to eliminate the Census Bureau’s National Advisory Committee on race and ethnicity, as well as the Census Scientific Advisory Committee, both of which give the bureau public input.
Meeta Anand, senior director of census & data equity at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, said the advisory committees provide input from people on the ground in their particular communities. The bureau specifically sought experts and community leaders from Black, Latino, Asian, Native American, rural, and other historically undercounted and underrepresented communities that don’t
get the proper funding or representation in government they need.
“These people are able to ask questions in a way where they are prodding and probing what the bureau is doing,” said Anand.
“The other part of it is because it was public input, questions asked of the bureau in these meetings, and recommendations made at these meetings, the Census Bureau was required to respond to them.”
Anand said the Trump administration claimed that these advisory committees were “biased,” which is why they are pushing to focus on outreach to “conservative groups” — populations that could win Republicans more votes.
In addition to deleting public input from communities of color, Anand said the administration is closing field test offices and defunding the count. The Census Bureau falls under both the Senate and the House, and the Census count is funded through the Senate and House Appropriations process. For Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026), the appropriations bill offers less funding at about $1.52 billion for the count than even Trump’s budget request.
The Census Project and other groups have been advocating for $2 billion a year
to make needed investments in the count.
“Which I know sounds like a lot but if you look at other lines in the budget, it’s actually not that huge. It’s been coming in at much lower for the last few years,” said Anand. Without adequate funding for thorough testing and field sites before the decennial year, the bureau will have a hard time improving accuracy since there are no do-overs, said Anand. For example, from 2012 to 2017, insufficient funding forced the cancellation of key tests in rural areas and on tribal lands. As a result, the 2020 Census saw undercounts in those areas.
Race and ethnicity data
The race and ethnicity data collection at the federal level currently includes a distinct “Middle Eastern or North African” (MENA) category. Project 2025’s plans essentially call for reversing vital updates to this type of data collection, known as the Statistical Policy Directive 15, in an effort to control standards long sought by the civil rights community.
The MENA region covers an expansive area, from Africa to the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan in Central Asia to the
Mediterranean. It includes many Arabic and Islamic countries like Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the West Bank and Gaza. The 2020 Census was the first census to specifically solicit MENA responses. Its count concluded that California, Michigan, and New York now have the largest MENA populations.
Similarly, the Census has struggled with accurate Latino racial and ethnic distinctions in the past, but reported a huge increase in population numbers in the last count.
This complexity about race, ethnicity, nationality, and color has been a long-standing issue with communities in the Black and Latino diaspora. Nancy López, a sociology professor at the University of New Mexico (UNM) and director of UNM’s Institute for the Study of Race & Social Justice, pointed out the heated debate over the question of “Hispanic origin.” It’s hard for the Census to quantify some people because “race is a master social status (like gender) that is often ascribed based on someone’s skin color and other differences
See CENSUS on page 25
2020 Census Operational Plan compiled by U.S. Census Bureau, part of Department of Commerce. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)
National Night Out returns to NYC
By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff
No summer blues for youngsters spending their summer with the blue. On Aug. 5, like every first Tuesday in August, New York City showed out for National Night Out Against Crime. The long-standing public safety tradition brings out youngsters across the country to connect with police officers beyond their badge and gun through recreational activities.
At the Harlem State Office Building, the NYPD 28th Precinct greeted the community with free food, train rides, rock climbing and more. Commanding officer Capt. James Whitlock pointed to the neighborhood’s crime decline and credited a community effort.
“Our community’s joining together and showing appreciation for each other,” said Whitlock. “As you look at the 28th Precinct, we’re down in crime. We’re number four in the city with the drastic reduction in crime. With 28% reduction — the reason why that’s a thing, it ain’t just the NYPD who steps up and does their job. It’s also the community at large.”
He credited community-based organizations like T.A.G. and Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. for their contributions with youth engagement. Several elected officials showed up in-
cluding Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and State Senator Cordell Cleare.
“Every time I talk about public safety, I remember when we pick up that phone, we want those officers to run the danger while we run away from it,” said Williams. “We also know that the community understands they cannot do it by themselves. Neither do they want to do it by themselves. So we
have to make sure all of the partners are there, all the partners are funded, and all of us are doing the work that we’re supposed to do to co-create public safety.”
“I love the fact that we’re out here tonight,” added Cleare. “This is our night out, that we can enjoy our community at any time, at any hour, that it’s safe, at all times.”
Park Slope’s 78th Precinct drew a large
turnout thanks to remarks from Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and State Attorney General Letitia James. While the presumptive mayoral election frontrunner was applauded by many in the crowd, Mamdani also fielded persistent questions from the press about his stance on the NYPD during the event, despite no plans to defund the police.
“Our focus on public safety has been one that isn’t [a] competition,” said Mamdani. “It seeks to address each and every concern New Yorkers have across the five boroughs.”
But the party rolled on long after the cameras stopped rolling. Parkway residents enjoyed rock climbing, a classic car show and food as a live DJ and gospel performers provided the tunes.
78th Precinct Council sergeant-in-arms
Christine Parker told the Amsterdam News that the annual event plays a big role each year in public safety as the Park Slope community bounces back from COVID-19 pandemic years. She says the only shame is the event happens just once annually, although precinct council meetings attempt to foster similar relationships with the community, minus the bounce houses.
“The past few years it’s been rebuilding [but] I think we’re almost back at our peak again,” said Parker. “It’s really exciting…it’s just so great to see kids being engaged.”
Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani with a young fan at Park Slope’s National Night Out event. (Photo courtesy of Lekha Sunder/Zohran for New York)
An NYPD explorer learns CPR on a training dummy at Park Slope’s National Night Out event.
(Tandy Lau photo)
State Senator Cordell Cleare and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams at Harlem’s National Night Out. (Tandy Lau photo)
Divine Nine News League of Friendship represents progress, tradition, and legacy
By DR. MICHAEL J. WINFIELD, SR. Special to the AmNews
By the dawn of the 20th century, Black Americans were two generations beyond slavery and many had reached a level of economic and social growth and development, despite intense racial discrimination and a host of privations heretofore inconceivable. Out of this flourishing period of Black excellence arose a League of Friendship. This constellation of organizations represented a veritable brain trust. Their importance to American society was evident in the significant role they played in shaping the nation.
The origin story of the League of Friendship begins in 1904 with the founding of Sigma Pi Phi, also known as the Boulé, by pharmacist Henry M. McKee. Although Blacks had established mutual aid societies, they did not enjoy the same professional and social benefits as white fraternities. Recognizing this gap, MeKee established an organization to address this issue.
He founded Sigma Pi Phi alongside five successful Black college-educated men. His goal was not to perform good deeds in society per se, but to create an organization similar to Yale University’s Skull and Bones, with the level of scholarship associated with Phi Beta Kappa, to bring together successful, college-educated Black men of good moral character and high ideals, based on true friendship and brotherhood.
Between 1906 and 1963, nine similarly modeled organizations followed: Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha,
Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Iota Phi Theta. The first half of the 20th century saw practically all significant social movements involving Black Americans spearheaded and supported by members of this body of individuals.
cated for justice and equal opportunities. By the 1950s and ’60s, the Alphas, Omegas, and Sigmas collaborated in the civil rights struggle. Phi Beta Sigma’s A. Philip Randolph proposed the March on Washington, Omega Psi Phi’s Bayard Rustin organized it, while Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. of Alpha Phi Alpha delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, shadowed by Sigma man John Lewis.
Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, Morehouse College alumnus and senior pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church, presents Morehouse College President Dr. David A. Thomas with framed photo commemorating historic ties between Abyssinian and Morehouse, featuring images of church and Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. with former president Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays. Thomas, who will retire on June 30, 2025, spoke at Abyssinian’s HBCU/Divine Nine worship service, reflecting on how Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) inspire faith, education, and innovation for future generations. (The Abyssinian Baptist Church photos)
18, 1920, Congress approved the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote. The role of Delta Sigma Theta in securing the vote is undeniable. By 1935, Franklin D. Roosevelt created a Black Cabinet that included members of the League of Friendship.
For example, the first movement in which Delta Sigma Theta participated was the suffragette March in Washington, DC, on March 3, 1913. Seven years later, on August
During World War II, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta supported the expansion of women’s roles in the defense industry. By 1945, they helped establish the American Council on Human Rights, which advo-
Interestingly, while many recognize the accomplishments of members of Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) and celebrate their contributions to the nation, some question why these members choose to identify as Greek. There are claims that many of the Greek traditions and knowledge were stolen from ancient Egyptian culture. Those outside the Black Greek community often discuss this. However, it is essential to note that members of BGLOs do not identify as Greek unless they are, in fact, Greek nationals. Instead, BGLOs are modeled after the first collegiate fraternity in the United States, Phi
To share your Divine Nine News, please contact us at d9@amsterdamnews.com and at amsterdamnews.com/d9news
Beta Kappa, established in 1776 at the College of William and Mary.
However, one could argue that if Greeks stole from Egypt, then Blacks are simply reclaiming their symbols to represent their organizations. To illustrate, the “Phi” symbol in Groove Phi Groove is different from the Greek “Phi.” It is derived from ancient Kemet and symbolizes male reproduction and ongoing growth and development. It is possible that the Greek Phi was appropriated from the Egyptian Phi through cultural diffusion. Interestingly, six BGLOs include the symbol “Phi” as part of their name.
The book “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., chronicles much of this storied history. A mustread, it highlights the pivotal role that the League of Friendship played as a lodestar in the growth, development, and progress of Black Americans during the first half of the 20th century, and beyond.
Cover page of “Before You Pledge: Essential Information You Should Know about Black Greek Letter Organizations and the Dynamics in a Culture of Hazing” by Dr. Michael J. Winfield, Sr.
Dr. Michael J. Winfield, Sr., author of “Before You Pledge” (second edition).
Union Matters Association of Legal Advocates workers join colleagues in strike for better pay, benefits
By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff
Urban Justice Center (UJC) legal aid workers are taking part in a coordinated work strike organized among the 12 chapters of the Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys - UAW Local 2325 (ALAA), whose contracts expired on June 30, 2025.
The union, which represents 2,100 workers in New York City, is using a rolling strike strategy among its chapters while negotiating with the city’s various legal aid organizations. It is trying to improve union members’ healthcare and retirement benefits, and set a standard of tiered salaries for attorneys, paralegals, social workers, interpreters, advocates, and other support staff working at those organizations.
New York City’s legal aid organizations were created in the 1960s, in the aftermath of the 1963 Supreme Court decision in Gideon v. Wainwright, which required legal representation for all. Since NYC already had an established Legal Aid Society, it provided funding for that agency and its nonprofit offshoots to handle legal matters affecting the public. Legal aid workers were later unionized under ALAA Local 2325.
So far, ALAA’s coordinated campaign has worked at a few locations. Legal Aid Society members voted to ratify a new labor contract on Aug. 4, while workers at the Bronx Defenders went on strike from July 18 to July 21; they reached an agreement that increases wages for various staff positions.
“The Bronx Defenders’ mission is to provide the highest quality legal representation to people living in one of the most policed, surveilled, and under-invested counties anywhere in the country,” said Juval O. Scott, executive director of the Bronx Defenders, in a statement announcing the end of the strike at her agency. “As public defenders, this work is more than a profession –– it is a calling. And valuing the work of those who serve that calling is imperative if we are to continue to meet our obligation to zealously represent the people and families of the Bronx … we must never abandon the people we serve, and it is in this spirit that both sides reached resolution.”
Currently, staff at UJC, CAMBA Legal Services, Inc. (CLS), and the Goddard Riverside Law Project are the only workers still on strike.
At UJC, management has refused to address several core issues, Calvin Harrison, a member of the Urban Justice Center Union (UJCU), told the AmNews. “I believe that at the end of the day, what we’re asking for is more than reasonable,” Harrison said. “We’re currently the lowest-paid
legal services shop in the city, and we are asking for a wage floor of around $60,000. We’re asking for fair protections from layoffs and discipline. We’re requesting the same benefits that other organizations similar to ours have.
“Our hope is that management will agree to our demands … the negotiations have been ongoing since late February.” He noted that the group first sent their demands to management around Feb. 14.
“And we’ve made significant movement as a union to come to an agreement.”
The union is still negotiating the number of caseloads housing attorneys should be assigned. Many housing attorneys have complained about having to handle more than 40 cases a month.
Since the 2017 establishment of the city’s Right to Counsel law, which says that all tenants have a right to legal representation in housing court, NYC has been providing specific funding to legal aid organizations so they can pay for lawyers’ services, but attorneys’ workloads have been overwhelming. Harrison said another central sticking point is that management is not willing to agree to a tiered salary structure for staff in its anti-incarceration Freedom Agenda department. Under a structured agreement, each worker would be placed on a scale based on their years of experience and would receive the same compensation for the same work and level of experience.
Requests by the AmNews for comments from Urban Justice Center management regarding the ongoing union negotiations went unanswered.
When legal aid workers go on strike, they’re looking to improve their work conditions, but Harrison said it’s also important to remember that their clients are affected by these actions.
“Obviously, in our position as providers of legal services, as community organizers, as advocates, it’s a difficult decision to be out [on strike] because there are obviously clients and community members that we want to be serving,” said Harrison. “But we do believe that a work stoppage is the only way to create a better system.”
Harrison noted a high turnover rate at UJC and that with around 65 people, only a few have been there more than three or four years. “No one is served well by a place that is staffed by people who can’t make a career and have to leave their job,” he said.
“We believe that while being out on strike is a difficult decision, this is the right step to take to create a more sustainable workplace that will be able to ultimately do better work and serve our communities better under a fairer, stronger contract.”
Urban Justice Center’s legal aid workers are striking for tiered salaries, improved healthcare, and better retirement benefits. (Urban Justice Center Union photos)
Proposed Changes to MTA Fares
Public Hearing
Public hearings will be held on proposed changes in fares virtually via Zoom and in person at the locations, dates and times noted below. The public is invited to comment on the proposed changes, which are summarized below and pertain, as applicable, to the fares of the New York City Transit (NYCT) and its subsidiary, the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MaBSTOA), the MTA Bus Company (MTA Bus), and the Staten Island Rapid Transit Operating Authority (SIR); Long Island Rail Road (LIRR); and Metro-North Railroad (Metro-North).
The fare proposals allow for a range of options to be considered and fare increases may be less than the maximum amounts specified. Following the hearings, after considering public comment, the Board of the MTA and its affiliated and subsidiary agencies will determine the fare changes to adopt.
For more details on the proposed changes, please visit http://mta.info/2025-fare-hearings, consult information posted at MTA stations and on digital display boards, or call the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777.
The following proposed changes may be implemented in or after January 2026.
NYCT, MaBSTOA, MTA Bus, SIR
Fares for Subway (NYCT), Local Bus (NYCT, MaBSTOA, and MTA Bus), and SIR:
Base Fare (currently $2.90):
• Increase the base fare by 10¢.
Single Ride Ticket (currently $3.25):
• Increase Single Ride Ticket on non-reusable ticket stock by 25¢.
Fare Cap and Unlimited Rides:
• Make permanent a 7-Day Rolling Fare Cap that entitles a rider to an unlimited number of free trips in a 7-day period after the rider has paid for 12 trips in a 7-day period.
• Increase the 7-Day Rolling Fare Cap to 12 times the Base Fare, to $36.00.
Fares for Express Bus (NYCT and MTA Bus):
Single Ride (currently $7.00):
• Increase the single ride Express Bus fare to $7.25.
Fares for Paratransit Services (currently $2.90):
Increase the NYCT Access-A-Ride Paratransit Service one-way fare by up to the amount of the increase, if any, of the Subway Base Fare.
MetroCard Fare Media:
No longer sell MetroCard fare media. This fare media includes the prepaid 7-Day, 30-Day, and 7-Day Express Bus Plus Unlimited Ride MetroCards.
Discount Policies:
Seniors/Customers with disabilities/Paratransit Zero Fare discount policies remain unchanged.
LIRR and Metro-North
Monthly, Weekly, and Other Ticket Types:
• Increase the Monthly and Weekly ticket price up to 4.5%.
• Increase the price for all other tickets up to 8%.
• Special discounted fares, supplemental step-up on-board fares, and ride extension fares may be subject to percentage increases higher than the otherwise maximum authorized increases to base fares due to rounding.
UniTicket and One-Way Connecting Fares:
• Increase weekly connecting fares for Hudson Rail Link by 50¢.
• Increase monthly connecting fares for Hudson Rail Link by $2.00 and for Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry by 75¢.
• Increase one-way fares for the Hudson Rail Link by 10¢, one-way connecting fares for the Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry by 25¢, and increase Seniors/Customers with Disabilities fares for these trips by 5¢.
• Increase weekly fare for connecting local NYC bus service (NYCT, MaBSTOA and MTA Bus) by 75¢ and monthly fare by up to $4.25.
• Increase weekly fare for Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) Bus UniTicket by 75¢ and monthly fare by up to $5.25.
Other Fare and Policy Proposals:
• Increase the surcharge by $2 on all tickets purchased on board trains.
• Make the Peak CityTicket and Far Rockaway Ticket permanent fare products.
The following proposed changes may be implemented once the MetroCard is no longer accepted for fare payment.
Fares for Subway (NYCT), Local Bus (NYCT, MaBSTOA, and MTA Bus), and SIR:
On-Board Local Bus Fare:
Continue to accept cash at card vending machines and OMNY retailers, and end acceptance of bus on board fare payment by coin for single ride Local Bus fare.
OMNY Card Fee:
Increase the fee for a new OMNY Card up to $2.00.
Dates and Times of Hybrid Public Hearings
There will be three (3) hybrid Public Hearings to provide information and receive comments on the proposed changes to MTA fares at the dates and times below.
Those interested in speaking will have two (2) minutes to speak.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location of the Hearings
All public hearings will be held in-person at New York City Transit Authority, 130 Livingston Street, 1st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201 and via Zoom and livestreamed at http://mta.info/2025-fare-hearings.
Subway: ACFR to Jay Street – MetroTech (accessible station), R to Court Street (accessible station), 23 to Borough Hall (accessible station), 45 to Borough Hall (accessible on Manhattan-bound only)
To register to speak at the hybrid public hearings, please register online at http://mta.info/2025-fare-hearings or call the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777. Telephone agents are available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Registration for each public hearing will open on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 and will close at the start of the hearing. All comments will be transcribed and made part of the permanent record.
You must pre-register to speak at a hybrid public hearing. Oral comments are limited to two (2) minutes for each speaker. Hearings are scheduled for three (3) hours, but for each public hearing, registrants will be accepted up to 240 minutes (4 hours) of scheduled public speakers. If there are registered speakers remaining after the hearing reaches 240 minutes of public speaker comments, only the remaining registered speakers who have not previously spoken at another 2025 fare public hearing will be given the opportunity to speak. In addition, at all hearings, speakers who have not previously spoken at another 2025 fare public hearing will be given priority in speaking order.
Joining the Public Hearings Virtually
If you are registered to speak and joining the public hearings virtually, you may join the Zoom meeting at the scheduled hearing time either online or by phone following these instructions: Join Zoom Online: To access the Zoom meeting online, visit the website: http://mta.info/2025-fare-hearings. You can also enter the URL zoom.us/join and enter the Meeting ID 830 8013 3172.
Join Zoom by Phone: To access the Zoom meeting by phone, please call (646) 518-9805. Then enter Meeting ID 830 8013 3172 followed by the pound (#) sign.
View-Only Online: Members of the public who wish only to view the hearings may access the event live at http://mta.info/2025-fare-hearings.
To submit questions during the hearings, you must join the hearing through the Zoom online platform. You may submit questions at any other time in the ways listed below (see “Additional Ways to Comment or Request Information”). Questions about the proposed fare changes may be responded to by staff during or after the hearing.
Additional Ways to Comment or Request Information Online: http://mta.info/2025-fare-hearings
Mail: MTA Government & Community Relations, Attn: Fare Hearings, 2 Broadway, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10004
Phone: (646) 252-6777, telephone agents are available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Additional testimony will be taken at Customer Service Centers, mobile sales vehicles, and other locations around the transit system. Visit http://mta.info/2025-fare-hearings for more information.
Accessibility and Language Assistance Services
American Sign Language and CART Captioning Services will be available.
Members of the public who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing can use their preferred relay service or the free 711 relay service and ask to be connected to the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777 to speak with an agent.
Members of the public who are Blind or have Low Vision can request accommodations at least five (5) business days before the first scheduled hearing date by submitting a request online at http://mta. info/2025-fare-hearings or by calling the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777.
If language assistance or any other accommodations are required, please submit a request at least five (5) business days before the scheduled hearing date in one of the following ways: online at http://mta. info/2025-fare-hearings, by calling the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777, or by sending a letter to MTA Government & Community Relations, Attn: Fare Hearings, 2 Broadway, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10004.
For those who request language assistance, the MTA will provide translated information about the hearing process and ensure that any public comments received in a language other than English are translated, included in the hearing transcript, and summarized for the MTA Board.
Members of the public who do not have access to a computer or who do not have access to the Internet can listen to each of the hearings by calling the Zoom meeting at (646) 518-9805 (toll-free). Then enter Meeting ID 830 8013 3172, followed by the pound (#) sign.
Opinion
Ketanji Brown
Jackson may
stand
alone in SCOTUS, but we’re behind her
Right-wing Republicans and MAGA supporters must be overjoyed to witness the differences between Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor. It’s bad enough when the conservative members of the bench carry the day, but it’s a deepening concern when the liberal bloc disagrees with one another. That issue was sharpened recently when Jackson, the most junior justice, wrote a solo dissent against the Trump administration’s plan to downsize the government. The decision was 8 to 1, leaving Jackson alone in her challenge against the reshaping of the government and the onslaught of democracy.
“For some reason, this court sees fit to step in now and release the president’s wrecking ball at the outset of this litigation,” Jackson wrote in her nine-page dissent. “In my view, this decision is not only, truly, unfortunate but also hubristic and senseless.”
This is not the first time she’s stood alone, and it probably won’t be the last, and, of course, we champion this courageous resolve in the same way we back Chris Smalls in his campaign to bring aid to the starving people of Gaza.
It was most disconcerting to learn that Justice Sotomayor, the senior liberal, agreed with the majority decision, which she deemed “consistent with applicable law,” while giving a nod to Jackson’s charge that the decision was “inconsistent with congressional mandates.”
Creating dissent and mayhem is part of Trump’s playbook, and we next have to be wary of the tumult around gerrymandering in states like Texas, an issue we will take up next week. Meanwhile, Justice Jackson, you may stand alone in SCOTUS, but those last two letters “US”, means we got your back.
CPR: It only takes two steps to save a life
By MELINDA MURRAYNYACK
June is CPR and AED Awareness Month, and the American Heart Association is meeting people where they are to provide New York City community members with resources to fight cardiovascular disease.
In 2009, Dominic Murray, an outwardly healthy 17-year-old, collapsed during a basketball game at school. No one knew how to start CPR, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) was not used until emergency responders arrived.
I began the Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation in my son Dominic’s honor, and have since worked in the community to help train over 30,000 people in CPR.
If Dominic had received immediate CPR and access to an AED, he might still be here today. Sudden cardiac death is preventable, and knowing CPR is the first step in changing the fates of the people in our communities.
Heart disease is the number one killer — it kills more people than all forms of cancer combined. Heart disease can affect everyone; it does not discriminate based on gender, race, ethnicity, age, or religion. People of color face a disproportionately higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses, and are less likely to receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in cardiac emergencies, like sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
There are more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year, 90% of which end up being fatal. This fatality rate is often a result of failure to provide CPR.
Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher and Editor in Chief
Gray: Executive & Investigative Editor
Kristin Fayne-Mulroy: Managing Editor
Cyril Josh Barker:
Siobhan "Sam"
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. It is critical to know this life-saving skill, and it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
In 2021, the Dominic Murray Sudden Cardi-
ac Arrest Prevention Act, also known as Dominic’s Law, was passed in New York. The law requires educators, coaches, parents, and students be informed about sudden cardiac arrest risks, signs, and symptoms.
Women and people of color are two communities that face a stark cardiac health deficit. A 2022 study indicated that Black and Hispanic adults are 41% less likely to receive bystander CPR in public than their White counterparts. These individuals are also more likely to face chronic diseases like high blood pressure and stroke.
Failure to give CPR can sometimes be out of fear of hurting or inappropriately touching a victim, but community members should
know that every state has the “Good Samaritan” law, which protects life-saving bystanders in emergency situations.
Absence of CPR can also be a result of inaccessibility to lifesaving education and resources. This is why the American Heart Association is working closely with its volunteers and community partners to ensure every New Yorker possesses the skills necessary to save a life.
In the last decade, the association has trained more than 2.3 million New Yorkers in CPR, helping to build a Nation of Lifesavers. By learning hands-only CPR, using educational resources, and advocating for change, we can improve these jarring statistics in New York City and
throughout the country.
Nearly 74% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home, which increases the likelihood that the life you will need to save is someone you love. Find a CPR course near you, and visit the association’s website for more information, so you can be prepared when you need it most.
Melinda Murray-Nyack is chair of the American Heart Association New York State Advocacy Committee; advocate and volunteer with the American Heart Association; and founder and president of the Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation, which focuses on preventing sudden cardiac arrest and death in young people.
Melinda Murray-Nyack
Madison
Damaso Reyes: Editor at Large
A Hero’s Welcome for Chris Smalls –and a lesson about Gaza
By HERB BOYD
Each week on the airwaves, I join Imhotep Gary Byrd, the radio griot on WBAI, WBLS, and WLIB. On many occasions, we have Larry Hamm, chair of the People’s Organization for Progress (POP), with us to report on political affairs and various activist movements.
Last week, he enlightened us with a story about Chris Smalls, a labor activist, who had just returned from a harrowing journey with 21 other activists as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. They were bound for Gaza to provide humanitarian relief when the Israeli Defense Forces apprehended them in international waters on July 27.
Smalls, who has gained international recognition for helping to organize the founding of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), was the only African American on the boat and, after being detained, was brutally beaten and held for five days. Larry explained to us on air that he got up before the break of day to drive out to JFK, last Friday, to be part of a huge delegation welcoming Smalls home.
“Free Gaza. Free the people of Palestine. That’s all it’s about,” Smalls told the throng of supporters.
“For me,” Larry said, “it was reminiscent of the time when Nelson Mandela came to the U.S.” Smalls said he was glad to be back home and that the de-
tainment and beating were not going to stop his commitment to Gaza. “We’re gonna send another flotilla, and another one after that. And we’re never gonna quit and give up.” Nor is there any “quit” from Larry and the POP, which could also mean the People of Palestine. Whenever the next flotilla sets sail, this activistjournalist would love to be part of that voyage, and we need an armada of ships to provide food, medical supplies, and equipment, and moral support to Gaza where thousands have been killed for just trying to get something to eat.
Chris Smalls has shown his courage and promise to continue his struggle; let’s join him in this enterprise of freedom and liberation.
Legislation isn’t enough: Queens residents demand a flood-resilient borough
By BILL SCARBOROUGH and NIKI CROSS
In the next 15 years, more than 80,000 homes in Southeast Queens, Staten Island, and suburbs east of New York City could be lost to floods. As climate change accelerates rising sea levels and unleashes storms with alarming frequency, intensity, and deadliness, the residents of Southeast Queens deserve nothing short of comprehensive flood solutions to protect their homes, health, and communities.
Nearly 30,000 New Yorkers live in flood-prone areas, with immigrant and low-income communities shouldering the highest risks. In 2023 alone, New York City was hit by five “five-year storms” — extreme rainfall events that historically had an anticipated 20% chance of happening during any given year. In Southeast Queens specifically, the groundwater table — the upper level of permanent saturation below the surface — has risen 40 feet since the 1970s, threatening building foundations and infrastructure.
City disinvestment in the community has left Southeast Queens without fully built-out public storm sewers, worsening the damaging impact of these increasingly common storm events. While flood resiliency is a citywide problem, leaders must prioritize Southeast Queens as a high-risk area and repair decades of neglect.
At the end of June 2025, environmental advocacy groups, flood resiliency service providers, and more than 100 residents gathered to address this alltoo-familiar threat of flooding. Elect-
ed leaders, including Councilmember Nantasha Williams, Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson, Assemblymember Clyde Vandel, and Senator James Sanders, spoke about the urgency of systemic solutions for flood mitigation and resiliency. Throughout the town hall event, community members voiced their concerns about flood risk in the community and emphasized the need for increased investment in flood resilience throughout the borough.
State and local legislators have a variety of opportunities to mitigate flood risk in Queens and elsewhere. The State Climate Resilient New York Act (S3590/ A8088) would establish an Office of Resilience and a Resilience Task Force to assess climate related issues — like inland flooding, stormwater infrastructure, and public safety — and research solutions to address those threats. To help homeowners in Queens who experience flood-related damage and expenses on shared private property, New York State Senate Bill S4040 would allow property owners to petition for city community improvement projects involving local upgrades to shared driveways and sewer systems. This bill drew widespread support from the town hall attendees, specifically in St. Albans, because many residents do not have access to programs that address the unique shared private sewer systems in the neighborhood, which are in desperate need of maintenance and often exacerbate inland flooding.
At the local level, New York City has begun to address systemic gaps: The recently passed Local Law 70 mandates greater transparency from the Depart-
ment of Environmental Protection in its stormwater infrastructure planning, while Councilmember Nantasha Williams’s Intro 1067-B delivers long-overdue support for homeowners seeking flood assistance through direct case management. By enforcing and advancing these critical legislative efforts, leaders can finally deliver necessary relief to Southeast Queens residents who have endured the unacceptable and escalating burden of chronic flooding and the costly damage left in its wake.
While recently proposed and enacted legislation lays the groundwork for a flood-resilient Queens, policy alone will not solve the problem. Achieving comprehensive, sustainable, long-term relief requires on-the-ground investments. This means establishing a combination of stormwater management practices that absorb and divert rainfall, such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, bluebelt diversions of streams and ponds, enhanced overflow drainage systems, and flood-resilient construction with waterproof materials and backwater valves. It is essential to implement these solutions at scale and secure dedicated funding for both future resilience and repair of existing damage.
Every dollar spent on flood mitigation yields $13 in recovery savings, clearly demonstrating that proactive investment isn’t just prudent; it’s crucial for a flood-resilient Queens.
The escalating flood crisis in Southeast Queens, fueled by climate change and compounded by decades of infrastructural neglect, demands immediate and decisive action. The recent town
Be fearless — time to fight for progress and the good
CHRISTINA GREER, PH.D.
To say we are living in scary times is an understatement. We are living in uncertain times, politically and economically. Our political institutions are being weakened and defunded. We see the Republican Party abdicating its power to the president whole cloth. Members of Congress are voting against their own interests, defunding their own districts, and harming their own constituents in long-and short-term ways. The Supreme Court is setting precedents that hand power over to the president in ways we have never seen before. On top of all of this, masked men in plain clothes are terrorizing communities and kidnapping men, women, and children in broad daylight.
I know I have just listed a litany of things that should make us fearful about the future of this nation and democracy writ large. Although I am definitely concerned about the future of this country I call home, however, I am not afraid.
My ancestors helped build this great nation. Like many Black Americans, our lineage is here and the labors of our long-gone relatives are literally baked into the soil. The blood, sweat, tears, hopes, dreams, fears, faith, and so much more is here. I think of how strong my grandmother’s hands were and how mine may have the same vein structure, but they will never see the type of labor she put into building a life for herself and her family. That is my lineage and the type of strong family roots that bind me to this country. Because of this, I know
that as dark as these days may seem, they are not nearly as dark as the days my grandmother experienced. I also know that the beauty and curse of America is that everything that is done can also be undone.
This is a nation of progress and regress. It only changes for the good if we fight for it. If we find others willing to fight alongside us. If we remember this is a marathon and not a sprint. If we “stay woke and find others to wake them up.” I am unsettled by what is happening to my country, but I am not afraid. There are more people who believe in the collective good than those who support the bad. We must remember our collective power at the ballot box, in our communities, in our social organizations doing the work, and in teaching young people in this moment all of the ways they can contribute now and in the future. Now is the time to call on the strength of our ancestors, remember what they endured and how they were able to change not only their personal circumstances, but the circumstances of their communities, their states, this country, and for some, the fate of their respective home countries. Be fearless.
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.
Caribbean Update
Trinidad to remove Columbus statue, Grenada changes oath of allegiance
By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews
Two Caribbean Community countries made significant steps in recent days to deal with offensive colonial-era relics, with Trinidad announcing definitive plans to remove Columbus’ statue from its place of prominence and neighboring Grenada localizing its national oath of allegiance.
Authorities in both nations timed their announcements to coincide with annual emancipation observances marking the end of transatlantic slavery, observed across the 15-nation bloc and its associate members in the past week.
In Trinidad, Port of Spain City Mayor Chinua Alleyne told celebrants that a huge bronze statue of Christopher Columbus will soon be removed and placed at the national museum, from Independence Square, in the commercial section of the city. That bronze statue has been in place since the close of the 19th century and is seen as offensive to the modern sensibilities of citizens.
The city also moved to rename a portion of Oxford Street as Kwame Ture Way after the renowned and respected late Trinidadian/American civil rights leader. Originally, Stokely Carmichael, also known as Ture, was involved in some epic civil rights battles alongside
Martin Luther King Jr. and others in the US South in the 1960s and 1970s.
Local African groups had demanded that the entire street be named after him, but accepted that its partial renaming was a start that could be improved upon in the coming months.
“The council of the city of Port-ofSpain has taken the decision to remove the statue of Christopher Columbus from Independence Square and to make it available to the national museum and art gallery for display. We have also taken the decision to establish a committee to recommend to the council a new name for the square for all the victims of the genocide of the First Peoples, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism,” the mayor said. “The renaming of spaces and places, the erection of public monuments and the artistic and architectural styles that were imposed, were used as effective tools of domination and subjugation. More than 140 years later, restoration and repair require that the yet-to-be-born revere our ancestors like Kwame Ture, we also ensure that they learn our colonial history in its most appropriate historical context,” Mayor Alleyne said.
The move by the city follows a growing clamor in Caricom for governments to take immediate steps to rid public sensibilities of colonial era symbols representing the harshness, brutality, and
inhumanity of the transatlantic slave trade and the genocide that was also committed against indigenous peoples. Neighboring Barbados, for example, removed the statue of British marine fighter Lord Nelson from its place of prominence in Trafalgar Square five years ago. Officials there also renamed the area as National Heroes Square. This was done in the lead-up to the country becoming a republic in late 2021, dumping the British monarch as its head of state and replacing her with a local judge as the ceremonial president of the country.
Meanwhile, Grenada’s Governor-General, Dame Cecile La Grenade, signed into law two bills banning local elected and senior appointed officials from taking an oath of allegiance or affirmation to the King of England, his heirs, and/or successors. The acts bearing the new mandate became effective at the beginning of August and now direct local officials to swear allegiance to the Eastern Caribbean island only. It even suggests that local officials must be resworn within seven days of August 1.
Trinidad, in recent months, had also removed Columbus’ original ships, the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria, from its national coat of arms, replacing them with its world-famous indigenous steelpan that was invented in the federation with Tobago nearly a century ago.
When legal status isn’t enough in Trump’s America
FELICIA PERSAUD
When Ph.D. student Will Kim returned from his brother’s wedding in South Korea, he expected a quiet reentry into the U.S. Instead, he was greeted at San Francisco International Airport by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Kim, a legal permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. since he was five and is currently working on a Lyme disease vaccine, was detained. His alleged offense? A sealed 2011 misdemeanor marijuana charge, often resolved with community service. His reality? Detention, fear, and a jarring reminder that in Trump’s America, even lawful immigrants are vulnerable.
Kim’s case is not isolated. From green card holders to DACA recipients, legal status is no longer a shield. Under the second Trump administration, it has
become a revocable technicality — shaped by fear-driven policy, racial profiling, and political spectacle.
Take Kasper Eriksen, a 31-year-old Danish national who has lived in the U.S. for over a decade, was detained by ICE agents while attending a routine naturalization appointment in Mississippi — despite no criminal record. The father of four was transferred to LaSalle Detention Center in Louisiana and held for months, according to Newsweek . His wife, Savannah Hobart Eriksen, was left in the dark as his case languished.
Consider Go Yeon-soo, a 20-year-old Purdue University student and daughter of an Episcopal priest. Go entered the U.S. on a valid R-2 visa in 2021 and had her stay legally extended through 2025. Yet after attending a routine court hearing about her status, she was detained. The Episcopal Diocese of New York and multiple advocacy groups are now calling for her immediate release, arguing ICE bypassed legal procedures and wrongly interpreted her immigration status.
Esther Ngoy Tekele, 24, from Vermont,
was detained by ICE after returning from a wedding in Canada, her family reported. This is the same for Junior Dioses, a green card holder living in the U.S. for two decades, detained for 48 days after returning from a trip to Peru in April. He told KSL News : “When I was there, I kept thinking every day, ‘Why am I here?’”
The answer may lie in ICE’s reported daily detention quotas. Immigration enforcement has turned into inventory management — counting human beings like units in a warehouse. It’s not enforcement; it’s a performance.
Legal status today is not a guarantee of protection — it’s a potential liability.
And even citizenship doesn’t guarantee immunity. A Puerto Rican Army veteran was detained for “looking Hispanic.” A U.S. citizen in Chicago was held for hours despite presenting a valid ID. Native Americans and Spanish-speaking citizens have reported wrongful detentions with little recourse or accountability. This isn’t about border control. It’s about optics, race, and unchecked power.
According to TRAC immigration data,
56,945 people were in ICE custody as of July 27, 2025. Of those, a staggering 71.1% — over 40,000 detainees — had no criminal conviction. Only 1.49% of new FY2025 cases involved deportation requests based on alleged criminal activity, apart from illegal entry.
Meanwhile, fear is rippling through immigrant communities. In Florida and Tennessee, families are self-deporting, leaving homes and even pets behind. In California, undocumented renters avoid asserting legal rights, afraid of exposure. This isn’t about immigration — it’s psychological warfare.
The message is clear: legal status won’t save you. In today’s America, the system no longer distinguishes between threat and presence, paperwork and punishment. It sees only bodies to detain, deport or disappear.
Felicia J. Persaud is the founder and publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com, the only daily newswire and digital platform dedicated exclusively to Caribbean Diaspora and Black immigrant news across the Americas.
The vandalized statue of Christopher Columbus in Columbus Square in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Robert Taylor)
3 African nations agree to take deportees from the US. What we know about the secretive deals
By GERALD IMRAY Associated Press
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Rwanda has become the third African nation to enter into a deal with the Trump administration to accept migrants deported by the United States.
The Rwandan government said Tuesday it has agreed to accept up to 250 deportees from the U.S. for resettlement, but didn’t immediately give any more details, including when the deportees would arrive or what Rwanda got, if anything, out of the deal.
The U.S. has already deported eight men to South Sudan and another five to Eswatini that it said were dangerous criminals who were in the U.S. illegally.
Here’s what we know, and still don’t know, about U.S. President Donald Trump’s expanding third-country deportation program in Africa and the largely secretive deals the U.S. is striking. The U.S. State Department and the Department of Homeland Security haven’t responded to requests seeking more details on the deals in Africa.
South Sudan
The U.S. sent eight men from South Sudan, Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, and Vietnam to South Sudan in East Africa in early July after their deportations were held up by a legal challenge. That led to them being kept for weeks in a converted shipping container at an American military base in nearby Djibouti.
U.S. officials said the men had been convicted of violent crimes in the U.S.
When the South Sudan government took custody of them a month ago, it said it would ensure their “safety and wellbeing,” but declined to give other details, including where the men are being held and what their fate might be.
South Sudan has been wracked by conflict since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011 and is teetering on the edge of civil war again.
Eswatini
Two weeks after the South Sudan deportations, the U.S. announced that it had sent another five men — citizens of Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen, and Laos — to the small kingdom of Eswatini in southern Africa. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said they were also violent criminals, whose home countries had refused to take them back.
Eswatini’s government said the men would be held in solitary confinement until their repatriation, and later said that might take up to a year. A human rights lawyer in Eswatini has taken authorities to court, alleging the men are being denied legal representation while being held in a maximum-security prison, and questioning the legality of detaining them indefinitely when they have served their criminal sentences in the U.S.
U.S. authorities didn’t name the men or say if they had been deported straight from prison or detained in another way. Eswatini, which borders South Africa,
is one of the world’s last absolute monarchies. King Mswati III has ruled since he turned 18 in 1986. Authorities under him are accused of violently subduing pro-democracy movements in a country where political parties are effectively banned.
Rwanda
Rwanda’s deal with the U.S. comes after a contentious migrant agreement it reached with the U.K. in 2022 collapsed and was ruled unlawful by Britain’s Supreme Court. That deal was meant to see people seeking asylum in the U.K. sent to Rwanda, where they would stay if their
asylum applications were approved. The failed deal ultimately cost the U.K. nearly a billion dollars in public money, including around $300 million that it gave to Rwanda and didn’t get back. Rwanda said that the deportees it will take from the U.S. will be resettled there and given work training, health care, and help with accommodation.
Analysts say that African nations might be seeking a range of benefits from the Trump administration in return for taking deportees, including more favorable tariff rates, aid and other financial assistance, and even the easing of sanctions against some of their officials.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame. (Hildenbrand /MSC, CC BY 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons photo)
How to Pay When Buying From Someone You Don’t Know: Keep These Tips
In Mind to Help Avoid Scams
Adams promises more ‘family-sized’ affordable housing for seniors
Sponsored content by
JPMorgan Chase
Credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks, wires or sending money to others using a P2P (person-toperson) payment app are examples of the many ways consumers can pay for everyday transactions. To help protect their money from scammers, it’s important for people to understand that how they pay matters, especially when buying something from someone they don’t know or trust.
Checks:
Although declining in usage, many people still regularly use checks, particularly for business transactions. Check fraud can happen in various ways, such as writing bad checks, stealing and altering someone else’s check, forging a check, or depositing the same check twice (once through a mobile app and again at a branch).
• Here’s What You Can Do: Never make checks out to “cash.” Use permanent ink, and write the amount in numbers and words. Don’t leave a check book unattended and always send a check directly from the post office or through secured mailboxes; don’t leave them for pickup in your mailbox at home. When possible, opt for electronic payment methods instead of checks.
Person-to-Person Payments:
Person-to-person payments through services like Zelle® can be quick and convenient ways to send money to others you know and trust (e.g., friends and family or your dogwalker). Don’t use Zelle to buy things online, especially through social media marketplaces or messaging apps. If you send money for something that turns out to be a scam, it’s very unlikely you’ll be able to get it back.
• Here’s What You Can Do: If you are purchasing goods or merchandise, including things like concert tickets, a credit or debit card that offers purchase protection may be a better option. If at any time you feel pressured, the deal seems too good to be true, or you otherwise suspect it’s a scam, don’t proceed with the purchase.
Credit and Debit Cards:
When you pay with a credit or debit card, you are not responsible for unauthorized charges if your card is lost, stolen or fraudulently used, as long as you report unauthorized charges promptly. Use your card’s security features to help keep it safe.
• Here’s What You Can Do: Two-factor
authentication can help block anyone who gets your banking information from using it, and setting up credit monitoring helps you know if your card is used fraudulently. Keep your card safe. If you misplace it or think it is lost or stolen, contact your bank immediately, and lock your card from additional charges.
Scammers may try to get you to send a payment to them to pay for something (like concert tickets) that you then never receive. Credit and debit cards may offer some protections that can help you get your money back for purchases you make if you don’t receive what you paid for. If you pay with a credit card, your bank will likely reimburse you for your payment if you don’t receive the goods. If you paid with a debit card, your bank will try to get your money back from the scammer’s bank, but if the scammer has disappeared with your money, they won’t be able to get the funds back, and your bank is not required to reimburse you.
• Here’s What You Can Do: Watch out for sellers who require forms of payment that do not provide purchase protection. Before you pay, always ask yourself: “Am I sure this is not a scam?” Always remember: If you’re unsure, walk away.
Wire Transfers:
Wire transfers are convenient and secure, and they work like cash. Only send a wire when you know the details of the recipient and never feel pressured or urged to send one. Wire transfers are a target for scammers because they are often used for high dollar transactions—like homes or cars—and once sent, they cannot be reversed. Scammers can impersonate companies, banks, and government agencies to quickly receive your hard-earned money, move it to another account and disappear.
By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff
Go hard and go home? The city will encourage and, in some instances, mandate developers to include more two-bedroom units when building affordable housing for seniors, Mayor Eric Adams announced on July 30.
The Senior Affordable Rental Apartments (SARA) program, which helps finance construction to house low-income people age 62 and older, will require at least 20% of units in new buildings participating in the low-interest loan initiative to have twobedrooms in neighborhoods with the least amount of affordable housing units. New buildings in other neighborhoods can also designate 20% of a new building’s units as two-bedrooms, which the program previously did not include.
Most SARA-funded housing previously focused on one-bedroom and studio apartments; 30% of those units must also be designated for seniors experiencing homelessness. A supportive housing model to reach the threshold may be implemented. SARA steps in on the city-level due a lack of new construction from HUD-202, the federal senior affordable housing program. This announcement comes as New York City’s older population continues rising, largely credited to a significant growth in older Black, Brown, and Asian New Yorkers.
• Here’s What You Can Do: Never provide your bank account details to unfamiliar or suspicious individuals and avoid wiring money to people or businesses you are unfamiliar with, especially if prompted by suspicious phone calls or emails.
In a world of growing payment options, it’s important that people make informed choices about how to pay for purchases, especially when buying from a person or business you aren’t familiar with, to help keep their money safe. Learn more about protecting your finances at chase.com/digital/resources/privacy-security 1
For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content. Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal
“We want to make sure that older New Yorkers can age with dignity and community right here in the city they love,” said New York City Executive Director for Housing Leila Bozorg. “With these new policy changes, we’re proudly acknowledging that households with older adults can take many shapes and forms, and expanding our city’s housing programs to reflect that long-lived reality.”
The Adams administration believes the reforms will accommodate the growing need for housing beyond one-bedrooms or studios. About 29% of New York City seniors live with their children, according to the Center for Research on Housing Opportunity, Mobility, and Equity.
SARA, which operates under the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), bankrolls building or repurposing 100% affordable housing apartments that are age-restricted for seniors. A participating developer must be (or partner with) a nonprofit provider to qualify for capital funds.
Recent findings from LiveOn NY found more than 300,000 people were waitlisted for HUD-202 apartments and 220,000 seniors applied for the city’s Housing Connect in 2023. More than half the older adults registered for the city’s Housing Connect portal were considered “extremely low income,” which at the time meant 30% or below area median income (AMI) and less than $32,610 (30% AMI rose to $34,020 this year).
However, the report also found most seniors seeking affordable housing are overwhelmingly single or in couples. LiveOn NY sees more two-bedrooms as a critical solution to space for live-in and overnight aids, but maintains they should not come at the expense of the number of units.
Reforming SARA stems from the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning plan to remove antiquated development barriers contributing to the city’s housing stock shortage. Last week also marked “Housing Week” for the Adams administration, which promoted efforts to build more housing.
“For too long, our city’s housing policies have made it harder for older adults to live with aides, children, or other family members,” said Adams. “Today, our administration is changing that. With these new rules, we’ll build more senior housing with extra bedrooms and help more families find an affordable place to live together in New York City.”
Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul hold a press conference following the New York City Council’s passage of the mayor’s signature housing proposal, “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity.” City Hall. Thursday, December 5, 2024. (Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office)
Arts & Entertainment
August 2025 Dance Calendar
By CHARMAINE PATRICIA WARREN Special to the AmNews
Enjoy this month of dance inside and outside. Topping the calendar is MBDance, under founder, choreographer, and director Maria Bauman’s world premiere of These are the bodies that have not borne “ … which combines land art, choreography, original music, soil ecologies, and ritual: a reckoning and a healing offering for those contending with the courage it takes to desire,” notes the release. Performances will take place as part of the Snug Harbor Dance Festival on Staten Island, Aug. 23-24. Bauman offers: “As Black queer and trans folks who have not birthed children, we offer our dancing bodies in an outdoor public setting as evidence and reminder of our inherent
worth, obstructing institutional efforts to vilify and invisibilize us.” The cast includes Graciella Ye’Tsunami, Rochelle Jamila, AJ Wilmore, Angel Edwards, Myssi Robinson, Audrey Hailes, and Bauman. For more information, visit snug-harbor.org.
ALSO THIS MONTH:
Aug. 7: Ballet Hispánico, under artistic director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro, will perform as part of the Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park.
The program will include Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s House of Mad’moiselle, plus an excerpt from Ochoa’s Sombrerisimo, and an excerpt from Alejandro Cervera’s Tango Vitrola. For more information, visit cityparksfoundation.org.
Aug. 12-16: Battery Dance Festi-
val, in partnership with Battery Park City Authority at the Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park returns after a two-year pause during renovations. The program will include various dance companies including indigenous performer Marie Poncé, followed by tap-dancer John Manzari, Turkish-Dutch
choreographer Rutkay Özpinar and Limón Dance Company and many national and international companies. For more information, visit batterydance.org.
Aug. 22-24: At the David A. Koch Theater/Lincoln Center, Hong Kong Ballet will present the New
York premiere of The Butterfly Lovers, “a legendary Chinese folktale about humble scholar Liang Shanbo and aristocratic heiress Zhu Yingtai, who disguises herself as a boy in order to study at a prestigious academy, according to the release. For more information, visit davidhkochtheater.com.
Maria Bauman (Thomas Dunn photo)
Maria Bauman in These are the bodies that have not borne. (Video still courtesy of MBDance)
Ballet Hispanico’s House of Mad’moiselle. (Rosalie O’Connor Photography)
‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is more than just fun & flash
By DWIGHT BROWN NNPA News Wire
“I will not sacrifice this child for the world. I will not sacrifice this world for my child.” Hard to understand what could drive anyone to say that. Hard to understand what could put anyone in that position.
That’s the core of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” — a very thoughtful screenplay, as created by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer. Through their creative efforts, this film’s emotionally compelling script turns superheroes into approachable people with issues. That turns this Marvel entry into something more than just another money grab. This one feels like a superhero think tank that merged ideas and created a story with heart.
A fated trip into space turned four folks into a “fantastic foursome” with superpowers. Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal) is a brilliant scientist who can stretch his body beyond recognition. Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby) is his strong-willed wife. Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) is her rambunctious younger brother. Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon MossBachrach), a strong man with a rocky-looking physique, rounds out the quartet.
Somewhere, sometime during the mid-century, the four are ensconced in their city’s culture, providing protection and justly being hailed as local heroes.
When a metallic-looking emissary named Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) flies into their community, it’s no wonder that the squad jumps into action. She warns them: “Your planet is now marked for death.” As the messenger for Galactus (Ralph Ineson), an evil, power-hungry space god who intends to destroy Earth, she knows what she’s talking about — but there’s a hitch: That ominous being wants more than just the world. It wants something far more precious, and closer to the heart of the Fantastic Four. Now, they’re in the fight of their lives for humankind and a vulnerable soul who’s barely been born.
The general premise is older than the galaxies. Heroes fighting for Earth’s future is formulaic to the point of being cliché. The difference in this Marvel chapter is that it spends a lot of time
on developing and nurturing the relationship of this extended and non-traditional family. That personal angle overrides some of the film’s imperfections. It’s a choice too few superhero movies make these days (the exception being the new “Superman” movie). Hard to think of a sci-fi, superhero, action, adventure film that includes pregnant characters. Harder still to fathom a superhero giving birth in space. Yet Sue
is having contractions aboard a spaceship that’s under attack and the audience is watching like they’re in a gallery surrounding a hospital’s birthing room. It’s like the movie is giving a free Obstetrics 101 intro course. This innovative scene is almost worth the price of admission. Credit the writers for dreaming ip this stunt. Wish there were more scenes that were this unique. Also, having different countries across
the world unite for a common cause is such a needed message. It’s a theme that’s so relevant these days at a time when selfish alienation has become the norm. Equal praise should be heaped on the cast for humanizing four oddballs who are trying to save the world, protect a baby, and balance work and home life, just like everyone else. Pascal is the actor of the moment. His ability to bring humanity and vulnera-
bility to Reed is uncanny. Kirby seems stoic as the mom who is making the toughest decisions. The two actors behave like a couple feeling their way through life — figuring out their relationship and trying to make things right. Sue to Reed: “Sometimes you being you hurts me.” The rest of the cast, including Sarah Niles as Lynne Nichols, a press secretary, are sufficient to good in their roles.
Script, characters, and acting are the strong points. The weak points add up, too. The direction by Matt Shakman, whose base is TV, cable, and streaming series (“WandaVision”), isn’t innovative or stylish. Feature films are not in his wheelhouse, and it shows.
What’s on view feels like a series of strung-together vignettes and generic action scenes, with obvious sets (Kasra Farahani), cartoony costumes (Alexandra Byrne), a conventional score (Michael Giacchino), special visual effects (Scott Stokdyk) that aren’t memorable. Fortunately, the editors (Nona Khodai and Tim Roche) nip scenes at the right moment.
But who cares if the scenes are long or short if what you’re watching isn’t all that eye-catching? When Galactus finally makes his appearance, he’s not that scary-looking. Big and foreboding, but not astonishingly so. It’s a missed opportunity. His image should have scared the daylights out of everyone.
Much has been said about the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) over-extending itself and becoming flat. That’s a just criticism and worthy conversation. At some point, it feels like those in charge are running out of ideas and have lost their way, artistically. To the credit of these writers and actors, this edition has a soul, while some others in the Marvel canon don’t. It’s easy to like the main characters. Their predicaments become the audience’s problems, too, right up until the end — until tough choices must be made, or else.
Knowing that these four are part of a much larger family is not a prerequisite for enjoying parts of this film. If you stumbled into a theater playing “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” without knowing anything about Marvel, you’d still enjoy the storyline, even
Continued on next page
Pedro Pascal stars in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Joseph Quinn star in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” (Marvel/Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture photos)
Continued from previous page
without knowing its background. That’s because this film feels like a self-contained unit. It has a be-
ginning, middle, and end and will be quite watchable on cable and streaming services for viewers who like the genre.
Getting back to the hearts of
characters may let the MCU live to fight another day. If they could just get the directing, production elements, and stunts to fly as high as the script and acting,
maybe there’s still life in this saga about four heroes.
Audiences shouldn’t have to sacrifice eye-catching stunts and imagery, though, for great writ-
ing and acting. Nor sacrifice great writing and acting for eye-catching stunts and imagery. They should have it all. Should but won’t, in this case.
Joseph Quinn costars in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” (Marvel/Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture photos)
Ebon Moss-Bachrach costars in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby costar in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
Yussef Dayes brings ‘Black Classical Music’ to SummerStage in Central Park
By JOHNNY KNOLLWOOD Special to the AmNews
Excessive heat, flood warnings, and a rescheduled date didn’t stop fans from gathering at the Capital One City Parks SummerStage in Central Park on August 2 to see London-born drummer Yussef Dayes and his band, the Yussef Dayes Experience, for an evening that was all about rhythm and vibrations. Dayes took on double duties, performing with his namesake group and with saxophonist Venna’s group earlier in the day. The groups were joined by Thai drummer Salin and French multiinstrumentalist FKJ, rounding out a diverse lineup of explorative players.
The date, originally scheduled for Thursday, July 31, was rescheduled amidst citywide cancellations in the face of flood warnings and recent waves of excessive heat. The date change didn’t stop fans from packing out the ticketed show in benefit of the City Parks Foundation, who hosts the annual series that is packed with free programs.
The show was stopped twice to address audience members who collapsed — first during saxophonist Venna’s set early in the day. “We need some help,” Venna beckoned to security, before personnel rushed to the audience to aid the attendee. “Look out for each other out there,” he reminded the audience.
Nonetheless, attendees were in good spirits as they witnessed cultural connection and virtuosic intensity unfold onstage. Dayes appeared alongside Venna, who is set to release new music in September, participating in a laid-back set of soulful funk fusion. FKJ took to the stage soon after and
utilized live-sampling, piano playing, and vocals in his performance. During FKJ’s set, Dayes was spotted by the port-o-potties in
the back of the venue space, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans before heading backstage. “We made it,” he told
the AmNews, in reference to the weatherrelated challenges.
As the sun set, Dayes’ drums were moved up to the front and center of the stage. The lights went blue, and the tone was set for ‘The Experience’s’ headlining performance. Dayes’ band consisted of Venna, bassist Rocco Palladino (son of legendary bassist Pino Palladino) and keyboardist Elijah Fox, who were joined later in the night by special guests Jacob McGibbon on guitar and FKJ on piano. The group performed selections from Dayes’ 2023 debut solo album “Black Classical Music” which explores the pantheon of styles that developed from the African diaspora, including jazz, funk, soul, salsa, and reggae.
The drummer, who is of Jamaican descent, tested the limits of rhythm, exploring the seemingly infinite possibilities of the drums and at times even manipulating the tonal qualities of the instrument in unusual ways, like by placing his hands on different parts of the skin to change the drum’s pitch.
The musicians, all master improvisers, expanded Dayes’ compositional landscapes into universes of sound that reimagine the rich history of Black music. Tunes like “AfroCubanism,” “Birds of Paradise,” and “Black Classical Music” serve as transport while Dayes and his band’ serve as transporters, taking audience members on a groove-filled journey through time and space.
The music looks ahead as much as it looks backwards, honoring history while exploring new music possibilities –– proving again that tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously.
For info on upcoming SummerStage programming, visit cityparksfoundation.org/ summerstage.
The crowd at Capital One City Parks SummerStage in Central Park on August 2.
Drummer Yussef Dayes performing with the Yussef Dayes Experience at Capital One City Parks SummerStage in Central Park on August 2. (Johnny Knollwood photos)
Venna and his group performing at Capital One City Parks SummerStage in Central Park on August 2.
Korey Kingston, drummer for multicultural outfit Gogol Bordello, builds community, camaraderie through punk rock
By JOHNNY KNOLLWOOD
Special to the AmNews
“My parents thought I was a stillborn baby –– like I wasn’t moving. Then they went to the club and walked by the speaker, and my mom said it was like ‘Aliens,’” explained Korey Kingston, drummer for political punk rockers Gogol Bordello, to the AmNews ––gesticulating towards his stomach as he sipped red wine from a Solo cup side stage at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park. “They were like, ‘we knew then you were going to be a drummer.’”
Kingston, who cut his teeth touring with Southern California Ska outfits like The Aggrolites and Hepcat, has banged the skins for Gogol Bordello since 2021. The San Diego native was a long way from home on Aug. 2 as he geared up to play with Gogol Bordello at BRIC Celebrates Brooklyn, an annual summer festival that offers community and cultural connection through their diverse programming. “I don’t feel like I ever learned to play drums,” he told AmNews. “I just always did.”
Kingston cites his parents as major influences, exposing him to a diverse array of music at a young age. His father, Kim Horn, was a singer. “When I was a toddler, he was in a metal band,” said Kingston. “Lars [Ulrich, from Metallica] was the drummer, if you can believe it!” Horn, who was influenced by his own father’s taste in music and has recorded with his son, primarily settled into singing jazz after playing in pop and rock based wedding bands. “He would sing us these songs that his dad would sing to him,” said Kingston. “Nat King Cole, Eddie Jefferson,
Lou Rawls.” However, his mother’s Puerto Rican heritage introduced Kingston to the Afro-Latino rhythms present in Salsa and other Hispanic music. “We’d go to grandpa’s house on Sundays and listen to Joe Cuba, and El Gran Combo,” he said. “I had really good culture and music around me.”
Eventually, Kingston gravitated towards ska and reggae, an interest sparked by his uncles who were “heavy” into rude-boy culture which originated on the streets of Jamaica. “When I was a teenager my uncle took me to my first ska show,” said Kingston, recalling the lineup that included So-Cal groups the Skeletones, the Specks, and Meal Ticket. “The rest is history.”
Kingston found a sense of acceptance and unity in the ska scene that was present in his Southern California social life. “I just
couldn’t believe there were people there who looked like me,” he recalled. “There were Black kids, and white kids, and Hispanic kids, and I just fit right in.” Kingston dove headfirst into the ska scene, riding the third wave of the genre which eventually led him to punk rock. “I grew up in the suburbs of Riverside, San Diego, and because I was into ska, because I was into skateboarding, and because I was this Black Puerto Rican kid who didn’t really fit in, I hung out with the punks.”
“I hated racism because I dealt with it so much. I felt like I could just be me.”
In addition to playing with Gogol Bordello, Kingston heads The Drum Brigade, an educational community which boasts “camaraderie over competition.” Inspired by pioneering skateboard crew Bones Brigade,
Drum Brigade offers a range of programming and resources including mentorship, lessons, and workshops, using positivity and inclusivity as central themes to propel the operation. “If you play drums, you are one of us,” he explained.
With Gogol Bordello, Kingston plays a unique blend of punk, ska, and world music that serves as a backdrop for political resistance. At BRIC Celebrates Brooklyn, Kingston performed alongside his bandmates to hundreds of screaming fans in front of a literal political backdrop — expressing “Solidaritine,” and donning the colors of the Ukrainian flag amidst the ongoing conflict there. The NYC-based group is composed of members with diverse cultural backgrounds, including players from Ecuador, Brazil and Ukraine. The diversity on stage mirrors the landscape of New York, and is reflected in the music that twists and turns through traditional European folk, Jamaican ska/dub, and New York punk rock with a dose of Latin-influenced percussion. “In this band I felt immediately accepted and like what I bring to the table is what is needed here,” Kingston told AmNews. “My reggae chops, my jazz chops, my funk chops, my punk chops –– that’s what this band is. The ethos of punk rock, which is rooted in unity and acceptance, has become a prevalent part of Kingston’s work. When fans leave a Gogol Bordello performance, or students finish a session at Drum Brigade, Kingston has one goal in mind. “I want people to feel completely accepted,” he said. “I don’t want anything to hold you back from what you are trying to accomplish.”
For more info, visit drumbrigade.com
Korey Kingston performing with Gogol Bordello at the BRIC Celebrates Brooklyn series at Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park on August 2. (Johnny Knollwood photos)
Korey Kingston hanging out at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park before his performance with Gogol Bordello at the BRIC Celebrates Brooklyn series on August 2.
Korey Kingston warming up at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park before his performance with Gogol Bordello at the BRIC Celebrates Brooklyn series on August 2.
Artist and rapper Ferg brings music and wellness event to Harlem with Flo Fair on Aug. 14
By JOHNNY KNOLLWOOD Special to the AmNews
Artist, rapper, and Harlem native Ferg is connecting the dots between music, community, and health at Flo Fair — a free, allday event boasting wellness services and exclusive performances, slated to be held at Marcus Garvey Park on August 14. The City Parks Foundation-hosted fair will feature a 5K run, yoga, and a performance by the chart-topping rapper who found success as a member of hip-hop collective A$AP Mob. “I had to live in Tulum for about a month, and I was waking up and doing yoga, getting sun, and being outside,” Ferg said to the AmNews in an exclusive call. “I’ve been doing meditation … this has been a daily routine for me and it just had me floating through my day. This is the type of stuff I thought would be cool to bring back to the neighborhood.”
Ferg came to prominence in the early 2010s as a member of the hip-hop collective A$AP Mob, which also includes members A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti, fusing alternative sensibilities with rap to create a sound uniquely Ferg. His biggest hits include “Work,” “Shabba Ranks,” and “Plain Jane,” and he has worked with artists who include French Montana, Future, and Mary
J Blige. His latest album, “DAROLD,” was released in 2024.
Flo Fair was inspired by local health fairs his family held in Harlem to honor Ferg’s late father, Darold Ferguson, a fixture of the
community who printed labels for companies like Bad Boy Records and died just days before the artist’s 17th birthday. “We offered free checkups to the community,” said Ferg, “and there would be a performance from me
at a gymnasium in the projects.”
The upcoming event is much like ones of the past described by Ferg, but on a grander scale, featuring multiple ways to engage in wellness practices. Starting at 9 a.m., the day’s activities include a fitness flow class, sound baths, and interactive art curated by Ferg. “These are all just tools for the community,” explained Ferg. “I didn’t want to be super-preachy about it. These are tools that I picked up and want to introduce to people, because they did a lot for me.”
In the evening, Ferg will take the stage with openers Universal Space Jam, TGUT, and Hunter, as well as some surprise special guests, including Denzel Curry. “I picked people I could actually just text on my phone,” Ferg told the AmNews about selecting a tight-knit group of performers for the community-driven event. “I had to have people perform who were from Harlem … it’s friends, family, and people that I genuinely rock with.”
As access to healthcare services becomes increasingly challenging, communal resources that promote wellness are more important than ever before. “Come for the whole thing,” Ferg said, addressing New Yorkers. “Just come, have a good time.”
For more info and the full schedule for Flo Fair, visit cityparksfoundation.org.
Summer Streets, Big Daddy Kane, & Sundae Sermon: Kicking Off (Black) August with a bang in Harlem
By NICOLE M. MOORE
Special to the AmNews
Last week, I was binge-watching the very cute and wonderful Netflix series “Forever,” created by Mara Brock Akil, which centers on the love and angst of two Black teens. In episode five, the story zooms in on Martha’s Vineyard and midway through the episode, a character asks, “Don’t you get tired of white people?” The mother of one of the angsty teens responds, “That’s why we spend all of this money coming up here in the summer,” to be in community with other Black folk. After the various turn-ups in Harlem this past weekend, I’m grateful that I do not have to leave my hood or spend gobs of money in order to be surrounded by people who look like me and who love to have a good time when gathered. Harlem is the original mecca of Blackness, and August, when we celebrate Harlem Week, is when we really show up and show out!
Saturday marked the first day of NYC Summer Streets in Manhattan. Billed as “400 blocks of car-free fun, fitness, and live entertainment,” Seventh Avenue from 123rd to 125th Streets serves as the official Harlem Rest Stop. Orisha Wholeness had
and that’s just what I experienced in the hour that I strolled through before hopping on a bike, compliments of Unlimited Biking (only had to pay $2 for the hour long
rental). The freedom and joy I felt cycling through Manhattan without cars, trucks, or mopeds running me off the road exhilarated every cell in my body and before I knew it, I was on 70th and Park Ave. I returned home for my own personal rest stop so I could be refreshed for the Rise Up NYC concert taking place in front of The Apollo Theater that night featuring Big Daddy Kane, Harlem’s own Doug E. Fresh, and Johnny Gill. Hundreds of people packed Harlem’s main corridor to reminisce and sing along with our old hiphop faves, but it never felt uneasy or crazy, which I must say is probably a result of the smart setup. The live stage was closer to 8th Ave and there was also a screen that streamed the show by 7th Avenue, so everyone was able to comfortably see the performances. And lemme tell you, when Kane hit 1-2-5, he did not half-step! He blessed us with joints like “Ain’t No Half Steppin’,” “I Get The Job Done,” and of course, “Smooth Operator.” Sadly, I didn’t see Doug E. Fresh or get to hear “My, My, My” because, unlike everyone else who knew better and brought their own beach chair, I did not and could not stand around for another hour. No
a Zumba class, the Rakiem Walker Project featuring Glyra performed our fave R&B classics, and The Greater Refuge Temple was serving up hotdogs, icees and chips,
Rapper Ferg will host Flo Fair on August 14, merging art, wellness, and community in Harlem. (Photo courtesy of Ferg)
The Rakiem Walker Project featuring Glyra (Nicole Moore photo)
New book shows how Barkley L. Hendricks lived with his sources of inspiration
By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff
The new book “Barkley L. Hendricks: Piles of Inspiration Everywhere,” a collaboration between fine arts photographer
David Katzenstein and the artist’s wife, Susan Hendricks, offers readers a detailed look inside the home that inspired the artist’s naturalistic paintings.
The book features large, double-page photos of the rooms in the New London, Connecticut, home where Barkley both had his studio and lived for decades with his wife.
“Over the span of the 35 years that we lived together in the house, no one coming to visit ever went into Barkley’s studio on the second floor,” his wife, Susan, explains in the introduction to the book: “No curators, and not even our gallerist. Certainly I could be there, I lived here with him, but the studio was his space, and I respected that. It was where he created, and it wasn’t, in his mind, open to questions or exploration.”
Two weeks after Barkley’s death on April 18, 2017, Susan allowed Katzenstein to begin photographing the house. The two
say they didn’t want to begin packing up or making changes that would in any way alter what it was like for Barkley when he lived there.
Katzenstein’s photographs are visually stunning: as you turn the pages, several of Hendricks’s rooms are laid out before you. They are filled with bold and diverse colors: posters, books, musical instruments, paintbrushes, notebooks, vinyl records, clothes, and various other objects are in areas that clearly fit within the artist’s mental filing system.
Looking in from the outside, Barkley
was just this side of being a hoarder, but as an artist, his collection of these varied pieces took on a different meaning. The book includes quotes from what Barkley used to say—little phrases that are meant to show his perspective and understanding of the rooms the book displays:
“I feel I’m into everything. More arms than I have, all reaching. Energy! Energy! Energy!”
“I am part of a very fascinating drama which I record in the mediums of my desire.”
“There is an inner vision.”
“It will be beautiful and terrifying at the same time.”
Photos from “Barkley L. Hendricks: Piles of Inspiration Everywhere.” (David Katzenstein photos)
Honor and creativity abound with Chicken Bone Beach, NoMad Fest, Jazzmobile, Afribembe, VTY Jazz
It would be dismissive to discuss Chicken Bone Beach Jazz at the Beach without first providing the infamous story about the origin of the beach’s name. It was a derogatory reference to Missouri Avenue Beach, a Black resort destination that was a racially segregated section near the Northside neighborhood of Atlantic City. The condescending name referred to the packed lunches brought by beachgoers who were not welcomed in many of the local dining establishments. Others perceived that these beachgoers left behind an abundance of chicken bones.
The Black community has now reclaimed the name as a part of historical endurance and pride. The beach is now home to jazz, local events, and sunbathing.
Absorb the culture of Atlantic City and its historical Chicken Bone Beach Jazz on the Beach concert series at Kennedy Plaza (between Mississippi & Georgia Avenues) on the Boardwalk. The free Thursday night concerts (7 p.m.), taking place Aug. 7 through Sept. 4, feature a unique mix of well-established artists and the best local musicians.
On Aug. 7, the opening artists will feature the Keith Hollis Quartet (Hollis, a pianist and organist formerly with Solomon Burke); the headliner from 8:30–10 p.m. is creative multi-instrumentalist Isaiah Collier & the Chosen Few. On Aug. 14, the IDEA Youth Music Collective (7–8 p.m.) brings together young people from the Camden, N.J., area to explore the jazz artform. The headliners will be the Marel Hidalgo Organ Trio featuring legendary Pittsburgh drummer Roger Humphries, Hammond B-3 organist Pat Bianchi, and the native New Jersey young leader guitar Hidalgo (has already played with Billy Higgins and Radam Schwartz); 8:30 p.m.–10 p.m.
For the complete schedule, visit chickenbonebeach.org and visitatlanticcity.com.
Jazz is swinging all over the Big Apple, as the NoMad Jazz Festival makes its maiden voyage with a family-fun-filled weekend of exceptional live music in Madison Square Park (Madison Avenue and Broadway at 23rd Street) on Aug. 9 and 10. Events jump off with a variety of entertaining programs as early as 9-10 a.m. with a walking tour of Tin Pan Alley and Beyond. Aug. 9 features the KongoNola Project at 10:30 a.m. and Goussy Celestin and her eight-piece AyitiBrass ensemble. The performance highlights the musical ties between New Orleans Second Line and Haitian Rara.
For kids, there’s a hands-on workshop where they create their own instruments
from recycled materials and small percussion instruments, then join the band in a group jam session that captures the creative, participatory spirit of jazz.
A cross-section of creative sounds that will have leaves swaying in unison kicks off each day at 1 p.m.; the last concert ends at 8:15 p.m. Some of the artform’s high-flyin’ performers include pianist Dabin Ryu’s Trio with leading guitarist Joe Martin and drummer Johnathan Blake; Assase Yaa’s “Hear My Voice,” a fusion of West African oral storytelling and the deep soul of gospel — the truth, pain, and hope; the Roy Hargrove Big Band, with arrangements of a creative big band founded by its namesake innovator; the gospel soul of Lizz Wright; Brandee Younger, who’s taking the inventiveness of pioneer harpist Dorothy Ashby to higher heavens; and saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, challenging the tradition for a more creative galaxy.
The live jazz shows were curated by artistic director Rio Sakairi of the Jazz Gallery, in partnership with the NoMad Alliance, Flatiron NoMad Partnership, and Madison Square Park Conservancy. Two days of exuberance; come for a few hours or bring a blanket and spend the day.
For a complete schedule, visit nomadjazzfestival.com.
On Aug. 9, get ready for Jazzmobile’s annual Great Jazz on the Great Hill concert (106th and Street Central Park West) from 3:30–7 p.m. Afternoon performances include a multi-cast of intergenerational artists like the young creative trumpeter and composer Wallace Roney, Jr., who is making
a habit of converting new fans, from New York City jazz clubs to international venues. He has earned a reputation as an invigorating artist with a vibrant sound that plays inside the hard bop core through his own flavor of jazz landscapes. His early influence was his father Wallace Senior, his uncle Antoine Roney, Miles Davis, and Lee Morgan. When he’s not leading his band in new directions, he’s a member of Camille Thurman featuring the Darrell Green Quartet.
Josh Evans, somewhat older than Roney, is another young trumpeter bringing his own relevance to his horn. With creative regard for genres, he’s earned a reputation playing with such creative artists as Richard Muhal Abrams, David Murray, Freddie Redd, and Rene McLean. The native of Hartford, Conn., was under the tutelage of the legendary Jackie McLean, whom he also had the pleasure of playing with. As a big band leader, he composes outside of the average big band swing, preferring to take a more dynamic approach.
The celebrated elder statesman George Gee breezes into the park with his 17-piece orchestra. He was inspired early on by the legends Count Basie and Duke Ellington, leading him to form the retro 17-piece George Gee Swing Orchestra. His big band sound has been an electrifying force on the NYC jazz scene.
The day of music will be hosted by WBGO’s own Lezlie Harrison, who will also treat the audience to her soulful blues rendition of the Great American Songbook.
HARLEM WEEK 2025 (HW) is in full bloom. Harlem’s longest-running interna-
tional summer festival enthralls the community of Harlem and all its visitors from now through Harlem Day on Aug. 17. On Aug. 10, HW rolls out its welcome mat for the AfriBembe Festival of the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) as celebrates its 7th anniversary, at Grant’s Tomb (122nd Street and Riverside Drive).
For complete listings of Harlem Week activities, visit harlemweek.com.
The imaginative saxophonist and composer Joe Ford, who studied under the great Jackie McLean and Frank Foster, will be honored on Aug. 10 during the Sunday Serenade series at the Cutting Room (44 East 32nd Street), 3 p.m.–5:45 p.m. The resourceful artists called upon to celebrate “A Sunday for Joe” will include trumpeter Josh Evans, alto saxophonist Bruce Williams, pianist Benito Gonzalez, bassist Lonnie Plaxico, and drummer Kush Abadey.
Ford earned his reputation as a composer as leader of his ensembles, the Black Art Sax Quartet and his innovative big band called The Thing. He released “Today’s Night” on Blue Moon Records (1993), which featured bassist Charles Fambrough, pianist Kenny Kirkland, and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts. Aside from engaging with a few of Ford’s original compositions, the band may interpret some of the tunes he played as a band member with Jimmy Owens, Lester Bowie, Idris Muhammad, Ronnie Burrage, and Freddie Cole.
Reservations are strongly suggested; call 917-882-9539.
Jazz harpist Brandee Younger (Erin Patrice O’Brien photo)
Isaiah Collier (Ron Scott Associates photo)
in physical appearance, like facial features and hair texture,” she said.
For example, Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran K. Mamdani identified as Asian (South Asian) and Black (Ugandan) on his college application because the category of race often lacks nuance in the U.S. However, Census records have also been instrumental in preserving historical data, helping many Black Americans trace their ancestry and uncover their family’s journey out of chattel slavery to citizenship in the U.S from 1790 to 1860. Free Black Americans and “free nonwhites” were also counted at that time as Black (B) or Mulatto (M) in the Census, according to the National Archives and Records Administration. The first Census after the Civil War was in 1870. It is the first to include Black people and former slaves by name.
Immigration
Jeff Wice, a professor at the New York Law School, said Census funding is being “attacked,” with Republicans trying to restrict the use of apportionment funds to be “based solely on citizens.”
According to the most recent state comptroller report, New York State benefited from the international migration of more than 519,000 people between 2020 and 2024. This offset much steeper losses of more than 966,000 people leaving the state during COVID.
Immigration, in particular, has been im-
portant for sustaining the labor force across the state. Foreign-born New Yorkers are enrolled in higher education at twice the rate of native-born, and are in the labor force and employed at higher rates, said the report.
“There’s about half a million or more undocumented persons or noncitizens living in New York State. These are people who are our neighbors, pay taxes, they serve in the military, and they’ve been counted in the Census since 1790,” said Wice. “But now, the Trump administration wants to exclude these people [so they can] allocate congressional power.”
Project 2025 calls for another attempt at adding a citizenship question to the 2030 Census.
Wice said the citizenship question threatens accuracy and undermines the goal of the Census to provide fair representation based on the total number of people living in the country during the redistricting process, which violates the 14th Amendment. This question could “scare away” immigrants or undocumented people from taking the survey, or possibly use confidential information for U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) action, said Wice.
“What they’re trying to do essentially is to roll back the gains made after the Civil War, when the 14th Amendment was enacted. Lawmakers then m ade it very explicit that the basis for congressional apportionment is to be [an] account of all people,” said Wice.
Anand added that, “In this atmosphere of public distrust in why the government is collecting or sharing data is that once you
start asking a citizenship question, people start getting spooked and wonder why you’re asking the question.”
A citizenship question inevitably leads to a decline in response rates, not only in undercounted immigrant and undocumented communities, but also in mixed-status families and with people who generally distrust the government, said Anand.
“People need to focus more on the
Census,” said Wice. “It’s one of the building blocks of our democracy and should be just as important as your morning coffee and breakfast cereal. [The] Census help shape everything — it helps shape the delivery of all government services. If you look outside your window, your streets, your hospitals, your schools, your senior centers, your parks — everything the government does is driven by the Census in one way or another.”
hall underscored the community’s urgent needs, while equipping residents with vital
tools to confront the crisis — but resources for homeowners alone are not enough; concrete systemic solutions are paramount.
Advancing state legislation like the Climate Resilient New York Act and Senate Bill S4040, along with fully implementing local measures like Local Law 70 and Intro 1067-B,
charts a necessary policy path forward.
Yet lasting resilience requires more than laws; it requires sustained investment in real-world flood defenses: stormwater infrastructure, resilience property retrofits, and proactive, data-informed planning. The time for comprehensive, coordinated action to protect these vulnerable
homes and communities is now.
Bill Scarborough is president of the Southeast Queens Residents Environmental Justice Coalition, a former assemblymember, and longtime advocate. Niki Cross is a staff attorney with New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI).
Census advocate partakes in bike ride to encourage Brooklynites to fill out Census form in September 2020. (Ariama C. Long photo)
Health
Cosmetic surgery chains are on the rise — with allegations of injury and death
By FRED SCHULTE KFF Health News
A new breed of cosmetic surgery chains, some backed by private equity investors, is competing for a slice of the nation’s growing body-contouring market. The chains sell an array of body-reshaping operations, such as “Mommy Makeovers” and liposuction, targeting customers willing to pay up to $20,000 out of pocket for a new figure.
A joint investigation by KFF Health News and NBC News found that cosmetic surgery chains have been the target of scores of medical malpractice and negligence lawsuits alleging disfiguring injuries — including 12 wrongful death cases filed over the past seven years.
Court records show that injured pa-
tients have accused the chains of hiring doctors with minimal cosmetic surgery training, failing to recognize and treat life-threatening infections and other dangerous surgical complications, and using high-pressure sales tactics that minimized safety risks. The companies have denied the allegations in court.
“These people promise to turn you into the fairest person in the land, and the risks aren’t often worth the reality,” said Sean Domnick, a Florida attorney who heads the American Association for Justice, a trial lawyers’ group.
Robert Centeno, a medical director for Sono Bello, the largest of the chains, disagrees. He said the company’s mission is to “help each and every one of our patients live their best lives now.” Sono Bello offers “life-changing transformations” that
enhance a person’s “appearance as well as their quality of life,” said Centeno, a surgeon at the company’s Troy, Michigan, office. Sono Bello boasts it is “America’s top cosmetic surgery specialist.”
However, many established plastic surgeons worry that chain surgery groups may be inclined to spend more effort on marketing and sales than on making sure their doctors are properly credentialed and capable of handling any complications that arise.
Medical practices owned by private equity or investment firms have more money to spend on drawing in patients and “the ability to operate and provide quality patient care is now less important,” said Mark Domanski, a plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia.
Erin Schaeffer, 37, spent a week in a
Florida hospital battling a severe infection after having a type of tummy tuck and liposuction at the Jacksonville branch of Sono Bello.
More than a year later, scars remain on her lower body. In a lawsuit, she is accusing Sono Bello of using an obstetrician-gynecologist who was inadequately trained to remove her excess skin and fat, a procedure she says caused excruciating pain.
Sono Bello and the doctor denied the allegations in a joint court filing.
“I literally felt like I was skinned alive,” Schaeffer said.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF, an independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Education
Student loan interest payments restarting but challenges to borrowers are mounting
By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff
Federal student loan payments and forbearance plans began accruing interest on Aug. 1, but Black and Brown borrowers face some complications due to the nature of the loan system. Because of that, there is a long list that those at risk of falling behind on payments need to know about.
The U.S. Department of Education restarted the collection process for outstanding loans this month, even vowing to seize wages and tax refunds of nearly 8 million student borrowers if they can’t keep up with payments. Interest changes should be reflected in accounts by Aug. 10, 2025.
“Instead of fixing the broken student loan system, [U.S. Secretary of Education Linda] McMahon is choosing to drown millions of people in unnecessary interest charges and blaming unrelated court cases for her own mismanagement,” said Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC) Executive Director Mike Pierce in a statement.
Black and Brown students are already at a disadvantage because of disparities in the student loan system and the racial wealth gap in the U.S. The effects of the accruing interest on their loan payments could be detrimental to future finances, delay life goals like buying a home, or add to money-related stress.
About 60% of “still-indebted” Black student borrowers do not have savings accounts, and Latino borrowers were the most likely to delay getting married and having children due to student loan debt, reported the Education Data Initiative (EDI).
More complicated problems
The DOE initially paused federal student loan payments back in March 2020, due to the COVID pandemic. Then, former President Joe Biden implemented a one-year grace period and launched the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, which put eligible loans in forbearance with a 0% interest rate, in 2023. In 2024, a Republicanled effort to block the SAVE plan played out in the courts. Earlier this year, a second federal court injunction ended the 0% interest rate.
The American Federation of Teachers sued the DOE in March 2025 for effectively breaking the student loan system and denying borrowers’ access to Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) applications, in violation of federal law.
“Every day, we hear from borrowers waiting on hold with their servicer for hours,
begging the government to let them out of this forbearance, and help them get back on track — instead, McMahon is choosing to jack up the cost of their student debt without giving them a way out,” said Pierce. “These are teachers, nurses, and retail workers who trusted the government’s word, only to get sucker-punched by bills that will now cost them hundreds more every month. McMahon is turning a lifeline into a trap and fueling one of the biggest wealth grabs from working families in modern history. It’s a betrayal.”
In the meantime, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and other politicians sent a letter on July 14, urging McMahon to immediately reverse the decision.
Available repayment plans
The SBPC projects that a typical borrower will be on the hook to pay more than $3,500 per year or $300 per month in interest charges. It estimates that at least 423,000 New York student borrowers on SAVE will be affected by the policy change. According to the EDI, Black college graduates on average owe $25,000 more in student loan debt than white college graduates. They are
also more likely to struggle financially with making student loan monthly payments of $258 or more.
The DOE’s Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator is a tool that helps estimate monthly student loan payments or figure out loan repayment options on an individual basis.
“It was always going to restart at some point,” said Rodney Williams, founder of SoLo Funds, a Black-owned personal finance app that has seen a 12% increase this year in members requesting loans to help pay student loans. “This wasn’t a forever option.”
Williams had about $75,000 in loan payments that he started repaying at age 21. He said that whenever he couldn’t pay, he made sure to contact his loan servicer and defer payments so his credit was not affected.
The Trump administration is suggesting that borrowers apply for an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan request. Eligible borrowers may have remaining balances on their loans discharged after 20 or 25 years, according to the DOE.
On May 5, the DOE began involuntary collection through the Treasury Department,
which means they can garnish wages, intercept tax refunds, and seize portions of Social Security checks of people whose loans are in default. A student loan will be considered delinquent when there is no payment 90 days after its due date, which can affect a person’s credit score. Without a payment about nine months after its due date, the loan goes into default.
Borrowers beware
The U.S. DOE is warning borrowers of federal student aid scams. Fraudulent companies often try to contact borrowers by phone or email saying they will help get a loan discharged, forgiven, or canceled for a fee. Borrowers are encouraged to work only with the U.S. Education Department and approved loan servicers, and also to never reveal personal information or account passwords to anyone.
Official DOE emails to borrowers come from noreply@studentaid.gov, noreply@ debtrelief.studentaid.gov, or ed.gov@ public.govdelivery.com. You can report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-382-4357 or by visiting reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Stock photo of past due bills. (Photo by Tara Winstead via Pexels)
‘Rigged’ and ‘racist’ redistricting maps in Texas targeted Black and Brown communities. NY and nationwide Dems are pushing back.
By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff
Texas House Republicans made a blatant move to gerrymander redistricting maps and weaken the voting power of communities of color. In-state Democrats quickly rebelled against the absurdity. Now New York and others are joining the fight.
The U.S Constitution dictates that redistricting happens after the decennial census process so that voting lines can accurately reflect populations, allocate funds, and have proper representation in government.
“Democrats in the Texas state legislature have righteously refused to vote on a gerrymandered congressional map that is designed to rig the midterm elections for House Republicans,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a statement. “The courage, conviction and character Texas Democrats are displaying is the embodiment of good trouble as we collectively push back against the extremism Donald Trump has unleashed on the American people. We have their backs.”
Last month, President Donald Trump demanded that Republicans produce five GOPleaning congressional seats in Texas ahead of the 2026 midterms by redrawing the state’s redistricting maps — outside of the Census. This is likely because he’s trying to avoid losing the Republican majority of the House during his presidency.
The special committee hearing on redistricting kicked off on Aug. 1 with the support of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Trump allies on the committee put forth a draft congressional map in line with his request that carved up Black and Brown communities in Houston, Austin, and Dallas. They voted it through, despite protests from Dems that the drafted map was downright unconstitutional.
“Let’s be absolutely clear: Greg Abbott only called this sham special session to attack Texans’ rights and rig congressional maps to stave off Republicans’ looming defeat in the midterms,” said Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin in a statement.
The new map creates 24 districts that would be majority white, two more than the current map. Republicans reasoned that the map would create one new majority-Hispanic district and two new majority-Black districts. But others firmly disagree.
Texas State Rep. James Talarico is a Democrat, progressive, and currently studying at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He and dozens of other state lawmakers chose to “break quorum” Aug. 4, literally fleeing the state to Illinois. Abbott has made threats about removing the members who left and slapping them with hefty fines. He also issued civil warrants for their arrests. They were essentially given asylum by Governor JB Pritzker.
“We are participating in a long American tradition of speaking up, of standing up to bullies, of civil disobedience, [and] of good trouble. And it’s our deep honor to do it,” said Talarico in a virtual conversation with the Center for Amer-
ican Progress (CAP) Action Fund on Aug. 5. He tuned in from a nondescript hotel in order to keep his location confidential.
“They are diluting the voting power of communities of color. Of Black and Brown Texans, and growing populations in our state. They are breaking apart minority-majority districts. They are diluting their voice in the process,” Talarico said. “So this map they put out is deeply racist, and I think it’s really important that we say that.”
This political tactic only pauses the proposed map approval ahead of a full chamber vote. A partisan quorum dispute hasn’t happened in Texas since 2021, when local Dems left Texas for 38 days to protest voting restrictions. Once they returned, Republicans passed the controversial bill.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said at a recent press conference in Buffalo that she was open to restarting New York’s redistricting process before the 2030 census to counteract Republican moves in Texas.
“We are following the rules. We do redistrict-
ing every 10 years but there’s other states that are violating the rules and will try to give themselves an advantage. All I’ll say is I’m gonna look at it closely with (Representative) Hakeem Jeffries,” Hochul said.
According to the New York Constitution, a redistricting map can’t be touched until the subsequent Census unless modified by a court order. After 2020’s chaotic Census count was completed, New York State lost a congressional seat, going from 27 to 26 congress districts.
The New York State Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC), made up of 10 bipartisan members, was then convened to redraw voting lines for Assembly, Senate and Congressional districts. Since the commission was created out of a desire to reform the process in 2014 this was basically the first time they’d had the opportunity to go through a census and redistricting.
By 2021, the IRC spectacularly failed to agree on maps and dissolved into infighting among members. The state’s Court of Appeals eventually rejected a congressional map in 2022 that
seemed to favor Democrats over Republicans, claiming partisan gerrymandering.
Despite legal precedents, there’s a gaggle of New York state lawmakers on board with redrawing the maps soon.
State Sen. Solomon “Sam” Sutton said he would “fully support a measure by the New York State Senate that would respond in kind and within the constraints of the Voting Rights Act.”
“Texas is a standard-bearer for many of the most extreme policy shifts by the right. By redistricting mid-decade, while splitting Democratic voter lines of color across myriad red districts,” said James Christopher, a longtime political operative who now heads his own political consulting firm.
“Governor Hochul and other Democratic leaders are doing the right and smart thing by already taking decisive actions to remain bipartisan and keep it fair at all costs.”
California Democrats are also considering redrawing their maps to lose five GOP House seats in battleground districts, according to the Associated Press.
New York State Congressional redistricting maps from 2022. (New York State Independent Redistricting Commission)
HARLEM
Continued from page 22
amount of Harlem nutcrackers would relieve the burn I was beginning to feel from biking earlier.
Then came Sunday, which marked the return of Sundae Sermon to Harlem, so all bets for rest on the Sabbath were off. Sundae Sermon, which started in Morningside Park 17 years ago, is more than a dance party. It’s a revival of joy and spirit through music led by DJ Stormin’ Norman. Located for the first time at Riverbank State Park, the beautiful backdrop of the Hudson made for the biggest Sundae Sermon yet! Five DJs — Ted Smooth, Ultra Violet, Masai, Cosi and Norman — kept us swaying to house, soul, and afrobeats. I ran into so many amazing people including educator and influencer Ericka Hart, publisher and model Musa Jackson, and beauty influencer Angelique Miles, and gave my calves another workout as I twirled to Stevie Wonder’s “As.” I got home and ate the yummiest chicken (you can’t go to 145th and not go to Malecon) and took an epsom salt bath. It was all beyond a vibe and a great way to (unofficially) kick-off #HarlemWeek.
* Summer Streets continues in Manhattan on Aug. 9 and 16.
Nicole can be found on Instagram @thehotnessgrrrl.
Nicole renting a bike at NYC Summer Streets
Nicole Moore with educator and influencer Ericka Hart at Sundae Sermon
DJ Stormin’ Norman + Dj Cosi spinning at Sundae Sermon.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams talking to members of Black Girls Do Bike (Nicole Moore photos)
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NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT: NEW YORK COUNTY
CI NOTES LLC v. 7 TH REALTY HOLDINGS, LLC et al.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated April 11, 2025 and filed with the Clerk of the Supreme Court, New York County on April 17, 2025, bearing Index no. 850657/2023, I will sell at public auction on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 2:15 pm in Room 130 of the New York County Supreme Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, New York 10007 the premises known as 2291 7th Avenue a/k/a 2291 Adam C. Powell Jr. Blvd., New York, NY 10030 (Block: 1919, Lot: 63). Premises sold subject to filed Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Terms of Sale. Judgment amount $1,382,233.85 plus interest and costs. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with the New York County Supreme Court Policies. Location and time are subject to revision based on Court policy, current protocols and health conditions. It is requested that Auction attendees practice social distancing whenever possible.
Roberta Ashkin, Esq., Referee. Harry Zubli, Esq., attorney for plaintiff (516) 487-5777.
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.
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.
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.
LEGAL NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF SALE
SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK. JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., Plaintiff -against- DENNY MARTIN M.D. P.C., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 26, 2024 and entered on July 31, 2024, 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 August 20, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, State of New York, known as Unit No. 2A in the condominium known as "The Ruppert Yorkville Towers Condominium" together with a 0.097375% undivided interest in the common elements. Block: 1537 Lot: 2089 Said premises known as 1641 3RD AVENUE, APT 2A, NEW YORK, NY 10128 Approximate amount of lien $1,654,551.66 plus interest & costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850143/2022.
CLARK WHITSETT, ESQ., Referee
Buonamici & LaRaus, LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 222 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY 10605 The above sale, originally scheduled for July 23, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. has been postponed. The new sale date has been rescheduled for August 20, 2025 at the same time and place.
CLARK WHITSETT, ESQ., Referee. {* AMSTERDAM*}
This is to announce that the next open meeting of the Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy I Charter School Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025, at 4:30 pm. The meeting will take place at 245 West 129th St, NY, NY.
CUSHION MENTAL HEALTH
COUNSELING PLLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 6/23/25. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 374 W 116TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10026. 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.
Seeking M/WBE bids for construction site at 217 Bedford Park Bl Bronx. contact bidding@taxaceny.com
LEGAL NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK.
7G 123 LAFAYETTE LLC, Plaintiff -against- 123 LAFAYETTE LLC, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated March 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 on August 20, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of Lafayette Street, distant 95 feet 8-5/8 inches northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of Canal Street and the easterly side of Lafayette Street; being a plot 51 feet 6 inches by 62 feet 9 inches by 51 feet 9-3/4 inches by 62 feet 9 inches. Block: 208 Lot: 4
Said premises known as 123127 LAFAYETTE STREET, NEW YORK, NY
Approximate amount of lien $21,759,120.80 plus interest & costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.
Index Number 850316/2024.
ALLISON FURMAN, ESQ., Referee
Warshaw Burstein, LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 575 Lexington Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10022
The above sale, originally scheduled for July 30th, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. has been postponed. The new sale date has been rescheduled for August 20, 2025 at the same time and place.
ALLISON FURMAN, ESQ., Referee. {* AMSTERDAM*}
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.
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.
Greater Harlem Chamber SPV1, LLC LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 5/8/25 Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 200A W136th Street, New York, NY 10030. Purpose: Any lawful act.
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 STORAGE POST / 4396 BROADWAY, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/20/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 06/03/25. 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 State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of 1340 STRATFORD INTERESTS OWNER LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (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.
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.
CRG CAPITAL GROUP LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/08/2025. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 134 West 29th Street, 4th Fl, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: Any lawful act.
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
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK.
AXOS BANK, Plaintiff -against- HUDSON 805 LLC, et al Defendant(s). Index Number 850233/2022. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 26, 2024 and entered on February 3, 2025 (the “Judgment”), I, the undersigned Referee will sell at a public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, New York on September 3, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. (E.T.) premises situate, all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, known as Unit No. 805-06 in the building known as the Printing House Condominium. Together with an undivided 0.0124% interest in the Common Elements. District: 0403 Section: 014.00 Block: 02.00 and Lot: 044.002 Said premises known as 421 HUDSON STREET, UNIT 805/806, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10014
SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK. AXOS BANK, Plaintiff -against- HUDSON 805 LLC, et al Defendant(s). Index Number 850233/2022.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 26, 2024 and entered on February 3, 2025 (the “Judgment”), I, the undersigned Referee will sell at a public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, New York on September 3, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. (E.T.) premises situate, all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, known as Unit No. 805-06 in the building known as the Printing House Condominium. Together with an undivided 0.0124% interest in the Common Elements. District: 0403 Section: 014.00 Block: 02.00 and Lot: 044.002 Said premises known as 421 HUDSON STREET, UNIT 805/806, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10014
Approximate amount of lien $7,584,837.12 plus post-judgment interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the filed Judgment and the Terms of Sale.
Approximate amount of lien $7,584,837.12 plus post-judgment interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the filed Judgment and the Terms of Sale. JEFFREY MILLER, ESQ., Referee
JEFFREY MILLER, ESQ., Referee
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP
Attn: Benjamin O. Gilbert bogilbert@sheppardmullin.com Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 (212) 896-0682
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP
Attn: Benjamin O. Gilbert bogilbert@sheppardmullin.com Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 (212) 896-0682
{* AMSTERDAM*}
{* 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.
. Purpose: Any lawful act.
Uwabideli Brands LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on March 12, 2025. Office location: Bronx County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 5680 Broadway #1039, Bronx, NY 10463
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT. NEW YORK COUNTY. FLUSHING BANK, Pltf. vs. GACH, LLC
A/K/A PBAK LLC, et al Deft. Index #850038/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 25, 2025, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on August 20, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. prem. k/a 43 East 25 th Street, Unit C6, New York, NY 10016 a/k/a Block 855, Lot 1007. The Unit known as Unit No. C6 in the Building known as The Stanford, located at 43-51 East 25 th Street in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York and also designated and described as Unit No. C6 in the Declaration establishing the Standford (hereinafter called the “Property”), made under the Condominium Act of the State of New York as amended ( Article 9-B of the Real Property Law of the State of New York dated March 31, 1986 and recorded in the New York County Office of the Register of the City of New York on May 5, 1986 in Reel 1058 Page 1675 as amended by Amendment to Declaration dated August 8, 1986 and recorded September 5, 1986 in Reel 1113 Page 464 and further amended by Second Amendment dated June 22, 1987 and recorded July 20, 1987 in Reel 12362 Page 1345 and further amended Third Amendment dated October 15, 1987 and recorded December 8, 1987 in Reel 1328 Page 2003 and by Fourth Amendment dated June 13, 1988 and recorded June 17, 1988 in Reel 1418 Page 442). Which Unit is also designated as Tax Lot No. 1007 in Block 866 of Section 3 on the Floor Plans of the Building, certified by Liebman, Liebman Associates, P.C. on the 23 rd day of April 1986 and filed simultaneously with said Declaration in the said Office of the Register of the City of New York, County of New York as Map No. 4454. Together with an undivided 3.2788% percent interest in the Common Elements of the Condominium. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,188,476.36 plus cost and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
JERRY MEROLA, Referee. CERTILMAN BALIN ADLER & HYMAN, LLP Attys. for Pltf., 100 Motor Parkway, Ste. 560, Hauppauge, NY 11788. File No. 12914.0513- #102291
EL REY VENTURES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/17/2024. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 136 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Purpose: Any lawful act.
Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #NA-0240-25121395 for beer and wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer & wine at retail in a restaurant under the ABC Law at 89B Canal St., New York, NY 10002 for on-premises consumption; Fooood LLC
Clear Process Engineering LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 5/14/2025. Office location: NY County County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 19376 N. 9th St., Covington, LA 70433. Purpose: Any lawful act.
NOTICE OF SALE
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
SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK.
ALMA BANK, Plaintiff ‑against‑ N.V. JUDSON CORPORATION, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated April 11, 2025 and entered on April 28, 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 August 20, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, known and designated as Unit No. 29G in the condominium known as "Olympic Tower Condomini um" together with an undivided .2213396% interest in the com mon elements. Block: 1287 and Lot: 1063
Said premises known as 641 5TH AVENUE, UNIT NO. 29G, NEW YORK, NY 10022
Approximate amount of lien $2,004,580.73 plus interest & costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850068/2023. MATTHEW D. HUNTER III, ESQ., Referee
SHERMAN ATLAS SYLVES TER & STAMELMAN LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036
{* AMSTERDAM*}
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.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NEW YORK COUNTY
MORGAN STANLEY PRIVATE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff against
PHILIP LAJAUNIE, et al Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered October 21, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Motion Support Room 130 in the New York Supreme Court, 60 Centre Street, New York, New York 10007 on August 20, 2025 at 2:15 PM. Premises known as 62 East First Street, Unit 4S, New York, NY 10003. Block 443 Lot 1108. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate lying and being the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $1,609,440.57 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 850341/2018.
During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee.
Paul Sklar, Esq., Referee File # NY201800001401-1
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
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
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
NOTICE OF SALE
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, 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 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 FORMATION OF OM SHADOW LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 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 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 US OVERSIGHT PROPERTIES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) 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.
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.
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.
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.
DEKOW TRANSPORTATION LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/16/2025. Office location: ERIE County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 73 HAWLEY STREEТ, BUFFALO, NY, 14213. Purpose: Any lawful act.
Notice of Qualification of ADVANTAGE SALES & MARKETING LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/18/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Nevada (NV) on 12/30/24. Princ. office of LLC: 8001 Forsyth Blvd., Ste. 1025, Clayton, MO 63105. 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, 101 N. Carson St., Ste. 3, Carson City, NV 89701. 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.
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.
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.
Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: Bar4Bar Rap League LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 01/18/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 228 Park Ave S PMB 446776New York, New York 10003-1502 US. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
This is to announce that the next open meeting of the Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy II Charter School Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025, at 4:30 pm. The meeting will take place at 245 West 129th St, NY, NY.
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.
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 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 Formation of KIRKWOOD HOUSE ACQUISITION, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/18/25. 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.
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.
Notice of Formation of G&N FAMILY CAPITAL 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.
Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #NA-0267-25121998 for beer & wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer & wine at retail in a Tavern/Cafe under the ABC Law at 616A Amsterdam Ave., NYC for on-premises consumption; TDGNYC Corp.
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 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 Qualification of STORAGE POST / 4388 BROADWAY, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/20/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 06/03/25. 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 DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. 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.
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.
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 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.
Notice is hereby given that a license, serial #NA-0340-25103028 for beer, wine & liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine & liquor at retail in a restaurant under the ABC Law at 994 Columbus Ave., New York, NY 10025 for on-premises consumption; Limone LLC
NOTICE is hereby given that a license, number NA-0370-24135212 for liquor, wine, beer & cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, wine, beer & cider at retail in a bar/tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 4371 3rd Ave; Bronx, NY 10457 in Bronx County for on premises consumption. Zion Restaurant and Lounge Corp d/b/a Zion Restaurant and Lounge
Notice of Qualification of AP CREDIT SOLUTIONS HOLDINGS (AIV) II, L.P. Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/08/25. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 12/26/24. Princ. office of LP: Attn: General Counsel, 9 W. 57th St., 43rd Fl., NY, NY 10019. Duration of LP is Perpetual. SSNY designated as agent of LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the Partnership at the princ. office of the LP. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: c/o Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with The Secy. of State of the State of DE, Dept. of State, Div. of Corps., John Townsend Bldg., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
users to share their thoughts. There is even an achievement system that offer badges to those who contribute.
“Citizen app will not make us safer,” said MPower Change Organizer Granate Kim. “The formerly named ‘Vigilante,’ Citizen app has a history of endangering Black and Brown people. In Oakland, this has meant that a small gathering in a popular park has been reported as ‘30 armed men with guns.’”
City Councilmember Justin Brannan remains a Citizen critic after penning a Buzzfeed op-ed against the platform in 2019. “Apps like Citizen transcribe unverified 911 calls. So if I called 911 and said a bunch of escaped tigers were chasing the squirrels in Central Park, that’s exactly what would come up on the app,” said Brannan by email. While the South Brooklyn official believes the app can serve as a useful tool during touch-and-go situations like a missing person, he said the platform does not always reflect reality.
“But more often than not, these subscription services contribute to a baseless sense of chaos and disorder, feeding into a hypervigilant atmosphere where perception goes beyond reality,” said Brannan. “Government has no higher duty than to keep the people it serves safe and secure, but we also don’t want people to be afraid for no reason. There’s enough fear and anxiety in the world as it is. The people behind the Citizen app don’t care about keeping you informed; they just want to keep you afraid and paying for the app.”
Mayor Eric Adams likened the partnership to public outreach over other social media platforms, except “faster and more accurate, and it gets timely information to residents.” The account will also be free for the city. The administration maintains the account is a tool for reaching residents rather than an endorsement of the Citizen platform.
Adams announced the move at a press conference at the Cypress Hills Houses in Brooklyn, where Tenant Association President James Elseviera recounted the development’s residents regularly telling him about their public safety concerns and their need for more information about nearby emergencies. “The city’s account on Citizen will give New Yorkers more peace of mind through alerts from
“We’ve seen the NYPD spending millions of dollars to encrypt dispatch radio frequencies, making it harder for the public and press to track crime and policing in real time [and] giving the NYPD broad control over when reporters and public will even learn that an event has taken place and blocking external accountability . . . They’re moving toward these apps where they get to control the feed [and] the narrative, so I don’t think the city-run account is going to reflect reality.”
—Albert Fox Cahn, founder and executive director of Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.)
verified agencies,” he said. “Knowledge is power and staying informed is a big part of staying safe.”
To be clear, downloading Citizen is free but a premium subscription locks away certain features like a registered sex offender search and police radio clips.
Meanwhile, the NYPD recently embarked on efforts to encrypt the department’s dispatch frequencies. Citizen does not have access to encrypted NYPD channels and omits sensitive information from dispatches on the city’s remaining unencrypted frequencies.
Albert Fox Cahn, Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.) founder and executive director, called Citizen a “really dangerous platform that has a history of fueling misinformation about high-profile crimes.”
The privacy expert pointed to bounties against innocent bystanders linked to
Legionnaires’ disease
Continued from page 2
equipping towers with bacteria-preventing filtration systems.
“We are respectfully requesting a formal update on this situation,” Harrison said, and more broadly, we are asking that Harlem be given the same urgency, transparency, and outreach as any other community in our city.”
“We share this message not to alarm, but to inform. The health and safety of our community is always our top priority — and we will continue to stand with our neighbors to ensure they have the knowledge, support, and protection they need.”
the app and fears usage will continue promoting mistrust between neighbors even as violent crime declines.
“We’ve seen the NYPD spending millions of dollars to encrypt dispatch radio frequencies, making it harder for the public and press to track crime and policing in real time [and] giving the NYPD broad control over when reporters and public will even learn that an event has taken place and blocking external accountability,” said Cahn. “They’re moving toward these apps where they get to control the feed [and] the narrative, so I don’t think the city-run account is going to reflect reality.”
The city maintains the partnership with Citizen is not an alternative to police scanners — the NYPD claims decrypting its communications will keep officers and victims safe from listeners who the department say use police radio
Residents and individuals working in the affected areas are advised to monitor for flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing. Those in high-risk categories — particularly individuals aged 50 and older, smokers, and people with chronic lung diseases or compromised immune systems — are urged to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise.
for nefarious purposes.
“Encrypting police radio communications is essential to protecting the safety of our officers and the privacy of victims and witnesses — and we’re not alone in taking this step,” said Mamelak over email. “The Adams administration is committed to ensuring that law-abiding New Yorkers have the information they need to stay safe, but we can’t ignore the fact that criminals are listening to our radios and using that information to commit crimes. Mandating real-time access could jeopardize officer safety and victim privacy. We need to strike the right balance.”
New Yorkers can alternatively receive verified emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 and can reply with their ZIP code to receive localized notifications. Citizen representatives did not respond to AmNews requests for comment.
“Our residents deserve clear and timely information — especially when it comes to something that may affect their health and well-being,” said Harrison. “We also believe there must be greater transparency around the location of cooling towers and other systems linked to these types of outbreaks. People need the tools and knowledge to protect themselves, and awareness is the first step toward prevention.”
Prominent ESPN female voices bring their vibe to Disney+ with new show
By LOIS ELFMAN
Special to the AmNews
Host Elle Duncan and commentators Chiney Ogwumike and Andraya Carter are expanding their insights and storytelling to a new venue: Disney+. Their new female-led sports studio show, Vibe Check, debuted on June 30 with new episodes dropping three times a week. They are joined by Monica McNutt and Hannah Storm in discussing a variety of sports, about which they no doubt have opinions.
“When it comes to the Big Three, Elle, Chiney, and Andraya — each brings a distinct perspective to the table: Elle with her journalistic savvy and pop culture fluency, Chiney with her player insight and deep understanding of the business of sport, and Andraya with her sharp analysis and storytelling instincts rooted in her playing and broadcasting experience,” said Shelby Lacy, digital video producer II. “Together they create a space where smart, funny, and insightful conversation feels effortless.”
The show’s name comes from
the vibe check Duncan, Ogwumike, and Carter do with each other and guests during basketball broadcasts. Lacy said their chemistry is evident, but they
aren’t afraid to challenge each other.
“They see the same story through completely different lenses,” said Lacy. “Elle may bring
WWE Superstar Jade Cargill leverages her popularity to empower women
By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar Jade Cargill is not only one of the most popular wrestling stars in the world, but she is a superb athlete who champions women’s empowerment inside and outside the ring.
Before her career in sports entertainment began, the 33-yearold Gifford, Florida, native of Jamaican descent won two basketball district championships at two different high schools and played three years of college basketball for the Jackson University Dolphins.
Prior to becoming a WWE icon, Cargill, who at 5’10” and 160 pounds has a physique that resembles a powerful superhero, was the first All Elite Wrestling (AEW) TBS champion, holding the title for 508 days with a 60match unbeaten streak.
Outside of the ring, Cargill and her partner, former Major League
Baseball infielder Brandon Philips, a three-time All-Star who played 17 seasons, are owners of the the Atlanta Smoke of Women’s Professional Fastpitch league. The team won its third consecutive championship over the weekend by defeating the Orlando Monarchs.
“One of the first conversations (Brandon and I) had was ‘that I’m thankful that that’s what you do,” in reference to her career, ‘but what do you do for women’?” said Cargill.
That conversation led to the couple’s investment in the league.
“It means a lot (to me) to elevate women’s sports in general and just create new footsteps for the next generation, so they can create footsteps for the next generation,” Cargill expressed. “We want nothing but the best for ourselves.”
She spoke at the Empire State Building last week in advance of appearances on WWE’s weekly Friday Night Smackdown show,
held at the Prudential Center in Newark, and the company’s annual SummerSlam, which for the first time was a two-day event taking place at MetLife Stadium on Saturday and Sunday. Cargill fell short at her attempt to become WWE Women’s Champion at the hands of Tiffany Stratton.
She revealed what it would mean for her to one day hoist that title over her head.
“It would mean the world and (would show) that my hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”
It would be more shocking if Cargill did not win the title sometime in the near future, following in the footsteps of Black women who previously competed in the WWE, such as Jacqueline Moore and Jazz, who were both twotime women’s champions with the company.
She vowed to continue to leverage her popularity to advance her own business interest and the aspirations of other women.
Ogwumike was the top pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft. She and sister Nneka, the first pick in 2012, are the only sisters to both go number one. Carter played college basketball at the University of Tennessee. McNutt played college basketball at Georgetown and has watched the women’s game explode over the years she’s been a reporter and commentator.
“The show (which is produced by ESPN) exists because of this moment,” said Lacy. “There’s a hunger for coverage that respects women’s sports as not just worthy, but as culture-shifting. Vibe Check is meeting that moment with voice, vision, and a platform built for the ways fans consume now: socially aware, emotionally connected, and unafraid of joy.”
cultural context, Chiney might offer the player’s point of view, and Andraya will break down the Xs and Os. It creates a 360-degree view of every headline.”
Vibe Check will continue bringing the energy throughout the WNBA season and then turn its attention to college sports. Expect the show to dive into NIL deals, freshmen phenoms, and rising rivalries, especially in women’s basketball. They will also follow the pipeline from college to the pros.
ESPN personalities (l-r) Elle Duncan, Chiney Ogwumike, and Andraya Carter on set of their Disney+ show Vibe Check. (ESPN Images/Allen Kee photo)
Former Jacksonville University basketball standout Jade Cargill, now WWE star, is committed to empowering women in various work spaces. (Derrel Johnson photo)
Struck with injuries, the Liberty calls on reinforcements in tight race
By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews
With the Liberty’s two-time WNBA regular season and finals
MVP Breanna Stewart still sidelined with a bone bruise in her right knee, sustained on July 26 in a 101-99 home loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, the team is 2-4 in its last six games. The defending league champion was on a fourgame winless streak before backto-back victories in a matchup with the Connecticut Sun (8778) on the road on Sunday –– led by point guard Sabrina Ionescu’s sensational 36 points and 11 rebounds –– and 85-76 against the Dallas Wings at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Tuesday.
Stewart is averaging 18.3 points and 6.5 rebounds, both which rank second on the Liberty. The team has provided no timetable for Stewart’s return.
After starting this season 9-0, the best opening in franchise history, the Liberty are 19-10, the second-best record in the WNBA when the league’s schedule tipped off last night. The Minnesota Lynx were 25-5 and the Atlanta Dream were one game behind the Liberty at 18-11.
“It’s always tough when you have injuries too, particularly in the same position, so you have to play players out of position as much as we can and play rotations that we probably would not play together, but it is what it is,” Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello said before Tuesday’s game.
The team is also missing forward Kennedy Burke and center Nyara Sabally. Burke will be out several weeks with a strain in her right calf and Sabally has sat out 15 of the Liberty’s 29 games with knee and back issues.
“We don’t practice much. They’re professionals. We’ve got a great performance staff,” expanded Brondello. “They get all the recovery that they need. Even (on Tuesday) it was a walk-through. It wasn’t a shoot around, we walked to conserve energy as
much as we can, and that’s what we will do as we go forward.”
Emma Meesseman, the 2019 league and finals MVP playing for the Washington Mystics, made her Liberty debut Sunday against the Sun, scoring 11 points in her first WNBA game since 2022. The 6-4, 32-year-old Belgian native, who has been playing in Europe for the past three years, followed up by scoring 13 points and blocking two shots on Tuesday versus the Wings.
Stephanie Talbot tied her season high with 13 points against Dallas in her seventh game for the Liberty. On July 21, the team announced the signing of the veteran forward from Australia one week after she was waived by the Golden State Valkyries.
The Liberty will play the Wings tomorrow (Friday) on the road and face the Lynx at Barclays Center, Sunday afternoon. New York will then play back-toback road games against the Los Angeles Sparks next Tuesday and the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday.
Jets and Giants ready to take a first look at uncertain squads
By JAIME C. HARRIS
AmNews Sports Editor
The repetitiveness and stringency of NFL training camp will be fragmented for the Jets and Giants on Saturday when both play their first preseason games of the 2025 campaign. The Jets will face the Green Bay Packers on the road at 8:00 p.m. and the Giants will be upstate to take on the Buffalo Bills at 1:00 p.m.
Every play call, each snap, and all minute details will be highly scrutinized and dissected, not just by the respective head coaches — Aaron Glenn for the Jets and Brian Daboll for the Giants — but by fans who are beyond exasperated as the constant losing seasons have challenged their loyalty.
It’s been 14 years since the Jets have made the playoffs, the longest futility streak by a franchise of the four major North American sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL).
The Giants have made it to the postseason just once in the past eight years, in 2022, Daboll’s first season as the head coach. Now in his fourth year, Daboll’s window to remain in the position is much narrower than Glenn’s, the Jets’ first round pick in 1994 out of Texas A&M, whose longterm charge is to develop a sustained winning program, and immediate mission is
Table tennis
Continued from page 40
“The training is intentional,” Llewellyn shared. “I know exactly how I want to move and what shots I want to ambulate…”
day-over-day progress and consistent competitiveness week after week.
The 53-year-old Glenn, who came to the Jets after four seasons as the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator, has already put his imprint on an evolving culture.
“He wants a football player that’s smart, that’s going to give 110 [%] every play, and someone he can rely on,” said Jets running back Breece Hall via Jets.com this past weekend. “I think those are the biggest three things.”
Another friend and fellow player is Chedee Geet, a table tennis veteran who’s been engaged in the sport for over 40 years. “Sky and I go back over 20 years. We’ve become very close — training partners for about five years now.” For Geet, returning
Glenn is demanding that his players meld their mental acuity and physical attributes to limit mistakes, a central focus of the Jets’ training camp.
“It’s no secret that we were the most penalized team in the league last year, so that’s one of the things that I want to nip in the bud early,” Glenn said. “Making sure that the discipline part of what we do — we fix that now. You cannot win games in this league with an undisciplined team, so all the penalties
to the sport after retirement has been about community as much as competition.
“This is one of the first clubs I know that is owned by Caribbean people,” Geet asserted.
Another longtime confidant and training partner, Colin Lem-
that we had last year — we’re knocking those things out, and we want to make sure that we’re good at that.”
The Giants are hopeful that rookie first-round picks, linebacker Abdul Carter, chosen the No. 3 overall, and quarterback Jaxon Dart, selected at No. 25 in April’s NFL draft, will be cornerstones for years to come. In the case of Carter, his impact will be crucial to the team’s targeted success pronto.
mersee, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, began playing 35 years ago and worked his way up to a 2,100 USA Table Tennis rating. What sets the Caribbean Basin Table Tennis Initiative club apart, Lemmersee emphasized, is not just the facilities, but the
sense of mutual respect.
“Most of the people on my Facebook are table tennis players,” he said. “You might argue over points sometimes, relationships may take a break, but the love for table tennis always brings you back together.”
The New York Liberty’s Emma Meesseman battles the Dallas Wings in her home debut with the team at the Barclays Center on Tuesday night. (Brandon Todd/New York Liberty photo)
Jets running back Breece Hall and Giants rookie linebacker Abdul Carter are critically important players to team’s desired success. (L-R: AP photo/Angelina Katsanis, AP photo/Adam Hunger)
Hall of Fame hooper Taj McWilliams-Franklin joins the new UPSHOT League
By LOIS ELFMAN
Special to the AmNews
Deeply thankful for her over half a decade in the WNBA, two-time league champion
Taj McWilliams-Franklin has embraced a new challenge as vice president of basketball operations for the UPSHOT League, a new professional women’s basketball league that will launch in 2026. Operating in smaller markets, UPSHOT will provide more professional playing opportunities for women hoopers, and social and economic enhancements for the communities where the games will be held.
“I wanted my legacy to be about more than what I did on the court,” said McWilliams-Franklin, whose 14-year WNBA career included a season with the New York Liberty. “I’m in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, I’ve done all this stuff and I played in the WNBA, but when I went home at night, I didn’t feel I was leaving the game better than I found it. I wanted it to be more.”
She is proud of her work with the WNBA’s league office, formerly as the players’ relations and development manager beginning in 2020. In that role, McWilliams-Franklin helped players plan for life after basketball. She also worked for the NBA’s Basketball Operations department from 2018 to 2020.
“The main [accomplishment] is probably
the team awareness meetings,” said McWilliams-Franklin. “We wanted to be in person and meet them in their space, so we flew around to every team and brought experts in with us. We did 30-minute talks about what the league has for them … and 30 minutes with a specific subject matter.”
McWilliams, a native of El Paso,Texas, who attended high school in Augusta, Georgia, was a six-time WNBA All-Star who began her pro career in Europe in 1993 before the WNBA’s inaugural 1996 season. She joined the WNBA’s Richmond/Philadelphia Rage in 1996. The product of Georgia State and
St. Edwards University was the 1993 NAIA Player of the Year at the latter college. At 54, McWilliams-Franklin is also embracing being mother to son Aiden Kai, who turned four this week. She also has three daughters, ranging in age from 22 to 37. Only 17 when her oldest daughter was born, she understands the challenges that some young women face while still holding onto their hoop dreams.
“I’ve been re-energized with the move (from New York to Florida), with him, and with having another purpose,” said McWilliams-Franklin. “As athletes, we move from purpose to purpose, whether we’re retired or not. Having this league (fulfilled) some of what I was feeling about legacy, but I also have my little man, who’s going to be the recipient of seeing kickass women doing amazing things.”
The four UPSHOT teams currently in place are in Charlotte and Greensboro, N.C.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Savannah, Ga. “There is an opportunity for these cities and other cities to have professional women’s basketball,” said McWilliams-Franklin. “For me, for Donna [Orender, former WNBA president], and co-founder Andy Kaufman, it’s a league of opportunity … It’s about investing in the development of players, coaches, fans, and especially those communities. We’re upping the shot of those involved.”
Skaters Kouevi and Homawoo win silver at prestigious Lake Placid competition
By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews
In their second season in the junior division, U.S. ice dancers Anaelle Kouevi, 14, and Yann Homawoo, 16, competed at last week’s Lake Placid Ice Dance Championships, coming away with a strong second-place finish. This summer, the duo have focused on training and the results of their hard work are clear.
“The competition was fun for us because we had all of our friends around. I think it was our best competition so far this season,” said Homawoo. “We’re progressing pretty well as a team and individually. We’ve made major improvements since last season, even since our first competitions” (this was their third competition of the summer).
The theme for the rhythm dance (the first part of the competition) is the music, dance styles, and feeling of the 1990s. Kouevi and Homawoo are using the music of Kris Kross, “Jump,” and Boyz II Men, “Motownphilly.” Both say even the judges smile when they hear the music.
“We’ve been using the time that we have very efficiently and it’s shown in the performances that we’ve given,” said Kouevi. “We’ve found music videos to inspire a lot of the movements in our rhythm dance. We’re trying to make it authentic.”
Their free dance is classical, set to Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” “What we really like about the music is that it holds room for a lot of different interpretations,” Kouevi said. “We’ve worked a lot with our coach to bring a more modern vibe to the music, which shows off our strength throughout the program. We want to bring a stronger presence.”
Junior Grand Prix competition, their first international event. They’ve both switched to online schooling, which will give them more flexibility in terms of their schedules.
Summer involves both on-ice and off-ice training. Their dance training has included ballet, ballroom, and hip hop, and they’ve also spent time working on strength and conditioning. Next up, the team will be heading to Ankara, Turkey, at the end of this month for an ISU
“We’re looking forward to new experiences, especially representing the United States overseas,” said Homawoo.
Added Kouevi, “Not only our first Junior Grand Prix assignment, but also our first international competition, so it’s pretty exciting. I want to show what we’ve been working on and have fun in the process.”
Anaelle Kouevi and Yann Homawoo skating their rhythm dance to Kris Kross’s “Jump.” Anaelle Kouevi and Yann Homawoo with Franklyn Singley, first Black ice dancer to win medal at U.S. Championships. (Gisele Kouevi photos)
Former WNBA star Taj McWilliams-Franklin with husband Reggie Franklin and son Aiden Kai. (Photo courtesy of Taj McWilliams-Franklin)
Sports
Historic Rucker Park spawned global genre of playground basketball, Part 1
By BOB MCCULLOUGH JR.
Special to the AmNews
Rarely could the legacy of any entity be wholly voiced in a manner close to its origin. An almost living, breathing entity like Rucker Park screams animated character and characters … mythological occurrences told and retold worldwide.
I can remember coming off the patio of my family’s apartment at the age of seven and putting basketball equipment in the hallway.
My Dad — Rucker Tournament
Commissioner Robert “Bob” McCullough — and me loading 24-second shot clocks into the elevator. Trying to get everything on it in one trip, then chain-loading out the front door of the Riverbend building, 2311 5th Avenue.
We would frequently be met by the world-renowned architect of tap and Apollo Theater figure, Howard “Sandman” Sims, a free spirit who had performed with Bojangles and Sammy Davis Jr.. I often wondered
why he was there, helping us out. He was a humble servant, generous of heart and teller of stories for days.
Rucker Park is named for Holcombe Rucker, who sought to provide New York City youth with summer activities in the late 1940s and early 1950s as a playground director for the New York City
Department of Parks and Recreation in Harlem, a post he held from 1948 to 1964. He began what would become a global brand.
The Rucker Tournament began in 1950, first consisting only of junior high school-aged youth before including high school and college-age players in 1953. One
year later, Rucker founded the Rucker Pro League.
NBA greats, some of them New Yorkers — such as Nate “Tiny” Archibald and Julius “Dr. J” Irving — as well as a Philadelphia product named Wilt Chamberlain, wowed the crowd. The Rucker grew into not only a basketball pilgrimage but a cultural phenomenon. It was a beanstalk that took you magically to the land of proverbial and literal giants. It’s where some met their eventual spouses, where hustlers and lucky hitters of the illegal numbers racket showed out with the newest model of cars, where players displayed the latest style of sneakers.
Illustrious former HBCU hoopers like Bob McCullough Sr. (Benedict College) and Kirkland (Norfolk State) represented the deep Black college talent pool of the day. There was no place in the world like it.
Fans of a certain age remember the exploits of local Rucker legends like Joe Hammond, Pee Wee Kirkland, Carlton “Moto” Green, Artie Green, Herman “Helicopter” Knowings, Charlie Chris, Jim Bostic, Fly Williams, Arnold Duggar, Leroy Shaw, and the Harlem Globetrotter contingent that was a core presence from the start: Bobby Hunter, Tony Jackson, Pablo and Walter Robertson, Jumpin’ Jackie Jackson.
The table tennis legacy of the Caribbean Basin Initiative club grows
By TYRESE ALLEYNE-DAVIS Special to the AmNews
Inside the sunlit halls of Grace Christian Church on DeWitt Avenue in the East New York section of Brooklyn, the rhythmic tap of ping-pong balls is a familiar sound. Behind each rally lies a legacy forged through decades. At the center of it all is Francis David “Sky” Llewellyn, a table tennis icon whose life journey reflects the heartbeat of the Caribbean diaspora and the vision for community upliftment, which now thrives under the banner of the Caribbean Basin Table Tennis Initiative.
For Llewellyn, table tennis is more than a sport. It’s a cultural conduit. His story begins as a curious child in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, standing on a bucket to peer over a door and watch his cousins play.
“They let me join, and that very day, I picked up a paddle and beat all of them,” he recalled with a laugh. “That’s when I knew this was my sport.”
Llewellyn’s natural talent, combined with mentorship from Corborn “Pappy Loose” Williams, a fellow Vincentian living in Trinidad and Tobago, shaped him into a regional champion. By age 13, Llewellyn had already claimed his first national title. By his twenties, he was helping St. Vincent dominate the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) team championships with an un-
matched seven consecutive titles. Immigrating to the United States in 1979, Llewellyn remained tethered to the table. But he grew acutely aware of a cultural gap between table tennis and Black communities.
“Too many young people think sports means only basketball, football, or baseball,” he said. “But table tennis is the king of racket sports.”
That conviction fueled the founding of the Caribbean Basin Table Tennis Initiative in 2000. With the recent opening of a dedicated club space inside the Christian Life Fellowship Center for Seventh-Day Adventists at 434 DeWitt Avenue, Llewellyn’s long-held dream has quietly taken root in a seemingly
hidden table tennis oasis.
“Now it’s up to us to bring in the players and get the young people to fall in love with the sport,” he underscored. And Llewellyn leads by example.
Currently ranked 2105, he’s deep in preparation for the St. Vincent National Table Tennis Championship on August 16, putting in work alongside longtime training partner Eddie Veara, a fellow veteran of the table tennis community from Ecuador.
Despite having undergone multiple surgeries and surviving major health scares, including a stroke and blood clots, he still wields the paddle with the same zip and spin he developed in his youth.
See TABLE TENNIS on page 38
The faces of many men who played at famed Rucker Park, including Julius “Dr. J” Irving, looking into the crowd. (Photo courtesy of Bob McCullough Jr.)
Francis David “Sky” Llewellyn, (third from the left in gray) founder of the Caribbean Basin Table Tennis Initiative, with fellow players. (Sean Doyle photo)
