THE INNER-CITY NEWS

After 13-Year-Old’s Death, Mom Walks At Graduation

by Mona Mahadevan

When it was Marshall Curry’s turn to collect his promotion certificate from Wexler-Grant Academy Tuesday morning, his mother walked in his place. The 13-year-old died earlier this year in a high-speed car chase. Jennifer Baker wept as she embraced the teachers who supported her struggling son.

“I am really happy for all the eighth graders. I just wish my son was here too,” Baker told the Independent.

On Tuesday, nine eighth graders graduated from Wexler-Grant Academy of Exploration and Innovation, a new public middle school for non-traditional, skillsbased learning. The academy is housed at 55 Foote St., the building of the former Wexler-Grant School. Before the 2025-26 school year, New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) merged Wexler-Grant with Lincoln-Bassett, leaving the Foote building open for the alternative middle school.

he had a problem, teachers would set up meetings with Vitealya to figure out a solution, she said. They “really want him to succeed.”

Next year, Rufus will attend Wilbur Cross High School and enroll in their welding program, which trained dozens of students for $23-per-hour jobs at General Dynamics Electric Boat. At Cross, “I want to play football, get good grades, and be a scholar-athlete. I want to continue making my family proud,” said Rufus. During their speeches, some students reflected on the heartbreak of losing their friend and classmate. The entire class put together a video tribute for Curry’s mom, including a song titled, “Shine Through Me, Marshall.”

that you have laid will either make or break this school.” After the ceremony, he handed each student and teacher a foam red brick, representing their contributions to Wexler-Grant.

During the reception, Victoria Vilarino, 14, told the Independent that she found her love for cosmetology at Wexler-Grant. “I like the creative and artistic side to it,” she said. She learned how to do “colorful eyeshadow looks” and other styles of makeup.

Reflecting on her school year at Wexler-Grant, she said, “It was good.” She plans to return next year for ninth grade. Amy Ramirez, the school’s social worker, handed each student a yellow sunflower as they crossed the stage. “I saw a lot of transformation and growth from the students” over the school year, she said. They have “a lot of potential.”

The new Wexler-Grant Academy enrolled 14 students in fall 2025. The school is piloting a program of career-focused instruction for students who struggle in traditional school settings. It currently serves students from sixth through eighth grade. Next year, they will add a ninthgrade class. Principal David Diah expects to enroll between eight and 12 ninthgrade students.

On Tuesday, Wexler’s nine eighth graders donned blue and white graduation gowns. They read short speeches thanking their teachers and family members for supporting them through the last year.

“When I came [to Wexler-Grant], things starts to change for me,” said Rufus Spearman, one of the eighth graders. “I became calmer, I made better choices, and I learned a lot about myself.”

Rufus’s mom, Vitealya, said the school has been “a breath of fresh air.” When

Later in the ceremony, Principal David Diah congratulated the students on their promotion, while reminding them of the long journey to come. “You proved that your past does not determine your future, and that your mistakes don’t define your value,” he told the class. “But I’m not going to lie to you. This is nowhere near the mountaintop… There is still so much work to be done.”

Sean Allen, a guest speaker, focused on what the ceremony means for Wexler-Grant. “I want you to cherish this moment,” he told the students. “The bricks

The sunflowers represent strength during tough moments, said Heidi Pitkin, the school counselor. “On cloudy days, when the sun is hidden, they don’t droop,” she said. “Instead, they turn and face one another, sharing their energy and warmth to get through the darkness.”

Hand the sunflower to someone in the audience, Pitkin told the eighth graders. “Someone who has been that source of light for you.”

City Budget, Resilience Directors Resign

by Laura Glesby

City Hall is losing two directors who spearheaded the budget process and the Community Resilience department, along with a violence prevention program manager, each of whom is taking a new job.

According to the city’s latest weekly personnel report, Shannon McCue stepped down from her role as budget director and policy, management, and grants director on Friday, June 19, while Community Resilience Director Tirzah Kemp and Violence Prevention Program Manager Jaquoi Belin are both leaving their city roles on Friday.

According to Mayor Justin Elicker, each of these individuals left for new job opportunities.

“It’s always bittersweet when you have fantastic staff that move on,” Elicker said, “because you have to find someone new to take on the work that they’re doing, but you’re also very happy for them.”

Kemp was appointed in February 2024 as the second-ever director of the city’s Department of Community Resilience, a department that the Elicker administration created during the Covid-19 pandemic to serve vulnerable populations with a focus on homelessness, prison re-entry, violence prevention, and mental health. She had previously worked as a vice president at the local nonprofit Clifford Beers. Starting July 1, the Department of Community Resilience director position will move from the special fund to the city’s general fund. Kemp told the Independent on Monday that she’ll be the executive director of a

nonprofit, which she said she can’t name at the moment.

“I loved the work at City Hall. I loved being able to be of service to other communities. I loved the relationships that I built,” Kemp said. “This was an opportunity that was really aligned with my values,” that would continue her “commitment” to the “community,” and would provide “an opportunity to lead a statewide initiative,”

she said.

McCue was appointed in August 2024 to helm the city’s budget process and lead the Office of Management, Policy, and Grants. She came to the role with a deep background in municipal credit rating.

McCue told the Independent that she has left her city job for “personal reasons.”

“I had a long commute and I decided it was no longer sustainable,” McCue wrote in a

message. “It was primarily a quality of life decision.”

Reflecting on McCue and Kemp’s departures, Elicker described McCue as “an incredibly hard worker” and “a joy to work with” who helped the city implement new grant management software.

The mayor also said that Kemp “worked very hard to support the challenges that the city has faced, like many others, of people

experiencing homelessness.”

The Independent could not reach Belin by the publication time of this story. Kemp and Elicker both stated that he is also leaving for a new position. Belin led the city’s Program for Reintegration, Engagement, Safety and Support, or PRESS, a gun violence prevention program that was created by the Elicker administration in 2022. He was first appointed to the role in May 2025.

According to Elicker, Community Services Administrator (CSA) Eliza Halsey and Deputy CSA Carlos Sosa-Lombardo will both work to continue supporting the initiatives for which Kemp and Belin have been responsible until the city hires replacements.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Policy, Management, and Grants Ron Gizzi will be filling in for McCue until the city hires a replacement, Elicker said.

Kemp and Belin’s departures will leave further vacancies in the city’s Community Services Administration. Earlier this year, Homelessness Services Coordinator Velma George retired and Food Policy Director Latha Swamy was fired over alleged misuse of a city credit card.

“There’s not a significant number of people” in the Community Services Administration, said Elicker. “And so when a handful of them, for different reasons, move on, it always presents more of a challenge to put more pressure on other folks in the department to do a lot of work. But we’ll be working to hire people as we can to fill the positions.”

Marshall Curry's mother Jennifer Baker (second from left) accepts an 8th grade promotion certificate on his behalf. Credit: Mona Mahadevan photos

Community Resilience Director Tirzah Kemp and Budget Director Shannon McCue are leaving for new roles. Credit: Laura Glesby Photo

The New Haven independent

The New Haven independent

Juneteenth On The Green Lifts Up Black History, Present

by Adele Haeg

Author Jill Snyder kicked off Friday’s Juneteenth celebrations downtown by leading a procession around the Green — recalling the walk that Lucy Tritton and her daughter Lois were forced to take after they were sold into slavery in 1824, the last two enslaved people to be sold on the Green.

Snyder organized Friday’s walk in honor of the Trittons and the Juneteenth holiday — a now-federal holiday that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Tex. on June 19, 1865, two months after the end of the Civil War and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Snyder, an expert in Black history in the Northeast, was joined by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Downtown/Yale Alder Elias Theodore, Dixwell/Newhallville/Prospect Hill Alder Troy Streater, and City Historian Michael Morand, among others.

As they walked from the corner of Temple Street and Elm Street, the group recited several verses of “We are Marching in the Light of God.” The mood was solemn, contrasting with preparations being made for the Juneteenth Jamboree later Friday.

For Morand, recognizing the Trittons with a walk was about “being forthright” about the city’s history, especially “those parts of history that were not good.”

Following remarks from Snyder and Morand about the Trittons’ history was the presentation of a Connecticut Freedom Trail plaque for the Green. On Friday, the New Haven Green was officially recognized as a site significant to African American history — one of over 170 such locations officially recognized across the state.

“We can be here on the same Green as Lucy and Lois because we recognize the importance of historic preservation and the celebration of our historic places. We can feel the same wind, smell the same earth, see what Lucy and Lois saw,” Connecticut Freedom Trail Chairman Charles Warner Jr. said, looking out over a crowd that had

set up folding chairs to hear elected officials and historians speak about Juneteenth.

The commemoration Friday afternoon was as much about remembering the Trittons as it was about celebrating the process of telling a city’s history.

In his remarks, Morand mentioned several other names in New Haven history whose stories deserve to be known: Joseph Mountain, for example, a Black man who was executed on the Green, and Bias Stanley and William Lanson, who petitioned for voting rights for Black Americans.

“We need to be proud,” Blumenthal boomed from the microphone, “for going on, for keeping going, for their perseverance and courage because they are American heroes.”

Rev. Cecil “Ngoni” Tengatenga, who also spoke during the event, said he has “wished” for a walk like Friday’s for a while. Of Trinity Church, which the Trittons belonged to, Tengatenga said: “We just pass by and we have no clue, but that is so sacred.”

“The Trittons are unique in the sense that

they represent both the African diaspora and the African continent,” Tengatenga

added, which adds to the “rich history” of Trinity and the Green. According to Snyder, the Trittons may have come from Ghana originally.

According to what Snyder referred to as the “urban myth” about them, Lucy and Lois Tritton were bought by an abolitionist who then set them free. Snyder said that version of their history lacks context: a 1774 law had blocked the importation of slaves, another in 1784 set enslaved women free at age 21, and even after she was supposedly free, Lucy Tritton still had to pay the abolitionist who bought her $600 on a laundress’ wage.

After Snyder’s presentation and politicians’ remarks, the City of New Haven invited several elders to the stage to be recognized for Juneteenth. The honorees included Snyder, Delores Edwards, Betty Hamlett-Jones, James Rawlings, Cynthia Griffin Mantle, the Hangley family, and the Monk family. For the award “Elements of Abundance,” Arden Santana, Hafeeza Ture, Shayla Streeter, and Bwak Comfort were also celebrated. Each honoree received a certificate from the City of New Haven to acknowledge “the work, accomplishments, and dedication of unsung members of the black community,” according to the Festival of Arts and Ideas website.

The commemorative walk and elders’ ceremony were set to be followed by a free Juneteenth Jamboree concert Friday evening, organized by the Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven and the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. On Saturday, the Festival of Arts & Ideas also planned to host an artist showcase and Juneteenth marketplace on the Green.

“This Green has been a location of public discord for 400 years. Some of those conversations have been difficult,” Levine said during his remarks. “We are lucky to be here for Lucy and Lois because so many important sites to Black history have been lost or even purposefully erased. Even today.”

Human Connection > A.I., At Co-Op Graduation

by Mona Mahadevan

“Our graduating class is told that art will die, and that the future is bleak because of A.I. But what A.I. cannot replicate is human connection,” Nyota-Uhura Jackson told her fellow 2026 graduates of Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School on Monday afternoon.

Jackson was one of around 120 Co-Op students who walked across the Shubert Theatre’s stage and collected their high school diplomas. As each name was called, the auditorium, packed with friends and family, erupted in thunderous applause.

In her speech, Jackson, the class’s salutatorian, emphasized the importance of personal relationships. Co-Op students have connected with each other and the New Haven community through “music, drama, dance, visual arts, and singing,” said Jackson. “It’s my hope that we remember the

importance of connection and kindness, and how our talents and creative voices can be among the very things” that make the world “a better place.”

At Co-Op, Jackson specialized in the visual arts, but she is a multi-talented artist. She told the Independent that she paints, draws, and writes. “She also plays violin,” added her dad.

After she graduates, she will attend Yale University. She has not decided on a major, but she plans to enroll in Directed Studies, a first-year program in literature, philosophy, and political thought.

As graduates walked across the stage, families screamed their names and raised posters of their faces. Graduates’ caps, many decorated with glitter, sparkled under the stage lights.

Thea Jade Barbieto, the class’s valedictorian, received unbridled applause. “It’s crazy. I didn’t think I’d be able to get the

top spot. I’m really proud of myself for it all,” she told the Independent.

Barbieto, a Bridgeport native, lives outside of the area zoned for Co-Op. But when she heard the school would give her oneand-a-half hours to work on art every day, she knew she had to “make it happen.” After speaking with her middle school counselor, she figured out that she could commute to Co-Op by catching a public bus from Stratford.

For Barbieto, the daily trek was worth it.

“This is where I was introduced to ceramics,” she said, her favorite form of art.

Next year, Barbieto will attend Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and learn about architecture, a discipline that combines her love of creativity and technical skill.

Natalya Santiago, a creative writing student, is looking forward to “taking a breather” and “having fun” with friends

this summer. “Let’s see if she actually relaxes,” said her dad, beaming with pride. Santiago will attend the University of Connecticut next year. She plans to major in political science and psychology. Her interest in political science was inspired by a constitutional law class at Co-Op, which was taught in conjunction with Yale Law School. Psychology, on the other hand, is more “to get to know my brain better,” she said.

During his remarks on Monday, Paul Camarco, Co-Op’s principal, reflected on how differently his life had turned out from what he imagined as a 1996 Co-Op graduate. “But that, my friends, is the beauty of time and education,” he said. “Now, Class of 2026, the next 30 years belongs to you. No one could predict what the world will look like in 2056….But I do know this: you’re going to be part of it.”

Jeanne Jennings, left, heard about the walk on the radio Friday morning, and decided to come to the Green to learn about the Trittons’ history.

Jill Snyder spoke briefly about the Trittons: “I’ve spent a lot of time with Lucy and Lois Tritton,” Snyder said during her presentation. “I never really forgot them.”

Rev. Cecil Tengatenga praised the Trittons as central to New Haven history: “Every Black person in this city who has a position of any repute — that’s because of these women.” Credit: Adele Haeg photos

Natalya Santiago (left): “It’s weird that it’s my turn” to graduate.

The New Haven independent

The New Haven independent

Faith Matters: Happy Pride

By Rev. Vicki Flippin

“Faith Matters” features pieces written by local religious figures.

I began serving in the United Methodist Church as clergy in 2008, the year Connecticut achieved marriage equality. Soon after, a lesbian couple that had found a home in our church got engaged. They came to me with joy to ask if I would conduct their wedding in their beloved church. My heart sank. I should have said, “Congratulations! I would be honored to conduct your wedding!” Instead, I told them that, even though this local church was affirming, the denomination as a whole was not. And I could lose my job if I married them. They were heartbroken. I knew instantly that I had done harm and had sinned against God and neighbor in the name of the church, and I was ashamed. The couple was married by someone else, but I knew that I could no longer serve the UMC unless I joined the movement to end its discriminatory laws.

In the United Methodist Church, homosexuality was officially declared “incompatible with Christian teaching” in 1972. In 1984, the church banned “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from ordination. And so began decades of law-based discrimination against LGBTQ children of God in our church. Clergy spent whole careers in the closet. Others left or were prosecuted and lost their jobs. And, worst of all, generations of queer youth were taught that they were incompatible with the kin-dom of God.

In 2009, I joined Methodists in New Directions (MIND) and the Covenant

of Conscience movement, in which we invited area United Methodists to sign a pledge not to follow discriminatory church laws. Clergy vowed to marry same-sex couples. Churches vowed to open their sanctuaries to same-sex weddings. And everyone vowed to protect and support any clergy brought up on charges by the denomination for their pastoral acts of conscience. In 2014, we published a series of stories by clergy detailing the

same-sex weddings we had performed. We published our names and all of the information anyone would need to bring charges against us. In 2016, 15 United Methodist clergy came out as queer, and Karen Oliveto became the first out queer person to be elected as bishop. Finally, in 2024, after decades of fierce struggle, heartbreak, loss, and schism, our denomination voted to remove the discriminatory language from our laws.

Of course, I have written here about only a small portion of this movement to which I had a front row seat. If I had time, I would tell you about the first PFLAG meeting that was held in the basement of the Metropolitan-Duane UMC in the West Village in 1973. I would tell you about 1978 when our Board of Ordained Ministry voted to defy a bishop who was trying to remove Rev. Paul Abels from ministry because he was gay. I would tell you about the healing services at the United Methodist Church of the Village that date back to its ministry with gay men during the AIDS crisis in New York City. If I had time, I would tell you about the incredibly brave and brilliant humans and beloved friends I have met in the struggle for LGBTQ affirmation in the church. Some continue with me in the UMC. Others have left for more liberatory spaces.

This Pride, as a United Methodist, I know there is so much more to do. But, today, I am pausing to remember the people who left our churches for their own survival, children who grew up believing that God did not love them, and lives loved and lost to AIDS, violence, and suicide. Today, I pause to honor the strategizing rooms, the direct action trainings, the one-on-one conversations, the people who organized and risked coming out, and the communities that embraced, held, and lifted them up, refusing to obey unjust laws.

Rev. Vicki Flippin, who is ordained in the United Methodist Church, serves as associate dean for student affairs at Yale Divinity School.

Previous “Faith Matters” columns:

Muslims, Jews Find Common Ground

by Paul Bass

They talk about what their religions have in common.

They talk about the “relationship work” that goes into connecting people from different religions who live in the same community, to get to know each other before trouble arises so they can tackle it together.

They discuss the fears and tensions within their own communities that can turn people inward, especially at a time of global religious conflict and domestic controversy. They discuss the measures their congregations have taken in response to attacks on Muslim and Jewish houses of worship.

They discuss how to work through differences as members of proud faith traditions rather than as victims.

The rabbi quotes an ancient Jewish text called Pirkei Avot: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am for myself

alone, what am I? And if not now, when?”

“The challenge of overcoming our temp-

rabbi continues. “I think this work of how to be in community with people and to take care of yourself and others, and how to balance that, is the sort of constant project that we’re in.”

The imam cites the Quran: “Allah gives us the responsibility, the obligation, to save ourselves first and then save our family. We have an obligation to not only save those who share our ideas. It can’t stop there. We are obligated to make sure the people around us are safe. Our community has to recognize that in saving ourselves, we have an obligation to reach out to the broader community as well.”

The imam and the rabbi find common ground. They talk about finding further common ground.

Imam Saladin Hasan, second-generation leader of the Abdul-Majid Karim Hasan Islamic Center on Dixwell Avenue, had that conversation Thursday on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven” with Rabbi Eric Woodward, spiritual leader of Whal-

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Pastor Vicki Flippin.

Shafiq Abdussabur, Rabbi Eric Woodward, Imam Saladin Hasan at WNHH FM. Credit: Paul Bass Photo Posted inWNHH Radio

An imam and a rabbi walk into a radio studio.

The New Haven independent

The New Haven independent

On Juneteenth, Ribbon Cut On Dixwell Plaza Redev

by Mona Mahadevan

State Treasurer Erick Russell: “In order for our communities to thrive…we need to build power as a community.”

Hundreds cheered and clapped on Dixwell Avenue Friday afternoon to celebrate the grand opening of First Haven in Dixwell, welcoming a new daycare, health clinic, and workforce training center into one of the city’s most historic Black neighborhoods.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony — which took place on the Juneteenth holiday — drew dozens of elected officials and Dixwell residents to the site of the former Dixwell Plaza, a part of the city once known as “New Haven’s Black Wall Street.”

Thanks to the Connecticut Community Outreach and Revitalization Program (ConnCORP) and local leaders like Erik Clemons, 150 Dixwell Ave. is now home to a brand-new, 65,000-square-foot building.

Inside, the Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center will offer medical services, Friends Center for Children will operate its fourth daycare location, and ConnCAT, ConnCORP’s job-training nonprofit affiliate, will teach vocational programs in fields like phlebotomy, biotech, and culinary arts.

“For me, this moment is about what becomes possible when a community chooses to believe in itself,” Clemons is quoted as saying in a Saturday morning press release. “This building is a declaration that hope belongs here, opportunity belongs here, and the people of this community deserve spaces that reflect their limitless potential.”

“Guess what? We coming back,” Board of Alders President Tyisha Walker-Myers said on Friday. She celebrated “taking Dixwell back, block by block.” The crowd cheered and applauded.

The new building represents only the first phase of ConnCORP’s $200 million-plus redevelopment project on the western side of Dixwell Avenue between Webster Street and Charles Street. In the next phase, the developers will build a 184-unit apartment complex, grocery store, performing arts center, and more, all with the goal of rebuilding the heart of Dixwell.

“In order for our communities to thrive…we need to build power as a community,” said State Treasurer Erick Russell. “And that power comes from building wealth over time.” Russell, who grew up in New Haven, saw firsthand how ConnCAT created “pathways to opportunity.” The new headquarters “is going to make it easy” for even more people to access job training, tutoring, and other sup-

port, he said.

As New Haven State Sen. and President Pro Tempore Martin Looney approached the stage, musicians played him walk-up music: an instrumental mix of electric guitar, drums, and piano.

According to Looney, the project was one of the first recipients of a Community Investment Fund (CIF) grant. Through the CIF program, in 2022, ConnCORP was awarded $10 million from the state. “We saw what this day would be like when it came,” said Looney. First Haven represents “a revival in the Dixwell community” and “a belief in all the people in that community, and that’s something that I think the state of Connecticut will continue to be aware of [and] continue to invest in.”

“We are incredibly proud to see this milestone come to fruition for ConnCAT, ConnCORP, and most importantly for the New Haven community,” local developer Yves-Georges Joseph II of RJ Development + Advisors said in an email press release Friday. “Dixwell Avenue deserves this.”

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, hundreds of people filed into the building’s glass doors to tour a phlebotomy lab, professional kitchen, and digital art studio. A dozen dancers performed in a mirror-lined studio, and aspiring biotechnicians challenged guests to create pipette art. Appetizers from Orchid Café, which is part of ConnCAT’s culinary program, circled the lobby on platters.

Four-year-old Dakri Cox and his mom, Taya, raced inside the building. “I wanted to see what all of this is about,” Taya told the Independent. One of her sisters just graduated from high school, and Taya plans to tell her about ConnCAT’s vocational programs. “She is open to trying anything,” said Taya.

Taya was especially excited to hear about the building’s daycare. She said her other sister would enroll in a vocational program if she could find convenient childcare for her two kids.

“These are all programs that we will use,” she told the Independent. Dakri nodded enthusiastically, saying he was very interested in the “food” parts. Taya smiled. “He’s just hungry,” she said.

Jorge Cuatlatoa, Michelle Flores, and Charisse McCotter all graduated from ConnCAT’s phlebotomy program. They spent Friday evening in the new lab, talking to visitors about how ConnCAT changed their lives.

After completing the phlebotomy program, McCotter enrolled in ConnCAT’s entrepreneurship classes. Now, she runs a mobile phlebotomy company, a business that she started after seeing how many people struggle to get to labs. Many patients lack reliable transportation, she explained, and others underestimate the importance of bloodwork. Through a contract with Yale New Haven Hospital, she spends her days making home visits to patients across Connecticut.

Cuatlatoa and Flores, a married couple, graduated from ConnCAT’s phlebotomy program in 2017. Flores recalled pushing her husband to enroll when she was pregnant. “I knew he had more potential,” she told the Independent. Now, both of them are certified nurses; Cuatlatoa is at Yale New Haven Hospital, while Flores works for Fair Haven Community Health Care.

Ashlyn Savannah, a 21-year-old student at Georgia State University (GSU), is another ConnCAT success story. Starting in fifth grade, she participated in ConnCAT’s enrichment programs. ConnCAT helped her discover her love for film and video, she said.

“ConnCAT put me into so many different rooms,” said Savannah. When she networks, she leans on the education she received through ConnCAT. “I can hold conversations with creatives for longer” by talking about the Harlem Renaissance or software, she said.

ConnCAT taught Savannah how to be “ambitious” and “persistent,” she said. “It’s home. It’s family.”

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, ConnCORP Board Chair Carlton Highsmith, and ConnCORP CEO Erik Clemons at Friday's ribbon cutting. Credit: Mona Mahadevan photos

Dakri and Taya Cox look forward to exploring the new programs at First Haven in Dixwell.

Now open, at 150 Dixwell Ave.

The New Haven independent

Hail To The First Graduates Of BioCity

by Allan Appel

For an inspiring hour or so Thursday afternoon, Elm City became BioCity as the New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) graduated Diamond Shaw, bound for the University of Connecticut, Sarina Najarian-Garb, on her way to Wesleyan, Muktadir Chowdhury, heading to Yale University, and ten other future scientists — the entire cohort college-bound in the fall.

They comprise the first cohort of 13 pioneering public high school students to have completed — and they helped to shape — the BioCity Academy within the city’s public school district.

BioCity, also called the BioCity Academy, is one of the half-dozen “pathway” programs within NHPS, which prepare students for college and meaningful careers by immersing them in advanced college-credit coursework, experiential learning, and, in the case of BioCity, high-level lab work shoulder to shoulder with top research scientists.

The graduates spoke with gratitude and affection about how the pathways approach — with its dynamic teachers and tutors and especially learning in small groups — provided what already seems to them as valuable life lessons as important as the career-opening access that has come with exposure to top flight labs and scientists.

For example, a sense of teamwork, and a belief in themselves as future contributors to science, industry, and humanity, which many did not have when they began their journey as high school juniors in 2024.

“It’s not only rigorous courses, but part of the design is bringing 15 kids from five different high schools to work together because that’s how you work in science,” d Bob McCain, one of the creators of the program and the supervisor of sciences for the NHPS.

Filling up with about 100 family members and admirers, the inspiring graduation scene unfolded in the spacious conference room at 101 College St. That’s long-time New Haven developer Carter Winstanley’s bioscience and tech hub, currently the home of Alexion among other pharmaceutical research firms, that has helped put New Haven on the map as a bioscience-innovating city.

The 101 College St. building is where the students have, for the last two years, been bused daily around 12;30 p.m. from high schools across town.

They ascend to the second floor where they have their own dedicated classroom overlooking the city, and where, for the next three to four hours, they learn pre-calculus, advanced calculus, chemistry, and other high level courses (for which they receive college credit) taught by inspiring, often young. NHPS teachers; they receive help if they need it, along with the skinny on what college admissions and college life are really all about, from Yale College tutors only a few years older than the BioCity kids.

Then, around 2:00 p.m. until the end

of the day, they enter their own dedicated lab, also on the second floor of 101 College.

There they learn how to dissect a shark (carefully!), a pig’s heart, another half-dozen animal organs; and then they hit the centrifuges, spectrometers, DNA sequencers, $2,000 microscopes with attached cameras, and other equipment similar to what outfits other professional bioscience labs at 101 College St. and at top hubs around the world.

“We’re surrounded by equipment that costs more than our future cars!” quipped Diamond Shaw, who along with Sarina Najarian-Garb, were the eloquent — and funny — BioCity class valedictorians.

“It was academically rigorous,” Najarian-Garb said, reviewing her two years of study, “but it was not competitive,” as she described the confidence and spirit-building atmosphere of the teaching she was exposed to.

“When you huddle together to solve a problem, you learn it’s not the right answers but how you get at them that’s important. We chose to get to the top together.”

NHPS Supt. Madeline Negrón and Mayor Justin Elicker, among other speakers at the ceremonies, termed the occasion and the kids’ achievements historic.

“You are trailblazers,” Negrón declared.

“You have helped us form a new vision of what bioscience education can be.”

So much of the “pathways” approach, Negrón added, is about working with the city’s science and business partners, like Winstanley, to create the physical

opportunities that open up access for NHPS kids to professional work-related experiential learning that will change the students’ lives and in the not-so-long run materially benefit the city.

Student after student told this reporter that BioCity helped them not only raise personal career horizons but also learn in new ways.

As Najarian put it, “We learned resilience, we learned to break down a huge problem to its parts, and that a failed ex-

tech. Yet over BioCity’s two years’ working with his fellow students for the first time as colleagues, Chowdhury said he’s now leaning toward a more people-centered science career in medicine. He hopes to study, to that end, neuroscience when he arrives at Yale.

A lot of science is about failure and dealing with it, about not necessarily getting where you want to be right away, and yet still carrying on, and Diamond Shaw, like her colleagues, said the resilience to deal with that — in science and in life — will be a big takeaway from her BioCity experiences.

“Joey [the kids’ dynamic calculus teacher Joey Lombardi] never looked down on us if we got a bad grade,” Shaw recalled. “He always made us laugh, he was always upbeat and positive. A disappointed teacher can make you want to stop learning. Not here. He was okay with failure. Tomorrow’s always another day,” he’d say. Indeed.

“In the eighth grade we begin to do a lot of career awareness,” said Negrón, and then the pathways options begin to be available to kids across the high schools. Any student can apply — equal access is a key component — if they’re interested in experiential learning, internships, traveling, for example, to manufacturing floors around town and learning to operate state-of-the-art machinery in the manufacturing pathway.

There are dozens of kids in that program, including a cohort of some 30 recent graduates, who all were offered jobs at Electric Boat in New London, Negrón reported.

Other pathways include business, healthcare, and education, and NHPS planners are developing one in the culinary arts to be launched soon.

While the BioCity “pathway” is unique in that it involves high-level, side-by-side research alongside scientists, each “pathway” requires partner businesses, local colleges to provide tutors, and, importantly, dedicated funding.

At least seven years in the planning, the BioCity pathway got a huge boost from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and other grants that enabled NHPS to outfit the 101 College St. lab for the kids with the $400,000 to $500,000 of equipment, said McCain, the school system’s supervisor of science education.

“We’ve all been dreaming about this moment,” said Negrón in her charge to the graduates.

periment is not something horrible, but an important data point.”

Yale-bound Muktadir Chowdhury said he has “always been into tech,” that he had built computers on his own, for example, and yet in all his regular high school classes he’d sat in a chair and the teacher would explain stuff.

Not so with the BioCity experiences. “We work as a team,” he said, “sharing notes, progressing together.”

Career-wise he had been leaning toward

“You are proof of our mission, the result of a powerful ecosystem involving the colleges, the mayor, Carter Winstanley, industry participation. You are extraordinary, you’ve set a high bar, you’re trailblazers.”

But will the chronically cash-strapped Board of Ed continue to find the money to keep these critical pathways open in the years ahead?

BioCity graduate speakers Sarina Najarian-Garb and Diamond Shaw, at 101 College St. ceremony. Credit: Allan Appel Photo

BioCity graduate Muktadir Chowdhury, with memento statuette and book, both fabricated by NHPS students in the manufacturing “pathway” program.

Graduates with, beginning on left, Board of Ed member and former principal Abi Benitez, Carter Winstanley, and Supt. Madeline Negrón.

The New Haven independent

City of New Haven

Energize the Elm City:

Access low-or no-cost weatherization plus additional energy-saving improvements.

SCHEDULE NOW!

Call (475) 255-2143 or go to ne-smartenergy.com/newhaven

Interesado en la eficiencia de energia? llama numero (475) 255-2143

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Rain or shine

Dixwell Community Q-House

197 Dixwell Ave., New Haven, CT

Community Walk check-in: 9 am

Walk begins: 10:15 am

Health expo: 11 am – 2 pm

Free food and parking, and giveaways.

For more information, please email YNHHCommunityImpact@ynhh.org.

To schedule an appointment for a hernia screening, visit ynhhs.org/events and search “hernia.”

Cross Grad Salutes Carpentry Class Connections

by Maya McFadden

Just before Wilbur Cross salutatorian

Julian Theodore crossed the stage to get his diploma, he reflected on the city’s largest high school being a place where students can forge relationships with peers who have vastly different backgrounds and life experiences.

That was particularly true for him in a carpentry class where he learned as much about diverse community building as about woodworking.

Theodore was one of 366 Wilbur Cross High School students to graduate Tuesday during a ceremony held at the Floyd Little Athletic Center on Sherman Parkway. The event marked Cross’s 105th commencement.

Theodore was one of two student speakers at Tuesday’s ceremony. Following his remarks, valedictorian Manxi Han also reflected on takeaways from the past four years at Cross.

Hundreds of community members filled the venue’s bleachers to cheer on grads dressed in red caps and gowns.

Theodore said that, from day one at Cross, he and his peers were introduced to the school’s unique “essence” which causes students to seek out learning beyond just textbooks.

The school, which Principal Matt Brown described as a “human tapestry” showing both what’s challenging and spectacular about New Haven, introduced Theodore to a lifelong lesson in identity and community.

He spoke about taking a carpentry class at Cross his sophomore year and how many connections he made with his peers — especially those with completely different

life experiences and who spoke different languages.

Theodore said he gained insight from his carpentry partner into massive transitions other high schoolers around him go through, from immigration to learning a second or third language in just months.

“My carpentry partner hardly spoke the same language but eventually we began to talk about more than class projects,” he said.

Theodore said the most important lessons he learned from that course went well beyond woodworking.

“Cross brings together people with different background and experiences,” he said, “which is more valuable than

what any test can measure.”

He concluded that for society at large, improvement requires building bonds with those who can expand your learning, thinking, and experiences.

During remarks Tuesday, Brown continuously reminded the room that “Cross is a place where all are welcome.”

Han, the school’s valedictorian, added Tuesday that Cross’s cafeteria embodied the school’s spirit in life-changing ways for students on a daily basis. From a place where students mobilize for advocacy efforts like limiting food waste through composting to finding new friends, she said, Cross’s cafeteria was “a space you always aspire for.”

She challenged her peers to seek out Cross’s cafeteria in life — spaces that are diverse, full of energy, a community where actions matter, and a place that reminds you that you are a part of something larger than yourself.

Tuesday’s keynote speaker was Alix Guerrier, the CEO of DonorsChoose. He said that his educational foundation began in New Haven. He graduated from Cross 30 years ago. He reminded the graduates that they too can make an impact on their community.

Board of Education member Andrea Downer reminded the class of what they represented at Cross: a governor. “From day one you weren’t just students, you were already in charge,” she said,

while detailing the school building energy that runs similar to that of City Hall. From student leaders making their voices heard to student government making executive decisions, Cross pride always emanated throughout the hallways, Downer said. She said the graduates gained lesson after lesson at Cross of what it means to be a young person “who carries themselves like they’re responsible for something bigger than themselves.”

Graduate Alexis Smith recalled a challenging high school journey that included struggles with depression, anxiety, and transferring to Cross as a sophomore.

Smith transferred from Metropolitan Business Academy to Cross as she sought more diversity and academic offerings. Once at Cross, she said she found friends amongst the larger student body . She noted that she got through high school thanks to the school’s social work interns, who helped her work through struggles with mental health. She next plans to head to Central Connecticut State University to study nursing.

Another graduate, Nahfisaah Testman, also transferred to Cross. She arrived her junior year. She too credited the school’s social workers for helping to teach her to control her anger as a result of her peers picking on her. Testman said the combination of Cross’s caring teachers and social workers helped her to leave behind her past of fighting to instead focusing on future goals.

During Tuesday’s ceremony, the school community also took a moment of silence for students Janese Mabel Espinoza and Evyana Vidro, who would have graduated this year but passed away during their high school years.

Valedictorian Honors Afghan Girls

by Dereen Shirnekhi

As Metropolitan Business Academy valedictorian Razia Assadi looked out over a full auditorium while giving her graduation speech Tuesday, she thought of the girls in her home country of Afghanistan who haven’t been afforded the same opportunities as her.

“Do you know that there are places in this world where a girl can have perfect grades, limitless ambition, and dreams larger than herself, yet still be denied the opportunity to pursue them?” Assadi asked her peers and their families at the start of her speech. “For millions of girls, it is not a story. It is not a mere headline, nor is it a distant issue. It is their reality.”

“Tonight, however,” she continued, “I stand before you in a very different reality.”

Assadi came to the United States from Afghanistan with her family in 2015, when she was 8 years old, during a period of increased violence from the Taliban. On Tuesday, she graduated from Metropolitan Business Academy alongside her peers at

a ceremony held in the auditorium of Fair Haven School.

Assadi’s mother, Homa Assadi, became involved in 2016 with local food nonprofit CitySeed’s Sanctuary Kitchen program, which provides culinary training for immigrants and refugees. She was connected through Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) volunteer Donna Golden. Homa began working at Sanctuary Kitchen in 2018 and now serves as a supervisor.

“I’m so happy,” Homa said about her daughter’s graduation on Tuesday. “I’m so proud of her.”

Both of them, she said, have worked hard for this moment.

Razia Assadi, who is of the Hazara ethnic group, said that she is the product of sacrifice. When people hear “Afghanistan,” she said during her speech, they often think of conflict.

“I think of my grandmother waking before sunrise to prepare fresh naan,” she said. “I think of neighbors carrying fresh food to one another without being asked.”

She thinks about resilience. She thinks of community. And, she said, she thinks of girls.

“Girls with dreams so vivid they can describe them in perfect detail,” she said.

“Girls who imagine futures for themselves

and work tirelessly toward them.” Assadi said the fact that so many girls haven’t had the same opportunities and resources that she had has shaped not only her approach to education, but also to responsibility.

“I carry it with me every time I enter a classroom,” she said. “Every time I complete an assignment. Every question I ask.”

At one point during her speech, Assadi asked her parents to stand in the crowd, prompting cheers from attendees and her fellow graduates. She spoke of her parents’ sacrifices and the challenge of navigating an unfamiliar country to provide their children with opportunities.

“Mom. Dad,” she said, “You may look at your lives and focus on what you left behind. I look at your lives and see what you built.”

In addition to her family, Assadi was joined for her graduation by now-retired

Alexis Smith credits social work interns for support throughout high school. Grads cheer on their classmates as they cross the stage.

Razia Assadi (second from right): "When people hear Afghanistan, they often imagine conflict ... I think of resilience. I think of community." Credit: Dereen Shirnekhi photos

The New Haven independent

The New Haven independent

89 Young Artists Graduate From Middle School

by Adele Haeg

As a New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) security guard, Sonya Bethea got close-up access to her granddaughter’s graduation from Betsy Ross Arts and Design Academy on Tuesday morning.

Bethea stood at the front of the Ralph Walker Skating Rink at 1080 State St. as the eighth graders proceeded to their seats. She looked out for her granddaughter Tatum Cannon.

Tatum specialized in dance at BRADA, so Bethea attended many of her dance shows, which she loved. “They’re better than Co-op,” she said.

BRADA — an arts magnet school in the Hill — graduated 89 eighth graders on Tuesday morning. About half are headed to 9th grade at the same school, after BRADA began its transition last year from a 5-8th grade middle school to a 7-12th grade high school. The rest of the students are headed to other local high schools, including Career High School and Metropolitan Business Academy.

BRADA’s eighth graders on Tuesday each graduated with an arts “emphasis”: they had the choice in middle school to specialize in visual art, dance, music, theater, and various digital arts as well, according to teacher Christi Sargent. For

dancers, that emphasis meant performing in a showcase at the end of the year, and for musicians, a concert. “Every art had a little something, next year we’re hoping it’ll be bigger.”

Tuesday’s keynote speaker was New Haven’s inaugural poet laureate, Sharmont “Influence” Little. He prompted students to think about “practice,” focus-

ing on art and intellect as themes for his speech. “The first part of being great is practice,” he told the eighth graders, asking them to raise their hands if they liked to practice. A few did — he encouraged them all to embrace it.

Although BRADA will have both ninth and tenth grades next year, the school will continue to hold eighth-grade grad-

uations, Sargent said. “We’ll have and eighth and a twelfth when we make it up to twelfth grade,” she said, referring to the end-of-year ceremonies.

Sargent taught at Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School before moving to BRADA this year. “The ninth graders at a high school, they seem so tiny. And here, I was like, ‘wow, these kids are huge,’” especially next to sixth graders.

“It was a little bit of a challenge this year, it being the first year, trying to help them feel like they were in high school,” even though they were the oldest class there, Principal Jennifer Jenkins said of the school’s new ninth-grade class. To help with that, Jenkins said they went on trips with other high schools; BRADA plans to continue “collaboration” with other high schools across the district.

Eighth-grade math teacher Sean Laydon also started at BRADA this year. He joined the school because the only requirement was a middle school teaching certification, not high school — the district transition “allows me with a middle school certification to teach in a high school setting, which I had never been able to do before,” he said. “Math is the hardest spot to fill,” he said, especially for eighth grade.

As the school goes through changes,

adding teachers and grades, they had another occasion to celebrate on Tuesday: beloved dance teacher Nikki Claxton has now completed her 30th year at the school.

In one year with Claxton, “I learned so much more about education, just working with her,” Sargent said. “She has a lot of energy and a lot of love.” Sargent said her motto is “lead with love.” “I think that’s the best thing you can do for middle schoolers is just love on them.”

Security guard and grandmother Bethea as well as the speaker Little both said that dance shows at BRADA never disappoint. “You can actually tell the impact she’s had on the school and the students just by the smiles and the passion,” Little said about Claxton. “I’ve never seen her kids put on a bad show or not be prepared.”

Jenkins, who has known Claxton since they both attended Hillhouse High School, said she is grateful her friend has stayed at Betsy Ross for so many years. Her talent could take her anywhere in the world, Jenkins said. “She has set a standard and she’s very consistent.”

Eighth grader Ryleigh Bivens, who specialized in theater at BRADA, praised her dance teacher too. “She always saw something in us,” Bivens said with a smile.

234 Graduate Hillhouse; Zamira Perseveres

by Maya McFadden

For newly minted Hillhouse graduate Zamira Williamson, her final year of high school wasn’t just about grades and extracurriculars. It was also about consistency — and proving to herself, her grandparents, and her 2-year-old daughter that she could stay the course despite life’s many obstacles.

Williamson was one of 234 James Hillhouse High School graduates who crossed the stage at the Floyd Little Athletic Center Monday afternoon to receive their diplomas. Families, staff, and fellow students celebrated the high school grads at the 480 Sherman Pkwy. venue.

Signs picturing students’ faces, flower bouquets made up of dollar bills, and air horns and bells filled the room as families gathered on the field house’s bleachers. In a blue cap and gown, Williamson looked out into the crowd nervously and saw her grandparents and daughter cheering her on.

Williamson had to deal with the loss of both of her parents during her high school journey. Her mother passed in July 2019. Her father died in September 2022. After their passing, she began smoking and skipping school.

“Without them I thought nothing was going to go well,” she said. “But when I saw people by my side, I started doing better.”

When pregnant, Williamson had the

support of her grandparents and siblings to remind her that “even though times get tough and stressful, I can get through anything.”

She stopped smoking and began going back to school more often. “I’m proud I got through everything. Not just my parents but the relationships and heartbreaks. All of it stopped me from even thinking about school,” she recalled.

After graduating Monday, she told Hillhouse library media specialist Malcolm Welfare that she plans to come back to visit because the library was a safe place

for her. She also thanked Principal Antoine Billy and staffer Ms. Russell for “reminding me I have somebody.”

Monday’s lineup of speakers included Mayor Justin Elicker, who reminded the Class of 2026, “we as a city love you.”

New Haven Public Schools (NHPS)

Supt. Madeline Negrón told the graduates that their diplomas represent not only their academic success but also their ability to balance life and extracurriculars.

“New Haven public Schools believes in you,” she concluded.

Board of Education member Andrea

Downer, who is also a 1989 Hillhouse alum, said that the diplomas are a “declaration of everything you’ve worked for and everything you’re becoming.”

Hillhouse 2004 alum, New Haven youth commissioner, and NHPS attendance specialist Donald D. McAulay Jr was Monday’s commencement speaker. He said that Hillhouse is not “just a place where athletes go” but a place that builds up leaders who “dare to dream big.”

Billy, the school’s principal, told the graduating students that “you are prepared to face the world because you are

a Hillhouse Academic. A student from Hillhouse can and will achieve absolute greatness.”

Alejandro Gallardo, who also graduated from Hillhouse on Monady, celebrated crossing the stage despite Hillhouse being the third high school he had to attend after his family relocated from New York. He said that while he was being offered baseball scholarships in New York, in New Haven he found that he had kinder teachers.

Izaiha Velazquez said that crossing the stage on Monday was a “huge relief.” He plans to head to New England College next year with a football scholarship. Velazquez transferred to Hillhouse after spending his freshman and sophomore years at Notre Dame High School. “There weren’t many people that looked like me so I wasn’t comfortable,” he said about why he decided to transfer.

At Hillhouse, he said he quickly made friends who supported him in making it onto the honor toll. “I got more comfortable so I could finally thrive,” he said. He thanked Hillhouse staff and especially his football team for teaching him how to study and be a good student. Football athletes need to maintain at least a B average in order to remain on the high school’s team. Velazquez said that motivated him to succeed in school. “I never really won at life until now, thanks to football,” he concluded.

Eighth graders sing "Man in the Mirror" during their graduation; their classmates and families joined in singing by the end of the song. Credit: Adele Haeg photos

Zamira Williamson (center) with her grandparents and daughter, who helped keep her on track. Credit: Maya McFadden Photos

The New Haven independent

The New Haven independent

Ice Cube’s Big3 basketball league set to go public in history-making $290m dealb

by Dollita Okine, Face2FaceAfrica.com

The Big3 basketball league, co-founded by Ice Cube (real name O’Shea Jackson Sr.) and Jeff Kwatinetz, is set to become the first publicly traded U.S. professional sports league via a $290 million merger with Graf Global Corp., a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

After the merger, the combined entity will be renamed Big3 Basketball Holdings, Inc. Management intends to list the company on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE American, or Nasdaq in the fourth quarter of 2026. The ticker symbol will be TONT, which represents three-on-three.

Key upcoming milestones for the Big3 include obtaining regulatory approval and finalizing the business combination with Graf Global Corp. Before the 2026 public listing, the league plans to expand its franchise model by selling more citybased teams and will focus on financial disclosures and investor relations.

The move allows fans to purchase shares in the league and be part owners with a vested interest in its potential growth, a process that has historically only been open to institutional investors or billionaires.

When the company is listed, its shares will be available to the public through the major online brokerage platforms. Fans can buy and sell Big3 stock with new or

Beyoncé reveals

by Malcolm Trapp, REVOLT.TV

Key Takeaways

• JAY-Z’s loc removal was documented in a CÉCRED vlog, where Beyoncé detailed the timeline leading up to Roots Picnic.

The Big3 basketball league

existing brokerage accounts, using the traditional rules of publicly traded companies.

“You can’t participate in the upside of the team besides winning,” Ice Cube said in an interview with Bloomberg. “And we need the fans for the league to be successful, so it’s a match made in heaven.”

“Going public is our next step,” Ice Cube also noted in a statement. “This

lifts us to a bigger stage, accelerates our international potential, and gives our fans a way to grow with us, support us, and participate in our success.” According to a Business Wire press release, Mark King will join the BIG3 as Chairman of the Board, while Ice Cube continues as chief executive officer. Sean Bannon will still be president, and Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler will remain as com-

missioner.

While TKO Group Holdings has been public since September 2023, the Big3’s move is pioneering as major leagues like the NBA, NFL, and MLB remain private.

This shift to public ownership is significant. Despite Black athletes comprising roughly 70% of NBA rosters, Black ownership at the league level is still rare.

By taking the Big3 public, Ice Cube and

Kwatinetz bypass traditional venture capital channels and create direct opportunities for Black investors, fans, and communities to build generational wealth through sports equity.

The CEO of Graf Global Corp., James Graf, highlighted how difficult it is for average investors to obtain sports stocks.

“There are few, if any, opportunities for public markets investors to own equity directly in professional sports leagues or teams,” Graf said in a press statement.

“We believe such investments may deliver uncorrelated returns over time, especially seeing the appreciation of team values and the growth of sports advertising across media.”

The Big3 is moving from a touring model to city-based teams. It sold its first local franchise in Los Angeles to DCB Sports in 2024 for $10 million. Looking forward, the league intends to add more city-based franchises, eyeing big metropolitan markets such as New York, Chicago, Miami, and Houston. The expansion is designed to build local fan bases and support longterm growth by entering markets with strong basketball cultures.

The ninth season kicks off June 20 in Los Angeles with four games, including Detroit Amps vs. DMV Trilogy and LA Riot vs. Miami 305. The championship game will take place on August 22 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Black Enterprise reported.

"the real reason" JAY-Z grew (and parted ways with) his locs in CÉCRED vlog

Beyoncé said she was “pretty obsessed” with Hov’s locs and “didn’t really want him to cut them,” but the reason behind his hair transformation was too sweet. was like his hair,” she explained, before adding that their eldest “wasn’t feeling very confident about her hair” when she was around 5.

• He chose to wear an Afro at the Philadelphia show in tribute to his late father, Adnis Reeves.

• CÉCRED products and hairstylist Nakia Collins helped maintain the health and length of his hair during his eight-year loc journey.

Beyoncé “wasn’t all the way convinced” JAY-Z could comb out his locs for the 2026 Roots Picnic. On Sunday (June 21) evening, the “Drunk in Love” singer shared why Hov grew — and eventually got rid of — his iconic wicks in a CÉCRED vlog documenting the journey leading up to his highly anticipated performance at the Philadelphia festival.

“Everyone wants to know the details of JAY’s hair transformation,” Queen Bey opened the seven-minute video. “JAY told me a few months ago he was planning on combing out his locs for the Philly show with The Roots. He wanted to do this in honor of his father. His name was Adnis Reeves, and his favorite sports team was from Philly.”

The Grammy-winning musician further noted that because Hov’s father used to

rock an Afro, he wanted to do the same in his honor. As footage showed the New York rapper’s first loc being combed out, Beyoncé said she wasn’t fully convinced it was possible because he had “such thick, long wicks” and his hair had been

“locking for over eight years.”

Beyoncé reveals how Blue Ivy inspired JAY-Z to grow his hair

She also offered some backstory on why JAY-Z grew his hair out in the first place, especially since many of us were

introduced to the music mogul with a “money cut,” as REVOLT’s Jon Powell documented in our listicle about his hair evolution. “I thought it was beautiful that the real reason JAY grew out his hair was to show Blue [Ivy Carter] that her hair

“When she told her father that, it inspired JAY to grow out his hair. We really wanted her to love and embrace every inch of her gorgeous hair,” Beyoncé continued, noting that it later played a role in Blue narrating Matthew A. Cherry’s award-winning book “Hair Love.” The RENAISSANCE artist then joked about what used to be her husband’s crisp fade, “Who would’ve thought all this healthy hair could grow beyond that low cut Caesar with the deep waves?”

Beyoncé credits CÉCRED and hairstylist Nakia Collins for keeping JAY-Z’s hair healthy during his loc journey

Elsewhere in the video, Bey gave a shoutout to JAY-Z’s hairstylist, Nakia Collins, who used only CÉCRED products on his hair for years. “It was in immaculate condition, which made a huge contribution to our ability to retain so much of his fullness, length, and his thickness while combing out eight years of locs,” she shared.

While the mother of three “didn’t really want him to cut them,” especially because of all the history they carried, she said that finally being able to break each wick apart was a major accomplishment. Watch the full video below.

Ice Cube Photo source: @icecube

LISA O'CONNOR

Afghan Girls

ESL teacher Mary Lou DiPaola, who had taught Assadi when she arrived at Truman School from Afghanistan in second grade. “She was so sweet and adorable and kind and nervous,” DiPaola recalled. She also taught Assadi’s younger sister, and when the kids moved to Nathan Hale School after a few years, DiPaola said she kept in touch with the family.

“She’s worked so hard,” she said about Assadi, “and she deserves it.”

CitySeed Executive Director and Fair Haven Alder Sarah Miller also attended Assadi’s graduation on Tuesday. “Razia’s story is a reminder that brilliance is all around us and our collective responsibility is to provide the spaces where it can take root and take flight,” she said. “Her path and the paths of her parents and siblings exemplifies what New Haven and Connecticut and our country are all about.”

After receiving her diploma, Assadi told the Independent, “I would say I’m proud of myself because I have my family, who care deeply about me.” She is also grateful for her teachers.

Assadi remembered being unsure what to do or what the rules were in the classroom on the first day of school, when she first came to the United States. She had more free time and flexibility than she had had in her school in Afghanistan.

Now, after finishing high school at the top of her class, she plans to attend Columbia University in New York in the fall. Assadi wants to study neuroscience and philosophy, largely because her brother has a neurological disability that prevents him from walking or talking. She said as a kid, she always wondered why that was the case. As the eldest child, she often carried him through their mountainous village in Afghanistan.

Assadi and her family had visited New York recently and Assadi said she liked it. “It was so lively,” she said, “even at 3 a.m.!”

Con’t from page

Find Common Ground

ley Avenue’s Congregation Beth-El Keser Israel and chair of the New Haven Board of Rabbis and Cantors.

Retired police Sgt. Shafiq Abdussabur joined the conversation as well. Abdussabur handles spiritual duties at Imam Hasan’s masjid, advises Connecticut mosques on security, and has worked with Muslim and Jewish neighbors in his Beaver Hills neighborhood to build bridges in the wake of isolated hate crimes.

The group had a lot to discuss, with nuances more fitting for a spoken conversation than a text write-up. Click on the below video to watch the full conversation in which Imam Hasan, Rabbi Woodward, and Abdussabur discuss Muslim-Jewish relations in New Haven on “Dateline New Haven.” Click here to subscribe or here to listen to other episodes of “Dateline New Haven.”

Obama Presidential Center Unveils Official Portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama

By courtesy of HBCUNEWS.com

Eunice Alpasan

With the grand opening soon approaching, the Obama Presidential Center has unveiled its first official portrait of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.

The portrait, “The Obamas: Springing Forth,” by artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby is on display in the museum’s lobby, an area open to the public and that does not require a ticket, according to a Monday news release.

The unveiling of the portrait — which weaves together archival images, family albums and symbolic elements — comes as the Obamas are back in Chicago ahead of the Obama Presidential Center’s grand opening celebrations this week.

The Obama Presidential Center officially opens to the public Friday.

The mixed-media portrait aims to memorialize the Obamas’ journey to the White House and their legacy.

Based on a photograph taken by Akunyili Crosby, the portrait was made with acrylic, colored pencils, charcoal and transfers on paper. Layered throughout the work, Akunyili Crosby chose images for her signature image transfers that span the Civil Rights Movement, the Obama presidency, the Obamas’ personal histories, Chicago landmarks, political activists, artists, friends and family, according to a news release.

The portrait includes symbols and historic references, such as:

 Michelle Obama’s childhood home on Euclid Avenue, with her father’s beloved 1970 bronze, two-door Buick Electra 225 hardtop coupe;

 The carved relief pattern of the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office;

 The Martin Luther King Jr. bust by Harlem Renaissance artist Charles Alston that was displayed in the Oval Office during the Obama administration;

 The cover of Stevie Wonder’s al-

bum “Talking Book,” the first album Michelle Obama received. It was a gift from her maternal grandfather, Pernell Shields, aka “Southside.” The Obamas danced to the album at their wedding, and a copy is displayed in the museum;

 Small charms that were gifts from constituents to Barack Obama, who carried them with him. A selection of charms is also on display in the museum;

 A vase modeled after those made by Dave the Potter and filled with flowering plants and vegetables that have symbolic ties to the Obamas, including okra, coral hibiscus, torch ginger, petunia and plumeria;

 An array of items on the bookshelf, including the Obamas’ four Grammys, a framed photograph from the March on Washington, a basketball, books they love and books they have authored.

Akunyili Crosby was born in Nigeria in 1983. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College in 2004, a post-baccalaureate certificate in 2006 from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and an MFA from Yale University in 2011, according to an artist biography.

Before the Obama Presidential Center officially opens to the public, an invite-only, livestreamed grand opening ceremony will be held at the campus Thursday. Community celebrations are also scheduled throughout the campus this weekend as part of grand opening celebrations.

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama pose for a photo with artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby in the Obama Presidential Center Museum’s Hope and Change Lobby on June 14, 2026. (Courtesy of The Obama Foundation)

Opened to the public June 19, 2026

Innocence Project, NAACP, and more join forces: Inside Karmelo Anthony’s fight for justice with his new legal team

by Malcolm Trapp, REVOLT.TV

Key Takeaways

• Karmelo Anthony has retained a new pro bono legal team to challenge the 35year prison sentence issued after his murder conviction.

• The appellate counsel includes former prosecutor Russell Wilson II, Texas NAACP President Gary Bledsoe, and Michael Ware of the Innocence Project of Texas.

• In a June interview, Karmelo’s father, Andrew Anthony, seemingly hinted at regrets over the 19-year-old's original defense.

Karmelo Anthony has a new legal team. On Monday (June 22), several civil rights and criminal defense attorneys announced that they will now represent the 19-yearold, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison over the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf earlier this month.

Arriving just two weeks after Karmelo filed an intent to appeal, his new defense attorneys — serving pro bono — will “review the trial record and pursue all available avenues of appeal.” The news came on the heels of a Collin County judge re-

leasing evidence from the trial, including footage of the former Centennial High School student’s arrest and photos of the knife used to stab Metcalf, last Friday (June 19).

In a press release issued by the Stand With Karmelo Coalition, his counsel said, “Our appellate team has been retained following the conviction to conduct a fresh, independent review of the trial record. We recognize the profound loss suffered by one young man’s family and the uncertainty facing another, and we extend our respect to everyone whose lives have been forever changed by these events.”

Karmelo’s new legal team is being led by former Dallas County prosecutor Russell Wilson II, who argued at both the state and federal levels for nearly three decades; Texas NAACP President Gary Bledsoe; and Michael Ware, director of the Innocence Project of Texas. Brooke Cluse, chief of staff to Ben Crump, is also part of the appellate effort, along with defense trial attorneys Sean Daredia and Justin Moore.

“Our responsibility is to determine whether a legal error occurred and to ensure that every issue supported by the re-

cord is fully and vigorously presented on appeal,” they said. “The appellate process exists for precisely this purpose.”

Karmelo Anthony’s family had already raised concerns about the original defense team

For anyone who's been keeping up with Karmelo’s family following the conviction, his decision to bring on a new legal team shouldn’t be all that surprising. Speaking with “The Breakfast Club” host Mimi Brown on June 11, his father, Andrew Anthony, seemed to have regrets about choosing the original defense.

Andrew said several people he consulted, including Black attorneys, advised him to hire a white lawyer for Karmelo’s case. “They’re like, ‘Oh, you need a white attorney to go out there to fight out there,’” he remembered. Later, when Brown asked if there was anything they would have done differently, he once again pointed to the legal advice they received.

“I was told, ‘Don’t talk to this person. Don’t talk to this person,’” Andrew shared. “I feel like it was just a setup. Like I said, they told us, ‘Go get white attorneys.’”

The Dallas Morning News/Hearst Newspapers / Contributor via Getty Images Meet the attorneys now leading Karmelo Anthony’s appeal

Comprised of six Texas attorneys, Brooke Cluse, Justin Moore, and more said they'll fight to ensure that "every issue supported by the record is fully and vigorously presented on appeal."

Obama Presidential Center Opens Restaurant Dedicated to Late White House Chef, Tafari Campbell by BlackNews.com

Tafari Campbell, a chef who worked for the Obamas before his sudden death in 2023, is being honored at the Obama Presidential Center restaurant opening in Chicago, Illinois. The tribute highlights his work as White House chef and his lasting connection to the Obama family.

At the heart of the campus is Tafari’s Kitchen, a restaurant that connects food with personal memories from the Obama family’s White House years. The menu features dishes like “Tafari’s Famous Ribs,” “Obama Family Chili,” and “Mrs. Robinson’s Red Rice,” each tied to flavors and moments from that period.

According to People, the restaurant is part of the larger Obama Presidential Center, which has already opened on Chicago’s South Side. The center was created to reflect the legacy of Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, using exhibits and spaces drawn from their time in the White House.

Inside the center, visitors can also find

a replica of the Oval Office and clothing worn by Michelle Obama at major state events. These displays sit alongside more personal spaces, including Tafari’s Kitchen, which highlights everyday life behind

the public image of the presidency.

Tafari worked in the White House kitchen before later becoming the Obama family’s personal chef. He was once featured in a White House video preparing beer using honey collected from Michelle Obama’s beehives.

He died in 2023 in an accidental drowning while paddleboarding near the Obamas’ home in Martha’s Vineyard. The Obamas were not present at the time, and authorities later confirmed the incident as an accident.

The Obama Center website remembers him as warm, generous, and deeply talented, noting how he used food to bring people together. Barack Obama also paid tribute, saying Campbell showed strong character and used his gifts to create joy and connection.

After his death, the Obamas described him as part of their family and shared how deeply they felt the loss. His legacy now continues through Tafari’s Kitchen, which carries his name and influence into the public space of the Obama Presidential Center.

Tafari Campbell

Shareholders reject anti-DEI push as investors defend diverse workplaces

by Karen Juanita Carrillo

As You Sow’s 2023 “Capturing the Diversity Benefit” report found companies with more BIPOC managers saw stronger results in growth, cash flow, profits, and return on invested capital. This July, organization will release new, updated Diversity Benefit report. (Photo credit: As You Sow) Credit: As You Sow

Wall Street shareholders aren’t interested in corporate moves to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the 2026 proxy voting season is showing.

Anti-DEI shareholder proposals were rejected by about 99% during the spring proxy voting period. Proxy season is the time, usually between April and June, when public companies hold annual meetings and shareholders vote on issues that affect how those companies are run. Most investors do not attend the meetings in person; they vote by proxy or send in their vote by mail.

Andrew Behar, CEO of the nonprofit shareholder advocacy group As You Sow, said the results from this proxy season give company boards a clear reason to keep lawful diversity programs in place: Shareholders are saying they want their companies to hire and promote from the widest possible pool of talent. Anti-DEI resolutions were defeated, Behar told the Amsterdam News, “And they have been just soundly, I mean, soundly defeated. We’ve not seen any get above a 98% vote against, so shareholders are sending a very strong message to corporations that we want you to continue to have a diverse workforce.”

This year, according to the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance, conservative groups filed 43 anti-DEI resolutions through May 31. Of the 22 anti-DEI resolutions that had been voted on by then, support averaged only about 1%.

Visa shareholders gave an inclusion audit proposal 0.9% support. Intuit shareholders gave a diversity return-on-investment proposal 0.8% support. At Deere, Disney, Starbucks, Adobe, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and First Citizens BancShares, comparable proposals received between 0.4% and 0.9% of the votes. None received enough support to be brought back to the same companies with the same requests. There was a similar outcome in 2025. Advocates said this repeated vote against conservative proposals shows that many investors view diverse, merit-based workforces as good for business. Companies like John Deere, the agricultural machinery company, also pushed back, saying a diverse workforce helps meet customer needs, supports innovation, and contributes to long-term success.

Corporate DEI programs are currently still legal. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision ending race-conscious admissions at colleges and universities does not affect businesses.

In 2018, As You Sow started pressing companies to share more information about their workforces: who was being hired, who was being promoted, who stayed, and whether diversity promises were producing results. The group used EEO-1 data, which many large employers already report to the federal government, and created racial justice and DEI scorecards to compare company practices.

“We were one of the first groups that started to look at some of the data, and we were seeing this correlation, so we wrote a letter, and got it signed by [the representatives of] about $4 trillion worth of assets …,” Behar

said. The investor coalition sent letters to 3,000 companies arguing that workforce data is important to investors and that they had a right to know if the composition of a company’s workforce helped or hurt its performance.

“The composition of your workforce is correlated to your financial performance. Therefore, it is material; therefore, you need to disclose that to shareholders,” Behar said. “At that point, very little disclosure was happening.”

Some companies responded by publishing their EEO-1 reports. As You Sow asked for more details about hiring, promotion, retention, pay equity, and leadership responsibility.

When companies would not provide enough information, As You Sow and other investors filed shareholder resolutions ask-

ing them to explain how workforce diversity affected the company, its culture, and its stakeholders.

“The ones who responded well, that was great. The ones who didn’t, we escalated by filing shareholder resolutions,” Behar said. As You Sow’s 2023 “Capturing the Diversity Benefit” report, produced with Whistle Stop Capital, reviewed 4,970 EEO-1 forms from 1,641 publicly traded U.S. companies between 2016 and 2022. The report found that companies with more diverse managers saw stronger results in terms of growth, cash flow, profits, and return on invested capital. Behar said As You Sow’s next report, to be released this July, will expand the analysis.

“It’s nine years of data; it’s 1,676 publicly traded U.S. companies,” he said, “and it’s irrefutable. The first data point is that greater diversity leads to financial outperformance. Data point number two is that if you look at all-white management teams, they financially underperform across every single sector.”

As You Sow is also trying to use its research to help companies defend diversity programs. Behar said the group wants to use the data in court briefs and possibly in lawsuits against companies that drop diversity programs, even when evidence shows those programs boost their financial performance.

“They’ve got legal precedents now, and they’re threatening companies with lawsuits, so what we’re trying to do and the reason that we’re publishing this report, the one on July 23, is to try to give corporate boards the data that they need to make the case that what they’re actually doing is making a financial decision.” Behar said. “The reason that they want diversity is because they’re making a financial decision, and that is their fiduciary obligation.”

RFP Site-Civil Engineering Services 26 Monroe Street, Norwalk, CT

Sound Communities Inc., an affiliate of the Norwalk Housing Authority, and its development partner National Housing Trust are seeking proposals from qualified site-civil engineering firms for a multi-phase, transit-oriented, mixed-use affordable housing development at 26 Monroe Street, adjacent to the South Norwalk Metro-North Station. The project is anticipated to yield approximately 200 units across two phases, with ground-floor office space, community amenities, and a public plaza component. Firms must have demonstrated experience in site planning, urban infrastructure, zoning, and multifamily or mixed-use development in Norwalk or Fairfield County. Full RFP is advertised on Norwalk Housing Authority website. NHA and Sound Communities are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Submission Deadline: July 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST

Email only. No hard copies. Questions accepted through July 17, 2026

Contact: Leala Marlin, Development Project Manager lmarlin@soundcommunitiesct.org

Members of the public are invited to

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

VIRTUAL PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

State Project No. 0173-0551

Traffic Control Signal Replacements in Southwestern Connecticut (East Haven, Fairfield, Milford, North Haven, Norwalk, Trumbull, Wallingford, West Haven, and Westport)

Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Learn More: portal.ct.gov/DOTSouthwestCT0173-0551

The purpose of this meeting is to provide the community with an opportunity to learn about the proposed project and allow an open discussion of any views and comments concerning the proposed improvements. A Q&A session will immediately follow the presentation.

The purpose of this project is to replace aging and outdated traffic control signal infrastructure with new equipment to current standards in order to maintain reliable operation at project intersections throughout Southwestern Connecticut.

There is potential for right-of-way impacts around new signal equipment and newly installed sidewalks at some project intersections.

Construction is expected to start spring 2028, depending on funding, right-of-way acquisition, and permits. The estimated cost is $18 million with 100% state funds.

The public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting. Please direct comments and questions by Tuesday, July 28, 2026, to Kaethe Podgorski at DOTSignalReplacements@ct.gov or 860-594-2189.

ACCESSIBILITY

The recording will be posted following the meeting in CTDOT’s public meeting playlist at portal.ct.gov/ctdotVPIMarchive

For audio only, call 877-853-5257 with Meeting ID 891 8729 7077. Project information can be mailed within one week by contacting Kaethe Podgorski at DOTSignalReplacements@ct.gov or 860-594-2189.

Individuals with hearing/speech disabilities can dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Request language assistance from CTDOT’s Language Assistance at 860-594-2109 at least five business days before meeting.

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Connecticut Careers Trainee, target class Planning Analyst in the Intergov

Listing: Night Dispatcher

Locally owned and operated in Guilford, CT since 1984, East River Energy provides heating oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, and propane to thousands of customers locally. East River Energy is also a major distributor of petroleum products across 13 states and counting. Additionally, East River Energy is a growing full service HVAC/Home Services company in both commercial and residential sectors. This is a full-time dispatching position for nights (which includes on call and weekend coverage). At least one year of dispatching experience is required. We are looking for someone who is detail oriented and is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits include: Competitive Hourly Wage, Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Vacation & Sick Time, Paid Holidays, Retirement Plan 401(k), Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance Options

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

*An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disabled and Veterans*

UNION

CONTRACTOR SEEKS:

Construction Equipment Mechanic

(preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment) We offer factory training on equipment we operate. Job is in Bloomfield, CT.

Contact: Tom Dunay Phone: 860-243-2300 Ext. 122 Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com

Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators

(must have current licensing and a clean driving record; be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY)

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860-243-2300 Ext. 133 Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway

Construction Equipment

(must have a class A CDL license with Tank Endorsement and a clean driving record; be capable of operating heavy equipment and willing to travel throughout the Northeast and NY)

Contact: Brian McKee Phone: 860-558-6189 Email: bmckee@garrityasphalt.com

• We offer Excellent hourly rates and benefits.

• Women and Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply.

• Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer

Members of the public are invited to

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

HYBRID PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS

DRAFT 2027-2030 STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Connecticut Department of Transportation Headquarters 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington CT 06111

Register to Attend Virtually & Learn More: portal.ct.gov/STIP

The purpose of these meetings is to provide the community with an opportunity to learn about the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and allow an open discussion of any views and comments concerning the program. A Q&A session will immediately follow the presentation. CTDOT staff will be available in-person 30 minutes prior to each meeting to informally discuss the draft STIP with members of the public.

The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) compiles all highway and public transit projects that CTDOT intends to pursue over the next four years, utilizing Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding. STIP documents can be found at portal.ct.gov/STIP, CTDOT Headquarters, and at all Councils of Government offices. It is suggested to schedule an appointment at these locations. To make an appointment at CTDOT, please call (860) 594-2040.

The draft STIP will be available for review for a 30-day public comment period from Wednesday, May 13, 2026, through Friday, June 12, 2026. Comments should be submitted to (860) 594-2020, DOT.STIPComments@ct.gov, or mailed to: ATTN: Rose Etuka, 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546, Newington, CT 06131-7546 Please refer to the 2027-30 STIP in the correspondence.

ACCESSIBILITY

Parking is available in the rear of the building. The meeting facility is ADA accessible, and persons with disabilities can access the building from the main entrance of the building.

Non-English language closed captioning will be available on Zoom. The recording will also be posted following the meeting in CTDOT’s public meeting playlist at portal.ct.gov/ctdotVPIMarchive

For limited internet access, call (877) 853-5257 with Meeting ID 862 1358 6028 for the 1:00 p.m. meeting, or Meeting ID 820 5097 2071 for the 7:00 p.m. meeting. Project information can be mailed within one week by contacting Rose Etuka at Rose.Etuka@ct.gov

For hearing/speech disabilities, dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Request language assistance from CTDOT’s Language Assistance at (860) 594-2109 at least five business days before meeting.

Request for Qualifications

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) seeks the services of one or more consultants for the following transportation planning studies during the 2026 and 2027 Fiscal Years (July 1, 2025June 30, 2027): Metropolitan Transportation Plan Update and Local Bridge Inspection Study. Responses are due by June 2, 2026 (12 noon local time). Selected firms will be interviewed on June 9, 2026. The full RFQ document can be viewed at the Council’s website: www.scrcog.org or can be made available upon request. Contact James Rode at (203) 4668623 with any questions.

LaRosa Earth Group LLC, a Site/Excavation Company, is currently looking to add the following full-time positions to our Team: Heavy Equipment

Operators Skilled Laborers

Please submit resumes to HR@LAROSABG.COM or stop by our main office to fill out an application: 163 Research Parkway Meriden, CT. Salary will be commensurate with experience and best fit for the positions. Health plan; 401K; company-paid holidays in addition to paid time off.

LaRosa Groups is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer who values diversity and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.

The Housing Authority City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities

Request for Qualifications

Architectural Engineering Services for the Clock Factory

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities acting through its instrumentality, The Glendower Group, Inc. Is soliciting request for qualifications (“RFQ”) for selection of a qualified and experienced A & E Firm to serve as the Project Architect for the Clock Factory. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from New Haven Housing Authority Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ gateway beginning on

Wednesday,

June 10, 2026, at 3:00PM.

The Housing Authority City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities

Request for Proposals (RFP) Construction Manager at Risk (CM@R)

Construction Manager at Risk (CM@R) Clock Factory Redevelopment

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities acting through its instrumentality, The Glendower Group, Inc. in partnership with the City of New Haven (the "City") as Co-Applicant and Neighborhood Implementation Entity, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP). for selection of a qualified and experienced CM@R Firm to serve as the Project Manager for the Clock Factory Redevelopment. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from New Haven Housing Authority Vendor Collaboration Portal https:// newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 3:00PM.

360 Management Group

Invitation for Bids

360 Management Group is currently seeking bids from qualified contractors to perform Extermination Services Agencywide. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

June 8, 2026, at 3:00PM.

Galasso Materials LLC,

a quarry and paving contractor, has positions open for the upcoming construction season. We are seeking candidates for a variety of positions, including: Scalehouse Dispatcher/ Equipment Operators and Laborers. NO PHONE CALLS. Please mail resume and cover letter to “Hiring Manager”, Galasso Materials LLC, PO Box 1776, East Granby CT 06026. Galasso Materials is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

For Immediate Hiring: Operations Specialist

This is a full-time position in a fast-paced environment. The candidate must be highly organized, analytical and detail-oriented. This opportunity offers exposure to all areas of the business and plays a critical role in driving operational excellence and supporting company growth. A college degree is required.

Benefits include: Competitive Hourly Wage, Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Vacation & Sick Time, Paid Holidays, Retirement Plan 401(k), Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance Options.

Send resume to: HR Manager, P.O. Box 388, Guilford, CT. 06437.

Email: HRDEPT@eastriverenergy.com

*An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disabled and Veterans*

HVAC Tradesman

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for an HVAC Tradesman. Wages: $31.22 to $40.23 hourly. For additional information and to apply online by the closing date June 8, 2026, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

360 Management Group Invitation for Bids Temporary Personnel Services

360 Management Group is currently seeking bids from qualified contractors to provide Temporary Personnel. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing. cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

26 Monroe Street: Architectural Services RFP

Sound Communities Inc., an affiliate of the Norwalk Housing Authority, and its development partner National Housing Trust are seeking proposals from qualified architectural firms for a multi-phase, transit-oriented, mixed-use affordable housing development adjacent to the South Norwalk Metro-North Station. The project is anticipated to yield approximately 200 units across two phases, with ground-floor office space, community amenities, and a public plaza component. Firms must have demonstrated experience in affordable and mixed-income multifamily housing, LIHTC-financed projects, mixed-use design, and stakeholder engagement.

Submission Deadline: July 2, 2026 · 5:00 PM EST

Request For Information accepted through June 22, 2026

Submit via email only. No hard copies.

Contact: Leala Marlin, Project Manager lmarlin@soundcommunitiesct.org

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Connecticut Careers Trainee, target class Planning Analyst in the Intergovernmental Policy and Planning Division. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/ sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 260427&R2=2292AR&R3=001

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

POLICE

City of Bristol $78,813/yr. Required testing, general info, and apply online: www.bristolct.gov

DEADLINE: 12-07-25

VIDEO TECHNICIAN I (PART-TIME)

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for Video Technician I (Part-Time). Wages: $20.00 to $22.00 hourly. For additional information and to apply online by the July 6th, 2026 closing date please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Request for Qualifications

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) seeks the services of one or more consultants for the following transportation planning studies during the 2026 and 2027 Fiscal Years (July 1, 2025June 30, 2027): Hamden Ridge Road Safety Study and On-call Technical Support Services. Responses are due by June 2, 2026 (12 noon local time). Selected firms will be interviewed on June 9, 2026. The full RFQ document can be viewed at the Council’s website: www.scrcog.org or can be made available upon request. Contact James Rode at 203-4668623 with any questions.

Water Treatment Pumping Operator I

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for Water Treatment Pumping Operator I. Wages: $30.35 to $36.64 hourly. For additional information and to apply online by the April 20, 2026 closing date please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Obama Center opens in Chicago with a call to defend democracy and a celebrity crowd

by SCOTT BAUER Associated Press

Former President Barack Obama formally opened his presidential center in Chicago on Thursday with a call to defend democracy as three former presidents joined him on stage in an extraordinary event featuring politicians, A-list celebrities, athletes and other internationally known figures.

“I hope this center will serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious our democracy truly is and remind us what we can achieve when we embrace our shared responsibilities as citizens,” the nation’s first Black president told the crowd. Bono, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Marc Anthony and Eddie Vedder took turns on the stage ahead of Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder, who closed the show singing “Higher Ground” as the former presidents, world leaders and others danced along.

President Donald Trump was conspicuous both in his physical absence and by not being mentioned by any of the speakers or performers. Trump called the $850 million center a “total disaster” in a social media post in February.

Obama voiced his support for character, honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion and sense of duty, praising both Democrats and Republicans, including those he defeated.

“Every president here today, as different as we are, has tried our best to uphold values that John McCain and Mitt Romney believed in no less than I did,” Obama said. “It is our greatest inheritance.”

Reflecting on his arrival in Chicago in 1985 as an untested political organizer, he said he could not have built the Obama Presidential Center anywhere else. He met his future wife Michelle nearby, their wedding reception was within walking distance, his children were born in the neighborhood and he launched his first candidacy not far away.

“It’s an expression of thanks, an acknowledgment that so much of what I hold most dear I owe to the people of this city and the

people of the surrounding neighborhoods,” Obama said.

Michelle had some emotional words for her husband

The Obamas and their daughters shared the stage with former presidents Joe Biden, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton along with former first ladies Jill Biden, Laura Bush and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and many other leading Democrats were in the audience.

Michelle Obama spoke directly to her husband when she stepped up to the podium. “Eight years in the crucible and not once did you melt in the heat. Not once did you let it harden you.

“Instead, you used it to reveal your truest essence,” she said. “Your stubborn

optimism and unflinching courage. Your dazzling brilliance and unpretentious decency. Your ferocious work ethic and absolutely unshakable moral fiber. And to do it all as a first.”

She ticked off highlights from her husband’s eight years in office, including ordering the raid that led to the killing of Osama bin Laden, “standing up for marriage equality” and “listening to science.” “And you did it all with such grace and class and cool,” she said. “You made the hardest job in the world look like a walk in this beautiful park.”

Obama appeared to wipe away a tear as she praised him.

Michelle Obama also referenced the current “anxious and divisive times” and warned against being cynical or compla-

cent as “everything feels so upside down.”

She pitched the center as “a respite from all that.”

A-list entertainers sang inspirational anthems and protest songs

Jennifer Hudson sang the national anthem and Aguilera delivered a rousing rendition of “What a Wonderful World.” Pearl Jam’s Vedder, joined by Chicago teenagers in the nonprofit Guitars Over Guns program, sang an original song called “Better Believe,” written just for the dedication.

Legend sang “Someday We’ll All Be Free” and was joined by the rapper Common and Uniting Voices Chicago for their Academy Award-winning song “Glory.”

Bono, who said he was representing the Irish, joined with The Edge in singing the U2 song “City of Blinding Lights.”

The Roots served as the house band. And Springsteen sang “Land of Hopes and Dreams” before turning to the Obamas and

saying “I love you.”

Wonder sang “All I Do” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” before the grand finale, joined by the performers who preceded him.

The VIP crowd included several potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates; civil rights leaders Andrew Young and Al Sharpton; Oprah Winfrey; comedians David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Stephen Colbert; actor Tom Hanks; tennis legend Billie Jean King and Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts.

Former world leaders in attendance included former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Event kicked off weekend of celebration

The three-hour invite-only celebration included commentary from a nearby park where thousands gathered, and it was livestreamed to many more. It kicks off a weekend of events as the center opens to the general public on Juneteenth.

“This is not a monument to the Obamas,” said Valerie Jarrett, the Obama Foundation’s chief executive and former Obama top adviser. “This is a tribute to all those who made this journey possible.”

The opening, like the ribbon-cuttings of other presidential libraries over the years, had a heavy focus on accomplishments. This former president also expressed some regrets — such as the increase in political polarization during his two terms. “It’s one of the few regrets of my presidency — that the rancor and suspicion between the parties has gotten worse instead of better,” Obama said in his final State of the Union.

“Some of the exhibits reflect unfinished business,” Obama said Thursday. “In some cases, my own shortcomings and mistakes.”

General admission tickets for the center are sold out through the end of October. More than a million visitors a year are expected at the nearly 20-acre campus.

Barbados prime minister Mia Mottley unveils manifesto for slavery reparations

by Mildred Europa Taylor, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, has announced a new manifesto highlighting what she describes as the moral, ethical and legal case for reparations for slavery.

Mottley was speaking at a “historic” conference in Ghana to advance the push for reparatory justice after the United Nations officially adopted a resolution proposed by Ghana, declaring the slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.

The manifesto is an update of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) 10-point plan for reparations from former colonizers. It introduces new elements, including the disproportionate impact of slavery on women and girls.

The document comes with a particular call for compensation for gender-based violence, outlining data that states “women represented approximately 30% of the estimated 20 million Africans forcefully transported across the Atlantic Ocean,” the

Guardian reported. The plan also refers to estimates that about 1.2 million enslaved women experienced sexual violence.

Speaking on the update, Mottley said that “the compensation for gender-based violence and assault on family” is “no different from the compensation that has been awarded to other nationalities such as the Japanese”.

According to the Guardian, the draft further suggests that climate justice and slavery reparations are “inextricably linked”, adding that there should be a plan to support Indigenous people who were in the Caribbean when Europeans arrived and were the subject of genocides.

“Caricom demands monetary compensation as reparations from enslaving nations, monarchies, churches, institutions, corporations and families, for loss of life and uncompensated labour, loss of liberty, personal injury, mental pain and anguish and gender-based violence, for the victims of Indigenous genocide, the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans and chattel

enslavement of Africans, which constitute grave crimes against humanity,” the document states.

The document, which is yet to be endorsed by Caribbean governments, does not give specifics about the amount that Caribbean countries are demanding. It, however, says the plan is “a collective vision for an approach to the pursuit of reparatory justice”.

Mottley, who described the conference in Ghana as a “historic moment”, said, “We live in a world today where people call out people for everything, for misogyny, for sexual assault, for all kinds of behaviour.

But yet we have not found the moral courage to state unanimously across humanity that this grave crime against humanity that persisted for centuries ought to be declared so by all.”

“That others choose to remain silent is a reflection of them, not of us,” she said, according to the Guardian. “We have equally come to say that there should be no retreat on repair. The language used from this platform this morning is not one of aggression,

is not one of violence but it is one of the necessities for healing for humanity.”

Caribbean governments have, since 2013, been calling for reparative justice from former colonizers.

In March, the U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans “the gravest crime against humanity” and calling for reparations as “a concrete step towards remedying historical wrongs.”

The resolution urges “the prompt and unhindered restitution” of cultural items such as artworks, monuments, museum pieces, documents and national archives, to their countries of origin without charge, the As

The resolution passed with 123 member states voting in favour, 3 against, and 53 abstentions. Argentina, Israel and the United States were the three members who voted against the resolution. The UK and members of the EU abstained from the vote.

Barack Obama Presidential Center Credit: The Obama Foundation photo

Barbados PM Mia Mottley -- Photo Credit: Timothy Sullivan (UNCTAD)