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Courtney Bryan with a member of the Heritage Chorale. Shaunda Holloway Photo.

Educators "Spill The Tea" In The Name Of Health Literacy

By Abiba Biao

Latham: "Advocating for yourself also requires you to educate yourself."

With a cup of herbal tea in hand, Tempestt Latham posed a question to an audience of five women before her: What do you wish you knew before having your first gynecological visit? It would be some time before attendees began to respond in earnest—and she was ready to get the ball rolling.

Latham posed that question—and laid a roadmap to greater reproductive health and advocacy— at “Spilling the Tea: The First Sip,” a community conversation and convening held at The Valley Street organization The Shack. Organized by Latham, the founder of EmpowerEdD Health & Education Collective and doctoral candidate in Public Health Education at the American College of Education, the event was meant to increase reproductive health literacy among Black women and girls.

Collaborators included Shamica Fraiser, owner of New Birth Journey, and Emily Ent, youth development specialist and educator at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. “Spilling the Tea” is a three-part series focusing on women's health.

The inaugural session at the Shack focused on periods and menstrual care, with the first half of the session focused on holistic approaches to period symptoms and the second on menstrual products.

The second installment of the series will take place on Saturday, April 18 from noon to 2:30 pm at 70 Audubon St. and will go over polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, and family planning. Learn more and register here.

“Our healthcare system is in place to be of support, but it is only going to support us as much as we engage, right?” Latham said. “So advocating for yourself also requires you to educate yourself. Think about those things because that speaks values to what access we have in terms of education, support, and even the confidence to even pose the question about our own bodies, our own bodies. But that barrier there, that is a lack of health literacy, not at any fault of anyone else.”

Pamela Spruill and Bernice Draughn. Throughout the day, organizers did just that (Alder Honda Smith, who runs The Shack, made the community space feel welcoming and homey). At the back of the room, the pool table was transformed into a menstrual product display, with period panties, menstrual cups, pantiliners, tampons, and pads lined up in a row, accompanied by a description of the purpose.

However, as Ent went down the line, it was the period panties and menstrual cups (also known as Diva cups, although there are many brands beyond the eponymous one) that got the crowd's attention and garnered the most questions. Holding the period panties in the air, Ent described their function and how to care for them. She added that some period products can be mixed and matched, like using a tam-

pon or menstrual cup during the day and period panties at night.

“Is that something new? I never knew they sold menstrual cups,” Pamela Spruill said.

“They’re not new,” Ent said.

“How long have they been out?” Spruill asked.

“Decades,” Ent said, before Spruill let out a surprised “Whatt?” in response.

Using a glass vagina for demonstration, she showed how to insert the menstrual cup into the vaginal cavity. She explained that there are two sizes of menstrual cups: cups for individuals who have given birth and cups for those who have not given birth before moving on to the close cousin, period disks. She passed the menstrual cups to Spruill and Bernice Draughn, who remarked on the size and firmness of the cups.

Both described the event as “informative” and “knowledgeable.” Spruill and Draughn are frequent patrons of the Shack, and come to the community center daily for senior programming. After hearing that the “Spill the Tea” session was happening, they decided to stick around.

For Spruill, it was her first time hearing about period panties and menstrual cups—information she plans to share with her daughters who are both in their 40s.

Not all of the conversation was technical: organizers and attendees both created space to discuss medical racism, bias and discrimination, which in this country can be extremely harmful and even deadly for Black women, particularly those of reproductive age. Spruill herself said that she felt and didn’t feel like she was able to ask questions and take time to learn as intended.

“I'm thinking about switching my gynecologist because I don't like when they rush. They should take time with you, especially when you're up in the age,” she said, in an interview after the session.

”And I don't like the fact that they have to have somebody else in the room. I heard that's the law now, that's something new to me. I didn't know because I didn't want her in there.”

Beginning July 2021, Yale New Haven Health implemented a system-wide policy that requires medical chaperones to attend any “sensitive exam, treatment or procedure,” that a patient may have to undergo.

“Sensitive exams” includes a physical exam of the genitalia, rectum, or breasts. “Medical chaperones will also be available during any other exam or procedure at the patient’s request. Providers should inform patients that they are entitled to have a chaperone present for any physical exam,” according to YNHH’s website.

The idea behind a medical chaperone is to be “a witness for a patient and a health professional during a medical examination or procedure,” as described on the YNHH website. The American Medical Association also outlines guidelines for chaperone implementation and states that

it can “help prevent misunderstandings between patient and physician,” and increase patient comfort.

The workshop then moved into patient advocacy, patient rights, and how medical racism has impacted care and health outcomes for Black women. Despite a documented history of medical negligence against Black, Latina and Indigenous

“If you go in to your gynecologist, they don’t want to hear nothing about the other parts of your body like it doesn’t exist,” one woman said, adding to Latham’s point about the difficulty of self-advocacy. “They just want to know about that one organ that they’re serving you for that time. You can have a headache, you can have high blood pressure, you could have anything, but if it does not relate, they don’t address it.”

In response, Latham instead suggested paying attention to how patients present information to providers to strengthen self-advocacy. Instead of vaguely describing a symptom in another area or bodily concerns, patients should create a narrative and show how symptoms connect to their current visit, by taking detailed notes of the things they’re experiencing. Latham argued that health literacy is understanding your personal body. She gave the scenario of herself going to the gynecological office experiencing consistent headaches. In the first example, the patient simply tells the provider that she is experiencing headaches.

“Those are two separate locations, right?” she asked the crowd. “So she goes ‘Oh, you should follow up with your PCP [primary care provider].’ That’s because of how I presented the information.”

In the second scenario, the patient explains how the headaches continue to happen during the luteal phase of her menstrual cycle, and that it is a monthly occurrence, and lists beverages that they have tried omitting or adding to her diet in hopes of alleviating the symptom.

“I gave more detail on what I’m experiencing, when it is occurring, how it is affecting me, and how often it is occurring,” she said.

“That is true,” the women agreed, “but I honestly believe that being truthful won’t matter to them… You related that to your condition, but if you don’t relate, you’re gonna be going to another doctor and another pill.”

Listening into the conversation, Fraiser chimed in and encouraged people to also refer to endocrinologists for menstrual and reproductive issues. While many are taught to refer to OBGYN for reproductive issues.

women, Latham encouraged people to be their own advocate.

“You know you. You have a Ph.D. in you. You have an MD in you,” Latham said. “They're there to take that research and evidence based practice to support you to provide you with what's best for you.”

While patients are referred to endocrinologists when they’re preparing for childbirth or have hormonal conditions such as fibroids and PCOS, Fraiser argued that patients can talk to endocrinologists earlier in their health consultation process, and the resources and roles, midwives, obstetricians, and endocrinologists play in reproductive health.

“When you are talking to your midwife, they can refer you to an endocrinologist, because as well as, they’re all uniquely educated about hormonal health and the reproductive system,” she said.

Latham: "Advocating for yourself also requires you to educate yourself."

Pamela Spruill and Bernice Draughn.

Arts Council of greater New Haven

SCSU Rally Calls For ICE-Detained Student’s Release

by Thomas Breen

More than 100 students, teachers, and immigrant rights advocates gathered outside of Southern Connecticut State University’s (SCSU) Buley Library Monday to speak up for a classmate who was reportedly detained by federal immigration agents off campus last week.

According to Connecticut Students for a Dream Executive Director Tabitha Sookdeo, the SCSU nursing student in question was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Middletown, on Tuesday, March 31. She said the student is currently being held in an ICE detention facility in New England and has an upcoming court date.

Sookdeo said she has been in touch with the student’s parents, who have asked for their daughter’s full name and other identifying information to be kept private for now. The student’s first name is Keyla. Sookdeo said that she does not know why ICE arrested this student.

Her parents are nervous, Sookdeo said. “She’s really scared,” she added. “She really just wants to get out” and come home. Sookdeo described the student as a hard worker, kind, dedicated to her studies, and someone who brightens every room she enters.

In an email statement sent to the SCSU community last Thursday, the public university’s president, Sandy Bulmer, wrote, “We are aware that one of our students has been detained by immigration authorities off campus and in another municipality. At this time, we are working to gather more information while respecting the privacy of the individual and their family. Importantly, there has been no report of ICE activity on Southern’s campus.”

Attendees at Monday’s rally held signs reading “Fuck ICE” and “Know your rights!” They chanted, “Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants belong here,” and, “No borders, no nations, stop the deportations.” They also distributed a QR code with a link to a GuFundMe page looking to raise money for the student’s legal fees. Sookdeo said that organizers are also soliciting letters from Connecticut elected officials, university leaders, and classmates in support of the student’s release. Sookdeo helped organize a similar letter-writing campaign last year for an ICE-detained Wilbur Cross student named Esdrás Zabaleta-Ramirez, who was subsequently released.

ICE did not respond to a request for comment by the publication of this article.

Speaker after speaker on Monday — including co-emcees Justin Farmer and Sam Morrison, students and faculty from SCSU, and organizers from UNITE HERE 217, the New Haven Immigrants Coalition, and Unidad Latina en Acción, among other groups — called for the detained student to be released, for the university to support undocumented students, and for a mass mobilization against the Trump administration in response to the federal government’s immigration

crackdown.

“The same movement that ousted the Gestapo from Minneapolis” can work here in Connecticut, said one of the rally’s speakers, a SCSU student named Tate.

“The politicians are not going to bring the change that we need,” said ULA’s John Lugo as he stood alongside Gladys Tentes-Pitiur, who spent 135 days in ICE detention last year. “The community is the answer.” He called for rallygoers to participate in a national strike on May Day to bring the country’s economy to

a standstill in protest of ICE’s actions.

“In the meantime, fuck ICE,” he said to cheers from the crowd.

“We demand that our neighbor comes back home safely and to commit ourselves to keeping each other safe,” said Morrison, a SCSU student who is also a part of the New Haven Immigrants Coalition.

“You don’t have to be exceptional. We just have to have human rights and dignity for everyone,” said Farmer, a SCSU student who is also running for state rep-

resentative. He spoke about being the son of a Jamaican immigrant. By the time he was 10, he said, three of his relatives had been deported.

Two SCSU first-years, Sitralys Nunez and Mia Cruz, joined Monday’s rally to support the student who has been detained — and all SCSU students.

“It’s quite scary,” said Nunez, an immigrant from Venezuela. She said she was missing her Spanish class Monday to stand in solidarity with her classmates. Morgan Raila, a 21-year-old social work

student at SCSU, said she too is frightened by the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants. “Treat people with kindness,” she implored.

Aizea Acosta, a 21-year-old SCSU student, said that she is the daughter of immigrants from Spain. Even though she doesn’t personally know the student who was detained, Acosta said, she felt compelled to show up Monday to show her support. “People are people,” she said, and everyone should be treated with respect.

At Monday's protest. Credit: Thomas Breen photos

The New Haven independent

Co-emcees Sam Morrison and Justin Farmer.

ULA’s John Lugo: “In the meantime, fuck ICE.”

SCSU students Miz Cruz and Sitralys Nunez.

Credit: Thomas Breen file photo

CT Students for a Dream’s Tabitha Sookdeo.

Meet the 6- and 7-year-old brothers from Bridgeport with a growing snack cart business

By Kaitlin Keane, Staff

BRIDGEPORT – When Raymond and Raymere Clark decided to open their own snack shop, they started with a folding table where they sold prepackaged chips and juice.

Three years later, the Bridgeport brothers, who are now 6 and 7 years old, have expanded their business Clark Boyz Snack Shop & Party Supplies. They've added a concession cart, a cotton candy machine, a popcorn machine, a snow cone machine and party supplies for rent, including a bounce house, throne chairs, a photo booth and baby letter tables for baby showers.

They’ve also gained a following with about 50 regular customers who come to their carts for snacks, said Raymond, 7. “All the customers we have are loyal,” Raymond said, adding his favorite part of running the business is “the trust in our customers.”

This year, Raymond and Raymere, 6, have added a Philly water ice cart to their snack business. Similar to an Italian ice, Philly water ice is a smooth, frozen dessert made of water, sugar and fruit flavoring. It's a smoother version that the snow cone offerings they had already added.

“It’s supposed to be better than Italian ice and a smoother taste,” said Joeleen Spain, Raymond and Raymere’s mother.

Pushing the Philly water ice cart up

and down Palisade Avenue and Birdsey Street, the brothers introduced their new addition to the Bridgeport community this week.

A handful of customers were eager to try

a Philly water ice before the April showers came pouring down.

The brothers launched their snack shop business in summer 2023 and run it yearround with bookings for parties, baby

showers and community gatherings, Spain said.

In Bridgeport, she said Clark Boyz sold their concessions at the Family Fun Day at the Beardsley Zoo, the SingerCT Black History Movie Night, Mayor Joe Ganim’s Movie Night on the Beach, Bridgeport’s Juneteenth celebration and the First Thursday Fiesta at Bridgeport City Hall. Raymond, a second grader at Edison Elementary School, said he and Raymere, a kindergartner at Edison, started selling snacks at their grandfather’s store, Mattress King on Barnum Avenue.

By their second year of business, Spain said her sons added more commercial machines to “satisfy a lot more customers.”

As mother to a pair of young entrepreneurs, Spain said she’s working on instilling independence in her sons to help them “grow up and be leaders” and understand the value of a dollar.

“I want them to understand what investing in themselves look like and believe they can do whatever they put their minds to,” Spain said. “They show me every day a bit more growth. Adding the ice cart was Raymere’s idea, so we saved for it. Our party supplies idea came from Raymond. We save to grow.”

Raymond said all the money they get through Clark Boyz is invested back into the business, from buying snacks to repairs on their carts.

Sisters' Journey April Survivor of the Month – Laquavia Jones

On August 28, 2023, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This news came just months after a mammogram had cleared me previously in March. Despite that reassurance, I felt something was off and discovered the tumor myself. Little did I know this was the beginning of my courageous journey.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve faced 26 rounds of chemotherapy, each grueling three-hour session taking place every Thursday. I underwent surgery to remove the cancer, followed by 31 radiation treatments and six weeks of immunotherapy. At 41 years of age, I decided to embrace my diagnosis, turning it into a powerful call to fight back.

Now, one year into remission, I am fueled by an incredible support system. First, there was God, and then I reached out to my mom and siblings through a text, informing them that I had Stage 3 breast cancer. They all came to my house, one by one. My pastor and mom accompanied me to my essential doctors’ appointments, asking questions like: "What’s next? What’s the plan? How are they going to fix this?"

When we discovered that I was allergic to one of the chemotherapy drugs in my original treatment plan, my sisters took turns sitting with me during my threehour chemo sessions so that I wouldn’t be alone. My nurse Oxsona and my daughter Destiny also made sure I was okay when

I was home, especially on my bad days when Destiny would simply sit with me. I remember one particular day following chemo when I was feeling terrible. I asked my daughter to help me get warm, but

nothing seemed to help. When I looked at her, I could see that she was scared. I told her to call my sister to come and watch me sleep. My sister arrived and, noticing something was off, she called my mom

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and another sister for help. They insisted that I needed to go to the hospital. My fever had reached 104 degrees and my vitals were dropping. I was told that I might not have woken up if I had gone to sleep. Throughout this journey, God and my pastor made sure that my daughter and I had food on every chemo day. I was incredibly grateful for my family and church friends, and so many people supporting me. I don't want to name names because then I might miss someone. But they all know who they are, and I truly appreciate them. I found strength in their unwavering encouragement.

Today, I stand proud to say I am a survivor, ready to embrace life with renewed passion.

Save the Date!

Sisters’ Journey 28th Annual Pink Tea October 26, 2026

Mohegan Sun 1am - 5pm

Our 2026 Calendar is now Available in Our Shop!

Support Group Meetings:

When: Every 3rd Tuesday of the month Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Where: St. Luke’s Church 111 Whalley Ave. New Haven, CT

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From left, Bridgeport brothers Raymere, 6, and Raymond, 7, Clark have been selling snacks and renting out party supplies through their business Clark Boyz over the last three years. This year, they have added a Philly water ice cart to their growing business.

Laquavia Jones

Comedians "Read The Room" At Possible Futures

By Solé Scott

“This is not a show for liars,” announced comedian Shawn Murray as he looked around the bookshop Possible Futures, then back down to a questionnaire that was itself just minutes old.

On the paper, one attendee had scribbled down their favorite cereal, favorite book, and favorite television show, among other categories. Now, it was on Murray to guess who in the crowd had filled it out at the top of the night. As he thought through his options, the audience erupted into contagious laughter.

Murray is the host of “Read The Room,” a monthly comedy show that unfolds on 318 Edgewood Ave. (and sometimes, The Sandbox at 70 Audubon St.) with an eclectic mix of jokes and standup meant to keep the audience laughing. Saturday, he welcomed the most recent iteration with comedians Damien Lemon, Shawn Murray, Andrew Manning, and Dan Kalwhite among others.

“People want to laugh,” he wrote of the series when he founded it five years ago, at what was then People Get Ready Books on Whalley Avenue. “Comedians need stage time. So I took it upon myself to find a new place for them to do it. I chose the most logical place I could think of: a bookstore.”

That ethos is still very much part of the series half a decade later, thanks to a community Murray has built through

the power of laughing. Saturday, chatter rose and fell before the show; a soda can cracked open somewhere near the front door. Sneakered feet pitter-pattered and clip-clopped back and forth on the hardwood floor. A few candles flickered while neo-soul gently soothed the audience.

Then, without much fanfare, it was go time. After warming up the audience with a few jokes, Murray announced to cheers

and applause he just turned 33—which is the same age that Jesus was when he was crucified. Easter was just a week away, and he pushed the joke forward, tapping into a long history of comedians testing the limits of social acceptability.

“It's weird,” he said as dozens of books, snugly packed into the non-fiction shelf, created a candy-colored backdrop behind him. “Because everybody, when you turn

33, they’re like ‘This is your Jesus year!’ And I'm like, ‘Isn't that the year that he died?” Murray asked to a few laughs. “Isn’t that the year he died in such a horrific fashion that he said, ‘My God, why have you forsaken me?’” The audience was laughing along now, if sporadically. “... Like, why does that become the convention for how we decide what year it is? Like when you turn 46, people are

like, ‘This is your Kennedy year.’”

“Like, what year did Jesus walk on water?” he added after a few beats. More laughs.

A few jokes later—and very much in the spirit of keeping comedians on their toes—Murray was looking through questionnaires that the audience had filled out when they walked in, trying to guess who had written what. The game gave a similar feeling of playing “Mafia,” a race against time to find the true suspect. Murray did not disappoint: studying the questionnaires for clues, he picked each person accurately.

During his set, an unexpected star of the show also emerged: Janet Hansen, who closed her eyes and relaxed in the plush chair as if she was being chauffeured in the newest Rolls Royce. Hansen, who had come out with her daughter Nadja, later said that she had laughed a lot—despite becoming a bit in Murray’s set, and then just about every other comedian's jokes. “This lady is asleep so it's not her book,” Murray said at one point. “Catching incredible Z’s over here.”

Some comedians embodied those who once had their big break on Def Comedy Jam and Saturday Night Live. That was true for veteran Damien Lemon, who has hosted TruTv’s “Comedy Knockout”

Con’t on page 10

Shawn Murray, who leads "Read The Room." Solé Scott Photos.

The New Haven independent

Dwight Crew Sues To Overturn Upzoning

by Thomas Breen

The “Downtown for All” zoning overlay district, which includes portions of Dwight.

A group of Dwight historic preservationists has sued the city and the Board of Alders in an effort to scrap a recently approved zoning update designed to make it easier to build more housing downtown. In their appeal, the plaintiffs warn that the build-build-build effort could lead to the demolition of historic homes and decreased property values in nearby national historic districts.

The Friends of the Dwight Historic District Corporation filed that lawsuit in state court on Feb. 25, arguing that the city failed to seek sufficient public input before the alders approved (on Dec. 1, 2025) and the mayor signed into law (on Dec. 16, 2025) the “Downtown For All” zoning text and map amendment.

Broadly speaking, that update loosens restrictions on the size, density, configurations, and locations of new residential developments downtown. The Downtown for All zoning overlay district extends far enough west to include portions of the Dwight neighborhood.

In their complaint, the preservationists accuse the city and the alders of acting “illegally, arbitrarily and in abuse of [their] discretion” by adopting a law that, among other potential impacts, “will lead to demolitions and the building of large, inappropriate additions to and in the vicinity of historic buildings which will adversely alter the character and nature of” the four national historic districts in the area, especially Dwight’s.

Last Thursday, city Assistant Corporation Counsel Earle Giovanniello — writing on behalf of the City of New Haven and the Board of Alders — filed a motion to dismiss the zoning appeal on the grounds that the Dwight crew lacks standing and that their appeal is “untimely” because it was filed a month and a half later than it should have been per state law.

The group that filed the lawsuit is lead by Dwight residents Jane Comins and Olivia Martson, who also played key roles in a separate successful lawsuit against

the Elicker administration regarding the alder-approved $1 sale of a public park on Kensington Street to an affordable housing developer in 2020. In 2023, the city dropped plans to turn that greenspace into 15 new income-restricted apartments, thereby preserving the park.

State business records show that the Dwight Historic District Corporation — the group that has sued to stop Downtown for All from going into effect — filed its certificate of incorporation on Nov. 21, 2025. That’s a little more than a week after the Board of Alders Legislation Committee held a public hearing on, and unanimously endorsed, the upzoning proposal.

Martson told the Independent on Monday that the group includes roughly a dozen members, including some homeowners in the Dwight area. “We should have incorporated many years ago,” she said, given their longstanding work to preserve historic homes in Dwight.

Plaintiff: Beware Historic-Home Demolition

The Dwight group’s nine-page lawsuit was written by West Haven-based attorney David Pite.

The appeal claims that that the city and the alders “began planning for and discussing the ordinance and its anticipated implementation and approval” as early as April 2022. (Click here to read an Independent article from that time about then-Downtown Alder Eli Sabin’s pitch for denser residential development downtown. Sabin shepherded the Downtown for All zoning update to passage last year before resigning on inauguration day to move to Westville and run for state representative.)

The Dwight crew argues that the city and the alders “sought no public comment or input until four days prior to the first and only public hearing” on the Downtown for All proposal, and then “ignored” or didn’t address concerns raised by the plaintiff, “other concerned and affected citizens,” and the New Haven Preservation Trust.

The Downtown for All updates portend

a “potential negative impact on historic homes and buildings and other structures” in the Dwight, Chapel Street, Ninth Square, and Elm Street national historic districts, the plaintiff warns. “Additionally, the new Floor Area Ratio (hereafter ‘FAR’) provisions of the ordinance would likely incentivize developers to acquire and demolish homes in order to be able to build the larger structures that would be allowed and accommodated under the amended ordinance and overlay.”

The plaintiff writes that Dwight historic preservationists urged the city to remove the Dwight Street and Elm Street national historic districts from the Downtown for All zoning overlay’s “inner core” area, “since they contain the most cohesive and largest intact concentrations of 18th and 19th century buildings in New Haven that could be jeopardized” by redevelopment. They state that the zoning updates “would likely result in diminished neighborhood property values, due to the likelihood of demolitions and the addition of large inap-

propriate additions to historic buildings or in their vicinity, and therefore could substantially or permanently injure plaintiff and its members as well as other residents and many of the historic neighborhood properties.”

The plaintiffs conclude by asking the court to declare “null and void,” reverse, or modify as appropriate the Downtown for All zoning updates, especially in regards to its FAR provisions and its potential impact on the Dwight historic district. City: Zoning Appeal Came Too Late In a nine-page memorandum in support of a motion to dismiss that was filed on April 2, the city and the alders argue that the plaintiff does not have standing to contest this zoning decision.

“It is well-settled law that a legally cognizable injury is a prerequisite to establish standing,” Giovanniello wrote on behalf of the defendants. Merely owning property in the city, as the Dwight group’s members do, is “insufficient to establish a specific, personal and legal interest in a zoning ordinance affecting property in New Haven’s downtown area.” Giovanniello also wrote that state law requires that an appeal of a zoning decision be made within 15 days “from the date that notice of the decision was published.” In this case, the notice for the approval of the Downtown for All zoning update was published on Dec. 26, 2025, according to Giovanniello. “Any appeal should have been commenced before January 12, 2026. This appeal is dated February 23, 2026. Therefore, it is untimely.”

The defendants then conclude that the appeal should be dismissed.

On Monday, Martson said that her group’s lawyer will be reviewing the city’s motion to dismiss. “We filed as soon as we could,” she said when asked about the claim that their appeal was untimely. She said that her group was delayed in filing their appeal in part because they were waiting for a response from the city to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request or documents related to the Downtown for All planning process.

Mr. Mayor, un-sign that bill? Elicker (center) on Dec. 16, 2025, with "Downtown for All" supporters Angel Hubbard, Carmen Rodriguez, Abdul-Razak Zachariah, Eli Sabin, and Frank Douglass. Credit: Thomas Breen file photo

The New Haven independent

On Flint Street, Nina Lives

Nelani Mejias

Microphones wrapped with white flowers and green vines sat on the stage, the space lined with tea lights. Around the stage, a sunset-pink glow shifted to blue to red as the lyrics “It’s a new dawn/ It’s a new day/It’s a new life fo-or me” floated over the bright crash of cymbals, a resplendent tickle of ivories. Behind musicians, looking out over the sold-out theatre, a larger-than-life image of the late Nina Simone appeared on a projection screen.

That scene—and sound—filled the Flint Street Theater last Friday, as New Haven’s Lady Stout, Waterbury-based artist Nehway, and fellow musicians presented “Dear Nina,” a joyful tribute to the high priestess of soul that packed the house and started the weekend on a moving and mellifluous note. For Lady Stout (a.k.a. Denise Renee), it was as much a homecoming as it was an homage, a night to bask in—and sing right to—the city and people that have made her who she is.

“Unapologetic,” Lady Stout sang at one point, the words over the rhythmic percussion, low bass, and melodic keys, and it was as if she had summoned Nina herself to the stage. “That is the power of Nina in my eyes. She taught me to be unapologetic.”

That loving vibe radiated from the popcorn-scented lobby into the packed theater itself, where attendees trickled in and took their seats as performances drew near. Outside in the lobby, people found a respite from a chilly spring rain with jazzy piano and electronic beats, courtesy of 15-yearold Hubert Powell.

The theater, and the Friends Center for Children, is a home for “connection, reflection, and shared experience,” said Communications & Theater Manager Keegan Sagnelli as attendees took their seats. So it felt fitting, Friday, that it was also a space where the arts could be accessible.

The performance began with Nehway, a singer and songwriter from Waterbury whose etherial, mellow vocals have been making their way into New Haven for years, thanks to events like the Seeing Sounds Fest. Starting with the click of a chord and a deep breath, her set was just her and an acoustic guitar. The warm plunk of strings backed her velvety voice as she sang original songs, ending with a cover of “Stars” that she made her own. It was what she called “a tribute to a tribute to a tribute,” inspired by both Nina Simone and Janis Ian.

Before that moment, she also sang about mental health and friendships in her original song “Save Your Life,” with the hope that people who hear her music feel at peace. Her deep, airy voice singing the words, “I feel alive,” floated over the light strums of guitar. Behind her, a projection of flowers blooming added to the garden installed on stage.

“I want myself and others to feel courage, even if it’s a quiet courage,” she said. There was a short pause where the low rumble of collected voices, drifting up from those tucked beside to each other, filled the gap between sets. Soon, though, it was replaced with loud cheering as Lady Stout made her way to the stage. Accom-

panying her was Powell (who happens to also be her son) on drums, Jerimiah Fuller on keyboard, and Betcherly Calixte on bass.

“Dear Nina, it was so many years ago when I discovered you in the Swiss Alps,” Lady Stout began, taking the audience on her own musical journey. She turned back the clock, transporting the audience to Switzerland’s Montreaux Jazz Festival, where she performed alongside Alicia Keys in 2004 (Keys returned to the festival in 2008). That year, the Festival was playing a video of Simone’s 1976 performance. Lady Stout was mesmerized—and has remained so ever since.

Friday, she got to share the feeling of that awe with the audience. At one point, there was a moment of instrumental intermission where she played her own set of drums, as her son followed her fast-paced tempo. At another, she invited her daughters, Zoe, Cadence, and Tamia, to the stage to sing with her. The four of their voices blended seamlessly as they harmonized together.

Mostly, the lyrics carried her message home. From renditions of Nina Simone classics like “Feeling Good” and “Four Women,” to moments of pure poetry, an attendee could feel Simone’s spirit right there in the room. That was especially true as Lady Stout announced: “You thought this was just entertainment, this is a call to action,” and echo of the artist’s 1969 proclamation that “an artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times.”

The celebration of Women’s History Month ended with Lady Stout playing a tambourine, urging everyone in attendance to get on their feet and echo back their given lines. The lively thump of drums and upbeat pulse of vibrant keys played under the audience singing back the word, “power” before transitioning into Simone’s “See-Line Woman.” Then repeating back those opening “yeah’s” and echoing the word “woman” at the command of Lady Stout.

Nelani Mejias Photos.

The New Haven independent

“Jar of Friendship” To Hit Shelves Soon

by Maya McFadden

Kristi Rhyan’s third grade classroom discovered a “Jar of Friendship” Thursday morning, when students collectively decided on that title for a book that they’re going to publish this spring.

Rhyan’s class of 18 King/Robinson students have been writing short stories over the last few weeks to include in the book they’re going to publish. They drew inspiration from their work as they offered suggestions and voted on which one to keep, ultimately deciding to go with “Jar of Friendship.”

Rhyan has had her King/Robinson classes participate in the book-making project for the last four years, to allow each of her students to see their name and written stories in print.

The book project calls on each student to write and contribute a story around a central theme. This year, that theme — friendship — emerged from the class itself, as Rhyan’s students work daily to build relationships, be respectful of each other, and make new friends.

For Rhyan, the book project is not just about writing but also about finding ways to get students interested in reading. She noted that the district’s elementary reading curriculum uses a shared book, with students only holding their own books for individual readings.

“It’s all about making it fun and getting them excited to hold books,” she said. The project also takes place as the school district is working to improve its K-12 literacy rates.

At around 10 a.m, the students sat crosslegged on the classroom rug while Rhyan asked them to refresh each other on the lessons they shared in each of their short stories.

Third grader Callie said that her story

lesson was that friends help each other when they’re down, while third grader Javier’s story takeaway was that friendships grow like flowers.

They next turned those lessons into title suggestions for the book. After coming up with a list of about ten book titles, the students worked through how to make a collective decision on a final title. The list included titles like the “Sea of Friendship,” “How to Make Friends,” “Third Grade Angels,” “Jar of Friendship,” and “Stories about Friends.”

Some raised their hands to explain why they thought some titles might not work.

One third grader pointed out that the “Third Grade Angels” is already the title of a book and they didn’t want to steal the same name. The group agreed and eliminated the suggestion.

Third grader Cody suggested that a title like “Sea of Friendship” could depict waves on the cover with the students’ names beside seashells and sea animals. His classmate, however, pointed out that the book might mislead a reader to think the book is going to be about sea animals, not friendship, and so the class once again voted to eliminate the suggested title.

After discussions and votes for narrow-

ing the title list down, the class was left with two final contenders, either “Jar of Friendship” or “Stories About Friends.”

After a short brain break, where students cranked up the music for a few minutes to move their bodies, they returned to the rug for the final vote.

Ryan called out the remaining two choices: “Stories About Friends” and “Jar of Friendship.” She then directed the students to go to their seats to make their vote. When Rhyan called out the title “Stories About Friends,” two students headed to their seats, meaning that suggestion got two votes.

When she called out “Jar of Friendship,” a total of 14 students cast their vote. Now back at their desks, the students either worked on finishing their final story drafts or began sketching book cover ideas on blank sheets of paper. Many sketched a jar filled with classmates’ names.

The last step will be for the class to vote on their favorite drawing by a classmate for the book cover, then Rhyan will ship off the book pages to publishing company Student Treasure to have the book made physical. Each year, Rhyan orders one copy of the book to add to her classroom collection. Parents are also able to order copies for their child to have at home.

Community members can also donate copies of the book for students and families who may not be able to purchase their own copy. To donate a copy of the class’s book about friendship, visit studentreasures.com/preorder and enter Rhyan’s classroom code, 16970592. When prompted to enter a student name, donors can submit “Kris Rhyan.”

This year is Rhyan’s 24th year of teaching and her first year as a third grade teacher. Last year she taught middle school science at King/Robinson and before that, she taught second grade for seven years. She has also taught in Georgia, Vermont, and Hartford.

With her past classes, Rhyan said she saw a noticeable difference when her students not only had a physical book in their hands but also when that book included their own stories. Her students often request to read through her class’s past collections to spot stories written by their older siblings or cousins.

Soon, Rhyan’s third graders will not only have spent the school year learning how to connect with one another, but they will also be able to see those lessons take shape on the page.

CT Begins Enforcement Campaign Targeting Distracted Driving

by Donald Eng

HARTFORD, CT — It may not get the headlines, driving a car is one of the most dangerous things a person can do.

“We see it here in Hartford,” Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said. “You read about gun violence all the time, but here in Hartford more people are killed in traffic incidents than gun violence. So we take it very seriously.”

Arulampalam and police and elected officials gathered at the Hartford Police Department Wednesday to mark the beginning of a monthlong traffic enforcement effort called Put the Phones Away or Pay during April. In addition to phone use, distracted driving extends to all sorts of other activities people may do behind the wheel.

“I drive all over the state and I frequently see men shaving while driving, women putting on makeup, people eating very large sandwiches and of course tex-

ting, talking on their phones and all kinds of other activities,” said Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.

She urged drivers to pull over to text and put phones on Do Not Disturb while driving to reduce the temptation to read messages.

“A text or call is never worth a life,” she said.

Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said a similar campaign last year resulted in nearly 10,000 traffic citations.

“Every stop has the chance to interrupt a dangerous choice, a dangerous behavior,” he said.

In 2023, about 3,300 people died due to distracted driving, he said. In Connecticut, there were an estimated 5,200 distracted driving-related crashes, and 12 fatalities that year. In addition, 78 people were seriously injured, he said.

“Those numbers are unacceptable,” he said.

Lauren Fabrizi, spokesperson for AAA Northeast, said most drivers are aware of the dangers of distracted driving, but will still check messages and read texts while driving.

“If it takes five seconds, at 55 mph, that is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed,” she said.

This year, House Bill 5463 was voted out of the Transportation Committee. It would clarify that streaming videos from your phone to your car is illegal, and would also classify distracted driving in a work zone as reckless driving.

State Rep. Kathy Kennedy, R-Milford, the ranking member of the Transportation Committee, summed up the day’s message.

“Both hands on the wheel. That call doesn’t matter,” she said. “Your life matters. Your family matters.”

Rhyan's third graders Janani and Egypt with books in hand in the classroom reading corner on Thursday. Credit: Maya McFadden photo

The New Haven independent

Lady Stout Lifts Every Voice

by Lisa Reisman

Lady Stout, aka Denise Renee, doing her thing.

Doo-bee-doo-wop-doo-wop, Lady Stout sang.

Doo-bee-doo-wop-doo-wop-wop-wop, Penelope Klark Stewart, a 10-year-old fifth-grader at Worthington Hooker School, rejoined.

The occasion for this rapid exchange of improvised syllables, or scatting, was a vocal performance workshop led by Lady Stout, aka Denise Renee, at Ashmun Street’s Monk Youth Jazz & STEAM Collective K-8 after school program.

The New Haven-raised, Apostolic Love & Faith Tabernacle-reared powerhouse vocalist has performed with artists like Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, and Patti LaBelle.

“What I learned from Stevie Wonder is to be free, have fun, and never forget your love for the music,” Lady Stout told Stewart and her 21 classmates at Wednesday afternoon’s event. Her takeaway from touring the globe for three and a half years with Alicia Keys: “You can be a star and still be kind, still have grace.”

The program, founded by New Haven icon Marcella Monk Flake, blends music, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and humanities for youth. The twofold mission, according to Flake: to prepare underserved youth for future success through activities like mock trial competitions, instruction in human anatomy, and coding robots, as well as training in music, dance, and art.

The other part of the mission: bringing in professionals that show them what they can be. “Our children need to see people who look like themselves in finance, medicine, engineering, and more,” Flake said. “Stout heard about our program and she said ‘sign me up,’” she said. “She’s had good fortune and she wants to pay it forward.” That begins with her kids, her 15-year-old son, Hubert Powell IV, or Hubeats, and her three daughters, all accomplished musicians who performed at

her rousing tribute to the legendary Nina Simone at Flint Street Theater last Friday night. She also heads Vocal Elite Company, where she trains the next generation in vocal technique, as well as performance coaching.

The idea, Lady Stout told the group, is learning good habits and “becoming masters at whatever you decide to do.

“Before you sing, before you perform, you always want to warm up,” she said, before leading the students in neck

stretches and shoulder rolls. “I want you guys to release any anxiety, let it go.”

There were lessons in breath control, with a challenge to recite the entire alphabet in one breath at a steady tempo. “Breathing is the foundation for your singing,” she told them, the metronome clicking away, as a boy drew in a deep breath, his eyes fixed in concentration. “Not lmnop. L-MN-O-P.”

She taught them how to hold a pitch, for seven seconds, then ten. “Your breathing

is going to carry you through your performance,” she said, before pausing to declare the group ready to apply the technique to a song.

“I feel I can fly,” she began, her voice swelling, incandescent, through the space. The group sang the words back to her.

“Let’s add a note,” she said. They did, their sounds lengthening, growing in body. Soon they were singing in rounds, with Lady Stout harmonizing.

The final challenge was improvisation. “Feel the room first,” she told them. A few students closed their eyes. “Think about what you’re going through, how you feel, and apply it to the music.”

Stewart was the second volunteer to take the stage. Teacher and pupil mimicked instruments, riffed off each other.

“Let’s hear some words,” Stout told her. “I feel good, I feel good, yeah,” Stewart sang. “Every-thing is working for me today, I can go on my-ah-ah-ah way,” Lady Stout returned. “I can go on my-ah-ah-ah way,” Stewart sang back.

“It felt great,” said Stewart, who sings with the All-City Choir as part of Yale School of Music’s Music in Schools Initiative, as the workshop was wrapping up. “I love singing and I just want to keep doing it, and now I know there’s someone I can learn from and who can inspire me.”

At the front of the room, Lady Stout was surrounded by a group of kids. “May I come back?” she was asking them. “YES!” they chorused.

Bridgeport faces deadline to begin superintendent search after state rejects delay

By Jessica Simms,

BRIDGEPORT — While the Bridgeport Board of Education initially intended to delay the search for the district's permanent superintendent, the state Department of Education has now set a June 1 deadline to move the process forward.

Board of Education Chair Jennifer Perez sent a letter to the Department of Education on March 20 saying the board decided to push back the search for a permanent district leader. This came after members worked on adopting updated governing policies and bylaws, a requirement state education officials say needs to happen before any superintendent search can begin.

Michael McKeon, director of legal and governmental affairs for the Department of Education, responded to Perez's letter on Tuesday, writing that this "proposed delay" is "at odds" with the Board of Education's "previously stated desire to move forward promptly with the search."

"This process of updating bylaws and policies should not be permitted to drag on, and thereby result in an undue delay in moving forward with the permanent superintendent search," McKeon wrote.

The Department of Education now expects the Board of Education to approve the remaining bylaws and polices by June

1, he wrote. The board also must secure a superintendent search firm by June 1, McKeon wrote.

If the Board of Education misses that date, McKeon said it could be perceived that there is an "inability to operate efficiently and potentially result in the (state) commissioner of education invoking her authorized right to unilaterally appoint either a superintendent or a district improvement officer."

Royce Avery is Bridgeport Public Schools' interim superintendent and has been leading the district since the fall of 2024, when former Superintendent Carmela Levy-David went on leave. The Board of Education approved a separation agreement with Levy-David in December 2024.

School board members initially started the search process in March 2025, but Connecticut education officials stopped it, saying they were not notified that it had begun. As part of the state's intervention process into Bridgeport Public Schools, Commissioner of Education Charlene Russell-Tucker has the authority to over-

see the appointment of the district's next superintendent.

Connecticut's intervention into Bridgeport Public Schools came after the district faced a $30-plus million budget deficit that prompted the board to freeze spending and eliminate dozen of jobs. Through this process, the Bridgeport Board of Education set governance improvement goals and one of them is to update its bylaws. The state also created benchmarks the board must meet before beginning its superintendent search.

Perez wrote in her March 20 letter that the school board "has carefully evaluated its current stage of progress and readiness," and due to "the scope of work underway and importance of ensuring stability within the district, we have determined it is both prudent and necessary to pause the initiation of a formal search process."

The letter said the Board of Education would revisit the search process later this year "once this foundational work is

Lady Stout (center, in cap) at singing workshop with students in the Monk Youth Jazz & STEAM Collective, with founder Marcella Monk Flake standing on far right. Credit: Lisa Reisman photo Posted inArts & Culture

The New Haven independent

Interim Superintendent Royce Avery, center, answers questions about the facilities master plan for Bridgeport Public Schools during a Facilities Community Forum at Harding High School in Bridgeport on March 31, 2025. The Bridgeport Board of Education wants to delay the search of a permanent superintendent.

The Soul Is Listening

By Shaunda Holloway

As the first notes of Courtney Bryan’s “Visual Rhythms" sailed over Woolsey Hall, hundreds of ears turned toward the stage, the bodies to which they were attached ready to move along. In another world, artist Norman Lewis stood before a blank canvas, and began to work on his midcentury painting Autumn Garden.

In the upper balcony, feet tapped and heads began to bob. Below, legs moved; shoulders swayed. Some listeners clasped their hands in prayer-like fashion. An infant, peacefully nestled in a sling, was so lulled by the sweet sound that they made not a single cry. Young children and adults alike all looked straight ahead, suspended under the same musical spell. This was music a person could feel right to the marrow.

That sound filled Woolsey Hall—and transported listeners many times over— on a recent Sunday, as the New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) presented “Goin’ Home” with Composer In Residence Courtney Bryan, NHSO Maestro Perry So, and members of the Heritage Chorale of New Haven. Held in the heart of downtown New Haven, the concert featured work by Bryan, 20th-century American composer William Grant Still, and Czech composer Antonín Dvořák, whose work has become an NHSO favorite in recent years (the organization last performed his Symphony No. 9, “From The New World,” alongside composers Darian Simerson, Maurice Ravel, and Joel Thompson four years ago, but has kept his oeuvre in frequent rotation).

“The challenge everywhere was to introduce the melodies and rhythms of oppressed people into the constructed masterpieces of the oppressors, and the journey through strong resistance, partial acceptance, and ongoing struggle for integration is one of the central stories of American concert music,” wrote So of Dvořák’s own musical journey in his program notes for the show. “In this concert, we present two Black composers [alongside Dvořák] who have created powerfully personal music languages under the burden of this highly disputed history.”

What followed, under So’s sharp and agile direction, could be described as a quenching of existential, soul-deep thirst one feathered note and bow stroke at a time. When the orchestra opened with Bryan’s “Visual Rhythms,” which was commissioned by and premiered at the Jacksonville Symphony two years ago, each enchanting note rendered the eardrums helpless. Was it a trance? No. It was pure mystery and magic, made clear through Bryan’s composition.

That lives within the work itself. In the piece, Bryan, who has previously de-

scribed herself as “a minister of music,” celebrates the works of several prominent Black artists and musicians, from Lewis, Romare Bearden and Frank Stewart to Petra Richterová, a living photographer whose work has focused on the art and music of the African diaspora. The piece, which contains 11 movements, is designed to both fête these artists and bring multi-sensory texture (and attention) to their work, which like Sunday’s lineup stretches across creative generations.

As he conducted, So moved in choreographic fashion, the self-proclaimed non dancer lunging forward and receding like the tide, equally theatrical and genuine. At points, his conducting style seemed almost alchemical, driven by something beyond this earthly realm that only musicians could see and feel completely.

From the stage, layers of music history fell lushly on top of each other, their back and forth a rich conversation.

Outside Woolsey’s doors, maybe the highest office in the country was questioning the value of diversity. But in the hall, the true complexity and richness of the nation was revealing itself, with one composition that flowed into the next. There was a humility there, a sense of shared responsibility that allowed an entire orchestra, musicians dressed nearly in crisp black and white, to become a single entity. To believe in transcendence. That continued as So, with the Heritage Chorale at the ready, prepared to conduct Still’s 1937 “Lenox Avenue,” nine decades melting away as spirited brass rang out, strings joined in, and rich voices gradually misted the air. As Still’s

11 movements opened with “The Crap Game,” a listener could imagine making their way down the eponymous avenue, the sights and sounds of late 1930’s Harlem keeping a steady, bouncing clip as they walked. By the time it dipped into “The Flirtation,” members of the audience were along for the ride, soaking in each step.

At times, a person could feel both Still and poet Langston Hughes, a frequent collaborator of his, swirling through the space, still alive in the music. A series of multi-percussive rhythms carried the audience forward, as if they were passengers on a train headed uptown. Alternating sharp horns, and short strikes of strings, pushed and receded like crashing waves. One bassist held the neck of his instrument gently, gliding the bow against

its frame. Surely, this was his own kind of “goin’ home”—comforting, thought-provoking, uplifting, and nourishing all at the same time.

That richness deepened as the Heritage Chorale stood from the left balcony, and sang from the heart. The group, which educator Jonathan Quinn Berryman founded and still conducts, spans several decades, a composite of dedicated vocalists who are preserving African American traditional liturgical, gospel and chorale. Together, they wore sashes slightly different in style and color, yet gave a clear, unified presentation. While listening, one might have wondered if the builders of Woolsey Hall had imagined whether or how the sounds of instruments and voices would travel under the domed roof? Had they imagined these anchoring melodies, and how they would become a permanent fixture in the minds of attendees?

“It’s wonderful. It’s exciting to be able to perform a piece that is uniquely New Haven,” Berryman said during the concert.

Lola Nathan, who works with students at Engineering,& Science University Magnet. School (ESUMS) on music, said that she was thrilled to be there. She attended with her great-godson, a testament to music’s impact.

“I am here because I love music,” she said.

Con’t from page 05

"Read The Room"

and made various appearances on MTV2 shows. By midway through his set, audience members were laughing so hard that they were stomping their feet as their bodies rocked back and forth.

“That’s crazy Kevin Durant just broke Michael Jordan’s scoring title but he’s still known for being ashy, like more than he’s known for being a bucket,” Lemon said, garnering a new round of laughs. “CeraVe, that’s damn near clinical.”

Outside, a rainy, wet cold fell over New Haven. On Edgewood, though, the bookspace was cozy, full of laughter and humming conversation even after all sets were finished. As attendees trickled back out into the night, many gave Murray—and Possible Futures—one last glance, like an assurance that they would be back soon. Follow Shawn Murray at LowBrowShawn on Instagram, where he usually shares information on upcoming performances of “Read The Room.”

Courtney Bryan with a member of the Heritage Chorale. Shaunda Holloway Photo.

Questions about your bill?

Yale New Haven Hospital is pleased to offer patients and their families financial counseling regarding their hospital bills or the availability of financial assistance, including free care funds. By appointment, patients can speak one-on-one with a financial counselor during regular business hours. For your convenience, extended hours are available in-person at Yale New Haven Hospital the third Monday of every month.

Time: 5 - 7 pm

Location: Children’s Hospital, 35 Park St., 1st floor, Admitting Parking available (handicapped accessible)

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

Spanish-speaking counselors available.

New Research Shows the Many Benefits of Early Learning

While the evidence is clear that pre-K makes a meaningful difference for children in the short and long term, children need access to high-quality programs to experience these benefits. By CityHealth, an initiative of the de Beaumont Foundation and Kaiser Permanente, and the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER)

While the evidence is clear that pre-K makes a meaningful difference for children in the short and long term, children need access to high-quality programs to experience these benefits. Access, however, remains unequal, particularly to programs that provide high-quality experiences.“An Updated Look at Pre-K in Large American Cities,” research findings include:

• Participation in high-quality pre-K has been found to have a positive, direct impact on children’s health through avenues such as access to nutritious meals and health screenings, and a positive, indirect impact through reducing parental stress and supporting mental health. For example, a study of New York City’s pre-K program found pre-K enrollment increased the probability that a child was diagnosed with asthma or vision problems, received treatment for hearing or vision issues, and had a screening or immunization during the pre-K year. In addition, a recent Tulsa, Oklahoma, study found that children who enroll in pre-K earlier than their peers (i.e., at age 3 instead of 4) are more likely to experience earlier identification of health problems such as eczema or vision concerns, which can lead to earlier treatment.

• Enrollment in pre-K can help close long-standing opportunity gaps in education and academic achievement for historically marginalized groups. For example, research suggests that low-income children may be up to 12 months behind their more advantaged peers when they start kindergarten; however, a high-quality, universal pre-K program could reduce achievement gaps by 27% in math and 41% in reading.

• Dual language learnersBy CityHealth, an initiative of the de Beaumont Foundation and Kaiser Permanente, and National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER)

While the evidence is clear that pre-K makes a meaningful difference for children in the short and long term, children need access to high-quality programs to experience these benefits. Access, how-

ever, remains unequal, particularly to programs that provide high-quality experiences.“An Updated Look at Pre-K in Large American Cities,” research findings include:

• Participation in high-quality pre-K has been found to have a positive, direct impact on children’s health through avenues such as access to nutritious meals and health screenings and a positive, indirect impact through reducing parental stress and supporting mental health. For example, a study of New York City’s pre-K program found pre-K enrollment increased the probability a child was diagnosed with asthma or vision problems, received treatment for hearing or vision issues, and had a screening or immunization during the pre-K year. In addition, a recent Tulsa, Oklahoma, study found that children who enroll in pre-K earlier than their peers (i.e., at age 3 instead of 4) are more likely to experience earlier identification of health problems such as eczema or vision concerns, which can lead to earlier treatment.

• Enrollment in pre-K can help close long-standing opportunity gaps in education and academic achievement for historically marginalized groups. For ex-

ample, research suggests that low-income children may be up to 12 months behind their more advantaged peers when they start kindergarten; however, a high-quality, universal pre-K program could reduce achievement gaps by 27% in math and 41% in reading.

• Dual language learners (DLLs) may uniquely benefit from pre-K attendance, particularly if they start early. For instance, one study of DLL children who enrolled in full-day pre-K before age 4 showed at least 90% of these children scored at least one level higher on an English proficiency test than their peers who did not enroll early.

• There are long-term benefits to pre-K participation, even if benefits may vary for different groups of children. Evidence from long-term studies of Head Start and intensive, small-scale interventions shows long-term benefits such as higher high school graduation rates and years of education completed, and lower rates of teenage pregnancy and crime.

• Pre-K attendance has been shown to have a positive impact on children’s executive functioning skills, such that children who attend pre-K begin kindergarten with better executive functioning skills than

children who did not attend kindergarten.

• Children who attend pre-K are less likely to be chronically absent in later school years and more likely to take more challenging coursework in high school. Not only were pre-K attenders less likely to be chronically absent, but they also had better attendance overall compared to non-attenders.

Decades of research show that high-quality early learning programs can positively impact children’s learning, development, and health. Therefore, we strongly believe that access to a high-quality early learning program is one of the best investments a city can make. With funding from the de Beaumont Foundation and Kaiser Permanente, CityHealth provides cities with evidence-based policy solutions and practical tools to improve the health and well-being of their residents. CityHealth provides a framework for advancing policies using a medal rating system to assess their progress and encourage improvement in public health outcomes.

Since 2017, CityHealth has partnered with the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), a nonpartisan research center, to conduct research on prekindergarten (pre-K) efforts operated

at the city level, to promote its High-Quality, Accessible Pre-K policy solution. (DLLs) may uniquely benefit from pre-K attendance, particularly if they start early. For instance, one study of DLL children who enrolled in full-day pre-K before age 4 showed at least 90% of these children scored at least one level higher on an English proficiency test than their peers who did not enroll early.

Since 2017, CityHealth has partnered with the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), a nonpartisan research center, to conduct research on prekindergarten (pre-K) efforts operated at the city level, to promote its High-Quality, Accessible Pre-K policy solution.

From slavery to White House, Ficklin family served

by DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — John Wrory Ficklin was 7 when he learned that his father, the son of a slave, was important. It was 1963, and the nation was mourning President John F. Kennedy. Wrory Ficklin was sitting with his mother and brother, watching funeral coverage on TV in the family’s Washington apartment, when she gasped.

His father, John Woodson Ficklin, was wearing a morning suit and standing beside Kennedy’s casket with other White House ushers. He was a White House butler at the time, but Kennedy’s widow, Jacqueline, asked that he join the ushers that day.

Woodson Ficklin worked on the White House residence staff for a remarkable 44 years. His son, Wrory Ficklin, had a lengthy White House career, too — 40 years on the staff of the National Security Council.

Presidents come and go from the White House every four or eight years, but the Ficklin family — Woodson Ficklin, his wife, some of his brothers and sisters, and son Wrory Ficklin — was a constant presence there for nearly eight decades, serving 13 presidents from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama. One family by the president’s side for one-third of America’s 250-year existence.

With his 2015 retirement, Wrory became the last Ficklin employed there fulltime, capping a record of family service documented in his book, “An Unusual Path: Three Generations from Slavery to the White House.”

“The book is my family’s history. It’s African American history and it’s our country’s history,” he told the Associated Press in an interview. “My dad and I both stand on my grandfather’s shoulders, and I like to think that we both contributed a lot to our country.”

Family story starts with grandfather born enslaved

The first chapter in what Wrory Ficklin described as a “truly American story’ opens with his grandfather, James Strother Ficklin, who was born a slave around 1854 in Rappahannock County, Virginia. He was a water boy for the Confederate army during the Civil War. After emancipation, he did odd jobs for the family that

used to own him.

He remarried in 1894 after his first wife died during childbirth, and moved to Youngstown, Ohio, to escape racism in Virginia and earn a living in the booming coal and steel industries. Records showed they returned to Rappahannock some years later, although it is unclear why.

Strother and his second wife, Helen, had saved enough money to buy 37 acres (0.15 square kilometers) of land in Amissville, Virginia, in 1901. He built a house and farmed the land to help feed the family. After Helen died while giving birth, Strother married his third wife, Vallie Lee Davenport, in 1907. They had 10 children — five girls and five boys.

One of those boys was John Woodson Ficklin.

Brothers work together at White House

Woodson Ficklin was 15 when he moved to Washington in 1934 to live with an older sister and her husband. He worked odd jobs and went to high school at night, graduating in 1939 — the year an older brother, Charles, began work as a White

House butler. Charles Ficklin helped Woodson land a part-time position washing dishes and doing whatever the butlers did not have time to do themselves.

Military service during World War II briefly interrupted their White House careers, but they received promotions after they came home, with Charles and Woodson becoming head butler and butler, respectively. Woodson Ficklin met President Harry Truman and First Lady Bess Truman on his second day as a butler when he served the couple breakfast. New promotions followed under Dwight Eisenhower, with Charles Ficklin becoming maître d’ — the most senior butler — and Woodson Ficklin taking over as head butler, in charge of six full-time butlers. Woodson Ficklin succeeded his brother again in March 1967, when Charles Ficklin retired.

Working closely with first ladies

Woodson Ficklin was now responsible for the planning and execution of White House social events, from luncheons and state dinners to birthday parties and South

Lawn

There were visits by British royals and the annual round of Christmas parties, the White House wedding of Richard Nixon’s daughter Tricia in 1971, and Gerald Ford’s daughter Susan’s decision to host her senior class prom at the White House. Along the way, Woodson earned the trust and confidence of the presidents and first ladies who relied on his expertise. Some sent thank-you notes after flawlessly executed events.

First lady Patricia Nixon wrote in October 1969 about “the great number of complimentary remarks we receive following each White House social event,” according to a copy of a letter reprinted in the book. “Our family is most grateful to you for the time and interest you devote to make each occasion so enjoyable and memorable for our guests and for us.”

President Jimmy Carter expressed appreciation in a March 1979 letter for the work Woodson Ficklin and his team did in the signing of an Egypt-Israel peace treaty. “Everything was perfect and we are grateful,” Carter wrote.

Woodson Ficklin retired in May 1983. In perhaps the biggest show of appreciation for his 44-year career, the Reagans invited him and his wife, Nancy, to a state dinner that year for the emir of Bahrain. He is believed to be the first member of the White House residence staff to be a guest at a state dinner, and he became the subject of a media blitz as a result. He sat at the first lady’s table and told an interviewer that she “put me at ease and made me feel like a guest.” Asked about the service, he replied, “Those are my boys. I trained them.”

Woodson Ficklin died in December 1984 at 65.

A career in national security

“Seeing my Dad on television was a big deal, and to see him participating in our president’s funeral service was beyond my youthful comprehension,” Wrory Ficklin wrote. He said years passed before he understood “the severity and the importance” of his father’s work.

Wrory Ficklin ended up doing important work at the White House, too, after a summer job during high school, delivering sealed envelopes between the White House and the special prosecutor on the Watergate investigation. He also worked for his father in the pantry during state dinners and other big events.

He joined the National Security Council staff in 1975, beginning a 40-year tenure that overlapped with his father and other family members. He started by working evenings as a clerk while attending college during the day and was training new staff by 1987.

Under Obama, Wrory was promoted to special assistant to the president for national security affairs. He retired in 2015 with a special request for his boss, national security adviser Susan Rice: Could he attend a state dinner, like his dad?

Wrory Ficklin and his wife, Patrice, were invited to the 2015 state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping. With some minor alterations, he wore the tuxedo jacket and cummerbund his father wore in 1983.

The dinner was the highlight of his career, he said.

“Just to experience firsthand the quality of the service, the precision of the butlers, the type of service that they provided, was a legacy to my dad, actually,” he said in the interview.

barbecues.

Pictured: Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Congo to take in U.S. deportees under Trump’s third-country plan

by Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Congo has confirmed it will begin receiving deported migrants from the United States under a new arrangement tied to the Trump administration’s third-country relocation policy, becoming the latest African state to participate in the initiative.

Officials say the first group is expected to arrive before the end of the month, though authorities have not disclosed how many individuals will be transferred or the exact timeline. The announcement came via a statement from the country’s Ministry of Communications on Sunday.

Authorities in Congo tagged the agreement as a short-term measure, stressing that it aligns with the country’s “commitment to human dignity and international solidarity.” They also noted that the logistical burden will not fall on Congo, with the United States expected to finance the operation.

The deal places Congo among a growing list of African nations that have en-

tered into similar arrangements with the United States. At least seven countries on the continent have agreed to accept mi-

grants who are not their nationals, many of them also affected by broader U.S. policy shifts on trade, aid and migration.

A recent report by Democratic staff on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee indicated that the U.S. government has

already spent more than $40 million to relocate roughly 300 migrants to third countries.

The policy has drawn scrutiny from legal advocates and human rights groups, who question both the transparency of these agreements and the conditions migrants may face upon arrival. Critics have pointed to the involvement of countries with records of political repression and human rights concerns, including Eswatini, South Sudan and Equatorial Guinea.

One of the most contentious aspects is that some of the individuals being relocated have already been granted protection by U.S. immigration judges, barring their return to their countries of origin due to credible threats to their safety.

In response to those concerns, Congolese officials emphasized that transfers will not be automatic. “Each situation will be subject to individual review in accordance with the laws of the Republic and national security requirements,” the government said.

Daniels and Crump release video of cops beating another unarmed Black man

By Atlanta Daily World

Latest incident comes amidst national outrage over JSO beating Deshaun Williams

The same day as renowned national civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels and Ben Crump hold a news conference to call out the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) for their violent beating of 24-yearold Black man Deshaun Williams, Daniels and Crump have released video of JSO deputies needlessly beating another Black man, 44-year-old Travis Lamar Brinkley, further demonstrating the dis-

turbing culture of violence and brutality at JSO.

According to records, Brinkley was arrested on November 4, 2024 as part of a citywide “buy bust” operation. Body camera video of the incident, however, clearly shows that, instead of simply arresting the unarmed Brinkley, JSO deputies wearing face masks and tactical gear violently beat him while he was restrained on the ground posing no threat to anyone.

In fact, video released today shows two officers arriving on the scene and immediately beating Brinkley, striking him

multiple times in the face despite the fact that he was already on the ground with his hands behind his back. The video further shows the officers appearing to celebrate having beaten Brinkley with “high fives” and “fist bumps” while Brinkley lies bleeding on the ground having suffered multiple injuries including at least one tooth knocked out by officers.

JSO never transported Brinkley to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.

While deeply disturbing, this is just the

latest revelation of the violent pattern of abuse at the JSO which includes November’s incident where deputies broke the jaw of 24-year-old Deshaun Williams and the beating of 22-year-old William McNeil Jr. which went viral sparking national outrage after video of the incident was posted on social media in July.

“The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is one of the most brutal and violent law enforcement departments in America and that’s saying something.,” said Daniels. “These aren’t cops. They’re thugs and it’s time to hold them accountable.”

Uganda receives first 12 U.S. deportees as lawyers raise alarm

by Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Uganda has received its first batch of deportees under a new transfer arrangement with the United States, with twelve individuals flown into the country on Thursday, according to the Uganda Law Society.

In a statement, the legal body said the group was “effectively dumped in Uganda through an undignified, harrowing and dehumanizing process,” noting they arrived aboard a private charter flight.

The transfers stem from a broader immigration push led by U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration has intensified efforts to deter illegal entry while accelerating deportations, particularly for migrants with criminal records or those whose home countries are difficult to return them to.

Officials from the U.S. State Department and the Department of Homeland Security have backed the use of

third-country deportations, arguing the approach allows for faster removals. However, the policy has triggered multiple legal challenges both within the U.S. and in receiving countries.

Critics say the arrangement raises ethical concerns, especially when migrants are sent to places where they have no social or cultural ties. In one earlier case, U.S. authorities weighed the option of deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a figure at the center of an ongoing migration dispute, to Uganda.

The United States has secured similar agreements with several African nations, including Ghana and Eswatini. In Eswatini’s case, the U.S. committed $5.1 million to facilitate the acceptance of up to 160 deportees, based on details released by the State Department. It remains unclear whether Uganda received any financial compensation under its own deal.

The Uganda Law Society further alleged that those deported were left at the mercy of “unnamed, private interests on

either side of the Atlantic,” and said it was pursuing legal action to halt what it called an “international illegality.” Authorities have yet to disclose who the deportees are or where they originally come from.

Uganda’s state minister for foreign affairs, Okello Oryem, said he was out of the country and unaware of the arrivals at the time. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Kampala did not respond to inquiries regarding the condition or treatment of the individuals.

Speaking to the Associated Press last month, Oryem indicated Uganda was preparing for multiple incoming flights carrying deportees. He tagged the agreement as part of a broader pan-African commitment, describing it as a humanitarian gesture toward Africans stranded abroad. Ugandan officials have previously maintained that the deal applies strictly to deportees of African origin who do not have criminal records.

Ben Crump

President Donald Trump Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Congo - Photo via BBC

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries joins frustration over continuing airport chaos as long lines persist

by Ariama C. Long

Incredibly long lines at John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport continue to create travel snarls as Congress took off for a two-week recess this week amid a partial government shutdown causing the chaos. Meanwhile, unions and elected officials are advocating for holding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accountable and getting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers paid. Lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have been pushing for a bipartisan Senate deal that would have reopened the TSA, as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Coast Guard, but House Republicans rejected it on March 27. Jeffries blamed Republicans for the continued shutdown and airport chaos.

“Mr. Speaker, we believe that immigration enforcement in this country should be fair, just, and humane. That’s not what’s happening right now. ICE is out of control,” Jeffries said in an impassioned speech on the House floor. “The American people know it, which is why changes need to be made that are bold, meaningful, dramatic, transformational, and common sense at the same period of time. Instead, Republicans have chosen to double- and triple-down on their extremism, on their brutality, and on their violence that has been unleashed on everyday Americans all across the country.”

Jeffries said that the legislation is categorically not about defunding ICE since the agency received $75 billion, a “$65 billion slush fund” for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and $165 billion for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) overall in the passage of Trump’s tax bill. He added that the same bill defunded Medicaid for millions of Americans, and made cuts to nutritional assistance for children, seniors, and veterans.

“[Speaker] Mike Johnson has chosen to say no to a bipartisan bill so he could say yes to continuing to force TSA agents to work without pay,” said Jeffries. “Mike Johnson has said no to a bipartisan bill so he can say yes to continuing to inconvenience millions of the American people across the country. Mike Johnson has said no to a bipartisan bill so House Republicans could say yes to chaos at airports

all across the country. Mike Johnson has said no to a bipartisan bill so House Republicans can continue to say yes to ICE brutality.”

The usual funding for the DHS), which the TSA agency is under, expired on February 14 as politicians fought over increasingly dangerous immigration enforcement. For months, there have been been massive delays and TSA workers going unpaid. JFK and LaGuardia security checkpoints have posted ICE agents but they are doing very little to assist with actual screening functions.

“For over five weeks, TSA officers across the country showed up without being paid to ensure the safety of the flying public and our airports,” said Hydrick Thomas, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) TSA Council 100, in a statement. “We have performed our duty. Unfortunately, Congress has failed to perform theirs. To leave Washington while tens of thousands of workers are going without pay shows a clear lack of respect for the essential employees tasked with keeping our nation safe.”

Small wins

President Donald Trump was forced to issue an executive order to get TSA agents paid as the busy travel season ramps up.

Thomas said some members have received backpay, although several have received incorrect pay amounts, missed overtime payments, and improper tax withholdings.

As a result, many AFGE members still have piled up bills, interest, and late fees; have had their cars repossessed; and have seen their families thrown into disarray, he said.

“To say we are utterly disgusted and disappointed with our elected officials is an understatement. Congress must come back to Washington, fix this crisis, and stop putting politics over people and vacation over values,” said Thomas.

The U.S Senate also voted on March 26 to fund all of the DHS through the end of the fiscal year with the exception of ICE and CBP.

“This long-overdue agreement in the Senate to pass funding for TSA allows Congress to continue to work on necessary reforms to ICE and CBP. The House must now pass this bill,” said Public Citizen Co-president Lisa Gilbert in a statement.

Long waiting times at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, N.Y., on Monday, March 30, 2026.

(Photo credit: Ariama C. Long) Credit: Ariama C. Long

Increase in problem gambling among CT college students drives push for campus programs

Gamblers place their bets on sports for the first time at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., on Sept. 30, 2021. Connecticut lawmakers are considering legislation that would require public colleges and universities to offer a program on problem gambling for students at least once each academic year.

By Paul Hughes,

HARTFORD — As the UConn men’s and women’s teams competed for national basketball championships again, state legislators are proposing a bill that would require state-run colleges and universities to offer programs to combat problem gambling.

The bipartisan legislation is in response to an uptick of young people in colleges around the state admitting to having engaged in problem gambling and suffering accompanying harms, including financial loss, debt, and social and relationship damage.

A research study for the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services found the highest prevalence of problem gambling among students attending the 12 public community colleges. Overall, University of Connecticut researchers who conducted the study for the department reported about 70% of approximately 1,300 students surveyed across 30 private and public institutions of higher learning in 2023 reported they had gambled in the previous 12 months.

Diana Goode, executive director of the nonprofit Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, said problem gambling among college students has worsened since then.

Calls to the council’s 24/7 help line have been progressively coming from younger callers, including many college students, since the advent of legalized sports betting and online gambling in Connecticut in 2021, she said.

State legislators on the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee voted 17-1 to move forward a Senate bill directing public colleges and universities to provide an on-campus

problem gambling program at least once each academic year. It would be required to include information about campus and community resources for treatment and rehabilitation.

State Sen. Derek Slap, D-West Hartford, the committee’s Senate chair, described the proposal as a modest start to tackling the growing issue of problem gambling among college students.

“This bill is a good first step,” he said.

The bill defines problem gambling as compulsive gambling or an uncontrollable urge to continue gambling regardless of its negative impacts on a person’s life. The legislation would permit each public

college and university to contract with a nonprofit organization to offer the problem gambling program. But it would require giving priority to organizations that receive funding through the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for treatment and rehabilitation programs for compulsive gamblers, including the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling.

The legislation was introduced at the request of the council, Slap said. The proposed mandate would guarantee the council has access to campuses, including UConn, to provide information to students about gambling, Goode said.

“We just want to give out our information and make sure that kids know there is

a toll-free number. And if they need help, we can help them," she said. "We used to think the problem gambler was the little old lady at the slot machine. Now, it is the 20-something male betting on sports. And a lot of those are college kids, and the number of calls we get from these college kids and their parents has skewed all our figures. It is over 50%.”

Paul Tarbox, the council’s director of public policy and communication, testified before the committee that the trained specialists fielding the lines have received “quite a few horror calls” from students who gambled away their tuition, book money, or other funds from home.

The survey of 1,300 students from 30 colleges and universities in Connecticut

also found that about 13% of student gamblers stated they had gambled weekly and 5.1% reported gambling on daily basis.

It also found that 17.2% of all students reported a moderate level of problem gambling with some negative consequences, including 8.3% who reported serious gambling with negative consequences and possible loss of control. These students reported that they most frequently engaged in internet and sports betting.

The highest percentage among this student cohort who reported a moderate level of problem gambling was 21.6% among students attending community colleges, followed by 17.6% among students attending public universities, and 13.2% for students attending private institutions, according to the study.

In addition to the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, the Mohegan Tribe, which partners with FanDuel for online and retail wagering at its Mohegan Sun casino, testified in support of Senate Bill 381 and offered its assistance. The Connecticut Community Nonprofit Alliance also supported the legislation. The legislature’s budget office estimated the proposed mandate could cost up to $105,000 annually, but the costs could be significantly reduced or eliminated if the selected nonprofit organization providing the programming covers a portion or all of the cost. Slap and Goode said they believe the programming could be provided at little to no cost.

The legislation now awaits action in the Senate. The full legislature has until May 6 to approve the bill before the 2026 session adjourns.

Sabria Dean’s Journey from East Texas to the Center of a Global Conflict

The latest escalation between the United States and Iran began a few weeks ago when American and Israeli forces launched a series of coordinated airstrikes targeting military sites, infrastructure, and leadership inside Iran. The conflict is rooted in decades of political tension between the nations. News of the campaign was announced through a public statement from President Donald Trump and quickly spread through breaking news alerts and live television coverage showing explosions in Tehran, turning a long-standing geopolitical rivalry into an active conflict playing out in real time. Thousands of miles away, Sabria Dean did not learn about it from a headline. Dean, a point guard from Mineola, Texas, was in the middle of her rookie professional season overseas after a standout career at Lamar University, where she finished as one of the program’s all-time leading scorers with more than 1,700 points, earned Southland Conference Freshman of the Year honors, and was a

multiple-time All-Conference selection. Her play caught the attention of teams overseas, eventually leading her to Esteghlal, a professional team based in Iran.

The East Texas native had spent the previous six months adjusting to life in a new country, building relationships with teammates, and embracing an experience she admits she never initially imagined for herself. What began as an opportunity to extend her basketball career quickly became something much larger, placing her at the center of a global conflict few Americans ever witness firsthand.

She was sitting at breakfast with her teammates.

“They were joking, saying call your president, tell him no war, no bombs,” Dean said.

At first, it felt like a joke. But when her teammates asked her to call home and check American news, the tone shifted.

“I FaceTimed my mom and asked her to

turn the camera,” she said. “The headline was like, war or peace, potential strikes this weekend. And I was like, oh… this might be for real this time.”

Minutes later, it was

Within moments of ending the call, the situation shifted from speculation to reality. Explosions began ringing out nearby, loud enough to shake the ground beneath her feet.

From Mineola, Texas to the Middle East “It was so loud,” Dean said to Forward Times. “I’m almost positive the ground moved under me. It felt like everything slowed down.”

The team rushed outside, moving into open space. Dean did what many people her age would do after reaching a momentary sense of safety. She pulled out her phone and recorded what was happening. Videos of her and her teammates laughing during the chaos quickly began to spread online.

For many watching later, the reaction raised questions. Comments flooded in asking why they were laughing and why they were outside during a bombing. The second was a question Dean had in the moment as well.

“I wanted to know why we were going outside too,” she said, laughing. “But then they told me they’re going to target buildings, not open fields. So going outside was actually safer than staying inside the hotel. People were focused on us joking, but in that moment you don’t really have time to sit in fear. You react how you react, and then you figure out what to do next.”

Fear came first, but it did not last long. “You don’t have time to panic,” Dean said. “You have to figure out what to do next.”

The plan became clear quickly. She needed to leave. After months of hearing conversations about rising tensions and the possibility of conflict, the reality of Con’t on page 22

AVISO PÚBLICO CIERRE DE LA LISTA DE ESPERA DE LOS VALES DE ELECCIÓN DE VIVIENDAS/SECCIÓN 8 PARA TODOS LOS TAMAÑOS DE HABITACIONES

EFFECTIVO EL 1 DE MAYO DE 2026, a las 11:59 pm

No se aceptarán solicitudes ni solicitudes enviadas a través del Portal para el solicitante de ECC/HANH para la lista de espera de Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) / Section 8 (los vales de elección de viviendas/sección 8) para todos los tamaños de habitaciones después de la fecha indicada arriba.

Se emitirá un aviso público cuando Elm City Communities / Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (ECC/HANH) decida volver a abrir la lista de espera de HCV / Section 8 para todos los tamaños de habitaciones.

Conforme a las normativas del Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD, Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano) [24 CFR 982.206], no es necesaria una audiencia pública cuando se abre o se cierra la lista de espera. Por lo tanto, este aviso público se emite de conformidad con el Plan administrativo de ECC/HANH Housing Choice Voucher (plan administrativo).

Cuando la lista de espera de HCV / Section 8 esté cerrada, ECC/HANH no mantendrá una lista de individuos que solicitan recibir una notificación cuando la lista de espera se vuelva a abrir.

Se aceptarán solicitudes hasta el:

1 de Mayo de 2026, a las 11:59 p. m.

Realice la solicitud en línea en: https://elmcitycommunities.org/how-to-apply

Adaptaciones razonables

Si necesita adaptaciones razonables respecto de este aviso, comuníquese con nosotros: Llame al 203-498-8800 ext. 3170 “La Housing Authority of New Haven no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, religión, sexo, edad, discapacidad o estado civil”.

Listing: Commercial Driver

Opening for a Class A full time driver for petroleum/asphalt/like products deliveries for nights and weekends. Previous experience required. Competitive wage, 401 (k) and benefits. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email: hrdept@eastriverenergy.com

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Rural Health Transformation Policy Development Coordinator

PUBLIC NOTICE

CLOSING OF THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER/ SECTION 8 WAITING LIST FOR ALL BEDROOM SIZES

EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2026, at 11:59pm

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for Emergency Medical Technician. Wages: $832.81 to $911.76 weekly. For additional information and to apply online by the April 10, 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

No paper applications or applications submitted through the ECC/HANH Applicant Portal will be accepted for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) / Section 8 Waiting List for any bedroom size after the date listed above.

A public notice will be issued when Elm City Communities / Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (ECC/HANH) decides to reopen the HCV / Section 8 Waiting List for all bedroom sizes.

According to HUD regulations [24 CFR 982.206], a public hearing is not required when opening or closing the waiting list. Therefore, this public notice is being issued in accordance with the ECC/HANH Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan (Admin Plan).

When the HCV / Section 8 Waiting List is closed, ECC/HANH will not maintain a list of individuals requesting notification when the waiting list reopens.

Applications will be accepted until: May 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Apply online at: https://elmcitycommunities.org/how-to-apply

Reasonable Accommodation

If you need a reasonable accommodation regarding this notice, please contact us at: Call 203-498-8800 ext. 3170

COLLECTIONS MAINTAINER I (TRAINEE)

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for Collections Maintainer I (Trainee). Wages: $27.17 to $29.84 hourly. For additional information and to apply online by the March 24, 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

Elm City Communites

Invitation for Bids

Youth Services

ECC is currently seeking bids from qualified contractors to perform Youth Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ gateway beginning on Monday, March 3, 2026, at 3:00PM.

“The

Elm City Communities/ Housing Authority of the City of New Haven

Proveedor de vivienda que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades

South Central Regional Council of Governments Draft Fiscal Year 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program

The public is invited to offer comments until May 1, 2026 as the mayors and first selectmen of the South Central Region of Connecticut shape the Draft Fiscal Year 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the companion Draft State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Copies of the Draft TIP and STIP are available at www.scrcog.org. Hard copies of the draft documents will be mailed upon a request made by email to kkingston@scrcog.org.

The TIP document, framed together with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, guides the flow of funding for major improvements to the region’s roadways, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian transportation systems. The public comment period for the TIP/STIP also satisfies the public participation requirements of the Greater New Haven Transit District’s and the Milford Transit District’s Program of Projects (POP). Public comments may be emailed to kkingston@scrcog.org or mailed, postage prepaid, to Kellie Kingston, Transportation Planner, South Central Regional Council of Governments, 127 Washington Avenue, 4th Floor West, North Haven, CT 06473 with receipt in both cases by no later than May 1, 2026. Public comments may also be offered at a virtual Public Meeting on April 14, 2026 starting at 5:30pm. Instructions for participating in the Public Meeting will be posted at www.scrcog.org no later than 10 days before the event.

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

360 Management is currently seeking bids from qualified contractors to perform Elevator Service . A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, March 3, 2026, at 3:00PM.

Maintainer II (Watershed)

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for Maintainer II (Watershed). Wages: $28.65 to $34.43 hourly. For additional information and to apply online by the March 10, 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

Water Treatment Pumping Operator II

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for Water Treatment Pumping Operator II. Wages: $32.58 to $39.20 hourly. For additional information and to apply online by the March 24, 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) 2942080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

360 Management Group

Invitation for Bids

Trash Collection Services

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

Protection Services

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

March 30, 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.

ATTENDANT I

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for Attendant I. Wages: $29.20 to $33.81 hourly. For additional information and to apply online by the April 9, 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) 2942080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE ELM CITY COMMUNITIES, HOUSING AUTHORITY OF NEW HAVEN (ECC/HANH) MOVING TO WORK (MTW) FY2027 ANNUAL PLAN

Section II and Section VII of the Authority's Moving to Work Agreement {the "Agreement") requires that before the Agency can file its Approved Annual Moving to Work Plan (“Plan”) and Report (“Report”)to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (the "HUD") that it must conduct a public hearing, consider comments from the public on the proposed Plan, obtain approval from the Board of Commissioners, and submit the Plan to HUD. The thirty (30) days comment period begins on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and ends on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Copies of the Moving to Work (MTW) FY2027 Plan, will be made available on the agency website www.elmcitycommunities.org or via Facebook www. facebook.com/ElmCityCommunities.

You are invited to provide written comments addressed to: ECC/HANH, Moving to Work FY2027 Annual Plan Attn: Evelise Ribeiro, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511 or via email to: eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org.

Pursuant to said Sections II and VII), a public hearing where public comments will be accepted and recorded is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, at 4:00pm via Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/28700621182396?p=4TDLzzbfcPz7OsLEeJ

Meeting ID: 28700621182396

Passcode: r6E8Ke9c

Dial in by phone

+1 872-240-4494,160535655# United States, Chicago Find a local number Phone conference ID: 160 535 655#

Any individual requiring a Reasonable Accommodation to participate in the hearing may call the Reasonable Accommodation Manager (203) 498-8800, ext. 3170 or at the TDD Number (203) 497-8434.

Large CT Fence Company looking for a full-time individual for our Wood/PVC Fence Production Shop Duties include measuring & interpreting blueprints, schematics and project plans, cut, shape, assemble and install fence panels using hand and power tools, install related fixtures including gates, hardware and other accessories.. Must have a valid CT driver’s license and be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@ atlasoutdoor.com. AA/EOE-MF

Yard Worker: Large CT Fence Company is looking for individuals for our stock yard. We are looking for individuals with previous warehouse shipping, receiving and forklift experience. Must have a minimum of 3 years of material handling experience. Duties include: Loading & unloading trucks, Fulfilling orders for installation & retail counter sales, Maintaining a clean & organized environment, Managing inventory control & delivering fence panels & products. Qualifications: High School diploma or equivalent, Must be able to read/write English, demonstrate good time management skills, able to read a tape measure, have the ability to lift 70 pounds and have forklift experience. Must have a valid CT Driver’s License, Obtain DOT Medical Card, and pass company physical and drug test. Class A CDL & Class B CDL license a plus. We are an AA/EOE company. Send resumes/ inquiries to: pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com

Help Wanted – Lg CT fence company looking for an experienced fence installation foreman in CT and surrounding states who will work as a leader of small crews. Individual will be responsible for all types of fencing installation. Specific tasks include but are not limited to: May be responsible for crew(s) of two or more individuals, manage and troubleshoot problems that arise on site and notify superintendent when needed, ensures employees adhere to all safety and company policies and practices. Job requirements include the following: must have 5 years’ of fence installation experience , must have commercial chain link experience, be able to read blueprints, have basic power tool & skid steers experience, have a valid CT driver’s license and have reliable transportation, must be able to get a DOT medical card, OSHA safety training required prior to start of employment, pass drug screening and a physical test. Medical, vacation, 401K and other benefits included, all necessary equipment provided. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Send resume to gforshee@atlasoutdoor.com

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Policy Development Coordinator in the Criminal Justice 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= 260316&R2=1581MP&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 OFFICER ENTRY LEVEL

City of Bristol

$78,813/yr.

Required testing, general info, and apply online: www.bristolct.gov

DEADLINE: 12-07-25 EOE

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA PARA

EL PLAN ANUAL "MOVING TO WORK" (MTW) DEL AÑO FISCAL 2027 DE ELM CITY COMMUNITIES, AUTORIDAD DE VIVIENDA DE NEW HAVEN (ECC/HANH)

Las Secciones II y VII del Acuerdo "Moving to Work" de la Autoridad (el "Acuerdo") estipulan que, antes de que la Agencia pueda presentar su Plan Anual "Moving to Work" Aprobado (el "Plan") y su Informe (el "Informe") ante el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los EE. UU. (el "HUD"), debe llevar a cabo una audiencia pública, considerar los comentarios del público sobre el Plan propuesto, obtener la aprobación de la Junta de Comisionados y remitir el Plan al HUD.

El periodo de treinta (30) días para la recepción de comentarios comienza el martes 7 de abril de 2026 y finaliza el miércoles 6 de mayo de 2026.

Las copias del Plan "Moving to Work" (MTW) del Año Fiscal 2027 estarán disponibles en el sitio web de la agencia: www.elmcitycommunities.org, o a través de Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElmCityCommunities.

Se le invita a enviar sus comentarios por escrito dirigidos a: ECC/HANH, Moving to Work FY2027 Annual Plan, a la atención de: Evelise Ribeiro, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511; o por correo electrónico a: eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org. De conformidad con dichas Secciones II y VII, se ha programado una audiencia pública —en la cual se aceptarán y registrarán comentarios del público— para el lunes 4 de mayo de 2026, a las 4:00 p. m., a través de:

Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/28700621182396?p=4TDLzzbfcPz7OsLEeJ

ID de la reunión: 28700621182396

Código de acceso: r6E8Ke9c

Conexión telefónica

+1 872-240-4494,160535655# Estados Unidos, Chicago

Buscar un número local ID de la conferencia telefónica: 160 535 655#

Cualquier persona que requiera una adaptación razonable para participar en la audiencia puede llamar al Gerente de Adaptaciones Razonables al (203) 498-8800, ext. 3170, o al número TDD (203) 497-8434.

Elm City Communites

Invitation for Bids

Window Replacement and Repair

ECC is currently seeking bids from qualified contractors to perform Window Replacement and Repair . A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ gateway beginning on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 3:00PM.

Estimator/ Design & Installation Fence Sales Pay: $100,000.00 per year

Job description:

Atlas Companies is looking for an estimator/ design and installation sales person for the residential market place. Premiere northeast regional fence and outdoor structure company is looking for energetic, self-motivated Sales associate. Salary, commission, 401 k match and vehicle allowances for qualified personal. 1 00k plus income to qualified applicants. Previous home improvement design / sales preferred. About Us Our services range from custom fences, gates, guardrail, pergolas, arbors and outdoor structures to providing industrial and commercial security solutions to building luxury residential multi-use and commercial projects. Job Type: Fulltime Benefits: 401 (k), Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid time off.

Work Location: In person

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Email resume to mpicard@atlasoutdoor.com

‘A dream come true’: Simone Biles opens her first restaurant at her hometown airport

by Dollita Okine, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Olympic gymnastics icon Simone Biles has opened her first restaurant, Taste of Gold, at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The upscale café, which launched on March 24, is situated in Terminal A, close to Gate A8, and its design pays tribute to her legendary career.

Biles said in a statement, “As a frequent traveler, I am thrilled to partner with Athlete Playermaker Group to help create a place for people to relax and share meals during their travels through my hometown airport. Whether you’re a fan of gymnastics, football or any sport, or just hungry for something yummy before or after your flight, I’d like to welcome you to Taste of Gold the way fans have welcomed me into their hearts over my career.”

The 29-year-old gymnast told the Houston Chronicle that Athlete Playmaker Group came to her with the idea for the restaurant. “It was like a dream come true because when you’re younger, you want to do crazy things like this, but you don’t know how attainable it’s going to be. So, whenever they came to us with the idea, which was a couple years ago, I was like, ‘Absolutely, I’m on board.'”

The menu at Taste of Gold, custom-designed by airport restaurant specialists Athlete Playmaker Group, includes a

variety of sandwiches, salads, and shareables. Among the offerings are “Simone’s Skewers,” a personal favorite of Biles, featuring chicken, steak, shrimp, and vegetable options, along with a selection of desserts. This menu aligns with other restaurant and bar concepts the group has co-created with elite athletes in airports across the country.

Athlete Playmaker co-founder Derek Missimo stated, “Airports are the front door to a city, but too often feel interchangeable.” Missimo added that “Taste of Gold supports our goal of creating

places that feel familiar and local, without sacrificing quality, speed, or consistency.”

Francisco Cuellar, Houston Airports’ chief commercial development officer, called the launch of “Taste of Gold” a major success for their concessions program.

He expressed honor that a “global icon” like Biles chose Bush Airport for her first restaurant, crediting the airport’s strong platform and its service to millions of annual travelers. Cuellar concluded that “Taste of Gold” reflects the spirit of Houston—”excellence, energy, and ambition”—and raises the bar for passenger experience at IAH.

The restaurant, which includes multiple televisions around the bar for watching sports, showcases original 3D art by Texas designer Jody Dodson including hand-crafted and painted wood, with gold embellishments that highlight Biles’s leotard.

The 29-year-old athlete shared the news on social media, which was met with a positive response. She also posted a photo to her Instagram Story, showing her standing under the restaurant’s banner.

One netizen said, “Welcome to the restaurant world.”

Another added, “Congrats!! Love this!”

Her husband, Jonathan Owens, also shared his support by reposting the same image on his respective Instagram Story.

bombs dropping made the decision immediate. Dean reached out to her team’s general manager and made it clear she was ready to go.

“I told them I’ve stuck it out as long as I can,” she said. “But this is too serious.”

She packed her belongings, gathered her passport, and waited for instructions while sitting with teammates one last time. Even in that moment, the environment reflected the same hospitality she had experienced throughout her stay. “They made tea,” she said. “Everywhere you go, they’re going to offer you tea. They’re so nice. I really do believe they would give you the clothes off their back. They treat each other with so much care, and it’s even more with visitors. They always want to make sure you’re comfortable.”

Within hours, she was on the move. The journey out of the country began with a 13-hour drive to Turkey, a route she did not even realize was possible before that day. From there, she navigated connecting flights, long layovers, and limited communication due to unstable internet access. When she finally reached Turkey, her phone filled with missed calls and messages from family members who had been watching events unfold from

Dakar 2026: TikTok star Khaby Lame announced as ambassador for first Olympic event in Africa

by Dollita Okine, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Senegalese TikToker Khaby Lame has been appointed an ambassador for the upcoming Youth Olympics, set to be staged in Dakar this year, as announced by the International Olympic Committee. Lame, known globally for his viral silent comedy sketches on TikTok, will lend his immense popularity to promote the event. According to the organizers, Lame will participate in the event’s highlights, notably the Torch Relay, which will arrive in Dakar on September 12.

“This commitment reflects my desire to support young African talent, in sports and far beyond. Dakar 2026 will offer our continent the opportunity to reveal its best and inspire young people in Africa and around the world. It is an opportunity to demonstrate that, beyond its resilience, Africa is also a force. I am proud to be Senegalese, proud to be African, and we will make this first Olympic event in Africa a complete success,” the influencer said, according to Africa News.

The IOC and the Dakar 2026 organising committee said Lame “doesn’t need words to be understood” as they highlighted his “iconic gesture” (palms open and facing upward) as a symbol of simplicity that aligns with the Youth Olympic Games’ mission to be inclusive and straightforward.

The content creator, who boasts 160.5 million TikTok followers, is expected to play a major part in promoting the

Games, particularly to younger audiences. His participation is predicted to generate exceptional digital engagement metrics for a Youth Olympic event. In other words, he will help boost the social and inclusive reach of Dakar 2026, notably

by encouraging the involvement of young people from various locations, including his birthplace, Mbacké.

This involvement could establish a new standard for how major sporting festivals utilize ambassadorships led by content

thousands of miles away. By the time her plane began its descent into Dallas, the weight of everything she had experienced still had not fully settled.

“I saw Dallas on the screen and said, man, I’m almost there,” she said. “But I didn’t want to jinx it. I needed to step off the plane first.”

When she did, her family was waiting. After six months away, the moment was simple. A hug from her mother. Her brother nearby. Her dog back in her arms. Then came something even more familiar.

“I went to [Raising] Canes, and I didn’t even know about this Post Malone, Dallas Cowboys-themed Canes. I said, yeah, I’m home for sure. This is Texas for sure.

I knew I was home,” she said, laughing. The experience left her with more than just a story about surviving a conflict. It reshaped how she sees the world and the people in it. Despite the political tensions between governments, Dean is quick to separate leadership from everyday life.

“The main thing they wanted me to know is that any hate we’ve ever heard about their country toward ours is not from the people,” she said. “They love Americans.”

During her time there, she found a level of generosity that stood out.

creators.

Dakar 2026 has consistently shown its capacity to collaborate with influential global figures, and this latest partnership powerfully reflects that ambition.

Approximately 2,700 athletes, aged 17 and under, are expected to participate in the Youth Olympic Games. The event is scheduled to take place across three host locations—Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly—from October 31 to November 13, 2026.

Olympics.com reports that this is not the influencer’s first foray into the sports world. He has already collaborated with some of the biggest names in sport, including footballers Neymar and Sergio Agüero, Vinícius Júnior, and Zlatan Ibrahimović.

Over a year ago, Lame was appointed as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. Following his appointment, the influencer addressed young people in his native country.

He said, “It’s a true honor to be appointed as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and be part of an organization that puts children’s rights front and center every day. From my own experience—growing up with financial struggles, feeling lost in school, and facing unemployment during the pandemic—to finally finding my purpose, I know that all children can thrive when given the right opportunities.”

Lame also encouraged them to remain hopeful and determined: “Dream big. Do your best to accomplish your goals, even if others say you can’t.”

“I can’t get over the kindness. It’s an overwhelming kindness and generosity that I’ve never felt before, quite honestly,” she said. “They really take care of each other and anyone who comes there.” She also embraced the culture in ways that surprised even her, especially when it came to food. Her favorite dish became ghormeh sabzi, a traditional herb-based stew served with rice.

“It is so good. It’s almost like greens, but a little finer chopped up with chunks of beef in it. It may not look the most appetizing, but I was there for the full experience, and I’m glad I did, because that dish is delicious. That and kebab. I ate kebab every day.”

Now back in Texas, Dean is focused on what comes next. She remains open to continuing her professional career overseas, staying in contact with her agent while taking time to be home. If conditions were to stabilize, she would even consider returning.

“The only reason I left was because of what was happening,” she said. “Look, when I first heard about the opportunity to go to Iran, I was scared, but you can’t always believe what you see. Some of it is propaganda. I took a chance, and I’m glad I did.”

For now, the season she started remains unfinished. A finals series interrupted. A championship left undecided. But what she carries with her goes far beyond basketball. In a moment when much of the world sees conflict through headlines and political narratives, Dean’s experience offered something different. A firsthand look at the people behind the place.

“We always hear that they’re trying to get us, they’re trying to bomb us,” she said. “And then I get over there and we’re the ones bombing them. That was crazy to experience firsthand.”

Photo credit: Olympics.com/Dakar 2026

Sabria Dean’s Journey from East Texas to the Center of a Global Conflict

There’s been a drought on their childhood’s road and two cousins come home dry-eyed and grieving. Sade, on a three-day furlough from prison. Mina, departing a strangely idyllic west coast. As all time ticks towards the correctional officer’s arrival, these two wrestle with all they have never said, with the fallibility of memory itself, and with visions of a future they are bound to create. Winner of the prestigious 2025 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, a.k. payne’s Furlough’s Paradise is a lyrical meditation on grief, home, kinship, and a utopia yet to be realized.