INNER-CITY NEWS

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 11,2016 2020- August - March 17,2016 2020 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 02,

Financial Justice a Key Focus at 2016 NAACP Convention Over 90 Connecticut Residents in Attendance at The New Haven Museum New Haven, Bridgeport

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Volume 27 . No. 2377 Volume 21 No. 2194

Burden “DMC”

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems:

Ignore “Tough On Crime”

IgnoreOwned “Tough On Crime” Companies

by Women of Color

Account for 89 Percent of All New Women-Owned Businesses

Color Struck?

Snow in July?

The Essence and Beauty of COVID-19 Black Women in America FOLLOW US ON

Contact Closes Nathan Hale

COMMENTARY:

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

Black Women’s Firsts Panel Discussion Over 90 Connecticut Residents in Attendance at The New Haven Museum

By Iman Uqdah Hameen

Black Women’s Firsts: Being Who They Are From politicians to primary care physicians to public servants to preachers, it was no holds barred from the panelists participating in the Black Women’s Firsts panel discussion presented by Urban Grants 4 Us and hosted by the New Haven Museum in commemoration of Women’s History Month. Nothing was off limits as the women accepted the purpose of the task as outlined in my introductory remarks at this forum; which was to “celebrate and honor the panelists’ achievements” while “peeling away the layers to get a glimpse inside of who they really are.” The panelists, in turn, did not disappoint.

Ina Anderson, Esther Armmand, Alisa Bowens-Mercado, Diane X Brown, Babz Rawls-Ivy, Tamiko JacksonMcArthur and The Honorable Toni N. Harp candidly addressed moderator and organizer of the event, New Haven’s 1st and only black female Assistant Police Chief, Petisia Adger, as she strategically posed questions designed to create an environment of intimacy and conversation. It was more like a long overdue lunch date between close sisters and friends.

Delving right in, each speaker shared a bit of themselves when asked, “What is the one question that you wanted to be asked and no one has ever asked you?”

To her own surprise, no one had ever asked well-known radio personality and spiritual advisor, Babz Rawls-Ivy, why she adopted four children. In a powerful commentary, Babz recounted a series of unimaginable traumatic events experienced throughout her childhood and offered that she wanted to provide love to children that would otherwise be void of such love during their own formative years. Babz further stated that because of her ordeal, she is able to recognize that her opportunities far exceed many others, and therefore, she needed to share those gifts bestowed upon her with others.

Touched by the openness of Babz’ response, Diane X. Brown revealed that she still carried the physical scars of domestic violence and yet, her greatest joy and accomplishment was her son born out of that relationship. Diane is a nationally recognized librarian, who molded Stetson Branch Library into a National Medal winner for Museum & Library Services. She uses her branch manager position to help shape policies, expose issues, and develop lives,

people and communities. Expectedly, professional trials were outlined by speaker after speaker. In Diane’s case, her trial was the constant dismissal of her as a “real librarian” by patrons that frequented the downtown main library reference desk. In those instances, she would gladly refer the patron to other librarians as she was content in “knowing who I am and did not have the need to prove it to anyone else.”

Dr. Tamiko Jackson-McArthur, acclaimed pediatrician and New Haven Board of Education member, related her experience when seeking employment in New Haven. Tamiko disclosed that, “I applied everywhere. No one would hire me…but my father, Milt Jackson, did not allow that.” Milt Jackson traveled to St. Raphael’s Hospital with Tamiko’s resume in hand and made the hospital’s administration hire the qualified Tamiko. Tamiko asserted that the unspoken rule was to hire in-house, “but they needed me.” Consequently, she was hired by the hospital and because of her father’s love and support, she’s will always retain the use of her father’s surname.

Esther Armmand, policy analyst, alder and president of Sojourner Truth Democratic Committee shared gems of wisdom and support from her strong, silent father. When a racial epithet was used to degrade Esther’s father, he reminded her that, “it is not what people call

you, it is what you answer to.” Esther’s mother, too, patiently guided her, never lecturing and always listening.

When the questioning shifted to the “lonely path women of stature take and the loss of friends because of success,” the Honorable Mayor Toni Harp (who was met with a standing ovation when introduced as the first African American female mayor of New Haven, CT), related that her journey started as a ward member, ward secretary, alderwoman and then state senator. When she initially considered taking this journey, no one supported her, not even her husband. Toni, however, was not deterred and pronounced, “so what if no one sees you as you see yourself. Be who you are.” Toni stepped out anyway, and with a big smile, facetiously declared, “and the rest is history.”

Ina Anderson boldly proclaimed that when she saw that her firefighter brother had different hours from the usual 9-5, she wanted that job. Ina broke down doors and overcame obstacles to be the first and only black female firefighter in Bridgeport, CT in 1994; a department that had only 8 women when she joined.

During the Q & A session, Tiffany Williams, a millennial audience member and Ina’s daughter, pronounced in a question posed to the panelists that, “we are women first, then black women second.” The overall audience objected lovingly to this characterization. Ina,

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however, responded in a good-humored manner, “Let me be clear. That is my child. I will do everything to defend her.” Ina then expounded on her belief that God made different races and that being a woman is separate from that.

Representing the Generation X population, Alisa Bowen-Mercado delineated her life experiences and the unconventional twists she took. She started in her family’s general contracting business; an industry dominated by males. Early on, Alisa let it be known that she wanted to work in construction and did so for 13 years. However, on a trip to Puerto Rico, she “saw people performing a dance called Salsa.” Alisa took one lesson and soon thereafter opened her own school which is now celebrating its 20th year anniversary. Later, while at a beer festival, she noticed that there was an absence of black beer distributors. Upon research, she discovered that the brewing industry revenues were approximately $114.2 billion a year.

Needless to say, Alisa set out to start her own business, in yet, another male dominated industry. Rhythm Brewing Co. is now the 1st African American female operated brewery in CT and the 4th African American female operated brewery in the US. She opined that no matter how old you may be, “whatever you do, have passion for it.”

The panelists’ overall counsel to the attendees was to take the risk of confront-

ing your fears head on, because when we don’t face our own fears, we run the risk of self-sabotage.

This panel exchange evidenced not only that these women are multi-dimensional, Type A personalities, firsts and trailblazers in their respective fields, but represented who they are as individuals, as black women and as women. A part 2 of this event is certainly warranted.

Of note: Elder Janette Parker, former CT 95th District State Representative and widow of the CT State Treasurer, the late Hank Parker, was unable to attend due to illness but was warmly acknowledged.

Brief bios of all involved can be found online at Urban Grants 4 Us. Guests were received by Urban Grants 4 Us volunteers, Ty-Zhayia Brown and Briana Williams, and the forum was hosted

by Margaret Anne Tocharshewsky, Executive Director of the New Haven Museum.

A gracious thank you to all involved.

Contact: Iman Uqdah Hameen, ukdahi@aol.com, (203) 824-5601 Iman is a retired New York City Public School educator and holds MS and BFA degrees. She has worked in New York for decades as an activist and organizer in several organizations around issues affecting the black community, education and society.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

COVID-19 Contact Closes Nathan Hale

by PAUL BASS & THOMAS BREEN New Haven I ndependent

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

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

Those were among the latest COVID-19 developments Wednesday.

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

And Gateway Community College announced all classes will move online following Spring break, at least until April 5. All campus events scheduled for between March 14 and April 5 have been canceled.

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

“The New Haven Health Department is in contact with the family and have asked them to self-isolate. At this junc-

ture, the City believes there is a low risk to students and are not recommending that Nathan Hale students or families self-isolate. The City and New Haven Public Schools want to aggressively reduce the chance of COVID-19, and will make a determination on when they will reopen the school. The New Haven Public Schools will notify parents on this reopening,” the Elicker Administration reported in a release.

“Nathan Hale parents have been notified of the situation, and the City is with them every step of the way to ensure the safety of New Haven Public School students and their families.”

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

The city plans to wait 24-36 hours, until Friday to start cleaning the school. Until then, officials plan to keep the building locked “to reduce the virulence” of any traces of the coronavirus, said schools Chief Operating Officer Mike Pinto.

“We will go in and do a deep clean and disinfecting on Friday,” Pinto said. Officials will reassess at the end of the weekend whether to reopen the school on Monday.

In the meantime, officials will continue interviewing the adult who is suspected

of having contracting the virus, according to Health Director Bond (pictured).

She said the person traveled to New York and did not show any symptoms of being sick for “four to five days” afterward.

The person then “felt flu-like symptoms” and “contacted a health-care provider.”

Subsequent tests turned up negative for influenza.

“Given the circumstances, we want to ensure the person is self-quarantined for the next 14 days,” Bond said. “We will be monitoring the person daily.

“We are interviewing the person extensively to identify other sources where the individual might have spent time.”

Superintendent Tracey said her team is working with Nathan Hall staff to ensure “educational continuity” for students during the shutdown.

Bond and Elicker pleaded with people to wash hands thoroughly, avoid shaking other people’s hands, try not to get too physically close to people, and stay away from large public gatherings. They also urged anyone who feels sick to contact a healthcare provider by phone rather than showing up first at a hospital or doctor’s office and potentially infecting other people.

“We are all responsible for reducing the likelihood of the spread of the disease.

That means we all have to be cautious,” Mayor Elicker stated.

“We are all working together to address

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

this challenge. We can only successfully address it as a community.”

The school system alerted Nathan Hale parents and caregivers about the closing in a Wednesday afternoon robocall.

Other Closings, Measures Announced The Nathan Hale closing follows a similar decision Tuesday by Southern Connecticut State University to clear

students out of all buildings for four days to make way for an intensive, preventive cleaning due to a student’s contact at a conference with someone who turned out to have coronavirus.

Tracey announced the two systemwide planning half-days in a release issued earlier on Wednesday.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

Cultural Event Celebrates West Haven’s Black Heritage

By Michael P. Walsh, Public Relations Information Coordinator, City Of West Haven, CT

The city paid tribute to the proud legacy of African Americans and the immeasurable contributions — courage, imagination and unbeatable determination — they have made to shaping the American nation at the 24th annual Black Heritage Celebration at City Hall on Feb. 27.

During the cultural event in observance of Black History Month, the city’s Black Heritage Committee cited West Haven High School seniors Esther Boadiwaa Danso and Edward Kruah for leadership and honored Freddy Jackson and the late Teresa S. Blackwell as African American Citizens of the Year.

On behalf of their mother and grandmother, who died of cancer in 2005, Edwin Blackwell and his sons, Eli, 16, and Quincy, 15, accepted a citation from Mayor Nancy R. Rossi recognizing the former city welfare director’s “conviction, integrity and wisdom.”

Jackson, the commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9422, also received a citation from Rossi for his “courageous spirit and inspiring good works.” He was joined onstage by his wife, Miriam Silas Jackson.

Reading the citations, Rossi said: “I am grateful for your pioneering contributions in shaping the fabric of our African American community. Your story, an American story, speaks to the hopes and dreams we all have in common.”

A native of Bennettsville, South Carolina, Blackwell moved to West Haven in the mid-1950s. She later became involved in the city’s Democratic Party and worked on several campaigns, including Azelio M. “Sal” Guerra, who was elected the sixth mayor of Connecticut’s youngest city in December 1985.

Seven months into his inaugural twoyear term, Guerra appointed Blackwell as West Haven’s first African American female director of welfare. She led the Welfare Department from Aug. 4, 1986, to Jan. 5, 1990.

After her stint with the city, she served as U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro’s office manager.

Blackwell was a member of the Democratic Town Committee, the Board of Education and the Democratic Women of West Haven. She was also an avid bowler and golfer.

Jackson, 75, an Army veteran who served in Colorado and Korea in 1963-66 during the Vietnam War era, was the ceremonial grand marshal of the city’s 2018 Memorial Day parade.

Born and raised in Opp, Alabama, he came to West Haven with his wife in 1968.

Jackson is a longtime member of Hughson-Miller Post 71 of the American Legion and served as its commander in the early ’90s.

(Photo 046) — West Haven African American Citizen of the Year Freddy Jackson, third from left, is joined by his wife, Miriam Silas Jackson, second from left, as he receives a citation from Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and West Haven Black Heritage Committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins during the 24th annual Black Heritage Celebration at City Hall on Feb. 27. The cultural event, in honor of Black History Month, is presented by the Black Heritage Committee. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

(Photo 032) — West Haven High School seniors Esther Boadiwaa Danso and Edward Kruah receive a Black Heritage Committee award for leadership from Chairman Steven R. Mullins as Principal Dana Paredes, left, and Mayor Nancy R. Rossi look on. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

(Photo 043) — Edwin Blackwell, center, and his sons, Eli, 16, and Quincy, 15, accept a citation from Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and Black Heritage Committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins on behalf of their mother and grandmother, the late Teresa S. Blackwell, recognizing the former city welfare director as West Haven’s African American Citizen of the Year. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

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He has also volunteered for many years at the West Haven Veterans Affairs Hospital and is a former girls softball coach.

Jackson and his wife live on York Street and have two adult daughters, Tiffany and Joya, and eight grandchildren.

The hourlong program, held in the Harriet C. North Community Room, included an awards presentation by Rossi and committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins, the master of ceremonies, whose daughter, West Haven High junior Nora E. Mullins, sang a moving rendition of the black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” She was accompanied on the performance by the standing room-only assembly of dignitaries, family, friends and residents.

The ceremony also included a presentation of the colors by the West Haven Police Honor Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Eli and Quincy Blackwell.

Danso, who aims to study mechanical engineering at a university next fall, and Kruah, who also aspires to pursue higher education, received a Black Heritage Committee certificate of achievement from Mullins, who was joined by Rossi, Superintendent of Schools Neil C. Cavallaro and West Haven High Principal Dana Paredes.

Danso is enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, has earned high honors and was named West Haven High’s Student of the Month. Kruah, whose interests are video games, basketball and football, is also enrolled in college-level courses and has earned honors all four years while tackling a challenging workload.

The program featured remarks from Rossi, Cavallaro and 7th District Councilwoman Treneé McGee, the keynote speaker, as well as committee founder Beulah “Bea” Johnson and committee President Emerita Ernestine Jackson.

Rossi thanked the committee for “celebrating West Haven’s African American community.”

McGee focused her speech on the history of black soldiers, including the Tuskegee Airmen of the Army Air Forces’ 332nd Fighter Group and 477th Bombardment Group who fought in World War II, and how they played a significant role in the history of the U.S. military.

After saluting the veterans in the room, she concluded her remarks by empowering the crowd, made up of people from all walks of life, to embrace diversity and “be part of the cultural expansion in our country.

In honor of the monthlong black history celebration, organizers decorated the walls of City Hall with banners and posters depicting important black leaders and role models worldwide.

The committee has worked since 1996 to promote racial harmony across West Haven, transforming City Hall into an exhibition of African American art and literature throughout Black History Month to educate residents about black culture.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

Schools Open For Now; Trips Curtailed; Plans Readied For Meals, Remote Learning

by CHRISTOPHER PEAK New Haven I ndependent

The city’s public schools are taking initial steps to prepare for a shutdown if the coronavirus makes it to New Haven, readying take-home lessons and food supplies for students.

Superintendent Iline Tracey presented those early plans for dealing with COVID-19, as the fast-spreading virus is officially known, to the Board of Education at its Monday night meeting at King-Robinson School.

As one board member pointed out, the meeting might have to be one of their last in-person get-togethers for a while.

Absent a confirmed case in a New Haven family, Tracey said, she’ll be consulting with Renee Coleman-Mitchell, the state public health commissioner, and Maritza Bond, the city public health director about whether a preventive school closure might be necessary.

Tracey said that her staffers have been pulling together online lessons that students could work on at home. Principals are coming up with alternatives for students who wouldn’t be able to log in because they don’t have an Internet connection.

She added that, with Mayor Justin Elicker, she’s talking with United Way about ways to replace the free breakfast,

School board members vote to cancel most field trips.

lunch and supper that schools provide to families who cannot “survive without that food in case we’re shut down for two weeks, for a month.”

“Working with all of us, we’re thinking about contingency plans, should we have to go to that extreme in our district,” Tracey said. “We’re trying not to create trepidation in our school community. We have to do what’s responsible, planning for our students and their families. We

can’t do it all, but we are trying, as much as things are within our control, to be supportive.”

School board members vote to cancel most field trips.

During Monday’s meeting, the board also took steps to prevent coronavirus’s spread.

It unanimously voted to cancel all field trips where students would be leaving the state or attending events with more

than 100 people. It left discretion to the executive committee to review other student activities, including athletic competitions.

“I know some parents don’t feel uncomfortable [sending their kids on field trips], but they are cancelling conferences all over the country,” said Tamiko Jackson-McArthur, a pediatrician on the school board. “While children may feel sad, I understand that because I say ‘no’ to my children often. But I think we as a district need to postpone these trips, especially conferences.”

“I’m not prepared to take any risk,” she added, after hearing some parents might lose hundreds of dollars they put down as a deposit. “There’s no price on a child’s life.”

Tracey said that the district is also reviewing its protocols for accepting new students who are transferring in, making sure that they’ve received all their necessary immunizations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of Monday evening 423 Americans in 35 states have tested positive for coronavirus, 19 of whom have died — a rapid outbreak since the country’s first reported transmission of the disease less than two months ago.

The respiratory illness might cause

little more than a cough or sore throat, but it can escalate to high temperatures, strained breathing and achy muscles. In more severe cases, patients might experience pneumonia or worse.

So far, there have been two confirmed cases among Connecticut residents, leading governments to postpone events and colleges to cancel classes.

Toni Criscuolo, a history teacher at Engineering & Science University Magnet School, a middle and high school on the now-vacated University of New Haven campus, said the district could do more to prevent the spread of illnesses within the buildings.

She said she worries that too many parents send their kids to school sick. She asked the school district to take “some stricter steps” to enforce the rules.

“It’s a common problem, every day, all day. Within half an hour, they throw up, and they don’t come and get them,” she said. “Parents sending obviously ill children on a regular basis are threatening everyone.”

Criscuolo also asked for the district to think about paying its custodians a few hours of overtime to really scour the buildings, disinfecting any surfaces where germs might easily spread.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

For Artists, Coronavirus Hits Bottom Line

by BRIAN SLATTERY

New Haven I ndependent

Performances in the immediate future are disappearing left and right. The prospects of other performances weeks or even months away are uncertain. For musicians and other artists who count on these events for income, the coronavirus outbreak has already taken a toll.

Cancellations “I just lost 14 out of 31 gigs for March, so far [at] health care centers courtesy of COVID-19,” wrote area musician Shawn Taylor. “I lost another 2 days being sick myself (not CV). That’s a mortgage payment, two car payments, a student loan payment, and a week of groceries. April will likely follow suit and potentially May too. (So many unknowns.) As a contractor there is no unemployment. I guess I picked the wrong week to break my MacBook!

“Have music, will travel and looking for gigs,” he continued. “Also looking for temp day work, for the first time since becoming a full time musician 12 years ago. Available Monday through Friday (for a limited time only ... I hope). I

have a degree in creative writing, have been booking myself and doing PR for 12 years. I’m also a carpenter, I’m good with a brush, I’m a hard worker and a fast learner.”

Taylor was far from alone. Cancellations and disruptions from the coronavirus outbreak have had a near-instantaneous effect on performing musicians.

“Just lost the parade after party at Christopher Martin’s,” wrote Jeff Blaney; his group, the Blaney Brothers, was supposed to play traditional Irish music at the New Haven steakhouse after this weekend’s parade, which has been postponed. New Haven-based musician Isabella Mendes “had a gig cancelled this week, private party.”

“I was supposed to record ... at different universities this weekend,” wrote musician Logan Sidle. “Now they have all been closing, and two of my projects are now delayed.”

Fran Block often plays music in nursing homes in the area, but not right now. “All nursing homes are in lockdown until further notice,” she wrote. “No visitors. No music programs. No work.”

Performances that were supposed to happen a few weeks from now are also disappearing. “We lost a gig in the end of March and I am waiting for the next shoe to drop on a gig at the end of April,” wrote Norman Plankey, who plays in New Haven and across the Northeast regularly.

The cancellations extend to regional and national festivals that affect area musicians. South by Southwest, an enormous music festival and conference in Austin, Tex. isn’t happening this year. The New England Folk Festival, which was to happen at the end of April, has been cancelled. Balkan Music Night, which draws New Haven musicians to play at it nearly every year, “just cancelled,” wrote musician Melinda Fields. “They have run a festival continuously for 35 years — until COVID-19.”

The Northeast Dungeon Siege, a festival of synth music in Worcester, Mass. in which New Haven musician Adam Matlock is a participant, “used to have an Italian headliner, and that’s no longer the case,” Matlock wrote.

“Community Conversation” Artspace announces Lisa Dent as Executive Director

Set For Dixwell Plaza

A second community conversation is set for the future of Dixwell Plaza, the retail anchor of Dixwell’s main commercial artery.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Elks Lodge, 87 Webster St., on Tuesday, March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.

ConnCORP, the organization that has been buying up the plaza with plans to rebuild it, is hosting the event (which was eventually scheduled for a different time and location).

ConnCORP unveiled its general approach for the plaza at a well-attended first forum on Jan. 29.

The Board of Directors of Artspace is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Dent as its next Executive Director.

She will replace Helen Kauder, who announced her intention to pass the baton to new leadership in 2020. Dent will begin her role at Artspace on May 1.

“Artspace has driven the cultural community in New Haven through its exhibitions and programs, launching the careers of artists and curators for decades,” said Dent. “I have long admired Artspace’s vision and can’t wait to build on its legacy.”

“We are delighted that Lisa has agreed to join Artspace and look forward to her getting started,” said Board Chair Kim Moriarty. “I would like to thank our Search Committee for their commitment to identifying such a superb candidate.

While Lisa has big shoes to fill, we are confident that she is up for the challenge and capable of leading the organization to new heights.” Helen Kauder adds, “I have known and admired Lisa’s work for many years and had the pleasure of interacting with her during her time at Creative Capital in New York City. I could not be more thrilled that she is coming to New Haven to bring her passion and extensive network to our community of artists.”

Dent’s curatorial roles in national museums and galleries, along with a multidisciplinary nonprofit arts background, makes her uniquely qualified to lead Artspace. Dent is currently Artistic

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Director for Converge45, a nonprofit organization that provides a curatorial platform for the visual arts in Portland, Oregon. Prior to joining Converge45, Dent was Director of Resources & Award Programs at Creative Capital (20122017), leading the national nonprofit’s financial and advisory services programs and supporting artists towards the full realization of their projects. As Associate Curator of Contemporary Art at the Columbus Museum of Art in Ohio, Dent attracted resources for and organized exhibitions including Stephanie Syjuco: Pattern Migration, Currents: Latifa Echakhch and Supply & Demand. Earlier, she was a Helena Rubenstein Fellow

at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and held curatorial staff positions at the New Museum of Contemporary Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. She was director of the Friedrich Petzel Gallery in New York, and for several years owned and managed Lisa Dent Gallery in San Francisco (2004-2009), where she presented the work of emerging and mid-career international artists.

Dent received her B.F.A. in History of Art from Howard University, and received her M.F.A. from New York University. She serves on the Board of Directors of Triple Canopy, a New Yorkbased digital art and literature magazine.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

March Is Women’s History Month tomy.” Unable to have children of their own, the Hamers adopted two daughters.

That summer, Hamer attended a meeting led by civil rights activists James Forman of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and James Bevel of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Hamer was incensed by efforts to deny blacks the right to vote. She became a SNCC organizer and on August 31, 1962 led 17 volunteers to register to vote at the Indianola, Mississippi Courthouse. Denied the right to vote due to an unfair literacy test, the group was harassed on their way home, when police stopped their bus and fined them $100 for the trumped-up charge that the bus was too yellow. That night, Marlow fired Hamer for her attempt to vote; her husband was required to stay until the harvest. Marlow confiscated much of their property. The Hamers moved to Ruleville, Mississippi in Sunflower County with very little.

In June 1963, after successfully registering to vote, Hamer and several other black women were arrested for sitting in a “whites-only” bus station restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina. At the jailhouse, she and several of the women were brutally beaten, leaving Hamer

Fannie Lou Hamer 1917-1977 Edited by Debra Michals, PhD | 2017 womenshistory.org

Fannie Lou Townsend Hamer rose from humble beginnings in the Mississippi Delta to become one of the most important, passionate, and powerful voices of the civil and voting rights movements and a leader in the efforts for greater economic opportunities for African Americans.

Hamer was born on October 6, 1917 in Montgomery County, Mississippi, the 20th and last child of sharecroppers Lou Ella and James Townsend. She grew up in poverty, and at age six Hamer joined her family picking cotton. By age 12, she left school to work. In 1944, she married Perry Hamer and the couple toiled on the Mississippi plantation owned by B.D. Marlowe until 1962. Because Hamer was the only worker who could read and write, she also served as plantation timekeeper.

In 1961, Hamer received a hysterectomy by a white doctor without her consent while undergoing surgery to remove a uterine tumor. Such forced sterilization of black women, as a way to reduce the black population, was so widespread it was dubbed a “Mississippi appendec-

Con’t on page 17

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7

Burden THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

FILM REVIEW:

By Michael Hernandez, Entertainment Reporter & Texas Metro News Columnist

Burden is the true story about the life of Mike Burden, played by Garrett Hedlund. He is a Grand Dragon in the Ku Klux Klan and his life takes a turn for the worse when he decides to leave the KKK. He loses his job and his home after his evil, racist boss seeks revenge on him for leaving the Klan. Tom Griffin (Tom Wilkinson) does everything in his power to make Mike regret leaving the Ku Klux Klan. Wilkerson does an excellent job of playing someone who is pure evil.

Forest Whitaker’s character, Reverend Kennedy, gets involved when the Klan opens up a KKK museum right in the middle of town. Reverend Kennedy fights back not with hate or violence. His weapon is love and through protests by his church members, he hopes to show the Klan the error of their ways.

Burden takes place in 1996 in Laurens, South Carolina, a place where blacks were treated as second class citizens and racism was commonplace in the small town. The movie is a “no holds barred” true story about race that shows the ugliness of hatred toward our fellow man.

Meanwhile, Mike falls in love with a single mother and when the two become

homeless, against the wishes of his family, Reverend Kennedy takes them in.

To see the evolution of Garrett Hedlund’s character is like watching a drug addict go through recovery. He has his moments of kindness where he treats black people with respect and then he’ll sometimes slip back into being the old Mike, using the “N-word” when talking to blacks and showing them total disrespect. It’s the Reverend Kennedy who convinces him that all men are brothers.

Burden is a real story about love winning over hate and the subject matter is just as relevant now as it was then. It’s an important movie for the times we are living in now. It reminds us not to forget what happened in the past or we’ll be doomed to repeat it.

The movie is rated R for harsh language, including frequent use of “The N-Word,” and runs for 2 hours and 9 minutes. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate Burden a JUMBO.

Spring Luncheon featured speaker

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

Tuesday, April 7, 2020 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Stamford Marriott Visit ppsne.org/Luncheon

8

Con’f from page

COVID-19 Contact

“Possible temporary closures of school(s) is imminent as we have seen taking place globally. The district has been working with teachers and administrators to develop a series of plans in case local health agencies and the State of Connecticut deem it necessary to close schools. To provide staff with time to organize materials, NHPS will have an early dismissal day this Friday, March 13, 2020, and Monday, March 16, 2020.

Please contact your school for specific dismissal schedules.”

Teachers union President David Cicarella wrote to members on Tuesday recommending that they begin to prepare for the possibility of a two-week shutdown and “work through the process of how best to prepare .. electronic and print versions of meaningful materials for students.”

“We have also discussed with the superintendent the need to afford teachers the time to create this ‘meaningful student work,” Cicarella wrote. “We have suggested releasing teachers from staff meetings and/or an early dismissal day for students whereby teachers would be freed up to work in concert with other staff members, as appropriate, to compose this student work. The superintendent is actively considering both options.

“Some schools have already directed staff to prepare work and set an arbitrary deadline for teachers to submit ‘packets.’

We have spoken to the superintendent and the assistant superintendents and conveyed our reservations. They will address the respective buildings where this message has been delivered, as affixing a hard deadline to a policy that has not as yet been properly articulated nor vetted, is not advisable at this time.

“While certainly well-intended, those directives are being walked back until logistical and educational concerns are properly addressed. We recommend that you continue to think through what your student work might include and have professional conversations with colleagues to this end. Collaboration and sharing of ideas will undoubtedly yield far better educational results than working frantically to merely comply with an arbitrary deadline for a ‘packet’ of student work.

“Additionally, the availability of appropriate and sufficient quantities of cleaning materials is a universal district concern.”

As New Haven weighs whether to follow some systems elsewhere in the country in closing all schools, debate has ensued about the merits and shortcomings of that approach. One sophomore active in student government — Spencer Greene, president of the sophomore class cabinet at ESUMS — wrote to the Independent to express his opposition to “the closure of a single school in the New Haven Public Schools District” rather than all schools “The NHPS District is home to thousands of students. Many of these students are siblings or come into close contact with other students across the NHPS community. It is in the best interest of NHPS to close all schools if there is that much of a present threat of the coronavirus to close Nathan Hale,” Greene argued. “NHPS emphasizes community values, so protecting the community as a whole would be the proper decision to ensure student safety. Any introduction of the virus to the NHPS community will allow it to be spread throughout all of its schools.”

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

Boney James Saturday, May 9 8 pm It’s been 25 years since saxophonist and composer Boney James released his debut recording, Trust. James released his 16th album, Honestly, in 2017. If you sense a direct line between those two titles, you’ve already come a long way toward understanding what motivates this four-time Grammy nominee and multi-platinum-selling musician.

Reserved seating $40 General Public $35 Faculty/Staff, Active Alumni (limit 2) $30 SCSU students with valid ID (limit 2) - plus handling charge -

lymancenter.org 203-392-6154

SouthernCT.edu

Lyman_InnerCity_5.472x5.1.qxp_Layout 1 1/10/20 12:11 PM Page 5

Mindi Abair Saturday, June 6

•

8 pm

One of the most recognized and sought-after saxophonists, Mindi Abair has been electrifying audiences with her dynamic live performances since her debut album in 1999. In 2014, Abair received her first Grammy nomination, followed by a 2015 nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Wild Heart, featuring the late Gregg Allman, Joe Perry, Trombone Shorty, Booker T. Jones, Keb’ Mo’, and Max Weinberg.

CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER

Saturday, March 14th

Reserved seating $35 General Public $30 Faculty/Staff, Active Alumni (limit 2) $25 SCSU students with valid ID (limit 2) - plus handling charge -

Tickets on sale Friday at 10:00am only at

lymancenter.org 203-392-6154

SouthernCT.edu

TICKETMASTER.COM | MOHEGANSUN.COM

9

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

Report: Companies Owned by Women of Color Account for 89 Percent of All New Women-Owned Businesses

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

Crystal Etienne is a businesswoman, wife, and mother of two children.

She’s also the founder of Ruby Love, a $10 million personal care company that she built in just four years.

“My dream was to always work for myself,” Etienne, a New York native, stated in an email to NNPA Newswire.

“However, I did have thoughts about going to law school. Understanding the political side of things, certain laws, and the rights of those around me always excited me, especially if I felt someone was wronged,” she said.

“I ended up going a different route and landed a job in finance,” Etienne continued. “Math, equations, and anything that had to do with business was something I was always good at. It was my strong suit, which is ironic because I disliked accounting and finance as a student.”

But her dreams have come true, she said. “The end goal was to always work for myself,” Etienne stated. “I am not in a position to make my own decisions and take control of my course in life.”

Etienne’s success helps to underscore a growing trend highlighted in the most recent State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, which noted that women of color account for 89 percent (1,625) of the new businesses opened every day over the past year.

The annual report, based on U.S. Cen-

sus Bureau data adjusted by Gross Domestic Product data, found that women-owned businesses continue to trend above all others.

Over the past five years, the number of women-owned businesses increased by 21 percent, while all enterprises increased by only 9 percent.

Total employment by women-owned businesses rose 8 percent. At the same time, to all companies, the increase was far lower at 1.8 percent, and total revenue for women-owned businesses also rose slightly above all others: 21 percent compared to 20 percent, respectively.

The State of Women-Owned Businesses Report also found that as work has trended toward side hustles and the gig economy, so had female entrepreneurship.

Over the last five years, growth in the number of women “sidepreneurs” grew nearly twice as fast as the overall growth in female entrepreneurship: 39 percent to 21 percent.

Minority women are responsible for a large portion of that growth from 20142019, where “sidepreneurship” among minority women-owned businesses was two times higher than others: 65 percent compared to 32 percent.

When looking at specific minority groups over the last five years, growth in sidepreneurship is up 99 percent among African American women, compared to 70 percent for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, 63 percent for Asian

Americans, 46 percent for Latina/Hispanic women, and 36 percent among Native Americans/Alaska Native businesswomen.

The report concluded that women of color are starting businesses at 4.5 times the average rate, and, in nearly every category, women of color are leading the women-owned business charge.

The rise in businesses owned by women of color could correlate to the power they’ve displayed at the ballot box.

Since 2000, the number of eligible women of color voters has increased by 59 percent – a gain of more than 13 million potential voters, according to the Center for American Progress (CAP).

Black, Latina, Native American, Multiracial, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women voters are emerging as a collective powerhouse, CAP officials stated.

In CAP’s “Women of Color: A Powerhouse in the U.S. Electorate,” report, authors Danyelle Solomon and Connor Maxwell used new survey data to explore the voter eligibility, electoral participation, and distinct interracial and intraracial policy perspectives of women of color.

The report examined a host of issues from health care and economic inequality to public safety, racial and gender discrimination, and immigration.

“In the past decade, the voter-eligible population of women of color increased six times faster than that of white wom-

en, yet candidates, journalists, and policymakers rarely acknowledge their ability to affect elections,” stated Solomon, the vice president of Race and Ethnicity Policy at the CAP, and co-author of the report.

“Women of color are the canaries in the coal mine. When you center them in your policymaking agenda, outcomes for all Americans will improve. Continu-

ing to ignore the policy priorities of this powerhouse of voters will only further undermine the health of our democracy and further exacerbate racial and gender inequalities,” Solomon stated.

“This report affirms what we already know: Women of color are an important – and growing – a catalyst for change in our democracy,” said Aimee Allison, the founder and president of She the People.

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 once a month.

Date: Monday, March 16 Time: 5 - 7 pm Location: Children’s Hospital, 1 Park St., 1st Floor, Admitting Parking available (handicapped accessible)

Celebrating Diversity Daily

An appointment is necessary. Please call 203-688-2046.

Spanish-speaking counselors available.

J O I N T H E T E A M T H AT T R A N S F O R M S L I V E S

www.aces.org

10

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

jorgensen.uconn.edu

860.486.4226 | @JorgensenUConn

CONTEMPORARY BALLET

THURS, APR 2, 7:30 PM

Featuring Star Dust, a rock-opera style ballet tribute to the gender-bending innovation of David Bowie

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jorgensen.uconn.edu

Brian Culbertson XX Tour Friday, April 3 • 8 pm

860.486.4226 | @JorgensenUConn

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

Reserved seating $45 General Public $35 Faculty/Staff, Active Alumni (limit 2) $30 SCSU students with valid ID (limit 2) - plus handling charge -

Neil Berg’s 50 YEARS OF ROCK & ROLL

lymancenter.org 203-392-6154

Sat, Apr 4, 8pm | Cabaret

An electrifying journey from the birth of rock & roll in the ‘40s to the dawn of MTV in the early ‘80s SouthernCT.edu

Media Sponsor: Lite 100.5 WRCH 11

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

Jean Fairfax

LDF Celebrates Women History Month NAACP Legal Defense Fund www.naacpldf.org

Ms. Jean Fairfax, who for twenty years, was widely regarded as one of among the most influential and innovative visionaries on the LDF staff, passed away last week in Phoenix, Arizona. She was 98 years old.

Fairfax founded and served as the Director of LDF’s Division of Legal Information and Community Services from 1965 to 1984.

Jean Fairfax: A Pioneering Organizer Over the course of her 40-year career, Jean was a pioneering organizer, a professor, a religious scholar, a missionary, and an unparalleled strategist and policy advocate. She helped organize Black students and families in rural communities in the years following Brown v. Board of Education, and went on to shape and lead some of the most influential federal government policy innovations to support working class and poor families. She focused her strategic vision on empowering Black families to access quality education for their children, and assisting Black workers in the south in challenging systemic and longstanding employment discrimination. She was the author of groundbreaking reports on the needs of poor families – reports that powerfully influenced aspects of the mid1960s federal “War on Poverty” and that documented with raw accuracy the nature of white resistance to school integration.

Jean’s Guiding Principle “Jean Fairfax was and remains an absolute legend at LDF,” said LDF President and Director-Counsel Sherrilyn Ifill (full statement below). “Jean’s guiding principle was her deep and sincere devotion to and respect for poor and working-class families. She listened. She learned about the needs of parents and children and the barriers they faced, and then she fought for policies that would bring to those families the resources they needed to move their lives forward. She was a master strategist. Ms. Fairfax understood how racism worked to depress opportunities for Black families, and she was clear-eyed about the need to focus on the system of policies and practices – especially funding policies – that could be transformed to create a level playing field for those most in need… She came to LDF at precisely the moment that President Johnson was launching his “Great Society,” and her steady hand, towering intellect, and relentless advocacy shaped many of its most important programs focused on poor children.”

Fairfax was born in 1920 in Cleveland, Ohio to Dan and Inez Wood Fairfax. Her parents were both the first members of their families to be born legally free in America. Growing up, Fairfax attended public schools in Cleveland, and later graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Michigan. Fairfax then went on to receive

her degree in Comparative Religions at the Union Theology Seminary, in a joint degree program with Columbia University.

After college, Fairfax moved south in 1942 to serve as the Dean of Women, first at Kentucky State College and then at Tuskegee University. During that time, Fairfax remained constantly involved in religious work, actively participating in various religious organizations on both campuses and becoming a member of the Student Christian Movement in the South, specifically at the YWCA. It was in these two positions that Fairfax first found her passion for protecting civil rights and education rights.

Fairfax’s Concern for the Community “It was part of my religious upbringing.

I have a deep concern about what happens to the community, that is, I don’t separate myself from what happens to my people.

That’s the connectedness that I learned from my family,” said Fairfax in a 2005 article for the National Center for Family Philanthropy.

Fairfax remained in the South for two years and then traveled abroad to do missionary work in Austria following World War II. Upon returning to the United States in 1949, Fairfax moved to New England and continued her work in civil rights and social justice as a Director of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) to the colleges and universities in New England.

In 1957, Fairfax moved back to the South, continuing her work with AFSC as the Director of Southern Civil Rights. In 1964, Fairfax traveled to Mississippi to help advise Black families on how to navigate the recently decided Brown v. Board of Education decision. In Leake County, Mississippi, an incident took place which Fairfax refers to as the most memorable experience in her life. Two weeks before schools opened, the bodies of three slain civil rights workers were found near Fairfax’s worksite. The day before the schools opened, white men ran through the county, threatening to call in loans and fire from the sharecropping shanties any Black residents who enrolled their children in the all-white schools. The morning of the schools opening, Fairfax went to the edge of cotton fields with representatives of the Justice Department to assure any African-Americans who were still willing to enter into the newly integrated schools that they would be protected.

“I was aware that trouble, even violence, was anticipated,” said Fairfax reflecting on that first day of school in Leake County, Mississippi with the new desegregated school system. “I shall never forget the moment when 6-year-old Deborah Lewis impatiently cried out ‘What’s everybody waiting for? I’m ready to go.’”

Immediately after escorting Deborah, the sole Black student to integrate the Leake County school, into her new school, Fairfax joined LDF, creating the LDF Division of Legal Information and Community Service, which conducted programs to help

Black families transition into new schools.

Crusaders in the Courts “I asked her to join LDF for six months; she stayed for two decades,” wrote former director-counsel of LDF, Jack Greenberg on Jean Fairfax in his book Crusaders in the Courts. “She became the most influential single staff member in determining the direction we took on such issues as integration of Black colleges and which industries we should target in employment cases.”

Fairfax moved back to the South, and during those two decades at LDF, played a central role in protecting the decision of Brown, and helping Black families adjust to the changes that Brown brought about.

“I have very warm and beautiful memories about it. I work with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Civil Rights. So I spend a lot of time in the South” said Fairfax on her time in the South working for LDF in a 1983 interview with the Southern Oral History Program.

In 1967 Fairfax’s work at LDF received a $300,000 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. With her team, Fairfax helped Black workers submit complaints to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), submitting over 1,800 charges. During that time, Fairfax met with the leader of the EEOC and son of former president Franklin D. Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr. in order to convince him to strengthen EEOC guidelines.

Fairfax helped establish LDF’s Washington office in 1969 with Phyllis McClure.

Together, the women wrote a report on Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Schools Acts, an essential section of the War on Poverty. The administration used their report to help guide and revise Title I of the Act.

12

In 1971, Fairfax created a group within LDF in response to fears surrounding the lack of enforcement plans mandated by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in Mississippi. Chaired by Julius Chambers, Henry Marsh, and John Walker, the group aimed to address the issue of integrating higher education. Jean’s group advocated for modulated integration, working with coalitions of Black educators to decide the role that LDF would take in addressing these issues.

“Jean Fairfax was sui generis: she was one of a kind, purposeful, focused, formidable, and thoroughly committed to fundamental fairness and simple justice,” said Elaine Jones, LDF’s fourth President and Director-Counsel. “Equal access to education for African-American children was at the forefront of her advocacy. As a young lawyer at LDF in 1971, Jean urged me to work on the Adams vs. Richardson litigation to force the federal government to implement Brown in higher educational institutions. I instead chose the areas of criminal justice and the death penalty. Jean did not hold it against me, and she remained one of my she-roes from that time until her passing.

For decades her contributions helped to shape the docket of LDF and contributed to many victories in both the court of public opinion and in the judiciary.”

Fairfax’s Projects During Her Time at LDF Fairfax worked on a variety of other projects during and around her time at LDF. She played an essential role in helping to draft the Patient’s Bill of Rights by the American Hospital Association of 1973.

She also heavily participated in launching the World Council of Churches’ program in 1948. In addition, Fairfax began to set up

multiple organizations and engage in philanthropic pursuits.

“I think it’s very important for a person in their forties and early fifties to think about creating—actually, to do more than think about it, to create—charitable funds and begin to put the money away so it can grow. . .they may not be withdrawing the monies right away, but they still need to start early” said Fairfax.

After 20 years, Fairfax retired from LDF in 1984. However, she continued her work in civil rights, organizing youth programs in civil rights, social justice, peace, and community service in Europe, Mexico, and Israel. She also helped to pave the way for reform of the National School Lunch Program, organizing a group of cross-denomination church women to help advocate for a school lunch program for needy children.

“Jean Fairfax was one of the most extraordinary unsung heroes of the struggle for civil rights,” said Ted Shaw, LDF’s fifth President and Director-Counsel. “Her life story, spanning ninety-eight years, should be told and retold with those of the greatest heroes who served the cause of racial justice and who served our country. I loved Jean Fairfax, and I am blessed to have known her.”

Fairfax and her sister Betty moved to Arizona in 1986 to teach and participate in numerous philanthropic pursuits. In 1987, the sisters established the Dan and Inez Wood Fairfax Foundation, adopting an 8th grade class at Mary McLeod Bethune School in Phoenix, and promising each of the 92 graduates college scholarships of $1,000 a year upon completing high school and attending college.

Fairfax continued to pursue philanthropy and social justice work during the last years of her life. She founded the organization Woman & Philanthropy, served on the board of the Council of Foundations, served as a trustee of the Black Legacy Endowed Fund, served as a Director for the Association of Black Foundation Executives, and helped to endow many charitable funds along with her sister Betty.

Fairfax has received numerous awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from Radcliffe College, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Conference on Black Philanthropy, the YWCA Tribute to Women award, and the Kent State University President’s Social Responsibility Award.

Fairfax will be deeply missed, but her legacy and work will live on for many generations to come.

As Fairfax said in an interview with the Christian Science Monitor: “[s]omeone had to break the pattern, and very often the civil rights revolution was initiated by the most vulnerable Black persons. Many of them were women and many of them were children — tough, resilient, hopeful, beautiful children. The greatest experience of my life was standing with them as they took the risks.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

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13

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

COMMENTARY:

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

The Essence and Beauty of Black Women in America

By Roger Caldwell, NNPA Newswire Contributor

Black women are some of the most amazing females on the planet. There are many fraudulent images and concepts about Black women in American culture, where they are considered angry, hard to talk to and unintelligent. The image of Black women as a B, gives everyone in the country, the impression that the majority of our women will curse you out, and are always ready to fight.

These inaccurate descriptions of Black women give young Black girls a negative impressive of themselves, their culture, and race. When they are constantly being bombarded with foolishness on the radio with hip hop, and reality television, it makes Black women appear silly.

But for decades Black women have achieved phenomenal accomplishments and achieving the goal of sharing this information requires Black Media to lead the way, by exposing the truth to America and the world.

Shonda Rhimes, the most powerful show-maker in Hollywood says, “What we are is truth tellers, change agents, and troublemakers – in the best way. We’re agitating. And advocating. Standing on the shoulders of a long line of resourceful, and resilient Black women. And pre-

paring the next generation to take on the mantle, with their own kind of activism.”

Black women have always understood that there was racial discrimination, but they also were discriminated against because of their gender. Black women, and women in general, knew they had to fight and still nurture and take care of their children, and their man. Black women are magicians, and they were always working, and more women are graduating from college than ever before.

The essence of Black women is they are survivors, with purpose as their common denominator. They take care of business, and they get the job done. “There are also countless women beyond the headlines doing the work every day without any of the fanfare,” says Amber Scott of the Black Enterprise.

There are always Black women like Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama, whose contributions are too numerous to count, and are using their influence to promote other Black women. “There is DJ Beverly Bond, who’s gathered up the sprinkles of Black Girl Magic to show the world how much Black girls do indeed rock.” says Amber Scott.

Not only are Black women some of the smartest on the planet, they are also the prettiest. In December 2019, Black women held five of the biggest beauty

pageant titles in the United States and the world. “When Miss Jamaica, ToniAnn Singh, was crowned Miss World in London, she joined an impressive roster of Black women who hold some of the world’s most prestigious pageant titles,” says Tara Law of the NY Times.

The prestigious pageant titles were: 1.

Zozibini Tunzi as Miss World, 2. Cheslie Kryst as Miss USA, 3. Raliegh Garris as Miss Teen USA, 4. Zozibini Tunzi

as Miss Universe, and 5. Nia Franklin as Miss America (who is scheduled to crown her successor on Dec. 19). It is the first time that Black women have held all five of these titles at once.

Black women have a troubled history with race, when it comes to beauty pageants in America. The wins were very difficult for Blacks to get, because racism played a major part in every judge’s decision. But Black women never gave

up, and many of the contestants considered themselves freedom fighters.

In almost every field Black women achieved — and they never stopped fighting. Truth tellers, change agents, and troublemakers, Black women were advocating, agitating to break down the walls. Black women are the most beautiful women on the planet, they are queens, and we must edify them with our love.

National Museum of African American Music Announces Grand Opening Date of September 3, 2020 – Advance Tickets Now Available!

First multi-genre Black music museum scheduled to open early September in ‘Music City’ NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 3, 2020) – After more than 20 years in development, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is ready to open its doors to music lovers of all ages. The 56,000 square foot facility located in the heart of downtown Nashville will officially open to guests on Thursday, September 3, 2020 kicking off a Labor Day weekend packed with grand opening events that will help introduce NMAAM to Nashville and the world.

Advance tickets can now be purchased from the NMAAM website with general admission ticket prices ranging from $13 to $24.

“We’re extremely excited to announce our September grand opening date for all of the music fans who have been anxiously awaiting the debut of this museum,” said H. Beecher Hicks III, NMAAM President and CEO. “This museum is a unique place that tells a special story. Our hope is that no matter your age, race or preferred music genre, within this museum you can find something that stirs your soul, pleases your ears and moves your feet. We encourage everyone to start planning their 2020 trips to

Nashville and purchase your tickets to this first-of-its-kind institution dedicated to celebrating incredible people and moments in American history.”

NMAAM will open to guests on September 3 as the anchor tenant of the Fifth + Broadway development. Fifth + Broadway is one of the largest mixed use developments in the region that includes retail, residential and office space right at the center of downtown Nashville on historic Broadway.

Upon opening, guests who visit the museum will be immersed in generations of musical history created and inspired by the work of African Americans.

NMAAM features seven content galleries—six permanent and one rotating— that chronicle Black musical traditions from the 1600s up to the present day.

More than 50 genres and sub-genres of American music are explored from spirituals and gospel, to jazz, blues, hip-hop, R&B and more.

Advance tickets for general admission to the museum are now available online from the museum website, www.nmaam. org. All admission tickets are timed, with tours scheduled every 30 minutes. The first tour group will enter at 9:00 a.m. and the last tour block will be sold at 4:00 p.m. with the museum closing at

5:00 p.m. daily. Guests will be able to select their time slot based upon ticket availability.

General admission ticket prices are as follows: individual/adult ticket (18 years and above) is $24.95, youth ticket (7-17 years) is $13.50, senior ticket (65 years and above) is $18.75, student/educator/military ticket (must show I.D.) is $18.75 and children’s ticket (6 years and below) is free when accompanied by a paid adult. Guests who wish to spend more than one day in the museum may purchase a multi-day pass for up to three days for $37.50 at all levels. Guests can also explore becoming a museum member to receive unlimited entry for a year and access to exclusive content and museum discounts. Memberships start in the range of $25 to $50 per individual.

For additional information, please visit the Membership section of the website or call 615-488-3310. Please note that listed ticket prices do not include local taxes and fees and prices are subject to change.

Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more people. Anyone interested in tour group pricing should contact groupsales@nmaam.org to coordinate their group’s visit.

The full list of grand opening activities

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The National Museum of African American Music, set to open in Labor Day weekend 2020, will be the only museum dedicated solely to preserving African American music traditions and celebrating the central role African Americans have played in shaping American music.

for NMAAM and Fifth + Broadway will be released in the upcoming months. Be sure to follow @TheNMAAM across all social media to stay up-to-date on the latest details.

About the National Museum of African American Music The National Museum of African American Music, set to open in Labor Day weekend 2020, will be the only museum dedicated solely to preserving African

American music traditions and celebrating the central role African Americans have played in shaping American music.

Based in Nashville, Tenn., the museum will share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to honor Black musical heroes of the past and the present.

For more information, please visit www. blackmusicmuseum.org.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

MAR 13 13–APR APR 4

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15

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

Sen. Chuck Schumer and Stacy Abrams, ‘It’s Time to Fight Back!’

Voting Rights are Under Attack

By Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader, and Stacey Abrams, founder of Fair Fight, an initiative to ensure every American has a voice in our election system This year’s presidential election will propel many issues into the spotlight: the economy, health care, foreign policy, our education system and much more. One issue that gets far too little attention, often mentioned as just another item on a long list of priorities, is voting rights. We write to argue that voting rights in America should be at the top of that list in this election. It is from the right to vote that all our other rights as Americans derive.

And today, in 2020, that fundamental right to exercise the franchise is being challenged and, in many cases, eroded, in states across the country.

It’s time to fight back.

This Saturday marks the 55th anniversary of one of the most significant moments in the history of our democracy.

On the morning of March 7, 1965, nonviolent activists, including a young John Lewis, set out on a 54-mile march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital of Montgomery to bring national attention to the plight of African-American citizens who were being denied their constitutional right to vote by the racial terror of the Jim Crow South. At the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, marchers were met by state troopers and county possemen who hurled tear gas and attacked them with billy clubs and police dogs. Spectators cheered. The horrific events of this day, which came to be known as “Bloody Sunday,” shocked the conscience of the nation, and compelled President Lyndon Johnson and a bipartisan majority in Congress to enact the

Voting Rights Act (VRA) less than five months later.

The VRA provided the federal government with the tools to finally uphold the 15th Amendment’s guarantee that no citizen can be denied the right to vote because of the color of their skin. For half a century, the law stood as a powerful force to prevent the type of racial discrimination in voting that plagued our nation’s history for generations. In the decades after the VRA, both parties in Congress worked to defend voting rights. The law originally passed with leadership from both the Republican and Democratic parties and was reauthorized under Republican presidents on four separate occasions: President Nixon in 1970, President Ford in 1975, President Reagan in 1982, and President Bush in 2006.

Only in the past few years has that bi-

partisan consensus around voting rights collapsed. In 2013, in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority in Shelby County v. Holder gutted critical provisions in the VRA that until then had allowed the federal government to prevent states with a history of discrimination from implementing changes to their voting rules without pre-approval.

The response to Shelby was sharp and immediate. Republican-led state legislatures rushed to pass new laws and drew new legislative districts with the explicit purpose of disenfranchising minority voters. Texas legislators immediately re-imposed the strictest voter-ID requirement in the United States. North Carolina’s Republican-led legislature passed a wave of new laws designed to limit access to the ballot box, including a new photo-ID requirement, drastic cuts to early voting, and the end of same-

statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles.

The Crown Act has passed in three states including California and New Jersey. Thirteen additional states are considering similar legislation.

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

On Wednesday, Virginia’s governor, Ralph Northam, signed HB 1514, which also bans discrimination based on “protective hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists”.

Northam noted the bill is “pretty simple”, arguing that any child sent home from school because of a ban on “hairstyles associated with a particular race is discrimination”.

“This is not only unacceptable and wrong, it is not what we stand for in Virginia,” he said. “This bill will make our commonwealth more equitable and welcoming for all.”

Many say, the push to ban natural hair discrimination in the U.S. came after Andrew Johnson, a student at Buena Regional High School, was forced to cut his dreadlocks to compete in a wrestling match. The incident wasn’t the first act of hair discrimination in a school setting, but it did lead legislators to reevaluate

day registration. Federal courts deemed these laws intentionally discriminatory, finding that, in North Carolina, the GOP efforts “targeted African Americans with almost surgical precision.”

In Georgia, then-Secretary of State Brian Kemp oversaw the closure of 214 voting precincts across the state from 2012-2018. According to an analysis by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, these closures, most of which occurred after the Shelby decision, likely prevented an estimated 54,000 to 85,000 voters from casting ballots in the 2018 election. The AJC found that the impact was greater on black voters, who were 20% more likely than white voters to miss elections as a result of these closures.

Today, in state after state, Republicans are working to purge voter rolls, draw partisan district lines, and limit the impact of minority voters. Democrats have

to fight back in every possible way. We must challenge these insidious attacks on our democracy in the courts and in Congress and out in the country.

The Democratic House has already passed H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act, which restores federal oversight of voting changes in states with a demonstrated recent history of repeated voting rights violations. Senate Democrats are advocating for the implementation of nationwide voter registration and an end to voter roll purges, and continue to pressure the Republican Leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell, to bring the Voting Rights Advancement Act up for a vote in the Senate.

If Democrats retake the majority in the Senate this fall, voting rights legislation will be one of our first priorities. Outside of Congress, non-profit groups like Fair Fight (led by one of the authors of this piece), are signing up new voters, educating voters, and fighting voter suppression whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head.

This is a fight that must be waged on many fronts. It is a moral travesty that support for voting rights has become a partisan issue. The ability to participate in free and fair elections is a birthright given to all Americans, something that generations of Americans have marched and fought and died to exercise, expand, and ultimately guarantee. Efforts to protect that birthright should be embraced by both of America’s major political parties. Voting rights are not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. But until that day comes, candidates up-and-down the ticket, leaders at every level of government, and above all, the American people, must make voting rights a priority in this election.

Virginia’s hair discrimination ban takes effect 1 July.

laws on racial discrimination.

Federal regulations on Black hairstyles remain…

While a federal court ruled in 2016 that employers can legally fire employees or deny applicants for wearing dreadlocks and other hairstyles commonly associated with African Americans, a specific ban was lifted in all branches of the US military after a four-year legal battle.

“A person’s hair is a core part of their identity,” Delores McQuinn, a Virginia state delegate and the bill’s lead sponsor, told local TV station WHSV. “Nobody deserves to be discriminated against simply due to the hair type they were born with, or the way in which they choose to wear it.”

Virginia Becomes 1st Southern State To Outlaw Hair Discrimination

by Derrick Lane, BlackDoctor.org

Another state is moving in the right direction to eliminate discrimination against hair. Virginia has officially become the first southern US state to ban hair discrimination based on racial identifiers including hair texture and hair type.

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

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

16

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020 Con’t from page 07

March Is Women’s

with lifelong injuries from a blood clot in her eye, kidney damage, and leg damage.

In 1964, Hamer’s national reputation soared as she co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), which challenged the local Democratic Party’s efforts to block black participation. Hamer and other MFDP members went to the Democratic National Convention that year, arguing to be recognized as the official delegation. When Hamer spoke before the Credentials Committee, calling for mandatory integrated state delegations, President Lyndon Johnson held a televised press conference so she would not get any television air time. But her speech, with its poignant descriptions of racial prejudice in the South, was televised later. By 1968, Hamer’s vision for racial parity in delegations had become a reality and Hamer was a member of Mississippi’s first integrated delegation.

In 1964 Hamer helped organize Freedom Summer, which brought hundreds of college students, black and white, to help with African American voter registration in the segregated South. In 1964, she announced her candidacy for the Mississippi House of Representatives but was barred from the ballot. A year later, Hamer, Victoria Gray, and Annie Devine became the first black women to stand in the US Congress when they unsuccessfully protested the Mississippi House election of 1964. She also traveled extensively, giving powerful speeches on behalf of civil rights. In 1971, Hamer helped to found the National Women’s Political Caucus.

Frustrated by the political process, Hamer turned to economics as a strategy for greater racial equality. In 1968, she began a “pig bank,” to provide free pigs for black farmers to breed, raise, and slaughter. A year later she launched the Freedom Farm Cooperative (FFC), buying up land that blacks could own and farm collectively. With the assistance of donors (including famed singer Harry Belafonte), she purchased 640 acres and launched a coop store, boutique, and sewing enterprise. She single-handedly ensured that 200 units of low-income housing were built—many still exist in Ruleville today. The FFC lasted until the mid-1970s, at its heyday it was among the largest employers in Sunflower County. Extensive travel and fundraising took Hamer away from the day-to-day operations, as did her failing health, and the FFC hobbled along until folding. Not long after, in 1977, Hamer died of breast cancer and died at age 59.

MLA – Michals, Debra. “Fannie Lou Hamer.” National Women’s History Museum, 2017. Date accessed.

Chicago – Michals, Debra “Fannie Lou Hamer.” National Women’s History Museum. 2017. www.womenshistory.org/ education-resources/biographies/fannielou-hamer.

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17

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

150 Years After Ratification of the 15th Amendment, Black Votes Are Still Contested

By Mel Reeves, Community Editor, Minnesota Spokesman-Review

As conservatives in some states continue to assault the fundamental right of citizens to vote by purging voter rolls, requiring certain ID’s and adding onerous burdens to dissuade folks from voting it’s important to note that this is nothing new. In fact, this week marks the 150th Anniversary of the Republican Party’s effort to put a halt of the former Confederate states’ and some former Union states’ efforts to prevent the newly freed slaves from exercising the franchise.

Voting, or the ability to have a say or at least the appearance of a voice, is seen as a fundamental, basic, guaranteed right in American democracy. Taxation without representation is what led to this country’s violent break with its then-colonial master England.

The right to vote is seen in the U.S. as one of the most fundamental tenets of the nation’s democracy. However, historically many people who qualified as citizens of the republic were denied the right to vote from the beginning, including women and poor White men. In the early days of the Republic, the franchise was given only to White males who owned property.

Immediately after the Civil War, as a result of Union soldiers being stationed in Southern states, newly freed slaves were allowed to vote. Before the passing of the 15th Amendment, Congress had passed the Territorial Suffrage Act as means of allowing Blacks to vote in the newly opened U.S. territories.

“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.” So reads the 15th Amendment, ratified on February 3, 1870, the third of what came to be known as the Reconstruction amendments.

The Reconstruction amendments included the 13th, which outlawed slavery, and the 14th, which granted citizenship to the freed slaves as well as guaranteeing equal protection under the law.

The 15th Amendment was passed by the United States Congress in 1869 in a move designed to assure the right to vote to its newly freed ex- slaves.

The Radical Republicans did not wholeheartedly support the bill because it did not include wording that would prohibit poll taxes and literacy tests that were already being employed to prevent Blacks from voting. The monied class among the Whites recognized immediately the danger of Blacks being able to vote. Not only would White Supremacy be challenged, but they understood the ex-slaves had a more egalitarian, labor rights-friendly and social justice-oriented political agenda.

The National Colored Convention in Session at Washington, DC.” Harper’s Weekly (February 6, 1869). Courtesy of the Library Company of Philadelphia,

Electioneering in the South, circa 1868. Art and Picture Collection, The New York Public Library,

Voter Registration, Macon, Ga., Art and Picture Collection, The New York Public Library

Technically, as citizens of the U.S., the freedmen had the franchise, but this amendment sought to cement that idea and prevent interference with Black voting. The newly freed slaves quickly took advantage of their ability to vote and voted their interests, which ironically helped lift the plight of their poor

White brethren. As a result of being able to vote, Black voters sent several of their own to Congress. One of the most notable was Hiram Revels of Mississippi.

Revels was the first African American senator. He was one of the 16 Black men from seven Southern states who served in Congress during the Reconstruction

18

era (1865-1877). They served as public officials under the constant threat of racial violence. In fact, Revels was eventually literally chased out of office and had to run to avoid being lynched.

The 15th Amendment did not give women the right to vote, nor did it give Native Americans the franchise. It continued to exclude ethnic Chinese, but it did open the door for poor White males.

The Amendment was ratified by 29 states. (Tennessee did not ratify the amendment until 1997.)

The failure to enfranchise women caused a rift in the Women’s Suffrage Movement in which many supporters of suffrage were also abolitionists. Leading women voting rights advocates Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cade Slaton broke with the leading suffrage group as a result of Black voting rights being protected, but women were still left without the franchise.

While allowing the ex-slave the vote was a significant step in including the freedmen and women in U.S. society, the move was not altruistic. The ending of slavery meant the ending of the three-fifth clause in the Constitution. As a result, the newly freed slaves would be counted as individuals and would increase the representation of Southern states, which were more populous than Northern states as a result of the exslaves.

The Southerners sought to use this representation to their advantage by attempting to prevent African Americans, who overwhelmingly supported the Republican Party, from voting. White supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan, Red Brigade and White Citizens Councils also formed following the Civil War. These terrorist groups engaged in violence and other racist tactics to intimidate African Americans, people of color, Black voters and legislators.

In a history seldom told, in North Carolina, Louisiana and Mississippi hundreds of Blacks were murdered in local coup

de tat’s in which White Supremacists overthrew democratically elected city governments by force. These terrorist acts to limit voting were accompanied by the Black Codes.

The Black Codes were enacted by Southern states as a means to technically re-enslave Blacks and make them a permanent caste and underclass in the U.S. The codes sought to prevent Blacks from purchasing and owning guns and land. They restricted Blacks’ movement through racist vagrancy laws in which a Black person had to have a White person vouch for them.

The Black Codes forced the former slaves to enter into exploitative, yearlong labor contracts that hindered their ability to sell their labor to the highest bidder. Under the codes, no Black person could testify in court or sue a White person.

Historically, the 1965 Voting Rights Act sought to do what the 15th Amendment was designed to accomplish, which was to assure that Black people, especially in the Southern states, could cast their ballots. Sections 4 and 5 of the Voting Rights Act required states and local governments with histories of racial discrimination in voting to submit all changes to their voting laws or practices to the federal government. Once approved, they could take effect, a process called “preclearance.”

However, the Supreme Court has loosened the rules, opening the door to chicanery on the part of those who seek to limit the civil rights of Blacks and people of color. It includes proposed voter ID laws; closing polling stations, putting them out of the reach of the transit-challenged; and eliminating people from the voter rolls who have skipped an election or two.

While the right to vote by U.S. citizens has never been in question, who can vote is still being hotly contested in the U.S. as various states continually seek to find ways to prevent people from voting, especially Black and Brown people.

Black people’s political power is diminished by the fact that incarceration serves as a disqualification from the voting rolls, especially since a higher percentage are locked up by the bias inherent in the U.S. justice system.

Moreover, though the first section of the 15th Amendment declared that the right to vote cannot be “denied or abridged” because of “a previous condition of servitude,” ex-prisoners are consistently denied the right to vote, a clear violation of the spirit of the amendment.

Apparently, judging from the history of Blacks and the vote, it is a right as long as they are willing to fight for it.

W.E.B. DuBois observed, “The slave went free; stood for a brief moment in the sun; then moved back again toward slavery.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

Planting Bed Maintenance Program at Bonnie Acres INVITATION TO BID NOTICE Vance Drive, Bristol, Connecticut VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- bids APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE The Bristol Housing Authority will receive sealed on or before 2:00 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at their offices at 164 Jerome Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010, INC,will on be behalf of Columbus House the immediately New Haven Housing Authority, andHOME said bids publicly opened and readand aloud thereafter. is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development at for 108furnishing Frank Street, New Haven.

Maximum income limitations apBids will belocated received all labor, materials, tools and equipment necessary ply. Pre-applications available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Ju;y to complete the Plantingwill BedbeMaintenance Program at Bonnie Acres onMonday Vance Drive, 25, 2016 and ending whenofsufficient pre-applications 100) have Bristol, CT 06010.

The scope work shall include, but is(approximately not limited to, weekly and been received at the offices for of HOME INC. Applications bethrough mailiedDecember upon remonthly maintenance practices one year beginning April will 2020 quest byopportunity calling HOME 203-562-4663 those Sealed hours. Completed pre-to 2020 with up INC to 4atadditional yearlyduring renewals. bid packages must be returned HOME INC’s offices atProgram.

171 Orange Street, Mitzy Third be applications clearly marked “Bonnie AcrestoPlanting Maintenance Attention: Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

Rowe, CEO.” A pre-bid walk through will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Please meet at the Bonnie Acres Community Room, 59 Vance Drive, Bristol, CT 06010. Attendance is strongly recommended for all bidders.

NOTICIA

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Contact Documents including Plans and Specifications will be on file at the Bristol HOMEAuthority INC, en nombre de la Columbus y deCT la New Haven HousingMarch Authority, está Housing 164 Jerome Avenue,House Bristol, starting Monday 2, 2020. aceptando pre-solicitudes estudios y apartamentos un dormitorio en esteatdesarrollo Contract Documents can para be reviewed, purchased ordesent electronically no cost. ubicado en la callecan 109also Frank New Haven.

Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos Project information be Street, obtained online at Projectdog.com. máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 2016Housing hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes 100)to Thejulio, Bristol Authority reserves the rightpre-solicitudes to reject any(aproximadamente or all bids and/or en las de HOME INC. Laswhen pre-solicitudes serán enviadastopor a petición waive anyoficinas informalities in bidding, such action is deemed be correo in the best intera HOME INC al Authority.

203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes remitirse estllamando of the Bristol Housing All bid documents must be filleddeberán out completely a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 . when submitted.

No bids shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the opening of bids without the consent of the Bristol Housing Authority.

HELP WANTED: Large CT guardrail company

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

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

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

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

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

10 hour OSHA certificate required.

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

242-258 Fairmont Ave SECTION 3 DESIGNATED ENTERPRISES ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT” 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

Project Manager/Project Supervisor

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center

Construction

Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer individuals a Deacon’s Seeking to employ experienced in the labor, foreman, Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs.

The cost Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30operator and teamster trades for ais $125. heavy outside work statewide.

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

64 Brewster Reliable personal transportation a valid license St. New Haven,please CT To apply call (860) 621-1720 or send resume to: Personnel

Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V

Drug Free Workforce 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.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Invitation for Bids

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

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Bids for carting, rubbish, & recycling removal services. A Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Ofcomplete copy of the requirements may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor fice, 28 SmithPortal Street, https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateSeymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

Collaboration way beginning on

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to Monday, February 3, 2020 at 3:00PM reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the Housing Authority.

Responsibilities:

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

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

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

Qualifications:

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

• Engineer in training certificate preferred.

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

10 hour OSHA certificate and clean CDL license required.

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

“AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER MBE’s, WBE's, SBE’s AND

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

CDL Driver

For further information, please contact Carl Johnson, Bristol Housing Authority, Director of Capital Funds at (860) 585-2028 or cjohnson@bristolhousing.org.

NEW HAVEN

Civil Engineer

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

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

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

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

DTC is a Drug Free Work Place.

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

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

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

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders Top pay for top performers.

Please call PJF Construction Corp. @ 860-888-9998.

We are an equal opportunity employer M/F

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay.

AFFIRMATIVE New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Cast- ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Casework, The Housing Authority of the City ofResidential Bridgeport Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

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

Request for Proposal (RFP) Painting Services Agency Wide Bid Extended, Due Date: 138-AM-20-S August 5, 2016 Attention Drivers Solicitation Number: We have concrete mixer and Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 triaxle dump driver openings.

The Housing Authority of documents the City ofavailable Bridgeport d/b/a Project via ftp link Park below:City Communities Minimum 2 years experience.

(PCC)http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage is currently seeking proposal from qualified contractors for Painting Ser-

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

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

19

Must have a valid CDL Clean driving record.

Excellent pay and benefits.

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

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

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

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

REQUEST FOR BIDS

NOTICE Air Rights Garage Repairs New Haven, Connecticut New Haven Authority Project #20-002 VALENTINA MACRIParking RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Bids due April 7, 2020 P.M. House and the New Haven Housing Authority, HOME INC, on behalfatof3:00 Columbus is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develBidopment Documents will beginning 2020 atincome no costlimitations by downloadlocated at be 108available Frank Street, New March Haven.12, Maximum apingply. from the BuildingConnnected FTP site.

Maryann Bigda ofMonday Turner ConPre-applications will be available fromContact 9AM TO 5PM beginning Ju;y struction Company at 203-712-6070 for FTP access.

25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon reThequest workbymainly concrete repairs, waterproofing, plumbing/drainage calling includes HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those and hours.

Completed presystem repairs. must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third applications Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

Bidders must submit with their Bid on forms provided a list of their Intended Subcontractors, including the use of Minority Business Enterprises and Women Owned Business Enterprises as subcontractors for a goal of at least 25% of the total value of the Bidder’s subcontracts.

NOTICIA

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

New Haven Parking Authority is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos WATER TREATMENT 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 PUMPING disponibles 09OPERATOR a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando 25 LEVEL I WATER TREATMENT - The TownMartes of Walljulio, 2016 hastaDivision cuando seishan recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente ingford’s Water seeking qualified candidates to maintain and operate100) the en lasportable oficinas de HOME INC. pre-solicitudes enviadas por correo a petición Town’s (drinking) waterLas treatment plants,serán pumping stations, storage tanks, HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante remitirse andllamando grounda well facilities.

Must process a esas Highhoras.Pre-solicitudes School Diplomadeberán or G.E.D with HOME INC en experience 171 Orange Street, tercerthe piso,operation New Haven CT 06510 . onea las (1)oficinas year ofdedemonstrated involving or ,maintenance of equipment of the type predominant in water supply and treatment; or a technical high school diploma with a demonstrated career and technical education related to electronics technology, electrical, H.V.A.C or water supply and treatment activates and operations. A State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Class 1 or higher Water Treatment Plant Operator certification (WTP1) and a certification of achievement in water management from a State of Connecticut community college, college, or university, or ability to obtain both within (12) months from date of hire. Wages: $25.96 - $31.55 hourly, plus242-258 an excellentFairmont fringe benefitAve package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA 06492. Fax # 203-294-2084. The closing date will be the date the 50th application/ All new apartments, new appliances, carpet, resume is received, or April 6, 2020 whichevernew occurs first. close EOE to I-91 & I-95

NEW HAVEN

highways, near bus stop & shopping center

Exp. F/T Lay 40lb Outallowed. person for structural Misc. Shop.

Pet under Interested parties contactSteel Maria and @ 860-985-8258 Send resume: hherbert@gwfabrication.com

Town of Bloomfield

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

St. New Haven, CT Vehicle Mechanic Technician/Fleet Services (Non-CDL)

$29.59/hourly (non-CDL) $30.49/hourly SEYMOUR HOUSING(CDL) AUTHORITY

Pre-employment drug Authority testing. of AA/EOE. Sealed bids are invited by the Housing the Town of Seymour Details to www.bloomfieldct.gov until 3:00For pm on Tuesday,go 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.

Secretary I: The Town of East Haven

is currently conducting an examination for the position of Secretary I, Grade Level 9.

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Qualified candidates must possess a High School Diploma or GED and two (2) years Seymour, CT at 10:00 on Wednesday, 2016. combination of Street experience with secretarial andam, office operations orJuly any 20, equivalent of experience and training. The current opening is in the Board of Education. The hourly rate for this position is $18.28 per hour, hours per week. The application Bidding documents are available from the 15 Seymour Housing Authority Ofis available at http://www.townofeasthavenct.org/civiltest.shtml fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.or The Civil Service Office, 250 Main Street, East Haven CT and the deadline to apply is March 9, 2020.

The Town of East Haven is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Females, The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to Veterans and Handicapped are encouraged to apply.

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

FENCE ERECTING CONTRACTORS

Welder/Helper:

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

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

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

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

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

Large CT. Fence Company

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

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

FENCE ERECTING SUBCONTRACTORS

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

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

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

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

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

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances,Payroll Residential Casework, Payroll Clerk- Performs responsible office work in the processing of all general government payrolls and maintain all payroll Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. records. The position requires a H.S. diploma or G.E.D, plus 5 years of experience in responsible office work involving typing, This contract is subject data to state set-aside and contract compliance accounting, bookkeeping, entry and payroll processing. $25.72 requirements. to $30.87 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

Apply: Human Resources Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. The closing date will be the date that the 50thBid application is received, or March 11, 2020, whichever occurs first. EOE Extended,form/resume Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

ELM CITY COMMUNITIE Payroll Invitation for Bids Keys & Locks Services

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

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Bids for keys & locks services. A complete copy of the requirements may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 3:00PM.

20

CITY OF MILFORD Seeking qualified condidates to fill numerous vacancies to include, Director of Operations Milford Landing Marina, Recreation Director, and more.

For information and detailed application instructions, visit WWW.ci.milford.ct.us Click on SERVICES, JOBS and JOB TITLE.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

DELIVERY PERSON

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

NOTICE

NEEDED

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

Part Time Delivery Needed

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

NOTICIA

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

One/Two Day a Week,

Must Have your Own Vehicle

The Manchester Housing Authority will open the State of Connecticut Con-

gregate Housing waiting list for Westhill Gardens Congregate. The property consists of 37 1-BRunits designated for frail seniors age 62 or older. Up to 150 applicants chosen by lottery will be entered onto the waiting list. Applications available in person and on the MHA website at http://manchesterha.org and will be accepted by mail or in person at 24 Bluefield Drive Manchester, CT 06040. Applications will be accepted March 2, 2020 8AM – March 31, 2020 at 4PM. FY 2019 Income Limits 1 person

2 persons

3 persons

4 person

52,850

60,400

67,950

75,500

The Manchester Housing Authority does not discriminate based upon race, color, disability, familial status, sex or national origin.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

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

If Interested call

aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipjulio,Must 2016have hastaacuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes ment.

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

Union Company seeks:

(203) 387-0354

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

KMK1907 Insulation Inc. Hartford Turnpike

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

HELP WANTED:

NEW HAVEN

North Haven, CT 06473

Request for Proposals Energy Consultant The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Proposals for energy consultant services. A complete copy of the requirements may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https:// newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 3:00PM.

The Housing Authority of the City of Norwalk, CT

is requesting proposals for Learning Center Services.

Request for Proposal documents can be viewed and printed at www.norwalkha. org under the Business section RFP’s/RFQ’s Norwalk Housing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director.

Mechanical Insulator position. Constuction Laborer

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

A license2BR and able to get a medical card.

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

Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project Please contact: Eric Bombaci Bombaci Construction CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Bombaciconst@aol.com New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition,8605754519 Site-work, Cast-

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

CITY OF MILFORD

Certificate Program.

This is a 10 month program designed the intellectual formation of Candidatesto include, Director of OperaSeeking qualified condidates toto assist fill innumerous vacancies in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. Experienced DOT certified tions Milford Landing Marina, Recreation Director, and more.

For information Flooring, Painting, Division and 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Welder for Misc/Structural Steel (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

Email hherbert@gwfabrication.com detailed application instructions, visit WWW.ci.milford.ct.us St. New Haven, CT This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Click on SERVICES, JOBS and JOB TITLE.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Community Engagement Project Manager Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour Project documents Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI) is seeking an experienced Project Manager for our Community Engagement Serviceavailable via ftp link below: Invitation for Bids until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Team. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to lead project teams, supervise andhttp://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage develop staff, provide excellent On-Call Printing Services Seymour, 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairsmanage and Replacement at the concurrently, and conduct business develclient serviceCT with innovative and strategic solutions, multiple projects Smithfield Gardens Assisted Livingdeveloping Facility, 26and Smith Street Seymour. opment.

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

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is cur-

facilitate communication with stakeholders and the general public on transportation and HCC community projects, encouragesplanning the participation of all Veteran,rently S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses seeking Bids for on-call printing services. A complete copy of the requirements Construction Company, Seymour, CT 06483 utilizing a wide variety of tools and techniques including public meetings, printed materials, socialHaynes media, website, press 32 Progress A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith may beAve, obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousreleases, and PowerPoint presentations.

Additionally,July the candidate AA/EEO EMPLOYER Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, 20, 2016. must possess excellent oral and written communication ing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, February 24, 2020 at skills. Experience with major transportation infrastructure projects is preferred.

3:00PM.

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Of-

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

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

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

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

21

CITY OF MILFORDSeeking qualified condidates to fill numerous vacancies to include,Public Works Office & Administator Operations Manager, Information Technology Manager, and more. For information and detailed application instructions, visit WWW.ci.milford.ct.us Click on SERVICES, JOBS and JOB TITLE.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

Study: African Americans Poorer Today Than Five Years Ago

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

African Americans were more likely to be unemployed than Americans overall in 2018 than they were in 2013, according to a new study that details the economic and financial progress African Americans have made over five years.

Researchers at Lending Tree, the popular website that connects borrowers with lenders, found that while unemployment decreased for African Americans by 36 percent – from 16.6 percent in 2013 to 10.6 percent in 2018 — it was still five percentage points higher than the unemployment rate for Americans as a whole.

The unemployment rate for Americans overall in 2013 was 9.7 percent, which fell to 5.9 percent in 2018.

“I don’t want to get political here, but I would hope that this report would color how people view the approaches that the parties and candidates take toward legislative and social issues, and how those things are framed,” Lending Tree Lead Researcher Kali McFadden told NNPA Newswire.

“It certainly demonstrates that, even though people talk about how much better economically things are, African Americans are more in the hole than they were five years ago.”

Among other key findings, the median household income for African Americans grew by 13.4 percent, roughly the same rate of 13.7 percent for Americans as a whole. But, it remains 33 percent below the national average.

The study revealed that the median household income for Blacks in 2018 was $40,155 — more than $20,000 less than the $60,293 median household income for Americans as a whole.

The median individual earnings for Af-

The increase for Americans as a whole was just 9.4 percent – from 28.8 percent in 2013 to 31.5 percent in 2018, Lending Tree researchers found.

Black residents of Riverside, Calif., Pine Bluff, Ark. and San Antonio have closed the gap with the whole of their communities when it comes to earning higher education degrees.

Residents of Charlottesville, Va. have seen that gap widen the most: 66 percent.

rican American workers — which were already 16 percent lower than the median personal earnings for American workers as a whole — grew by 7.1 percent, compared with 9.5 percent for workers as a whole.

That means that the earnings gap between African Americans and Americans as a whole increased by 11.2 percent between 2013 and 2018.

And, although household income increased, the income gap between Black Americans and Americans as a whole remained steady at 33 percent. In comparison, the wage gap between Blacks and Americans as a whole increased 11 percent from 2013 to 2018.

While homeownership rates fell for Americans overall between 2013 and 2018, Blacks saw a more significant drop of 4.7 percent, compared with 1.7 percent for Americans as a whole.

Study authors concluded that there are four metro areas in which Black home-

owners have closed the gap within 20 percent – all of them are in the South, specifically in the Carolinas.

Minnesota, Minn., has the most substantial gap, at 64 percent.

What McFadden said she found most striking is the advances made in education by African Americans, which didn’t translate into more economic prosperity in the Black community.

“In almost every metric we examined, African Americans realized slower growth than the country as a whole, but they did outpace their peers when it comes to higher education,” McFadden noted.

The study revealed that African Americans are closing the higher education gap as the percentage of Black people with a bachelor’s degree rose from 18.6 percent in 2013 to 21.1 percent in 2018 – an increase of 13.5 percent.

“The education findings to me really were the most striking, the most disheartening and frightening,” McFadden lamented.

“You know, we’d really hope that education would create a more even playing field and the fact that African Americans are exceeding the growth rate in higher education degrees shows a lot of things.

It shows achievement, and it shows that families are directing their children, and it shows a lot of groundswell for entering the professional working world.”

She continued: “The fact that other economic indicators aren’t keeping pace with that is really startling. And, I don’t have a good reason for why that is. We know about workplace bias, and we know about resume bias.”

McFadden opined that student loans are more of a hindrance to African Americans than others. “If you’re less likely to come from a family that has the kind of wealth that can help support your schooling, it’s obviously going to be a problem in terms of accumulating debt,” she stated.

For those attending historically black

colleges and universities (HBCUs), McFadden believes the lack of funding at those schools contributes to high student debt.

“HBCUs just don’t have the endowments that the most prestigious schools have. We have reports that show where parents are borrowing to send their kids to school, and those debts are harder to pay,” McFadden added.

The comprehensive study did reveal places where African Americans are faring well.

Researchers found that the Cape CoralFt. Myers, Fla., metro area is leading the country in economic advancement for African Americans. The population has grown by 17 percent, median household income is up by 26 percent, and individual earnings are up by 22 percent.

Homeownership is up by 50 percent in Cape Coral-Ft. Myers, and unemployment is down by 66 percent.

Also, 25 percent more Black residents in the Cape Coral-Ft. Myers area is attaining higher education degrees than they were in 2013.

Grand Rapids, Mich., and MinneapolisSt. Paul, Minn., came in second and third place, respectively. The five locations with the least overall gains for African Americans are all in the South – Houma-Thibodaux, La., Shreveport-Bossier City, La., Hammond, La., Goldsboro, N.C., and Hilton Head Island-Beaufort, S.C. When asked what’s the biggest takeaway from the study, McFadden called most of the details “depressing for African Americans.”

Full report go to: www.lendingtree.com/ personal/black-americans-see-less-economic-prosperity-study/

CDC Says These Cleaners Kill Coronavirus Derrick Lane, blackdoctor.org While there are a number of labs and scientists out there looking to find a “cure” for the coronavirus that has literally spread to over 100,000 people as of this week, there are some items in your home that can fight off the virus. You probably have them right in your kitchen cabinet.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that for “disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective in killing off the disease.”

The CDC also mentioned another list with EPA-approved “emerging viral pathogens claims” from the American

on the EPA’s list.

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Clorox Commercial Solutions Clorox Disinfecting Spray Clorox Multi-Surface Cleaner + Bleach Klercide 70/30 Lonza Formulation Lysol Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist Lysol Heavy-Duty Cleaner Disinfectant Concentrate Oxycide Daily Disinfectant Cleaner Peak Disinfectant Wipes Peroxide Multi Surface Cleaner and Disinfectant Peroxide Disinfectant and Glass Cleaner Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant

Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries. Many of the same products from the EPA list also are on the list.

According to the EPA, products on the list have “qualified for use against COVID-19” through the agency’s Emerging Viral Pathogen program where manufacturers provide the EPA with data that “shows their products are effective against harder-to-kill viruses.”

The EPA says consumers should follow the directions and pay “close attention to the contact time for the product on the treated surface.”

The agency notes there may be additional disinfectants that meet the criteria that could be added to the list. But here are some of the registered disinfectants

22

Wipes Sani-Prime Germicidal Disposable Wipe Sani-Prime Germicidal Spray The American Chemistry Council’s Center for Biocide Chemistries posted a list of disinfectants referred to as “fighting products” at Americanchemistry. com, which the website said were preapproved by the EPA and “for use against emerging enveloped viral pathogens and can be used during the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.” The website said it was providing the information as a “public service,” but notes the list is “not exhaustive” but can be used to “identify products suitable for use against COVID-19.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

We all have

DREAMS. Let Job Corps help you achieve yours.

Tuition-free career training

High school diploma programs College credit opportunities

Housing, meals and medical care provided

For more information, visit jobcorps.gov or call (800) 733-JOBS [5627] New Haven - Kerri Keegan – Keegan.Kerri@JobCorps.org • Bridgeport and Fairfield County - Kelly Conner – Conner.Kelly@JobCorps.org Waterbury Area – Abdul Shabazz – Shabazz.Abdul@JobCorps.org

Job Corps is a U.S. Department of Labor Equal Opportunity Employer Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD/TTY telephone number is (877) 889-5627.

23

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020

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See details below.

To schedule a 2-hour appointment window, go to xfinity.com, call 1-800-xfinity, or visit an Xfinity Store today.

Offer ends 3/15/20. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to the Standard Triple Play with Performance Pro 200 Mbps Internet and Voice Unlimited services. Early termination fee applies if all Xfinity services are canceled during the agreement term. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, including regulatory recovery fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $14.95/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $8.75/mo.), and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after agreement term or DVR promo. After term agreement or DVR promo, or if any service is canceled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast’s charge for DVR service is $10.00/mo. (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit xfinity.com/networkmanagement. Voice: If there is a power outage or network issue, calling, including calls to 911 may be unavailable. Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2020 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA230560-0001 NEDAAQ1MSDVRV1

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