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‘We Stand with Haiti’: Brooklyn pols demand more time for Haitians in TPS program

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

Brooklyn elected officials and advocates gathered in Flatbush last week to call for an extension to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants.

New York City has more than 150,000 Haitian residents, most of whom live in Brooklyn.

“Brooklyn’s Haitian community is deeply rooted and plays an integral part to the borough — from educators and healthcare professionals to small-business owners and essential workers. Stripping TPS would jeopardize these contributions and destabilize countless lives,” said Congressmember Yvette Clarke in a statement.

Clarke said that TPS holders often have U.S.-born children, and revoking their status could tear up families and homes as well as affect the local economy. “TPS holders contribute significantly through taxes, commerce, and community engagement, and sending them back into an unsafe and unstable environment could have disastrous consequences — becoming a life-or-death situation for many Haitians in Brooklyn and across this nation,” said Clarke.

“Our neighbors from Haiti came here in need of refuge from an intense string of disaster, crisis, and political instability, and

we stand proudly by their side in calling for an end to the Trump administration’s effort to revoke TPS for Haiti,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.

TPS allows immigrants from designated countries experiencing turmoil to live and work legally in the United States. Haiti was initially given TPS status in response to the catastrophic earthquake that devastated the country in January 2010, killing more than 300,000 people and displacing more than 1.5 million. Since then, TPS for Haiti has been redesignated

See ‘ WE STAND WITH HAITI’ on page 36

Harlem’s 28th Precinct C.O. James Whitlock says he knows what’s behind the drop in crime

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff

NYPD Capt. James Whitlock took the stage last month during National Night Out Against Crime in Harlem to reintroduce himself. He reflected on drastic reductions in crime: fourth most improved throughout the NYPD, he said, crediting not only his officers but the surrounding Harlem community.

For Whitlock, returning to Harlem as the 28th Precinct’s Commanding Officer feels “surreal.” He grew up in the Grant Houses on 125th Street, just three blocks from the police station. Now, 26 years deep in the NYPD (he’s careful to point out how three of those years were spent as a school safety agent), Whitlock took command of the 28th Precinct last summer after spending most of his career in investigative work. His previous role in the Bronx tackled narcotics distribution and gang violence.

This year, the NYPD reports a roughly 25% decrease in index crime in the 28th Precinct, which covers a significant area of Central Harlem including the Apollo Theater, the main 125th Street Corridor and the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building. In fact, every category decreased besides murder, which rose from four to five de-

spite reductions in gun violence. Notably, grand larceny auto complaints — which are typically better documented than other major crimes because of mandated insurance reporting — plummeted from 46 last year to just 21 in 2025, a 54.3% year-to-date decrease as of August.

So what’s working? Whitlock points to combining increased community in-

volvement with police presence and enforcement to “implement a multi-layered approach.” He delineated his calendar of speaking to Manhattan Community Board 10 every first Wednesday, community council meetings every second Wednesday and public safety and cabinet meetings every third Wednesday. See

Capt. James Whitlock outside the 28th Precinct. (Photo courtesy of the NYPD)

Advocates join a rally for Haitian TPS in Flatbush, Brooklyn, on August 27, 2025. (Ariama C. Long photo)

Repeat violations of department policies and city law demand action, public defense group says

By SAMANTHA MALDONADO

The City

This story was originally published by THE CITY.

The Legal Aid Society has asked the city Department of Investigation to look into the NYPD’s use of facial technology and apparent violations of its own internal policies.

In a letter sent Monday, lawyers with Legal Aid cited reporting by THE CITY on an incident in which the NYPD circumvented its own restrictions on facial recognition searches to track down a pro-Palestinian protester at Columbia University. In that incident, NYPD detectives relied on a Fire Department marshal’s access to Clearview AI to identify Zuhdi Ahmed, who was accused of hurling an object at a student and later charged with a hate crime.

Many law enforcement agencies use Clearview AI software, which matches photos uploaded to its system with billions of images in a database sourced from social media and other websites. The NYPD, however, is not allowed to: Police are limited to image searches in a repository containing arrest and parole photos.

A city law called the POST Act requires the NYPD to report publicly on its use of and policies regarding surveillance technologies, but the DOI has found the NYPD has not consistently complied. City Council members are drafting legislation to tighten up the POST Act.

Legal Aid’s letter demanding a probe by DOI’s NYPD inspector general also cited another case in which the NYPD wrongfully arrested a man — who then spent two days in jail — after relying on facial recognition technology. As the New York Times reported, the man arrested was significantly taller than the person who had been accused of exposing himself to a woman in Manhattan, but his image was included in an array of photos presented to the victim. She picked his photo from the array.

Although the case against him was dismissed, the NYPD’s use of facial recognition technology raises alarms, said Diane Akerman, staff attorney with Legal Aid’s Digital Forensics Unit.

“It has become so clear that the NYPD cannot be trusted with facial recognition technology. They cannot even do the bare minimum in making sure it will not lead to false arrests,” she said. “They are actively subverting their own rules, their own minimal guardrails, without any care for the consequences.”

The Department of Investigation acknowledged in a statement sent to THE CITY Tuesday night that “DOI has received and is reviewing Legal Aid’s letter.”

An NYPD spokesperson called facial recognition technology an “important tool” but said officers “cannot and will never make an arrest solely using” it.

To conduct searches outside the approved photo repository of parole and arrest photos, officers must get permission

See VIOLATIONS on page 25

Comptroller and public advocate ask Mayor Adams why NYPD watchdog agency dropped to only 3 employees

By TANDY LAU Amsterdam News Staff Writer

City officials are concerned about a lack of staffers in an important office that holds subpoena powers to investigate police practices and policies.

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander reported just three employees on staff in August at the Office of the Inspector General for the NYPD (OIG-NYPD). His headcount includes Inspector General Jeanene Barrett herself. The findings also point to steeper attrition rates compared to other offices in the OIG-NYPD’s parent agency, the NYC Department of Investigation (DOI).

On August 19, Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams penned a letter to Mayor Eric Adams raising “serious concerns about the sharp staffing decline” based on the findings. The two citywide officials originally introduced the bill that established the OIG-NYPD while serving on the City Council in 2012. They pointed

to the office’s peak staffing level of 37 employees in 2017 and blamed cuts under the Adams administration — the headcount remained at 19 people when Adams first took office in 2022.

“When OIG-NYPD was first authorized in 2014, it had 43 budgeted positions and was projected to reach $3.8 million in personnel expenditures,” wrote Lander and Williams.

“In 2017, the office reached its peak staffing level of 37. By July 2025, the total filled headcount for OIG-NYPD had dropped to just 5, with salaries totaling $703,674 annually. As of August 2025, information provided to our offices indicates that number declined even further to just three filled positions.”

The OIG-NYPD’s establishment stems from the city’s unconstitutional stop-andfrisk practices and surveillance of Muslim New Yorkers in 2012. Lander and Williams believed the watchdog would protect civil liberties by providing the public with transparency about how the police operate.

See WATCHDOG AGENCY on page 27

(Cottonbro Studio/Pexels)

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams back in 2013 when they served on City Council. (William Alatriste/NYC City Council)

Journalist Trymaine Lee looks at gun violence in new book, ‘A Thousand Ways to Die’

By SHANNON CHAFFERS Amsterdam News Staff, Report for America Corps Member

The heart attack changed everything.

For many years, Trymaine Lee, veteran reporter and author of the forthcoming book “A Thousand Ways to Die,” has chronicled the toll of gun violence on Black Americans. From the violence plaguing cities like New Orleans and Philadelphia to the white supremacist mass shootings in Charleston and Buffalo, or the police killings of Michael Brown and Tamir Rice, Lee has traveled the country to tell the all-too-familiar story of Black lives cut short by guns.

By 2017, Lee, 46, was working on a book that would lay out the financial cost of gun violence in America — a dollar amount he hoped would spur action where daily killings had not — but shortly after submitting a draft to his editor, Lee suffered a heart attack at just 38 years old.

“My then six-year-old daughter was asking me: Daddy, what happened?,” Lee recalled. “And to really be honest with her, I had to talk about what was bearing down my heart, which was, at that point, a career telling the stories of Black death and survival, but also a family history going back more than a century of violent death, beginning in the Jim Crow South in a sundown town.”

Lee decided to change course, determined to reckon with how gun violence had shaped not only the lives of the people he covered, but his own, and that of his family.

In the resulting book, a combination of memoir, reportage, and American history, readers can expect a moving and immersive account detailing the tragic and complex interplay between guns, violence, and Black Americans’ struggle for a dignified life in this country.

The Amsterdam News recently spoke with Lee about his book, which will be available September 9. The following Q&A has been condensed and edited for length and clarity.

AmNews: Who do you envision as the audience for the book, and what are the main lessons or messages you want people to take away from reading it?

Lee: I think there are many different audiences. I like to say there are many on-ramps to this book. I think in some ways … this is a book about journalism and what it means to be a Black journalist telling Black stories in predominantly white spaces, and what it means to balance your own personal experiences, the experiences of your community and folks who are bearing the brunt of violence, while also engaging with the white newsroom and gatekeepers.

It’s a book for those who have survived gun violence. I hate that we have to continue to humanize people as journalists, but

we do, to put a human face on some people to really understand the depth of the problem. This is for those who are fighting in communities to save lives, [like] anti-gun violence activists — to give [them] a framework to the historical nature and dynamics of gun violence, because that’s the one core centerpiece of this book.

This is also for policymakers to understand how the circumstance in our cities came to be, shaped by Black folks fleeing the South with gun violence nipping at our heels, to arrive in the North and reshaping cities and reshaping policy. About how the gun industry gets paid and makes a lot of money off of our pain and the fear that it stokes. There are many, many different audiences for this book.

I hope that the [big] takeaway is that there is nothing wrong with Black people. This kind of mythology that we are violent and we are dangerous and there’s something inherent with us — it’s the system around us, the machinery around us, including the gun, the great American symbol of the gun, that has shaped us in pretty dramatic ways.

AmNews: You write about how examining your family history and reflecting on how you all have been personally affected by gun violence was difficult, but also therapeutic and healing. What was it like to revisit your family history, and connect that to your experience as a reporter?

Lee: That was tough, because I’ve told hundreds of stories of other families impacted by gun violence, and I always felt connected to them, because I could see my own family in the faces of the families that I covered. But it wasn’t super-personal or intimate, right?

Telling my family’s story for the first time, and talking with my mother and my aunts and uncles about what it meant to lose their father, hearing the stories of what it meant for my grandmother to lose some of her family members to gun violence — it really brought the true heft of the loss home for me, and there are moments in writing this book that brought me to tears.

Thinking about my grandfather, and what I lost in him — I never got a chance to build a relationship with my grandfather. I think

that’s the part that sticks with me most, because I always knew growing up that my grandfather was killed. It was part of our family story, but I think digging into the broadest impacts of his death and killing and the ripple effects — it just brought it home in a way that I’ve never experienced.

AmNews: I was struck by the framing you used in characterizing community gun violence as a form of anti-Black violence. You wrote that community gun violence was “a proxy for a kind of self-destruction seeded by white supremacy, where rage turns inward instead of striking at the systems that bind and oppress.” Could you expand on that idea?

Lee: In no way do I think that people should not be held accountable for acts of violence they commit, but so much of the violence that we see in this country, especially the violence that comes from Black and marginalized communities, is a direct response to the social, political, and economic disinvestment that we see in our communities. It’s a response to the constant chipping away at our sense of self and our sense of citizenship, and a kind of deprivation. It’s a response to that. Frantz Fanon once talked about, during the Algerian revolution, that colonized people will never lash out at the oppressor; they lash out at themselves. They dare not lash out at the oppressor. They lash out to those in proximity to them, who are experiencing similar conditions. I think that’s what’s happened with Black people.

AmNews: You highlight how guns have been used to oppress Black people throughout American history, but you also point out how Black Americans have sometimes used guns to defend themselves from state or vigilante violence, and you tell the story of how California passed gun control laws in an attempt to disarm the Black Panthers. At the end of the book, you write that your views on gun ownership in Black America have been evolving, so I was wondering if you could talk about how your views have changed, and how readers should think through these tensions.

Lee: I’m actually not anti-gun. I don’t think guns are bad. I think guns do bad things, and guns bring you closer to death either way, because they are extremely lethal. But when you think about how, let’s take recent years; for example, after the killings of Trayvon Martin or Michael Brown in Ferguson, or other moments, the way the police respond to protesters when they know they are not armed. The brutality that they deploy on communities that they know are not armed is one thing, and then you see how they respond to armed white protesters, such as the Bundy Ranch in See TRYMAINE LEE on page 29

Trymaine Lee

Rucker Park legend Adrian Walton talks game and giving back

By JASON PONTEROTTO Special to the AmNews

Sometimes they called him “Hollywood,” sometimes they called himhim “A-Butta” or “Whole Lotta Game.” But one thing we know about Adrian Walton is that everyone calls him a streetball legend at Harlem’s Rucker Park.

Walton, 44, played guard for the Fordham University Rams during the 2001-02 season, but now he’s posting up in a new game: teaching financial literacy and providing support to his community.

Last year, he released “A Whole Lotta Game: From Rucker to Revenue – Building Business the Streetball Way,” a book he hoped would provide helpful lessons about building a successful business mindset, drawing on his life experiences.

“Whether you’re launching your first hustle, trying to level up your current business, or just need a reminder that greatness comes from grit, my book makes you think bigger, move smarter, and win louder,” Walton said about the book. “Because the court may be where it started, but the revenue is where it multiples.”

But literature is just one avenue through which Walton, who has lived on 138th St all of his life, is giving back. Since last year, he has managed programs with kids from 8 to 21 in the Boys & Girls Club at Kips Bay, Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, Dream Center NYC, and Dyckman basketball.

Being a part of these groups is how he says he can help Harlem cultivate its greatness. Throughout his childhood, it was a regular thing for him to run into talented people who would go on to be famous within a

two- or three-block radius.

“I grew up on 138th. If I turned the corner on 139th, I would see Big L. If I walked to 139th and Lenox, I would see Mase. If I walk to 140th, I would see Cam’ron. On Seventh Avenue, if I just walked to 136th St, I would see Teyana Taylor,” he said. “That’s the great thing about Harlem, we got a lot of hidden gems right here.”

Walton has made many big-name friends throughout his life growing up in Harlem and gaining prominence at Rucker Park, including rappers Fat Joe, Cam’ron, and fellow basketballer Joakim Noah. He now looks to use those connections to act as a liaison for the Harlem community and the youth in giving resources.

In August, Walton connected the youth in his programs to the Hidden Opportunity Summit through a friend, financial advisor Jordan Awoye. Pastor Mike Waldron of First Corinthians Baptist Church has also been a mentor for Walton in finding his purpose.

“He’s motivated me to realize how big I am and who I am, and what my legendary status means, and how I can utilize that to help my people,” Walton said.

A Basketball Life

He first started playing at the St. Mark’s Church court around 12 after learning from a local lemonade man named Alexis, and later played for the Riverside Church AAU Gaucho and then at Rucker at age 17, under Tony Rosa, where he would go on to win three straight EBC Tournament championships.

Around the summer of 1999, at 18, he played against Vince Carter, who went on to be NBA Rookie of the Year, and outscored

How New York homebuyers can save on a down payment

While there is a lot of uncertainty around the housing market in 2025, affordability still remains a top challenge for homebuyers – especially first-time home buyers who, according to a 2025 Bankrate survey, often cite the upfront costs of homeownership as the biggest barrier to homeownership. And a 2023 study from LendingTree shows that while 39% of homebuyers nationwide use financial assistance, around 22% look to their friends and family for help vs. tapping into available local resources.

Here’s how those in New York can access assistance programs and how they can address some of the upfront costs of homeownership.

What are my down payment assistance program options?

Down payment assistance programs aim to make housing more affordable and can be used to address the upfront costs of homeownership. Some down payment assistance options, which span government, municipalities, non-profits, local lenders and so on, include:

• Grants: Homebuyers can receive funds to put toward their down payment—which can be available at the local, state and lender-level. Homebuyer grants may also cover closing costs if you already have the full down payment amount, and may be stacked with other forms of assistance. For example, Chase offers a homebuyer grant of up to $5,000 when purchasing homes in 15,000 eligible areas in the country, including qualifying neighborhoods in New York City.

• Forgivable loans: Also known as second mortgage down-payment assistance programs, these are low-interest or no-interest down payment loans that may be forgivable. In order to qualify for forgiveness, you may have to satisfy certain requirements. In most cases, borrowers may have to continue to own and live in the home after a period of time to avoid repayment of the loan.

• Deferred-payment loans: These tend to be

zero- or low-interest loans that offer a fixed rate to help cover down payment and closing costs. Typically, payments are not due unless you sell the home or refinance your mortgage. If you decide to sell and have a zero-interest deferred-payment loan, you might only have to pay back the amount that you borrowed, regardless of how much time has gone by.

• Low-down payment loans: Outside of down payment assistance, there are a variety of low down payment mortgage options available with flexible credit requirements. These can be offered by the lender, such as Chase’s DreaMaker mortgage, or through government agency loans such as FHA, Standard Agency, etc. These loans may be as little as 3% down for a qualifying borrower.

How do home buyers know if they qualify?

Eligibility depends on a variety of factors. While each program has different eligibility requirements, some of the elements that determine how much help you can receive and on what terms include your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, income, number of people in your household and completion of a homebuyer education program. In some instances, the home purchase price cannot exceed the maximum limitations set by the agency offering assistance.

Each down payment assistance program requires its own application forms and process. By working with a local real estate or mortgage professional, you can gain insight and understanding on local programs offered by New York City. Additionally, prospective buyers can use the Chase Homebuyer Assistance Finder to research and identify assistance programs at the local, state and lender-level they may be eligible for.

Using mortgage calculators can help you estimate what you can afford, and consulting with mortgage professionals can provide tailored advice and alternative financing options to fit your situation. For more information, visit chase.com/afford.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.

Adrian Walton, a Rucker Park legend, is using his platform to support the youth and provide financial literacy. (Adrian Walton photo)

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Racial bias driving the overdiagnosis of schizophrenia in Black patients

By NEELA JAIN

Special to the AmNews

Dr. Stephanie Eng remembers the night clearly.

It was 2019. She was a firstyear emergency department intern during her general psychiatry residency at the University of Chicago Medical Center. A young Black woman had come in saying she had been sexually assaulted. Overwhelmed by the amount of medical history she had to gather from the patient, Dr. Eng recalls what she did next.

“I remember registering what information felt relevant to me at the time,” she said. “I looked at what she was wearing, what her hair looked like, what her face looked like, all of those superficial physical attributes. And then I remember reading her medical chart and seeing words like: Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder. The downside of diagnoses like that are that they can sometimes bias [a doctor]. They can make people think differently about patients. I remember what she looked like and I remember the words that were used to describe her in the medical chart and my first thought was, ‘I don’t believe her’.”

Later, working with the emergency department attending physician who guided her in assessing the patient, Dr. Eng ordered lab tests and imaging that confirmed that the young woman had indeed been assaulted.

It was, she said, a very shameful experience and a startling realization that she had been making decisions on patient care, not necessarily based on objective clinical data, but rather her own implicit biases.

Now an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Weill-Cornell Medicine in New York and the recipient of an American Medical Association Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship where she researches the impact of implicit bias on med -

ical decision-making, Dr. Eng reflects on the role of bias in psychiatry.

“A lot of our decision-making is subjective. We have… [tools] that can help us be more objective,” she said. “But at the end of the day it is one person’s opinion.”

The implicit bias of medical professionals is a driving factor contributing to the overdiagnosis of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders characterized by symptoms of psychosis

among Black populations, experts say.

Research published by the American Psychological Association shows that Black patients are 2.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia than white patients.

In New York City, Black patients are disproportionately diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. An AmNews analysis of New York State Department of Health discharge data for

(AmNews photo illustration)

New York City hospitals found that from 2019 to 2023, the most recent year of data publicly available, patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders were nearly three times more likely to be Black than white. This is despite the fact that white residents outnumber Black residents in New York City.

The likely root cause of this disparity is clinician bias, said Dr. Stephen Strakowski, associate vice president for regional

mental health and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School.

“The most parsimonious explanation is it’s good old fashioned structural racism,” said Dr. Strakowski. “It’s mostly misdiagnosis based on race bias, unconscious bias, and it’s systematized and trained into people,” he added.

How bias influences psychotic disorder diagnoses

Structural racism in healthcare and medicine has a long and well-documented history.

From diabetic limb amputations to COVID-19 mortality rates to longer waits in emergency departments, Black Americans face widespread challenges when seeking quality healthcare in the United States.

Dr. Strakowski believes the same critiques can be applied to the clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, a serious chronic mental illness that disrupts an individual’s ability to think clearly, process emotions and manage behaviors. Often characterized by a disconnect from reality, symptoms of the condition include psychosis, marked by delusions and hallucinations as well as disorganized speech and thinking, and motor and cognitive impairment.

Diagnosis of this condition is made utilizing the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a reference tool published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Widely used among the mental health practitioner community, the manual provides a framework and criteria for classifying and diagnosing mental disorders.

According to the DSM, schizophrenia is considered a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that clinicians should rule out other conditions in which a patient may present symptoms of psychosis,

Dr. Strakowski notes. It is a guideline that he does not believe is emphasized enough as evident in the tendency among clinicians to prioritize symptoms of psychosis in Black patients when diagnosing schizophrenia. This, he said, is despite the fact that psychosis can be present in other conditions such as bipolar disorder, severe depression and even trauma.

“It’s an unconscious [bias], but [it’s one]... in which it’s assumed… that Black people suffer from the worst things,” Dr. Strakowski said. “And so we jump to the worst outcome quickly.”

Dr. Strakowski points to the historical diagnosis known as the protest psychosis in which Black men fighting for equal rights during the 1960s were deemed hostile and aggressive and, thus, psychotic or schizophrenic, as perpetuating the biases that contribute to the racial disparities in diagnosis today. Black Americans’ desire for freedom was pathologized a century earlier in 1851 when Dr. Samuel Cartwright coined the term drapetomania, declaring it a mental condition that caused enslaved Africans to escape from captivity.

AmNews ’ data analysis found that during the period from 2019 to 2023, more than 60% of Black patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders at hospitals serving city residents identified as male.

“We’ve inherited a legacy of psychiatry… [that has had] a very contentious relationship with people of color. And we haven’t completely shed that,” Dr. Eng said. “We’ve carried forward a lot of covert and unconscious messaging about what psychiatric symptoms mean when they’re attached to certain people.”

Dr. Eng added that bias in medicine can appear in the form of mental shortcuts that help doctors to simplify decision-making in complex environments. She notes that clinicians are predispositioned to this automatic pattern of thinking in high-stress, time-pressured environments such as the emergency department where clinicians are often meeting patients for the first time. Research published by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine shows that mental stressors including overcrowding and high patient loads are associated with increased racial implicit bias among clinicians working in emergency departments.

According to Dr. Adjoa SmallsMantey, a New York City-based emergency psychiatrist, following admittance to the emergency department, a patient is triaged by a nurse and then evaluated by the department provider such as a medical resident or attending physician. The provider may request a consultation from a psychiatrist if they assess that the patient is exhibiting symptoms of a mental disorder, but the ultimate diagnosis of a patient in the emergency department lies with the emergency department provider, she explains.

It is this aspect of the emergency medicine patient care model, she believes, can contribute to the misdiagnosis of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. Often, she said, emergency department providers’ most immediate concern is determining next steps in a patient’s potential treatment plan, noting that an accurate diagnosis doesn’t impact the workflow of a patient.

“... All the ED [emergency department] wants to hear [is whether a patient is] cleared for discharge or going to be admitted and when I say ‘admitted’, [they’ll ask] ‘what’s the diagnosis?’ You can tell them, but they

still might pick the wrong [diagnostic] code,” she said. “They have so much they’re dealing with they have to keep it moving,” she added.

The misdiagnosis of a psychotic disorder can be particularly detrimental to Black patients due to the potential for a diagnosis to “stick more” to them as compared to patients of other races, Dr. Smalls-Mantey points out. She said this is seen in cases where a Black patient might receive a final diagnosis of schizophrenia, whereas another patient of a differing race with similar symptoms who eventually improves is likely to have their diagnosis updated. She also notes how Black individuals’ negative encounters with law enforcement make them acutely vulnerable to diagnoses of psychotic disorders in the emergency department. Referencing the increased likelihood for Black patients to be transported by the authorities to the emergency department during behavioral health crises. Their distress stemming from the situation is often immediately characterized as agitation by clinician, Dr. SmallsMantey said.

See RACIAL BIAS

continued on page 11

Dr. Adjoa Smalls-Mantey (Courtesy Photo)

Dr. Stephanie Eng of Weill-Cornell Medicine (Courtesy Photo)

Dr. Roberto Lewis-Fernández of Columbia University (Courtesy Photo)

Thousands join Brooklyn in celebrating its West Indian heritage at annual parade

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

Some were in regal costume, others were still energized by J’Ouvert, while others just wanted oxtail, jerk chicken, or sorrel. Whatever your choice, Brooklyn had a blast during the 58th Annual West Indian Day Parade and all its festivities that celebrate Caribbean culture and tradition. This year’s theme was “Vive Le Carnivale.”

Hundreds of thousands came to Brooklyn to soak up Caribbean artistry, music, culture, and food, or show off their elaborate costumes. In this borough, Labor Day is

synonymous with partaking in the J’Ouvert and West Indian parade events throughout the long weekend that culminated this year on Monday, Sept. 1.

Based on census data, Caribbean immigrants and people of Caribbean descent make up a significant portion of New York City’s population, as well as city and state government.

Every year, Caribbean New Yorkers and electeds gather to represent their home countries from all over the islands, including Jamaica, Haiti, the Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and many others. Most importantly, the

event honors the sacrifices of enslaved Africans brought to various islands as they fought their way to freedom, carrying with them the traditions of carnival.

Several politicians graced the parkway, including Mayor Eric Adams, who celebrated his 65th birthday, and Governor Kathy Hochul, who cut a ceremonial ribbon at the start of the parade with National Action Network (NAN) President Rev. Al Sharpton. All of the mayoral hopefuls running against Adams were also spotted campaigning at the parade, including State Assemblymember and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former

Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

The parade route was about 2 miles down Eastern Parkway, stretching from the Crown Heights neighborhood to the Grand Army Plaza in downtown Brooklyn.

Shortly after the parade wrapped, a rash of gun violence erupted in the nearby Crown Heights area. According to WPIX, six people were wounded by gunfire and one was slashed as the crowd dispersed after the end of the parade Monday afternoon.

So far, one person has been taken into custody: a 31-year-old man who was charged with criminal possession of a weapon.

Attendees celebrate J’Ouvert on Flatbush Avenue.

Brooklynite covered in oil at J’Ouvert celebration on Flatbush Avenue.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams on his float at West Indian Day Parade.

Congressmember Yvette Clarke (right) on West Indian Day Parade route in costume.

A Jab Jab, or person covered in oil and horns during J’Ouvert event. Traditionally symbolizing freedom and emancipation

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul (center), her husband (left), and Rev. Al Sharpton (right) at start of West Indian Day Parade. (Ariama C. Long photos)

Divine Nine News

BGLOs and the Office of Greek Life offer leadership, guidance, and commitment

By DR. MICHAEL J. WINFIELD, SR. Special to the AmNews

The Office of Greek Life at colleges and universities that have Greek letter organizations represented by any of the governing bodies, such as the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) for Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs), National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), and North American Interfraternity Conference, which coordinate the activities of their respective organizations, deals with a host of issues concerning the student body. They manage new programming, event planning, and meetings with officials from any one of hundreds of Greek letter organizations.

At the top of the list at any given time is the ongoing challenge of hazing and the steps needed for an incident-free year as organizations bring in new members. What measures are in place to support students who may have been involved in a hazing incident? More importantly, what is the messaging about violence under any circumstances? College and university administrations, youth leadership, and parents and guardians, want to know the answers to these and many other questions.

Students, along with their parents and guardians, who are new to Greek life may understandably have concerns about hazing and other inappropriate activities. However, despite these worries, welcoming new members into Greek organizations helps to build strong relationships from the very beginning. Forming lifelong friendships is a benefit of joining a BGLO. Members of the Divine Nine often remain active long after their college years, even after joining as undergraduates.

In an interview with Spectrum News 1 reporter Zyneria Byrd, Dr. Rodney Jenkins, a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and director of public health for the City of Durham, North Carolina, summed up his commitment: “The Divine Nine isn’t just a fraternity you join in col-

lege. It’s a lifelong commitment you’re making to an organization that continues the betterment of humanity.”

Nevertheless, organizations with a history of hazing often struggle, due to unclear definitions of hazing. They may be reluctant to abandon traditions that contribute to their identity, even if those include hazing. The most effective way to inspire people is to follow the principles that underlie intrinsic motivation, which is best when an organization’s culture includes these four elements in its program: connectedness, autonomy, purpose, and mastery. Moreover, hazing rituals are generally about extrinsic motivation, including external rewards or punishment associated with a specific act.

first three of four points:

1. Deepen authentic connection by developing appreciation and respect for difference, exploring personal histories, understanding personality types, and creating the empathy that usually accompanies human relationships that dig beneath an individual’s surface.

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)

2. It is crucial to allow participants to exercise a degree of choice and respect their input. This ensures that their voices are not just heard but integral to the process and that their opinions are not just valued but crucial.

According to a November 2023 Georgetown University article, “Alternatives to Hazing: Stop Hazing,” healthy initiation rituals include the

3. From the beginning, clearly define the purpose or meaning of the goals behind the group’s cultural rites and rituals.

4. Offer the chance for personal growth and exploration of one’s intellectual or cultural comfort

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

or experience margins. Remember, joining any organization is never worth your health or your life — never. If you find yourself too deep in a situation where you may have initially agreed to be hazed and started the process, but now want out, or have been hazed, what can you do? You can contact your school’s office of Greek Life or call their “Report Hazing” hotline and ask for help. Your university will investigate all reports of hazing behavior, including those reported anonymously, with professionals available to help in making the right decisions. For more information about joining a Black Greek Letter Organization, consider reading “Before You Pledge: Essential Information You Should Know About Black Greek Letter Organizations and the Dynamics of Pledging in a Culture of Hazing,” with a foreword by J.T. (Ted) Childs, Jr.

The Harlem Ques and the Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. teamed up to spread Christmas joy for the second of three donations from the more than 400 toys collected by the men of the Divine Nine Organizations. (Photo courtesy of Donnell G. Bolden, Basileus of Xi Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.)

Xi Lambda Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi in Rockland County, maintaining Route 59 in Spring Valley, New York, as part of their Adopt a Highway Program. (Photo courtesy of Derrick Toussaint)

Union Matters Labor unions show up for March on Wall Street

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

At the August 28 March on Wall Street, AFSCME President Lee Saunders invoked Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

“He spoke of the promise of America — the promise of equality, dignity, and opportunity for all, and how it remained unfulfilled for far too many,” Saunders told the crowd of thousands. “He said that our country had written its citizens of color a bad check ––a check that came back marked ‘insufficient funds.’ And here we are: Here we are, more than six decades later. Working people of all backgrounds coming together, as we should, still fighting to cash that check. That is why we are here on Wall Street today.”

On the 62nd anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) staged the Wall Street event, which was a clear kickoff to the Labor Day weekend and drew a large crowd of marchers, including many from organized labor.

Members of AFSCME District Council 37, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Hotel & Gaming Trades Council, National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and other unions joined the march, which started at Foley Square and filled the streets with chants of “No justice, No peace!” all the way to the financial district.

Marchers had boarded buses to come to New York City from states all along the East Coast and even from across the country — some from as far as California.

The march served as a protest against the Trump administration’s aggressive rightwing policies, which have been criticized for worsening economic inequality, and particularly being anti-labor.

Sharpton was joined by other labor leaders, including American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) President Everett Kelley, as well as numerous civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King III and his wife Arndrea Waters King, and National

Urban League President Marc Morial.

One of the Trump administration’s main policy goals has been to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts that have helped create a more level playing field for ethnic groups.

Janet Murguía, president of the civil rights organization UnidosUS, told marchers, “We cannot give in to the naysayers who are falsely claiming that our country’s changing demographics are a problem. They are wrong, dead wrong. Companies know better than anybody that our communities are the current and future economic engine of this nation. We are the solution, not the problem.”

Murguía emphasized that “We are America’s future workers — business owners, taxpayers, and customers. And despite the lack of full economic justice, our spending power today combined is the equivalent of the third-largest GDP in the world.”

Saunders told marchers that Wall Street’s billionaire bankers and major corporations have been complicit with the Trump

administration’s planned assault on the U.S. economy. He claimed they’ve cheered Trump’s tax cuts and the drafting of antiworker policies.

“As Dr. King said on this day in 1963,” Saunders said, “we refuse to believe the Bank of Justice is bankrupt. I bet all of us here today agree that in a nation as wealthy as the United States of America, we can afford to ensure that no one goes hungry or unhoused, that workers are paid a living and fair wage every single day, and that opportunity and dignity are available for all of us. So, here’s the deal — here’s the deal. Our task is to build a movement that refuses to separate civil rights from labor rights or human dignity from economic justice.” Saunders added, “This march does not end today — it’s only just beginning. We will not stop marching. We will not stop mobilizing. We will not stop agitating, educating, and organizing. We will not stop. This is just the beginning for us. We’re going to fight like hell every single day until we win.”

AFSCME President Lee Saunders (center, in green hat) attended National Action Network’s March on Wall Street along with other union members. (AFSCME photo)

Racial bias

Continued from page 7

“It could just be that somebody was upset about being in handcuffs,” she added. Then all of a sudden if you’re saying, ‘If I don’t take my clothes off, put this gown on… then you’re going to give me a needle to sedate me’... you’re going to act out a little bit more …. That’s going to set the ground for people to think they have an underlying mental health issue, probably psychosis.”

The impact of a misdiagnosis

The consequences of a misdiagnosis of a psychotic disorder can result in poor patient outcomes on multiple levels. Beyond the side effects of anti-psychotics that fail to target the symptoms of a patient’s actual behavioral disorder, the negative connotations associated with psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, may be even more severe.

The belief that individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia may be violent or aggressive can often impact their ability to maintain relationships and engage socially with others and even threaten other parts of their life, including their ability to acquire or maintain employment, said Dr. Patrice Malone, an associate professor of psychiatry at Columbia University.

“Schizophrenia is one of those diagnoses that is a little more extreme,” she said.

The interruptions to an individual’s life as a result of a schizophrenia diagnosis may be amplified due to involuntary psychiatric hospitalization. Research published in Psychiatric Quarterly shows that individuals with psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, are more likely to be subject to involuntary psychiatric hospitalization whereas individuals with anxiety or developmental disorders are more likely to be discharged. Involuntary psychiatric hospitalization may also adversely impact patients’ familial relationships and diminish their ability to maintain steady employment.

Dr. Smalls-Mantey adds that clinicians often have less trust in a patient’s non-psychotic complaints once they have seen a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder on their chart.

“People just often say, ‘Oh, it’s psych related. They’re just probably depressed and … complain-

ing about their body’, and that’s not it,” she said. “They really are feeling pain….and that may not be paid attention to.”

Psychiatry’s path forward

The approach by other medical specialties to confront long-standing inequities in patient care and treatment within their own respective fields can serve as a framework for change in psychiatry.

For example, heart disease was

women also helped spur the development of diagnostic testing guidelines targeting women suspected of having the disease. Research published by the American Heart Association (AHA) found that in cases of heart attacks female patients are more likely to present with additional symptoms besides chest pain, such as indigestion and jaw pain, as compared to male patients. In 2014, the AHA

The work of Dr. Roberto Lewis-Fernández is integral to helping the field of psychiatry with similar efforts.

A professor of clinical psychiatry and interim vice chair of psychiatric research at Columbia University, Dr. Lewis-Fernández conducts research rooted in understanding how culture impacts individuals’ lived experience with mental disorders and integrating it into the psychiatric diagnostic

recognition of self-biases by doctors.

“What kind of world would we live in if we weren’t influenced by external influences?” he asks.

“There’s the awareness of the bias, the learning of the contextual thinking to understand the world in which a person lives, and the adjustment of the diagnosis,” he continues. “Hallucinations might be the right symptom, but you have to decide whether it’s a hallucination or not, whether it’s

long believed to be a disease that primarily impacted men. However, beginning with the 1986 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Workshop on Coronary Heart Disease, perceptions of how heart disease impacted women began to change. Further research challenged the beliefs that heart disease did not affect women until later in life nor as seriously as men. The passing of federal legislation in 1993 requiring the equitable inclusion of women and minorities in government funded clinical trials helped shed more light on the presentation and risk factors of the disease in women.

Cardiology’s eventual recognition that heart disease presents differently in men than

released a consensus statement outlining recommendations for non-invasive testing, such as echocardiography, for women with suspected heart disease. Such initiatives by the cardiology field are believed to have contributed to a decline in heart disease mortality rates among women. The rate of decline among women surpassed that of men during the same time period. While heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States, cardiology’s approach to reducing inequities in treating women illustrates how American medicine can reduce disparities when it commits to the task.

evaluation process.

He utilized this expertise in his role leading the development of the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) for publication in the DSM-5 in 2013. Comprising a series of questionnaires, the CFI is an evidence-based tool designed to inform psychiatric diagnosis and treatment planning by helping clinicians better understand a “patient’s own narrative of illness” in the context of cultural factors including identity, support and stressors.

Dr. Lewis-Fernández believes that when applied correctly, the CFI is a mechanism which can help mitigate clinician misdiagnosis.

The first step, he said though, is

a dream or an idea, an illusion, any number of things.”

In addition to providing training to clinicians on how to utilize the CFI, Dr. Lewis-Fernández is engaged in identifying improved methods to incorporate social determinants of health, factors such as education and healthcare access as well as economic stability, into the psychiatric evaluation process. Emphasizing the need for clinicians to understand the experiences of their patients not through just the lens of cultural competency, but structural competency too, Dr. Lewis-Fernández notes the pervasive role of structural racism.

Opinion

The long line of Black women in Trump’s crosshairs

Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook, who for several days has been targeted by Donald Trump, is just one Black woman on his hit list.

Cook is the first Black woman to serve on this distinguished board and the president, in a single letter denounced her, claiming that she has engaged in “criminal conduct” of mortgage fraud, which like so many of his allegations is baseless, and Cook has not been charged or convicted.

Of course, for Trump the accusations alone are enough to hold her accountable in his invidious universe. Cook is just the most recognized Black woman he is currently demeaning, mainly in a vain attempt to pressure the board to cut interest rates at its scheduled meeting later this month.

How many of you remember Fani Willis, the Fulton County District Attorney, who was targeted by Trump after she brought a racketeering indictment against him? As part of his vengeance, Trump said she had an affair with a gang member with no iota of validity.

There was also zero credibility to his attacks on Kamala Harris, Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan, Attorney General Letitia James, Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, and Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C.

For the most part, these are merely smear tactics, and even if they have no basis in reality, he has tarred them with his deceitful brush. There are other Black women elected officials who by now should be warned of his methods to impugn them, so take heed Mayor Barbara Lee of Oakland, he came perilously close with the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles, and beware Mary Sheffield, who could possibly be the first Black woman mayor of Detroit.

As Shakespeare’s King Henry IV said, “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.” Even so, try not to worry or be dismayed. Remember Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Anna Julia Cooper, Shirley Chisholm, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Dorothy Height —- you come from a long line of courage, resolve, and resilience.

Trump’s third strike could mean a walk for him, but foul ball for everyone else

By HERB BOYD

Elinor R. Tatum: Publisher and Editor in Chief

On Friday, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that Donald Trump went too far when he declared national emergencies to justify tariffs on goods from nearly every country, the ruling upheld one back in the spring by a federal trade court in New York. That was strike one against the president.

Strike two came over Labor Day weekend, when a federal judge, through a temporary restraining order, stopped him from illegally deporting hundreds of Guatemalan children, many of whom had already been boarded onto planes.

Strike three came on Tuesday, when

the U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco stated in a 52-page ruling that Trump and his administration had “willfully” broken federal law by sending National Guard troops into Los Angeles in June.

But only in baseball does a third strike mean you’re out.

In effect, Trump had acted illegally, but unless you just came out of a cave or from under a rock, practically everything Trump has done in this second administration has been illegal. And some of it is disgustingly immoral.

As for that third strike, to continue our baseball analogy, it is perhaps a foul ball, since Judge Breyer has not required the 300 remaining troops in Los Ange-

les to leave. It’s to be seen if this ruling precipitates action elsewhere, particularly in Washington, D.C., where troops are now present and armed.

How many rulings by federal judges and others will it take to have any meaning or strength to stop the Trump juggernaut, his determination to rule absolutely? Perhaps the most we can hope for is that a critical mass of them occur as next year’s midterm elections arrive.

Only when the populace has control of at least one of the houses of government can we bring about a difference. That’s a lot to hope for, and we certainly need the evidence of things we cannot see at the moment.

(The White House photo)

Madison Gray: Executive & Investigative Editor

Damaso Reyes: Editor at Large

Kristin Fayne-Mulroy: Managing Editor

Cyril Josh Barker: Digital Editor Siobhan "Sam" Bennett:

Crisis in Black health worsened by Trump policies

By DR. JESSIE FIELDS

Changes in national health policy under the Trump administration exacerbate the health challenges faced by Black Americans.

Cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), disproportionately harm the health of Black people by reducing access to preventive care and chronic disease management, increasing disparities in health outcomes, and worsening maternal and infant mortality rates.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Black communities experienced disproportionately high rates of COVID19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. According to the National Institutes of Health, “This disparity is linked to long-standing social and economic inequalities, such as differences in health care access, socioeconomic status, and employment in essential frontline jobs increased exposure risk.” COVID-19 vaccination helped to decrease the burden of the pandemic in Black communities by reducing infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, even though vaccination rates were

initially lower in Black communities due to factors like hesitancy and structural inequities. Studies have shown vaccines are highly effective at reducing severe outcomes, and increasing vaccination rates in Black communities, despite existing health disparities, did help to control the pandemic within those communities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), once a reliable guide in American public health, under Trump-appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is in turmoil.

The new policy decisions from the C.D.C. restricting eligibility for COVID19 vaccination and cutting federal funding, makes it harder for Black communities to access COVID-19 vaccination. The new COVID-19 vaccine guidelines limit the COVID-19 vaccine to adults over age 65 and younger people with high risk conditions. The new guidelines end the COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for children and pregnant women, putting their health at risk. These changes in the C.D.C. COVID-19 vaccine recommendations may limit insurance coverage and vac-

cine availability at pharmacies.

Limiting access to COVID-19 vaccination diminishes the important role that COVID vaccination plays in prevention of severe disease and death.

For example, if you are unvaccinated, young and healthy you may readily recover from COVID infection or you may not have symptoms at all, but if you pass the infection to an older person or someone with underlying medical conditions, they may become severely ill. People who are vaccinated against COVID are significantly less likely to transmit the COVID virus to others. Vaccination helps protect the community as a whole.

Leading infectious disease and public health experts disagree with the recent C.D.C. curtailment in eligibility for COVID vaccination. Pediatric infectious disease expert Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos resigned as co-leader of a C.D.C. COVID vaccine advisory group, saying this change put pregnant women and children at risk.

Extensive observational studies have found that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe

Why cross-sector collaboration can strengthen health for all New Yorkers

By DR. MARK LEVY

Walk down any block in New York City and you’ll see resilience everywhere. Parents hustling to provide for their kids, seniors navigating daily health challenges, young people striving for brighter futures. The energy of this city is undeniable. Yet behind the rhythm of daily life lies a harder truth: too many New Yorkers face barriers that no one family, community, or sector can solve alone.

Consider this: In New York, one in five children goes to bed hungry. One in 10 babies arrives too early, putting both mothers and infants at risk. And nearly one in 6 of our neighbors struggles with substance use. These aren’t faceless statistics. They represent the child in a crowded classroom trying to learn on an empty stomach, the mother anxiously navigating pregnancy without consistent care, and the teenager searching for stability while battling addiction. These challenges demand not just empathy, but action. For too long, we’ve assumed that government alone must tackle these crises.

But health doesn’t start in a doctor’s office, and it doesn’t end with a prescription. It begins in homes, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. That means all of us — businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, and residents — have a role to play.

That’s why the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation invested $14.2 million last year in New York, expanding food access, improving maternal health, and supporting recovery from substance use in communities from Harlem to the Bronx. And this is only the beginning. We’ve now committed $150 million nationally over the next five years to strengthen maternal health, advance “food as medicine,” expand behavioral health supports, and build community resiliency.

But dollars alone won’t solve this. Businesses can contribute their greatest asset — their people. At Anthem, we encourage employees to give back through volunteer time, donation matching, and team service projects. Imagine the ripple effect if industries across the city — finance, tech, con-

struction, retail — dedicated even a fraction of their talent, expertise, and passion to build healthier communities. The impact would extend far beyond individual programs and could reshape the very fabric of New York’s neighborhoods.

As a physician, I’ve witnessed how access to nutritious food, emotional support, and strong community ties can change a patient’s entire trajectory. These aren’t luxury goods but rather essential ones. Healthier neighborhoods reduce strain on public systems, strengthen the workforce, and fuel economic growth. Simply put, when New Yorkers thrive, we all thrive.

So, here’s my challenge to New York’s business leaders: partner with nonprofits, invest in communities, and support your employees in giving back. You don’t need to be in health care to make someone healthier. You just need to care enough to act.

Dr. Mark Levy is president and CEO of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in New York, which has served the city for more than 80 years.

New book alert — Trymaine Lee tackles violence in Black life

CHRISTINA GREER, PH.D.

It’s been quite some since I’ve read a book that stopped me in my tracks. You know the feeling when you’re reading and you realize you haven’t taken in a breath in several minutes? That was the feeling I had from cover to cover while experiencing “A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America” by my friend, colleague, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Trymaine Lee.

In this important work, Lee manages to accomplish several things. First, he chronicles the incredibly long history of African Americans and guns. From the beginnings of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the shores of America, the gun has been a prevalent force, infiltrating the lives and fortunes of Black people. He then moves us through his time as a journalist, primarily in New Orleans, chronicling gun violence and the effects on individuals, families, communities, and cities more broadly. Not only do we confront those who lose their lives to gun violence, but Lee makes sure we feel the effect of gun violence on the survivors as well. Gun violence is not a zero sum game and those left to piece together their lives (and bodies) after gun violence cannot be forgotten.

Lee then tallies riches generated by both the legal and illegal gun industries. The amount of money made in the legal gun supply chain is astounding and Lee makes sure he connects the dots for the readers from the very beginning of gun manufacturing to the bitter end, when a gun

ends up in the wrong hands. Detailing certain tragic events in his own life, Lee weaves his own personal story throughout this book that is truly hard to put down.

This was a difficult book for me to digest, but a necessary (and dare I say mandatory) piece of literature for all. We must not look away from the toll that gun violence takes on our communities. As Lee details, in our current moment, gun violence has a way of entering communities and lives in ways not anticipated. The collective toll this violence takes on our bodies and nervous systems, and literally our hearts, is what Lee seamlessly weaves throughout “A Thousand Ways to Die.”

For anyone who cares about how guns affect our communities and lives, “A Thousand Ways to Die” is essential reading. The book is officially on shelves September 9, but available for pre-order wherever you buy your books. (As always, don’t forget to support your local Black bookstore, either online or in person.)

If you’re interested in hearing Lee discuss his book in his own words, he will be in conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones at the 92nd Street Y on September 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

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

See BLACK HEALTH on page 25

Caribbean Update

Guyanese, Jamaicans head to the polls this week

By BERT WILKINSON Special to the AmNews

While New Yorkers were on the streets of Brooklyn reveling in annual Labor Day celebrations, voters in two leading Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries will be facing or preparing to face the electorate this week, with candidates in both nations making the 2025 electoral contests as the most consequential since independence from Britain in the 1960s.

First out of the proverbial blocks would be Guyana, voting on Labor Day for a new administration. Whichever party wins the Guyana contest will be rolling in bountiful revenues, thanks to billions of dollars flowing annually into state coffers from the offshore oil and gas sector that has blossomed with the 2015 discovery of commercial quantities of oil and gas.

Two days later, Jamaicans face the electorate with a major historical “carrot” on offer to the governing Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), because no JLP leader has won three consecutive terms as the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has done. Party leader and Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged Jamaicans to give him a third term, citing

an improving economy and a significant reduction in violent felony crimes, including murders, a scourge that has bedeviled the northern Caribbean nation for decades.

The two regional nations are facing the polls in one of the busiest years for elections in the 15member Caricom bloc of nations, with polls already held in Suriname, Trinidad, Belize, Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos, Bermuda, Curacao, and the Cayman Islands. Election preparations are also at an advanced stage in St. Vincent and the Bahamas — leaders of both countries can name a date this year, although their terms run into 2026.

In the Guyana contest, the race is shaping up to be a three-way fight between the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP); the main opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU); and We Invest in Nationhood, an upstart party formed only in late May and campaigning to rave reviews, especially among young and first-time voters.

The winner of the Guyana race is expected to govern without any major concerns about money, since revenues from oil and gas pump around $8 million into state coffers each day. With a fourth oilfield coming onstream just weeks ago, this amount

is expected to increase exponentially, with production headed to around 900,000 barrels daily. State regulatory agencies say applications for four more oil fields are in the system for approval. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has urged supporters to stay with the PPP, despite widespread credible allegations of corruption and nepotism, among other ills.

“We’ve created tens of thousands of new jobs,” Ali told a recent rally. “We’ve created tens of thousands of households, surpassing our commitment in the manifesto. We have built thousands of new homes and provided low-income and low-interest loans. Consider the way we are delivering, because it is comprehensive, and if you do not vote for moving forward together as one people on September 1, you put it all at risk.”

For his part, opposition and APNU presidential candidate Aubrey Norton says the PPP must be removed before Guyana becomes a full and irreversible kleptocracy.

“Guyana needs to be governed properly,” Norton said. “At present, Guyana is governed by a set of incompetent people. Their best qualification is plundering the treasury. I have never seen a government with so many thieves. They don’t care anymore. They have become

barefaced with their corruption. We said to you, as the next government, we will be putting people first. Why do we put people first? Because we believe the most important resource to develop in this country is the human resource.”

None of the three main parties have released any polls on who will win in Guyana, but there has been increasing chatter about a hung parliament, with neither the PPP nor the APNU winning enough seats to control the 65-member parliament.

By the time official results are announced, as promised by the electoral commission on Wednesday or Thursday, Jamaicans should be at polling stations across the country, either electing a new government or giving the JLP an historic third term.

The latest Don Anderson poll said that the PNP is clinging to a slight lead over the JLP, but the JLP appears to have picked up more new voters than the PNP. Around 31% of the electorate say they are still undecided.

"We have to work for it,” Holness said of winning a third term. “I have never been given anything free. I have had to work for anything that I have had. Whatever I have, I have worked hard and honestly for it.”

Meanwhile, opposition and PNP leader Mark Golding says corruption

Trump issues new blow to international students

IMMIGRATION KORNER

The Trump administration is at it again — this time, targeting international students with a new immigration rule that could reshape how young people from around the world gain access to U.S. education.

On August 28, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed ending the long-standing policy of “duration of status” for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. Under current rules, students are allowed to remain in lawful status as long as they continue their academic programs, even if that spans multiple years or transitions from undergraduate to graduate studies.

Trump’s new proposal replaces that with fixed four-year admission

periods and only narrow exceptions. Language students would be capped at 24 months. International journalists on I visas would also see limits. The change means that students working toward degrees that take longer than four years, such as Ph.D.s or professional programs, would be forced to apply for extensions — adding delays, bureaucracy, costs, and tremendous uncertainty to their studies.

Why this matters

The move comes as international student enrollment in the U.S. is already plunging. Data from July 2025 showed nearly a 50% drop in new arrivals from India compared to last year. More and more students are instead choosing Canada, the U.K., and Australia, where immigration policies are more predictable and supportive.

For the U.S., the consequences are not just academic. International students contribute tens of

billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy, sustain jobs, and help keep universities competitive. For Caribbean and Latin American students in particular, this move adds another layer of risk and uncertainty when choosing to invest in an American education.

OPT, STEM OPT, and work opportunities under fire

The rule also undermines Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT, the programs that allow students to gain work experience in the U.S. after graduation. Under the proposal, those students would have to file extensions of their F-1 status just for access to OPT — a move that immigration attorneys say will cause new costs and delays, as well as serious disruptions.

And let’s not forget: Trump officials like Stephen Miller and USCIS Director Joseph Edlow have made clear they don’t want international students staying in the U.S. work-

is out of control and measures will be introduced to reduce this scourge. “We are wallowing in the sinking sands of corruption under this government,” Golding said, complaining about illicit enrichment among some lawmakers and senior government officials. “We are going to introduce the impeachment procedure. We are going to modify some clauses in the integrity act.”

force after completing their studies. OPT may survive this round, but the signals are clear: They’re coming for it.

Sneaking in more red tape

Buried in the proposal is another provision: eliminating deference to previous USCIS findings. Translation? Even if your application was approved before, officials don’t have to honor that decision when you apply for an extension. Expect more Requests for Evidence, more denials, and more students and skilled workers being pushed out.

Academic freedom on the line

Educators are sounding alarms. The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration calls the proposal “unnecessary and counterproductive.” NAFSA warns that it hands immigration officials new powers over academic decisions, from course changes to program transfers — areas traditionally gov-

erned by schools, not Washington.

The bigger picture

The DHS is justifying the overhaul on “national security” grounds, citing a handful of questionable visa misuse cases. Yet, the data shows the problem is tiny — 2,100 people out of millions. Instead of targeted enforcement, Trump is choosing blanket restrictions that risk driving away the very students who fuel American innovation, growth, and competitiveness.

Once again, immigrants are being scapegoated — this time, students. And once again, it’s not just immigrants who lose. America itself will be poorer, weaker, and less innovative for it.

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

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

International News

Benin Yam Festival has long history, but environmental threats loom

By JESÚS CHUCHO GARCIA

Special to the AmNews

Translated by KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO

Amsterdam News Staff

The yam holds a significant place in the spiritual and sacred history of Savalou, Benin. Each year, Savalou holds an annual Yam Festival that begins on the night of August 14 and continues all day on the 15th, which is when the yams are usually harvested.

However, Agnon Delphine, a professor and researcher at the University of Abomey-Calavi, told the Amsterdam News that climate change, soil drought, and the use of agrochemical fertilizers are currently having an impact on Savalou’s yam production. Despite western Benin’s generally favorable rainfall, the professor explained during a visit to the Collines de Savalou area that dry spells are affecting the moisture levels yams need while they are growing.

The effects of this will be evident in yam cultivation, because some farmers have been responding to the drought and rising temperatures by using agrochemical fertilizers instead of manually weeding and staking the plants. Chemical fertilizers are poisoning the soil and causing progressive desertification.

Delphine said this is affecting the yam harvest, and it also could mean that the Yam Festival is affected as well.

Savalou’s Mahi ethnic group uses the festival as a way to give thanks to their ancestors for the gift of life-sustaining yams. The yearly Yam Festival draws thousands of people and is a crucial event celebrating the staple crop and its connection to the region’s people and ancestral spirits.

Residents of the West African nation view yams as a gift from Mother Earth. It has long been a key staple in the region, with Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast being top producers.

About 94% of global yam production occurs in West Africa, according to scientific research publisher Frontiers in Agronomy. Respect for the yam is even extended to cultural protocols about fertility.

Due to its location on the Gulf of Guinea and with increasing global warming, though, Benin’s agricultural land is suffering from progressive drought. Local temperatures are expected to rise by 3 degrees above normal in the coming years, reaching nearly 89.6° Fahrenheit. A 2020 study found that local farmers view the lack of rainfall and sunshine as the primary climate factors affecting yam production.

“The climate crisis in Benin may have negative consequences for the annual Yam Festival,” said Marc Alabi, a Yoruba history professor who studies the traditional cultures of Benin and is completing his doctorate at the Felix Houphouet Boigny University in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

“Our cultural and spiritual traditions are linked to Mother Earth, to plants and water, but due to droughts and high temperatures, some of our rituals have been affected, and yams are not immune to these dangers.”

Delphine spoke about the process of transforming yams into dough for consumption, which begins with peeling the yams, then boiling them, and then placing them in a mortar so they can be pounded into a dough. Two people use two wooden mortars to pound the mixture until it becomes smooth and stretchable. Once in this form, it is suitable for eating with fish, vegetables, or beef, pork, or goat. Pounded yam, in Savalou, is called “agu.”

This practice of processing yams in a mortar and pestle is still alive today in Savalou and was also transported to the Americas. It forms part of the culinary culture of the African diaspora in Colombia’s Caribbean region. In Venezuela, arepa, sancocho, and other

dishes feature yams as their root.

The Yam Festival itself features visits from musical groups like local artists Princesa Dosdi and Tonton Todas; talking drums accompanied by trumpets and trombones; dance troupes; local religious leaders; and even the local king of Savalou, currently Dada Ganfon Gbaguidi XV, who took the throne in August 2022. Gbaguidi XV is the 15th king since the kingdom’s establishment in the 17th century –– his father, Gandjegni Awoyo Gbaguidi XIII, made a historic visit to Harlem that was covered by the Amsterdam News in 2016. The fate of the yam could be tied to the Yam Festival. Alabi said he hopes the problem can be solved by returning to the original, natural method of cultivation.

“Production has fallen, and the use of agrochemicals has had an impact on health,” said Alabi. “Today, our struggle is to curb the use of agrochemicals and protect Mother Nature and fresh water.”

Entrance to royal palace of Savalou, Benin. (Jesús Chucho García photos)

Two people use mortars to pound yam mixture into “agu,” so it is ready to be eaten with fish, vegetables, or beef, pork, or goat.

Racial bias

“If you discuss mistrust among African Americans, but you forget the fact that they’ve been badly treated and are still badly treated for a long time by society, and they get access to relatively limited health care choices, and they live in very vulnerable situations, in neighborhoods,” he explains. “[If] you forget all that, it sounds as though African Americans have a trust problem, when, in fact, [during evaluations] they’re responding naturally to being badly treated.”

It is a sentiment shared by Dr. Danielle Hairston, a director of residency training in the Department of Psychiatry at Howard University College of Medicine and a former president of the Black Caucus of the APA. Relaying her experiences while serving as a member of the 2020-2021 APA Presidential Task Force to Address Structural Racism Throughout Psychiatry, she believes that doctors’ inability to recognize their own racial biases and their lack of consideration of generational trauma during their psychiatric assessments results in a gross injustice to their patients.

“If you’re saying ‘I don’t see color,’ you’re missing an important part of how someone’s presenting or what their fears are or what they’re willing to tell you and express, or what is actually a normal response to mistrust versus calling them ‘paranoid’,” she explains.

It is one of the reasons, she said, she felt it was important for her to be a member of the Ethnoracial Equity and Inclusion Workgroup for Text Revision of the DSM-5 which was released in 2022. Co-chairing the group alongside Dr. Lewis-Fernández, Dr. Hairston and colleagues were tasked, among many responsibilities, with ensuring that DSM explanations of symptom appearance in patients accounted for personal experiences with racism and discrimination as well as cultural, racial and ethnic factors. Their work led to a number of updates in the DSM, including diagnosis criteria encouraging clinicians to acknowledge the overdiagnosis of schizophrenia in Black males. The impact of the revisions remains to be seen, Dr. Hairston said.

“Has [it] really changed the way that people have practiced? Has

[it] really changed the way people engage with their patients, with their assessments, with their interviews, with [the] treatment options they give?” she asks, noting that more research is needed.

A study published by the World Psychiatric Association in 2021 found that clinicians lent greatest importance to the presentation of a patient’s symptoms as compared to other clinical information when assessing and treating psychotic disorders. The DSM-5 diagnosis was considered the least important clinical information for patient assessment and treatment.

Additional research examining how clinicians utilize the DSM could also help shed light on other factors, beyond clinician misdiagnosis, that drive the disproportionate diagnosis of psychotic disorders among Black patients. Recent studies show that racial discrimination and social disadvantage are associated with an increased risk of psychosis among Black and Latino individuals in the United States.

Developing opportunities for clinicians to step into the shoes of their patients may also help combat bias and reduce misdiagnosis. Dr. Hairston believes that studying a standardized patient case that illustrates the experiences of a Black male attempting to obtain psychiatric services could offer medical residents and students vital insights into patient care and treatment. It is a virtual reality simulation-based

initiative that Dr. Hairston and her co-investigators are piloting through Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility Grant Program.

“You have standardized patient cases for everything else, why not this?,” she asks. “Everyone should have some empathy about what it’s like for their patients to attempt to seek services.”

More thoughtful training is needed

Dr. Smalls-Mantey adds that additional intensive training in psychiatry for front line providers including emergency department, family medicine and internal medicine physicians, would help inform their clinical decision-making skills when seeing patients with psychiatric disorders. Noting that these hospital staff often see patients with psychiatric disorders before a psychiatrist does, she believes residency rotations in outpatient clinics are not sufficient to equip frontline providers with the experience needed to accurately assess and diagnose psychiatric disorders. Spending time in an inpatient psychiatric unit is critical to gaining the best understanding of a psychiatric illness, she said.

“You’re seeing someone day after day. You’re seeing them improve. You’re seeing them maybe even get worse if they’re not on the right medications,” she said.

Implicit bias training can also play a role in reducing racial disparities in psychotic disorder diagnoses. Several states are currently

engaged in efforts to pass legislation mandating the completion of implicit bias training as part of continuing medical education requirements. In New York, State Senator James Sanders Jr. is the sponsor of Senate Bill S911 which would amend the education law to require physicians to complete a diversity, inclusion and elimination of bias training every two years.

New York State Assemblymember Karines Reyes is also leading legislative measures to integrate implicit bias training into medical education. If passed, Assembly Bill A4116 would require anti-bias training to be included as part of orientation training for medical schools, medical residency programs and physician assistant programs based in the state.

“A lot of data points to biases within the medical community that are driving poor outcomes for our community,” Assemblymember Reyes, a nurse by training, said. “So we thought that perhaps if we try and tackle this problem from an educational lens to make sure we are bringing awareness and highlighting the ways that implicit and explicit biases can contribute or influence how patients are treated, then maybe we can make some inroads with those statistics,” she added.

Dr. Jessica Isom, an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine who also served as a member of the Ethnoracial Equity and Inclusion Workgroup for DSM-5-TR, be-

lieves that the utility of implicit bias training is rooted in how it is structured. Far too often, she said, it allows an individual or institution to simply define what bias is and reference impact measurement limitations in existing research literature. She attributes this largely to an inability of people to move from talking about structural racism to implementing solutions to it.

“It’s not pervasive enough beyond rhetoric,” she said. “It hasn’t translated into structural interventions that are really a part of what evidence-based practice is supposed to be.”

In Dr. Isom’s view, the key to addressing systemic structural racism starts not from convincing people to be less racist, but rather by implementing larger structural changes embedded in how the field of medicine operates. One example of this, she explains, is in which a medical department could introduce a new policy that requires clinicians, as part of quality improvement measures, to ask patients about their cultural background during the psychiatric evaluation process. It is an approach that she likens to putting accountability first and then shifting culture –– and one that she is confident can have a lasting impact on psychiatry.

“We know we can change things. We do it all the time,” she said. “Any change creates conflict and tension, and just requires enough resources and persistence to make it work.”

(AmNews photo illustration)

Arts & Entertainment

Your 2025 Emmy Awards ranked-choice guide: Comedy Series

By MARK WINSTON GRIFFITH Special to the AmNews

The 77th Emmy Awards will be held September 14 and broadcast on CBS and Paramount +. Chances are, you haven’t seen all of the nominated productions, so think of me as your friendly neighborhood guide to 2025 television achievement. Or in some cases, underachievement.

On August 14, I began the gradual release of my ranked choices of the nominees, from my least favorite to my most favorite, in four marquee categories: Outstanding Television Movie; Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series; Outstanding Comedy Series; and Outstanding Drama Series. These choices are not predictions of what will win, nor am I trying to tell you what is the objectively “best” television film or series; just my personal favorites. I hope that reading these mini reviews will simply help you be a more informed and discerning viewer.

This week: Outstanding Comedy Series

Of all the categories I’m covering, Outstanding Comedy Series is arguably the most competitive, most subjective, and trickiest to rate. There is not one clunker among these eight nominees, but one of them is an apple (“The Bear”) compared to seven oranges. Except for the drama-centered “The Bear,” all of them are also stuffed with smart and uproarious gags that hit every 10 seconds or so. As a result, instead of rating them based on how funny they are, I considered other factors, like poignancy; plot playoffs; and well-developed, unforgettable characters.

7. ”Only Murders in the Building”

“Only Murders in the Building” follows neighbors Mabel (Selena Gomez), Charles (Steve Martin), and Oliver (Martin Short) as they create a podcast that chronicles their own amateur sleuthing of murder cases in their Upper West Side apartment building. The first season of “Only Murders” dropped in 2021 and felt relatively closer to the moment’s post-pandemic zeitgeist: At the time, it seemed like everyone and their grandmother was hooked on true crime or trying to produce a podcast in their closet.

Now, with the show in its fourth season (with a fifth season ready to begin later this month), true crime podcasts are old hat. In addition, after so many residents getting consistently offed at the Arconia, one has to wonder why anyone would continue to live there or why the FBI hasn’t raided the joint. By 2024, our crime-fighting trio are no longer simply a group of lonely neighbors awkwardly searching for companionship and a sense of purpose, but were chosen family to one another. Charitably, Oliver is given a love interest who is not a serial killer, but the excitement that drives the action this season is the production of a feature film based on the “Only Murders” podcast. Along the way, we predictably chase down false flags and red herrings before arriving at the door of a murderer whose motives would have left Agatha Christie rolling her eyes.

The weakest acting link continues to be a humorless Selena Gomez, who takes her straightman role too seriously and infects her character with a case of Chronic Dullness Syndrome. On the other hand, the “Only Murder” producers infused this season with

enough star power to choke a Hollywood freeway, which suggests that they may have deemed that Martin and Short’s comic magic was insufficient to carry the season on its own.

Not only does the incomparable Meryl Streep reprise a role from Season 3, but Eva Longoria, Eugene Levey, Zach Galifianakis, Molly Shannon, Melissa McCarthy, and Ron Howard are tossed in for added giggles. Which reminds me: Look for McCarthy and her square-off with Streep. It’s a classic. Unfortunately, the parts of the series are more enjoyable than the sum of them.

6. “Hacks”

Much of the attention this series has received focuses on Jean Smart and her character, the hard-charging diva Deborah Vance, both of whom are raging exquisitely against the sunset of their celebrated Hollywood careers. The series, though, is really about the tortured business partnership, complicated friendship, and codependency between Vance and her young writer mentee, Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder).

er is undeniable and alone worth the watch.

desperately vulnerable self, but his co-stars — Catherine O’Hara, Ike

5. “The Studio”

If there was a popular, if not common, thread among this year’s nominees, it’s a nervous tick around the future of big- and small-screen entertainment. It shows up as an overarching or subtextual theme in “Only Murders in the Building,” “Hacks,” and even “What We Do in the Shadows,” but in “The Studio,” this anxiety is the guiding spirit and raison d’être. In the premier season, Matt Remick (Seth Rogen) takes charge of Continental Studios, a transac-

Season four highlights Vance and Daniels landing their dream jobs on the “Late Night” television stage. The first half of the season is a particularly toxic brew of a Deborah vs. Ava power struggle, but the second half extends some relief to this sparring long enough to provide some entertaining insights into La La Land’s (mostly white) patriarchal, ageist entertainment gauntlet. “Hacks” would not be my natural go-to and I don’t share the fetish that many critics seem to have for Jean Smart, but the chemistry between Smart and Einbind-

tion that quickly reveals itself to be a case of the dog catching the car. As Matt struggles to keep the studio alive against the backdrop of a film industry facing down extinction, each episode turns into a manic, stress-laden, stupendously incompetent attempt by Matt and his staff to stave off professional oblivion. Reminiscent of “Entourage,” “The Studio” is written with an inside-Hollywood, self-parodying style that makes you question how cinematic brilliance ever makes it to the screen. Rogen is his usual semi-adorable,

Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, Kathryn Hahn, and Keyla Monterroso Mejia — hilariously hold their own as a breathless crew of bumblers. The frenetic pace is an acquired taste and is not easy on the viewer’s nervous system, but as the film industry continues to implode in plain sight, “The Studio” just might be the corrective lens and coping mechanism we need to process the industry’s heartbreaking demise.

4. “What We Do In the Shadows” The title of “What We Do in the Shadows” may as well describe the production description of this quirky, niche comedy whose sensibility feels like it is directed at an underground goth audience. “What We Do” is shot from the perspective of a documentary crew filming a Staten Island household of vampires and their monster mash community (Think “The Office” meets “The Munsters”). This intentional family of vampires (which includes an “energy” vampire who sucks your life force through boring conversation) is haplessly trying to take over the United States, but can’t seem to get their stuff together beyond their front door.

In its fourth season, the show’s most important plot development is that the sole mortal in the household, the lovable, but emotionally handicapped Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), finally comes into his own and declares his independence from his voluntary slavery to his vampire masters. However, the central delight of

Continued

Catherine O’Hara, Seth Rogen, Chase Sui Wonders (l–r) of “The Studio” (Apple TV+ photo)

“Hacks” (l–r) cast members Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder. (Jake Giles Netter/Max photo)

“Only Murders in the Building” stars (l–r) Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez. (Disney/Patrick Harbron photo)

the show’s potty-mouthed, deathcasual comedy romp remains its bottomless font of inventiveness and irreverence. Even in an Emmy category defined by broadly mined yucks, “What We Do” is unhinged silliness.

Because this is its final season, “What We Do” goes for broke and can’t help but share its love of filmmaking. In this season’s flourish of cinematic citations that stick the landing, “What We Do” includes references to “The Warriors,” “Batman,” and “Frankenstein,” while sampling endings from the “Usual Suspects,” “Rosemary’s Baby,” and even “The Bob Newhart Show.”

“What We Do” is not for everyone, but if it happens to appeal to your graveyard tastes, you will be sorry to see the coffin close on it.

3. “Nobody Wants This”

After the first few minutes of the premier season of “Nobody Wants This,” you might speculate that the title refers not only to the two starry-eyed lovers at the heart of this romantic comedy, but also to the subject matter of the show itself. The idea of a culture clash put in motion when a Jewish rabbi and a “shiksa” (Gentile woman) fall in love may have seemed like a good idea when it was first greenlit, but in this decidedly post-October 7 environment, it feels fraught and disorienting.

To that point, as a Black person who has watched in horror when Black tropes and stereotypes have made their way into otherwise smart and successful treatments, I can only imagine that some Jewish viewers may not be able to get past all the over-the-top performative Jewishness played for laughs and ridiculousness.

In this case, the Jewish schtick happens to come attached to some flawless comic acting and an extremely successful romantic comedy that features what is otherwise sorely lacking these days: actual chemistry between two heterosexual leads; in this case, Noah (Adam Brody) and Joanne (Kristen Bell). Yes, the podcast that Joanne and her sister Morgan (Justine Lupe) host is a case study in white mediocrity and a media universe rife with amateur frivolity. That aside, Morgan and Noah’s brother Sasha (Timothy Simons) provide a priceless sibling subplot that makes for a screenplay that has multiple effective laugh points and characters.

“Nobody Wants This” doesn’t

just make you laugh. It makes you swoon and cheer for the possibility of love in a world fractured by ignorance, meanness, and compulsive othering. I can’t speak for the other “nobodies,” but I, for one, definitely wanted this.

2. “Shrinking”

It’s obvious that “Shrinking” and “Ted Lasso” share DNA in the form of “Shrinking” co-creator, Bred Goldstein, who portrays Roy Kent in “Ted Lasso.” Now in its second season, “Shrinking” is “Ted Lasso’s” heir apparent. In other words, “Shrinking” is a “nice” comedy that transforms the genre by providing low-intensity, yet sensitive, drama that never fails to highlight the best in human beings.

“Shrinking” gets its title from its setting in the office of a therapist collective made up of Jimmy (Jason Segel), Gaby (Jessica Williams), and the office O.G., Paul (Harrison Ford). Jimmy’s unorthodox style of therapy not only involves becoming personally involved in the lives of his patients, but he also motivates his patients to help him through his own issues, namely recovering from the death of his wife and raising his embittered teenage daughter.

The second season spends a considerable amount of time on Jimmy and his daughter, Alice (Lukita Maxwell) as they process their shared grief and demonstrate the power of forgiveness. What truly makes “Shrinking” special,

though, is how deftly it explores relationships, not just between the main characters, but multi-laterally between the secondary characters as well. Oh, yeah — Harrison Ford has never been more delightfully grumpier.

“Shrinking” strikes a balance between providing feel-good television and diving headlong into the messiness that is everyone’s emotional survival. It’s smart, deeply empathetic and celebrates the healing power of human tenderness.

1. “Abbott Elementary”

One of the few nominees that lives on linear network television, “Abbot Elementary” is all the more impressive because it is a veritable workhorse of a series, producing anywhere from 13 to 22 episodes per season. Because it is set in a public school in a low-income, Black section of Philadelphia, every day of class is another opportunity to poke fun at the earnest educators, struggling parents, cynical administrators, and nonsensical levers of bureaucracy that somehow keep the gears of public education turning. “Abbott Elementary” has its fun with the students, but they are mostly the backdrop and inspirations for the adult characters.

Maintaining a high level of storyline quality and character development has doomed many a sitcom in the past. While I was concerned that some of the freshness was beginning to wane,

the second half of the season of “Abbott Elementary” picked up the momentum and, once again, delivered one of the most finely tuned ensembles on television.

Although “Abbott Elementary” gives us characters that are predictable and drawn consistently to type, Janine (Qunta Brunson), Gregory (Tyler James Williams), Ava (Janelle James), Schemmenti (Lisa An Walter), Jacob (Chris Perfetti), Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph), and Mr. Johonson (William Stanford Davis) are still given room to grow and evolve. As with most workplace sitcoms, the tenure of some of the main characters, like principal Ava, is inevitably put at risk in Season 4, but in the end, we have little doubt that they will emerge unscathed. Janine and Gregory finally settle into a relationship, but the screenwriters manage to keep the romantic tensions intact.

sons as we have watched Carmy (Jeremy White), Sidney (Ayo Edebiri), and their band of beleaguered restaurateurs try to keep their beloved Chicago restaurant, the Bear, alive while sweating and bleeding over every dish. At first blush, “The Bear” is a highintensity, behind-the-scenes look at the art of food preparation and the human cost of getting that plate of bucatini in front of you — but it’s also an examination of sacrificial perfectionism; dysfunctional, yet loving, family; and the processing of trauma. While the center of attraction is the celebrity white male chef in the form of Carmy, his young Black protégée, Sydney, is the straw that stirs the drink. Meanwhile, the soul of the Bear is decentralized and distributed among the ensemble members of the restaurant, most of whom get their own backstories at some point.

What’s perhaps most triumphant about “Abbott Elementary” is that it is the only predominantly Black cast among the nominees, and the leadership up and down the on-screen school is that of Black women. They don’t just “happen” to be Black, but are celebratory in their identity while demonstrating a humanity that runs as deep as any other show on television. May its school bell keep ringing.

Doesn’t Belong on this List: The Bear

It’s already been said many times, by many critics, but “The Bear” doesn’t belong on a list with comedy series nominees. Comedy is, at best, a side-hustle technique in “The Bear.” Yes, there are times when “The Bear” is trying to make you laugh or employ dark humor, but the predominant goal is to make you keep all of your emotional responses on high alert — to empathize, to cry, to be anxious, to feel.

It’s been a whirlwind tour of ups and downs over the past four sea-

This season is literally on a timer because the staff members of the Bear have a matter of weeks before its source of capital is withdrawn, which propels the show along another high-anxiety, highstakes ride. All of the neuroses that the staff and members of the Berzatto family have been holding and beating each other with in the past three seasons finally (phew!) come to a head and get confronted this season. Hang-ups are confessed, apologies are issued, and tears are summoned, particularly in the last trimester of the season, which seems calculated to bring you to your emotional knees. It becomes apparent in the final moments of the season that, given the trajectory of the story arch, the next season of “The Bear” should be its last. As far as the Emmys are concerned, “The Bear” belongs in the “drama series” category, where it would be a strong contender in an already strong field. It ain’t the funniest, but it’s arguably the best written, best acted, and most exhausting hour of television you will find today.

“Only Murders in the Building” stars (l–r) Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez. (Disney/Patrick Harbron photo)

Jason Segel, Jessica Williams (l–r) of “Shrinking.” (Apple TV+ photo)

Abbott Elementary cast members (l–r) William Stanford Davis, Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, Sheryl Lee Ralph. (Disney/Gilles Mingasson photo)

September 2025 Dance Calendar

By CHARMAINE PATRICIA WARREN Special to the AmNews

After 22 years, DANCENOW will present its final season, offering new and non-traditional repertory work from a roster of 17 artists it has promoted for the past twoplus decades. The two-day run, Sept. 5-6, will offer two different programs of 8 artists each night. Performances will again take place on the tiny stage at Joe’s Pub, with longtime host TruDee (Deborah Lohse).

Performance include works by Amber Sloan, Tsiambwom M. Akuchu, Jane Comfort and Company, Sarah Chien, The Bang, Group, Doron Perk/More Fish, BinBinFactory, Cori marquis + the nines [IX], Megan Williams Dance Project, TAKE Dance, Nicole Wolcott, Claire Porter/PORTABLES, Jamal Jackson and Company, Doug Elkins choreography, Nicole Vaughan-Diaz and Symara Johnson. For more information: visit dancenownyc.org.

THIS MONTH:

Sept. 3, 5 and 6: Senegal’s SenCirk will offer three performances of SenCirk Duo and Ancrage a circus-dance-acrobatic-balanceinspired performances about identity and returning to one’s roots at LaGuardia Community College Performing Arts Center and Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem. For more information, visit downtoearthfestival.org.

Sept. 4-5: From France, Compagnie Basinga with Soka Tira Osoa: Highwire Performance comes to the South Street Seaport Museum as part of the “Down to Earth” International Festival of Multidisciplinary Performance in Public Spaces. For more information visit downtoearthfestival.org.

Sept. 11: The American Tap Dance Foundation will present the 2024 and 2025 Tap City Awards at the Bruno Walter Auditorium, located within the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. This special event will honor recipients of the ATDF Hoofer Awards, Tap Preservation Awards, and inductees into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame for both 2024 and 2025. The evening will include surprise guests, archival film clips, and live performances, celebrating the rich legacy and vibrant future of tap dance. Honorees will include Dick Van Dyke, Tommy Tune, Lisa La Touche, the late Billy Strayhorn and more. This event is FREE and open to the public. For more information visit atdf.org.

Sept. 12-13: Miro Magloire’s New Chamber Ballet returns to Mark Morris Dance Center, a program of premieres: a solo for Rachele Perla and a company work to music by Tonia Ko. For more information visit newchamberballet.com.

Sept. 13: LaTasha Barnes and an all-female swing band opens The 92nd Street Y season dedicated to women titled “Women Move the World,” with works by women. Barnes will present Swing Out Loud: Women Move The World, a swing dance party, a lesson, a tribute, and a celebration. For more information visit 92ny.org.

Sept. 14: As part of the “Works & Process” series, experience a preview of Jamar Roberts’ new commission for New York City Ballet. For more information visit worksandprocess.org.

Sept. 16-27: For the 22nd year, the annual

Fall for Dance Festival returns with five programs of works performed or choreographed by Jeroboam Bozeman, Anna Greenberg, Sara Mearns, and Jamar Roberts, Dario Natarelli in a swooning solo created with Michelle Dorrance, San Francisco Ballet with the New York premiere of Akram Khan’s Dust, Clara Furey/Bent Hollow, Lil Buck and opera singer Davóne Tines, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Gibney Company in Lucinda Childs’s Three Dances (for prepared piano) John Cage, Hannah O’Neill & Hugo Marchand in Jerome Robbins’s Afternoon of a Faun, kNoname Artist│Roderick George, Ballet BC, Dutch National Ballet, Argentina’s Social Tango Project, The Stuttgart Ballet, I-Ling Liu X Dance on Fluid brings Taiwanese choreographer I-Ling Liu and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. For more information visit nycitycenter.org.

Sept. 19-21: Ayodele Casel and Kayla Farrish will share works and discussions at Kaatsbaan. Casel will present a new work with music by Max Roach and Cecil Taylor at Kaatsbaan and Farrish promises two new works that draw on Black histories and jazz’s reimagination. Post show talks with both artists will follow each performance. For more information visit kaatsbaan.org.

Sept. 19-28: Edisa Weeks’ DELIRIOUS Dances will present Wastelandia, “ … a performance ritual constructed from recycled plastic that invites the audience to engage in a multilayered visual and immersive experience,” notes the release, at The Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art. For more information visit snug-harbor.org.

Sept. 20-21: “The Erasing Borders

Dance Festival,” returns for their seventeenth annual festival and will feature Bharatanatyam artist Priyadarsini Govind, Rama Vaidyanathan with Dakshina and Sannidhi. Performances will take place at Ailey Citigroup Theater. For more information visit iaac.us.

Sept. 22: As part of the “Works & Process” series at The Guggenheim, Dance Theatre of Harlem will offer an evening titled “Art of the Duet” for the revival of Firebird set for 2026. Initially premiered in 1982, Firebird features choreography by John Taras, a score by Stravinsky plus sets and costumes by Geoffrey Holder. For more information visit worksandprocess.org.

Sept. 25-27: A. I. M by Kyle Abraham to the Rose Theater at Lincoln Center with three works: 2x4, by Abraham set to a score by Shelley Washington with music performed live by two baritone saxophonists, The Gettin’, a work for six dancers created in collaboration with visual artist Glenn Ligon and set to live music by jazz artist Robert Glasper, and If We Were a Love Song, a series of poetic vignettes set to some of Nina Simone’s performed live by singer/ songwriter Baby Rose. For more information visit lincolncenter.org.

Sept. 28: Choreographer, director, and painter Shen Wei of Sen Wei Dance Arts, as part of “Works & Process,” will join American Dance Festival executive director Jodee Nimerichter as they discuss Wei’s newest commission. Michelle Yun, Executive Director, Katonah Museum of Art, will also join the panel. For more information visit worksandprocess.org.

Symara Johnson (Justin Williams photo)

Symara Johnson (Elyse Mertz photo)

Trends

‘Van Gogh’s Flowers’ spring up at the New York Botanical Garden

By RENEE MINUS WHITE Fashion & Beauty Editor

“Van Gogh’s Flowers,” an exhibit showcasing the flowery beauty and color of some of the artist’s famous works, is currently on display, now through October 26, at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), located at 2900 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. The exhibit alone is worth the trip for your entire family.

Next to Van Gogh’s paintings, there are botanical displays along with contemporary art by Lee Baker and Catherine Borowski of Graphic Rewilding, sculptor Amie Jacobsen, and immersive artist Cyril Lancelin. These works include both real and sculptural sunflowers that visitors can walk through while gazing at bright and beautiful, larger-than-life yellow sunflowers, big and small, in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

Inside the exhibit, you can pose in front of artist Amy Jacobson’s three-dimensional sculptures inspired by Van Gogh’s expressive pieces of irises, imperial fritillaries, oleanders, and roses with walls of selfie-worthy living plants in the background. You’ll also find the hospital of Arles that Van Gogh painted in 1889; this painting comes to life in a magnificent rendition of living flowers and architectural elements.

Amie J. Jacobson, a designer, sculptor, and public artist, learned metalworking as an in-house designer and resident artist at Machine Head, a metal fabrication shop in the Crossroads Art District in Kansas City. Her detailed

work of flower arrangements resembling Van Gogh’s paintings, shown in vases throughout the exhibit, was awesome.

NYBG offers special complementary daytime programming

on select dates during the exhibit. Engaging interactive experiences, such as “Plain Air Drop-In and Paint,” encourages NYBG visitors to experience drawing sunflowers, or whatever they want to create, with water and a paintbrush. Kids as well as adults enjoy this feature. Their paintings evaporate as soon as the water dries, and the blackboard is ready for the next new artist. Folks are inspired to see nature as Van Gogh did.

From 7:30-10:30 p.m. on select Friday or Saturday nights, NYBG introduces Starry Nights, a dazzling display of the Van Gogh exhibit viewed in the glow of the evening. Music and performers, and drinks and food will be available to purchase. Depending on conditions, a 1-minute after-dark Van Gogh-themed drone show finale — a New York City first, at a cultural institution — brings the Starry Nights to life before your eyes.

For more information about “Van Gogh’s Flowers,” and to purchase tickets, visit nybg.org. To purchase tickets for Starry Nights, visit feverup.com.

The “Van Gogh’s Flowers” exhibit is on view at the New York Botanical Garden now through October 26, 2025. (Renee Minus White/A Time To Style photos)

AmNews FOOD

Savoring the last bits of summer with burrata, cherries, and basil

By KELLY TORRES Special to the AmNews

Oh, burrata! Chefs love to serve burrata for many reasons, but the main reason is simply because it’s a cheese that’s easy to please. Burrata is a mid-sized ball of mozzarella filled with soft, oozing stracciatella cheese. Its creamy goodness is what makes it a likely candidate to work well with a vari-

ety of flavor profiles. Once upon a time, burrata could only be found in specialty stores. Luckily, it is now easily found in plenty of supermarkets nationwide, so we can all make a burrata plate at home.

Dressing a burrata plate is like figuring out what you’re going to wear to an event — it depends on what mood you’re in or what type of energy you want to put out. I knew I wanted this burrata dish

to be fun; to be colorful, playful, and sweet. I’m gonna let you in on a little hack: Use a food template. If you follow a template using a fruit, a nut, an herb, and an oil, it is so much easier to switch it up and insert your favorite ingredients, as long as it makes a delicious combination.

Keep in mind that you can be creative with this template. For example, instead of using fruit,

you can decide to use zucchini. Instead of using a nut, you can use savory breadcrumbs or savory granola. Instead of an herb, you can use leafy bitter greens and instead of an oil, you can use a consommé or a vinaigrette.

For this burrata plate, I made a basil olive oil by gently poaching basil leaves in olive oil and garlic, then running it through the food processor, and finally

straining the oil, which turns into a brighter olive-green color. Cherries are the sweet centerpiece — when sliced in half, the dark-red juices drip into the dish, making it all the more experiential. Finally, crushed toasted pistachio nuts give a crunch that will please any umami-loving palate.

Serve this burrata dish familystyle. Double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd.

Family Style Burrata with Sweet Cherries, Pistachios, and Garlicky Basil Oil

Yields 2–4 servings

Ingredients for the burrata plate:

2 balls of burrata Maldon sea salt, to taste

1½ cups packed basil leaves, plus extra for garnish

1 cup sweet cherries, pitted, sliced in half

½ cup crushed, toasted pistachios

¼ cup garlicky basil oil (see recipe)

Ingredients for the garlicky basil oil:

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves of garlic

1½ cups packed whole basil leaves

Instructions for the garlicky basil oil:

In a small, deep skillet, heat the olive oil on medium low heat for approximately 4–5 minutes. Add the garlic cloves and sauté for approximately 3–4 minutes, until slightly golden. Turn the heat to low. Add the basil leaves, stirring immediately until fully wilted and popping sounds subside. (Be careful with potential popping oil by using a splash guard. If you washed your basil leaves, be sure to fully pat them dry before adding to hot oil.)

Let the basil macerate in the oil for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat. Set aside and let cool. In a food processor, add the oil, basil, and garlic. Pulse 2–3 times, then fully process for 60 seconds.

Place a sieve over a bowl or glass measuring cup and pour the basil mixture into the sieve, allowing the basil oil to gather into the bowl or measuring cup. Press the basil mixture gently against the sieve to extract as much of the basil oil as possible. Enjoy basil oil immediately.

Assembly:

For family-style plating, choose your most impressive medium-sized platter. (Now’s a good time to whip out that beautiful ceramic piece you impulsively bought at the thrift shop.) Food deserves to be presented beautifully.

Place the two balls of burrata in the center of the plate. Slice into the burrata creating an X and open up completely, allowing the creamy mozzarella to spill out.

Sprinkle the burrata with a generous pinch of Maldon sea salt. Let some salt escape to the outer parts of the burrata so that flavor reaches anything that is dragged across the plate.

Tear a few fresh basil leaves and dot on and around the burrata. Add 1 cup of sliced cherries all over, letting them fall organically anywhere on and around the burrata. Pour any accumulated cherry juice over the burrata.

Sprinkle the crushed pistachios all over.

Lastly, pour the garlicky basil oil directly onto the burrata with a final drizzle around the perimeter of the platter.

Enjoy!

Family-style burrata with sweet cherries, pistachios, and garlicky basil oil. (Kelly Torres photo)

George Clinton, P-Funk funk up Times Square with career-spanning setlist

By JOHNNY KNOLLWOOD Special to AmNews

Parliament-Funkadelic, the musical collective headed by funk pioneer George Clinton, landed the mothership back in New York City on August 22 at the Palladium Times Square for a groove-filled evening of dancing and laughter. The legendary bandleader, songwriter, and vocalist was joined by an eclectic cast of all-star musicians that included longtime members Michael “Kidd Funkadelic” Hampton on guitar and bassist Lige Curry, alongside members of the Third Generation of Parliament (3GP) that includes Clinton’s stepdaughter, Scottie Clinton, and vocalist Thurtdelic, who just released his latest album, “Psychedelic Therapy.” The group performed a career-spanning setlist of hits, fan favorites, covers, vamps and jams that interweaved everything from rap to rock and roll under the funk umbrella.

George Clinton has led Parliament-Funkadelic through over six decades of musical innovation, pioneering a unique sonic brew that evolved as the times did and utilizing a revolving door lineup of collaborators and musicians that has included bassist Bootsy

Collins, late keyboardist Bernie Worrell, and trombonist Fred Wesley. This year marks 50 years since the group released “Mothership Connection,” a landmark record that conceptualized Afrofuturism and solidified p-funk’s place in cultural history through their cosmic imagery, contemplative social humor, and unparalleled groove. The album included perhaps p-funk’s most recognized mainstream hit, “Give Up the

Funk,” which has fueled dance floor mania and popped up in various hip-hop sampling for decades.

On Friday night, Clinton and his collective performed “Give Up the Funk,” and lots of other hits that included songs like “Flashlight,” “One Nation Under a Groove,” and “Atomic Dog,” which kept audience members moving and singing along to the unifying funk anthems. Seated for parts of

the show, Clinton frequently rose to lead the audience in chants, claps, and hand waves, dropping bits of uncanny wisdom reminiscent of — and sometimes directly quoted from —- records like “Free Your Mind,” “Mommy What’s a Funkadelic?” and of course, “Maggot Brain.” Many of the group’s most recognizable compositions are open-ended by design, giving space to the horn players to develop and express new and exciting improvisational ideas on classic songs and allowing elements from totally different tunes from different eras to converge, like when the group initiated a chant from the 1970 song “Music for My Mother,” over a cover of House of Pain’s “Jump Around.”

The musicians onstage mirrored the music – wild, uninform, individualistic, free. Despite the range of musicians who performed onstage, and the variety of the music, all who “tore the roof off the sucker,” in the Palladium that night were united under the p-funk umbrella. While all is far from being well in the world, it might do us well to take a page from the p-funk handbook — listen closely — for we under George Clinton’s command are all “One Nation, Under a Groove.”

The almighty George Clinton, performing with Parliament-Funkadelic at Palladium Times Square on August 22. (Johnny Knollwood photos)

Michael “Kidd Funkadelic” Hampton, performing with George Clinton & ParliamentFunkadelic at Palladium Times Square on August 22.

Greg Thomas, Michael Hampton and Thurtdelic, performing with George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic at Palladium Times Square on August 22.

Thurtdelic, performing with George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic at Palladium Times Square on August 22.

Greg Thomas, performing with George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic at Palladium Times Square on August 22.

Marshall Allen leads Sun Ra Arkestra to close out free “Summer Thunder” in Brooklyn

By JOHNNY KNOLLWOOD Special to the AmNews

The Sun Ra Arkestra, led by Marshall Allen, the 101-year-old saxophonist who has performed with the group since 1955, closed out “Summer Thunder” at Union Pool on August 24. The avant-jazz collective took listeners on a sonic journey at the free annual summer series hosted by the popular Brooklyn bar, with two sets of cosmic, groovefilled explorations of sound and space.

The Sun Ra Arkestra channels the philosophic sensibilities of late bandleader, composer, and keyboardist Sun Ra, who used unconventional music and experimental art to build worlds and push the limits of jazz, pioneering concepts that evolved into Afro-futurism and world music and influencing artists that include Parliament-Funkadelic, Flying Lotus, and Kamasi Washington. The band, led by centennial horn player Marshall Allen since 1995 after the deaths of both Sun Ra and fellow longtime saxophonist John Gilmore in 1993 and 1995, has featured world-class players like Pharoah Sanders, Don Cherry, and June Tyson.

Allen, who released his first solo album, “New Dawn,” before of his 101st birthday in May, led the Arkestra on Sunday afternoon through a spacey, diverse journey of sound that incorporated Afro-Latin rhythms, be-bop swing and harmony, and unusual noises made both by conventional instruments and ones less so, like Allen’s Electronic Valve Instrument. He at times

rose from his seat to give direction to the players, cueing soloists and sections of the tunes and shaping the landscape of the performance.

The audience, who formed a line that wrapped around one side of the block three times before the doors opened, packed out the Brooklyn bar patio where the Arkestra staged an intimate show. $10 shot + beer specials flowed while bemused fans and community members watched in amazement as spontaneity and adventure unfolded before them.

Allen’s approach to playing the horn is truly unique and difficult to describe — he plays like a rockstar, at times one-handed, loud and noisy, reminiscent of rock guitar gods like Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page. Yet, in the chaos and noise, his harmonic choices, rooted in the complexity of be-bop jazz, feel right at home. Allen has found a way to expand on the language, not only of jazz or the saxophone, but of music and expression as a whole through his unapologetic, unabashed, uncopied approach at performing, which has developed and evolved over his seven-decade career.

At 101, the Guinness World Recordholding musician continues to find new ways to express himself and explore the limitless possibilities of art and sound. Little was said during the performance — the music largely spoke for itself, but the presence of unity, freedom, and fun could be felt throughout the bar on Sunday as the Arkestra initiated their exit procession. You can stay up to date with Marshall Allen and the Sun Ra Arkestra at sunraarkestra.com.

Sun Ra Arkestra, under direction of 101-year-old saxophonist Marshall Allen, closed out “Summer Thunder” at Union Pool in Brooklyn on August 24. (Johnny Knollwood photos)

VTY, St. Nick’s Pub, Joe Lovano Review

It’s no secret, but some have yet to recognize that some of New York City’s best jazz performances are by longtime jazz impresario Arnie Perez, co-founder of VTY Jazz, Sunday Serenade. The series, which began more than a dozen years ago, has presented such established musicians as Billy Harper, Jermey Pelt, Mark Whitfield, Melvis Santa, Chembo Corneil, Elio Villafranca, Josh Evans, and Charles Tolliver.

Perez and co-founder Nat White (transitioned in 2020) have united artists in configurations that rarely come together on the jazz circuit. Arnie’s goal is to introduce these artists as they pay tribute and awareness to many renowned artists, alive and deceased, who have contributed so much to this music called jazz.

On September 7, Sunday Serenade will celebrate the 83rd birthday of bassist and educator Dr. Larry Ridley at the Cutting Room (44 East 32nd Street). The featured ensemble will include saxophonist Patience Higgins, trumpeter Duane Eubanks, pianist David Hazeltine, bassist Asante Debriano, and drummer Adam Cruz.

The Indiana native’s distinctive career found him as a mainstay in ensembles led by James Moody, Duke Ellington, and Thelonious Monk. He didn’t record many albums as a leader, but his creative playing allowed him to appear on a wealth of acclaimed recordings, such as “The Night of the Cookers: Live at Club la Marchal, Vol. 1” (Blue Note, 1965), Jackie McLean’s “Jacknife” (Blue Note, 1965), Horace Silver “The Jody Grind” (Blue Note, 1966), Lee Morgan’s “Cornbread” (Blue Note, 1965), and Hank Mobley’s “Straight No Filter” (Blue Note, 1989).

He earned his doctorate degree in performing arts at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. With an interest in jazz education, he was a founding member of the Rutgers Institute for Jazz Studies where he accepted a position as a member of the jazz faculty. He was responsible for inviting a host of renowned musicians to the jazz program, including Kenny Barron, Don Friedman, Freddie Waits, and famed guitarist Ted Dunbar (often under the radar, but who taught Vernon Reid, Peter Bernstein, and Kevin Eubanks, as an early member of the Rutgers jazz faculty).

Taking on the unspoken role as education activist during his tenure at Rutgers sparked Dr. Ridley to play an important role in forming the Black Jazz Music Caucus of the National Association of Jazz Educators (1977), which now operates as the African American Jazz Caucus (AAJC). The purpose of the organization was to increase “representation of African American Jazz artists and educators within the larger body of the

Jazz Educators Association.”

Although Dr. Ridley has retired from playing, he still enjoys a good jazz show, having been seen at Dizzy’s jazz club and other hip spots; it is hoped that he will make an appearance at the Cutting Room for his big birthday celebration (3 p.m.–5:45 p.m.).

For reservations, call 917-882-9539 or visit thecuttingroomnyc.com.

The historic St. Nick’s Pub, formerly at 733 St. Nicholas Avenue, was instantly recognized as Harlem’s jazz mecca in 1940. It was originally known as Luckey’s Rendezvous, owned by pianist and composer Charles Luckeyeth Roberts. His nightly jam sessions included jazz icons like Art Tatum, Sonny Rollins, and Charlie Parker.

During the Pub’s 1994 resurgence, it became an international jazz workshop where young musicians (from Harlem to Australia) faithfully interned weekly on Monday nights with a revolving door of such established artists as Wynton Marsalis, Savion Glover, Olu Dara, a young Gregory Porter, Donald Smith, Vanessa Rubin, and James Carter, among many others.

Most recently, jazz producer, actor, and singer Rome Neal debuted his independent documentary “Patience Higgins and His Sugar Hill Quartet’s Last Night at St. Nick’s Pub.” The 50-minute film features a memorable performance by Higgins and his Sugar Hill Quartet, the original all-star Monday night house band that featured pianist Marcus Persiani, bassists Andy McCloud and Alex Hernandez, and bandleader Higgins. In one specific scene, viewers will see a young Tia Fuller jamming away. Bright reflections of the Pub are offered by the late drummer David F. Gibson, Kathy Farmer, Bill Saxton, TC III, and others.

“I wanted to make sure this documentary was debuted in Harlem, the home of one of its most cherished jazz spots,” said Rome.

“St. Nick’s Pub and those great Monday nights began in Harlem and lasted for over a decade.” Harlem’s longtime jazz promoter

and producer Berta Indeed founded St. Nick’s Monday nights and played a role in naming the famous house band the Sugar Hill Quartet that became one of Harlem’s most popular ensembles.

Neal’s film debut was a big bash that he kicked off at the historic Faison Firehouse Theater, founded in 1999 by Tony Awardwinning choreographer George Faison and Tad Schnugg. Faison greeted the sold-out house, offering some history of the 25-year old theater where Maya Angelou, Spike Lee, and others gathered for various events.

It was a lively St. Nick’s Pub reunion, with many former Pub regulars, jazz fans, celebs, and musicians. The Sugar Hill Quartet, featuring bandleader Higgins, bassist Lonnie Plaxico, drummer Winard Harper, and pianist Issac Ben Ayala, lit up the Firehouse with blazing rhythms that later highlighted a burning jam session. And what would a Rome Neal production be without his famous banana puddin’, still a number one crowd pleaser?

In his five decades, tenor saxophonist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Joe Lovano has made a point of being the musical adventurer. He’s explored many shades of the music: playing in the warm textures of pianist Hank Jones, finding the soul of jazz with organists Dr. Lonnie Smith and Jack McDuff, and roaring in straight-ahead jazz with the big bands of Woody Herman and Mel Lewis. He moved outside the box with John Zorn’s Masada Quintet, “Stolas: Book of Angels, Volume 12” (Tzadik, 2009), and he found new territory with his quintet Us Five that featured two drummers Francisco Mela and Otis Brown III, along with bassist Esparanza Spalding and pianist James Weidman.

His current touring band, the Joe Lavano Paramount Quartet, recently sold out the storied Village Vanguard for their entire six-night engagement. The quartet featured the inventive guitarist Julian Lage; Panamanian bassist Asante Santi Debriano, who

blends his homeland rhythms; and drummer Will Calhoun, who refuses to be categorized into any boxed-genre. They played everything from Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk to tunes like “New Amsterdam” led by Calhoun, who brought some melodic fire to the stage with a fierce bass solo of assorted colors. On Wayne Shorter’s “Lady Day,” the guitar was all aglow swinging in altered directions. The Paramount Quartet is a tight unit — a collage of straight-ahead, pure creativity. They blend melodic and rhythmic influences of African roots with the freedom of avantgardism and hipness of contemporary jazz, with Lovano alternating on soprano sax. There is an openness in Paramount’s piano-less configuration. Ornette Coleman explained to me, some years ago, that he chose not to use the piano because “it takes up too much space.” That sounds simple enough, but Ornette never spoke in literal terms and it’s that obvious musicians would grasp what he was saying immediately: Simply, the piano takes up a lot of playing space within the group’s sound. “Well, first, Ornette’s answer would depend on who was playing piano,” as Joe chuckled with me backstage. “Personally, I really like the sound we have without the piano. We are having a lot of fun and playing some different music.”

The sound of Paramount can’t be denied — the innovative sound is the collective contributions of Lovano, Calhoun, Asante, and the guitar of Lage. Taking on a pianoless project is still a revolutionary move, but Lovano reveled for some years in playing with drummer Paul Motian’s trio with guitarist Bill Frissell and doing quartet work with guitarist John Scofield. The West African guitarist Lionel Loueke appeared on the saxophonist’s album “Cross Culture” (Blue Note, 2013). Joe Lovano’s Paramount is an inventive quartet, exploring new music in the moment while finding new phrasing and sounds within the core of whatever they play.

Larry Ridley (Photo courtesy of Magdalena Ridley) Rome Neal (Bill Moore photo)

Violations

from top NYPD officials. Employees who misuse facial recognition technology may face administrative or criminal penalties, according to department policy.

In one case, however, emails Legal Aid submitted in court showed [that] an FDNY marshal accessed Clearview AI at a detective’s request to help the NYPD identify a pro-Palestinian pro-

Black health

COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, severe COVID-19 infection in pregnancy can cause maternal death and stillbirth.

The crisis in Black maternal health could be further exacerbated by restrictions in access to COVID vaccination.

As the flu season and winter approaches, it is especially important for the COVID vaccine and other immunizations such as influenza and pneumonia to be widely available.

The policies and practices of the Trump administration must be opposed and challenged, especially by

testor at Columbia University who allegedly threw an object at a student who was counter-protesting. FDNY ran a photo NYPD posted to Instagram through Clearview AI, which turned up photos of the protestor from high school. The NYPD used that information to figure out who he was.

FDNY has been using Clearview AI since December 2022, and paid for its access through Department of Homeland Security grants, records show.

The Manhattan DA charged [the protestor] with a felony — assault in

doctors who care for and serve our communities.

Black leaders such as Rev. Al Sharpton have spoken out and organized protests against Trump’s cutting Medicaid and SNAP to fund tax cuts for wealthy businesses.

On Thursday August 28, the 62nd anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, Rev. Sharpton led the March on Wall Street where thousands of people from all over the country protested the Trump-led corporate rollback of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs and cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke before the Medical Committee for Human Rights in Chicago and said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice

the third degree as a hate crime — later reduced to a misdemeanor of second degree aggravated harassment. A criminal court judge in June dismissed the case against the protestor and in a lengthy ruling, raised red flags about government surveillance and practices that ran afoul of law enforcement’s own policies. The judge wrote in her ruling that it was “evident” NYPD’s investigatory steps “clearly contravene official NYPD policy concerning the use of facial recognition.”

in health is the most shocking and the most inhuman because it often results in physical death.”

The injustices of the Trump administration are innumerable but they are all aimed at destroying the determination, courage and independence necessary to fight injustice. In the spirit of Dr. King, we will keep on marching. Today more than ever, activism is necessary for our community’s health.

Dr. Jessie Fields is a primary care medical doctor in Harlem and she leads the Creating Our Mental Health social therapeutic sessions with poetry, performance, and music, building community.

An 81 unit building including 4 units designated for the disabled, located at 122 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY, is available for renting to those with limited income. Qualifications will be based on income guidelines.

Interested persons may obtain an application by telephoning the Griffin House at (914) 376-1400, picking it up in person, sending an email to info@ hhmgmt.com or writing to us at 122 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701.

Completed applications sent by regular mail, not registered or certified mail must be received by October 31, 2025. All applications received after this deadline date will not be processed until all applications received by the deadline are processed.

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Education

Are immigrant families safe as they send their kids back to classrooms? NYC Officials say yes

By ARIAMA C. LONG Amsterdam News Staff

As New York City’s students head back to public schools this September, immigrant families are forced to deal with the harsh reality of President Donald Trump’s escalating mass deportation and detention agenda.

But in New York, everyone between the ages of five to 21 has the right to free K-12 public education, regardless of their immigration status. Officials with the public schools want people to know that fact and not live in fear.

“New York City public schools stand with all of our families regardless of background or immigration status. Let me assure you our schools are safe places,” said NYC Public Schools Chancellor Melissa AvilesRamos at a press conference in Manhattan held by New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) on August 27. “We are here to support our families.”

Aviles-Ramos said that the Department of Education (DOE) is training public school staff on “non-local law enforcement protocols.”

Mary Vaccaro, who is with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), added that teachers were working hard in their trainings to be prepared for the year. Teachers and administration usually ask for emergency contact information, but many have vowed to never share this info with law enforcement, said Vaccaro.

Vaccaro said that parents have expressed a fear of putting their children on buses as well, and that teachers, social workers, guidance counselors, and paraprofessionals should be available to receive students as soon as they deboard and walk them into school.

NYC Panel for Education Policy (PEP) Government Affairs Committee Chair

Naveed Hasan said that there have, unfortunately, been instances where parents and students have been questioned or deported.

“Since January, there has been a worsening federal immigration enforcement environment. Parents are getting harassed at their places of work. Children are being asked to show their papers while playing baseball in the park. Families are being detained at regularly scheduled court hearings,” said Hasan. “We’ve experienced an increasing number of public school students…taken by (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) ICE. They’re being held in deplorable conditions, shuttled from

state to state, denied access to legal support and their education. Some have even been deported to countries from which they fled ever present danger.”

To combat this, PEP passed a resolution in January 2025 stating that the city’s public schools will protect all students, including migrant children. The on-the-ground effort to assist and protect immigrants is also valiantly led by advocates and nonprofits, said Hasan, that can help with things like school enrollment, seasonal clothing, books, temporary housing issues, referrals to legal services, court accompaniment, etc.

Hasan said that many that were previously helped are now returning to assist others. Still, other elected officials encouraged caution.

“Right now it’s very difficult to say to anyone in New York City that face deportation that we can protect them in any of our public agencies, or City agencies, in any way,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, the first Dominican-American to serve in his role, at a rally for Haitian immigrant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in Brooklyn.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams warned about spreading misinformation and fear-mongering as well. He said that as of this week there have been no “raids” on schools and places of employment that

he’s aware of. “There is a lot of reason to be afraid out there,” said Williams. “ Just want to make sure that people are spreading accurate information.”

Families are encouraged to be equipped with resources to help them stay safe, including Know Your Rights information and family preparedness planning.

Quick guide to what you need to know about your or your child’s rights in school.

The information here is not a replacement for legal advice, but according to the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU):

A school cannot require proof of legal immigration status to enroll; and cannot ask about you or your parent/guardian’s citizenship, immigration status, or social security number.

In general, school police only have the authority to investigate violations of school policy or other threats to school safety, not a student’s immigration status. If they do, you do not have to answer. Also, ask if your school district has a memorandum explaining your school police’s policies and if it includes protections for immigrant students.

In general, ICE and police are not allowed to question or detain a student at school without parental consent unless there is a judicial warrant, or if there is an urgent safety issue at the school. Administrative warrants are not enough to justify ques-

tioning, detaining, or sharing a student’s immigration status.

ICE can question you in public spaces such as a bus stop or the subway. However, inside buses are not public property, and ICE should not be allowed to board without a signed judicial warrant.

General information – like your name, address, and telephone number – is not legally protected, and could be shared even without a warrant or subpoena. Check your school district’s policies to see what is classified as “directory information.” Check your school district’s policies to make sure they have rules for what to do if immigration officers request student data. If stopped, do not lie and do not falsely claim to be a citizen.

If stopped, know you have a right to talk to a lawyer.

You should carry your current school (identification) ID, driver’s license, or NYC ID and make sure your ID cards are not expired. If you are a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, TPS holder, or permanent legal resident (green card holder), carry these documents with you. Never give a fake ID to an officer.

For more comprehensive information and guides or assistance, go to www.nyic.org/resources-training/kyr/ or contact NYCLU at schools@nyclu.org.

Panel for Education Policy Government Affairs Committee Chair Naveed Hasan and his children at a ‘Know Your Rights’ press conference on Wednesday, August 27.

NYC Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos joined the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) at a press conference on the Tweed Courthouse steps to provide critical information for immigrant families on Aug. 27.

(Contributed by the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC))

watchdog agency

Continued from page 3

Then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg vetoed the bill in 2013, but the City Council overrode the decision.

Today, Williams and Lander serve as the city’s second- and third-highest ranking officials, just underneath Adams. Their letter questioned what caused the sharp staffing decline in 2022 (particularly in comparison to other DOI offices) and how the city could refill the watchdog’s ranks.

The Adams administration says the most recent budget funds 20 positions, and cannot speak to why the DOI has not filled multiple vacancies (the OIG-NYPD maintains independence, although the inspector general was appointed by the DOI commissioner, who was appointed by the mayor).

Kayla Mamelak, a spokesperson for Adams, also pointed to other levers of NYPD accountability, including the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), Internal Affairs Bureau, and federal monitor assigned from the Floyd lawsuit over unconstitutional stop-and-frisk practices. “Oversight is critical, but we must strike the right balance — holding our city workers accountable while also making the best use of the city’s taxpayers’ dollars,” she added.

While the CCRB also serves as an independent, civilian NYPD watchdog, it looks into individual misconduct complaints like use-of-force or unlawful stops. The OIG-

NYPD, on the other hand, does not look at individual cases and instead focuses on broader policies and procedures that can lead to abuses or misconduct.

Currently, the city charter mandates that the CCRB remain staffed to reflect at least 0.0065% of the NYPD’s uniformed headcount, which sits above 30,000 and ensures at least roughly 200 employees remain on the watchdog’s roster. The letter to Adams mentions talks of a ballot proposal to enact a similar fixed number for the OIG-NYPD.

A DOI spokesperson said the department reviewed Lander and Williams’s letter and the NYC Office of Management and Budget greenlit a restructuring plan to hire 12 new OIG-NYPD employees. Seven candidates already received offers and should start in the fall, pending background checks. The DOI is actively recruiting for five other positions to round out an expected roster of 15 employees, along with the watchdog’s special counsel.

“It is worth noting that while the unit had more active staffing in prior years, its output has consistently ranged from one to five reports per year,” said the DOI spokesperson. “Since 2022, despite limited staffing, OIG-NYPD —- with significant executive support and resources — has consistently issued reports in that range: In 2022, OIG-NYPD issued two reports; in 2023, OIG-NYPD issued four reports; in 2024, OIG-NYPD issued four reports; and OIG-NYPD has issued two reports so far

this year, with at least one more to come shortly.

“Whether legally mandated or not, OIGNYPD’s reports are labor-intensive and time-consuming, and our new staffing model is designed to expedite the report writing and issuing process, given the unit’s critical role in police oversight.”

Beyond a mandated annual report, the OIG-NYPD is also legally required to investigate NYPD compliance with the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act, a privacy law compelling the police department to disclose surveillance tools.

This year, the OIG-NYPD also looked into social media conduct by prominent officials like then-Chief of Patrol John Chell and then-Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry. The report pointed to less-thanfriendly responses targeting notable police critics like Council Member Tiffany Caban and political commentator Olayemi Olurin.

As a result, the NYPD accepted all six recommendations by the inspector general, including to update social media policy use and assign digital communications officers to all social

media accounts, including at the executive level. Chell, now promoted to chief of department, largely tweets about successes from quality of life teams while Daughtry currently works directly under Adams as deputy mayor of public safety.

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Health

Why don’t Black women join clinical trials?

By SHERNAY WILLIAMS Word in Black

A simple question sparked complicated answers: “Would you participate in a clinical trial?”

“I would be nervous,” Baltimore resident Kim Pennington admitted. “It has to be a sacrifice, and I don’t know if I want to sacrifice my health and my life for a trial.”

She’s not alone. Black women make up just 2% of all cancer clinical trial participants. Experts say this lack of participation is one of the reasons Black women are 38% more likely to die from breast cancer.

RELATED: Breast Cancer Kills Black Women More. Will Trump Make it Worse?

What is a clinical trial?

Clinical trials aren’t experiments on strangers. They’re used to test new medications or treatments on people who volunteer to participate, allowing researchers to determine if those medications or treatments are safe and effective. It’s a form of medical research — and they’re often the only way patients can get access to the most advanced treatments.

“Clinical trials are just a marvelous opportunity to get the most cutting-edge therapy that’s available,” said Georges C. Benjamin, M.D., executive director of the American Public Health Association.

Why are Black women underrepresented?

The answer lies in a long history of exploitation and exclusion.

A 2023 survey of 257 Black women across the U.S. conducted by TOUCH, the Black Breast Cancer Alliance, found that historical mistreatment of Black bodies in the name of medical research contributes to hesitancy like Pennington’s.

“There is a long history of mistrust in the Black community of the medical establishment; much of it is well-founded,” said Oliver Brooks, M.D., past president of the National Medical Association.

A history of medical atrocities

Generations of Black folks know about Black men and women who were treated unjustly by the U.S. medical community.

• In the 1840s, the so-called father of gynecology, J. Marion Sims, perfected surgical techniques still employed today by operating on enslaved women without anesthesia. His statue stood in Central Park until 2018.

• Throughout the 20th century, Black men and women were sterilized without consent.

• From 1932 to 1972, the U.S. Public Health Service let hundreds of Black men in Alabama go untreated for syphilis under

false pretenses — the Tuskegee scandal. They were told they were being treated for “bad blood,” but researchers were purposely withholding treatment so they could study the progression of the disease. That study ended in 1972.

• In the 1950s, Henrietta Lacks went to the Johns Hopkins hospital in Baltimore, complaining of vaginal bleeding. The institution took her cells without consent, and the medical community continues to use them for research today. Her descendants only reached a settlement over her cells in 2023.

More than just fear

Today, federal consent and ethics laws protect people participating in research studies, but mistrust isn’t the only reason Black women stay out of clinical trials. Ricki Fairley, co-founder of TOUCH, the Black Breast Cancer Alliance —– the organization that conducted the survey on Black women and hesitancy —- says some Black women may fear being “guinea pigs.” However, the biggest reason they don’t participate in clinical trials is recruitment — or the lack thereof.

“Whether it’s illicit bias, racism, or whatever you want to call it, we’re not invited,” she said.

“I know I wasn’t asked,” added Latoya Bolds-Johnson, a breast cancer survivor.

“I had to push for it.” Diagnosed at 36, the mother of three said her doctor shrugged off her request to join a clinical trial. “He was very dismissive about it,” Bolds-Johnson said. She had to find another physician who was willing to enroll her in a study.

“Clinical trials do save lives,” she says.

parities in Breast Cancer Mortality Rates Across All Tumor Subtypes

Fairley knows this first-hand. A breast cancer survivor herself, she credits a clinical trial with saving her life. That’s why she launched the campaign called When We Tri(al).

The initiative features an online platform that enables Black women to complete questionnaires, which are used to match them with clinical trials relevant to them and their health needs. Fairley said the effort has helped enroll more than 25,000 Black women into clinical trials.

Why Black women’s participation in cancer trials matters

Fairley says that when more Black women participate in clinical research, it helps scientists better understand how conditions like breast cancer affect them.

“There’s a growing body of science that is validating that a Black breast cancer cell looks totally different from a white breast cancer cell,” Fairley explained. “And guess what the drug [cancer treatments] were made on? The drugs were made on white cells.”

A research team at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine announced similar findings. Diplai Sharma, Ph.D., and her team discovered that breast cancer cells from Black women multiply at faster rates and are more likely to spread to other organs than cells from white women. Over the last several years, she and her team have been comparing breast tissue donated with consent by Black and white women who were diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive types. Black women are disproportionately affected by this variant of the disease.

“Why [are] younger African American women getting TBNC, and why, when they

get TBNC, is it so aggressive?” Sharma asked.

“That was our goal — to understand that.”

The Johns Hopkins team is now testing a treatment option shown to slow these aggressive cancer cells among Black women.

However, before the treatment becomes available to patients, the next step is for researchers to conduct a clinical trial.

Advancing Black breast cancer research

Part one of this series explored how Black breast cancer research like Sharma’s is under threat because of the Trump administration’s stance on DEI.

For Georges Benjamin, head of the American Public Health Association, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

“We will push back,” he said. “In the end, we will win. But if you don’t do these things with intention, they won’t happen.” That intention, he says, starts with trust. Researchers must also reconsider their approach to working with members of the Black community if they want to advance medical research.

RELATED: The Death of Ananda Lewis: A Warning for Black Women

“To go into research for a clinical trial, you have to have a lot of trust that the doctors aren’t, quote-unquote, experimenting on you,” he said. “Well, guess what? They actually are.”

That is why, he argues, effective medical research requires cultural sensitivity and relationship building, including with trusted Black physicians and pharmacists who can relay clinical trial information to their patients.

Earning

Black women’s trust

Columbia University professor Adana Llanos Wilson, Ph.D, an epidemiologist who’s conducted dozens of studies about Black women and breast cancer, agrees. She said the issue isn’t getting more Black women to participate in research; it’s the medical community’s failure to earn their trust in the first place.

“When we build authentic relationships with communities, when our research teams reflect the populations we aim to serve, and when we show up with respect and transparency —– Black women show up, too,” Wilson wrote in an email to Word In Black.

For Bolds-Johnson, participating in a clinical trial was a no-brainer.

“I needed my body to be studied,” she explained. “I have three daughters who will develop breasts soon, and whatever I could do to contribute [to] Black research, I needed to do it. I had to do this for my children — my girls.”

(Pexels/Diva Plavalaguna)

Trymaine Lee

Continued from page 4

Nevada — there are many instances where the gun can be an equalizer, right?

Throughout history, guns in the hands of Black people have been used to defend ourselves against the Klan. In Tulsa during the race massacre, the first ones to step up to defend our communities were Black war veterans. I think if there were anyone in this country who could use guns in their defense, it’s Black people. I think the problem is guns have found themselves in the hands of folks who are traumatized and hurt and hungry, but I think there is an argument for a responsible, armed Black populace, because who is there to defend us? There is no one there to defend us but us. I think the problem is the ecosystem that exists as it is, with capitalism, and the fear-mongering, and the white supremacy, and all the trauma — the guns in that space have done exactly what we could expect them to do.

AmNews: The book is coming out at a time when the Trump administration is using claims about urban gun violence and crime as a pretext to send federal troops into D.C., and potentially other cities in the future, like Chicago. How does your reporting for the book shape your reaction to these developments?

Lee: This is, as they say, more of the same. We’ve been used, abused; our pain has been weaponized and politicized from the very beginning. The fear mon-

BNY

Continued from page 5

him, putting up 40 points in a team game. At the time, Rucker Park was at peak popularity. Athletes like Kobe Bryant, Baron Davis, Stephon Marbury, Jamal Tinsley, would hang out at the park and play with him. Others like Fat Joe, Jay Z, and Beyonce would visit.

He would go on to play at Fordham on an athletic scholarship, alongside NBA player Williams “Smush” Parker. He would leave after one year and was unable to regain Division 1 eligibility, which he attributed to not having an agent and individuals withholding information from him. He says this is a lesson he teaches to youth interested in basketball. He later played briefly at Riverside Community College in California.

He would continue to play pro basketball in New York, through the United States Basketball League and the Continental Basketball Association, but that was short lived as he says he did not want to leave his family by playing overseas. He wants to impart to young people who want to have basketball in their lives that it does not have to be only about making it to the NBA.

“I’m trying to show people that the word pro doesn’t mean make it to the league or make it rapid. It means professional,”

gering. There is no more dangerous figure in American history than the Black man in the white imagination, right? They know that, so we’ve been used as a pawn for their political gain from the very beginning, and it’s not the first time. When we think about coming out of Emancipation during the Reconstruction, and the tearing down of Reconstruction, and you see … “Birth of a Nation,” and the stereotypes around our seemingly inherent violence. But there is no more violent figure than the American government, right?

It’s no shock that Trump is trying to use Black people to stoke fear, and also feed these kinds of fascist impulses that this administration has. It’s sad that we should not be shocked. The playbook has already been drawn, but what’s concerning is that it’s going to beget more violence. In the book, we talk about the violence of the gun, but it’s the systemic violence that makes it all possible. If we think about the violence of this system like a noose around Black people in this country, my concern is that this will lead to more violence.

On September 10, Lee will speak about his book at the 92nd Street Y in New York, in conversation with journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones.

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

Walton, who is also working on a Netflix documentary said.

According to Walton, while the culture of street ball is not as prominent today, the business end where community leaders such as himself and others like Michelle Smalls — who has hosted successful tournaments in recent years — can sustain themselves from their efforts.

He gives credit to streetball legends before him, such as Joe Hammond, but also wants to carve a more positive legacy of giving back to the community.

Through his podcast, “Street First,” which he launched in 2016, Walton has aimed to bring notable friends and other community members and business leaders who can share and inform about the work and available opportunities for the community, the kids in particular. Recently, he has had Jessica Spaulding of the Harlem Chocolate Factory and chef Alex Strickland of Make My Fish, as well as celebrities like Dave East, Yandy Smith, and Fat Joe.

“These people need to be highlighted, because our people need to be able to see that there’s other things that we can do,” Walton said. He believes that by connecting notables with others doing important work is a way to bridge the gap. “It’s not that they don’t do stuff for the community all along, but who makes them look cool doing it, that’s what the community gravitates to.”

Forever. For Justice.

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Religion & Spirituality

Brooklyn’s Institutional International Ministries hosts outdoor baptisms, promotes community

By KAREN JUANITA CARRILLO Amsterdam News Staff

Most people who get baptized in their religious faith go through a ceremony in a church with a baptismal font or pool; a minister performs the service and family is present, but there’s no rule saying that always has to be the case. At a recent event hosted by Brooklyn’s Institutional International Ministries (IIM), anyone seeking salvation was welcome to join.

The fifth annual IIM “Stoop” Water Baptism Service took place along Fort Greene’s Adelphi Street this past Sunday, Aug. 31. The event brought church members together with community groups to section off parts of Adelphi Street and conduct an old-school outdoor church baptism service.

Two metal tubs were placed diagonally across from each other in the middle of the street, directly in front of IIM’s building at 170 Adelphi Street. Filled with water, the tubs were there for anyone passing by on the street or attending the service. People were encouraged to take a moment to reflect, make the decision, and get baptized.

Pastor Alex L. Williams, IIM’s leader, emphasized that the Baptism Service event was an important opportunity for the church to go beyond its walls and connect with the wider community.

“We’re really, indeed, excited for the church

to be coming out of the four walls, which is what we are called to do,” Williams told the AmNews after the services ended on a comfortable 80-degree day. “We are called to come out of the four walls and to present Jesus Christ to our world and to our community. This is just an opportunity for the church to show the world what love looks like.”

The event was a showcase for the church, as well as for local politicians who had been invited to attend. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Deputy Borough President Kim Council were present, alongside assembly members, district leaders, members of the NYPD 88th Precinct, and local firefighters who had the opportunity to step outside their offices and be accessible to the public.

Activist Terrence Floyd, the youngest brother of George Floyd, also came to the event. He said he also regularly attends IIM services. Floyd said he’d originally met Ty’Ann Williams, IIM’s executive pastor, at one event and later met her husband, Pastor Williams. When he finally saw the two of them together, he said he saw them as a powerhouse.

“I was like, wow!” he said. “And then they prayed for me, you know what I’m saying? When they prayed, I just felt the connection, so now when I travel, when I come back, I try to make it over here.”

Floyd added that he grew up in church, “so, I know the power of prayer, I know the power of fellowship, I know the power of God –– from my own life experiences …

I feel community experiences like this, it definitely helps. If it even helps one individual, that one individual will go speak to another individual, and it spreads. It may not get everybody in this one day, but it’ll definitely impact the culture soon.”

During the service, Pastor Williams spoke to worshippers about the issues of gun violence, discrimination, and inequity in Brooklyn, in the country, and throughout the world. He insisted that it was important for the church to take an active role in demonstrating care and compassion. In Brooklyn, which is often nicknamed the “borough of churches,” he said, churches are obligated to model ways for the community to prosper.

“If the church does not show love, where else can we find love?” he asked. “We spread this slogan, ‘Spread love, it’s the Brooklyn Way,’ but we’re seeing gun vio-

lence. We’re seeing discrimination. We’re seeing inequities.

“We believe that love of others can sometimes be conditional, but we serve a God whose love is unconditional. The scripture tells us in John 3:16, ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believed in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’

“In a world that we isolate and we make love conditional based on race, creed, ethnicity, socioeconomic backgrounds, the church needs to represent and present what Christ’s love looks like,” he continued. “No matter what skin color you are, no matter if you’re a migrant, no matter the conditions you’ve come to this country [under], we believe in showing the community –– and the world ––real love.”

IIM’s baptism service also offered bouncy house for children.

Prayer station in front of Institutional International Ministries. (Imani McFadden/Joy Works Photography)

Walter L. Howard, Jr.

December 26, 1949 - July 26,2025

In Loving Memory of Walter Howard, Independent Distribution Contractor, New York Amsterdam News.

For over 35 years, Walter Howard was a steadfast and beloved member of the New York Amsterdam News family. As an Independent Distribution Contractor, Walter’s dedication went far beyond the delivery route—he was a vital link between the newsroom and the community, ensuring that each edition reached readers across the tri-state area with care and consistency.

His commitment to excellence, his reliability, and his deep sense of purpose made him a cherished colleague and a respected figure in the neighborhoods he served. Walter didn’t just deliver the news—he helped build connection, awareness, and pride.

We honor Walter’s legacy with gratitude and love.

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NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK, 2 Cap Investments, LLC , Plaintiff, vs. Frog Investments, LLC, ET AL ., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on August 9, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on October 8, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 321 West 110th Street, No. 7A a/k/a 321 Cathedral Parkway, Unit No. 7A, New York, NY 10026. 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 1423 and Lot 1846. Approximate amount of judgment is $2,931,375.00 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale Index #850074/2022.

Allison M. Furman, Esq., Referee

Underweiser & Underweiser LLP, One Barker Avenue, Second Floor, White Plains, New York 10601, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

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

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on July 22, 2024, and a Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on May 8, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 19 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, Block 1271 and Lot 25. Approximate amount of judgment is $49,430,972.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to the provisions of filed Judgment Index #850114/2023. Cash will not be accepted. Clark Whitsett, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff

M/WBE bids sought for 21 East 198 St. Bronx NY, construction project. A scope meeting will be held on September 8 2025 Contact bidding@taxaceny.com for details.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NEW YORK U. S. Bank National Association as trustee for CMALT REMIC 2007-A2 - REMIC PassThrough Certificates. Series 2007-A2, Plaintiff AGAINST Nkenge Scott a/k/a Scott Nkenge, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 8, 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 October 8, 2025 at 2:15 PM, premises known as 69 West 119th Street, New York, NY 10026. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, City, County and State of New York, Block: 1718, Lot: 13. Approximate amount of judgment $2,169,163.01 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850053/2023. Christy M. Demelfi, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01096395-F00 85760

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SUPREME COURT: NEW YORK COUNTY. NYCTL 19982 TRUST SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO NYCTL 2016A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Pltf. vs. KIPS BAY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC., et al, Deft. Index #153256/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered June 4, 2025, I will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on October 1, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. prem. k/a 303 East 33 rd Street, Unit CF B, New York, NY 10016 a/k/a Block 00939, Lot 1002. Approx. amt. of judgment is $6,888.56 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. SOFIA BALILE, Referee. THE DELLO- IACONO LAW GROUP, P.C., Attys. for Pltf., 312 Larkfield Rd., Lower Level, East Northport, NY. File No. 22000218 - #102419

Notice of Formation of AUBREY VENTURES 4 LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/02/25. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Greeley Square Station, P.O. Box 20366, 4 E. 27th St., NY, NY 10001-9998. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

M/WBE bids sought for 1848 Billingsley Ter construction project. A scope meeting will be held on 9/5/25. email bidding@ taxaceny.com for details

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

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

Approximate amount of lien $136,345.09 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850161/2018. ELAINE SHAY, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

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

DLG# 38026 {* AMSTERDAM*}

Z&L 66, LLC LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on June 22, 2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 235 W 56TH ST, APT 29G, New York, NY 10019. Purpose: Any lawful act.

AUTEUR DE VERITE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/10/2025 . Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 136 W 129TH ST APT 3F, NEW YORK, NY, 10027. Purpose: Any lawful act.

THE DOCUMENTARY HELPLINE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/18/2025. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 545 E 12TH ST , 2B,, NEW YORK, NY, 10009. Purpose: Any lawful act.

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HNY CLUB SUITES OWNERS

ASSOCIATION INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ TAHITA QUOIN DOYLE, et al

Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 25, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Court house, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on October 1, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant undivided 0.0381% in common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on own ership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442512 as re corded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1302.

Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY 10019

Approximate amount of lien

$66,810.23 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850255/2023.

PAUL SKLAR, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39246 {* AMSTERDAM*}

Mosaic Strategy & Support LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 5/28/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 523 East 14th Street, 1B, New York, NY 10009. Purpose: Any lawful act.

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

Something Colorful Productions LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/24/25. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 100 Morningside Dr. Apt 1J, New York, NY 10027 Purpose: Any lawful act.

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

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

Approximate amount of lien $31,530.69 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850129/2023.

SCOTT H. SILLER, ESQ., Ref eree

DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

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

DLG# 39136 {* AMSTERDAM*}

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that a license, number NA-0370-24146467 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 3700 Jerome Ave , Bronx, NY 10467, Bronx County for on premises consumption. Made In The Bronx LLC D/B/A , Made In The Bronx

MORETTI PROPERTY VENTURES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/13/2025 Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: Katzner Law Group 1407 BROADWAY RM 4002 , NEW YORK, NY, 10018. Purpose: Any lawful act.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS

ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑

JAMES L. FERGUSON, MARY

J. FERGUSON, et al Defen dant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 10, 2025, I, the under signed Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhat tan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided .019728% common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on ownership inter est in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declara tions. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

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

Approximate amount of lien $16,660.87 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850372/2023.

GEORGIA PAPAZIS, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39273 {* AMSTERDAM*}

NEW YORK'S STUDIO SALON LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on April,21st 2025 Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 10835 53Ave 2F, NY, New York 11368. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Mind Share Therapy LCSW

PLLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 8/14/2025. Office location: New York County.

SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 363 West 30th Street Apt 2D, New York, NY 10001 Purpose: Any lawful act.

Quite Puzzling LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/28/25. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 30 West St 24 C, New York, NY 10004 Purpose: Any lawful act.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. HC SUITES OWNERS AS SOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff ‑against‑ MIJUNG LYNN LIND, AS PROPOSED PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN A. LIND, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Time share Unit in the building lo cated at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant undivided 1.7341% in common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on own ership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442512 as re corded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1302. Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, UNIT HU3, NEW YORK, NY 10019

Approximate amount of lien $23,557.30 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850466/2023. PAUL R. SKLAR, ESQ., Refer ee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

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

DLG# 39212 {* AMSTERDAM*}

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

Civic Spark Cleaning Co. LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/26/25. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 447 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013. Purpose: Any lawful act.

CREET LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/30/25. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: Entity Protect Registered Agent 447 Broadway 2nd Fl , New York,NY 10013 Purpose: Any lawful act.

Brittany Anne Consulting LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on June 12, 2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 152 E 84th St, Apt 5I, New York, NY 10028. Purpose: Any lawful act. Etico Managment LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/29/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 211 Thomspon Street APT 2E, New York, NY 10012. Purpose: Any lawful act.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. 57TH ST. VACATION OWN ERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ ADWOA BOATEMAA OKYERE, YASMIN AGYEPO MAA BOAMA, if living, and if they be dead, etc..., et al Defen dant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 3, 2025, I, the under signed Referee will sell at pub lic auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on October 1, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhat tan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided .009864% common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on ownership inter est in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declara tions. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10019 Approximate amount of lien $28,286.03 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850055/2020.

SOFIA BALILE, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP

PLLC

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

DLG# 38674 {* AMSTERDAM*}

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

Rover Cleaners LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/19/2025. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 5 Union SQ FRNT 1 #1171, New York, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Guy Furrow, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY 08/06/2025. Office: New York County. SSNY desig. agent for service of process & shall mail to: 460 West 24th Street, 14A, New York, NY 10011. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Gian New York LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 6/16/2025. Office location: NY County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 201 East 66th Street, New York, NY 10065. Purpose: Any lawful act.

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

Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY 10019

Approximate amount of lien $20,687.29 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850266/2023. ELAINE SHAY, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

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

DLG# 39260 {* AMSTERDAM*}

AERO ENGINEERING PLLC

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/09/2025. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 1 New Mill Road, Smithtown, NY, 11787. Purpose: Any lawful act.

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

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

PEIGYSTYLES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on March 21, 2024. Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 1178 Broadway, #4079, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: Any lawful act.

NEW YORK - INDEX NO.: 850023/2025– SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS. Plaintiff designates NEW YORK COUNTY as the place of trial based upon the location of the premises herein described having tax map Block 792, Lot 1036, NEW YORK, NY, County of NEW YORK – CITIMORTGAGE, INC., PLAINTIFF, -against- ABBIE SMILEY AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF JACQUELINE MONFORT STEPHANIE MONFORT AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF JACQUELINE MONFORT, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs-at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of JACQUELINE MONFORT, deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs-at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff, THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE 135 CONDOMINIUM, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, DEFENDANTS. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff's Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered against you and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: Syosset, New York, August 4, 2025. Roach & Lin, P.C., attorney for Plaintiff, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, NY 11791. Tel: 516938-3100. To the above-named defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. HON. FRANCIS A. KAHN III, a Justice of the Supreme Court, State of New York, dated July 31, 2025 and filed with the NEW YORK County Clerk together with the supporting papers thereon. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage held by Plaintiff on the premises known as Block 792, Lot 1036, NEW YORK, NY, County of NEW YORK as described in the complaint on file and commonly known as 135 WEST 16TH STREET, UNIT NO. 554, NEW YORK, NY 10011.

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 2019-RPL11 Trust, Plaintiff, vs. Unknown heirs at law of Hyunjeong Han, if they be living and if they be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order duly entered on May 17, 2023 and a Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on May 29, 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 October 1, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 70 Little West Street Unit 22G, New York, NY 10004 a/k/a 70 Battery Place, Unit 22G, New York, NY 10280. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County, City and State of New York, Block 16 and Lot 1878 together with an undivided 0.36855 percent interest in the Common Elements. Approximate amount of judgment is $665,379.10 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850044/2021. Cash will not be accepted. Thomas R. Kleinberger, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff

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

The P LYLES GROUP LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on JUNE 23, 2025. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 458 WEST 146TH ST UNIT 3N, NEW YORK, NY 10031. Purpose: Any lawful act.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK.

HNY CLUB SUITES OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DIS TRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF PHILIP DEARBORN, if liv ing, and if he be dead, etc..., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 18, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on September 24, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY; known as The NYH Condominium. Together with an appurtenant undivided 0.0381% in common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on own ership interest in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declarations. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 27, 2003 and November 3, 2003 as CFRN # 2003000442512 as re corded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1006 and Lot 1302. Said premises known as 1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY 10019

Approximate amount of lien $30,742.97 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850674/2023.

BRUCE LEDERMAN, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

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

DLG# 39577 {* AMSTERDAM*}

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 October 8, 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

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ ALAN MILLER, JANE MILLER, LAUREN MILLER, et al Defen dant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 2, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auc tion in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on October 8, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and be ing in the Borough of Manhat tan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided .009864% common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on ownership inter est in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declara tions. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37. Said premises known as 102 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10019

Approximate amount of lien $15,079.73 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850282/2023. CHRISTY M. DEMELFI, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39110 {* AMSTERDAM*}

NOTICE OF FORMATION

UNDERCOVER MOH LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/16/25. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Nicole Lefkowitz, 25 Water St., Apt. 744, New York, NY 10004.

WEISSBERGER PRODUCTIONS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/03/2025 Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to: 45 EAST 72ND STREET, NEW YORK, NY, 10021. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of 1340 STRATFORD INTERESTS OWNER LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/21/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 116 E. 27th St., 11th Fl., NY, NY 10016. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Products and Services: Real estate investment & development.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT ‑ COUNTY OF NEW YORK. 57TH ST. VACATION OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Plaintiff ‑against‑ SUSAN J. STONE, et al Defen dant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 2, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auc tion in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on October 8, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and be ing in the Borough of Manhat tan, County of New York, City and State of New York, being an undivided ownership interest as tenant‑in‑common with other owners in the Timeshare Unit in the building located at 102 West 57th Street, New York, NY. Together with an appurtenant undivided .012865% common interest percentage. This is a foreclosure on ownership inter est in a timeshare unit, a studio penthouse on a floating use basis every year, in accordance with and subject to declara tions. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions dated October 10, 2008 and October 31, 2008 as CFRN # 2008000426142 as recorded in the Office of the City Register, County, City and State of New York. The Timeshare Unit is also designated as Block 1009 and Lot 37.

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

Approximate amount of lien $24,780.51 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 850249/2023.

CHRISTY M. DEMELFI, ESQ., Referee

DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39118 {* AMSTERDAM*}

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF ELLIE'S GRANOLA LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/08/2025. Office Location New York County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: WILLIAM SOBEL 93 4TH AVE, NEW YORK, NY, 10003, USA. PURPOSE: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Qualification of BLACKSTONE ABF ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/12/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/07/25. Princ. office of LLC: 345 Park Ave., 31st Fl., NY, NY 10154. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NEW YORK. BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE 130 WEST 30TH STREET CONDOMINIUM, SUING ON BEHALF OF THE UNIT OWNERS, Plaintiff -against- DAVID M. SIMON a/k/a DAVID SIMON; LISA D. GOODMAN a/k/a LISA GOODMAN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated December 3, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 116 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street New York, NY on October 1, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan and County of New York, City and State of New York, known as Residential Unit No. 16A in the building known as 130 West 30th Street Condominium located at 130 West 30th Street together with an undivided 2.241% interest in the Common Elements. Block: 805 Lot: 1043

Said premises known 130 West 30th Street, Unit 16A, New York, NY 10001.

situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan and County of New York, City and State of New York, known as Storage Unit No. 11 in the building known as 130 West 30th Street Condominium located at 130 West 30th Street together with an undivided 0.079% interest in the common elements. Block: 805 Lot: 1060

Said premises known as 130 WEST 30TH STREET, STORAGE UNIT NO. 11, NEW YORK, NY 10001

Approximate amount of lien $113,708.03 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 850614/2023. ROBERTA E. ASHKIN, ESQ., Referee

Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 444 Madison Ave., 6th Floor, New York, NY 10022

{* AMSTERDAM*}

Notice of Qualification of 577 BALTIC TIC 1 LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/11/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/22/25. Princ. office of LLC: 551 Fifth Ave., Ste. 1720, NY, NY 10176. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of WILSHIRE ADVISORS LLC

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

NOTICE OF SALE

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

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order on Motion duly entered on June 5, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 57-59 East 11th Street, New York, NY 10009. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, Block 563 and Lot 46. Approximate amount of judgment is $61,766,450.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850285/2024.

Roberta Ashkin, Esq., Referee

McCarter & English, LLP, 250 W 55th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10019, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF SALE

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

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Decision + Order On Motion duly entered on May 16, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at Room 130 of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 on September 17, 2025 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 100 W 39th Street, Apt. 38A, New York, NY 10018. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Manhattan, County of New York, City and State of New York, Block 814 and Lot 1029. Approximate amount of judgment is $230,172.51 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #850398/2023. Referee will not accept cash payments as any portion of the deposit or purchase price. Bruce Lederman, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Notice of Formation of 155 7J

LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/23/25. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 201 E. 36th St., #6A, NY, NY 10016. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of BLACKSTONE ABF ASSOCIATES L.P. Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/12/25. Office location: NY County. LP formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/07/25. Princ. office of LP: 345 Park Ave., 31st Fl., NY, NY 10154. NYS fictitious name: BLACKSTONE ABF ASSOCIATES GP, L.P. Duration of LP is Perpetual. SSNY designated as agent of LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Name and addr. of each general partner are available from SSNY. DE addr. of LP: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of LP filed with DE Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of ADAPT INVESTMENT MANAGERS USA LLC

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

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company GASS LLC, Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 06/03/2025. 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 523 West 152 nd Street #42 New York, New York 10031 US. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYC laws.

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

This is to announce that the next open meeting of the Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy II Charter School Board of Trustees will be held on Thursday, September 18th, 2025, at 4:30 pm. The meeting will take place at 245 West 129th St, NY, NY.

This is to announce that the next open meeting of the Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy I Charter School Board of Trustees will be held on Thursday, September 18th, 2025, at 4:30 pm. The meeting will take place at 245 West 129th St, NY, NY.

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

Notice of Names of Persons Appearing as Owners of Certain Unclaimed Property Held By Pacific Premier Bank. The following persons appear from our records to be entitled to abandoned property in the amount of fifty ($50) dollars or more.

Suffolk County FAY, JUNE, 17901 Von Karman Ave Suite 1200, Irvine CA 92614

A report of unclaimed property will be made to the Comptroller of the State of New York, pursuant to Article III of the Abandoned Property Law. A list of the names contained in such notice is on file and open to public inspection at the principal office of the bank, located at Pacific Premier Bank, 17901 Von Karman Ave Suite 1200, Irvine CA 92614 where such abandoned property is payable. Abandoned property will be paid on or before October 31, 2025 to persons establishing to its satisfaction their right to receive the same; and that in the succeeding month of November, and on or before the tenth day thereof, such unclaimed moneys or other property still remaining will be paid or delivered to the state comptroller and that it shall thereupon cease to be the liability of Pacific Premier Bank.

Notice of Qualification of RD PROPERTY LLC

Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/09/25. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 07/01/25. NYS fictitious name: RD MANAGEMENT REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o RD Management LLC, Attn: Richard Birdoff, 810 Seventh Ave., 10th Fl., NY, NY 10019. DE addr. of LLC: Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, P.O. Box 898, Dover, DE 19903. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of SHARPE ADVISORS, LLC

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

Notice of Names of Persons Appearing as Owners of Certain Unclaimed Property Held By Zions Bancorporation, N.A. The following persons appear from our records to be entitled to abandoned property in the amount of fifty ($50) dollars or more.

Albany County Mallimson, Arline, 40 Autumn Dr Apt 116, Slingerlands, NY 12159

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

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

Notice of Formation of AMM APPAREL LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/18/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 315 W. 39th St., #700, NY, NY 10018. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of InHome BeautyServices LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/11/25. Ofc. loc: NY Cty. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Registered agent svcs, 54 State St. #804 Albany, NY 12207, Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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

will be paid on or before October 31, 2025 to persons establishing to its satisfaction their right to receive the same; and that in the succeeding month of November, and on or before the tenth day thereof, such unclaimed moneys or other property still remaining will be paid or delivered to the state comptroller and that it shall thereupon cease to be the liability of Chevron Federal Credit Union.

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

SKITMORE EMILY PAMELA STONY BROOK NY 11790 SUFFOLK 2 HILLSVIEW RD

ORRELL GREGORY STONY BROOK NY 11790 SUFFOLK 2 HILLSVIEW RD

GIACCONE FELICIA LINDENHURST NY 11757 SUFFOLK 326 W LIDO PROMENADE

Notice of Qualification of TS SIGNAGE LLC

GIACCONE PHILIP LINDENHURST NY 11757 SUFFOLK 326 W LIDO PROMENADE

SALAS IRIS BRENTWOOD NY 11717 SUFFOLK 47 PERRY ST

SALASREYNA JUAN BRENTWOOD NY 11717 SUFFOLK 47 PERRY ST

DEIPOLYI JEFFREY WEST ISLIP NY 11795 SUFFOLK 818 HIGBIE LN

HUYNH NGUYEN COMMACK NY 11725 SUFFOLK 26 RAMITA LN

HUYNH PATRICIA COMMACK NY 11725 SUFFOLK 26 RAMITA LN

SANFILIPPO ROBERT SHIRLEY NY 11967 SUFFOLK 27 SAINT GEORGE DR

JAYCOX KATHERINE SHIRLEY NY 11967 SUFFOLK 27 SAINT GEORGE DR

Notice of Formation of 60 ORCHARD PH LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/26/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 60 Orchard St., Unit 8, NY, NY 10002. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUNNYBROOK LANE LLC. Filed with SSNY on 05/16/25. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to: ℅ EResident Agent, Inc. 1 Rockefeller Plaza, Ste 1204, New York, NY 10020. Purpose: Any lawful.

AR REAL ESTATE BROKER-

AGE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/24/25. Latest date to dissolve: 12/31/2080. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 80 Varick Street, Suite 1A, New York, NY 10013. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of BREAKTHROUGH BEHAVIORAL BILLING LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/25/25. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SOLID STATE BAKERY LLC.

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

Palisade Acquisition III, LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect'y of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/1/2025. Office: Bronx County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: The LLC, 225 Crossways Park Dr, Woodbury, NY 11797. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of RBF1, LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/22/25. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 30 Hudson Yards, 72nd Fl., NY, NY 10001. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

PRIMEROS NORTH AMERICA LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/24/25. Office: New York County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o David M. Glanstein, Esq., Glanstein LLP, 711 Third Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10017. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

M/WBE bids sought for 629 East 221 St Bronx NY construction project. A scope meeting will be held on September, 9 2025. Contact bidding@taxaceny.com for details.

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

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

NYC Sunergy Services LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/04/25. 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, New York, NY, 10003. Purpose: Any lawful act.

M/WBE bids sought for 1822 Crotona Ave Bronx NY, construction project. A scope meeting will be held on September 8 2025. Contact bidding@taxaceny.com for details.

M/WBE bids sought for 852 East 176 St Bronx NY, construction project. A scope meeting will be held on September, 8 2025. Contact bidding@taxaceny.com for details.

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

Notice of Qualification of 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.

Notice of Formation of G&N FAMILY CAPITAL LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/25/25. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice is hereby given that license serial number NA-037025-103382 for an On-Premises license has been applied for by the undersigned to permit the sale of beer, wine and spirits at retail in a bar under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at Oberon located at 196 N. 10 th Street, Brooklyn in Kings County for on-premises consumption. MurrayWalsh LLC, 196 N. 10 th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211.

M/WBE bids sought for 2768 Wallace Ave Bronx NY, construction project. A scope meeting will be held on September, 8 2025 Contact bidding@taxaceny.com for details.

‘We Stand with Haiti’

Continued from page 2

and extended numerous times because of additional natural disasters, public health crises, and political instability.

“Let’s be clear [about] reality on the ground: Haiti is a nation on the brink,” said Jocelyn McCalla, executive director of the Haitian American Foundation for Democracy. “The State Department has issued a do-not-travel advisory because of unprecedented gang vio-

C.O. James Whitlock

Continued from page 2

“We also discuss the same variety of issues that’s plaguing the community,” said Whitlock over the phone. “I think that's essential, because we hear it firsthand from the people…living it. Crime is down [but] the perception may be that they see a lot of things that we don't see. We try to accommodate that and get those issues out of the way. That’s why we’re pretty big on quality of issues and complaints.”

Whitlock also pointed to partnerships with local organizations like the Central Park Conservancy and the 125th Business Improvement District, both members of the Harlem Gateway 110th Street Coalition, a consortium of local groups and businesses formed to improve parts of Central Park North under the 28th Pre-

lence, kidnappings, and civil unrest.

“Haiti remains mostly cut off from the world because international travel is difficult. Large swaths of the capital of Portau-Prince are under the control of violent gangs, leading to a dysfunctional state unable to provide basic services or security for its citizens.”

The rally took place days before the Trump administration initially sought to terminate TPS for an estimated 500,000 Haitians.

In February, the U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it would

cinct’s jurisdiction over needs like mental health interventions and cleanups for used needles and condoms.

Harlemite Shatic Mitchell, the Central Park Conservancy’s director of civic engagement, says he’s noticed increased patrols across 110th Street under Whitlock as early as 6 a.m. But he also points to the C.O.’s personal efforts.

“I've seen how Captain Whitlock talks to people,” said Mitchell. “He didn't raise his voice, got people to move to the sidewalk, got people to stop double parking. I think that because he's from the community, understands the community. I think it's invaluable to have somebody with that type of leadership.”

Apostle Dr. Staci Ramos of Garden of Gethsemane Ministries also recalls frequently seeing Whitlock and his fellow “whitshirts” regularly on the streets en-

terminate Haiti’s TPS status effective September 2, 2025. However, a lawsuit filed by the Haitian Evangelical Clergy Association forced the courts to extend TPS for Haitians temporarily — until February 2026.

“We’ve secured temporary breathing room until February 2026. While this is a significant victory, our fight is far from over,” said Councilmember Farah Louis at the rally. “Trump’s TPS termination is rooted in straight racism and xenophobia. It’s not policy. This administration uses fear and scapegoating to divide us,

gaging with the community. She credits the crime decrease under the C.O. to his approach of “unity” and “presence.”

“Whitlock and his team come out, right?” she said. “They're going to be coming out soon for the African American Day parade, but let's just talk about Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July, all these other things. When there’s parades in the street or walking in the street and the streets are closed, they come out. He comes out and he acclimates himself with the guys on the corner.”

As “Quality of Life” teams ramp up under NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Whitlock remains aware that critics are concerned that such units stem from “broken windows policing.” Even a proponent like Mitchell mentioned the importance of not criminalizing mental illness and homelessness, and

but Brooklyn stands united. When they come for our Haitian neighbors with lies and hatred, they attack the very fabric of what makes Brooklyn strong.”

Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest added that she was proud to stand with Haiti and the contributions of its people to the U.S. She also delivered an impassioned speech in Creole.

“When we see that there is a threat to TPS, we have to understand that this threat to one migrant country is also an attack on all immigrants,” she said.

called for getting “the right responders there to assess the situation and then help people out,” which he believes the community-wide effort remains key for.

Whitlock says enforcement does not necessarily mean a summons or arrest.

“We always use discretion when we see people on the street drinking — we just have to disperse it [and] we can’t have that behavior,” said Whitlock. “When I'm on the streets and I encounter that kind of problem, I always say, ‘Listen, your entertainment should not infringe upon other people's quality of life.’ And most people understand that and they’ll just pack up and go about their merry way.

“Because they understand when you stand outside at an unreasonable volume it's affecting the kid that's trying to go to sleep and wake up in the morning to go to school.”

How student-athletes use high school reclassification to their advantage

By JAIME C. HARRIS AmNews Sports Editor

The practice of reclassification has existed in primary and secondary education since the advent of formalized schools. According to ancient sources, it dates as far back as the Middle Kingdom period of Ancient Egypt (around 2060 BCE) and the Xia Dynasty in China (circa 2075 BCE). In modern education, the familiar terms are “skipping” or being “held back.” Traditionally, whether a student advanced or repeated a grade depended on academic proficiency across multiple subjects and, at times, attendance. Today, the more commonly used term is “reclassify” — a word that no longer refers primarily to academics. Instead, reclassification is now deeply entrenched in elementary, middle, and high school athletics.

Students and parents often pursue reclassification to boost athletic opportunities, increase chances for scholarships, and secure NIL (name, image, likeness) deals. For a select few, it’s part of the calculated path toward a professional career. Two of the most prominent recent examples are basketball prodigies Cooper Flagg and AJ Dybantsa.

Flagg, a native of Newport, Maine, starred at Duke this past season before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in June’s NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks at just 18. Originally scheduled to graduate high school in May 2024, he reclassified in August 2023 to the class of 2024. Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 forward from Brockton, Massachusetts,

was initially in the class of 2026 before announcing in October 2023 that he would reclassify to 2025. Now suiting up for BYU, the 18-year-old is widely regarded as the most-watched player in college basketball and a leading candidate to be the No. 1 pick in next June’s NBA Draft. His NIL portfolio already includes Nike and Red

Bull, with deals reportedly exceeding $10 million. Why did Flagg and Dybantsa reclassify? Beyond outgrowing high school competition, their central motivation was financial. Reclassification accelerates their timelines to reach second NBA contracts — where earnings skyrocket. Rookie deals are capped

around $62 - $65 million over four years (Flagg signed for $62.7 million). By year five, extensions are projected to approach $300 million. Both players will still be under 24 when those deals come due, assuming they avoid major injury.

Football offers similar examples. Ryan Williams, now a sophomore wide receiver at the University of Alabama, was so precocious that as a high school sophomore he became the first 10th grader to ever win Alabama’s Mr. Football award in 2022. He repeated the honor as a junior in 2023, making him the only twotime winner. Williams reclassified from the class of 2025 to 2024, debuted in college at age 17, and immediately held his own against opponents four or five years older. Still, players like Flagg, Dybantsa, and Williams are rare. The numbers are stark: only about 1% of male high school basketball players make it to Division I; for football, it’s about 3%. The NBA? Just 0.03%. The NFL?

A mere 0.023%.

Next week, in Part 2 of this feature, student-athletes, parents, coaches, and school administrators will share their perspectives on reclassification.

NASCAR Drive for Diversity program powers first all-Black pit crew

By TYRESE ALLEYNE-DAVIS Special to the AmNews

NASCAR has long celebrated groundbreaking moments among its drivers, from Wendell Scott’s historic Cup-level win in 1963 to Bubba Wallace’s Talladega triumph in 2021. Those figures reshaped what fans saw on the track. Now, the arrival of a fully Black over-thewall pit crew highlights that progress is taking hold in every part of the sport.

At the 2025 Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the No 87 Chevrolet driven by rising Trackhouse Racing prospect Connor Zilisch was serviced by the first all-Black pit crew: Kenyatta “Kap” Houston, Ray Revels, Merrill “Bud” Noel, Jordan Ferguson, and Deonte Wilson. Zilisch, who made his Cup debut earlier in the year at the Circuit of the Americas, is viewed as one of NASCAR’s brightest young drivers. He started additional events at Charlotte and Atlanta, and was scheduled for Watkins Glen before a post-race celebration accident left him with a broken collarbone. His development under-

scores how NASCAR is investing in future talent behind the wheel, just as the all-Black crew signals investment in new pathways on pit road. Each member of the crew brought unique sporting backgrounds that shaped their success. Houston and Ferguson both played college football, carrying over the explosiveness and strength needed for tire-changing and jack duties. Revels and Noel had roots in track and field, where precision, agility, and speed were daily require-

ments that now translate to rapid, synchronized pit stops. Wilson’s foundation in structured strength training outside motorsports gave him the stamina and conditioning essential for the rigors of pit road. Collectively, their athletic pedigrees illustrate how disciplines from football stadiums and track lanes can adapt to the split-second intensity of a NASCAR stop.

The chance for these athletes came through NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Develop-

ment Program, operated with Rev Racing since 2009. The program recruits from college and pro sports, and immerses candidates in technical drills, mental conditioning, and team-based practice to prepare them for national series competition. More than 60 graduates now work in the Truck and Xfinity Series, while more than 20 hold full-time Cup Series positions with elite teams such as Trackhouse and 23XI Racing. Alongside this, Rev Racing’s Drive for Diversity

Driver Development Program has produced rising drivers, including Nick Sanchez, who captured the 2022 ARCA Menards Series championship and advanced into NASCAR’s higher tiers.

These initiatives created opportunities for both drivers and pit crew members from underrepresented communities who once had no defined path into the sport.

The significance of the all-Black pit crew rests not only in symbolism but in execution. Pit road is among the most technical and unforgiving environments in racing. Seconds shaved or lost can decide an outcome, and watching this unit deliver at NASCAR’s crown jewel event proves that diversity efforts foster true high performance. Members of the crew have noted how their presence can inspire athletes from outside motorsports to see NASCAR as a realistic career. The Charlotte debut should be viewed not as a one-time spectacle, but as the start of a consistent presence, showing that when pipelines are cultivated and talent is nurtured, NASCAR’s future can be faster, stronger, and more inclusive.

Alabama sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams moved up a grade when he was a precocious high school football star in the now common practice of reclassifying. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

College athletes take part in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Combine. (NASCAR photo)

Health and team chemistry are key factors for the playoff-bound Liberty

By DERREL JOHNSON Special to the AmNews

Injuries, and as a result, unstable chemistry continue to plague the New York Liberty with just three games remaining in the regular season. A Tuesday night’s 66-58 road loss to the Golden State Valkyries, the Liberty were the WNBA’s No. 5 seed with a record of 24-17, 2 1/2 games behind the No. 4 seed Phoenix Mercury, No. 3 seed Atlanta Dream and No. 2 Las Vegas Aces, all 26-14. The Minnesota Lynx were 32-8 and clinched the No. 1 spot and home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

The postseason begins September 14 with the best-of-three opening round series. The WNBA semifinals are bestof-five and the finals best-of-seven. The top eight seeds in the 13-team league make the playoffs. The league will increase to 15 teams next season with the addition of the Toronto Tempo

and the Portland Fire. The Valkyries, this season's expansion team, has been the league's biggest surprise, as they are No. 6 seed at 22-18 with four games left on their regular season schedule, setting the record for most wins in a season by a WNBA expansion team.

The Liberty are the reigning league champions and talented enough to make a deep run. But their head coach, Sandy Brondello, has discussed continuity, or the lack thereof, with so many moving parts this season due to injuries to their three best players. Forward Breanna Stewart and center Jonquel Jones have both missed 13 games, and All-Star guard Sabrina Ionescu, the team’s leader in scoring (18.8) and assists (5.4), was out of the lineup on Tuesday for the fourth time in the Liberty’s last five games. Ionescu is nursing an injured left foot and injured big toe on her left foot.

Brondello has also had to balance finding the right fit for midseason ac -

quisition and former WNBA Finals MVP (2019, Washington Mystics) Emma Meesseman, who debuted with the team on August 3 after playing in Europe for the past three years. Meesseman has been stellar, averaging 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in 13 games going prior to Tuesday. Stewart, a three-time WNBA champion and two-time WNBA regular season and finals MVP, returned on August 25 from a bone bruise in her right knee after missing 13 straight games and had played only three games alongside Meesseman after Saturday's 80-63 road loss to the Phoenix Mercury, a game in which Brondello started Jones, Meesseman, and Stewart together for the first time.

The Liberty face the Storm in Seattle tomorrow, play their regular season home finale at the Barclays Center next Tuesday against the Mystics, and close out the regular season on September 11 on the road versus the Chicago Sky.

Star power shines as the US Open approaches finals weekend

By B.L. OLIVER

Special to the AmNews

The names are familiar to tennis fans. Naomi Osaka. Aryna Sabalenka. Jessica Pegula. Jannik Sinner. Carlos Alcaraz. Novak Djokovic. They are stars of the sport and each played their way into this year’s US Open quarterfinals. Alongside them, talented competitors on the cusp of being among the elite, such as Felix Auger-Aliassime, announced they may be regulars making deep Grand Slam runs for years to come.

The No. 25 seed Auger-Aliassime, a 25-year-old from Montreal, Canada, was on the court yesterday at Arthur Ashe Stadium facing the No. 8 seed, Australian Alex de Minaur, in a men’s singles quarterfinals matchup attempting to reach his second US Open semifinals. Auger-Aliassime, whose father is from the West African nation Togo and mother French-Canadian, was a 2021 US Open semifinalist, losing to eventual champion Daniil Medvedev.

In the Round of 16, he earned a 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 Labor Day win over No. 15 Andrey Rublev of Russia, a gratifying accomplish-

Jets and Giants

Continued from page 40

in 2022 and 2023, a Pro Bowl pick from 2022-2024, are elite talents in the middle of their units. Both defenses have the potential to be top ten, which should keep

ment given Auger-Aliassime was 1-7 in his previous eight matches versus Rublev.

“It was a good win considering our head to head, considering how good he is as a player,” he said afterwards. “I was down

their teams in most games late into the fourth quarter if the offenses are average. If they are even slightly above the mean, the Jets and Giants should exceed their win totals from a season ago by at least three to four, but still not playoff level, yet an improvement on which they can continue to build. The Jets lost six games

4-2 in the first set, but once I settled into the match I felt much better about my chance. From that moment on I felt like I was putting a lot of pressure on him.”

Auger-Aliassime shared that he relished

last season in which they led in the fourth quarter with an offense that was in the lower fourth of the league, 24th overall in points per game averaging 19.9. The Giants lost eight games by a touchdown or less with an offense that was a lowly 31st in points per game at 16.1.

The Giants will be confronted with the

his return to the famed US Open venue.

“Today is my first time playing in Arthur Ashe Stadium in a few years and I think it feels even better than the first time,” he said. “[In 2021] I was on my way up. I had a few setbacks, injuries, struggles with my confidence. Then to come back the second time in the quarter-finals here, it feels much better, more deserv[ing].”

After defeating No. 3 seed and 2023 women’s singles US Open champion Coco Gauff on Monday, No. 23 seed Naomi Osaka, who captured the 2018 and 2020 US Open women’s singles titles, met up with No. 11 seed Karolina Muchova of Czechia last night in the quarters with the survivor moving on the semifinals.

On the men’s side, Italy’s Sinner, the No. 1 seed, took on countryman Lorenzo Musetti, the No. 10 seed, last night in a quarterfinals pairing. With No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz getting eliminated by No. 7 Djokovic 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 late Tuesday night, no American male remains in the singles bracket. The last American male to win the US Open was Andy Roddick in 2003.

NFL’s toughest schedule based on opponents’ combined winning percentage from last season (.574, 166-123). The Jets’, at least statistically, received the much better draw as the sixth easiest (.460, 133-156). The prediction is that both will level up empirically and in win totals with equal records of 7-10.

New York Liberty All-Star guard Sabrina Ionescu was in street clothes nursing injuries in three of the team's previous four games before playing the Golden State Valkyries on Tuesday. (Brandon Todd photo)

Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime was on the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium yesterday endeavoring to reach his second US Open semifinals. (Margot Jordan photo)

ODU’s DeLisha Milton-Jones revisits her WNBA championship roots

By LOIS ELFMAN Special to the AmNews

It is common for basketball teams to take an international trip in the summer and play against unfamiliar opponents. Doing so enhances team bonding and hones the players’ ability to play outside their comfort zones. DeLisha Milton-Jones, head women’s basketball coach at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Virginia, chose something a little different for her team. The players, coaches, and staff traveled to Los Angeles, where Milton-Jones had played for the Los Angeles Sparks, winning WNBA titles in 2001 and ’02.

“I wanted them to have an experience where we could … intertwine the Sparks organization with ODU women’s basketball,” said Milton-Jones, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who now also coaches with USA Basketball. “It happened in a beautiful way. We practiced in their facility for two practices, which was amazing.”

The ODU players, coaches, and staff attended two Sparks games,

against the Seattle Storm and the New York Liberty, and were invited onto the court to toss T-shirts to the fans. “After the first session, we had a roundtable with sever-

al Sparks players,” Milton-Jones said. “It was a tremendous conversation for everyone to be a part of to get that insight. My players did a great job of asking thoughtful

Kewe King joins Simidele Adeagbo aiming

questions and they got thoughtful responses. It helped them understand that they’re not that far removed from that opportunity.”

Although not a lot of WNBA

draft picks come from mid-major schools, there are growing opportunities with the league in expansion mode — two more teams debut in 2026. Milton-Jones said the LA experience and knowledge of expansion let players know not to give up on their dreams.

“We also had the opportunity from this trip to spend a lot of quality time together,” said Milton-Jones. “We could really hash out some things … We had twoto three-hour conversations [where] we just put everything out on the table … [The players] empowered each other to use their voices to where you speak on what you feel and then we can figure out solutions.”

The ODU players also saw a tribute video for Milton-Jones played on the jumbotron, a reminder of what a fierce and vital player she was. “I think the players had a better understanding and grasp of why I am the way that I am,” she said. “It changed how they saw me. They understand my expectations and standards more clearly.”

for an Olympic bobsled spot

By LOIS ELFMAN

Special to the AmNews

Kewe King and Simidele Adeagbo recently wrapped up three weeks of summer training in Germany. The two will reconvene in a few weeks when ice tracks become available. Their goal is to come out strong when bobsled season begins in November with the goal of securing a spot representing Nigeria in the twowoman bobsled competition at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games

in Milano Cortina, Italy. Adeagbo, 44, previously represented Nigeria in skeleton at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, making history as the first African woman to compete in Olympic skeleton. She subsequently switched to bobsled, initially competing in monobob and adding the two-woman sled two years ago. King, 28, a member of the British military whose mother is Nigerian, was new to winter sports but had taken part

in Army athletic track and field competitions.

“Simi had a little advertisement in the Army athletics group chat I’m in that said she’s looking for a brakewoman who has a Nigerian passport,” said King, who like Adeagbo has a background in the triple jump. “I thought that sounds like a really good opportunity. I talked to my husband about it and he said, ‘Go for it.’”

While getting on an ice track was daunting, King said she loves adrenaline-inducing activi-

ties. “To me, it’s like a roller coaster, but you don’t have a seatbelt. You just have to hold yourself in,” she said. King and Adeagbo saw consistent progress throughout last season, and King found herself constantly smiling. “I find it very exciting and I’m enjoying the journey,” she said. They recently wrapped up three weeks of training in Germany, focusing on their push. It’s essential that the pilot and the brakewoman are in sync and get an effective start to each race. While obviously

there was no ice, they were able to practice running with the sled and other aspects of technical training as well as conditioning.

“It’s really nice to have this time to train together because we’re usually at very different ends of the world,” said King, who is in Great Britain while Adeagbo is in the U.S. “I’m so glad we’ve had this opportunity; it’s been extremely valuable. I think we’re making a lot of progress, and we can see it with times improving … and we’re enjoying the process as well.”

Old Dominion University basketball players, coaches and staff at Crypto.com Arena before a Los Angeles Sparks game. (Photo courtesy of ODU Athletics)

Bobsledders Kewe King (l) and Simidele Adeagbo during summer training session in Germany.

Bobsledders Simidele Adeagbo (l) and Kewe King on the competition circuit last season. (Photos courtesy of Kewe King)

Sports

Hope but realistic expectations underscores the Jets and Giants 2025 seasons

By JAIME C. HARRIS

AmNews Sports Editor

The Jets and Giants have a combined one playoff win over the past 14 seasons. Since the 2010 campaign, the Jets have not made it to the playoffs, the longest active futility streak among all franchises in the four major North American Sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL). The Giants have had just one playoff appearance over the past eight seasons, going 9-7-1 during the 2022 schedule and earning a wildcard berth.

The odds are dauntingly low for either to be among the seven playoff teams from each of their respective conferences –– the Jets in the American Football Conference (AFC) and the Giants in the National Football Conference (NFC) –– four months from now when the regular season ends. Most sports betting companies have indexed the Jets, under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, to finish last in the AFC East and the Giants, led by Brian Daboll and now in his fourth season as the team’s head coach, to wind up last in NFC East. Last season, the Jets were third in their division at 5-12, tied with three other teams for the sev-

host old friend –– figuratively and literally –– Aaron Rodgers, the 41-year-old quarterback, and the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday (1 p.m.) at MetLife Stadium and the Giants face the Washington Commanders on the road at 1 p.m also. Rodgers was a member of the Jets for the past two seasons before signing with the Steelers in June. In an ironic twist, the Jets’ new QB1 is Justin Fields, who started the Steelers’ first six games last season before being replaced by Russell Wilson, who is now the Giants’ starter, with promising rookie first-round pick Jaxon Dart, the long-term franchise quarterback in waiting.

But projections can be disrupted.

The Jets’ and Giants’ quest to prove the oddsmakers wrong begins this Sunday when the Jets

enth worst record in the 32-team National Football League. The Giants were 3-14, last in their division, and along with the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, which were also 3-14, at the bottom of the league in wins.

Black Girl Magic: Naomi Osaka defeats Coco Gauff in US Open round of 16

By JUANNE RENEE HARRIS Special to the AmNews

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff met in the round of 16 at Arthur Ashe Stadium Labor Day Monday. The last time these two former US Open champions faced off in New York was in a third-round match on this same stage six years ago. And history repeated itself as the No. 23 seed Osaka again got the best of No. 3 seed Gauff, defeating the 2023 US Open women’s singles champion in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, in the packed venue.

Gauff appeared emotional and Osaka capitalized on issues with Gauff’s serve, double-faults, and unforced errors to control the match. Osaka moved on to her fifth Grand Slam quarterfinal, where she has gone on to win in her previous four trips. It was also the first time the four-time Grand Slam

champion, which includes the 2018 and 2020 US Open, has advanced to the quarterfinals since the 2021 Australian Open — the last of her four major titles.

“This is kind of uncharted territory at this point of my career,” said Osaka. “I’m just enjoying it. I’m having fun. I’m able to play against the best players in the world.” The 27-year-old daughter of a HaitianAmerican father and Japanese mother was born in Osaka, Japan and when she was four moved to Elmont, New York (Long Island) with her parents where they lived with her paternal grandparents.

As for Gauff, she looked at the loss as an emotional learning experience and a step to major wins in the future.

“After the match, I was really disappointed. Kind of broke down to my team,” Gauff said. “Then, hearing their perspectives and everything, it

But the strengths of both teams is on the defensive side of the ball anchored by a pair tackles who both have All-Pro and Pro-Bowl selections on their resumes. The Jets Quinnen Williams, a 2022 First-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler the past three seasons, and the Giants’ Dexter Lawrence, Second-team All-Pro

See JETS AND GIANTS on page 38

75 years ago

definitely is a lot of positive things.” This was more than just another step toward a title, and more than a clash between two worldclass athletes. It was a stage where dreams collided and where the world witnessed a dazzling display of Black Girl Magic that has defined this year’s U.S. Open. From Venus Williams’ return to singles competition and her spirited doubles run with Leylah Fernandez — ended by No. 1 seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova — to Townsend’s own strong showing in singles before falling in the fourth round to two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova, Black women remain front and center. Their presence carries forward the spirit of the late Althea Gibson, the trailblazer who broke tennis’

and was

The resilience, innate beauty, strength, and accomplishments of Black women and girls, and the power of representation, has been felt throughout the tournament and continues to dazzle.

Pro Bowl defensive tackles, the Giants’ Dexter Lawrence (left) and the Jets’ Quinnen Williams, are central to their teams’ aspirations this season. (L-R: AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff meet at the net on Monday at the US Open after Osaka’s round of 16 victory. (Margot Jordan photo)