New York Amsterdam News Issue: June 19-25, 2026

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A Long Overdue Step Toward Legal Justice

Urban Agenda by David R. Jones, President and CEO of the Community Service Society of New York - See page 5

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Election countdown: Cuomo and Mamdani rivalry

captivates

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

The heated citywide debates kicked the mayor’s race in the Democratic primary into high gear. With only a week until Election Day, polling shows that the rivalry between former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has caught voters’ attention.

One poll, conducted by Public Policy Polling for Democrat Justin Brannan’s city comptroller campaign, made a splash with political headlines on June 6: It showed Mamdani pulling ahead of Cuomo in the race.

Other surveys, like the Honan Strategy Group’s polling headed by Bradley Honan, were posted on June 11 after the first mayoral primary debate. They polled hundreds of Democratic voters in the city, as well as a segment of anti-Trump surge voters, finding that Cuomo maintains a strong lead while Mamdani is still close behind.

City Comptroller Brad Lander is in third place with 12% of the vote, and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is in fourth place with 10% of the vote, they said.

Despite the strong showing of former Assemblymember Michael Blake and State Senator Zellnor Myrie in the first debate, they’re still polling low, although Honan has acknowledged many times throughout this

election season that polling isn’t always the best indicator of how many voters will actually show up at the polls and how they will vote.

The conservative Manhattan Institute conducted a more recent survey, between June 10–16, of 1,000 likely voters. Their results show Cuomo defeating Mamdani 56% to 44% in the final round of ranked-choice voting. Their analysts said that despite the

media narrative of a “Mamdani surge,” Cuomo remains the front-runner. However, the race is “fluid” with one week to go.

The biggest “wild card” will be younger voters. The Manhattan Institute predicts that if young voters turn out at significantly higher rates than in past primaries, the race could tighten. Mamdani is a popular progressive

See ELECTION COUNTDOWN on page 36

Omnibust? Criminal justice group says prison oversight bill didn’t go far enough

MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS INFORMATION

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

York State legislators passed an Omnibus Prison Oversight Bill earlier this June in response to worsening conditions in the state’s jails and prisons. The bill included some measures from the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian (BPHA) Legislative Caucus’s

blueprint for reforms, but organizers say not nearly enough.

The omnibus bill was a response in large part to the highly publicized death of Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old Black man who was beaten on Dec. 9 at the Marcy Correctional Facility upstate in Oneida County.

“This is a critical time of reckoning for New York State prisons. It is time to stand up for

the people who have been forgotten about by too many people, but I remember,” said Assemblywoman Latrice Walker in a statement about Brooks. “His hands were cuffed behind his back when he was attacked by more than a dozen corrections officers. They punched him, kicked him, and bloodied his nose and face.

Mr. Brooks died the next day at a nearby hospital. This is no way to treat a human being. This was horrific, barbaric, and just cruel.”

Walker added that Messiah Nantwi, a 22-year-old Black man who was killed at the nearby Mid-State Correctional Facility, was killed less than three months after the death of Brooks.

“Messiah struggled with mental illness, having survived being shot more than 20 times by police. Instead of getting the help he needed while incarcerated, he got the death penalty,” said Walker. “We have a responsibility to deliver meaningful reforms to our prisons. That means more body cameras and more security cameras in prisons. That means supporting legislation that ends perpetual punishment, which we all know doesn’t make any of us safer. That means addressing the systemic violence that has been a part of our prison system in New York for far too long.”

See PRISON REFORM on page 35

Photo of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo on campaign trail. (Cuomo’s campaign for Mayor flickr photo)

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani joined D9 Harlem Votes coalition’s 2025 NYC Mayoral Candidates Forum at Mother AME Zion Church in Harlem. (Harry Watson photo)

Robert Ricks, father of Robert Brooks, speaking at press conference on May 14 before joint Senate hearing. In background (from left) are CCA Organizer Ismael Diaz Jr. holding photo of Robert Brooks, CCA Organizer Thomas Gant, and Senator Julia Salazar. (Photo contributed by Center for Community Alternatives, Inc.)

Allan Feliz remembered on Father’s Day as his family awaits justice

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff

“He showed me what love looks like, what safety feels like, and how a girl should be treated,” wrote Kilsi Polanco about her stepfather Allan Feliz. She penned her letter this past Father’s Day to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who gets the final say on firing the cop who killed him.

“I’m proud of her for sharing her story,” said Julie Aquino, Polanco’s mother and Feliz’s partner. “But it makes me sad that she has to. She should be focused on her studies, her friends, the things that other 20-year-olds should be doing. She shouldn’t have to raise her voice to get the cop who killed her dad fired.

“We know Tisch cannot bring our loved ones back, but she can take steps towards making sure that no mother, no child, has to suffer what we had at the hands of her officers.”

This past February, an NYPD disciplinary trial determined Lt. Jonathan Rivera violated department protocol when he beat, tased and fatally shot Feliz during a 2019 traffic stop. He should be terminated based on the NYPD guidelines. However, Tisch remains the final say and has remained largely mum for four months after the trial’s decision.

Eric Garner’s death provides the only precedent for Feliz’s family regarding an NYPD court greenlighting an officer’s termination after a successful Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) prosecution.

Then-Commissioner James O’Neill fired Daniel Pantaleo just a few weeks after his

disciplinary trial concluded. Tisch does not face a deadline to make her decision.

Feliz raised Polanco since she was three years old and also had a son with Aquino shortly before his death. “To me, he is my dad in every way that matters,” Polanco wrote in the letter. Before his death, Feliz looked forward to taking them to Disney World and moving into a larger space with a backyard. And picking out a tiny Halloween costume for his toddler.

“Those are things that we got to experience, me and Allan got to go to Disney World and experience that together,” said Feliz’s brother, Samy. “He remembered being a child, and how it will stick with us for the rest of our lives and what kind of impact those moments have of being with your family and then being in such a huge place and having those memorable moments.

“For Alan, it was just like trying to get a running start in creating those everlasting, memorable moments.”

His son recently graduated from kindergarten. Polanco was 15 when the shooting occurred and is now in college studying social work. And Rivera received a promotion from sergeant to lieutenant.

The family mentioned challenges for explaining what happened to Feliz’s son. “For a while, it even hurt to look at him, because he looks just like our dad,” wrote Polanco in the letter. Aquino recounted how her son recently devised a plan to “bring his dad back.”

“To explain to my son that’s impossible is super emotional,” she said. “It’s really hard. It gets me sad, but I stay strong and I just tell

him ‘you look just like him.’ He tells me, ‘why do people say, oh look a little Allan. Oh, just

Black fathers hold deep talks about changing the narrative

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

At a Father’s Day celebration and march in Brooklyn this past weekend, the Amsterdam News got a chance to ask parents how the myth of an “absent Black father” has affected them. Many agreed that the stereotype has finally lessened with time and a concerted effort from organizers, electeds, and men just being dedicated dads.

As an example, the Dad Gang, founded by children’s book author Sean Williams, held its sixth March of Dads event at Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn on Sunday, June 15. Despite a little rain, Black and Brown fathers showed up by the dozens with their families for the march. Bubble wands, hooded strollers, high fructose corn syrup, and umbrellas were in abundance.

“We have to talk life into them [our children],” said actor Yasin Bond, who attended the march with his daughter and sister. “We have to speak positivity into them. We have to let them know that they’re capable, they’re loved, and just be there and guide them. The way that we speak to our children is very crucial as well, because we are their blueprint, and as parents and as fathers, specifically, we lay the foundation. What we say to them will always echo in

their head.”

Bond reflected on his fraught relationship with his own father, and said he tries his best to instill in his daughter what he didn’t get in childhood. “I take pride in being a father, a single father, and it’s a mission that I’ll never back down from.”

One father, named Richard, hoisted his son up on his shoulders as he wildly blew bubbles into the rain. He said that his father was shot and killed when he was a two-year-old. He tries to imagine what his life would have been like with him and wants to give that version to his son, who is almost two years old now. “I cherish every moment, every second, because, you know, you can never know when it’s time, so I try to be the best and I try to be there every time,” he said.

Bronx Councilmember Kevin Riley, a father of three, passed a resolution with the City Council in 2023 to designate the month of June as Fatherhood Recognition Month. He’s also spearheading a local law to establish an Office of Black Male Excellence.

On a personal note, Riley’s father was deported back to Jamaica due to criminal justice-related “issues” when he was younger. They still speak weekly, but he wishes he could see him and that his father could meet his grandchildren. Otherwise, Riley

found many positive male role models in his community church and among his colleagues in government whom he grew up with. He hopes that he is a dad who is loving, continues to grow and learn as his kids grow, and is happy he gets to be a part of all aspects of his kids’ lives.

Riley said that typically Black fathers, or even fathers in general, weren’t considered to be the “nurturing” parent but data has done a lot to reshape that thinking. In 2013, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) published a report measuring

See FELIZ on page 29

Father’s Day photo drawn by Allan Feliz’s six-year-old son. (Courtesy of the Justice Committee)

Dad Gang held 6th Annual March of Dads in Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn on June 15. Attendee who called himself Richard gives his son a piggyback ride at March of Dads in Brooklyn. (Ariama C. Long photo)

New York observes Elder Abuse Awareness Day

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff

June 15 marks Elder Abuse Awareness Day (EAAD). The occasion felt especially pressing this past Sunday as New York City’s older population continues growing larger than ever.

The NYC Department for the Aging held its first-ever EAAD event last week at Gracie Mansion where several survivors and community partners including the NYPD were honored.

“We really wanted to provide an opportunity to honor the courage of older adults who come forward and seek services through our Elder Justice providers,” said NYC Aging Senior Director Molly Bernstein over video call. “But we also know that this is really difficult work, and it takes a lot of dedication and a lot of passion and commitment from advocates and from direct service professionals.

“And so we wanted to really celebrate them as well and recognize them and their hard work and their commitment.”

NYPD earned NYC Aging’s Collaborative Impact Award for training more than 40,000 officers on identifying elder abuse and establishing an elder abuse liaison in each police precinct. The role designates someone to specifically help older New Yorkers come forward.

Elder abuse can range from physical, emotional and sexual abuse to scams and neglect. Perpetrators are most frequently those whom victims trust like informal caregivers or other friends and family.

“An older adult may want that support

and they may want that service for themselves, but they may also be concerned about, if I report this, particularly if I report it to law enforcement, what’s going to happen to the person I love who’s harming me?” said Bernstein. “So what we really work with our providers to do is to provide person-centered, trauma-informed care. And so that essentially means you listen to the older adult and you figure out what their goals are.”

More than 300,000 older New Yorkers face abuse statewide each year, according to the NYS Office of Aging. LiveOn NY executive director Allison Nickerson says ageist attitudes lead the public to discount elder abuse. “It’s like we’re discriminating against our future selves,” she said.

Those with neurocognitive impairments like dementia are more likely to face abuse yet those same conditions often encourage dismissive responses.

Nickerson, whose coalition represents more than 100 nonprofits serving older New Yorkers across the state, sees EAAD as an opportunity for seniors to know their rights and the general public to learn more about prevention.

“Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a really important opportunity to talk out in the open about abuse,” said Nickerson. “Abuse at any age is usually shrouded in shame and fear, embarrassment and silence. It is no different and often compounded for older people, who often are embarrassed because of everything from scams to physical abuse. Or a lot of older people experience abuse from someone they know or are [related to] … the day represents the op-

portunity to slow down and talk about this problem out in the open.”

Here in Harlem, State Sen. Cordell Cleare points to several relevant bills toward stemming elder abuse across the state as chair of the Aging Committee.

S1202A/A7277 would establish an interagency task force “with a goal of protecting older adults from abuse and mistreatment.”

S8072A would establish a public awareness campaign on elder financial exploitation.

“This dedicated day highlights the urgency of immediate action and crafting forward-thinking legislation, which reflects that every New Yorker deserves age with dignity, respect, and opportunity,” said Cleare over email.

S01353A would create a legal remedy for elder and caregiver abuse survivors to escape coerced debt (as well as survivors of other forms of abuse). Both bills are awaiting Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign into law. Other bills mentioned by the state senator remain in more formative stages.

Encouraging signs for Manhattan D.A. this Gun Violence Awareness Month

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff

June marks Gun Violence Awareness

Month across the country. Shootings are the leading cause of death for Black men ages 15 to 24 in the United States. Here in New York City, 5% of city blocks account for a disproportionate amount of gun violence, including locations in Manhattan’s East Harlem.

There’s both bad and good news on the gun violence front. It’s easier than ever to get a gun, thanks to 3D-printing technology, and the “iron pipeline” for trafficking traditional firearms into the state remains. Yet shootings continue to decline both in Manhattan and on a citywide level.

Christopher Prevost, deputy chief of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Trial Division, and Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Bonnie Seok told the AmNews their efforts feel encouraging because Manhattan shootings dipped by 33% year-to-date as of June 8. The prosecutors credit both proactive and reactive enforcement, as well as addressing underlying causes.

“Members of the office, particularly in the Trial Division, are often involved in the investigation of gun violence from moments after the crime occurred, and so we’re being very proactive with our investigative resources, trying to make sure that they are enhancing what the NYPD is doing,” said Prevost. “Together, we’re collecting what evidence exists or can be found so we can hold anyone involved in gun violence accountable.”

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office points to several high-profile criminal group takedowns. Some resulted in recovering firearms, while others led to convictions of the most frequent perpetrators who often participate in other illicit activity that funds gun sales.

While Prevost’s work typically follows a serious act of violence, Seok’s investigations focus on the D.A.’s Ghost Gun Initiative. “About five years ago, our office, with the NYPD, recognized the emerging threat of ghost guns on the horizon, and the statistics show that over the past five years, there’s been an explosion of ghost guns across the country,” she said. Back then, ghost guns were typically ob-

tained through kits from manufacturers, like the now-defunct Polymer80. 3D-printing blueprints make them even more accessible now. Ghost guns are untraceable and any difference from a traditional firearm is negligible.

The Ghost Gun Initiative emerged as a result and has since seized 134 ghost gun parts and 92 firearms, including full-assembled guns. Such investigations often stem from building up long-term cases before an arrest or prosecution. Seok credits the preemptive enforcement for why shootings haven’t increased with the emergence

of ghost guns.

The prosecutors also point to private companies getting on board with prevention — YouTube, for example, tightened policies for gun-related content accessible to young adults after a letter from the Manhattan D.A. last year.

Last month, the office championed a bill criminalizing blueprints for 3D printed auto sears or “Glock switches,” which can significantly increase firing rate. “We are very worried about that trend,” said Seok. “It’s exploding across the country and we want to kind of curb its proliferation here.”

NYC Aging and city leadership at Elder Abuse Awareness Day event from left to right: NYC Aging Executive Deputy Commissioner Ryan Murray, NYC Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, Deputy Mayor Suzanne Miles-Gustave, NYC Aging First Deputy Commissioner Michael Ognibene, NYC Aging Elder Justice Senior Director Molly Bernstein (Courtesy of NYC Aging)

A printed ghost gun and autosear sits at the Manhattan D.A.’s Office. (Tandy Lau photo)

Pastor Jay Gooding, Sr.: A beacon of community and hope in the Bronx

New Yorker

By JASON GONZALEZ Special to the AmNews

Leading by example. Establishing models. Transforming sorrow into success.

These are principles that Pastor Jay Gooding, Sr., 63, abides by. His perseverance comes from turning emotional pain into purpose, improving the quality of life for everyone in the community.

“I would like to see gun violence eradicated,” Gooding said. “My main purpose right now is dealing with that … when a husband loses a wife, he’s called a widower. When a wife loses her husband, she’s a widow. Children that lose their parents are called orphans. But there’s no name for when a parent loses a child. You can’t find it in the dictionary. … because of that pain, it turned my pain into purpose.”

For the past 28 years, Gooding has been a pillar of commitment and volunteerism. In addition to serving as the spiritual leader of the Fellowship Tabernacle in Williamsbridge and the Miracle Revival Temple in Mount Eden, Gooding has dedicated his life to fighting gun violence, promoting peace, and improving neighborhoods through “outdoor crusades,” which provides food pantries, facilitates clothes donations, and distributes bibles to all that wish to receive the word of Christ. Beyond the boundaries of his churches, Gooding’s work reaches far into Bronx neighborhoods where his presence is revered and transformative.

“My faith is everything. I’m a firm believer that faith without works is dead. That’s

the biblical scripture,” Gooding said. “Everything I do is through faith and my belief in God. It’s in my personal life and certainly in my professional life. We walk by faith and not by sight.”

Gooding’s involvement with Jacobi Medical Center’s anti-violence program, Stand Up to Violence (SUTV), is the cornerstone of his community service. In early 2014, Sen. Jeff Klein, along with other government officials, medical experts, religious leaders, and community advocates, launched a project, known as SNUG (guns spelled backward). Every time there is a shooting, SNUG’s goal is to stop retaliatory violence by using its trained personnel to arbitrate disputes. Gooding plays a crucial part in advocating for peace and calling for an end to the bloodshed by organizing rallies within 72 hours following incidents of gun violence. His leadership has increased the program’s impact by providing countless others with hope and healing.

“We do an annual peace walk during Gun Violence Awareness Month,” Gooding said. “We just had our 11th ‘Peace Walk’ this past Thursday [Jun. 12]. We saw the need [for the SUTV program] because, I was already doing eulogies and funerals and so seeing the need of mothers is why I was so concerned with losing our youth, and even now we see a 194% increase over the last three years in shooting victims that are coming through Jacobi Hospital, which is now the leading cause of death in the America, especially in the Black and

See BNY on page 25

THE URBAN AGENDA

By David R. Jones, Esq

A Long Overdue Step Toward Legal Justice

There is no citizenship without full participation. That’s a principle we often invoke when talking about the right to vote, but it applies just as urgently to another foundational pillar of democracy: the right to serve on a jury.

The New York State Legislature and Governor Hochul had a rare opportunity to help New York live up to its democratic ideals by signing into law a bill that would restore jury service eligibility to people with felony convictions. Unfortunately, this opportunity was squandered and the legislative session ended without this bill being passed.

The measure, known as the `Jury Of Our Peers Act’ (S.206A/A.1432A), is straightforward: it allows individuals with felony records— many of whom have already paid their debt to society and returned to their communities—to be considered for jury duty. This is not just a bureaucratic tweak to court procedure; it’s a deeply moral act that affirms the idea that rehabilitation, redemption, and reintegration are possible in our society.

As it stands, New York permanently bars people with felony convictions from serving on juries. This means a lifetime of exclusion from one of the few mechanisms through which ordinary citizens help administer justice. In effect, the state tells people with felony records: you may live among us, work beside us, raise families here—but you are not equal.

This is a legacy of a bygone era, one shaped by punitive attitudes that conflated punishment with permanent exclusion. But across the country, states are rethinking outdated policies that deny formerly incarcerated people the rights of citizenship. Twenty-six states and the District of Columbia have less restrictive jury exclusion rules than New York. The states of Indiana, North Dakota, Iowa, Maine, Colorado, Illinois, and Washington all restored the right to serve on a jury upon release from incarceration or have no legal exclusions for people who are incarcerated in their laws. In 2021, both Florida and Louisiana amended their laws to end lifetime bans on jury service.

New York has already taken important steps in restoring voting rights and easing the path back into society. Now it must take the next step.

Some critics argue that people with felony convictions should not serve on juries because they are somehow incapable of impartiality. But this claim doesn’t hold up. Studies have shown no evidence that individuals with past convictions are more biased or less competent jurors than anyone else. What’s more, our justice system already provides checks against biased jurors: both prosecutors and defense attorneys have the power to

challenge prospective jurors during voir dire.

In reality, these bans are not about fairness— they are about exclusion. And the effects are both personal and systemic. On a personal level, denying someone the right to serve on a jury sends the message that they will always be second-class citizens, regardless of what they’ve done to rebuild their lives. On a systemic level, it weakens the legitimacy of our courts by skewing jury pools away from communities that have historically borne the brunt of mass incarceration.

Consider this: Black and Hispanic New Yorkers are disproportionately represented among the state’s prison population, due to decades of racially biased policing and racist sentencing practices. Excluding people with felony convictions from jury service compounds this injustice by making juries less representative of the diverse populations they’re supposed to serve. It denies defendants the opportunity to be judged by a true cross-section of their peers—a constitutional guarantee more honored in principle than practice.

Restoring jury eligibility isn’t just a matter of equity—it’s a matter of perspective. Who better to evaluate the claims of the prosecution or weigh the credibility of evidence than someone who knows firsthand how the justice system operates? A more diverse and inclusive jury pool doesn’t undermine justice; it strengthens it.

Critics may try to frame this reform as a “soft on crime” gesture, but the truth is that it reflects a hard-won understanding of what justice actually requires. Real justice demands accountability—but it also requires the capacity for forgiveness and growth. We cannot claim to support rehabilitation if we continue to impose lifelong penalties long after a sentence has been served.

Leaders in Albany often speak about fairness, equity, and the importance of second chances. Passing this bill would be a powerful expression of those values. It would align New York with a growing national movement that recognizes the full humanity of people with criminal records. And it would mark a clear break from a justice system rooted in punishment toward one rooted in restoration.

The impact of this bill will be felt deeply by the thousands of New Yorkers who are trying to rebuild their lives—and by the countless others who will one day stand trial in front of juries.

It’s past time for New York to take one more step toward a justice system that lives up to its name, and I urge Albany lawmakers to prioritize this bill as soon as they are back in session.

Pastor Jay Gooding (Contributed photo)

Harlem on our minds: The impact and legacy of our cultural institutions

By MARK WINSTON GRIFFITH Special to the AmNews

“Think about how this community has continued to exist. Think about all those other communities that have disappeared or burnt to the ground. We’ve been able to continue to thrive for a number of reasons, but I think it’s because we’ve been such a cultural center.

— Sydney Briggs

The recent death of Charlie Rangel, the “Lion of Lenox Avenue” who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 46 years, showed just what the Black community is made of.

Yes, there was a service in Midtown’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the “world stage,” as Arva Rice, president of the New York Urban League, put it. It featured notables like Bill Clinton and Kathy Hochul, paying homage to a legendary statesman and Democratic Party leader.

But then there was the Harlem service at St. Aloysius on 132nd street for the home crew, which, according to Rice, included “two hundred people, tops… It was an ode to Harlem itself — tried and tested, never broken and always loyal to the projects, brownstones, apartments, churches, mosques, parks, and people.”

Rangel was a resilient, unapologetically, but contradictorily Black warrior, and the St. Aloysius tribute was as much an expression of what Harlem values, and the code it lives by, as it was about lifting up a political icon from a bygone era.

In a neighborhood where Black identity, history and contributions to the world have been self-consciously transmitted through, sometimes, centuries-old art and performance houses, libraries, media outlets, churches and mosques, politics, and as the saying goes, is not just casually downstream from culture, but fiercely and famously so.

It’s worth remembering the importance of these culture-conveyance institutions as we observe Juneteenth, the national holiday commemorating the unofficial end of slavery, the moment when abolition was enforced in the western part of the Confederacy, and Texas slaves learned they were free.

Informally, Juneteenth is a celebration of Black American life and an aspirational assertion of our liberation — which feels both fraught and necessary when the disparagement of racial justice, the denial of Black excellence, and the open promotion of white supremacy are now de facto federal policy. It’s precisely in these moments, when we should consider that political institutions ain’t never saved us, but cultural revolution just might.

Black Cultural Institutions: Here to Stay

As an urban concentration of Black people, Harlem is both quintessentially representative

and an outlier, which makes it an instructive prism through which to appreciate the impact of cultural centers, not only on neighborhood-based Black life, but on the wider world as well. There are Black enclaves, like Tremé in New Orleans, that are older than Harlem, and also feature a world-renowned black cultural heritage, but no jurisdiction has assembled Black cultural landmarks that include the likes of the Abyssinian Baptist Church, the New York Amsterdam News, Apollo Theater, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Masjid Malcolm Shabazz (aka Muhammad Mosque No. 7), Rucker Park, Sylvia’s Restaurant, Harlem School of the Arts, Studio Museum of Harlem, National Black Theatre, and Dance Theatre of Harlem — all of which have remained under Black ownership or control while being open to patrons from across the globe.

Unlike conventional community-based “organizations” that usually have a shelf life of decades at best, these Harlem bodies stand as verifiable “institutions,” which is to say that they have been renewable in their leadership and financially sustainable over generations, and rooted in the idea that they will remain alive as long as there is a Black Harlem.

A Faith-based Legacy

And perhaps no brand of cultural institution is as closely associated with the idea of collective Black survival as the Black church.

Although their size and influence have waned over the past couple of decades, churches have, since the days of slavery, served as a primary source of shelter, community support, and communication, as well as a breeding ground for resistance and leadership.

It’s no accident that Charles Rangel was an altar boy at St. Aloysius, and some of Harlem’s most celebrated leaders like Adam Clayton Powell Sr. and Jr., Samuel DeWitt Proctor and Calvin Butts were pastors at Abyssinian Baptist Church, once the largest Black church in New York City and largest Baptist congregation in the world.

“I think in order to measure the impact of Black churches you’ve got to look at not only who they produce, but what they have been involved in addressing,” offered Rev. S. Raschaad Hoggard, who served as Abyssinian’s interim minister after the death of Rev. Calvin Butts. “Historically they’ve asked, ‘How can we respond to the pressing needs, demands, and plight of black people?’ And then do it in such a way where [Black people] will see themselves as fully human.”

For instance, Abyssinian and other Harlem churches spawned the Abyssinian Development Corporation and Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, which built affordable housing, schools, retail stores and senior services.

Former NYC Deputy Mayor and United Way of NYC CEO, Sheena Wright, once served as the

chief executive officer of Abyssinian Development Corporation. She first arrived in Harlem from the South Bronx with her family as a seventeen-year-old. Wright believes the Black church was “probably the seminal cultural institution in Harlem, not only for fellowship, but for art and culture as well: The music ministries, See JUNETEENTH on page 27

(AmNews Archives)

ANDREW CUOMO WILL DELIVER AS MAYOR.

Carol Jenkins maintains the mission: She’s documenting the Black experience

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

Carol Jenkins, the former longtime WNBC News anchor, was recently honored at the New Jewish Home’s Eight Over Eighty Gala for her ongoing dedication to journalism and activism.

Jenkins and seven others received recognition as elders who have continued serving the community past the age of 80.

Jenkins told the AmNews that she welcomes the designation: She said she’s always had an activist inkling. “I consider myself a former journalist, an activist, and a writer, as well as a grandmother,” she said.

While employed as a journalist, Jenkins couldn’t express her opinions; for 25 years, she felt she had to limit what she could say, but now she’s an activist. “For equality in every way, shape, or form,” she asserted.

“In the beginning, because I came out of the media, it was [about] trying to correct the discrepancies there,” Jenkins said.

“When it was pointed out to me that, in fact, our Constitution did not provide equal protection for women … I spent 10 years working for that: testifying in Congress and doing grassroots work.”

More recently, Jenkins has focused her activism on child poverty. “I always told the people at the ERA Coalition, as soon as we get this in the Constitution, I’m moving on to child poverty, because no one is paying enough attention to that — the fact that children are unhoused, they’re starving. In New York City shelter systems, they have a website you can check every day [to see] how many kids spent the night in a shelter, and it’s astronomical.”

She pointed to child poverty as an increasingly pressing issue, as highlighted in the book “Invisible Americans” by Jeff Madrick. Jenkins and Madrick are now co-hosting “The Invisible Americans” podcast to heighten awareness of the issue.

“I think it’s [necessary] to try to help fashion a country that understands and cares about the fact that children do not have breakfast or lunch or dinner, and that the wealth in this country must be divided to make sure that they are fed, and that they are housed,” she said. “It’s a scandal, and I want people to feel ashamed. That’s a terrible thing to say, but you know, you just cannot walk away from these kids.”

The keeping of our histories

Jenkins was born in Montgomery, Ala., and her family moved to Queens when she was three years old. Once she entered the world of journalism, her first major role in broadcasting was as the co-host of WNBC’s “Positively Black” along with Newark, N.J.community activist Gus Heningburg. Later, Jenkins became a correspondent and anchor on the WNBC news desk and worked there for more than 20 years.

When she retired from broadcast journalism, Jenkins started a media consulting business and began working on a manu-

script with her daughter, Elizabeth Gardner Hines. Their 2004 book, “Black Titan: A.G. Gaston and the Making of a Black American Millionaire,” tells the story of Jenkins’s maternal uncle, a Birmingham, Ala.-based real estate and insurance entrepreneur who was one of the 20th century’s wealthiest Black Americans.

Gaston’s funds were vast enough for him to provide financial support to key players in the Civil Rights Movement: He paid bail for arrested protesters like Martin Luther King Jr. and allowed 1965’s Selma-to-Montgomery marchers to rest and sleep overnight on his family farm.

After publishing her book, Jenkins served as founding president of the nonprofit Women’s Media Center from 2006 to 2009; the organization aims to increase women’s coverage and participation in media. In 2010, she founded the media consulting firm caroljenkins:media. In 2016, Jenkins became the host of the interview-oriented television show “Black America” on CUNY TV.

“Black America” recently wrapped up its 10th season.

“When we started doing the show, we were doing 50 shows a year, if you could imagine — weekly shows interviewing Black Americans and asking each of them how they felt about their place — our place — in this country at that particular time,” Jenkins said. “When we started, it was 2016: Barack Obama was the president then, and Darren Walker, who was the head of the Ford Foundation, was our very first guest. We talked about equality and equity, and that’s what we’ve been doing in one way or another throughout the full 10 years.”

The show features interviews with both famous people and community members who are making significant contributions. It’s a program designed to reflect where Black Americans are in this country now.

“We’re in what we perceive as a much more threatening place,” Jenkins said as she spoke about the current political atmosphere in the United States. “Because when

people can say out loud, ‘We want to erase your history,’ it’s hard to find two or three sides about that. I think that we all need to be alarmed, and we all need to take into our own hands the keeping of our histories, family histories, anything that we remember or respect; all of the old books that we have. Now, my kids have been saying, ‘Oh, get rid of those old books.’ I said, ‘No, never.’ Now they’re a part of at least our archive of what has happened in this country.” Jenkins added that she thinks “we all need to be on the alert and to do whatever we can to maintain the history and to also make sure that we are giving our young people the support that they need in this environment, so that they do not feel threatened. I have three grandchildren — 12-year-old twins and a 16-year-old — so the question for me almost every day is how I can make sure that they feel that this is their country, that they have a place in it, they have a history in it, and that we deserve to be able to celebrate that. That’s our family goal.”

Carol Jenkins, host of CUNY TV’s Emmy-nominated “Black America” and former longtime anchor at WNBC News. (New Jewish Home photo)

Distinguished scholar celebrates importance of African American cotillions

By LOIS ELFMAN

Special to the AmNews

The history and legacy of African American cotillions are rich. For generations, their traditions affected the social, cultural, and philanthropic landscape of the U.S. They have provided young Black women and girls cultural affirmation, social skills, and meaningful connections.

“It’s the Black social and civic community organizations that established these cotillions,” said Dr. Nikita Y. Harris, executive director of the National Black Debutantes Project (NBDP) and International League of Cotillions (ILOC). She is committed to relaying and celebrating the profound history of Black-centered cotillions as vibrant examples of cultural empowerment and advocacy since 1895.

“When you look into these organizations, these clubs, a lot of the members were civil rights activists — they did things for the community,” said Harris. “The goal of the cotillion was to uplift Black youth, but they were also doing other things, like holding (voter) registration drives. NAACP chapters in the Northeast would have cotillions, and they would use that money for the NAACP or the defense fund.

“People have a very limited view of the purpose and the reasons behind cotillion clubs,” she added, emphasizing that these are not simply adaptations of white cotillions. “Black people … always take our own spin, and we adopt and adapt to our values and the needs of our communities. That’s why I said I need to establish a national archive.”

Harris grew up in Texas, where debutante cotillion programs have always been big. At 15, she was a junior deb. “I grew up in the culture, knowing the women in the community,” she said. “That [social club] was open to the community, so it was very inclusive. If you were a young woman and you wanted

the opportunity, it was there.”

In her sophomore year of college, she was presented as a debutante through a women’s social organization that has presented Black debutantes since 1941. This is an ongoing tradition in her family, and a niece of hers was presented this past December.

Harris did not anticipate a career in academia, but that became a vision while she was attending Clark Atlanta University (a Historically Black University). After earning her bachelor’s degree, she earned a master’s degree at Auburn University and then a doctorate at Howard University (also an HBCU).

In addition to teaching in academia, she has been a communications scholar, a public historian, and an advocate for preserving African American cultural heritage. Most recently, she has taught at the University of Al-

abama, and a research grant helped launch her work in preserving cotillion history.

“I would travel the country, attending [cotillions], and I always was very much interested in learning about the history of those organizations,” said Harris, who established the first African American national database to archive cotillion and debutante presentation programs nationwide. “As an academic … when I would read articles, especially in the popular press, they were given from an outsider perspective. Some of the things they were saying were very different from my lived experiences [of] being a part of the culture.”

Frustrated by the lack of artifacts showing decades of cotillions, Harris has now curated an exhibit that showcases artifacts, photographs, and personal narratives that provide insight into the world of African Ameri-

can cotillions, where resilience, community spirit, and tradition intersect. She is working on raising funding to digitize the collection professionally, so it can be broadly accessible and serve as a resource. The goal is to inspire a new generation, and Harris noted that these beautiful traditions are not passé. They remain vibrant in many communities.

“I just went to a cotillion in Atlanta that had 41 girls and 41 guys. I went to a cotillion in Chicago, they had 26 girls and 26 guys, and they were beautiful,” said Harris. “It’s very shocking to me when people on social media say, ‘Bring it back,’ because there are communities it never left. … Organizations are looking at it as an opportunity to mentor and have a positive impact on young people’s lives.”

The NBDP debuted its mobile exhibit this spring in Montreal, and it will be shown in Omaha, Nebraska, in July. The exhibit clearly shows that these cotillions happen across the U.S., not only in the South. The Debutante Registry will be an annual publication.

On June 19, several clubs, including the Original Illinois Club of New Orleans (first Black cotillion), will have a virtual gathering to discuss stories of resistance. She also plans to offer information from archivists about how clubs can preserve their information effectively. The ILOC is a resource for cotillion clubs and debutante programs across the country.

At the inception of the cotillions, there were barriers to even having a ball, such as renting a hotel ballroom. Harris sees honoring these cultural touchstones as a direct tie to celebrating Juneteenth.

“There’s a direct tie to civil rights, to overcoming barriers as we were moving through the Jim Crow era,” Harris said. “To me, one of the iconic images that floats around social media today is the Harlem cotillion of 1950 … 3,000 people would show up for the Harlem cotillion. These balls were very important to the community … and continue to be.”

2024 Fort Worth Assembly Debutante Ball. (William Becknell photo)

Harlem debutantes circa 1950. (Cornell Capa photo)

Dr. Nikita Y. Harris. (Photo courtesy of Nikita Y. Harris)

Union Matters

EEOC’s acting chief to face questions on anti-DEI, transgender stances

By ALEXANDRA OLSON and CLAIRE SAVAGE AP Business Writers

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — The acting chief of the country’s top agency for enforcing worker rights will face questions at a Senate committee hearing Wednesday over her efforts to prioritize anti-diversity investigations while sidelining certain racial and gender discrimination cases and quashing protections for transgender workers.

Andrea Lucas, who was first appointed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2020 and elevated to acting chief in January, is one of four Labor Department nominees to appear before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Her nomination to serve another five-year term as an EEOC commissioner requires Senate confirmation, though whether she stays on as chief will be up to President Donald Trump.

Lucas, an outspoken critic of diversity, equity and inclusion practices and promoter of the idea that there are only two immutable sexes, has moved swiftly to enact Trump’s civil rights agenda after he abruptly fired two of the EEOC’s Democratic commissioners before the end of their five-year terms, an unprecedented move in the agency’s 60-year history that has been challenged in a lawsuit.

Lucas is prioritizing worker rights that conservatives argue have been ignored by the EEOC. That includes investigating company DEI practices, defending the rights of women to same-sex spaces, and fighting anti-Christian bias in the workplace.

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, chairman of the Senate committee holding the hearing, has championed many of those causes. He accused the EEOC under the Biden administration of “injecting its far-left” agenda into the workplace, including by updating sexual harassment guidelines to warn against misgendering transgender workers and including abortion as a pregnancy-related condition under regulations for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

Questioning the EEOC’s independence Democrats on the committee are likely to grill Lucas over criticism that she overstepped her authority by profoundly shifting the EEOC’s direction to the whims of the president in the absence of a quorum, which the commission has lacked since Trump fired the two commissioners.

Sen. Patty Murray, a member of the committee, said she will oppose any EEOC nominations unless Trump reinstates the two fired Democratic commissioners, which she and more than 200 other Democratic senators and Congress members condemned in a letter to the president as an abuse of power.

“President Trump is weaponizing the independent EEOC to serve his personal political agenda, firing commissioners without cause and warping the mission of the EEOC beyond recognition,” Murray said in a statement ahead of the hearing.

“Commissioner Lucas is a right-wing extremist who has been in lockstep behind Trump’s pro-discrimination agenda.” Lucas has made clear her views on the limitations of the EEOC’s autonomy. In a recent memo to employers, Lucas declared that the “EEOC is an executive branch agency, not an independent agency” that will “fully and robustly comply” with all executive orders. That includes two orders that Trump signed in January: one directing federal agencies to eliminate their own DEI activities and end any “equity-related” grants or contracts, and the other imposing a certification provision on all companies and institutions with government contracts or grant dollars to demonstrate that they don’t operate DEI programs.

The EEOC’s new approach alarmed more than 30 civil rights groups, which sent a letter to the Senate committee demanding that Lucas face a hearing. The groups argued that the EEOC was created by Congress under the 1964 Civil Rights Act to be a bipartisan agency that would function independently from the executive branch.

The EEOC, the only federal agency empowered to investigate employment discrimination in the private sector, received more than 88,000 charges of workplace discrimination in fiscal year 2024. Its commissioners are appointed by the president to staggered terms, and no more than three can be from the same party. Much of the EEOC’s authority is granted by Congress, including the obligation to investigate all complaints and enact regulations for implementing some laws.

EEOC shifts the focus of discrimination cases Under Lucas, the EEOC dropped seven of its own lawsuits on behalf of transgender or

nonbinary workers. It also moved to drop a racial discrimination case on behalf of Black, Native American, and multiracial job applicants after Trump ordered federal agencies to stop pursuing discrimination that falls under “disparate impact liability,” which aims to identify practices that systematically exclude certain demographic groups.

Instead, Lucas has turned the EEOC’s attention to investigating company DEI practices. In her most high-profile move, she sent letters to 20 law firms demanding information about diversity fellowships and other programs she claimed could be evidence of discriminatory practices. Lucas has also repeatedly encouraged workers nationwide to come forward with DEI complaints. She launched a hotline for whistleblowers and said workers should be encouraged to report bad DEI practices after a Supreme Court decision made it easier for white and other non-minority workers to bring “reverse-discrimination” lawsuits.

The emblem of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is shown on a podium in Vail, Colo, Feb. 16, 2016. (AP

Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Trump is a cancer in our body politic

Evidence of the nation’s divide was in plain sight on Saturday as Trump hailed his military parade on his birthday and thousands of protesters took to the streets to voice their opposition to his immigration policies and deployment of troops in Los Angeles. While the men and women in uniform marching down Constitution Avenue is a one-time event, there is every indication the “No Kings” demonstrations will gain traction as Trump finds incremental ways to “prioritize deportations from Democratic-run cities.”

Trump has called on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials “to do all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest Mass Deportation program in history.”

What this essentially means is an increase of 3,000 arrests a day and that ICE’s wide-casting net will certainly include countless numbers of innocent and legal residents. Such actions will spur more rallies from a multitude of Americans completely dissatisfied with Trump’s management of this crisis — when people were asked by the “Washington Post,” Quinnipiac University, and Associated Press polls, if they approved of the way Trump was handling immigration, the majority said no.

On the other hand, there were polls suggesting that Trump still had favorable numbers, so the only real settlement of this presumed division may occur much later, during the midterm

elections.

If the momentum stimulated by the recent critical mass in the streets is transferred to the voting booths, we may get an outcome to please those disenchanted with the Trump administration. However, that outcome is down the road and much more imminent is the threat many Americans face if Trump continues to inflict his martial plans on the American public.

Each day, Trump initiates a policy or action that has no precedent in our nation’s history, making it very difficult to fashion a challenge to stop from metastasizing in our body politic. Unfortunately, Trump is the cancer in our system and it’s time to speed up some radical surgery to excise its growth. An increase in public outrage may be the necessary scalpel we hand to Trump’s former Surgeon General Jerome Adams to help perform the operation.

Robot dogs walk past reviewing stand during military parade commemorating Army’s 250th anniversary, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

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FAFO ain’t a forcefield: Why Black silence on immigration won’t save us

By JASMYNE A. CANNICK

This might come as a shock to some Black folks sipping their tea, minding their own melanin-rich business, and lounging comfortably in their FAFO suite watching Latinos get rounded up in full slave-catcher cosplay — but let me remind you: FAFO is not a forcefield.

Let’s get right to it: I’ve been hearing a lot of Black folks shrug off what’s happening with ICE and our Latino brothers and sisters with a quick, “That’s their L.” And I get it — some of y’all are still recovering from watching folks wave Trump flags like they were auditioning for a deportation sponsorship. But this idea that we can stay quiet, stay cute, and somehow stay safe? That’s not strategy. That’s denial.

Yes. A whole lot of us watched in disbelief while some Latinos proudly hopped on the Trump train, waving flags and ignoring every warning we gave. And now that the train’s derailed and folks are getting dragged off it, some Black folks are responding with, “Welp, you asked for it.” And listen — that part of the conversation is real. Actions have consequences.

But …

If you think staying quiet, uninvolved, or emotionally checked out is gonna shield us from the same mess? That’s cute. And dangerously delusional.

Your citizenship won’t save you

How does the African proverb go?

He who digs a grave for his enemy might as well be digging one for himself.

Thinking your American citizenship, your clean record, your church attendance, and being “prayed up” is gonna save you? I hate to break it to you, but it won’t.

This country is shifting. Fast. And not in our favor. What’s legal today can be criminalized tomorrow with a signature, a press conference, and a spin cycle on Fox News. And if you think that sounds dramatic, remember: We used to be illegal. Our bodies, our marriages, our votes, our very presence — criminalized. Legal status didn’t protect us then, and

it won’t save us now.

You can’t outrun anti-Blackness with paperwork, paychecks, or prayers.

So, no — don’t get too comfortable just because today, you’re not on the list. Because history shows us that when they run out of folks to target, they make new rules to come for the rest of us.

And if you don’t believe that?

Ask a Black immigrant. Ask a trans youth.

Ask a woman in Texas.

Ask a Palestinian protester.

Ask your ancestors.

That Assata quote won’t cover your absence

And let me say this — especially to the brothas and sistas who love to call themselves “conscious,” “woke,” “revolutionary,” or whatever term is trending this week: While you’re sitting this one out, all quiet and unbothered, you’re sending a loud message to your Black immigrant cousins: You’re on your own.

And don’t hit me with the “That’s not my fight” nonsense. Because if you’re out here quoting Marcus Garvey; rocking red, black, and green; posting Pan-African flags, but turning your back on Black folks being deported, detained, or banned from entering this country — you’re not conscious. You’re just curated. You’re not radical. You’re selective.

Pan-Africanism isn’t about vibes, fashion, or throwing up a fist on Instagram. It means all Black people, everywhere. Even the ones who don’t sound like you. Even the ones who weren’t born here. Even the ones ICE is coming for at 5 a.m.

If your liberation has borders, it’s not liberation — it’s branding. While you’re off somewhere being too “busy” or “neutral,” just know: Silence is a choice. And that choice tells your Black immigrant fam exactly where they stand with you.

And that’s the part you won’t be able to pretty up with a quote from Assata.

You’re watching the warning play out in real time

This was always supposed to be about the “bad hombres,” right? That’s what Trump said. That was

the sales pitch. That was never a good or moral argument — but at least that was the lie they told to get folks comfortable.

Fast forward to now, and they’re snatching people from their homes, their jobs, their kids’ graduations. Broad-daylight kidnappings dressed up as law enforcement. No warrants. No dignity. No shame. Just vibes, badges, and trauma.

If you’re still pretending this is about criminals, you’re not paying attention. Or you’re lying to yourself. Either way, they’re coming for you next.

Now, this isn’t the only reason Black folks should care and stay tapped in, but for the “I’m just minding my own Black business” crowd? This might be the best one I’ve got. Because what happens to immigrants is your business. What happens when systems get away with dehumanizing them is a blueprint for how they’ll come for you next. If history’s taught us anything, it’s that silence doesn’t protect us. It just clears the runway.

This moment calls for more than petty satisfaction. It calls for clarity, memory, and solidarity rooted in survival. Because history has shown us, again and again, that when the system finishes eating the folks it came for first, it always circles back for us.

Jasmyne Cannick is a political strategist and writer in Los Angeles.

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Editor

Jasmyne A. Cannick

One Big Ugly Bill

By HERB BOYD

I know, even before making this statement, that it’s quite an additional burden to impose on the “No Kings” activists, but what the House Republicans have done by voting to remove nearly 14 million citizens off their healthcare is something that cannot be ignored. In effect, more than 7 million older adults and some 5 million people with disabilities receive benefits from Medicaid and Medicare. The bill would be the largest Medicaid cuts in the program’s history. With this assistance eliminated would force older citizens and those enrolled in disability programs to shoulder the expenses.

I am among those in this category and so this is a personal concern that I share with millions of Americans. Even with government programs, the out-

of-pocket or co-pay may be a financial problem for many on a fixed, or little income, at all. Endangered, too, is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is absolutely critical to the health and well-being of the older members of our community and those afflicted with disabilities.

The Republicans have called this a reconciliation bill but it is more like an alienation bill, placing people in need farther from the help and assistance they vitally need. It would deliver a devastating blow to New York’s healthcare system, and that is why I stand firmly behind Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Gov. Kathy Hochul, both of whom alluded to it during their remarks at former Congressman Charles Rangel’s funeral. As Rep. Jeffries stated recently, “We must keep the pressure on and continue to use every tool at our disposal to ensure

that the ‘One Big Ugly Bill’ is buried deep in the ground, never to rise again.”

As Gov. Hockul wrote in a letter to the Senate Majority Leader Thune and Minority Leader Schumer: “Passage of this legislation would worsen the affordability crisis and inject further instability into an already fragile economy.”

Yes, we have every right to be upset and outraged at the undemocratic, autocratic measures in effect on immigration; still, we must expend some time and energy on other pressing matters, and none are more immediately in need of blocking than a bill that would put our senior citizens in an even more perilous situation.

That we need more troops on the ramparts to deal with Trump and his minions is a foregone conclusion, one that necessitates our prompt attention to One Big Ugly Bill.

We must preserve the National Museum of African American History and Culture, as it was envisioned

By CHERYL MCCOURTIE

In the Civil Rights exhibit featuring the story of kidnapped, mutilated, and murdered Emmett Till at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), I broke down and wept. Tears of frustration, tears of hot rage. “We’ve already done this,” I hiccupped, referencing the many movements from Reconstruction to Civil

Rights that Black people led to loosen racism’s noose and demand their freedom.

A friend rubbed my back as groups of high schoolers milled around. The teens were gangly and lost without their phones in the only area in the museum where technology is banned to ensure decorum and reverence for the murdered boy. Disturbed by the exhibit and unsure of what to do with their hands, they lumbered through the rooms as they attempted to process the story of a young man who could have been their brother, their cousin, their friend — someone who could have been them.

The NMAAHC, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is now in the crosshairs of Donald Trump. The name of Trump’s executive order, which calls for “revitalizing key cultural institutions and reversing the spread of divisive ideology” is too vapid to repeat. Vacant of real meaning other than signaling yet another attempt to erase the history and contributions of people of color, it has sent a flurry of panic throughout communities of conscience.

And it is what sent me on an Amtrak train from NYC to DC earlier this month to spend three days at the museum. I wanted to see the exhibits for myself before they are destroyed by people who are long on racial animus and short on facts.

Tampering with historical truths is just a symptom of the disease infecting the Oval Office. Trump’s efforts to erase Black people start when we are in utero: According to the CDC, infant mortality rates per 100,000 are 10.9% for Blacks, against 4.5% of non-Hispanic whites. In

It’s Juneteenth

CHRISTINA GREER, PH.D.

Like many, I did not grow up celebrating Juneteenth. I knew it existed but June 19 was largely a day that came and went. Now that Juneteenth is a federal holiday (at least for now), I will use the day for some reflection and to learn more about this holiday that represents not just Black American history, but American history more broadly.

certain people — Black people — were subhuman and not deserving of some of the basic necessities of life. And yet, somehow, Black people survived and thrived under cruel conditions we can barely fathom.

New York, where I live, cuts in healthcare could result in 1.8 million of the current seven million Medicaid recipients losing their insurance. Some 1.5 million of the Medicaid-insured here are Blacks; much of critical prenatal care would evaporate under the cuts, possibly resulting in significantly more infant and mother mortality.

Slashing the Education Department will disproportionately affect Black and low-income people, removing anti-discrimination protections and ending or limiting student loans. And don’t forget the attack on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) — the new n-word — from college through employment.

The aggression on non-whites from the cradle to the grave has the intended effect: whiplash, anger, and confusion about which blow to fend off first. At the museum, I had several conversations with individuals about whether artifacts had been removed or any history altered in the narrative. Part of the power of racially biased actions is that they force people of color to make assumptions, including when they are unwarranted. Destabilization is the point.

The idea for the museum is decades old but began gaining steam in the late eighties under the guidance of Civil Rights icon John Lewis. In 2003, President George W. Bush appointed a commission and Congress passed the bill that gave birth to the NMAAHC. But like every major hard-won accomplishment by African Americans, there is a backlash. Stay in your place.

The friend who accompanied me, an educator, said that until our visit, she

Juneteenth, most commonly celebrated on June 19 (although some are extending the celebration into the weekend), commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the United States. June 19 marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and declared that enslaved people were free under the Emancipation Proclamation. If we may recall, the Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order (not a law) mandated by President Abraham Lincoln. The holiday of Juneteenth has historically been a significant event for Black Americans, particularly in Texas and the U.S. South, because it represented both the end of slavery and a moment of liberation.

What makes this holiday so significant is that the announcement and recognition of freedom was more than two years after the proclamation was initially issued, marking the end of slavery in the state. The holiday is also known to some as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. When we really focus on the atrocities that happened on American soil, it is sometimes hard to fully comprehend. The bondage; the rapes; the lack of access to proper food, housing, books, and even family. The idea that

Juneteenth is so important because it is an American holiday, not just a Black American holiday. It is an acknowledgment of the dark past of this nation. It is an honest and unsanitized version of America that must be told for us to collectively never repeat these atrocities to any other group on this land (and ideally not abroad, either). If you deny people an honest telling of their history, both Black and nonBlack, how will they know the trials and tribulations they have overcome, individually and collectively? We are in a moment where so many people in power are afraid of the honest telling of this nation’s past. Chattel slavery occurred, and banning books and portraits and plaques will never erase what we know. It is incumbent upon us to keep educating ourselves and our communities about the full story of America, not just a quick version that includes MLK and Rosa Parks. We must be the keepers and defenders of our truths and our stories.

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.

Cheryl McCourtie

Caribbean Update

Trump again threatens Caribbean nations with travel restrictions

By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews

In late March and early May, Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders sat down with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss a bag full of issues, including threats to cancel the visas of regional officials who are engaged in or linked to hiring Cuban medical professionals in the bloc.

Based on reports from returning heads of government, the talks went well, with some nations pledging to amend the payment system to ensure doctors, nurses, biomedical engineers, and others receive their full, rather than part, payment from Caribbean administrations — a decades-old system the U.S. has railed against because a significant portion goes to the sanctioned Cuban government.

Now, just weeks after nations like the Bahamas, Antigua, and Guyana announced plans to tweak the emoluments system, some regional member nations are again in the sights of the Trump administration, but this time, the threat is way more serious than visa revocation plans of targeted officials connected to the Cuban program.

In recent days, a leaked memo widely reported by the Washington Post, Reuters, and other outlets is now pointing to plans by Rubio to restrict travel for nationals of several mostly Eastern Caribbean subgrouping nations that offer golden pass-

ports and citizenship to foreigners who pay a cash fee, invest in real estate or other development projects, and become locals.

The European Union and the U.S., for example, have periodically complained about the alleged inability of these countries to properly probe the backgrounds of people who obtain these passports and citizenship through the citizenship by investment programs (CIP) that are offered by St. Kitts, Antigua, Dominica, St. Lucia, Dominica, and Grenada.

Neighboring St. Vincent has steadfastly refused to pursue this route to garner development aid to replace taxes from intra-regional free trade amid the collapse of the banana export regime to the EU and other revenue streams that are no longer available. Grenada, which the U.S. invaded back in 1983, has escaped this list for reasons that are still unclear.

Over the years, leaders have pointed to the hundreds of millions of dollars raised from this scheme for development purposes, while pointing to the negligible cases of recipients who turn out to be frauds from dubious backgrounds. Still, Washington has these nations and others — mostly from Africa — in its sights for travel bans.

File:RooseveltSkerrit.jpg)

“The department has identified 36 countries of concern that might be recommended for full or partial suspension of entry if they do not meet established benchmarks and requirements within 60 days,” the memo stated. “These concerns included a lack of a competent/co-operative government to produce reliable identity documents. Another was ‘questionable security’ of that country’s passport.” State also grumbled about the reluctance of some of these countries to accept

Thousands of TPS recipients already deported,

The United States is witnessing a significant shift in its immigration landscape as thousands of individuals previously protected under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) face deportation and detention. This development follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that permits the Trump administration to terminate TPS designations, affecting hundreds of thousands of migrants.

TPS was established to offer temporary refuge to nationals from countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary conditions. However, the recent ruling has paved the way for the removal of these protections, leaving many vulnerable to deportation.

According to the latest ICE data for

Fiscal Year 2025, the following countries have seen the highest number of TPSrelated removals:

1. Honduras – 14,287

2. El Salvador – 6,020

3. Venezuela – 3,058

4. Nicaragua – 1,704

5. Haiti – 440

6. Afghanistan – 117

7. Nepal – 107

8. Somalia – 33

9. Cameroon – 23

10. Sudan – 22

11. Ukraine – 22

12. Syria – 12

13. Yemen – 10

14. Ethiopia – 16

15. South Sudan – 7

16. Burma (Myanmar) – 6

17. Lebanon – 5

The Supreme Court’s decision will now not only lead to increased deportations but also affect employment for many TPS holders. Companies like Walmart and Disney have begun terminating or placing on leave employees who have lost their legal work authorization due

their own deportees from the U.S. as reasons for being lined up for punishment.

Some regional leaders, like long-serving Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, have responded cautiously. Skerrit said over the weekend that authorities from Western nations and the Caribbean have been talking about this issue since 2023, but no formal notification of impending plans has been communicated to the region.

Dangling a carrot to the nations amid the threats, the department has given those countries named in the memo signed by Rubio two months to fix areas of concern, including due diligence and background ability checks, according to published reports. The U.S. has also suggested that citizens from the named countries usually overstay their visas in the U.S. in greaterthan-normal numbers, an accusation that Caribbean governments are expected to strenuously dispute.

The countries awaiting their fate include Angola, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

thousands more in detention

to the revocation of TPS. Detention centers across the U.S. are also experiencing a surge in populations. As of May 2025, more than 53,000 individuals are in custody, marking the highest monthly total since 2023. The majority — more than 45,000 detainees — are classified as adult facility aliens held for less than 180 days. More than 4,300 single adults with positive fear determination remain in custody, raising concerns about prolonged detention for individuals with valid asylum claims.

The top ICE detention centers by Average Daily Population, (ADP) are:

1. Adams County Detention Center, Natchez, Mississippi – 2,168 detainees

2. Stewart Detention Center, Lumpkin, Georgia – 1,752

3. South Texas ICE Processing Center, Pearsall, Texas – 1,659

4. Winn Correctional Center, Winnfield, Louisiana – 1,541

5. Eloy Detention Center, Eloy, Arizona – 1,362

These facilities are predominantly

operated by private prison companies such as the GEO Group and CoreCivic, reflecting a broader trend of increased reliance on private contractors for immigration enforcement.

Advocacy groups and human rights organizations continue to voice concerns about the humanitarian implications of these policies. The termination of TPS and the subsequent detentions and deportations are seen as a departure from the U.S.’s commitment to protect vulnerable populations fleeing crises in their home countries. As the situation unfolds, affected individuals and their communities face mounting fear and instability, underscoring the urgent need for stronger advocacy and decisive pushback from Democrats, who increasingly resemble lame ducks in a battle against a firebreathing dragon.

Felicia J. Persaud is the publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com, a daily news outlet focused on positive news about Black immigrant communities from the Caribbean and Latin America.

Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, prime minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica. (mjones/commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/

Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has message for young voters before New York City’s mayoral primaries

BY RAYMOND FERNÁNDEZ

Special to the AmNews

With early voting underway and just a few days until the Democratic mayoral primaries, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic socialist running for mayor of New York City, spoke to the AmNews about his platform and how he believes his proposals for affordability will directly benefit the city’s youth.

“I’ve been so excited over the course of these last seven months to see just how much excitement there is amongst young New Yorkers,” said Mamdani, an assemblymember from Queens. “[They] are bearing the brunt of the affordability crisis.”

At its bedrock, Mamdani’s campaign promises to tackle New York City’s affordability crisis; his platform includes plans to freeze the rent for more than 2 million New Yorkers living in rent-stabilized apartments, ensuring free and fast buses, and providing universal childcare.

Mamdani is convinced his platform is exactly what the city’s youth needs and what will allow them to grow old in the city. “There are too many young New Yorkers who feel as if that is not even an option for them because of how prohibitively expensive it is to keep calling oneself a New Yorker.”

Mamdani said this narrative is “unacceptable,” explaining that a platform on affordability connects all the issues young New Yorkers care about.

“CUNY [the City University of New York] used to be the crown jewel of public education in our city, in our state, and even in our country. And yet what we’ve seen is a systematic attempt to defund it, both from when Andrew Cuomo was the governor of the state and also from when Eric Adams began his administration as the mayor of New York City.”

If elected mayor, Mamdani is committed to ending the $321 million yearly property tax exemptions for Columbia University and NYU, and funneling the revenue into CUNY funding. “I’ve already introduced legislation at the state level,” Mamdani said. “Why do they not pay an annual property tax while they have become two of the largest landlords in New York City?”

As potentially the first immigrant mayor of New York since 1945, Mamdani’s stance on immigration

is strong: “I would stand up for sanctuary city policies … establish an oversight commission that would ensure 100% compliance at every city agency, school, and hospital property, as well as the properties of city contractors, to ensure that they follow the law when it comes to denying ICE agents entry unless those agents can provide a signed judicial warrant from a judge.”

He stressed that his campaign “seeks to speak to every New Yorker,” not just “the Democrats who voted in the last mayoral primary.”

Mamdani also discussed the divisiveness the city currently faces and New Yorkers’ concerns about public safety. “We know that antisemitism is a real crisis in our city and we know that Islamophobia is similarly a crisis across our five boroughs. It is incumbent on a mayor and an administration to recognize the humanity of each and every New Yorker,” he said.

According to the Siena College Research Institute, 61% of New Yorkers fear becoming crime victims. Mamdani is convinced his public safety proposal will address this issue directly. “I’m proud that we have put forward to proposal to create a department of community safety that would increase the funding for an-

ti-hate violence programming by 800%, tackling the issues of antisemitism and Islamophobia in a manner that is more committed in its funding than any other campaign we’ve seen in mayoral cycles and that reflects our deep commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe.”

Mamdani’s message appears to resonate deeply with New Yorkers.

As reported by Queens Post, Mamdani’s campaign raised $642,339 from 6,502 single donors in its first 80 days; “the most money raised by any candidate in a single filing period for the 2025 New York City mayoral election.”

According to Emerson College latest polling, Mamdani’s support “increased from 1% to 23% from February to May,” and as of May 28, Mamdani has surged into second place in the Democratic primary, cutting former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s rank-choice lead from 12 points to 9 points.

Nothing quite captures the campaign’s exponential growth and popularity among New Yorkers, though, like Mamdani’s volunteers and their efforts.

As of June 8, Zohran’s 17,132 volunteers have made 896,480 door attempts across the city, said Jasmina Aliakbar, field coordinator

for the campaign; in the first week of June, volunteers “knocked on the doors of over 150,000 voters. To give a sense of scale, it took us from December to April 8 to knock on 150,000 doors.”

Mamdani, whose strongest support comes from voters under 50 and leads Cuomo over white and college-educated voters, according to Emerson College Polling, said defeating the former governor’s bet for the mayoral office is possible.

“We have come to second place before we even spent a single dollar on advertising on cable or broadcast,” Mamdani said. “Thanks to the support of more than 19,000 people, we have a fully funded campaign.”

He acknowledged that defeating a former governor requires a coalition made up by “New Yorkers of all ages and all ages and backgrounds,” but insisted that youth will play a critical role in the outcome of the election.

“Too often, we focus on the lower turnout of younger voters, without asking whether we are offering enough of a vision,” Mamdani said. “For too long, the political impulse has been to lecture when it should be to listen to New Yorkers, who have rightfully felt betrayed by promises of politicians at every

single level of government.

“I’ve heard from them … I am running a race that recognizes that history and seeks to respond to it with a platform that I’m not only running on, but want to be held accountable to.”

Ensuring accountability and transparency is a key issue for Mamdani. “I do not need to hire replicas of myself. I’m instead looking to hire people that have demonstrated their ability to deliver the mandate of our campaign specifically with regard to the agency or the department they’re being hired for.”

Emphasizing that diversity and expertise are often framed as if they are somehow in competition, “to have a team that looks like New York City is to have a team that is the best and brightest,” Mamdani said.

As a reminder, in ranked choice voting, voters can rank up to five candidates. In the first round, if a candidate receives more than 50% of the votes, they win. If no candidate achieves a majority, the candidate with the lowest rank is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on voters’ next preferences. This process continues until only two candidates remain, with the one receiving the most votes declared the winner.

Packed crowd of around 2,000 supporters, volunteers, and endorsers fill Brooklyn Steel for Zohran Mamdani’s first major campaign rally before June NYC Democratic primary. (Kara McCurdy photo)

Messiah Nantwi’s estate sues alleged killer prison guards over deadly beating

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff

Lawyers representing Messiah Nantwi’s estate filed a federal lawsuit on June 17 against correctional officers implicated for the young Harlemite’s death at MidState Correctional Facility. The lawsuit also named the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision commissioner, Daniel F. Martuscello III., as a defendant.

Nantwi died from head trauma this March at age 22 after the guards allegedly stormed into his cell, handcuffed him and “viciously punched, kicked and stomped” him repeatedly in a gang attack. Ten staff members face criminal charges, with two facing second-degree murder. The officers are also accused of a cover-up attempt after the beating.

“The loss of my son Messiah is a pain no parent should ever endure,” said Messiah’s father, Patterson Nantwi, in a statement. “He was loved by many, and he deserved to be treated with dignity and respect — not brutally beaten while handcuffed and defenseless by those whose job it was to protect him. I want justice for Messiah by holding those responsible accountable and ensuring that no other family suffers this kind of tragedy, and this lawsuit is a part of that fight.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Martuscello both condemned the killing days after Nantwi’s

death. The incident coincided with an illegal strike across state prisons. Hochul called the conduct described in the initial reports as “extremely disturbing.” She later commended Special Prosecutor William Fitzpatrick for charging the officers allegedly involved.

“Governor Hochul has publicly acknowledged the brutal killing of Messiah Nantwi and the need to hold those responsible accountable,” said Owen Lamb, counsel for the plaintiff in a statement. “This lawsuit is part of that effort to secure the family the answers and justice they deserve.”

Nantwi remains linked with Robert Brooks, who corrections officers beat to death less than three months prior. Prison watchdog Correctional Association of New York (CANY) visited Mid-State a month after Brooks’ death and reported “serious concerns about operational failures at Mid-State.”

New York County Public Administrator Dahlia Damas currently handles Nantwi’s estate and will serve as the lawsuit’s plaintiff. Her counsel includes Lamb and attorneys from Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP, the civil rights law firm known for corrections-related lawsuits like Nunez which recently led to a federal judge placing Rikers Island under receivership. DOCCS declined to respond as the department does not comment on ongoing litigation.

Messiah Nantwi (Courtesy of Messiah Nantwi’s Family)

Arts & Entertainment

New York City celebrates Juneteenth!

By NADINE MATTHEWS Special to the AmNews

Celebrate Juneteenth New York City-style with a plethora of performances, workshops, discussions, family activities, screenings, and concerts commemorating one of America’s most significant holidays.

June 19

9 a.m. -6 p.m.

Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave

Day 1 of a two-day marathon screening of the groundbreaking eight-episode historical miniseries, “Roots.” The day includes audience discussion and remarks from Andrew “Sekou” Jackson, Rev. Carla Hunter Ramsey, and Courtney Ffrench. For more info, visit jcal.org.

10 a.m.

Central Park Naumburg Bandshell

Juneteenth March 4M Run, Walk & Roll.

Fundraising march through Harlem Loop and Seneca Village with proceeds going to the building fund for Harlem Center. Refreshments available. For more info, visit juneteenthmarch.org.

10:30 a.m.

Edward Davis Center, 118-35 Farmers Blvd

The Caribbean American Repertory Theater joins forces with the Theater of the Living Word to present a day of music and drama. For more info visit facebook.com/cartnyc.

11 a.m.

Urban Park Rangers Discuss Abolition Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1

Urban Park Rangers take participants on a walk discussing Brooklyn’s significant history to the abolitionist movement in the United States. FREE. For more info, visit nycgovparks.org.

12 p.m.

Screening, “Roots”

Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave. in Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District

Presented by the Louis Armstrong House Museum in collaboration with the Museum of the Moving Image. Performances by the Entrfied Band and Edge School of the Arts. Music, dance, games, a film screening, an animation workshop, and an expert talk. FREE from 2-6 p.m. For more info, visit movingimage.org

12 p.m.

Juneteenth Family Day Celebration

Joyce Kilmer Park (Grand Concourse to

Walton Ave., between E. 161st St. & E. 164th St., Bronx, NY).

Family-friendly fun including games, obstacle courses, sports, line dancing, and more. FREE.

12 p.m.

Family Reunion

Roy Wilkins Park, Merrick Boulevard and Baisley Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens

This eight-hour celebration, or Family Reunion, honors the Black family and the African American community’s resilience and liberation. There will be live performances, kids’ activities, giveaways, and vendors. FREE. For more info, visit eventbrite.com.

12:30 p.m.

Juneteenth at Seneca Village Between West 85th Street and West Drive. Enter the Park at W 85th St.

Live performances and poetry readings inspired by the lives of former residents, the program will engage with the unique

history of Seneca Village deepening the collective awareness of this significant 19th-century free Black community while bridging past and present. FREE. For more info, visit centralparknyc.org.

2 p.m.

Performances at Joseph Lloyd Manor

Joseph Lloyd Manor House, located at 1 Lloyd Lane, Lloyd Harbor, New York

The Caribbean American Poetry Association will observe Caribbean American Heritage Month and Juneteenth with a Tribute to Jupiter Hammon (1711–before 1806), the first published Black poet in the United States. This celebration, in partnership with Preservation Long Island (PLI), brings together poets, musicians, playwrights, and actors for a spectacular commemoration at Joseph Lloyd Manor, the former plantation house where Hammon was enslaved on Long Island, now a museum stewarded by PLI. FREE, however, guests are required

to RSVP. For more information about the event, contact the Caribbean American Poetry Association at caribbeanamericanpoetry@gmail.com and/or Preservation Long Island at info@preservationlongisland.org or visit the Juneteenth Caribbean Poetry Celebration page at preservationlongisland.org.

4 p.m.

Harlem Parks Juneteenth

Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park

Calvin Sexton and Friends, J-MUSIC Ensemble, gospel legend Tammy McCann come together to celebrate Juneteenth in song — Afrofuturism, hip hop, acid jazz, gospel, and soul. FREE. For more info on the Harlem Parks Juneteenth Black Music and Dance Festival, visit nycgovparks.org.

4 p.m.

Patchen Community Square Garden Freedom Celebration, 868 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11221

Food and music highlight this celebration of the African Diaspora. FREE. Visit nycgovparks.org for more info.

7 p.m.

Queens Jazz Trail Concert Series

Astoria Park Great Lawn

Grammy-nominated trumpeter Wayne Tucker and The Bad Mothas offer their signature blend of Jazz, R&B, and Pop on selected Thursdays thru August 28th. FREE. For more info, visit itsinqueens.com.

8 p.m.

Movies Under The Stars: “Harriet” West 114th Street and Morningside Drive in Morningside Park

Enjoy fresh air, community, and performances by Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monae, and Leslie Odom Jr. in the 2019 biopic about American Hero Harriet Tubman. FREE. For more info, visit nycgovparks.org

10 p.m. ET

Erykah Badu live concert

Amazon Prime TV and Amazon Music Channel on Twitch

No need to leave your house to join this Juneteenth and Black Music Month celebration where Neo-Soul legend Erikah Badu and her band will stream the live performance, “Badu Presents: Echos 19,” from her hometown of Dallas, TX. Rising Dallas rapper Tye Harris will open the show, and hip-hop commentators Wayno, Nyla Symone and Mouse Jones will host the livestream from Amazon Music. FREE. Stream the concert live on the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch and Prime Video on June 19 here at https://music.amazon. com/live/events/L7SF9RDV92.

Juneteenth parade in Harlem, 2024. (Bill Moore photo)

NYC Art Wrap, June 2025

By MALCOLM JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

Che Lovelace’s “Where the I Settles” on display through July 25

“Where the I Settles” by Che Lovelace is the latest exhibition on view at the Nicola Vassell Gallery. The eight magnificent pieces by Lovelace aren’t just a display of his talent, but a conveyance through decades of history, emotion and memories of his upbringing in Trinidad. Lovelace seductively portrays the warmth of a sunset with deep oranges and the salty spray of the ocean with cool blues. He allows the viewer to see Port of Spain through his eyes and encounter its welcome. To those familiar with Lovelace, his work with acrylic paint on wooden panels may not come as a surprise, but his revival of the medium breathes new life and new energy into the work.

Each piece is made up of four quadrants. Each polyptych exists as a physical representation of fracturing — from four fractured images pressed together to create one work, to a fractured narrative separated by the margins of each panel. The panels were created individually then algorithmically placed to construct a greater image. Lovelace painted the individual quadrants, as well as their subsequent unions over a period of several years. This fractured timeline means that there could be hundreds of days or tens of thousands of hours between each streak of red or yellow. While influenced by cubism, Lovelace blends realism with abstraction to present dreamlike sequences. What left me begging for more was the way each quadrant appears to be in conversation with each other as each piece tells a story. By invoking the conversation between sections of a work, I believe Lovelace captured the ability to serve as both an artist and a curator. “Where the I

Toyin Ojih Odutola’s “ILE ORIAKU” on display through July 18

Very few things are more intimate than sharing a spiritual experience with another. At the Jack Shainman gallery in Tribeca, Toyin Ojih Odutola invites you on a journey that traverses life in the after, the before, the above, and the below. In “ILÉ ORIAKU,” Odutola takes you to a Mbari, a sacred space in Nigerian Owerri Igbo culture that celebrates members of the communities and honors its deities. Crossing the threshold into Shainman’s grotto of a gallery sends you into the mind of someone who speaks in a language of color and composition. Her stories will leave you aghast.

Bruce Dorfman’s “To Whom Do We Tell” on display through June 24

On display in SoHo right now, the June Kelly Gallery presents “To Whom Do We Tell” by Bruce Dorfman. The artist’s compelling display of abstraction binds shape and texture with pattern and composition. Each piece of combined media uses paint and sculpture in a way that manages to be eye-catching without necessarily being considered lovely. The work extends beyond borders. Dorfman’s work melds soft fabrics and dream-like imagery with sharp edges and the residue of industrialization. One can appreciate how striking

the work is without it ever surpassing a traditional standard of beauty. What I enjoyed most was each piece’s ability to play with my idea of expectation. The commonplace tools used throughout each work forced me to ponder when an item like a paintbrush evolved from being a vehicle to create art into becoming a part of the show. You’re left asking questions like: why is a ruler, a tool used to create order through measurement, nestled into a work of chaotic abstraction? Perhaps that’s Dorfman’s vision. Creating art so vivid, so inviting, that its gravitational pull ingests anything within arm’s reach. With that goes my imagination. “…To Whom Do We Tell…” by Bruce Dorfman will remain on display at the June Kelly Gallery until June 24. For more info, junekellygallery.com.

The exhibition comprises more than 30 works of charcoal, chalk, colored pencil, graphite and pastel on several surfaces, including paper and linen. Each piece is an image that immortalizes the family, friends, and “spiritual performers” connected to her Nigerian heritage. They range in scale: some are tall enough to dwarf most men, while others are only the size of a window. They also range in subject matter, with some images being a direct link to a heavenly realm, while others bend time in a way that forces the viewer to reflect on their own mortality. Each piece also presents a wide range of themes and motifs. Recurring silhouettes and shapes, deep shades of red, and white veils are ever-present. But this display of Black bodies, this summoning of Black stories, this compilation of Black beauty is a draw in itself. We stand in reverence of the talent that is Toyin Ojih Odutola and the mark she will leave on the future. “ILÉ ORIAKU” will remain on display at the Jack Shainman Gallery until July 18. For more info, visit jackshainman.com.

Settles” by Che Lovelace will be on display at the Nickola Vassell gallery until July 25. For more info, visit nicolavassell.com.

Bruce Dorfman, “Marco Polo,” centered with other works in the background

Che Lovelace, “Dame Lorraine” (Malcolm Johnson photos)

Toyin Ojih Odutola, “Opin Ojo”

Toyin Ojih Odutola, “We Become the Third Place” (left) and “Lehin Mgbede” (right) (Malcolm Johnson photos)

Che Lovelace, “Swimmers at the Surface and One Young Diver” Bruce Dorfman, “Red Edo”

Toyin Ojih Odutola, “Time, Energy, Resources”

Is Sierra Leone the escape plan for Black Americans?

By EDEN HARRIS

Special to the AmNews

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — For African Americans looking to leave the U.S. in search of peace, purpose, or a chance to build generational wealth, Sierra Leone could be a place to relocate to and connect with locals, who say they are ready to welcome Black Americans to their ancestral homes.

Baindu Amara, a local Sierra Leonean woman and owner of a boutique “arts and crafts business” along Kallon Junction Beach Road in Aberdeen, says she wants to connect with Black Americans looking to return to Africa through her artistry and by telling them the country’s history.

“One thing [I want to do] is to teach them what I am doing, to show them that this is my craft, this is what I do for a living, then to take them to see some of the beaches we have here, the hotels, and some other things,” she said.

Sierra Leone has a host of 4-star hotels such as the Mamba Point Hotel Lagoonda. This hotel offers seaside views overlooking Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown. Guests from all over the United States, including Florida, and people in London, frequent this hotel for lodging, dinner and entertainment. The four-star hotel attracts locals to the Scarlet Lounge, which is adjacent to the hotel. It operates on Friday and Saturday.

Sierra Fofanah, an African American with Sierra Leonean roots, who is summering in the country, described the lounge as a go-to spot in the region.

“Scarlet [Lounge] is definitely a hotspot for people coming to Sierra Leone, it’s popular with the locals as well, not just expats or tourists, everybody ends up there at the end of the night. It’s a go-to spot, if there is nothing else to do, or if you’re just not sure, they have all sorts of events going on,” she said.

Fofanah, a former film and TV

student at the University of the Arts London, says the lounge has “the typical club decorum, but if it’s a good night with a lot of people, it’s definitely instagrammable and can show off the vibes really well.”

Sierra Leone sees Black Americans as key to its future Muhammad Janneh, a local security guard, said Sierra Leoneans are in America by way of the Transatlantic “Slave Trade,” and he wants them to return

home. The country was a departure point for thousands of captive slaves in the 18th century. He also said his quality of life would improve if Black Americans were to come back to develop the infrastructure, adding that the country is ready to receive them, especially since the nation is recovering from the 2002 Civil War.

The West African country is still working toward rebuilding its infrastructure, and Janneh believes Black Americans “have a lot of resources. They have the finance.

They have the technology” to collaborate with Africa’s growing population, which the United Nations describes as “the key to Africa’s sustainable development.”

There hasn’t been “significant generational wealth built through housing or businesses” in West African countries like Liberia, Ghana or Cape Verde and Sierra Leone, according to Witney Schneidman, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Africa Growth Initiative in the Global Economy and Development program.

But soon that could change with the Sierra Leonean government tapping a Black American restaurateur and community leader, Waleed Shamsid-Deen, as its special envoy for trade and investment.

“Sierra Leone offers fertile ground not just for investment in land and business, but for healing, identity, cultural exchange and legacy. This is more than an escape from political instability or social unrest in the U.S,” Ambassador Shamsid-Deen said. “It’s a return to purpose and a reawakening. Sierra Leone is an ideal place for transformation to begin for some and to continue for others.”

Is the nation safe for travel and relocation?

For Felicitas Casellas, a project officer at the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Men’s

Continued on next page

People seen on a dock to board a Sea Coach boat into Freetown, Sierra Leone, May 2025. (Eden Harris photos)

Baindu Amara holds her handmade crafts along Kallon Junction Beach Road in Aberdeen, Sierra Leone, in May 2025.

Association for Gender Equality in Sierra Leone, the country feels safe.

“Where I live, everyone knows me, I walk around here past midnight, I drive my car here, I walk here alone,” she said.

Asked what message she would send to Black Americans wanting to move to the country, Casellas said: “If you want to live in a country with a lot of awesome, beautiful, welcoming [and] friendly people, then come to Sierra Leone, Mama Leone.”

“If you have good ideas and a little financial background, please come and create job opportunities for local Sierra Leoneans,” she added.

As for health, the country is facing an mpox (monkeypox) outbreak, with health data from the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and the Institute for Ecology and Evolution at the University of Edinburgh, U.K., among other collaborators, reporting that cases have surged, with over 2,800 new infections reported as of May 22, 2025. Their analysis says it “strongly indicates ongoing human-to-human transmission.”

Reports categorized the out-

break as “explosive” and said it is overwhelming the country’s health care system. But what’s next for the country? According to the New York Times, Sierra Leone’s health officials are appealing to the U.S. for support. This comes at a time when President Donald Trump suspended nationals from Sierra Leone from coming into the United States, for overstaying their visas.

The English-speaking nation is offering African Americans a pathway to citizenship if they can prove their ancestral connection through a DNA test. This serves as a commitment to bridge the gap between African Americans and their African heritage, according to the ambassador.

“I’ve seen firsthand the government’s commitment to creat-

ing and enabling environments for investment, agriculture, infrastructure, technology, etc., but also meaningful connections to the African continent and most importantly, the ability to become a citizen,” Shamsid-Deen said.

“I would also state that AfricanAmericans bring immense value, financial resources, technical expertise and a deep desire to build,

but more importantly, they bring a shared history and an emotional commitment to uplift and contribute,” he added.

And if Black Americans do return to their ancestral home, Amara said she’ll be waiting for them to teach them about “Bai Buhe, [and] how he fought for Sierra Leone to gain its independence [from] the white people.”

School girl seen walking alone in the street along Kallon Junction Beach Road in Aberdeen, Sierra Leone in May 2025.

A man seen leaving a construction site in Sierra Leone in May 2025. (Eden Harris photos)

Despite rain, Harlem celebrates 32nd annual Juneteenth Celebration

By JASON PONTEROTTO Special to the AmNews

Even amid rain showers, the Masjid Malcolm Shabazz mosque celebrated its 32nd annual Juneteenth event on Saturday, June 14.

Juneteenth is now a federally recognized holiday honoring when the last enslaved Africans were freed in Galveston, Texas in 1865. While being celebrated in the state for many years among Black communities and growing in prominence throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it wasn’t until 2021 when it was made a New York state holiday as well as recognized federally by then-President Joe Biden.

The Masjid Malcolm Shabazz Mosque has organized the longest-running celebration of the holiday since 1993 with their annual parade. This year’s spectacle, unhindered by the weather, began on 116th St. and Lenox/ Malcolm X Blvd and ran west to St. Nicholas Ave, then uptown to 125th St. before going east and back down. It featured a total of 13 floats as Harlem community members stopped to watch and cheer on.

Some of the participants were local youth community service organizations like Street Corner Resources, Woodycrest Center for Human Development Inc., and SCAN-Harbor, as well as Hip Hop Worship, L&M Development Partners, Ruff Ryders, Inc., Popeyes, and Dunkin’ Donuts. There were ten grand marshals, including New York State Sen. for District 30 and longtime participant in the parade, Cordell Cleare.

“We come from a time when hardly anybody knew what Juneteenth was,” Cleare told the AmNews, pointing out how many are aware of what the holiday is today. “We are the keepers of our culture, and I am happy that Masjid Malcolm Shabazz has been steadfast in that and has been consistent and been a safe place for us to grow and to spread and to become what it is today.”

Juneteenth Committee members and grand marshals posing together. (L-R): Juneteenth Committee member Daleel Jabir Muhammad; actor Ralph Carter; educator Ganeen Dean; AmNews Managing Editor Kristin Fayne-Mulroy; environmental justice advocate Peggy Shepard; social justice advocate Dr. Leroy Gadsden; Juneteenth Committee member Sandra McPhee Hunter; community leader Brother Charles Asukile Mitchell; spiritual leader Leman Jake McGhee. Not pictured: MC Rodney C; baker and proprietor of Lee Lee’s

The day of celebration continued with an award ceremony and up to 45 street vendors on 116th St between Lenox and 5th Avenue, 20 health and community service providers, a marching band, and a steel band that performed. Honorees included Cleare, “Good Times” actor Ralph Carter, longtime environmental justice executive Peggy Shepard, educators Dr. Leroy Gadsden, Charles Azukile Mitchell, and Ganeen Regina Dean, Harlem baker Alvin Lee Smalls, Community Council President Leman Jake McGhee, and AmNews Managing Editor Kristin Fayne-Mulroy.

In her address during the ceremony, Cleare gave credit to the Mosque.

“Not only did they celebrate [Juneteenth], but they called for a holiday all those years, the one voice that was out there all those

years. And it took tragedy and shame after the murder of George Floyd for this state to say, ‘Okay, we’re going to make this a holiday.’ But you should know that we have been fighting for 32 years,” she said.

Ralph Carter, award-winning Broadway child actor and Brooklynite, gave tribute to his “Good Times” castmates and thanked the Juneteenth committee for the award.

Another honoree, Charles Azukile Mitchell, also from Brooklyn, is a longtime member of the Sons of Africa brotherhood, established at City College of New York by former chair of the Africana Studies Department Dr. Leonard Jeffries and Dr. James Small to help mentor young Black men. Mitchell gave credit to Ralph Carter, whom he said would come and help lead some of the young men at the

“It’s an honor to be honored on one of these days that we have chosen to take as our own, to acknowledge our ancestors that came out of that tradition where they were denied,” Mitchell said. “Malcolm spoke on these streets, and so it’s especially important and an honor for me to be acknowledged by the folks who continue the legacy.”

Following the ceremony, there were several musical performances from local artists such as rapper Arnstar and the Hip Hop Worship Gathering, a collective of gospel hip-hop artists from around the country. There was also a dance class, a drill performance, and spoken word.

One of the gospel artists, Amari Grace, is originally from New York but came up from Florida and was grateful to both perform and ride on the float. She says the rain made the experience better.

“Being in Harlem, participating in the Juneteenth parade culturally made my heart swell with pride,” Grace said. “Initially, I felt like the rain was a bummer, but to see people still out and to see everybody celebrating and enjoying one another regardless of color was amazing.”

Cleare, who had just arrived in Harlem after a session in Albany the day before, received a special surprise proclamation for her longtime community leadership.

As early voting has begun for the NYC Mayoral election, Cleare addressed concerns of Harlem community members and says she continues to give them a forum to voice their issues while making sure they are informed and educated on why they should still vote despite feeling unseen.

“There are people who feel marginalized, who feel invisible, who feel uncared for … so it’s important to recognize people who say ‘We see you.’ And in this election period, it’s important for voters to vote for the people that see you.”

Child Development Center.

Parade marchers. (Bill Moore photo)

Baked Goods, Alvin Lee Smalls. (Bill Moore photo)

Street Corner Resources, a Harlem nonprofit that works to combat gun violence and provide professional development opportunities for young people. June 14, 2025.

(Jason Ponterotto photo)

Juneteenth, Camille Thurman

For the ancestors, Juneteenth was a celebration. It was on June 19, 1865, that Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, two and half years after the end of the Civil War, to find that news of the Emancipation Proclamation had not yet reached the area and Black human beings were still being physically and psychologically abused, terrorized as non-humans (slaves). That very day, General Gordon Granger formally announced their emancipation. As freed humans, African Americans celebrated throughout the South with parades, storytelling, and food.

Within the federal government, the thought of making Juneteenth a holiday was considered absurd, but in 2020, it came to fruition in the fire of nationwide protests against ongoing racial inequities in the justice system between Black Americans — specifically, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd — and police. President Joe Biden officially recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021.

As America contemplates the importance of Juneteenth Day, it is important to acknowledge the horrific conditions our ancestors endured to achieve that point of freedom. Today, we are faced with an evil, racist, totalitarian in the White House, who is attempting to return to those “good ole days” of the South when basic laws didn’t apply for the Black population. In the midst of rejoicing on this Juneteenth, it’s important to organize and strategize! “Sunshine can burn you, food can poison you, words can condemn you, pictures can insult you; music cannot punish, only bless” (Artur Schnabel, “Music and the Line of Most Resistance,” 1942).

On Juneteenth, Dizzy’s jazz club (10 Columbus Circle) will rejoice with C. Anthony Bryant: Juneteenth Jubilee Roads & Pathways. It reflects the ancestors’ moment of merriment with a night of music, storytelling, and community led by the baritone and composer Bryant. His multifaceted journey travels through Black history to life through spirituals, gospel, spoken word, and Afrofuturist sounds.

Presented in three acts, from remembrance to transformation to joy, this inspiring program blends old traditions with fresh energy. Experience the heart, soul, and unstoppable spirit of freedom through music that lifts you up and brings everyone together. Bryant’s potent baritone brings Negro spirituals and gospel words into now. He revels in Black historical culture and its musical lineage. His interpretation of the spiritual “And He Blessed My Soul” is heartfelt, and his NPR Tiny Desk performance of “Breathwork” is an inspirational jaunt with

a groove: “Breathe in and out never mind the tone of the day.”

Bryant will be joined by a well-rounded ensemble featuring pianist Mika Nishimura-Abustan, bassist Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere, percussionist Ahmad T. Johnson, trumpeter Nicolaus Gelin, trombonist Rashaan Salaam, and saxophonist Aris Dolce Jr.

The vocalist serves at Park Avenue Christian Church as music leader and First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) as minister of music, after serving seven years at the Abyssinian Baptist Church as minister of music for youth.

Two shows each night, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. For reservations, visit jazz.org.

For Camille Thurman, there is always a large welcome mat awaiting at Dizzy’s jazz club, along with joyous audiences, where she returns with the Darrell Green Quartet. They will appear on June 20–21; two shows each night, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Thurman sings like a nightingale and her vibrant saxophone licks will knock you off your seat. She is a double threat who immediately holds you wonderfully captive, from her first note until the set’s end, leaving you wanting just a little more. The intuitive play between Thurman and her collaborator Darrell Green and quartet is magic. They create high energy, a fresh swing like a summer breeze, stamped with their interpretations of this 21st century.

The quartet features drummer Green, trumpeter Wallace Roney Jr., pianist

Jordan Williams, and bassist Paul Beaudry. For this engagement, they will perform music from their latest release: “Confluence, Vol. 1: Alhambra.”

“Confluence” is a collection of songs recorded during their fall 2023 tour of Spain. “This album sonically captured the spirit of the audience and the live magic we made on stage,” noted Thurman. The album is outstanding — every band member gets mean on this one: Roney’s high-flying riffs with Green’s comp flurries, and, oh, yes, that spirited tenor sax of Thurman, as she effortlessly switches to song, without anyone missing a beat. Pianist David Bryant runs the keys, and bassist Beaudry are burning on her original “Freedom.” The other eight tracks are just as engaging.

Thurman makes her mark on welltraveled standards like “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” “Going Out of My Head,” and “They Long to be Close to You,” but her rendition of “Stardust” is breathtaking and she scats with Roney’s muted trumpet. Her vocals on “Love Vibrations” reflect glimpses of the great Phyllis Hyman.

Nina Simone, Shirley Horn, Carmen McRae, and Hazel Scott were all great pianists and singers, but Thurman has blossomed on tenor and soprano, and her singing talent makes her a rare treasure. With Thurman, we are watching a rising star ascending into the stratosphere. For reservations, visit jazz.org.

As Black Music Month grooves along, I

would like to suggest any music by Babs Gonzales, a spoken word hipster (early hip-hop pioneer), bebop singer, songwriter, and promoter, who performed with James Moody, Eddie Jefferson, Jimmy Smith, Bennie Green, and Johnny Griffin. He recorded six albums; my suggestion would be “Sunday Afternoon with Babs Gonzales at Small’s Paradise” (Dauntless, 1961), although all are quite interesting and well worth a listen.

By all accounts, Babs was a character, but well-known and somewhat accomplished on the jazz scene; a native of Newark, N.J. While living in Harlem (1958), he owned a nightclub called Babs’ Insane Asylum, in Sugar Hill at St. Nicholas Place and 155th Street. His house band featured the likes of pianist Hank Jones, bassist Milt Hinton, and drummer Roy Haynes.

Gonzales had a PhD of the streets, and a gift of gab with an eye always on that dollar. He wrote and self-published two books, I Paid My Dues: Good Times … No Bread (1967) and Movin’ on Down de Line (1975). The books were mainly autobiographical, featuring his exploits in the fast life of “shyster” agents, hustlers, pimps, prostitutes, and all those folks, who took to the streets after dark. Babs Gonzales was a true jazz hipster.

“Men profess to be lovers of music but for the most part, they give no evidence in their opinions and lives that they have heard it. It would not leave them narrow-minded and bigoted.” Thoreau’s Journal.

C. Anthony Bryant. (Photo courtesy of Jazz at Lincoln Center)

At Tribeca 2025, two breakthroughs — and a troubling absence

By MAGRIRA Special to the AmNews

“It is the small hole that sinks the big ship.”

This African proverb warns that ignoring small problems can sink something much larger. In 2025, a troubling pattern is emerging in the filmmaking world — one that should ring every alarm in African American, Latino, and South Asian film communities in the U.S. and abroad.

Racism in the film industry isn’t just offensive — it’s financially reckless. A widely cited McKinsey & Company report found that Hollywood forfeits up to $30 billion annually due to racial inequity and underrepresentation. According to the data, the industry loses approximately $10 billion each year by failing to close the African American inequity gap, and an additional $12–$18 billion by consistently undervaluing Latino professionals and audiences.

These findings are echoed in other industry reports, all pointing to the same fact: This financial loss stems from Hollywood’s ongoing failure to engage meaningfully with African American, Latinx, and Asian American/ Pacific Islander communities. The business case for equity is clear — and urgent. That’s what makes this year’s Tribeca Festival so alarming.

At the 2025 Tribeca Festival, Egyptian filmmaker Sarah Goher stood out as the only African director to win in a major category, sweeping three top awards for her film “Happy Birthday.” Puerto Rican filmmakers Cristian Carretero and Lorraine Jones Molina earned jury praise for their narrative debut “Esta Isla” (“This Island”). Yet, despite these achievements, not a single African American filmmaker was honored in the major categories — a silence that was impossible to ignore on a night meant to celebrate global storytelling.

Despite the festival’s branding as an international platform for diverse voices, 2025 saw a notable lack of African American and Latino stories, both in the lineup and among the winners. That absence undercuts the core promise of a festival born from the need to rebuild, represent, and reflect a wider city — and world.

This year’s Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature went to “Charliebird,” the directorial debut of Libby Ewing, while Gabriela Ochoa Perez earned Best Performance for the same film. All honorees in the U.S. Narrative category were first-time directors, signaling the festival’s continued push to uplift emerging voices.

Goher’s “Happy Birthday” dominated the International Narrative section, winning Best Feature, Best Screenplay, and the Nora Ephron Award — one of the evening’s most prestigious honors. Her film, which centers on a young girl’s quiet reckoning with class and longing, was praised for its nuance and

emotional precision.

Meanwhile, Carretero and Jones Molina’s “Esta Isla” (“This Island”) —a politically layered drama set in Puerto Rico — received a Special Jury Mention and the Best New Narrative Director Award. The jury cited its ability to “balance poetic imagery, lush landscapes, and cinematic tension,” calling it “a film that straddles crime fiction and ethnography.”

In the documentary category, Suzannah Herbert’s “Natchez” took the top prize. The film, which centers on a Mississippi town once known for its role in the slave trade, looks at historical erasure and presentday reckoning. Yet, despite the film’s deep roots in African American history, Herbert herself is white — a fact that many in the community found troubling, raising questions about cultural appropriation and the persistent lack of African American voices behind the camera when it comes to telling African American stories.

Also in the spotlight was Manya Glass-

Apollo Theater raises $3.2 million-plus at annual Spring Benefit

By CYRIL JOSH BARKER

AmNews Digital Editor

A host of celebrities and entertainers attended the Apollo Theater’s 2025 Spring Benefit on Wednesday night. The theater honored singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, choreographer, and Harlem native Teyana Taylor with the first Innovator Award, and record executive Clive Davis with the Legacy Award. Davis was also inducted into the Apollo’s Walk of Fame.

This year’s benefit was the Apollo’s final event before the theater closes for full-scale renovations. Michelle Ebanks, president and CEO of the Apollo, kicked off the show by highlighting the upcoming renovations. She was joined by Charles Phillips, chair of the Apollo Board of Directors, to announce a $2.5 million contribution from Bloomberg Philanthropies to support the theater’s ongoing community and education initiatives.

man’s short film “How I Learned to Die,” which took home the Student Visionary Award. Executive-produced by Spike Lee, the film drew from Glassman’s experience as a teenager facing a life-threatening illness. As reported in the Amsterdam News Curtain Raiser, the film is being developed into a feature and was previously named to the Purple List of top graduate screenplays.

Latin American cinema made its presence felt in several categories — “Cuerpo Celeste” (Chile, Italy), “Kites” (Brazil), “Runa Simi” (Peru), and “A Bright Future” (Uruguay, Argentina, Germany) — but even among this strong showing, no U.S.-Latino filmmakers broke into the winners’ circle. In addition to film, Tribeca handed out awards for games, branded content, podcasts, and immersive experiences. The inaugural Music Video award went to “Rock the Bells” by LL Cool J, directed by Gregory Brunkalla. The Tribeca Games Award went to France’s “Cairn,” praised for its immersive simulation and narrative design.

The Tribeca X branded content awards recognized “Abnormal Beauty Company” from The Ordinary (Best Feature), “Century of Cravings” from Uber Eats (Best Commercial), and “First Speech” by Reporters Without Borders (Best Short), among others. Audience Award winners — decided by festivalgoers — will be announced later this week.

Founded in 2001 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in the aftermath of 9/11, Tribeca has long championed the idea that storytelling can help rebuild and reimagine community. However, this year’s winners list — celebrating talent from Egypt, Puerto Rico, the UK, and beyond — also revealed which communities are still waiting for their stories to be seen.

For a link to the full winners list, visit tribecafilm.com.

“We’re incredibly excited for this next transformational phase,” Ebanks said.

“There will be new orchestra seats, enhanced acoustics, fully modernized lighting and sound systems, and — for the performers — enhanced dressing rooms and state-of-the-art backstage facilities. And lastly, the renovations include a full restoration of our iconic Apollo Theater marquee.”

Comedian and actress Kym Whitley served as host for the evening.

Camille A. Brown & Dancers, Martha Redbone, and Avery Sunshine opened this year’s benefit. Deborah Cox, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, and Adam Blackstone — who also served as musical director — performed, along with the Baylor Project and Shoshana Bean.

Fashion icon and designer Dapper Dan

Scenes from “Esta Isla” (“This Island”), which earned both Special Jury Mention in U.S. Narrative and Best New Narrative Director Award. (Photo courtesy of Habanero Film Sales)

(L-R): Larry Jackson, Clive Davis, Busta Rhymes, Kwanza Jones, and Spliff Star. (Dave Goodson photo)

Continued from page 5

Brown community. [The leading cause of death] for babies were car accidents, but now it’s gun violence.”

Gooding’s commitment to reducing gun violence has also been evident through his church’s participation in the Bronx’s gun buyback initiatives. In 2009, Miracle Revival Temple partnered with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the New York Police Department as one of the six venues for the initial Gun buyback program. In 2016, Fellowship Tabernacle hosted another event where 99 firearms were surrendered. These programs, aimed at reducing the prevalence of illegal firearms on Bronx streets, are an extension of Gooding’s vision for a safer and more harmonious community.

“We have seen in our catchment areas, and where we are located right now, the 49th, 47th, and the 43rd Precincts [New

York Police Department]. We have seen a decrease in our catchment areas over the last 11 years of 50% in those catchment areas,” Gooding said. “The decrease in shooting is what our organization does. We have what we call outreach workers or violence interrupters, and we work out of our base in Jacobi Hospital. When there’s a shooting victim that comes to the hospital, we have some of our hospital responders or violence interrupters make sure that they try to talk down to the friends that’s coming in, that there will be no retaliatory shootings. That’s the reason that we have seen statistics that the police won’t show, but we are seeing in our catchment areas of 50%.”

Gooding’s dedication to community service goes far beyond his anti-violence advocacy. He has held numerous leadership positions that underscore his commitment to public welfare, including serving as president of the 49th Precinct Clergy Council and as a member of the executive board of the 44th Precinct Clergy Coalition from 2002 to 2008. Additionally, he is an

executive with Chaplains Helping in Police Situations (C.H.I.P.S.). His efforts have garnered significant recognition, including the 49th Precinct Community Council’s Tom Twyman Citizen of the Year Award in 2009 and the NYPD Partnership in the Community Award in 2013.

“For me, as a person, as a father, as a grandfather, as a husband, I just want to see people transforming their own lives [for the better],” Gooding said. “I had four kids. I have three sons; my daughter Latiesha is deceased. She died in 2020 from an accidental overdose. My wife, Nicole Stacey Ann Gooding, of 37 years, we just recently celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary. She has the Ministry of Health. My baby son plays the organ for our ministry. His name is Jayme Gooding. There’s Jay Jr., he has his own church. My middle son plays the drums for me. His name is Vaughn.”

Gooding, who works from fighting violence to supporting families and neighborhoods, has left an indelible mark on the Bronx. His efforts continue to inspire

others to cultivate peace, hope, and unity in a world often fraught with challenges. Through his commitment to service, Gooding has built bridges between law enforcement, community members, and faith-based organizations, proving that collaboration and compassion can create lasting change.

“It all starts in the home, and I think we’ve lost that control,” Gooding said.

“I think parents have lost that control of their home. My father used to tell us, ‘Say something and I’ll leave it at these three places where children are going to learn.’

First of all, the home, [then] the school, and the church. I think over the years now we’ve lost that control of that respect in all three aspects. If children are not going to respect their parents, they’re not going to respect anyone else. I think that’s been the biggest breakdown. If we can try to help parents, even in the rearing of their children, I think that would be a great thing as we commemorate Gun Violence Awareness Month.”

Continued from page 13

did not know the extent of the slave rebellions, thought to be more than 250 between the 1600s and the Civil War. This is the best kind of win, underscoring why institutions like this must continue to exist as they were

so carefully envisioned and crafted.

I left the NMAAHC walking a little taller, feeling proud of what Blacks have done to claim our God-ordained, rightful place as U.S. citizens. The history of triumph against the odds is rich; Black people have truly made a way out of no way, as the saying goes.

I dedicate my own life to the memory of those whose blood paved the way for what

we have today, from Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, to that beautiful boy with the impish grin, Emmett Till, and those whose names we will never know.

I encourage every American to visit the treasure that is the NMAAHC. And if there are attempts to erase our history, African American history, American history, I encourage ordinary people to note the edits,

and to project them on the walls of the very government buildings that were built with free African American labor.

Cheryl McCourtie, a writer living in the Bronx, has worked as a nonprofit fundraiser for institutions that include a museum, an MS grantmaking public ccharity, and several youth-development organizations.

all-time high jobs record surpassed 11 times since 2022 Historic “City of Yes” initiative invests $5 billion in 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years

$755 million investment expands universal after-school program to a total of 184,000 students

Black Panther Party’s children discuss growing up with revolutionary parents

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

“Panther cubs,” the now-grown children of 1960s Black Panther Party (BPP) members, participated in an open discussion about their childhood and all that they experienced while being raised in Black revolutionary-led households.

In March, British newspaper The Guardian published an article that looked at the lives of nine Panther cubs. Three of these cubs participated in a public discussion with the article’s author, Ed Pilkington, and Guardian Deputy Editor Lauren N. Williams at Brooklyn Public Library’s Center for Brooklyn History on June 12.

The Panther cubs who participated, Ericka Abram, K’Sisay Sadiki, and Sharif El-Mekki, recalled the intense community commitments of their BPP parents. They marveled at how young their parents were, yet able to accomplish so much. And they spoke of the enduring influence of BPP principles on their lives.

Ericka Abram, the daughter of BPP Chairperson Elaine Brown and Minister of Education Raymond “Masai” Hewitt, fondly recalled the bubble she lived in among BPP families in Oakland, California. She said she was never hungry, never felt scared, and never felt unloved. But when her mother left the BPP in 1977, Ericka was sent to attend a private school in Malibu where, in

the seventh grade, she frequently got into arguments with her teachers. One teacher got angry with her for sitting quietly while everyone else was reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Another tried to teach her that Australia had been founded by pioneers, but when Abram countered that it was founded by prisoners, she was put out of the class.

When asked about the stresses of growing up under government surveillance and having to watch as adults regularly attended the funerals of BPP comrades, Abram replied that she was empowered by her childhood and admires her mother. “When I think about it now her building the Black Panther in Oakland — it’s 80 units of affordable housing for people who pay $300. The floors were made and installed by Black men —— and the windows. I don’t know if all of the things that they lost, the funerals … were worth it. But then I look at the 80 families that are living in this building and that have that opportunity.” Ericka says her mother wants people to copy the model of the Black Panther building in Oakland and help more people access quality housing.

The performing artist/producer K’Sisay Sadiki works as a senior policy associate at the New York Immigration Coalition. She is the daughter of Pamela Hanna and also leads the international campaign to free her father, political prisoner Kamau Sadiki.

K’Sisay recalls a childhood spent at -

tending court cases for BPP members. At one point, during a pause in the trial of Assata Shakur, she played with the political activist. “I spent a lot of time in court, so I spent time playing peek-a-boo with Assata,” she said. “And then my mom and my other auntie, another Black Panther warrior woman, would take another cub cousin and myself to the park or give us other opportunities because they knew that taking their children to court all the time was a lot.

“Even at the time when Assata was playing peek-a-boo with me, she was facing, you know, she was facing life. So that was her moment, and my mom shared that with me; that was the moment when she could feel normal, when we locked eyes. With everything that was happening in her life, she could stop for a moment, and we could connect. I’m 53, and I still remember that.”

Sharif El-Mekki, the son of Aisha El-Mekki and Hamid Khalid, fondly recalled attending a BPP Liberation School that prioritized Black pride. The school formed part of an educational ecosystem led by Dr. Suzette Hakeem and was taught on an indoor porch. BPP members believed in the power of education, the Panther cubs noted, and because they could not trust that public schools would properly educate their children, they took on the task of doing so themselves.

El-Mekki explained: “What made our school unique was that a lot of the things that were discussed were about liberation. Our classrooms were named after African liberation groups. So you started in TANU [Tanganyika African National Union], then you went to ZANU [Zimbabwe African National Union], then you went to PAIGC [African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde], then you went to FRELIMO [Mozambique Liberation Front], then you went to MPLA [Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola], then when you went to the sixth grade there was SWAPO [South-West Africa People’s Organization].”

Being educated in a classroom named after African liberation parties exposed Panther cubs to the struggles and concerns of African people worldwide. That’s what made it harder for the children when they later had to attend conventional U.S. schools.

El-Mekki had to attend a public school when he entered the 10th grade. He said he became angry at the education he received in public schools, and he learned to separate his public school and college life from his BPP community life. He confesses it took him a while to learn how and when to merge both worlds. Today, he works to prioritize the education of the next generation at his Philadelphia, PA-based Center for Black Educator Development (CBED).

El-Mekki’s CBED is trying to rebuild a national Black teacher pipeline that focuses on developing Black teachers steeped in BPP-influenced perspectives.

The Guardian Deputy Editor Lauren N. Williams and reporter Ed Pilkington spoke with Panther cubs Ericka Abram, K’Sisay Sadiki, and Sharif El-Mekki at the Center for Brooklyn History on June 12. (Minhee Cho photo)

the dance ministries, the performance and art, the nurturing of public speaking. The churches have been keepers and archivers of family histories and community history. They have been the places where the community comes together to be activated, politically and socially, whether it’s for protests or for learning about social issues and empowerment.”

Former Schools’ Chancellor and secondgeneration Harlem resident, David Banks, who opened up an Eagle Academy school in Harlem, added that the church helped to “ground you. Ultimately, the church isn’t just about an affirmation of your faith and your relationship with God, but it is also about how we treat one another, and how we take care of our own.”

The Business of Black Culture

Whether it’s a church, a theater, media company or political machine, this theme of “taking care of our own” is a thread running throughout Harlem’s institution-building. It has defined the public life of Manhattan Deputy Borough President Keisha Sutton-James, herself an intersection point for the building of Black political and cultural infrastructure in Harlem. Brought into the family business by her father, Pierre Sutton and grandfather, the former Manhattan Borough President and one-time NYC mayoral candidate, Percy Sutton, Keisha had a

front row seat to her family’s investments in the Amsterdam News, Apollo theater, and the Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, which featured pioneering radio stations such as WBLS and WLIB.

“Making a ton of money was never the goal. It was to affirm and lift up culture that would impact political discourse and ultimately impact political outcome.” When Percy Sutton bought WBLS, Keisha said, “Black radio was a whole lot of liquor ads, cigarette ads, and pawn shops, and that kind of stuff. And [Inner City Broadcasting] refused to take that kind of advertising because it wasn’t good for the culture. They also brought in teachers and linguists to create an elevated listening experience that was ripe with Black cultural excellence.”

In Sutton’s telling, her family’s enterprises helped introduce mass audiences to an emerging art form that would come to transform popular culture. “We were the only commercial radio station and the only commercial theater in New York City that were playing rap music and putting on rap concerts.”

Harlem Without Borders

Harlem has in fact gotten so proficient at exporting local culture, that it has become an international brand. It would be unfair to compare 2025 Harlem to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s, which at times was characterized by the exoticization of Black bodies and art, but gentrification and tourism over the past two decades have ar-

guably muted Harlem’s Black cultural resonance. Which begs the questions: Can Black Harlem survive a transformation of its population and physical landscape? And what is to prevent this geographically defined, nationally significant capture of Black memory and identity from fading?

The answer may lie in the example of the Studio Museum in Harlem. Harlem resident Sydney Briggs, the director of registration at the American Federation of Arts, and a former director of collections and exhibition at the Studio Museum in Harlem, described both the Apollo and Studio Museum alike as “places where some of the most important artists in the African diaspora have come to because it was one of the few places that allowed us to be free and be ourselves.”

What’s instructive about the Studio Museum is that its brick-and-mortar headquarters has been closed since 2018, while a new building is being constructed. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, Thelma Golden, the Studio Museum’s Ford Foundation Director and Chief Curator, saw this as an opportunity. As the museum continued to operate in mobile, decentralized and virtual ways, it not only introduced itself to new audiences within Harlem, but also introduced Black art to other corners of the city.

“Thelma brilliantly master-minded this way to keep the Studio Museum top of mind,” Briggs said. “She was able to work with the Museum of Modern Art to introduce a bunch of talented artists to MoMA, and get program space on the ground floor of MoMA that you

don’t have to pay an admission fee for. And then the Artist-in-Residence program was still happening because Thelma was able to find alternate space in Harlem, so the artist would be in the studio for almost 11 months, and the culmination of that residency would be an exhibition. Typically the exhibition would take place in the studio museum galleries, so what she did in the interim was to have the exhibition at MoMA PS1.”

Briggs points to other instances in which the Schomburg, Classical Theatre of Harlem, and Dance Theatre of Harlem have been able to “take their show on the road” and “introduce ideas that have typically been living in Harlem and placing them in a new environment.” In other words, Harlem institutions don’t even have to actually be in Harlem to be true to their mission.

So maybe we’ve been looking at Harlem all wrong. It’s easy to focus on its physical formation –– its wide boulevards, its architecture, its expanse of Black and multiracial humanity –– and make it into something fixed and static. But neighborhoods, by definition, are in a constant state of transition. In that respect, maybe Harlem is not even a collection of histories, but a big idea, one that can be written down, indexed, dramatized and choreographed. It’s a stubborn conviction that people of African descent living in these United States are, like say, Charlie Rangel, Arthur Mitchell, Zora Neale Hurston, et al, a complicated, resilient and endlessly creative people. As Billie Holiday once sang, “Oh no, they can’t take that away from me.”

Will you be able to get a COVID-19 shot? Here’s what we know so far

By LAURAN NEERGAARD and TOM MURPHY Associated Press

Want a COVID-19 vaccination this fall? For many Americans, it’s not clear how easy it will be to get one.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was a longtime anti-vaccine activist, said this week that the shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, usurping a decision normally made by scientific experts, not political appointees.

Days later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said healthy children and pregnant women “may” get COVID-19 vaccinations, removing stronger language that those groups “should” get the shots.

The change follows an earlier Trump administration step to limit COVID-19 vaccinations among healthy people under age 65.

Until now, the U.S. — following guidance from independent experts who advise the CDC — has recommended yearly COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone age 6 months and older.

Together, the moves have left health experts, vaccine makers and insurers uncertain about what to advise and what comes next.

“It’s going to add a lot of confusion overall,” said Ajay Sethi, an epidemiologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

How can I get a COVID-19 shot for myself or my healthy child?

Some of this season’s vaccine is still available. Insurance industry experts say if people had insurance coverage before Kennedy’s announcement, it’s highly unlikely that would have ended instantly based on the secretary’s video announcement. That means if someone could find a shot, they’d likely be able to get one for now. Will I still be able to choose a shot in the fall for myself or my child?

Who will be able to get what vaccines this fall is still unclear.

Vaccine manufacturers plan to issue updated COVID-19 shots in the late summer or fall. But the Food and Drug Administration has said it plans to limit approval of seasonal shots to seniors and others at high risk, pending more studies of everyone else.

Even if the U.S. approves vaccines only for certain groups, it still may be possible for others to get the shot depending on the outcome of upcoming advisory meetings, regulatory moves and decisions from insurers and employers.

Will my insurance still pay?

Insurers base coverage decisions on the recommendations of that CDC panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. It’s not clear what role that panel now will play. Paying out of pocket could cost about $200.

The CDC says its new language for healthy kids and pregnant women — known as shared decision-making — means health insurers must pay for the vaccinations.

What’s considered increased risk?

The FDA published a list of health conditions it said would qualify, including asthma, cancer, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity. The CDC has a more extensive list.

But, again, it isn’t yet known how this will play out. For example, it could be hard for people to prove they’re qualified. If they’re vaccinated at a drugstore, for instance, the pharmacist wouldn’t normally know about underlying health problems or even ask.

And Sethi, the UW-Madison expert, said “this elephant in the room” is that blocking vaccination to the healthy may mean people who have a risk factor and simply don’t know it will miss out.

Adding to the confusion was Kennedy’s implication that the coronavirus isn’t dangerous to pregnant women.

COVID-19 complications during pregnancy can include preterm birth as well as serious illness in the mother, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine said it “strongly reaffirms” its recommendation for vaccination during pregnancy.

Some insurers and employers may decide to still cover the shots no matter what, said Jen Kates, a senior vice president at the nonprofit KFF, which studies health care issues. She noted that they may view the expense as worthwhile if it avoids a higher bill from someone hospitalized by the coronavirus.

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(DocWertheim photo via Wikimedia)

Religion & Spirituality

A heavenly funeral mass for Charles B. Rangel

By HERB BOYD Special to the AmNews

Legendary former Representative Charles B. Rangel’s funeral mass was in St. Patrick’s Cathedral last Friday, but Harlem was present, in the house of the Lord, for a man known as the “Lion of Lenox Avenue.” Each of the four noted speakers found a way to invoke the community –– where he was born and served in Congress for 46 years ––which Gov. Kathy Hochul began after Dr. Jennifer Pasqual’s stirring prelude, “God of our Fathers.”

“When I ran for state office,” the governor recalled, “he made sure I met everybody. He gave me the Charlie Rangel seal of approval and whether it’s biscuits at Sylvia’s or on the streets of Lenox Avenue. He was there for me and stood for me time and time again.” She announced that she was working with Mayor Eric Adams and her team “to ensure there is a prominent street in Harlem that bears the name, the ‘Charlie Rangel Way.’” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries cited a number of ways Rangel inspired him. “He was a courageous man, a passionate man, a heroic man, a humorous man, a hardworking man, and above all Charlie was a Harlem man.” And that brought a thunderous applause… “He taught us how to get reelected, something he was able to do more than 20 times to the House of Representatives without losing a race.”

Sen. Chuck Schumer compared Rangel’s raspy, adenoidal voice to the great sax-

ophonist Charlie “Yardbird” Parker, and then thanked him “being a mentor, for being a dear friend, for being one of the first to believe in me, for a lifetime of service to Harlem, to New York, to America, and to the globe.” Rangel, he continued, “kept his head down, his eyes forward, his voice speaking out for those in need. He was brilliant, old, funny, and fearless. All at the same time, and Charlie believed in America.”

Former President Bill Clinton recounted the time when Rangel was instrumental in helping him establish an office in Harlem on 125th Street and the opening with Cicely Tyson and Rangel was by his side. “I will never forget the smile on his face, the spring in his step, and the steel in his spine,” Clinton said. “And finally the world he loved and the country he believed in. Thank you.”

With the main speakers finished, there were introductory remarks from Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, who blessed the body and placement of the pall. The mass continued with The Liturgy of the Word, with Rangel’s grandsons, Joshua and Howard Haughton, delivering the readings from the Bible. During his extended homily, Father Gregory Chisholm emphasized Rangel’s Catholic roots and his worshipping at St. Aloysius Church in Harlem. “Charlie would remain faithful, committed, and loving to the men and women of color in Harlem,” he said. He paused to relate Rangel’s connection to Basil Paterson, Percy Sutton, and David Dinkins, who were often

known as the “Gang of Four.” The famous four were noted again when members of their family –– Steven Rangel, Keisha Sutton-James, Daniel Paterson, and Donna Dinkins Hoggard presented gifts during The Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Earlier during the Prayer of the Faithful, Sister Loretta Theresa Richards began with readings by Gretchen Wharton and Charles Haughton, another Rangel grandson.

The mass concluded with the Commu-

nion and other rites but not before June Townes enlivened the church with her thrilling version of “We Shall Behold Him” which must have resonated with the attendees as they filed from the majestic church. Resonant too was the recessional rendition by Br’ Von Neal and the Praise Ensemble of “When We All Get To Heaven,” and it was hard not to think of Rangel’s comments at the close of his autobiography about meeting St. Peter and getting that room with a view.

Many dignitaries came out to celebrate the life of Congressman Charlie Rangel. (Bill Moore Photos)

From left to right; Richard Kirkpatrick and Calvin Hunt stand outside of St. Patrick’s to express their support of the late Congressman Charlie Rangel. (Herb Boyd photo)

Continued from page 24

joined Sherri Shepherd on stage to present Taylor with the inaugural Innovator Award. During her acceptance speech, Taylor described the honor as a full-circle moment, recalling her first performance at the Apollo when she was 8 years old.

“Thank you for the village you have placed in my life. I’m filled with so much gratitude,” she said.

Singer-songwriter and producer Babyface joined singer Monica to present Davis with the Legacy Award. In his acceptance speech, Davis reflected on his decadeslong career, in which he has worked with artists including Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Miles Davis, and Gil Scott-Heron.

One overDose can take a life. One frienD can save it.

NO ONE SHOULD DIE OF AN OVERDOSE.

Most fatal overdoses happen at home. What you know can save a life. Help keep our communities safe by learning about overdose prevention and reaching out to those at risk.

For emotional support or substance use services, call or text 988 or visit nyc.gov/988.

To learn more about services in NYC, visit nyc.gov/alcoholanddrugs

“Receiving the Legacy Award and being inducted into the Walk of Fame is a true cultural treasure,” Davis said. “Black music is an essential part of American culture. I’m so proud to have played a role in helping bring previously unheard voices to the world.”

Rev. Al Sharpton offered remarks in memory of friend Richard Parsons, who served as chair of the Apollo’s Board of Directors from 1999 to 2020. Parsons, who was

also chair of Citigroup and chair and CEO of Time Warner, died in 2024 at the age of 76.

After the concert, guests attended an after-party at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building Plaza, featuring music by DJ D-Nice in a tent specially designed by Apollo board member Bronson van Wyck. There were surprise performances by Deborah Cox, Black Sheep, Meli’sa Morgan, and Jean Norris-Baylor of Zhané.

Kamilah Forbes, executive producer, Apollo Theater. (Dave Goodson photos) Sherri Shepperd and Jawn Murray. Clive Davis addresses audience during induction into Apollo Walk of Fame.

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Notice of Qualification of TWO SIGMA PULSAR PORTFOLIO, LLC

Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/04/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/25/25. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 100 Ave. of the Americas, 16th Fl., NY, NY 10013. DE addr. of LLC: Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State 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 Qualification of TWO SIGMA PULSAR ENHANCED FUND, LP

Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/04/25. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/24/25. NYS fictitious name: TWO SIGMA PULSAR ENHANCED FUND, L.P. 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, 100 Ave. of the Americas, 16th Fl., NY, NY 10013. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with Secy. of State of the State of DE, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of NUVEEN STRATEGIC RETAIL AGGREGATOR LP Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/18/25. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/11/25. Princ. office of LP: 730 Third Ave., NY, NY 10017. NYS fictitious name: NUVEEN STRATEGIC RETAIL AGGREGATOR L.P. 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: Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

VESSEL GLOBAL CAPITAL

LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/3/2025. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 31 Hudson Yards, Office 51, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: Any lawful act.

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 July 23, 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

{* AMSTERDAM*}

Notice of Qualification of NUVEEN STRATEGIC RETAIL INVESTORS LP Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/18/25. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/12/25. Princ. office of LP: 730 Third Ave., NY, NY 10017. NYS fictitious name: NUVEEN STRATEGIC RETAIL INVESTORS

L.P. 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: Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., #4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Wanyeki Technologies LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/25/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 222 E 34th Street APT 2325, New York, New York, 10016 Purpose: Any lawful act.

Archie's Handy Works LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on Feb. 28, 2025. Office location: Manhattan County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 228 Park AVE S #608669, NY, NY. Purpose: Any lawful act.

DRINK X FRESH LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 5/18/2025. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 228 PARK AVE S#715255, NEW YORK, NY, 10003. Purpose: Any lawful act.

FIVE IRON GOLF APP LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/11/2024. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 883 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS FL 3, NEW YORK, NY 10001. Purpose: Any lawful act.

FIVE IRON GOLF MINNEAPOLIS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/03/2024. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 883 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS FL 3, NEW YORK, NY 10001. Purpose: Any lawful act.

GUNBAI LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 5/31/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 313 W 22nd St, Apt 1B, New York, NY 10011. Purpose: Any lawful act.

JABGRS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 3/28/25 Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 382 CPW #17, NY, NY,10025. Purpose: Any lawful act.

ITSHAK HOLTZ FINE ART

LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/3/2024. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: Registered Agents Ince, 418 Broadway, STE R, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Qualification of 154 PARTNERS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/01/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 08/15/24. Princ. office of LLC: 34 E 51st St., NY, NY 10022. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to CT Corporation System, 28 Liberty St., NY, NY 10005. DE addr. of LLC: 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff -against- WEI TIENG HUR, if living and if dead, etc..., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated February 20, 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 July 16, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, known and designated as Unit No. 5A in the condominium known as "Observatory Place Condominiums" together with an undivided 2.41 percent interest in the common elements.

Block: 1676 Lot: 1420

Said premises known as 2019 1ST AVENUE, UNIT 5A a/k/a 2019-2023 1ST AVENUE, UNIT 5A, NEW YORK, NY 10029

Approximate amount of lien $321,532.88 plus interest & costs.

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

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 850269/2019.

MARK MCKEW, ESQ., Referee David A. Gallo & Associates LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 7777.059 {* AMSTERDAM*}

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. RUSSELL R. WEBBER and BARBARA A. WEBBER, Trustee of the RUSSELL R WEBBER and BARBARA A. WEBBER TRUST dated April 9, 2010, Defts. - Index # 850498/2024. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 21, 2025, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the NY County Courthouse located 60 Centre Street, NY, NY on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.0741276267592057% and an undivided 0.1505136467542480% tenants in common interest in the timeshare known as Phase II of HNY CLUB SUITES located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York. Approximate amount of judgment is $80,859.31 plus costs and interest as of March 13, 2025. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Mark McKew, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK. 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff -againstAMOS LINENBERG, GAIL P. BARTHOLOMEW-LINENBERG, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated September 11, 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 July 2, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant-in-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided .009864% common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10019

Approximate amount of lien $16,937.46 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850257/2023. DORON LEIBY, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39115 {* AMSTERDAM*}

Notice of formation of Limited Partnership (“L.P”). Name: Kingsboro SHOP 1 L.P. Certificate of Limited Partnership filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (“SSNY”) on April 24, 2025. N.Y. office location: New York County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the L.P. upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to Kingsboro SHOP 1 L.P., c/o Breaking Ground II Housing Development Fund Corporation, 505 Eighth Avenue, 5 th Floor, New York, New York 10018. The latest date upon which the L.P. shall dissolve is December 31, 2135 unless sooner dissolved by mutual consent of the partners or by operation of the law. Name/address of each general partner available from SSNY. Purpose: any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF SALE

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF WELLS FARGO COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE TRUST 2016-C34, COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2016C34, BY AND THROUGH ITS SPECIAL SERVICER, LNR PARTNERS, LLC, Plaintiff v. 153 ELIZABETH STREET, LLC, 153 ELIZABETH HOTEL LLC, 30 KENMARE MASTER, LLC, EDMOND LI, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, THE CITY OF NEW YORK, and PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, Defendants, Index No. 850275/2021. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision and Order on Motion dated August 8, 2024, which was duly entered in the above-entitled action and filed in the Office of the New York County Clerk on August 12, 2024 and December 26, 2024, as amended by the Decision & Order on Motion dated September 24, 2024, which was duly entered in the above-entitled action and filed in the Office of the New York County Clerk on September 26, 2024 (the “Judgment”), I the undersigned Referee in said Judgment named, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Room 130 of the Courthouse, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, New York, the premises directed by said Judgment to be sold. The premises will be offered for sale, as one parcel, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. The premises therein described are located at 153 Elizabeth Street, New York, New York 10023, also known as Block 479, Lot 29 on the Tax Map for the County of New York, together with the buildings, improvements, fixtures, machinery, equipment, personalty and other rights or interests of any kind or nature located thereon, and more particularly described in the Judgment.

The premises will be sold subject to the provisions of the filed Judgment, Index No. 850275/2021, and the Terms of Sale , all of which are available from plaintiff’s counsel upon request.

The approximate amount of the Judgment, for the property referred to therein, is $35,312,720.52, plus interest and costs, as provided in the Judgment. The successful bidder will be required to deposit 10% of the bid by certified or official bank check, unendorsed, made payable to the Referee.

Scott H. Siller , Esq., Referee ( 516) 644-6769

Herrick, Feinstein LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, Two Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016, (212) 592-1461, Attention: Scott T. Tross, Esq.

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that a license, number NA-0340-25116185 for Liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell Liquor at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 230 E 58th St, New York, New York, New York County for on premises consumption. 886 Culinarians LLC, JABA NYC RESTAURANT

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK. 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff -againstMADAPPALLIL GEORGE, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 9, 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 July 2, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenantin-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided .009864% common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10019

Approximate amount of lien $13,410.42 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850276/2023.

DORON LEIBY, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590

DLG# 39169 {* AMSTERDAM*}

Notice of Qualification of 1580 NOSTRAND AVE OWNER LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/08/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/12/25. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of SQUARE NINE CAPITAL, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/06/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/23/24. Princ. office of LLC: 292 Madison Ave., 22nd Fl., NY, NY 10017. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. DE addr. of LLC: c/o The Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of the State of DE, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 3, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK. DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST

COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee, on behalf of the Registered Holders of Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2016P5, Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2016-P5, acting by and through its special servicer, LNR Partners, LLC, Plaintiff -against- JW EAST BWY LLC, et al., Defendant(s), Index No. 655575/2023. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 3, 2025, under NYSCEF No. 158 (the “Judgment”), the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction to the highest bidder in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007, on July 16, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time), the property in said Judgment directed to be sold, which property may be briefly described as the real property located in the Borough of Manhattan, within the City, State and County of New York, and designated as Block 279, Lots 1101, 1102, and 1103, together with the fixtures, personalty and other rights or interests of any kind or nature located thereon or related thereto, as more particularly described in the Judgment. Said premises are known as 11 EAST BROADWAY, The Royal Court Condominium, Unit Nos. 1A, 2A & 3A, NEW YORK, NY 10038

Approximate amount of Judgment is $23,303,940.33 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and the Terms of Sale, as referenced therein, which are available from Plaintiff’s counsel upon request.

DORON LEIBY, ESQ., Referee VENABLE LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff, 151 W. 42nd Street, 49th Floor, New York, NY 10036, (212) 3706257, Attention: Rishi Kapoor, Esq.

{* AMSTERDAM*}

Notice of Qualification of HANDSOME BROOK FARM, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/11/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 08/03/16. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 555 W. 57th St., Ste. 1103B, NY, NY 10019. 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.

West Atlantic Law Firm, PLLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/08/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 104 West 40th Street, Suite 400 , New York, NY, 10018 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.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. JAMES R. HARVEY, ALVINA M. HARVEY and NYC TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, Defts.Index # 850483/2024. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 28, 2025, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.0424631946437561% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 48TH STREET VACATION SUITES located at 12 East 48th Street, New York, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $54,716.43 plus costs and interest as of March 13, 2025. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Thomas R. Kleinberger, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

Notice of Qualification of TRYON PROPERTY OWNER, LP Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/29/25. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/27/18. Princ. office of LP: 440 S. Church St., Ste. 880, Charlotte, NC 28202. NYS fictitious name: TRYON PROPERTY OWNER, L.P. Duration of LP is Perpetual. SSNY designated as agent of LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. JANET LEFEBVRE, Deft. - Index # 850481/2024. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 28, 2025, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.0343469607644787% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 48TH STREET VACATION SUITES located at 12 East 48th Street, New York, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $45,345.49 plus costs and interest until entry of Judgment on June 3, 2025. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale which includes annual maintenance fees and charges. Thomas R. Kleinberger, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST LAWRENCE LEE; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 22, 2025, 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 July 16, 2025 at 2:15 pm, premises known as 100 West Street 58th 3A aka 100 West Street 58th #3A, New York, NY 10019. 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: 1010 Lot: 1412. Approximate amount of judgment $209,178.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850431/2023. Elaine Shay, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1250 New York, NY 10006 25-001042 86117

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK. 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff -againstJACQUELINE LEE ABRAMS, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 12, 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 July 9, 2025 at 2:15p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenantin-common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided 0.01972800000% common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on ownership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10019

Approximate amount of lien $36,377.42 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850307/2023.

RONALD ZEZIMA, ESQ., Referee

DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP

PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39332 {* AMSTERDAM*}

Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company (“LLC”). Name: Kingsboro SHOP 1 GP LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (“SSNY”) on April 24, 2025. N.Y. office location: New York County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to Kingsboro SHOP 1 GP LLC, c/o Breaking Ground II Housing Development Fund Corporation, 505 Eighth Avenue, 5 th Floor, New York, New York 10018. Seeking M/WBE Bids for construction site at 1619 Undercliff Ave Bronx. Contact bidding@ taxaceny.com

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.

M/WBE

com

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

AXOS BANK, Plaintiff -againstHUDSON 805 LLC, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 26, 2024 and entered on February 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on July 23, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, 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, NY 10014

Approximate amount of lien $7,584,837.12 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850233/2022.

JEFFREY MILLER, ESQ., Referee

Sheppard Mullin

Benjamin O. Gilbert, 212-890682, bogilbert@sheppardmullin.com

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 {* AMSTERDAM*}

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF 435 EAST 117TH STREET CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff -against- CHRISTINE HEALEY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 29, 2023 and entered on July 3, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse located in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on July 2, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, State and County of New York, known and designated as Section 6 Block 1711 and Lot 1203. Said premises known as 435 EAST 117TH STREET, UNIT NO. 3, NEW YORK, NY

Approximate amount of lien $57,680.99 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 152950/2022.

GEORGIA PAPAZIS, ESQ., Referee

Mitofsky Shapiro Neville & Hazen, LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

152 MADISON AVENUE, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10016

{* AMSTERDAM*}

Notice of Qualification of BASKIR FIRST PROPERTIES

LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/06/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/04/25. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: All legal activities especially property investment.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York , Piermont Bank , Plaintiff, vs . 315 Manhattan Properties LLC , ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on January 31, 2025 , I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on July 9, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 315 West 121st Street, New York, NY 10027. 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 1948 and Lot 22. Approximate amount of judgment is $3,640,907.48 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850023/2024. Mark McKew, Esq., Referee Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP, 100 Motor Parkway, Suite 560, Hauppauge, New York 11788, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, Plaintiff AGAINST The Estate of Carl Arak a/k/a Carl J. Arak, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 4, 2025, 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 July 2, 2025 at 2:15PM, premises known as 301 Cathedral Parkway, Apt. 6W, New York, NY 10026. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, Block: 1846, Lot: 1119. Approximate amount of judgment $179,740.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850211/2024. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832. Tom Kleinberger, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-100355-F00 84632

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK: COUNTY OF NEW YORK. HANOVER BANK. Pltf v. STOCKBRIDGE EQUITIES CORP , et al., Defts. Index No. 850003/2023 pursuant to the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 5, 2025 and entered on March 6, 2025, I will sell at public auction at the New York County Courthouse, at the Courthouse located at 60 Centre Street, New York, New York, room 130 on July 2, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., prem. k/a 5 East 124th Street, New York, New York (Block 1749, Lot 6). Approx. amt of judgment is $ 3,017,025.15, plus costs, attorneys’ fees in the amount of $75,000 and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. George Papazis Esq., Referee. Jacobowitz Newman Tversky LLP, Attys. for Plaintiff’s assignee, Uncle A LLC, 377 Pearsall Ave., Ste C, Cedarhurst, NY.

Notice of qualification of EC A2 SLIHC Taxpayer LLC (“LLC”). Application for Authority filed with the Secy. of State of New York (“SSNY”) on March 13, 2025. Office location: New York County. Principal business location: 505 Eighth Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10018. LLC formed in Delaware (“DE”) on February 28, 2025. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: EC A2 SLIHC Taxpayer LLC, c/o Common Ground Management Corporation d/b/a Breaking Ground Management, 505 Eighth Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10018. DE address of LLC: EC A2 SLIHC Taxpayer LLC, c/o The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. Cert. of Formation filed with DE Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Building, 401 Federal Street, Suite 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York , Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as owner trustee for CSMC 2018-RPL6 Trust , Plaintiff, vs . Jose N. Ramos , ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision and Order on Motion duly entered on February 6, 2025 , I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on July 9, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 526 West 175th Street, New York, NY 10033. 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 2131 and Lot 37. Approximate amount of judgment is $414,581.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850008/2024.

Mark McKew, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 232895-1

Notice of Qualification of JCP CONGAREE CREDIT FUND

LP Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/29/25. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/16/25. Princ. office of LP: 520 Madison Ave., 12th Fl., NY, NY 10022. NYS fictitious name: JCP CONGAREE CREDIT FUND L.P. Duration of LP is Perpetual. SSNY designated as agent of LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o The Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF SALE

In pursuance and by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly granted and entered in an action entitled NYCTL 2021-A Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon as Collateral Agent and Custodian for the NYCTL 2021-A Trust v. Yi Dong, et al., bearing Index No. 157646/2022 on or about April 30, 2025, by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, I, the Referee, duly appointed in this action for such purpose, will expose for sale and sell at public auction to the highest bidder on July 23, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., at the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, Room 130, New York, New York 10007, the liened premises designated as Block 882, Lot 1214, in the City of New York, County of New York and Borough of Manhattan, State of New York and known as 88 Lexington Avenue (a/k/a 80/88 Lexington Avenue a/k/a 129/133 East 26 th Street), Unit No. 404, New York, New York 10016 , directed in and by said judgment to be sold. The sale will be conducted pursuant to the Court’s Auction Rules and any COVID Restrictions. The approximate amount of the judgment is $64,549.64 plus interest and other charges, and the property is being sold subject to the terms and conditions stated in the judgment, any prior encumbrances and the terms of sale which shall be available at the time of sale.

Dated: June 19, 2025 New York, New York

Scott H. Siller, Esq. Referee 706 Equestrian Way Westbury, New York 11590 (516) 644-6769

David P. Stich, Esq. Attorney for Plaintiff 521 Fifth Avenue, 17th Floor New York, New York 10175 (646) 554-4421

Notice of Qualification of 240 WILLOUGHBY GL, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/29/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 01/15/25. Princ. office of LLC: c/o Maritime Management, LLC, One Maritime Plaza, Ste. 2100, San Francisco, CA 94111. 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 of the State of DE, PO Box 898, Dover, DE 19903. Purpose: Purchase of real property.

Notice of Qualification of PRIVATE EQUITY VII (E&F) GP LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/15/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 05/06/25. Princ. office of LLC: 9 W. 57th St., 18th Fl., NY, NY 10019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Summit Rock Advisors, LP at the princ. office of the LLC. DE addr. of LLC: c/o Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Investments.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK

CHANG HWA COMMERCIAL BANK, LTD., in its capacity as the administrative agent for Hua Nan Commercial Bank, Ltd. and itself, the syndicated lenders (Plaintiff) AGAINST WATERSCAPE RESORT II, LLC , et al., (Defendants), Index No. 850050/2021

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision and Order on Motion dated February 14, 2025 and entered February 18, 2025 (the “Judgment”), and such Judgment entered by the New York County Clerk’s Office on May 20, 2025, I, Jeffrey R. Miller, Esq., the undersigned Referee, duly appointed in this action for such purpose, will sell at public auction at the New York County Supreme Court, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, on July 9, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. , on that date, the premises directed to be sold by said Judgment, commonly known as Hotel Unit 1, Hotel Unit 2, and Commercial Unit 3 in the Condominium known as the “Cassa NY Condominium” located at 66-70 West 45th Street, New York, New York 10036 (Block 1260, Lots 1101, 1102 and 1103). The approximate amount due as per the Judgment is $98,961,016.28, plus interest, fees, and costs. The premises shall be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and the terms of sale.

Jeffrey R. Miller, Esq., Referee THOMPSON COBURN LLP

Mark T. Power Brigitte R. Rose Attorneys for Plaintiff 488 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10022 Tel: (212) 478-7200

Notice of Qualification of P. DREAMS 8805 LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/29/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 02/03/25. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 3, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Forty Whiskers LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/07/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 223 W38TH ST, BOX 493, New York, NY, 10018. Purpose: Any lawful act.

ANGEL GLOW GROUP LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/11/2025. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 700 W 178TH ST APT22, NEW YORK, NY,10033. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Qualification of NMG Term Loan PropCo LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/20/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/29/19. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 3, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of REDUS EL, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/23/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 02/03/09. Princ. office of LLC: 401 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202. 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 19808-1674. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State-Div. of Corps., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

RESILIENT SUSTAINABLE HABITABLE PROGRESSIVE ARCHITECTURE PLLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/31/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: Tower 45, 120 W 45TH St, STE 2801, New York, NY 10036 Purpose: Any lawful act.

GROUNDED STARS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/19/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 535 Fifth Avenue, 4th Floor, #1021, New York, NY 10017 Purpose: Any lawful act.

HOMEWRIGHTS DEVELOPMENT, LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect'y of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/24/2025. Office: New York County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: The LLC, 380 Riverside Dr, Apt 7J, NY, NY 10025. Purpose: any lawful act.

223 W 29TH OWNER LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/25/25. 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, 431 W 37th Street, #2A, New York, NY 10018. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

315 WEST 92ND STREET LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/06/25. 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, c/o BDO, 200 Park Avenue, 38th Floor, New York, NY 10166. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of DETOX BY REBECCA NYC LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/28/25. 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 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of LEAPS AND HURDLES, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/28/25. 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, 2410 8th Ave., Apt. 13F, NY, NY 10027. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of NEKO HEALTH 2 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/28/25. 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 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Clay Bridges LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 4/17/25. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 601 W 149th St 67, NY, NY 10031 Purpose: Any lawful act.

HFBFD LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/28/2021 Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 156A East 83rd Street, New York, NY 10028 Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of NEKO HEALTH 3 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/28/25. 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 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

V76 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on May 21, 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 Dontzin Kolbe & Fleissig LLP, 31 East 62nd Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10065. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Royvolution LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 4/17/2025. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 34th Ave. #977, Anchorage, Ak 99503. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of WHITE PLAINS 711 WESTCHESTER

LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/21/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 1315 W. 54th St., 1st Fl., NY, NY 10019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of WHITE PLAINS 777 WESTCHESTER

LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/21/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 1315 W. 54th St., 1st Fl., NY, NY 10019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

1 • February 20, 2025 - February 26, 2025

Notice of Formation of WHITE PLAINS 701 WESTCHESTER

LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/21/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 1315 W. 54th St., 1st Fl., NY, NY 10019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice 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

Stoller & Pileggi LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/05/2025. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 407 E. 91st St., Apt. 5E, New York, NY 10128. Purpose: Any lawful act.

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 Formation of THE CURATED BREAST LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/19/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 515 Marin Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07302. 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. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

GTM ADVISORS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/12/05. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 235 East 87th St, Apt 12L, New York, NY 10128. Purpose: Any lawful act.

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. OR SCHEDULE YOUR OWN BY SCANNING THE QR CODE

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Prison reform

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The Robert Brooks Blueprint for Justice Reform of the BPHA Caucus had 23 items focused on accountability, justice, safety, and rehabilitation, including the Second Look Act and Earned Time Act. Second Look would allow judges to review and reconsider excessive sentencing, while Earned Time allows for “merit time” programs to motivate people to get out faster for good behavior and time served.

Out of those items, 10 measures passed in the omnibus oversight bill on June 12. Among many things, the bill requires the timely disclosure of video footage related to the death of an incarcerated individual to the attorney general within 72 hours, mandates notices of the death of someone in custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC) and community supervision, expands surveillance cameras inside facilities but not in cells, requires autopsy and investigations into in-custody deaths in the state’s prisons and jails, and requires a report and public data be put out.

The omnibus bill was sponsored by Assemblymember Erik M. Dilan and Senator Julia Salazar.

“With the Senate passage of the Prison Reform Omnibus Bill, I’m thinking of Robert Brooks, Messiah Nantwi, and their loved ones,” said Salazar in a statement. “For decades, New York’s state prisons have been plagued by a systemic pattern of racism, staff violence towards incarcerated individuals, and human rights

Release Aging People in Prison Campaign director

Jose Saldaña thanked legislators who backed parole reforms left out of the omnibus bill but said their colleagues “fell far short of addressing the evil roots of the racist brutality of our state’s prison system exposed by the sickening videos of guards and sergeants murdering Robert Brooks.”

abuses, with little to no accountability or oversight. Just within the last six months, correction officers murdered two young Black men.

“In December, we watched video footage of prison staff brutally murdering Robert Brooks. Then this past March, we learned correction officers murdered Messiah Nantwi. We know there are countless others whose names we don’t know or who have not received the same level of attention.”

While the bill strengthens oversight, organizers said it falls short of providing lifesaving pathways for incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into society and does not address the root drivers of prison deaths.

Thomas Gant, community organizer at the Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) and a formerly incarcerated individual of 25 years, agreed that the omnibus bill will help families get answers about the death of a loved one faster and increase access for public reporting. However, his organization is a huge proponent of the Second Look and Earned Time Acts, and ideally would like to see them passed as well.

“These bills give people real hope,” said Gant. “There’s real incentives and it gives people real opportunities to reunite with their families. This also offers a fair pathway home for folks on the inside, and I’ll also add that these bills are supported by Robert Ricks, Brooks’s father.”

“Ultimately, we are outraged but we are not defeated,” said Saldaña in a statement. “This year, we collectively secured majority co-sponsorship on the Fair & Timely Parole and Elder Parole bills in the State Senate, maintained majority support in the Assembly, advanced the bills through committees, and blocked a regressive former parole revocation officer from being appointed to the all-powerful parole board, all while doing everything in our power to protect individual members of the RAPP family who faced all manner of abuse and neglect by the state’s prison system.”

The omnibus bill now awaits Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature to become law. She recently enlisted law firm WilmerHale to audit state prisons including Marcy and Mid-State after Brooks and Nantwi’s deaths. Ricks, the father of Robert Brooks, wrote about his support criminal justice reform legislation in a recent op-ed. He said that New York’s criminal legal system “warehouse(s) Black and Brown people, protect(s) those who brutalize them, and uphold(s) a culture of perpetual punishment.”

“My son did everything he could inside. He got his GED; studied sign language, horticulture, and maintenance; and made amends. He told me, ‘I wanna do what you do, Dad’ — mentor young people, change lives. But instead of a second chance to come home and do just that, he got a death sentence,” wrote Ricks. “I was once incarcerated for 18 months, and I never looked back. Prisons shouldn’t be warehouses. They shouldn’t be graveyards. But that’s what we’ve turned them into. And my son is proof.”

Additional reporting by Tandy Lau.

Robert Ricks, father of Robert Brooks, speaking at joint Senate hearing on May 14, 2025. To his right are Jessica Lowe, daughter of Clement Lowe, and Messiah Ramkissoon, mentor of Messiah Nantwi. (Photo contributed by Center for Community Alternatives, Inc.)

Black Fathers

Pride Month brings queer professionals together for networking in the city

how involved fathers were with their children. The report expanded the definition of father to include men who were biological fathers, an adoptive parent, and stepfathers by marriage or cohabitation. It also analyzed how a child living with their father full time or apart, their age range, marital or cohabiting status, education, and race affected their time spent participating in their child’s lives and activities.

Based on thousands of collected interviews, the report found overall that fathers were less likely to engage with their children if they did not live together. In terms of race, Black fathers were most likely to have bathed, dressed, diapered, or helped their kids under 5 use the toilet every day compared with white and Hispanic fathers; likely to have eaten a meal in a four-week time span, played with, or read to their kids; most likely to take their children to or from activities every day; and most likely to help their kids with homework.

“To me, fatherhood means representation and legacy,” said Soca Run Festival Founder Troy D. Johnson. His organization collaborated with the Dad Gang on this year’s event. “I feel like Black fathers are necessary because they made me who I am. Black fathers to me are misrepresented, and I feel like our generation, which is the millennials, are changing that. I feel like the more we are represented, the more the truth comes out about the world.”

therhood Initiative” program. The initiative helps fathers reconnect with their children, provide financial support, and develop parenting skills. The city’s studies show that children with involved fathers are less likely to enter the criminal justice system, and that an active and nurturing style of fathering is associated with improved verbal skills for infants, greater patience for toddlers, and better intellectual functioning and academic achievement among adolescents. Adams promised $7 million to expand the program.

“Children need role models. They need examples,” said Mike Bobbitt, deputy commissioner for community development at DYCD. “Knowing that your mother and your father love you does a lot in terms of you loving yourself.”

While at the march, Bobbitt pondered his relationship with his parents. He was largely raised by his mother because his father lived overseas. He said they got to spend time together whenever he would visit. Bobbitt himself now has a 16-yearold daughter.

According to José Luis Vilson, a sociologist; adjunct associate professor at Teachers College, Columbia University; author in Harlem; and executive director and cofounder of EduColor, media, movies, and news often foist an image of criminality, hypersexualization, or harsh enforcement onto Black men in general.

and activism during this time, Vilson said. “I think because of the generations of women having to be the ones to protect, and frankly the chauvinism in those spaces, it is incumbent on Black men to reimagine themselves as protectors — not to be patriarchal, but to say that we have a role, and to take leadership and/or to listen to our partners, whether they be Black women, Black LGBTQIA+ folks, or whoever we ought to be listening to,” said Vilson.

Vilson admits his father, who had eight other children, was not there for him. He sees it mostly as a reflection of the expectations and failures of that generation. “If I saw him once a year, I was lucky, so I found myself saying that the one thing I can do for my son, even if I don’t always have the words, is to be present,” he said.

saying, ‘We want to be seen, we wanna be heard, and we want you to acknowledge us,’ [is] us killing the myth that we are deadbeats, and a lot of men have grown up in single parent homes who absolutely want to be different.”

For Cooper, the representation of fatherhood in communities of color means protection and safety. He agrees with Vilson that Black women have unfairly borne the brunt of protecting the family while also being the nucleus of nurturing and love in the household.

(Raymond Fernández

BY RAYMOND FERNÁNDEZ

Special to the AmNews

That isn’t to suggest that Black and Brown fathers don’t still face real challenges like over-incarceration, gun and gang violence, police brutality and killings, high unemployment rates, lower education or matriculation rates, lack of mentors with adequate access to resources, and a systemically racist court system that has historically affected their communities for decades.

“It’s the overseer effect, where we’re expecting Black men to be punishers and enact those policies that are ultimately harmful to Black people,” said Vilson to the AMNews.

“We need to pay attention to what’s going on with Black men,” said Riley. “When we think of incarceration, everyone pays attention to criminal justice systems. Black men are the ones that are the most overpopulated in that system, so if we’re looking at the issue within that, we have to figure out how we protect them and help that specific demographic. As a Black legislator, it’s my job to also protect people that look exactly like me.”

As Pride Month continues, a community-led event in New York brought together LGBTQ+ professionals and advocates for an evening focused on visibility, solidarity, and professional growth.

Organized by the Queer Consulting Network (QCN), “One Community, One Voice, All Pride” assembled 12 LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations for a night of networking, resource-sharing, and collaboration. QCN, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, fully funded the event to ensure the focus remained on mission rather than corporate sponsorship.

“This event creates a space where we can stand together, not just a celebration, but in solidarity, whether it is through profes-

Mayor Eric Adams recently collaborated with the city’s Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) to put out a citywide fatherhood plan, which builds on the DYCD’s longstanding “Fa-

Election countdown

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candidate among 18- to 34-year-old voters, mostly because of his online and social media presence,as well as his policies. On the opposite side of the politi -

Over the last 50 years, that enforcer image has applied to Black men in education and fatherhood, said Vilson. Black men were seen as absent, neglectful, and only concerned about work or money. As the nation pauses to celebrate Juneteenth (June 19) in the current political climate, it’s important to note that the family and strong community structure in Black and Latino households were also historically and institutionally weakened by chattel slavery in the U.S. and throughout the Caribbean — similarly to mass deportation tactics used by the current federal administration in the modern day that break apart families and split communities politically, said Vilson.

sional networking, storytelling, or advocacy,” said Ahmet Aydogan, president of QCN. “We aim to showcase what is possible when we live with pride, authenticity, and mutual support. Ultimately, this gathering is about reinforcing the idea that we are stronger together, one community, united voice, committed to progress and all.”

The event emphasized the importance of professional networking — particularly for queer professionals working in fields like tech, finance, and science — at a time when LGBTQ+ rights continue to face national challenges.

But times, as well as traditional gender roles and identities, are changing. This shift has certainly aided in the “reimagination” of what it means to be a Black man and consequently a Black father, said Vilson.

For the most part, Black women have protected Black men, the home, and more largely the community through leadership

Charlie Conard, CEO and founder of the National Network of Out Pro, which has 10 chapters across the United States, highlighted the urgency of building community in both personal and professional settings.

cal spectrum, the Center for Strategic Politics partnered with the Don’t Rank Evil Andrew for Mayor (DREAM) campaign to also publish a poll from June 13–16 using Pollfish. They found that since the second Democratic mayoral debate, hosted by Spectrum NY1, Mamdani is now tied in a statistical

Another educator, Barry Cooper, founded the Brothers Redefining Opportunity (B.R.O.) Experience Foundation, based in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, to better support mental health programs and youth. He grew up with his father at home, but felt like “he did not have the capacity to love me.” With therapy, Cooper came to understand that his father didn’t have the tools to foster trust and love when he was younger. He said he wishes that his father wasn’t so intent on raising him in a militant fashion and allowed him to have a boyhood. They have a much better relationship now that he’s an adult. He’s also learned to give his own son his patience, grace, accountability, expression, and proper communication.

Cooper’s program, Daddy and Me, echoes the DYCD’s fatherhood initiative program. He thinks Adams needs to dedicate more funding to furthering fatherhood and parents. Ideally, Cooper would see more money go to social service supports like cognitive behavioral therapy for fathers, transitional housing for young fathers aged 18–25, savings accounts with stipends, life skills courses, employment and job training, taxes and contract services, and education.

“Diverse talent is proven to be very profitable for companies over homogeneous teams,” Conard said. “We are a room of diverse talent that’s motivated and community-conscious.”

Josh Rot, who works in clinical trials and data science, attended after being invited by a LinkedIn connection who saw his mention of being queer in science and tech.

“I think we need to be having more conversations,” Rot said. “I think the problem with the world these days is that we stop talking to each other. We’re not listening to one another. And the biggest thing about change is talking and having those conversations. And I think a little bit of representation, a little bit of visibility, will go a long way.”

Cooper thinks the biggest challenge Black and Brown fathers face is access to resources, like housing and mental health services, and understanding how to navigate resources for parents. He believes that the role of a father is still to set the tone, connect, and healthily support his child, and is excited to see the visibility around fatherhood increase. He hopes that in another two generations, some of the internal challenges of fatherhood will subside.

“The level of dads speaking out and

Matt, 73, noted that while conversations about diversity are more common today,

dead heat with Cuomo.

The debate kicked off the final stretch of the race, and saw candidates start to cross-endorse one another and unite to highlight Cuomo’s “corruption and chaos,” said the center.

This week, Lander captured headlines when he was arrested by U.S. Im -

age is often left out. For him, the event offered a meaningful opportunity to connect with other LGBTQ+ professionals and feel seen in a multigenerational event.

“The thing is that most young men have grown up in a city of apartments or tenement housing. The apartment gets passed from mother to daughter, let’s say, and men aren’t taught how to take care of the household,” said Cooper. “Especially in New York City, men having access to affordable housing [on their own], having their names on leases or rental agreements, is far and few in-between. Most men are out here couch-surfing or with their girl who has her own place.”

Juan Lopez Gutierrez, a founding member of QCN, spoke about the power of visibility and representation in the workplace, especially for queer individuals with intersecting identities.

Former Assemblymember Michael Blake, a mayoral candidate this year, said at the event that with additional funding, he would amplify his advocacy work through his My Brother’s Keeper mentorship program.

“Visibility matters, and having someone who is visibly out and showing that it’s okay helps you embrace your authentic self,” he said.

More than a celebration, the evening served as a reminder of what’s possible when LGBTQ+ people come together among industries and identities — with pride, purpose, and a commitment to building a more inclusive professional future.

His father, Hadley George Blake, has died, but Blake felt he had many role models to look up to and learn from in his life. “The best way to show that you are being a great father, whether it be through blood or through love, is by being consistent,” said Blake.

migration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at immigration court in Lower Manhattan when he was escorting a defendant out. He was released hours later after hours of protests from advocates and fellow mayoral candidates such as Mamdani, Adrienne Adams, Blake, and Myrie.

photo)

Attendees enjoy 6th Annual March of Dads in Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn on Father’s Day 2025. (Ariama C. Long photo)

Brooklyn’s Richardson Hitchins commands the ring at MSG in defeating Kambosos

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

“I’m going to be bringing back boxing for years to come, and I’m going to be one of the guys to hold down New York City like no one’s ever seen before.”

Brooklyn’s Richardson Hitchins talked the talk when he spoke to the AmNews in late May before making the first title defense of his IBF junior welterweight championship. On Saturday, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, the 27-year-old pugilist of Haitian descent walked the walk.

In a surgical performance that he commanded from beginning to end, Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) used his jab from the start and his power at the end to win the first seven rounds before stopping Australian George Kambosos Jr. (22-4, 10 KOs) in the eighth round with a left hook to the body.

“I’ve been telling the boxing world that I’m the truth,” Hitchins said after the win. ”If you don’t know Richardson Hitchins, now you know. I’ve been telling the

boxing world I’ve been coming. They should have listened, and now I’m here.”

His opponent knew about this prowess by the end of the evening. Hitchins landed 205 of his 398 punches thrown, an astonishing 51.5%, while Kambosos Jr. landed

a paltry 57 of 384 attempts (14.8%).

The business of boxing will take over Hitchins’ career in the immediate future, as he is a promotional free agent. WBO junior welterweight champ Teofimo Lopez Jr. was at the fight and is a potential opponent, as is WBA junior welter-

weight titleholder Gary Antuanne Russell, and WBC junior welterweight champion Alberto Puello.

Though he has lost four of his last five fights, including three brutal knockouts, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) is stepping back

into the ring to face relatively unknown Tyrrell Herndon (24-5, 15 KOs) on June 27. Wilder should seriously consider retirement. If those in his inner circle, both personally and professionally, are not telling him that, they are doing him a disservice that may have a detrimental impact on his health in the future.

Three weeks from tomorrow, an all-women’s boxing card will take place at Madison Square Garden and worldwide on Netflix, highlighted by the third matchup between International boxing star and undisputed women’s super lightweight champion Katie Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs) who will battle Brooklyn’s unified featherweight world champion Amanda Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs).

The following night at Louis Armstrong Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, Brooklyn’s Edgar Berlanga (23-1, 18 KOs) will battle Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0-1, 17 KOs) and Newark’s Shakur Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) will defend his WBC lightweight belt against William Zepeda (33-0, 27 KOs).

Jazz Chisholm’s versatility helps the Yankees maintain first-place lead in AL East

By RUDY ROBINSON Special to the AmNews

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisolm Jr. has been on the move since returning from the injured list on June 3, helping his team maintain its first-place lead in the American League East. The Yankees were 42-30 when they hosted the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night in the Bronx.

Chisholm had been out since April 29 with a right oblique strain. Due to a possible seasonending injury to third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera, who suffered a fractured left ankle on May 12, changes were necessary to the infield.

When infielder DJ LeMahieu was activated from the injured list on May 12 after straining his left calf in March just two games into spring training, Chisholm was moved from second to third base by Yankees manager Aaron Boone, the position at which he began his Yankees tenure when the 27-year-old from Nassau, Bahamas was acquired by the team last July in a trade with the Miami Marlins. It was a case of going back to his future.

Chisholm rewarded the Yankees’ faith in acquiring him by agreeing to play the new position last year. Having never played third base in the Major Leagues prior to coming to the Yankees, he posted a .940 fielding percentage, which is above average for the position. Entering this season,

Chisholm assumed his days at third were over, but the versatile speedster, who has also manned the outfield when needed, was called back into duty.

“I really thought I was done at 3rd base,” said Chisholm two weeks ago. “I thought I left my career over there with a good stamp, but I guess we’re back again”.

Chisolm’s ability to adapt has allowed the team to play LeMahieu at second, his natural position, where he was a two-time All-Star (2015, 2017) with the Colorado Rockies before making the 2019 AL All-Star squad in his first season as a Yankee.

Chisolm and the Yankees’ 24-year-old third-year shortstop Anthony Volpe are expected to form a dynamic double-play combination and solidify the middle of the infield. The Yankees were ranked fourth in the league

with a .987 fielding percentage and had committed 32 errors, sixth-fewest overall in MLB heading into last night’s game. After losing almost a month to injury, Chisolm has also made an impact offensively, leading the team with 10 stolen bases.

After hitting a game-tying home run on June 3, his first game back in over a month, Chisholm affirmed his commitment to being a driving force in the Yankees’ pursuit of their first World Series title since 2009.

“This is my favorite organiza-

tion I’ve ever been a part of. I just want to win. I want a ring.” The Yankees will complete their four-game series versus the Angels today and begin a threegame weekend series in the Bronx against the Baltimore Orioles tomorrow.

Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm has helped his team maintain their first place lead in the American League East. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Brooklyn product Richardson Hitchins (left) defeated challenger George Kambosos Jr. of Australia at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night to retain the IBF junior welterweight championship. (Photo by Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom Boxing)

Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation celebrates empowerment at benefit gala

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

At the ninth annual benefit of the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation (WHGF) last week, the foundation’s mission to empower and inspire the lives of young people from underserved communities through the sport of gymnastics was evident. Collegiate gymnast Kyrstin Johnson, whose floor routine set to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” went viral, was in attendance at the event, which was held at the New York Athletic Club. Johnson competed for Temple University this season after Talladega College (an HBCU school) ended its gymnastics program. “Coming from an HBCU, I still wanted to bring the HBCU with me,” she said. “Going out there and being yourself is the most important thing.”

Roshelle Wickham, mother of Rylee McCullough, a level 4 artistic gymnast, said her daughter is a dedicated gymnast who has found her passion through the WHGF. “I love that it’s opening doors for her,” said Wickham.

Amanda Malace, mother of

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in over three months when they dropped three straight from March 6 through March 10.

Elizabeth Malace, said her daughter has been training with the foundation since 2019 and will soon compete at the national level. “She loves that she’s able to be her true self. She fell in love with gymnastics and wants to go as far as she can with it,” said Malace.

Some present and former WHGF tumblers, an emerging sport, were on hand. Bailey Mensah said that tumbling

With Pacers star point-guard guard Tyrese Haliburton dealing with a right calf strain, the Thunder handled Indiana down the stretch and took a 120-109 victory, elevated by forward Jalen

allows for creativity. ZaQuae Carter said he appreciates seeing younger athletes take up the sport. “It gives me happiness,” said Carter, who has seen considerable competitive success. Ty’La Morris, who has been tumbling for seven years, said it “gives me a challenge every single day.”

Nick Brown, a coach with WHGF for two years, said he relishes the opportunity to help

Williams’ playoff career-high 40 points. Haliburton’s injury is one of the primary storylines and factors as tonight’s tip-off approaches.

“I was not great tonight by any

program participants, not only get better at gymnastics but also to embrace their own personalities. “These are underserved Black and Brown children, who don’t really get exposed to stuff like this, so to be able to give them a space to exercise that and grow with each other is special,” said Brown, who incorporates acting exercises he learned in college in the training. Athletes and their support -

means,” said Haliburton after shooting just 0-6 and totaling just four points in 34 minutes in Game 5.

ers weren’t the only ones to receive recognition at the event. Christopher Harris, outgoing chair of WHGF, received the WHGF Hero Award. Michael Tiedemann, CEO of AlTi Tiedemann Global and chair of the River Fund, received the inaugural Simone Biles Give Back Award. The Harlem Community Development Corporation was honored with the Community Impact Award.

“It’s not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play ... Gotta be ready to go for Game 6.” Whether he’ll play is yet to be determined. And it could determine the eventual NBA champion.

Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation participants perform at the gala. (Lois Elfman photos)

From left to right, WHGF board of directors member Herbie Berger, Wendy Hilliard, collegiate gymnastics sensation Kyrstin Johnson and one of the honorees, Michael Tiedemann.

WHGF tumblers (l–r) ZaQuae Carter, Bailey Mensah, and Ty’La Morris.

Former WHGF participants, now coaches (l–r) Ida Lowe, Alexis Page, and Asta Lowe.

Long Island teen Olivia Jones begins her USA Basketball journey

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

Sixteen-year-old Olivia Jones from Bay Shore has a hoopfilled summer ahead. First up, a prestigious assignment with USA Basketball as part of the USA Women’s U16 National Team in Irapuato, Mexico this week playing in the 2025 FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup. “I’m really excited; it’s been something I’ve obviously wanted to do,” she said.

Earning a spot on the team was a journey for Jones who deftly navigated the task this spring. First, she attended the USA Basketball junior national team minicamp held in Tampa during the NCAA Women’s Final Four. Her performance there earned her an invitation to tryouts for the team and finally a spot on the roster.

“It’s definitely been a process,” Jones said. “It doesn’t

stop at the minicamp, it doesn’t stop at the trials, it doesn’t stop here. I would say that I’m working out really hard and making sure my IQ is up because USA Basketball is all about really putting your mind into the game. I’ve been training on that front too.”

The tryouts and the training camp before leaving for Mexico took place in Colorado Springs, so Jones had to be in top form to deal with the altitude, which meant extra cardio work. Preparation also involved getting used to FIBA lines and shooting deeper three-pointers. There is also mental preparation.

“They care about your skills, but they also care about how you move with the team,” said Jones. “So, I did a lot of different training to make sure my game adjusts to the team game.” Bonding with new teammates happens both on

the court and off the court. Jones and her teammates are taking time getting to know each other. They’re also honing their communication skills in game situations.

Once home from Mexico, Jones’ busy schedule continues with summer basketball. For her, that is playing with Exodus NYC, which is part of EYBL (Nike Elite Youth Basketball League). Her senior year at Long Island Lutheran High School is also on the horizon, and Jones will start focusing on where to go to college. Being with other high level players helps prepare her. For now, the international game is on.

“The coaches hold us to a high standard, but as players of a high level, we also hold ourselves to a high standard,” she said. “We want to make sure that every time we step on the floor, we’re…getting what we need to get done, done.”

Community for women’s sports being cultivated through bar networks

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

As attendance continues to swell at WNBA games, there is the inevitable downtime when a favorite team is on the road. The New York Liberty Bar Network is filling the gap at bars across the city, which are holding official watch parties for Liberty away games. It’s not only a means of staying connected when the team is on the road; it’s also a way to foster relationships and introduce new fans to the game.

The Connecticut Sun has launched a Bar League, which brings the excitement of the WNBA to bars and restaurants across the state. The league runs from June through September and is designed to strengthen the team’s presence in communities and expand the Sun’s fan base. It also gives bar owners in Connecticut opportunities to create unique experiences for patrons.

This is softball season for Athletes Unlimited (AU), but the vision for its new Women’s Sports Bar Alliance is a national network of women’s sports bars where fans come together to celebrate athletes, games, and community. There are currently 16 participating bars in 13 states and the District of Columbia. In NYC, there is Athena Keke’s in Brooklyn and Wilka’s in Manhat-

tan, both of which are also part of the Liberty Bar Network.

The mother of women’s sports bars is the Sports Bra in Portland, Ore., launched by Jenny Nguyen in 2022. “The proliferation of women’s sports bars across the country is exploding,” said Matt Biggers, AU vice president of marketing. “We’ve been

doing promotions, including popups with the Sports Bra — watch parties and co-branded merchandise with them — for the last twoplus years. As others started growing … we created the Athletes Unlimited Sports Bar Alliance.” Bars in the Alliance receive activation giveaways, including

pens, coasters, cups, rally towels, and AU Softball League (AUSL) T-shirts for staff to wear during softball season. Most of these bars are located in cities where AUSL teams do not play, so every game is an away game. As with the New York and Connecticut bar networks, these are inclusive

spaces and men are welcome. Some are family friends.

“The demand is being recognized,” said Biggers. “There are fans out there that want a community and a place to be able to go and watch these games … Whether we play games in your city or town, we still want fans across the country.”

Long Islander Olivia Jones is representing USA Basketball at the FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup in Mexico taking place this week. (USA Basketball photo)

Liberty fans can celebrate Natasha Cloud even when team is on the road. (Brandon Todd/New York Liberty photo)

Fan checks out softball memorabilia at an establishment in AU Women’s Sports Bar Alliance. (Athletes Unlimited photo)

Daddy Yankee: Aaron Judge Looks To His Future As A Father

By BILL LADSON, MLBBRO

Special to the AmNews

Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge can rake. Going into last night’s (Wednesday) home game in the Bronx versus the Los Angeles Angels, Judge led all or Major League Baseball in batting average (.372) and on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) at 1.209, was tied for first in home runs with 26 and was second in RBIs, having plated 60.

But being at the top of his game isn’t the most important thing in his life. Judge became a first-time father when his daughter, Nora, was born January 27th of this year. He said the experience of being a girl dad has been incredible.

“My most important and biggest job is being [Nora’s] father, supporting her, loving her, making sure she is safe and taken care of,” Judge told MLBbro.com. “I’m going out here trying to hit a 95-mile-anhour fastball with 45,000 [people] screaming at you. That’s easy. So, I can handle that. I do the tough job in the morning and then I come

out [to the park], have some fun and play a game.”

Growing up in Northern California, Judge saw firsthand how a father should act by watching his own father, Wayne, a long-time school teacher. It didn’t matter how busy Wayne was, he always found the time to participate in baseball activities with Aaron.

“You are dealing with kids all day and you go home to another kid wanting to play. It was amazing spending that time with him,” Aaron said about his father. “I would come home from school. I wanted to go outside and play catch, hit wiffle balls in the front yard, shoot hoops.”

“My dad is coming home after working from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. He just wants to relax. I would ask, ‘Hey, dad, you want to play catch?’ He would never say, ‘Maybe tomorrow.’ He would get right up and say, ‘Get your glove. I’ll meet you out back.’ The biggest lesson I take away is the quality time.”

When he is not hitting rockets out of the park at Yankee Stadium, Aaron spends a lot of quality

time with Nora. It doesn’t matter if the Yankees won or lost a game; when Judge enters his home, there is Nora greeting him with a smile. Nora doesn’t communicate yet; It’s all gibberish. “I feel like we can communicate with those little smiles and gestures,” Judge said.

“It makes everything look better.” Aaron is more than a parent; He is a dog dad to Dachshunds named Gus and Penny. They love Nora. As his wife, Samantha, was getting close to giving birth, Aaron started seeing changes in the dogs. He sensed the dogs knew a new

member of the family was coming to the house. When Nora entered the home, the dogs sniffed her and their tails were wagging like crazy. It was as if they were celebrating her arrival and saying, “Hey, we have another member of the family coming.”

“I don’t know if they could hear it or just sense that my wife was pregnant or knew what was going on,” Judge said. “The love they have for my daughter, Nora, is pretty cool to see. There are animals who can’t communicate, but they just know they have to protect this [baby], spread love to her and be gentle on her… You don’t know how dogs are going to act and what they are going to do. They showed love right away.”

When Nora stops speaking gibberish and talks clearly, what’s the first thing Aaron will say to his first born? Dad doesn’t hesitate with the answer.

“I’ve been telling her, I love you. That’s one thing I say to her. A couple of times my wife asked, ‘Did she say it back?’.. I can’t wait for the adventure to start.”

The Pacers try to push the Thunder to Game 7 in the NBA Finals

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

NBA playoff series, which can go the distance of seven games, are non-linear. On a graph charting the games, individually and collectively, the axes are volatile, accentuated by highs and lows. The current NBA Finals between the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, representing the Eastern Conference, are a microcosm of fluctuations.

The Thunder lead the series 3-2 and can claim the franchise’s firstever title with a win tonight (8:30 p.m.) on the road in Indiana. A Pacers victory would move the series back to Oklahoma City for Game 7 Sunday night (8:00 p.m.).

The Thunder, who had the league’s best regular season record at 68-14 under 40-year-old head coach Mark Daigneault, were the heavy favorites entering the Finals.

Despite the Pacers, guided by their 65-year-old head coach Rick Carlisle, tearing through the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers in the first two rounds of the postseason, defeating both 4-1 in succession, and then dismissing the New York Knicks 4-2 in the conference finals, there remained widespread cynicism among fans and media that they didn’t have the tools to capably match up with the young, talented Thunder team driven by newly minted 2025 regular season MVP, the unshakeable Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has cemented his bona fides by averaging 32.4 points over the first five finals games heading into tonight. However, Indiana, who have made improbable comebacks and pulling out wins in dramatic fashion the norm in this year’s playoffs, shocked the Thunder on the road in Game 1, scaling out

of a 15-point fourth quarter hole to pilfer a 111-110 victory. The Pacers lost Game 2 in OKC by 123107 but seized Game 3 at home by 116-107 and could have taken control of the series with a Game 4 win at Indiana last Friday. But the Thunder gave them a taste of their own medicine.

Trailing 87-80 to open the fourth quarter, the Thunder turned up their league-best defense and held the Pacers to 17 points in the last period to end the evening with a 111-104 win. Then on Sunday with the series back in Oklahoma City, the Thunder handed the Pacers their first back-to-back losses

The Indiana Pacers have to ground high flying Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams to push the NBA Finals to Game 7. (AP Photo/ Kyle Phillips)

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has embraced the joys of fatherhood. (MLBbro photo)