THE INER CITY NEWS

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

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

GroundbreakingJustice Black WWII veteran turns 104; recalls anniversary of law that allowed women in the military Financial a Key Focus at 2016 NAACP Convention New Haven, Bridgeport

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Volume 21 No. 2194

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

A $10,000 grant was awarded in honor of Clemons, who will get to direct it to ConnCAT

Commemorating Black History Month, NewAlliance Foundation Announces Inaugural Kim A. Healey Leadership Award Recipient, Erik Clemons NEW HAVEN, CT (February 13, 2024) – Honoring a prominent Black leader of New Haven during Black History Month, The NewAlliance Foundation today announced Erik Clemons as the first-ever recipient of the Kim A. Healey Leadership Award.

This inaugural award is given to individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership qualities and have made significant contributions to their organizations and communities, regardless of their race. A $10,000 grant will be awarded to Clemons, who will get to direct it to an organization of his choosing.

The namesake of the award, Kim A. Healey, served as the Executive Director of the NewAlliance Foundation for more than 20 years.

“I cannot overemphasize how thrilled I was to have Erik named as the inaugural recipient of an award I feel honored to have named after me,” Healey said.

“I often think the people selected for an award say more about its stature than the namesake and, for that reason, I think Erik is an exceptional inaugural awardee.

I’ve followed Erik’s career and he is truly of the community, by the community, and for the community.”

“Clemons, a visionary and tireless advocate, stands out as an inspiring leader whose impact reverberates across Connecticut,” said Maryann Ott, current Executive Director at NewAlliance Foundation. “Erik is a leader in every sense of the word—in family, in community, and

in the organizations he works within to make real, systemic change.”

Clemons, the founding director of the Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology (ConnCAT) and co-founder of the Connecticut Community Outreach and Revitalization Program (ConnCORP), has dedicated over two decades to empowering marginalized communities.

He currently serves as the CEO & President of both organizations and has led each to monumental successes over the years.

In 2020, in the face of the pandemic, Clemons single-handedly raised more than $400k for direct aid to families affected by the economic downturn and lack of work. Those efforts initiated the launch of the Economic Justice Fund, which later pivoted to support Black businesses with economic resilience.

Clemons also engaged hundreds of local residents in a series of community conversations in order to more deeply understand their needs and desires for the more than $200 Million revitalization project, ConnCAT Place on Dixwell Avenue.

“I’m consistently humbled by the work I get to do through my teams at ConnCORP and ConnCAT,” Clemons said. “To be recognized by such a very special institution, with this inaugural award named after a dear friend, tells me we’re not only doing something right, we’re doing something necessary.”

Through a blend of vision, empathy, and integrity, Clemons has motivated and

Healey and Clemons posed at ConnCAT in December.

aligned his teams towards common goals, instilling a sense of purpose and value in every team member, regardless of their role, Ott said in announcing the award to the ConnCAT team in December.

In addition to leading two of New Haven’s most notable non-profit organizations, Clemons’ has also served as an Education Fellow at the Aspen Institute, Yale-New Haven Hospital Trustee, member of the Connecticut State Board of Education, Board Chair of the Housing Authority of New Haven, Board of Trustees at New Haven Bank, and Quinnipiac University Board of Trustees.

“Erik’s leadership style is characterized by a belief in the inherent potential and abundance in the world, leading from a place of yes,” said Paul McCraven, Chief Operating Officer at ConnCORP. “He’s a captivating storyteller and he draws from personal experiences to connect with others. Those personal experiences, really allow him to understand both the struggles and joys of this community.

Watching Erik connect with people is a sight to see. He truly values individuals, uplifts them, and helps them meet their potential.”

The Kim A. Healey Leadership Award stands as a testament to the qualities of vision, integrity, courage, and compassion exemplified by leaders like Clemons. It is a celebration of their dedication to positive change and their ability to inspire others to follow suit.

Connecticut Rideshare Drivers Ask Labor Committee To Require Apps To Provide Better Pay, More Rights

by Hudson Kamphausen The new haven independent

HARTFORD, CT – Connecticut Drivers United, a nonprofit representing a collection of rideshare and delivery drivers, rallied Wednesday morning at the state Capitol to urge lawmakers to pass legislation providing them with more transparency and better pay from the companies for which they work.

The group (CDU) delivered a letter to the office of the Labor and Public Employees Committee asking its members to pass a bill requiring companies like Uber, Lyft, Doordash, and GrubHub to be more consistent and transparent with their drivers.

Minimum pay standards, assurance of transparency on the part of companies, protections from undeserved driver deactivation, and the option to work across state borders, are the requests made in the letter.

Carlos Gomez, Founder and Senior Organizer of CDU, said through a translator that drivers should be given the rights of full-time employees. Gomez said he has been driving for Uber for seven years.

Tolls, Reciprocity, Transparency One of the issues rideshare drivers in Connecticut are facing is called “reciprocity.” Unlike drivers based in other states, Connecticut-based rideshare drivers can’t

Rideshare drivers with Connecticut Drivers United, a nonprofit that is advocating for more pay and rights for rideshare drivers, stand for a group photo Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Credit: Hudson Kamphausen / CTNewsJunkie

pick up customers in other states for return trips.

Several drivers at the Capitol on Wednesday said that if they take a customer to New York for a fare, the rideshare company pays the tolls on the way to the outof-state destination. However, the driver must then return to Connecticut before they can take another customer, including paying tolls out of their own pocket on the

trip back.

According to Hamza Karama, who said he works hours equivalent to a full-time employee as a delivery driver for Uber and serves as one of CDU’s organizers, rideshare companies can take an undisclosed percentage from any fare. In addition, CDU members said rideshare companies can take a percentage of a driver’s tips without disclosing how much will be

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taken.

The group is asking the legislature to set a 20% limit on the amount that companies can take from a given fare, regardless of the total fare. Some drivers lamented the decline in their rate of pay, and the lack of reimbursement for expenses like gas.

Attorney James Bhandary-Alexander, serving an advisor to CDU, said that he along with many rideshare drivers does

not fully understand all of the terms of service offered by the rideshare apps. The documents, he said, are far too long and complicated for workers to understand.

Karama said that all that the drivers are looking for is fair compensation. Drivers, he said, need to speak up for themselves.

“We are here – we are trying to educate drivers,” he said. “We are trying to say that you have rights. You should talk.”

CJ Macklin, Senior Manager of Policy Communications for Lyft, sent the following statement: “We are constantly working to improve the driver experience, which is why just yesterday we released a series of new offers and commitments aimed at increasing driver pay and transparency,” the statement read. “This includes a new minimum earnings guarantee and an improved deactivation appeals process. Now, drivers will always make at least 70% of the weekly rider fares after external fees. It’s all part of our new customer-obsessed focus on drivers, and we look forward to continuing to engage lawmakers on these improvements and others for our industry.”

Sen. Julie Kushner, Co-Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, was not immediately available for comment.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

fREsh-taurant Community Kitchen Opens In Newhallville

by LISA REISMAN

The new haven independent

You can speak all you want into somebody’s ear. If their stomach is growling, they can’t hear it.

Those were the words of Marcus Harvin, the visionary founder of Newhallville fREshSTARTs, at Pitts Chapel Unified Free Will Baptist Church on Friday night.

The occasion was the grand opening of the fREsh-taurant, a food recovery initiative that will provide free hot, nutritious meals for the community, either eat-in or takeout, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening. Everyone is welcome.

The assortment of upper-case and lowercase letters is “to highlight the word RESTART, which symbolizes our mission to assist in undoing the ills of the days of old and is simultaneously symbolic of my new beginning,” said Harvin.

The opening marked the culmination of a plan he conceived, developed, and honed during his six years in prison to improve the lives of those around him.

His mother Stephanie Harvin, among a group of 50 high-spirited volunteers, church members, friends, and family, summed up the reason for a slim turnout.

“It’s the beginning of the month, which is when people get their food stamps,” she said, amid the cozy aroma of roasted chicken and the strains of cool jazz sounding in the mellow lit basement. “Wait a week or

so and they’ll be coming.”

Seated at a nearby table with white cloths adorned with fresh flowers and tealights, Pitts Chapel member Rachel Richardson agreed. “This is needed,” she said. “We have food pantries but some people don’t have anywhere to cook the food, so their needs are not being met.

“So they get a hot meal in their stomach, and we might engage them in conversation and find out they need medical care or psychological care, and we have utility people here to help with bills,” she said, gesturing at a table in the corner with Avangrid representatives sharing brochures on lowering energy costs.

That’s consistent with Harvin’s philosophy.

“This is for anybody with an appetite that does not have enough money at the moment to fill their stomach, or anybody that has been deprived of interaction, they can come here and get food, and they can get emotional, social sustenance,” he said. “It’s about making the whole person whole.”

University of New Haven executive chef Peter Marrello said he brought 50 pounds of food with him from UNH dining halls.

Also donating food were Yale, with pickup

by Haven’s Harvest, and the SCSU Office of Sustainability. Regarding the dining halls, “it’s overproduction,” said Marrello, stationed in the kitchen amid alumi-

Marcus Harvin.

LISA REISMAN PHOTO fREsh-taurant crew at Pitts Chapel; Marcus Harvin, in yellow shirt, left center.

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num trays of rice, beans, and chicken. “It happens when you’re feeding thousands of people.”

At a corner table, Newhallville Alder Kim Edwards strategized with Harvin, Neighborhood Housing Services’ Adam Rawlings, and Derek Faulkner, program coordinator of the SCSU Office of Sustainability Resilience Academy, about how to get the word out. “We need to flyer all these neighborhoods and we also need to get the information to the right people,” she told them.

Rapper Dontae “Bugatti” Harvin, Marcus’ younger brother, joined them, pledging the support of Gorilla Lemonade which, as part of the Eat Up Foundation, seeks to promote community over competition.

“We are about taking care of the next generation, the kids that don’t have a chance, as young Black men, to do certain things because they don’t have role models,” he said. “We want to be the new role models, the new leaders of the community.”

“Marcus grew up in this church, he was raised to do this, especially by his grandmother Sally Harvin,” said Pitts Chapel church clerk Gaynell Martin, as she welcomed a neighbor, directing him to the kitchen for a take-out meal. “This is a beautiful idea. This is everything.”

For more information, call (203) 640-2353 or email marcus@newhallvillefreshstarts.org.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

Pitch Competition Showcases Local Brands

by LISA REISMAN

The new haven independent

In a spirited battle, lemonade and empanadas fell just short of kids’ frozen pancakes, non-vinegary kombucha, and grassfed yogurt.

The scene was Yale’s Kroon Hall. The occasion was the pitch competition at The Big Connecticut Food Event, an affair designed to stoke the development of emerging food and beverage brands. The stakes, to be determined by judges from Stop & Shop, Big Y, and Fresh Direct, among others: a $25,000 grand prize, with $10,000 going to the second-place winner, and $7,500 to the third.

The eventual champion at the event this past Friday afternoon was Secret Salad frozen pancake mix, a wry reference to the zucchini, along with bananas, eggs, and cinnamon, that are the pancake’s sole ingredients. Founder and CEO Ani Widham, out of Old Greenwich, shared case studies showing the growing popularity that has people “literally stockpiling” her product.

“You spend two minutes warming it up in the morning, and the kids eat almost the entire bag in one sitting, they say ‘Ok, this is something I’m going to keep buying,’” she told the sometimes raucous audience of 90.

Caribe Soul ’s Hazel Lebron, the other runner-up, likewise focused on the struggle for moms to find healthy food for their children. To demonstrate the taste-testing market research she did on the appeal of her empanadas to kids, she had her 11-year-old daughter Madeline, who was

The Gorilla Lemonade team at the Big Connecticut Food Event. sitting in the second row, stand up. a candy bar,” he said. “Grass-fed cows “These little pockets of love are great make better milk which creates better, for everyone, but especially kids like creamier, and more nutritious yogurt, Madeline, they’re great for all meals, with far less sugar.” they’re healthy, they’re nutritious, they He implored the judges to help him catch belong in Big Y and Whole Foods,” said the wave of the grass-fed movement. “It’s Lebron, who owns and runs Madeline’s the future of dairy, and not just yogurt,” Empanaderia on Spring Street. he said. “It’s sustainable, its regenerative, The issue: “right now, my only machin- and it’s why Dannon, Nestle, and General ery are my hands, and the hands of ev- Mills are pouring big money into it.” eryone on my team,” she told the judges. Steve Gaskin, co-founder and head brewWith an empanada machine, and her plans er of Norwalk’s East Coast Kombucha reto expand into other products, “we’re go- counted his first experience with kombuing to be a competitor to Goya.” cha as “the taste of hell,” one he likened Hamilton Colwell, founder of third- to spoiled vinegar. His solution: create place Maia, had a simple message about a delicious locally made kombucha, with his grass-fed yogurt. “Sugar is the devil, flavors that range from blueberry ginger and most yogurt has more sugar than to peach rose to grapefruit hops.

Asked how he planned to grow his brand, Gaskin said his team was targeting nonkombucha drinkers by focusing on its healthy properties, like gut-healthy probiotics and organic enzymes and antioxidants. “A lot of people when they learn it’s an incredible cocktail mixer don’t care about probiotics,” he said. “It’s like, ‘let’s go.’”

Kristen Threatt of Gorilla Lemonade discussed the brand’s humble beginnings and the community-driven spirit that has them pouring a portion of the proceeds into events like the recent Winter Wonderland Celebration, and young ambassadors running lemonade stands to make money and develop business chops.

“We started in a kitchen with no crazy capital, just the dollars in our own pockets,” said Threatt, the lemonade’s cocreator, along with Brian Burkett-Thompson. “A little over a year later, we have two new distributors that have 8,500 locations total, and we need to be in everyone single one of those locations by the end of the year.”

“Come on now,” someone called out.

As the judges retired to deliberate, audience member Michele Johnson lingered, googling Maia Yogurt on her phone.

“This was fantastic,” she said. “It was like New Haven’s very own Shark Tank.”

While Gorilla Lemonade finished as a runner-up, they did take home the inaugural $2,500 Audience Choice Award.

“Power of the people,” someone shouted in the conference area where competitors and audience members had assembled.

“The people spoke.”

These Books Just In: NHFPL Celebrates Black Entrepreneurship

by LUIS CHAVEZ-BRUMELL The new haven independent

This month, NHFPL Deputy Director Luis Chavez-Brumell discusses his current read, Pulitzer-winning biography Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom by David W. Blight.

Happy Black History Month! The New Haven Free Public Library is celebrating Black entrepreneurship during the month of February. Black history happens every day, but it is important to celebrate Black entrepreneurship and how it has impacted American history. A perfect example of this is the life of Frederick Douglass who is known as a celebrated abolitionist, writer, orator, and statesman but also was indeed an entrepreneur.

I discovered this as I read the Pulitzer winning biography of Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom by David W. Blight.

Growing up I learned of Douglass as a near mythical historical figure who fought for freedom with his words and writings, but I did not realize that, as Blight states, “he would be paid to speak and face hatred, resistance, and violence as he launched his more than fifty-year career as an orator.”

Douglass’s success as an orator and his ability to tap into abolitionist fundraising networks led Douglass to publish his own abolitionist newspaper, the North Star.

Blight writes that “Douglass plowed all of his money into the North Star buying a printing press” and that “the paper was to be a proud black enterprise.” Douglass continued to work with newspapers and would provide paid lectures throughout his life. The takeaway for me is that Douglass was an entrepreneur but is often not remembered as one. Most importantly, Douglass saw the important intersection between literacy, education, entrepreneurship as being liberating for all. Let us remember and celebrate Black entrepreneurship in all its forms and move forward together.

This month NHFPL staff bring you a couple of lists in celebration of Black entrepreneurship throughout history, past and present with new books and incomparable classics that represent voices across age, time and experience. We have also included a list of books by great Black authors that have just hit the shelf. All are available now at the New Haven Free Public Library.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

WE WELCOME THE CURIOUS Edward A. Bouchet was the valedictorian of the Hopkins class of 1870, the first African-American to graduate from Yale College, and the first African-American to receive a Ph.D. in physics. His intellectual drive and dedication to his studies remain hallmarks of a Hopkins student today.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

Protesters Call for Ceasefire at IRIS Run for Refugees

By Kapp Singer

The new haven independent

As runners toed the start line, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro took the microphone. Then shouts began to emanate from the crowd.

“Ceasefire now!” and “Free, free Palestine,” protesters chanted, drowning DeLauro out.

Several dozen raised their voices in support of Palestine at the start line of Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services’ (IRIS) 17th Run for Refugees. The 5K, held every year on the morning of Super Bowl Sunday, drew 2,324 runners. At this year’s race, IRIS raised over $168,000, breaking their fundraising goal of $130,00.

DeLauro, a regular at the start of the annual New Haven race, bore the brunt of the protesters ire, as the only federal official in attendance this year. Other officials in attendance included Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Mayor Justin Elicker, both of whom made short speeches before DeLauro. U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy were not in attendance and sent their regrets.

Protesters expressed frustration that DeLauro, who called for a “humanitarian pause” in the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 31, has supported the position of the Biden administration and not advocated for a ceasefire.

“DeLauro, DeLauro, pick a side. Ceasefire or genocide,” they shouted. “DeLauro, DeLauro, you will see, Palestine will be free.”

The action followed several similar protests over the last few months, where participants called for DeLauro and other elected officials to more forcefully advocate for an end to the conflict in Gaza.

Protesters also criticized DeLauro’s acceptance of funds and endorsements from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a pro-Israel lobbying group.

“DeLauro takes money from AIPAC, the lobby for Israel, and in doing so she is complicit in the genocide of Palestinians,” said a protester named Zia, who declined to give their last name. “For that reason we wanted to protest her and let her know that’s unacceptable.”

“If she wants [to] purport that she is for refugees and stands with refugees and displaced people,” Zia added, “then she should not be taking money from a lobby that then displaces people and creates refugees.”

According to public campaign finance records analyzed by the nonprofit OpenSecrets, DeLauro received $40,100 from individuals and PACs associated with AIPAC in the 2021–2022 election cycle, her second-highest donor group behind the defense contractor Lockheed Martin, which contributed $80,480. In March 2023, AIPAC announced its endorsement of DeLauro for the 2024 election. According to a December filing with the Federal Elections Commission, AIPAC has thus far contributed $3,500 to DeLauro’s 2024 campaign.

“This was a collective action trying to

Rep. DeLauro at the start line.

Protesters criticize U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro before IRIS's Run for Refugees 5K. Photos Kapp Singer.

Maggie Mitchell Salem speaks before the race.

raise awareness about the over-a-million internally displaced refugees in Gaza,” said another protester, who also declined

to give their name.

As of Jan. 12, Israel’s military campaign has forcibly displaced over 1.9 million Ga-

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zans, according to the United Nations.

“We’re here to promote cooperation and health for refugees and immigrants, but

then in the meantime a lot of the actions by the state and the government is enabling and funding a lot of the genocide and the killing of the refugees and immigrants,” they said.

After several minutes of chanting, DeLauro raised her voice to thank all the participants in the run for coming out.

“I’ll also say to you that there is no more greater calling—no more noble tradition— than to be able to provide a welcome to people who have been persecuted in other countries,” DeLauro said to the crowd of runners. “IRIS takes people out of the darkness and into the light. As the daughter of an immigrant family, I treasure what IRIS does. You run today for refugees and for immigrants. Godspeed—thank you for being here.”

Protesters shouted over her remarks before Chris George, the former executive director of IRIS, who retired at the end of 2023, stepped in and set the runners off onto the course. They ran a route which wound through East Rock Park, looped around Livingston, Lawrence and Orange Streets, and finished back on Mitchell Drive “I think the fact that people come here to express their strong opinions on the tragedy that is happening in Gaza and Israel is something that makes us stronger,” Mayor Justin Elicker said in an interview after finishing the race. “Frankly, it’s very much in line with why everyone is here today—we really care about supporting vulnerable people in war-torn communities in the world.”

“I appreciate that we give space to allow voices being raised in support of Gaza,” said the new IRIS Executive Director Maggie Mitchell Salem in an interview after the race. “Everyone comes from somewhere and has a passion, and we want to see that being given space. It was beautiful.”

Earlier that morning, before runners lined up on Mitchell Drive, race organizers found that someone had distributed antiimmigrant flyers around the course.

The flyers read “INVASORES VETE A CASA USTED NO BIENVENIDO,” which translates to “Invaders go back home you not [sic] welcome.”

“There’s one person out there that’s hateful, but thousands here that say ‘no,’” Elicker said in a speech to the runners before the race began, denouncing the action of the flyer maker. He commended those who helped remove the flyers earlier that morning.

Despite the sentiments, the mood of the day remained high. Spectators cheered while the Wilbur Cross Marching Band, standing on the corner of Mitchell Drive and Orange Street, propelled runners forward with their drumming.

“It’s very emotional in a really great way,” Elicker said. “To see the whole community coming together, people from everywhere, literally everywhere, and supporting people being here and being made welcome—it’s beautiful.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

Retired Cop Talks Black And Blue

by LISA REISMAN

The new haven independent

The Sunday, Aug. 21, 1994, edition of the Connecticut Post pictures a young Black man in police blues holding a hangman’s noose. The man was David Daniels, a police officer.

The noose was left on his patrol car.

“My story is the story of too many Black men,” Daniels said at an author talk for his autobiography “Black & Blue in Bridgeport,” which has on its cover the newspaper photo.

The talk took place Wednesday evening at Stetson Branch Library, part of its slate of events celebrating Black History Month.

Daniels, 68, grew up with five brothers and sisters and a single mother in a two-bedroom apartment in the P.T. Barnum housing project in Bridgeport.

“Living there, I never saw any cops or firemen that were Black,” Daniels told the rapt audience of 20.

“There was no such thing as protect and serve back then,” he said. The rare times firemen came out to the projects — “P.T. was fireproof because it was all brick” — he recalled them “going into somebody’s house and wetting up the whole house and standing outside and laughing about it.”

Still, he fostered a dream of becoming a cop. His father was an alcoholic. “He would abuse my mom to a degree and turn our house upside down, and the only people that could control my dad were the cops,” he said. “And when that happened, a cop would come into my house and tell the strongest person I knew in the world to leave his house, and he wouldn’t even argue.”

Daniels worked at SNET in Bridgeport for some years, becoming a Bridgeport police officer in 1988 despite the protests of his first wife. She told him he would die on the job. “That never dawned on me,” he said. “I had a TV view, a romantic view, of cops. I would put drug dealers in jail. I would get cats out of trees.”

Daniels described his first months on the job as intense and stressful, fielding upwards of a thousand calls for service every eight-hour shift and, along with other cops, sleeping in his car in a graveyard while work-

LISA REISMAN PHOTO David Daniels at author talk at Stetson Library.

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ing the midnight to 8 a.m. shift until a call came in.

Then, on Nov. 15, 1988, about four months into his tenure, he witnessed a cop beating two young suspects in handcuffs. He brought it to the attention of police brass.

“That changed the trajectory of my life and my career,” he said. “Nobody would talk to me. Nobody wanted to ride with me or back me up on calls.”

Other officers jammed the frequency of his radio so he couldn’t get through. One night he found his windshield covered in spit. Another time there were dents and its headlights smashed.

Then came the noose on his car.

That was when Ted Meekins, founder of the Bridgeport Guardians, a fraternal organization representing Black and Latino police officers, stepped in. He convinced Daniels to request a transfer off the street. “I asked to be put somewhere I could work with kids,” he said. He was placed in the community services division.

“I loved it,” he said of his years leading D.A.R.E., a drug youth education program, in public and parochial schools. He organized block watches, led food drives and toy giveaways, took kids to jail to talk to inmates. Becoming known as “Officer Friendly,” he created the Officer Friendly Basketball Camp, a twoweek program for inner city and atrisk youth ages 11 to 15.

Daniels, who retired in 2014, said he’s hopeful that, with technology like body cameras and legislation like the 2020 Police Accountability Act, things will improve.

“If there was a suspect acting up, Black cops couldn’t get rough with them because we never knew if the department would back us,” he said.

“Now there are the cameras and they don’t lie.”

Toward the end of the talk, Bobby Taylor, an audience member, detailed the ill treatment he endured and the trauma he suffered as a medic for Bridgeport ambulance and then as an officer at the Bridgeport Correctional Center.

“I want a copy of the book because that’s my book. You told my story,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 15, 2023 - March 21, 2023 THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

From a 4-year-old orphan to an international award-winning actress

The Other Side of Prospect An afternoon with author Nicholas Dawidoff and panelists Anthony Campbell, Babz Rawls-Ivy, and Ken Rosenthal

The inspiring story of Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu

by Ben Ebuka, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Growing up in the early 1990s, Thuso Mbedu never dreamt of being an entertainment figure. At a very young age, she wanted to be a dermatologist, but after taking a dramatic arts class in the 10th grade, she became interested in acting.

Her acting career has earned her fame and fortune locally and internationally, rising to become one of the most sought after actresses from South Africa. At 27, she was named in the 2018 Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 List, and one of the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine.

Born on July 8, 1991, at the Midlands Medical Center in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, to a Zulu mother and Xhosa and Sotho father, she never enjoyed the care of her parents who died when she was barely four years old. She was raised by her grandmother, a very strict Thuso Mbedu. Photo -IOL school principal in school and at home.

Her name reflected the multicultural tribes ‘Black Reel Awards’ (Outstanding Actress of her parents – Thuso is a Sotho name, – TV Movie / Limited Series), the ‘HollyNokwanda is a Zulu name, and Mbedu is wood Critics Association TV Awards’ (Best Actress in a Limited Series, Anthropology Xhosa.

Mbedu went to Pelham Primary School Series or Television Movie), the ‘Gotham and Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School Awards’ (Outstanding Performance in New and graduated from the University of Wit- Series), the ‘Hollywood Critics Associawatersrand in South Africa in 2013, where tion TV Awards’ (TV Breakout Star), and she studied Physical Theatre and Perform- the ‘Critics Choice Television Awards’ (Bestimportant Actress in means a Miniseries or Television ing Arts Management.

Earlier in 2012, shewhat’s At M&T Bank, understanding realifiing took a summer course at the Stella Adler Movie), all for her role ‘Cora Randall’ in the role a bank plays in people’s lives.

And living to those Railthe 2021 TVthen series ‘Theup Underground Studio of Acting in New York City. responsibilities, businesses and road.’

Career by helping families, wondoing the ‘TV Breakout Star’ award Her acting career began thrive. in 2014It’s when she we’veShe communities what been for more than played a minor role of ‘Nosisa’ in the popu- from the Hollywood Critics Association 160 years. Learn more at mtb.com. lar South African Soap Opera ‘Isibaya’ TV and won the ‘Outstanding Performance from Mzansi Magic. In 2015, she played a in New Series’ award from the Gotham Awards. guest roleM&T as ‘Kheti’ in the is Second Season supporter Bank a proud of Black In 2022, Mbedu was nominated for the of the SABC 2 youth drama series ‘Snake ‘Independent Spirit Awards (Best Female Park.’ History Month.

She got her first starring role in the teen Performance in a New Scripted Series), for drama television series ‘IS’THUNZI’ from her role ‘Cora Randall’ in the 2021 televiMzansi Magic where she played ‘Winnie.’ sion series ‘The Underground Railroad.’

Her international debut was in ‘The Un- She won the ‘Critics Choice Television derground Railroad’ an American fantasy Awards’ for ‘Best Actress in a Miniseries or historical drama series based on the novel Television Movie’ for her role ‘Cora Ran‘The Underground Railroad’ written by dall’ in ‘The Underground Railroad.’

In her keynote speech at TheWrap’s PowColson Whitehead.

In 2022, she starred in her first film ‘The er Women Summit, Thuso Mbedu tearfully Woman King’ an epic historical drama spoke of how she overcame the loss of her about Agosie, where an entire female war- dear parents, grandmother, and aunt. But rior unit protected the West African King- her role in Amanda Lane’s ‘IS’THUNZI’ dom of Dahomey in the 17 – 19th century. gradually renewed her hope in life.

Equal⁻ousing⁻ender⁻©⁻T⁻Bank⁻ember⁻DC⁻ “…my world was that blur, until AmanShe played ‘Nawi’, a zealous recruit in the da Lane happened in 2016. The role that military unit.

In 2017, Mbedu was nominated for the Amanda Lane gave me was the difference ‘DSTV Viewers Choice Awards’ and the between life and death for me. ReceivConnecticut’s first News 1990that ingUrban that audition brief,since I told myself ‘International Emmy Awards forchoice the ‘Best for Performance by an Actress’ for her role I would audition like it was my last audi‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the 2016 -2017 televi- tion. I gave it the last of everything that I had, that at the time I got the callback, I had sion drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’ In 2018, she won the ‘South African Film nothing left. I secretly made the decision and Television Awards’ for ‘ Best Actress not to do the callback because I had noth– TV Drama’ for her role ‘Winnie Bhengu’ ing left to give. But fortunately, I received in the 2016 -2017 television drama series the callback. So I didn’t do the callback be‘IS’THUNZI.’ She was also nominated for cause the role was mine. I had given up. I the ‘International Emmy Awards for ‘Best was in a very dark place at the time, and the Performance by an Actress’ for her role character, the role, the opportunity, was a ‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the television drama much needed light. And I told myself that I will act as if it was the last character that series ‘IS’THUNZI.’ In 2021, she was nominated for the I will play. And through a great script and an amazing director,NEWS I earned two Interna‘Television Critics Association FIRST Award’CHOICE CONNECTICUT’S FOR URBAN (Individual Achievement in Drama), the tional Emmy Awards for that role…”

M&T Bank. Understanding what’s important.

February 25, 2024 from 12-3PM

In person and virtual attendance options Hosted by the Unitarian Society of New Haven and the Humanist Association of CT 700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden, CT 06517 The Other Side of Prospect is a prizewinning work of intimate reporting on inequality, race, class, and violence, told through a murder and intersecting lives in an iconic American neighborhood.

Mr. Dawidoff will give a talk with Q&A. He will then be joined for the panel discussion by Yale (and former New Haven) Police Chief Anthony Campbell, Editor in Chief of "The Inner-City News", Babz Rawls-Ivy, and lawyer for the wrongly convicted, Ken Rosenthal.

Refreshments will be provided.

Pre-registra*on appreciated for In-person, required for virtual a8endance, using this QR: For more informa*on, write to are@usnh.org

e-Edition-online

TheInnerCitynews.com

9 14

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

Suit: Cops Failed To Stop Domestic Homicide

by LAURA GLESBY

Sheila Harris was murdered by her domestic abuser minutes after five police officers left her home, and hours after she arrived, scratched up, at police headquarters to report a stolen gun.

Now Harris’ daughter Mercedes Harris is suing the city and 13 officers, arguing the police should have done more to protect her mom on the night of Aug. 19, 2023.

Mercedes shot Christopher Garvin, her mom’s longtime parter and the father of two of her siblings, after witnessing him firing gunshots at her mother on that traumatic August night.

Minutes after leaving Harris’ home, having been unsuccessful in locating the gun her abuser had allegedly stolen, police rushed back to the Shelton Avenue house. They found Harris and Garvin lying on the street, bleeding from gunshot wounds that eventually killed them both.

“If they would have just stayed with her, she would still be here,” Mercedes said in an interview with the Independent.

She replays one exchange with police in particular from the night of her mother’s killing: “I said, ‘You guys are leaving?

What if he comes back?’ They said, ‘Just call the police.’”

Mercedes’ attorney has filed an official notice to the city of his intention to file a lawsuit charging civil rights violations, recklessness, wrongful death, and failure to protect, investigate, supervise, and train properly in this case.

The police department is currently conducting an internal affairs investigation into officers’ actions that night. They have not charged Mercedes in connection with the shooting.

Since her mother’s murder, Mercedes has

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Sheila Harris: A "social butterfly" whom her daughter believes the police could have saved.

lived in grief and fear. She said she heard that Garvin’s family had threatened to hurt her in revenge. She wants to believe she would call the police if she needed to, but she doesn’t have full faith that a 9 – 1‑1 call would lead to adequate protection.

Since shooting Garvin, Mercedes hasn’t received her own (legally-owned) gun back from the police, which makes her nervous about potential consequences for shooting a man whom she said was still pointing a gun at her mother’s head.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen to me,” she said. “I’m nervous for my children.”

Mercedes still lives in the Shelton Avenue house with her kids, though she wants to move out. “I still get paranoid,” she said. She sometimes finds herself awake

at 2 a.m. checking to see that her kids are safe.

All the while, she is grieving a parent who died too young at 54.

“No amount of money could come my way” to make up for the loss, Mercedes said.

Sheila Harris worked for 20 years as a school bus driver at First Student. She lived in the upstairs apartment from Mercedes. Even from a flight of stairs apart, the two spoke on the phone every day. They biked together, went on hikes, worked out in the gym. They would go to Mohegan Sun, where Sheila could count on having a ball.

Harris was a “social butterfly,” recalled one friend, who wished to remain unnamed.

“I’m angry because she was not protect-

ed,” said the friend, who lived nearby to the family. “It feels like because it was a call coming from Dixwell-Newhallville, they didn’t take it seriously. I think it would have been different if the call had been coming from Westville or the East Shore.”

Mercedes’ lawyer, Alex Taubes, argued that the police should have taken far more seriously the danger that Harris faced from her partner.

Research shows that domestic abusers commonly escalate their violence when their victims attempt to leave or seek help from the police. The risk of that escalation is especially high when the abuser has access to a gun.

What happened to Harris, Taubes said, is “the kind of thing that makes people not want to go to the police” about domestic abuse.

Mayor Justin Elicker wrote in a statement that the city is reviewing the notice to sue it received from Taubes. He called Harris’s death “tragic for her family, loved ones and our community. Cases involving domestic violence are treated with the utmost seriousness by the New Haven Police Department.”

The Police Left. Gunshots Ensued Why did all five responding officers leave Sheila Harris’ house so soon before she was murdered, after hearing that her domestic abuser had stolen her gun?

Police reports from the night of Aug. 19 offer conflicting narratives about exactly when and why police left the scene.

Earlier that night, the reports document that Sheila Harris walked into the New Haven Police Department headquarters at 1 Union Ave. after a fight with Garvin.

Inside their Shelton Avenue home, according to what Harris told police, Garvin had pulled out his gun to threaten Harris.

When Harris withdrew her own (legallyowned) gun in response, Garvin snatched it from her hand. He stormed out of the house, then returned soon afterwards to resume their fight. He pulled Harris’ chain jewelry from around her neck and attempted to break her glasses. Harris bore scratches on her face and neck from the altercation, according to the cops.

Officer Jaymie Morales called Garvin, who first denied he had even seen Harris that day, then accused her of cheating on him, then said he’d been looking for Harris but hadn’t been able to find her.

Afterwards, Garvin called Detective Orlando Crespo, upset that “this fucking bitch Sheila” was accusing him of stealing her gun, according to Crespo’s report of the incident. Crespo wrote that he heard someone in the background saying she would call the police. Crespo said he told Garvin to leave the house and contact the police. Garvin hung up. He attempted to call Crespo twice later that night, but the detective didn’t answer.

Meanwhile, the police reports indicate that Harris declined medical attention and gave permission to the police to search her home.

Five officers, including Morales, convened with Sheila at her home, where they met family members including Mercedes. The police searched the house and didn’t find either Garvin or Sheila’s guns.

Officer Morales wrote that he spoke to someone, ostensibly one of Garvin and Harris’ kids, who said that Garvin had threatened earlier that the kids “will not have a father and mother soon.”

This is when, according to Taubes and Mercedes, the police should have stayed with Sheila.

The police reports offer slightly different Continue from page15

The Queen of Sugar Hill: ReShonda Tate Illuminates Hattie McDaniel’s Journey in a Tale of Resilience and Triumph

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

Reaching back to Hollywood’s golden age, where dreams were spun under the spotlight and stars were born, bestselling author ReShonda Tate takes readers on a captivating journey through the life of Hattie McDaniel. In her latest work, “The Queen of Sugar Hill,” Tate, a seasoned author and managing editor of the Defender Network in Houston, presents a mesmerizing fictional portrait of the trailblazing actress, the first Black person to win an Academy Award for her iconic role as Mammy in the classic film “Gone With the Wind.”

“It is fiction based on fact,” Tate exclaimed of her extraordinary 55th novel.

As McDaniel graced the stage in 1940 to claim her historic victory for Best Supporting Actress, tears of joy streamed down her face, believing that the moment would be the pinnacle of her career. Little did she know the triumph on that stage would be followed by a series of challenges that would test her resilience and determination.

The months that followed were plagued by what became known as the “Oscar curse.”

Despite her achievements, Tate reveals how McDaniel struggled to find work in an industry that couldn’t see beyond the stereotypical character of Mammy. Caught between two worlds—Black and white—she faced rejection from both sides. “Whites saw only the character she portrayed, while the Black community resented the demeaning portrayal,” Tate noted.

Amidst the adversity, McDaniel persisted in her fight to pave the way for other Black actors. Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, she devoted herself to supporting war efforts, combating housing discrimination, and navigating the complexities of four failed marriages.

“The Queen of Sugar Hill” brings McDaniel’s powerful story to life, capturing her unwavering passion for ambition, love, sex, family, friendship, and equality. ReShonda Tate crafts an unforgettable novel that delves into the essence of resilience, dedication, and determination—illuminating

what it truly takes to pursue dreams, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

In this narrative, Tate explores Hattie’s triumphs and tragedies and sheds light on the steadfast friendships she cultivated with Hollywood luminaries like Clark Gable, Louise Beavers, Ruby Berkley Goodwin, and Dorothy Dandridge. Through Tate’s vivid storytelling, “The Queen of Sugar Hill” stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a woman who, against all odds, left an enduring legacy and paved the way for future generations of Black artists in the unforgiving landscape of Hollywood.

“In bringing to life the inimitable Hattie against the backdrop of her segregated times, ‘The Queen of Sugar Hill’ introduces readers to the important, inspiring, heartwrenching story of the legendary actress whose legacy deserves to be fully understood and celebrated,” said Marie Benedict, the New York Times Bestselling author of “The Personal Librarian” and “The Other Mrs. Christie.”

10

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024 Continue from page15

accounts of the chronology leading up to the officers’ departure from the house.

Morales wrote that Sheila left her home to stay at a friend’s house, and that officers remained at the house for about 10 minutes after her departure until they were dispatched to a house five blocks away.

According to Mercedes, her mom never left the house.

Officer Joshua Hurlburt merely wrote that Sheila “informed” the officers of plans to spend the night at a friend’s place, prompting the five officers to leave the house. Two of the other responding officers wrote that they left the house without giving a particular reason or indicating that Sheila left.

According to Mercedes, Garvin had been waiting for the cops to leave. Moments after they departed, Garvin walked back inside the house and then walked out front. He started smashing the windows of Sheila’s car.

Shortly after leaving, according to the police reports, the officers who searched Harris’ home were dispatched to a house five blocks away, responding to reports of a man entering that house with a gun and a woman screaming for help.

Two of the officers wrote that they confirmed the address with the NHPD dispatcher in order to make sure that the house in question wasn’t Sheila Harris’ home. Initially, dispatch responded that the house five blocks away was the correct address.

The officers reconvened there and searched the house, finding nothing of concern. Then, Officer Dylan Carleton wrote, Dispatch sent an update that they had been sent to the wrong house, and that Sheila Harris’ address was indeed the subject of the call.

Meanwhile, Garvin was destroying Sheila’s car. Mercedes said she believes this was a calculated attempt to lure Sheila out of the house — and it worked.

Sheila rushed outside to see what had happened to her car, according to Mercedes.

Garvin pulled out his gun and shot Sheila.

Immediately, Mercedes retrieved her own legally-owned gun from the safe inside her house and rushed outside. Police reports indicate that she saw Garvin standing over Sheila, pointing the gun at Sheila’s head. Mercedes shot at Garvin before he could pull the trigger again.

The police department’s ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology picked up on the gunfire, and police hurried back to the address. Officers performed CPR on Sheila and Garvin, who both died shortly afterwards at Yale New Haven Hospital.

The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached 24/7 by calling or texting (888) 774-2900, or by visiting https://www.ctsafeconnect. org/.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached by calling 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233), texting “START” to 88788, or visiting https://www.thehotline. org/. Further resources on safety can be found here.

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11

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

Driver Gives Rideshare Rights A Lyft

by NORA GRACE-FLOOD The new haven independent

“It’s been a journey getting here,” Uber driver Jesenia Rodriguez said as she parked her boyfriend’s stoplight red Toyota across from the state Capitol building.

She was running late. First she had to drop her grandkids off at Jepson School. Then she missed three exits on her way into Hartford while fielding phone calls from fellow rideshare and delivery drivers.

But now she had arrived, with a message to deliver.

Fortunately, Rodriguez wasn’t on the clock ferrying Lyft passengers.

She was one of 27 members of the nonprofit Connecticut Drivers United (CDU) taking a break from chauffeuring customers Wednesday morning in an effort to steer the legislature in the direction of rights for rideshare drivers.

The journey to which Rodriguez referred wasn’t just the 45-minute drive from New Haven to Hartford, but the multi-year trek towards enacting minimum standards for drivers for companies like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash.

Since its inception around five years ago, CDU, which Rodriguez cofounded, has been driving home the need for minimum pay standards, compensation transparency and protections from driver deactivation within the rideshare industry.

This legislative session, which began Wednesday, CDU is working to get a rewritten version of Senate Bill No. 1180.

The bill was heard but not approved last year by the General Assembly’s Labor and Public Employees Committee. Advocates are working to bring it back for review with a few additional measures.

The bill as written would set base pay rates per mile and minute, ensure drivers are compensated even when customers cancel a requested trip, and mandate that all tips go directly to workers, among a slate of pay upgrades. It would also require that companies are transparent about how much drivers, customers and the company themselves pay and receive from each ride. The bill demands apps provide receipts stating the length of a trip, the number of miles, how much a customer paid, what the driver was paid, how much the customer tipped and what deductions are made to the driver’s fare.

The bill would also pave the way for Connecticut rideshare drivers to be able pick up customers out of state. A new provision also offers protections against unfair deactivations of drivers. In For The Long Ride “I love what I do — I love to drive,” Rodriguez, who works through Uber and Lyft, said as she steered toward the Capitol.

Rodriguez started working through rideshare apps nearly a decade back after losing her job at a factory producing smoke detectors. “I used to do it really fast, but

Rodriguez and fellow drivers with New Haven Rep. Robyn Porter.

my hands started hurting,” she said. When her factory bosses decided she could no longer keep up, she turned both hands to the steering wheel. Through gig work with Uber, she was able to work flexible hours while raising her three children and pursuing a degree in business at Gateway Community College.

“Back in the days you could make your money in four to five hours,” she said. But after a few years, she noticed her rates were mysteriously dropping. She started talking with other drivers in hopes of figuring out why it was taking twice as long to bring in the same income they’d been earning at the start.

That’s how she met her now-boyfriend, Tyree Brown, who happened to be sitting in the passenger seat of his Toyota Thursday during the drive to Hartford.

While having breakfast with a friend one morning, Rodriguez said, she forgot to turn off her app and accidentally fielded a ride request from Brown. Rather than turn it down and risk hurting her call acceptance rate, she gave Brown a ring and told him she could send somebody in her place to pick him up.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ll wait for you.”“Um …

OK,” Rodriguez responded, quickly wrapping up her plans and running out the door to meet Brown.

Upon learning they were both drivers, the pair exchanged numbers. “I just wanted to network,” she said, but Brown had another strategy in mind. “In life you just gotta have patience,” Brown said, and then your fate will come to you.

Rodriguez’s patience, meanwhile, was wearing thin as problems kept popping

Climbing the escalator to deliver a letter to the labor committtee.

up in the rideshare apps. Driver accounts would be deactivated following false accusations from customers. Uber and Lyft started pocketing part of their tips and more of their fares, the riders said. (The companies have told a different story.)

Rodriguez realized that the rates for her rides had dropped so low that she was rarely making more than minimum wage.

She took matters into her own hands by teaming up with driver Carlos Gomez to start rallying support for state changes regarding how rideshare monoliths are allowed to treat their workers. They formed an advocacy group for drivers known as Connecticut Drivers United, which has been carrying the rideshare revolution forward, though its final destination — the passage of SB1180 — may seem hard to see given this year’s short and competitive legislative session.

To Lobby With Love A few closed ramps, missed exits and hands-free phone calls with other lost colleagues later, Rodriguez and Brown

12

convened in the Capitol lobby with other five-star rideshare workers.

Attorney James Bhandary-Alexander readied drivers for the transition from their cars into the Capitol. BhandaryAlexander helped form CDU after he stepped up to represent a driver wrongly arrested for campaigning against exploitation by rideshare apps outside of New Haven’s Union Station The long drive would turn into a long walk into “the belly of the beast,” as BhandaryAlexander put it, away from the domed Capitol across a moving walkway into the distant legislative affairs offices.

Following a brief conference, the crew crammed into the Capitol hallways. They joined other advocates and lobbyists behind velvet ropes separating them from the elected officials they sought to get on their (or their bill’s) side.

“I love your suit!” driver Alex Johnson, who, like her peers, was dressed in a custom, cobalt-blue CDU tee-shirt, cheered at reps as they walked by in snappy busi-

ness attire.

“I always be loving your clothes, you come out stylin’,” she shouted at the back of a bright orange suit disappearing down the hall.

Most officials gave brief but enthusiastic affirmations to the drivers.

“We just want better pay, protection from termination, transparency, and some other stuff,” Bhandary-Alexander said to State Sen. Rick Lopes.

“I’ve never said no to an increase in pay for anybody. So I’m there!” Lopes responded with a big thumbs up. “I voted for it last year.”

Other officials in support of the bill gave advice to the drivers about how to strategize their campaign. Get Senate Labor Committee Co-Chair Manny Sanchez on board, recommended Rep. Peter Tercyak.

Both Tercyak and Sanchez represent New Britain.

“Tell him this is the bill Peter talks to you about. Peter started it, and you should finish it, Sanchez!” he told Rodriguez and Carlos Gomez, the other founder of CDU. Professional lobbyist Beverly Brakeman, who has done pro-bono advocacy on behalf of CDU in the past, offered the same advice. “There’s Sanchez,” she whispered to Rodriguez once she saw him making his way down the hall. “Go talk to him!”

Rodriguez rushed over, vying for Sanchez’s attention. He responded with elbow bumps and smiles, but didn’t engage further.

“He told me to ‘keep working hard,’” Rodriguez reported, throwing her hands up in the air, after Sanchez breezed right past her.

Some, like Stamford Rep. Hubert Delany, put more time into the back and forth.

“These apps are run completely by algorithms,” Johnson told him, resulting in “your everyday driver” often making less than minimum wage through their work.

“Has this been raised before?” Delany asked.

“Yes, we made it into the state senate.

We were so close and then luck just ran out,” Johnson said.

“You remember what the fiscal note was for it?” he inquired.

“I don’t,” Johnson said.

“I’d like to actually see the bill,” he said.

“If you ever want to meet to just have an informative conversation,” Delany said, whipping out a digital business card which Rodriguez scanned into her phone, he would be happy to get together.

By noon, when Gov. Ned Lamont was slated to deliver his state-of-the-state address, the drivers retreated to a side room for a debrief before heading back to the roads to make some change.

“How was today?” Bhandry-Alexander asked the group.

“The last one who spoke really took time to listen to us,” Rodriguez said of Delany.

Continue on page13

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024 Continue from page12

Rideshare

“Jesenia got a personal number!” Johnson declared.

“But she’s got a boyfriend!” another driver interjected, prompting cackles from the group.

Lobbyist Brakeman joined the crowd for their reflections. The Labor Committee will meet on Tuesday, she said, and could decide then or throughout early March on whether or not to consider the bill for adoption If the bill moves forward, the state will hold a public hearing — at which point, she said, “we’ll need more drivers,” to testify in support.

The apps might be saturated with drivers competing for rides, but not enough of those people were coming out to call for collective rights, she said, to ensure forward motion.

“I’m gonna go to New Britain,” Rodriguez said, to offer rides while rallying residents to get their representatives on board with their bill.

Driving The Message Home Back in the Toyota, Rodriguez headed back to New Haven to check in on her granddaughter, who had been sent home sick from school.

Meanwhile, her boyfriend, still in the passenger seat of his own car, marveled aloud at Rodriguez’s efforts.

At first, he remembered, he didn’t understand Rodriguez’s commitment to organizing.

“We had our own bills to pay,” he said.

But after CDU managed to get the first rideshare bill under review by the state last year, he said, “from that point on I stuck with her.”

“If we don’t get change,” he said, “we’re gonna keep getting $2 per ride and getting treated like nobodies.”

Rodriguez, on the other hand, said she enjoys organizing because it’s another way to show care — not just for her family, but for her community.

“I see how other drivers are struggling,” she said, including workers who are sleeping in their cars in order to afford to delivery groceries in those same vehicles.

“Since I know New Haven, I’ve been here 28 years, I can help,” she said. After moving to New Haven from Puerto Rico as a teen, Rodriguez said, she’s able to assist drivers who don’t speak English with translation services and direct other rideshare workers in need to local food pantries and social services.

“I like getting people home safely,” she added, including oft-obnoxious college students dependent on a sober ride home.

Rodriguez also likes showing new drivers the ropes, helping them to hack a system that could otherwise cheat them. For example: “Never take the long rides.” Because “you’re gonna put mileage on your car and beat it up for nothing.”

Outside of the Toyota, however, she encourages the opposite: Invest in the long ride. Even if it takes a while, she argued, political change is possible.

The Early Childhood REGISTRATION OFFICE is located at:

New Haven Public Schools

Early Childhood Programs Programs for 3 and 4 Year Olds in New Haven

SCHOOL READINESS NEW HAVEN

Free 6-hour early childhood programs for low-income New Haven families in the following New Haven Public Schools:

• Benjamin Jepson Multi-Age School • Dr. Mayo Early Childhood School (Immediate Openings) • Fair Haven School • John Martinez Sea & Sky STEM School ••Lincoln-Bassett School T• ruman School (Immediate Openings) Additional community locations also participate in the program.

Contact:

Head Start Registration Office Tel. 475-220-1464 HeadStartNewHaven.com 475-220-1464

NEW HAVEN Sliding scale, fee-based 6-hour early childhood programs for New Haven families in the following New Haven Public Schools:

• Augusta Lewis Troup School • Columbus Family Academy • East Rock Community School • Hill Central School • Nathan Hale School • Additional community locations also participate in the program.

• Free 4-hour programs available at East Rock Community and Nathan Hale Schools.

Contact : School Readiness

Registration Office Tel. : 475-220-1482

Celentano Observatory 400 Canner Street New Haven, CT 06511

In person REGISTRATION is Available

We are Accepting Applications NOW! How to Apply

The Office of Early Childhood is accepting applications electronically.

Parents of 3 and 4 year olds are encouraged to apply online.

English: https://registration.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx? action=24982&culture=en

Spanish: https://registration.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx? action=24982&culture=es

What you will submit with your Application 1) Proof of Age

Child’s Birth Certificate OR Legal Custody/Guardianship Papers

2) Proof of Address

Current utility bill (Gas, Electric, Phone, Cable) in your name

3) Proof of Income

• 2 months of Current & Consecutive pay stubs OR W-2 or 1040 Tax Return • Budget Statement from the CT Department of Social Services or Social Security Office or Child Enforcement Bureau • Notarized Statement indicating Parent is unemployed • Additional forms may be requested 4) Proof of a Physical (within one year-to-date)

• CT Department of Education Early Childhood Health Assessment Record • Anemia and lead level test results • TB assessment • Immunizations records • Seasonal flu vaccination • Health insurance card 5) Proof of a Dental Exam (within 6-months-to-date)

Dental Exam record

13

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

Urban Life Book Group Puts Heart Into “Home”

by KAREN PONZIO

The new haven independent

As the temperature outside edged close to 60 degrees on Saturday, a warm and invigorating meeting of minds and hearts came together inside the Wilson branch of the New Haven Free Public Library for 2024’s first monthly installment of the Urban Life Experience Book Discussion Series.

Ongoing since November 2015 (with online meetings during pandemic shutdowns), the attendees meet at noon once a month for approximately 90 minutes to discuss a book chosen by the group’s founder, Mariam Higgins. Now the manager of the Mitchell library branch, Higgins originated the series when she worked at the Wilson branch and continues to return there to lead the group. Initially she had trouble getting enough copies of books, but in recent years, thanks to a partnership between the NHFPL and Public Humanities at Yale, the library has been able to get more copies of books chosen for the series.

“The books we read aren’t necessarily great works of literature, but the stories are always interesting and lead to good discussions,” Higgins said. She reads “about 40 books” from August to December and creates a master list of eight or nine for the next calendar year. Though she said she is “always on the lookout for new books,” the group occasionally will read something from the past, like Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.

The group also tries to keep with themes, like a poet’s biography for National Poetry Month or a woman’s biography for Women’s History Month. They have also read books with New Haven connections, such as The Other Side of Prospect, and try to read one young adult title a year as well.

“She’s dedicated to this book club,” said Meghan Currey, current branch manager of Wilson, of Higgins.

Fifteen participants attended Saturday’s discussion, some of whom had returned after an absence, some of whom have been coming regularly since almost the beginning (and this reporter for the first time).

The book to be discussed for February was called Never Far from Home: My Journey from Brooklyn to Hip Hop, Microsoft, and the Law, by Bruce Jackson.

Currently an associate general counsel for Microsoft and formerly an entertainment lawyer, Jackson documents his struggles both personal and professional that he had previously kept hidden from his colleagues, including his challenges in schools both as a child and at the collegiate level, the racism he encountered that led to false accusations and arrests, and the familial relationships that changed him and helped make him the

KAREN PONZIO PHOTOS

Members of the Urban Life Experience Book Discussion group.

man he is today.

Each attendee arrived with notes and copies of the book with passages bookmarked. Higgins thanked all for coming and shared her thoughts first. She told the group that she discovered Jackson donated all the proceeds from his book to five nonprofits, “which I admire a great deal,” she said.

She also talked about how Jackson said he wrote the book to inspire people, as well as how his family members and his relationships with them affected his life.

His aunt was the “most inspiring;” his father making him stop selling stolen newspapers “changed the nature of his life.”

The group dove into the discussion with gusto, each member getting a turn at sharing what struck them about the book, any likes and dislikes, questions, and comments. This discussion stayed vivacious and enlightening for the entire 90 minutes. Everyone had their turn, discussions occasionally taking off on tangents based on subjects that were more passionately investigated, and it became a true sharing of wisdom, wonder, and perspective.

One participant said she was “impressed by him being a hair away from being a tragedy” as he maneuvered many incidents that could have led him down a much different path. Another added that he “survived and did well by being exceptional,” but also had at times to “live a double life,” excelling at his job and struggling in his home life. The sentiment was echoed by numerous members of the group.

“He’s a complex man,” said one participant. “I appreciate his willingness to

February's selection and a list of future selections for the year ahead.

share that.”

The majority of the group agreed that Jackson sharing his story with all of his foibles and successes was appreciated, even if they did not agree with some of his choices. Even the admission that there were those who read his story and had judgments was still discussed with an awareness of perspective and cultural differences.

One participant spoke of “the voice in

14

the back of my head to remember people come from different places,” calling it “eye opening” when reading about the experiences Jackson had of being judged

by White people throughout his life.

Another participant found parts of the story “disappointing,” and topics such as code switching and experiences in corporate America were discussed tangentially from some of those comments. The topics of corporations, capitalism, and the behaviors of those involved came up

more than once; one participant cited her anger at such situations and another talked about the “messiness” of the system.

Many brought their own personal experiences into the discussion, such as one person who lived in the same area as the author, and others who related to the familial relationships and struggles he encountered. One even made note of the cover photo — the author as a child with his mother and sibling — and pointed out “this person is still inside this person.”

“The way we’re hurt when we are little fuels us the rest of our lives,” they said.

This led to another discussion about the role of the male provider, the need to make a better life for our children, and the caste/class system in this country. One participant noted that there were “good lessons in this book for people who come into money suddenly.” Overall, it seemed that while everyone may have not loved the book, everyone appreciated the story, the author’s perspective, and the sharing of perspectives with others.

Which leads me to this reporter’s perspective, which I shared with the group.

This was a book I would most likely have never picked up if it had not been part of this book club. I am grateful for the chance to be introduced to an author and a story I did not choose, and, even better, to get a chance to discuss it with such a vibrant, dedicated, and diverse group of individuals who put their whole soul into the discussion. In the end, I am not interested in someone describing a book as good or bad. I would rather know what stayed with you and made you think, what you learned and what you wished you had not learned, what made you laugh, cry, get angry, roll your eyes, and ask why. That is what this group was about.

One of the participants told me afterward that many in the group had been coming to the book discussion for years and had built a trust that was important to them. How refreshing to know that spaces such as this still exist and thrive, where reading materials that cover topics such as racism, sexism, class, and even whether or not what we wear changes how we are interpreted can be brought up and broken down with a diverse group of book lovers with open hearts and a passion for making a difference.

“It’s a little tiny thing we do here, the tiniest drop in the bucket,” said Higgins, “but it is a drop in the bucket.”

The next meeting of the Urban Life Experience Book Discussion Series is planned for March 16. The book Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement, by Barbara Ransby, will be discussed. Please see the NHFPL website for more information about future meetings.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

Open Letter to the Black Veterans Community on the renaming of United States Army Forts currently honoring

By: Charles Blatcher, III Chairman,National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations For years, the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have been involved in pushing for the name changes of Army forts that recognize Confederate soldiers. It never made sense why the nation would honor those who attempted to overthrow the government of the United Stated. I do not believe it takes too much imagination to answer that question.

Through correspondence to the Army Chief of Staff General Mark Milley, we made a case for the name change with a question: why haven’t we named a base honoring Benedict Arnold? He did nothing more egregious than the Confederate generals who are currently honored.

There are no different degrees of treason.

We would like to think our question and statement contributed toward the General recommending the changes.

Black military history is the cornerstone of our claim for equal entitlement.

We hope the changing of the base names represent an awakening in America. The United States Army was the first institution in America to implement integration.

The coming change represents a new forward thinking. It acknowledges that the welfare, wellbeing, and survival of this nation lie in the hands of us all. This is a major step in mending racial differences. It recognizes we have all contributed to the defense of democracy and the acknowledgements are due. We commend the Army for recognizing the need for the changes.

Retired Navy Admiral Michelle Howard leads the eight-member body selected to undertake the renaming process. The Admiral is history in her own right. She is the first Black woman full Admiral in Naval history. Personally, I thought she would have been an excellent choice for higher office in the Biden Administration.

However, we question having a Navy Admiral chairing a Commission to rename Army bases. This is like having an Air Force General selecting names for Naval vessels. Or having a Coast Guard Admiral decide the names for United States Marine Corps bases. Obviously, this is a total break for the United States Army. Despite the talents of those selected as members of the Commission, it assumes that the Army has no retired Black Flag Officer qualified to lead the effort. Furthermore, it reflects the Army has no voice in the naming process beyond the Chief of Staff signing on to make the changes.

The Army Regulation that designated naming consideration for only the de-

ceased was dropped by the Commission.

The Regulation identifies and limits the pool of candidates eligible for consideration. With the Regulation intact, it prevents the opportunity from becoming political therefore, damaging the outcome in the process. The Regulation would prevent this from becoming a public competition among contemporary Black Flag Officers for the honor. It is an insult to turn this into competition among the military leaders who Black veterans hold in high esteem. The lifting of the Regulation makes a host of contemporary Black Army Flag Officers eligible as candidates for the honor. Among those who would be in consideration: Lieutenant General Arthur Gregg; Lt. General Julius Becton; Lt. General Henry Doctor; Lt. General Emmett Paige; Lt. General Russel Honoré; Lt General William Ward;General Dennis Via; General Colin Powell; General Lloyd Austin; Lt. General Darryl Williams; and Major General Marcia Anderson.

We could add another two dozen names to the list of candidates. They are all honorable exceptional Soldiers/Leaders who one could argue are worthy the recognition in their individual right.

With the lifting of the Army Regulation regarding the criteria for the selection process, it brings us to ask, what are the new criteria of the selection process to judge such a unique , talented, and outstanding

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group of distinguished military leaders?

Better yet, who among us are qualified to judge their merits? Such public comparison and judgement would be an insult to the Officers and the process. Plus, we must not forget there are other ethnic groups due recognition. They are our Hispanic, Asian and Native American Brothers and Sisters. They stood up in the defense of this nation and deserve the honor of inclusion.

In correspondence to the Army Chief of Staff, we suggested five of the ten Bases are name to honor Black Officers. The five is not arbitrary, representing half, it is reflective of the longevity and magnitude of Black military participation over the history of the nation. Historically, we constitute the largest minority group participation in all eras with exception of the period Blacks were restricted enlistment in the military between 1820 to 1861. We specified naming the following individuals: Kentucky Brigadier General Charles Young; the highest-ranking Black Officer in the United States Military in the early 1900s; Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. the first Black General in the Regular Army; General Roscoe Robinson, Jr., the first Black 4 Star General in the history of the US Army; Brigadier General Hazel Johnson-Brown, the first Black womangeneral in the US Army; and Major General Charles C. Rogers, the only Black General Officer recipient of

the Medal of Honor.

We selected the five because theirs are the shoulders that others stood upon to reach their places in military history. Our selections are within the criteria of the Army Regulation, they are all deceased.

There is wisdom in selecting candidates among the deceased. It allows for a selection process leaving no hurt feeling among those not chosen for the honor.

I conclude offering the following remarks: This is a historical event. The nation and the Commission should treat it as such. The Commission should immediately re-institute the limited eligibility used in the Army Regulation. It would remove the impression that the outcome is political as opposed to historical by merit. The focus should be on honoring those in our Military past that paved the road to the present. Let the next generation decide who is worthy of honor among today’s contemporaries. However, there should be a role for contemporary retired and active -duty Black Flag Officers in this historic process. There should be a sub-committee of the Commission formed of retired and active-duty Black Army Generals. This sub-committee should review and pass down its selections to the Commission. It is an insult to their histories to not have a role in the process other than as contemporary competitors for the honor.

Think About It. #### Contact: cnmmmf@ aol.com

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

William B. Gould—A Black contraband’s account of the Civil War

Gould, center, with his six sons, all followed in their father’s footsteps and served in the military

by Herb Boyd July 14, 2022 When Professor William Gould IV’s father told him to take a close look at his diary, he discovered a priceless family heirloom. Not only is it a treasured family keepsake, it’s to date the only personal account of a Black American contraband of the Civil War. “I can remember my father sitting in the living room reading the diary and saying to me, from time to time, ‘This is something you ought to take a very careful look at.’” The diary was rescued from his father’s attic in Dedham, Massachusetts in 1958.

Let’s stop for a moment and put this rare item in historical perspective. On a dark rainy and humid night in 1862 eight men stole quietly through the streets of downtown Wilmington, N.C. Keeping a careful eye out in fear of being detected, they reached the docks along the Cape Fear River and slipped aboard a small sailboat.

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Rather than hoisting the sails, they rowed the boat nearly 30 miles downstream to the Atlantic Ocean and made it just before daybreak.

William B. Gould, a skilled tradesman who labored in Wilmington as a plasterer, was among the eight fugitives, and possibly the only one who could read and write. Unbeknownst to them, a day later President Lincoln would sign a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which stated that by Jan. 1, 1863, all enslaved people in the Confederacy would be free.

Gould and his fellow runaways beat the president to the punch.

Weary from rowing their boat out to sea setting their sights on the Union blockade along the North Carolina coast, they reached an armed steamer Cambridge. Normally, when contrabands arrived seeking rescue on Union ships they turned back but the ship was short of crewmen and so the eight were welcomed

to join the other shipmates. For the next two and half years, Gould served in the U.S. Navy, a rare occurrence and even more providential he began keeping a diary, with an emphasis on the often racist and indifferent treatment he received. He recalled incidents on the ship in which Black sailors were not allowed to eat from the mess pans because they did not want to use the same ones. There was a lapse in the diary when Gould contracted measles in 1863.

Recorded in the diary also, which was later printed without correction of the misspelled words and rough grammar, were the day-to-day boring routines that were occasionally disrupted by engagement with enemy ships. After the war, Gould settled in Dedham where he became a prosperous contractor, his diary tucked away somewhere in his attic.

Continue on page15

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024 Continue from page16

William B. Gould

Much of what we have learned about the book was disclosed by Gould’s grandson and great-grandson William B. Gould IV, of Stanford University and the Charles A. Beardsley Professor of Law, Emeritus. In 1958, while cleaning out the house they stumbled across the diary. Fascinated by the meticulous account in the diary, Gould IV spent more than a half century transcribing and annotating it, all the while becoming a distinguished legal scholar.

Under the title of “Diary of a Contraband: The Civil War Passage of a Black Sailor,” Gould published in 2002.

The diary may not have mentioned that the writer was born on Nov. 18, 1837, in Wilmington and that his father, Alexander Gould, was a white Englishman and his mother, Elizabeth Moore, was an enslaved Black woman. They were the property of a white peanut farmer, Nicholas Nixon. How Gould acquired his literary skills remains a mystery but they were probably gathered secretly since people in bondage were forbidden to read or to write. It is speculated that he was tutored by white missionaries. Such was the bare minimum of education he received while learning to become an expert in masonry.

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Gould, like so many enslaved people, looked for every opportunity to escape.

That escape and his duty aboard the Cambridge has been accounted, but we should note that Gould, as expected, had limited opportunities for promotion, though he did arise to become a wardroom steward. He was on the other side of the Atlantic when Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered and Gould was soon back in the states to accept his honorable discharge from the Navy. When at last he settled in Dedham it was with his wife, Cornelia Williams Read, who was formerly enslaved. They had eight children, six of whom served in the Army.

In Dedham, Gould was a prominent contractor and was an absolute perfectionist when it came to constructing an edifice, particularly churches. Once, noticing an imperfection in a building, he had it torn down and redone, which almost led him into bankruptcy. That decision only increased his standing and sense of integrity among the residents.

His reputation was unimpeachable and he served in several high positions in town, including commander of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, a highly respected veterans’ organization.

He was often called on to address crowds during national holidays, as he did in 1918 at the town’s Decoration Day, today’s Memorial Day. On May 25, 1923, Gould died at the age of 85. In 2021, Dedham renamed a 1.3-acre plot of grass the William B. Gould Park and commissioned a statue to be placed there in his honor in 2023, the 100th anniversary of his death.

Gould, center, with his six sons, who all followed in their father’s footsteps and served in the military.

Oficina de registro de primera infancia Se encuentra en: Celentano Observatory 400 Canner Street New Haven, CT 06511

Escuelas Publicas de New Haven

Programas Infancia Temprana

para la

Programas GRATUITOS y de escala móvil de 6 horas para la primera infancia para familias de bajos ingresos de New Haven

SCHOOL READINESS

para el registro en persona

¡Aceptamos solicitudes!

Como aplicar

La oficina de Primera Infancia ahora está aceptando aplicaciones electronicamente.

Se alienta a los pandres de ninos de 3 y 4 años a presentar su solicitud en linea.4 Spanish: https://registration.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx? action=24982&culture=es English: https://registration.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx? action=24982&culture=en

Que incluir en su inscripcion

1) Demostración de edad

• Certificado de nacimiento del niño/a O • Documentos legales de custodia / tutela

2) Demostración de dirección • Factura de servicio actual (gas, electricidad, teléfono) a su nombre

• Formulario de declaración jurada de residencia

de NEW HAVEN

de NEW HAVEN

3) Demostración de ingresos

Programas para la infancia temprana GRATUITOS de 6 horas para familias de bajos ingresos de New Haven en las siguientes escuelas públicas de New Haven:

Programas de educación temprana de 6 horas con tarifa variable y de escala móvil para familias de New Haven en las siguientes escuelas públicas de New Haven:

• 2 meses de talones de pago actuales

• Benjamin Jepson Multi-Age School • Dr. Mayo Early Childhood School- (Immediate Openings) • Fair Haven School • John Martinez Sea & Sky STEM School • Lincoln-Bassett Community School • Truman School (Immediate Openings) • Lugares comunitarios adicionales también participan en el programa.

• Augusta Lewis Troup School • Columbus Family Academy • East Rock Community School • Hill Central School • Nathan Hale School • Lugares comunitarios adicionales también participan en el programa.

Tel. 475-220-1464

• Contacto: Head Start Registracion

Programas gratuitos de 4 horas disponibles en las escuelas East Rock Community y Nathan Hale.

Contacto: School Readiness Office

HeadStartNewHaven.com

475-220-1482

Tel. 475-220-1464

17

y consecutivos O W-2 o Devolución de impuestos 1040 • Declaración de presupuesto del Departamento de Servicios Sociales de CT, o de la Oficina del Seguro Social, o de la Oficina de Cumplimiento de Menores (Child Enforcement Bureau) • Declaración ante notario indicando que el padre o la madre es desempleado/a

4) Físico (dentro del último año) • Registro de evaluación de la salud del

Departamento CT de educación de primera infancia • Resultados de exámenes de anemia y plomo • Evaluación TB • Registros de inmunizaciones • Vacunación de la gripe de estación • Tarjeta de seguro de salud

5) Examen dental • Registro de examen dental

(dentro de los últimos 6 meses)

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

Construction

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valCT We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits id drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 621Contact: Tom Dunay VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE 1720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

Phone: 860- 243-2300 HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom this develAffiatrmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to applyapartments Drug Free Workforce opment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven.

Maximum income limitations apAffirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:will be mailied upon rebeen received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications Reclaimer and Milling with current quest byOperators calling HOME INC atOperators 203-562-4663 duringlicensing those hours. Completed preand clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the NorthLargeStreet, CT Fence applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Third Company looking for an individual for our east & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits PVC Fence Production Shop. Experience preferred but will Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. train the right person. Must be familiar with carpentry hand Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300 & power tools and be able to read a CAD drawing and tape Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com measure. Use of CNC Router machine a plus but not required, will train the right person. This is an in-shop production poWomen & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Duties include building fence panels, posts, gates and AffirmativeMACRI Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer VALENTINA VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDESsition.

DISPONIBLES more. Must have a valid CT driver’s license & be able to obtain a Drivers Medical HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está Card. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com.

Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipaceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ment. Must have a CDL License, clean driving record, capable of AA/EOE-MF ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos operating heavy equipment; be willing to travel throughout the máximos.

Las We pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m.tscomenzando Martes 25 Northeast & NY. offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefi Full Time julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100)Administrative assistant position en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición for a steel & misc metals fabrication shop who will oversee the llamandoEmail: a HOMEdana.briere@garrityasphalt.com INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirseof clerical duties such as answering phones, acdaily operations Women & Minority encouraged to apply a las oficinas de HOMEApplicants INC en 171are Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .purchase orders/invoicing and certified payroll. counts payable Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer Email resumes to jillherbert@gwfabrication.com

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PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

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Union Company seeks:

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

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Fairmont Roma Construction, 242-258 Inc. has openings forAve Laborers, CDL Drivers 2BR Townhouse, 3BR, 1We level 1BA with Class A & B Licenses,1.5 andBA, operators. are,an Equal All new apartments, new appliances, newtraining carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 Opportunity Employer and have availability. highways, near bus stop & shopping center Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested partiesat contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 Please contact Rebecca 860-996-8766

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CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. 630 Bishop PlainfiElijah eld Davis, Rd Jewett City, CT Chapel 06351U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster (203) 996-4517 Host, General D.D. Pastor of Pitts

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Listing: Outside Sales & Estimator Position

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Fast paced HVAC department has an immediate opening. This position will interact directly the customer the entire sales Responsible Sealed bidswith are invited by thethroughout Housing Authority of theprocess.

Town of Seymour foruntil all aspects of on HVAC estimation includes sheetStreet, metal, 3:00 pm Tuesday, Augustwhich 2, 2016 at itssystem office design, at 28 Smith piping, and organizing information to compile estimates for poSeymour, CT 06483 vendor for Concrete Sidewalk Repairsaccurate and Replacement at the tential HVAC projects. This candidate must be well organized, hands-on, selfSmithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. motivated, dependable and work independently. Minimum of 5 years of sales/ estimating experience. Must have the ability to read and comprehend blueprints.

A pre-bid conferenceofwill be held at the Must Housing Authority Office 28knowlSmith Must have knowledge HVAC systems. have Microsoft Office Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. edge.

Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or emailHRDept@eastriverenergy.com

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 Smith Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. **AnStreet, Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer** The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any

NOW ACCEPTING PRE-APPLICATIONS GREENFIELD COMMONS, 580 Villa Avenue Fairfield, CT Preliminary Applications will be accepted beginning on 02/16/2024 AND ENDS with a postmark date of 03/15/2024. Pre-Applications received after the end date as postmarked will be automatically rejected. Pre-Applications are to be mailed only to Owner’s offices located at 15 Pine Tree Lane, Fairfield CT 06825.

Owner: Greenfield Commons, Inc Funded by: NOW ACCEPTING PRE-APPLICATIONS

U. S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development through Section 202 housing program GREENFIELD COMMONS, 580itsVilla Avenue

Fairfield, CT Applicants will need to meet the income requirements based on family size for Preliminary Applications will be accepted beginning on 02/16/2024 AND ENDS with a 50% of Area Median Income, or less.

Eligible applicant postmark date of 03/15/2024.

Pre-Applications received after the endhouseholds date as postmarkedmust have a head, be automatically rejected. Pre-Applications are to be mailed only to Owner’s offices co-head, or spousewillage 62 or older.

Preliminary Applications will be received during the located at 15 Pine Tree Lane, Fairfield CT 06825. period noted above and placement on the wait list will be made through the random selecOwner: Greenfield Commons, Inc tion method, once the period has ended. The maximum number of pre-applications to be Funded by: placed on the wait list is fi fty (50).

Pre-applications will not be accepted by hand-delivery, U. S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development through its Section 202 housing program facsimile, email or any other electronic transmission.

Applicants will need to meet the income requirements based on family size for 50% of Area Median Income, or less. Eligible applicant households must have a head, co-head, or spouse age 62 or older. Preliminary Applications will be received during the period noted above and placement on the wait list will be made through the random selection method, once the period has ended. The maximum number of pre-applications to be placed on the wait list is fifty (50). Pre-applications will not be accepted by hand-delivery, facsimile, email or any other electronic transmission.

Income Limits: One Person - $41,100 Two Persons $47,000 Pre-Applications will be provided to any & all interested persons. Individuals or families may pick up a hard copy ofIncome theLimits: pre-application thePersons Owner’s One Person - $41,100at Two $47,000 offices located at 15 Pine Tree Lane, Fairfield, CT or will online at https://www.fairfi eldhc.org.

You may request a prePre-Applications be provided to any & all interested persons.

Individuals or families may pick upyou a hard copy of the pre-application at203-366-6578. the Owner’s offices located at 15 Pine application be mailed to by contacting us at Tree Lane, Fairfield, CT or online at https://www.fairfieldhc.org. You may request a preapplication be mailed to you by contacting us at 203-366-6578.

For Additional Information Contact Carol Martin: For Additional Information Contact Carol Martin: Phone: (203)366-6578 Phone: (203)366-6578 TRS/TDD: (800) 842-9710 TRS/TDD: (800) 842-9710

State of Connecticut NOW ACCEPTING PRE-APPLICATIONS FOR PINE TREE Office of Policy and Management Invitation to Bid: Affordable Rental Housing - ONE- & TWO-BEDROOM UNITS

15 Pine Tree Lane, Fairfield CT

2nd Notice

The State of Connecticut, Office of Preliminary Applications will be accepted beginning on 02/16/2024 AND ENDS with a Policy and Management is recruiting for an OPM Assistant Division postmark date of 03/15/2024. Pre-Applications received after the end date as postmarked Director in the Office of Finance.Old Saybrook, will beCT automatically rejected. Pre-Applications are to be mailed only to Owner’s offices

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

17 Units) located at 15 Pine Tree Lane, Fairfield, CT 06825.

Further information regarding (4 Buildings, the duties,Tax eligibility Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project requirements and application Owner: Pine Tree Housing Limited Partnership instructions are available at: Managing Agent: Millennium Real Estate Services, LLC

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Cast- PRE-APPLICATIONS https://www.jobapscloud.com/ NOW ACCEPTING CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= GREENFIELD COMMONS, 580 Villa Avenue to meet the income requirements based on family size for 80% of in-place Concrete, AsphaltApplicants Shingles, will Vinylneed Siding, 230908&R2=0104MP&R3=001 Fairfield, CT Area Median Income, or less.Casework, Preliminary Applications will be received during the period Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential The State of Connecticut is an equal noted above and placement on the wait list will be made through the random selection Preliminary Applications will be accepted beginning on 02/16/2024 AND ENDS with a opportunity/affirmative action employer and Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and FiretheProtection. method, once period maximum number ofdatepre-applications to be placed postmark has date ofended.

03/15/2024. The Pre-Applications received after the end as postmarked strongly encourages the applications of will be automatically rejected. Pre-Applications are to be mailed only to Owner’s offices wait listcompliance is one hundred (100). Pre-Applications will not be accepted by hand-delivwomen, This minorities, contractand is persons subjectwithtodisabilities. state set-asideon andthecontract requirements. located at 15 Pine Tree Lane, Fairfield CT 06825. ery, facsimile, email or any other electronic transmission.

Owner: Greenfield Commons, Inc

Funded by: Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016U. S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development its Section 202 housing program Four Person family 80% AMI Maxthrough Income Limit $93,900/year: Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 QSR STEEL Applicants will need to meet the income requirements based on family size for 50% 2 Bedroom unit Maximum current rent$1,180/month of Area Median Income, or less. Eligible applicant households must have a head, co-head, Project documents available via ftp link below: or spouse age 62 or older. Preliminary Applications will be received during the period noted above and placement on the wait list will be made through the random selection method, once CORPORATION http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Pre-Applications the will behasprovided to any &ofall interested persons. or families period ended. The maximum number pre-applications to be placed on the waitIndividuals list is

APPLY NOW!

fifty (50). Pre-applications will not be accepted by hand-delivery, facsimile, email or any other may pick up a hard copy of the pre-application at the Owner’s offices located at 15 Pine electronic transmission.

Tree Lane, Fairfi eld, CT or online at https://www.fairfieldhc.org. You may request a preIncome Limits: One Person - $41,100 Two Persons $47,000 Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com mailed to youBusinesses by contacting us at 203-366-6578.

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran,application S/W/MBE & be Section 3 Certified Pre-Applications will be provided to any & all interested persons. Individuals or families

may pick up a hard copy of the pre-application at the Owner’s offices located at 15 Pine Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 Tree Lane, Fairfield, CT or online at https://www.fairfieldhc.org. You may request a preFor Additional Information Contact Carol Martin: Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders application be mailed to you by contacting us at 203-366-6578.

AA/EEO EMPLOYER Phone: (203)366-6578 Top pay for top performers. Health For Additional Information Contact Carol Martin: Phone: (800) (203)366-6578 TRS/TDD: 842-9710 Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. TRS/TDD: (800) 842-9710

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

18

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February , 2024 - February 20, 2024 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27,14 2016 - August 02, 2016

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DANBURY NOTICE Fee Accountant RFP NO. P24001

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Please register here to obtain Bid Package: https://ha.internationaleprocurement. com/requests.html?company_id=49968 HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority,

is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108PROPOSAL Frank Street,SUBMITTAL New Haven.RETURN: Maximum income limitations apHousing Authoritywill of the of Danbury, 2 MillTO Ridge Rd,beginning Danbury, CT 06811 Ju;y ply. Pre-applications be City available from 9AM 5PM Monday Marked: RFP No. P24001, Fee Accountant 25,Envelope 2016 and Must endingbe when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have Attn: Lisa of Gilchrist, Purchasing Agent been received at the offices HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preSUBMITTAL DEADLINE applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

March 4th, 2024 at 10:30am (EST)

NOTICIA

CONTACT PERSON FOR IFB DOCUMENT: Lisa Gilchrist – Purchasing Agent Telephone: 203-744-2500 x1421 VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES E-Mail: DE lgilchrist@hacdct.org

HOME INC, en nombre la Columbus House y de laare Newencouraged Haven Housing Authority, está [Minorityand/or de women-owned businesses to respond] 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 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición Petroleum Company has an opening HVAC/Oil/Heating llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durantefor esasahoras.Pre-solicitudes deberánTechniremitirse cian to: tercer HR Manager, P. O., CT Box 388, a lasPre-Apprentice. oficinas de HOME INCSend en 171resume Orange Street, piso, New Haven 06510 .

Listing: Technician Pre-Apprentice

Guilford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@eastriverenergy.com

**An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans**

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) #2023-12-GC

NEWFORHAVEN

Fairmont Ave GENERAL242-258 COUNSEL/LEGAL SERVICES 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

The Authority of the Citynew of New Britain All Housing new apartments, new appliances, carpet, close to(Authority) I-91 & I-95

is seeking competitive proposals for general legal services from experienced, area law highways, near bus stop & shopping center firms.

Pet under 40lb allowed.

Interested 4, parties Maria @ 860-985-8258 The RFP will be available on December 2023,contact and can be obtained online at www. nbhact.org. Proposals must be received at the Authority Administrative Office no later than January 05, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Late Submissions and CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s facsimiles will not be considered.

Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

Transportation Planner

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) is seeking to fill the Transportation Planner position. Visit www.scrcog.org for the full position description, qualifications, and application requirements. Applications are to be submitted by noon on Monday February 5, 2023 or until the position is filled. Questions may be emailed to jobs@ scrcog.org. SCRCOG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Smithfield Assisted Living of Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

Senior Clerk:Gardens Performs a wide variety responsible clerical duties in a munici-

SECRETARY

pal government office. The position requires 4 years of office work experience ofAa pre-bid responsible nature and H.S. diploma. $24.86 to $29.64 hourly an exconference willabe held at the Housing Authority Officeplus 28 Smith cellent fringe benefi t package.

Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Applications may be obtained at the office of the Department of Human Resources or may be Bidding documents are available theResources Seymour Web Housing Of-to downloaded from the Department of from Human PageAuthority and emailed fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received, or January 31, 2024, whichever occurs first. EOE.

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

NOW ACCEPTING PRE-APPLICATIONS TREFOIL COURT Apartments, Fairfield, CT

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay.

Preliminary Applications will be accepted beginning on 02/16/2024 AND ENDS with a postmark date of 03/15/2024. Pre-Applications received after the end date as postmarked will be automatically rejected. Pre-Applications are to be mailed only to Owner’s offices located at 15 Pine Tree Lane, Fairfield CT 06825.

Owner: Trefoil, LLC

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

Funded by:

Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development, and U. S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development through its Section 8 housing program NOW ACCEPTING PRE-APPLICATIONS GREENFIELD COMMONS, 580 Villa Avenue Applicants will need to meet the income Fairfield, CT requirements based on family size for 50% of Area Median Income, or less. Eligible applicant households must have a head, co-head, or spouse Preliminary age 62 Applications or older,willorbe aaccepted disability from beginning determination on 02/16/2024 AND ENDS with a the Social Security date of 03/15/2024. Pre-Applications received after the end date as postmarked Admin. to qualify. postmark Preliminary willarebeto received will be automaticallyApplications rejected. Pre-Applications be mailed only during to Owner’s the officesperiod noted above located be at 15made Pine Treethrough Lane, Fairfield CTrandom 06825. and placement on the wait list will the selection method, once the period has ended. The maximum number of pre-applications to be placed on the wait list is Owner: Greenfield Commons, Inc one hundred (100). Pre-applications will not beby: accepted by hand-delivery, facsimile, email Funded U. S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development through its Section 202 housing program or any other electronic transmission.

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Principal Labor Relations Specialist.

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at:

Applicants will need to meet the income requirements based on family size for 50% of Area Median Income, or less. Eligible applicant households must have a head, co-head,

https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230417&R2=6342MP&R3=001

or spouse age 62One or older.Person Preliminary Applications will be received during the period noted Income Limits: - $41,000 Two Persons $47,000 above and placement on the wait list will be made through the random selection method, once the period has ended. The maximum number of pre-applications to be placed on the wait list is

(50). Pre-applications will not be accepted by hand-delivery, facsimile, email or any other Pre-Applications fifty will be provided to any & all interested persons. Individuals or families electronic transmission. may pick up a hard copy of the pre-application at the Owner’s offices located at 15 Pine Income Limits: One Person - $41,100 Two Persons $47,000 Tree Lane, Fairfield, CT or online at https://www.fairfieldhc.org. You may request a prePre-Applications will be provided to any & all interested persons. Individuals or families application be mailed to you by contacting us at 203-366-6578. may pick up a hard copy of the pre-application at the Owner’s offices located at 15 Pine

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

Tree Lane, Fairfield, CT or online at https://www.fairfieldhc.org. You may request a preapplication be mailed to you by contacting us at 203-366-6578.

WANTED

For Additional Information Contact Carol Martin: For Additional Information Contact Carol Martin: Phone: (203)366-6578 Phone: (203)366-6578 TRS/TDD: (800) 842-9710 TRS/TDD: (800) 842-9710

to Bid: TRUCK DRIVERInvitation 2 Notice nd

HOUSING AUTHORITY of the CITY OF NEW BRITAIN SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE Truck Driver with clean THE

(Authority) Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units) Is soliciting proposals from licensed asphalt paving contractors under the Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing RateState Project lawsWage of the of Connecticut, to furnish all labor, materials, equip-

CDL license

and supervision necessary to complete all work as specified or Please send resume to Housing,ment, New Construction, Wood Framed, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castreasonably implied in the RFP. attielordan@gmail.com in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, PJF Construction Corporation Flooring, Painting, DivisionAA/EOE 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, must be received at the NBHA Office no later than Mechanical, Electrical, PlumbingProposals and Fire Protection.

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

Monday, March 04, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.

To obtain a copy of the RFP visit www.nbhact.org Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

POLICE OFFICER City of Bristol

IT SPECIALIST

FHI Studio is seeking an Information Technology (IT) Specialist to provide support $73,220 - $89,002/yr. for our operational and administrative environments. Responsibilities include managFax or Email Questionstesting, & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com Required ing computer setup and configuration for employees, corporate software accounts, HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses online meeting platforms, hosting platforms and providing project support and progeneral info, and apply Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 gramming. The candidate will also be responsible for developing training materials AA/EEO EMPLOYER online: www.bristolct.gov and providing training with non-technical employees.

DEADLINE: 12-04-23 19

Minimum degree: Associate’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience in an IT related field. Candidates with a valid driver's license preferred. The salary ranges from $52,000 to $83,200. Submit your cover letter and resume at https://fhistudio. isolvedhire.com/jobs/. Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. is an EEO/AA /VEV/Disabled employer.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

Senior Sales Representative

NOTICE Penfield Communications, Inc. Publishers of The Inner-City News Weekly Print Publi-

cation is seeking a Senior Sales Representative The Inner-City News is a legacy, Black owned print publication, celebrating 30+ years as Greater New Haven’s urban news and VALENTINA information outlet. MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE The Inner-City News is a weekly print publication with a readership spanning across Greater New Haven.

Fromof Hamden, NewHouse Haven, West Stratford, Milford, BridgeHOME INC, on behalf Columbus and theHaven, New Haven Housing Authority, port.

This free weekly print publication committed to sharing news and information is accepting pre-applications for studioisand one-bedroom apartments at this develimportant the Black community. opmenttolocated at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apAdvertising and the cultivation existing and advertising is keyMonday to the growth ply. Pre-applications will beofavailable fromnew 9AM TO 5PMclients beginning Ju;y and continued success of The Inner-City News. The paper is delivered weekly to busi25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have nesses, schools, shopping outlets and wherever newspapers can be found. This is a remote been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon resales position.

quest 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 Senior Sales Representative Job Responsibilities: Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

Work closely with the Publisher and editor to create a successful sales strategy. Must be a self-starter and highly motivated.

NOTICIA

• Builds and manages the sales pipeline.

• Creates monthly sales forecasts.

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES • Develops strategies to reach sales goals.

• Writes sales pitches for all products and services.

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está • Completes competitive analysis reports. aceptando• pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo Presents monthly sales reports. ubicado •en Contacts la calle 109 Frankcustomers Street, New aplican limitaciones de ingresos potential andHaven. makesSe sales pitches. máximos.• Las pre-solicitudes estaránwith disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 Develops relationships top customers. julio, 2016 cuando se hansales recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) • hasta Meets or exceeds quotas. en las oficinas de HOMEwith INC.customer Las pre-solicitudes seránand enviadas por correo a petición • Collaborates service, billing, other departments.

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

[Work Hours and Benefits]

Work hours Monday-Friday (Hours?)

Salary (base pay) + Commission to be discussed Potential local travel.

Senior Sales Representative Qualifications and Skills: Communicates well and has strong written and verbal communication skills.

Knows effective ways to market products and services and learns about new offerings quickly.

Works well independently and has advanced time management and organization skills.

Potential to manage sales representatives and has good leadership skills.

Builds relationships with customers and coworkers and has strong interpersonal skills.

Education and Experience Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave 2BR Townhouse, 1.5business, BA,or3BR, 1 level , 1BA An associate or bachelor’s degree in marketing, a related major is a plus but not required.

At least [number] years of sales representative experience is preferred.

All newInterested apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 candidates should apply to John Thomas, JThomas@penfieldcomm.com highways, near bus stop & shopping center Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

Municipal Services Coordinator or Director

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) is seeking to fill the Municipal Services Coordinator or Director position. Visit www.scrcog.org for the full position description, St. New Haven, CT qualifi cations, and application requirements. Applications are to be submitted by noon on Monday, March 11, 2023, or until the position is filled. Questions may be emailed to jobs@scrcog.org.

SCRCOG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) is Aseeking to fill the Transportation Planner position. Visit www. pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith scrcog.org for the position qualifi and apStreet Seymour, CTfull at 10:00 am, ondescription, Wednesday, July 20, cations, 2016. plication requirements. Applications are to be submitted by noon onBidding Monday February 2023 from or until the position is fiAuthority lled. Quesdocuments are 5, available the Seymour Housing Oftions may be emailed to jobs@scrcog.org.

SCRCOG is an Affirfice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. mative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY Transportation Planner

Town of Bloomfield

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Salary Range:

Real Estate and Property Management Support Services At New Haven Union Station Campus New Haven Parking Authority New Haven, Connecticut

$87,727 to $136,071 Deputy Finance Director/Controller

NHPA Project #23-019 Proposals due March 6, 2024 at 3:00 PM.

Pre-employment drug testing.

AA/EOE. For Details go to www.bloomfieldct.org

Town of Bloomfield

Finance Director

Salary Range - $101,455 to $156,599 (expected starting pay maximum is mid-range) Fully Benefited – 35 hours weekly Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website – www.bloomfieldct.org

Proposal Documents will be available beginning February 5, 2024 at no cost by downloading from the New Haven Union Station Partnership website at www.unionstationnewhaven.com .

A non-mandatory but recommended Pre-Proposal Webinar will be held on February 16, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Refer to Proposal Documents for Webinar link and access.

NHPA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Attendant II)

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

The Town of Wallingford is seeking qualified applicants to perform skilled duties associated with the operation and maintenance of its modern, upgraded Class IV wastewater treatment facility. Applicants should possess a H.S. diploma or equivalent, plus possess a State of Connecticut DEEP Class II Operator or higher, or a Class II Operator-inTraining or higher certification. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Driver’s License. Wages: $28.44 to $33.89 hourly plus on-call pay when assigned. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, individual and family medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and deferred compensation plan. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be faxed or mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of February 20, 2024. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

Portland Police Officer full-time

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

Old Saybrook, CT APPLY NOW! (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Request for Proposals Architectural Design 34 Level Street New Haven CT Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay.

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for archiNew Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selectivedesign Demolition, Site-work, tectural services for Castthe 34 Level Street located in New Hain-place Concrete, Asphaltven Shingles, Vinyl Siding, CT. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Glendower’s Vendor Casework, Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.

State of Connecticut Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. cobblestonesystems.com/gateway Office of Policy This contract subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. andisManagement

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

beginning on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 3:00PM.

The State of Connecticut, Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Office of Policy and Management Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 is recruiting for an Information Technology Technician hour).

Project(40documents available via ftp link below:

Director of Regional Planning

Further information regarding http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

the duties, eligibility requirements and application The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) is Faxinstructions or Email Questions & Bids to:at: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com are available

seeking to fill the Director of Regional Planning position. Visit www. https://www.jobapscloud.com/ Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= scrcog.org for the full position description, qualifications, and applica230927&R2=7602FR&R3=001 AA/EEO EMPLOYER HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses

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

20

tion requirements. Applications are to be submitted by noon on Monday, March 11, 2023, or until the position is filled. Questions may be emailed to jobs@scrcog.org. SCRCOG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

Groundbreaking Black WWII veteran turns 104; recalls anniversary of law that allowed women in the military lines.

By Valorie Lawson NABJ Black News & Views

“They could not do their duties sufficiently without a touch from home,” Davis said.

MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Women have always served their country in some capacity. During the Revolutionary War, many took on traditional roles as nurses and cooks. During the civil war more than 400 women courageously served in combat disguised as men and some even went behind enemy lines as spies.

Changes in the military Another milestone for the armed forces came in 1948. President Truman signed Executive Order 9981 that mandated the desegregation of all branches of the military. The Air Force was the first to fully integrate.

The 75th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act and Executive Order 9981 coincide with the year Davis turns 104, and despite having so much to celebrate, she is not looking forward to the pomp and circumstance.

“I never thought about a birthday party or bothered with age,” she said.

But Romay Davis is worth every accolade. After leaving the Army, she worked for 30 years as a fashion designer in New York, creating children’s clothing patterns and designs for Glen of Michigan.

After New York, love took her to the deep South. She married Jerry Davis, an Alabama native. They had been together for nearly 50 years when he died in 1999.

Today, Davis shares wonderful memories of their life together.

But the threat of World War II changed the landscape for women and the military.

In 1948, President Harry Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which allowed women a chance to serve in all branches of the military. The legislation gave women the ranks and privileges of their male counterparts.

It has been 75 years since that historic law passed. Women continue to play a pivotal role in this country’s military, and they have trailblazers like Romay Davis to thank.

Davis, who turned 104 on Sunday, Oct. 29, is the oldest living member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a mostly Black female unit that served overseas during World War II. The womens’ mission was to sort through more than 17 million pieces of mail abandoned in warehouses that never made it to troops, who were desperate to hear from home.

“We danced together, we traveled together from here to out West,” she said.

“Wherever we went, we went together.”

Davis eventually settled in Montgomery, Alabama, and has lived her life to the fullest. She’s dabbled in real estate, taught herself to paint and in her late 70s, earned her second-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Romay Davis, who turns 104 on Oct. 29, 2023, taught herself how to paint. Pictured is one of her creations. Photo courtesy of Romay Davis And Davis did not stop there. At the age of 80, she rejoined the workforce, stocking shelves at a local Winn-Dixie grocery store for more than 20 years

“They knew they had packages from family.” Davis said.

Romay Davis, who celebrates her 104th birthday on Oct. 29, 2023, is the oldest living memer of a mostly Black female unit that served abroad during World War II. Photo courtesy of Romay Davis.

It was Davis’s dream to serve in the military and follow in the footsteps of her five brothers who were serving in the Army.

With the blessing of her parents a young Davis, who was about 19- or 20-years-old, left her home in King George, Virginia, to join the Women’s Army Corp.

“I just enjoyed myself. I did the work, and I did it in excellent fashion.” Davis said.

She called it “a wide-open experience.”

‘Daunting task’ The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was created in 1944, More than 800 women were stationed in Birmingham, England, to begin the daunting task of sorting through thousands of pieces of mail.

They worked around the clock, three eight-hour shifts, seven days a week to make sure the troops received long-awaited letters and packages from home, and they did their job in record time. It took only three months to get things organized and to get mail to men waiting to hear from loved ones.

Davis, however, never touched a piece

of the mail.

As part of the 6888th, she worked in the motor pool as a chauffeur, but she’ll never forget seeing the warehouse and the bags of letters and packages stacked to the ceiling.

“Big bags” she recalled, “one stacked on top of the other all the way to the ceiling,

and the women would sit at long tables and they would sort it from the bags.”

Romay Davis with other members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Photo courtesy of Romay Davis The women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, also called “The 6 Triple 8,” served with honor and dignity. Still, they faced discrimination.

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First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and educator Mary McLeod Bethune, who served in President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, fought to give Black women the opportunity to serve in the Army despite opposition.

But Davis never wavered. She knew the work her unit was doing was crucial to the country and to the men on the front-

But it is the job that earned her the highest civilian award in the country that has landed her on the pages of history.

On July 26, 2022, Davis received the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of the 688th Central Postal Directory Battalion for their groundbreaking service to their country. While she is not much into birthdays, Romay Davis is a pioneer who deserves to be honored, whether on her birthday or any other day for bravely breaking down barriers so that other women can proudly serve their country.

But Davis prefers humility and graciousness.

She says about the medal: “It’s not mine, it’s everybody’s.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

Disturbing Disparities in Homicide Rates Highlight Urgent Need for Action on Black Women’s Safety In 2020, the homicide rate among Black women was 11.6 per 100,000, a stark contrast to the rate of 3 per 100,000 among white women.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia The startling and enduring differences in murder rates between Black and white women in the United States have been highlighted in a new analysis published in the Lancet medical journal, which serves as an eye-popping reminder of Malcolm X’s well-known observations on the struggles Black women in America endure.

In one of his most famous lectures delivered over sixty years ago, Malcolm X declared, “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” Those words continue to echo today and is especially meaningful as this new data has revealed disturbing trends in violence against Black women.

The Lancet’s report, released as African Americans observe Black History Month 2024, analyzed homicide rates among Black women aged 25 to 44 across 30 states. The study, based on data collected between 1999 and 2020 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlights a stark reality: Black women in this age group are disproportionately murdered compared to their white counterparts.

In 2020, the homicide rate among Black women was 11.6 per 100,000, a stark con-

trast to the rate of 3 per 100,000 among white women. Shockingly, this inequity has remained virtually unchanged since 1999, prompting concerns about the efficacy of ongoing efforts to address racial and structural inequities.

The study revealed disturbing trends at the state level, with racial inequities in homicide rates increasing in 11 states since 1999. Wisconsin emerged as the state with the highest racial inequity, where Black

women aged 25–44 were 20 times more likely to die by homicide than their white counterparts in 2019–20.

In Alaska, Black women had three times the homicide rate of white women in 1999– 2003, and twice the homicide rate of white women in 2019–20. Of the 30 states included in the analysis, eight states (Oklahoma, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Florida, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Texas)

had no change in the disparity across the 20 years of inclusion. In six states (Indiana, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, Alaska, and Virginia) the disparity decreased, with the largest decrease in Maryland, where the homicide rate among Black women was 4 times higher than among white women in 1999–2003, decreasing to 2 times higher in 2019–20. For ten states (Arkansas, Kansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Missouri, New York, South Carolina, and Wisconsin), the disparity increased.

One of the key findings of the research is the alarming increase in firearm-related homicides, with women in the USA having 2.44 times the odds of firearm-involved homicides in 2019–20 compared to 1999– 2003. This trend is disproportionately concentrated among Black women in every region of the country.

“Notably, Black women are murdered 6 times more often, on average, than their white peers,” the researchers wrote. “Further, Black women residing in the Midwest and Northeast were more likely to be killed with a firearm than Black women residing in any other area of the country. Importantly, we found the greatest inequities are in areas of the country where concentrated disadvantage is pronounced. This finding is a crucial initial step towards developing targeted solutions to reduce inequitable homicide rates among Black women.”

The researchers stressed the urgent need for action to address these disparities, sug-

gesting that enacting federal legislation to reduce gun access is a crucial step. Additionally, they have urged policymakers to tackle long-standing structural factors contributing to elevated gun violence by implementing sustainable wealth-building opportunities, developing mixed-income and affordable housing, and increasing green spaces in communities where black women predominantly reside.

Lead author Bernadine Waller, a postdoctoral psychiatry research fellow at Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center, expressed her disappointment at the lack of comprehensive research on this issue.

Waller emphasized the devastating impact of high homicide rates on families, especially considering that many Black families have women as heads of households.

Approximately 45% of black women have experienced stalking and physical and sexual violence in their lifetimes, with an estimated 51% of black female adult homicides related to intimate partner violence, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The Lancet’s report underscores the urgency of addressing these deeply entrenched issues to ensure the safety and well-being of Black women in America.

“Our findings underscore pervasive racial inequities in homicide rates among Black and White women aged 25–44 years across 30 US states between 1999 and 2020,” the authors concluded.

Historic Obesity Bill of Rights Unveiled Amidst Surging Obesity Rates Nationwide The Obesity Bill of Rights is the culmination of a yearlong, meticulous fact-finding effort involving experts and communities, marking a crucial turning point in the battle against the United States’ most pervasive and expensive chronic disease.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia In response to a relentless surge in obesity rates nationwide, a powerful alliance of leading consumer advocates, aging experts, and public health groups have introduced the groundbreaking Obesity Bill of Rights for Americans. The initiative, with the National Consumers League (NCL) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) at its forefront, aims to transform obesity care by enacting significant changes in federal, state, and employer policies.

The Obesity Bill of Rights is the culmination of a yearlong, meticulous fact-finding effort involving experts and communities, marking a crucial turning point in the battle against the United States’ most pervasive and expensive chronic disease. Shockingly, even a decade after the American Medical Association (AMA) classified obesity as a severe disease requiring comprehensive care, it continues to be largely overlooked and untreated.

“Our aim with the Obesity Bill of Rights is to designate quality obesity care as the inherent right of all adults, empowering those with the disease to demand unbiased treatment, regardless of their size or weight,” Sally Greenberg, CEO of the Na-

tional Consumers League, said in a news release.

Developed in collaboration with leading obesity specialists and backed by nearly 40 national obesity and chronic disease organizations, the Obesity Bill of Rights establishes eight fundamental rights. These rights are designed to ensure that individuals with obesity undergo screening, diagnosis, counseling, and treatment according to medical guidelines, eradicating pervasive weight bias and ageism within the healthcare system.

The staggering statistics surrounding obesity underscore the critical need for this initiative. Presently, only 30 million out of an estimated 108 million adults living with obesity have been diagnosed, and a mere 2% of those eligible for anti-obesity medications have received these treatments.

Officials noted in a news release that the consequences of untreated obesity include worsening outcomes for over 230 obesityrelated chronic diseases, approximately 400,000 premature deaths annually, and an estimated $1.72 trillion in direct and indirect costs to the U.S. economy.

“These rights collectively ensure that adults with obesity have reliable, accurate information about their disease, respectful and nondiscriminatory care from medical professionals, and insurance that provides

access to all treatments deemed appropriate by their health providers,” stated Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO. NCL and NCOA have started the Righ-

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t2ObesityCare grassroots movement to drive the radical change that the Obesity Bill of Rights envisions. Officials said the movement aims to engage individuals with obesity, caregivers, health professionals, community leaders, employers, and a network of obesity and chronic disease organizations to foster the adoption of the Obesity Bill of Rights in clinical settings.

The online hub, www.right2obesitycare. org, will serve as the epicenter for mobilizing stakeholders, focusing on national and state policy efforts. Right2ObesityCare will develop national “obesity goals” for fully implementing the Obesity Bill of Rights by December 31, 2029. Plans include regional town halls, workshops, advocacy forums, and meetings with federal and state legislators and regulators.

Additionally, the American Psychological Association (APA) said the health crisis in Black communities are intricately linked to a myriad of societal elements, including but not limited to disparities in stable and affordable housing, income inequality, and limited access to quality education. Each of these factors, individually or collectively, can significantly influence an individual’s chances of leading a longer and healthier life. A complete picture of the obesity epidemic emerges when access to affordable, wholesome food and secure spaces for

physical activity is unequal, APA officials noted. Statistics show nearly 48 percent of African American adults are clinically obese, with a detailed breakdown exposing 37.1 percent of affected men and 56.6 percent of women, in contrast to 32.6 percent of whites.

Meanwhile, the Obesity Bill of Rights has garnered initial endorsements from 36 prominent organizations, including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Nurses Association, and the Obesity Action Coalition. The coalition’s efforts have also received support from influential policymakers such as Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI), who are championing the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) to expand access to obesity treatments.

“Obesity is a chronic condition – not a personal or moral failing,” Moore asserted.

“We need to ensure our health care system treats it as a disease, so that Americans with obesity can access holistic, highquality care that meets the full spectrum of their needs. I am proud to be a co-lead of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, which puts us on a path toward effectively treating obesity, helping create healthier outcomes for Americans and supporting enhanced quality of life for Medicare beneficiaries who need comprehensive care.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

The New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (NHE3) is a business-support network partnering with entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) to build an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem for historically marginalized entrepreneurs in Greater New Haven.

With a focus on funding BIPOC-and Woman-owned businesses, NHE3 intentionally provides grants to help small businesses thrive.

Grant round dates: 2nd round opens on Dec 1st and closes on Jan 31st (review and awards: end of February) 3rd round opens on Mar 1st and closes April 30th (review and awards: end of May) 4th round opens on June 1st and closes July 31st (review and awards: end of August)

Know your risk and stay protected OUR WOMEN’S HEALTH TEAM CARES FOR YOU 203-503-3000 cornellscott.org/ title-x-family-planning

Educational Videos Watch Now! This [project/publication/program/website, etc.] is supported by the Office of Minority Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $4 million funded by OMH/OASH/HHS. The contents are solely the responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by the Office of Minority Health/OASH/HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 14, 2024 - February 20, 2024

WiFi that goes where the sun don’t shine.

Get a powerful connection that works all over your home. That’s Wall-to-Wall WiFi from Xfinity. Fast, reliable coverage that extends from room to room to even that room you thought you’d never get a signal in. On all of your devices, even when everyone is online. Only on the next generation Xfinity 10G Network.

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Restrictions apply. Offer ends 3/4/24. Not available in all areas. New Xfinity Internet residential customers only. Offer requires enrollment in both paperless billing and automatic payments with stored bank account. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10 (or $5 if enrolling with credit or debit card information). The discount will appear on your bill within 45 days of enrolling in automatic payments and paperless billing. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are subsequently canceled, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Limited to Connect More 200 Mbps internet. All other installation, equipment, taxes & fees extra, and subject to change during and after promo. After 12 months, or if any service is canceled or downgraded, regular charges apply to internet service. Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. WiFi Boost Pods sold separately.

Internet: Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement. Call for restrictions and complete details, or visit xfinity.com. All devices must be returned when service ends. Free Camera: Ends 3/4/24 or once supplies have been exhausted. Offer limited to new residential customers subscribing to Xfinity post-pay Internet (Connect More tier and above) who lease a compatible Xfinity Gateway. Must first activate service by 4/1, then enroll in the Xfinity Rewards program and redeem the free camera reward within 30 days of service activation date. Limited to one camera per eligible Xfinity Rewards account/household. Device credits applied monthly to your account over 24 months. If service is canceled, voluntarily or involuntarily or device payments are accelerated, balance of credits associated with device payment are forfeited. Comcast reserves the right to modify or cancel offer at any time. May not be assigned or transferred. All redemptions are final. May not be combined with other offers. To be eligible to enroll in the Xfinity Rewards Program you must be a current Xfinity post-pay TV or Internet, or Wireline Voice residential customer with a current and active Xfinity account in good-standing. Comcast employees who receive Xfinity courtesy services are not eligible to participate in the Program with respect to the address at which they receive Xfinity courtesy services. Visit Xfinity.com/rewards for more information. Xfinity 10G Network brings faster, more secure internet with improved reliability and latency. Order the Xfinity Gig-Pro 10 Gbps tier nationwide, with new customer installations subject to local permitting and construction requirements. NPA400505-0012 NED-WHWFreeCamera-V11

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