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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

Jazz Where? Heats Up The New Haven Museum

Lucy Gellman, Editor, The Arts Paper www.newhavenarts.org

Paul Bryant Hudson was halfway through Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed” when someone started snapping in the back. A second set of fingers, then a third, then a fourth joined the mix. Suddenly there was a percussion section.

The lyrics soared over the rotunda of the New Haven Museum—For in romance/ All true love needs is a chance!—and kept going right through the finale.

“I’m sure a lot of you grew up with that song like I did or just enjoy the song like I do,” Hudson said. “That’s a jazz song. Like, Stevie Wonder is a jazz musician.”

Friday, close to 50 New Haveners gathered at the New Haven Museum for the first Jazz Where? of the new decade, featuring Hudson on vocals, Jeremiah Fuller on keys, and the audience on impromptu percussion, unexpected backup vocals and enough cuddling to banish the cold outside.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Hudson rolled out a set that jumped from love song to love song, leaning on the words of Stevie Wonder, Emily King, Vinícius de Moraes, Rodgers & Hart (as better known through Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald), Al Green and others by the end of the night.

Born on a rooftop last fall, Jazz Where? offers free, semi-monthly jazz pop ups at different locations in New Haven, from secret roof decks to house museums and history collections. It is organized by Inner-City News Editor Babz Rawls-Ivy and New Haven Independent Arts Editor Brian Slattery as an addition to the jazz brunches and New Haven Jazz Underground nights at Three Sheets, Mr. Crab Seafood, and now Cafe Nine that have popped up

guests, running up and down the stairs with more seating as attendees continued to trickle in.

Throughout the night, she kept hearing from attendees who had never visited the space, but planned to come back with their friends and families. They included Hudson, who grew up in New Haven and graduated from Co-Op High School.

That’s part of the point, Rawls-Ivy suggested. In organizing the series, she and Slattery hope to bring together different parts of the city through jazz, of which New Haven has a long and storied history. They run the series with a big tent understanding of the form that spans continents and genres.

When they were putting a February date on the calendar and realized Valentine’s Day was a Friday, the intersection of love and jazz music was too much to resist.

“Love is the true revolution,” RawlsIvy said. “It is the only revolution. It is the revolution that we all should be working towards. And I think jazz is the vehicle through which music and love can exist. Good music is an equalizer and a unifier. Even if you don’t know all the songs, you are in the moment. You are here feeling the love.”

“This is what I want, because the world is crazy,” she added. “And for two hours, it’s not crazy in here.”

Friday both musicians seized on that, turning love songs into jazz prophecies.

Fuller, who also graduated from CoOp, said that when he thinks of jazz, he channels Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and other greats—all musicians who “draw you in through their playing.”

As the two dipped into Stevie Wonder, he took it as a chance to probe the smooth and curling roots of the song, going deep on a piano solo that became a meditation onto itself. When Hudson crooned “My Funny Valentine” after a short break, the room fell from buzzing conversations to whispers to a hush in a span of seconds.

Somewhere near the middle of the song, the jazz standard met all the best versions of itself, and added one more voice to the mix.

Around them, the space became kinetic: couples hugged and kissed, some came dressed ready for a night on the town and others wore jeans and snow boots. By the time Hudson and Fuller ended the night on Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” the whole crowd was singing in unison.

“For me, this is magic,” Fuller said afterward. “Like, jazz will draw you into a whole different type of world.”

across the city.

The series is casual: think potluck meets jazz club meets front porch. People bring bottles of wine, sparkling water, sweet treats and finger food; they catch up in between (and sometimes during) songs, check out new-old spaces, and stay for the music. Some bring books, and hang out near the back for a free concert while they read. Friday, the acoustics in the museum made for a warm, sweet web of sound that filled the whole building.

Margaret Anne Tockarshewsky, executive director of the New Haven Museum, said she was excited to host the event. After Jazz Where? started last year, the museum offered its sweeping, column-studded rotunda as a possible venue. She and a handful of organizers filled it with tables and chairs for

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

State Leaves Federal Funds

for Inmate Education Untapped

BOSCOV’S HONORS

by Lisa Backus

VOICES IN THE ARTS

Ct. News Junkie

Connecticut could be doing more to help inmates and those recently released from prison get postsecondary education which could cut recidivism, according to a report released by the Council of State Governments Justice Center.

The state was identified in “Laying the Groundwork: How States Can Improve Access to Continued Education for People in the Criminal Justice System,” as offering one of four core “building blocks” that helps inmates successfully integrate back into the community with stable jobs, which also fuels the economy, the report’s authors said.

The center culled information from all 50 states while looking at the four factors that likely led to stable lives for those recently released from prison: how education for incarcerated people is financed; restrictions on who is allowed to participate in educational programs while incarcerated; what types of offerings were available in prisons; and what types of incentives and supports were provided to those who are receiving an education while incarcerated or recently incarcerated.

No state in the country offered all four core “building blocks,” the report concluded. But some states offered more tools than others to get people successfully reintegrated into the community with good jobs by providing opportunities for education while incarcerated.

“There’s not just a benefit to the individual, but to the community and the economy,” said Josh Weber, deputy director of juvenile justice for the center.

“There is so much evidence that providing an education is more cost-effective” than the cost of entering the criminal justice system repeatedly, Weber said.

Connecticut offered limited support for people on parole by providing information on the application process to enter school and by allowing those on parole to go to school full-time rather than work as a stipulation of their parole, said Leah Bacon, policy analyst for the center.

“The parole granting agency does allow people to substitute postsecondary education for work,” Bacon said. “In some states you can’t substitute school for work.”

While the Connecticut Department of Correction offers an array of vocational programming within its prisons and inmates can attain an associate degree and access college-level courses offered by Wesleyan University, Yale University and Trinity College, there are no formal bachelor’s degree programs, Bacon said.

There are also no incentive programs such as specialized housing or early release in Connecticut for those who seek an education while in prison, the study said.

Nationally about two-thirds of incarcerated people have a high-school diploma or credential while only 6% have associate, bachelor’s or graduate degrees, according to a U.S. Department of Education report.

The authors of Laying the Groundwork found a 43% reduction in recidivism for those who were able to gain access to any type of education while in prison. The unemployment rate for those recently incarcerated is about the same as it was during the

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Great Depression – 27%, the study said.

But inmates who received any type of educational programming in prison were 13% more likely to get jobs when they were released than those who had no educational programing, the center said.

Connecticut’s one core “building block” was in the category of educational financing, the study found.

The state uses the federal Second Chance Pell Pilot Program designed to allow people who were incarcerated greater educational opportunities by giving eligible colleges and universities funding to deliver programs, the authors said.

However the state does not use all of the funding available for such programs. It doesn’t utilize funding from the federal Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act which has been available since 2006 for incarcerated individuals to acquire skills, credentials, certificates or an associate degree.

Connecticut also doesn’t access funding from the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which allows states to use up to 20% of their workforce development funding on educational programs for incarcerated individuals, the report said.

“These are federal funding streams that aren’t being used,” Weber said. “There doesn’t have to be an increased cost. The state can expand by taking advantage of the funding that’s already available.”

The report also found Connecticut has barriers for those who have been incarcerated and who want to receive a postsecondary education. Seven out of 10 state universities ask potential students on their application to reveal their criminal history, Bacon said.

“Just by asking about someone’s criminal history is a disincentive,” Bacon said. “People walk away without completing the application.”

The purpose of the study was to provide each state with a blueprint to increase educational opportunities for those who are incarcerated, which would then increase their likelihood of success when they are released, Weber said.

“We’ve done the states’ homework for them,” Weber said. “We’ve offered a profile for each state.

Now it’s up to state leaders to take this seriously.”

Dorothy Dandridge

John Lee Hooker

Maya Angelou

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Part 3 of our 4-part series focuses on African Americans in arts and entertainment.

Whether it be John Lee Hooker setting the standard for great blues guitarists, Ella Fitzgerald reigning as The Queen of Jazz, Octavia E. Butler breaking barriers in the world of science fiction, August Wilson telling the African American story on the stage, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s enigmatic artwork, Dorothy Dandridge and Denzel Washington lighting up the silver screen, or the countless other African American artists who have entertained and touched us, Boscov’s thanks them for their contribution to the arts, their influence on popular culture and their positive impact on our country.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

Harp Backs Bloomberg For President

by PAUL BASS

New Haven I ndependent

On a week when opponents have attacked him on race, presidential hopeful Mike Bloomberg has picked up the support of New Haven’s most prominent African-American elected official of the past two decades.

Former Mayor and State Sen. Toni Harp has swung her support to Bloomberg in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination after her first choice, California U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, dropped out.

Harp told the Independent Thursday that she concluded that of all the candidates still in the race, Bloomberg understands cities and the need for building generational wealth in low-income communities of color.

She pointed to the fact that in one of his first campaign events he rolled out a plan to build African-American wealth, and held the event in the Greenwood area of Tulsa. That community was the site of an infamous 1921 riot and massacre by white Oklahomans who destroyed an economically thriving business district known as the “black Wall Street.”

“They burned it down and murdered at least 300 people,” Harp noted. “He rolled out his initiative for the AfricanAmerican community there. I think that really shows that he’s connected to the economy of the African-American community in ways that other candidates are not.” Bloomberg on Jan. 19 unveiled a “Greenwood Initiative” that targets discriminatory policies that have held back African-Americans in the financial, electoral, and criminal-justice systems. He promised to spend $70 billion in the 100 most distressed neighborhoods in the nation. And he promised the plan would help 1 million African-Americans buy homes and 100,000 black-owned businesses get off the ground.

Harp also said Bloomberg’s record as

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Harp (left): Bloomberg (right) gets cities.

mayor of New York factored into her decision as well, along with his ability to take on President Donald Trump.

“I believe that he can win, and he is someone who has been the chief executive officer of our most important city in our country. It is one of the greatest cities in the world. He has shown that he can do that well,” Harp said.

“I think we need someone who can handle those issues far better than they are currently being handled. I think that he is the one person who is talking about homeownershp for people and developing wealth for communities, generational wealth. He has seen and speaks to how so many people lost housing in the past decade. We’ve seen it here in New Haven, in Newhallville and other neighborhoods. He has a plan to create generational wealth ; that is something that resonates with me.”

Christine Stuart www.CTNewsJunkie.com Paul Bass New Haven Independent www.newhavenindependent.org

In 2018, Harp participated in a Harvard/ Bloomberg city management class with 40 mayors that covered topics including deficit-reduction efforts and city executive management furloughs. “He has invested his own money in developing municipal leaders,” she said. As mayor, Harp called public attention to Bloomberg Philanthropies’ “What Works Cities” initiative.

Bloomberg has been steadily picking up support from black elected officials across the country this week. He has closed in on Joe Biden’s lead among African-American voters in nationwide polling.

At the same time, an embarrassing audio was released of him defending “stop and frisk” policing involving millions of stops of black and brown New Yorkers under his tenure as mayor. A federal judge eventually ordered the practice

curtailed; this week Trump helped distribute online a damaging recording of Bloomberg speaking of the need to “throw them against a wall and frisk them.”

Harp said stop-and-frisk was “a mistaken policy” in New York. She noted as well that Bloomberg has apologized for it. More importantly, she argued, he has recognized the “economic impact” of enduring structural racial discrimination and developed plans to spur homeownership and wealth creation in response.

Harp said she has not discussed doing work with the Bloomberg campaign; she’s open to volunteering time. “It depends on whether or not they ask me,” she said. “If not, I’ll vote for him.”

The Bloomberg campaign has gotten off to the quickest start in setting up Connecticut operations in advance of the April 28 Democratic primary.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

149 Guns

Harp Sees New Haven’s Successes In Bloomberg Criminal-Justice Plan

by PAUL BASS

“Bought Back”

New Haven I ndependent

Toni Harp has heard it before which is why she was glad to hear it.

“It” is a prescription for reforming American criminal justice system. The prescription includes funding prison reentry efforts, pursuing “restorative justice” for people getting into trouble, targeting programs to young people of color.

Mike Bloomberg released a $22.5 billion version of that plan Tuesday as part of his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination. The plan aims to reduce the country’s prison population by 50 percent by the year 2030 and youth incarceration by 50 percent within four and a half years. Harp, one of Bloomberg’s most prominent Connecticut boosters, said she recognized elements of the plan from work her administration did while she served as New Haven’s mayor from 2014-2019.

“He recognizes this is a real problem,” Harp said in an interview Tuesday afternoon. “We are 5 percent of the world’s population and yet we have 25 percent of the incarceration.”

For instance, she cited Bloomberg’s promise to spend $100 million on the My Brother’s Keeper Initiative to offer pathways out of trouble for young people of color. Her administration started

The Hamden police collected 149 firearms in the town’s first-ever “gun buy-back” effort.

The buy-back took place Saturday at police headquarters.

Two of the 149 guns were assault weapons, according to police spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith. Police also collected 14 “pellet/bb gun/startertype pistols.”

One person brought in a sword.

Participants received Amazon, American Express and Stop and Shop gift cards in returns. And those with valid gun permits were offered gun locks and vehicle gun safes.

Hamden modeled the buy-back on a similar program run by New Haven’s police department. Both departments work with Yale New Haven Hospital’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program.

The goal is to enable people to dispose of “unwanted firearms in a safe manner” and prevent them from being stolen, shot off accidentally, or used by self-harming individuals in despair, Smith stated.

PAUL BASS PHOTO Toni Harp (at right) at an October campaign event.

a similar program in Youth Stat, which won national recognition for identifying students in trouble and then enlisting teachers, social workers, cops, and parole officers in helping them turn around.

“We’ve seen in our city how Youth Stat has saved lives,” Harp said. “This is a

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commitment we’ve never seen before for this population.”

New Haven’s could use the money promised in Bloomberg’s plan to boost that effort as well as the city’s prison reentry efforts, another bullet point in the Bloomberg plan, Harp said.

Bloomberg called for starting “family justice” centers for victims of domestic violence. New Haven did that this past year. And he called for boosting “restorative justice” programs that find alternative consequences to suspension or incarceration for young people’s wrongdoing. New Haven has been making strides in that area, too, in recent years.

Harp also praised planks in the Bloomberg plan calling for an end to cash bail and spending $2.5 billion over ten years on public defenders for the indigent.

“The whole idea that if you’re poor in America you’re going to have a different interaction with the criminal justice than you would if you were rich” is wrong, Harp said. “Bloomberg gets it.”

Harp, New Haven’s first female mayor and second African-American mayor, made the comments during a topsy-turvy week on race for Bloomberg’s surging campaign. On the one hand, critics of racist policing and financial discrimination have attacked the former New York City mayor for supporting a massive “stop-and-frisk” campaign targeting people of color, and for blaming the 2008 financial crisis on loans to low-income homebuyers of color. On the other hand, a cascade of African-American officials like Harp across the country have lined up to support his campaign at events like “Mike for Black America.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

Lamont Says ‘No More Badmouthing’ Connecticut

by Lisa Backus and Christine Stuart

HARTFORD, CT – Gov. Ned Lamont told the General Assembly Wednesday that Connecticut has a lot of reasons to be optimistic.

“No more badmouthing the great state of Connecticut,” Lamont said. “The rest of the country is looking at our state in a new light, and so should its leaders. Optimism can be contagious.

No more rose-colored glasses.”

Lamont offered up shorter wait times at the state Department of Motor Vehicles, a recent legal settlement with the Connecticut Hospital Association, more federal funds to help families afford quality childcare, and minority teacher recruitment as successes the state has had over the past year.

“Rating agencies and investors have upgraded their outlook for Connecticut for the first time in 18 years, from neutral to positive – saving the state and its taxpayers tens of millions in borrowing costs,” Lamont said. “Economic growth picked up last year. That means businesses and young families are now giving Connecticut a second look.”

He said when he took office a year ago it wasn’t just Democrats and Republicans who were not talking to each other, “it was that state government that was not connecting with business leaders, labor leaders, educators and the hospitals – we had a failure to communicate.”

Lamont, who ran a college cable television company for decades before running for governor, went on to tout hiring at Electric Boat, WWE, breweries, and a Guilford company waiting on FDA approval to turn a smartphone into a professional-grade ultrasound imaging device.

He also praised the University of Connecticut’s decision to eliminate tuition for all students and families earning less than $50,000 a year. He also said community college will be debtfree for recent high school grads.

Under Lamont’s debt-free community college proposal, students from lowor middle-income families will receive tuition assistance not covered by Pell grants or other aid and students whose tuition is fully covered will receive $250 per semester.

“Reducing the cost of education is just one way we are trying to make Connecticut more affordable for middle-class families,” Lamont said.

Lamont includes $4.6 million in his $22.3 billion budget to fund the debtfree college initiative and a mentoring program called Guided Pathways.

Lamont also said he wants to work with the General Assembly on legalizing sports betting.

“I want to work with you to ensure we stand up a responsible sports betting platform that promotes economic growth for our state and is fair to our tribal partners,” Lamont said.

He said he wants to do this “while also avoiding endless litigation.”

The budget increases spending 0.6% and includes no broad-based tax increases, but it extends the corporation tax surcharge.

The proposed budget adjustment unveiled Wednesday morning includes a 50% tax increase on e-cigarette products to discourage vaping, and includes $5 million in revenue the state expects to get from beginning to charge a fee on credit card transactions.

The budget also nixes $50 million in various fee increases included in last year’s budget.

Office of Policy and Management Melissa McCaw said “the $50 million in fee increases would be harmful to the middle class.”

Lamont’s budget also includes $8.8 million to fund two state police trooper classes through the police academy to help deal with existing staff shortages and expected retirements. And it calls for a $2 million appropriation to support the technology needed to institute a “clean slate” program that would allow those convicted of certain misdemeanor crimes to have their records erased after a period of time.

Democratic lawmakers praised Lamont’s speech, while Republicans largely panned it.

“It was an excellent speech, it set the right tone for the first day of the session,” said Senate President Martin Looney, D-New Haven. “It was optimistic, it was confident.”

The speech set the tone to bring recreational cannabis back into play, after the issue was dropped last year, Looney said. The push to legalize sales under strict regulation failed to get off the ground during the 2019 legislative session.

“I hope we can move as quickly on that as we can,” Looney said.

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, said Lamont’s speech and budget adjustments include a “lot of broken promises.”

“I think there are things he promised he was going to do the second year that he hasn’t done,” Fasano said.

Fasano was referring to the property tax credit.

On the campaign trail in 2018, Lamont said he wanted to increase the property

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE House members listen to Lamont’s speech

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE

Gov. Ned Lamont

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano watches

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tax credit for middle class homeowners to $300. The credit is currently $200 for individuals over the age of 65 or families with dependents. Individuals without kids who own a home currently don’t qualify for the credit.

Under Lamont’s campaign proposal, individuals with incomes up to $138,500 and married couples earning up to $160,500 would be able to qualify for the credit, which would increase the revenue loss to the state by $165 million a year.

Fasano said it’s because the Democrats did a budget with phony numbers and they are realizing they can’t offer the relief they had planned “because they didn’t do an honest budget in the first place.”

What’s worse is “he doesn’t want anyone to be critical of the bad policies they put forward,” Fasano added.

House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, said Lamont is being overly optimistic.

She said his point about “stop beating up on Connecticut was clearly directed at us.”

She said she tells every group she speaks with: “I am going to be honest with you about where we are and then I’m going to tell you how I think we can fix it.”

She said a “profile in courage” is about “being honest with people about where we are and how we fix it.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

Mandingo Ambassadors Return To Best Video

by DANIEL SHOEMAKER New Haven I ndependent

“Best Video is my best place.” remarked Guinea-born guitarist and longtime New Haven resident Mamady Kouyate, who on Friday returned with his band, the Mandingo Ambassadors, to perform at Best Video Film and Cultural Center for the second time in under a year.

Kouyate, mirroring the current instrumental permutation of his Mande jazz group, was a man of few words as the much-lauded New York- and New Haven-based collective packed the familiar space with reveling onlookers, held rapt by the irresistible sway of the group’s propulsive thrum.

The noted lack of vocals was not the only perceptible shift in the band’s lineup since its previous performance at Best Video in March of last year. At the time Kouyate intimated that he would return with an altered lineup, dangling a possible horn section as enticement (a promise he followed through on in a later show). The particular incarnation of the group on Friday was considerably more familial. Seated one next to the other, the band — stretching along the back wall from Cult Classics to Auteurs — was bookended by two of Kouyate’s blood relations, two more shining beacons emanating from the rich musical history of the legendary Kouyate family.

Its lineage that stretches back through hundreds of years of West African griot tradition and currently spans the globe.

What the name Diabate is to Malian music, so Kouyate is to Guinean music.

Flanking Mamady Kouyate immediately to his right, Ousmane Kouyate was introduced by the virtuoso as his “brother and the person who taught me to play the guitar.” Ousmane, prolific in his own right, has released numerous solo albums under his own name and helmed the renowned ensemble Les Ambassadors Internationeaux, a similarly energetic Mande jazz group that rivals

Celebrating Cele Celebra

BLACK HISTORY MONTH DANIEL SHOEMAKER PHOTOS

Mandingo’s polyrhythmic interplay in density and danceability.

At the opposite end of the makeshift stage sat a young djembe player whose playing could only be observed as an indistinguishable cloud of furiously flying fingers anchoring the collective’s kaleidoscopically complex grooves and rata-tat-ing through reality-defying solos.

This prodigious percussionist was local drum hero Seny Camara.

Rounding out the night’s line up was long-time collaborator and co-guitarist Mamady Kouroura, bassist “The Professor” Michael Veal, Drummer Andy Algire, and local percussionist Jocelyn Pleasant holding down the congas. Notably, aside from Mamady Kouyate, Kouroura and Pleasant were the only veterans of last year’s show who returned for this weekend’s encore performance.

Feeling more like a community living room than an international music venue, Best Video provided a cozy set-

ting for the evening’s musical guests. So blurred were the usual lines of formality that there was scarcely a divide between the soundcheck and set, save for a few gradually downturned dimmers. In this regard the comfort of audience member and performer alike seemed paramount.

Guitarists, mirroring their audience, sat casual and cross-legged as they shredded through shimmering runs and pingponging, echo-inflected arpeggios. Undergirding the comfortably compounded interplay of the three guitarists were basslines simultaneously seismic and sturdy, bronco-bucked grooves that refused to lose grip as the trio of percussionists leaned into the precariously controlled chaos.

The audience, dense and intently observant, found their folding-chair fidgets gradually growing and coalescing into unselfconscious eruptions of shared joy.

Connections formed in the scant and sacred spaces between seats, selves and somewhere else.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

Black Inventors Get Their Due

by MAYA MCFADDEN New Haven I ndependent

One thing the fire extinguisher, guitar, super soaker, and pressure cooker have in common? They were all invented by African Americans.

Thanks to the students of the Ross Woodward School, those and other African American inventions are showcased in a Black History Month gallery to shed light on African American success and influence.

The idea for the school-wide project came from Assistant Principal Tianko Ellison. She sought to teach not only the students but the school’s educators, staff, and families about the inventions of everyday products by African Americans.

The exhibit at the school will be on display for the month of February.

“From the mop to the refrigerator to the mailbox, African Americans did that,” Ellison said.

Ellison had the idea to create a gallery in honor of Black History Month since she was teaching in New York. Back then Ellison had to confine the display to her single classroom. While a secondgrade teacher, she had her students create book reports on Black inventors. Then as a sixth-grade teacher, Ellison enhanced her idea to have the students do research and create replicas of the entrepreneurs’

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO

Assistant Principal Tianko Ellison.

Ava Palmer and Kristian Davis.

Erin Palmer and Nicholas Clement with their display.

Mediation Spares Tenant Court Fight

by EMILY HAYS

Dara Rose has a month to move out of her Mandy Management-owned apartment in Newhallville — and she is happy about that, after fighting her eviction in court.

Rose spent all of Tuesday morning in New Haven housing court at the state Superior Court building at 121 Elm St, waiting and worrying about what would happen to her.

“I don’t understand what’s happening.

It’s spiraling out of control,” she said, listening for her name to be called.

Rose currently lives in an apartment building on Thompson Street off Dixwell Avenue. New Haven-based megalandlord Mandy Management took over the building in November.

The complaint against Rose was that she stopped paying rent shortly after the switch in ownership and did not resume within the grace period.

In written answers to the court, she argued that she stopped paying rent because she was not getting heat or hot water at certain times of day. She also argued that the unwritten month-tomonth lease with her new landlords was not legal.

EMILY HAYS PHOTO

Dara Rose outside court.

Rose described having steady employment at Yale New Haven Hospital until last year, when she lost her job. She has been looking for a new one since. She said that she qualifies for government

aid because of a mental health disability but has had trouble securing that income support.

She said that she wanted to stabilize her living situation and then move somewhere else — not because of Mandy, but because of disputes with family members that have led to harassment at her current address.

Like most tenants in housing court, Rose was representing herself on Tuesday. She looked over the balcony on the third floor of the court’s neoclassical building while other tenants and the lawyers assigned to various landlords headed into private rooms with the court’s trained mediators.

Since the 1990s, the state has appointed mediators to help housing courts run more smoothly. Mediation allows both sides more flexible solutions and compromises than they would have before a judge, who has to focus on the evidence in front of her, clerk Michele Nichols said.

“Ninety-plus percent of cases are able to find a common ground in mediation,” Nichols said. “It’s to the benefit of both landlords and tenants.” Legal aid lawyers, meanwhile, caution that without Con’t on page 16

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inventions.

Now in her first year as an administrator, Ellison has expanded the project to cover all classrooms at Ross Woodward, from pre-K through eighth grades. “Now that they can see my vision, I think it will only get bigger from here,” said Ellison.

Seventh-graders Erin Palmer and Nicholas Clement crafted an interactive display with their class on Granville Woods and his invention of the rollercoaster.

The class split into two groups for the project. One worked on the poster display while the others used hundreds of K’Nex’s to put together a functional rollercoaster replica.

The goal is for students to gain a sense of pride from seeing the impact of African American inventors. “It makes me even poke my chest out and feel more worthy,” Ellison said.

Next year Ellison plans to expand into the community with ideas of possibly donating the projects to a local library to display or gaining a community partnership. Ellison also hopes to have more projects made next year to showcase inventors.

Miabella Chiliquinga and Max Reynolds and their pre-K classmates created a display on the tricycle, invented by Mathew A. Cherry. The students made their replica out of yarn and toilet paper

rolls.

“I learned it [tricycle] needs a stabilizer, but he [Mathew Cherry] knows everything about the tricycle,” said Max. Ellison shared her idea with the teachers at the start of January, with the deadline for projects to be completed being Jan. 31.

Each class took a different approach to put together displays and replicas. Some presented their research through Powerpoints while others used posters. Replicas for the projects ranged from being handmade to being recycled items from home.

Third graders Ava Palmer and Kristian Davis worked with their class on researching Garrett Morgan, inventor of the first automatic three-way traffic signal system. The class created three replicas of different traffic signals.

Davis said she worked with her stepfather to make one of the three signals. “He was more excited than me,” she said.

Both Palmer and Davis said while doing research they were surprised to see that there were so many different traffic signal systems.

“We really want to offer the students a rich childhood experience,” Ellison said.

The school is opening its gallery to community visits from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.

Elections, Climate Change & Drugs

CHRISTINE STUART / CTNEWSJUNKIE

House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz and Senate President Martin Looney

by Christine Stuart HARTFORD, CT – The 2020 legislative session started Wednesday with the filing of Gov. Ned Lamont’s budget adjustments and 48 pieces of legislation from the governor and various legislators.

Since this is a budget adjustment year, most of the legislation is raised by committees that are just beginning to meet to raise concepts. The legislation is also supposed to be restricted to changes in the budget, but lawmakers are looking to have policy discussions about dozens of issues.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

The “Spirit” Of The NHFD Laid To Rest

by ALLAN APPEL

New Haven I ndependent

A single bagpiper played a mournful melody, and an honor guard of whitecapped firefighters lined up and saluted the coffin as New Haven said good-bye Monday to William Celentano Jr. Three hundred fifty people in all — including city officials current and retired along with a large contingent of firefighters and several past chiefs — attended the mass of Christian burial at St. Bernadette’s Church in the East Shore for Celentano, who died at age 81 on Feb. 11 after a brief illness.

Celentano was a beloved figure in the department, having served three terms as chair of the Board of Fire Commissioners.

“He was definitely the heart of the department,” fellow Commissioner Rev. Stephen Cousin said as black-draped fire trucks pulled up to the church on Townsend Avenue where for decades Celentano had worshipped.

With his dad, the late Mayor William Celentano Sr., helping with the introductions, young “Bill” began to hang out with the firefighters at the old Engine Three firehouse on the corner of Park and Elm. “He [practically] lived at Park and Elm,” recalled former Chief Michael Grant, who offered the formal eulogy at the beginning of the the service.

Celentano never became a firefighter

Imagine.

himself, or a politician like his dad, the city’s last Republican mayor. Early on he launched a life of civic-mindedness, friends and family recalled. He became a member and then, recalled Grant, the heart and soul of the volunteer Box 22 Firefighters Emergency Canteen, which was founded in 1930.

Celentano, Grant recalled, drove the canteen’s truck to multiple alarm fires at all hours of the day and night to serve refreshments to the tired men and women of the New Haven Fire Department at fires throughout the city. He received the Civilian Award from the firefighters’ union Local 825, the highest honor a person could receive from outside fire service.

At all hours of day and night, in summer and winter, former Chief Grant recalled, Celentano would drive up in the Box 22 vehicle with water or Gatorade in warm weather and coffee in cold to give to the people on the firefighting line.

But it was more than that.

“He was very caring, asking ‘How are you?’ to the firefighters,” Grant remembered. Most firefighters wouldn’t reveal if something was wrong. But Celentano had a way of detecting if there was a real health problem or injury beneath a steely demeanor, and he’d bring it to the attention of the chief or the on-scene supervisor.

Celentano also served on the city’s Board of Finance, the board of St. Ra-

Inform.

Invest.

phael’s Hospital, and a range of other organizations—all the while running the family’s funeral home business.

It was the firefighters who became Celentano’s extended family.

Denise D’Amato, who recently retired after 40 years with the fire department and served for 22 of those as the clerk to the Board of Fire Commissioners, characterized Celentano as a true gentleman.

“His whole life was devoted to the fire service and to Box 22, and if you had a problem he was the kind of man you went to,” she recalled.

Celentano also distinguished himself

Inspire.

Celebrating

The equipment had disappeared.

Through a long search, including a title search, Celentano tracked down that the apparatus had been lent to museums in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and never returned.

Celentano and friends went up to the barn where he found it, pulled it onto a trailer, and drove it back to New Haven. Money was raised to restore the machine. Now it resides, a shining example of early firefighting equipment, in the atrium of City Hall near the eastern

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as a preserver and collector of antique firefighting memorabilia. Speakers said the basement of his house is full of 600 artifacts from fire departments across 30 countries.

The antique apparatus preservation odyssey piece de resistance unfolded in 2012. Years before that Celentano had gotten on the trail of a 1909 Westinghouse, horse-drawn, gas-powered pumper that had belonged to the New Haven Fire Department back when Rufus Fancher was chief. You may not know who Fancher was, but Celentano certainly did.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

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February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

Below-Radar Racial Realities Surface lar stories of real estate agents leading clients to predominantly white or black When Helen Ward was moving to neighborhoods based on their race.

Hamden, her real estate agent kept Some argued this could be a factor that steering her towards majority-white divides communities, making Hamden neighborhoods. diverse ... but not necessarily inclusive.

Ward was new to the town, so she The listening session was held at Hamdidn’t figure out what the realtor had den High School. Over 70 Hamden done until she’d been living in Hamden residents showed up to speak about for three years. “It has so bothered me personal experiences with inequality and exclusivity in town and calling for ever since,” she said.

Ward, who is white, said for years she change.

Fourteen panel members— including wondered if she should put in a formal complaint. Now said she thinks she Mayor Curt Leng, Greater New Haven should have: “If that’s going on under NAACP Education Committee Chair the surface, it’s compounding the issues Camille Cooper, Hamden Board of we have in Hamden both with schools Education Equity Committee Chair M. Arturo Perez-Cabello, and Founder & and living segregated lives.”

Ward brought up her story Tuesday President of Mother’s Demand Action evening at Hamden’s first Equity & Kim Washington—listened attentively, Inclusivity Task Force Community taking notes and occasionally offering Listening Session, the latest official information or personal experience for response to a series of race-related con- the two and a half hour long meeting.

Since its inaugural meeting in Detroversies in town that have exposed deeper fault lines and unaddressed ten- cember, Hamden’s Legislative Council planned to create a communitysions.

After Ward spoke Tuesday night, other relations committee in response to 1Robeson_InnerCity_5.472x5.qxp_Layout 1 2/3/20 1 this past3:45 year PM such Page as a HamHamden residents chimed in with simi- incidents

by SOPHIE SONNENFELD New Haven I ndependent

den officer-involved shooting of an unarmed couple in Newhallville back in April, and more recently, when Hamden resident Carmen Parker’s biracial daughter had been cast as a slave in a class play at West Woods Elementary School in January.

“There have been too many incidents that have occurred in our town, that I don’t believe are reflective of what our town wants to be and what we can be.” Leng said the process for change through strong communication will be long, hard, and even uncomfortable. “If it’s a comfortable process, it’s not going to be a meaningful one.”

Throughout the session, residents took turns going up to a microphone before the panel to talk about Hamden’s strengths and flaws. Former Legislative Council member Lauren Garrett said she chose to raise her family in Hamden because of its diversity, but said that diversity is not well reflected in its workforce. Roughly ten more residents after Garrett spoke about the lack of diversity in Hamden’s workforce, particularly with the Hamden Fire Depart-

SOPHIE SONNENFELD PHOTO Carmen Parker (at left) addresses Equity & Inclusivity Task Force.

ment, referencing its historically scarce female or person of color hires.

Many residents also expressed their disappointment in Hamden’s lack of diversity in cultural events and history in public school curricula.

Hamden Engineering Department GIS Coordinator Andrew Kinlock graduated from Hamden High School in 2007.

In AP and honors classes each year, he recalled, she was only one of two or three students of color.

At Hamden High, Kinlock had nowretired teacher Leonora Henderson.

Henderson as the second black teacher Kinlock had in his life. “She was one of the best teachers that this school sysCon’t on page 23

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020 Lyman_InnerCity_5.472x5.1.qxp_Layout 1

LEAP Year Celeb Dinners On Tap

by STAFF

New Haven I ndependent

Victoria Wang of LEAP submitted the following write-up: Have you ever wanted to speak to a national radio host about climate change?

Enjoy an interactive singing performance from a Yale music scholar? Learn about what goes into designing a menu from a world-class chef? Then LEAP Year Event is what you’ve been waiting for—and you’ll be supporting a good cause while you’re at it!

On Thursday, February 27, 2020, the LEAP Year Event will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary. It is the annual fundraiser for Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership, Inc. (LEAP); 100% of ticket proceeds will go directly toward LEAP’s after-school and summer mentoring programs serving children and youth living in New Haven’s high poverty neighborhoods. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with great minds from a multitude of disciplines and mingle with New Haven leaders over fine dining in beautiful locales.

In 1995, Louise Endel decided to host a fundraiser for LEAP, but in a unique way: guests would split up into several small, intimate dinners generously hosted by LEAP friends. A notable Guest of Honor would be invited to each dinner, providing a special theme for the night’s discussions.

Now, 25 years later, the tradition of the LEAP Year Event is stronger than ever. This year’s fundraiser includes 33 separate dinners. Over 500 philanthropic donors, business professionals, and community leaders are expected to attend.

LEAP Year Event will commence with a cocktail reception, book signing, and an opportunity to hear from LEAP staff and counselors beginning at 5 pm on February 27 at the Hopkins School in

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New Haven. To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the event, LEAP will honor Anne Calabresi and Judy Clark, who are both powerful advocates for youth in New Haven and have helped steer LEAP toward success for decades.

At 7 pm, attendees will depart for the individual dinners, which take place at 7:30 pm in the beautiful homes and venues of LEAP’s wonderful family of supporters throughout Greater New Haven.

Four of the dinners will take place on actual leap year on Saturday, February 29 at 7 pm.

We are excited this year to invite so many wonderful Guests of Honor, including Chef Bun Lai, who owns Miya’s Sushi, the first sustainable sushi restaurant in the world; Rob Bonta, a former LEAP student counselor and now a California State Assemblymember who led the proposal of the California Green New Deal; and Timothy Snyder, Yale’s Richard C. Levin Professor of History, who will discuss at length the question “How democratic can America be?”

Some special dinners also include a live performance by the woodwind quintet Elm City Winds, a private tour of the Yale University Art Gallery, and a cooking-show-style master class with Betty Ann Donegan.

No matter your specific passion, be it economics or photography or science, you are sure to discover a dinner that you can sink your teeth into with relish.

LEAP Year Event is LEAP’s most successful fundraiser. Last year, we raised a record $200,000 which enabled us to provide free educational enrichment services to over 1,000 children and youth.

The need for these important services is only growing even as the cost of running LEAP continues to rise.

Join LEAP Year Event, and you can both support LEAP’s work and also have an unforgettable evening with new friends! To attend the reception and a dinner of your choice, tickets are $150.

To attend the reception without a dinner, tickets are $50. The deadline for buying tickets is February 17th.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

Aircraft Carrier Named After Doris Miller

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor

The U.S. Navy is set to name a new aircraft carrier after World War II hero Doris Miller. Miller was a Mess Attendant 2nd Class from Waco, Texas.

The aircraft carrier naming would be the first to be named after an African American.

In June of 2016, the USNS John Lewis (T-AO-205), a U.S. Navy replenishment oiler was named after civil rights legend and Congressman John Lewis.

But the USNS John Lewis is not a warship.

On January 19, the Navy announced that CVN-81 would be named after Miller. The CVN-81 is a Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier scheduled to be built in 2023 and launched in 2028.

Miller fought during the attack on Pearl Harbor after the Japanese surprise attack on the islands on December 7, 1941. Miller was the first African American to receive the Navy Cross for valor, the third highest honor in the Navy. Miller shot an anti-aircraft gun during the attack on Pearl Harbor though he had no training on the gun.

He also took care of wounded members of the ship he was on, the U.S.S. West Virginia.

The U.S.S. West Virginia He served breakfast that morning and was collecting laundry when his ship was hit by the first of seven torpedoes plus two bombs.

“The sacrifice and patriotism of heroes like Doris Miller inspired me to pursue public service,” said Rep. Bernice Johnson (D-TX). “Though he is deserving of even higher official recognition, including the Medal of Honor, the announcement of the naming of this vessel on Martin Luther King Day could not be more fitting,” she added.

Until Franklin Roosevelt’s administration, African Americans could not serve in the military at all but attendant, steward and cook positions were open to Blacks. Miller enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1939 at 19.

Two years after Pearl Harbor, Miller was killed in action when his ship Liscome Bay was attacked by a Japanese submarine during the Battle of Makin.

Miller was presumed dead and was declared “missing in action” on December 7, 1943, two years after his heroic actions at Pearl Harbor.

Miller’s heroic actions were publicized numerous times in the black press and he became an icon of African Americans.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an indepen-

Doris Miller, Mess Attendant First ed for heroism during the Pearl Harbor dent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is Class, USN. Talking with three other Attack, 7 December 1941. Official also a political strategist as Principal of sailors and a civilian, during his visit U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the colWin Digital Media LLC. She may be to the Naval Training Station, Great lections of the National Archives. Also contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com Lakes, Illinois, 7 January 1943. He is at NHHC. (2016/07/05). wearing the Navy1Cross medal, awardand on twitter at @LVBurke Lyman_InnerCity_5.472x5.1.qxp_Layout 1/10/20 12:10 PM Page 2

Brian Culbertson XX Tour Friday, April 3 • 8 pm Over the course of a 20-album career, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Brian Culbertson has charted his own unique path. In addition to performing much of his new album, the setlist for this new tour includes cuts from Culbertson’s hit-filled songbook, along with a segment showcasing songs from Winter Stories, an acoustic album released last fall.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

West Haven Black Heritage Honorees

West Haven Black Heritage Committee Steven R. Mullins United States Army veteran Freddy Jackson has been named West Haven African-American Citizen of the Year by the West Haven Black Heritage Committee said Committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins. Jackson will share the honor with the late Teresa S. Blackwell, former head of welfare services in the City of West Haven.

Jackson, 75,a native of Opp, Alabama, has served as commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9422. In 2018, he led the West Haven Memorial Day Parade as Grand Marshal. In the Army, he served in Colorado and Korea in 1963-66 during the Vietnam War era. In addition to VFW Post 9422, he is a member of Hughson Miller Post 71 of the American Legion, where he also served as commander in the early 1990’s.

“Jackson was an obvious choice, due to his service to the nation and his continued service and commitment to veterans here in the City of West Haven.” Mullins said.

Blackwell, a native of Bennetsville, South Carolina, moved to West Haven in the mid 1950’s. She later be-

came politically active in the City, working on several campaigns. In the mid 1980’s then-Mayor Azelio “Sal” Guerra appointed Blackwell as West Haven’s first female Director of Welfare Services. After her retirement, she served as United States Representative Rosa DeLauro’s Office Manager.

Blackwell died in 2005, after a brief, yet courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

“Teresa Blackwell was a trailblazer in the City of West Haven.” Mullins said. “She was ahead of her time and her contributions to West Haven’s black community and the City at large still live on to this day.”

The City’s annual Black Heritage Celebration will be held on Thursday, February 27th at 11:00 in the Harriet C. North Community Room, second floor of West Haven City Hall. Jackson will receive a certificate from the West Haven Black Heritage Committee and a citation from Mayor Nancy R. Rossi. Blackwell’s sons Paul and Edwin will receive the awards for their mother.

Army veteran Freddy Jackson

In addition to Jackson and Blackwell, two black West Haven High School Seniors Edward Kruah and Esther Danso will will be honored for their academic achievement and leadership. Kruah and Danso were

chosen by WHHS Principal Dana Peredes.

The West Haven Police Department Honor Guard will present the colors as West Haven High School junior Nora E. Mullins will sings the Star

“Teresa Blackwel

Spangled Banner., Light refreshments will be served following the program, which is open to the public.

For more information, call Committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins at 203-824-4262.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

February Is Black History Month:

Con’t from 08

Spares Tenant The Brotherhood of Liberty: Protecting the Franchise, The Black Vote Court Fight

By Sean Yoes, AFRO Baltimore Editor The United Mutual Brotherhood of Liberty “As slavery grew to a system and the Cotton Kingdom began to expand into imperial white domination, a free Negro was a contradiction, a threat and a menace. As a thief and a vagabond, he threatened society; but as an educated property holder, a successful mechanic or even professional man, he more than threatened slavery. He contradicted and undermined it. He must not be. He must be suppressed, enslaved, colonized. And nothing so bad could be said about him that did not easily appear as true to slaveholders,” wrote W.E.B. DuBois, in his 750 page essay, Black Reconstruction in America: 1860-1880, first published in 1935.

DuBois, one of the most important public intellectuals of the 20th century, wrote extensively and profoundly about Reconstruction in America, one of the most complex eras in the country’s history. But, if understanding the impact of Reconstruction on the former Confederacy is complicated, trying to discern the implementation of Reconstruction within border states like Maryland seems infinitely more nuanced.

Governance by the Radical Republicans and the Black franchise paved the way for Black political victories throughout the South. Many historians cite about 1,500 Black officeholders elected during the Reconstruction Era. But, virtually no Black men won political office during Reconstruction in Maryland and the state’s Black citizens were not afforded the same federal protections during the era as Blacks in other Southern States. Further, with Democrats in charge in Maryland, the Black vote was in constant peril during Reconstruction and after.

“When the Democrats got firm control of state government, they then began the effort, serious effort to disenfranchise Black voters in Maryland.

This led to a series of efforts to change the State Constitution, to impose property requirements, literacy requirements and the like, most of which… had provisions that protected White voters,” said Prof. Larry S. Gibson, University of Maryland School of Law and author of Young Thurgood: The Making of a Supreme Court Justice.

“But, they were defeated. They were defeated…through a combination of

forces. Major players in the opposition were the early Black lawyers, they were very aggressively involved in organizing voters to vote against these provisions.”

Gibson and other historians point to one man as the central figure in crafting the platform for the first Black lawyers in Maryland; the Rev. Dr. Harvey Johnson, the pastor of Union Baptist Church in Baltimore, the most influential Black church in the city at the time.

In 1885, it was Johnson who brought the lawsuit that broke the color barrier for Black lawyers, which ultimately led to the admission of Everett Waring, to the bar of the Maryland courts.

Waring graduated from the Howard University School of Law with honors in 1885. And it was Johnson who recruited Waring to Baltimore. That victory led to other Black lawyers being admitted to Maryland courts, due to the work of Johnson and the organization he founded, “The Mutual United Brotherhood of Liberty.”

The founding group included Johnson and five of his fellow clergymen and close confidants: Ananias Brown, William M. Alexander, Patrick Henry Alexander Braxton, John Calvin Allen and W. Charles Lawson.

The group was a forerunner of the Ni-

agara Movement, which led to the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

“The organization used the courts and coordinated community protests to challenge Supreme Court decisions that hastened the advent of Jim Crow, expanded educational opportunities to Black children, opened the bar to Black attorneys, and defended laborers re-enslaved on a Caribbean island by a U.S. based company,” according to the book, A Brotherhood of Liberty: Black Reconstruction and Its Legacies in Baltimore, 1865-1920, by Dennis Patrick Halpin.

The Brotherhood specifically paved the way for the earliest incarnation of Black super lawyers, men like Warner T. McGuinn, W. Ashbie Hawkins (a hero to a young lawyer named Thurgood Marshall), Hawkins’ law partner George McMechen and Harry Sythe Cummings, the first Black man elected to office in Maryland.

Early in the 20th century, these men and others were the architects of several groundbreaking legal victories that served as a national blueprint for legal battles in the early Civil Rights Movement. And Baltimore’s Black lawyers were integral in protecting the Black franchise against strong

16

challenges to the state Constitution in 1904, 1908 and 1910.

In 1910, a dozen of some of the finest lawyers in Maryland, all from the Baltimore area came to pay homage to the man at the top of the steps in this photo, Rev. Dr. Harvey Johnson, at his home at 1923 Druid Hill Ave., in the heart of Old West Baltimore.

Johnson was Pastor of Union Baptist Church, the most influential church in the Black community at the time.

And he was also founder of the United Mutual Brotherhood of Liberty, a forerunner of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

In 1885, Johnson and the Brotherhood were responsible for breaking the color barrier, which had excluded Black men from becoming lawyers in Maryland, paving the way for these 12 men in the photo, and many others including Thurgood Marshall. (Left to Right, Front to Back): William Daniels, Harry Sythe Cummings, Wesley Parker, George Pendleton, W. Ashbie Hawkins, William McCard, John Dozier, Ulysses Tyler Grant, Hugh Burkett, Rev. Dr. Harvey Johnson, Warner T. McGuinn, Cornelius Fitzgerald and Hezekiah Rufus White. (Photo courtesy Larry S. Gibson)

a defense attorney present, a tenant in mediation may not know to press for important protections like having final judgments drop nonpayment acknowledgements that make it harder to rent apartments in the future.

Judge Claudia Baio handed down only one final decision from her bench on Tuesday morning.

A tenant named Cheryl Bell faced down her landlord, Peter Gadsby, and his lawyer Jeff Mastrianni of the Landlord Law Firm. They all agreed that Bell had not paid her rent in apartment off Goffe Street since November and that they had been unable to work out a solution through mediation.

When the judge asked Bell whether she had anything she wanted to add, Bell said no. The judge announced then that the landlord had won the case.

As Gadsby and Mastrianni began to leave, Bell asked what had just happened. Baio directed her down one floor to get more details from the housing office.

Because Gadsby won the case, Bell has five days to leave her housing unless she applies to delay her eviction for up to three months and pays $6,600 in back rents and fees.

Gadsby said that Bell had a Section 8 voucher until November, when the payments stopped. After that, it seemed that Bell did not try to provide the right information to get her Section 8 voucher back or start paying for her rent herself. (Bell had disappeared by the time the conversation ended.)

“We do not take legal action lightly.

When a tenant doesn’t pay for six months, we have no wiggle room,” said Gadsby, who lives nearby.

At first, it seemed Rose’s case could also end up needing a judge’s referee call.

Rose and a lawyer representing Mandy Management were unable to reach an agreement.

Then, just before Rose was about to be sworn in before the judge, a new Mandy lawyer arrived and asked if they could try again.

When Rose and Kevin Lynch of Weisman Law Firm emerged from the private room, Rose had a new glow and a quicker smile. Lynch declined to comment.

They submitted a form detailing their compromise, then left the court.

Under the agreement, Rose can stay in her apartment until March 8 and does not need to pay for the three months since she stopped paying rent. Lynch also gave her a list of resources for financial assistance and other guidance.

“I’m happy,” Rose said. “We’ll see how it goes.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

‘For Life’ Unveils in Criminal Justice

By Micha Green, AFRO D.C. Editor

This is not another crime series, prison show or even an average story on an innocent’s man fight for justice. For Life, a new show on ABC unveils the corruption in the entire criminal justice system and unveils its tragic affects on prisoners and their families.

Starring Nichola Pinnock (Aaron Wallace) and Joy Bryant (Maria Wallace), the show is based off the real-life story of Isaac Wright Jr., an executive producer of the series who was wrongfully convicted in 1991, spent years in prison, represented himself in order to get his charges dropped and ultimately went on to become a lawyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

On Feb. 6, Pinnock, Bryant, Wright Jr., show creator and executive producer Hank Steinberg and Doug Robinson, another executive producer, were present for the D.C. screening of For Life at the Landmark E Street Cinema in Northwest, Washington, D.C. In a conversation moderated by ESPN’s “The Undefeated” journalist Clinton Yates, the cast and crew discussed For Life’s honest portrayal of the criminal justice system and how prisoners and their families must cope post conviction.

“I think that throughout the entire season, Maria was in a state of longing. He’s

there, but he’s not there. She’s right in front of him, but she can’t really touch him,” Bryant said. “In a flashback…he’s behind glass most of the time, and the only way to touch is through the glass.

So this constant longing and wanting to be connected to him, and no matter how close he is, he’s just not close enough.

That was the entire season. It was heavy.”

Having lived the life of a wrongfully convicted prisoner, Wright Jr. knows firsthand the difficulties a family faces when a loved one is in prison. He emphasized how the show makes families’ challenges clear, adding to the honesty and engaging nature of the narrative.

“The thing that makes this series a very, very special one, is the very thing that most people are going to grab hold of, and that is, what happened to me wasn’t just my tragedy, it was a family tragedy. The suffering of family is more devastating than the suffering of that one person- although it multiplies their suffering because anyone that’s in prison, they’re the nucleolus of their family.

They’re the ones that help put bread on the table,” Wright Jr. said passionately.

“When that person is taken away and the family begins to implode and they witness the collateral damage from inside, and in addition to that they have to stay strong and keep the fight going, there is something that happens that you begin to

(Courtesy Photo, WDTV Press)

look and pay attention to other people’s suffering when you’ve done it yourselfthat is what this series does. It portrays the reflection of America. It portrays the reflection of our suffering.”

While working to represent himself to prove his innocence and drop his life sentence was the fight of his life, Wright Jr. exclaimed he got his courage to battle from another warrior.

“I was raised in a military family. My

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father served in the military for over 30 years. He fought in two wars and I’d listen to my mother cry herself to sleep when the call of duty took him away from us and left her alone with six kids,” Wright Jr. said, with his father in the audience. “And so when I fought, I wasn’t fighting for myself, I fought for my family, because I wasn’t going to let them do to my father’s son what they were doing

without a fight. These are the sacrifices we make.”

For Life is a new show on {ABC} that shows the corruption of the criminal justice system and how being in prison can affect an entire family. (Courtesy Photo) The post-screening discussion at the {For Life} screening in Washington, D.C. at Landmark E Street Cinema in Northwest, D.C.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

Jarrett Adams: Falsely Accused

Man Re-enters Society as an Attorney

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor

Jarrett Adams spent ten years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Adams was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault at age 17. He was then sentenced to 28 years in prison at a maximumsecurity prison. After filing numerous appeals Adams was exonerated with the assistance of the Wisconsin Innocence Project.

Adams would end up serving close to 10 years before finally being exonerated in 2007. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin denied Adams’ petition for exoneration, but on June 20, 2006 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit overturned the District Court and vacated Adams’ conviction.

The Wisconsin Innocence Project filed a petition on Adams’s behalf asserting there was insufficient evidence to convict Adams and that Adams’ lawyer had been ineffective for failing to locate and call a relevant witness.

After his ordeal, Adams became active in the movement to assist those who have no resources to have their cases challenged and closely reviewed. After his false conviction and imprisonment, Adams earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in May 2015.

On Wednesday, January 29, 2020, thirteen years after being exonerated, Adams was admitted to the Wisconsin State Bar. Adams was joined by Keith Findley, a co-founder of the Wisconsin Innocence Project at a ceremony celebrating his bar admission at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

SINGLE TICKETS ONLY $12.00

Annual Speaker Series Founded in 1992 by attorney Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld in New York, The Innocence Project was created to assemble legal experts and law students in an effort to examine and investigate questionable cases and overturn wrongful convictions.

As of November 17, 2019, the Innocence Project has worked on 189 successful DNA-based exonerations. The Innocence Project cites various studies estimating that between 2% and 5% of all prisoners in the U.S. are innocent.

Jarrett M. Adams was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault at age 17 and sentenced to 28 years in a maximumsecurity prison. After serving nearly 10 years and filing multiple appeals, Jarrett was exonerated with the assistance of the Wisconsin Innocence Project. (Photo: jarrettadamslaw.com) 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

YOUR REGIONAL NON-PROFIT HOME FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, FILM & EDUCATION

The Annual Speaker Series features corporate innovators, entrepreneurs, Quinnipiac University alumni, public and private sector support organizations and experts who focus on financing entrepreneurial startups. Sessions are held on Wednesdays from noon–1 p.m. at the People’s United Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SB-109) on Quinnipiac’s Mount Carmel Campus in Hamden, unless noted otherwise below.

Feb. 12

Michael Reynolds Vice President of Ideation & Innovation Strategy Stanley Black & Decker

Feb. 19

David Lehman Commissioner Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development

Feb. 26

Caroline Smith and Margaret Lee Founders Collab Atlantic Broadband Winter Cinema Series co-sponsors:

CONWAY, LONDREGAN SHEEHAN & MONACO, P.C.

The best of 2019’s critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated movies on the Garde’s giant screen in 4k digital and full dolby surround sound. 1438 seats, favorite concessions & adult beverages. Purchase a Series Pass and see up to 22 films!

JOKER ........................ Rated R MARRIAGE STORY .......... Rated R UNCUT GEMS ................ Rated R THURSDAY, FEB. 20, 2020 | 7:30 PM FRIDAY, JAN. 24, 2020 | 7:30 PM SATURDAY, FEB. 8, 2020 | 7:30 PM DOLEMITE IS MY NAME.... Rated R SATURDAY, JAN. 25, 2020 | 3:00 PM THE IRISHMAN .............. Rated R SATURDAY, JAN. 25, 2020 | 7:30 PM THE TWO POPES.........Rated PG-13 SUNDAY, JAN. 26, 2020 | 3:00 PM PAIN AND GLORY........... Rated R THURSDAY, FEB. 6, 2020 | 7:30 PM PARASITE .................... Rated R FRIDAY, FEB. 7, 2020 | 7:30 PM OSCAR SHORTS - LIVE ACTION SATURDAY, FEB. 8, 2020 | 3:00 PM

OSCAR SHORTS - DOCUMENTARY SUNDAY, FEB. 9, 2020 | 3:00 PM

HARRIET ............... Rated PG-13 SATURDAY, FEB. 22, 2020 | 3:00 PM

THE FAREWELL ........... Rated PG ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD FRIDAY, FEB. 14, 2020 | 7:30 PM Rated R SATURDAY, FEB. 22, 2020 | 7:30 PM JOJO RABBIT .......... Rated PG-13 SATURDAY, FEB. 15, 2020 | 3:00 PM A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Rated PG QUEEN & SLIM .............. Rated R SUNDAY, FEB. 23, 2020 | 3:00 PM SATURDAY, FEB. 15, 2020 | 7:30 PM LITTLE WOMEN ........... Rated PG US ............................. Rated R FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2020 | 7:30 PM FRIDAY, FEB. 21, 2020 | 7:30 PM Check the Garde website for new film updates. Dates & times subject to change.

WWW.GARDEARTS.ORG

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | 8:00 PM & SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020 | 2:00 PM

March 4

April 1

Onyeka Obiocha Managing Director, Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking at Yale Yale University

April 8 | 10 a.m.

QU Entrepreneurship Capital Summit Rodney Sampson Founder Opportunity Hub Steve Grossman President and CEO Initiative for a Competitive Inner City

Jeff Tengel President People’s United Bank Special time: 3 p.m.

Robert Greene President and CEO National Association of Investment Companies

March 18

Shawn Wooden Connecticut State Treasurer

Will Ginsberg President and Chief Executive Officer Community Foundation for Greater New Haven

March 25

Blair Decker Vice President, Supply Chain, Materials and Strategic Sourcing General Dynamics/ Electric Boat

WWW.GARDEARTS.ORG | 860.444.7373 X1 | 325 STATE STREET | NEW LONDON, CT

19

April 15

George Llado Chief Information Officer Alexion Pharmaceuticals

April 22

Garrett Sheehan President and Chief Executive Officer Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce

April 29

Mary Howard Executive Director ABCT Donna Lecky Co-Founder and Managing Director iHaven and HealthVenture

LEARN MORE

Anthony Price Founder LootScout Location: Rocky Top Student Center (RTSC-316) at Quinnipiac’s York Hill Campus

qu.edu/innovation

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

WALLINGFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY Waiting List Opening Announcement WALLINGFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY

Waiting List Opening Announcement

NOTICE

The Wallingford Housing Authority will accept 300 pre-applications for its Housing Choice The Wallingford Housing Authority will accept 300 pre-applications for its Housing Choice Voucher Voucher (Section 8) Program waiting list through a computer generated lottery. The HCV (Section 8) Program waiting list through a computer generated lottery. The HCV program provides program provides rental subsidy households who meet the Department Housing and(HUD) rental subsidy to households whotomeet the Department of Housing and UrbanofDevelopment VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Urban Development eligibility guidelines. eligibility guidelines.(HUD) 2019 IncomeINC, Limit: household income cannot exceed the for each household HOME onTotal behalf of Columbus House and theannual New Havenlimit Housing Authority, 2019 Income Limit: Total household income cannot exceed the income annual income limit for size: each is household size:pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develaccepting Household 1 2 Frank3Street, New 4 Haven.

5 Maximum 6 income 7 limitations 8 apopment located at 108 Size: ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y Income $40,400 $54,500 (approximately $58,550 $62,600100) $66,600 25, 2016 $35,350 and ending when $45,450 sufficient$50,450 pre-applications have Limit: been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon re-

quest by callingwill HOME INC at online 203-562-4663 during 16th, those2020 hours.

Completed prePre-Applications be available beginning March at 9:00AM ET until

2020 9:00AMStreet, ET untilThird Pre-Applications will be available online beginning March 16th,visit applications must be returned to access HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange March 20th, 2020 at 11:59PM. To the form, please theatfollowing website: th , 2020 at 11:59PM. To access the form, please visit the following website: March 20 Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. https://www.waitlistcheck.com/CT3008

https://www.waitlistcheck.com/CT3008

NOTICIA

You will need names, social security numbers, birthdates and income information for every household member who will be listed the application.

Please be advised you information cannot submitfor more than one You will need names, socialonsecurity numbers, birthdates and that income every pre-application for who the same or itthe willapplication. be disqualifiPlease ed. household member willhousehold be listed on be advised that you cannot

VALENTINA VIVIENDAS DEsame ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES submit more than oneMACRI pre-application for the household or it will be disqualified.

Please be advised that no pre-applications will be accepted before March 16, 2020 or by hand delivery/

fax HOME orbe e-mail.

Thethat online pre-application form be accessed by using any16, personal Please advised no pre-applications willcan be accepted before March 2020 computer, or by handlaptop, INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está smart phone tablet.

Applicants are encouraged to visitform a local for computer access any to submit delivery/ fax or orpre-solicitudes e-mail.

The online pre-application can be dormitorio accessed by aceptando para estudios y apartamentos delibrary un en using este desarrollo a pre-application. personal computer, smart phone or tablet. encouraged to visit de a local ubicado en la laptop, calle 109 Frank Street, NewApplicants Haven. Seare aplican limitaciones ingresos library for computer access to submit a pre-application.

Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 Street a.m.-5offers p.m.free comenzando MartesThey 25 Themáximos.

Wallingford Public library is located at 200 North Main computer access.

canWallingford be reached 203-265-6754 are openatfrom MondayFriday. julio, 2016 at hasta cuando se and han recibido suficientes (aproximadamente The Public library is located 2009:30AM-9:00PM Northpre-solicitudes Main Street offers free computer100) en They las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes por correo a petición access. can be reached at 203-265-6754 and are openserán from enviadas 9:30AM-9:00PM MondayIf you require a reasonable accommodation, please notify the office and you will be advised on how to Friday. llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse proceed with your request.

a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

If you require a reasonable accommodation, please notify the office and you will be advised on how to proceed with your request.

The Wallingford Housing Authority does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or familial status.

NEW HAVEN

WALLINGFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY Waiting List Opening Announcement WALLINGFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY

242-258 Fairmont Ave 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

Lista de apertura The Wallingford Housing Authority doesde notespera discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or familial status.

The Wallingford Housing Authority will accept 300 pre-applications for its Housing Choice La Autoridad de Vivienda de Wallingford aceptará 300 solicitudes previas para su lista de espera del Voucher (Section 8) Program waiting list through a computer generated lottery. The HCV Programa Valesapartments, de Elección de new Vivienda (Sección 8) new a través de una close lotería generada porI-95 computaAlldenew appliances, carpet, to I-91 & program subsidy to households who the que Department of Housing dora. Elprovides programarental HCV ofrece subsidio de alquiler a losmeet hogares cumplen con las pautasand de elegihighways, near bus stop & shopping center Urban Development (HUD) bilidad del Departamento deeligibility Vivienda yguidelines.

Desarrollo Urbano (HUD).

Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

Límite de ingresos de 2019: ingreso total del hogar no puede exceder el límite de ingreso 2019 Income Limit: Total elhousehold income cannot exceed the annual income limitanual for para cadahousehold tamaño desize: hogar: each CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Household 1 2 a 10 month3program designed 4 5 in the intellectual 6 7 8 Certificate Program.

This is to assist formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30Size: 3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. Income $35,350 $40,400 $50,450 $58,550 (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop$45,450 Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor$54,500 of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B.$62,600 Church 64$66,600 Brewster Limit: St. New Haven, CT Las solicitudes previas estarán disponibles a partir del 16 de marzo de 2020 hasta el 20 de marzo de

Pre-Applications willalbe availablevisite online beginningsitio March 16th, 2020 at 9:00AM ET until 2020. Para acceder formulario, el siguiente web:https://www.waitlistcheck.com/CT3008 March 20th, 2020 at 11:59PM. To access the form, please visit the following website:

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Necesitará nombres, números de seguro social, fechas de nacimiento e información de ingresos para cada miembro del hogar que figurará en la solicitud. Tenga en cuenta que no puede enviar más de una https://www.waitlistcheck.com/CT3008 solicitud previa para el mismo hogar será Housing descalificado.

Sealed bids are invited byo the Authority of the Town of Seymour

You will need names, social security numbers, birthdates and income information for every until 3:00 onwill August 2, 2016 atdel its16be office at that 282020 Smith Tenga en member cuenta pm que no seTuesday, aceptarán previas antes de marzo de porStreet, entrega household who be listedsolicitudes on the application.

Please advised you ocannot manual / fax o correo electrónico.

Se puede acceder al formulario de solicitud previa en línea submit more than one pre-application for the same household or it will be disqualified.

Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacementutilizando at the

cualquier computadora personal, computadora portátil, teléfono inteligente o tableta. Se recomienda a Gardens Assisted Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. losSmithfield solicitantes visiten una bibliotecaLiving local acceder abefore la computadora presentar solicitud Please be advisedque that no pre-applications will para be accepted March 16,y 2020 or byuna hand previa. fax or e-mail. The online pre-application form can be accessed by using any delivery/

personal computer, laptop, smart phone or tablet.

Applicants areAuthority encouraged Office to visit a28 local pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Smith La A biblioteca pública de Wallingford ubicada en 200 North Main Street y ofrece acceso gratuito library for computer access to submit aestá pre-application. a computadoras.

PuedenCT comunicarse ellos 203-265-6754 yJuly están20, abiertos de 9:30 a.m. a 9:00 Street Seymour, at 10:00conam, onal Wednesday, 2016.

p.m. de lunes a viernes.

The Wallingford Public library is located at 200 North Main Street offers free computer access. They can be reached at 203-265-6754 and are open from 9:30AM-9:00PM MondaySi Bidding necesita unadocuments acomodaciónare razonable, notifique a lathe oficina y se le informará cómo proceder available from Seymour Housingsobre Authority OfFriday. con su solicitud.

fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

If you require a reasonable accommodation, please notify the office and you will be advised on how de to Vivienda proceed de with your request.

“La Autoridad la Ciudad de Wallingford no discrimina en las base de raza, color, origen

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to nacional, religión, sexo, edad, incapacidad o estado familiar”. reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the Housing Authority.

FENCE ERECTING CONTRACTORS

Welder/Helper:

Large CT Fence & Guardrail Contractor is looking for Fence Installer foremen and helpers. Foreman must have at least 5 years’ experience. Helpers-no experience required, will train the right person. Work available 1012 months per year. Valid Ct. Driver’s license required and must be able to get a DOT Medical Card. All necessary equipment provided. Medical, vacation & other benefits included. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. OSHA 10 training required. Please email resume to rhauer@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE – M/F

Large CT fence & guardrail contractor looking for a shop welder/helper. Duties include but are not limited to cutting & notching pipe to build gates, and fabbing, plating posts, truck & trailer repairs. Ability to mig weld steel and aluminum is a plus. Some road work may be required. All necessary equipment provided. Must have a valid CT driver’s license and be able to get a DOT medical card. Required to pass a physical and drug test.

Medical, vacation & other benefits included. Starting pay @ $17.00 per hour. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE-MF

HELP WANTED: Large CT guardrail company looking for Laborer/Driver with valid CT CDL Class A license and able to get a medical card.

Must be able to pass a drug test and physical. Compensation based on experience. Email resume to dmastracchio@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE M-F

Large CT. Fence Company

is looking for an individual for our stock yard. Warehouse shipping and receiving and Forklift experience a must. Must have a minimum of 3 years’ material handling experience.

Must be able to read and write English, and read a tape measure. Duties will include: Loading and unloading trucks, pulling orders for installation and retail counter sales, keeping the yard clean and organized at all times and inventory control. Individual will also make deliveries of fence panels Large CT Fence & Guardrail Contractor is looking for expe- and products, must be able to lift at least 70lbs. Required to rienced, responsible commercial and residential fence erec- pass a Physical and Drug test, have a valid CT. Driver’s Litors and installers on a subcontractor basis. Earn from $750 to cense and be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. CDL B $2,000 per day. For more information email resume to rhauer@ & A drivers a plus. Send resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor. atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE/MF com AA/EOE/MF

FENCE ERECTING SUBCONTRACTORS

CITY OF MILFORD Seeking qualified condidates to fill numerous vacancies to include,Public Works Office & Administator Operations Manager, Invitation to Bid: Information Technology Manager, and more. For information and detailed application instructions, 2nd Noticevisit WWW.ci.milford.ct.us Click on SERVICES, JOBS and JOB TITLE.

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Saybrook, CT Construction Seeking(4toOld employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for Buildings, 17 Units)

a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call Exempt or & Not Prevailing Rate Project (860)Tax 621-1720 send resume Wage to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V Drug Free Workforce

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

CONSTRUCTION HELP WANTED Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management The State of Connecticut, Office of

Policy and Management is recruiting for Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 a Policy Development Coordinator LaRosa Building Group is looking for people interested Project documents available via ftp link below: position. in construction for a project in New Haven. http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application New and Section 3 residents are Fax or EmailHaven Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com instructions for this position is available to S/W/MBE apply.

HCC encouragesencouraged the participation of all Veteran, & Section 3 Certified Businesses at: Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 https://www.jobapscloud.com/ AA/EEO EMPLOYER CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= For applications: 200109&R2=1581MP&R3=002 Visit the job site at 300 Wilmot Rd, New Haven CT., or

join us on Thursday, February 27th, at 6:00 PM Or Email: outreach@larosabg.com

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

20

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

DELIVERY PERSON

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Contact: Tom Dunay

NOTICE

NEEDED

Phone: 243-2300 HOME INC, on behalf of860Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develWomen Minority Applicants are New encouraged to apply income limitations apopment & located at 108 Frank Street, Haven. Maximum Action/ Opportunity Employer ply.Affirmative Pre-applications willEqual be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME Reclaiming, INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preGarrity Asphalt Inc seeks: applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing Haven, CTbe06510. andFloor, cleanNew driving record, willing to travel throughout the North-

Part Time Delivery Needed

east & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

NOTICIA

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

One/Two Day a Week,

Must Have your Own Vehicle

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/deEqual Opportunity Employer HOME INC, en nombre la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está

If Interested call

aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo 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 Martes 25 Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipjulio,Must 2016have hastaacuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes ment.

CDL License, clean driving record, capable of(aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas operating heavydeequipment; be willing to travel throughout the por correo a petición llamando&a NY. HOME 203-562-4663 horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse Northeast We INC offeralexcellent hourlydurante rate &esas excellent benefits a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

Union Company seeks:

(203) 387-0354

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

HELP WANTED:

NEW HAVEN

KMK1907 Insulation Inc. Hartford Turnpike North Haven, CT 06473

Mechanical Insulator position.

PRE-BID MEETING RE: FARNAM COURT PHASES 2A & 2B Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 Location: Community Room at Mill River Crossing Address: 657 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT 06513 Time: 10:00 to 11:00 AM INVITATION TO BID Farnam Court Phases 2A & 2B Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT Phase 2A: New Construction of: Four (4) Buildings, 45 Units, Approx 62,464 sf Phase 2B: New Construction of: Seven (7) Buildings, 66 Units, Approx. 98,494 sf Bid Due Date: Site & Concrete: 3-6-2020, 5 pm Rough Carpentry & MEP’s: 3-13-2020, 5 pm Balance of Trades: 3-20-2020, 5 pm With the exception of site-work we are asking subcontractors to bid by phase and by building Residential Wage Rate Project.

Project is: Tax Exempt Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=farnamcourtphaseII This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements as well as, Elm City Communities, CNH Commission on Equal Opportunities and CHRO set-aside and contract requirements.

Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Estimating Department @ 203-881-8372 HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER

Constuction Laborer SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Invitation to Bid: Large CT guardrail company Insulation company offering good pay 242-258 Fairmont Ave 2nd Notice looking for Laborer/Driver with valid CT CDL Class Looking for a Laborer with experience in Crane/Pile Driving operations. We and benefits. Please mail resume to above address.

A license2BR and able to get a medical card.

Must be Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA will consider those with no prior experience. Required skills/qualifications inable to pass a drug test and physical. CompensaMAIL ONLY All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 clude:CTOTC 105 OSHA10 hour Certification, Valid Drivers License, Must be Old Saybrook, tion based on experience. Email resume to dmasThis company is an Affirmative Action/ highways, near bus stop & shopping center to lift over 50 pounds, Minimum age of 18, Must Provide personal transpor(4 Buildings,able 17 Units) tracchio@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE M-F Equal Opportunity Employer. tation to and from the jobsite.

Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project Please contact: Eric Bombaci Bombaci Construction CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition,8605754519 Site-work, CastBombaciconst@aol.com CertificateEngineer Program. This is–a 10 month program designed to assistWater in the intellectual formation of Candidates Junior The Town of Wallingford’s Division is seeking a responsible and skilled individual to prepare and

WATER

Shingles, Vinyl Siding, in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30maintain permanent utility location records. Requires an associate’s degree or equivalent in civil engineeringin-place plus twoConcrete, (2) yearsAsphalt of 3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Welder for Misc/Structural Steel progressively experience in the utilityU.F.W.B. field, Church or an equivalent (203) 996-4517 responsible Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D.water/sewer Pastor of Pitts Chapel 64 Brewster combination of education and qualify expeExperienced DOT certified rience substituting on a year-for-year basis.

Salary: $59,594 $76,209 annually. plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

Apply: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

St. New Haven, CT Email hherbert@gwfabrication.com Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford,This CT contract 06492. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Closing date will be March 10, 2020 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Project documents Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI) is seeking an experienced Project Manager for our Community Engagement Serviceavailable via ftp link below: until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Invitation for Bids Team. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to lead project teams, supervise and http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage develop staff, provide excellent Seymour, 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at theconcurrently, and conduct business develclient serviceCT with innovative and strategic solutions, manage multiple projects McConaughy Terrace Sanitary and Storm Sewer Improvements Smithfield Gardens Assisted Livingdeveloping Facility, 26and Smith Street Seymour. opment.

Responsibilities will include implementing strategic outreach plans meaningfully and @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com Fax or to Email Questions & Bidsinclude to: Dawn Lang

Engagement Project Sealed bids are invited Community by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour Manager

facilitate communication with stakeholders and the general public on transportation and community projects, HCC encouragesplanning the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Construction utilizing a wide variety of tools and techniques including publicOffice meetings, printed materials, socialHaynes media, website,Company, press 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority 28 Smith Communities is currently seeking Bids for McConaughy Terrace releases, and PowerPoint presentations.

Additionally, the20, candidate AA/EEO EMPLOYER Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 2016. must possess excellent oral and written communicaSanitary and Storm Sewer Improvements. A complete copy of tion skills. Experience with major transportation infrastructure projects is preferred.

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Of-

Minimum degree: Bachelor's degree in business/consulting environment, city/regional/urban planning, civil engineering, 28 field Smith Street, Seymour, CTyears 06483of(203) 888-4579. orfice, related with a minimum of 10 experience.

Candidates with a valid driver's license preferred. Salary commensurate with level of experience. Send resume to communityengagement@fhiplan.com or Elizabeth Marchion, 416 The Housing reserves theFitzgerald right to accept or rejectInc. anyisoranallEEO/AA bids, to /VEV/Disabled employer.

Asylum Street, Authority Hartford, CT 06103. & Halliday,

reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the Housing Authority.

21

the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems. com/gateway beginning on

Monday, January 6, 2020 at 3:00PM.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

Secretary I: The Town of East Haven NOTICE

is currently conducting an examination for the position of Secretary I, Grade Level 9. Qualified candidates must possess a High School Diploma or GED and two (2) years of experience with secretarial and office operations or any VALENTINA MACRI of RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS equivalent combination experience and training.

The currentAVAILABLE opening is in the Board of Education. The hourly rate for this position is $18.28 per hour, 15 HOME on The behalf of Columbus House andatthe New Haven Housing Authority, hours per INC, week. application is available http://www.townofeasthavenct. is accepting pre-applications studio and one-bedroom at this develorg/civiltest.shtml or The CivilforService Office, 250 Mainapartments Street, East Haven CT locatedtoatapply 108 Frank Street, Maximum income limitations apandopment the deadline is March 9, New 2020.Haven.

The Town of East Haven is an Equal ply. Pre-applications be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Opportunity Employer.willMinorities, Females, Veterans and Handicapped areJu;y en25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have couraged to apply. 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 preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

WATER

Chief Maintainer – The Town of Wallingford is seeking a qualified individual to direct the construction and maintenance of municipal water system facilities.

Applicants must have 6 years of responsible experience as a Maintainer in a Water Division or in the field of construction involving pipe line installation, VALENTINA MACRI ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES 2 years of which mustVIVIENDAS have beenDE supervisory OR high/trade school graduate with 5 years of above experience OR an equivalent combination of experience HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está and training. Must also have and maintain a valid commercial driver’s license to aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo operate equipment. Hourly rate: $26.25 - $31.89, plus an excellent fringe benefit ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 South Street, Wallingford, CT suficientes 06492. Fax: (203) 294-2084.

The closing julio,Main 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) date be the date the 50th is received, Marchpor 3, 2020 enwill las oficinas de HOME INC.application Las pre-solicitudes seránor enviadas correowhichever a petición occurs first.a HOME EOE INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse llamando

NOTICIA

a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Invitation for Bids

Carting, Rubbish, &NEW Recycling HAVENRemoval Services The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities Ave removal services. A is currently seeking Bids 242-258 for carting, Fairmont rubbish, & recycling complete copy of the requirements may be obtained Elm City’s Vendor 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1from level , 1BA Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateAll new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 way beginning on highways, near bus stop & shopping center Februaryparties 3, 2020 at 3:00PM Pet under 40lbMonday, allowed. Interested contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

CITY OF MILFORDSeeking qualified condidates to fill numerous vacancies to CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s include,Public Works & Administator Operations Information Certificate Program.

ThisOffice is a 10 month program designed to assist inManager, the intellectual formation of TechnoloCandidates response to themore.

Church’s Ministry needs. The costdetailed is $125. Classes start Saturday, August visit 20, 2016 1:30gy inManager, and For information and application instructions, WWW. 3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517ci.milford.ct.us Host, General Bishop Elijah D.D. PastorJOBS of Pittsand Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster Click onDavis, SERVICES, JOB TITLE. St. New Haven, CT

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY Invitation for Bids

Fire Alarm System, Fire Pump & Vestibule Upgrades at George Crawford Manor Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2016 d/b/a at itsElm office 28 Smith Street, The Housing Authority of the City of New2,Haven CityatCommunities is currently seekingCT Bids for Fire System, Fire Pump & Vestibule Upgrades at George Seymour, 06483 forAlarm Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Crawford Manor.

A complete copy Living of the requirement be obtained from Elm City’s Smithfield Gardens Assisted Facility, 26may Smith Street Seymour.

Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on A pre-bid conference will be held at the Authority Office 28 Smith Wednesday, January 22, Housing 2020 at 3:00PM.

Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

Construction Foreman M/F- 3+ years Solid CTDOT Exp. 40hr Hzwhpr . Co-

ordinate, Perform, Supervise, Onsite Functions, Support Crew, Maintain Records. Statewide Work.

Females and Minorities encouraged to apply. Email michelle@occllc.com Pay for Great Bidding documents are available fromresume: the Seymour HousingGreat Authority OfWork. AA / EOE

fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

Exp. F/T Lay Out person for structural Steel and Misc. Shop.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to Send resume: hherbert@gwfabrication.com reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the Housing Authority.

HELP WANTED: Large CT guardrail company

looking for Laborer/Driver with valid CT CDL Class A license and able to get a medical card. Must be able to pass a drug test and physical. Compensation based on experience. Email resume to dmastracchio@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE M-F

Equipment Operator Help Wanted: Immediate opening for Equipment Operator for Heavy and Highway Construction.

10 hour OSHA certificate required. CDL license a plus but not required.

Please call PJF Construction Corp.@ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F.

Laborer Help Wanted: Immediate opening for Construction Laborer for Heavy and Highway Construction.

10 hour OSHA certificate required.

Please call PJF Construction Corp. @ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F.

Civil Engineer

Diversified Technology Consultants (DTC) is a multi-disciple engineering and environmental consulting firm. DTC is a leader in servicing governmental clients for four decades. DTC prides itself as having worked on a wide variety of project types. From schools and senior centers to town halls and universities, our diverse portfolio provides extensive experience to our communities.

As DTC enters its forth decade, we are seeking an energetic, organized and proactive professional in our Civil Engineering Department. The successful candidate(s) will work closely with our technical staff in support of DTC’s strategic goals and objectives.

This is an entry level position located in our Hamden, Connecticut office.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the preparation of plans, specifications, supporting documents, and permit applications for private and municipal projects.

• Assist in preparation of calculations such as storm drainage, water supply & wastewater collection, cost estimates, and earthwork quantities.

• Perform design and drafting using AutoCAD Civil 3D. MicroStation experience is beneficial but not required.

Qualifications:

• Graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering.

• Engineer in training certificate preferred.

CDL Driver Help Wanted: Immediate opening for CDL Driver for Heavy and Highway Construction.

10 hour OSHA certificate and clean CDL license required.

Please call PJF Construction Corp. @ 860-888-9998. We are an equal opportunity employer M/F.

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

Project Manager/Project Supervisor

For Further information or to apply send resumes to ellen. nelson@teamdtc.com DTC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

DTC is a Drug Free Work Place.

Individuals with Disabilities, Minorities and Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Town of Bloomfield

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE Director of Public Works & Facilities

Help Wanted: Immediate opening for a Project Manager/ProjOld Saybrook, CT ect Supervisor for Heavy and Highway Construction. Previous (4 Buildings, 17 Units) experience on CTDOT projects required.

Salary Range: $96,755 - $149,345 Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE. Please call PJF Construction Corp. @ 860-888-9998.

We are an equal opportunity employer M/F Details New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, For Site-work, Cast- go to www.bloomfieldct.gov Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Casework, The Housing Authority of the City ofResidential Bridgeport Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Request for Proposal (RFP) Painting Services Agency Wide Bid Extended, Due Date: 138-AM-20-S August 5, 2016 Solicitation Number: Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 The Housing Authority of documents the City ofavailable Bridgeport d/b/a Project via ftp link Park below:City Communities (PCC)http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage is currently seeking proposal from qualified contractors for Painting Ser-

vices Agency Wide. Solicitation package will be available on February 10, 2020 to obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycomFax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com munities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Pre-proposal conference will be Company, conducted on February 20, 2020, at 150 Highland Haynes Construction 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 @ 10:00 a.m. Although attendance is not mandaAA/EEO EMPLOYER tory, submitting a proposal without attending the pre-proposal conference may not be in the best interest of the Offeror. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no later than February 27, 2020 @ 3:00 p.m.

Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. Proposals shall be mailed, or hand delivered by March 11, 2020 @ 3:00 p.m., to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement, 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Late proposals will not be accepted.

22

Attention Drivers

We have concrete mixer and triaxle dump driver openings.

Minimum 2 years experience.

Must have a valid CDL Clean driving record.

Excellent pay and benefits.

Apply M–F from 9-4 at 24 Industrial Drive Waterford, CT 860-444-9600 Applications available at

https://www.kobyluckinc.com/careers An Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020 Con’t from page 12

Surface

tem probably has had. She was able to point me in the direction of authors that I could identify with and could explain some of the things I didn’t have the vocabulary to explain at the time.”

Carmen Parker agreed that Hamden’s educational workforce and curriculums need to change. Parker told fellow residents at the meeting that on Valentine’s Day, her daughter came home from school with a letter to parents about the upcoming curriculum for language arts and social studies. She read a section of the letter outlining a curriculum studying the founding of the colonies, Native Americans, Africans, both free and enslaved, and women.

“Earlier in this manifesto to parents, it talks about how they’re going to be lumping the Holocaust in here, we’re going to throw some LGBTQ+ in here, we’re going to just put every vulnerable demographic in one unit and wrap it in a bow and send a letter home to parents and say we’re so fantastic, we’re committed to diversity,” Parker remarked.

“We have sent our children to school in Philadelphia, Delaware, South Carolina, and Georgia. This is special. Not in a good way.”

Parker called for love and mentorship to strengthen the diversity and capability of Hamden’s future workforce.

“Firefighters, educators, policemen- we cannot recruit them because we have not fostered them. You need to work with what we’ve got already sitting in our classrooms. We can’t recruit better until we do better.”

Panel members promised to meet within the next 30 days with high school students about equity and inclusivity in order to understand their visions for change in Hamden as well.

To conclude the meeting, Mayor Leng told the group that for the past month he and Fire Chief Gary Merwede have been working on placing money in the town budget to incentivize training.

“This would help Hamden kids that want to stay in Hamden and become firefighters and live in Hamden to do that,” he said.

Leng said he also plans to organize more conversations in smaller groups, and to break out task forces and committees into different focus areas such as hiring and real estate that residents were particularly passionate about. Although no specific plans were laid out, Leng said he plans to pick between two and four top issues regarding equity and inclusivity to focus on for the next few months and encouraged all residents to reach out to the panel members and representatives with ideas and input.

NEW HAVEN’S GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY RADIO STATION! www.newhavenindependent.org

JOE UGLY IN THE MORNING Weekdays 6-9 a.m.

THE TOM FICKLIN SHOW Mondays 10 a.m.

MAYOR MONDAY!

MERCY QUAYE

Mondays 11 a.m.

Mondays 1 p.m.

“THE SHOW”

“DJ REL”

MICHELLE TURNER Tuesdays 9 a.m.

“WERK IT OUT”

ELVERT EDEN Tuesdays at 2 p.m.

MORNINGS WITH MUBARAKAH

“JAZZ HAVEN”

Wednesdays 9 a.m.

Wednesdays 2 p.m.

STANLEY WELCH

“TALK-SIP”

LOVEBABZ LOVETALK

Thursdays 1 p.m.

Mondays-Fridays 9 a.m.

ALISA BOWENSMERCADO

FRIDAY PUNDITS Fridays 11 a.m.

23

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

Black voters are the cornerstone of the Democratic Party and the most reliable voting block

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor

During the State of the Union, Trump featured several African Americans from the gallery with long words of praise and detailed introductions. The Republican party has always struggled with Black voters. But Trump’s political team believes that even a small percentage of that vote could mean victory.

Trump is increasingly highlighting his pitch to African Americans as Democrats struggle to decide amongst a crowded field. Political observers understand that Trump is unlikely to win more than ten percent of the Black vote. But it is also understood that any percentage higher than average could be the margin of victory in a close race.

Despite Trump’s efforts, polls indicate a huge problem with Black voters. A Washington Post-Ipsos poll last month of 1,088 black adults found 83 percent of respondents said they believe Trump is a racist. The same percentage said they believe he has made racism a larger problem in America.

A Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll survey released last week found that 22 percent

of African American voters approve of Trump’s job performance. The relatively high percentage surprised some observers.

“Wake up, folks. The #IowaCaucus was a debacle, followed by a strong #SOTU speech laying out Trump’s strategy to win – which includes going for Black voters. This was a warning shot from the Trump campaign to liberals, and we need to take this very seriously in order to win,” wrote CNN commentator Van Jones on February 4, after Trump delivered the State of the Union.

“Hey Black America, you see this crap?

Trump has himself on a card with Fredrick Douglass. He didn’t know who that was last year right? Democrats get your shit together. FAST. Trump ain’t playin’!

If he gets 12% or more of black voters it’s over,” wrote attorney Sophia Nelson over a photo she posted on twitter of Donald Trump and Frederick Douglass proclaiming plans to “Make Black America Great Again.”

Because a few of the leading Democrats who may win the nomination to take on Trump are having difficulty courting Black voters, Trump’s efforts are not going unnoticed. Vermont Sen. Bernie

Sanders and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigeig are having issues with Black voters as well.

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

A Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll survey released last week found that 22 percent of African American voters approve of Trump’s job performance.

Trump Pardoned His Cellmate but Rufus Rochell Remains in Federal Prison Convicted in 1988 of Nonviolent Drug Offense, Inmate Seeks Redemption and Clemency

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

To paraphrase the theme song from the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” this is the story of how Rufus Rochell’s life was turned upside down.

It’s not a rags-to-riches Philadelphia-toCalifornia story, like that of Will Smith’s fictional television character. Rochell’s story is the real-life account of how the crack epidemic of the 1980s is inextricably linked to today’s cry for criminal justice reform.

It’s also the story of how the rich and powerful receive special privileges, while the poor and powerless can only dare to dream.

Nearly 20 years into Rochell’s 40-year prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine at a federal prison facility in Coleman, Florida, Conrad Black, a famous billionaire and friend of Donald Trump, was sentenced to the same penitentiary.

Rochell arrived at the prison in 1988 in handcuffs.

Black, an ex-member of the House of Lords who ran a media empire, arrived in March 2008, escorted to the prison in a black SUV with tinted windows.

By prison standards, Rochell and Black made for odd cellmates, but an unlikely bond was established between the two

Rufus Rochell

men and they eventually became close friends.

As a new inmate, Rochell was forced to ‘walk the gauntlet,” traversing through a line-up of his fellow prisoners. However, when welcoming Black, who’d been convicted of fraud and embezzlement, prison staff closed access to an entire floor.

Rochell spent much of his time in the prison’s law library, while Black tutored inmates to help them achieve a high school diploma.

Two years after his arrival, Black’s attorneys successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, which ordered the lower court to review its decision in Black’s case. Bail was granted, and Black went back to the high life.

“He deserved it,” Rochell told NNPA Newswire in a telephone call on Monday, February 10, from the federal prison at Coleman. “Conrad Black is a good man, and I don’t have any resentment,” said Rochell.

The letter that Rochell wrote on behalf of Black helped convince a judge to release him. Black eventually received a pardon from an old friend: America’s 45th president, Donald J. Trump.

“I do feel forgotten. I’m probably one of the oldest crack cocaine cases in America in which a person is still incarcerated,” Rochell said during the telephone interview. “But I’m very optimistic. I saw what Kim Kardashian did for Alice Johnson, and I’ve seen people talk about me.”

Amy Povah, president of the CAN-DO Foundation, which advocates for shorter sentences for non-violent drug offenders, put Johnson at the top of its list of federal prisoners who deserve a commutation or pardon from the president. “It’s time for Rochell’s release,” said Povah, who has put together a clemency petition on Rochell’s behalf.

“He should have been home under the First Step Act,” Povah stated. “The First Step Act passed into law over a year ago.

24

It reduced sentences for people like Rufus who are still part of the “100-to-1”: A harsh crack cocaine sentencing disparity that punished primarily African Americans “100 times harsher than [the sentencing for the] powdered cocaine used primarily by white people,” Povah stated.

Due to a backlog in cases, the public defender representing Rochell has yet to file a motion on his behalf, Povah added.

“They have said he’s on the list, but we were first to contact the public defender’s office immediately after the bill passed,” she stated.

When approached for comment, a representative at the federal public defender’s office said they weren’t at liberty to comment on cases.

Meanwhile, Rochell still languishes in prison after 32 years. Both of his parents have died. He also lost a niece, and his only child was born shortly after his incarceration. He’s never spent time with his daughter outside of prison walls.

“I’ll be 69-years-old this year and freedom would certainly be nice,” Rochell stated.

Rochell maintains his status as a model prisoner. He has remained actively involved in a prison ministry; has led programs like Fathers Behind Bars; My Brothers 2 Keep Ministry, and Stopping Family Violence.

Rochell has received numerous commendations and is the recipient of four NAACP Humanitarian AwardsAfter Hur-

ricane Katrina, Rochell started a campaign that raised money for victims of that horrific storm. He also led a fundraising effort that netted $3,700 for a young boy’s prosthetic eye. Because his mother had no health insurance, the young boy wore an eye patch over his eye at school and endured tremendous bullying, which moved Rochell to action.

“Rufus has watched men walk out of Coleman, who served far less time, while he waits his turn. We submitted his paperwork as a clemency candidate and hope this will bring him home,” Povah stated.

“We have helped him every step of the way, with submitted letters on his behalf.

The Warden wrote a letter to his Judge, we have written and coordinated with his unit team that is supportive, among other things,” she said.

Rochell also has a standing job offer when he’s released.

“I have a job offer at the museum in Plant City as a curator of artifacts and unique art pieces,” Rochelle stated. “I just need people to remember me. I want to make a big difference in my community. I need that second chance. I have a daughter, two grandchildren, and I’ve got relatives who are waiting to help me. I know I will be a positive and productive citizen as well as an inspiration to others who might walk my path but won’t if I get one hour of their attention.

Grit and ambition fuel Brooklyn woman’s quest to make French champagne for Americans Marvina Robinson overcame a language barrier and stretched $60,000 of her own money to cover the cost of accomplishing something few African Americans have tried.

By Curtis Bunn, Urban News Service, A Division of Zenger News Marvina Robinson was far from home—5,951 miles, to be exact—but as she stood in a vineyard in France’s fabled Champagne region, a glass of bubbly in her hand, she could visualize the grand ambition she hatched in New York.

She had traveled to France seven times in 18 months to visit wine makers, taste their magic, study the business.

The result was a rare American champagne brand owned exclusively by a black woman. Stuyvesant Champagne, its name an homage to the BedfordStuyvesant community in Brooklyn where she grew up launched in February to tasty reviews.

Robinson offers a Grand Reserve, pale gold with sea-green highlights, a floral aroma, a spicy palate mixed with apples and gingerbread. And there’s a Brut Rosé, salmon-colored, smelling of raspberry and currants and tastes like fleshy cherry.

But those refined descriptions offer no hint at the hurdles she cleared to make her champagne dream come to life.

Stuyvesant Champagne is Robinson’s fourth business startup. And this one “was not an easy process,” she said.

“Lots of challenges.”

It began with a financial commitment of $60,000—her money, not investor funding.

Robinson stretches that money to cover production costs, bottling, packaging and maintaining a privately owned, independent vineyard that stretches between the Ardre and Aisne valleys.

She had to travel repeatedly to France, a costly proposition. “I live in New York.

Champagne-makers are in France. I had to get there. Face-to-face interaction was important,” she told Zenger News.

Then came the language barrier. Robinson speaks no French and had to rely on her bilingual business manager or hire a translator when she visited countless independent vineyards to choose a partner to grow her grapes.

A stickler for details, she returned the first shipment of 500 bottles because the foil that wraps the cork was not what she ordered.

“Every day is too much,” her friend Tyeisha Delk told Zenger. “Imagine a black woman in a white male dominated business doing it her way and making it happen. She knows the risks involved, but we say, ‘Every day is a learning curve. Hit a bump in the road, embrace it.’”

#MAKE FLORENCE FAMOUS

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

DVOŘÁK & PRICE Thursday, March 5 | 7:30pm | Woolsey Hall Florence Price, the first African American female composer to have a symphonic work performed by a major national orchestra, is often compared musically to Dvořák, who also employed sweeping melodies and sampled African American and Native American music. This aesthetically beautiful concert will reexamine our classical music roots.

PRICE Symphony No. 1 ROSSINI William Tell Overture DVOŘÁK Cello Concerto Featuring: Alasdair Neale music director | Oliver Herbert cello

“As an entrepreneur, she puts me in a good frame of mind,” Delk added. “She motivates me. She knows her stuff. And what she doesn’t know she learns. . . She gets her hands dirty. She works and she works with confidence.”

Delk, who owns the custom jacket company KIC NYC, was not surprised

by Robinson’s forge-ahead mindset. The pair communicated constantly while Robinson was in Europe.

“I didn’t go to France but I felt like I was there because we talked every day,” Delk said. “She’s determined. When she told me about creating her own champagne, I was like, ‘Really?’ Not like I doubted her, because I haven’t seen her have an idea that she didn’t pull off. But this one was big.”

Robinson’s packaging blends in with more famous champagnes on store shelves. Aficionado Monica Cooper of

White Plains, New York said the two bottles—the Grand Reserve priced at $56 and the Brut Rosé at $68—look sophisticated yet understated.

“It’s divine,” Cooper said. “Both are elegant and hold their own against many of the popular champagne brands.”

Robinson said she takes daily walks in Brooklyn and returns home to a cup of tea to stay level-headed. “It can be stressful. But after my morning ritual, I’m ready to go.”

A handful of Brooklyn stores stock Stuyvesant Champagne, and she has her eye on expanding and opening a lounge in Brooklyn that she’ll call Coupette NYC. Direct orders from her website have driven most of her sales.

“It’s exciting to see it in its packaging,” she said. “But we have a long way to go.”

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Tickets on Sale Now! (203)787-4282 | NewHavenSymphony.org

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

Rihanna and Congressman John Lewis to be Honored at NAACP Image Awards

By Austyn Ross, NAACP

Earlier this month, the NAACP announced that global music and fashion icon, business entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Rihanna, will receive the prestigious President’s Award during the 51st NAACP Image Awards. The President’s Award is presented in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service, with previous recipients including last year’s recipient Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, Jesse Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Soledad O’Brien, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Muhammad Ali among others.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson will present the award to Rihanna on BET on Saturday, February 22, 2020, from Pasadena, California.

Five-Time Image Award Recipient Anthony Anderson will return as the host for the Live TV Special.

“Rihanna has not only enjoyed a groundbreaking career as an artist and musician but has also distinguished herself as a stellar public servant,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “From her business achievements through Fenty to her tremendous record as an activist and philanthropist, Rihanna epitomizes the type of character, grace, and devotion to

COMMENTARY:

Global music and fashion icon, business entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Rihanna, will receive the prestigious President’s Award and U.S. Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis (D-GA), will receive the prestigious NAACP Chairman’s Award during the 51st NAACP Image Awards.

justice that we seek to highlight in our President’s Award.”

The NAACP also announced that U.S. Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis (D-GA), will receive the prestigious NAACP Chairman’s Award during the 51st NAACP Image Awards. The Chairman’s Award is bestowed in recognition of individuals who demon-

strate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create agents of change. Past honorees of the Chairman’s Award include Tyler Perry, then-Senator Barack Obama, Former Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, Ruby Dee, The Neville Brothers, Bono, Danny Glover, and last year’s recipient Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

The nominees for the 51st NAACP Image Awards were announced last month at a joint press conference with Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO of the NAACP and Connie Orlando, BET Executive Vice-President, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy.

Netflix leads the television category nominations with 30, with

Contempt for Palestinians

By Bill Fletcher Jr., NNPA Newswire Contributor I was amazed by the audacity of Donald Trump’s “Deal of the Century” regarding the Israeli and Palestinians. It was called a “deal,” yet the Palestinians were never involved. It was called a “deal,” yet the Palestinians got nothing that they have demanded.

Think about it this way. A company wants your home. They tell you that they will offer you a specific price but that this price is non-negotiable.

If you do not accept the price, they will take your land anyway. You may

be able to continue to live on a portion of your property, but you will not have access to your kitchen, garage or bedrooms. What would you say?

Contrary to the myths that have circulated for years, when Jewish colonists came to Palestine, it was not vacant property. There were hundreds of thousands of Arabs/Palestinians living in what was first a province of the Ottoman Empire and, after 1918, a mandate/territory of the British Empire. The land was systematically expropriated. In the 1946-49 war (which began as a guerrilla war against the British and the Palestinians, and later became the so-called Israeli war of independence), thousands of Palestinians were driven from their homes for what they thought was a temporary relocation until the end of the war. They were

never allowed to return despite the fact that international law had dictated that the “right of return” was a human right of all those displaced through war.

The Palestinians have continued to face expropriation. And then comes Trump. Largely to advance his domestic agenda, Trump has appealed to so-called Christian Zionists and to Jewish Zionists to rally around him as the alleged friend of Israel.

Despite repeated examples of what looks a LOT like anti-semitism on the part of Trump and many of his supporters, his willingness to support the objectives of the most rightwing factions of the Israeli political elite have served as a flag to which he wishes his supporters and potential supporters to salute.

Trump’s “Deal” is made worse by the expectation that there is noth-

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ing that Palestinians and their global supporters can do about it. This is why the Boycott/Divestment/Sanctions movement has become so important. It is a non-violent means of resisting the Israeli effort to destroy the Palestinian people. It is not, in the least bit, anti-semitic. Rather, it is a movement against a policy and historical record of the suppression of an entire people.

Bill Fletcher, Jr. is the executive editor of globalafricanworker.com and a former president of TransAfrica Forum.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

an additional 12 nominations in the motion picture categories for a total of 42. RCA Records leads in the music recording categories with 14, followed by Columbia Records and BMG respectively with 7. Universal Pictures leads the motion picture categories with 15 nominations, and Penguin Random House has 8 nominations followed by HarperCollins with 4 in the literary categories.

“Representation across entertainment and the arts has profound meaning and unparalleled power to shape perceptions, influence culture, and galvanize communities,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “This year’s nominees have conveyed a wide range of authentic stories and experiences that have resonated with many, and we’re proud to continue celebrating their outstanding achievements and performances.”

For all information and the latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at https://www.naacpimageawards. net/ or on Facebook at naacpimageawards and Twitter @ naacpimageaward (#NAACPImageAwards).

Con’t from page 12

The “Spirit”

entrance.

Speakers recalled Celentano’s calm demeanor, his gentlemanliness, and his grace.

Cousin perhaps captured it best.

When he became a commissioner three years ago, Cousin recalled, Celentano took him around to the various firehouses introducing him to the firefighters and staff.

“I was trying to impress him wearing this suit,” Cousin recalled. As he bent over, his suit pants ripped. “It was embarrassing for me, but I was able to laugh it off because he was just so happy I was mixing it up with his firefighters.

“The consistency of his presence, the way he was able to light up a room! He became my barometer, my measuring stick,” Cousin said. He characterized Celentano, through his consistency of service and his perseverance, as the spirit of the department.

“There will never be another Bill Celentano,” said Cousin.

Two New Haven fire trucks, each caparisoned with a black drape of mourning on their side panels, were waiting outside the church to lead the cortege to the St. Lawrence cemetery, where Celentano was to be buried.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

Celebrating the legacy of Dr. King. ― Embracing a vision of Greater New Haven as a place of opportunity for all.

Spring Luncheon featured speaker

Brittany Packnett Cunningham A leader whose “voice is going to be making a difference for years to come” - President Barack Obama

cfgnh.org

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

#GNHOpportunity

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Stamford Marriott Visit ppsne.org/Luncheon

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Visit aboutchet.com to enroll.

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®

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

February 19, 2020 - February 25, 2020

“We see progress toward greater health and well-being in our community. And we’re committed to doing more.”

– James Michel, CEO Access Health CT

During Black History Month, we celebrate health improvements in the Black community. Conditions like heart disease, cancer, and stroke have decreased as a cause of death among our older adults. *

Our mission is to connect you to quality health insurance plans, and to help make progress in reducing health disparities in the community. Make it your mission to choose your doctor, use your insurance plan, and be well.

We’re here to help you make that happen — visit ChooseUseBeWell.com

* The leading causes of death for Africa Americans 65+ have decreased from 1999-2015. Source: CDC.gov/vitalsigns/aahealth

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