New York Amsterdam News July 10-16, 2025

A RAGE IN HARLEM

USPS 382-600/ISSN#00287121

2340 Frederick Douglass Boulevard

New York, New York 10027

(212) 932-7400 / FAX (212) 222-3842

DIRECTORY

EDITORIAL

Executive & Investigative Editor – Damaso Reyes Damaso.Reyes@AmsterdamNews.com

Managing Editor – Kristin Fayne-Mulroy KFM@AmsterdamNews.com

Digital Editor - Josh Barker

Josh.Barker@AmsterdamNews.com

STAFF WRITERS

Karen Juanita Carrillo

Karen.Carrillo@AmsterdamNews.com

Shannon Chaffers

Shannon.Chaffers@amsterdamnews.com

Ariama C. Long Ariama.Long@AmsterdamNews.com

Tandy Lau Tandy.Lau@AmsterdamNews.com

DIGITAL, BRANDED CONTENT & HYBRID ADVERTISING MANAGER

Ali Milliner (347) 350-4316

Ali.Milliner@AmsterdamNews.com

DISPLAY & DIGITAL ADVERTISING CONSULTANT

William “Bill” Atkins (212) 932-7429

William.Atkins@AmsterdamNews.com

LEGAL, LLC & CLASSIFED ADVERTISING

Ali Milliner (347) 350-4316

Ali.Milliner@AmsterdamNews.com

CIRCULATION / SUBSCRIPTION

Benita Darby (212) 932-7453

Benita.Darby@AmsterdamNews.com

The AmsterdamNewsassumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Photographs and manuscripts become the property of The Amsterdam News. Published weekly. Periodicals Class postage paid at New York, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to NYAmsterdamNews,2340 Frederick Douglass Blvd., New York, NY 10027.

NYC Budget finally baselines funding for early childhood education programs

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

Mayor Eric Adams and the city council unanimously approved a $115.9 billion adopted Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget at the tail end of June. It included permanent annual funding for public school 3-Kindergarten (3-K) expansion, Pre-Kindergarten (pre-K), and special education programs for the first time.

“The Council is proud to adopt a city budget that takes critical steps forward to invest in the needs of New Yorkers and our city’s neighborhoods,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams in a statement. “The Fiscal Year 2026 budget will invest in expanded childcare for working families, more 7-day library service, and greater support for older adult services, maternal and mental health care, and proven public safety programs to reduce recidivism and help advance the closure of Rikers.”

Councilmember Rita Joseph, who chairs the city council’s education committee, said that the investment in infant and toddler care is a long-overdue step toward advancing the early childhood infrastructure.

The budget includes $125 million for preschool special education, $25 million towards Promise NYC and $10 million to expand childcare access to infant/toddler seats in

high-need communities, $112 million in baselined funding for 3-K and pre-K, and $423.4 million for the city’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) childcare vouchers.

The New York City Independent Budget Office (IBO) explored changes in enrollment and capacity for 3-K and pre-K programs participating in the city’s Department of Education (DOE) early childhood programs. In the most recent analysis, IBO found that usage rates broadly increased between the 20222023 and 2023-2024 school years, and this increase was primarily driven by decreases in capacity for both 3-K and pre-K programs.

Joseph is especially excited about the real funding for special education services. She said that there were about 7,000 preschool students this year who weren’t being properly educated because they didn’t have access to services, despite their legally mandated Individualized Education Program (IEP). Those services included things like speech, occupational or physical therapy, or visits by a special education teacher. She vowed to change that, saying it was a “no brainer.”

“We can’t call it universal if we have preschool education students at home,” said Joseph. “We can only call it that in an inclusive system.”

Moreover, she pointed out that $70 million out of the preschool special education funding supports more precise evaluations

Big GOP bill passed. What now?

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

The highly controversial, Republicanbacked reconciliation bill has been signed into law by President Donald Trump. It’s likely to ravage healthcare and food benefits on a national level, among other things.

The $3.4 trillion H.R.1 Bill (or One Big Beautiful Bill Act) was introduced in May 2025 by Texas Republican Congressmember Jodey C. Arrington. It’s also referred to as a reconciliation bill, which is considered by Congress to be a method of expediting legislative procedures to prevent a filibuster and restrict amendments in the Senate.

Demonstrators march down Fifth Avenue during “No Kings” protest, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/ Stefan Jeremiah)

and more effective placement of students in these classes.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities has studied the overrepresentation of Black students in special education programs that relates to identification, placement and discipline.

They concluded that Black children in special education are often subjected to harsher discipline than others, labeled as emotionally disturbed, experience teacher’s bias, and if disabled, are more likely to be restrained and excluded from general education classrooms. This leads to a gross inequity for students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities in special education enrollment.

See EDUCATION PROGRAMS page 36

MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS INFORMATION

Despite vehement opposition from House Democrats and initially a handful of Republicans, it was signed into law on July 4 of this year.

Congressmember Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), the House Democratic Minority Leader, said the HR1 Bill represents the largest cut to Medicaid in American history; cuts to the clean energy tax credits and nutritional assistance; and hurts veterans, seniors, and children. He lamented that all they needed were two additional Republicans to join in and they could have stopped the bill from passing.

The actual language in the HR1 Bill makes changes to Department of Agriculture

(USDA) programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); the armed forces in the Department of Defense (DOD); higher education; Department of Energy (DOE) clean energy and environment programs; artificial intelligence (AI) regulations; Medicaid; the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); immigration matters; the Department of Justice (DOJ); the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS); aviation and motor administrations; and taxes.

The bill expands work requirements for

SNAP recipients “who are able-bodied adults without dependents” now applies to adults who are not over 65 years old; limits criteria for eligibility for SNAP based on household internet costs, utility costs, and unemployment in the area; and expressly reserves it for U.S. citizens. The bill also affects marketing loans, disaster assistance, the sugar program, federal crop insurance, livestock and poultry insurance programs, and dairy coverage under the USDA umbrella.

“The fact that this bill rips food out of the mouths of children and then they turned around and bent the knee to Donald Trump,

(Photo by RDNE Stock project via Pexels. com)

Lenox Hill Hospital expansion plan roils locals, could benefit others

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

New York City’s Planning Commission, which votes on whether to approve applications for special construction projects, is supporting Lenox Hill Hospital’s expansion plans, which Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine is backing.

Even though Community Board 8 voted against it, support for Northwell Health’s proposed expansion of Lenox Hill Hospital (LHH) appears to be facing only one final hurdle: a City Council hearing and vote.

Yet Upper East Side residents still plan to continue waging a battle to alter the construction plans. Northwell Health, a nonprofit organization with an operating budget of $18.6 billion, owns LHH. The nonprofit wants to expand and modernize LHH’s 10-building campus, which is situated between Park and Lexington Avenues, and spans from East 76th to East 77th Street. Plans are to revitalize LHH with a new 436foot hospital tower and new state-of-the-art operating rooms. The hospital, representatives say, also needs to expand the Emergency Department and convert multi-patient rooms into single-patient accommodations.

Construction renovations were originally expected to take 11 years, but new estimates suggest it will take six years, with interior work on the buildings possibly needing an additional three years. Locals say the nearly decade of construction noise and unsafe conditions will affect their quality of life. They claim it will ruin the neighborhood.

Stephanie Reckler of the Save Lenox Hill committee said she and her neighbors are eagerly waiting to review the details of the Planning Commission’s report so they can understand why LHH’s renovation plan was accepted. However, Reckler admits her committee members were “stunned that [the commission] didn’t listen to or take advantage of the expert testimony that our consultants submitted or listen to the testimonies that our supporters gave at their hearing.”

Years of construction in the neighborhood will destroy local businesses, Reckler said, and discourage young families from moving to the neighborhood: “Northwell has owned Lenox Hill Hospital for 15 years, and they’ve done almost nothing to renovate it. We’ve never said that the hospital doesn’t need to be renovated. What we feel is that it should be the best community hospital in the city. Young families should want to move here for this excellent community hospital, but the site does not serve what Northwell wants to do, and [the planned renovation] is truly a vanity project.

“Northwell should abide by the Hippocratic oath of ‘do no harm.’ We would like to have the best community hospital in the city where young families could move here,

they could have their babies here, and they could use an excellent ER. But this is not what they are attempting to do, and we certainly do not need more hospital beds. The Upper East Side has five hospitals providing a combined total of 10.58 acute care hospital beds for every thousand residents. That is nearly four times the city-wide rate of 2.7 hospital beds for a thousand people. That is an alarming statistic.”

A Harlem staple

LHH has long been a preferred medical care option for residents of Harlem.

Although the Harlem Hospital Center is conveniently located at 135th Street and Lenox Avenue, many people interviewed by the Amsterdam News mentioned that they turn to LHH for emergencies, specialized treatments, and a different healthcare experience.

“Harlem is a very important area for Lenox Hill Hospital and for Northwell overall,” said Dr. Daniel Baker, president of Lenox Hill Hospital. “About probably 8% of our admissions come from Harlem. We’re right on the 6 train, which leads directly to East Harlem, so we have a long-standing history of interacting with Harlem residents and really trying to focus on those individuals.”

Baker noted that LHH has been working with Mother AME Church representatives and a variety of other area organizations to help LHH address the diverse needs of Harlem residents.

Harlem resident Troy Watt’s son was born

at LHH. “Actually, my girlfriend, she preferred to go to Lenox Hill, and I’m kind of glad she did, because they gave her excellent care when we were there.” There were complications with the pregnancy before Watt’s son was born, but LHH helped induce labor and then provided two years of postnatal care.

Watt and Harlem organizations voiced support for LHH-Northwell’s expansion plans: Rev. Michael A. Walrond Jr. of First Corinthian Baptist Church and Dr. Adam Aponte, executive director of the East Harlem Council for Human Services, each wrote letters of support for the hospital’s expansion plans. “It’s really the full-fledge of clinical services that we offer that are offered to Harlem residents and the community.”

Beyond clinical services, LHH-Northwell has become a supporter of Harlem service organizations. The 14-year-old urban farming nonprofit Harlem Grown has been strategically and financially supported by LHH-Northwell. “They’ve been an astonishing ally in this fight against inequity and injustice,” said Tony Hillery, Harlem Grown’s founder and CEO. “And when I say that, I just don’t say it because of funding or anything like that: This work goes way beyond that. As it turns out, for so many of our families in Harlem, they’re a hospital of choice. And not only do they provide us with structural support, they create pathways for our children, through internships, paid internships, and paid fellowships at universities. I have put first-generation kids in four-year universities through this program.”

Go to Lexington Avenue and look up LHH-Northwell’s community orientation played a part in its appeal when it applied for its renovations, say Upper East Side residents. “I couldn’t tell you what the exact justifications are, but what they’re saying is that, because it’s a community facility, because it’s a hospital, they can sort of bend those rules for them,” Nuha Ansari, executive director of FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, told the AmNews. “But the thing is that having a 436-foot tower on Lexington Avenue is clearly like if you go to Lexington Avenue and you look up there, it’s clearly so much higher and so much bulkier than anything that exists. It’s a retail-oriented space — you know how narrow Lexington is. It’s not the same as having it on York Avenue, where the [Planning Commission] recently approved the Memorial Sloan Kettering Pavilion.

“We were trying to say that we’re not at all against Lenox Hill modernizing its facilities,” Ansari continued. “We know that they’ve had to grow in this sort of piecemeal manner, and they’re really sort of locked in at this site. But they never produced any credible alternative; they have not even considered any alternative approaches. Even from a sort of equity standpoint, the fact that all these hospitals are here and not just in Manhattan, but they seem to be concentrated on the Upper East Side. What about all the other areas of the city where there’s great need? I think that is partly why the local community is … really bewildered by what’s just happened.”

Lenox Hill Hospital’s redevelopment design. (Northwell Health photo)

Fight to ban solitary confinement becomes fight over democratic process

By TANDY LAU AmNews Staff Reporter

For now, the state can’t halt HALT. A judge granted a preliminary injunction against state prisons employing solitary confinement despite laws banning the practice last Wednesday, July 2, thanks to an ongoing lawsuit. This follows days after the courts seemingly upheld Local Law 42 of 2024, which bans solitary confinement in New York City jails, including those on Rikers Island.

An illegal corrections officer strike across the state earlier this year led to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) suspending “parts of” the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement (HALT) Act banning solitary confinement in New York state prisons. Corrections strikes are illegal under the state’s Taylor Law.

The state law, passed in 2021, mandates daily out-of-cell time and programming for all incarcerated individuals while prohibiting corrections from isolating certain populations, including those who are under 21 or over 55, pregnant or post-partum, or live with disabilities.

HALT limits prisons from confining anyone to a cell for more than 17 hours for three consecutive days in most cases and 15 days “for the most serious infractions.”

In April, the Legal Aid Society filed a class-action lawsuit in what the public defense organization alleged was “a far-reaching and unlawful rollback of HALT through a purportedly temporary suspension of the statute to placate striking officers and entice them back to work.”

Initially, what the suspension exactly entailed remained opaque.

Legal Aid Society staff attorney Katherine Haas, who represents the plaintiffs, said she only acquired precise information through the litigation process.

“When DOCCS announced this suspension, they framed it as suspending ‘programming-related’ elements of HALT,” said Haas. “We did not really understand what that meant, because they didn’t state which specific provisions of HALT they were talking about, so we filed an order to show cause in a differ-

See SOLITARY CONFINEMENT on page 27

Adopted FY26 budget ramps up efforts to close Rikers Island

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff

If hindsight is 20/20, is foresight 2027?

Public safety investments in the adopted $115.9 billion budget centered on the city’s mandate to close Rikers Island as the legal deadline approaches the twoyear mark at the end of next month.

Fresh off a lawsuit on opposite sides of the courtroom, Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council agreed to a handshake deal over the “Best Budget Ever” before the new fiscal year began this month. The adopted budget included an additional $13.7 million on top of the $43.3 million in the executive budget for public safety measures.

Such funding mirrored recent recommendations made by the Independent Rikers Commission which called on the city to “surgically ensure no one is jailed who could be safely supported in the community,” as well as addressing mental health and addiction in a recent blueprint on closing Rikers.

“The Council’s successful push for restorations and investments into alternatives to incarceration, justice-involved supportive housing, re-entry services will strengthen these programs’ ability

to continue reducing incarceration and re-arrests and providing people services and support they need to achieve stability,” said City Council spokesperson Rendy Desamours over email. “Together, they are crucial components to decreasing the city jail population and advancing the plan to close Rikers and transition to a borough-based jail system.”

The city will certainly miss the 2027 deadline stipulated by city law to close the Rikers Island jails known for disrepair and dangerous conditions. Four borough-based jails currently in construction to hold the people in custody after the closure are all far behind schedule.

But the facilities also hold significantly fewer people by design and will

Anti-solitary confinement organizers protest outside courthouse on June 6 before hearing on Local Law 42. (Courtesy of the Bronx Defenders)

Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan, members of the City Council, and senior members of the Adams administration announce an agreement to build on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Executive Budget — often called the “Best Budget Ever.” City Hall. Friday, June 27, 2025. (Ed Reed/

Dr. Sandra Lindsay: A journey from Jamaica to the pinnacle of nursing

By JANAE ANTRUM Special to the AmNews

Sandra Lindsay, DHSc, MBA, RN, embodies the journey of an immigrant who pursued her dreams with unwavering determination. “I sit here really proud as an immigrant, as a Jamaican American woman, who dared to dream to have the audacity to want to join this group of distinguished nurse leaders,” said Lindsay. Lindsay immigrated to the United States in 1986 at the age of 18 with a suitcase, $50, and the strong values instilled in her by her family. Growing up in a household where her grandparents and entrepreneur father emphasized the importance of service and community care, Lindsay always aspired to make a difference in health care.

Upon arriving in the U.S., Lindsay faced the challenge of starting over without any nursing or health care experience. She began her career as a nursing aide for three years while attending the Borough of Manhattan Community College full-time to earn her associate degree in nursing. Looking back on her earlier career as a nurse leader, she admired those who had the distinction of being a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), the most prestigious recognition in nursing. She looked to follow in their footsteps, but thought it was a longshot due to the statistics surrounding nurs-

ing; while there are over 5 million nurses in the U.S., just a little over 3,000 have the FAAN credential. But Lindsay will soon join FAAN’s ranks, set to be inducted in the fall at a Washington D.C ceremony alongside other 2025 newcomers.

Reflecting on her career, all the way back to the first time she walked into the Lenox Hill Hospital oncology unit, Lindsay acknowledges the impact of her experiences. She believes that every patient’s story has shaped her journey and contributed to her growth. The trials she faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforced her resilience and deepened her commitment to serving vulnerable communities.

To those aspiring to achieve similar recognition, Lindsay emphasizes that hard work, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference can lead to success. She encourages nurses to focus on their goals and strive to create a positive impact, both locally and globally. “You, too, can be a fellow. You, too, can join this distinguished group of nurses who are shaping the future of nurses.”

Looking forward, Lindsay aims to have a greater impact on nursing policies and practices alongside like-minded, distinguished professionals. “I’m so proud to be joining the ranks, to learn from them, to be more present, more visible, on the nursing stage, visible in public health and global

health. To be a mentor for the future generation of nurses. To continue my work globally,” said Lindsay. Currently enrolled in the global public health program at Harvard School of Public Health, she seeks to learn from global strategies to enhance public health initiatives.

Lindsay is particularly passionate about advocating for women’s health in her homeland of Jamaica, focusing on ensuring proper access to care and championing menstrual equity. Through her work, she aspires to empower women and contribute to a healthier future for all.

Dr. Sandra Lindsay (Matthew Libassi photo)

New Yorker

One45 rezoning finally approved by NYC Council. Not all Harlem activists are happy with affordability rates.

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

The debate over the One45 housing development project, to be located in Harlem at 145th and Lenox Avenue, has waged for years, devolving at times to ugly fights between the community, City Council, and land developer. But after another round of intense negotiations, it seems there is finally a resolution on the horizon.

On June 26, the New York City Council’s Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises and Committee on Land Use voted to approve the One45 for Harlem rezoning that will allow the housing project to be built.

“At a moment when New Yorkers in every neighborhood desperately need more affordable homes, the [c]ouncil is confronting this crisis by approving the creation of new housing that meets the needs of our diverse communities,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams in a statement. The council has firmly moved into the City of Yes/All for Housing Opportunity (CHO) camp, making building more housing a priority across the city.

“After years of very real struggle and hard, yet honest conversations, One45 presents a housing development that has Harlem and our needs at the center,” said Councilmember Yusef Salaam in a statement.

New to politics, Salaam inherited the years-long debate over the housing development when he was elected last year. After a bout of public hearings, he and the council negotiated an agreement for the creation of 1,000 new units of housing throughout three buildings, 338 of which will be affordable. This is a major sticking point for many housing activists who don’t like the “33% affordability level.”

There are also 165 affordable units at an average of 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), 122 units at an average of 80% of the AMI, and 90 units of affordable senior housing included. Other aspects of the revised One45 for Harlem agreement include an $8.8 million investment into Brigadier General Charles Young Playground; a technology center with community rooms; retail space with 20% set aside for Harlem businesses and 10% for Minority and WomenOwned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs); a promise to hire Harlem residents, including a 20% target for job training and apprenticeship programs; a paid youth internship for Manhattan Community Board 10; and investments in the adjacent Esplanade Gardens Mitchell-Lama housing complex.

“We approved a project that places Harlem and the needs of Harlemites at its core. This project is aimed at stopping the flight of middle-class Harlemites who are leaving the neighborhood and even the city due to lack of affordable housing,” said Salaam in a statement. “One45 will allow generations of Harlemites to remain in the

city by providing quality, permanent, affordable housing. This project goes beyond housing for Harlem.”

Early iterations of the One45 project were slated to have three mixed-use buildings with two towers that spanned five lots of land on the 145th Street block. It also included a civil rights museum and new headquarters for the National Action Network (NAN). It was supported by Black electeds and activists such as retired Assemblymember Inez Dickens and NAN Founder Rev. Al Sharpton, but the plans weren’t breezing through with community board and City Council approval in 2022.

Former City Councilmember Kristin Richardson Jordan led a series of protests against the proposed development and feuded publicly with the developer, Bruce Teitelbaum, to the point where he decided to scrap the proposal and replace it with a truck depot. Her biggest ask was for more affordability for residents of central Harlem worried that they’d be priced out of the neighborhood. The community was incensed.

After a cooling-off period, a new version of the project was “resurrected” in 2023 and renamed One45 Harlem for ALL. Those plans, which included 915 units with 50% income-targeted units, have since gone through multiple iterations as well.

“CM Salaam is a skilled and tough negotiator who was singularly focused on delivering for his constituents — and he was, by getting us to agree on an unprecedented

deal,” said Teitelbaum about the approval of his current project proposal. “He demanded and he got a 100% affordable building for seniors at 50% AMI, and an additional 250 more deeply permanently affordable units, many at 40, 50, 60% AMI levels that are affordable to his constituents.”

The next steps will be a full City Council vote, followed by a mayoral sign-off.

The controversy over the One45 project is far from over, though.

Plenty of housing activists and community members are still deeply unhappy with the affordability level, like Defend Harlem NY Interfaith Commission For Housing Equality or Silent Voices United. In the City Council hearing in May, Salaam noted that the plan presented was widely different from other past proposals in terms of affordability and the 291 “affordable” units were way “too low” to be viable for Harlem residents. Many see the jump up to 338 units in the approved plan as far too low as well.

“The community doesn’t owe anything to developers for them to be profitable, and we need to really understand that. We don’t owe anyone to make money off our community. At the end of the day, [Teitelbaum] stands to profit a lot,” said Defend Harlem founder Kai Cogsville at his One45 emergency action day event on July 2. “Once we see the actual affordability rates, which I think need to start at minimum wage and really target the income of that local community at $50,000 a year … anything higher and you’re disregarding [us].”

Cogsville said advocates from Defend Harlem want an additional economic and cultural impact study on the building’s ramifications. A racial impact and environmental study has been done on the property so far. He believes the use of the city’s Area Median Income metric cannot fully explain the development’s affordability.

“A lot of it is just the amount of people making — almost double or triple what most of the existing residents in that area [earn],” said Cogsville. “It will definitely cause gentrification and displacement, but also expedite it. Also, that will give a dangerous precedent for Lenox Avenue for other developments that might also start accommodating residents [who] aren’t necessarily from this community [with] incomes [at] around $100,000 … there’s a lot of cultural, political, and economic vulnerabilities that are going to come to play if this project is executed affordably, as well as targeted to people [who] are actually from the community.”

Seemingly in response to the City Council’s approval of One45, a shadow person or group also cropped up in the last few weeks. It anonymously bashed Salaam, more specifically his chief of staff Wilma Brown, and New York County (Manhattan) Democrat Party Boss Keith L.T. Wright. In a series of emails forwarded by the “Harlem Truth Circle” to the Amsterdam News, the dissenters attached black-and-white sketch cartoons depicting Salaam as a puppet

See story on next page

Rendering of One45 for Harlem building — aerial view. (ShoP Architects PC)

on strings being controlled by Wright and Brown. The emails also talk about a sense of “betrayal” over the housing project approval and accuse Salaam’s staff of allegedly politicking without community interest in mind.

In accordance with our mission, the Amsterdam News editorial team decided against including a photo of said cartoons with this story.

Cogsville categorically denied involvement with circulating the emails or cartoons of Salaam. Additional emails clarified that the opinions of the Harlem Truth Circle were “not reflective of any affiliations with Save Harlem, its coalition of longtime Harlemites, Silent Voices United Inc., its Executive Director, Tiffany Fulton, or Defend Harlem and its founder, Kai Cogsville.”

Wright said that if someone had a grievance with him, that they should address him directly on the matter and not resort to an anonymous tactic. He denied controlling Salaam’s office, although he does have family connections to it. His son, Assemblymember Jordan Wright, was Salaam’s campaign manager and chief of staff for a time. He theorized that the email attacks could be from a “disgruntled employee” or someone with a personal beef with Brown, but didn’t know for sure. He added that he is neither for or against the One45 housing project, but is sure that the community needs housing built.

“You want a truck depot or do you want

housing?” he said in a brief phone interview with the Amsterdam News.

“Let’s celebrate a win for Harlem. January 27, 2021, developers filed permits to demo the buildings on 145th Street. This left Harlem with a gaping hole,” said Salaam. “I entered office with a vision that included having that hole filled with affordable housing. I also knew that housing was not enough. As a family man, I also knew we needed family-sized apartments, two- and three-bedroom units. This was something I made sure was in the deal at an affordable rate. We need jobs. We need training. We need more green space. We need a pathway for upward mobility. We need updates and investments in already existing housing in buildings like Esplanade Gardens. Harlem needs affordable housing and so much more.”

Salaam added that the requests from Community Board 10 were exceeded. This includes reduced building heights, increased local hiring, a Community Benefits Agreement with oversight, more community space, and youth opportunities.

“What does all of this mean? Don’t let the naysayers cloud your vision. We are bringing much-needed housing to Harlem, jobs, training, opportunities for local businesses, a technology center, improvements to already existing housing, and filling that empty hole,” he continued.

Wilma Brown didn’t respond to a request for comment by post time.

Additional reporting from Tandy Lau.

Rendering of One45 for Harlem — street view (143rd Street looking northwest). (ShoP Architects PC)

Commissioner Tisch defies NYPD ruling by not firing officer who killed Allan Feliz

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff

Roughly five months ago, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rosemarie Maldonado determined Lt. Jonathan Rivera violated department guidelines when he killed Allan Feliz, a Washington Heights man, during a 2019 traffic stop. He would be fired based on the NYPD disciplinary matrix.

But police commissioner Jessica Tisch gets final say on disciplinary measures without a formal deadline. For months, Feliz’s family waited. On Mother’s Day, his mom, Mery Verdeja, and his long-time partner, Julie Aquino, penned a letter to Tisch for an answer and accountability. On Father’s Day, his stepdaughter Kilsi sent a similar note.

They received no answer beyond neutral statements refusing to comment on pending matters until this past Thursday, July 3 when they learned Tisch would not fire Rivera just hours before the long holiday weekend kicked off. The NYPD did not directly inform them. Rather, they learned the information from another city agency.

“This is just showing us how much of a mockery of justice that this system has been,” said Allan’s brother Samy Feliz over the phone. “And for the community to be forever vigilant on what’s happening around them with these politicians. We [were] promised so many things, especially from police commissioner Tisch.

“We were told how different she was and how much actual meaningful change she was looking to do and how far away from other police commissioners under Eric Adams she has been. And that has been disproven just in this sole decision.”

Cops almost never get terminated for what happens behind a badge (although firings occur more frequently for officers who commit crimes or break department rules off the clock). But rarely do the stars align between a Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) prosecution and an NYPD administrative ruling for such a high stakes case.

In fact, the last — and only — other time a CCRB prosecution over a fireable offense went as far as Rivera’s was in the case of Daniel Pantaleo, who killed Eric Garner. Then-commissioner James O’Neill fired the Staten Island cop within weeks of Maldonado determining that he broke department policy during the incident famously known for the haunting last words “I can’t breathe.”

Tisch’s written decision pointed to State Attorney General Letitia James’ decision not to prosecute Rivera for the killing. She justified her decision due a statute of limitations concern — the investigation dragged out for years and needed a “criminal exception” accusing Rivera of first degree assault to bring the case in front of Maldonado. She also pointed to the respondent officer’s claim that he shot Feliz to save a colleague’s life.

“Indeed, looking at the totality of what transpired during the car stop and subsequent struggle, I am convinced that [the]

Respondent shot Mr. Feliz because he believed that doing so was necessary to save Officer Barrett’s life,” wrote Tisch. “This is true for several reasons. To begin, the record of what transpired demonstrates that [the] Respondent did not want to shoot Mr. Feliz.

“Over the course of the fight inside the car, with the engine on, with Officer Barrett standing between the open car door and the vehicle grappling with Mr. Feliz, as Mr. Feliz refused to yield and struggled with [the] Respondent over the gearshift, there is no question that Officer Barrett’s safety, and [the] Respondent’s safety, were at risk.” The letter continued.

Maldonado however doubted such claims when she ruled against Rivera in February.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams lambasted Tisch’s reasoning for abiding by AG James’ findings rather than her own department’s. He expressed profound disappointment toward the police commissioner, whom he previously held in higher regard than others in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.

“The attorney general said that she has a higher standard when it comes to criminality,” said Williams. “Whether you agree with her or not, it can be the case that there was not criminality, but an officer should be fired. Both those things can exist in the world because it’s two different standards. And what you did is try to pretend that there wasn’t two different standards.

“You should have been looking at the standard of the administrative judges who said that the actions of this officer at minimum means he should be fired.”

Feliz’s family claims the decision is only preliminary and the CCRB will receive five days to respond, which a source within the agency confirmed to the AmNews. However, the board, which handles NYPD oversight, cannot overturn the decision.

“The CCRB will put something in on Friday and they can be very convincing,” said LatinoJustice PRLDEF supervising attorney Andrew Case. “They’re good lawyers there, they’re thoughtful and meaningful. But the people holding the cards are the people of New York who get to elect the mayor who decides who’s the police commissioner. Jessica Tisch should be thinking about that too.”

Mayoral frontrunner and democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani previously supported the Feliz family under his current elected position in the state assembly. A campaign spokesperson pointed to previous comments reported by the AmNews where he called firing Rivera “the most basic form of justice.”

“With this outrageous preliminary decision, Tisch overturns the guilty verdict issued after an already delayed trial,” said Center for Constitutional Rights staff attorney Samah Sisay over email. “Police violence will not end until there are real consequences for the officers who kill and for the institutions that enable them. We demand justice for Allan, and we call on the Mayor and Commissioner to fire Rivera.”

On July 8, a rally took to One Police Plaza to call for Tisch to reverse her decision and fire Rivera. Public Advocate Williams, exWomen’s March co-chair Linda Sarsour and council members Carmen De La Rosa and Alexa Aviles were among those to show up in support.

“He was from my community, he was my constituent,” said De La Rosa. “And so my question to Commissioner Tisch is how do I go back to Washington Heights? How do I go back to Upper Manhattan and tell people that their children, their fathers [and] their brothers are safe but Lt. Rivera [is] still in his position. How do I do that?

“Every single time they come to us elect-

ed officials saying ‘we have to build policecommunity relations,’ what does that mean if Allan’s life didn’t cost anything?”

Tisch returned to the NYPD last fall after previously heading the city’s sanitation department. She never served in uniform but spearheaded police surveillance advancements. Her fast-rising reputation includes pushing out the seemingly bulletproof chief Jeffrey Maddrey. Predecessor Edward Caban reportedly buried numerous CCRB allegations as police commissioner, according to ProPublica.

Earlier this week, multiple lawsuits were filed against Adams, Maddrey and Caban by four ex-NYPD chiefs alleging misconduct, favoritism and retaliation. John Chell, who Tisch promoted to chief of department despite his controversial social media outbursts, was also named.

After his brother’s death, Samy Feliz got involved with the Justice Committee which organizes around families of people killed by the NYPD. He helped advocate for the How Many Stops Act’s passing and remains committed to fighting for police accountability.

Still, the focus remains on the preliminary period as the CCRB drafts a response for Feliz’s family and the Justice Committee. However, Rivera also faces another substantiated misconduct allegation for an unlawful summons in 2023. The Justice Committee is currently seeking the unknown complainant, a mid-late 30s Black male, to come forward.

“Allan’s name is going to continue to live on,” said Samy Feliz. “And we’re going to achieve justice for Allan. And that means so many different things, but right now, it means getting this cop fired. In the future, it can mean so many other things. It also means ensuring justice for other families, and that’s ensuring that this system isn’t a mockery of one.”

Samy Feliz speaks at One Police Plaza protest on July 8. (Tandy Lau photo)

Divine Nine News

High school students presented during first NYC Debutantes and Beaus Ball

Ever since she was about 8 years old, Chloe dreamed of twirling from one side of a ballroom dance floor to another while wearing a sparkling tiara and a beautiful white gown. That wish came true for her at 17, when Chloe, whose nickname is Princess Tia, and other students from New York City Public Schools participated in the first New York City Debutantes and Beaus Ball.

According to Chloe, “I’m truly grateful for the memories, lessons, and experiences the debutante ball has brought me. It has been a remarkable journey of growth, self-discovery, and empowerment. I feel so blessed to know that I have gained a new family — people who can assist me, support me, and inspire me. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The Debutantes and Beaus Ball was sponsored by NYC Her Future. NYC

Young Men’s Initiative funded the program. REACH Educational Solutions coordinated the ball through the NYC Department of Education’s My Brother’s Keeper/My Sister’s Keeper NYC. The Phenomenal Women Empowerment Alliance was a supporting organization that provided programming.

Nearly 200 attendees at the ball witnessed the culmination of a program representing the debutantes’ and beaus’ rites of passage into adulthood. Levan, 17, was one of 64 participants from four boroughs. This beau smiled while saying, “I had no experience with dancing for a ball. It’s such a new experience that I don’t believe a lot of kids around my age have, and it was really wonderful to be able to learn something as unique as we did. For the ball, it was really well-orchestrated. Everyone looked amazing in their gowns and tuxedos … that experience is not something we’re really exposed to and I hope more experiences like this will come up.” Levan, a recent high school graduate, will be staying in New York and attending Hunter College in the fall on a full academic scholarship.

Dr. Monica George-Fields, president and CEO of REACH Educational Solutions in Harlem, also said the ball was a beautiful experience. It was a whirlwind: In five weeks, participants were recruited, and after orientation, they attended classes twice a week, and shopped for gowns and tuxedos before the ball was held on June 1.

Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, Morehouse College alumnus and senior pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church, presents Morehouse College President Dr. David A. Thomas with framed photo commemorating historic ties between Abyssinian and Morehouse, featuring images of church and Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. with former president Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays. Thomas, who will retire on June 30, 2025, spoke at Abyssinian’s HBCU/Divine Nine worship service, reflecting on how Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) inspire faith, education, and innovation for future generations. (The Abyssinian Baptist Church photos)

George-Fields, who is a member of the New York Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., said, the ball “will likely serve as a lifelong impetus for high standards and the foundation for well-developed self-esteem.”

The program was for 10th- to 12thgrade students “who demonstrated a mentoring and leadership spirit, had explicit post-high school graduation plans, and maintained a solid aca-

demic standing. The ceremony served as an introduction to society, where the girls and boys showcased their talents and commitment to becoming role models for other children in their schools and community. After engaging in a community improvement or advocacy project, etiquette classes, classic ballroom dance lessons, and talent development sessions, the debutantes and beaus were introduced to their families and other distinguished educational and community leaders as rising responsible adults.”

George-Fields hopes continued funding will be available to continue the experience, which included ballgowns, tuxedos, and gifts of pearls and cufflinks for the participants.

In addition, instructors covered

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

topics like self-esteem, the art of using your voice, entering a room with confidence, and reading and owning the room.

Chloe called George-Fields an “inspiration and an amazing person,” and said one day “I look forward to telling this story to my grandkids because ever since I was little, I dreamed of having my own little ball or a coronation, and this was a dream come true for me. It was so emotional. I felt needed. I felt loved.”

For this debutante, her biggest lesson is “anything you put your mind to, you can achieve it. No matter where you come from, no matter what you do, you could achieve it. As long as you put your mind on a goal, even the impossible can become possible.”

Group photo taken after the debutantes received their pearls and the beaus received their cufflinks. (Photos courtesy of REACH Educational Solutions)

Debutantes and beaus dance the waltz (left to right): Salvador, Elika, Brenda, Sebastian, Elika, Adrian, Oumou, and Peniel.

Dr. Monica George-Fields, president and CEO of REACH Educational Solutions in Harlem, who is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Monica George-Fields)

KAYLYN KENDALL DINES, MBA

Union Matters

Supreme Court clears the way for Trump’s plans to downsize federal workforce

By MARK SHERMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 8, cleared the way for President Donald Trump’s plans to downsize the federal workforce, despite warnings that critical government services will be lost and hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be out of their jobs.

The justices overrode lower court orders that temporarily froze the cuts, which have been led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The court said in an unsigned order that no specific cuts were in front of the justices, only an executive order issued by Trump and an administration directive for agencies to undertake job reductions.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was the only dissenting vote, accusing her colleagues of

a “demonstrated enthusiasm for greenlighting this President’s legally dubious actions in an emergency posture.”

Jackson warned of enormous real-world consequences. “This executive action promises mass employee terminations, widespread cancellation of federal programs and services, and the dismantling of much of the Federal Government as Congress has created it,” she wrote.

The high court action continued a remarkable winning streak for Trump, who the justices have allowed to move forward with significant parts of his plan to remake the federal government. The Supreme Court’s intervention so far has been on the frequent emergency appeals the Justice Department has filed, objecting to lower court rulings as improperly intruding on presidential authority.

The Republican president has repeatedly said voters gave him

a mandate for the work, and he tapped billionaire ally Elon Musk to lead the charge through DOGE. Musk recently left his role.

“Today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling is another definitive victory for the President and his administration. It clearly rebukes the continued assaults on the President’s constitutionally authorized executive powers by leftist judges who are trying to prevent the President from achieving government efficiency across the federal government,” White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in a statement.

Tens of thousands of federal workers have been fired, left their jobs via deferred resignation programs, or been placed on leave. There is no official figure for the job cuts, but at least 75,000 federal employees took deferred resignation, and thousands of probationary workers have already been let go.

In May, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston found that Trump’s administration needs congressional approval to make sizable reductions to the federal workforce. By a 2-1 vote, a panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to block Illston’s order, finding that the downsizing could have broader effects, including on the nation’s food-safety system and health care for veterans.

Illston directed numerous federal agencies to halt acting on the president’s workforce executive order signed in February, and a subsequent memo issued by DOGE and the Office of Personnel Management. Illston was nominated by former Democratic President Bill Clinton.

The labor unions and nonprofit groups that sued over the downsizing offered the justices several examples of what would happen if it were allowed to take effect, including cuts of 40% to 50% at sev-

eral agencies. Baltimore, Chicago, and San Francisco were among cities that also sued.

“Today’s decision has dealt a serious blow to our democracy and puts services that the American people rely on in grave jeopardy. This decision does not change the simple and clear fact that reorganizing government functions and laying off federal workers en masse haphazardly without any congressional approval is not allowed by our Constitution,” the parties that sued said in a joint statement.

Among the agencies affected by the order are the departments of Agriculture, Energy, Labor, Interior, State, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs. It also applies to the National Science Foundation, Small Business Association, Social Security Administration, and Environmental Protection Agency.

The case now continues in Illston’s court.

The Supreme Court is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

When two elephants fight!

Despite the chaos in the Democratic National Committee, there are several developments in their favor, if they can jump on them. One of them is the current tussle between Trump and Elon Musk, former DOGE leader who spent nearly $300 million to get him back into the Oval Office. At the moment Trump is taking aim at Musk, the tech billionaire announced that he was starting a new political party.

A day after Trump celebrated July the Fourth with the signing of his destructive bill, Musk countered with plans to create the “America Party,” which he declared “will give back your freedom.”

Trump dismissed it all, saying that he was saddened to see Musk go “off the rails.” He said that Musk “wants to start a third political party, despite the fact that they have never succeeded in the United States,” perhaps the only truth to come out of his mouth in years.

As the rancor between these former allies intensifies, there’s a considerable advantage for the DNC to use this division to fortify their challenge

to defeat the Republican Party, particularly during the midterm elections. But the Democrats have their own internal conflicts, the spoils of which the new chair, Ken Martin, has inherited.

Few people believe Musk’s dream of a new party will be anything more than a momentary reaction to leaving the Trump circle and grabbing the headlines from the mischief maker. Even so, it’s good to hear him lambast Trump and to note that Trump’s megabill, or MAGAbill, will increase the national debt by $3.4 trillion. Well, Mr. Musk, if you really want to hurt your former client, fork over some of your huge bank account to those opponents of Trump who share your outlook. And this, on second thought, is no more a pipedream than his America Party.

The old African expression observes that when two elephants fight, only the grass suffers, and it is our hope that the clash between the two Republican behemoths continues and that it triggers some imaginative moments within the DNC and its grassroots.

Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher and Editor in Chief

Damaso

Reyes: Executive & Investigative Editor

Kristin Fayne-Mulroy: Managing

Editor

Cyril Josh Barker: Digital Editor

Siobhan "Sam" Bennett: Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Advertising

Wilbert A. Tatum (1984-2009):

of the Board, CEO and Publisher Emeritus

Second chances: The Culinary Arts Training Program

By DWAYNE BLACK

As a U.S. Navy Veteran and former E-5 Second Class Petty Officer, I have always been a hard worker, getting promotions at nearly every job I have ever held. That mentality and diligence also led me to earn an associate’s degree in business administration. Despite these successes, though, after leaving the military, I found it very challenging to secure employment as a civilian. I had trouble affording stable housing without steady work and so, for the past two years, I have been living at a veterans’ shelter in Long Island City. My story is my own, but this struggle is unfortunately all too common — after we serve our nation and return home, veterans are particularly likely to face homelessness.

I have always loved cooking and, while living in the shelter, I learned about Project Renewal’s Culinary Arts Training Program (CATP). This six-month job preparation program for a career in the kitchen was being taught right in the shelter, and I knew it was an opportunity I had to pursue.

Unfortunately, the program was delayed for nearly a year, but the administrators — Ms. Cherry and Ms. Davis — remained transparent and encouraging throughout that process. I appreciated that support, because I was still struggling with unemployment and desperately needed a path forward, so when I finally received that email telling me the program was starting, I was elated. It was time to get working again.

I am currently enrolled in a CATP cohort, and I am learning so much so fast. The course is providing me with professional skills, kitchen knowledge, proper techniques, and the confidence I need to pursue a career in the culinary industry. I am learning knife skills, kitchen terminology, and proper cooking methods, from blanching to basting. With this exposure and immersion into the culi-

nary world, I now feel truly prepared to enter any professional kitchen and get cooking.

I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I can see my classmates learning and growing alongside me. Many of them have faced similar struggles

bles and complete orders, but to move toward a stable, independent future. Knowing the team will help me find a hands-on internship and a job after graduation takes a weight off my chest. With their help, I know I will be working again soon.

“I can see my classmates learning and growing alongside me. Many of them have faced similar struggles and are also seeking to overcome them — some are veterans looking to rebuild their lives, some have dealt with substance use and are in recovery, while others are working to secure permanent housing for themselves and their families. We are all hard workers who just needed the right opportunity to achieve our goals.”

and are also seeking to overcome them — some are veterans looking to rebuild their lives, some have dealt with substance use and are in recovery, while others are working to secure permanent housing for themselves and their families. We are all hard workers who just needed the right opportunity to achieve our goals.

The Project Renewal team is knowledgeable, supportive, and welcoming. Our instructor, Chef Mike, helps ensure that every student’s voice is heard. He creates a learning environment that motivates and empowers us. I am excited to use what I have learned in this program, not just to chop vegeta-

I wholeheartedly believe that Project Renewal’s CATP program has the power to change lives — especially for veterans like me who are seeking a second chance. This program needs continued funding and support to help many more individuals transform their futures. Individuals like me and my classmates, who gain the courage to keep moving forward when the odds seem stacked against us.

Dwayne Black is a former E-5 Second Class Petty Officer and current Culinary Arts Training Program cohort member, residing at the Veterans’ Shelter — Long Island City.

(White House photo via Wikimedia)

Mamdani has them running

By HERB BOYD

My first impulse was to stay out of the contentious New York City mayoral race, with all the top contenders, to some extent, tarnished, though Zohran Mamdani, lesser so. No need here to recount how the incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo are damaged goods; hardly a day passes without public scrutiny of their ordeals. I must say I was among the stunned New Yorkers to witness Mamdani’s triumphant ranked-choice victory, believing the citizenry here would not fill a ballot square for a Muslim, Democratic socialist candidate, with a name they couldn’t pronounce, and with little political experience. None of this seemed to matter to voters and the only thing that resonated for them was affordability. Veteran political pundits were keenly aware that

the months between now and the general election in November were going to be filled with elements of surprise, folderol, and a flood of accusations between the candidates and their backers. Among the first shots across the bow was news that Mamdani listed himself as African American on his application to Columbia University in 2009.

Obviously, this drew immediate attention from his adversaries, each pouncing on the issue. This revelation was followed, indicating that he received the score of 2140 out of 2400 on his SAT, placing him on the lower end of a median score for admitted students but clearly above the median score for Black students, a right-wing journalist reported. Mamdani explained that he listed both Asian and Black American on the application, intending to cite his Indian ancestry and his birth in Uganda. Evi-

dently, there was no category capturing his complete identity. In the end, it was all academic because despite his father being a faculty member at the school, he failed to get in. Still, there was more fuel on this fire. Former Governor David Paterson stepped into the fray the other day, demanding Adams and Cuomo unite to defeat Mamdani. He said that one or the other should step aside because with both in the race they would split the vote, allowing Mamdani, the frontrunner, to win. Paterson contends that Mamdani’s signature proposal of freezing the rent is impossible and that he lacks the experience for the office. So, as you can see, the battle is joined, and much like the rift between Trump and Elon Musk, the contest here has national implications, and we are nowhere near the expected surprise of October.

In New York City schools, inclusion can’t be optional

By DR. CURTIS PALMORE

The backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has been swift and forceful. Across the country, school districts are banning books; reshaping curricula; and retreating from mentions of race, gender identity, and historical injustice. DEI has become a target and a catch-all for cultural resentment.

I support many of the aims of DEI — but I also believe this moment offers an important opportunity for reflection, because the backlash, in part, is a reaction to how DEI has been handled.

In the period following George Floyd’s murder, corporations rushed to launch DEI statements, initiatives, and task forces. Sadly, much of it was symbolic. There was often more emphasis on show rather than substance. In some cases, DEI became a performance — something to be seen doing, not something to truly live by.

When equity work is hollow, it’s easy to dismiss and hard to defend.

The answer is to ground equity in what truly matters, and in education, the most important letter in DEI is the “I.” If a student doesn’t feel safe in your classroom, they won’t raise their hand. If they don’t feel seen, they’ll disengage. If they feel that school is not meant for them, they may stop coming altogether — a serious concern, given that more than a third of New York City public school students are chronically absent.

Inclusion means every student —

regardless of background, ability, language, or identity — feels they belong. I see this every day in my work as CEO of United Charter High Schools in New York City. Our students reflect the diversity of the city itself: Black and Brown students, students learning English, students with disabilities, and students whose families live paycheck to paycheck. We can’t afford to treat inclusion as a side effort. For us, it’s central to everything, from how we teach, to how we counsel, to how we involve families in school life.

We don’t need a political agenda to justify this work. The evidence is in our classrooms. When students feel welcome, they are more likely to attend. They learn more and build the confidence they need to take risks, to ask questions, and to lead.

I remember watching a student — let’s call her Ana — walk through the doors on the first day of our Summer Bridge program at one of our campuses. She was quiet, clutching her schedule tightly, and scanning the room for anything familiar. Ana spoke English as her second language, and her family wasn’t sure if this school would be a place where she’d belong. But by the end of those three days, everything had shifted.

As she participated in our Think Tank workshops, laughed during campus tour games, and shared her story during Humanism Day, Ana’s confidence grew, and she felt seen. On the final day, she stood proudly in our school-gear fashion show, smiling

with new friends and sharing her favorite moment: “When I answered a question in two languages and everyone clapped, I finally felt like being different was a strength.”

Stories like Ana’s show why, at United Charter High Schools, inclusion is woven into every classroom and every student experience. Summer Bridge and other welcoming experiences are where we begin building a school culture where every student, regardless of background, language, or learning style, knows they belong.

That’s not to say the work is easy. As public school educators, we don’t get to choose who walks through our school doors — but we do choose how we prepare for and respond to them. Meeting the needs of a diverse student body takes intention, resources, and constant reflection. In a school, inclusion is something you build, choice by choice, policy by policy, teacher by teacher.

If the term “DEI” fades from the public discourse, so be it, but the responsibility to create inclusive learning environments should not be negotiable. Every one of our students is an individual with an identity, challenges, and potential. They deserve classrooms that recognize all three.

Dr. Curtis Palmore is chief executive officer of United Charter High Schools, a network of seven high-performing college- and career-preparatory high schools serving students in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.

Birthday Wishes

CHRISTINA GREER, PH.D.

Whenever the time comes for my birthday, I am filled with an immense sense of gratitude for so many things. As my grandmother would always say, “Tomorrow is not promised,” and I am so thankful to see yet another revolution around the sun. As the various birthday wishes roll in throughout the day, I am reminded of the countless numbers of friends, new and old, who think of me and smile. I am filled with so many waves of gratitude throughout the day for family and friends who send messages reminding me of just how much I mean to them. What a blessing it is to see another year. Some friends get really down around the time of their birthdays. They lament about where they are in their professional lives or missed opportunities in their personal lives. For my birthday, I prefer to focus on the myriad of ways my cup runneth over with blessings and opportunities. I don’t know all the blessings in store for me, so I don’t know if I am “behind” in any aspect of my life. My birthday is a time for me to reflect on all I have done in these four-plus decades of my life, the friends I have accumulated along the way, the family members I still have in my life to celebrate these milestones with, and so much more. Last year I spent my birthday with dear friends and their family in Portugal. I ate sardines and lots of fish, and had family members

serenade me in songs I had never heard and didn’t know the words to. I allowed myself to be spoiled for the day. I played in bubbles in a town square and drank wine and sat in a vintage tractor, and just allowed myself to feel free and grateful and present. I don’t know what’s in store for my birthday this year, but I will be with those same friends and the same family. The kids will be a little bigger, their parents will be a bit older…as will I. I will mark the passage of time and measure it in laughter and all of the ways I learned this year and the new friends I have made and the absolute gratitude I feel to have had my family with me for another year. This past year I made a few very good friends, who also happen to be Cancers, and it makes me smile knowing that my spirit is still open to receiving new friends into my orbit. So, to my fellow Cancerians, happy birthday! And to those who are dreading an upcoming birthday, try measuring it in all of the ways you have expanded your world this past year, in micro and macro ways.

Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of book “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 is co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.

Caribbean Update

Caribbean leaders get down to three days of talks

BY BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews

Caribbean Community leaders on Sunday began three days of talks in Jamaica’s tourism capital of Montego Bay with the host prime minister calling for a war on violent gangs while pleading for special international help for Haiti.

Andrew Holness argued that governments must redouble their efforts to root out gangs, noting that such an exercise must be treated with, as urgently as the war on terrorism.

The summit is being held in a nation which has been boasting about a vast reduction in violent crime, murders in particular in the past year, prompting the mighty US to temper its normal travel advisories dubbing the island as one American travelers should tread carefully while visiting.

As expected, the host head of government also turned his attention to the troubling situation in Haiti which has been wracked by years of gangland violence mostly in the capital and surrounding areas. Police and the UN say the violence unleashed, espe-

cially since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise has cost thousands of lives and has displaced even more.

Just last week, leaders had asked the region’s special mediating team dealing with Haiti to interface with them and bring back a report on the situation that heads can examine.

“We cannot be true to our Caricom principles if we leave our brothers and sisters in Haiti at the mercy of gangs,” he noted. “The appetite to support Haiti has slowed. We must reignite it. Caricom must redouble its efforts” to garner international help for Haiti including the formation of a multinational force that could help bring about peace.

As the plenaries get underway, Monday and Tuesday, the opening ceremony also saw the leadership of the Trinidad-based umbrella Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) changing hands with the coronation of Jamaican jurist Winston Anderson as the new president following the recent retirement of Justice Adrian Saunders of St. Vincent.

Addressing the leaders and invitees, Anderson called on bloc member states which still have

the British Privy Council as their final appeals court and had not yet signed up to the appeals section of the Caribbean court to do so quickly.

“After 20 years, the court has still not attracted full support of all eligible states for the appellate jurisdiction, with five out of a possible 11 states joining that jurisdiction. I am hopeful that during my tenure, other states would fulfil their treaty obligations and become full members of the appellate jurisdiction. It is worth noting, that, in its appellate jurisdiction, the court has exerted reach and influence well beyond the five states of Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Dominica and St Lucia that have accepted that jurisdiction. CCJ appellate cases are routinely cited and accorded favorable treatment by the judiciary in, virtually, every common law state in the Caribbean.”

Ironically, Holness’s governing Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) has been steadfast in its opposition to abolishing the British court as Jamaica’s final despite support from the main opposition party and other sections of society.

Meanwhile, climate change, free travel

within the 15-nation bloc, food security, crime, and security are among the key agenda items on the plate for leaders. Heads of government from associate member nations like Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and Curacao are also attending.

The true cost of Donald Trump’s immigration policies

FELICIA PERSAUD

Donald Trump campaigned on the promise of alleviating inflation and addressing pocketbook issues, claiming that his focus would solely be on deporting criminal immigrants. Sadly, too many naturalized immigrant citizens fell for these promises. Now, many are witnessing the horror of Trump’s xenophobic and hateful policies play out in real-time, with ICE agents enforcing these measures in ways that echo the brutal tactics of Haiti’s Tonton Macoutes.

The reality is that America is about to learn just how critical immigrant labor is to the economy. According to a new report by FWD.us, the Trump administration’s announced immigration policies are set to have a significant and far-reaching impact on American families, pushing everyday costs higher and causing unnecessary economic strain.

While inflation has already taken a toll on American households, driving up the cost of essential goods and services, these new policies threaten to make things worse. By 2028, Americans could be paying an additional $2,150 per year due to the labor shortages these policies would create. The FWD.us report underscores that this financial burden would be felt most by working-class families who already struggle to make ends meet.

The key driver of these price increases is the removal of immigrant workers from the U.S. labor force. Immigrants play a critical role in sectors such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, healthcare, and more. If these policies — revoking work permits, mass deportations, and restricting legal immigration — are fully implemented, American families will face significant price hikes for everyday essentials. For instance, the report estimates that food prices could increase by 14.5%, primarily due to the reduction in the agricultural workforce, where immigrants make up a significant portion of the labor force. With fewer workers in the fields, the price of groceries will rise, adding an additional financial burden to families already struggling with inflation. Similarly, housing costs, which have already been skyrocketing, are forecast to rise by 6.1%, further pushing homeownership and rental options out of reach for many Americans. But it’s not just the financial impact that should raise alarms — there’s also the human toll. The FWD.us report highlights that millions of Americans living in mixed-status families will face the painful reality of family separation. U.S. citizen children and adults who rely on immigrant family members will experience severe emotional and financial hardship. Immigrant parents may no longer be able to support their families, and many U.S. citizen children could be thrust into poverty as a result. This will have a particularly devastating effect on lower-income households, where every dollar counts.

Beyond the immediate economic hardship, the long-term impact of these policies will be felt across the entire economy. Immigrant workers are essential to the U.S. economy in sectors like agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. The mass deportation of immigrants and the cancellation of work permits for individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and other protections would remove millions of workers from the labor force. This loss of labor would raise the cost of goods and services, further driving up inflation and leave critical sectors unable to meet demand.

The report also estimates that by the end of 2028, the U.S. economy will lose billions of dollars in long-term earnings contributions from immigrant workers, significantly slowing economic growth. Key industries like agriculture, construction, and manufacturing will bear the brunt of these losses. For example, the cost of a new home could increase by $48,000 by 2028, making housing even less affordable for American families already struggling to get by. The cost of a weekly grocery bill is projected to rise by $30, from $165 to $195, putting further strain on household budgets.

At the heart of this issue is the fact that immigrants make essential goods and services more affordable for American families. Removing immigrant labor will only exacerbate the rising costs that American households are already facing. The cancellation of work permits, and mass deportations will leave gaps

in industries where American workers are simply not available to fill those roles, leading to a vicious cycle of rising prices, reduced productivity, and increased economic inequality. The human cost of these policies is even more concerning. An estimated 1.6 million U.S. citizen adults and 1.5 million U.S. citizen children live with immigrants who could lose their work permits or be deported. These families will face the devastating consequences of separation, poverty, and hardship.

The FWD.us report also highlights that these policies could result in the loss of over 2 million workers in key industries by the end of 2028, with the most significant impact on agriculture, construction, and leisure sectors. The loss of legal immigration pathways will further exacerbate the labor shortage, leaving industries unable to meet demand.

Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us, says it best: “If we want to stabilize the costs of goods and services for Americans while also adhering to American family values, Congress and the administration should maintain work permits for immigrants with a temporary protection, should put forth a process to earn citizenship for those building their lives here rather than fund more mass deportations and family separations, and build a modern legal immigration system that allows America to thrive and be a beacon of hope in the decades to come.”

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.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in Kingston, Jamaica, on Jan. 22, 2020. (State Department photo by Ron Przysucha)

A beer pioneer, South Africa’s first Black female brewery owner, trains a new generation

By MICHELLE GUMEDE Associated Press

JOHANNESBURG — After pouring brown, gritty liquid from a huge silver tank into a flute-like container known as a refractometer, South African beer brewing master Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela gives an expert nod of approval and passes it around to her students, who yell their observations with glee.

“When you are brewing, you must constantly check your mixture,” Nxusani-Mawela instructs them. “We are looking for a balance between the sugar and the grains.”

The 41-year-old Nxusani-Mawela is an international beer judge and taster, and is believed to be the first Black woman in South Africa to own a craft brewery, a breakthrough in a world largely dominated by men and big corporations. Her desire is to open South Africa’s multibillion-dollar beer-brewing industry to more Black people and more women.

At her microbrewery in Johannesburg, she’s teaching 13 young Black graduates — most of them women — the art of beer making.

The

science behind brewing

The students at the Brewsters Academy have chemical engineering, biotechnology or analytical chemistry degrees and diplomas, but are eager to get themselves an extra qualification for a possible career in brewing.

Wearing hairnets and armed with barley grains and water, the scientists spend the next six hours on the day’s lesson, learning how to malt, mill, mash, lauter, boil, ferment and filter to make the perfect pale ale.

“My favorite part is the mashing,” said Lerato Banda, a 30-year-old chemical engineering student at the University of South Africa who has dreams of owning her own beer or beverage line. She’s referring to the process of mixing crushed grains with hot water to release sugars, which will later ferment. “It’s where the beer and everything starts.”

Nxusani-Mawela’s classes began in early June. Students will spend six months exploring beer varieties, both international and African, before another six months on work placement.

Beer is for everyone

Nxusani-Mawela’s Tolokazi brewery is in the Johannesburg suburb of Wynberg, wedged between the poor Black township

of Alexandra on one side and the glitzy financial district of

— known as Africa’s richest square mile — on the other.

She hails from the rural town of Butterworth, some 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) away, and first came across the idea of a career in beer at a university open day in Johannesburg. She started brewing as an amateur in 2007. She has a microbiology degree and sees beer making as a good option for those with a science background.

“I sort of fell in love with the combination of the business side with the science, with the craftsmanship and the artistic element of brewing,” she said.

For the mother of two boys, beer brewing is also ripe for a shakeup.

“I wanted to make sure that, being the first Black female to own a brewery in South Africa, that I’m not the first and the last,” she said. “Brewsters Academy for me is about transforming the industry ... What I want to see is that in five, 10 years from now that it should be a norm to have Black

people in the industry, it should be a norm to have females in the industry.”

South Africa’s beer industry supports more than 200,000 jobs and contributes $5.2 billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product, according to the most current Oxford Economics research in “Beer’s Global Economic Footprint.” While South Africa’s brewing sector remains maledominated, like most places, efforts are underway to include more women.

One young woman at the classes, 24-year-old Lehlohonolo Makhethe, noted women were historically responsible for brewing beer in some African cultures, and she sees learning the skill as reclaiming a traditional role.

“How it got male-dominated, I don’t know,” Makhethe said. “I’d rather say we are going back to our roots as women to doing what we started.”

With an African flavor

While Nxusani-Mawela teaches all kinds of styles, she also is on a mission to keep

alive traditional African beer for the next generation. Her Wild African Soul beer, a collaboration with craft beer company Soul Barrel Brewing, was the 2025 African Beer Cup champion. It’s a blend of African Umqombothi beer — a creamy brew incorporating maize and sorghum malt — with a fruity, fizzy Belgian Saison beer.

“Umqombothi is our African way, and everybody should know how to make it, but we don’t,” she said. “I believe that the beer styles that we make need to reflect having an element of our past being brought into the future.”

She’s used all sorts of uniquely African flavors in her Tolokazi line, including the marula fruit and the rooibos bush that’s native to South Africa and betterknown for being used in a popular caffeine-free tea.

“Who could have thought of rooibos beer?” said Lethabo Seipei Kekae after trying the beer for the first time at a beer festival. “It’s so smooth. Even if you are not a beer drinker, you can drink it.”

Sandton

South African beer brewing master Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, center, checks with students on the beer they are brewing, in Johannesburg, South Africa. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Zora Neale Hurston house preserved in Florida

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

The historic house at 1734 Avenue L in Fort Pierce, Florida — Zora Neale Hurston’s last home — has been preserved.

The Conservation Fund (TCF), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving endangered properties and protecting land and water, worked with the Zora Neale Hurston Florida Education Foundation (ZNHFEF) to acquire the property.

The organizations have announced plans to develop the site into a visitor and education center.

Hurston lived the last three years of her life in Fort Pierce. She had moved to the house on Avenue L in 1957, at a time when the neighborhood was still a segregated, African American section of town. Charles Bolen, the publisher and editor of the local paper, The Chronicle, had invited Hurston to join his staff because he knew she needed income.

Hurston’s time in Fort Pierce has been celebrated by preservationists who created the Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage Trail in 2004. Eight locations are marked throughout the city, among them the location of Hurston’s gravesite and the last home Hurston lived in.

“People have been working behind getting this protected,” said Lauren Day, TCF’s Florida state director. “The way that we got called was we were approached by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Religious Partnership for the Environment about the importance of this site, and then they connected us with the Zora Neale Hurston Florida Education Foundation and their whole group. They were working for a very long time to protect this site.”

The property at 1734 Avenue L was owned by Dr. Clem C. Benton, a community leader who offered the house to Hurston as a place she could live in for free. Hurston was the only person to ever live in the house. After she passed, Benton’s family maintained it for years but did not let another person occupy it.

“The family wasn’t really going to be in a position to continue to own it and take care of it,” Matt Sexton, president of TCF, told the AmNews. “They were mowing the grass a lot and stuff, but the structure itself is in

Preservationists created the Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage Trail in 2004. (©Jeffrey Isaac Greenberg / Alamy Stock Photo. Photo courtesy of The Conservation Fund)

Zora Neale Hurston’s last home in Fort Pierce, Florida. (Matt Sexton, The Conservation Fund photo)

Arts & Entertainment Dance Calendar July 2025

By CHARMAINE PATRICIA WARREN Special to the AmNews

At CARVALHO, an art gallery, Ingrid Silva choreographs and performs “Echos on the Wall” as part of the gallery’s ongoing series which pairs dancers and choreographers with artists to create new work. “Echos on the Wall” is “a contemporary ballet that weaves together the language of movement and silent stories, held in the spaces around us, particularly in walls — both real and metaphorical,” according to the release.

Silva, a Brazilian ballet dancer with the Dance Theater of Harlem (DTH), is joined by Elias Re also of DTH and Vinícius Freire of NJ Ballet, in collaboration with gallery artist Rosalind Tallmadge’s site-specific installation, “Pareidolia.” The exhibition opened on June 12.

The final performance dates are July 10 and 20. For more information, visit carvalhonewyork.com.

Also this month

July 10–12: The Kitchen will present “School for Temporary Liveness (STL), Volume 4,” a series of performances, sonic convenings, workshops, and conversations with more than 15 artists, including nora chipaumire, Denise Ferreira da Silva, Juliana Huxtable, Darrell Jones, Julie Tolentino, Wendy’s Subway, Andrea Zavala Folache, and Adriano Wilfert Jensen.For more information, visit thekitchen.org.

July 11–12: In Prospect Park, Rochelle Jamila will present “Once We Were Free,” “a land-based dance ritual for imagining liberation through the minds, bodies, and hearts of Black women with lineage in the U.S. South,” according to the release. The meetup location will be shared the week of the performance. For more information, visit .rochellejamila.com.

July 6–13: Slated for the opening week of celebration for the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and the new Doris Duke Theatre, there will be performances and appearances by Camille A. Brown & Dancers, Annie-B Parson, Shamel Pitts | TRIBE, Eiko Otake, Kinetic Light, Unwired Dance Theatre, Kinetic Light in collaboration with Double Eye Studios, and more. For more information, visit jacobspillow.org.

July 13: Annie Ming-Hao Wang, a 2024–2025 artist-in-residence at Topaz Arts, will offer an open rehearsal to share a work-in-progress. For more information, visit topazarts.org.

July 17–Aug. 1: The lineup for the New Victory Dance season includes the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, in “Lion in the City,” Elizabeth Burke and Luke Hickey (A Dorrance Dance Production) in an excerpt from “A Swing Suite,” Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company in Serving Nia, Max Pollak Group in “Ser Humano,” Thresh Dance in “Speaking in Pointe,” Reggie Wilson/Fist and Heel Performance Group in a excerpt from “POWER,” RudduR Dance in a excerpt from “WITNESS: PART III — TOMORROW,” Ishita Mili IMGE Dance in Swords, and Seán Curran Company in an excerpt from “Metal Garden.” For more information, visit newvictory.org.

July 29–Aug 2: For the fifth anniversary of the BAAND Together Dance Festival, five of NYC’s dance companies — Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem — will reunite as part of Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City program. For more information, visit lincolncenter.org.

Echoes on the Wall by Ingrid Silva at CARVALHO, New York. (Quinn Wharton photos)

Marvel’s ‘Ironheart’ brings Black and Brown superheroes to the front

Dominique Thorne returns as Riri Williams in a tech-versus-magic showdown that pushes the Marvel universe in a new direction

By MAGRIRA Special to the AmNews

Set after the events of “Wakanda Forever,” Marvel Television’s “Ironheart” pits technology against magic. Riri, a strong-willed woman from the very first introduction — absolutely determined to make her mark on the world — returns to her hometown of Chicago. Her unique take on building iron suits is brilliant. But in pursuit of her ambitions, she finds herself tangled with the mysterious yet charming Parker Robbins, aka “The Hood” (Anthony Ramos).

Marvel Studios, some would say, has an embarrassment of riches — and to keep the brand alive (which some say is in serious danger of cannibalizing itself), they are dividing them into bite-sized pieces.

The series on Disney+ opens with Riri back in school at M.I.T., her Wakanda adventures in the rearview. Now she has a new obsession: to create her very own “Iron Man”-inspired armored suit. Of course, her teachers, tethered to the mantra of “it can’t be done,” miss the point when she tells them her tech would be helpful for society, especially for first responders. Her logic falls on deaf ears. Determined, she is forced to crowdsource funds by doing other students’ projects for them. Sounds like tech slavery to me, or at the very least, tech indentured servitude.

M.I.T. loses patience and kicks her out. She heads home to the show’s setting — working-class Chicago. Her determination to find the money needed to perfect the suit brings her into contact with a crim-

inal gang led by a man whose hooded cloak gives him supernatural powers. Clearly, that last part sparks her imagination. At first, she’s riding with the bad guys but stops because, at her center, she’s morally sound.

Let’s roll back to the hooded cloak with supernatural powers; a backstory is needed. The power comes from characters from various Marvel mythologies. One of the cameos includes the magician and

“Doctor Strange” associate Zelma Stanton (Regan Aliyah).

Riri, much like most citizens of the United States, is sitting with moral choices wrapped around contemporary political and cultural context.

“Ironheart” was created by the screenwriter and poet Chinaka Hodge, with powerhouse Ryan Coogler as the executive producer of the series. The series also stars Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Manny

Montana, Matthew Elam, and Anji White. Episodes are directed by Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes. Executive producers include Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Zoie Nagelhout, Chinaka Hodge, Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian, and Zinzi Coogler. Produced in association with Proximity Media.

There are some story plot points that will leave the viewer confused. The character Riri does not seem fleshed out — more like a combination of strong ideas that require exploring individually. It’s trying to be an effective coming-of-age story as well. There is, however, something lacking in the character and the lead actress’ performance and, to be honest, I do not think it’s her fault.

Thorne is young and inexperienced. She’s 27, and has only a handful of non-Marvel roles: a tiny part in “If Beale Street Could Talk,” a small part in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” and a leading part in a 20-minute segment of the anthology film “Freaky Tales,” in which she gave the sort of relaxed and amusing performance you would like to see in “Ironheart.” Cast five years ago in “Wakanda Forever,” she has spent most of her career in the belly of the Marvel beast, and you can’t help wondering what effect that has had on her growth as an actress. You’d hate to see her get stuck in that iron suit.

But as a woman of color, I will throw my entire support behind “Ironheart” and Dominique Thorne. The show and the actress need space to grow, and positive support to become great. Sign me in and sign me up.

Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams/Ironheart in “Ironheart” on Disney+. (Marvel Studios/ Disney+ photos)

Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams in “Ironheart” on Disney+.

Executive producer Ryan Coogler, Dominique Thorne, and Anthony Ramos of “Ironheart.”

49archive knits its first collection with Baruch College’s student government

By BRENIKA BANKS Special to the AmNews

The Met Gala and the Metropolitan Museum’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition opening week inspired many, including college students. Newly graduated from Baruch College, Joel Ramirez has officially released his first collaboration, titled “The Baruch & 49archive Knitted Collection.”

The merchandise, created by Joel Ramirez and Milton Gordon, has been available since May 8, 2025.

“This wasn’t just merch, this was storytelling, community, and identity stitched into every thread,” he shared. The collaboration with his alma mater, Baruch College, revealed to Ramirez the amount of people who connected with his pieces. “People resonated with what I was making, and the support kept me going,” said Ramirez, who majored in Digital Communication with a minor in Black and Latino Studies. His cocreator, Gordon, majors in Graphic Design and minors in New Media Arts.

According to the GUESS (Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit

Students’ Survey) 2023 Global Report, 25.7% of students are in the process of starting a new venture linked to entrepreneurship.

Ramirez not only had an entrepreneurship mindset, but he also understood the importance of collaboration.

“This was the first time I had designed collaboratively, and I am thankful for the experience,” said co-creator Milton Gordon.

“It strengthened my trust in what can be accomplished through the creative process.” Ramirez echoed similar sentiments about working with Gordon, which was also his first collaborative project. The recent graduate described their partnership as very creative and a beneficial way of bringing out the best in each other.

“Working with Milton was like iron sharpening iron — if I didn’t catch something, he did, and vice versa,” said Ramirez. Creative spaces happen to be ideal for Ramirez to connect with people he trusts for business endeavors.

Ramirez met Laisha De Leon at a mutual friend’s birthday photoshoot before he transferred to Baruch College. “I remem-

ber his flashy hoodie with tons of hearts on the sleeves and just wondered, ‘That is such a nice hoodie, where did he get it from?’” said De Leon. She expressed that Ramirez’s talent caught her off guard when he revealed he designed the hoodie himself. “From that moment on, I knew that Joel had great things in store for his brand,” said De Leon.

49archive was conceived on Ramirez’s birthday, July 7, in 2022.

“I looked in my closet and realized nothing in there truly reflected who I was,” said Ramirez. “So, I started designing clothes that felt like me.”

Becoming a student at Baruch College, where he met De Leon again, was timely. “This collaboration came directly through Baruch Student Government,” said Ramirez. “Laisha, who serves as President of Student Affairs, reached out to me and asked if I’d be interested in creating merch for Baruch.”

As an Afro-Latina student leader at Baruch, De Leon appreciated the eye-opening course she took called BLS 1003: The Evolutions and Expressions of Racism. “I left this experience with more knowl-

edge, awareness, and inspiration to make a difference for students who may feel underrepresented at Baruch.” She was excited to not only lead as [Undergraduate Student Government] USG’s Vice President of Student Affairs, but initiate contact with Ramirez about a potential collaboration.

De Leon, Ramirez, and Gordon’s first meeting went from first drafts to a successful collaboration with USG. De Leon was eager to support 49archive at Baruch College.

And during finals week of Spring semester 2025, all three received much love from fellow students, friends and staff at the college. “It was extremely rewarding to see all the smiles and positive comments all across campus,” said De Leon.

“It was incredible watching people wear our stuff [on campus],” said Gordon. He anticipates owning his own brand one day and views this experience as an essential sign of him pursuing that dream. “I am passionate about fashion and the arts in general,” said Gordon.

Ramirez had pop-up shops where he gave out sweaters during the last week of school.

Many students wore them around campus, as well, those who stopped Ramirez while he moved around campus for merchandise. De Leon, Gordon and his other friends wore the brand during the Black and Latino graduation ceremony. Ramirez was even stopped by a man because of his sweater while exiting the 6 train at 42nd Street after leaving the graduation ceremony. Ramirez and the man spoke for a few minutes on the platform about fashion and clothing. De Leon appreciates people’s support of “The Baruch & 49archive Knitted Collection.” She is also happy that Ramirez personalized it with his unique logo. Ramirez described his time at Baruch College as fun while learning how powerful communication can be. “Baruch showed me that I’m capable of much more than I thought,” said Ramirez. He doesn’t plan on limiting himself to only clothing and anticipates releasing another collection during the summer. He expects to stay busy and authentic with his brand. “Be yourself, stay grateful, and never stop learning.”

[In the very center from left to right] Laisha De Leon, Milton Gordon and Joel Ramirez with friends and other students wearing their Baruch & 49archive merchandise at the 2025 Black and Latino graduation ceremony. (Brenika Banks photos)

A Baruch College student posing with his Baruch & 49archive sweater at the school.

[From left to right] a family member, Joel Ramirez and Laisha De Leon wearing their Baruch & 49archive merchandise at the 2025 Black and Latino graduation ceremony.

A Baruch College student wearing “The Baruch & 49archive Knitted Collection” during finals week Spring semester 2025.

‘The AI Incident’ — a bold, funny middle-grade novel about AI and identity

By MAGRIRA Special to theAmnews

She did it again. And by she, I mean J.E. Thomas, the author of “Control Freaks.” She is returning this summer with her second middle-grade novel, “The AI Incident,” publishing July 8, 2025, from Levine Querido. Already generating buzz among booksellers, educators, and librarians, the book is a thoughtful, characterdriven exploration of artificial intelligence (AI), identity, and what it means to belong.

Thomas’s debut, “Control Freaks,” was a breakout success. It was named a 2023 “Best of the Best” by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association; selected as a People Magazine Summer Must-Read; and received glowing reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Horn Book, and SLJ.

In “The AI Incident,” Thomas turns her sharp eye and signature humor on the ethical and emotional impact of emerging technology. At the center of the story is Malcolm, an African American foster kid with a dry wit and a quiet yearning for connection. As he navigates a new school and new friendships, Malcolm becomes entangled in a mystery that challenges him to define right and wrong — not just for himself, but in a world where the line between human and machine is rapidly shifting.

Raised near Colorado’s Front Range mountains, Thomas grew up devouring books each summer from her local library. She holds degrees in mass communications and political science, along with a master’s in public communications — backgrounds that inform her layered, socially conscious storytelling. “The AI Incident” is available for preorder wherever books are sold.

Here is an exclusive excerpt from “The AI Incident,” offering a glimpse into Malcolm’s voice and the provocative moral landscape of the novel.

Excerpted from “The AI Incident,” by J.E. Thomas. Levine Querido, 2025. Reprinted with permission.

Here are the facts: THE INCIDENT started at Shirley Chisholm Charter Middle School on the last Monday in August, which was also the second week of the new school year.

It was Visiting Professionals

Day at Shirley Double-C. Cars, trucks, and one large white van parked bumper-to-bumper in front of the average, unassuming, three-story brick building located in the heart of an average, unassuming neighborhood in northeast Denver, Colorado.

Fourteen of the fifteen students in Mr. Pearson’s Seventh Grade Section C Homeroom swarmed inside like honeybees when their teacher unlocked the door.

Faster was better and fastest was best because Section C had four long tables instead of desks. Each table had four orange plastic chairs. There was plenty of room for everyone — but until class started, the first row was the place to be. Lucky students snagged chairs. The rest plopped on the table or sprawled on the floor nearby.

Malcolm Montgomery didn’t surge in with the others.

He was a quiet, skinny kid with sandy brown skin, furrowed brows, a nervous gut, and an Afro that was a size-and-a-half too big for his head.

checking his How to Get Adopted checklist in science class last week. Kevin spied the box about becoming a joke master before he could shove the sheet away.

“Uhhhh … Malcolm shifted his weight. Left foot, right foot, left foot, right. “Why did the vegetables … I mean, the crow stand … er, the statue …”

Jade Grint whirled in her chair, blond hair flying. “Speed up, dude! Even my grandma knows that joke. It’s all over the internet.”

She tossed her head. An apricot-colored birthmark peeked through her bangs.

“Why did the scarecrow win a prize? Because it was ‘outstanding’ in its field. Duh!” She made air quotes around outstanding and said it like two words: out and standing.

Ohhh. Now Malcolm got it. Hard things always seemed easy when someone else did them. He shoved his hands in the pockets of the ratty blue hoodie he’d worn since fifth grade.

“He’s in my PE class,” Jade announced. “He’s not funny.” Then she caught him staring at her birthmark and narrowed her eyes.

Malcolm gulped. Staring was rude, yeah … but sometimes it was too hard not to. The birthmark looked like a tiny baby footprint smack in the middle of her forehead.

that was supposed to understand stuff like this switch off. The other part — the part he was sure was his prefrontal lobe, because the internet said prefrontal lobes controlled planning and logical thinking — kept tick-tickticking away.

Ever since he’d found an article called Lucky Foster Kid Gets Forever Home on a library computer, Malcolm’s prefrontal lobe had been obsessed — O-B-S-E-S-SE-D! — with figuring out how to earn a family.

He scoured the internet whenever he could borrow a laptop. He took notes.

He wrote plans.

He made a checklist.

And he set a deadline. A big deadline! A deadline that was deadlining soon!

His research said it was almost impossible for teenagers to get adopted (that turned up again and again) and that it could take six months to finalize adoption paperwork. So Malcolm needed his forever parents by the time he turned twelve-and-a-half. Which was In. Two. Months!

Not a lot of time. Especially when he was a … “New Kid!” Kevin bellowed. He hopped on a chair. “Where’s my joke?”

If there were a prize for being unlucky, Malcolm would’ve won it. His parents died in a car accident when he was a baby. He didn’t have other relatives, so he’d bounced around in foster care. He’d lived in infant nurseries, group centers, and nine different foster homes — but up until now nobody had thought he was special. Until he cracked the adoption code, he was just a regular boy with anxious burps and twitchy feet.

“Hey, New Kid!” Kevin Eiffel’s voice soared above the rowdy first-row chatter.

He stabbed a finger at Malcolm. He didn’t have to point. Malcolm had only moved to this part of town a few weeks ago. No one knew him here except his caseworker, Mr. Ahmed, and his latest foster mom: a grumpy, divorced woman named Mrs. Bettye.

“Rumor is you think you’re a comedian,” Kevin said. His long, narrow face twisted into a smirk.

“Tell a joke.”

Malcolm’s stomach rumbled. THIS was what he got for double-

Jade brushed her bangs over her birthmark and growled.

Malcolm looked away fast. There were two Grints at Shirley DoubleC. Jade was supposed to be the good twin.

“It’s funny that he thinks he’s funny,” Ainsley Canady said. Ainsley flicked waist-length locs over her shoulder. Her hair tangled with Jade’s. Black strands mixed with blond. Both girls giggled. They whispered something in secret girl code then swung their heads in circles, whipping their hair around like Ferris wheels.

Malcolm felt the part of his brain

#9 on the checklist: Get along with everybody. Great … “NEW KID!”

Author J.E. Thomas (Courtesy photos)

Khadijah VanBrakle returns with second YA novel ‘My Perfect Family’

By MAGRIRA Special to the AmNews

You have to admit, a good story is a good story — although Khadijah VanBrakle never set out to become a writer.

In her own words, “Writing books was never on my to-do list.” Born to American parents and raised in Canada, she built a life in New Mexico as a mother of five, earning a degree in accounting and nearly completing an MBA before discovering her true calling. It was only in 2012, inspired by a New Year’s resolution and encouragement from her daughter’s teacher, that VanBrakle began writing — at first, a middle-grade fantasy, then picture books, and finally, stories for teens. She joined her local chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, where she found her community and gained the confidence to pursue her new passion in earnest.

VanBrakle’s journey, though, was about more than just finding her voice as a writer. As an African American Muslim woman raising three daughters who share her dual identity, she was acutely aware of the stories missing from library shelves — especially those featuring African American Muslim teens as main characters. In 2017, a visit to her local library confirmed what she already suspected: Not a single traditionally published, contemporary YA novel featured a protagonist like her daughters. That absence was more than a statistic; it was a call to action.

VanBrakle’s debut, “Fatima Tate Takes the Cake” (2023), answered that call. The novel follows 17-year-old Fatima, an aspiring pastry chef navigating the push and pull of family expectations, faith, and her own dreams. Fatima’s journey is universal in its coming-of-age themes but deeply specific in its exploration of identity, culture, and the challenges faced by African American Muslim teens. VanBrakle’s commitment to authentic representation shines through: “It’s amazing and sometimes surreal when I realize that characters who share my dual marginalization are living within my stories and others are able to read about them,” she said.

Now, with her second YA novel, “My Perfect Family,” releas -

ing on Aug. 26, 2025, from Holiday House, VanBrakle continues to break new ground. Like her debut, this novel centers an African American Muslim teen protagonist facing both everyday adolescent struggles and the unique pressures of dual marginalization. Both books are more than stories — they’re agents of change, expanding the boundaries of who gets to be seen and heard in young adult literature.

Here is an excerpt from “My Perfect Family” by Khadijah VanBrakle, releasing Aug. 26, 2025: Copyright © 2025 by Lee VanBrakle. Reproduced with permission from Holiday House Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. I pace around the living room, picking up stray pieces of lint while I wait. After grabbing a mini water bottle off the counter, my mom joins me. “Ready, Leena?” She’s wearing a knee-length denim dress, and her dark auburn hair is slicked

“I don’t understand your question, Leena.” Her fingers have the steering wheel in a vise grip.

My forehead throbs. A developing migraine. I push past the pain.

“I have a grandfather and greataunt? In this town? That I’ve never met? You told me — you said my dad died when you were pregnant with me. Was that a lie?”

Anger shakes my hands. “You told me you didn’t have family. You came up with our motto No secrets, no lies, but you’ve been keeping this from me?”

We pass each mile marker in total silence.

It isn’t until we merge onto the Paseo exit that she answers.

“I’m … I’m sorry. My childhood wasn’t a happy one. I ran away from home at sixteen. It’s been more than a decade since we’ve seen each other.”

Water clouds my vision. All I can hear is the rush of cars racing by us in the left lane.

“WHY? Why did you keep them a secret?” Nothing she says will make a difference, but I’m owed an explanation. “Whatever happened, I still had a right to know. How did your aunt find you?”

Mom’s voice is stiff. “Samira

saw one of my daycare flyers at the food co-op in Nob Hill. They don’t really live in town, Leena. They live in Santa Fe. To be honest, I never thought I’d ever see them again.”

We make a quick right into the hospital parking lot, and she pulls into the first empty space. “Leena, you’re right, okay. I should’ve told you a long time ago. But right now, we need to get inside. My father is very, very ill.”

My childhood dream of a big family fades like the setting sun. I had one, but I didn’t know about it, and now it’s losing a piece.

“Your dad passed away a few months before you were born. That is the truth. I decided to bring you up alone. Now … can we postpone the verbal flogging for later?”

With my stomach churning and my heart bruised, I follow my mom through the emergency room doors. The strong smell of cleaner wrinkles my nose. I plop down into the closest chair and stare at a silver gum wrapper on the floor. She leaves the registration window and takes the chair to my right.

Silence is the only thing we share.

back into a tight bun.

Dazed, I follow her out the door and into the ten-year-old Subaru parked in our driveway. My heart’s thumping in my chest. I click the seat belt around me and sneak a glance at my mom.

She still won’t meet my eyes.

“I got a phone call from Samira, my father’s sister. He had a heart attack and was rushed to Presbyterian in Rio Rancho.”

Blinking back confusion, I stare at the woman who gave birth to me.

WHO?

She’s checking all her blind spots, even glancing up at the rearview mirror — except she never looks at me. We back out of the driveway and speed down Comanche Road. I hear only a dull ringing in my ears.

“W-why?” Numbness spreads across my body, but I get one word out.

We merge onto I-25 before my mom answers me.

Author Khadijah VanBrakle. (Courtesy photos)

‘The View’’s Sunny Hostin speaks out on Diddy verdict

FLO ANTHONY

Legal television personality Sunny Hostin surprised many viewers when she said she was not shocked by some of the verdicts in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking case. The beautiful former prosecutor said on the July 7 episode of “The View” that she was surprised by the judge denying Combs bail until he is sentenced on October 3. Sources say Combs has been a model inmate, cleaning toilets and performing chores…… Following her one week run earlier this month during Audra McDonald’s vacation; Montego Glover will return to the star as Rose in the six-time Tony Award winner George C. Wolfe’s critically acclaimed production of “Gypsy” during Sunday matinee performances in July and August, beginning Sunday, July 20 at Broadway’s Majestic Theatre in New York City’s Theatre District…… Actor/singer Keith Robinson, currently starring on the new daytime soap, “Beyond The Gates” on CBS, has released a new single, “Forever Bae” from his forthcoming album, Love Episodic2.” The album will be released this coming fall. One of the most talented performers in the business, Robinson is a quadruple threat performer as an actor, crooner, dancer, and musician……..

Bespoke cake designer and television personality Lincoln Alexander brings his inaugural summer 2025 Masterclass Series, “The Art of Luxury Wedding Class” to the Big Apple on Saturday. July 12, 2025.On June 21, the Masterclass Series was held at the Rose Estate in Detroit, Michigan, which was one of Aretha Franklin’s former residences…..

Rock the Bells showcased ’80s and ’90s hip-hop legends

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

The Rock the Bells Festival, presented by hip-hop icon, actor, and 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee LL Cool J, showcased some of the genre’s best from the 1980s and 1990s at Prudential Center in Newark as part of the North 2 Shore Festival. Busta Rhymes, Redman, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, KRS-One, and a star-studded tribute to Uptown Records were just some of the many highlights of the event, which last took place in 2023, six days before the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

New York’s Busta Rhymes, who first burst onto the hip-hop scene in 1991 as a member of Leaders of the New School, performed “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” and was joined by Newark’s Rah Digga and Brooklyn’s Papoose to perform the remix of “Touch It.” Video messages from global music icons Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson preceded performances of “I Know What You Want” and “What’s It Gonna Be?!” his hits with the two divas.

The rapper born James Todd Smith, being the consummate artist that he is, performed the song that the festival is named after, “Rock the Bells,” while also previewing a forthcoming Paramount+ docu-series entitled “Hip-Hop Was Born Here,” co-produced by Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.

Record executive and producer Eddie F. celebrated Uptown Records and its founder, Andre Harrell, who passed away in 2020. Male singers took center stage as Jeff Redd performed his “You Called and Told Me,” Horace Brown performed “Things We Do for Love,” Soul for Real performed “Candy Rain,” Donell Jones performed “Where I Wanna Be,” and “U Know What’s Up.” Christopher Williams inspired the crowd to their feet with the remix of “Every Little Thing U Do” and “I’m Dreamin’.” Mr. Cheeks of the Lost Boyz, CL Smooth, Father MC, Al B. Sure!, and Monifah also took the stage.

Arguably the best stretch of the show was back-to-back-to-back performances by three of hip-hop’s greatest. Brooklyn’s Big Daddy Kane brought his usual high energy to the stage and gave the crowd

his biggest hits, including “Raw,” “Set It Off,” “Smooth Operator,” “Warm It Up, Kane,” and “Ain’t No Half-Steppin.’”

“Peace and love and much respect to LL Cool J and Rock the Bells, peace and love to hip-hop, and it’s great to see you in the building,” the man born Antonio Hardy said.

Rakim, who DJ Grandmaster Flash joined during his set, performed “Microphone Fiend,” “Paid in Full,” and “Eric B. Is President.”

KRS-One took the energy up another level when he touched the stage, as he performed “Step Into a World (Rapture’s Delight),” “MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know,” “Sound of da Police,” and “50 More Years of Hip-Hop.”

Other performers included hip-hop artists Redman, Too Short, Scarface, Fabolous, Plies, Boosie, M.O.P., Remy Ma, Capone-N-Noreaga, Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Peedi Crakk, and Chris & Neef, as well as singers Lil Mo and Monifah. Rock the Bells Festival, as per usual, is a wellorganized event that starts and finishes on time, catering to a genre of music that turns 52 next month.

Sunny Hostin in 2020 (Public domain photo)

Busta Rhymes and Rah Digga perform at Rock the Bells Festival. (Photo courtesy of Rock The Bells)

10 Contemporary Black male authors you need to be reading now

Whether exposing injustice, exploring identity, or

telling unforgettable

stories, these authors write with urgency and beauty.

By RESHONDA TATE Houston Defender

This article was originally published by the Houston Defender.

Black male authors have long held a mirror to society, documenting our struggles, joys, trauma, love and triumphs.

Today’s literary landscape continues to thrive because of their pen. Whether unpacking systemic injustice, reimagining Black identity, or simply telling compelling stories, these men are writing with urgency, beauty and fire.

Here are 10 contemporary Black male authors you should be reading right now.

1. Percival Everett – “James”

There is a reason Everett has won ALL the awards for his retelling of Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” A master of genre-bending fiction, Everett’s work — from “Erasure” to “The Trees” — blends satire, history and sharp social commentary. His writing confronts race, identity and America’s contradictions with wit and depth. His latest novel, “James,” which recently won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction, is written from the point of view of the character Jim, from Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

2. James McBride – “Heaven and Earth’s Grocery Store”

A National Book Award winner, McBride blends humor, history and humanity in his novels. From “The Good Lord Bird” to “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store,” he crafts unforgettable characters and centers Black resilience, faith and community. His storytelling is richly layered, often exploring the intersections of race, identity and belonging in America.

3. Bryan Washington – “Family Meal” Washington, a Houston native, has a gift for capturing quiet, intimate moments that speak volumes. In “Family Meal,” he explores friendship, grief, queer love and food while making the reader feel like they’re right at the kitchen table.

4. Kwame Alexander – “Why Fathers Cry at Night”

Known for his bestselling verse novels for young readers, Alexander’s deeply personal memoir-in-verse is a lyrical, heartwrenching reflection on fatherhood, love and loss. He blends poetry, letters and

recipes in a form-defying exploration of what it means to love and be loved.

5. Ta-Nehisi Coates – “The Water Dancer” Best known for his powerful nonfiction, Coates made his fiction debut with this haunting, magical realist tale of memory, slavery and liberation. Mixing the supernatural with the historical, it’s a bold reimagining of the Underground Railroad and the power of ancestral memory.

6. Maurice Carlos Ruffin – “The American Daughters”

Set in a reimagined America where slavery still exists, Ruffin’s latest novel follows a freedom fighter and her secret society of rebels. It’s a gripping, genre-blurring exploration of resistance, legacy and what liberation truly costs.

7. Nate Marshall – “Finna”

A Chicago-based poet and rapper, Marshall’s collection “Finna” captures Black vernacular, culture and resilience with sharp wit and musicality. These aren’t just poems — they’re declarations of survival and joy.

8. S.A. Cosby – “All the Sinners Bleed” Cosby is redefining Southern noir. In this gritty, violent and emotionally rich crime thriller, a Black sheriff in a small Virginia town investigates a string of murders while navigating racial tensions and a deeply rooted sense of injustice. Cosby’s writing hits like a punch to the gut — in the best way.

9. Tochi Onyebuchi – “Riot Baby”

This Afrofuturist novella blends scifi, social justice, and prophecy. Onyebuchi imagines a world where a young Black

woman develops supernatural powers in response to police brutality. It’s as urgent as it is imaginative.

10. Brandon Massey – “The Quiet Ones” For fans of suspense and horror, Massey is a must-read. In “The Quiet Ones,” a novelist moves to a secluded house to start over, only to find himself caught in a supernatural mystery. Massey blends eerie storytelling with Black cultural nuance, proving the horror genre isn’t just for the Stephen Kings of the world.

These writers aren’t just adding to the literary canon. They’re expanding it. They’re writing for us, to us, and about us, in all our fullness. You’ll find it here whether you’re looking for the poetic, the prophetic, or the page-turning. Time to stack your reading list.

Explore 10 contemporary Black male authors. From satire to sci-fi, their urgent stories expand the literary landscape. (Keenan Beasley/ Unsplash photo)

Jazzmobile, The Coltrane Legacy, Jazz Boxx

Break out those summer chairs, prepare some potato salad with all the trimmings, it’s summertime in the village of Harlem as it welcomes the sweet roaring sounds of Jazzmobile Summerfest 60, the longest running jazz series in the hustle bustle town of New York City.

On July 11, singer, songwriter, and blues guitarist Allan Harris performs at Marcus Garvey Park (5th Avenue at 124th Street), 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Brooklyn native, who was raised in Harlem, brings his soulful sound — that signature honey-toned baritone — home to his many loyal fans. He is a defined crooner whose velvety notes can strike an emotional chord during his ballads or belt out big notes that pull listeners to the edge of their seats, similar to the great jazz vocalist Ernie Andrews.

On July 16, Jazzmobile arrives at its weekly Wednesday location at Grant's Tomb (122nd Street & Riverside Drive). The featured artist will be drummer and composer Winard Harper, a longtime Jazzmobile artist. His playing style resembles a summer rainstorm. His melodic roaring sticks hit the skins with a thunderous eruption, his licks cymbals reflect the strong winds of summer; concert at 7-8:30 p.m.

On July 18, Jazzmobile returns to Marcus Garvey Park with trombonist, composer, media artist, and community activist Craig Harris. Harris has been bringing a soulful fire to Jazzmobile for years, returning with a mix of funk, jazz, improvisational romps and all those sounds that make you want to dance on a summer’s night.

For a complete schedule of Marcus Garvey Park and Grant's Tomb visit Jazzmobile.org.

The sounds of riffing improvisation and straight-ahead tradition come together with “The Coltrane Legacy” on July 9-13 at Smoke Jazz and Supper Club (2751 Broadway) for two sets at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Back by popular demand, the Tenor Titans Quintet features two good friends: Wayne Escoffery and Jimmy Greene. The two met while former students and protégés of the great Jackie McLean and have remained close collaborators. Their style embodies the passionate fire of McLean’s, as well as the influence of John Coltrane, whose music they will celebrate with this group. Jazzwise (UK) calls Greene “without doubt one of the most striking young tenors of recent years,” while The New York Times describes Escoffery as “a powerful, passionate player.”

Joining these two powerful saxophonists is an all-star rhythm section trio with pianist Julius Rodriguez, bassist Peter Washington, and the legendary drummer Lenny White.

For more information visit the website

smokejazz.org.

On July 10, the weekly Thursday Night Rhythms of Resistance series features trombonist and composer Craig Harris & the Harlem Nightsongs Big Band, at Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church (15 Mt. Morris Park West). One performance. 7 p.m.-8 p.m.

Harris’ weekly forum is the only source of live creative jazz in Harlem, the only big band in the community playing improvisational music. Still somewhat perplexed why such a progressive music series with such acclaimed artists isn’t sold out each week. At one point Harlem was the home of jazz and all music that was hip!

As Harris noted, “Music has always been at the heart of resistance. It moves us, inspires us, and brings people together to strategize, organize, and mobilize.”

The following evening July 11, the Friday Harlem Jazz Series features saxophonist, flautist, and composer Tk Blue with one performance at 7-8 p.m. From the beginning of his career, Blue was an inventive artist, constructing his own creative path that strayed from the traditional jazz form. He’s fused jazz with his roots of Afro-Caribbean and African rhythms. He was a longtime collaborator with the legendary NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston (in memory of Weston, he and the other original members still perform under the band’s name African Rhythms), Abdullah Ibrahim, and Don Cherry. His latest album, Planet Bluu, reflects his musical diversity and innovation. For more information visit harlemjazzboxx.com.

Singer, songwriter and blues guitarist Allan Harris (Photos courtesy of allanharris.com)

require reducing the jail population to fit the 4,160 bed limit (the city jail population surpassed 7,000 this year due to the recent prison strikes). Investments recommended by the Independent Rikers Commission, many of which are included in the budget, can potentially and safely reduce the jail population by 750 people.

$9.1 million went towards the Supervised Release Intensive Care Management pilot which works directly with frequently rearrested New Yorkers to curb recidivism. The program currently operates in two boroughs and remains in a formative stage, according to its architect agency Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ).

Early signs point to double-digit drops in recidivism among participants. The Independent Rikers Commission believes expanding the Supervised Release Intensive Care Management pilot will connect those stuck in the criminal justice cycle to treatment, housing and services, which ensures they return to court and “head off the commission of more crimes.”

Another $8.9 million goes to the longstanding Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) program, which also operates under MOCJ through 14 nonprofits. The initiative serves as a judge’s discre -

tionary tool for defendants with family support or access to social services to rehabilitate in the community rather than in jail. The program faced a previous cut which the budget restored.

George Washington University professor Faye Taxman previously advised MOCJ on improving ATI and says the initiative’s impact becomes more important with pre-trial decarceration efforts like bail reform. Her recommendations adopted by the city influenced the program’s most recent contracting cycle in 2019 and helped develop more robust services.

“If we’re going to depopulate Rikers, we need to actually have services in place for people that deal with their issues,” said Taxman. “If you have someone who’s been a victim of violence, and therefore the only way they know how to respond is through violence, [the solution] is to actually give them some violence prevention services or to give them services to deal with the trauma that they’ve incurred.”

Stanley Richards, CEO of Fortune Society, one of the Alternatives to Incarceration nonprofits, called the budget a step in the right direction.

“What makes it exciting for me is the overall investment,” said Richards. “The expansion of supervised release by $9.1 million means we are building the capacity to serve more people and to serve them well. The [Alternatives to Incar-

ceration] restoration and $7.6 million baseline to reduce incarceration and recidivism means that we have more slots available for people, while working with the district attorneys and the judges to ensure those who could be safely managed in the community could [actually] be managed in the community and to get access to services.”

A spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams credited such investments toward keeping the “most vulnerable New Yorkers out of jails and in their communities,” particularly off the heels of one of the safest Fourth of July celebrations in city history.

“Mayor Adams believes that public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity, and the best way to keep people out of jail is by educating and engaging them before they ever make contact with the justice system,” said the city hall spokesperson. “That’s why in our ‘Best Budget Ever,’ we announced millions of dollars in investments toward upstream solutions that support at-risk New Yorkers, address gang, youth, and domestic violence, as well as programming for gun violence prevention initiatives and crisis intervention — all that will help divert people away from crime and put them on a path toward success.”

Another $5 million goes towards increasing electronic monitoring capacity aka ankle bracelets, which the city underutilizes compared to neighboring counties and will allow courts to release people

otherwise detained during pre-trial.

The City Council’s Progressive Caucus brought in $80 million through its Crisis to Care campaign, including $34 million in new funding to improve mental health services and $4.8 million for justice-involved supportive housing.

The adopted budget also put money towards law enforcement oversight with $1.2 million to the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) and $339,000 to the Board of Correction. The money will help hire more investigators for the CCRB to look into police misconduct and will increase the independent NYPD watchdog’s headcount by 20 employees.

A sweeping budget cut in 2023 limited the CCRB’s ability to probe police misconduct, leading to 1,440 complaints getting closed last year without a full investigation in what the agency calls a “Strategic Resource Allocation Determination.”

“We thank Mayor Adams and the City Council for this new budget,” said CCRB interim chair Dr. Mohammad Khalid.

“While it is still short of meeting all the Agency’s needs, the CCRB hopes the new funding will enable the hiring of more staff, allowing it to investigate more complaints in a timely fashion. It is also the CCRB’s intent that this budget will enable the end of Strategic Resource Allocation Determination closures, in which the Agency closed complaints that only included certain allegations without any investigation.”

Education

Celebrating early wins: NYC’s public school students reading and math scores tick up

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

New York City leadership is excited to see some improvement in reading and math scores for public school students in grades K-5, especially along racial and ethnic lines.

“As we close out this school year, we are proud to be able to share early results on our citywide investment in evidence-based reading and mathematics instruction for our students — delivering the education our children deserve,” said Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos in a joint statement.

The city’s Department of Education (DOE) released data based on screener results and assessments from the Spring 2024-2025 school year, showing that reading scores on average increased by 2.5 points and initial math scores increased by 3.2 points for grades K-5. The results are compared to recent years and the national median percentage of students.

In terms of race and ethnicity, there were overall small improvements across the board. For reading, Asian students increased an average of 1.6 points, Black students increased an average of 2.6 points, Hispanic students increased an average of 2.6 points, and white students increased an average of 2.6 points. For math, Asian students increased an average of 2.3 points, Black students increased an average of 3.1 points, Hispanic students increased an average of 3.4 points, and white students increased an average of 3.5 points.

Historically, the city’s public school system has always grappled with racial disparities in math and reading scores for Black and Brown students. However, studies from 2022 show that the COVID-19 pandemic caused historic learning setbacks for most kids in the fourth and eighth grades — widening racial disparities both locally and nationally. Across the country, reading scores dropped to 1992 levels and math scores saw their largest decrease ever. Nearly four in 10 eighth graders failed to grasp basic math concepts.

“Any gain for New York City is a great thing, so now we need to sit down and analyze the data and see what areas we have growth in, what areas we should be working on, what districts had the most gain, and be laser focused on areas on areas where students fell short,” said Councilmember Rita Joseph, who is the City Council education chair.

The city and DOE have attributed this initial showing of success to the NYC Reads literacy initiative and NYC Solves mathematics curriculum. Adams and former Schools Chancellor David Banks decided to implement the programs in 2023. They promised the new curriculum would improve literacy, reading, and basic algebra instruction. Most teachers seemed to agree at the time, but were a little unsure about the rollout.

The initiatives started out with 15 selected ‘phase one’ school districts and then 17 school districts in ‘phase two.’ This year, Adams announced that they would be expanding both programs to 186 additional schools across 14 districts for the 2025-2026 school year based on the early uptick in scores.

“When you go to school as an educator, no one teaches you the science of reading,” said Joseph. “We’re teaching the science of reading. How kids learn how to read, and when they do, how do we get them to understand?”

For the most part, educators and advocates in the city are also excited to see early results.

“The newly released NYC Reads screener data sends a clear message: students are making real, measurable progress — and it’s thanks to the tireless collaboration among NYCPS [New York City Public Schools] leadership, the UFT [United Federation of Teachers], the city’s educators, parents, and the broader community,” said Marielys Divanne, executive director of Educators for Excellence–New York (E4E-NY). “They’ve embraced high-quality materials and professional learning through NYC Reads, and it’s paying off.” Divanne stated that it’s rare and “groundbreaking” to see the nation’s largest and most complex school system show gains this early among young learners and for students with disabilities. Research shows it typically takes 3–5 years to see academic results from curriculum shifts, she said.

This can be attributed to the fact that NYC Reads and Solves are backed by research showing high quality instructional materials coupled with aligned professional learning, said Divanne.

Additionally, E4E-NY spent the past year surveying educators on NYC Reads and NYC Solves. They consistently heard educators say that they positively viewed the curricular materials and that the curriculum gets better with time.

“It’s no surprise we’re seeing gains when schools use research-backed programs like NYC Reads and Solves,” said Crystal McQueen-Taylor, executive director at StudentsFirstNY. “Parents across the city have been demanding higher quality education for their kids and now we are beginning to see positive results. Given the persistent disparities in outcomes for Black students, we hope the next administration will maintain and expand programs like these.”

Stock photo of focused diverse schoolgirls reading textbooks in park. (Photo by Mary Taylor via Pexels.com)

Solitary confinement

ent lawsuit we have about HALT, asking DOCCS to answer what is this whole suspension? What authority are you claiming you have?

“And that was when we found out it was not just about not providing programming. They were, in fact, claiming they did not have to abide by any of the limits on solitary confinement for this 90-day period, which ended up lasting even longer [and] until this preliminary injunction was issued.”

Jerome Wright, who co-directs the #HALTSolitary campaign that led efforts to pass the state’s eponymous HALT law and the city’s Local Law 42, said many formerly incarcerated people already knew how bad things were because of friends, family, and acquaintances who reached out to them. They connected the Legal Aid Society to those individuals in some instances so the lawyers could investigate and verify claims of allegedly unlawful solitary confinement practices.

“I used to say we were in pre-Attica stages, but we are at Attica 2.0 right now,” said Wright. “Every single thing that those brothers died for and fought about is what is happening right now.”

One named class plaintiff, Harlemite Alfonso Smalls, was allegedly locked in a cell for 22 to 24 hours a day for two and a half weeks. He now “has a hard time turning off his mind” and struggles with falling asleep, according to the complaint. The 29-year-old also feels short-tempered and claustrophobic in isolation, leading to thoughts of self-harm.

“Mr. Smalls is eager for more recreation and programming,” reads the complaint. “He wants to feel the sun, breathe fresh air, and relieve stress through recreation. He wants to interact with other incarcerated people and learn new things through programming.”

Solitary confinement’s negative effects are well-documented. Suicide rates were five times higher among New Yorkers in solitary confinement between 2015 and 2019. The practice is also linked to significant physical health conditions. Under the United Nations’ Mandela Laws, more than 15 days in solitary confinement is considered torture.

The formerly incarcerated Wright called the failed attempts to suspend the HALT law and Local Law 42 “Trumpian.” A New York State legislature supermajority voted to pass HALT in 2021. Then-governor and current third-party mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law.

Similarly, a City Council supermajority voted to pass Local Law 42 last year. “When we have had problems in our community, and we’ve tried to deal with

them in any number of ways, the powers that be have appealed to us [to] just do it the right way,” said Wright. Yet despite overwhelming lawmaker support, solitary bans continue facing attacks.

Mayor Eric Adams initially attempted to veto the bill for Local Law 42 last year. Thanks to a 42 to 9 supermajority, the City Council overrode the veto, so Adams employed emergency powers usually reserved for hurricanes and pandemics to suspend the city’s solitary confinement ban indefinitely, all the while claiming the practice did not exist in city jails.

“A state of emergency is hereby declared to exist within the correction facilities operated by DOC because of the imminent effective date of Local Law 42 and the risks to health and safety that implementation of that law at this time and under current circumstances presents,” wrote Adams last July.

The City Council and the Public Advocate filed a joint lawsuit against the mayor last December to overturn the emergency order.

“No other mayor in the City’s history has ever used these emergency powers as an end-run around a local law, and a finding otherwise — that the Mayor can override a supermajority of Council members — would set a dangerous precedent,” read the complaint. “In our system of government, there is a balance of powers between the legislature that makes laws and the executive who executes them. Council members, and their votes, represent the will of the people.”

Last Monday, June 30, a state-level judge ruled that “Mayor Adams acted beyond the scope of his emergency powers and that he cannot suspend the law because he disapproves of its impact” and barred him from declaring a new state of emergency to stop Local Law 42.

“Solitary confinement has been proven to cause physical, psychological, and emotional harm, making jails and our city less safe,” said Council Speaker Adrienne Adams in a June 30 statement. “The [c]ouncil duly enacted Local Law 42 because we cannot maintain the status quo of failed policies and practices that put everyone in danger. Now that the mayor’s emergency orders are no longer in effect, the mayoral administration must bring the [c]ity into compliance with the law.”

However, federal judge Laura Swain granted the Adams administration’s motion for a temporary restraining order to pause “certain parts” of Local Law 42’s implementation due to a separate lawsuit. Swain oversees the longstanding Nunez case, which installed a monitorship and, more recently, a re -

ceivership over the city’s jail system due to long-time safety issues on Rikers Island.

“Let’s be clear: Solitary confinement has not been used in New York City jails since 2019, and Local Law 42 creates a new definition of solitary confinement out of thin air and then aims to ban that,” said a city hall spokesperson. “As Mayor Adams has repeatedly said, enforcement of Local Law 42 as written would harm the safety of people in our custody, our correctional staff, court staff, and the public, and we are grateful that Judge Swain has paused its implementation.”

The temporary restraining order limits enacting Local Law 42’s “conflicting” provisions toward restrictive housing, restraint use, de-escalation confinement procedures, and security lock-in procedures. Swain pointed to concerns from her monitorship’s concerns over safety and wrote that Nunez monitor Steve J. Martin requested more time to approve those provisions with or without modifications.

“The Defendants, Class Members[,] and non-parties are likely to suffer irreparable harm if the Conflicting Provisions are permitted to go into effect, caused by violations of this Court’s orders and unsafe conditions and procedures that will be created by the implementation of [Local Law 42],” wrote Swain.

Like Local Law 42, the Nunez lawsuit stems from needing to improve jail conditions but can only focus narrowly on constitutional compliance, specifically in regard to violence and security. Earlier this year, the AmNews obtained a letter to Sen. Dick Durbin, signed last year by leading correctional experts, including Martin, arguing against solitary confinement as a safety measure.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams told the AmNews the restraining order is temporary and that he is currently figuring out the next steps.

“We always remind folks that Local Law 42 is not in effect,” said Williams.

“What they’re doing now is a problem because it’s still causing violence. When you have a population of Black and Brown and poor people, folks tend to treat them as disposable. [You would] think a mayor who comes from those communities would be different, but he’s not.

“And out of sight, out of mind, which is one of the reasons why we [are] going to shut Rikers down, so it’s something that you just can’t not think about. It’s easy to try to throw people away in solitary. It is harder to do things that will make everyone safer: It takes investment, it takes infrastructure, it takes will.”

A DOCCS spokesperson said the department is currently reviewing the decision.

NYC cooling centers offer a refuge from the heat

By ZINNIA FINN and HEATHER M. BUTTS, JD, MPH, MA Special to the AmNews

New Yorkers endured record-breaking heat this June and found themselves scrambling for relief. While many New Yorkers escaped oppressive temperatures by using their air conditioners, not all could. According to Dr. Michelle E. Morse, Acting Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health, in an interview with AmNews: “It is very common for New Yorkers actually to not have air conditioning in their homes or apartments. What is a New Yorker to do in the sweltering heat?” According to Dr. Morse, there’s a very good option: “We really encourage people to use the cooling centers.”

There are more than 50 cooling centers throughout the five boroughs that open when temperatures spike above 95 degrees for two or more days or above 100 degrees.

Robin Prescod, a real estate professional and dog walker, was interviewed by AmNews at a Hamilton Heights library that was serving as a cooling center during the recent heat wave. She said she stops at cooling centers — specifically those in New York Public Library facilities — on summer evenings to send emails, print documents, or charge her phone.

“I like the libraries, because they are quiet, cool,” Prescod said. “It’s a nice home away from home.”

Though Prescod is an avid user of cooling centers throughout the city, she said there is room for improvement. She suggested increasing outreach through public service announcements about cooling centers when temperatures rise above ninety degrees, and the possibility of extended hours or more comfortable accommodations for seniors.

“There could always be more said about it,” Prescod said. “Remember, the public library is still open for all of us — it’s a place where you can grab a book and cool off.”

With three primary locations she frequents to cool off, Prescod said she is

unsure what she would do without the convenience of temperature-controlled spaces to do work during the summer.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable during high temperatures and are more likely to have a chronic condition or take medication that makes them susceptible to heat-related health problems. A portion of cooling centers in the city are open to “older adults only” and are often located at senior centers or luncheon clubs throughout the city.

Star Senior Center in Washington Heights, though open to all, focuses on accessibility and awareness for older adults. Caseworker Marlene Diaz said the center expanded its hours this summer and has seen increased use as a result, especially during the recent heatwave.

In addition to reducing heat exposure, the center doubles as a place where older adults can gather, receive a free lunch, and participate in activities like Zumba, she said. Many seniors are excited when it is cooling center time, Diaz added, comparing the communal benefits of the service to an afterschool program.

“They treat each other like family,” Diaz said. To increase accessibility, the center provides transportation for interested participants and spreads the word about cooling center hours through WhatsApp groups, Facebook, and flyers.

Suzanne Lander, a library patron, stopped by the Hamilton Grange branch to return books during the heatwave. Though escaping the heat was secondary to this task, she said cooling centers are essential for people without AC or electricity when it gets hot.

“It’s really important to have resources for people, to take care of them,” Lander said.

However, Lander added that she had not heard about cooling centers, despite their important community role.

According to Dr. Morse, “One of the easiest ways to figure out where there is a cooling center for you to access is to call 311 and they will tell you about the closest cooling center to your location. Those cooling centers are

safe, freely accessible, public places that you can spend time in to cool down, and again we really encourage, especially our seniors to use them and not use a fan alone. In this level of heat, it is not enough to keep you cool.”

To learn more about where the cooling centers are in New York City, please use this link: https://portal.311.nyc.gov/ article/?kanumber=KA-02663 or dial 311 on

your phone. The New York Public Library has a list of cooling centers https://www. nypl.org/community/resources/healthwellness/cooling-centers and the New York State Department of Health as information about Cooling Centers and the services that they provide: https://www.health.ny.gov/ statistics/environmental/public_health_ tracking/about_pages/cooling_centers/ about_cooling.

The lobby of the Hamilton Grange Branch of the New York Public Library is also a cooling center. (Photo by Zinnia Finn)

Only $6 monthly!

Subscribe and support one of America’s oldest and most influential Black newspapers and its racial justice journalism.

BILLED MONTHLY. CANCEL ANYTIME.

ARIAMA C. LONG, AMSTERDAM NEWS POLITICAL REPORTER

Religion & Spirituality

How Democrats in America’s most Jewish city embraced a critic of Israel for New York mayor

By JILL COLVIN Associated Press

In choosing Zohran Mamdani as their candidate for mayor, Democrats in America’s most Jewish city have nominated an outspoken critic of Israel, alarming some in New York’s Jewish community and signaling a sea change in the priorities of one of the party’s most loyal voting groups.

The 33-year-old democratic socialist’s surprisingly strong performance against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo makes clear that taking a stance against Israel is no longer disqualifying in a Democratic Party primary. The state Assemblymember has declined to support the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state, refused to denounce the term “global intifada,” and supports an organized effort to put economic pressure on Israel through boycotts and other tactics.

Yet he excelled in the city with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, and with the support of many Jewish voters.

Mamdani’s success reflects the ideological realignment of many American Jews since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel that led to Israel’s invasion of Gaza. Many Democratic voters, including Jews, have grown dismayed by Israel’s conduct in the war and are deeply critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. That is especially true among younger, more progressive voters, many of whom have rejected the once-broadly accepted notion that anti-Israel sentiment is inherently antisemitic.

For others, Mamdani’s showing has spurred new fears about safety and the waning influence of Jewish voters in a city where anti-Jewish hate crime has surged. Last year, Jews were the target of more than half of the hate crimes in the city.

“Definitely people are concerned,” said Rabbi Shimon Hecht of Congregation B’nai Jacob in Brooklyn, who said he has heard from congregants in recent days who hope Mamdani will be beaten in the November general election, where he will face Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and possibly Cuomo, if he stays in the race.

“I think, like every upsetting election, it’s a wake-up call for people,” Hecht said. “I strongly believe that he will not be elected as our next mayor, but it’s going to take a lot of uniting among the Jewish people and others who are concerned about these issues. We have to unify.”

Veteran New York Democratic political strategist Hank Sheinkopf put it more bluntly, predicting a hasty exodus of religious Jews from the city and a decline in

long-standing Jewish influence that would be replicated elsewhere.

“It’s the end of Jewish New York as we know it,” he said, adding: “New York is a petri dish for national Democratic politics. And what happened here is what will likely happen in cities across the country.”

Israel was a key campaign issue

Mamdani’s top Democratic rival, the former governor, had called antisemitism and support for Israel “the most important issue” of the campaign.

Mamdani’s backers repeatedly accused Cuomo of trying to weaponize the issue. Many drew parallels to the way Republican President Donald Trump has cast any criticism of Israel’s actions as antisemitic, claiming Jews who vote for Democrats “hate Israel” and their own religion.

For some Mamdani supporters, the election results signaled a rejection by voters of one of Cuomo’s arguments: that an upstart socialist with pro-Palestinian views posed a threat to New York’s Jewish community. Many were focused on issues such as affordability in a notoriously expensive city, or flat-out opposed to Cuomo, who was forced to resign in disgrace amid sexual harassment allegations.

Aiyana Leong Knauer, a 35-year-old Brooklyn bartender who is Jewish and backed Mamdani, said the vote represented “New Yorkers, many of them Jewish, saying we care more about having an affordable city than sowing division.”

“Many of us take really deep offense to our history being weaponized against us,” she said. “Jewish people all over the world have well-founded fears for their safety, but Jews in New York are safe overall.”

Others agreed with Mamdani’s views on Israel

Beth Miller, political director of Jewish

Voice for Peace Action, an anti-Zionist, progressive group that worked on Mamdani’s behalf, said Mamdani “was actually pretty popular among a lot of Jewish voters.”

“That is not in spite of his support for Palestinian rights. That is because of his support for Palestinian rights,” she said. “There has been a massive rupture within the Jewish community and more and more Jews of all generations, but especially younger generations,” she said, now refuse to be tied to what they see as a rogue government committing atrocities against civilians.

Polls show support for Israel has declined since the war began. Overall, a slight majority of Americans now express a “somewhat” or “very” unfavorable opinion of Israel, according to a March Pew Research Center poll, compared with 42% in 2022. Democrats’ views are particularly negative, with nearly 70% holding an unfavorable opinion versus less than 40% of Republicans.

Beyond the mayoral race

Mamdani’s wasn’t the only race where Israel was on voters’ minds.

In Brooklyn, City Councilwoman Shahana Hanif, who represents Park Slope and surrounding areas, drew criticism for her Palestinian advocacy. Some said she had failed to respond forcefully to antisemitic incidents in the district.

Yet Hanif, the first Muslim woman elected to the City Council, easily beat her top challenger, Maya Kornberg, who is Jewish, despite an influx of money from wealthy, pro-Israel groups and donors.

That outcome dismayed Ramon Maislen, a developer who launched Brooklyn BridgeBuilders to oppose Hanif’s reelection and said antisemitism did not seem to resonate with voters.

“We were very disappointed with our neighbors’ response,” he said.

While campaigning against Hanif, he said he was routinely screamed at by residents and accused of supporting genocide.

“I think that those of us in the Jewish community that are attuned to that are cognizant that there’s been some kind of cultural sea change that’s occurring,” he said. “What we’re seeing is a legitimatization of hatred that isn’t happening in any other liberal or progressive space.”

Mamdani’s record and rhetoric

Mamdani has repeatedly pledged to fight antisemitism, including during an appearance on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” where he was grilled on his stance. He was joined on the show by city comptroller and fellow candidate Brad Lander, the city’s highest-ranking Jewish official, who had cross-endorsed him. He has also said he would increase funding for anti-hate crime programming by 800%.

But many of his comments have angered Jewish groups and officials, most notably his refusal to disavow the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which has been used as a slogan in recent protests. Many Jews see it as a call to violence against Israeli civilians. In a podcast interview, Mamdani said the phrase captured a “a desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights.”

Given another opportunity to condemn the phrase, Mamdani on Sunday told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that it was not his role to police speech and he pledged to be a mayor who “protects Jewish New Yorkers and lives up to that commitment through the work that I do.”

Mamdani also supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which aims to pressure governments, schools and other institutions to boycott Israeli products, divest from companies that support the country, and impose sanctions. The Anti-Defamation League calls it antisemitic and part of a broader campaign to “delegitimize and isolate the State of Israel.”

Mamdani has also said that, as mayor, he would arrest Netanyahu if the Israeli leader tried to enter the city.

The ADL in a statement Thursday warned candidates and their supporters not to use “language playing into dangerous antisemitic canards that time and time again have been used to incite hatred and violence against Jews.”

In his victory speech, Mamdani alluded to the criticism he’d received and said he would not abandon his beliefs. But he also said he would “reach further to understand the perspectives of those with whom I disagree and to wrestle deeply with those disagreements.”

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, left, speaks on stage with fellow candidate Comptroller Brad Lander at his primary election party. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

A Womanist Anthem for Freedom

REV. DR. JACQUI LEWIS FIERCE LOVE

They passed the Big Ugly Bill. And all I can hear in my head is a cry for freedom.

O say can you see What is plain to behold

Though we shout liberty

There are too many in chains

We are shackled by greed And the fear we are small

But this truth must be told

There is one God who loves all

Won’t you give me your hand And together we’ll stand

With radical love

Heal our souls and our land

O say can’t we end all this Fighting and strife

And walk toward the light

That we all might be free.

Sung to the Star-Spangled Banner

Affordable Housing for Rent

335 8TH AVENUE APARTMENTS

57 NEWLY CONSTRUCTED UNITS AT 335 8TH AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10001 CHELSEA

Amenities: Pet Friendly, Bike Storage*, Shared Laundry*, In-Unit Washer & Dryer, In-Unit Dishwasher, Gym*, Media Room*, Party Room*, Outdoor Areas (Garden)*, Recreation Room,* Business Center*, Rooftop Terrace*, and Storage* (*additional fees apply).

Transit: A/C/E/N/Q/R/W/1, M7, M20, PATH, LIRR & Amtrack

No fee to apply • No broker’s fee • Smoke-free building • More information: https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/

This building is anticipated to receive a Tax Exemption through the 421a Program of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

Who Should Apply?

Individuals or households who meet the income and household size requirements listed in the table below may apply. Qualified applicants will be required to meet additional selection criteria. Applicants who live in New York City receive a general preference for apartments.

New York City is committed to the principle of inclusivity in all of its neighborhoods, including supporting New Yorkers to reside in neighborhoods of their choice, regardless of their neighborhood of origin and regardless of the neighborhood into which they want to move.

AVAILABLE UNITS AND INCOME REQUIREMENTS

How Do You Apply? Apply online or through mail. To apply online, please go to https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/ To request an application by mail, send a self-addressed envelope to: 335 8th Avenue Apartments c/o MGNY Consulting 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York, NY 10003. Only send one application per development. Do not submit duplicate applications. Do not apply online and also send in a paper application. Applicants who submit more than one application may be disqualified. When is the Deadline?

Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than August 26, 2025. Late applications will not be considered. What Happens After You Submit an Application?

After the deadline, applications are selected for review through a lottery process. If yours is selected and you appear to qualify, you will be invited to submit documents to continue the process of determining your eligibility. Applicants are usually contacted from 2 to 10 months after the application deadline. You will be asked to submit documents that verify your household size, identity of members of your household, and your household income.

Español Presente una solicitud en línea en https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/. Para recibir una traducción de español de este anuncio y la solicitud impresa, envíe un sobre con la dirección a: 335 8th Avenue Apartments c/o MGNY Consulting 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York, NY 10003. En el reverso del sobre, escriba en inglés la palabra “SPANISH.” Las solicitudes se deben enviar en línea o con sello postal antes de 26 de agosto 2025

简体中文 访问 nyc.gov/housingconnect 在线申请 如要获取本广告及书面申请表的简体中文版 请将您的回邮信封寄送至：335 8th Avenue Apartments c/o MGNY Consulting 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York, NY 10003 信封背面请用英语注明“CHINESE”。必须在以下日期之前在线提交

이 광고문과 신청서에 대한 한국어 번역본을 받아보시려면 반송용 봉투를 335 8th Avenue Apartments c/o MGNY Consulting 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York, NY 10003 으로 보내주십시오 봉투 뒷면에 “KOREAN” 이라고 영어로 적어주십시오 2025년8월26일 까지 온라인 신청서를 제출하거나 소인이 찍힌 신청서를 보내야 합니다

Kreyòl Ayisyien Aplike sou entènèt sou sitwèb nyc.gov/housingconnect. Pou resevwa yon tradiksyon anons sa a nan lang Kreyòl Ayisyen ak aplikasyon an sou papye, voye anvlòp ki gen adrès pou retounen li nan: 335 8th Avenue Apartments c/o MGNY Consulting 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York, NY 10003. Nan dèyè anvlòp la, ekri mo “HATIAN CREOLE” an Anglè. Ou dwe remèt aplikasyon yo sou entènèt oswa ou dwe tenbre yo anvan dat out 26, 2025

nyc.gov/housingconnect

t umaczenie

Aby

wniosek onl ne przejdź na stronę nyc gov/hous ngconnect Aby uzyskać

powiadom enia oraz wniosek w wers i wydrukowanej, wyśl j kopertę z w asnym adresem: 335 8th Avenue Apartments c/o MGNY Consulting 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York, NY 10003 Wp sz słowo POLISH” w j ang elskim na odwrocie koperty Wniosk muszą posiadać stempel pocztowy ub zostać przesłane on ine nie późnie niż 26 sierpień 2025

Français Pour déposer votre demande en ligne, rendez-vous sur le site nyc.gov/housingconnect. Pour recevoir une traduction en français de cet avis ainsi qu’un dossier de demande papier, envoyez une enveloppe libellée à votre nom et votre adresse à l’adresse suivante : 335 8th Avenue Apartments c/o MGNY Consulting 109 East 9th Street, Storefront, New York, NY 10003. Inscrivez le mot « FRENCH » au dos de l’enveloppe. Les demandes doivent être envoyées par la poste ou soumises en ligne au plus tard le 26 août 2025, le cachet de la poste faisant foi.

CLASSIFIED ADS

RULES AND REGULATIONS

CANCELLATIONS must be made in writing by 12 Noon Monday.

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

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

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

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

CLASSIFIED

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

CLASSIFIED DISPLAY

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

CLASSIFICATIONS

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

BASIS OF CHARGE

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

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT: NEW YORK COUNTY CI NOTES LLC v. 7 TH REALTY HOLDINGS, LLC et al.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated April 11, 2025 and filed with the Clerk of the Supreme Court, New York County on April 17, 2025, bearing Index no. 850657/2023, I will sell at public auction on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 2:15 pm in Room 130 of the New York County Supreme Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, New York 10007 the premises known as 2291 7th Avenue a/k/a 2291 Adam C. Powell Jr. Blvd., New York, NY 10030 (Block: 1919, Lot: 63). Premises sold subject to filed Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Terms of Sale. Judgment amount $1,382,233.85 plus interest and costs. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with the New York County Supreme Court Policies. Location and time are subject to revision based on Court policy, current protocols and health conditions. It is requested that Auction attendees practice social distancing whenever possible. Roberta Ashkin, Esq., Referee. Harry Zubli, Esq., attorney for plaintiff (516) 487-5777.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. MARTINA SMITH, Deft. - Index # 850486/2024. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 2, 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 24, 2025, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.00493200000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57TH STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $19,544.14 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. Doron Leiby, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

Notice of Formation of ALAN MENKEN LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/16/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: c/o Fulton Vittoria LLP, One Rockefeller Plaza, Ste. 301, NY, NY 10020. 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.

SUPREME COURT-NEW YORK COUNTY- HILTON RESORTS CORP., Pltf. v. VANESSA TASHINGA NGARU, Deft. - Index # 850485/2024. Pursuant to Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 2, 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 24, 2025, at 2:15 pm, an interest of an undivided 0.00493200000% tenant in common interest in the timeshare known as 57TH STREET VACATION SUITES located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $23,610.46 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. Doron Leiby, Esq., Referee. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston, & Zimet LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 341 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

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.

WRM HOLDING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/31/2025. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 2O ATLAS COURT, EAST MEADOW, NY 11554. Purpose: Any lawful act.

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.

Uwabideli Brands LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on March 12, 2025. Office location: Bronx County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 5680 Broadway #1039, Bronx, NY 10463. Purpose: Any lawful act.

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.

EL REY VENTURES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/17/2024. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 136 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Purpose: Any lawful act.

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.

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.

Clear Process Engineering LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 5/14/2025. Office location: NY County County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 19376 N. 9th St., Covington, LA 70433. Purpose: Any lawful act.

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.

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.

225 Willow LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on July 13, 2025. Office location: Bronx County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 601 Wales Ave, Bronx, NY 10455 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.

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.

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.

REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

APSEC RESOLUTION, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, Plaintiffagainst - WEST 21ST ASSOCIATES LLC, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 4, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse located at 60 Centre Street, New York, New York 10007 on the 6th day of August, 2025 at 2:15 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York. Premises known as 34 West 21st Street, New York, NY 10010.

(Block: 822, Lot: 59)

Approximate amount of lien $8,820,122.46 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 850497/2023. Jeffrey Robert Miller, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840

New York, NY 10170

Tel. 347/286-7409

Dated: March 20, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that a license, number NA-0340-24147573 for Liquor, Wine, Beer & Cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell Liquor, Wine, Beer & Cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 205 West 231st Street, Bronx, NY 10463, Bronx County for on premises consumption. Chef Rose, Inc, Chef Rose Caribbean Restaurant D/B/A

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 OF SALE

SUPREME COURT. NEW YORK COUNTY. USALLIANCE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION BY MERGER WITH NEW YORK METRO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Pltf. vs., UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF JAMES MCCASKILL A/K/A JAMES MC CASKILL, HIS NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CEDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH SAID DEFENDANT WHO MAY BE DECEASED, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO THE PLAINTIFF AND CANNOT AFTER DILIGENT INQUIRY BE ASCERTAINED, et al Deft. Index #850257/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered August 12, 2024, I will sell at public auction on July 30, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. prem. k/a 61 West 126 th Street, New York, NY 10027 a/k/a Block 1724, Lot 11. Approximate amount of judgment is $180,402.84 plus cost and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. CHRISTY M. DEMELFI, Referee., MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP., Attys. for Pltf., 575 Underhill Blvd., Suite 224, Syosset, NY. #102268

NOTICE OF SALE, SUPREME COURT, NEW YORK COUNTY

NewBank v. 43 Mott Realty Owner LLC et al. , Index No. 850034/2022

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 31, 2025 (the “Judgment”), I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder in Room 130 of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, 60 Centre Street, New York, New York 10007 on July 30, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. the premises known as 43-45 Mott Street, New York, New York 10013, Borough of Manhattan, Block 164, Lots 28 and 29 (the “Premises”).

The approximate amount of the Judgment is $554,281.17, plus interest, costs, attorneys’ fees, and disbursements. The Premises will be sold subject to the provisions of the Judgment and terms of sale. Said auction will be conducted “rain or shine.”

Christy Demelfi, Esq., Referee

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK. 7G 123 LAFAYETTE LLC, Plaintiff -against- 123 LAFAYETTE LLC, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated March 5, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on July 30, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of Lafayette Street, distant 95 feet 8-5/8 inches northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of Canal Street and the easterly side of Lafayette Street; being a plot 51 feet 6 inches by 62 feet 9 inches by 51 feet 9-3/4 inches by 62 feet 9 inches. Block: 208 Lot: 4

Said premises known as 123127 LAFAYETTE STREET, NEW YORK, NY

Approximate amount of lien $21,759,120.80 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850316/2024.

ALLISON FURMAN, ESQ., Referee

Warshaw Burstein, LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 575 Lexington Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10022

{* AMSTERDAM*}

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 SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-2,

Plaintiff, Against HARVEY LEVINE, CAROLE LEVINE, ET AL Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 09/13/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, in Room 130 at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on 8/13/2025 at 2:15PM, premises known as 455 Central Park West, Unit 17B, New York, New York 10025, and described as follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Condominium Unit (Hereinafter Referred To As The "Unit") Known As Unit No. 17B In The Premises Known As 455 Central Park West Condominium, And By The Street Number 455 Central Park West, Borough Of Manhattan, County City And State Of New York. TOGERTHER with an undivided 0.625% percent interest in the Common Elements. Block 01841 Lot 1276

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $3,088,341.91 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 850318/2014

Roberta Ellen Ashkin, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 6/4/2025 File Number: 17-301350 CA

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE 610 PARK AVENUE CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff -against16EF

APARTMENT, LLC and MARA ENTERPRISES, et al Defendant(s). Index Number 151261/2023.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered herein and dated September 29, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction located in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY New York on July 30, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. E.T., premises situate, all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, known as Unit No. PH16E in the building designated as 610 Park Avenue Condominium. Together with an undivided 4.0581% interest in the common elements. Block: 1379 Lot: 1189 Said premises known as 610 PARK AVENUE, PH16E, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10065

Approximate amount of lien is $171,820.02 plus post-judgment interest & costs.

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

CHRISTY M. DEMELFI, ESQ., Referee Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP

Attn: Benjamin O. Gilbert bogilbert@sheppardmullin.com

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 (212) 896-0682 {* AMSTERDAM*}

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff -against- TREVOR C. MORAN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated April 22, 2022, 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 August 6, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. The Unit known as Residential Unit No. 10A in the building known as The Heritage at Trump Place, 240 Riverside Boulevard, in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, Together with an undivided 0.7911% interest in the common elements. Block: 1171 Tax Lot: 2111. Said premises known as 240 RIVERSIDE BOULEVARD, UNIT 10A, NEW YORK, NY 10069. Approximate amount of lien $5,673,292.89 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 850110/2019.

THOMAS KLEINBERGER, ESQ., Referee, David A. Gallo & Associates LLP, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030. File# 5025.1930 {* AMSTERDAM*}

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.

Plaintiff’s attorneys: Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. 990 Stewart Avenue, 3rd Floor Garden City, New York 11530 516-741-6565 (tel.) 516-741-6706 (fax)

CUSHION MENTAL HEALTH

COUNSELING PLLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 6/23/25. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 374 W 116TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10026. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Qualification of STORAGE POST / 4388 BROADWAY, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/20/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 06/03/25. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK. NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiffs -against- CIAO-DI RESTAURANT CORPORATION, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein on March 31, 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 30, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, known and designated as Block 552 and Lot 1322, 1323 and 1327 on the New York County Tax Assessment Map, and being further known on such tax rolls as 88 Washington Place a/k/a West Washington Place, Unit S6, Unit S7 and S11, New York, NY 10011. Said premises known as 88 WASHINGTON PLACE, UNIT S6, UNIT S7 AND UNIT S11, NEW YORK, NY 10011

Approximate amount of lien $14,968.16 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 154141/2023.

SOFIA BALILE, ESQ., Referee Phillips Lytle LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiffs 28 East Main Street, Suite 1400, Rochester, NY 14614

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK. WOORI AMERICA BANK, Plaintiff -against- DK BEAUTY INC., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated March 27, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on August 6, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, known as Unit No. 2010 in the building known as the "20 West 33rd Street Condominium" together with an undivided 7.1629 percent interest in the common elements.

Block: 834 Lot: 1013 Said premises known as 18-28 WEST 33RD STREET, UNIT 2010, NEW YORK, NY Approximate amount of lien $6,021,316.46 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850042/2024. SOFIA BALILE, ESQ., Referee Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 40 Calumet Ave, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034 {* AMSTERDAM*}

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 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 SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, As Trustee For LB-Dwelling Series V Trust, Plaintiff, vs. Kimberly Ann Busi a/k/a Kimberly A. Busi a/k/a Kimberly Busi, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on February 18, 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 30, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 1 Wall Street Court, Unit 605 a/k/a 82 Beaver Street, Unit 605, New York, NY 10005. 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 28 and Lot 1043 together with an undivided 1.5944 percent interest in the Common Elements. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,129,124.74 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850472/2023. Tom Kleinberger, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 223745-1

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST ANDREW G. DYSART, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 24, 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 August 6, 2025 at 2:15 PM, premises known as 170 West 23rd Street, Apt. 6J, New York, NY 10011. 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 798 Lot 1116. Approximate amount of judgment $514,274.44 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850661/2023. Matthew D. Hunter III, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23002684 85151

SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff ‑against‑ JADE D FONTENAY A/K/A JADE FONTENAY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 5, 2025 and entered on April 21, 2025, I, the under signed Referee will sell at pub lic auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on August 6, 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 known as Residential Unit No. 3D in the building known as "PS 90 Con dominium" together with an un divided 1.3082% interest in the Common Elements. Block: 2033 Lot: 1030

Said premises known as 220W 148TH STREET, 3D, NEW YORK, NY 10039

Approximate amount of lien $316,162.94 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 Mortgag ee’s attorney. Index Number 850502/2023.

MATTHEW D. HUNTER III, ESQ., Referee

David A. Gallo & Associates LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 7777.293 {* AMSTERDAM*}

Notice of Formation of KIRKWOOD HOUSE ACQUISITION, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/18/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 30 Hudson Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF New York , Stormfield Opportunity Fund, LP , Plaintiff, vs . Glotser Living, LLC , ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Consent Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 9, 2025 , I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at Room 130 of the New York County, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on August 13, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 166 East 63rd Street, Unit 16D, Manhattan, NY 10065. 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 1397 and Lot 1341 together with an undivided 0.611252 percent interest in the Common Elements, as well as all personal property of Borrower as identified in that certain Mortgage, Assignment of Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated as of September 17, 2021, and recorded on October 7, 2021 as CRFN 2021000395478, and excluding any funds held by Plaintiff in any reserve, escrow, or suspense fund, and excluding any funds held by Plaintiff in any cash management account. Approximate amount of judgment is $970,128.57 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850572/2023. Roberta Ashkin, Esq., Referee Polsinelli PC, Aaron P. Davis, Esq., 600 Third Avenue, 42nd Floor, New York, New York 10016, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME

COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee of CSMC 2018SP3 Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST Sreeram Mallikarjun; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 23, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction in room 130 at the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on August 13, 2025, at 2:15PM, premises known as 350 West 42nd Street Apartment 53C, New York, NY 10036. The Condominium Unit (the "Unit") in the premises known as Orion Condominium and by the street number 350 West 42nd Street, Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, Block 1032 Lot 1484. Approximate amount of judgment $1,206,958.02 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 850224/2021. Doron Leiby, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: May 8, 2025 85618

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.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BANC OF AMERICA FUNDING CORPORATION MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-D, Plaintiff AGAINST DEVIKA KAMBOH, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 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 August 6, 2025 at 2:15 PM, premises known as 630 1st Avenue, Unit 34E, New York, NY 10016. 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 968 Lot 1464. Approximate amount of judgment $1,156,389.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850534/2023. Mark McKew, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-001521 85402

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT. NEW YORK COUNTY. WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS OF CD 2019-CD8 MORTGAGE TRUST COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2019-CD8, Pltf. vs. 63 SPRING LAFAYETTE, LLC, et al Deft. Index# 850042/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 23, 2025, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on August 13, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. prem. k/a 63 Spring Street, New York, NY a/k/a Block 496, Lot 34. Approximate amount of judgment is $28,125,967.56 plus cost and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. ELAINE SHAY, Referee. BALLARD SPAHR LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 1675 Broadway, 19 Floor, New York, NY. #102355

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.

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 SALE

SUPREME COURT: NEW YORK COUNTY. NYCTL 2021A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Pltf. vs., JILA SOROUDI, Defts. Index #157345/2022. Pursuant to for judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 8, 2024 and order extending time to sell entered July 12, 2024 and decision and order entered April 16, 2025, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on August 13, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. prem. k/a 150 West 51 st Street, Unit 155, New York, NY 10019 a/k/a Block 01003 Lot 1240. Judgments amount $52,273.92 Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. DORON LEIBY, Referee. THE DELLO-IACONO LAW GROUP, P.C., Attys. For Pltf., 312 Larkfield Road, Lower Level, East Northport, NY. File No. 22-000027 - #102297

Notice of Qualification of ADVANTAGE SALES & MARKETING LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/18/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Nevada (NV) on 12/30/24. Princ. office of LLC: 8001 Forsyth Blvd., Ste. 1025, Clayton, MO 63105. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 101 N. Carson St., Ste. 3, Carson City, NV 89701. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of CSIP VII GENERAL PARTNER, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/10/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/11/25. 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 Secy. of State of the State of DE, 401 Federal St., Ste. 3, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: Bar4Bar Rap League LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 01/18/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 228 Park Ave S PMB 446776New York, New York 10003-1502 US. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

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.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF MULLEN, ARMS & FITZPATRICK LLP.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/16/2025. Office Location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLP served upon him/her is: 745 Fifth Avenue Suite 500 New York, NY 10151.

The principal business address of the LLP is 745 Fifth Avenue Suite 500 New York, NY 10151. Purpose: Practice of Law.

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.

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 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.

Kimbro LLC filed w/ SSNY 6/22/04. Off. in NY Co. Process served to SSNY - desig. as agt. of LLC & mailed to Mike Katz, 630 Third Ave, 23rd Fl, NY, NY 10017. Any lawful purpose.

Seeking M/WBE bids for constructions site at 3567 Willet Ave Bronx NY. contact bidding@taxaceny.com

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.

1 • February 20, 2025 - February 26, 2025

Notice of Qualification of TWO SIGMA PULSAR ENHANCED FUND, LP

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

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 is hereby given that a license, number NA-0370-24135212 for liquor, wine, beer & cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, wine, beer & cider at retail in a bar/tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 4371 3rd Ave; Bronx, NY 10457 in Bronx County for on premises consumption. Zion Restaurant and Lounge Corp d/b/a Zion Restaurant and Lounge

Notice of Qualification of STORAGE POST / 4396 BROADWAY, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/20/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 06/03/25. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

GOP bill

Continued from page 2

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.

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.

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.

because that’s what they do. They don’t work for the American people at this particular point in time,” said Jeffries to MSNBC on July 8. “They work for Donald Trump. They act like a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trump administration. It’s an embarrassment. And now that embarrassment will actually result in the American people being hurt in devastating ways.”

low-income and disadvantaged communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air quality monitoring for corporate climate action commitments, and funding for environmental and climate justice block grants.

The bill also requires Medicaid enrollees to engage in community service, participate in a work program for at least 80 hours a month, and be enrolled at least half-time in an educational program beginning no later than December 31, 2026.

Driver. “We have seen where our country, our communities, our people have been really shortsighted, and we allow our politicians to get off the hook for passing such devastating pieces of legislation.”

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.

PEOPLE

Occupational Therapist Priority Care Staffing. Full time. Bronx. 75,712/year (36.4/ hour) Evaluate patients’ conditions; Develop and implement treatment plans; Demonstrate exercises to help relieve patients’ pain; Evaluate results and progress of occupational therapy on patients; Educate caregivers and family members of clients on patient care. usotjobs@prioritycarestaffing. com.

Adams indictment

Continued from page 4

The bill increases fees for applications for asylum, employment authorizations for asylees, parolees, individuals applying or granted temporary protected status (TPS), individuals paroled into the U.S., and sponsoring the placement of an unaccompanied child. It also establishes various fees for judicial filings in immigration court or filing an appeal of a decision from an immigration judge or a Department of Homeland Secu-

terminates all current student loan repayment plans for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026; eliminates economic hardship and unemployment deferments, limits eligibility for federal student aid, the amount of aid students may receive, eliminates access to certain subsidized and direct loans, establishes new annual and aggregate loan limits for borrowers, and “revises the citizenship categories that qualify a student for federal student aid.” With an exemption for students from certain family farms and small family businesses filling out the Free Application for Federal Stu-

The bill gets rid of grants and rebates for zero-emission vehicles, incentives to reduce air pollution, funds to help

“As someone who has seen firsthand the life-saving power of community-based healthcare, food access, and housing support, I am deeply concerned about the projected loss of coverage for millions of Americans and the long-term consequences of stripping resources from those in need,” said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn in a statement.

In the coming years, the bill mandates that states regularly get the addresses of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees no later than 2027; regularly check whether Medicaid enrollees are deceased beginning in 2028; determine the eligibility of individuals under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obama Care) every six months beginning on December 31, 2026; change pricing models for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs); prohibit gender transition procedures under Medicaid or CHIP; prohibit federal Medicaid payment to nonprofit healthcare providers that serve predominantly low-income individuals for 10 years; and limit funding to centers that offer abortions or reproductive health services. It also prevents states from qualifying for federal matching payments and limits state-directed payments to hospitals.

Zora Neale Hurston

Continued from page 16

need of a lot of work, and they weren’t really in a position to do any of that. So it was a change in the family with some need for planning for the next phase, or doing estate planning, and they agreed to sell it.”

Certain individuals are excluded from these requirements, such as those with serious medical conditions or dependent children. For taxes, the bill is a clawback to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It makes the increased standard deduction permanent and provides an additional increase for joint filers through 2028, and increases the maximum amount of the child tax credits and the limit on the itemized tax deduction for home mortgage interest. It increases the limitation on the federal tax deduction for state and local taxes (commonly known as the SALT deduction cap) — but it gets rid of residential clean energy tax credits and establishes a new certification program for claiming the earned income tax credit.

Congressmember Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) said the HR1 Bill doesn’t even live up to the promises that Republicans made to the American people. “Americans were told that this bill would reduce the deficit and restore the middle class,” said Espaillat in a statement. “Instead, the bill would allow for millions in tax cuts to the very wealthy and add trillions of dollars to the national debt.”

Jennifer Driver, senior director of Reproductive Rights at State Innovation Exchange, took a second to narrow down the focus to impacts on New York State. “The problem is that while we’re talking about this now, the conversation needs to continue about the impact of this bill,” said

New York is one of 12 states that have large rural populations and have expanded Medicaid under the ACA. The state is at risk of losing more than $6 billion in funding, as well as four rural hospitals with labor and delivery wards.

Driver pointed out that some Republican states, like Alaska via Senator Lisa Murkowski, haggled to get exemptions put into the bill. Alaska has provisions concerning the production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). “The Republicans that were the holdouts that came back and voted for the bill had carve-outs for their state, so it was, ‘I’m going to screw over all the other states as long as you can keep certain things in my state,’” said Driver.

Jeffries said now is the time to pivot focus to electing more Democrats in the upcoming midterm and gubernatorial races in 2026.

“There are seats in New York, seats in New Jersey, seats in Michigan, seats in California, seats in Wisconsin, seats in Pennsylvania, seats in Arizona that, by way of example, are going to determine in large measure who controls the House in the aftermath of the midterm election,” said Jeffries. “Every single one of those states [has] Democratic governors; there are Democratic attorney generals, Democratic secretaries of state … that’s kind of the landscape that we find ourselves in. And I’ve got trust in those leaders to make sure that there are actual free and fair elections.”

TCF purchased the property in September 2024 and, because of a recent hurricane, has already had to replace the roof. The nonprofit plans to continue working with ZNHFEF to fundraise for stabilization

of the property, the funding of the interpretation of the structure, and the establishment of a community garden on the lot next door to the property.

“Zora Neale Hurston’s final home deserves to be part of her enduring legacy,” said ZNHFEF President Marvin Hobson. “A home is a place of safety and refuge. As a

writer in a male-dominated industry who worked during Jim Crow America, it’s easy to imagine the peace and comfort that Zora would have sought at her Fort Pierce home. We’re honored to partner with The Conservation Fund to ensure this property honors one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century.”

There’s nothing quiet about poetry: Generation Verb hosts student showcase in celebration of new book

By RASHIDAH BERNAY FOWLER Special to AmNews

On the last Friday of June at the art gallery in the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building in Harlem, an intimate group gathering celebrated the work of some remarkable students.

Generation Verb, a spoken word scholastic program that uses poetry, prose, and performance to encourage self-expression, better communication, and confidence, hosts an inaugural book release and student showcase. The 2025 book entitled “Inspire Greatness” is an anthology, featuring work by more than 30 students from three schools: the School for Classics High School, Frederick Douglass Academy II, and Transit Tech Career and Technical Education High School.

Started in 2015, Generation Verb was initially intended to be a spoken word and performance poetry program. In 2018, founder Kraal “Kayo” Charles wanted to bring his vision into public schools, “because I grew up in public schools,” he said. “There were certain things that I didn’t know that I was capable of doing until I started going out into the world and performing. I realized that a kid from Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, could accomplish more.”

Now a seasoned poet in his own right, Charles has performed on the stages of the Def Poetry Jam and in 1998, held the title of the youngest Grand Slam Champion at the Nuyorican Poets Café.

Over the past seven years, Charles, with the support of his creative community, has partnered with 16 schools across New York City and Long Island. Generation Verb boasts reaching and teaching more than 1,000 students, from third graders to high school seniors.

Staff of Generation Verb include artists from all over New York City, such as actor and spoken word artist David Roberts, aka D-Black; poet and musician Bonfide Rojas;

Education programs

“These are exactly the students that were not getting their services,” said Joseph.

For grades kindergarten through high school, the budget also allocates $154 million to replace expiring federal funds for schools; $41 million for arts funding and $4 million to arts education; $12 million for restorative justice initiatives, $5 million for digital learning and mental health services, $4 million to provide immigrant family engagement, $2 million baselined to maintain Civics for All programming, $2.8 million to support an LGBTQIA+ inclusive curriculum, and $23 million for teacher recruitment and retention efforts, among other things.

Councilmember Shekar Krishnan added, in a statement, that funding for the Asian

and award-winning poet and author Ramya Ramana. A program facilitator for five years, Ramana is now a program manager for Generation Verb and editor of the anthology. The program runs for the entirety of the school year, with poetry slams throughout giving students the opportunity to practice and compete among their peers. The slams are Generation Verb’s Write Speak Inspire League (WPIL), where students form teams of up to five members and compete in a fourround format. The more rounds they win, the more points they accumulate. Judging is based on originality, content, and delivery. Judges include members of their creative and academic communities.

Brooklyn native and poet Christine Gilliam, better known as the “verbal arsonist” Phya Startah, had the opportunity to judge one of the WSIL competitions. A friend of Charles, Gilliam said she was excited to judge the competition, which was a change

American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) curriculum in this budget is critical not only for diverse Asian and South Asian neighborhoods in his district in Queens–like Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Woodside–but for all boroughs.

“During a time when Donald Trump and National Republicans are failing our communities, I was proud to work with Speaker Adams and my colleagues to secure budget wins for our schools, immigrants, and working-class New Yorkers,” said Krishnan.

Many education advocates seemed pleased with the adopted FY 2026 budget.

The Coalition for Equitable Education Funding, comprised of more than 120 organizations, said in a joint statement: “We came together two years ago concerned that numerous impactful education programs were at risk of being rolled back or eliminated because they were being funded

of pace from always being judged herself. Surprised by the complexity and spectrum of these students, she said a program like this is important because “they need to be heard. They need to express themselves in ways besides being stuck in the gadgets. They get to do the writing, do a lot of exploring, self-exploration.”

WSIL prepares students for the culminating event, which this year was the showcase and book release. The importance of that is so “we develop them as great voices for our time, both on the page and on the stage,” said Ramana. On the page, students explore a wide range of ideas, thoughts, and emotions; on the stage, a few were courageous enough to speak their words aloud. In “Ars Poetica,” Keisha Alexander paints a dainty world of pastel hues and frilly things to empower Black girls. Joshua Aguilar, accompanied by string ensemble Fiery Strings Company, grapples with the barren land of his lineage

with expiring dollars, including hundreds of millions of dollars in one-time federal COVID-19 stimulus funds. We appreciate that all of the programs we advocated to sustain still exist today and will continue to benefit tens of thousands of students next year. In addition to the programs that received long-term funding last year, we are pleased that the budget adopted today provides long-term funding for a number of important education programs including 3-K, preschool special education classes, community schools, arts programming, and high-impact tutoring, as well as continued funding for one more year for other critical education programs.

Kim Sweet, executive director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), said that this budget takes an “important step” toward universal 3-K and Pre-K.

“No preschooler who needs speech ther-

and the dream to leave for new beginnings in “A Dream Out of Reach.”

In “The Garden,” Andres Villon evokes a quiet, lush environment to feel and be at peace with God. Villon, 15, a freshman at the Transit Tech Career and Technical Education High School, said during his second semester, he was put in a class that Generation Verb was part of. When asked if he thought he’d ever write poetry, he responded with a strong “No,” adding, “I just did it for the extra credit. I didn’t expect to be doing shows or anything.” He said his poem took about a week to write and was built upon an “I Am” poem that he had done previously but wanted to make more metaphorical.

“Each section of the garden represents different parts of my life — different parts of my personality and how different things represent a different part of me,” said Villon. The two-hour event was hosted by awardwinning Nuyorican poet and performer Erik Maldonado, most notably known by his stage name of Advocate of Wordz, who let the audience know early on that “there’s nothing quiet about poetry.” State Senator Cordell Cleare was in attendance to support and give each student a certificate of accomplishment. In addition to surprising themselves with their achievements, these students have inspired the community around them. Charles recalled a moment when a student went to perform during a slam, forgot her words, and left the stage. He was concerned that she would never find the courage to do it again — but the very next month, that same student went on stage and “the whole place erupted when she performed,” said Charles. “Watching these students conquer their fears, look adversity in the face and overcome it, that’s what inspires us.”

To learn more about Kayo Charles and Generation Verb, visit www.generationverb.com.

To inquire about copies of “Inspire Greatness,” email info@generationverb.com.

apy, counseling, or a small special education class should spend months on a waitlist because there are no available providers, but as of last month, more than 600 children were waiting for a seat in a preschool special education class and 7,000 preschoolers were waiting for at least one of their legally mandated services to begin,” said Sweet.

“We are also pleased that the final budget continues funding for impactful education programs that had been supported by expiring city funds, including 3-K, preschool special education classes, community schools, the Mental Health Continuum, restorative justice, Learning to Work, and immigrant family communications and outreach,” continued Sweet. “These initiatives are making a difference in the lives of students and families across the five boroughs, and we appreciate that they will continue next year.”

Cover of inaugural anthology “Inspire Greatness” by Generation Verb

After a long shutdown, the legendary Brooklyn Banks skatepark reopens

By TYRESE ALLEYNE-DAVIS Special to the AmNews

There are spots, and then there are landmarks. In the New York City skateboarding scene, the Brooklyn Banks isn’t just a destination; it’s a living archive. Since the mid-1980s, this brick-laced underpass beneath the Brooklyn Bridge has been a refuge, proving ground, and second home to generations of skateboarders in a sport that went from a niche genre 40 years ago, to one with global popularity that’s even part of Olympic competition.

After a 15-year shutdown for repairs, the Banks officially reopened on June 5, 2025, folding back into Gotham Park — but still carrying the grit that made it legendary. To gauge the city’s excitement, the AmNews spoke with OGs and rising talents alike: Eli Ritter, Dave Feldman, Elisa Martini, and — at the center of it all — Steve Rodriguez.

Rodriguez’s connection to the Banks began in the summer of 1985 when he turned the corner on Park Row and discovered “something we could own, something that belonged to us.” When Department of Transportation barriers went up in 2004, Rodriguez refused to watch the spot vanish.

He formed a nonprofit, rallied local residents, negotiated with the Parks Department, and enlisted sponsors like Vans. Two decades later, the Banks are not only skatable again but a global pilgrimage.

“I skated with guys from Germany and Japan just to ride this spot, ” he said. Middle-schooler-turnedveteran Eli Ritter first heard about the Banks through videos. When he saw it restored, he was skeptical and worried they’d “Fisher-Price” it, making it more superficial than functional, only to be thrilled by its authenticity.

“Steve’s a hero,” said Ritter. “What he’s done will benefit generations of skaters.” Similarly, 36-year-old Dave Feldman (known as Rocker Dave) grew up driving in from Westchester every weekend. “This place was an amusement park. To see it come back … shout out to Steve.”

He still marvels at the same tricks that inspired him: iconic skater Brian Wenning’s switch 360 flip, Cappalardo’s (he’s widely recognized by the singular name) big-rail ollie now etched into the spot’s enduring spirit. For Dave, another skater who goes by just one name, the Banks’ reopening means sharing its lore with his autistic son, Oliver.

“I only skated it a few times

before it closed. Now he gets to live the legend,” he said. Dave added that skateboarding teaches “perseverance, resilience, and how to fail forward.” He thanks Steve for “this labor of love” and celebrates the community — his son’s coach, local shops, and families — forging memories at the Banks.

Elisa Martini’s excitement was palpable. She’d heard stories about

Banks while learning to skate and “never got to ride it until now. ” She called Steve “the G.O.A.T.” (greatest of all time) and praised his broader support of NYC skate culture, including events, opportunities, and relentless advocacy. To her, the Banks remain “a true street spot. Crusty bricks, imperfect surfaces — but real.”

Across generations and back-

grounds, the message is unanimous: the Banks is more than concrete and masonry. It’s perseverance incarnate. As Steve reminds us, “Use this story as a model. Never give up. Things take time, but they happen. ”

The Brooklyn Banks stand today as proof that when a community cares enough, even the longest shutdown can’t keep the grind from returning.

St. John’s track and field director Aliann Pompey touches generations

By LOIS ELFMAN

Special to the AmNews

Former St. John’s track and field student-athlete Pariis Garcia is forever tied to the university. Her parents — both track and field standouts — met at St. John’s. It was no surprise that there were several Johnnies at Garcia’s wedding to former NFL running back Mack Brown, including current director of track and field/ cross-country Aliann Pompey, who coached Garcia to outstanding collegiate accomplishments.

“I have athletes who are now in their 30s, and it took me a while to come to terms with that,” said Pompey, a four-time Olympian who began coaching at St. John’s in 2014. “Pariis is probably the easiest athlete I’ve ever coached.”

When Pompey first arrived at St. John’s, she set up one-on-one meetings with the student-athletes. She hadn’t played a role in their recruiting, so she wanted a chance to connect before training began. “I tried to explain to them how this could benefit them and we [could] accom-

degrees at Manhattan College, she continued to compete internationally for her native Guyana. Elliot Denman, now a lifetime trustee, invited her to join the club.

“He made the pitch about how Shore AC supports athletes that are kind of in a transition period,” said Pompey. “After I left school, that was the only club I was affiliated with … up until I retired from my professional career.”

These days, she attends Shore AC meets when her schedule permits and contributes to the support of today’s athletes as she can. “The club was a crucial part of me being able to continue doing the sport that I love,” said Pompey, who has the meet record for the club’s 400-meter race, which is now named after her.

plish things together,” Pompey recalled. “Pariis said yes to everything and she was excited.”

After graduating in 2016, Garcia

continued training with Pompey for a year and a half as she pursued pro track and international competition, representing Puerto Rico.

Also on Pompey’s recent schedule was being inducted into the Shore Athletic Club (NJ) Hall of Fame. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s

This summer, Pompey and her St. John’s coaching staff will be reviewing the recently concluded season, planning for the 2025–26 school year, and scoping out possible recruits for 2026–27. “We have an amazing group returning,” she said. “We want to make sure we get them high-level competition.”

Legendary Brooklyn skateboarder Steve Rodriguez (second from the left), writer Tyrese Alleyne-Davis (seated in a wheelchair) and skating enthusiasts pose at the Brooklyn Banks skatepark. (Max Geissbuhler photo)

Members of Storm track and field family gathered last month at wedding of former program standout

Pariis Garcia (l-r): Maya Stephens, Christine Oguledo, Aliann Pompey, Pariis Garcia, Nastasya Rodrigues, and Shenika King. (Photo courtesy of Aliann Pompey)

Aliann Pompey with shot putter Jamora Alves, celebrating Alves qualifying for the NCAA Championships. (St. John’s Athletics photo)

The HBCU Swingman Classic puts Black baseball players in the spotlight

By QUINTON COCHRAN, MLBbro Special to the AmNews

ATLANTA – The HBCU Swingman Classic, taking place in Atlanta tomorrow at Truist Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Braves, will no doubt be a hit.

After all, Atlanta and the wider state of Georgia have become a hotbed for MLB prospects. The Swingman Classic also provides an opportunity for Black baseball players to be front and center nationally.

Last week, to promote the Classic, Black baseball’s past, present, and future came together under one historic roof in Atlanta. Inside Pascal’s, a legendary Black-owned restaurant rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, the smell of fried chicken and mac and cheese filled the air, and the room buzzed with laughter and good energy. But this wasn’t just any lunch — it was a gathering of gamechangers. The HBCU Swingman Classic luncheon served more than soul food. It served as a purpose, passion, and a powerful reminder that Black baseball is alive and thriving.

Founded by Ken Griffey Jr. in 2023, the event, now in its third year, was created to give top HBCU baseball players a chance to shine

on a national stage. This year’s game will feature 50 athletes from 17 HBCUs. But before the spotlight hits the field, the focus was on stories, journeys, and development.

At a luncheon hosted by radio and television personality Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan, a dynamic panel featured MLBbros Michael Harris II., Christian Moore, and Jo Adell, alongside Del Matthews, MLB’s SVP of baseball development, Reggie Waller, an MLBPA consultant, and

Brian Jordan — the only panelist who could say he was both an MLB All-Star and an NFL Pro Bowler, achieving both in Atlanta playing for the Braves and the Falcons.

Jordan, who will manage the National League squad in the Classic, delivered heartfelt words about what it means to play a part in the development of young players like KJ White of Southern University.

“It brings tears to my eyes to see someone like KJ, who came through

our program and is now thriving at Southern,” Jordan said. “I was able to help him with a scholarship, and now as manager of the Swingman Classic, I get to keep pouring into these kids. Hopefully, we’ll see them in the big leagues one day.”

The panel highlighted MLB Develops programs like the Hank Aaron Invitational and Breakthrough Series, which opened doors for players like Harris and Moore to build confidence and compete.

“I was in their shoes,” said Harris, the Atlanta Braves’ CF. “Being able to show my face and encourage these guys, sometimes that’s all it takes.”

Moore recalled playing at Truist Park during a previous showcase. “That’s when I realized I might really have a shot to make it to the league,” said Moore, who was recently called up to play second base for the Los Angeles Angels. Matthews spoke passionately about expanding opportunities beyond the field.

“These players are just as talented when given the chance, but it’s also about the students who want to be journalists, marketers, or photographers,” he said. “Through this game, they get real experience to match their dreams.”

Although Griffey Jr. and David Justice weren’t in the building, their legacy was felt throughout the room. As the luncheon ended, the message was clear: the HBCU Swingman Classic is bigger than baseball. It’s a bridge between eras, opportunities, and community.

And with leaders like Jordan, Matthews, Waller, and today’s MLBbros speaking directly to the next generation, the game’s future looks bright, Black, and powerful.

Brooklyn’s Edgar Berlanga looks to take another step toward a title

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

Brooklyn-born Edgar Berlanga is a highly confident fighter. The Puerto Rican pugilist boasts a 23-1 record (18 KOs) and knocked out his first 16 opponents. In an interview with the AmNews last week, he was adamant that his opponent this Saturday night at Louis Armstrong Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, Hamzah Sheeraz (210-1, 17 KOs), would not be difficult.

“I’m going to wipe this dude off the floor,” the 28-year-old Berlanga said. “I’m going to show him, and I’m going to show everybody, the whole world, that it is easy work.”

Berlanga said his unwavering self-belief comes from his hard work and the experience he gained from the only loss of his career, in September 2024, against Canelo Alvarez.

“I have already been at the highest level in the sport, so [Sheeraz] is just in my way to become a great in the sport of boxing.”

Throughout his career, Sheeraz, 26, who was born and raised in Berkshire, England, has demonstrated knockout power. However, he is moving up from middleweight to super-middle-

weight and fighting for the first time at 168 lbs. It will be perhaps the toughest battle of the rangy 6-3 Sheeraz’s professional career.

The co-main event for the card

will see WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) defend his title against William Zepeda (33-0, 27 KOs).

The local product from Newark

has his sights set on what would be a major match-up with WBA lightweight champ Gervonta “Tank” Davis.

Tomorrow, during an unprecedented boxing weekend in New York City that features two highprofile boxing cards, international boxing star and undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs) will clash for the third time against Brooklyn’s unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs) on Friday at Madison Square Garden in an all-women’s fight card to be broadcast worldwide on Netflix.

Taylor, 39, from Ireland, beat the 36-year-old Puerto Rico-born and New York City-raised Serrano for a second time last November by a 10-round unanimous decision as the co-main event of the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight. The Irishwoman bested Serrano in their first fight by a controversial 10-round split decision in April 2022 in what was the first fight between women to ever headline the Garden.

Major League Baseball Players (from left to right) Christian Moore, Michael Harris II. and Jo Adell to part in the HBCU Swingman Classic luncheon and panel discussion. (MLBbro.com photo)

Edgar Berlanga, facing Padraig McCrory in February 2024, will take on Hamzah Sheeraz Saturday night at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. (Ed Mulholland/Matchroom)

Growing in popularity, the WNBA announces historic expansion

By LOIS ELFMAN

Special to the AmNews

Online challenges are issued for people to make statements reflective of something they did without specifying the activity. Here’s my statement: I remember when the WNBA had 16 teams.

That is my reply if someone challenges me to reflect on how long I have covered the WNBA. That number was short-lived, with several teams becoming quick casualties of the WNBA ownership model changing in 2002 from all NBA teams collectively owning WNBA franchises to an individual ownership model. Among those teams that met their demise was the Portland Fire, where Jackie Stiles played one outstanding season, beating Lauren Jackson for Rookie of the Year, before injury ended her career. In 2026, a WNBA franchise will again call Portland, Oregon home. We’re still waiting for the name. Also coming into the W fold next year is the Toronto Tempo. That will bring the number of teams to 15. After 15 years with 12 teams, this sounds like an unbelievable bounty for fans of women’s basketball.

Fueled by the incredible first season success of the Golden State Valkyries, not to mention unprecedented season ticket sales around

the league, the thirst for women’s hoops is surging.

“The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher, and

we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia to the WNBA family,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert at

last week’s big announcement. Cleveland will begin play in 2028, Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030. What catches my attention is that Cleveland and Detroit once had WNBA teams, only to end them. The end of the Detroit Shock after the 2009 season, just one year after its third WNBA championship, remains especially heartbreaking. Business is business, but it still boggles my mind that not only did Detroit Pistons ownership not see the Shock as an asset, but neither did any other entity in the area. Please note, we cannot blame Tom Gores, the person behind Detroit’s return, because he didn’t take ownership of the Pistons until 2011.

The Detroit Shock became the Tulsa Shock, which then became the Dallas Wings, so technically that franchise still exists. Can the Shock name be revived? In this current era of profound excitement around women’s basketball, can we honor the past on which this current success is built while also looking to the future? Time will tell. Until then, it seems fitting that Detroit will simmer with summer basketball heat 20 years after it bid it adieu. Jump ball!

With NBA 2K25, the WNBA makes a deep imprint in the gaming market

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

Last month, the WNBA, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) and 2K, a label of Take-Two Software, Inc., announced an agreement in principle for a multiyear partnership extension that will continue and expand the presence of WNBA player depictions in the gaming space. In other words, WNBA fans can create their own live action.

“2K is where millions of young fans deepen their interest and fall further in love with the game of basketball,” said WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Our presence in NBA2K ensures that our league and athletes are visible, celebrated and inspiring the next generation of WNBA fans around the world.”

The WNBA mode in NBA 2K25 has seen a 43% increase in users and a 388% increase in games played. There are enhanced gameplay features, storytelling and customization.

Variety gamer Alaina “DjLayyy” Haney, who played a season in the NBA2K league, said it’s great that

2K extended the contract and introduced new elements. “They put A’ja Wilson’s sneakers in there. I think you have to get to Level 35 to

be able to get her sneakers, and you can equip them to your MyPlayer,” said Haney. “That’s cool that they put her sneakers in the game.”

Having women characters is progress, noted Haney. “More people are definitely watching WNBA games,” she said, having

recently attended two sellout games. “It’s great that the women are getting noticed and finally getting the recognition that they deserve also in the video gaming scene as well. I’ve seen a couple of dudes in the game wearing the A’ja Wilson sneakers. You can’t buy the sneakers out of the game. You have to reach Level 35 in order to get them.”

Customization provides some unique options. Haney said gamers can select their favorite players. “A lot of people love Skylar Diggins,” she said. “We can use the WNBA player’s free throws in the game, their jump shots, and we can equip those to our MyPlayer. I use Sabrina Ionescu on my MyPlayer’s free throws. It’s an easy, simple, smooth shot … It’s whoever they want.”

Terri Carmichael Jackson, executive director of the WNBPA, called this a defining moment for women’s basketball. “Our players continue to raise the bar, and this renewed partnership with 2K ensures their impact is felt not just on the court, but across the culture, gaming and the global growth of the sport,” said Jackson.

A WNBA franchise will return to Detroit next year, as the 2003 league champion Detroit Shock, led by head coach Bill Laimbeer (back row center), were honored in March 2023 during halftime of a Detroit Pistons game. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

The avatars of WNBA superstars A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty that are part of the NBA2K25 video game. (2K/Take-Two Interactive Software photos)

Sports

It’s now championship or bust for the Knicks under new coach Mike Brown

By JAIME C. HARRIS

AmNews Sports Editor

Less than one minute into his introductory press conference on Tuesday at the team’s training facility in Tarrytown, New York, newly named Knicks head coach, Mike Brown engaged in what could either be perceived as shameless pandering, cognitive dissonance or sincere belief when he said:

“Our fans, they’re the most knowledgeable, passionate, probably in all of sports.”

Knicks fans like to fancy themselves as such, even those that ridiculously and dangerously scaled lightposts, and climbed atop vehicles celebrating outside of Madison Square Garden on Seventh and Eighth Avenues on the night of Friday, May 16, after the franchise made it to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000 by defeating the then defending NBA champion Boston Celtics, 119-81, to win their bestof-seven series 4-2.

The tone around the Garden and among those revelers was much different on May 31, when the Indiana Pacers prevented the Knicks from playing a Game 7 at home with the prospect of reaching their first league Finals since 1999, taking Game 6 125-108 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and the series 4-2.

Three days later, Tom Thibodeau was fired as the Knicks’ head coach.

It was surprising but not shocking. There were rumors entering the playoffs that the Knicks’ primary decision makers, chiefly owner James Dolan and President Leon Rose, with substantial input from Executive Vice President-Senior Basketball Advisor William Wesley, were considering a change in bench leadership.

It seemed at the time, and still does, a risky and confounding move given Thibodeau’s success during his five-year tenure as head coach after being hired by Dolan and Rose in July 2020, four months following Rose’s installment as the Knicks’

replacing his predecessor, the terminated Steve Mills. Coach Thibs, as he is commonly known, won 50 games in the 2024 campaign and 51 this past season, progressing from the conference semi-finals to the conference finals respectively. He was instrumental in the Knicks regaining respect and credibility in NBA circles, most importantly among the league’s stars, who prior to the arrivals of Rose and Thibodeau didn’t have the Knicks on their list of preferred teams for free-agent talent. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving choosing to ink freeagent deals with the Brooklyn Nets in the summer of 2019 instead of the Knicks was a clarion and urgent signal that the Knicks had devolved into insignificance.

So after five seasons together, Rose and Thibodeau have upped the stakes. The Knicks are now expected to reach the Finals next season or all this work should be considered — rightfully, by a plethora of the team’s fan base and analysts, including this writer

— a bust. The justifiable scrutiny comes after a long, head scratching coaching search in which Brown, fairly or unfairly, can be labeled the Knicks’ choice by default — a consequence of being denied permission by the Dallas Mavericks to speak with head coach Jason Kidd, as well as being shown the door by other teams to interview their head coaches.

However, Brown is capable of taking the Knicks to basketball’s promised land. He is smart, flexible, and experienced. He possesses the temperament to manage varying personalities, utilize analytics and his instincts, and implement suggestions from his higher ups — in today’s sports parlance translated as working collaboratively with the front office — the latter which ostensibly was one of Thibs faults that led to him being canned.

As a head coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2005-2010), Los Angeles Lakers (2011-2012), Steve Kerr’s top assistant with the Golden State Warriors (2016-2022), and a

head coaching stint with the Sacramento Kings (2022-2024), the 55-year-old Brown, a military brat from Columbus, Ohio, who attended high school in Germany, the two time NBA Coach of the Year (2009, 2023), has directed some of the game’s all-time greats: LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

Still, the Knicks job is arguably Brown’s most pressurized and unequaled challenge

“I’ve been to six Finals with three different teams,” he said on Tuesday. “And the commonality that they all had is they all sacrificed for one another. They’re all connected. The connectivity, it’s at the highest and it starts with ownership on down. They all have a competitive spirit, and there’s a high level of belief not just in the process but each other. So those four things are common amongst the teams that I’ve been with that have participated in the Finals.”

Rose invoked Brown’s vast exposure to the highest levels of NBA stress and competition.

“Mike has coached on the biggest stages in our sport and brings championship pedigree to our organization,” Rose said in a statement released on Monday.

Most of the accountability for the Knicks meeting championship expectations is on Rose and the players, not Brown. He is the driver but not the architect, which is Rose, nor the engine, the most important parts being Jalen Brunson and KarlAnthony Towns.

Channeling the resonant words of the late Al Davis, a Brooklyn native and former owner of the Oakland/ Los Angeles Raiders, now Las Vegas Raiders: Just win, baby!

president

(L-R) All-NBA players Karl-Anthony Towns (No. 32) and Jalen Brunson are tasked with leading the team to the Finals under new head coach Mike Brown. (L-R: AP Photo / Adam Hunger, AP Photo / Frank Franklin II)

Sports

It’s now championship or bust for the Knicks under new coach Mike Brown

By JAIME C. HARRIS

AmNews Sports Editor

Less than one minute into his introductory press conference on Tuesday at the team’s training facility in Tarrytown, New York, newly named Knicks head coach, Mike Brown engaged in what could either be perceived as shameless pandering, cognitive dissonance or sincere belief when he said:

“Our fans, they’re the most knowledgeable, passionate, probably in all of sports.”

Knicks fans like to fancy themselves as such, even those that ridiculously and dangerously scaled lightposts, and climbed atop vehicles celebrating outside of Madison Square Garden on Seventh and Eighth Avenues on the night of Friday, May 16, after the franchise made it to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000 by defeating the then defending NBA champion Boston Celtics, 119-81, to win their bestof-seven series 4-2.

The tone around the Garden and among those revelers was much different on May 31, when the Indiana Pacers prevented the Knicks from playing a Game 7 at home with the prospect of reaching their first league Finals since 1999, taking Game 6 125-108 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and the series 4-2.

Three days later, Tom Thibodeau was fired as the Knicks’ head coach.

It was surprising but not shocking. There were rumors entering the playoffs that the Knicks’ primary decision makers, chiefly owner James Dolan and President Leon Rose, with substantial input from Executive Vice President-Senior Basketball Advisor William Wesley, were considering a change in bench leadership.

It seemed at the time, and still does, a risky and confounding move given Thibodeau’s success during his five-year tenure as head coach after being hired by Dolan and Rose in July 2020, four months following Rose’s installment as the Knicks’

replacing his predecessor, the terminated Steve Mills. Coach Thibs, as he is commonly known, won 50 games in the 2024 campaign and 51 this past season, progressing from the conference semi-finals to the conference finals respectively. He was instrumental in the Knicks regaining respect and credibility in NBA circles, most importantly among the league’s stars, who prior to the arrivals of Rose and Thibodeau didn’t have the Knicks on their list of preferred teams for free-agent talent. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving choosing to ink freeagent deals with the Brooklyn Nets in the summer of 2019 instead of the Knicks was a clarion and urgent signal that the Knicks had devolved into insignificance.

So after five seasons together, Rose and Thibodeau have upped the stakes. The Knicks are now expected to reach the Finals next season or all this work should be considered — rightfully, by a plethora of the team’s fan base and analysts, including this writer

— a bust. The justifiable scrutiny comes after a long, head scratching coaching search in which Brown, fairly or unfairly, can be labeled the Knicks’ choice by default — a consequence of being denied permission by the Dallas Mavericks to speak with head coach Jason Kidd, as well as being shown the door by other teams to interview their head coaches.

However, Brown is capable of taking the Knicks to basketball’s promised land. He is smart, flexible, and experienced. He possesses the temperament to manage varying personalities, utilize analytics and his instincts, and implement suggestions from his higher ups — in today’s sports parlance translated as working collaboratively with the front office — the latter which ostensibly was one of Thibs faults that led to him being canned.

As a head coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2005-2010), Los Angeles Lakers (2011-2012), Steve Kerr’s top assistant with the Golden State Warriors (2016-2022), and a

head coaching stint with the Sacramento Kings (2022-2024), the 55-year-old Brown, a military brat from Columbus, Ohio, who attended high school in Germany, the two time NBA Coach of the Year (2009, 2023), has directed some of the game’s all-time greats: LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

Still, the Knicks job is arguably Brown’s most pressurized and unequaled challenge

“I’ve been to six Finals with three different teams,” he said on Tuesday. “And the commonality that they all had is they all sacrificed for one another. They’re all connected. The connectivity, it’s at the highest and it starts with ownership on down. They all have a competitive spirit, and there’s a high level of belief not just in the process but each other. So those four things are common amongst the teams that I’ve been with that have participated in the Finals.”

Rose invoked Brown’s vast exposure to the highest levels of NBA stress and competition.

“Mike has coached on the biggest stages in our sport and brings championship pedigree to our organization,” Rose said in a statement released on Monday.

Most of the accountability for the Knicks meeting championship expectations is on Rose and the players, not Brown. He is the driver but not the architect, which is Rose, nor the engine, the most important parts being Jalen Brunson and KarlAnthony Towns.

Channeling the resonant words of the late Al Davis, a Brooklyn native and former owner of the Oakland/ Los Angeles Raiders, now Las Vegas Raiders: Just win, baby!

president

(L-R) All-NBA players Karl-Anthony Towns (No. 32) and Jalen Brunson are tasked with leading the team to the Finals under new head coach Mike Brown. (L-R: AP Photo / Adam Hunger, AP Photo / Frank Franklin II)