INNER-CITY NEWS

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

Stacey Abrams asNAACP Vice President Financial JusticeSays a KeyShe’d FocusServe at 2016 Convention INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

New Haven, Bridgeport

INNER-CITYNEWS Volume . No. Volume27 21 No.2346 2194

Magic Johnson

At 60:

“DMC” To New Haven Boricua, From Loíza

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems:

Ignore Ignore“Tough “ToughOn OnCrime” Crime”

“I Plan To Go On Living For A Long Time”

Daleishka Flores and Mia Santos.

Color Struck?

Sun Queen Pens Her Journey Through New Haven

Snow in July?

This 61-Year Old Single Dad Has Helped More Than 50 Foster Children in the Last 12 Years

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

Connecticut Joins Lawsuit Against Trump Rule on Benefits For Legal Immigrants

by Christine Stuart

HARTFORD, CT An estimated 200,000 Connecticut residents who have legally been in the country could lose their benefits and their path to citizenship under a new Trump administration rule.

The new rule, which is being challenged in federal court by Connecticut, New York and Vermont, would allow officials to deny a change in immigration status to any individual who has received public assistance, such as food stamps, Medicaid or even housing assistance, in the last three years.

Previously the rule only applied to individuals who depended on cash assistance or government-funded long-term institutional care.

“If you have a green card and you’ve done everything right and you just needed a little bit of help with food or housing or just some healthcare assistance, if you got that assistance for a 12-month period you could lose your ability to be a green-card holder, a lawful permanent resident, to being a citizen of this of this country,” Attorney General William Tong said.

The Connecticut lawsuit, one of 60 challenging the rule, was filed Tuesday in the Southern District of New York.

The Trump administration says it is taking action to help ensure that non-citizens in this country are self-sufficient and not a strain on public resources.

But Tong said the rule will have a detrimental impact on Connecticut’s economy.

Tong said it would impair the ability of these legal immigrants to function because they will not be able to afford to put food on the table or find housing or access healthcare services. Instead, they will forgo these services in order to gain citizenship and avoid possible deportation due to their socio-economic status.

“We’re talking about the core of Connecticut’s economy and the core of Connecticut’s working people,” Tong said.

He added that the ”net economic damage to the state is going to be profound.”

The amount of Medicaid money the state receives will be reduced and federal funds for school lunches for all children could be reduced if immigrants decide to drop out of these government-sponsored assistance programs.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said not only has Trump declared war on people who are living in poverty, but he’s also declared a war on immigrants.

“Gov. Lamont and I are in opposition to this discrimination, to this cruelty, to this racism, to this vilification of immigrants,” Bysiewicz said.

Department of Social Services Interim Commissioner Deidre Gifford said the rule will lead to eligible and needy families, including those with children who are U.S. citizens, going without food, housing and

medical services.

“It’s a particularly cruel forrm of discrimination against legal immigrants of lesser means,” Gifford said.

Gifford said that Medicaid, food stamps, and temporary cash assistance programs already have “rigid restrictions,” against noncitizen participation. In order to receive any benefits like food stamps or Medicaid, an immigrant must legally have been in the country for five years.

She said parents will avoid public benefits out of “understandable fear and confusion” and their children will lose access to free and reduced-price lunches.

“Hunger will not simply disappear. Illness will not cure itself,” Gifford said. “This rule will force legal residents, legal immigrant families to endure unnecessary harm during their pursuit of citizenship.”

Nichelle Mullins, president and CEO of Charter Oak Health Center, said they already receive phone calls from patients asking whether they will report their immigration status if they come into the center for medical services.

She said they’ve seen a 6% increase in patients paying cash for services instead of using insurance.

Jason Jakubowski, president and CEO of Foodshare, said his organization will not be able to feed all the people who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), better known as food

stamps.

“Foodshare nor any other food bank in America has the food to be able to cover what people would lose from not having access to SNAP,” Jakubowski said.

Chris George, executive director of IRIS, a refugee resettlement agency, said he’s learned a lot over his 14 years at the agency about why people come to this country.

“They don’t come for food stamps or healthcare or housing assistance,” George said. “They come for all the right reasons: safety, freedoms, for our democracy. They come to work hard.”

But every now and then, he said, they may

need a little extra help.

“And to put them in that horrible position between food, healthcare and shelter and their immigration status a year or two down the road is cruel and un-American,” George added.

The Urban Institute reported in May that over 20% of immigrants surveyed reported they did not participate in a non-cash government benefit program in 2018 for fear of risking a future green card.

This is around the 31st lawsuit Tong has filed against the Trump administration and its agencies since he was elected in 2018.

Fire Dep’t Honored For Homicide Memorial Support

by THOMAS BREEN

New Haven Independent

The founders of a city memorial for victims of gun violence awarded the fire chief and three westside fire stations with certificates of appreciation for the work they’ve done to plant trees, clear brush, and water flowers at the prospective Valley Street park site.

That informal ceremony took place Tuesday afternoon in the third-floor conference room of the New Haven Fire Department’s headquarters at 952 Grand Ave. Marlene Miller-Pratt, the founder of the New Haven Botanical Garden of Healing Dedicated to Victims of Gun Violence, joined Mayor Toni Harp and three fellow mothers who have lost family members to gun homicides: Winifred Phillips Cue, Celeste Robinson Fulcher, and Pamela Jaynez.

They presented the certificates of appreciation to Fire Chief John Alston, Squad 2 Captain Miguel Rosado, and three other representatives from the Ellsworth Avenue, Fountain Street, and Goffe Street fire stations.

“We came down here really to just thank you,” Miller-Pratt said. “The community service started with your department: The city’s bravest.”

For the past several months, going back to before the memorial held its official groundbreaking in May, Miller-Pratt said, the mothers behind the project have spent every Saturday out at 105 Valley St. tend-

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO Fire officials receive certificates of recognition from the founders of the gun violence memorial. the project, helping dig holes for flowers, ing to the city park land slated to house those killed. the new memorial. With the help of Urban “The purpose of the garden is so that each planting trees, and clearing brush.

Resources Initiative (URI), Svigals + Part- mother can feel peace instead of going “The fire service is part of the communiners, the city, and hundreds of thousands of to a cemetery,” Miller-Pratt said. “We’re ty,” Rosado said. And giving back to charitable causes like preparing the grounds for dollars in state bonding from former state hoping that it will bring awareness to the Gov. Dannel Malloy, the memorial will city so, when someone walks through the the memorial is simply what a good neighinclude wind chimes to mask the sound garden, they’ll say, ‘There’s something we bor does. of traffic, a “magnitude path” with bricks have to do, and something we have to do to “I don’t know anything that can heal engraved with the names and dates of city give back.’” your pain,” Alston said to the mayor and She presented a special certification of the mothers as he accepted the certificate victims of gun violence, “memory tiles” engraved with images or memories of those appreciation to Rosado, who she said has on behalf of the department. “There are no lost, and a central statue commemorating been particularly tireless in his support for words for that. Just recognize that you have

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a community, and a mayor, and a fire department that do care about lives, and we also care for those who grieve when lives are lost.”

Miller-Pratt said that the memorial group has just gone out to bid for a construction contractor for the project. That contractor should be selected in September, she said, after which the work of actually building out the new memorial should begin. spect of colleagues, community members and friends.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

Boricua, From Loíza To New Haven

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

At the lip of the New Haven Green, the town of Loíza was becoming a heartbeat. Horns rose, conjuring the intricate footwork and twirling skirts of la bomba y la plena. A dancer transformed into a masked vejigante, throwing his arms and shoulders into the rhythm as a plena dancer whirled nearby. Drums pounded over each other, bringing new footfalls forward with each one.

Saturday, that celebration was the core of New Haven’s fourth annual Festival Puertorriqueño, hosted by Puerto Ricans United. Inc. (PRU) on the New Haven Green. This year the festival honored the Puerto Rican town of Loíza, which is celebrating its 300th anniversary as a capital of Afro-Boricua culture and tradition. Close to 10,000 people attended the festival before the end of the night.

Despite a threat on social media earlier this week, spirits remained high for the eight-hour festival. In a press conference Saturday morning, law enforcement confirmed that they had made an arrest in the threat, made less than a week after a deadly attack targeting the Latinx community in El Paso.

“I’m full of emotions right now,” said PRU President and Co-Founder Jhonnathan Rivera at the festival a few hours later. “Given what happened after Hurricane Maria, then everything with the governor being ousted out of office, it’s a great way to come back and forget about those things for a couple hours. Enjoy the music, enjoy the food, enjoy the dance, and have a good time.”

He added that he was particularly excited when PRU’s board of directors chose Loíza, because he grew up in the town the first 10 years of his life. In 1990, Rivera moved to New Haven with his family, leaving behind a grandmother and several of his aunts and uncles. Now a father, he makes a point to go back every year with his two kids.

“I never forget where I come from,” he said.

Neither did thousands of attendees who came out, literally wearing their culture on their sleeves, jerseys, caps and cheeks. By midday Saturday, Puerto Rican flags blanketed the green, adorned faces, and made their way into high ponytails and onto the backs of chairs. Babies clutched tiny flags in their fists and parents waved full-sized ones that they held at the edges. A few attendees turned them in superhero capes, with a whoosh of red, blue and white tied at their necks.

Onstage, a bright banner by artists David Sepulveda and Amie Ziner waved out at the crowd, decorated with Loíza’s

Osiris Jean (second from left) and his family said they came out for the first time after hearing about the event and getting excited about a place to show their Puerto Rican pride. (Group)

Pedro Matos and Natalia Jardim.

new take on a centuries-old flag. As attendees streamed in, they moved right into the rhythm, cheering for a rotating door of musicians that included Viti Ruiz, Ray de la Paz, Los Gigantes De La Plena, Grupo Kontrabando and others.

In the audience, some families started to dance before they had even finished setting up their lawn chairs. Others whipped out fans from a nearby vendor and willed away the midday heat.

Grooving close to the stage, Pedro Matos and Natalia Jardim had made the trip from Providence after reading about the festival on Facebook. Born in Boston, Matos moved to Loíza with his family when he was six, and remained there un-

til he was 21 (he’s now 28). As he spoke, a coquí or frog symbol winked out from the center of his shirt, a small and constant reminder of Taíno history, memory and resilience.

“I had to come and show out and see my people, basically,” he said. “When you’re Puerto Rican, it’s a whole different thing. Because I’m proud to be an American, but my pride for Puerto Rico is just beyond that.”

Elsewhere in the crowd, attendees celebrated by catching up with friends, queuing up in long lines for food trucks and dancing all the way from the stage to the green’s central flagpole. In the crowd, people busted out moves while waving

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Puerto Rican flags in one hand and cups of coconut and tamarind ice cream in the other. On stage, Los Gigantes De La Plena swept on in bright dresses in the red, green and gold of Loíza’s flag.

As thin, frame drums beat in time with each other, long folkloric skirts and masks made it hard to look away.

They connected to the history of plena at the root, bodies in constant movement across the stage. Drums became a muscled chorus of voices, carrying centuries of history with every downbeat.

By the far edge of the green, Hartfordbased friends Benjamin Maldonado and Orlando Morales set up their lawn chairs, pulled out a few drinks and caught up for the first time in over a week.

A truck driver during the workweek, Maldonado said that he usually spends Saturday fishing, but couldn’t pass up the festival after hearing about it. He and Morales grew up on the same street in Hartford decades ago, and have remained close in their adulthood.

After hearing about his culture as a kid, Maldonado made his first pilgrimage to the island in the 1980s. Earlier this year, he returned with his two children and grandchildren, renting a house in Canóvanas. He said that he jumped at the opportunity to celebrate that culture in his home state.

“When we unite like this, we can do anything,” Morales chimed in. While he has not yet been to Puerto Rico, he said that visiting the island doesn’t matter to him as much as the act of being proudly Boricua.

Back by the stage, a thick knot of

people had formed as Elba Llantin-Cruz serenaded the crowd’s youngest listeners (“Say ‘wepa’ with me! It’s like the Puerto Rican hooray!”), then Ray de la Paz took the stage with a full band.

Some attendees found dance partners, and fell right into step. Others, like Cass and Liz Rodriguez, had come prepared with two decorated maracas strung around Cass’ neck, and a big, shiny cowbell in his hand.

As a tide of music rose higher from the stage, Liz said that they’d come out because they love to dance, and have found in the festival a place to do it for hours.

As the band picked up speed, the two swayed beside each other, watching as the green turned into a sea of warm bodies intertwined.

Weaving through salsa dancers, girlfriends Mia Santos and Daleishka Flores were attending the festival for the third time in its four years. In 2016, they moved to New Haven from Carolina, Puerto Rico to improve their English.

They live in the Hill, where Santos said her favorite part of the city has been its snowy days—followed by the festival.

After a friend told them about it three years ago, they haven’t missed one.

She and Flores had come dressed for the festival, with red, white and blue Puerto Rican flags on one cheek and a black and white flags on the other. Both were frayed at the ends, as if they were crying teardrop-sized pieces of fabric.

The black and white flag represents both mourning and resistance, directly referencing the United States’ role in continued colonialism.

“We love to dance,” she said.

That spirit extended through the green, where parents lifted their kids into arms and backs and shoulders so they could see what was happening at the center of the festival. It bounced back to the stage, where PRU member Joseph Rodriguez took the mic to cheers from the crowd.

“We are not afraid! We are not afraid!” he shouted into the mic, echoing Puerto Rico’s recent rallying cry demanding Ricardo Rosselló’s resignation. The crowd caught immediately: he was met with more than a few ebullient cheers of “somos más y no tenemos miedo!”

“Yo soy boricua! Yo soy boricua!” he continued to more cheers and applause.

Somewhere near the front, Cass Rodriguez lifted his cowbell and started banging joyfully on the side. Cries of “Yo soy Boricua” and “Pa’que tu lo sepas!” rose up from around different corners of the green.

The music picked back up. The crowd was ready to dance the night away.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

Book Club Bridges Black And Brown Connections

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

The year is 1968 and Ashima and Ashoke Ganguli are in a Boston hospital room, struggling with what to name their baby when they are so far away from home. Or maybe it is 1994, and that baby has changed his name himself, because he doesn’t know exactly where it came from. Or it is 2019, and New Haveners Lyneece Gattison and Damonne Jones are swapping memories of a family nickname to keep it alive.

Those worlds collided at a new Whalley/Edgewood/Beaver Hills (WEB) sponsored book club, the first in a series of events leading up to the Elm City Lit Arts Fest next April. Both the club and the Lit Arts Fest are arranged by Beaver Hills resident IfeMichelle Gardin, who is spearheading the projects to promote and support authors of color and foster cross-cultural connections in New Haven. The books were donated to the book club through the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, which is supporting The Namesake through NEA Big Read and accompanying grant from the National Endowment for the Arts that came in earlier this year.

Gardin said that there will be a number of forthcoming salons and readings before the fest, scheduled for April 2020 (details and location are still forthcoming). On Sept. 10, the book club convenes again to discuss Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah at the Whalley Avenue police substation. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.

The Namesake, which was also New Haven’s NEA “Big Read” book this year, follows Indian immigrants Ashima and Ashoke Ganguli as they settle into life in Boston. Ashoke is on a postdoc at Harvard, leaving Ashima alone and pregnant in a city where she knows no one. As she adapts to life around her, Lahiri deftly weaves in the story of their son Gogol, who shirks his name because he does not know the weight and beauty of its origins.

The novel begins in a small Cambridge apartment, but the story seemed close to New Haven as Gardin opened the book to chapter one and began spinning a web between Gogol’s fictional world and her own. At the beginning of the book, Ashima has to start code-switching the minute she gets on a plane to the U.S., carrying a few Bengali magazines and the histories of her culture that she must keep alive in a new country.

She’s pushed to compromise her customs almost immediately—first with poor American substitutes for Indian ingredients, then as hospital personnel tell the couple they must name their newborn son before leaving with the baby.

For Gardin, it read as the tip of a huge

Lucy Gellman Photos: IfeMichelle Gardin, who is spearheading the Elm City Lit Arts Fest. cultural iceberg that didn’t feel so distant at all.

“I think there’s an assumption that people are not content within their culture,” she said. She noted the widespread stereotype that hijabi women are somehow less liberated than their uncovered counterparts. She recalled visiting a mosque while she was in college, and meeting women who found immense autonomy in the choice to pray separately, cover their hair and dress modestly.

“They were so kind to me,” she recalled. “And they were like, ‘we good.’”

Nadine Horton, who chairs the WEB Community Management Team, chimed in. “We project our feelings onto them.”

Gardin conjured New Haven during the 1960s, when her great grandmother lived on what is now Francis Hunter Drive in the city’s Dixwell neighborhood. Decades ago, she said, that street felt tightknit in a way that it doesn’t anymore.

Kids would drop by the house, and ask her great grandmother what she needed at the store. Neighbors looked out for each other’s children. Her great grandmother had a huge garden, a version of urban agriculture long before it was cool.

“Other people may have looked at it as ‘the hood,’ but it was a neighborhood,” Gardin said. “And this woman, Ashima, is trying to find that sense of community.”

Horton said it hit close to home for her too. In the book, Ashima frets about her English, self-conscious when she feels like her words have slipped in some way.

She clings to her traditions but doesn’t always explain them to her children. She learns to adapt, but not without intense emotional labor and cultural loss. Every day, Horton finds herself switching her speech patterns—and the content of her conversations—for the people that surround her.

“It’s that code switch that happens all the time,” she said.

The book club dove back into the text.

In The Namesake’s version of the 1970s and 80s, Ashima and Ashoke are raising Gogol between worlds. There are model U.N. classes and Levi jeans in Cambridge, summers in Calcutta that he resents the older he gets. There are small pizza parties for Gogol’s American friends, and big Begali gatherings for his parents.

But through it all, his parents take years to tell him the story of his namesake— Nikolai Gogol, the author who indirectly saved his father’s life—worried that it will cut him too deeply.

“There’s a lot of Black children who don’t know what their aunts, their uncles, their families went through,” Horton said. “There’s the sense that parents want to protect. But if you don’t know your history,“ you risk losing it.

Other members added that they see the same kind of erasure in Black and Brown communities, where shared history can also translate to intergenerational trauma.

As she read it, Gardin said, she’d thought about learning to quilt “the old

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way” at family gatherings when she was younger. Before she was born, her grandparents and great-aunts and uncles had moved to New Haven from North Carolina, bringing traditions of quilting and sewing with them when they moved to work at the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. As a kid, she thought of the traditions—pin basting each piece— as laborious and exhausting. Now, she said, she wishes she had paid more attention to the process.

“This is what this book reminded me of,” she said, adding her memories of Bowen-Peters School of Dance, a tiny and magical place that always smelled like sweat. “Those lost traditions. Because we all have that. Everyone has a story.”

Jones recalled that when she was growing up, her father told her that he was related to Frederick Douglass. For years, she assumed he was exaggerating. Then she tried an ancestry service, and found out that her family had been involved in the Black press, including running articles in Douglass’ publication The North Star. When she first received the results, she sat in the front seat of her car and cried.

“I felt for her,” Jones said of Ashima.

“Here you are, in a new country, in the middle of winter, and she’s alone. She

has no one. She had to feel devastated.”

As the hour wound down, members turned to the stories behind their own names, and the names of their children.

Horton recalled that long before her daughter Taja entered the world, she heard the name, and wrote it into the fabric of a music box. The music box has long since disappeared—but Horton kept that strip of fabric. Gardin spoke to her daughter’s middle name—Amandla—a nod to Nelson Mandela two weeks after he was freed from prison. To laughs from the group, Lauren Anderson explained that the Boston accents with which she grew up meant that she pronounced her name more like “Lawn” until she got to college. Even now, she has an ambivalent relationship with her name.

“It’s interesting,” said Anderson, who made it just in time for the tail end of the group. “What our parents think of as weighting us may actually anchor us.”

The next meeting of the WEB Book Club is scheduled for Sept. 10 at 6 p.m..

The club’s next selection is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah. Meetings are held at the Whalley Avenue police substation next to Minore’s Market. The Elm City Lit Fest is scheduled for April 2020 at a New Haven public school; more details coming soon.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

Sun Queen Pens Her Journey Through New Haven

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

Sometimes Sun Queen is unfolding notes in her luggage and reading them to no one in particular. Sometimes she is standing in a crowd at a funeral, and figuring out the right words to speak to the dead. Sometimes she is shoulders-deep in the grass, listening to conversations rise around her. Always, she has a pen and a notepad at the ready.

That’s the sense one gets reading It Happened Within The Sun, the first volume of poems from writer, activist and Black Lives Matter New Haven Co-Founder Lauren Pittman, known more widely as Sun Queen. After publishing the book in April of this year, she will hold a reading and release party on Aug. 31 at the Whitneyville Cultural Commons in Hamden.

Details and more information are available here.

“It was definitely a lot,” she said in an interview at Manjares Cafe earlier this month. “Writing can be so exciting and exhausting in the same moment, and I definitely experienced that. It can take you back to the moment [you’re writing about]. But I always knew I would finish.”

In part, the book’s genesis comes from her deep New Haven roots, which work their way through almost every page.

Born and raised in the city’s Newhallville neighborhood, Sun Queen grew up with the city as her playground, enrolled in LEAP (Leadership, Athletics, & Education in Partnership) and a teen pregnancy prevention program that she went on to be a leader in. It was during those years that she became interested in writing, which she sees as in sync with her love for “the helping profession.”

“It just feels good to me,” she said.

“Helping others is good to my spirit. I feel like it’s what I’m supposed to be doing here on earth. ” In college at Delaware State University, she declared an interest in social work and began writing her first book of poems, a volume that she kept in a binder close to her at all times. The words kept coming, she recalled: there was a letter to her estranged father, who she first met at his funeral, and tens of observations on the world around her. When circumstances forced her to come home suddenly, she asked a friend to bring the binder back with her. It never made it all the way to New Haven.

“I was so devastated,” she said. “Self doubt kicked in. And then I realized it wasn’t supposed to be my first book.”

But her second go at a book, it turned out, would take complicated and painful years to write. In December of 2012, her brother Christopher Fain was shot and killed in Newhallville, opening a well of grief that, as the writer puts it, “has no expiration date.” In the years following,

Ashleigh Huckabey

she struggled to write through her depression, a period that is now captured in painstaking and candid detail in “Letter To My Brother.”

In the poem, she writes directly to her younger brother, painting a portrait of a sweet boy who learned to spell under her watchful eye, and was taken from the world much too soon, on the lip of his second decade of life. “Your smile is planted/in my bones,” she writes, and the reader gets a vivid image, searing from its place on the page.

During those years she kept writing, sometimes only in journal entries that never made it to poem form, then in notebooks and often in the “notes” function of her phone. She changed her name to Sun Queen, a nod to the light she felt within herself, trying to make its way out into the world. She started blogging, putting some of her writing on the internet until she got locked out of the blog. She revisited old work and committed herself to writing new material to match it.

Then last summer, Nasty Women Connecticut Co-Founder Luciana McClure asked her to read some of her poetry during the group’s #MeToo Testimonials project in an event at Lyric Hall.

Sun Queen was nervous and shy, unaccustomed to reading her work in front of people. When she did, easing through a series of poems, she realized that she

wanted to be doing more of it.

“I was like, ‘I’m gonna write this book, I’m gonna finish this book,’” she recalled. “I knew that I had to finish this book. I had to get this done. Every piece that I wrote went in. I talked to my partner, and she was like ‘just keep writing.

You’ll know when you’re done.’”

In the book, she takes the reader on a sweeping personal journey, blending her stream of consciousness with affirmations, activist soundbites and snapshots, and vignettes from her daily life. In pieces like “Speak Up and Within,” she takes the reader through her own hopes for the world, including an end to pollution, violence, food insecurity and mass incarceration. Other work may strike the reader as familiar: she has read her poem “#MeT00” at several events in the past year.

When she was writing, she said, those pieces came in different forms: sometimes a block of text made its way out while she was sitting at home or on her way to work, other times she would sit and write before work at the New Haven Free Public Library or on the New Haven Green, listening to conversations unfold around her. They now bubble up and chatter from the pages, reflections on personal happiness presented alongside passages on student loan debt and the impossibility of the American dream.

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She has placed her Blackness, her woman-ness and her queerness front and center without apology, and the reader is better for it. In pieces such as “Why Am I Black?” she turns to self-interrogation, exploring police brutality, sexual assault, and economic inequality through the lens of her lived experience. In “Cause I Got Melanin,” she picks that thread up again, answering those same questions as they are asked (“Why attack my Melanin?/My existence is not a tragedy/ But a remedy to cure hatred”). In “Black Wombman,” she spins wordplay into a love-letter to herself and to the women around her.

Get you a Black Wombman/She will make your life better A Black Wombman is not a mystery/ She’s more than a fat ass and thick hips Her nurturing spirit wasn’t created to just be a/caregiver for Tom’s children She’s candid and very up-front about her own grief and depression, embedding in poems like “Mental Transactions” and “Self-Talk” an unspoken plea to the reader to seek out the mental and emotional care they may need. Ultimately, she said, it reflects her hope that the book can double as an affirmation of its own to readers who may need to see themselves reflected in the pages.

“I want people to be the author of their own story,” she said. “To know that they’re not alone. In the book, I talk a lot about getting to know yourself and what that means. Overall, it’s really about getting to know your true self and understanding your true self … reflecting on your own life. Where you’ve been and where you want to be.”

“This is about taking off the mask,” she continued. “Taking off the makeup.

We have all experienced pain. Growing through that—it’s traumatic—but it’s also necessary.”

She added that the book launch, which will mark the first of several readings, is part of that growth. While the book is technically finished, she said that it also feels like it is still in-process, because she’s now setting up readings and working on marketing materials. At the launch, she plans to kick off that chapter by inviting fellow authors, musicians and artists to perform.

“I’m going to celebrate me while I’m alive,” she said. “I did it. I did it. But I’m also taking the moment to lift up Black women in a space of love. I’m a firm believer in trusting Black women, in loving Black women. We all have our own personal journeys, but this life is about togetherness. We have to be one village.”

Sun Queen will hold a launch celebration, book signing and reading for It Happened Within The Sun at the Whitneyville Cultural Commons on August 31 from 6-11 p.m. More information on the event, which is free and open to the public, is available here.

John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO

Babz Rawls Ivy

Editor-in-Chief Liaison, Corporate Affairs Babz@penfieldcomm.com

Advertising/Sales Team Keith Jackson Delores Alleyne John Thomas, III

Editorial Team Staff Writers

Christian Lewis/Current Affairs Anthony Scott/Sports Arlene Davis-Rudd/Politics

Contributing Writers David Asbery Tanisha Asbery Jerry Craft/Cartoons Barbara Fair

Dr. Tamiko Jackson-McArthur Michelle Turner Smita Shrestha William Spivey Kam Williams Rev. Samuel T. Ross-Lee

_______________________

Contributors At-Large

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

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; 203-3872684 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.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

Yale Center for Clinical Investigation

E E R F

! t n e v E y t Communi r i a F s s e n l l e W & h t l Hea Saturday August 24, 2019 12 pm – 4 pm

Great opportunity to get information and gain knowledge about best practices for a healthy lifestyle, targeted health issues, clinical research, and more.

Scantlebury Park 139 Ashmun Street New Haven Free Parking

DEMONSTRATIONS of Healthy Practices & Preventative Health Screenings

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Food

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FUN for the Entire Family!

• Face Painting • Zumba Demonstration • Raffle Prizes • Giveaways • Snacks/Refreshments

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For more information, contact our Help Us Discover team at 1-877-978-8343.

Activities

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Help Us Discover 7

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

FALL JAZZ SERIES

SEPT JONATHAN BUTLER

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by Oscar H. Blayton

There is a sickening stench about Ken Cuccinelli.

Ken Cuccinelli is Donald Trump’s newly appointed acting director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and his type of stench is not one that assaults the nose, rather it is a noxious affront that assaults one’s dignity.

Cuccinelli’s main function in his new position is to act as Donald Trump’s gatekeeper to bar America’s doors to people of color. His job description requires a belief in the notion that America is a land for white prosperity and any non-white presence – if not of service to white supremacy – is a trespass.

The Trump Administration recently came under fire when Cuccinelli announced that it would implement its “public-charge rule,” declaring that anyone seeking immigration to the United States would be deemed undesirable if they could not satisfactorily prove their self-sufficiency – the effect being to bar poor people.

Some commentators have described this rule as Draconian and point out that it would have barred Cuccinelli’s poor ancestors from entering America as well.

And one reporter reminded him that the

8

Statue of Liberty welcomes “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Oblivious to the meaning of the words of the poem inscribed on the plaque at the base of the great statue, Cuccinelli insisted that their intent was “Give me your tired and your poor who can stand on their own two feet, and who will not become a public charge.”

When asked to explain his revised version of the famous poem, Cuccinelli said, in essence, the poem was meant for white people. In his words: “That poem was referring back to people coming from Europe…”

Cuccinelli’s remark gives proof to the fact that white supremacy can only flourish when fertilized with the manure of bigoted ignorance.

The Statue of Liberty was conceived by Édouard René de Laboulaye of France to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. The original concept was to have Lady Liberty holding a broken shackle and chain in her left hand. But due to powerful Americans objecting to this reference to slavery, the final version of the statue replaced the chains with a tablet inscribed with “July IV MDCCLXXVI,” the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and placed the broken chains beneath her feet.

By the time the statue was installed in New York Harbor in 1886, Reconstruction in the South was over, and America had turned its back on the plight of African Americans suffering from injustice

and oppression. Little, if any, reference was made at that time to the antislavery message of the statue. By then, America had moved so far away from being concerned about the welfare of African Americans that one African American newspaper expressed derision at the notion of American liberty. In November 1886, The Cleveland Gazette stated in its editorial: “Shove the Bartholdi statue, torch and all, into the ocean until the same ‘liberty’ of this country is such as to make it possible for an industrious and inoffensive colored man in the south to earn a respectable living for himself and family, without being ku-kluxed, perhaps murdered, his daughter and wife outraged, and his property destroyed. The idea of the ‘liberty’ of this country enlightening the world, or even Patagonia, is ridiculous in the extreme.”

Despite Cuccinelli’s assertions, Ellis Island did not officially open as an immigration station until Jan. 1, 1892. And the words of Emma Lazarus’ famous poem were not placed on the base of the statue until 1903 – 17 years after the Statue of Liberty was unveiled.

Given the history of this country, it is not difficult to understand why Cuccinelli believes America is reserved for white people and the Statue of Liberty was meant only for them. But we must always keep in mind that people like Ken Cuccinelli drag this nation further into the mire of despotism as they seek the “blessings of liberty” only for themselves and those who look like them.

Cuccinelli’s political path includes election to the Virginia state senate beginning in 2002 and as Virginia attorney general in 2009. During his career, he tried to eliminate birthright citizenship, proposed making it a firing offense to speak Spanish on the job and distributed lapel pins to his staff at the Attorney General’s Office that were decorated with a state seal adopted by Virginia and used on Confederate battle flags after the state seceded from the Union in 1861.

The stench of bigotry enveloping Ken Cuccinelli is so strong that, according to reports, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell advised Donald Trump not to nominate him for any post that requires Senate confirmation. To this day, Cuccinelli remains acting director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, holding that office without Senate confirmation.

I have been exposed to the stench of racism and bigotry all my life, and as a Virginian, I have endured Ken Cuccinelli’s stench for almost two decades. Now, thanks to Donald Trump, all America is experiencing that stench as well.

Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps combat pilot and human rights activist who practices law in Virginia. ​

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

Addressing Police Accountability Contributed by Barbara Fair

Several members of the New Haven community and surrounding towns met at the Stetson library on August 10, 2019 to address the lack of accountability for police misconduct not only in New Haven but across this nation. Is there a legitimate process that effectively holds police accountable for unlawful behavior they wanted to know? They questioned several Incidents in which officers are arrested (or not) for criminal behavior and yet remain employed by The New Haven Police Department. In a meeting several months ago Interim Chief Reyes stated “it’s very difficult to rid the department of bad officers”.

Across the nation various grassroots organizations, progressive legislators and prosecutors are finding police unions to be the greatest barrier to public demand for police accountability and transparency. They report Police unions as the greatest resistance against transparency and they fight in legislatures, contract terms and in court. In Boston, St Louis,

Philadelphia and Chicago progressive prosecutors claim police unions are pushing back on any efforts to shift police policy in America.

In a recent story in the New York Times, Patrick Lynch, head of New York’s largest union denounced an administrative judge’s recommendation that Officer Daniel Pantaleo be fired for choking Eric Garner to death during an illegal chokehold five years ago. The judge’s recommendation is not binding and the final decision lies with the Commissioner who plans to make a decision later this month. Democratic candidate for President, Bill deBlasio, could influence the decision since he is the Commissioner’s superior yet he has chosen not to weigh in.

Although Garner’s death has been ruled a homicide by the medical examiner in 2014 the state and federal government have chosen not to prosecute Pantaleo.

Lynch stated “any accountability for Eric Garner’s death is too much and will paralyze NYPD for years to come”.

Pantaleo still has the option to resign and

secure his pension before the Commissioner’s decision.

Prosecutors across the nation have adopted a “Brady list” of officers who are excluded from involvement in criminal cases due to having been found to have perjured themselves in cases or having been involved in unlawful behavior.

Police unions reportedly have fought tenaciously against the exclusionary policy. Without it defense attorneys can impeach the credibility of officers on their cases.

Several local legislators recently passed policy to move Connecticut in the direction of police accountability and transparency following police shootings that led to serious injury and death.

Included in the audience was a defense attorney who talked about the difficulty in fighting a very powerful police union.

The group plans to invite local legislators to an upcoming meeting to organize around supporting their efforts at the Capitol. The group felt without transparency and accountability B:9.25” for misconduct, trust and respect for the rule of law as T:9.25”

well as building positive police-community relations are seriously undermined.

The group had planned to attend the August 13 Police Commission meeting; however, it was cancelled due to the recent shooting of beloved Capt Anthony

Duff and the tragic death of a young man he was trying to protect from an alleged robbery attempt. A primary request moving forward is that monthly meetings be moved into a community space not aligned with NHPD.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

The 17th Annual Run & Shoot Filmworks Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF)

by Francette Carson, ICN Correspondent Run & Shoot Filmworks presented the 17th annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) from August 5-10, 2019. The annual event is held the first week of August on the magical island of Martha’s Vineyard.

MVAAFF, an Oscar qualifying festival is the summer’s finest film festival. This year’s line-up was a remarkable presentation of over 70 original feature films, documentaries and short films followed up with intellectually stimulating panel discussions.

The festival opening night included “Amazing Grace” documenting the recording of the most successful gospel album from the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The film’s never seen before footage from 1972 are unforgettable moments of praise and worship which transitioned from the screen and spread through the atmosphere with the audience standing to their feet, raising their hands and singing out praises.

Netflix presented “The Black Godfather” chronicling the life and career of music executive Clarence Avant whom impacted the lives of many icons such as Bill Withers, Quincy Jones, Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron, Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Mr. Avant was a

quiet storm a force that connected individuals and as result had a massive impact of the progression of our people. A prolific conversation was moderated by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. with Academy

Award nominee Reginald Hudlin (Director) and Nicole Avant (Producer). Ms. Nicole Avant, daughter of the legendary Clarence Avant was brought to tears by the overwhelming positive reaction of the audience during the viewing of this extraordinary documentary.

During intermission, the atmosphere transitioned into a dance party with the Legendary DJ Chris Washington playing classic R&B, Hip-Hop and Club music.

There were audience members dancing in the aisle celebrating black music, film, arts and culture. The opening night party was held at the Cardboard Box on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs. DJ Chris Washington also delivered the hits on Thursday night at the infamous “White Party” setting the stage for a continued celebration of black culture and the arts.

The highlighted featured screenings included OWN’s “Greenleaf”, and “David Makes a Man. The premiere episode of Greenleaf’s fourth season left the audience yearning for more. The drama series will not disappoint its viewers.

There has been changes within the family and some serious issues we will all have to work through alongside our first family. The screening was followed up with a panel discussion with the talented and beautiful cast of women; Lynn Whitfield, Merle Dandridge and Deborah Joy Winans. Lynn Whitfield does not disappoint; she is first lady May and embraces her character sharing with the audience her wisdom, beauty and grace.

Dandridge and Winans provides insight

10

into preparation for their characters and all three ladies wholeheartedly embody their roles and presented as the Greenleaf family. Own also presented the first episode of “David Makes a Man” a drama based on a 14-year-old prodigy that has reached a fork in the road in which he has to make a choice between streets or higher education.

BET presented “First Wives Club” starring Jill Scott. The plight of three best friends Ari (Ryan Michelle Bathe), Hazel (Jill Scott) a Bree (Michelle Buteau) rekindling their friendships during a difficult time in their lives. The episodes are filled with drama, comedy and typical sister girl moments. The screening of clips from the “Godfather of Harlem” starring Forest Whitaker and produced

by Markuann Smith, is a story inspired by infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson the movie premieres on EPIX September 29. Warner Bros. presents exclusive scenes from “Just Mercy” a film based on NY Times best-selling book titled “Just Mercy”; starring Michael B. Jordan, Academy Award Winners Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson. The film follows attorney Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) and his battle for justice traveling to Alabama defending Walter McMillian (Foxx) who was wrongly accused of the murder of an 18-year-old girl.

MVAAFF sponsors included HBO, Denny’s, BET, OWN, Netflix, American Heart Association, Color of Change, CBS/Diversity, Sag Indie, Uncle Nearest, ASU/Arizona State University and

Ketel One. Arizona State University Global Sport Institute premiered the story of Brian Banks a football player whom is wrongly accused of a crime and sent to prison, shattering his dreams of playing in the NFL. The story resonates with the overarching theme in our society; systematic racism within the criminal justice system. HBO presented their Short Film Competition and Award Ceremony followed by the screening of “The Apollo” a film directed by Oscar and Emmy award winner Roger Ross Williams and produced by Lisa Cortes. The history and legacy of Harlem’s Apollo Theatre is intricately weaved effortlessly through historical clips, behind the scenes footage, and interviews with contemporary and legendary artists such as Common, Jamie Foxx, Pharrell Williams, Savion Glover, Patti Labelle, and Smokey Robinson.

Denny’s is a premier sponsor of MVAAFF and has partnered to present the Denny’s Hungry Education scholarship program, awarding scholarships to future filmmakers at Howard University, Morehouse College and other historically black colleges and universities. The American Heart Association debut “Empowered Voices: More Than Enough to Heal” was a short film giving hope for the future success of the next generation of black physicians to stand up. The film explores the significance of Historically Black Colleges, Universities and Medical Schools in their contribution of breaking down physician bias, making a difference in health disparities and influencing the advancement of the healthcare. In the spirit of health and fitness, the American Heart Association and Run & Shoot Filmworks presented Morning Yoga providing free yoga mats alongside the Polar Bears at the Inkwell Beach; which was a great addition to this year’s festival.

MVAAFF concluded with great documentaries and short films including “One Child Left Behind: The Untold Atlanta Cheating Scandal. The Color of Change presented “Finding Justice with Dream Hampton in a corrupt system of systematic racism within America. HBO presented the Short Film Competition and Awards ceremonies. The Oscar Winning Director Spike Lee’s showcase of his iconic music and clips titled “Spike Lee Joints “closed out the festival with an explosion of nostalgia defining the progression of black film. MVAAFF founders, husband and wife Floyd and Stephanie Rance has elevated the 17-year-old film festival to a higher level. MVAFF has evolved into an Oscar qualifying film festival.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

Stacey Abrams Says She’d Serve as Vice President

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “I’ve just come to the decision that my best value add, the strongest contribution I can give to this primary, would be to make sure our nominee is coming into an environment where there are strong voter protections in place,” Abrams told the New York Times.

The overcrowded Democratic presidential field has a record six women seeking the nomination.

But one prominent individual who isn’t running for the top job has thrown her hat into the ring for vice president.

Former Georgia Gubernatorial Candi-

date Stacey Abrams said she would be delighted to serve under one of the 22 candidates.

“I would be honored to be considered by any nominee,” Abrams told The New York Timeson Wednesday, Aug. 14.

“I’ve just come to the decision that my best value add, the strongest contribution I can give to this primary, would be to make sure our nominee is coming into an environment where there are strong voter protections in place,” Abrams told the Times.

“I would not have publicly raised the possibility if it was not a legitimate thought,” Abrams said.

She said the current field, which includes former Vice President Joe Biden;

Calif. Sen. Kamala Harris; New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker; and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, is talented.

Earlier this year when Biden entered the race, he was reportedly considering Abrams as a running mate.

YAHOO! Newsreported that Abrams dismissed those rumors, noting that at the time, Abrams was considering a run for president.

Earlier this year, Booker said he believed that a woman should be on the ticket.

Another candidate, former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, said he would find it “very difficult not to select a woman” as his running mate.

Destined to Succeed Whatever your child wants to be is within reach when you are involved.

Your engagement in their education will prepare them for the future.

To learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and how you can advocate for your children, visit us at www.nnpa.org/essa Sign-up for our ESSA alerts at www.nnpa.org/essa

© 2019 NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

11

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

This 61-Year Old Single Dad Has Helped More Than 50 Foster Children in the Last 12 Years BlackNews.com

Nationwide — Thirty years ago, Professor Griff was kicked out of the legendary hip hop group Public Enemy for allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks. Last spring, Griff openly addressed those remarks with members of the Jewish community for the very first time.

Professor Griff regularly travels with Khalid el-Hakim, founder of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, based out of Detroit, MI, and in March of 2019, the two men spent the day at Congregation Ohev Shalom in Wallingford, PA, welcoming and leading community members through the Black History 101 Mobile Museum.

The historically powerful and culturally dense display of artifacts covers the eras of slavery, Jim Crow, Civil Rights, Black Power, sports, politics and Hip Hop. The museum’s “Signature Series” exhibit features over 150 original artifacts signed by historical icons including: Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Mary Mcleod Bethune, Paul Robeson, Cab Calloway, Barbara Jordan, Adam Clayton Powell, Shirley Chisholm, Huey P. Newton, Angela Davis, and Colin Kaepernick.

Community members engaged Griff and Khalid in conversations on some of the very difficult material in the exhibit, many not knowing the nuanced history

of oppression African Americans endured not only during slavery but through the Jim Crow era and up to present time. Tears flowed from one visitor who was shocked to see sheet music from the 1920’s and 1930’s with prominent Jewish entertainers Eddie Cantor and Al Jolson in blackface.

The visitor commented, “I never thought of that history in this type of way. This is an eye-opening experience.”

Controversy surrounding the legacy of blackface recently came under public scrutiny after Gucci and Prada released products featuring images of blackface.

Ohev Shalom is led by Rabbi Jeremy Gerber, who is also a co-founder of FUSE (the Fellowship of Urban-Suburban Engagement), a cross-communal group that seeks to bridge the divide between diverse communities that live near one another.

Rabbi Gerber, Professor Griff, and Mr. elHakim later shared the stage for a panel discussion, which is part of Ohev Shalom’s and FUSE’s mission of engaging in “courageous conversations.” Rabbi Gerber explains: “Our stories are simultaneously very unique and remarkably similar.

We can learn a tremendous amount from one another, and we can see ourselves in each other’s history. Ultimately, we are all stronger when we enter into dialogue, and especially when that discourse is open, honest, raw, and sometimes even painful. That type of conversation forges truly

strong relationships.”

Although the invitation was extended a year earlier, the event took place within months of the massacre at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA, and even more recent controversy surrounding comments made by MN Congresswoman, Ilhan Omar that were interpreted by many as anti-Semitic.

Professor Griff accepted the invitation as an opportunity to address the controversy that has followed him for the majority of his career. Griff expressed his gratitude for being invited and made it clear to the audience that although his revolutionary message has been critical of the music industry, politics, and economic inequality in Black neighborhoods, that his message was never intended as anti-Semitic.

He rejects the idea that he himself is antiSemitic.

Griff states, “The majority of my career I’ve been labeled as a hater of Whites and Jews, in particular, because of my position on the music industry. So, when I was presented with an invitation by Khalid and Rabbi Gerber to sit on a panel to discuss Black and Jewish relationships, I accepted it immediately. I reflected on what would be the most effective way to get both Black and Jewish people to understand, my position on the music industry and how to heal from some of the mis-understandings of the past. I wanted the panel discussion to

be an honest and transparent dialogue. If both communities are to begin to heal, we must be bold and honest in our approach to this complexing issue.”

The one-day exhibit and panel discussion ended with a standing ovation and audience members thanking the three men for taking on such an important task of educating people and working towards reconciliation. The panelists agreed that there is still much work to be done, but all three are committed to staying in open dialogue with one another, in the spirit of truth,

honesty, and community building. This event was part of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum’s national tour that has made over 50 stops in 19 states this year.

For more information on the Black History 101 Mobile Museum featuring Professor Griff, please contact: Kris Bell, PR at newrisingsun99@yahoo.com or www. blackhistorymobilemuseum.com For more information on Ohev Shalom or FUSE, please visit www.ohev.net or www. fusedelco.com

Sentenced To Life In Prison At 16, Cyntoia Brown Released

by Derrick Lane, BlackDoctor.org

Cyntoia Brown, the Black woman who is now 31 years old, has been institutionalized for more than half her life. After being sentenced to life in prison at age 16 for killing a man who purchased her for sex, Brown has been released today.

As part of the terms of her release, Brown will stay on parole for 10 years.

The Tennessee Department of Correction reported she has worked with counselors to develop a re-entry plan.

The precise details of the plan have not been released, but she will be required to participate in regular counseling sessions and to perform at least 50 hours of community service, including working with at-risk youth. She also will be required to get a job.

In a statement released by her attorney, Brown thanked supporters and said she would be using her experience to help abused women and girls.

“While first giving honor to God who made all of this possible, I would also like to thank my many supporters who have spoken on my behalf and prayed for me,” Brown said just days before her release.

“I’m blessed to have a very supportive family and friends to support me in the days to come. I look forward to using my experiences to help other women and

girls suffering abuse and exploitation.”

We first learned about her release on the day before the first gathering of the 111th General Assembly in January 2019. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam said Monday he was granting clemency to Cyntoia Brown.

If you remember the story which has been making headlines again lately, the 30-year-old Brown, said in 2004, she was forced into prostitution and scared for her life when she shot Nashville real estate Johnny Allen.

Haslam’s announcement, which was quickly met with praise from Democrats, comes less than two weeks before he exits office. He is also in the midst of weighing a possible bid for the U.S. Senate in 2020.

“This decision comes after careful consideration of what is a tragic and complex case,” Haslam said.

In 2004, Brown killed Johnny Mitchell Allen, who Brown said had solicited her for sex and taken her back to his house.

Prosecutors at the time said Brown shot

12

Allen in the head while he was sleeping, stole money and guns, took his truck, and fled the scene. They argued the killing wasn’t motivated by self-defense, but robbery.

Brown said she was scared for her life

by Allen’s behavior, and took money for fear of returning empty-handed to her pimp, nicknamed “Cut Throat.”

A juvenile court found Brown competent to be tried as an adult. She was convicted of murder and robbery and sentenced to life in prison.

Though more than a decade had passed since her trial, the harsh punishment for a teenage victim of sex trafficking sparked outrage around the US — particularly after celebrities Rihanna and Kardashian West came to her defense on social media in 2017. She would not have been eligible for parole until she had served for 51 years.

A message from Brown was read aloud during a news conference hosted by her legal team Monday morning.

“Thank you, Governor Haslam, for your act of mercy in giving me a second chance. I will do everything I can to justify your faith in me.

I want to thank those at the Tennessee Department of Corrections who saw something in me worth salvaging, especially Ms. Connie Seabrooks for allowing me to participate in the Lipscomb

LIFE Program. It changed my life. I am also grateful to those at the Tennessee Department of Corrections who will work with me over the next several months to help me in the transition from prison to the free world.

Thank you to Dr. Richard Goode and Dr. Kate Watkins and all of you at Lipscomb University for opening up a whole new world for me. I have one course left to finish my Bachelor’s degree, which I will complete in May 2019.

I am thankful for all the support, prayers, and encouragement I have received. We truly serve a God of second chances and new beginnings. The Lord has held my hand this whole time and I would have never made it without Him. Let today be a testament to His Saving Grace.

Thank you to my family for being a backbone these past 14 years.

I am thankful to my lawyers and their staffs, and all the others who, for the last decade have freely given of their time and expertise to help me get to this day.

I love all of you and will be forever grateful.

With God’s help, I am committed to live the rest of my life helping others, especially young people. My hope is to help other young girls avoid ending up where I have been.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

The 411 On The New Male Birth Control Pill

by Jasmine Browley, BlackDoctor.org

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There’s a new birth control coming to the market, and there’s a lot to learn about it. The new pill, which works similarly to female birth control, passed initial safety steps and produced hormone responses consistent with effective birth control in 30 men, according to research presented by the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute and the University of Washington at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting.

The drug is truly in its infancy stage and has not yet been submitted for approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but experts say that it could be well on its way to the market.

There have been some promising advances in male birth control recently.

Researchers from LA BioMed and the University of Washington previously developed a separate male birth control pill that has also passed preliminary safety.

There’s also some evidence that similar compounds could act as long-lasting male birth control when injected. A topical contraceptive gel, which men would apply daily to their shoulders and arms, is on the horizon as well.

These birth control methods for men are about a decade away from being commercially available. Currently, the only choices are condoms, which often fail and are sometimes used incorrectly, and vasectomies, which are permanent. As a result, the heavy burden of birth control falls primarily on the shoulders of women — which makes any step toward male options a win.

In the new study, findings showed that 30 healthy men ranging in age from 18 to 50 took a pill formulated with a mix

of testosterone and progestin (a synthetic version of the female hormone progesterone) for up to 30 days.

Unlike the 2016 male birth control trial that was infamously stopped early because so many men complained of the same side effects that women have endured for decades, none of the men experienced serious problems with the newer pill, and no one stopped taking the drug because of side effects.

Some men did report minor symptoms such as exhaustion, migraines, acne and decreased libido — none of which will surprise women who take birth control pills. Two men experienced minor erectile dysfunction.

The study was introductory and it assessed only safety and hormone responses in men, rather than The 411 On The New Male Birth Control Pill FacebookTwitterEmailPrint asking couples to test the pill as con-

traception. Initial blood hormone tests suggested that the pill could suppress both sperm and testosterone production enough to prevent pregnancy in the long run.

Contraception is for healthy, younger couples who are looking to have complete control over their family planning options. To that end, there will be several more rounds of testing and trials before the pill will be made public.

The wait will be worth it, both from a biological and emotional standpoint.

Sexual health will hopefully improve and men will get a better understanding of what women endure from a reproduction perspective.

Jasmine Browley holds an MA in journalism from Columbia College Chicago, and has contributed to Ebony, Jet and MADE Magazine among others. So, clearly, she knows some stuff. Follow her digital journey

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

New HIV Drugs In The Pipeline!

By Dr. Keith Crawford, BDO HIV/AIDS Expert This is the third article in a series of updates on research coming out of the prestigious Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) held in early March 2018. In the first article, I reported the case of what appears to be a real patient cured of HIV infection. In the second article, I reported on a series of studies related to improving HIV disease therapy, highlighting some adverse effects of treatment and possible ways to improve treatments.

In this last article, I will report on a few new potential therapies. I say potential therapies because we never can predict what the future will hold. While some of these experimental drugs look good now, both in terms of effectiveness and safety, we could see problems in larger studies that could halt their development.

We’ve had some great drugs and got some new ones in 2018 (see Closing out 2018 with a Review of Some of Our Successes in HIV Medicine), but new drugs are ALWAYS needed to stay one step ahead of viral development of resistance to these powerful medicines.

Gilead Sciences is developing a new

product, identified as GS-6207, as a long-acting treatment for HIV infection.

This drug belongs to a totally different class of HIV drugs and works differently. It belongs to a class of experimental drugs called capsid inhibitors. The capsid is a specialized protein that protects the genetic material of the virus. These experimental drugs disrupt the capsid and interfere with the ability of virus to infect a blood cell (lymphocyte) and also to make new viruses.

Research presented at the conference shows that this compound GS-6207 is extremely potent against a wide variety of viral strains found throughout the world. It also can suppress viruses that are resistant to other HIV drugs, a very important property. And because it works differently, it is even more effective when combined with other approved HIV drugs. This is all very promising.

Another study actually administered the drug to people who were not HIV infected in order to study how the drug behaves in the body and how to best dose it (Phase 1 study). The drug is administered subcutaneously, which is injected under the skin similar to the way insulin is given in diabetes. But unlike insulin, the study shows that GS-6207 may only have to be taken every 3 months! The drug was also shown to be safe and the people in the study had no complaints.

There’s only more piece to the puzzle: Does it work in HIV patients?

Those studies are just now beginning

August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

and we hope to have some answers soon.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Another investigational drug developed

by Glaxo Smith Kline also belongs to a totally new class of experimental HIV drugs called maturation inhibitors. Essentially, when a virus infects a cell and starts reproducing itself, the maturation inhibitors block the assembly of new viruses. There are no new viruses released from the lymphocytes that can infect other cells.

In this small study, HIV-infected patients received different doses of the experimental drug for 11 days to see how well it could suppress virus all by itself.

This drug alone reduced the amount of virus in the blood on average by about 40-fold; not bad for a single drug over a short period. These short studies give us an indication of how strong the drug is by itself and how it will perform when combined with other HIV drugs. Sideeffects were mild.

There is very good news on the Prevention front. Currently, the only drug we have approved is a pill called Truvada which is a combination of two drugs, Tenofovir and Emtricitabine. This pill is prescribed daily in people who do not have HIV infection to protect them from getting infected. This type of protection is called pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP (see I want protection from PrEP).

Tenofovir is a powerful drug and it is commonly included in combination treatment products. However, recently, a

new form of the drug Tenofovir has become available, called Tenofovir Alafenamide (found in products like Genvoya and Bictarvy). In the body, it works exactly like Tenofovir (because it is tenofovir). However, this drug is designed with some special features. When a patient takes the drug, it is absorbed into the bloodstream, but quickly is transported into tissues, including blood cells that HIV infects, where it reaches very high concentrations.

These characteristics produce two important benefits. First, because the Tenofovir doesn’t linger or reach high concentrations in the blood, the side-effects from Tenofovir are much lower. Second, because the concentration of the drug is high in tissues, the protective effects from Tenofovir Alafenamide may be greater and last longer than compared to Tenofovir.

So in a very large study with over 5,000 gay men, randomly assigned to take either Truvada or Tenofovir Alafenamide/ Emtricitabine (TAF/FTC) daily for PrEP, both combinations were extremely effective in preventing transmission of HIV. With tens of thousands of unprotected sex acts over a year, there were 15 cases of HIV infection in the Truvada arm but only 7 infections in the TAF/FTC arm.

These infection rates are much lower than we would observe if PrEP wasn’t being used. While the TAF/FTC arm appears to provide better protection, we cannot state that with absolute certainty,

based on the statistical analysis. But there is certainly a strong suggestion the TAF/FTC may be better than Truvada. It is important to keep in mind that in the cases where the men got infected, they were not taking all of their PrEP doses properly.

Again, this reminds us that PrEP works to protect from HIV infection WHEN PEOPLE TAKE IT! It works for heterosexuals, gay men, intravenous drug users; every group that has been studied.

Hopefully, this study can help TAF/FTC gain approval for use as PrEP. Dr. Crawford has over 25 years of experience in the treatment of HIV. While at Howard University School of Medicine, he worked in two HIV-specialty clinics at Howard University Hospital. He then did clinical research as a visiting scientist with the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He served as the Assistant Chief of Public Health Research with the Military HIV Research Program where he managed research studies under the President’s Emergency Plan for AID Relief (PEPFAR) in four African countries.

He is currently working in the Division of AIDS in the National Institutes of Health. He has published research in the leading infectious diseases journals and serves on the Editorial Board of the journal AIDS.

Magic Johnson At 60: “I Plan To Go On Living For A Long Time” were reeling over Johnson’s revelation.

The news of Magic Johnson having HIV forever changed the NBA, the Lakers franchise, all professional sports and the world. Many wondered how the virus could have crept in to the heterosexual realm, which at the time, was still considered a gay man’s or drug users disease.

As the years progressed, Johnson retired from his beloved sport, made multi-millions (and others billions) in the business sector, and became an AIDS activist. Soon, people began wondering how Johnson wasn’t losing weight and why didn’t he look sickly.

“I tell people all the time, early detection saved my life,” says Magic. “I was fortunate enough to get on the cocktail of drugs right was I was diagnosed. The drugs are doing their part and I’m doing my part of exercising, eating right and having a positive attitude about living with HIV.” As Magic has an “un-detectable” level of HIV, many people wonder, what does

by Carter Higgins, BDO Special Contributor

“Magic Johnson doesn’t have AIDS anymore!” someone blurted out during a lively discussion about safe sex in our community. After this young person’s statement, others nodded their head in agreement. While Johnson publicly delivered the news of his HIV status on national television back in 1991, he also has been publicly living his life–a pretty good life–with the disease, which many believe that he has either cured himself and no longer has the virus.

“I just want to make clear, first of all, I do not have the AIDS disease,” the now 60-year-old said back in 1991. “I plan to go on living for a long time.”

At

60

So far, Magic has lived up to that plan.

In the late 80s and early 90s when he was one of the most-beloved professional sports figures in the world making the announcement about his status, folks

14

that really mean? An HIV-positive person can achieve undetectable levels after undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART).

A level of a person’s HIV viral load is what causes them to be more or less likely to transmit the disease. An undetectable viral load reduces the likelihood of transmission by 96 percent. Once a person achieves an undetectable status, it is possible to remain at this level provided that the person is compliant with their ART medication.

The purpose of Johnson doing the interview was to let folks know that the virus does not affect everyone in the same way and that he is just one of the lucky few to have survived as long as he has with it, “The virus acts different in everybody … so just because I’m doing well, you might NOT do well,” he told Romain.

Johnson also wanted to point out that he has not sought any magic cures from Kenyan witch doctors or Mexican healers, which is yet another myth that surrounds him.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

A (Jewish) Public Enemy No More? – A Black-Jewish Dialogue and Healing That is 30 Years Overdue BlackNews.com

Nationwide — Thirty years ago, Professor Griff was kicked out of the legendary hip hop group Public Enemy for allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks.

Last spring, Griff openly addressed those remarks with members of the Jewish community for the very first time.

Professor Griff regularly travels with Khalid el-Hakim, founder of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, based out of Detroit, MI, and in March of 2019, the two men spent the day at Congregation Ohev Shalom in Wallingford, PA, welcoming and leading community members through the Black History 101 Mobile Museum. The historically powerful and culturally dense display of artifacts covers the eras of slavery, Jim Crow, Civil Rights, Black Power, sports, politics and Hip Hop. The museum’s “Signature Series” exhibit features over 150 original artifacts signed by historical icons including: Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Mary Mcleod Bethune, Paul Robeson, Cab Calloway, Barbara Jordan, Adam Clayton Powell, Shirley Chisholm, Huey P. Newton, Angela Davis, and Colin Kaepernick.

Community members engaged Griff and Khalid in conversations on some of the very difficult material in the exhibit, many not knowing the nuanced history of oppression African Americans endured not only during slavery but through the Jim Crow era and up to present time. Tears flowed from one visitor who was shocked to see sheet music

from the 1920’s and 1930’s with prominent Jewish entertainers Eddie Cantor and Al Jolson in blackface. The visitor commented, “I never thought of that history in this type of way. This is an eyeopening experience.”

Controversy surrounding the legacy of blackface recently came under public scrutiny after Gucci and Prada released products featuring images of blackface.

Ohev Shalom is led by Rabbi Jeremy Gerber, who is also a co-founder of FUSE (the Fellowship of Urban-Suburban Engagement), a cross-communal group that seeks to bridge the divide between diverse communities that live near one another. Rabbi Gerber, Professor Griff, and Mr. el-Hakim later shared the stage for a panel discussion, which is part of Ohev Shalom’s and FUSE’s mission of engaging in “courageous conversations.” Rabbi Gerber explains: “Our stories are simultaneously very unique and remarkably similar. We can learn a tremendous amount from one another, and we can see ourselves in each other’s history. Ultimately, we are all stronger when we enter into dialogue, and especially when that discourse is open, honest, raw, and sometimes even painful.

That type of conversation forges truly strong relationships.”

Although the invitation was extended a year earlier, the event took place within months of the massacre at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA, and even more recent controversy surrounding comments made by MN Congresswoman, Ilhan Omar that were interpreted by many as anti-Semitic.

Professor Griff accepted the invitation as an opportunity to address the controversy that has followed him for the majority of his career. Griff expressed his gratitude for being invited and made it clear to the audience that although his revolutionary message has been critical of the music industry, politics, and economic inequality in Black neighborhoods, that his message was never intended as anti-Semitic. He rejects the idea that he himself is anti-Semitic.

Griff states, “The majority of my career I’ve been labeled as a hater of Whites and Jews, in particular, because of my position on the music industry.

So, when I was presented with an invitation by Khalid and Rabbi Gerber to sit on a panel to discuss Black and Jewish relationships, I accepted it immediately.

I reflected on what would be the most effective way to get both Black and Jewish people to understand, my position on the music industry and how to heal from some of the mis-understandings of the past. I wanted the panel discussion to be an honest and transparent dialogue. If both communities are to begin to heal, we must be bold and honest in our approach to this complexing issue.”

The one-day exhibit and panel discussion ended with a standing ovation and audience members thanking the three men for taking on such an important task of educating people and working towards reconciliation. The panelists agreed that there is still much work to be done, but all three are committed to staying in open dialogue with one another, in the spirit of truth, honesty, and com-

munity building. This event was part of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum’s national tour that has made over 50 stops in 19 states this year.

For more information on the Black History 101 Mobile Museum featuring Pro-

fessor Griff, please contact: Kris Bell, PR at newrisingsun99@yahoo.com or www.blackhistorymobilemuseum.com For more information on Ohev Shalom or FUSE, please visit www.ohev.net or www.fusedelco.com

Hope Scott Named to 2019 List of Most Influential Women in Corporate America

By The Oakland Post

OAKLAND POST — Excelling as Blue Shield of California’s Vice President, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer and having fun along the way, Hope Scott has recently been named as one of Savoy’s 2019 Most Influential Women in Corporate America, a list of African American women achievers impacting corporate America with expertise in a range of industries.

Excelling as Blue Shield of California’s Vice President, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer and having fun along the way, Hope Scott has recently been named as one of Savoy’s 2019 Most Influential Women in Corporate America, a list of African American women achievers impacting corporate America with expertise in a range of industries.

Savoy Magazine is a national publication covering the power, substance and style of African American lifestyle.

From entertainment to sports, business to politics, design to style, Savoy is a

Hope Scott cultural catalyst for the African-American community that showcases and drives positive dialogue on and about Black culture. Savoy is published quarterly and distributed via subscriptions

and newsstands worldwide.

Scott was one of dozens selected from an original field of 500 nominees. The selection committee included the Savoy editorial board and community leaders

16

with representatives from the academic and business arenas. The committee reviewed information on executives in human resources, information, real estate, finance, investment banking, diversity, foundations, procurement, business development, marketing, sales, health care, manufacturing and legal.

“I put in the time and hard work to earn a seat at the table,” Scott said. “When it wasn’t offered or wasn’t available to me, I took myself to another table where my experience, talent, and vision were not only welcomed, but celebrated.” This mindset has aided in helping her garnish 30 years of legal practice experience in the fields of health care and privacy law.

A highlight in Scott’s career is mentoring people and watching them succeed in their chosen fields. “I never do anything I don’t want to do, and I never stop having fun,” said Scott who encourages everyone to enjoy life.

Scott joined Blue Shield of California in 2012 as the company’s Chief Privacy Officer & Privacy Counsel. Today, she

leads and oversees the operations of Blue Shield of California’s corporate integrity & risk management organization. Under her leadership, Blue Shield of California has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies six times.

Scott’s impressive career in healthcare includes leading privacy compliance in 27 countries and 53 U.S. states and jurisdictions.

Prior to joining Blue Shield, Scott was the Global Chief Privacy Officer and Senior Privacy Counsel for Cigna. She was also the principal of her own private law practice, focusing on providing legal and compliance counsel to health care providers and consumers, and she was senior counsel for Independence Blue Cross for 11 years.

Scott earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Bryn Mawr College and her Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law. This article originally appeared in the Oakland Post.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST - (P/T)

Assist individuals receiving services in identifying and making choices about their social, vocation and personal goals. Duties include case management, job development/placement/retention services and job support as needed. Requires use of personal vehicle.

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders B.A. in a related field; plus 2 yrs’ related experience or equivalent VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Top pay for top performers. combination of education and experience. Pay rate $16.61/hr.

Apply to:Authority, GWSNE, 432 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT 06473/ Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House andPay. the New Haven Housing Fax (203) EOE/AA - M/F/D/V is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this495-6108/hr@goodwillsne.org devel-

NOTICE

APPLY NOW!

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

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

DELIVERY PERSON NEEDED

nspector I - Construction,

Part Time Delivery Needed One/Two Day a Week,

Town of Groton Public Works, Associate’s Degree and two years’ experience in construction work, or a high school education and four years’ experience. Full-time, 40 hours, $28.89/ Must Have your Own Vehicle hour.VALENTINA Applications at Groton Town Hall, Human PRE-SOLICITUDES Resources, 45 MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER DISPONIBLES Fort Hill Road, Groton, CT 06340 or www.groton-ct.gov and must be returned 8/30/19. m/f House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está HOME INC, en by nombre de la EOE Columbus

NOTICIA

If Interested call

(203) 387-0354

PRE-BID / OPEN HOUSE MEETING FOUR UPCOMING PROJECTS Location: Haynes Construction, 32 Progress Avenue, Seymour, CT 06483 Date: Thursday, August 22, 2019 Time: 10 to 11:00 am Project documents available via ftp link below each project ACS Youth Housing (Renovation) Bids Due: 9-20-19 @ 5 pm 1054 Boston Avenue Bridgeport, CT (1 Building, 11 Units) http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=acsyouthhousing 19 Maple St Ext. Apts. (New Construction) Bids Due: 9-20-19 @ 5 pm 19 Maple Street Extension Kent, CT (1 Building, 3 Townhouse Style Units) http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=19maplestreetextensionapartments Washington Park Apartments (Renovation) Bids due: 9-20-19 @ 5 pm

aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo E. Washington, Barnum& Noble Ave and Kossuth St The Housing Authority the New CityHaven. of Norwalk, Bridgeport, CT ubicado en la calle 109 Frankof Street, Se aplicanCT limitaciones de ingresos (10 Buildings, 36Units) máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=washingtonparkapts julio, 2016 hasta cuandoproposals se han recibido pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) is requesting for suficientes Legal Services. en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas Request for Proposal documents can be viewed and por correo a petición llamando a HOME al 203-562-4663 duranteunder esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse St. Paul’s Flax Hill Cooperative (Renovation) Bids due: 10-25-19 @ 5 pm printed atINC www.norwalkha.org the 28 Martin Luther King Jr Drive a las oficinas Business de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

Accounting Department has two immediate openings for full section RFP’s/RFQ’s Norwalk, CT time Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable professionals (10 Buildings, 88 Units) Norwalk Housing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. in a fast-paced office environment. Must be highly organized, http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=stpaulsflaxhill Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director. possess good computer skills, be detail oriented, and able to manage multiple projects. Benefits include health, dental & These contracts are subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks: LTD insurance plus 401(k). Send resume to: Human Resource Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dlang@haynesct.com Dept. P O Box 388, Guilford CT 06437.

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Invitation to Bid: Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in

Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 ********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer********** Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment.

We offer Ave factory 242-258 Fairmont 2nd Notice AA/EEO EMPLOYER training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits Large AllTom newDunay apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 &CT. I-95Fence Company is looking for an individContact: Phone: 860243-2300 Oldand Saybrook, CT

highways, near bus stop & shopping centerual for our stock yard. Warehouse shipping and receiving Email: Tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com (4 Buildings, 17 Units) Forklift experience a must. Must have a minimum of 3 years’ Request for Proposals Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Pet under 40lb allowed.

Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 TaxtoExempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project material handling experience. Must be able read and write Independent Audit & Tax Services Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer English, and read a tape measure. Duties will include: Loading and unloading trucks, pulling orders for installation and retail TheSelective HousingDemolition, Authority of the City Castof New Havend/b/a Elm City Communities is curCT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Site-work, Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation Candidates counterofsales, keeping the yard clean and organized at all times rently seeking Proposals for Independent Audit & Taxes Services. A complete copy of in-place Vinyl Siding, in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost isInc $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, seeks: and inventory control. Individual will also make Concrete, deliveries Asphalt of theShingles, requirements may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https:// 3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, on Wednesday, August fence panels and products, must be able to lift at least 70lbs. newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current 14, 2019 at 3:00PM. Required to pass a Physical and Drug test, have a valid CT. Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

St. New Haven, CT licensing and clean driving record, be willing to travel Driver’s License and be able obtain aisDrivers Card.

Thistocontract subjectMedical to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. throughout the Northeast & NY. CDL B & A drivers a plus. Send resume to pking@atlasourWater and Wastewater Engineer/Planner We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits door.com AA/EOE/MF Responsible Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5,technical 2016 work in the analysis of existing water and wastewater sysContact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300 tems and in projecting system needs for future services. Requires a B.S. degree in Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Sealed are invited by the are Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour civil, sanitary or environmental engineering and 4 years of engineering experience Womenbids & Minority Applicants encouraged to apply Project documents available via ftp link below: of which 2 years must be water and wastewater related. Must possess a valid ConuntilAffirmative 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage necticut Driver’s License. Salary: $71,052 - $90,909 annually plus an excellent fringe Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the benefit package. Apply: Human Resources Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. 1907 Hartford Fax or EmailTurnpike Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, (203) 294-2080, Fax: (203) 294-2084.

HCC CT encourages the participation of all Veteran,The S/W/MBE & Section Certified Businesses North Haven, 06473 closing date 3will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received, or Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CTwhichever 06483 A pre-bid conference held atclean the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith September 17, 2019 occurs first. EOE Equipment.

Must have awill CDLbe License, driving record, AA/EEO EMPLOYER capableSeymour, of operating equipment; be willing to travel Street CTheavy at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. throughout the Northeast & NY. Roads & Streets, Town of Groton Public Works, ReInsulation company offering good pay We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits quires CDL-B license and two years related experience in equipment operation; demonand benefits.

Please mail resume to Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority OfContact Dana at 860-243-2300. strated ability to operate applicable equipment measured by passing of test prior to end of fice, 28 Smith Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. above address. probationary period. Full-time, 40 hours, $22.67/hour. Applications at Groton Town Hall, Email:Street, dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com Human Resources, 45 Fort Hill Road, Groton, CT 06340 or www.groton-ct.gov and must Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply MAIL ONLY be returned by 8/23/19. EOE m/f Action/ Equal Opportunity The Affirmative Housing Authority reserves the right Employer to accept or reject any or This all bids, to company is an Affirmative Action/

Listing: Accounting

NEW HAVEN

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

KMK Insulation Inc.

Union Company seeks:

Mechanical Insulator position.

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.

17

Equipment Operator,

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

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

Elm City Communities

Security 40 hrs. per week/10 months per year

Request for Proposals NOTICE

Information Technology Consulting Services

is HOME currently seeking Proposals Information ConsultINC, on behalf of Columbus House andfor the New Haven Housing Technology Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develing Services.

A complete copy of the requirement may be obtainedopment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apfrom Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y ing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway on have Monday, July 22, 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications beginning (approximately 100) been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon re2019 at 3:00 PM

Security Guard- Seeking qualified individuals to perform a variety of duties associated with monitoring access to the building or assigned station, implementing security protocols as provided by district and building level administrative staff. Requires graduation from high school, plus a minimum of one year experience working with the public. One year security experience preferred. Individual considered for the positions will be required to be fingerprinted and undergo background checks. Hourly Rate: $14.34 - $14.57. Hours: 6:45 A.M. – 3:15 P.M. plus benefit package. Apply to: Human Resources Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Fax #: (203) 2942084. Closing date will be August 28, 2019, or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE-Haven APPLICATIONS Housing Authority City of New d/b/aAVAILABLE Elm city Communities

quest by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

APPLY NOW! NOTICIA Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Certified/Qualified SWEEPING, TRUCKING, TRAFFIC CONTROL, ASPHALT PATCHING Minority Subcontractors operating in the greater Bridgeport, CT area

VALENTINA VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES Top payMACRI for top performers.

Health Benefits,DISPONIBLES 401K, Vacation Pay.

All African-American-Owner Businesses, Minority-Owned Businesses & Women-Owned Businesses are encouraged to apply.

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER ubicado enAFFIRMATIVE la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición Large CT Fence Company is looking for an individual to manage deberán our warehouse/yard.

Prior warellamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes remitirse house forklift must.

Duties a las shipping/receiving oficinas de HOME INCand en 171 Orangeexperience Street, tercerapiso, New Havenwill , CT include 06510 . loading and unload-

Please contact Steven Garrity Phone: 860- 243-2300 Email: Steven.garrity@garrityasphalt.com Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Warehouse/Yard Manager:

ing of trucks, pulling and staging orders for installation and retail counter sales and maintaining general yard organization. Basic computer skills required, ability to fill out daily paperwork accurately, assist with inventory control and supervise other yard staff. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test, have a valid CT driver’s license and be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. Competitive wages and benefits provided. Send resume to: gforshee@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE/MF

NEW HAVEN

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

NEW HAVEN POLICE

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

NOW HIRING

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

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

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Request for Proposals Pay Per Use Laundry Services The Housing Authority of the City of New Havend/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking Proposals for Pay Per Use Laundry Services. A complete copy ofInvitation the requirements may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Porto Bid: tal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednes2nd Notice day, August 14, 2019 at 3:00PM.

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage RateRequest Project for Proposals

Information Technology Consulting Services

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt City Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Housing Authority of New Haven d/b/a Elm city Communities is currently seekFlooring, Painting, 10 Specialties, Appliances, Technology Residential Casework, ingDivision Proposals for Information Consulting Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtainedfrom Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://neMechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. whavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednesday, August This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

21, 2019 at 9:00AM

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 The Glendower Group, Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Request for Proposals

Apply online at Policeapp.com

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

New Haven Police Department Recruitment Team

Nhpdrecruitment

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

Co-Developer of the Redevelopment of Valley Street Townhouses

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 The Glendower Group, Inc an affiliate of Housing AA/EEO EMPLOYER

Or Visit our Social Media Pages For More Information Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority OfA pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

NHPDrecruitment

Inc

Authority City of New Haven d/b/a Elm city Communities is currently seeking proposals for Co-Developer of the Redevelopment of Valley Street Townhouses. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, July 22, 2019 at 3:00PM

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

PUBLIC Notice

The Housing Authority of the City of Norwalk, CT is requesting proposals for Financial Advisory 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.

The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) hereby announces its federal fiscal years 2020-2022 49 CFR Part 26 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) plan related to FAA-assisted contracts for professional services and construction projects for the Bradley International Airport. The proposed plan, which includes the 3-year goal and rationale, is available for inspection between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at Bradley International Airport, Administration Office, Terminal A, 3rd Floor, Windsor Locks, CT 06096 or on CAA’s website http://www.ctairports.org , the Bradley International Airport website http://www.bradleyairport.com for 30 days from the date of this publication.

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

Comments on the DBE goal will be accepted for 45 days from the date of availability of this notice and can be sent to the following:

Equipment Operator

Laurie A. Sirois Manager of Grants, Procurement and Insurance Programs Connecticut Airport Authority Bradley International Airport Administration Office Terminal A, 3rd Floor Windsor Locks, CT 06096 or lsirois@ctairports.org Mr. Thomas Knox DBE & ACDBE Compliance Specialist FAA Western-Pacific Regional Office Los Angeles, CA 90009-2007 thomas.knox@faa.gov

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Invitation for Bid (IFB) Moving and Storage Services Solicitation Number: 131-AM-19-S

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) seeks proposal for moving & storage services from licensed and bonded moving/storage companies. A complete set of IFB documents will be available on July 29, 2019. To obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A pre-bid conference will be held at 733 South Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604 on August 14, 2019, @ 1:30 p.m. Although attendance is not mandatory, submitting a bid for the project without attending conference is not in the best interest of the Offeror. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no later than August 21, 2019 @ 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. Proposal shall be mailed of hand delivered by August 29, 2019 @ 11:00 AM to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement, 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. No bids will be accepted after the designated time.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Request for Proposal (RFP) Relocation Consultant Solicitation Number: 130-PD-19-S

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is currently seeking proposals from qualified relocation firms for the relocation of C.F. Greene Homes. Solicitation package will be available on July 29, 2019. To obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities. org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A pre-proposal conference will be held at 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605 on August 15, 2019, @ 2:00 p.m. Although attendance is not mandatory, submitting a bid for the project without attending conference is not in the best interest of the Offeror. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no later than August 22, 2019 @ 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 August 29, 2019 @ 3:00 PM, to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement, 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Late proposals will not be accepted.

HELP WANTED:

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

Civil Engineer

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

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

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

Responsibilities:

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

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

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

Qualifications:

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

• Engineer in training certificate preferred.

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

10 hour OSHA certificate required.

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

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

POLICE OFFICER

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

10 hour OSHA certificate and clean CDL license required.

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

Project Manager/Project Supervisor Help Wanted: Immediate opening for a Project Manager/Project Supervisor for Heavy and Highway Construction. Previous experience on CTDOT projects required.

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

Listing: Accounting Accounting Department has an immediate opening in Accounts Payable. This full time position in a fast-paced office environment could be an excellent entry to an Accounting career. Requires good computer and organizational skills, attention to detail, and multi-tasking. Benefits include health, dental & LTD insurance plus 401(k). Send resume to: Human Resource Dept. P O Box 388, Guilford CT 06437. ********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**********

Town of Bloomfield Vehicle Mechanic Technician Full Time - Benefited $30.49 hourly Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website – www.bloomfieldct.org

19

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.

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COMMENTARY:

By Roger Caldwell, NNPA Newswire Contributor

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “In 2016, the poll numbers were wrong and many of the political experts don’t believe President Donald Trump is 13 per cent behind the Democrats in the numbers in 2019.

White people love President Trump and when he speaks the place is sold out. The economy is good, and the president can blow his horn.”

Are the Democrats leading or is President Trump?

There are more than 20 Democratic candidates running for President of the United States, and if you listen to them talk, they all believe they can win the nomination. Everyone knows that most of these candidates know they can’twin, but they canraise money. No individual or agency can keep up with how they spend the money, and the amount is in the billions.

This may not make much sense, but in the first debate spanned 2 nights with 20 candidates up on the stage.

President Donald Trump and the Republicans are laughing at this spectacle and the polls say the majority of leading Democratic candidates would win the election if it were held today. Quinnipiac University’s polls have been deemed “fake news” by the President.

COMMENTARY:

August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

Do Americans believe the polls?

“The Fake News has never been more dishonest than it is today. Thank goodness we can fight back on Social Media.

Their new weapon of choice is Fake Polling. Sometimes referred to as Suppression Polls and they suppress the numbers. Had it in 2016, but this is worse,” says President Trump in a Tweet.

Many Americans say the President is wrong, but the Quinnipiac University poll numbers do appear to be incorrect, because 60% of White people support President Trump and that number could be higher. President Trump is always talking about how much he loves America, and it appears that most White Americans love him right back.

White Americans have been searching and looking for a savior, and President Trump is someone they can believe in.

Almost their entire life, White folks have been looking for an individual they can put their trust in, and President Trump is their man. “Make America Great Again” is essentially a code slogan that means “Make America White Again,” and it is working under Trump’s administration.

Most Americans are not looking for a minister to be the president, and most are comfortable if he does not tell the truth and breaks some rules.

Many politicians are lawyers and they go to school to learn how to bend, stretch, and change the laws, and there is nothing wrong with lying as long as you don’t get caught. President Trump

has changed the rules, because he does not care if he is caught lying. In fact, the President will say one thing one day and say something totally different the next day.

Our president believes the system is set up for White men to rule, and when you are caught with your hand in the cookie jar, most of the time money has a way of fixing problems.

The Mass Media in America has awesome power and it can turn a criminal to a saint, and a saint into a criminal. Americans are lazy, and they wait for the news to give them information and it does not matter if it is right or wrong.

According to the Quinnipiac University polls, Mr. Trump trailed Mr. Biden – the clear frontrunner thus far in the Democratic primaries – by a whopping 13 per cent, while Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren and others also hold strong advantages.

Trump says these are made up numbers that don’t exist.

In 2016, the poll numbers were wrong and many of the political experts don’t believe President Donald Trump is 13 per cent behind the Democrats in the numbers in 2019. White people love President Trump and when he speaks the place is sold out. The economy is good, and the president can toot his own horn.

The Democrats are all over the place, and the Republicans are in line and following their leader. It is hard to beat

iStockphoto / NNPA) Trump especially since the economy is good. And don’t underestimate the love affair between the President and White America.

According to the Quinnipiac University polls, Mr. Trump trailed Mr. Biden – the

clear frontrunner thus far in the Democratic primaries – by a whopping 13 per cent, while Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren and others also hold strong advantages.

What goes up must come down

By Julianne Malveaux DAYTONA TIMES — There is much to object to about No. 45’s presidency – his hateful racial rhetoric, his attacks on women and people of color, his appointment of extremely young and inexperienced members of the federal judiciary, his rollback of environmental protections, his attacks on public education, and more.

There is much to object to about No. 45’s presidency – his hateful racial rhetoric, his attacks on women and people of color, his appointment of extremely young and inexperienced members of the federal judiciary, his rollback of environmental protections, his attacks on public education, and more.

But his economic stewardship, an arena

he claims to have mastered, is as repulsive as his noneconomic stewardship.

Many of his minions have, albeit gently, criticized the ways he has managed the economy. His trade wars, especially with China, may stand at the top of the list.

China won’t pay He says that China will pay when he, most recently, announced that he would impose a ten percent tariff on $300 billion worth of imports from China. The Chinese won’t pay. U.S. consumers will.

And U.S. producers and manufacturers will also pay when China retaliates against us, as they have promised to do.

To be sure, China has been a “bad actor” in trade relationships with the United States. But No. 45’s intemperate and ill-advised tantrum will not only affect many in the United States –including farmers, manufacturers, and consumers – but may also play a role in slowing down the world economy.

For the first time in a decade, the Federal Reserve has reduced the interest rate by a quarter-point. Cutting the interest rate during the early recovery from the

Great Recession was an effective way to lower the cost of money and, theoretically, put more money into the economy for expansion.

No trickle-down In reality, cheaper money didn’t trickle down to homeowners or consumers, but it did generate GDP growth. Now growth is slowing, partly because of Trump’s trade wars, and partly because his tax cuts have not trickled down, and people don’t have as much money to spend as they’d like. Interest rate cuts are a clear sign that our nation’s bankers are not confident that economic expansion will continue to be robust.

Many of No. 45’s allies tout low unemployment rates as evidence of economic strength. And the July 3.7 percent unemployment rate, unchanged from June is indeed a ten-year low. The Black unemployment rate is at an all-time low.

And last month, 164,000 more jobs were created, labor force participation rose, and the number of discouraged workers declined.

Why no celebration?

20

Firstly, because wage growth is slow. In a tight labor market, with low unemployment rates, wages should be increasing by more than the 3 percent annual rate they are growing at now.

Further, although there is slight improvement in labor force participation, and fewer workers holding part-time work for economic reasons, tepid wage growth suggests that while jobs are available, they aren’t necessarily goodpaying jobs.

Slow wage growth and a slowing economy are likely to lead to a new recession.

Economist Heather Boushey says that increasing inequality makes a recession more possible than it otherwise might be.

And this administration does not mind increasing inequality. Most recently, they have proposed cuts to food stamp programs that will leave at least three million people – low-income workers and their children, people with disabilities and some older Americans, vulnerable to hunger. The Senate just passed a budget that will increase military spend-

ing by more than $750 billion and will cut spending on food.

Less to spend Economic expansion depends on people spending money, and too many have little to spend. The food stamp cuts give some even less. Increased prices of goods imported from China gives them less to spend. And the administration team that touts economic strength on the one hand is undermining both growth and poverty alleviation, on the other.

What goes up must come down. Can the No. 45 economic team manipulate the economy to continue expansion through the 2020 election, or will attacks on the poor result in less spending, less expansion, and an economic catastrophe?

Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. Her latest book, “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy,” is available at www.juliannemalveaux.com.

This article originally appeared in the Daytona Times.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

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August 21, 2019 - August 27, 2019

Why Are More Black Women Losing Hair?

by Jasmine Browley, BlackDoctor.org

Most black women can attest to learning at a young age that their hair is their crowning glory, so it’s not hard to imagine how traumatizing it can be to learn that black women are experiencing hair-loss at rapid rates, according to recent study findings.

Studies suggest a significant portion of middle-aged African-American women feel their hair is “unhealthy”—perhaps due to experiences involving hair care and styling—and that these concerns lead many to avoid exercise in efforts to protect their existing hair.

Hair units offer styling versatility and can be used as a means to protect the hair, but scalp experts warn against toeing the line between protection and harm, i.e. traction alopecia.

Traction alopecia is caused by inflammation of the follicle when the hair is being pulled too tight for too long and is one of the most common forms of hair loss dermatologists see in the Black community.

Tightly coiled hair is also prone to break-

age. Because of bends in the hair, oil from the scalp can’t travel down the length of the shaft, which prevents the strand from being naturally protected.

Hair loss usually occurs in phases. Small bumps developed around the follicle, also known as traction folliculitis, are a signal for eventual hair loss.

The subsequent thinning, or traction alopecia, can still be reversed at this point.

After that, when the follicle is put under constant, long term tension, it scars over and hair stops growing permanently. This is called scarring alopecia.

Braids, wigs, and extensions can be worn safely and are not the direct cause of hair loss. It’s when too much tension is placed on the hair that the follicles can become inflamed and hair breaks.

Women may notice hair loss but feel trapped in a cycle of wearing extensions to cover it.

Although traction alopecia is a devastating condition, it can be treated.

One method is steroid injections. Because traction alopecia is caused by inflamma-

tion, a compound with minoxidil that helps growth, a steroid and a little bit of tretinoin to help it all penetrate.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy, in which growth factors from the patient’s blood are injected into the scalp, can also stimulate hair growth as well.

Another remedy is to refrain from wearing tension-heavy styles that cause alopecia.

This doesn’t have to be done all at once or forever.

Instead, smaller, consistent changes work as well. Giving the hair a 3 to 4-week break and using essential oils including thyme, rosemary, cedarwood, and peppermint helps as well.

With consistency, hair regrowth can happen and your edges can return!

Jasmine Browley holds an MA in journalism from Columbia College Chicago, and has contributed to Ebony, Jet and MADE Magazine among others. So, clearly, she knows some stuff. Follow her digital journey @JasmineBrowley.

OP-ED: Jamestown to Jamestown: Commemorating 400 Years of the African Diaspora Experience

By Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO NNPA NEWSWIRE — On a daily basis, we grapple with domestic terrorism and state sanctioned violence in the guise of white supremacy–all under the watch of one of the racist administrations since the Jim Crow era. Along with his xenophobic policies, President Donald Trump is doing

all he can to punish immigrants and alienate Black Americans, using hateful tweets and chants of “Send her back,” as a rallying cry for his base.

History commonly and most often points to late August in the year 1619 when some “20 and odd Negroes” originating from Angola arrived in the British colony of Jamestown, Virginia as the first documented enslaved Africans to land in what is now the United States. This nation and its wealth was built through forced labor and the very existence of Black men and women.

It’s truly ironic that as this country celebrates 400 years of democracy, the Black community is still fighting for equal rights, justice and freedom.

The century that followed emancipation

saw the creation of policies that discriminated against black people and largely excluded them from wealth building, creating an inherited disadvantage for future generations. This is why the idea of reparations, brought forth during the Civil War era, has continued to be a topic of grave concern for the NAACP. On a daily basis, we grapple with domestic terrorism and state sanctioned violence in the guise of white supremacy — all under the watch of one of the most racist administrations since the Jim Crow era.

Along with his xenophobic policies, President Donald Trump is doing all he can to punish immigrants and alienate Black Americans, using hateful tweets and chants of “Send her back,” as a rallying cry for his

base. At NAACP’s annual convention, our delegates voted unanimously to call on the House to begin impeachment proceedings against President Trump.

We can’t and won’t whitewash or glorify this experience — but it has made us stronger and more resilient than ever.

We know from the incredible Black voter turnout in the midterm elections that African-Americans are not only the most critical voting bloc, but the most powerful when we are encouraged to participate actively in our Democracy.

Next week, the NAACP, will embark on a historic and spiritual journal to commemorate the 400-year anniversary of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. More than 200 African-Americans will pay homage to

the strength, power and resilience of our people.

In our journey from Jamestown, Virginia to Ghana, we will not only retrace the footsteps of our ancestors through the slave dungeons and along the shores where the enslaved had their last bath before their trek to the western world – we will also immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture and join leading government and business leaders to learn more about business, development and investment in Ghana.

Through this experience, we hope to actualize the healing and collective unity so many generations have worked to achieve in ways which bring power to our communities in America, Africa and throughout our Diaspora.

Police Officers Who Tied Up Homeless Black Man With a Rope Will Not Be Investigated BlackNews.com

Galveston, TX — A disturbing video showing Donald Neely, a 43-year old Black man who reportedly suffers from a mental disorder, tied on a rope while handcuffed between two police officers on horseback has caused national outrage and calls for the officers to be fired with people claiming they have treated him inhumanely. However, the officers will not even undergo criminal investigation.

After reviewing Neely’s arrest, the Texas Rangers Division, a faction of the state’s public safety department, issued a statement saying that “there was nothing that warranted a criminal investigation.” The division added that the officers “had not violated the law.”

Neely, who struggles with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, had been living on the streets in Galveston for almost five years

only as P. Brosch and A. Smith, had used the “trained technique” with “poor judgment” and caused Neely “unnecessary embarrassment.” He did not mention any punishment for the two officers.

“My officers did not have any malicious intent at the time of the arrest, but we have immediately changed the policy to prevent the use of this technique and will review all mounted training and procedures for more appropriate methods,” he said.

Meanwhile, Neely’s lawyer, Melissa Morris, claims that the officers involved were not following the department’s policies as she “[doesn’t] believe there was such a policy, especially not in writing, that would have allowed for this in the first place,” she told The Washington Post.

“What they did was real inhumane,” Neely’s brother, Andy Neely, told KPRC. “They treated my brother as if he was a dog.”

despite his family trying to move him back home. He had been arrested 6 times this year prior to his recent arrest on misdemeanor criminal trespassing charges for allegedly trespassing in a commercial neighborhood.

A bystander captured the disturbing scene wherein two white officers on horses were seen leading a Black man with a rope to transfer him to another location. The video later went viral on social media, causing outrage as the incident was likened to the treatment of captured slaves.

The Galveston Police Department was forced to apologize after a photo of the incident began circulating online. In a statement, the police department tried to defend the two officers by saying no transportation units were “immediately available at the time of the arrest” and that they were only “escorting” Neely.

Police Chief Vernon Hale wrote his own statement saying that the officers, identified

22

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