THE INNER-CITY NEWS

Everyday Angels Get Their Wings

Markeshia Ricks, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

Dori Dumas is often called on to deliver remarks. As the president of the Greater New Haven Chapter NAACP, she is used to speaking extemporaneously at public events and is rarely at a loss for words.

However, when she was recognized as an “angel” during the second Everyday Angels Brunch at Possible Futures Saturday, it took her a second longer than usual to get her bearings.

She was stunned that so many people including her dad, her husband, cousin and several of her sorority sisters had been able to gather at the bookspace for an event she was attending without tipping her off that she was among the day’s honorees.

Dumas was recognized during this year’s angel event along with fellow everyday angels Kia Levey Burden, Erica G. Bradley, Juanita Sunday Austin, Shaunda Holloway and Regina Mullings for their contributions to uplifting and inspiring others.

“I knew something was weird,” Dumas said with a flustered laugh. “I came because I knew this is a wonderful event and anytime they’re doing something, I’m going to support.”

Surprising women who often have their hands involved in the work of making things happen for their community is no easy feat but the event’s creators, Karimah Mickens Webber of Hamden’s Amplify The Arts Festival, IfeMichelle Gardin of Elm City LIT Fest/Kulturally LIT and Lauren Anderson of Possible Futures have made it their mission to celebrate the work of those who nurture their communities. This is the second year that they’ve organized the event.

Sha McAllister was recognized as an angel last year. This year she got to recognize her friend and artistic coconspirator, Juanita Sunday Austin.

Each person was given their wings at the angel bench created by sculptor Linda Mickens that graces a prominent corner of Possible Futures. They were also given their metaphorical and physical flowers by someone near and dear to them, eliciting much laughter and a few happy tears. Mickens’ work is the guiding inspiration for the event and she too was surprised with a gift of art created by Jean Sanchez of Little Feet’s Opus.

Saturday’s brunch featured food prepared by Samad Mickens, owner

of Beyond the Salt, and the sweetness of prose, delivered by New London’s inaugural Poet Laureate Rhonda M. Ward and by visual artist and

Shanna T. Melton of

They were also gifted angels sculpted by Mickens and a copy of Cole Arthur Riley’s “Black Liturgies: Prayers,

“I get to be an everyday angel because so many in this room have been

angels for me,” said Burden, who was surprised by her friend, sorority sister and a previous year's angel, Babz Rawls Ivy.

Everyday Angels (from left to right) Erica G. Bradley, Kia Levey Burden, Dori Dumas, Juanita Sunday Austin, Regina Mullings and Shaunda Holloway at Possible Futures. Karimah Mickens Webber photos.

A moment of laughter for Burden at the angel bench.

poet

Bridgeport.

Po-

ems, and Meditations for Staying Human” from Possible Futures.

everyday

Dumas receives her flowers on the angel bench at Possible Futures.

One Love, One Tent

Markeshia Ricks, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

Bob Marley’s music is part of a global soundtrack of freedom that continues to influence modern movements and a group of people gathered in a sold out private screening to witness a new movie about his life, to pay homage to the legacy of the global icon and support a local Jamaican making history in her own right.

People with connection to Marley’s Jamaican heritage and admirers of his activism and musical message packed a theater at the Connecticut Post Mall to see “One Love,” a biopic that spans the impactful five-year period before the late singer died in 1981 at just 36.

The screening was hosted in support of the Barnum Festival, an annual celebration of the city of Bridgeport and its surrounding towns and cities and the festival’s ringmaster, Dr. Camilla Lawrence.

“It is indeed an honor and a privilege to fill this role,” Lawrence said. “I see it as an extension of my active engagement of the greater Bridgeport area and beyond.”

Lawrence is a surgeon and president of the Fairfield County Medical Association.

She’s the first Black woman to lead the medical association in its 200 year history and only the second woman to serve as the Barnum Festival’s ringmaster. Lawrence also is proudly Jamaican and an active member of the Jamaican American Connection, which was out in force to support Lawrence, the festival and the movie.

Much like the movie’s title, Lawrence sees the Barnum Festival, and all its accompanying events, as an opportunity to bring people together during uncertain times.

“It is important because the festival aims to bring us together as a community, and it is about entertainment for young and old,” she wrote for the festival’s website. “It is all important for local area business, as the festival bolsters the local economy.”

This year’s Barnum Festival’s theme is “One Big Tent for All,” and it aims to unite much as Marley attempted to do for Jamaica in the mid-1970s, a turbulent time that people like Dr. Jackqueline McLean remembers well.

McLean, who is a dentist in Connecticut, happened to be classmates with one

of Marley’s sons, Ziggy, during what she called “crazy times." Her practice, McLean Smiles, was the screening’s corporate sponsor.

“I saw the military men on the street,” McLean said. “I was hosing blood off the street.”

The screening was her second time seeing the film and she said it brought tears to her eyes to remember times that included the attempted assassination of Marley and his wife, Rita Marley.

McLean pointed out that while Marley is a celebrated figure today, he was considered an outcast in Jamaica because he practiced Rastafari.

“To see their family thrive after the death of Bob Marley is so meaningful because Rastafarians were not accepted,” she said. “They were not welcomed.” She said the movie’s message of Marley’s commitment to unity is one that has value today.

“Let’s hope that this movie can help us transcend what’s going on in today’s world and help us feel like we’re all unified,” she said.

Barnum Festival 2024 Ringmaster Dr. Camelia Lawrence at a screening of the Bob Marley biopic "One Love." Markeshia Ricks photos.

Dr. Lawrence and her daughter Ashley with Dr. Janice Hart.

Grammy-winning artist Abigail Washburn teams with Chinese music prodigy Wu Fei

For a Cross-cultural Folk Music Performance March 2

By Babz Rawls Ivy, editor-in-chief The Inner-City News & Host, LoveBabzLoveTALK 103.5 WNHH radio

While more than 6,500 miles separates Wu Fei’s hometown of Beijing from Abigail Washburn’s of Nashville, Tennessee, that distance seemingly evaporates when they bring together their two diverse styles and genres to create a truly unique musical experience.

This eclectic pairing will showcase their cross-cultural collaboration that blends traditional Chinese and Appalachian folk tunes on Saturday, March 2 at the Schwarzman Center in New Haven. Their 2020 self-titled debut release on Smithsonian Folkways, “Wu Fei & Abigail Washburn,” which they had been working on since 2013, has garnered glowing reviews and has been described as “transcendent and blissful.”

Washburn, a Grammy award-winning claw hammer banjo player has been called “an artist who best embodies the notion of Americana as a worldwide musical language” by the Los Angeles Times. She joins Fei, a classically trained composer and master of the guzheng, an ancient zither she describes as a “flat harp.”

The duo, who are also longtime friends, blend folk music from their cultural backgrounds, China and Appalachia. Fei shares how she grew up surrounded by music, encouraged by her parents to excel beginning at age 2. She trained rigorously, ultimately becoming known as a musical prodigy across China.

Washburn studied Chinese language and culture in college and spent time living in

China, setting a course for a legal career before a self-described “life-changing experience” led her to pick up the clawhammer banjo and pursue music full time.

And while a clawhammer banjo and an ancient Chinese zither are seemingly vastly different instruments, Fei said they couldn’t be more well-suited together.

“They’re both strings, so they resonate no matter what. I don’t see instruments as what matters … it’s really the person,” she added.

Both Washburn and Fei realize music has the power to unite people more than

policy ever could. Their shared interest in music and culture kept their friendship strong, making for a deep connection when collaborating.

Folk music exemplifies the rich histories of its people and their collaboration aims to keep that genre alive while bridging the gap between two remarkably different countries and cultures.

In our recent conversation, Fei spoke of how folk music can transcend political and cultural boundaries, a key goal of her efforts with Washburn.

Fei said she focuses on “building communities [with] the people who matter in your own circle of life, and knowing that actually people from other parts of the world do exactly the same.”

Fei and Washburn performed at the Schwarzman Center, 168 Grove Street, on Saturday, March 2, at 7 p.m. Fei was also a guest speaker at the Yale Asian American Cultural Center on Thursday February 29.

We Fei was a guest on LoveBabz Love TALK, Monday, February 26, 2024

Sisters’ Journey Celebrates Our March Survivor of the Month Lorretta D. Fuller

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on December 26, 2018.

I felt a mass under my left armpit in early December of that year. It was painful as I moved my arm. My previous mammogram and ultrasound were in September 2018 and showed no signs of any abnormalities.

I already had a scheduled appointment with my gynecologist in December before Christmas. After I told her what I felt, she examined me and told me to immediately go back to where I had my mammogram and ultrasound and not to leave until they saw me. For context, this was the week before Christmas. I assured her I would go as soon as I left her office, and I did! Dr. Russo did another mammogram and ultrasound, and I had several biopsies.

I received “the call” on December 26, 2018. I was at work at the time, and surprisingly, I was very calm. I told my staff and went home and told my aunt. I had Stage 2 breast cancer.

My doctor already had made an appointment for me for the next day. I met

with the medical team to discuss my treatment plan. I had several tests and images done to locate the exact area and size.

I told my doctor I was a little OCD and always liked to be in control, so I took out my calendar to write down what, when, and where. I asked a lot of questions, including when my hair would begin to fall

out, so I could make appointments with my hairdresser and barber.

My treatment consisted of chemotherapy which started in February 2019, surgery, a left mastectomy, and radiation. I waited a few years. and later had reconstruction on the right side to be more balanced. I was 48 years old at the time

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of my diagnosis. I am blessed to see 54 years of life. I’m currently enjoying my sixth year of survivorship.

Throughout my journey, I had my family, my faith, and my medical team by my side. My Oncologist was excellent, explaining everything along the way. And I asked a lot of questions.

A special thanks to my Aunt Pearl, who never left my side, accompanying me to all my appointments. She was my shoulder to lean on and my Rock

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Fair Rent Commissions Discussed During Inaugural Forum

by Jamil Ragland

HARTFORD, CT – State legislators and members of the public attended an inaugural forum about fair rent commissions on Tuesday and learned about the role they can play in mediating disputes between tenants and landlords.

“In 2022, we required towns with over 25,000 residents to adopt an ordinance through their legislative bodies to set up fair rent commissions,” Sen. Marylin Moore, D-Bridgeport, said at the opening of the forum.

A fair rent commission (FRC) is a municipal board with the power to limit or modify rent increases and other rental charges so as to prevent them from being so “excessive” that they are “harsh and unconscionable” and to reset them to “fair and equitable.” The first fair rent commissions were set up in 1969, and today 52 of Connecticut’s towns have commissions.

FRCs are essentially mediation boards that are staffed with local community members. Tenants, landlords, and other town residents function as commissioners for the FRCs, which have wide discretion to determine whether rent increases are excessive. The FRCs determine this by applying 13 statutory factors, including size and history of rent increases, the condition of the rental property, the landlord’s oper-

ating costs, and others.

“I’ve described fair rent commissions as reflecting the conscience of the community in terms of rents in the community,” said panelist Rafie Podolsky, an attorney at Connecticut Legal Services.

There are several different kinds of cases that FRCs may consider. The main type of case that FRCs consider are rental increases. FRCs may also hear cases regarding unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions, reductions of housing services, and retaliation.

When an FRC has finished considering a complaint, it can take several actions. If the commission finds in favor of the landlord, then the commission will let the rent increase go forward without interference. If the FRC finds in favor of a tenant, it can take action in a variety of ways ranging from denying or reducing a rent increase to lowering a tenant’s rent until a stipulated condition is met.

“Some of the actions our fair rent commission has taken include setting rental increases to only 10% of the amount sought, or allowing the total increase of the rent that the landlord is requesting,” said Wildaliz Bermudez, Executive Director of New Haven’s Fair Rent Commission.

“In the case that landlords aren’t meeting the requirements of fixing unsafe and unhealthy housing conditions, the com-

missioners have reduced the tenant’s rent to half,” she said. “In the most egregious cases, commissioners have ruled to reduce the tenant’s rent to $1, until all repairs are

made and the property has passed housing inspection with the city of New Haven.”

The other major concern of the FRCs is to prevent retaliation against tenants by

landlords after a tenant files a complaint. Retaliation by landlords can take several forms, including sexual, physical or verbal harassment; doubling down on rent increases for those who can least afford it; and reducing services such as removing a parking spot or decreasing the frequency of other services like snow and leaf removal.

In the case that an FRC finds that a landlord has taken retaliatory action against a tenant, it is empowered to act to protect the tenant. The FRC will issue a cease and desist to the landlord regarding specific retaliatory behavior.

However, Paul Boudreau of the Hamden Tenants’ Union took issue with his local commission’s approach to protecting tenants from retaliation.

“Our Fair Rent Commission does not follow up on retaliation. It took over a year and a half before we even had a form [to file retaliation complaints]. We’ve emailed. We’ve called. We’ve done everything,” he said. “I wake up every day with the anxiety of a man being hunted for sport, because there’s so many people who call me every day that are about to be evicted because a landlord is retaliating against them.

“In the end, they’re in that position because they had fair rent commission hearings. It puts them on the radar, and nothing gets done,” Boudreau said.

“ A short and wondrous play that plumbs the depths of 21st-century terrors, large and small.”

Wildaliz Bermudez, Executive Director of New Haven’s Fair Rent Commission, smiles during the inaugural forum on Fair Rent Commissions on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Credit: Jamil Ragland / CTNewsJunkie

City Hall Honors 50 Years Of Hip Hop

by BRIAN SLATTERY

New Haven hip hop pioneer DJ Terrible T had some pointed questions for his audience at the Hall of Records at 200 Orange St.

“What are we going to leave behind?

What is hip hop going to mean to this little girl right here?” he asked, gesturing toward an audience member. “We can sit up here and talk about who we’ve been and who we DJed and how long we did it. But if we don’t leave a permanent, positive impression on our future — our children — what have we really accomplished?”

The occasion was a Black History Month event Thursday evening honoring New Haven’s contributions to hip hop across its 50-year history, presented by the Black and Hispanic Caucus of New Haven Board of Alders and the City of New Haven Youth and Recreation Department. Speaking on behalf of the city were Ward 19 Alder and Chair of the Black and Hispanic Caucus Kimberly Edwards and Director of Legislative Services Albert Lucas.

Many of those invited to the event were greeted by a long table of citations from the city for their contributions to hip hop.

DJ Tafari filled the air with music, and

The Chef Chrissy Experience arranged a hearty spread of meat and sides for all to partake from.

“We’re here to acknowledge hip hop culture and shine a light on the people who brought it here,” said Edwards by way of introduction. Lucas continued in that vein, starting with Steve “Stezo” Williams, pioneering dancer, rapper, and producer who died in April 2020 at the age of 52 from heart complications. “He was one of the folks who helped put us on the map.” In the past 50 years, he reflected further, “we’ve come so far from radio stations that didn’t want to play hop hop” to radio stations that are dedicated to it — “a full 180.”

DJ P-Zo first took an age check, noting that all generations were represented at the event, but many were in their 50s and 60s, and a few in their 70s.

With hip hop entering its sixth decade, “a lot of our pioneers are passing,” he said, though many were “still alive,” making it a poignant time to reflect and be thankful. He noted that hip hop was just the latest in a lineage of Black American musical innovation, from folk and country and blues to jazz and rock. “We done it all,” he said.

He then acknowledged a long list of names — many of whom were in atten-

dance, and came to the front to get their citations — taking listeners on a trip through New Haven and Connecticut hip hop, from Tony Crush and DJ Terrible T to the Skinny Boys to Dooley-O (whose name got a round of applause) to radio DJ Twoski and Money Moses, who were

playing hip hop on college radio in the 80s when no commercial stations would touch it.

He mentioned Mr. Magic, who recorded New Haven’s first hip hop record in 1979. He mentioned TC Islam, whose “Funky Fresh New England” made others notice

the region and whose “hip step” style was at the beginning of EDM.

He also mentioned how New Haven was an important stop on the hip hop “chitlin’ circuit” that followed the train lines out from New York, meaning that touring artists could easily make the Elm City a stop. That meant, in the early years of hip hop, seeing all the legends as they came through town, including Run DMC at Hillhouse High School.

Others got up to speak briefly. Tafari played more songs, and people sang along.

As the event began to wind to a close, two elders — DJ Terrible T and Tony Crush — got up to remind those in attendance what hip hop was from its inception.

“Hip hop is based on four positive, powerful principles,” said DJ Terrible T. He asked the audience to help him say them out loud, “in the right order, because hip hop was a necessity because the violence that was going on in our communities.”

What was the first principle?

“Love,” someone said.

“No,” T said, correcting them. “Peace.

Continue on page 09

BRIAN SLATTERY PHOTO DJ P-Zo name-checks the crowd in the alder chambers.

The new haven independent

2 Years On, Yale-City Center Gets A Boss

The new haven independent

A local champion of entrepreneurial equity has been chosen to to lead the New Haven-focused “Center for Inclusive Growth” that Yale promised to build in 2021 — and now will start trying to define two years later.

Dawn Leaks Ragsdale, who previously served for two years as the executive director of the local business incubator Collab, is the center’s new executive director. She is also the founder of Lioness Magazine, a publication that spotlights women entrepreneurs.

University administrators and local politicians convened a press conference to announced this news on Tuesday afternoon at 65 Audubon St., the office that the forthcoming $5 million center is slated to occupy.

Leaks Ragsdale said her work at Collab has given her insight into how local Black, Brown, and women entrepreneurs in particular have less “access to capital, access to networks, even media representation of who is considered an entrepreneur.”

“This center has the potential to do so much good in the city of New Haven,” she said.

Yale and city leaders acknowledged that two years had passed since the center was first announced in November 2021 as part of a broader $52 million agreement between Yale and the City, and the hiring of a director.

“It took a long time to get to this point because we wanted to find the perfect person,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “And with Dawn, we believe that we have.”

Yale President Peter Salovey described the center as “a source of innovation,

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO cdale (center), Yale VP Alexandra Daum & Mayor Justin Elicker.

ideas, and programs” designed around a vision that “economic development will spread to every neighborhood in the city.” So what will the center actually do?

When presenters were asked that question, Elicker replied, “We don’t fully know yet.” He stressed that today was “Day One” for Leaks Ragsdale.

ics like the housing crisis, Elicker said.

“Part of the answer is that Yale has a lot of resources” that could benefit the city, he said. For example, he suggested, “Yale has a lot of buildings and they purchase artwork.” The university could perhaps focus on supporting local artists. Or, “Yale purchases a lot of food” and could collaborate with local food businesses.

Another possible component of the center would entail researching policy initiatives that the city can implement on top-

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 15, 2023 - March 21, 2023 14

From a 4-year-old orphan to an international award-winning actress The inspiring story of Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu

by Ben Ebuka, Face2FaceAfrica.com

M&T

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 school principal in school and at home. Her name reflected the multicultural tribes of her parents – Thuso is a Sotho name, Nokwanda is a Zulu name, and Mbedu is Xhosa.

Thuso Mbedu. Photo -IOL ‘Black Reel Awards’ (Outstanding Actress

Bank. Understanding what’s important.

Leaks Ragsdale added that she plans to focus on helping local businesses and nonprofits grow and access funding. She also said she would examine how Yale can support the city’s priorities as laid out in the American Rescue Plan Act and Cultural Equity plans crafted by local policymakers.

Board of Alders President Tyisha Walker-Myers expressed enthusiasm for the how local businesses might grow as a result of the center, while stressing that the center should make sure to benefit the entire city — including lower-income, majority Black and Brown parts of the city.

“I grew up here,” she said. “I know we have so many wonderful ideas in our neighborhoods.”

Mbedu went to Pelham Primary School and Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School and graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa in 2013, where she studied Physical Theatre and Performing Arts Management. Earlier in 2012, she took a summer course at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City. Career

Her acting career began in 2014 when she played a minor role of ‘Nosisa’ in the popular South African Soap Opera ‘Isibaya’ from Mzansi Magic. In 2015, she played a guest role as ‘Kheti’ in the Second Season of the SABC 2 youth drama series ‘Snake Park.’

She got her first starring role in the teen drama television series ‘IS’THUNZI’ from Mzansi Magic where she played ‘Winnie.’ Her international debut was in ‘The Underground Railroad’ an American fantasy historical drama series based on the novel ‘The Underground Railroad’ written by Colson Whitehead.

In 2022, she starred in her first film ‘The Woman King’ an epic historical drama about Agosie, where an entire female warrior unit protected the West African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 17 – 19th century. She played ‘Nawi’, a zealous recruit in the military unit.

In 2017, Mbedu was nominated for the ‘DSTV Viewers Choice Awards’ and the ‘International Emmy Awards for the ‘Best Performance by an Actress’ for her role ‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the 2016 -2017 television drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’

In 2018, she won the ‘South African Film and Television Awards’ for ‘ Best Actress – TV Drama’ for her role ‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the 2016 -2017 television drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’ She was also nominated for the ‘International Emmy Awards for ‘Best Performance by an Actress’ for her role ‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the television drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’

She won the ‘TV Breakout Star’ award from the Hollywood Critics Association TV and won the ‘Outstanding Performance in New Series’ award from the Gotham Awards.

In 2022, Mbedu was nominated for the ‘Independent Spirit Awards (Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series), for her role ‘Cora Randall’ in the 2021 television series ‘The Underground Railroad.’ She won the ‘Critics Choice Television Awards’ for ‘Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Movie’ for her role ‘Cora Randall’ in ‘The Underground Railroad.’

In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Television Critics Association Award’ (Individual Achievement in Drama), the

In her keynote speech at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit, Thuso Mbedu tearfully spoke of how she overcame the loss of her dear parents, grandmother, and aunt. But her role in Amanda Lane’s ‘IS’THUNZI’ gradually renewed her hope in life. “…my world was that blur, until Amanda Lane happened in 2016. The role that Amanda Lane gave me was the difference between life and death for me. Receiving that audition brief, I told myself that I would audition like it was my last audition. I gave it the last of everything that I had, that at the time I got the callback, I had nothing left. I secretly made the decision not to do the callback because I had nothing left to give. But fortunately, I received the callback. So I didn’t do the callback because the role was mine. I had given up. I was in a very dark place at the time, and the character, the role, the opportunity, was a much needed light. And I told myself that I will act as if it was the last character that I will play. And through a great script and an amazing director, I earned two International Emmy Awards for that role…”

– TV Movie / Limited Series), the ‘Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards’ (Best Actress in a Limited Series, Anthropology Series or Television Movie), the ‘Gotham Awards’ (Outstanding Performance in New Series), the ‘Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards’ (TV Breakout Star), and the ‘Critics Choice Television Awards’ (Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Movie), all for her role ‘Cora Randall’ in the 2021 TV series ‘The Underground Railroad.’

by LAURA GLESBY

Barber’s Loneliness RX: Start With Poverty

by THOMAS BREEN

How do you reconcile a moral crisis of loneliness with the economic toll of a stagnant minimum wage, and then reach “a more perfect union?”

Bishop William J. Barber II charted that path in a Dixwell sermon Tuesday that touched on biblical scripture, the words of Martin Luther Kings, Jr., the good deeds of his grandmother, the precariousness of swing-state voter turnout, and the fatal cruelty of poverty.

Then he landed with the full force of his revived social gospel on the imperative of movement building among this country’s dispossessed, among the “stones that the builder has rejected.”

Barber delivered that galvanizing address as the keynote speaker at an inaugural Creating Communities Summit at the NXTHVN art gallery at 169 Henry St.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy organized the morning-long gathering as part of his sustained public push to draw attention to what he sees as one of the most urgent problems facing our nation: that of loneliness, isolation and despair.

Such a fraying of connections and relationships all too often leads to real problems, personal and public alike, Murphy told the NXTHVN crowd of roughly 100 politicians, nonprofit leaders, and community organizers from across New Haven and Connecticut.

Addiction, self-harm, violence towards others, political apathy and extremism seem to follow in the wake of “this crisis of connection, this crisis of identity and meaning that we see all across the country,” Murphy said.

Finding a way to “help people come out of this cycle of withdrawal and isolation” might prove to be even more effective than just “economic empowerment” at addressing some of the most deeply embedded problems in America today, he proposed.

The rest of Murphy’s opening address and subsequent panels he moderated during the summit touched on how Americans don’t belong to churches and unions in the ways that they used to; how smart phones pull young people’s eyes downward and stunt their development of social skills; how parents who need to work multiple jobs to make ends meet simply don’t have time to take their kids to sports practices and other extracurricular activities; how communities needs to cultivate “third spaces” outside of work and home that foster human connection.

Murphy said the search for solutions led him to invite Barber to kick off the summit.

Barber the founder of the Yale Divinity School’s Center for Public The-

ology and Public Policy, the co-chair of the nationwide Poor People’s Campaign, and “one of America’s great moral leaders” did not disappoint. Approaching the podium in a billowing black suit and beaded necklace, Barber handed off both of his two canes as he leaned over the microphone, grasped

the wooden lectern for support, and proceeded to hold the audience’s attention rapt for the next half hour.

With every personal anecdote, theological reflection, scriptural exegesis, and political analysis, Barber appeared to build on top of and even challenge a core premise laid out in Mur-

build a better nation. “So much of loneliness comes out of social injustice,” he intoned. Facing head on the latter is the best route to solving for the former. To bolster his argument, he leaned into an encyclopedic array of rhetorical, historical, political, and spiritual examples. Those included memories of his grandmother, who would fill her apron pockets with cleaning rags, “anointing oil,” and what money she could spare every Saturday to go join “the sisters” and tend to the needs of her community’s poor, with the goal of “going to hope somebody.”

He spoke about the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.‘s speech on the steps of the Alabama state house on Bloody Sunday, where he provided a history of the first Reconstruction and emphasized that voting rights are not just a “Black issue,” but are “fundamentally about democracy.” Voter suppression, Barber summarized King as arguing, “is a tool of isolation,” a way of dividing and diluting the power of the polyglot American public.

He turned to a host of biblical passages Ezekiel 22 and 37, Isaiah 10 and 58, Psalm 118, Jesus’s first speech in Nazareth to make his case that their is a moral imperative to stand in solidarity with the poor, to care for and elevate the voices of those at the margins of society, to vote in support of politicians and policies that relieve the needless suffering of material deprivation, and that therein lies the route to social connection and an individual sense of meaning.

“Woe unto those who legislate evil,” Barber said, quoting from Isaiah, “and rob the poor of their rights.” A few minutes later, he continued: “Bring the poor among us … If you do, you will be a repairer of the breach.”

He said that the “whole reconstruction project” led by Jesus, “this brownskinned Palestinian Jew that I follow,” “begins with good news to the poor.”

“From the Prophets to Jesus,” Barber said as he barreled towards his conclusion, “social injustice is the key tool that produces isolation.”

What to do about it?

phy’s opening remarks.

He noted that the federal minimum wage has stayed at $7.25 since “Twenty Oh-Nine.”

Poverty sits at the center of this crisis of isolation, Barber contended. It must be addressed first and foremost in order to

Barber zeroed in on raising the federal minimum wage. On going out to actually talk to people to hear their stories, to understand what underfunded education and inadequate healthcare and poor wages actually do to their lives. And then on building a broad-based social movement of the poor to advocate and enact legislation that lifts people out of such poverty and into a life of flourishing.

Poverty is “preventable, avoidable, unnecessary,” he decried. And so look to the Psalm that says, “the stone that the builder rejected will now become the chief cornerstone” to find a way out.

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO

Bishop Barber at NXTHVN: Poverty "preventable, avoidable, unnecessary.”

Sen. Murphy and Bishop Barber... ... at Tuesday's NXTHVN-hosted summit.

The new haven independent

We had to bring peace back to our community.” Next was love. Then unity. Then having fun.

“Those are the four cornerstones,” T said. “Hip hop was from the voice of kids from our communities. Teenagers!… We became the voice of the hood. The voice of the community. The voice of the people who had no voice.” T and Crush reminded the audience that they were among those teenagers.

T told the audience how hip hop grew from “our parents’ records”: funk, jazz, fusion, and rock. “And somewhere along the line we put two and two together and starting mixing them back and forth, catching the beat looking for the perfect beat.”

But rapping and DJing were just two of five aspects of hip hop culture. The other three: graffiti, breakdancing and education.

Four principles, five aspects: “that’s our nine lives,” T said. “So don’t take hip hop and not teach. Don’t take hip hop and just want to dance. Because that ain’t going to do our kids no good. We ain’t just a bunch of entertainers. We are educators. We’re in the present-day system and it is not going to change, so we have to depend on ourselves to educate ourselves.” He urged the kids in the audience to express themselves but get an education, open a business, do entrepreneurship.

But it wasn’t just about money, or fame. “What have you done for the least of them? What have you done for our community? What have we done for our schools and community centers? This is the driving force of hip hop. And that’s why it came together initially in 1973.”

“When I was coming up, the Bronx was burning,” said Tony Crush, who grew up there and now lives in Bridgeport. “It looked like a war zone.” Hip hop was about getting away from gangs. “We did it eight years and it didn’t have any name. It wasn’t called hip hop. They hadn’t branded it yet.”

In 1979, that changed. Suddenly Sugar Hill Gang was a “recording artist. They wasn’t doing it in the street with us” anymore. “They took them right in the studio, and right out of the road.” The Cold Crush Brothers found themselves touring Japan in 1983 without a hit record. Run DMC broke in 1986. He fast forwarded to the 21st century, to hip hop’s recognition at the United Nations, at universities, in museums across the country. Today it’s a dominant cultural force across the world. But he could still remember his induction into the culture, as a teenager in a record stop. “My brother asked me, did I ever hear of Kool Herc?” He went to a Kool Herc party that night, “and my whole life changed.” He passed out at that party from drinking too much. “I quit drinking the next day, and I still don’t drink. Hip hop really helps, if you connect with it. They try to push the negative, the negative, the negative, and we keep pushing the positive, because like T said, the fifth element is knowledge, and you ain’t teaching, then you ain’t doing hip hop.”

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T” Kicks Off Women’s, Music Month

by MAYA MCFADDEN

In a second-grade classroom at MauroSheridan Interdistrict Magnet School students danced along to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” after learning about the “Queen of Soul.”

That happened on Friday as school district Supervisor of Performing and Visual Arts Ellen Maust visited Mauro-Sheridan to kick off both women’s history month and “Music In Our Schools” month. Maust read aloud the book “A Voice Named Aretha” to a dozen students in Tyler Genece’s second-grade class.

At the end of this academic year Maust plans to retire after 44 years of service in New Haven’s public schools. She spent 29 years of those years as a music teacher and 15 years as the director of the music and performing arts department.

“I’m not retiring from coming here to read, though. Never,” Maust said. When the books pages depicted images of a vinyl record, some students initially mistook it for a donut.

The book described Aretha Franklin’s “uncanny talent for music” and how singing brought her joy.

“How many of you feel joyful when you sing or hear music?” Maust asked. The entire class raised their hands.

They spoke about how Franklin’s career took off while the whole country was “having beef” as said one student, meaning the civil rights movement was fighting racism and segregation.

The book noted that Franklin refused to perform for whites-only shows, required to be paid before every performance, and used her performance money to support civil rights groups. Students said that it wasn’t fair that African Americans could perform at white-only music halls but could not attend shows.

The students looked in awe at the book’s images and at a video of a live performance of “Respect” by Franklin, who wore a shimmery elegant gown and fur

coat as she sang.

“Who wants respect from everybody like Aretha?” Maust asked. All of the students again raised their hands.

One student noted that Franklin should have been on America’s Got Talent.

Maust said Friday’s visit was all about teaching youth about the importance of history and American culture. “I like to come with a message and not just a book,” she said.

She added that music and the arts “make us better people” through self-expression and “receiving and sharing messages.”

School Support Specialist Sean Hardy and Dean of Students Cedric Robinson arranged the visit to encourage the students to celebrate music through literacy and bridge the gap between the community and schools. They agreed the goal is to make students culturally literate, better humans through the arts, and to help find their voice — even if they don’t sing like Aretha Franklin.

“Dems For Dems” Crush Challengers

by PAUL BASS and LAURA GLESBY

A slate of insurgent Dems raised a lot of issues — but ended up losing all their races Tuesday — in the city’s first competitive Democratic ward co-chair primaries in over a decade.

Eight primaries in all took place in New Haven Tuesday for Democratic Party co-chair positions. All eight were won by candidates on a slate called “Dem for Dems,” backed by party leaders and Yale’s UNITE HERE unions. (The victorious candidates in one of the district, Ward 30, officially ended up running as independents.) Ward-by-ward results appears lower down in this article.

The victorious candidates beat back challenges from a slate called New Haven Agenda. The challengers said they ran to offer alternatives to the ruling coalition in the party and on the Board of Alders, including on issues like the expansion of Tweed New Haven Airport and the state of policing and public education in New Haven. (Read more about that here and here.)

It was the first time since 2012 that slates of candidates competed for ward co-chair positions. Ward co-chairs vote for municipal, state and federal candidates at party nomination conventions and sometimes take leadership in organizing neighborhood volunteers to work in elections.

In Morris Cove’s Ward 18, UNITE HERE-backed candidates Rose Chatterton and Chris Avallone received about 2.5 times the number of votes as New Haven Agenda candidates Zelema Harris and Sharon Braz.

Immediately after the results were announced, Braz and Harris approached Chatterton and Avallone to offer warm

congratulations. They remarked to each other that, in their view, the race had spurred amicable and productive dialogue in the neighborhood — a departure from the last, often rancorous Democratic primary (for alder) in the ward.

“I’m very proud of how everyone showed up,” reflected Chatterton. “It

was great for the community. Harris agreed: “This gives the community hope.”

Democratic Town Chair Vincent Mauro Jr., who supported the victorious slate, called elections like Tuesday’s healthy for the party and the city. Besides involving people in the democratic process, they allow new ideas

to come to the fore and criticisms to be heard.

“New Haven’s a small city. There’s room for everybody. Just have the conversation,” Mauro said during a primary-day discussion on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven”program.

Asked what good ideas came out of this primary, Mauro cited the call for the party to follow the law and file the names of all ward committee members in a public place. New Haven Agenda support Dennis Serfiilippi called attention to the fact that many wards did not file the member lists.

“We’ll make sure that happens,” he promised.

Jason Bartlett, who organized the New Haven Agenda slate, called the night’s outcome “still a win” despite the numbers.

“This was about letting more people participate in the process and people learning more about what the process is. It’s a good start. I hope a lot of these candidates get involved in the Democratic Party. That makes the party vibrant,” he said.

Following are the vote totals in each ward, cast in person at polling places. The totals do not include absentee ballots, but in all cases not enough absentee ballots were submitted to change the outcome.

Second-graders watch Aretha Franklin preform "Respect" for first time.

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO

Ward 18 challengers Zelema Harris and Sharon Braz congratulate Chris Avallone on his victory at Nathan Hale School.

The new haven independent

The new haven independent

Gather New Haven Gathers New Leadership

Jonathón Savage.

by STAFF

Jonathón Savage, a Newhallvilleraised urban gardener, has taken the helm of one of the city’s leading green organizations, Gather New Haven.

Gather — a nonprofit created in a merger of the New Haven Land Trust and New Haven Farms — announced Savage’s appointment as executive director in a press release issued Thursday. He succeeds Brent Peterkin.

Gather operates five community farms and 45 community gardens.

Savage joined Gather as farm manager in 2021. In an interview at the time, the Newhallville native recalled most of his neighbors having home gardens and using the produce for a healthier and cost-effective way of putting food on their tables. About half of his grandparents’ property was farmed, supporting about 30 relatives. By age 4, Savage had learned the basics of tending a garden from watching his grandmother weed and harvest. At age 6 Savage dug up his own garden in his Ford Street backyard. He began growing strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, and collard greens just the way he watched his grandparents do. At Gather, which helps people in Newhallville develop gardens and greenspaces, Savage aimed to help a new generation of neighbors grow their food.

New Haven Public Schools Early Childhood Programs

Programs for 3 and 4 Year Olds in New Haven

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

•

• Truman 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

How to Apply

The

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

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO

The new haven independent

Cigars, Cupcakes & Lemonade: Black Entrepreneurship On Display

by LISA REISMAN

Quick: Name the New Haven location where a platinum-selling Grammynominated hip hop superstar and coffee entrepreneur joined an award-winning cupcake maker, an up-and-coming cigar collective, and a community-minded lemonade company.

That was Dwight Street’s Cambria Hotel last week, where area entrepreneurs showcased their wares before 100 people in a coffee-tasting event featuring Kiss Cafe and sponsored by Gorilla Lemonade in celebration of Black History Month.

Displaying her peach cobbler, red velvet cupcakes, and slices of Bundt cake was the cupcake maker Tisha Hudson, owner of Stratford ’s Edible Couture, formerly on New Haven’s Court Street. Growing up in Bridgeport, she honed her baking chops from her grandmother. She never stopped baking, even while working for The Pension Service, a retirement plan consultancy, and raising six kids.

In 2011, she issued a Facebook post to come get her cupcakes. When demand dwarfed supply, she left her job and bought a food truck. A brick-and-mortar store followed, as did an appearance on the “Today Show.”

“It’s about having a dream, and pursu-

ing it, and not being afraid to take risks,” she said as Lil’ Kim’s “Crush on You” pulsed through the expansive mellow-lit space. “And hard work. That’s key.”

Across the lobby were Ian Mann and Lawrence Richards of Broadleaf Collective, a mobile concierge and curating service for cigars that they started in August 2020.

“Cigar are celebratory, they’re relaxing, but they’re also really complex,” Mann said. “There are different flavors, notes, aromas, and cigars smoke differently, so there are so many things you can get out of it.”

For Mann, whose ultimate plan is to open a Black-owned cigar lounge in New Haven, “being an entrepreneur is one of the only ways to get financial freedom, and that’s really just the freedom to do what you want. It’s a lot of work, so sometimes you don’t feel free, but it’s worth it.”

Then there was Kiss Cafe, one of a handful of Black-owned coffee brands in the country.

“Three generations of Black men, that’s what sets us apart,” Bob Phillips told emcee Frank Brady during a panel discussion. Phillips represents the old-

Questions about your bill?

Yale New Haven Hospital is pleased to offer patients and their families financial counseling regarding their hospital bills or the availability of financial assistance, including free care funds.

By appointment, patients can speak one-on-one with a financial counselor during regular business hours. For your convenience, extended hours are available in-person at Yale New Haven Hospital once a month.

Date: Monday, March 18, 2024

Time: 5 - 7 pm

Location: Children’s Hospital, 1 Park St., 1st Floor, Admitting

Parking available (handicapped accessible)

An appointment is necessary. Please call 855-547-4584.

In light of COVID-19, patients may call 855-547-4584 any time during regular weekday hours to speak with a counselor on the phone.

Spanish-speaking counselors available.

est of the generations, which include his son, the hip-hop artist Jadakiss, and his grandson Jaewon. “It’s about legacy.”

Phillips, who’s been in the coffee industry for four decades, said he decided to partner with Gorilla Lemonade to cross-promote their brands after meeting founders Kristen Threatt and Brian Burkett-Thompson through mutual friend Norman Forrester, a financier and chairman of the New Haven Parking Authority. “We spent almost an hour on the phone and I could hear the drive and determination they have in building their company and including the youth in this community on their journey,” he said. “These are two young men who are setting the standard.”

With Kiss Cafe’s Liza Goncalves holding up her phone, Jadakiss, a megastar with over a billion streams on Spotify and 3.5 million Instagram followers, made his appearance via Facetime. The crowd drew close.

“Any advice for anyone thinking about creating their own path?” Brady asked him.

“Just block out the background noise and do it,” he said in his trademark gravelly voice. The crowd whooped.

LISA REISMAN PHOTO Hip-hop superstar Jadakiss joins the party.

Broadleaf Collective's Lawrence Richards and Ian Mann.

The new haven independent

Ganim: Bridgeport Has Spoken

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim says he clinched his fourth contest against challenger John Gomes following allegations of absentee ballot fraud and a court ordered new primary and election.

“If it wasn’t clear three times in a row, it’s clear today, louder than ever, Bridgeport has spoken. The people of Bridgeport have in a resounding way answered the call for the fourth time in the middle of February,” Ganim said. “Thousands came out and added well beyond our past victories. A mandate if you will over the things that we stand for — galvanzied united for Bridgeport.”

He said he’s anxious to get on with the business of the city for Bridgeport and all of its citizens.

“Bridgeport has spoken,” Ganim said. Gomes, who ran as an independent in the general election, said the game isn’t over.

Gomes lost the Democratic primary twice and now the general election twice.

“We’re just at half-time,” he said. “We will continue on the mission to bring transparency.”

He said it is about the fight for a government that represents all of us and a quality education and public safety awarenesss,

“We have made history,” Gomes said. “This is a movement.”

He said they want to restore the credibility and respect Bridgeport deserves.

Gomes challenged the results of the Sept. 12, 2023 contest after videos surfaced, appearing to show Ganim supporters making deposits of numerous absentee ballots in city drop boxes, in apparent violation of state election laws restricting who may handle a voter’s absentee ballot.

The evidence and a subsequent trial convinced Bridgeport Superior Court Judge William Clark to order the new election.

Ganim won a first primary election in September, when he edged out Gomes by 251 votes, largely cast via absentee ballots.

Ganim acknowledged that his narrow victories in the first primary and general election were humbling. However, following a more extensive presence in the community and reconnecting with his constituents through a self-described listening tour, Ganim defeated Gomes in January by a margin of 1,077 votes. Unlike his previous wins, which heavily relied on absentee ballots, Ganim also outperformed Gomes on the voting machines at polling places during the primary redo.

Contrary to expectations, voter turnout on Jan. 23 surpassed that of September, with nearly 800 more Democrats participating.

Ganim declared victory again Tuesday before the official results were tallied and with 25% of the vote being reported.

Five Reasons Why Colorectal Cancer is Prevalent in the Black Community

Although colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer, it disproportionately affects the Black community, where the rates are highest of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society.

The reasons are complex, as there are multiple factors that contribute to the higher incidence of colorectal cancer in the community.

Here are Five Key Reasons:

#1: Lack of Adequate Health Care

Proper healthcare is instrumental in the fight against colorectal cancer. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They also can find colorectal cancer early when treatment is most effective.

The American Cancer Society now recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer begin regular screening at age 45. Blacks are less likely than Whites to get screened for colorectal cancer, and some of those concerns are related to expense, particularly for people who don’t have health insurance.

Although a colonoscopy is the most expensive screening method, there are other, more cost-effective options available. The cost might be a deterrent for some, although insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid, usually covers the cost of a colonoscopy. Please contact your doctor to discuss cost-effective screening options.

Even though Blacks have higher colorectal incidence than Whites, Blacks are less likely than Whites to receive a recommendation for colorectal screening, according to a National Institute of Health (NIH) study. Physicians, the study found, are less likely to recommend screening if

they believe the patients won’t be able to pay for it.

For patients, trust in their doctor is an important factor in their decision to get screened for colorectal cancer, and Blacks have a history of mistrust in health providers, which can stem from negative experiences.

#2: Lack of Representation In Clinical Research

Clinical trials are carried out for all types and stages of colorectal cancer. Many patients may explore if a new treatment is safer and more effective than existing treatments. These types of studies evaluate new drugs, different combinations of treatments, new approaches to radiation therapy or surgery, and new methods of treatment.

Blacks have been historically underrepresented in clinical trials, accounting

for just 5% of clinical trial participants in the United States, while White patients make up the vast majority of participants. Diverse representation in clinical trials is essential, as it allows researchers to learn how treatments work for and impact different populations.

The research community has been focusing its efforts on improving clinical trial diversity. It is important to study the genetic differences in patient populations regarding race and ethnicity. Studies that focus on colorectal cancer are ongoing and looking for patients. Learn more about one such study for patients with late-stage diagnosis, the OrigAMI-1 Colorectal Cancer Study.

#3: Not Knowing Family History

One risk factor for colorectal cancer is a family history of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. This NIH study shows that Blacks may be less likely to know their family history of cancer than Whites, and family members are less likely to tell relatives about the finding of colonic polyps.

This lack of information could be a reason Blacks are less likely than Whites to get screened for colorectal cancer, leading to potentially higher incidences of diagnoses and fatalities related to the disease. Colorectal screening is critical, as many people with the disease do not have early warning symptoms.

Talking to people who know your family medical history can help you and your doctor determine if you are at an elevated risk for colorectal cancer. This knowledge can help ensure you get screened at the right time in the most appropriate way.

#4. Stigma about Getting a Colonoscopy

While the colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, an exam used to look for changes — such as swollen, irritated tissues, polyps or

cancer — in the large intestine (colon) and rectum, there’s a stigma associated with that part of the body, particularly for Black men.

This NIH study found that one particularly important barrier among Black men when it comes to colonoscopy is the view of the invasive procedure as a potential challenge to their masculinity. That, coupled with fear and embarrassment, may have contributed to low engagement in colorectal screening among this population, the study found.

It’s part of the reason efforts are underway to raise awareness of colorectal cancer among Black men, who have the highest incidence rates in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. For example, behavioral scientist Dr. Charles R. Rogers, who studies racial disparities in colorectal cancer, has targeted Black barber shops in his work to eliminate the stigma and increase screenings.

#5. Not Being Informed

While information about colorectal cancer may be available online, few within the Black community may truly know the elevated risks that they face in developing it.

At the very least, it’s important to know what symptoms to look out for that may be associated with colorectal cancer: a change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few days; a feeling you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one; rectal bleeding; blood in the stool; abdominal cramping; feeling tired or weak; or losing weight without trying. You should contact your doctor if you are concerned about any of the symptoms you are experiencing.

Share this article with your loved ones and remind them of the importance of medical screening, doctor visits, and advocating for diverse patients to be represented in colorectal cancer research.

21-year-old Rajah Caruth is now only the third Black driver to win NASCAR series race by Dollita Okine,

Face2FaceAfrica.com

Rajah Caruth took the checkered flag in the Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, securing his first Nascar Truck Series win. He is now the third Black person to accomplish this milestone, following Wendell Scott in 1963 as the first and Bubba Wallace in 2021 as the second Black driver to win a NASCAR national series race.

Caruth said in a phone interview with The Washington Post, “Definitely feeling disbelief. Everything worked out well with the race plan, our pit strategy. I’m just in disbelief that success happened so soon this year.”

The Washington, DC, native spun his No. 71 Chevrolet in excitement after the race, veering it toward the infield. He described his victory as “surreal,” later telling reporters, “There was a lot of days,

especially in high school, that I did not think I could get here.”

His journey to his current success was not an easy one, having begun in high school using an internet racing simulator in the kitchen of his Northwest Washington house.

In retrospect, the Washington Post noted that Caruth’s victory had gone a long way since Scott initially broke ground. Scott was denied recognition when he won as he never saw the checkered flag wave. Officials were concerned about crowd reactions to a Black man’s victory, especially since the winner was scheduled to kiss a White beauty queen in the winner’s circle.

Being the third Black driver to win a NASCAR national series race, the 21-year-old said, “I think it’s a big deal, representation-wise.”

Wallace, the 2021 history maker, ex- Rajah

pressed his pleasure on X, saying, “What a massive win for the little bro! What a monumental win for our sport! Proud is an understatement! LFG!!!!! @rajahcaruth”

Caruth is now fourth in the drivers’ standings after three races of the Truck season.

As per Fox Sports, the 21-year-old driver from Spire Motorsports who is a senior at Winston-Salem State University had only one top-five finish in his first 29 career starts in the series, and in his 19 starts in NASCAR’s top “minor” league, the Xfinity Series, he had no top-10 finishes. Nonetheless, he has improved steadily in his last races, winning pole position on his most recent race night and leading 38 laps, including the last 21 of the 134-lap competition.

Caruth. Photo Credit: Instagram

The Broadway community will honor the late Hinton Battle, a three-time Tony Award-winning actor celebrated as one of Broadway’s most versatile and groundbreaking acting, dance, and song figures.

Battle died on January 30, 2024, at 67, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly influenced the theater world.

The Committee of Theatre Owners has announced that on March 12, 2024, at exactly 6:45 pm, all Broadway theaters in New York will dim their lights for one minute to pay tribute to the iconic performer.

“After further consultation among the Committee of Theatre Owners and reflecting on the impact of Hinton Battle, the Committee has shared with his family that all Broadway theatres will dim their lights in his honor on March 12, 2024, at 6:45 pm for one minute,” Jason Laks, Interim President of The Broadway League, wrote in an email. “As we continue to remember Mr. Battle’s remarkable talent and array of roles, the decision was made to dim all lights as the most appropriate way to recognize his legacy on Broadway and within our community.”

Battle’s journey in performing arts began at a young age. Trained as a ballet dancer at the renowned Jones-Haywood School of Ballet in Washington, D.C., and later at the School of American Ballet in New York City, Battle made his Broadway debut at the age of 18. He starred as the original “Scarecrow” in the 1975 musical The Wiz, marking the beginning of a prolific career spanning two decades.

The late actor’s unparalleled talent earned him three Tony Awards for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, a record in the category. His noteworthy roles in Miss Saigon (1991), The Tap Dance Kid (1984), and Sophisticated Ladies (1981) showcased his versatility and left an indelible mark on Broadway.

Among his many Broadway credits, Battle’s performances included memorable roles in Chicago (1996 Revival), Miss Saigon (1991), The Tap Dance Kid (1983), Dreamgirls (1981), Sophisticated Ladies (1981), Dancin’ (1978), and The Wiz (1975). His touring credits extended the reach of his artistry, featuring shows like Ragtime (Chicago, 1998), The Tap Dance Kid (1985), Sophisticated Ladies (Los Angeles, 1982), and Dancin’ (1979).

As Broadway prepares to dim its lights in a collective moment of remembrance, the theater community and fans alike will reflect on Battle’s enduring contributions to the world of performing arts, Laks said. He added that Battle’s impact on Broadway remains an integral part of its history, and the dimmed lights ceremony serves as a much warranted tribute to a “legendary figure who forever changed the landscape of theater.”

Escuelas Publicas de New Haven

Programas para la Infancia Temprana

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

de NEW HAVEN

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:

• 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.

Tel. 475-220-1464

• Contacto: Head Start Registracion

Oficina de registro de primera infancia

Se encuentra en: Celentano Observatory

400 Canner Street New Haven, CT 06511 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

SCHOOL READINESS

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:

• 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.

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

Contacto: School Readiness Office 475-220-1482

Factura de servicio actual (gas, electricidad, teléfono) a su nombre

Formulario de declaración jurada de residencia

3) Demostración de ingresos

• 2 meses de talones de pago actuales 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)

Broadway to Pay Tribute to the Late Hinton Battle with Dimmed Lights Ceremony

Kansas City Chiefs’ Player Host Coding 4 The Culture Competition During Super Bowl

LAS VEGAS – Thousands of NFL fans recently crowded the streets of Las Vegas to watch the Super Bowl matchup between defending champions Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. The game, which went into overtime with the Chiefs winning, was the most-watched Super Bowl in history. Away from the star-studded parties and flashing lights, another fierce competition was underway. Coding 4 the Culture is an annual music coding competition hosted by the JReid Indeed Foundation.

The foundation is the brainchild of Kansas City Chiefs defensive back and two-time Super Bowl Champion Justin Reid. With the help of corporate sponsors, celebrities, and local educators, Reid’s Foundation offered 30 high school students the opportunity to submit remixed music beats of their favorite recording artists. Before the competition, students participated in virtual computer science workshops using the free online code editor EarSketch. This year’s competition was held at Democracy Prep, Agassi Campus. Located in North Las Vegas, Democracy Prep is a highly respected charter high school where mostly Black and Hispanic students come daily to broaden their minds and elevate their horizons.

“Technology will forever be the game changer for this generation,” said Justin

Reid. “Growing up in Louisiana, I had limited access to technology education. Attending Stanford University, however, changed so much for me. Not only did I have the opportunity to play football, but also receive a world-class education that prepared me for the game of life. I truly believe that if young people have access to technology, we can level the playing field and, therefore, offer greater economic opportunities for them to thrive and make a difference in their communities and the world. Coding 4 the Culture is a fun way to meet students where they are and use technology to promote their creativity."

Before entering the NFL in 2018, Reid was an all-star athlete and honor student at Stanford University, majoring in industrial engineering and computer science. He played three seasons with the Houston Texans before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won two Super Bowl rings.

With more than 150 students, parents, teachers, corporate representatives, and judges watching, the competition went down to the wire. In the end, three winners emerged. Alana Dolphin captured third-place honors, and Faith Jotojot took home the competition’s secondplace winnings. Graduating senior Luis Infante walked away with first-place recognition. All winners took home gifts

and prizes donated by Adidas, Amazon, Garmin, the Kansas City Chiefs, ServiceNow, and the JReid Indeed Foundation. Remixes were compiled into a soundtrack for Justin and his Kansas City teammates.

Judges included Reid’s parents, Sharon and Eric Reid Sr., Marissa Rand of Fidelity Financial, Tamara Washington of Boom Media and Image Consulting and Dream Hustle Code, Michael Brock of Dream Hustle Code, Daniele Frost of the Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, and Latasha Causey of the Phoenix Raceway. Ian Michael Brock, co-founder of Dream Hustle Code and author of “New Nerd,” was the event MC.

Students were treated to a motivational speech and impromptu performance by 11-time Grammy nominee and Coding 4 The Culture judge Blanco Brown, who performed his hit single “The Get Up.” Coding 4 the Culture sponsors included Boom Media and Marketing, Cover Communications, Dream Hustle Code, ServiceNow, TechItUp, and The M Resort.

Plans are underway for next year's competition in New Orleans, the site of Super Bowl LIX. To learn more about JReid Indeed Foundation and Coding for the Culture, visit jreidindeed.com.

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.

Since 1660, Hopkins School has provided students with an exceptional education and the skills required to succeed in the world.

To learn more, please visit us at hopkins.edu.

Justin Reid’s parents join Coding 4 the Culture’s champions as they proudly show off their music coding winnings. (Pictured L to R: Sharon Reid, third-place winner Alana Dolphin, first-place winner Luis Infante, second-place winner Faith Jotojot, and Eric Reid, Sr.)

NOTICE

Town of Greenwich, Connecticut Firefighter

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

VALENTINA

MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Do You Want A Job That Makes A Difference? Become a Town of Greenwich Firefighter.

Human Resources Assistant

The Town of Wallingford is seeking a highly motivated individual to perform a variety of confidential human resources support activities. Requires a H.S. diploma or equivalent and 3 years’ responsible office experience that includes performing human resources work. $24.82 to $29.72 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefits package. 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 March 6, 2024. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

Request for Proposals

Architectural Design

34 Level Street New Haven CT

Candidates must fulfill several basic requirements including:

°Be legally authorized to work in the United States

°Be at least 18 years of age

°Possess a High School Diploma or State Approved G.E.D.

Current Salary: $62,189-$85,980 Annually, plus benefits

To view detailed information and apply online visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/greenwichct

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está 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 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 NEW HAVEN

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for architectural design services for the 34 Level Street located in New Haven CT. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 3:00PM.

MONROE HOUSING AUTHORITY/FAIRWAY ACRES IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ELDERLY HOUSING!

242-258 Fairmont Ave

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

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

*Application Deadline: 5/20/2024 4:00 p.m.

The Town of Greenwich is dedicated to Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employment

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 Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

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

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

Questions may be emailed to jobs@scrcog.org. SCRCOG is an 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

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

APPLICATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM FEBRUARY 1st, 2024 – MAY 1st, 2024. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED OR POSTMARKED AFTER MAY 1st, 2024, WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Eligible applicants must be 62+ OR 18+ if disabled. Rent calculation is based on 30% of your income. Tenants cannot pay lower than the base rent: $420/efficiency, $430/one -bedroom and ADA. Applications can be picked up at the office Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9-2 pm at: 358 Wheeler Road, Monroe, CT 06468, or by email at: housing@monroect.gov. Those that need assistance with obtaining the application and/or applying can call 203-261-7685. Assistance in another language will be made available to those that need it. Eligible applications will be chosen by lottery system and subject to background checking. The Monroe Housing Authority does not determine eligibility based on age, ancestry, color, sex, race, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, lawful source of income, familial status, learning disability, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

Request for Proposals

Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

Construction Manager at Risk 34 Level Street New Haven CT

Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com HCC

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for Construction Manager at Risk 34 Level Street located in New Haven CT. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 3:00PM.

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

NOTICE

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

Construction

NOW ACCEPTING PRE-APPLICATIONS

GREENFIELD COMMONS, 580 Villa Avenue Fairfield, CT

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Contact: Tom Dunay

Phone: 860- 243-2300

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing and clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 6211720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

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 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

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

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

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:

U. S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development through its Section 202 housing program

NOTICIA

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Union Company seeks:

Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipment. Must have a CDL License, clean driving record, capable of operating heavy equipment; be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com

Large CT Fence Company looking for an individual for our PVC Fence Production Shop. Experience preferred but will train the right person. Must be familiar with carpentry hand & power tools and be able to read a CAD drawing and tape measure. Use of CNC Router machine a plus but not required, will train the right person. This is an in-shop production position. Duties include building fence panels, posts, gates and more. Must have a valid CT driver’s license & be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com.

AA/EOE-MF

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

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está 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 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

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Full Time Administrative assistant position for a steel & misc metals fabrication shop who will oversee the daily operations of clerical duties such as answering phones, accounts payable purchase orders/invoicing and certified payroll. Email resumes to jillherbert@gwfabrication.com

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

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 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: Phone: (203)366-6578

(203)366-6578

TRS/TDD: (800) 842-9710

TRS/TDD: (800) 842-9710

NOW ACCEPTING PRE-APPLICATIONS FOR PINE TREE

Affordable Rental Housing - ONE- & TWO-BEDROOM UNITS

Request for Proposals

242-258 Fairmont Ave

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

15 Pine Tree Lane, Fairfield CT

Historic Preservation Consultant

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

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

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for Historic Preservation Consultant(s). A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

beginning on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 3:00PM.

Firefighter/EMT

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

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.

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Owner: Pine Tree Housing Limited Partnership Managing Agent: Millennium Real Estate Services, LLC

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

NOW ACCEPTING PRE-APPLICATIONS

GREENFIELD COMMONS, 580 Villa Avenue Fairfield, CT

Applicants will need to meet the income requirements based on family size for 80% of Area Median Income, or less. 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 one hundred (100). Pre-Applications will not be accepted by hand-delivery, facsimile, email or any other electronic transmission.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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.

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

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

The Town of Wallingford is currently accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/EMT. Applicants must possess: a valid CPAT Card (issued within 12 months of the closing date), H.S. diploma/GED, valid driver’s license and hold a valid EMTA license that meets CT State Regulations. Copies of EMT-A licenses and CPAT certification must be submitted with application materials. The Town of Wallingford offers a competitive wage of $1,176.60 - $1,516.91 weekly. In addition, there is a $2,000 annual EMT bonus plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Application deadline is March 18, 2024 or the date the 40th application is received, whichever occurs first. Apply: Human Resources Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. 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

Four Person family 80% AMI Max Income Limit $93,900/year: 2 Bedroom unit Maximum current rent- $1,180/month

Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com

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 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.

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO

For Additional Information Contact Carol Martin:

Phone: (203)366-6578

TRS/TDD: (800) 842-9710

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 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL RETURN:

Housing Authority of the City of Danbury, 2 Mill Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811

Envelope Must be Marked: RFP No. P24001, Fee Accountant

Attn: Lisa Gilchrist, Purchasing Agent

SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

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

CONTACT PERSON FOR IFB DOCUMENT:

NOW ACCEPTING PRE-APPLICATIONS

TREFOIL COURT Apartments, 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: Trefoil, LLC

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 Fairfield, CT

NOTICIA

Lisa Gilchrist – Purchasing Agent

Telephone: 203-744-2500 x1421

E-Mail: lgilchrist@hacdct.org

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

[Minority- and/or women-owned businesses are encouraged to respond]

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está 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 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

at 3:00

Eastern Standard Time. Late Submissions and facsimiles will not be considered.

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Finance Director (OPM Assistant Division Director) in the Office of Finance.

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 240125&R2=0104MP&R3=001

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

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, or a disability determination from the Social Security Admin. to qualify. 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 one hundred (100). Pre-applications will not be accepted by hand-delivery, facsimile, email or any other electronic transmission.

Income Limits: One Person - $41,000 Two Persons $47,000

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 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: Phone: (203)366-6578

TRS/TDD: (800) 842-9710

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

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

copy of the RFP visit www.nbhact.org

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.

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

Listing: Technician Pre-Apprentice

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

Petroleum Company has an opening for a HVAC/Oil/Heating Technician PreApprentice. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@eastriverenergy.com

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

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

National Urban League Unveils 2024 State of Black America Report: A Deep Dive into Complex Realities and Persistent Disparities

By Stacy M. Brown

The National Urban League has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 State of Black America Report, a comprehensive benchmark and thought leadership document offering profound insights into racial equality in the United States.

Established in 1976 under the visionary leadership of the late Mr. Vernon E. Jordan Jr., the organization’s fifth president, the report remains a cornerstone for understanding the multifaceted challenges faced by Black Americans across crucial domains such as economics, employment, education, health, housing, criminal justice, and civic participation.

This year’s edition continues the tradition of featuring insightful commentary from influential figures in various sectors, providing a comprehensive view of the complexities of the current landscape. Economic empowerment is central to the National Urban League’s mission, and the Equality Index is a powerful tool to measure progress for Black Americans relative to whites.

Attributing the mission’s core to economic empowerment, National Urban League President Marc Morial emphasized the nuanced progress revealed by the Equality Index. “Civic engagement and health show improvement among African Americans; however, significant work remains in the areas of economics and social justice,” Morial stated.

The Equality Index visually represents how Black Americans fare in economic

status, health, education, social justice, and civic engagement compared to their white counterparts, utilizing whites as the benchmark due to historical advantages. The 2024 Equality Index for Black America stands at 75.7%, indicating that despite notable strides, African Americans still miss approximately 24% of the pie that symbolizes full equality.

Breaking down the Equality Index, categories include economics, health, education, social justice, and civic engagement. Each category is carefully weighted based on its significance, and nationally repre-

sentative statistics are employed to calculate sub-indices that capture the relative well-being of African Americans compared to whites. “Civic engagement and health are areas in which African Americans are doing much better,” Morial noted. “However, economics and social justice still need plenty of work.”

The report delves into the persistent racial income gap, which has remained virtually unchanged for over two decades. Black Americans earn, on average, 64% of the income of their white counterparts.

“The Civil Rights Act of ‘64, the Voting

Rights Act of ‘65, and the Great Society programs in the middle 1960s probably cut the American poverty rate in half in 15 years,” Morial remarked.

Civic participation among Black Americans presents a mixed picture, with increased voter registration (69% in 2020) but a decline in actual voter turnout (42.3% in 2022). Assessing President Joe Biden’s performance, the report acknowledges achievements such as a record-low Black unemployment rate and efforts to expand healthcare access and affordable housing for Black Americans. However,

it points to political opposition hindering the enactment of key policies, including voting rights and policing reform.

We are in a world of deep attack by an ideological extreme that wants to erase so much of the civil-rights movement,” said Maya Wiley, President of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and co-author of the study. Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the Justice Department, assured, “We’ve been working across the country to reach underserved communities so that we understand the problems that communities face.”

Despite those challenges, the National Urban League said it remains steadfast in its commitment to closing the racial gap. Morial urged accelerated action, emphasizing unrestricted voting access, economic reforms to address poverty and wealth disparities, and crucial support for children, such as the expired child tax credit that significantly reduced child poverty rates.

He asserted that the 2024 State of Black America Report serves as a comprehensive call to action, urging the nation to confront systemic challenges hindering Black Americans’ journey toward genuine equality.

“What’s dramatic is that the Civil Rights Act of ‘64, the Voting Rights Act of ‘65, the Great Society programs in the middle 1960s, probably cut the American poverty rate in half in a 15-year period,” Morial said. “So can we? Yes, there are ways.”

FILMS: From Borderlands to Megalopolis: A Sneak Peek At 2024’s Biggest Films

By Sofia Voss | The Cincinnati Herald

It’s safe to say that 2023 was a revolutionary year for film, reflected by the historic Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strikes. With the two strikes overlapping, Hollywood effectively shut down for roughly half the year, delaying or otherwise impacting dozens of film and television projects. As of November, both strikes have ended, and many of the affected productions are on track to hit theaters in 2024.

Marvel, which originally planned for a record-breaking six new films to come out in 2024, is now expecting only four. Among those 2024 releases are “Madame Web,” the first-ever female-led “Spider-Man” spinoff film, and the third installment of the “Venom” franchise. Renowned production company A24 has a full 2024 slate, including Mia Goth’s return to horror in “MaXXXine,” Ti West’s follow-up to “X” and “Pearl.” New offerings from renowned directors like Luca Guadagnino and George Miller

are also forthcoming.

The pressure is on for the 2024 box office to restore Hollywood to financial stability after the combined challenges of the pandemic and the fight to give its workers fair wages. The first four months of 2024 are fairly sparse on new releases, in large part because prolonged labor negotiations set timelines back for films scheduled in the early part of the year. There are, however, a few prospective big hits in those months, including highprofile films like “Argylle” and “Dune: Part Two.” The “Mean Girls” musical, which premiered in January 2024, lived up to its anticipation—garnering a $28M box office debut and the number one spot after just three days.

Suffice it to say, 2024 is not only an incredibly important year for the future of the film industry but also quite an exciting one in terms of its cinematic offerings. To give audiences more insight into what to expect, Casino Bonus CA looked ahead at movies coming out in 2024 and highlighted the most buzzed-about titles. https://youtu.be/

Established in 1976 under the visionary leadership of the late Mr. Vernon E. Jordan Jr., the organization’s fifth president, the report remains a cornerstone for understanding the multifaceted challenges faced by Black Americans across crucial domains such as economics, employment, education, health, housing, criminal justice, and civic participation.

through Access Health CT. You will have up to 120 days from the date your HUSKY ends to enroll in new coverage.

But don’t wait until your HUSKY ends. Shop during your renewal period to be sure you have coverage when you need it. We’re here to help and can even see if you qualify for financial help. Start at AccessHealthCT.com Take action today to stay covered tomorrow.

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)

UAB Launches Global Seal of Biliteracy Program for Anyone in the Community

By Shannon Thomason | UAB News | The Birmingham Times

The Global Seal recognizes and celebrates the achievements of students and professionals who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages. The UAB College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of World Languages and Literatures began offering the Global Seal of Biliteracy to its students in 2020 — the first university in Alabama to do so.

In an increasingly interconnected world, bilingual proficiency can open doors to academic, professional and personal opportunities. Now, with the launch of this program, anyone in the UAB or Birmingham community can attain it, says Krista Chambless, Ph.D., associate professor of French and Spanish.

Those interested in the distinction must earn qualifying scores on a standardized

exam in the second language. Recipients will demonstrate their proficiency through a variety of assessments, including standardized tests, writing samples and oral interviews.

Having the Global Seal elevates people’s potential and equips them with a valuable credential that distinguishes them in a competitive job market and enhances their academic pursuits.

The Global Seal is recognized by leading employers worldwide, increasing the marketability of graduates and building UAB’s partnerships with multinational companies seeking multilingual talent. By recognizing and nurturing biliteracy, UAB strengthens its commitment to global engagement and attracts a diverse student body, Chambless says.

“This marks a significant milestone in fostering a globally competent and multilingual learning environment,” Chamb-

less said. “Biliteracy fosters intercultural understanding and communication, preparing our graduates to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.”

The Global Seal program caters to diverse linguistic backgrounds and proficiency levels, offering multiple pathways to earn the seal. Dedicated faculty advisers will guide people through the program and provide personalized support. The program’s success hinges on collaborative efforts across campus.

“Working together, we can cultivate a campus that celebrates and values biliteracy, empowering not only our students but everyone in our community to become global citizens prepared to make a difference in the world,” Chambless said.

The post UAB Launches Global Seal of Biliteracy Program for Anyone in the Community first appeared on The Birmingham Times.

After selling his company for over $100M, Swanston makes history owning pro soccer team in Connecticut by Abu

Meet Andre Swanston; he is Connecticut’s first black majority owner of a pro sports team. The black entrepreneur has always been motivated to one day own a sports team.

“The reason for soccer, even though I didn’t play soccer, was because I was a big soccer fan,” Swanston told NBC Connecticut. Today, he is the president of Connecticut Sports Group which owns Connecticut United Football Club.

In January, CT United Football Club became the newest team to join MLS Next Pro, a professional men’s soccer league that operates under Major League Soccer. His involvement in CT United

Football Club makes him one of only a few black principal owners in U.S. sports history. Before becoming a professional sports club owner, Swanston was invested in the tech world. He established a streaming data and analytics platform called Tru Optik in 2013 inspired by his father’s hard work, who had originally immigrated to the U.S. from the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis.

After graduating from La Salle University with a finance degree and a business degree from the University of Connecticut, Swanston got a job as a financial advisor at Ameriprise Financial. He later joined JPMorgan Chase

Mubarik,

& Co. as vice president of investments between 2010 and 2012.

Prior to joining corporate America, he owned and operated nightclubs and restaurants. He also invested in local advertising to bring more exposure to his businesses. The experience in this space will guide him towards the tech industry full-time, leading to the founding of Tru Optik.

Tru Optik is “an integrated data management, campaign activation, audience measurement, and marketing attribution platform” for over-the-top (OTT) media services and connected TV, according to his LinkedIn page. Per his page on

Capturing Cultural Fusion: A Journey Through Lens on Ghana’s Independence Day

By Face2FaceAfrica.com

Every 6th of March, as Ghana commemorates its Independence Day, an intriguing fusion of cultures unfolds through the lens of an annual photography project. For the past three years, photographer Kingsley Osei-Abrah and model Eugenia Boateng have embarked on a creative odyssey, capturing the rich tapestry of Ghanaian and American cultural amalgamation within the Ghanaian community in the USA.

In 2022, the inaugural project set the stage for a captivating visual narrative. Conceptualizing a Barbie doll encased in a box, the imagery transcended conventional boundaries. Instead of the customary Barbie attire, the doll adorned vibrant Kente cloth, symbolizing the intertwining of Ghanaian heritage with

contemporary American culture.

Building upon the success of the inaugural project, the following year brought forth a new chapter in the collaboration. In 2023, the lens focused on a Bratz Barbie against a backdrop adorned with iconic scenes from nostalgic Ghanaian movies and television shows. This creative endeavor not only evoked a sense of nostalgia but also served as a poignant reminder of the cultural bonds that transcend time and geography.

As the project ventures into its third year, the spotlight falls on a portrayal of everyday life infused with tradition and elegance. This year’s concept revolves around a Ghanaian couple, Eugenia Mensah and Samuel Poku, immersed in the timeless pastime of playing Oware, a traditional African board

game. Dressed in exquisite bespoke attire crafted by Ghanaian designer Mary Teye, owner of Awula K, every stitch reflects a narrative of cultural pride and sartorial elegance. Complementing their attire, the jewelry accessories provided by two other Ghanaian brands, Official Statements and Noma New York, add a touch of contemporary flair while honoring Ghanaian heritage.

Through each photograph, a story unfolds—a narrative of resilience, adaptation, and celebration. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Ghanaian diaspora, seamlessly blending the vibrancy of their cultural roots with the nuances of their adopted home.

Beyond the realm of aesthetics, this annual photography project serves as a platform for dialogue and introspection. Models

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People in the University of Alabama at Birmingham community who speak another language can now earn a Global Seal of Biliteracy, an internationally recognized proficiency credential. (Adobe Stock / The Birmingham Times)

Eugenia Boateng and Samuel Poku playing couple in their modernized version of a Ghanaian home. Photo: Kingsley Osei-Abrah

Andre Swanston. Photo: NBC Connecticut

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soccer team

Instagram, Trup Optik is designed to support media companies, advertisers, and publishers.

Starting and maintaining his tech company did not come easy for him. According to him, he had to sometimes accept minimum earnings from the venture to keep the company afloat. And like many black entrepreneurs, getting venture funding was difficult, particularly during the early years.

“My fear of embarrassment helped me battle through constant rejection from premier venture capital funds as a young black CEO who didn’t attend an Ivy League university or work at a major tech company. Most of the VC funds wouldn’t even meet with me,” he said, per Fortune. “Instead of letting these failures defeat me, I used them as fuel to prove the VC funds wrong. I secured angel investors, smaller venture capital funds, state investment vehicles, and strategic corporate investors.” He later guided the company to become the first to create a patented household graph, which helps advertisers target individuals within a household, according to a report by Skydeo.

In 2020, the company was acquired by TransUnion for more than $100 million, according to NBC Connecticut. This was after TransUnion had previously participated in Tru Optik’s $10 million seed round.

As the first Black majority owner of a pro sports team in Connecticut, his plans for his team include a brand-new stadium, a free youth academy, a hotel, and affordable housing.

A Journey

It prompts us to reflect on the complexities of cultural identity and the fluidity of tradition in an increasingly interconnected world. It’s a celebration of diversity, a tribute to the resilience of heritage, and a testament to the enduring bonds that unite us across continents and generations.

In an ever-evolving world, where borders blur and identities intersect, these photographs stand as a poignant reminder—a reminder of the beauty that emerges when cultures converge, when traditions intertwine, and when hearts beat to the rhythm of a shared heritage.

As we gaze upon these images, let us not merely see, but let us feel—the warmth of belonging, the pride of heritage, and the enduring spirit of unity that transcends time and place. For in these moments captured, we find not just pho-

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