INNER-CITY NEWS

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

January 2020

36 Youth Portraits Light Up Dixwell

Kim Weston Dances Into 2020 Kim Weston Dances Into 2020 Lucy Gellman, Editor, The Arts Paper Stand at the threshold of Kim Weston’s studio, and you'll notice that every square inch of space is occupied. On a large table, squat jars of paint are arranged neatly, a rainbow of color waiting to be unleashed. Printouts and photos surround her desk, a workspace by the window. Large photographs beckon from all walls: long exposures that look as if they are giving off sparks and rolling out bolts of dark satin. Only when one steps closer does that blue come across as the New England sky.

Officials Say Health Insurance Enrollment Keeping Pace

Isiah Bussey alongside his mother, Nina Silva.

by MAYA MCFADDEN As darkness fell, three nine-foot tall towers lit up with the faces of 36 young people at the traffic-triangle intersection of Dixwell Avenue and Munson and Orchard Streets.

Nearly 50 people gathered to watch that happen Monday, at the unveiling of the city’s latest “iMatter” installation featuring banners with larger-than-life photos of young people from New Haven.

Previous installations have displayed the portraits on downtown and Dixwell buildings and inside City Hall.

Project Manager Bo Sandine said the point is to channel the city’s hopes and dreams of educated and confident youth.

The towers will be another “unique feature of New Haven,” Mayor Toni Harp said at the unveiling.

Photographer Rob Goldman announced that the next phase for the multimedia project will be to allow the world to listen to interviews with youth.

“Power to the young people,” he said.

Sahara Buonome-Scott, 18, graduated from Wilbur Cross this past year. She looked up at her illuminated picture and called the experience surreal.

In her portrait, Buonome-Scott wears a T-shirt with the face of her older brother, Jericho Scott, who was gunned down in 2015 on Exchange Street.

“I want to bring positivity around his name,” said Buonome-Scott.

Since her brother’s passing, BuonomeScott and her family have become prominent advocates against gun violence.

“It really makes you think about the next generation’s impact,” Buonome-Scott said.

Many of the featured teens and young adults agreed that their participation in the project helped to build their self-confidence. Nina Silva, co-chair of the Dixwell Community Management Team, said she hopes the display helps to make the struggles of youth more understood and normalized.

The project’s displays “Identified, described, and demystified” youth and their struggles, said Harp.

“This is what inclusion looks like,” said Silva, mother of Isaiah Bussey, 19, who was born with Down syndrome.

“It feels nice. It feels fire,” said Bussey about his second portrait to be displayed in the ongoing project. A banner of Bussey’s portrait is also displayed on

the vacant former C-Town Supermarket building.

Once Bussey began participating in the project, Silva said, she saw a huge spark in his confidence. He even started a YouTube channel of his own, where he showcases his talents and everyday life.

Silva was proud that her son was chosen to represent New Haven youth. “It will hopefully create a newfound respect for those with disabilities and discourage bullying,” she said.

This phase of the project was funded by The City of New Haven’s Livable City Initiative (LCI). The initial photography and production of 12 banners was funded by the City of New Haven’s Youth Services Department.

“It helps people know that New Haven kids are smart and that New Haven is not all about violence,” said Cortez LeGrant, 15, whose portrait is also featured on the display.

The display features a portrait and personal statement from Syra Barrett, 13.

Barrett chose the statement for her banner — “I am one in eight billion” — to voice that everyone is unique.

“When I look at it,” Barrett said, “I hope that people will see that I matter.”

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EAST HARTFORD, CT — There’s nine days left to purchase health insurance through Access Health CT and enrollment seems to be keeping pace with last year.

The enrollment deadline was extended to Jan. 15, so anyone who purchases a plan before then will get coverage beginning on Feb. 1.

From Nov. 1, 2019 until Jan. 3, 104,799 Connecticut residents have signed up for coverage with one of the two health insurance companies — Anthem Health Plans and ConnectiCare Benefits.

Business was slow Monday afternoon at the Raymond Library in East Hartford, which is one of several walk-in centers where people can get free assistance picking a plan.

“Given the state of the economy and the low unemployment rate,” and the lack of a penalty for not purchasing insurance, “it has an impact on our numbers,” Access Health CT CEO James Michel said.

But he said they expect to enroll close to the same number of customers they enrolled last year.

At the end of open enrollment last year 111,066 Connecticut residents had signed up for coverage. That was about 3,068 fewer enrollees than in 2018.

Access Health CT does compile an annual survey to ascertain why consumers leave the exchange. That survey won’t be completed until later this year.

On Monday, Michel said they are assuming that those who did not come back to purchase insurance through the exchange have found jobs that offer health insurance benefits since that’s what they’ve found in the past.

But he worries that those who don’t sign up before Jan. 15 have the misconception that health insurance is simply unaffordable.

Michel insisted that it’s still affordable coverage being offered because of the federal tax subsidies for those up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Most of the customers who receive federal tax subsidies saw their monthly premiums reduced. Those customers who don’t receive a subsidy saw an average $45 per month increase in their rates, Michel said.

“It may be more affordable than you think,” Michel said.

Last year 71% of those who purchased in-

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE Access Health CT CEO James Michel

surance through the exchange received subsidies.

Enrollment was also extended last year and during that time period 4,081 customers changed their plans and 10,059 customers enrolled in coverage that starts in February.

If consumers purchased a plan before Dec. 15 and decide they don’t like it, they have until Jan. 15 to change their plan. However, they will need to pay the premium amount for the month of January for the first plan they purchased if they decide to switch plans.

This year Access Health CT also focused on the uninsured population.

Connecticut’s uninsured rate was 5.3% percent or around 186,000 individuals in 2018.

That’s up from an eight-year low of 4.9% in 2016.

“We’ve had a very aggressive campaign, knocking on doors, talking to people,” Michel said. “We think that’s going to produce good results.”

Michel said they are still looking at the numbers and will assess how well they did after the end of open enrollment.

Consumers looking to purchase insurance have until Jan. 15 to call Access Health CT at 1-855-909-2428 or sign up online at accesshealthct.com.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

The Inaugural Strength Within Me Celebration A Tribute to a Living Legend: Civil Rights Icon John Lewis Millions adore Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) for his selfless and lifelong dedication to civil and equal rights.

Some idolize Lewis like a rock star, while most revere him as an icon.

K’La Noel Lawson of Noel Muse

The Long Wharf Theatre presents "The Inaugural Strength Within Me Celebration," a women's empowerment forum coordinated by Azaria Samuels. Ms. Trenee' McGee, the newly elected Councilwoman for the City of West Haven, was the commentator of this inspirational and empowering woman's forum. The panelists included influential women that have excelled through leadership, commitment, and volunteerism within the community.

A panel of six phenomenal women with a legacy work that has built a solid foundation for which they use to give back to their communities.

Valencia Goodridge, President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. She is also an advocate for gender

equity in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.

Dr. Sheryl L. W. Barnes, a certified Master Life Coach, and Strategic Success Trainer. Babz Rawls Ivy, the Editor-inchief of the Inner City Newspaper and New Haven WNHH-LP Radio personality. Chardonee Avelar, founder and CEO of Woman, I Am Inc., and Angelina Wilson, founder/Executive Director and Founder of Keepsakes CT. Lensley Gay, Teacher, Mentor, and Community Engagement Coordinator. An extraordinary group of influential African American women brought together in an inclusive environment creating an atmosphere that inspired, uplifted, and informed the audience.

The Strength Within Me Celebration is a platform for women to empower one another through the strength of togetherness. The event was held in conjunction with a brunch provided by New Haven's finest soul food restaurant Sandra's Next Generation. The brunch was served to the backdrop of live jazz music by Cliff Schloss, Matthew Mueller, and Logan Sidle. The poetry performance by Monique Harriet titled "You May Not Enter My Garden" opened up the dialogue for conversation. The chosen vehicle of expression emphasized the theme of selfawareness, and self- care, The celebration provided the framework for ideas and thoughts on how to live your best life.

It is why presidents, politicians, members of Congress, and everyday people have taken time this week to pay tribute to the 79-year-old, 17-term congressman, who announced that he’s battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

“If there’s one thing I love about Rep. John Lewis, it’s his incomparable will to fight,” former President Barack Obama wrote on his official Twitter account.

“I know he’s got a lot more of that left in him. Praying for you, my friend,” Obama stated.

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), and former Tallahassee, Fla., Mayor Andrew Gillum, counted among the masses to send their prayers and heartfelt support to Lewis via social media.

“John Lewis is a giant – an icon of the civil rights movement, a leader in Congress and one of the kindest people I know,” Rep. Omar tweeted. “I’m praying for a speedy and full recovery. We need you making good trouble in the halls of Congress,” she wrote.

Lewis is an “American hero and one of the bravest people I know,” Gillum stated.

John Lewis (D-Ga.)

“It was the honor of my life to get into good trouble with him on the campaign trail.”

Dr. Charles Steele, Jr., the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, said the group is praying that Lewis remains strong, vigilant, and relentless in his battle.

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Learn more at cfgnh.org/sblp or contact: Jennifer Glover-Keller: 203-777-7063 | jglover@cfgnh.org Arthur Thomas: 203-974-1651 | athomas@cfgnh.org

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

February 2020

Dixwell Plaza Plan Unveiled, Embraced

An ambitious planned $200 million redevelopment of Dixwell Plaza would bring a new performing arts center, banquet hall, grocery store, museum, office complex, daycare center, retail storefronts, and 150-plus apartments and townhouses to the neighborhood’s fraying commercial hub.

The local team behind the project received nothing but praise from longtime community members who heralded developers for striving to keep — and build—inter-generational wealth in the heart of black New Haven.

Over 100 people filled the Stetson Branch

Library on Dixwell Avenue Wednesday night to learn about, and ultimately celebrate, those newly unveiled details of the Dixwell Plaza overhaul planned by the Connecticut Community Outreach and Revitalization Program (ConnCORP).

A for-profit subsidiary of the Science Park-based nonprofit Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology (ConnCAT), ConnCORP has been steadily buying up condos over the past year-and-a-half in the 1960s-era shopping complex on the western side of Dixwell Avenue between Webster Street and Charles Street.

Saturday Code Club Set To Start

LEAP is opening a free Saturday Code Club for all children and teens ages 11 to 15. (Kids do not have to already be in LEAP.) Young technology enthusiasts and beginners alike can join to learn more about coding, robotics, virtual reality, app design and more. Short workshops led by instructors and volunteers are followed by opportunities to further explore the topic on their own, with one-on-one help from program staff. Participants will have the opportunity to create projects based on their own interests, collaborating with peers and supported by program staff.

Each week at LEAP’s Computer Learning Center, kids and teens learn how to code through creating their own apps, building and coding robots, and even creating virtual reality experiences. They combine creativity with the fundamentals of computer science to design projects that reflect their own interests and experiences, like a personalized group chat app, a piece of wearable technology or a website where they blog

about their life experiences.

LEAPers also learn about how computer science can be used in exciting ways through weekly career highlights, including Miral Kotb, who combined her passion for dance and skills in software engineering to create a performance company that uses code to illuminate the costumes dancers wear, and journalist Nonny de la Peña, who uses virtual reality to place her audience within the news stories they consume. Lessons are taught by LEAP’s full-time staff and local high school students, who LEAP employs as instructors. Instructors serve as mentors and role models for children in the program, while also pursuing their own knowledge of computer science and digital media arts.

The Saturday sessions will take place at the LEAP Building at 31 Jefferson St. from 10 am to noon. The spring session will run from Feb. 29 to May 9. Registration is required to attend, and spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Penfield Communications Inc

John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO

Babz Rawls Ivy

Editor-in-Chief Liaison, Corporate Affairs Babz@penfieldcomm.com

Advertising/Sales Team Keith Jackson 10 Delores Alleyne John Thomas, III

Editorial Team

Clemons with Stetson Branch Librarian Diane Brown and Elm City Communities Executive Director Karen DuBois-Walton.

Wrongfully convicted man who spent 23 years in prison will receive $1.5 million

Lamonte McIntyre learned Monday he will receive $1.5 million for a wrongful conviction that resulted in him spending 23 years in a Kansas prison.

McIntyre was wrongly convicted of the 1994 murders of Donald Ewing and Doniel Quinn and sentenced to life in prison when he was just 17 years old. McIntyre was exonerated in October 2017 and freed from prison. Last year, he filed a lawsuit against the state of Kansas under a statute involving mistaken convictions. The law, which was passed in 2018, now allows prisoners who were wrongfully convicted to sue the state and seek monetary damages.

Along with the $1.5 million settlement, McIntyre will also receive two years of state health care benefits, counseling and a tuition wavier to pursue a college degree.

His conviction, arrest and any DNA profile record information will also be expunged.

“Today, Lamonte McIntyre has been declared, finally and conclusively, a completely innocent man,” Cheryl A. Pilate,

McIntyre’s lawyer. “That long-overdue recognition, along with the statutory payment and other benefits, will help lighten a bit the heavy load he has carried.”

“In this case, our office worked diligently to obtain and review all available evidence, including evidence identified but not provided in the earlier judicial proceedings,” Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt released in a statement. “We were ultimately able to resolve all issues, satisfy all of the statute’s requirements, and agree to this outcome so Mr. McIntyre can receive the benefits to which he is entitled by law because of his mistaken conviction.”

After he was exonerated in 2017, McIntyre co-founded the nonprofit, Miracle of Innocence, that helps others who are wrongfully incarcerated. McIntyre also co-owns Headlines Barber Academy in Kansas City.

In an interview with CNN affiliate KMBC last year, McIntyre said: “I’m not angry.

I’m frustrated because I don’t like to see this kind of injustice happen to nobody.”

Activist-Turned-Priest Returns In New Role

Thomas Jackson doesn’t see much difference between a good sermon and good journalism. Both, in his view, strive to make people see connections more deeply and build community.

Jackson knows both roles. An environmental activist and journalist in Fair Haven in the 1980s and 1990s, he made a life change and became a priest. Now he has returned to New Haven after a 16-year sojourn, in a new/old role: preaching the good environmental word and much else from the pulpit of historic St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Whalley Avenue.

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Thomas Jackson at St. Luke’s, where he now serves as pastor.

Staff Writers Christian Lewis/Current Affairs Anthony Scott/Sports Arlene Davis-Rudd/Politics

Contributing Writers David Asbery / Tanisha Asbery Jerry Craft / Cartoons / Barbara Fair Dr. Tamiko Jackson-McArthur Michelle Turner / Smita Shrestha William Spivey / Kam Williams Rev. Samuel T. Ross-Lee

Contributors At-Large Christine Stuart www.CTNewsJunkie.com

Paul Bass www.newhavenindependent.org

Memberships National Association of Black Journalist National Newspapers Publishers Association Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Greater New Haven Business & Professional Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. The Inner-City Newspaper is published weekly

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

Have a new reason to think about health insurance?

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Open Enrollment ends January 15.

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11/21/20 2:23 PM

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

March 2020

Are Black People Immune to the Coronavirus?

by Derrick Lane

There’s a rumor going around that black people can’t get the coronavirus. After all, we haven’t heard or seen of too many cases of any African Americans who have contracted the virus.

So we did a little research to 1) see where this rumor came from, and 2) to see if it was true.

It seems as though social media help spread a story about “report” that said a man who had the Coronovirus stayed alive because of his African American skin.

Here’s the direct quote: “Doctors said he remained alive because he has black skin, the antibodies of a black are 3 times stronger, powerful and resistant compared to that of white.”

To be honest, scientists are saying there’s no evidence that statement is true and have denied where it came from. As a matter of fact, none of the articles ever mentioned that black or darker skin, or even African American lineage made people immune to the disease.

And recently, a case of the Coronavirus has shown up in the continent of Africa, in the country of Egypt. We are unaware if the person who contracted the virus is of darker skin or not.

Egypt has confirmed its first case of the new coronavirus – heralding its entry

into Africa, a continent with increasingly close ties to China where the virus originated.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has already declared the coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency – largely because of fears that… … poorer countries may not be able to cope with an outbreak.

“The main reason for this declaration is not what is happening in China but what is happening in other countries. Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is from Ethiopia.

The health systems in many African countries are already struggling with the existing workload, so can they deal with another outbreak of a highly infectious disease?

Michael Yao, WHO’s head of emergency operations in Africa, notes that some countries on the continent “have the minimum to start with – they’re not starting from scratch”.

“We know how fragile the health system is on the African continent and these systems are already overwhelmed by many ongoing disease outbreaks, so for us it is critical to detect earlier so that we can prevent the spread.”

Elicker Orders Child Care Centers Closed

In the latest City Hall attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Justin Elicker Monday ordered the closure of childcare centers serving more than 12 children.

He did so by an emergency order.

The order makes an exception: centers “may provide childcare services for any child whose parent or legal guardian is employed as a healthcare provider.”

“In a continued effort to protect the health of our residents, I am ordering that all daycare and childcare centers close as a result of the growing public health emergency surrounding COVID-19. We are still allowing childcare facilities to provide care for healthcare workers,” a press release quotes Elicker as saying.

“We have already closed public schools to prevent people from gathering. While children appear to be less likely to get seriously sick, they still can spread the virus, and therefore we believe it is critical from a public health perspective to close

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO Rev. Steele: “An ongoing inequality issue.”

daycare and childcare centers as well. I realize that this will add another burden to families and care providers. We have weighed this risk and strongly believe this is the right public health decision.

“We are in a State of Emergency in New Haven, and it is critical that we limit interaction with others, promote social distancing, and keep our children from congregating in large crowds.”

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Virginia Becomes 1st Southern State To Outlaw Hair Discrimination Another state is moving in the right direction to eliminate discrimination against hair. Virginia has officially become the first southern US state to ban hair discrimination based on racial identifiers including hair texture and hair type.

It is the fourth US state to pass such a measure. It had already passed the Virginia senate and house of delegates unanimously last month.

Other states continue to weigh legislation to ban hair discrimination in the workforce and classroom. Known as the Crown Act, it protects against discrimination based on hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles.

The Crown Act has passed in three states including California and New Jersey.

Thirteen additional states are considering similar legislation.

Advocates say the law will put an end to punitive actions that have disproportionately affected African Americans, both in schools and the workforce. Instances of disciplined children, or fired employees over dreadlocks, braids or afros have sparked outrage in recent years.

Rory Gamble Named First African American President of the UAW

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is one of the largest and most diverse unions in North America, with members in virtually every sector of the economy.

Representing nearly 1 million current and retired members of all ethnicities and backgrounds in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the UAW has never had an African American president.

Until now.

“I was sitting at home and brainstorming on things that I needed to do, and then the phone started to ring,” stated Rory Gamble, a welder fixture repairman, who joined the UAW in 1974 when he worked at the Ford Motor Co. Dearborn (Mich.)

Frame Plant.

“The local NAACP chapter president called, and others,” noted Gamble, who in December was named the 13th president of the 85-year-old union.

“It hit me then that, ‘Hey, you’re the first African American president,’” Gamble recalled. “It struck me like a rock. It’s a great accomplishment.”

Gamble observed a distinct and frequently-used quote that dates back to Winston Churchill: “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

“There is a great weight that comes with being the first African American president,” Gamble said.

“I want to be an example where no one can question my leadership and not use anything against another African American brother or sister to prevent them from being able to ascend to a position like this.”

Gamble accepted the job after his predecessor, Gary Jones, resigned amid a corruption scandal.

Despite the cloud of suspicion left behind, Gamble observed that the union must continue to move forward.

“Being an African American already means you have a great deal of responsibility and so I want to make sure that the way I carry myself will keep the doors open for others to follow,” Gamble expressed during an exclusive interview with NNPA Newswire.

“I’ve been blessed. I was able to come up during a time where there was a lot of activism. Unlike today, where a lot of our brothers and sisters get caught up in the digital world, I came up when everything was more hands-on and personal,” Gamble continued.

“You couldn’t hide behind a keyboard.

You had to get up and see people and look them in the eye. Looking folks in the eye shows that you have a lot more of yourself invested.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

Tristate Bars, Gyms, Theaters Closing

by PAUL BASS

The governors of Connecticut, New York and New Jersey agreed jointly to order all bars, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, and non-tribal casinos closed Monday as of 8 p.m. until further notice to seek to stem to spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus — with the exception that restaurants can serve take-out.

The announcement came shortly after 10 a.m. in a joint press call led by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New Jersey Gov.

Phil Murphy, and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont.

The three Democratic governors said they were stepping up to take uniform measures in the absence of needed federal action.

They are ordering that public events be limited to 50 people in the tristate area.

The closings are in effect under further notice. Cuomo said the governors anticipate working together to coordinate a reopening date.

Elicker Orders Child Care Centers Closed

In the latest City Hall attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Justin Elicker Monday ordered the closure of childcare centers serving more than 12 children.

He did so by an emergency order.

The order makes an exception: centers “may provide childcare services for any child whose parent or legal guardian is employed as a healthcare provider.”

“In a continued effort to protect the health of our residents, I am ordering that all daycare and childcare centers close as a result of the growing public health emergency surrounding COVID-19. We are still allowing childcare facilities to provide care for healthcare workers,” a press release quotes Elicker as saying.

“We have already closed public schools to prevent people from gathering. While children appear to be less likely to get seriously sick, they still can spread the virus,

and therefore we believe it is critical from a public health perspective to close daycare and childcare centers as well. I realize that this will add another burden to families and care providers. We have weighed this risk and strongly believe this is the right public health decision.

“We are in a State of Emergency in New Haven, and it is critical that we limit interaction with others, promote social distancing, and keep our children from congregating in large crowds.”

COVID-19 Contact Closes Nathan Hale

by PAUL BASS & THOMAS BREEN

City officials have decided to close Nathan Hale School at least for the rest of the week after “an adult suspected of having COVID-19” had “limited contact with the school facility and a student under their care attending the school.”

Meanwhile, all other public schools will close for half-days Friday and Monday so teachers can make distance-learning plans in case the rest of the system closes to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Those were among the latest COVID-19 developments Wednesday.

Also Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a global pandemic. And Gov. Ned Lamont announced that a third person in the state — “an elderly gentleman who lives in a private residence in New Canaan” — has been diagnosed with the virus and is being treated at Norwalk Hospital.

And Gateway Community College announced all classes will move online following Spring break, at least until April 5.

All campus events scheduled for between March 14 and April 5 have been canceled.

The biggest new development was the Nathan Hale closing, and the first suspected New Haven coronavirus case.

“The New Haven Health Department is in contact with the family and have asked them to self-isolate. At this juncture, the City believes there is a low risk to students and are not recommending that Na-

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO Mayor Elicker: “We can only successfully address this as a community.”

than Hale students or families self-isolate.

The City and New Haven Public Schools want to aggressively reduce the chance of COVID-19, and will make a determination on when they will reopen the school.

The New Haven Public Schools will notify parents on this reopening,” the Elicker Administration reported in a release.

“Nathan Hale parents have been notified

of the situation, and the City is with them every step of the way to ensure the safety of New Haven Public School students and their families.”

Mayor Justin Elicker, schools Superintendent Ilene Tracey, city Health Director Maritza Bond and other officials offered more details about the Nathan Hale closing at a 5 p.m. City Hall press conference .

G R E ATE R N E W H AV E N

CC OO V I D -1 9 MMUNITY FUND A COM MUNIT Y-WIDE E FFORT

Make a gift at cfgnh.org /covid19 fund See the top 5 needs identified by CT Nonprofits.

The Greater New Haven COVID -19 Community Fund was established on March 20, 2020 by a partnership between The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and United Way of Greater New Haven.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

April

Civil Rights Giant Rev. Joseph Lowery of Alabama, Dies at 98

2020

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor

Singer-Songwriting Legend Bill Withers Dies at 81

Three-time Grammy Award winner Bill Withers, a singer-songwriter of music with lyrics and harmony carrying messages that stayed in the minds of many listening in an indelible way, has died at 81. Withers passed away in Los Angeles.

Withers’ family referenced a heart condition as the cause of his death which has not been linked to COVID-19.

His song “Lean on Me” is one of the most popular in modern popular music and was judged to be one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone magazine along with “Ain’t No Sunshine.”

Withers soulful songs “Lean on Me,” “Lovely Day” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” have now become standards heard for five decades in feature films and in the background of endless TV episodes.

Withers most recently appeared in the documentary The Black Godfather on Netflix. The film, directed by Reginald Hudlin, was a tribute to the life of influential music executive Clarence Avant and was released by Netflix last year. Avant detailed his association with Withers.

COVID-19, the View Across Black America

By Jon Jeter, The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

Similar to Hurricane Katrina 15 years ago, the global coronavirus pandemic is shining a light on America’s racial fault lines. By whatever trope you choose to deploy—“last hired, first fired,” “When White America catches a cold, Black America has the flu,” or “Your Blues ain’t like mine” — People of Color generally, and the 42 million descendants of chattel slaves, specifically, will experience this almost Biblical scourge in ways that are very different from Whites.

A nurse reports that White nurses began disappearing from her central New Jersey hospital around the first week of March, applying for vacation and leaves of absence just as the number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. was beginning to skyrocket.

As the hospital admitted more and more infected patients, they announced that all time-off requests would be denied, leaving mostly Black and Brown nurses to cope with the worst global health crisis in more than a century.

But that’s not all. Running short of surgical masks and hand sanitizer, a nurse at the hospital recently was exposed to a patient infected with the coronavirus; her coworkers are on pins and needles, nervously awaiting her test results.

“While most facilities like the one I work at have turned away any new admissions, we’re still taking admissions,” wrote one nurse, a Latina with 15 years of experience. She surmised that hospital executives hope to profit from the growing caseload.

Rev. Joseph Lowery was a civil rights giant. He was a Methodist preacher, a leader of the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, an organizer of the 1963 March on Washington and a close confidant of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. A fighter for human rights, voting rights and the rights of African Americans in a nation with 300 years of systematic racism against Blacks in its rear-view mirror, Rev. Lowery was often referred to as the “dean” of the American civil rights movement.

“Black people need to understand that the right to vote was not a gift of our political system but came as a result of blood, sweat and tears,” Rev. Lowery said in 1985.

Joseph Lowery was born in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1921 and his father owned a grocery store. After an incident in the store with a racist police officer, he decided to dedicate his life to civil rights work.

After graduating from college, Lowery became an ordained Methodist minister who served congregations in Alabama and Georgia. He later became a peace activist, joining the fight against segre-

DJ Diamond D Coaxes Covid Into Open

Diamond Powell Sr. was sick and tired of hearing that black people don’t have to worry about contracting Covid-19. Because he is black and has been sick and tired with Covid-19. To the point that he thought he was dying.

Powell , a 52-year-old New Haven native and popular local DJ known as Diamond D, is coming out the other side after weeks in quarantine following a rough bout with the coronavirus.

“I’m still scared,” he said. “I’m happy to be here.”

He wasn’t happy to keep hearing: “Black people can’t get it.” “Do you know anybody black that has it?” “Do you know anybody that really has it?” “Can you tell?”

“Can you tell me the name of somebody who really has it?”

So he went on Facebook, then conducted an interview, to proclaim that name: Diamond Powell Sr. And to offer the details.

In doing so, he bucked a trend in New Haven. Covid-19 has started infecting hundreds of people in town, across all demographics, some of them fatally. But many people, fearing stigma, have chosen to keep their condition secret, including some community leaders. In the process they have sought to keep secret details of public events attended by numerous people who subsequently got sick (and in some cases died).

(The Independent has contacted some of the leaders, in various communities, and is honoring individuals’ desires not to speak publicly.)

8

Powell said the true story needs to get out so people will take Covid-19 seriously enough to try to prevent its spread. Already he’s hearing from people grateful to talk about their own conditions without shame.

“People are making people feel ashamed that they have the disease. You’d be shocked how many people have tested positive, but they’re in this battle by themselves.”

Powell’s battle began on March 17, when he woke up with aches and pains. lost his sense of taste and smell. His head kept aching.

gation and organizing marches in Selma and Birmingham, Alabama. He served nearly half a century as a pastor, spending much of that time with Central United Methodist and Cascade United Methodist in Atlanta, Georgia.

Office of Early Childhood Announces Child Care Program Stability Funding

The Office of Early Childhood announced today that funding for OEC-funded child care services will continue through the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. This critical step will financially stabilize child care programs in the wake of the coronoravirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.

The OEC funding streams are School Readiness, Child Day Care, Smart Start, and Care 4 Kids, serving children ranging in age from birth through age 12.

In addition, the OEC will be releasing up $4.5 million in Public Health Emergency Response Grant Funds to incentivize and support public and private programs that re-open or remain open to provide child care for children of health workers and first responders. These funds are available only during the period in which Governor Lamont’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order is in effect.

“I want to thank Governor Lamont for his leadership and his commitment to our child care providers. This commitment of funding is an essential lifeline to providers so they can operate today and into the future. It also recognizes the heroic work of child care providers care for children during this public health emergency, and helps assure a supply of child care,” said

“Where Is The Help?” Kimber, Elicker Square Off THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

by PAUL BASS Trillions of dollars are flowing from Washington and through the state Capitol to help keep struggling families and businesses afloat amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Will they flow all the way down into urban neighborhoods like Dixwell and Newhallville?

Rodney Williams is watching closely — and is skeptical.

“We need help,” Williams said Friday.

“Where is the help?”

Williams runs Green Elm Construction, a sheetrocking business based on Dixwell Avenue. He publicly advocates for other minority-run small businesses. He serves on boards and commissions and speaks out at public meetings about issues ranging from policing to economic development.

He came on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven” program Friday to sound the alarm bell about Covid-19 — not just about the need for people to practice social distancing to avoid its deadly spread, but about the need for government officials as well as grassroots people to ensure the financial-assistance local tap turns on from the $2 trillion-plus-andcounting federal stimulus efforts.

“Every time they pass out money,” Williams observed, “it doesn’t hit the ground.”

Williams noted that larger companies are

PAUL BASS PHOTO Rodney Williams Friday on

“Dateline New Haven.”

best positioned to obtain payroll protection and other assistance meant to keep them in business. The state’s portal to sign up for emergency small-business assistance closed in one day, for instance.

Meanwhile, Williams said, he and other small-business owners struggle with barriers to meeting the guidelines set for the aid. For instance: When they win government subcontracts, they often wait longer than 90 days to get paid. But they have to pay their workers. They struggle to maintain the credit scores required under the new aid programs.

Right now the programs have a set of rules for “small” businesses defined as having under 500 workers. A company with 400 workers has far more resources than a company like Williams’, which often has eight or nine people on the payroll, or up to two dozen given how many jobs it’s working.

He suggested that government set up “another bar” of qualifications and rules for truly small businesses like his. A “micro” bar. Along with staffers dedicated to reaching out better to the grassroots to help connect dollars with recipients.

“We need to figure out how we help people going forward” during the pandemic, not just with business aid, but rental and other assistance, Williams argued. “This country is not going to come back because big business is back in business.”

It also needs “small businesses like me.”

Williams spoke of other inequities bared by the pandemic. He pointed to how gatherings in wealthy Fairfield County towns that spread Covid-19 through Connecticut never earned the public rebuke or action from the governor. This New York Times article recounting how attendees of an upscale Westport “soiree” hid their family’s subsequent infections in order to avoid social stigma.

“If that happened in Newhallville,” he said, “they would be air-dropping us peanut butter sandwiches.”

!

9

On Appointment

by PAUL BASS Mayor Justin Elicker appointed someone to replace the Rev. Boise Kimber to cochair a city early-education council.

At least he thought he had. Kimber is still running the group.

That standoff is taking place over the co-chairmanship of the New Haven Early Childhood Council. The council, appointed by the mayor and schools superintendent, is New Haven’s version of a state-sanctioned “school readiness council.” It was established to offer advice to government on preschool policy, allocate state-funded School Readiness slots to local education providers, and spend grant money.

The Elicker-Kimber tussle remains at a standstill while a more immediate concern preoccupies the city — keeping people alive during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Eventually, Kimber’s lawyer said, the matter could end up in court. Meanwhile, the matter hints at a potential realignment of power in city governmental and political affairs.

The disagreement began on March 6, when Kimber, a politically influential Newhallville minister, received a letter from city Corporation Counsel Patricia King.

King informed Kimber that his appointment as co-chair of the Early Childhood Council is invalid. She cited Section 1016r of the state General Statutes concern-

THOMAS BREEN PHOTOS Elicker

(at left): “Rev. Kimber is not on the council.”

Kimber (at right): “I’m still on it.”

ing school readiness councils. The section states the the “chief elected official of the town .. and the superintendent of schools ... shall jointly appoint and convene the council.”

Former Mayor Toni Harp appointed Kimber to serve on the council. Kimber was an influential backer of Harp, and one of her most visible supporters when she ran against Elicker in last fall’s mayoral election. Elicker won that election. Kimber was a confidante and key political supporter of the previous two mayors, making him a powerbroker in city government agencies ranging from the police department to the Board of Education. He does not enjoy the same relationship with Elicker.

May

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

2020

Census Party Rolls Thru Fair Haven

by THOMAS BREEN Behind a face mask, DJ Rob Nice stood on the back of a flatbed truck driving up Blatchley Avenue and shouted through the mic: “2020 Census, baby! Wash your hands! Wash your hands!”

Standing a few feet away, Kaylib raised his own mic to speak up above the reg-

A caravan of a half-dozen cars—including a city parks truck bearing DJ Rob Nice, Kaylib, DJ Skorp, and a mess of amplifiers, wires, laptops, and one exhaust-spewing portable generator—rolled through the streets of Fair Haven to raise awareness about the once-a-decade national headcount that is still taking place

gaeton beat. “2020 Census!” he shouted.

“Veinte Veinte Census Dot Gov!” DJ Rob Nice and Kaylib took a break Friday morning from their usual gigs spinning independent hip hop on Ugly Radio to participate in the Census 2020 PartyOn-Wheels.

during the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was spearheaded by the city’s Complete Count Committee.

The car blasted music and information about the Census, which can be filled out online and responded to as late as Oct. 31 this year.

“She pushed me to respect everyone, do my best, and always invest with my neighbors,” she said.

Rodriguez learned a new definition of commitment and public service watching Jackson-Brooks work as alder. Many recalled Jackson-Brooks’s huge heart and work ethic.

The family members who now take care of Jackson-Brooks joined the celebration of the new name of the corner and Gant’s birthday.

Gant stood beside his father, kids, nieces, and nephews while expressing how proud he is of his mother. “This is us. We come from a legend. She taught us well and instilled strength in us,” he said.

Rev. Bonita Grubbs (pictured) closed the gathering with a prayer after recalling

times with Jackson-Brooks, who is her close friend. The two played basketball together; she reminisced about their trips to watch the CT Sun women’s basketball team at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

“There was nothing that could stop me from being a part of this history,” said Gant’s friend Kim Crabbe, who traveled from North Carolina to New Haven for the celebration.

Chief Reyes spoke at the gathering about growing up in the Hill. His first encounter with Jackson-Brooks was when she approached him as a rookie officer after making a traffic stop. Jackson-Brooks told Reyes about the importance of the Hill and invited him to work with her some time to get to know her neighbors.

“She’s a Hill dog forever,” Reyes said.

DeLauro Nominated,“Ready for a Fight” For 16th Term

New Haven U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro Monday evening accepted accepted her party’s unanimous endorsement for a 16th two-year term with a story about why her late mother once wore red for a year following a pandemic.

For the first time ever, the district’s nominating convention was held via teleconference rather than in person, because of restrictions on public gatherings during the Covid-19 crisis Besides two accidental slips in pressing the wrong phone key for nominations, not one of the convention’s 300 delegates presented nominations for any candidate Monday except DeLauro, who first won the office in 1990. She was endorsed for reelection unanimously.

Rosa DeLauro

3 Innocent Black Men Awarded $18 Million Settlement After Serving 39 Years in Prison

Nationwide — Three men from Cleveland, Ohio — 63-year old Rickey Jackson, 65-year old Wiley Bridgeman, and 62-year old Kwame Ajamu — have been awarded a settlement for $18 million nearly 45 years after their wrongful conviction and imprisonment in connection to a robbery and murder case in 1975.

Jackson, Bridgeman, and his brother Ajamu, formerly known as Ronnie Bridgeman, were then aged 18, 20, 17 when they were accused and convicted for the deadly robbery of Harold Franks.

They were convicted based solely on a testimony of a 12-year old boy, which eventually turned out to be false testimony. The boy admitted that he was coerced

by Cleveland police to provide wrongful testimony during the trial.

The three men were all exonerated and

freed in 2014.

“For 45 years, our clients never gave up hope that someday their nightmare would be over,” said their attorney, Terry Gilbert. “That time has come with this final resolution providing some measure of justice and closure. But the physical and emotional trauma our clients were forced to endure is an example of the deep flaws of a racist criminal legal system focused on results rather than truth and justice.”

The three have reached an $18 million settlement following a lawsuit against the city of Cleveland for police misconduct, falsifying evidence, and coercing a witness. It is reportedly the largest settlement ever made in the history of the state of Ohio.

2020 Andrea Jackson-Brooks Way Marks Lifetime Of Public Service

Families, friends, and mentees of former Hill Alder and State Rep. Andrea JacksonBrooks joined together Saturday at what is now known as Andrea Jackson-Brooks Way, the corner of Spring Street and Dewitt Street.

The longtime New Haven leader was honored for her many stints of public service: She represented Ward 4 on the Board of Alders for 15 years, served two terms as state representative for New Haven’s 95th Connecticut General Assembly District, worked as former Mayor John DeStefano’s executive assistant, served as an assistant in the state comptroller’s office, and chaired the board of the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center.

Loved ones and city officials gathered outside of Jackson-Brooks’ home on the corner of Spring and Dewitt with posters as she watched from her second-floor balcony.

Police Chief Otoniel Reyes, former Mayor Toni Harp, Ward 4 Alder Evelyn Rodriguez, Mayor Justin Elicker, State Rep. Rosa DeLauro, and others spoke about working closely with Jackson-Brooks during her lifelong services for the state.

“She made a lot of us leaders. Her legacy has been in us, but now it is physical too,” Rodriguez said.

Jackson-Brooks’s oldest son, Daniel Gant (above right), accepted the formal ordinance from Rodriguez for his mother’s accomplishment.

Rodriguez reminisced on being a mentee of Jackson-Brooks while she was alder.

10

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

26-Year Old Future Black Nurse Shot 8 Times By Louisville Police Louisville, KY — Breonna Taylor, who was working as an EMT in Kentucky when the coronavirus pandemic started, was reportedly killed after being shot 8 times by police who mistakenly entered her apartment. Her family is filing a lawsuit accusing the officers of wrongful death, excessive force, and gross negligence.

Back in March, Taylor, who was only 26-years old, was shot and killed by Louisville Metro Police officers while serving a drug warrant at her apartment, but noth-

ing illegal was found there.

It was eventually found out that the police went to the wrong home and the real suspect was actually already in custody before the raid.

Taylor’s family is suing the LMPD officers, saying they “blindly fired” into the home, firing shots into Taylor’s house and neighboring apartments “with a total disregard for the value of human life,” according to the lawsuit.

Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, who was at the apartment thought they were being robbed so he fired at the officers who forcefully entered. He was

arrested and charged with the attempted murder of a police officer.

Sgt. John Mattingly, who was shot in the leg during the incident, detectives Myles Cosgrove and Brett Hankison were placed on administrative reassignment in connection to the incident.

More than that, Taylor’s family is seeking justice. The lawsuit her family filed demands a trial by jury.

“Not one person has talked to me. Not one person has explained anything to me,” Tamika Palmer, Taylor’s mother, told The Courier Journal. “I want justice for her.

I want them to say her name. There’s no

New Haven’s fledgling bike-sharing operation has left town.

The operation, Bike New Haven, pulled all 300 of its rentable bicycles from city streets four months ago because of planned software and hardware upgrades.

Now the company has announced that the bicycles won’t be returning to New Haven any time soon—not because of tech problems, but because of Covid-19.

The bike share company delivered that

news via a mass email sent out Tuesday morning with the subject line: “Refund Notice.”

“Riders, as you know, we temporarily suspended bike share services to upgrade the system to a new operating system,” the email reads. “Our intention was to improve service and provide frequently requested features. We were working diligently to prepare the system to be relaunched, and we were looking forward

to introducing the final product. Unfortunately, given the current instability created by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the delay has been prolonged indefinitely.

“Taking into consideration the financial impact and strain that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about, Bike New Haven will be refunding users with an existing and active subscription to the Bike New Haven platform. User accounts will be refunded and deactivated to prevent

By BlackNews.com

Bike Share Bids Indefinite Good-Bye

reason Breonna should be dead at all.”

National civil rights attorney Ben Crump is joining local attorneys Sam Aguiar and Lonita Baker in the legal team to help Taylor’s family find answers. Crump has represented in several big cases including the recent shooting of Ahmaud Arbery.

Meanwhile, the LMPD has not made a comment regarding the incident, stating “the Public Integrity investigation into this case remains ongoing, therefore it would be inappropriate for us to comment beyond what we already have said immediately following the incident.”

any further recurring charges. If you need any further assistance, please contact bikenewhaven@p3gm.com.”

The email goes on to link to public safety information regarding Covid-19 as provided by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

While the short-term rental bikes themselves are gone—and have been gone

since Jan. 1—the eight-by-four-foot ad panels installed at nearly all of the 30 bike share stations citywide remain.

The bike share system is privately run, by a New York City-based company called P3 Global Management (P3GM). It formally launched in New Haven in February 2018, and allowed cyclists to rent available bikes for up to 45 minutes at a time.

Stressed? Overwhelmed?

We are here to help.

1-844-TALK-4CT

You are not alone.

11

June July THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

2020

A Funeral Procession

Turned Into A Call For Action

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE

Melinda Johnson who helped organize the action Wednesday

by Christine Stuart HARTFORD, CT — The casket bore no name. It represented all the black men and women who have died as a result of police brutality and racism.

It arrived at the state Capitol as part of a funeral procession that wound through city streets from a church in Hartford.

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“We’re not supposed to be here again, and we are,” said Adrienne Cochrane, CEO of the YWCA, which helped organize the funeral.

Cochrane said the funeral is for George Floyd today, but “it represents every black man and woman who has died senselessly and unjustly. It’s the symbolism.”

Cochrane went on to say it’s important

that today means something more.

“If there is no call to action, then it’s just words,” Cochrane said.

But defeating racism is not an easy or straightforward topic when it comes to state policies since systems that have been in place for years are inherently racist.

“We have work to do,” Pastor AJ Johnson admitted. He said the “original pandemic was and still is racism.”

Melinda Johnson, director of community engagement at the YWCA, said black women like her are standing at the state Capitol because they have “too many mothers, too many daughters, too many sons, too many friends, too many lovers lying in boxes dead when they should have been in their house taking care of their children.”

A tearful Lizzo speaks out about

protests and the fight against racism

Connecticut Residents Rally Against Racism And Police Brutality

by Christine Stuart HARTFORD, CT — Legislative and community leaders were disgusted that they again had to rally following another police-involved murder of a black man.

The rally, which was one of many held across the country, came the same day that murder and manslaughter charges were filed against the Minneapolis police officer who knelt on George Floyd’s neck until he was dead on Monday. Floyd’s name is now being added to a long list of black men killed by white police officers.

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The peaceful gathering of more than 300 at the state Capitol was organized by state Senate Democrats and was not directed against any specific group. It was a rally against police brutality and a showing of solidarity for individuals impacted by discrimination and violence.

“Everyone in this country should be up in arms to say that there should not be violence by those that we entrust with a badge and a uniform and a weapon,” Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said. “Police are there to serve us. They’re not there to serve themselves.”

He said even those in uniform should be held accountable for violence.

The Rev. John Selders, a leader of the Moral Monday organization, said he’s tired of having to respond every time someone does something stupid.

Connecticut Residents Rally Against Racism And Police Brutality

“Again we can’t breathe?” Selders said.

He said valuing some people over other people based on skin color is called “white supremacy.”

Name by name, Selders listed the highprofile killings of black people by police.

Michael Brown in Ferguson, Eric Garner in New York, Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Sandra Bland in Texas, Amaud Arbery in Georgia, Breyonna Taylor in Kentucky, and the list went on.

Senate President Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said, “It’s a terrible tragedy that this has to be repeated, again, and again and again.”

He said they can try to change things

with legislation, “but what really has to change is the hearts and minds of many people in this country.”

Janee Woods, a West Hartford resident who was a candidate for town council in 2019, said proclaiming the humanity of black people is not about politics.

“It is not a political issue to demand that the police be held accountable to the community that they are supposed to serve and protect,” Woods said. “It is not a political issue. It is a moral issue.”

She said she saw a lot of familiar faces in the crowd Friday, but she also saw some “white elected officials who I’ve never seen at an action before.”

Attorney General Keith Ellison Takes Over George Floyd Murder Case

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has taken over the prosecution of ex-police officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed and handcuffed African American who died because of the actions of Chauvin and other officers.

“It is with a large degree of humility and great seriousness, I accept for my office, the responsibility for leadership in this critical case involving the killing of George Floyd,” Ellison said during a news conference in Minneapolis.

“We are going to bring to bear all the resources necessary to achieve justice in this case,” he pronounced.

Ellison’s appointment came following a telephone meeting between hip-hop icon Jay-Z and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

JAY-Z described the conversation as “very earnest” and thanked Governor Walz.

“Earlier today, Governor Walz mentioned

12

having a human conversation with me – a dad and a black man in pain,” Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, wrote in a statement.

“Yes, I am human, a father and a black man in pain, and I am not the only one. This is just a first step. I am more determined to fight for justice than any fight my would-be oppressors may have.”

Walz noted that the icon came to him “not as an international performer, but dad, stressing to me that justice needs to be served.”

This week, Jay-Z’s superstar wife, Beyonce, also spoke out on Floyd’s death on a social media post.

“We need justice for George Floyd,” she uttered. “We all witnessed his murder in broad daylight. We’re broken, and we’re disgusted. We cannot normalize this pain.”

Walz’s selection of Ellison comes as uprisings are taking place around the country and abroad. It also comes as Floyd’s family and their attorney, Ben Crump, have demanded that the other three officers involved face charges.

The family remains outraged that Chauvin is the only officer arrested so far, and prosecutors have leveled just the relatively minor third-degree murder charge against the cop.

Ellison, a former congressman from Minnesota who ran for chair of the Democratic National Committee in 2017, noted that he was accepting the lead on the case with “a large degree of humility and great seriousness.”

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's appointment came following a telephone meeting between hip-hop icon Jay-Z and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

5,000 March For Racial Justice THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

New Haven teens led the way as thousands poured into the streets of New Haven to demand racial justice, an end to police violence, and a move from funding cops to funding schools and communities.

It was the latest protest in New Haven and nationwide sparked by the killing of African-Americans by law enforcement, most recently the Memorial Day death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The event ran four hours, turning out an estimated 5,000 people in a mix of determined demands for change and celebration of peaceful protest with a new generation at the helm.

The crowd gathered on the Green at 3 p.m. Members of the Citywide Youth Coalition read a list of demands that included switching $33 million of police department funding to schools and social needs; eliminating school resource officers (cops); “ending the triple occupation of New Haven” by Yale, Hamden, and New Haven police.

“Y’all are amazing. Look at this city!”

Thousands gather on the Green at the start of the march.

declared Ala Ochumare of Black Lives Matter New Haven. “This is a peaceful uprising. This is not a riot. We are out here demanding our liberation for all people.”

Veteran protest organizer Norm Clement urged those in the crowd to write the

Connecticut To Provide Some Relief For Undocumented Families

CTNEWSJUNKIE PHOTO

Veronica Ubaldo of Make the Road CT

by Christine Stuart HARTFORD, CT — The state of Connecticut will be giving $2.5 million to about 2,500 undocument families to help them pay their rent.

The funding, along with another $1 million in small cash donations from the philanthropic organization 4-CT, was announced Wednesday morning outside the offices of Make the Road CT. Support authentic, locally owned and operated public service journalism!

The organization has been advocating for financial help for the state’s 120,000 undocumented residents who are excluded from receiving any federal emergency assistance even if they have children who are American citizens.

Veronica Ubaldo, a Mexican immigrant

who has been living in Connecticut for 25 years and became a U.S. citizen in 2015, said her community was “exploited by the government by this pandemic.”

“People who contribute to this country every day, they were left out at the most tragic time,” Ubaldo said.

She said many in the community have lost their jobs and they don’t have money to pay the rent or their bills.

“We deserve more,” Ubaldo said.

The rental assistance offered by the state will be doled out in $1,000 increments to about 2,500 families.

She thanked Gov. Ned Lamont for the money, but said it was only the first step.

“Even though it’s $2.5 million, it’s not enough,” Ubaldo said.

phone number 203-896-7221 on their arms in case they get arrested. The number is for the National Lawyers Guild.

“They will contact the CT Bail Fund. And we will come and get you,” he said.

Then, after a moment of silence, the

crowd took to Elm Street down State Street and points beyond. It appeared that hundreds were turning into thousands of marchers.

Unlike at a protest Sunday, the marchers were not greeted by a phalanx of officers

guarding the platform by the station’s entrance.

A tent was set up. And off to the side stood Police Chief Otoniel Reyes and his assistant chiefs.

As the crowd assembled for a rally, people sang Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” for Breonna Taylor.

Mayor Justin Elicker stood among the protesters at police HQ. Last Sunday, he was inside the station most of the time as demonstrators demanded he come outside, then briefly spoke with them before returning to the station. “We reflected on Sunday, and we want to make sure that the police are here to support in solidarity and to keep folks safe,” Elicker said. “We want to do everything we can not to create any sort of situation that might escalate. I think we’ve all got to listen, right?”

Amid speeches, Ochumare reminded the crowd that this was a youth-led peaceful protest. She directed “rabble-rousers” with different agendas to leave.

Protesters Shut Down Wilbur Cross

by SAM GURWITT The Wilbur Cross Parkway between Exits 60 and 61 was the site of eight minutes and 45 seconds of silence Sunday to mourn George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Mubarak Soulemane, and other black Americans killed by police.

A group of about 250 protesters packed the highway shoulder to shoulder, marching North in both lanes.

On any other Sunday, the whir of cars would drown out the birds and the crickets. On this Sunday, the only cars on that stretch of highway were those driven by protesters, carrying water and other supplies to keep people marching in the hot sun. Police had directed all traffic off the highway.

For once, it was silent on the Wilbur Cross. Or, nearly silent, save for the birds and crickets singing their pastoral funeral dirge and the sound of 500 sneaker-clad feet drumming dreams of justice into the asphalt.

After eight minutes and 45 seconds, Cassie Meyerhofer broke the silence.

“For how many of you did that seem like a long ass time?” she asked. It was the amount of time that a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into George Floyd’s neck to kill him, she said.

Protesters had been out all afternoon for what ended up being a five-hour, entirely peaceful protest. They started on the steps of Hamden Memorial Town Hall for about two hours of speeches. A few minutes before 1 p.m., when the protest was set to start, a little over 200 people were already waiting on the side walk in front of the steps leading up to the building.

13

About half an hour later, after the event had started, the crowd had grown to about 600. People spilled out into the intersection of Dixwell and Whitney Avenues, some standing on the curbs on the other sides of the intersection.

Mayor Curt Leng, Police Chief John Cappiello, Deputy Chief John Sullivan, and Captain Kevin Samperi watched silently from one side. Sometimes Leng clapped with the crowd. Sometimes he just watched.

“I stood on these very steps on April 17 of 2019 and I begged the town of Hamden: Fire Devin Eaton. I begged the town of Hamden: Fix your union contract to

hold your officer accountable. What have they done? Nothing!” organizer Rhonda Caldwell called into the microphone to the cheers of the hundreds gathered in front of her.

Caldwell has been a leader of protests over the last year to put pressure on Hamden to fire Officer Devin Eaton, who opened fire on unarmed black couple in New Haven last year. Eaton has been put on unpaid administrative leave, and charged with a felony. A court injunction has stopped the Hamden Police Commission from holding a hearing on his employment until after his court case has concluded.

August

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

2020

Push Back by Republicans After Trump Floats Idea of Delaying Elections

Police Accountability Subcommittee Looks To Dig Deeper On Immunity

With polls tanking and prognosticators openly stating President Trump is likely to lose to former Vice President Joe Biden on November 3rd, the President floated the idea delaying the November 3rd election.

Trump’s suggestion lines up with several other comments he has made undermining the legitimacy of mail-in ballots.

Massive job less since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which the Trump White House has offered no sustained plan to confront, has led to a recordbreaking 9 percent loss in gross national product.

Over 150,000 Americans have died during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infection numbers continue to spike in many states.

No comprehensive federal plan for testing, treatment and funding has been put in place by the Trump Administration.

Trump’s suggestion regarding delaying the November 3 election arrives after more evidence.

CTNEWSJUNKIE FILE PHOTO Connecticut State Police Troopers at a Back the Blue rally

HARTFORD, CT —A subcommittee of the Police Transparency and Accountability Task Force will be working to explain the impact of the qualified immunity portion of the legislation signed into law last week by Gov. Ned Lamont.

Under the qualified immunity portion of the law, municipalities would continue to cover the liability of police officers under most scenarios. Only if an officer performed a “malicious, wanton or wilful act,” would they not be covered under municipal liability policies.

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Former state Rep. Ken Green, a member of the subcommittee, suggested that they invite a member of the police and a member of an insurance company to come and explain what type of insurance products are on the market for police officers.

Melvin Medina, public policy director of the ACLU of Connecticut, said he understands that police officers are concerned about losing their homes, but what the conversation boils down to is “what is the value of a life.”

He said the subcommittee needs to understand what type of insurance products are on the market and what it actually

means for officers and municipalities.

He said they need to clarify under what scenario an officer could lose their home.

He suggested they invite the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and the Council of Small Towns to their next meeting to explain.

Insurance industry experts say there’s no product currently on the market that an officer can individually purchase to insure themselves for situations where they could be accused of misconduct.

There are products, however, that can be purchased by municipalities for multiple officers.

At least one member of the subcommittee said the provision will offer few consequences for police officers.

“Police are still going to shoot and kill unarmed black men,” Shafiq Abdussabur, a retired New Haven Police officer, said.

“They’re going to shoot and kill unarmed Hispanic and Latino men. They’re going to shoot and kill people.”

He said that goes along with the training and there are 107 police departments in Connecticut, who all have a different “use of force” policy.

Cheryl Sharp, deputy director of the Connecticut Human Rights Commission,

said qualified immunity and whether or not officers act outside of the scope of their employment is not going to solve all the issues of disparities that exist in policing.

Sharp said they have racial systems in place and they need to dismantle the structural racism that creates the disparate impact on Black and brown communities.

“The real issue is the structural racism that exists in our society,” Sharp said.

“Until we deal with that issue the policing that occurs is going to have some bad apples, but you also have a system that is designed to perpetuate the racism that people have complained about.”

Sharp said the training is not taking civil rights into account because the people who are the experts on civil rights are not at the table. She said they have to understand qualified immunity and what the courts have done since it was a judicial construct.

“Is there insurance available? Because now we’re asking police officers to have malpractice insurance like attorneys do,” Sharp said.

The subcommittee has until Dec. 31 to report its findings to the General Assembly.

14

“Never in the history of the country, through wars, depressions and the Civil War, have we ever not had a federallyscheduled election on time. We’ll find a way to do that again this November 3rd,” Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell during an interview with WNKY. “I think that’s probably a statement that gets some press attention, but I doubt it gets any serious traction. I think we’ve had elections every November since about 1788, and I expect that will be the case again this year,” Thune said. art Stevens who is part of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

With 150,000 Dead and Polls in Free Fall

Trump Seeks a Culture War

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor With less than 100 days left until Election Day, President Donald Trump has increased his references to uncertainty around the election results.

Trump responded, “I have to see” after journalist Chris Wallace asked him if he would respect the results of the 2020 election. Trump has disparaged mail-in voting at a time when it looks as if in person voting may not be possible because of COVID-19.

“If Trump does try to hang on to a presidency he’s lost. However, he can’t actu-

ally do very much all by himself. Running the executive branch requires help.

Thankfully, there are laws that stop others from using the authorities of the executive branch on behalf of anyone other than the legitimate president,” read an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

“He’s gonna run a racially-tinged campaign unlike anything we have seen before, like George Wallace,” said Stuart Stevens of The Lincoln Project on July 26 during a television appearance.

“He’s always over promised and underdelivered. That’s what he’s done his entire life,” Stevens added on July 26.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

15

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

September

As Deadline Nears, Census Crew Hits Yale New Haven

HBCU Students for Biden and Black Students for Biden: ‘Four More Years of Trump Means Death for Many African Americans’

Just how crucial will the engagement of Black students, including those from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) be in the 2020 election?

Black Students for Biden and HBCU Students for Biden say that it could mean the difference between life and death for many African Americans.

During a 30-minute livestream this week, sponsored by the Biden-Harris campaign and featuring actress Yandy Smith-Harris, an enthusiastic but focused group of young African Americans declared the race between Democratic Presidential Candidate Joe Biden and President Don-

ald Trump a battle not just for the soul of the country, but for the lives of Black people.

“So many of our civil liberties are under attack, including the right to vote, the right to assemble, to be who we are and to exist equally,” said Smith-Harris, the star of “Love & Hip Hop: New York.”

“Our basic freedoms are under attack, so it’s incredibly important right now, more than ever, to vote for Biden. I feel like we are back in 1963, so many of the things that Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for are prevalent today.”

Phi Beta Sigma “Feeds A Family” During Covid

by COURTNEY LUCIANA The New Haven Alumni chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. arrived at the Whalley Avenue Stop & Shop to buy groceries for 18 families residing in the Rockview and Westville Manor publichousing complexes.

For the past month, the fraternity has been making these trips as part of a “Feed a Family” initiative to assist the struggling families in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A $15,000 grant from the Yale Community for New Haven Fund is helping the effort, Donald McAulay Sr., Connecticut area deputy director and past president of the New Haven Alumni chapter, said the original goal was to address 50 families.

“Although ‘Feed a Family’ was a new initiative for us, to secure additional funding, and to be able to do fundraisers, this might be something we look to do going forward,” McAulay said. “This issue isn’t going away. The area that we chose is a food desert. That’s not going to change by tomorrow. We had an impact and I think that we’ve demonstrated that we can continue to have an impact if we’re able to continue to get funding.”

Alder Honda Smith and director of the family resource center at Katherine Brennan School, Lensley Gay, gave additional support for the mission by finding families in need of assistance for Saturday’s shopping trip and delivery.

Chapter Vice-President Tai Richardson said Rockview and Westville Manor were chosen because the West Rock complexes are often forgotten by the rest of the city.

“It’s kind of set off as an area by itself and a food desert. There’s not a Stop &

RABHYA MEHROTRA PHOTOCensus community workers at Yale New Haven Wednesday.

by RABHYA MEHROTRA

Feven Getaneh, a resident at Yale New Haven Hospital, had lost her paper copy of the U.S. census form. She wasn’t sure how and when she’d complete it.

Wednesday a crew came to her workplace, gave her a copy, and signed her up.

“It’s been on my mind, since I know how important the census is,” she said. “But I’ve just been so busy.”

Like other medical professionals, Getaneh said, she understands the crucial relationship between the results of the

Jeff Baskin and Billy Augustine.

census and funding for local hospitals.

That’s why the crew came to the hospital’s York Street entrance for an event Wednesday morning, seeking to get more of Getaneh’s coworkers signed up.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, coming Yale New Haven Hospital President Dr. Keith Churchwell, and Census Bureau Coordinator Eva Bunnell all gathered outside the main entrance and addressed a small crowd as healthcare workers passed by.

All three stressed the importance of the census, especially as it relates to public health.

Police Accountability Unit Could Take

A Year To Be Fully Operational

Shop nearby or a local grocery store,” Richardson said. “There’s smaller convenience stores that don’t necessarily have all of the goods that they need.”

“While we were shopping and setting up for delivery, we’ve had other people come up to us and ask us how they can help,” said Chapter President Derek Tompkins. “It’s not only what we’re

doing but how it affects the community positively as a whole. Members of the community want to participate to help others’ lives. We know that the month of August, families were able to put their energy, time, and resources, as limited as they may be, somewhere else and that helped to push their family further along.”

16

CTNEWSJUNKIE FILE PHOTO

Reps. Brandon McGee and Matt Ritter converse during debate on Police Accountability.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

Advocates Seeking Lower-Cost Prison Calls May Get Busy Signal

by Lisa Backus

A coalition of 20 advocacy groups is calling on lawmakers to lessen the financial burden on families with incarcerated loved ones by passing legislation in the upcoming special session to make prison phone calls free.

Support authentic, locally owned and operated public service journalism! Become a member But it doesn’t appear that any legislation with a price tag will be on the agenda, according to one state senator.

The cost of phone calls to remain in contact with an incarcerated loved one is disproportionately falling on people of color who are already struggling with the financial stresses of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the letter sent Thursday to legislative leaders including Appropriations Committee Co-Chairs Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, and Rep. Toni Walker, D-New Haven.

“Prior to the pandemic, nearly one in three families with an incarcerated loved one went into debt trying to stay connected and women – largely Black and brown women – carried 87 percent of the

CTNEWSJUNKIE FILE PHOTO

Sen. Cathy Osten and Rep. Toni Walker, co-chair the Appropriations Committee

burden,” the letter said.

Rampant unemployment during the pandemic has caused the same families to struggle to pay rent and buy food, making the cost of prison phone calls even more financially stressful, the organizations said.

“These families and their children are going without food and facing evictions,” the letter said. “They are the same families and children disproportionately targeted by mass incarceration and reliant on prison communication.”

Vigil Honors RBG’s Legacy, Looks To Future

by THOMAS BREEN Joining thousands of fellow mourners across the country this weekend, two dozen New Haveners and suburbanites gathered downtown for a candlelight vigil Sunday evening in honor of the late Supreme Court Justice and feminist icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

They held that local vigil by the flagpole on the Green.

The event was one of many that took place across the United States in the 48 hours since Ginsburg, a pioneering women’s rights lawyer who served on the U.S. Supreme Court for nearly three decades, died from complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer Friday at the age of 87.

Her death has triggered a national outpouring of praise for her lifelong

championship for equal rights and against gender discrimination.

Her death has also prompted cascades of fear, outrage, and apprehension among liberals at the prospect of Republican President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell getting to place another conservative Supreme Court justice on the bench for life before November’s general election.

Waters: “If you wouldn’t do it for Obama, don’t do it now.”

“She did so much. She was such a balanced person, a fair person, and she educated other jurors to be compassionate and empathetic,” Dixwell resident and lifelong New Havener Lynn Waters said Sunday about the late RBG.

COVID Test Rate Reaches 1.6%; Lamont To Offer Guidance On Halloween

Mail-In Voting Applications Start Pouring In

by Christine Stuart HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut’s positive test rate for coronavirus has jumped to 1.6% and hospitalizations have increased to 75, which is the highest they’ve been since July, according to Gov. Ned Lamont.

“That’s still one of the lowest in the country, but that is a trend,” Lamont said.

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This is the first full week of positivity at or above 1% the state has seen in months.

A total of 220 people tested positive since Wednesday bringing the total number of positive cases up to 55,396.

Despite the increase in cases, Lamont said he’s looking forward to Halloween.

“I anticipate we’re going to have a Halloween season,” Lamont said Thursday.

“It’s a time of the year when people automatically wear masks, they often wear gloves, so it seems like you’re 90% of the way towards a safe way to do Halloween just by definition.”

In Springfield, Mass., Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced on Sept. 11 that door-todoor trick-or-treating will not be allowed this year. However, “COVID-19 safe events, such as drive by, drive-through, drive-in, and/or car parade events may take place as long as proper public health and safety protocols and guidelines are followed and adhered to,” a press release from the city says.

Lamont says he’s going to offer guidance soon on Halloween.

“I guess we have to issue some sort of guidance on that,” Lamont said. “But

tell your five-year-old I’m really hopeful she’ll be able to get her candy.”

In the meantime, teachers’ unions have called for an increase in testing at schools.

The Lamont administration doesn’t believe the recent uptick in cases is necessarily related to schools reopening.Josh Geballe, Lamont’s chief operating officer, said that of the 600,000 Connecticut students and teachers, only 48 students and 27 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.

“As a percentage of the population it’s considerably lower than the rest of the state of Connecticut, “ Geballe said.

He said they are looking to create a website specifically for the school-based data.

Geballe said the schools districts are being very transparent and communicating with their school communities.

“I think we’re seeing many school districts put up their own websites,” Geballe

17

by Christine Stuart HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut’s positive test rate for coronavirus has jumped to 1.6% and hospitalizations have increased to 75, which is the highest they’ve been since July, according to Gov. Ned Lamont.

“That’s still one of the lowest in the country, but that is a trend,” Lamont said.

Support authentic, locally owned and operated public service journalism!

This is the first full week of positivity at or above 1% the state has seen in months.

A total of 220 people tested positive since Wednesday bringing the total number of positive cases up to 55,396.

Despite the increase in cases, Lamont said he’s looking forward to Halloween.

“I anticipate we’re going to have a Halloween season,” Lamont said Thursday.

“It’s a time of the year when people automatically wear masks, they often wear gloves, so it seems like you’re 90% of the way towards a safe way to do Halloween just by definition.”

In Springfield, Mass., Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced on Sept. 11 that door-todoor trick-or-treating will not be allowed this year. However, “COVID-19 safe events, such as drive by, drive-through, drive-in, and/or car parade events may

take place as long as proper public health and safety protocols and guidelines are followed and adhered to,” a press release from the city says.

Lamont says he’s going to offer guidance soon on Halloween.

“I guess we have to issue some sort of guidance on that,” Lamont said. “But tell your five-year-old I’m really hopeful she’ll be able to get her candy.”

In the meantime, teachers’ unions have called for an increase in testing at schools.

The Lamont administration doesn’t believe the recent uptick in cases is necessarily related to schools reopening.

Josh Geballe, Lamont’s chief operating officer, said that of the 600,000 Connecticut students and teachers, only 48 students and 27 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.

“As a percentage of the population it’s considerably lower than the rest of the state of Connecticut, “ Geballe said.

He said they are looking to create a website specifically for the school-based data.

Geballe said the schools districts are being very transparent and communicating with their school communities.

“I think we’re seeing many school districts put up their own websites,” Geballe said.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Listing: Commercial Driver

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Full time Class A driver for petroleum deliveries for nights Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory and weekends. Previous experience required. Competitive training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits wage, 401(k) and benefits. Send resume to: HR Manager, VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Contact: Tom Dunay P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

NOTICE

Phone: 243-2300 HOME INC, on behalf of860Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, ********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer********** is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develEmail: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com opment& located at 108 Frank Street, Haven. Maximum Women Minority Applicants are New encouraged to apply income limitations apply.Affi Pre-applications willEqual be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y State of Connecticut rmative Action/ Opportunity Employer 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have Office of Policy been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed pre- and Management Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Incoffices seeks: applications must be returned to HOME INC’s at 171 Orange Street, Third Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. and clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the NorthThe State of Connecticut, Office of east & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits Policy and Management is recruiting for

NOTICIA

an Agency Labor Relations Specialist position.

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300 VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

242 Fairmont Avenue, New Haven Spacious 2 bedroom townhouse $1,225.00. Tenant pays all utilities including gas for heat, hot water, elec.stove, balcony and private entrance, off street parking. Close proximity to restaurants, shopping centers and on bus line. Section 8 welcome. Security Deposit varies. Call Christine 860-985-8258.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT 241 Quinnipiac Avenue, New Haven

Spacious 2 bedroom townhouses with hardwood floors. 1.5 baths. Select with basements and washer/dryer hookups. On-site laundry facility. Off street parking. Close proximity to restaurants, shopping centers and on bus line. No pets. Security deposit varies. $1,425-$1,450 includes heat, hot water and cooking gas. Section 8 welcome.

Call Christine 860-985-8258.

Further information regarding the duties,

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing eligibility Authority, estárequirements and application Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply instructions are available at: aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando https://www.jobapscloud.com/ Martes 25 CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en lasTrailer oficinasDriver de HOME INC. & Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas petición Tractor for Heavy Highway Construction Equip- por correo a201214&R2=5257MP&R3=001 llamando HOME INCLicense, al 203-562-4663 duranterecord, esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse ment.

Must ahave a CDL clean driving capable of State of Connecticut is an equal . a las oficinas de equipment; HOME INCbe enwilling 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, 06510 operating heavy to travel throughout theNew Haven , CTThe opportunity/affirmative action employer Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com

Union Company seeks:

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Invitation for Bids

Fire Pump and Vestibule Upgrades at George Crawford Manor The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Bids for fire pump and vestibule upgrades at George Crawford Manor. A complete copy of the requirements may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

NEW HAVEN

CITY OF MILFORD

242-258 Fairmont Ave Townhouse, 3BR, 1vacancies level , 1BA Seeking2BR qualifi ed condidates 1.5 to fillBA, numerous to include,

All Health new apartments, new appliances, carpet, I-91informa& I-95 Public Nurse, Mechanic Sewernew Line and close more.toFor nearinstructions, bus stop & shopping center tion and detailedhighways, application visit www.ci.milford.ct.us Pet under 40lbon allowed.

Interested parties MariaTITLE. @ 860-985-8258 Click SERVICES, JOBScontact and JOB

Real Estate Controller

CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. Fusco Management is seeking a Real Controller.

Candidate should have (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, Estate D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

leadership, communication and supervisory skills. Controller should have 6+ St. New Haven, CT year’s hands on accounting experience and have a BS in Accounting.

Duties and Responsibilities:

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Oversee the activities of the Accounting Department for the accurate and timely dissemination nancial by management reports including andSeymour external Sealed bids of arefiinvited the Housing Authority of theinternal Town of monthly financial statements, and annual budgets. until 3:00 pm on Tuesday,annual Augustaudits 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street,

Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Desired Skills and Experience Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

Qualifications: • • • •

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Timberline and Timberscan, BNA, TValue.

A pre-bid conference willand be good held communication at the Housing skills.

Authority Office 28 Smith Discretion, good judgment Street general Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, 20, 2016.

Strong ledger, accounts payable and accountsJuly receivable.

Real Estate experience a plus.

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority OfEducation and Experience Required: fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. CPA certification a plus. Must have 6+years of hands-on accounting managerial experience. Fusco Management ofThe Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to fers a competitive benefit package. Fusco is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opreduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any portunity Employer

informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the Housing Authority.

Invitation to Bid: nd Notice

Town of Bloomfield2

beginning on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 3:00PM

Listing: Commercial Driver

need for a full time Class B driver for petroleum deliveries for days and SAYEBROOKEImmediate VILLAGE weekends. Previous experience required. Competitive wage, 401(k) and benefits.

Lead Building Maintainer - Facilities

Old Saybrook, CT Send resume to: Full Time - Benefited (4 $31.26 hourly Buildings, 17 Units)

HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437.

********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer********** Taxdrug Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project Pre-employment testing.

For more details, visit our website – www.bloomfiWood eldct.org New Construction, Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Cast-

Town of Bloomfield

in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, ResidentialDeputy Casework,Town Engineer Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. $75,909 to $117,166 Seeking qualified condidates to fill This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.drug testing. AA/EOE. Pre-employment numerous vacancies to include, For Details go to www.bloomfieldct.gov Benefits & Pension Coordinator Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 and more. For information and Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 detailed application instructions, Project documents available via ftp link below:ELM CITY COMMUNITIES visit www.ci.milford.ct.us http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Click on SERVICES, JOBS and Invitation for Bids JOB TITLE. Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com

CITY OF MILFORD

QSR

Plumbing Services Agency-wide

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 STEELHaynes CORPORATION AA/EEO EMPLOYER The Housing Authority

APPLY NOW!

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

18

of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Bids for plumbing services agency-wide.

A complete copy of the requirements

may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, October 26, 2020 at 3:00PM

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January , 2021 - January 12, 2021 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27,06 2016 - August 02, 2016

Notice of Public Hearing NOTICE

The Bristol Housing Authority is developing its 2021-2025 Agency Plan in compliance with the HUD Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of VALENTINA PRE- APPLICATIONS 1998.

A Public MACRI HearingRENTAL will beHOUSING held by telephone conferenceAVAILABLE (due to public health and safety concerns) on February 1, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Dial-in HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, Number: (508) 924-3009.

An in-person meeting may replace the telephone is acceptingshould pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom at thiswill develconference government guidelines permit – apartments such a change be opment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apduly posted.

NEEDED Must Have your Own Vehicle If Interested call

(203) 387-0354

POLICE OFFICER

NOTICIA Construction

$67,170 - $81,648

llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

Elm City Communities, the Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (ECC/HANH) is proposing to amend sections of its Low-Income Public HousNEW HAVEN ing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) and 242-258 Fairmont Ave the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan (Admin Plan). 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center Copies of the amendment to the ACOP and the Administrative Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

Plan will be made available on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 on the agency website www.elmcitycommunities.org or via Twitter, CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s www.twitter.com/ECCommunities via www.faceCertificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed toor assist in the Facebook intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30book.com/ElmCityCommunities.

3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

St. New Haven, CT You are invited to provide written comments addressed to: ECC/ HANH, ACOP & Admin Plan Revisions; Attn: Maza Rey, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511 or via email to: mazrey@ elmcitycommunities.org.

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour 3:00 hearing pm on Tuesday, 2016 at its office Smith Street, Auntil public whereAugust public2,comments will at be28accepted and Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement the recorded is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 3:00atPM, Smithfield Gardens https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/5274955065.

Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. via RingCentral: Or dial:(773) 231-9226, Meeting ID: 527 495 5065.

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Streetindividual Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday,Accommodation July 20, 2016.

Any requiring a Reasonable to par-

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

ticipate in the hearing may call the Reasonable Accommodation Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority OfManager (203) 498-8800, ext. 1507 or at the TDD Number (203) fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

497-8434.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any

Computerized Accounting System New Haven Parking Authority New Haven, CT

Proposals due January 29, 2021 at 3:00 P.M. EDT

Part Time Delivery Needed One/Two Day a Week,

ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have Information is available for review and inspection at Bristol Housing Aubeen received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon rethority, 164 Jerome Ave., CT during regular business hours. prequest by calling HOME INCBristol, at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed Please call (860) 582-6313 foroffices an appointment. applications must be returned to HOME INC’s at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide.

HOME INC, enpersonal nombre de latransportation Columbus House y and de la New Havendrivers Housing Authority, Reliable a valid licenseestá aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo required.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

November 2020

Vigil Honors RBG’s Legacy, Looks To Future

by MAYA MCFADDEN

The Knickerbocker Golf Club, Inc. made sure the kids of Newhallville didn’t fret this Halloween, finding a Covid-safe way to stage its 10th Annual Inner City Kid Safe Halloween Celebration.

Organizers remained on one side of the fence decorated with pumpkins, skeletons, and spider webs, while families walked along the other side of the fence picking up bags of treats.

In the past, the annual event would host more than 300 kids for the Halloween party indoors with a variety of activities like dance contests and zumba.

This year’s treats consisted of not only candy but bags of snacks, Lunchables, socks, gloves, and books.

The club asked for donations beyond candy to help relieve parents of food and clothing needs admist a pandemic and as the weather gets colder.

The organizers had no doubt that the annual tradition would continue this year. “It’s important to show these kids that they count. That we care about them even while things are hard,” said lead organizer EMarie Russell-Bell.

The event was supported by donations from Yale University, Empress SC CT, the Firebirds Society of the Greater New Haven, Inc., club members, and the community.

Organizers bagged 300 bags and distributed about half on Saturday. The remaining bags will be donated to kids’ organizations throughout the city, RussellBell said.

Before his three grandkids got out his car, Arthur Allen Jr. took a picture of them dressed up as a police man, ninja turtle, and lady bug from the car. As the trio, ages 9, 6, and 4, picked up their goodies, Allen watched from afar, “glad they can get something normal and good.”

While planning, the organizers ruled out a drive-by even,t as many families walked or took the bus to the event each year.

“We’ve always been emphasizing saftey. It’s in the name. Because we know that New Haven isn’t the safest on Halloween,” Russell-Bell said.

Patricia Newton-Foster donated $500 to the event as a board member of the club. Newton-Foster gave the first 100 kids each $5 and encouraged them to save up. “When you get to my age, you can be rich, paying your way through college yourself,” she said while handing out the donations.

Tennille Murphy handed out books donated from the Read to Grow organization to help families build a home library and give the youth “something to do besides electronics.” Murphy encouraged visiting parents to start lap reading with their young kids.

“Even if I had to stand on a corner to make these kids feel special, this was going to happen,” Russell-Bell said.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

December 2020

Retired Educator Jeffie Frazier Surprised With Drive-By Celebration

by MAYA MCFADDEN A parade of pink and green love from members of New Havens Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. celebrated the 77th birthday of Jeffie Frazier, a legendary public school educator, principal, mentor, and sorority sister.

Frazier’s family and friends celebrated her on Sunday with the surprise drive-by celebration featuring the sorority’s trademark colors. Celebrants said they wanted to honor her contributions to public education and influence on many New Haveners personally.

Visitors included church members, former students, school staff members, sorority members, and extended family from her homestate of Louisiana.

Frazier’s family joined her on her lawn shaking pink and green pom poms to the music of the car horns and “happy birthday” shouts.

Frazier sat on her front lawn with giving her “AKA wave” to the 40-car parade.

Visitor stopped briefly dropping off birthday cars, cakes, and balloons to Frazier and her family. Her lawn was decorated with lawn cards spelling out “AKA Sister” and “happy birthday.”

“This is beautiful, very very beautiful,” Frazier said who wore an AKA mask that read “Pretty safe” in pink and green.

The sorority organized the parade, first meeting at Dunbar Hill School to decorate their cars. Members were escorted by police to Frazier’s nearby residence.

Shenae Draughn, president of Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, met Frazier about 20 years ago at the Community Baptist Church while they both were serving in the church community.

Later the two got closer when Draughn took on her role in the AKA community.

“She overflows with wisdom. It’s something special to experience,” Draughn said of the retired principal.

During times when Draughn was low in spirits, Frazier would reassure her of her excellence and abilities, she said. This helped Draughn when she took on her role as chapter president.

As an educator Frazier developed Wexler Grant’s dress code, boosted parent engagement, and took groups of WexlerGrant students on trips to Senegal. Frazier became principal of the Helene W. Grant School on Goffe Street and later the combined Wexler-Grant.

“She led from the African proverb, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,” said Draughn. “She makes everybody feel like they’re family.”

During the parade Frazier pointed out

the faces passing by: “That’s my student,” “She’s from church,” “Hey, I missed you!

Long time so see!”

To Laren Williams, Frazier is Aunt Jeffie. WIllaims grew up with Frazier who had a close relationship with her parents.

Despite being family, Williams saw Frazier in a number of her roles. She recalled going to summer school at the Helene W. Grant School and seeing Frazier in “teacher mode.”

“Everyone deserves roses and flowers while they’re living,” Williams said.

After the parade some members of the sorority joined Frazier on her front lawn to take pictures. Frazier announced that at her most recent doctor’s visit, she was told her tumors are getting smaller. The group cheered. “That means I can eat more,” she said.

The group concluded by singing happy birthday to Frazier then the Alpha Kappa Alpha anthem. Frazier joined in on.

Hearts that are loyal / And hearts that are true / By merit and culture / We strive and we do/ Things that are worthwhile / And with a smile/

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTOKhalilah

Brown-Dean with Jeffie Frazier at the celebration.

The Council Chamber Beckoned

by SAM GURWITT |

I was supposed to spend a few months watching elected officials fight every other Monday night. Spring would come, and I would run off to the circus, quite literally.

That was the plan, anyway.

When I started in January of 2019 as the Independent’s first full-time Hamden reporter, I thought it would be a short-term gig. I would stay a couple of months, learn how to do community reporting, then move on to other ambitions in other places.

But first, I had Legislative Council meetings to sit through.

At the end of each one (usually around 11 p.m., sometimes as late as 1 a.m.), Council President Mick McGarry would deliver the same line with a haggard smile when I approached him for a comment: “Sam, I’m telling you, do you really have nothing better to do with your evenings?”

It was a greeting typical of McGarry,

SAM GURWITT PHOTO SHamden has been heated: Kerry Ellington and Police Commission Chair

Mike Iezzi at a commission meeting that turned into a protest.

22

for whom pleasantries usually include a healthy sprinkling of dry wit.

“No, no, Mick, this is exactly how I like to spend my evenings,” I would usually reply sarcastically. Sometimes I would add: “You know, you too, Mick, I’m sure there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.”

There were a lot of places I would rather have been than the council chamber. My legs would become numb pressed for hours against the chair on the right-hand side of the room where I always sat, reporter’s notebook on one knee, camera dangling just above my lap. I watched in dismayed silence as meetings devolved into shouting matches. Discussions on minor procedural items could take hours.

We were often there until 11 p.m. Sometimes it was midnight. Sometimes 1 a.m.

It quickly cured me of any inkling I’d ever had that I would want to run for elected office myself.

After my first few months of those meetings, I did leave as planned, in June.

I spent the summer in Quebec City per-

forming a clown and juggling street show with a friend. (I am trained as a professional clown.) Every night at around six we would pack our equipment into a hiking backpack and bike up the steep hill to the old city, where we set out our amp and hand-painted sign on a cobblestone street packed with tourists. We would perform four back-to-back shows to the throngs as the drips of ice cream they were too slow to catch dribbled down their fingers.

Maybe McGarry didn’t have street performing in mind when he asked me if I had anything better to do with my evenings, but those nights certainly did fall into the category of “more exciting than a council meeting.” I can’t say I would ever look out at a crowd of laughing faces, and think I would rather be in the legislative council chamber listening to an interminable discussion about bulk trash pickup.

But, a short time later, I was back again.

The council chamber had beckoned. So had the role of journalist.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 06, 2021 - January 12, 2021

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