INNR-CITY NEWS

THE

NEWS

Volume 21 No. 2190

Muhammad Ali

The Kidnapped School Girls in Nigeria?

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

New Haven, Bridgeport

Labor leader Proto at rally

“The Greatest” “A True American Hero”

1

FOLLOW US ON

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016 2

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

3

4

Mayor’s In, AFL-CIO Prez Out As Hillary Delegates lar caucuses in the past, and they usually proceed without controversy. This time, a challenge emerged as soon as the convention began to replace the convention’s moderator. New Haven mayoral aide Jason Bartlett mounted a challenge, and won the right to run the convention.

by PAUL BASS New Haven Independent

New Haven’s mayor has a trip planned to Philadelphia to help make American political history.

The state’s AFL-CIO chief wanted to go, too but failed in her effort to win an official ticket.

The party is July’s Democratic National Convention, where Hillary Clinton is expected to become the first woman ever to serve as a major party’s presidential candidate.

“It was chaos” all night, Pelletier said.

She called her loss “retribution for us standing up and bringing attention to a bad Democratic budget.”

New Haven Mayor Toni Harp will help formally choose Clinton as the nominee as one of four pledged Clinton delegates from Connecticut’s Third U.S. Congressional District. “I think it’s going to be fun to part of all of it, to witness it,” Harp said.

Harp and three others U.S. Small Business Administration veterans affairs officer Frank Alvarado, New Haven Ward 29 Democratic Co-Chair Audrey Tyson, and West Haven Mayor Edward O’Brien won delegate slots at a local caucus last week.

These caucuses are normally sleepy affairs. But you may have noticed that much about this year’s presidential race has deviated from past scripts. Last weke’s convention, at West Haven High School, turned into a competitive, “chaotic” mess.

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

At least that’s how state AFL-

Appearing on WNHH radio’s “Mayor Monday” program, Toni Harp said no such retribution was at play.

The rules required that the four delegates include two men and two women, Harp said. A full hundred New Haveners showed up to the caucus, she noted. And they know Tyson, a veteran co-chair of New Haven’s 29th Ward Democratic Committee.

PAUL BASS PHOTOBartlett, center, at a Clinton primary campaign event he helped organize in the Hill.

CIO President Lori Pelletier sees it. She had hoped to become a delegate, too. She lost out.

She said this week that she doesn’t see her absence form the slate as an accident. Her exclusion an-this-marriage-be-saved/»has been seen statewide as the latest example of a rift between state la-

bor leaders and their usual Democratic Party allies, in the wake of the layoffs contained int he recently passed state budget. (This story details the rift.)

“Something ran foul” at the delegate caucus, Pelletier told the Independent Monday. She said she has attended “four or five” simi-

“Lori certainly had her people there. I think New Haven just had more people,” Harp said.

“I have to thank Jason Bartlett for bringing out a lot of people.

There was no real plan. When Audrey saw her name was on the sheet, she saw that most of the people in the audience were New Haveners. A lot of people know her. Audrey has a big following.”

Bartlett’s version: Pelletier’s

loss had nothing to do with state political retribution, and all to do with Bartlett’s own insurgent tactics. He, too, was upset with the state party.

Bartlett said he felt he should have been a delegate himself. After all, he said, he co-chaired Clinton’s Connecticut campaign in 2008—one of a small number of African-American elected officials to do so. This year he has worked hard on Clinton’s primary campaign.

So when he learned he was not slated by statewide leaders to be approved as a convention delegate, he decided to organize over 100 New Haveners to attend last week’s Third District delegate-selection caucus to support New Haven candidates. Pelletier’s supporters were simply outnumbered

by New Haveners who know and support Tyson, Bartlett said.

Bartlett said he decided to make his point by winning the convention moderator’s position rather than pursuing his quest for a delegate slot, he said. (Why? “I decided for a variety of reasons. I’m not going to get into that.”)

“We were going to have a democratic election. We were not going to let the state party dictate. It had nothing to do with Lori Pelletier,” Bartlett said. “You win a caucus by bringing people to the caucus.

I brought the most people to caucus.”

Legal Aid Sets Up Shop In School In its first year of operation, the clinic assisted 28 families, which included preventing four evictions and guaranteeing health insurance for two families.

by DANIELA BRIGHENTI New Haven Independent

This past academic year, families of children enrolled at the Troup School had an unconventional setting when seeking legal counsel: a classroom at the school itself.

CThe school partnered with New Haven Legal Assistance Association, Inc. to establish the Family Legal Clinic, a free legal office staffed by legal-aid attorneys that helps families at Troup facing legal struggles.

It worked so well that school officials want to expand it. But while they have to continue the program at Troup for the 2016–17 school year, it remains unclear if it will expand to other schools.

DANIELA BRIGHENTI PHOTO Wayne Silvera, front, thanked the clinic for help with rats and leaks at home.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday morning, Board of Education Chief Operating Officer Will Clark praised the pro-

gram for its assistance in keeping children in school.

“School attendance is critical, and what stops that?” Clark asked the audience. “Often it’s things like utilities being shut off. Fights with landlords. [These legal issues] lead to transiency, absenteeism, and then kids stop learning.”

NHLAA members highlighted the unique qualities of the clinic that make it a more fitting choice for parents seeking legal assistance.

Con’t on page 19

Publisher / CEO Babz Rawls Ivy Managing Editor Liaison, Corporate Affairs Doreen Strong Advertising Director Sales Team Trenda Lucky Delores Alleyne John Thomas III Hilda Calvachi

Editorial Team Staff Writers Ratasha Smith / Current Affairs Anthony Scott / Sports Arlene Davis-Rudd / Politics Contributing Writers David Asbery Tanisha Asbery Jessica Carl Jerry Craft/Cartoons Barbara Fair Mubarakah Ibrahim Dr. Tamiko Jackson-McArthur Michelle Turner Smita Shrestha Kam Williams Content Contributors At-Large Christine Stuart www.CTNewsJunkie.com Paul Bass New Haven Independent www.newhavenindependent.org Dr. Fred McKinney Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council www.cmsdc.org Memberships National Association of Black Journalist National Newspapers Publishers Association Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Greater New Haven Business & Professional Association Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.

new city budget that gives the Board of Ed a $2 million increase millions less than originally planned.

by DANIELA BRIGHENTI New Haven Independent

As his staff proceeds with cutting up to 20 teaching positions, the schools superintendent promised to try to avoid increasing class sizes or making classrooms “disappear.”

Harries said he’ll seek to focus most cuts on the “central office.”

But he said up to 20 teaching positions may need to be cut.

Superintendent Garth Harries made the vow in a conversation a day after learning that the Board of Education will need to make up a $3.6 million budget deficit for the fiscal year starting July 1.

That’s because the Board of Alders Monday night approved a

PAUL BASS PHOTOHarries at Monday night’s city budget vote.

Though it is still “too early to say” which schools and positions will face cuts, he said the BOE will work in the next few weeks to determine the individual needs and resources of each school in the district in order to keep cuts away from classrooms or schools that show higher needs than others.

Jackie James Faces Possible Dismissal Deputy Director of Economic Development after being requested to support her decisions;

by PAUL BASS New Haven Independent

A day after organizing a second annual city food truck festival, city small-business chief Jackie James found herself in a conference room answering charges that could cost her her job.

James serves as deputy director of the city’s Department of Economic Development. She oversees small business development, in which capacity she got the food truck festival going last year. The second iteration of the festival, complete with a Dragon Boat regatta, took place Sunday.

• “Your actions following March 30, 2016 to cause funds to be transferred by the Board of Alders from one CDBG line item to another with the intent of securing funds to hire additional staff for your department after being requested to not take actions; Brooks, James, Poindexter, Librandi, Nemerson at Monday’s three-and-ahalf-hour hearing.

PAUL BASS PHOTO

Monday she was summoned to a “formal hearing” on the third floor of City Hall to answer charges of insubordination from her boss, Economic Development Administrator Matthew Nemerson.

the meeting that she assumed that this was a labor relations hearing about possible discipline, since the meeting took place in a conference room in the suite of the labor relations director’s office. (The position of city labor relations director is currently vacant. Mayor Toni Harp fired the previous occupant of the position on April 25.)

She was accompanied by two union officials who represent her, Cherlyn Poindexter and Harold Brooks of AFSCME Local 3144.

Poindexter said upon arriving at

City human resources chief Stephen Librandi, who was present in the room along with Nemerson, responded that in fact it was a “Loudermill” hearing.

That means a preliminary dueprocess hearing that gives an employee an opportunity to respond to charges that can lead to her disimssal.

Nemerson listed those charges in a June 3 letter summoning James to the meeting. Those charges include: • “Your actions deliberately testifyng at a Board of Alders meeting on March 30, 2015 against the Mayor’s decisions concerning the appropriate staffing of your program as

• “Your actions following a meeting with me and John Ward when you were ordered to request of the Alders to have the CDBG transferred funds (mentioned above) returned to their original liine item; • “Your failing to issue Request for Proposals (RFPs) for NGO groups to apply for two line items of $30,000 to your department’s FY 2016 CDBG funds in a timely fashion despite requests that you do so; • “Your failing to attend a half day Economic Development

5

The Inner-City Newspaper is published weekly by Penfield Communications, Inc. from offices located at 50 Fitch Street, 2nd Floor, New Haven, CT 06515.

203-387-0354 phone; 203-387-2684 fax.

Subscriptions:$260 per year (does not include sales tax for the in State subscriptions). Send name, address, zip code with payment. Postmaster, send address changes to 50 Fitch Street, New Haven, CT 06515. Display ad deadline Friday prior to insertion date at 5:00pm Advertisers are responsible for checking ads for error in publication. Penfield Communications, Inc d.b.a., “The Inner-City Newspaper” , shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad or for typographical errors or errors in publication, except to the extent of the cost of the space in which actual error appeared in the first insertion. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publication. The entire contents of The Inner-City Newspaper are copyright 2012, Penfield Communications, Inc. and no portion may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

Harries Seeks To Preserve Class Size Amid Teacher Cuts

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

John P. Thomas Jr.

6

New book is about father, five son’s farmland life

Author Karen Johnson releases ‘Baba, the Farmer’ Book Singing June 18, 2016 2:00-4:00 Barnes & Noble 470 Universal Drive, North Haven CT 06473 NEW HAVEN, Conn. –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Legacy Environmental and Social Justice Event that is held at the Yale Peabody Museum each year has given author Karen Johnson opportunities to perform the art of storytelling. During this event, “Baba, the Farmer” (published by AuthorHouse) is her presentation material.

This book tells a story about life on the farmland and a father named Baba and his five sons. Each morning, Baba meditates and sings a song to give thanks to God before going to the field to work. When Baba got sick, his oldest son takes charge and made sure that he and his brothers work together. Each one was assigned to do a chore. It was Baba’s youngest son who took over the farm duties and successfully handled it.

storytelling. She learned from her childhood that everyone has a story to be told. AuthorHouse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is a leading provider of book publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe and offers the industry’s only suite of Hollywood book-to-film services. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process.

Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse celebrated 15 years of service to authors in Sept. 2011.For more information or to publish a book visit authorhouse.com or call 1-888519-5121. For the latest, follow @authorhouse on Twitter.

“The story has a sing-a-long portion with very catchy lyrics,” Johnson says. “It is very educational, entertaining and it instills moral values readers will learn from all at the same time.”

Johnson’s literary artistry combines weaving stories, songs and poems. Through the publication of “Baba, the Farmer,” she hopes to offer readers an enjoyable read and a fun experience with a song they can sing-along.

About the Author Born and raised in Hartford and now living in New Haven, Karen Johnson has pursued a hobby in singing gospel music and theatrical storytelling. Her special talent and love for African storytelling and culture led her to pursue the art of

Parents Share In The Glory present awards to the parents.

by DANIELA BRIGHENTI New Haven Independent

After the ceremony, MacielAndrews said she has been active in the school community since her son James Maciel-Andrews, now a seventh-grader, first entered preschool.

Part of her contributions include helping sponsor events such as Black History Month and book fairs.

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

As part of her weekly routine, parent Yury Maciel-Andrews walks the halls of East Rock Community School, scouting for teachers and staff who might need her help for “anything.”

“I see it as taking stress off the teachers,” Maciel-Andrews said.

This year she helped compose new bylaws for the school’s ParentTeacher Organization.

While in many instances such work might go overlooked, in New Haven parents get the chance to be recognized for their contributions each year.

On Tuesday afternoon at John S. Martinez School, the New Haven Public Schools recognized Maciel-Andrews and two other parents at its annual T.A.P.S. (Teachers, Administrators, Parents, Support Staff) awards ceremony. The event, which has been held annually for over two

Maciel-Andrews at the schools system awards ceremony.

decades, highlights award recipients from across all 48 schools in the district, including parents who have shown outstanding commitment to their school communities and its members.

“These are folks who may not stand in front of the classroom, but are also educators of our students,” said Tomas Reyes, chief of staff for Mayor Toni Harp, who helped

Maciel-Andrews said parents need to participate more in their kid’s schooling, showing their support for both the children and the staff.

“I call it pro-bono, skill sharing,” Maciel-Andrews said.

“And it’s enjoyable for me, and the kids get to see me at school. I love my kids and being part of their lives.”

Kamairi Cooper, who attended New Haven Public Schools himself and now is the parent of two students in the district, was similarly recognized for his work in the district. Cooper volunteered at Conte West Hills the last two

years. One of his biggest contributions was the development of a basketball program for seventh and eighth grade male students.

School; Larry Conaway, principal of New Light; and /entry/ deputy_superintendent_retiring/ »Imma Canelli, deputy superintendent.

And parent Lori Brigham, another awardee, has dedicated her time in the last nine years at a variety of schools, helping design costumes for school theater groups, advocating for school funding, as well as organizing numerous fundraisers.

Additionally, eight support-staff employees were recognized for their work: Tom DeLucia, custodian at Edgewood; Richard Conrad, literacy tutor at Clinton Ave.; and Alicia Goyenchea, PreK at Mauro-Sheridan.

“It’s not just me,” MacielAndrews said. “I’m one of the parents being recognized [today], but there are more parents that deserve this recognition.”

The teachers who took home awards were: Sidia Atencio of John C. Daniels (bilingual teacher); Debbie Barton of Wilbur Cross (school counselor); and Sean Clayton of Hillhouse (science teacher).

Three administrators were honored as well: Jaime Ramos, assistant principal of Fair Haven

The two community partners who won awards were: Gear Up at SCSU; and philanthropist Wendy Hamilton.

Lastly, two innovative teams were also honored: the Hill Central Leadership & Teacher Team and the HSC Teacher Leader Culture Team.

“There is no moment in the district calendar that affirms more what [NHPS] is about,” schools Superintendent Garth Harries said of Tuesday’s event. “You are the people that make education happen in New Haven.”

that point: “No Appointments or Dismissals shall be made without the assent of four Commissioners.”

by DAVID YAFFEBELLANY New Haven Independent

The Chief’s Office on the third floor of the Fire Department was set up for a photo-op the promotion of a popular firefighter, against a backdrop of flagpoles and framed photographs. Then firefighter’s union president Frank Ricci stepped forward to complain.

Black declined to answer specific questions about the contents of the recording. But after ushering Ricci from the room, he delivered off-the-cuff remarks to the assembled media.

“I apologize for what just transpired,” Black said. “It’s his right to say what he wants to say, but I don’t believe this is the forum for that.”

“By what authority is he getting promoted today?” said Ricci, turning to Interim Fire Chief Ralph Black. “This wasn’t approved, Chief. You’re lying.”

Ricci the president of International Association Firefighters Local 825, and the named plaintiff in Ricci v.

DeStefano, a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case against the city that overturned some affirmative action promotional practices faced off with Black in front of a crowd of city officials and firefighters gathered Tuesday morning for the promotion of Antonio Almodovar to director of training.

Ricci: “You’re a liar.” Black” “I’m lying to nobody.”

Black is a finalist for the permanent position of chief. The Harp administration is in the latter stages of filling the position.

“Lying?”

In an interview after the ceremony, Celentano maintained that he had voted to approve Almodovar’s promotion at the May 31 meeting.

Ricci best known for the 2009 Ricci v. DeStefano 2009 reversediscrimination lawsuit told the Independent that he had sat in on the meeting. He insisted both Black and Celentano were lying about what took place.

As onlookers gasped, Ricci interrupted the ceremony to argue that the chief did not request approval from the Fire Department Board of Commissioners before he promoted Almodovar — an apparent violation of city and departmental protocol.

Black, attempting in vain to talk over Ricci as the union president addressed the cameras, countered that the Board of Commissions did in fact approve the promotion at its May 31 meeting.

“I am lying to nobody,” Black said. “You may leave now if you have anything else that’s gonna stop this promotion. You can go through legal means to go check how this process was done.”

Fire Commissioner William Celentano, just steps away from the brewing argument, raised his hand to intervene: “I approved that,” he said of the promotion.

DAVID YAFFE-BELLANY PHOTO

Almodovar takes oath.

Commissioner,” Ricci replied.

“The tape doesn’t lie,” he concluded, slapping his iPhone onto a nearby table.

Ricci was referring to an eightminute recording of a May 31 commissioners’ meeting. On the recording, Black can be heard saying, “There’s not gonna be a promotion or anything today.”

Black can also be heard announcing that the next round of promotions to a number of

positions including director of training will not take place until July.

The city charter states that “boards of commissioners shall have sole power of appointment and promotion of all sworn members and employees of their respective departments, under such rules and regulations as they may adopt for the purpose.”

The official Fire Service Rules and Regulations hammer home

He added that the promotion ceremony amounts to more than just a trivial lapse in procedure. It represented a grave error that could cost taxpayers millions of dollars in lawsuits against the city, he said.

“Fire Commissioner Will Celentano and Interim Chief Ralph Black are blatantly lying to the public to cover for their own incompetence,” Ricci said. “The one issue that has plagued this department for years at the cost of the taxpayers has been the chief’s office’s unwillingness to follow its own rules.”

He cited the case of firefighter Aaron Brantley, a convicted felon whose dismissal from the department was overturned due to

In the chief ’s office, the promotion ceremony continued as planned after Ricci left the room.

“I have seen nothing except for leadership and professionalism out of this individual,” Black said during the ceremony. “This day is Antonio Almodovar’s day to shine. It’s the Department’s day to shine, and it’s the city of New Haven’s day to shine.”

City Chief Administrative Officer Mike Carter said during the Ricci-Black confrontation that he “fully endorses” the promotion.

“It surprised me that any city employee would act out in such public fashion to try to embarrass his or her employer,” mayoral spokesman Laurence Grotheer said later.

No Hard Feelings On his way out of the ceremony, Ricci assured Almodovar that he continues to have the full support of the union.

“You should be promoted. You are number one,” Ricci said. “You should have a proper ceremony with your family, with the battalion chief and fire marshals.

We are not taking away from that.”

For his part, Aldmodovar said he has no hard feelings about the interruption, and that he understands Ricci was simply doing his job.

“I’m a member of the local, and you’re the leader of the local,” he told Ricci in the Fire Department parking lot after the ceremony. “I understand that the local has to look out for the members.”

The pair shook hands before Almodovar drove away.

7

“Then you’re a liar, too,

“We went through with labor relations and other people the steps that are needed to promote a very fine person to the position of director of training,” he continued.

procedural errors during his termination hearing, as further evidence of “arrogance” and “lack of understanding” in the chief’s office.

But Ricci also maintained that Almodovar, the former president of the Hispanic Firefighters Association, is the right candidate for the position of director of training.

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

Call This One “Ricci v. Black”

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016 8

can be assured the problem is resolved.

by Christine Stuart CT. Junkie News

“We are still working with 3M to resolve some code issues before we give a list of registration suspensions for insurance compliance to law enforcement,” William Seymour, a DMV spokesman said. “We do not want people ticketed or towed for this matter until it is fully cleared up.”

Another glitch from the $26 million upgrade to the Department of Motor Vehicles computer system could impact tax bills for as many as 50,000 drivers, the department said Wednesday.

The DMV, the Connecticut Association of Assessing Officers, and the Connecticut Tax Collectors Association are asking residents to check their motor vehicle tax bills carefully to make sure there are no errors.

“We are advising residents early so that they look immediately at their tax bills and make any necessary changes before paying them,” DMV Commissioner Michael Bzdyra said. “All of us are being pro-consumer in this effort and wanting to prevent inconveniences for taxpayers.”

The wrong tax bills could be sent to as many as 50,000 vehicle owners, according to a press release from the department.

The problem, which has been one of many with the new system, was discovered last year. The new system at the DMV wasn’t communicating with the software the tax assessor’s use and it made it look like some drivers hadn’t paid their tax bills. There were also some inconsistencies regarding

The DMV has since terminated its contract with 3M, but the company is still responsible for correcting the system it installed.

mailing addresses.

tax bills from the wrong town.

The problem initially involved 250,000 taxpayers, but has been whittled down to 50,000, according to John Rainaldi, president of the Connecticut Association of Assessing Officers.

“While we have made a great deal of progress in addressing these issues, and have significantly reduced them, there will be some cases where people receive tax bills from the wrong town. It is important that if anyone receives a tax bill from the wrong town, they contact the town that issued the bill as soon as possible so that the bill can be forwarded to the correct town,” Rainaldi and Launa M. Goslee, president of the Connecticut Tax Collector’s Association, said. “If anyone receives a tax bill from the wrong town, it is important that they do not ignore the incorrect tax bill.”

Earlier this year, the

At a press conference, Rainaldi said the extra hours tax assessors put into resolving the problems between the old and new system were never tabulated. But they’re been working on the problem for months.

A press release from the DMV says that data in the old system may have not been properly transferred to the new system.

That means drivers may receive

department determined that the new computer system was too “sensitive” in identifying instances in which car owners didn’t have insurance, a requirement for registration, and sent out notices. Then it was unable to keep up with processing the notices after the office closed for a week back in August.

As a result, some vehicle owners saw their registrations temporarily suspended until the DMV processed their responses and confirmed they did have insurance.

The DMV has stopped sharing insurance suspension information with police departments until it

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

DMV Asks Taxpayers To Check Their Tax Bills Carefully

Byzdra also said the state contracted with Microsoft to look at the computer system 3M installed and help fix the problems. He said 3M is aware of the relationship and remains involved with correcting system errors.

State officials advised residents that if they receive a tax bill from a municipality in which they did not reside or in which they did not have a vehicle (both as of Oct. 1, 2015), they need to contact their tax assessor to request a transfer to the correct town or city of residency as of Oct. 1, 2015.

Customers who need information to make a registration address change at DMV can go to ct.gov/dmv/changeaddress or call DMV at 860-263-5700.

9

10

Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) History.com Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) was an American former heavyweight champion boxer and one of the greatest sporting figures of the 20th century. An Olympic gold medalist and the first fighter to capture the heavyweight title three times, Ali won 56 times in his 21year professional career. Ali’s outspokenness on issues of race, religion and politics made him a controversial figure during his career, and the heavyweight’s quips and taunts were as quick as his fists.

Born Cassius Clay Jr., Ali changed his name in 1964 after joining the Nation of Islam. Citing his religious beliefs, he refused military induction and was stripped of his heavyweight championship and banned from boxing for three years during the prime of his career. Parkinson’s syndrome severely impaired Ali’s motor skills and speech, but he remained active as a humanitarian and goodwill ambassador.

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

Muhammad Ali’s Early Years and Amateur Career Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., the elder son of Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. (1912-1990) and Odessa Grady Clay (1917-1994), was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a red-andwhite Schwinn that steered the future heavyweight champion to the sport of boxing. When his beloved bicycle was stolen, a tearful 12year-old Clay reported the theft to Louisville police officer Joe Martin (1916-1996) and vowed to pummel the culprit. Martin, who was also a boxing trainer, suggested that the upset youngster first learn how to fight, and he took Clay under his wing. Six weeks later, Clay won his first bout in a split decision.

Did You Know?

Muhammad Ali has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated 38 times, second only to basketball great Michael Jordan.

By age 18 Clay had captured two national Golden Gloves titles, two Amateur Athletic Union national titles and 100 victories against eight losses. After graduating high school, he traveled to

reinstated, and the following year the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his conviction in a unanimous decision.

Muhammad Ali’s Return to the Ring After 43 months in exile, Ali returned to the ring on October 26, 1970, and knocked out Jerry Quarry (1945-1999) in the third round. On March 8, 1971, Ali got his chance to regain his heavyweight crown against reigning champ Joe Frazier (1944-2011) in what was billed as the “Fight of the Century.” The undefeated Frazier floored Ali with a hard left hook in the final round. Ali got up but lost in a unanimous decision, experiencing his first defeat as a pro.

Rome and won the light heavyweight gold medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics.

Clay won his professional boxing debut on October 29, 1960, in a six-round decision. From the start of his pro career, the 6-foot3-inch heavyweight overwhelmed his opponents with a combination of quick, powerful jabs and foot speed, and his constant braggadocio and self-promotion earned him the nickname “Louisville Lip.” Muhammad Ali: Heavyweight Champion of the World After winning his first 19 fights, including 15 knockouts, Clay received his first title shot on February 25, 1964, against reigning heavyweight champion Sonny Liston (1932-1970). Although he arrived in Miami Beach, Florida, a 7-1 underdog, the 22-year-old Clay relentlessly taunted Liston before the fight, promising to “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” and predicting a knockout.

When Liston failed to answer the bell at the start of the seventh round, Clay was indeed crowned heavyweight champion of the world. In the ring after the fight, the new champ roared, “I am the greatest!”

At a press conference the next morning, Clay, who had been seen

around Miami with controversial Nation of Islam member Malcolm X (1925-1965), confirmed the rumors of his conversion to Islam.

On March 6, 1964, Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad (1897-1975) bestowed on Clay the name of Muhammad Ali. Ali solidified his hold on the heavyweight championship by knocking out Liston in the first round of their rematch on May 25, 1965, and he defended his title eight more times. Then, with the Vietnam War raging, Ali showed up for his scheduled induction into the U.S. Armed Forces on April 28, 1967. Citing his religious beliefs, he refused to serve. Ali was arrested, and the New York State Athletic Commission immediately suspended his boxing license and revoked his heavyweight belt.

Convicted of draft evasion, Ali was sentenced to the maximum of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, but he remained free while the conviction was appealed.

Many saw Ali as a draft dodger, and his popularity plummeted.

Banned from boxing for three years, Ali spoke out against the Vietnam War on college campuses.

As public attitudes turned against the war, support for Ali grew. In 1970 the New York State Supreme Court ordered his boxing license

Ali won his next 10 bouts before being defeated by Ken Norton (1943-). He won the rematch six months later in a split decision and gained further revenge in a unanimous decision over Frazier in a non-title rematch. The victory gave the 32-year-old Ali a title shot against 25-year-old champion George Foreman (1949-). The October 30, 1974, fight in Kinshasa, Zaire, was dubbed the “Rumble in the Jungle.” Ali, the decided underdog, employed his “rope-a-dope” strategy, leaning on the ring ropes and absorbing a barrage of blows from Foreman while waiting for his opponent to tire.

The strategy worked, and Ali won in an eighth-round knockout to regain the title stripped from him seven years prior.

Ali successfully defended his title in 10 fights, including the memorable “Thrilla in Manila” on October 1, 1975, in which his bitter rival Frazier, his eyes swollen shut, was unable to answer the bell for the final round. Ali also defeated Norton in their third meeting in a unanimous 15-round decision.

On February 15, 1978, an aging Ali lost his title to Leon Spinks (1953-) in a 15-round split decision. Seven months later, Ali defeated Spinks in a unanimous 15round decision to reclaim the heavyweight crown and become the first fighter to win the world

heavyweight boxing title three times. After announcing his retirement in 1979, Ali launched a brief, unsuccessful comeback. However, he was overwhelmed in a technical knockout loss to Larry Holmes (1949-) in 1980, and he dropped a unanimous 10-round decision to Trevor Berbick (1954-2006) on December 11, 1981. After the fight, the 39-year-old Ali retired for good with a career record of 56 wins, five losses and 37 knockouts.

Muhammad Ali’s Later Years and Legacy In 1984 Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s syndrome, possibly connected to the severe head trauma suffered during his boxing career. The former champion’s motor skills slowly declined, and his movement and speech were limited. In spite of the Parkinson’s, Ali remained in the public spotlight, traveling the world to make humanitarian, goodwill and charitable appearances. He met with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein (1937-2006) in 1990 to negotiate the release of American hostages, and in 2002 he traveled to Afghanistan as a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

Ali had the honor of lighting the cauldron during the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. In 1999 Ali was voted the BBC’s “Sporting Personality of the Century,” and Sports Illustrated named him “Sportsman of the Century.” Ali was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a 2005 White House ceremony, and in the same year the $60 million Muhammad Ali Center, a nonprofit museum and cultural center focusing on peace and social responsibility, opened in Louisville.

Ring Magazine named Ali “Fighter of the Year” five times, more than any other boxer, and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. Ali has been married four times and has seven daughters and two sons.

He married his fourth wife, Yolanda, in 1986. Ali died at the age of 74 on June 3, 2016.

ing Ali that he could get out, walk, or take a cab. Ali - always undaunted, again scowled, playfully balled up his fist, and threatened to punch Dennis “Mink to the Brink;” knock him from 6"7" to 5’7" if he didn’t keep driving.”

So,after a pause,Dennis looked at me,winked and kept driving.

Needless to say,I am enjoying the Ali-Mink show.

Clifton R. Graves, Jr. Like many of you, I too was deeply saddened to hear of the transition of a true hero, legend ,and icon, Muhammad Ali. As I conversed with, emailed and texted over this past week with childhood friends, and classmates from elementary through law school; from North Carolina to California; accomplished Black men, judges,lawyers, businessmen, politicians— all expressed similar sentiments: heavy hearts, tempered with a sense of gratitude that we all had grown from boys to men idolizing, imitating, and being inspired by the “People’s Champ;” the brother who “floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee.”

Ali’s passing has been particularly impactful on this writer and my college classmate, Dennis Mink. For you see, it was Dennis and I who were blessed with the once in a lifetime opportunity to escort, chauffeur and entertain the Great Ali when he visited the Tufts University Campus in the Spring of 1974.

We finally get to Cousens Gym where Ali is met by a multi-racial, standing room only crowd of students, faculty and community folk who filled the gym to see, hear and touch the Champ.

young African American men.

But the problem was that I had no car, and all the school would give me access to was a sky blue Tufts van...clearly not fitting for the Greatest of All Time. So I called my homeboy Dennis -who had a fresh, shiny, red 1965 Ford Thunderbird - and asked if he wanted to hang with me and Ali. Dennis, from Hartford’s notorious Stowe Village Projects jumped at this because he not only loved Ali, but talked as much “trash” as Ali. Dennis washed his car, picked me up, then we rolled up in the “Red T-Bird” to the hotel where Ali was staying. Excitedly, we introduced ourselves. Ali graciously greeted us ,but then as he approached the car he laughed, scowled and then began talking much trash about Dennis’ T-Bird.

“Don’t ya’ll know who I am?” he exclaimed. “I am Muhammad Ali, the Greatest of All time; most popular Black man on earth, and you come and pick me up in an old red Thunderbird!! What is wrong with ya’ll? Is Tufts that cheap?”

Now, Dennis and I were very familiar with the Ali persona and modus operandi from watching his fights and interviews on television.

Ali’s ranting didn’t really bother us. In fact we laughed, though admittedly a little embarrassed. After a few minutes, Ali - traveling alone with no security- got in the backseat, but continued talking non-stop trash about Tufts and Dennis’ car as we made our way to campus. While we knew this was Ali being Ali, Dennis had had enough, and the Stowe Village came out, stopping the car and tell-

During his speech Ali is funny, witty and serious. Cracking jokes about Dennis’ Red Thunderbird, but also detailing his conversion to Islam; explaining why he refused to be inducted into the Armed Services, to fight in Viet Nam, based on religious and principle grounds: “No Viet Cong ever called me Nigger.”,he shouted from the podium. He also encouraged us to value education, learn all we can , be difference makers in our communities, and commit ourselves to fight against injustice.

When the “lecture” is over, Dennis and I-in the red T-bird- escorted Ali to the African American Cultural Center for an informal discussion and interaction with Tufts Black students. There, Ali flirted with the women and shadowboxed with some of the brothers.

He then turned and called out Dennis to come spar with him, prompting Mink to talk more Hartford “trash”, telling Ali that he would beat him like Frazier did ,and then –like a punk- ran out the door with Ali chasing him;. ;something that Dennis has yet to live down.

Again this was the Spring of 1974, barely six months before Ali would battle George Foreman in the “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire, Africa; where Ali would regain the “Heavyweight Champi-

Over forty years later Dennis and I still laugh when we reflect back on our special night with Ali. Coincidentally, Dennis now resides in Glendale, Arizona, a short distance from Scottsdale where the Great Ali died last week. Yes, we both reflect on the life and legacy on the boy from Louisville, who grew up and evolved into a ‘man of the world’; Olympic Gold Medalist; Heavyweight Champion three times over; courageous, conscientious objector; convert to the Nation of Islam; confidant of Malcolm X; Civil Rights/ Human Rights Activist/ Advocate; and ,yes, dogged fighter against Parkinson’s Disease. Beloved ,respected by millions of all races the world over.

In my lifetime, I have been blessed and fortunate to have met and shaken the hands of historic, iconic figures such as, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela , Thurgood Marshall, Constance Baker Motley, and President Barack Obama. Further, I have been fortunate and blessed to meet and converse with legendary sports figures: Jim Brown, Hank Aaron, Bill Russell, Julius “Dr J” Erving, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, and Michael Jordan. And while each of those moments will always have their own unique place in my memory vault, that Spring evening in 1974 with my “homeboy” Dennis, his “Shiny Red T-Bird,” Ali and me will forever be special.;unforgettable… May God bless and keep the memory and legacy of the “Greatest of All Time”, the true “People’s Champ….”, Muhammad Ali. 11

Dennis - a Hartford native - had won a state high school basketball championship as a 6ft 7in forward with Weaver ,before matriculating at Tufts, where he would become an All -American breaking all of the schools scoring records.

Though I was a team mate of Dennis’ at Tufts, my claim to fame was that I was the President of the Black Student Union and a member of the Student Government Association.

So, when the Tufts’ President’s office confirmed that Ali was coming to the Medford, Mass campus, they reached out to me and asked if I’ would mind hosting Ali during his visit. Of course that was a “no brainer.” For especially then in 1974, Ali was bigger than life, a symbol of success and sacrifice; determination and defiance; a rebel and role model, especially for

So we cruise into campusleaning,profiling,slapping “five’with passers-by- making sure all the Brothers -and Sisterssaw us with Ali. .

onship.” Ali’s demeanor and physique indicated to us that he was clearly was ready for Big George.

When the night was over ,Dennis and I-in the red T-bird- drove the champ back to his room. There he got serious again, thanked us for the hospitality, laughed and said he was just joking about the car, actually said it was a “nice” ride, and again encouraged us to finish school, and to make a difference in our communities.

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

Ali Me and the Red T-Bird

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016 12

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

13

14

Muhammad Ali Remembered as “The Greatest” and a “True American Hero”

By Stacy M. Brown, The Washington Informer, NNPA Member Muhammad Ali’s historic win against George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire in 1974 was perhaps the greatest of all of his ring victories. Ali dropped Foreman in the eighth round of that heavyweight bout known as “The Rumble in the Jungle.”

Foreman was among the first to pay homage to the fallen champion when news of his death spread late Friday evening on June 3. He was 74.

“It’s been said it was ‘rope a dope,’ Ali beat me with,” Foreman tweeted. “No his beauty that beat me. The most beauty I’ve know loved him.”

Early Saturday morning, Mike Tyson tweeted, “God came for his champion. So long great one. @MuhammadAli #TheGreatest #RIP”

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

After a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, the worldrenowned champion died at a Phoenix, Arizona-area hospital.

The iconic sports figure was fighting respiratory issues that were complicated by the Parkinson’s that he was diagnosed with in the 1980s, the Associated Press reported. Ali had been hospitalized several times in recent years.

Boxing great and former world champion Sugar Ray Leonard, said that he woke up Saturday morning with a tear streaming down his cheek. His heart ached.

In a statement, Ray said that he admired, idolized and loved Muhammad Ali. “My true feelings have not totally surfaced yet, because no one beats Muhammad Ali. So to continue his journey I will thank God for bringing this incredible man into my life! RIP Champ,” said Ray. In a press statement, Ali’s family said his funeral would be held in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. In a statement, Ali’s family also thanked the public for the outpouring of support.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer

ordered flags to be lowered to halfstaff in Ali’s honor.

“The values of hard work, conviction and compassion that Muhammad Ali developed while growing up in Louisville helped him become a global icon,” Fischer said in statement released on Twitter. “As a boxer, he became ‘The Greatest,’ though his most lasting victories happened outside the ring. Muhammad leveraged his fame as a platform to promote peace, justice and humanitarian efforts around the world, while always keeping strong ties to his hometown.”

Fischer continued: “Today, Muhammad Ali’s fellow Louisvillians join the billions whose lives he touched worldwide in mourning his passing, celebrating his legacy, and committing to continue his fight to spread love and hope. Thank you, Muhammad, for all you’ve given your city, your country and the world.”

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama also paid tribute to Ali. “Like everyone else on the planet, Michelle and I mourn his passing,” Obama said in a statement. The president said he keeps a pair of Ali’s gloves on

display in his White House study.

“But, we’re grateful to God for how fortunate we are to have known him, if just for a while; for how fortunate we all area that ‘The Greatest’ chose to grace our time.”

As beautifully chronicled by journalist Maureen Callahan in a 2015 New York Post article, defying the American government, Ali traveled to Iraq, where 15 Americans were being held hostage by Saddam Hussein in the run-up to the Gulf War: “As with much in Ali’s life, his mission was misconstrued and criticized. President George H.W. Bush did not approve. ‘I basically believe these people are playing into the propaganda game that Iraq is holding here,’ said Joseph Wilson, then the top American diplomat in Baghdad. ‘These people traveling to Iraq are making a serious mistake.’”

The New York Times also took jabs at the champ over his efforts to free the hostages.

Philip Shenon wrote in The New York Times: “Surely the strangest hostage-release campaign of recent days has been the ‘good-will tour ’ of Muhammad Ali, the former heavyweight boxing

champion…he has attended meeting after meeting in Baghdad despite his frequent inability to speak clearly.”

At that point, Ali was 48 years old and had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for six years.

One week into his rescue mission in Iraq, Ali ran out of his Parkinson’s medication, the New York Post reported.

According to the New York Post: “’He could barely get out of bed,’ Vernon Nored, [who was Ali’s liaison from the U.S. Embassy], told ‘30 for 30.’ ‘He couldn’t stand up. And he couldn’t talk, because his voice wouldn’t go above a whisper.’”

Against overwhelming odds and outside pressure, Ali secured the release of all 15 American hostages.

“Muhammad Ali was not only a champion in the boxing ring, but he was a champion of human and civil rights,” said G. K. Butterfield, the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

“During a difficult time in American history he stood on principle to end racism and bigotry. In doing so, Ali showed the world how a true champion can stand with courage, self-respect, and dignity.

Butterfield added: “Muhammad Ali made a considerable impact on the world and his spirit and his work will live on for generations to come. On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, we send our deepest condolences to his family, and we mourn the loss of a true American hero.”

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) also released a statement mourning Ali. “We extend to the Ali family our heartfelt condolences.

Representing the Black Press in America and throughout the world, the NNPA affirms Muhammad Ali’s outstanding world-class achievement, leadership and courage in boxing, human rights and philanthropy,” said NNPA President Dr. Benjamin Chavis.

Chavis continued: “Ali personified power and genius in the ongoing cause and struggle for freedom, justice, equality and empowerment. We now rededicate to keep his audacious voice and powerful legacy alive in all that we say, print, report and distribute.

Long live the spirit of Muhammad Ali.”

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

15

Young Black Scholars “Discover the Unexpected” on the Journey to Empowerment Douglas; at the Chicago Defender are Briahnna Brown and McKenzie Marshall; at The Washington Informer are Victoria Jones and Rushawn Walters; and at the Michigan Chronicle are Tatyana Hopkins and Sidnee King.

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President of the NNPA The legendary scholar, writer and visionary James Baldwin once personally confided with me that he had come to know that the “power of the pen” for Black people in America and throughout world was “truly transformative and irreversibly impactful on the consciousness of all those who cry out for freedom, equality and justice.” Baldwin’s prophetic words from the 1970’s are still true today.

We take note with pride that currently there are a growing number of young, gifted and talented journalists that are emerging on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and in the offices of our nation’s Black owned newspapers and media companies. Baldwin’s audacity and legacy to write and speak truth to power are finding a new resonance among today’s young journalists.

Thanks to the game-changing efforts and support of General Motors Chevrolet Malibu, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) together with the Howard University School of

Communications have launched “Discover The Unexpected” NNPA Journalism Fellows Program.

Over the next several months in Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, and in Washington, D.C., eight NNPA Journalism Fellows from the Howard University School of Communications will be working with NNPA member publishers to sharpen their pens and to files stories that capture and amplify the challenges, struggles, triumphs

and realities of Black America in 2016.

This will be a program that will benefit the students, the university, the Black Press, and the African American community. We will have the opportunity to help shape the scholarly preparation of a new emerging generation of freedomfighting print journalists and social media innovators.

We should not play down the importance of academic preparation matched with the practicum

of putting into practice the craft and skill of journalism from an African American perspective. James Baldwin was an activist author, but he also was a scholar. Alex Haley was an activist author, but he also was a scholar. Maya Angelou was activist poet and author, but she was also a scholar.

Remember the names of these NNPA rising scholar fellows: At The Atlanta Voice newspaper are Brandi Montgomery and Brelaun

MC Lyte is a global icon in hiphop and popular culture. MC Lyte is an activist writer and pulsating orator, but she is also a scholar.

MC Lyte not only endorsed the launch of the “Discover The Unexpected” with her motivating presence at Howard University with the NNPA and Chevrolet, she also is a tremendous living role model of what it means to use audacious talent, genius and commitment to promote positive social transformation and empowerment.

We also note that MC Lyte founded and Chairs the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation that has donated thousands of dollars to scholarships for deserving students across the nation.

Learn more about Discover The Unexpected (DTU) at http:// www.nnpa.org/dtu/ and use the hashtag #DiscoverTheUnexpected on Twitter @BlackPressUSA and @NNPA_BlackPress.

Make presidential race about issues, not a spitball fight attacking Trump as reckless and unqualified. A negative campaign of branded insults will drive down turnout. It would be a disservice to this country and its people.

BY JESSE JACKSON Donald Trump has now won the delegates needed to give him the Republican presidential nomination. The Bernie Sanders surge continues — he may even win California — but Hillary Clinton apparently has the superdelegate support needed to give her the nomination. We’re headed to a presidential race with two candidates burdened with record levels of disfavor.

This leads to the widespread expectation of a spitball brawl for a campaign. Trump has already begun branding Clinton. The Clinton campaign has begun

The United States faces major challenges. We have an economy that does not work for working people, who struggle with stagnant or declining wages, increasing insecurity, and soaring costs of basic needs from health care to college education to retirement security. Record numbers are in poverty. Shameless tax scams allow billionaires to pay lower tax rates than the police who protect their homes. Global corporations stash trillions abroad and pay lower tax rates than mom-and-pop small businesses.

Climate change is a real and present danger that the Pentagon rightly says poses a rising national

security threat. The president’s efforts to extract us from the endless wars in the Middle East have been frustrated. Tensions are rising with both Russia and China.

We’re running trade deficits of $500 billion a year, undermining good jobs here. In our cities, the impoverished are more concentrated, more isolated, with less hope and more dope and violence.

We need a real debate about the choices we face. Donald Trump has used insult more than policy to win his nomination. But he’s begun to make policy addresses.

Last week, he gave a speech on energy policy. He vowed to unravel the Paris climate agreement, rescind the Obama climate change rules, revive the coal industry and redouble our efforts to achieve pure energy

independence. He vowed to “deal with real environmental challenges, not the phony ones we’ve been hearing about,” presumably climate change.

Clinton has a detailed agenda on energy policy. She believes climate change is a real threat. She wants to build on the Paris agreements and capture the lead in the emerging clean energy economy. The differences between the two positions are stark and worthy of a great debate.

Similarly, Trump earlier gave a speech on foreign policy in which he challenged many of the shibboleths of our foreign policy.

He wants a stronger military that is used less. He wants our allies to pay a greater share of the burden.

He seems more willing to negotiate and more skeptical about intervention. Again, there are

major substantive differences in direction and policy from Clinton.

The American people would benefit greatly if the election debate were focused on these and other fundamental policy choices.

Both candidates should continue to detail their policies and debate their differences. The media should focus less on gotcha questions, stop recycling insults and feeding the spitball fight, and start probing about policy and direction.

The problem, of course, is that insult draws attention. Attention means viewers. Viewers mean advertisers. The media are constantly driven to highlight the latest insult, the outrage and the fake scandal — rather than to focus on the needs of the people

18

Why We Must Never Forget Our Roots

By Marian Wright Edelman, President, Children’s Defense Fund “So Dad has joined the other [ancestors] up there. I feel that they do watch and guide, and I also feel that they join me in the hope that this story of our people can help alleviate the legacies of the fact that preponderantly the histories have been written by the winners.”

– Alex Haley, from the conclusion of “Roots: The Saga of an American Family” On the 40th anniversary of the publication of Alex Haley’s landmark book “Roots: The Saga of an American Family,” a new television adaptation is bringing renewed attention to the story that opened so many eyes to the harsh truth about American slavery and its aftermath — an aftermath that continues under new guises despite much progress.

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

The publication of “Roots” in 1976 came at a seminal moment in American history. Cities across America were hosting celebrations of the nation’s bicentennial and the founding creed set forth in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

In 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded our nation and world on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial that America had never fully lived up to that promise: “When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the ‘unalienable Rights’ of ‘Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’ It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned.

Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked ‘insufficient funds.’”

With “Roots” Alex Haley provided an epic lesson in American history through the story of his American family — slavery from the enslaved people’s point of view. His book spent months on the bestseller list and the original television adaptation of Roots that aired in January 1977 shattered viewing records as it gave tens of millions of people a visual, visceral expe-

rience of the true horrors of slavery. For the first time descendants of slaves, descendants of slave owners, and people of all backgrounds were sharing a common experience and understanding of America’s original sin whose after effects still radiate across our land. Acknowledging that truth together was a transformative experience.

In the past year we have seen a welcome surge, prodded by new books on slavery, campus debates, and student protests, of new commitments by some universities and other institutions to confront the truth about their own histories, especially the ugly legacies of slavery and Native American genocide.

Black Lives Matter protests denouncing indefensible deaths of Black youths and citizens at the hands of out of control law enforcement officials in Ferguson, Baltimore, Cleveland, New York City, Texas, and elsewhere and the shocking racist vigilante citizen killings of Trayvon Martin in Florida and the massacre of praying Black church people in South Carolina heightened the need for greater racial awareness and national action.

I hope the renewed interest in Roots will spark much greater and sustained interest in an honest retelling of our history and promote new dialogue about the ways today’s structural, cultural, racial and economic inequalities reflect racial seeds from our violent past of slavery and Jim Crow which still poison the soil and political discourse of our nation. Only confronting the truth about our nation’s profound birth defects and struggling deliberately to overcome them with open eyes, hearts, minds and deeds can make us all free.

The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) has a special connection to Alex Haley.

In 1994 CDF bought Alex Haley’s 157acre farm in Tennessee for servant leadership development, intergenerational, interfaith, and interracial dialogue and spiritual renewal. The Harlem Children’s Zone was conceptualized in Haley Farm’s lodge by Geoff Canada and a cadre of Black Community Crusade for Children® leaders. Faith leaders gather each year for spiritual retreats, great preaching and renewal, and young leaders come to learn from elders about nonviolent strategies for seeking racial and economic justice. Gurgling creeks run through it, mountains lurk in the background, and trees rustle in the wind.

And thanks to the generosity of Barnes and Noble chair Len Riggio and his wife Louise, Haley Farm has been blessed as the only place with two Maya Lin designed buildings in existence: the Langston Hughes Library, with its Maya Angelou and John Hope Franklin reading room, and the Riggio-Lynch Chapel.

I have been struck by how many of the thousands of people of all ages, faiths and disciplines who have come through Haley Farm’s gates appreciate its beauty

and say it feels like home and the communities we once experienced. It is a smoke free, drug free, alcohol free, violence free and hate free environment grounded in love and mutual respect.

The largest annual gathering at Haley Farm brings together about 2,000 college-aged young people who train intensively to return to their local communities to teach about 12,000 children in CDF Freedom Schools® programs designed to staunch summer learning loss, close the educational achievement gap, and empower children to make a difference in their schools, communities, nation and world. This year they will hear from leading educators, historians, children’s and young adult book authors, and faith leaders. We will discuss how to truthfully teach history to help children of all races understand our nation’s roots including Native American genocide, slavery, and exclusion of all women and non-propertied men from the electoral process in our beginning years. We also will discuss how they can make a difference in closing the gaps in their communities between America’s dream and reality. Together they and all of us must help write the next chapter in our ongoing struggle to make America a more perfect union.

At the dedication of Haley Farm, several hundred people of every race, faith and discipline committed to help build a movement to Leave No Child Behind® and to ensure every child a healthy start, a head start, a fair start, a safe start, and a moral start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. That struggle must continue until the prophet Zechariah’s vision of “the city full of boys and girls playing in its streets” — safely and joyfully ¬— is realized all over our violence-saturated land. I thank Alex Haley for reminding African Americans and all Americans of our roots, our strengths, our struggles, our courage, our faith, and our Godgiven human capacity to overcome adversity. If we all work without ceasing we will overcome one day and build an America where every child is welcome and safe. Now is the time to move forward and not backwards in the quest for racial and economic justice. Now is the time for all citizens to stand up, raise our voices, and vote to ensure that Dr. King’s dream — America’s dream — becomes reality.

Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Startand a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information go to www.childrensdefense.org.

Con’t on page 5

Jackie James Faces Administration retreat on February 20, 2016 without any explanation before or after, and not attending despite having said you would.”

Before the meeting, James repeated statements made in a previous Independent interview that she feels she did nothing wrong and should not be disciplined.

“I wasn’t testifying against the budget. I was advocating for my budget,” she said on the elevator ride up to the third-floor meeting.

Reporters were barred from the hearing once it began.

The dispute stems from this season’s city budget hearings before the Board of Alders, as detailed in mes_nemerson/»this article and this article.

James and another mayoral appointee, policy and grant writing chief Mendi Blue, had asked for new administrative support positions that the Harp administration ended up not including in its formal budget request before the alders, who have to give final approval. Both Blue and James criticized the administration’s request, James in remarks before the alders, Blue in a follow-up memo requested by the alders. Harp said she had specifically instructed her appointees to keep internal disagreements in-house during the budget process, then to publicly support the final version of the administration’s proposed budget.

She fired Blue for violating that policy, she said; Blue claimed she did nothing wrong.

James, unlike Blue, is represented by a municipal union.

She can’t be fired at will. The administraiton has to make a formal case and proceed through hearings like the one held on Tuesday.

Also, James filed a harassment complaint with the city against Nemerson. She said she has since sought to withdraw the complaint, as an internal review proceeds into complaints several female employees have made against

Nemerson.

Alders responded to James’ plea to fund a new administrative position by moving money around in Harps’ requested budget to fill it. Nemerson, at a meeting with Ward, an attorney in his department, ordered James to contact alders to undo that move.

Nemerson said that mayoral appointees are expected to follow the mayor’s decisions rather than undercut them.

James said that she felt the order to contact the alders made no sense—she said she hadn’t been privy to the transfer of funds to support a position she wanted preserved, and that there was no official alder in charge to contact about the transfer.

The meeting lasted three and a half hours. Nemerson declined comment afterwards. “The point of the meeting was to make sure that the decision-makers have all the information,” Librandi said.

“We have a lot of information.

We’ll digest it, and we’ll decide what we want to do.”

Con’t on page 16

Spitball fight and how each candidate proposes to address them.

Similarly, as Trump showed in his primary, insults gain free media. Free media means attention from voters — and saves money.

So the candidates are tempted to descend into a brawl of jabs and counterpunches. Instead of a debate about the direction of the country, we get a campaign based on branding the other. This is a recipe for dividing and misleading the country.

We’re going to be electing a president in a country that faces big challenges. It is time to take this out of the back alley. The only way that happens is if everyone is more responsible: the candidates in choosing issues over insults, the media in the questions they ask, and the voters in what kind of behavior they will reward.

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

BECOME A FOSTER OR ADOPTIVE PARENT… ATTEND AN INFORMATIONAL SESSION

Please call 1-888-KID-HERO For more Information 19

Department of Children and Families

20

The

Inner-City Inner-City News Connecticut’s First Choice For Urban News Since1990

PLACING AN AD EASY

Classifieds Classifieds 203 387-0354

BUSINESS HOURS - MONDAY FRIDAY 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - 50 FITCH NEW HAVEN CT, 06515 - Career/Education/Training • Bid• L egal and Public Notices • Health Care • Real Estate • Professional

WILLIMANTIC MINORITY CONTRACTOR OPPORTUNITY Construction Resources, Inc. is currently soliciting proposals from CT DAS Certified M/W/Dis/SBE contractors and material suppliers as it relates to the following project: Renovations to The Murray Building, 699 Main Street, Willimantic, CT. Interested parties are asked to contact Construction Resources Farmington office at (860) 6780663 or email Mark Rubins at mark@corebuilds.com or Vivian Garcia-Arnold at NK “mailto:vivian@corebuilds.com”vivian@corebuilds.com. Project Goal is 30/10.

Construction Resources, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks: Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT

Pre-application for waiting list at Orchard Hill Estates II State Elderly complex will be accepted until June 30, 2016. To qualify, you must be at least 62 or disabled with a maximum gross income of $46,000 (one person) or $52,600 (two people). Interested parties may pick up an application on line at coventryct.org, or at 1630 Main St., Coventry, CT 06238 or have one mailed by calling 860-742-5518.

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Pre-applications for waiting list at Orchard Hill Estates I HUD complex will be accepted until June 30, 2016. To qualify you must be at least 62 or disabled with a maximum gross income of $18,800 (one person) or $21,450 (two people). Interested parties may pick up an application on line at coventryct.org, or at 1630 Main St.,

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Coventry, CT 06238 or have one mailed

We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

by calling 860-742-5518.

Contact: James Burke

Phone: 860- 243-2300

email: jim.burke@garrityasphalt.com

Town of Bloomfield Finance Director $87,871-$135,632 For details and how to apply, go to www.bloomfieldct.org.

Pre-employment drug testing.

AA/EOE

DEEP RIVER HOUSING AUTHORITY OPENING WAITING LIST FOR SENIOR/DISABLED The Deep River Housing Authority will open its waiting list for Senior/ Disabled Housing on June 1st. This list will remain open until July 31, 2016.

To request an application please call 860-526-5119 applications will be accepted by mail (must be postmarked by 7/31/16) Housing is available to anyone over 62 or handicapped/disabled that meet the income guidelines. Monthly rate is based on income with a minimum base rent requirement of $495.

Deep River Housing Authority

60 Main Street Deep River, CT 06417

Union Company seeks: Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipment. Must have a CDL License, clean driving record, capable of operating heavy equipment; be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY.

Contact Greg at 860-243-2300 INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits Contact: Dana Briere

Phone: 860-243-2300

Experienced Concrete Construction Laborers to form and pour concrete footings/walls/floors. Must be able to lift/carry up to 100 lbs. Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical and drug test. Please call 860-653-6664

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

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks: Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing and clean driving record.

We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits Contact: Rick Tousignant

Phone: 860- 243-2300

Email: ailto:rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com”rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employe

Information Technology Administrative Application Technologist. The Town of Wallingford Public Schools is seeking a highly skilled individual to provide technical assistance in managing its organizational data system needs. The position requires 4 years information technology experience in a K-12 school environment which includes 2 years experience with Microsoft Office, PowerSchool, Crystal Reports, or similar reporting software.

Must have own transportation to travel between schools in the district.

Wages: $26.83 hourly (currently in wage negotiations) plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply to: Personnel Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date will be June 22, 2016 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

Welder-Exp. Welder for structural steel Misc shop. Send resume:gwf@snet.net

Connecticut’s First Choice For Urban News Since1990

PLACING AN AD EASY

Classifieds Classifieds 203 387-0354

BUSINESS HOURS - MONDAY FRIDAY 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - 50 FITCH NEW HAVEN CT, 06515 - Career/Education/Training • Bid• L egal and Public Notices • Health Care • Real Estate • Professional

Elm City Communities Invitation for Bids Landscaping Services at Valley and Waverly Townhouses The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH) d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Bids for Landscaping Services at Valley and Waverly Townhouses. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ gateway beginning on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 9:00am

Elm City Communities

FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC AND FIREFIGHTER/EMT The Town of Wallingford is currently accepting applications for Firefighter/Paramedic and Firefighter/EMT. Applicants must have a valid CPAT card issued within 1 yr. prior to June 20, 2016, HS diploma/GED, valid driver’s license and hold a valid EMS License applicable to the level/position applying for, which must meet CT State Regulations. Copies of licenses/certifications must be submitted with application materials. The Town of Wallingford offers a competitive pay rate $51,964.64 to $66,994.72 annually. In addition, there is a $4,200 annual paramedic bonus or a $1,700 annual EMT Bonus, plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Application deadline is June 20, 2016 or the date the 75th application for each position is received, whichever occurs first. Apply: Personnel Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main St., Wallingford, CT. phone: (203) 2942080; fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE.

ELECTRIC UTILITY ELECTRICIAN

Request for Proposals IQC- Architectural and Engineering Services Housing Authority City of New Haven d/b/a Elm city Communities is currently seeking Qualifications for Architectural and Engineering Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https:/ /newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 3:00 PM

Electric utility is seeking a highly skilled maintenance electrician with extensive substation experience to maintain and repair transmission and distribution class switchgear, bus-work, lightning arrestors, protective relays, insulators, switches power transformers, data circuits, controls and other related components. Must be a high school/trade school graduate and have 4 years’ experience in the maintenance and operation of electric utility substations and/or utility grade protection and control systems. Completion of a recognized four (4) year maintenance electrician apprenticeship program may substitute for the experience requirement.

Two (2) years of college-level education or advanced training in related field may substitute for two (2) years of the experience requirement. Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license issued by the State of Connecticut and be able to obtain with 6 months of hire a valid Protective Switching and Tagging Procedure certification from CONVEX or other approved agency. Wage rate: $34.73 to $38.31 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Closing date will be that date the 100th application form/resume is received, or June 24, 2016 whichever occurs first. Apply: Personnel Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. (203) 294-2080 / Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

HVAC Service TechnicianQualifications & Requirements: Valid and active S2 or S1 license issued by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection . Minimum 5-7 years experience installing and servicing commercial and industrial systems a must. Knowledge of code requirements. Write up necessary parts, supplies and equipment specific to each job. Ability to diagnose and properly repair system and unit problems and install new equipment. General Maintenance on systems and units.

Safe and proper usage of tools used in the trade. Perform work as requested

by Management. Must be client focused and professional with excellent communication skills both oral and written. Must have a current valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. Competitive salary along with excellent benefits including medical and dental insurance, vision care coverage, 401K, PTO, paid holidays, short & long-term disability insurance,

The Glendower Group, Inc an affiliate of Housing Authority City of New Haven d/b/a Elm city Communities is currently seeking Proposals for Tax Compliance Consultant Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

and life insurance. Please email resume to lcross@sarracco.com EOE/M/

beginning on Monday, May 23, 2016 @ 3:00 PM.

The Glendower Group, Inc Request for Proposals

Tax Compliance Consultant Services

FPipefitter Sarracco Mechanical Services, Inc. is currently seeking experienced Pipefitters who hold a Qualifications & Requirements: Valid and active S2 or S1 license issued by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Minimum 5-7 years experience. Knowledge of code requirements.

Safe and proper usage of tools used in the trade. Must have a current valid driver’s license. Excellent benefits including medical and dental insurance, vision care coverage, 401K, PTO, paid holidays, short & long-term disability insurance, and life insurance. Competitive wages based on experience.

Please email resume to lcross@sarracco.com EOE/M/F

SEMAC ELECTRIC ELECTRICIANS

Please visit http://commongroundct.org/get-

involved/join-our-staff.

Housing Authority of the City of New Haven

Un nuevo y lujoso complejo de apartamentos, situado en las faldas de la roca del oeste, Augustine St. Nuestros departamentos son amplias y luminosas de un y dos dormitorios .Comienzan desde de $ 1.300 incluyendo los servicios públicos y están equipadas con refrigerador de tamaño completo, aire acondicionado central, trituradores de basura, walk in closet y conexiones de lavadora/ secadora. Llame a la Oficina de Gestión de la Propiedad al 203-389-2100 o 203-410-9427 para programar una cita. Visítenos en www.twinbrookproperties.com.

Twin Brook Properties.

A luxurious new apartment complex, located in the foot hills of West Rock, Augustine St. These spacious and bright, one and two bedroom apartments start at $1,300 including utilities and include full size refrigerators, central air conditioning, garbage disposals, walk in closets and full size washer/dryer hook ups. Call the Property Management Office at 203-389-2100 or 203-410-9427 to schedule a viewing. Visit us at www.twinbrookproperties.com.

Housing Authority of the City of New Haven Invitation for Bids Uniform Physical Conditions Standards Contractor (UPCS)

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH) is currently seeking Bids for Uniform Physical Conditions Standards Contractor (UPCS). A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https:// newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednesday. May 18, 2016 at 3:00PM

Glazier Apprentice Opportunity Well established Architectural Glazing Contractor doing business in CT and NY. We are looking for someone interested in building a career with our company in the glass and glazing industry.

Ideal for someone in the construction industry looking to build a career in a licensed trade. Please call Sonya @ 1-203-748-8620

Invitation for Bids

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Uniform Physical Conditions Standards Contractor (UPCS)

SEMAC ELECTRIC @@@ ELECTRICIANS

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH) is currently seeking Bids for Uniform Physical Conditions Standards Contractor (UPCS). A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednesday. May 18, 2016 at 3:00PM

Semac Electric is seeking Electricians (CT Licensed Journeymen & Foremen, E1 and E2) to join our team for medium & large commercial construction projects thru out the State of CT: Hartford, Fairfield & New Haven Counties. We have excellent wages and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications available at our main office at 45 Peter Court, New Britain, CT or send resume to P.O. Box 638, New Britain, CT 06050 or via fax to 860-229-0406 or email: mailto:careers@semacelectric.com”careers@semacelectric.com

21

Semac Electric is seeking Electricians (CT Licensed Journeymen & Foremen, E1 and E2) to join our team for medium & large commercial construction projects thru out the State of CT: Hartford, Fairfield & New Haven Counties. We have excellent wages and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications available at our main office at 45 Peter Court, New Britain, CT or send resume to P.O. Box 638, New Britain, CT 06050 or via fax to 860-229-0406 or email: mailto:careers@semacelectric.com”careers@semacelectric.com

JOB OPENINGS AT COMMON GROUND!

Twin Brook Properties.

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

The

Inner-City Inner-City News

22

The

Inner-City Inner-City News Connecticut’s First Choice For Urban News Since1990

PLACING AN AD EASY

Classifieds Classifieds 203 387-0354

BUSINESS HOURS - MONDAY FRIDAY 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - 50 FITCH NEW HAVEN CT, 06515 - Career/Education/Training • Bid• L egal and Public Notices • Health Care • Real Estate • Professional

CT Junior Republic Human Service Positions CLINICAL COORDINATOR (Danbury, Meriden, Waterbury) (3) FT Positions Available – Conducts client assessment and supervises intake process, develops service plans, provides clinical supervision, provides crisis intervention, prepares reports and cofacilitates service team meetings. Master’s degree and 3 yrs exp in screening, assessment and treatment planning. LCSW, LMFT, or LPC license required.

EDUCATIONAL ADVOCATE (Danbury) FT - Reviews the educational history of clients, advocates for clients and coordinates services with school districts and provides academic testing and tutoring. Master’s with 2 yrs exp or Bachelor’s with 3 yrs exp.

THERAPIST (New Britain) FT – Provides evaluations and individualized treatment plans, both clinic-based and community/ home-based treatment services utilizing the A-CRA and ACC models of care to youth and families.

Master’s Degree and will be CT licensed or license eligible, bilingual (English/Spanish).

CJR offers a competitive salary and benefits package – EOE For full position descriptions go to: www.ctjuniorrepublic.org Send cover letter and resume to hr@cjryouth.org

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN MOVING TO WORK 2017 ANNUAL PLAN

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

Section VB of the Authority’s Moving to Work Agreement (the “Agreement”) requires that before the Agency can file its Approved Annual Moving to Work Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (the “HUD”) that it must conduct a public hearing, consider comments from the hearing on the proposed amendments, obtain approval from the Board of Commissioners, and submit the amendments to HUD. Pursuant to said Section VI B, the Authority will conduct a public hearing on May 31, 2016 at 4:00 PM, in the 3rd floor Board of Commissioners Conference Room at 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511 to receive comments and recommendations. A copy of the Plan will be available for review starting May 2, 2016 on the Authority’s website at www.elmcitycommunities.com or can be picked up at the front desk in the main lobby area at 360 Orange Street. You are invited to provide written comments addressed to HANH MTW 2015 Plan, Attn: Maza Rey, P.O. Box 1912, New Haven, CT 06509-1912. Any individuals requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hearing may call Teena Bordeaux, Reasonable Accommodations Coordinator for HANH at 498-8800 extension 1507 or at the TDD Number 497-8434.

JOIN US OPEN HOUSE “NEW APARTMENTS” 258 Fairmont Avenue, New Haven, Ct. 06513 May 7, 2016 from 10:00am to 1:00pm Spacious two and three bedroom units, new appliances, carpet, parking, close to I91 and I95, bus stops and shopping centers.

For more information contact Maria @ 860.985.8258

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016

23

INNER-CITY NEWS June 13, 2016 - June 19, 2016 24