| From the Villa ge of Brook ly n |
OUR TIME PRESS THE L OCAL PAPER WITH THE G LOBAL VIEW
| VOL. 23 NO. 30
July 25 – 31, 2019 |
Since 1996
African Burial Ground Dedicated in East New York
Ancestors' Remains Re-interred in Newly-Named Sankofa Park
Brooklyn political, faith, business and civic leaders gathered in East New York to honor our ancestors and reinter the bones previously excavated at this African Burial Ground site. The Schenck Park location was also renamed Sankofa Park that day. See Page 7.
City Pilot Program Takes Away More Residential Parking
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Furor over Arrest of Rapper in Sweden
By Stephen Witt, Kings County Politics
new city pilot program doing away with parking on a residential street in Clinton Hill has residents already getting tow boots put on their cars and getting $185 tickets. Sharon Holliday, who lives in a brownstone on Greene Avenue between Cambridge Place and Grand Avenue, said she first became aware of the parking change when her son saw Department of Transportation workers installing signage in front of her home last Wednesday, July 17, reading, “No Parking Monday Through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.” When her son asked the workers about the sign, he was told it came from orders up high, Holliday said. Photo: Sharon Holliday
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Uproar on Greene Avenue as cars get towed.
See Horsford page 4
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OUR TIME PRESS July 25 – 31, 2019
ELECTIONS
VOL. 23 NO. 30
Cornegy, Reynoso Get Early Start in Brooklyn's 2021 BP Race ■■
DBG MEDIA Publishers of Our Time Press, Inc. 358 Classon Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238 (718) 599-6828 Web site: www.ourtimepress.com e-mail: editors@ourtimepress.com Publisher DBG MEDIA Editor-in-Chief David Mark Greaves Copy Editor Maitefa Angaza Columnists Eddie Castro Victoria Horsford Abigail McGrath Marlon Rice
By Kings County Politics
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n a race that could make the 2021 Mayor’s contest look tame, City Council members Robert Cornegy, Jr. (D-Bedford-Stuyvesant, Northern Crown Heights) raised a considerable $79,376 in the third filing period which ended Monday for the open seat Borough President’s race in 2021. City Council member Antonio Reynoso (D-Bushwick, Greenpoint, Williamsburg) also raised a hefty $46,480 while City Council member Mathieu Eugene (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush), who is also expected to run for the seat, raised $10,150 as an undeclared candidate. “It’s incredibly early, but my whole intention is to be the next Borough President,” said Cornegy, adding it’s impressive as a Black candidate to raise a considerable amount of money right out of the gate. “I think it demonstrates people have the confidence I have the passion, commitment and nuanced leadership inclusive of everyone’s issues.” Cornegy said he will ride or die on the issue that in every part of this borough there is a need to build business capacity including access to capital and financial assistance for mom-and-pop businesses while still creating affordable housing. “I plan on campaigning in every neighborhood of the borough with this message and nobody will outwork me,” he said. Meanwhile, Reynoso’s campaign noted that the money he has raised thus far has already met the threshold for $8to-$1 public matching-fund contributors in Brooklyn. “I’m really honored by the overwhelming support in the five weeks since we launched this campaign,” said Reynoso. “Brooklyn’s electing a new Borough President, and people know they need someone who’s going to stand up for Brooklyn families, take on our skyrocketing housing costs, create jobs and fight for great schools and better transit. I look forward to engaging with communities across Brooklyn to make our borough better for all.” While Cornegy, Reynoso and Eugene have started early in their fundraising efforts for the Borough President’s race, there remain several other term-limited City Council members who are also eyeing the seat. This includes Rafael Espinal (D-Bushwick, East New York), Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest, Midwood), Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend) and possibly Laurie Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights). Several longshot names are also being floated for the Borough President’s Office including Democratic District Leader Geoffrey Davis and former state Sen. Jesse Hamilton. It should also be noted that both current term-limited Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and his predecessor Marty Markowitz both came to Borough Hall from the state Senate. As such, several current or former state officeholders may also be looking at the Borough President’s Office. And with state elections next year, it would be a free run for them without having to give up their state seat if they lose.
VOL. 23 NO. 30
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OUR TIME PRESS July 25 – 31, 2019
World’s Teachers Condemn Donald Trump over Racist Attacks on U.S. Congresswomen
Unions Representing 32 Million Educators from more than 170 Countries Stand in Solidarity with Women Representatives told to “go back”
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ANGKOK—Education International, the global body representing the world’s teachers, voted unanimously Thursday to condemn U.S. President Donald Trump’s racist assault on four women members of the U.S. Congress and pledged to support American unions
in their fight to defeat him in 2020. The urgent resolution, brought to the floor of EI’s 8th World Congress by the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, took aim at the dangerous and destructive rhetoric by the U.S. president toward four newly
elected female, nonwhite members of Congress: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.). By calling on the representatives to “go back to where you
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Kristina Newman-Scott: The New BRIC House Builder’s Got Tools!
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s the new president of BRIC Arts Media, Kristina Newman-Scott valued listening and watching as useful tools during her first months there, allowing her natural curiosity to define her leadership style at the outset. Almost a year later, Newman-Scott is still observing while leading the team at BRIC in the assured and inspired manner that her predecessor, former BRIC President Leslie G. Schultz, expected when she hired her. But then, Newman-Scott was down with the mission before she moved her family from Connecticut. The BRIC mission is in line with what Newman-Scott wanted to do, and has been doing, with her life for a long time – supporting art, artists and culture. Now she gets to do it in Brooklyn, which looms large in this arena, and where she’s one of very few Black women in the nation to head a major arts institution. Confident in facing the challenges ahead, yet humbled by the opportunity and responsibility, Newman-Scott is enjoying the exhilarating ride she’s taking with her BRIC team, and she wants Brooklyn lovers of art and culture to ride along. Our Time Press: What kinds of things did you think you might initiate at BRIC? Kristina Newman-Scott: “So, I think for me, it starts with understanding and curiosity. Right? So, of course, I have lots of ideas, but I always like to be more curious when I’m brand new to a community or a place. So I can better understand how the community at BRIC works, how we do the work, how we connect with our audience, our artists and all of that. I think that rooted in my approach is a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity in all that we do. I had that commitment as an artist, as a curator, a program director of arts organizations, and then as a leader in government for the arts in the city, and then state level. One of the things that makes a successful leader is understanding what inspires your staff, how to support them and allow them to do work you know will benefit the community. So, the constant conversation is an extension
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Interview by Maitefa Angaza
Kristina Newman-Scott, approaching her first anniversary as president of BRIC Arts Media, at the opening night gala for this year's Celebrate Brooklyn concert series in Prospect Park. of the wonderful ways they know people want to connect.” OTP: I’ve been to the Youth Film Festival before. How has it been impacting the young people who participate? KNS: Oh, it’s such a phenomenal experience! “Concrete Stories” is one of the few
the unexpected. How do you find artists bringing something people are not seeing elsewhere? KNS: We work with a lot of emerging and mid-career artists and our curators go to a lot of shows and studio visits. They want to make sure they’re out in the community hearing and learning. And obviously, Brooklyn artists are some of the most exciting artists in our world! We want to help them become the best version of themselves, give them time, space and resources. OTP: How long has BRIC been going into neighborhoods with arts instruction, like the filmmaking classes at New Lots Library? KNS: I’m not sure how long it’s been but we’re committed to bringing media resources to other parts of the borough. We’re making sure that if people can’t get to us here at BRIC House, then we will come to them. Using our mobile media lab and thru our partnership with the Brooklyn Public Library, that has been really amazing! OTP: What did you bring with you from your experience in Connecticut that you were able to put to good use here?
"It’s important for people to see it’s possible to be a woman of color and an immigrant in a leadership position in a place like Brooklyn." youth media festivals that’s completely, one hundred percent, organized and curated by the youth. They’re all under 21; they are juniors and seniors in high school! OTP: Tell me a little about professional development with teachers. Which teachers are you working with and what is BRIC doing with them? KNS: We are in around 40 public schools and we tend to work with schools that do not have arts programming. Our teaching artists go into those schools and create a curriculum responsive to what teachers and students need. And that will vary from school to school. OTP: BRIC art exhibitions often feature
KNS: I have over 20 years of experience working in the arts and cultural sector and I think that what I brought to Brooklyn with me is not only a true understanding of what artistic practice means – because I was a practicing artist and I worked in television and radio – but an understanding of how the arts impact communities. So [I brought] my ability to work with governmental partners, other nonprofits and community leaders to really collaborate in ways that would be the rising tide for Brooklyn. I think of the everyday person living in the community – the wellness that the arts bring and the joy that they bring. OTP: Was there anything that was a little
scary, despite your tools and your confidence? KNS: It’s always intimidating moving to a new environment, especially when you’re moving your entire family! I have two young girls – a nine-year-old and a two-year-old, and a husband. It’s a total new way of living life. It’s exciting and wonderful, but I did not know what my own community, personally, would be in my new home. And I’m happy to report that Brooklyn has been so welcoming, and I have been fortunate to have the kind of relationships I have with my board members and my rock star team at BRIC! OTP: Why is it important, beyond you as an individual, that you are a Black woman in this position? KNS: We should be much farther along than we are, as it relates to diversity, not only in the arts but in other sectors. I definitely don’t want to be the only one, or one of a few. We have to diversify. I mean, if we can’t do it in the arts, where are we going to do it?! It’s important for people to see it’s possible to be a woman of color and an immigrant in a leadership position in a place like Brooklyn. So, when I move on, it’s possible to imagine the person coming behind me to be, not just of color, but all of what is beautiful about the diversity amongst people from different abilities, to our LGBTQ and gender nonconforming, to socioeconomic background, to all of it. OTP: And what about the Free Speech TV program? KNS: We are blessed, in our busiest periods, to have up to 1,000 people a week coming to our Community Media Center to take part in classes, use our editing or studios, or to upload their content onto our channels. I see it as giving people the kind of skill sets that will diversify the workforce in media. I think it is one of the last places that has true public access – the authentic ability for people to tell their stories. It’s critically important and I think our commitment to that is one of the strongest parts of our work. Overall, I just feel like I am in the right place at the right time and I’m incredibly excited about our future!
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OUR TIME PRESS July 25 – 31, 2019
WHAT’S GOING ON ■■
By Victoria Horsford
THE WEEK IN REVIEW Are things falling apart the world over or are these really the final days. Iran is playing a scary game of brinksmanship, titillating the US, and seized a British tanker in the Persian Gulf. Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad hinting at peace talks and détente with President
Asap Johnson
Trump. The world does not need another Middle Eastern war. Sweden, Scandinavia’s capital of liberalism, has detained ASAP Rocky, an African-American rap artist who was on a European tour for almost a month without pressing charges. We only know that he was provoked by locals and there was a fight. The arrest has caused an international furor with Rocky attracting supporters like Congressmen Hakeem Jeffries and Adraino Espaillat, P. Diddy, Kanye and Kim West. President Trump made a call to the Swedish prime minister to appeal for Rocky’s release. Swedes deny that Rocky’s detention is race-related. Last year, a white American rapper, G-Eazy, engaged in a fight in Sweden and had cocaine when he was arrested. He was released from detention in 24 hours. G-Eazy admits that ASAP Rocky is a victim of Swedish
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DEMAND JUSTICE Victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy or by authority figures at school have rights.
racism. In Spain last weekend, one of African-American rapper FUTURE’s security men was savagely beaten by a group of men in Ibiza. Judicial systems in and out of the United States favor whites over Blacks. Meanwhile, POTUS continues apace with his invective and divisive racist tweets about “The Squad,” the four women of color in Congress. Are the Kamala Harris poll numbers frightening him? Don’t know if America can deal with his strident style for 17 more months. The NAACP called for President Trump’s impeachment at its annual convention on July 23.
BLACK ENTERPRISE “This Venture Capital Firm Wants To Hear From You” is the title of a Wall Street Journal essay about a quartet of AfricanAmerican men, Jarrid Tingle, 27; Brandon Bryant, 28; Henri PierreJacques, 27; and John Henry, 25, co-founders of Harlem Capital Partners, a New York-based early-stage venture capital firm which opened in 2015. Its goal is to raise $1 billion to fund 1000 minority and women founders in 20 years. Private equity firm TPG Capital has a minority stake in HCP, as does KKR and Co. The HCP portfolio boasts a menstrual products company, a media platform for Black millennials and a cardiac rehabilitation program. Harlem Capital Partners is another destination for minority entrepreneurs. Last week, WGO reported the demise of the print edition of the Chicago Defender. This week, the Johnson Publishing Company, the umbrella for Ebony and Jet magazines, is under media scrutiny again. Company is owned by Linda Johnson Rice,
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Linda Johnson Rice daughter of Ebony founder John Johnson. Ebony and Jet were sold to an African-American, Michael Gibson, chairman of Texas-based Clear View Group, in 2016. At that time, Ebony was still a monthly print magazine while “the Jet,” as Black people affectionately called it, had been relegated or elevated to a digital edition. After that sale, Johnson Publishing retained ownership of the Ebony pictorial archives, assessed at $45 million a few years ago, and the Fashion Fair cosmetics line which has dissolved. In April, Johnson Publishing filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy protection. Last month, it was announced that a July 17 auction of the Ebony picture archives was scheduled to recover a $13.6 million loan made by JPC, which is in default. The creditor is Capital V Holdings, a
VOL. 23 NO. 30
Bill Saxon Mellody Hobson company co-owned by millionaire Mellody Hobson and her billionaire husband George Lucas. Who owns the Ebony picture archives, that repository of ¾-of-a-century of Black life in America, documenting our triumphs and tragedies, the “Great Black Migration,” narratives from Jim Crow to the Barack Obama Presidency and beyond? Perhaps the Schomburg Center? Hopefully, a Schomburg and a Smithsonian Museum of AfricanAmerican History and Culture are among the bidders. It’s almost a week later. The 7/22 Chicago Tribune said that there was no clear winner and auction would resume this week.
ED/HIGHER ED Congrats to Class of 2019 college-bound local grads who are recipients of the Pelham Fritz Basketball League Scholarship Awards. They are Lesly J. Bravo, FIT University, NY; Osmara Gutierrez, Oswego State University; Humera Manjra, Boro of Manhattan Community College; Yadeyli Valerio-Peralta, Mercy College; Andy Guity, Oswego State University; Kabkra Baaro, University of Albany; Ftema Aifa, University of Buffalo; Jeanine Darby, Spelman College; Gurlin Kaui, Molloy College; Capricia Richardson, Purchase College; Joanaiuz Taveras, University of Albany; Maliha Ahmed, St. John’s University; Joenmy DeJesus, Baruch College, CUNY; Jace Ambrise, Buffalo State University; Jamilet Garcia, University of Albany; Madison Kerr, Pace University; and Asia Brown, Lehman College, CUNY.
NEWSMAKERS Leo Birthday wishes to Angela Bassett; Halle Berry; Laurence Fishburne; Professor Yinka Stanford; Danny Simmons, philanthropist; Wesley Snipes; Sharene Wood, Harlem Haberdashery; and Victoria Horsford.
SUMMER PLEASURES The Wilmer Jennings Gallery at Kenkeleba’s current exhibit, “PRINTMASTERS,” features works by 33 African-American fine artists, household words listed only by surnames like Biggers, Billops, Blackburn, Catlett, Crichlow, Jennings, Tanner and Woodruff. Haitian-born Yolene Legrand’s work are included in “PRINTMASTERS.” The exhibit runs through August 17 at 219 East 2nd Street near Avenue B, Manhattan. The 56th Jazzmobile Summer Fest runs from July through
September in a variety of neighborhood stages. In July and August, the fest playdates are at Grant’s Tomb on Wednesdays and at Marcus Garvey Park on Fridays. Jazzmobile partners with Harlem Week during August and will present the Charlie Parker Festival. Bill Saxton, Wycliff Gordon, Craig Harris, Danny Mixon, Nat Adderly, Jr. and Alyson Williams are some of the Jazzmobile 2019 headliners. For 2019 Jazzmobile Summer Fest schedule, visit jazzmobile.org. The Faison Firehouse Theater, in partnership with the Harlem Opera Theater, presents “The Journey of the African-American Classical Singer” on Saturday, July 27 at 7 pm. The concert, featuring baritone Antonio Watts and soprano Carami Hilaire, with Professor Gregory Hopkins on piano, will be held at the Firehouse Theater, located at 6 Hancock Place, 124th Street between St. Nicholas and Morningside Avenues, Harlem. [Visit harlemoperatheater.org]
Gregory Hopkins The Newport Jazz Festival will be held in Rhode Island from August 2-4 with uber talents from the world of jazz including Herbie Hancock, Jon Batiste & Friends, Terence Blanchard, Hancock/ McBride/Colaiuta, the Sun Ra Arkestra, Ravi Coltrane, Common, PJ Morton, Kamasi Washington, the Ron Carter Trio Sons of Kemet. For festival schedule, visit newportjazz.org. Harlem Week presents a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) YO U T H TECHNOLOGY HARLEM HACK-A-THON Education and Career Conference and Expo on August 1, 10 am to 4 pm at the City College of NY, North Academic Center, 1605 Amsterdam or Convent on 138th Street, Manhattan. Conference includes panel discussions, technology group problem-solving and prizes. Event is free, registration necessary. [Visit Eventbrite or e-mail haafiles@gmail.com] A Harlem-based brand consultant, Victoria can be reached at Victoria.horsford@gmail.com.
VOL. 23 NO. 30
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OUR TIME PRESS July 25 – 31, 2019
Thinker’s Notebook
Can’t Take the Heat? ■■
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ver since the first Lenape tribesman bolted from his forest community of Lenape-hoking to take a dip in the cool waters of what would eventually come to be known as the New York Bay, New Yorkers have been trying to solve the heat that comes with summer. Summers in the city can be downright oppressive. Compared to you and me, the Lenape had it easy. The amount of foliage that draped western Long Island back then certainly provided protection from the full power of the summer sun. Today, New York City is a concrete jungle and the vast amounts of asphalt, brick and concrete that make up our communities causes heat islands, the surface temperatures that these materials give off increases the air temperature, meaning that communities with more buildings and less trees are markedly hotter than communities with more grass and trees and less buildings. Elevated temperatures from urban heat islands can have a negative impact on a community’s environment and overall quality of life. For example, living in the midst of a heat island can cost you more with regards to energy consumption. In basic terms, it takes more energy to cool a space that is within a heat island than it takes to cool a similar space that is not in a heat island. Let’s say that the air temperature in the city is 90 degrees. A one-bedroom apartment on 72nd Street and Central Park West will cost less to cool than a one-bedroom apartment in the Van Dyke Projects in Brownsville. Why? Because the apartment on Central Park West is facing
By Marlon Rice
853 acres of trees, grass and water, while the apartment in Brownsville is facing nothing but more brick and concrete. If you are one of the 40,000 Brooklynites that lost power this past week, or if you’re one of the 75,000 Manhattaners that lost power last week, you know firsthand about the effects of a strained power system during extreme heat. Transformers can explode, systems can overload and grids can become compromised. The increased energy consumption can lead to more problems than blackouts. Companies that supply energy normally rely on fossil-fuel power plants. Higher demand on these plants will lead to an increase in air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Pollutants like sulfur dioxide,
nitrogen oxides and mercury are harmful to our health. An elevated amount of any or all of these in our air lowers the air quality and can potentially contaminate our breathing air and even our water supply. Most importantly, though, urban heat islands can compromise basic human health and comfort. The increase in temperatures brought on by surface absorption means that these areas are harder to cool at night, the heat and the air pollution can work in tandem to put our community’s elderly, our children and those of us with preexisting health conditions at a higher risk for respiratory difficulties, cramps, heat exhaustion, nonfatal heat stroke and other heat-related complications. According to epa.gov, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that
between 1979-2003 excessive heat exposure contributed to 8,000 premature deaths. This figure exceeds the number of deaths during that time from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. Heat islands intensify the effect of heat waves, making multiple days of 90 degrees-plus virtually unbearable to those without the resources to leave the confines of a heat island. So, in short, during the summer it can get hot in the hood! You already know that, right? I ain’t have to tell you that. Last week’s heat wave sent our city into a frenzy. In response to the expectation of temperatures going above 100 degrees, Mayor de Blasio called a citywide heat emergency and cancelled everything from OzyFest in Central Park to the TAMA Festival along Tompkins Avenue. And while the decision seemed to be a bit reactionary, the unique issues that come with our city’s landscape require new ways of dealing with issues such as intense heat. A friend of mine had a suggestion that might be the way to go. Devin Shomaker is the owner of Rooftop Reds, a rooftop vineyard and winery located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Devin’s rooftop vineyard is a green space with actual grapevines growing throughout. His suggestion? He believes that if 15% of Brooklyn’s buildings were made into green spaces, we could cut surface temperatures in the borough by almost 6 degrees. Building more green spaces? I like that idea more than cancelling TAMA Fest. Maybe I can get Devin to run for mayor.
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OUR TIME PRESS July 25 – 31, 2019
VOL. 23 NO. 30
The Best of Our Time
February 1997
HEIRS TO A LEGACY
William Wade & Graham Weatherspoon
Connecting Across a Table … and A River of Bones -Pt. II ■■
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n February 1997, Our Time Press published a conversation between Liberian Jew William Wade, then-President of the Long Island University/Brooklyn student body, and Brooklyn’s Graham B. Weatherspoon, an historian, speaker and broadcaster. The conversation took place in Junior’s Restaurant 21 years ago. Following is Part 2 of the conversation which began last week. Weatherspoon: My patrilineal grandfather, Arch Weatherspoon, who was born after slavery, could not read nor write, but he sent most of his children to college. The laborious job he had to do for the white man as a gardener for an internationally known nursery (the Californiabased Monrovia whose roots were in Cairo, Ga.) allowed him to feed his family, raise his children properly and get them educated. The younger folk today say, ‘I don’t need that. No, I ain’t gon’ do that.’ The thing is: what we do is not about ourselves, it is about our progeny; the ones who have to come behind us. Wade: Yes, but you have been stripped of that. You, meaning all of us. The Black man in the Western world has been stripped of that. We have been told it is a bad thing to learn from your family; it is better for you to learn on your own. You, a child who is not taught survival skills … Weatherspoon: … cannot survive. Wade: The (realm of the) lion is our typical lifestyle. The evil hunter will go into the lion’s den and gradually pet his way into the lion’s home and deal with them, all the while knowing how dangerous the lions truly are. (The evil hunter) first learns the weaknesses. He learns the language. He learns the survival techniques. Then he destroys the lion. So, you let these “dark” peoples know that you, the Europeans, are the blessed people. The City of Alexandria that disappeared under the sea was just discovered yesterday. So, as much as they are hiding, it keeps showing up. Today, these people, the Egyptians, are just beginning to acknowledge that they are Africans. For many years, is was not acknowledged. Weatherspoon: For the last 25 years, they would have you believe that Egypt was in the Middle East. Wade: They try. They try. They try. It will never work.
Bernice Elizabeth Green, Editor
Weatherspoon: I have been looking at the events over the years with regards to Africa and the decimation of the Continent; the New World Order in the year 2000; Somalia, Rwanda, Zaire, the situation in Goma, Liberia, even South Africa … is distressing. I believe he who rules the head, rules the body. If I can control the way you think and what you think, your actions will be… Wade: As a (former) detective, you have seen homicides. I study forensic science. I tell you right now, there’s no one that rots from the foot first. It’s the head that rots first. I don’t care how small the insect is. If the head does not rot, the body will not rot. Weatherspoon: The Continent is being decimated through pestilence, famine and through war. All the fighting that is going on right now is being initiated by the Europeans. Wade: We know that, but do we go around blaming “them” all the time? Or do we go around finding a solution? I am writing about African unity. But I am starting at a very low scale. To reverse what is going on, sometimes you must be part of the game. You cannot stand in front of a bulldozer, a machine, and fight it.
part of Africa?’ That is the only time I will say, ‘I’m from Liberia.’ The first thing you must identify as a people is where you are from. Ask a Russian, ‘Where are you from?’ He will say, ‘Russia.’ Ask him, ‘Where are you born?’ He will tell you, ‘America.’ If you go further and ask, ‘What citizenship do you have?’ He will say, ‘American citizenship.’ But that gentleman has identified himself as a Russian. And Indians do
Weatherspoon: I believe he who rules the head, rules the body. If I can control the way you think and what you think, your actions will be… Wade: I study forensic science. I tell you right now, there’s no one that rots from the foot first. I don’t care how small the insect is. If the head does not rot, the body will not rot. Weatherspoon: … you must be sitting in the front. Wade: You must sit in the front. And little by little, decimate the strength. You can’t do this with anger. I go to my grandfather’s favorite quotation in the Bible: ‘By thou sweat, thou shall eat bread.’ My grandfather said, “By using your five senses, you have (food).” You must use your five senses. At LIU, I always ask Black students: ‘Where are you from?’ Know what they say to me? ‘Brooklyn!’ ‘Manhattan! ‘Texas.’ I say, ‘Ask me where I am from.’ They say, ‘I know where you’re going with this.’ I say, ‘You have given me (an) answer, but I don’t think you know.’ Then I say, ‘Africa.’ And I ask, ‘What is the next question?’ They say, ‘Okay, I know, you’re from Africa; now the question is, what
the same. You are not an American by identification. You are an African by identification. You are an American by birth. Our slave master’s plan has been so successful that some Blacks refuse to even think they are Black. The best way to convince the young scholars who are going to be the leaders, that the power is coming back to the Black people, is to take them to Africa. I am convinced that students who travel to Africa will become political activists, human rights activists, lawyers in African interests, scientists in African interests and more. But there are those who do not want to see this trip happen because they cannot afford to lose their lies to truth. Since we have been brainwashed into worshipping Western life, it would be better
to first show some of the Western ideas the Black man on the Continent has been able to utilize to his advantage and, at the same time, combine with nature and the love of the beauty in nature - just to show how we can put these things together. Do you know how computers are created? All computers are created from taking away of the mining companies of Africa. The mining companies of Africa. (Note to readers: Coming Up … A recap of Graham Weatherspoon’s comments at the CCC’s 19th Juneteenth event at Cuyler Gore Park in Ft. Greene will be featured. For transparency, Graham B. Weatherspoon and OTP co-founder Bernice Elizabeth Green are first cousins. Please contact me at bernice@ourtimepress.com should you have information on the Wade family of South Carolina and the Weatherspoon family in Georgia (Cairo, Thomasville), Florida (Havana, Ft. Pierce, Leon County), the Carolinas and Liberia. As the White House directs the national conversation to immigration, ownership of America and greatness, Our Time Press will look at a voice that’s being ignored. Is it possible that to the indigenous in this home of the brave, land of the free, everyone is an immigrant except the Africans—those who came here hundreds of years before all others, and those who were forced to come here to work without pay? Future issues of Our Time Press will feature our conversations with William Loren Katz and our explorations of Ivan Van Sertima’s work on the “African Presence in the Americas.”
World’s Teachers Condemn Trump over Racist Attacks on Congresswomen ➔➔ Continued from page 3 came from,” the president once again employed racist, xenophobic and sexist tropes to try to disparage and divide American citizen from American citizen. Over 1,400 delegates resolved by a show of hands that the attacks represented a dangerous tipping point that undermines democracy and pluralism and must be called out. Educators are at the frontline of the defense of democracy, nurturing students’ rights and freedoms in classrooms and schools—and often have to deal firsthand with the fallout from Trump’s divisiveness. By telling the congresswomen to “go back,” Trump enshrined his status as a clear and present danger to the ideals of democracy and universal human rights upon which EI was founded.
The resolution—introduced by AFT President Randi Weingarten and seconded by NEA President Lily Eskelsen García—noted Trump’s broadsides served to embolden fellow strongmen, who sow prejudice and hate to wage wars on their own people and to promote, like Trump, a politics of greed that elevates cronyism and corruption over the common good. The AFT’s Weingarten said: “Donald Trump fires off racist tweets and sickening insults without a second thought. In so doing, he not only tears at the fabric of American democracy, but also foments and legitimizes a cruelty that is heard around the world. Dictators everywhere are given succor by Trump’s rants, and the world’s educators are left to clean up the mess. “With his latest attack on U.S. congresswomen of color, the very future of democracy
is at stake. That’s why unions representing 32 million educators took the lead to condemn him before his virulence further stains the international community. President Trump’s actions and words stand in direct opposition to our shared values of decency, democracy, and human and civil rights. And today, the world’s teachers let him know we won’t stand idly by while our common humanity is trashed.” Delegates formally resolved to support the work of EI’s U.S. affiliates to ensure the president’s defeat in 2020 as a victory for democracy and a blow against authoritarianism across the globe. They urged his replacement with a pro-public education president who believes in decency, democracy, and human and civil rights. The NEA’s Eskelsen García said: “American democracy is built on the notion of E Pluribus Unum - from many, one.
Our nation’s founders felt so strongly about this that they made it our country’s original motto. So Donald Trump’s tweets targeting Congresswomen of color are not only racist and wrong, but also are an attack on one of the central tenets of our democracy. Trump’s words echo the language of despots and dictators, used to scapegoat and oppress across the globe and throughout history. That is why educators from across the globe are standing together today to condemn Trump. And along with our allies, we will redouble our efforts to replace him in 2020 with someone who will fight for our public schools and democratic ideals — a leader our students and educators can be proud of.” Delegates further called on the U.S. to rejoin the U.N. Human Rights Council and use its position to stop oppressive regimes, rather than give them greater license.
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SANKOFA PARK AFRICAN BURIAL GROUND DEDICATED IN EAST NEW YORK
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YC Council Member Inez Barron and NYS Assemblyman Charles Barron’s joined together to honor the legacy of our African Ancestors who endured centuries of enslavement in the formation of East New York, Brooklyn. Our ancestors were buried on the land previously known as ‘Schenck Park’, named after a former slave holder. The land was renamed the Sankofa Park African Burial Ground in a tremendous Cultural Ceremony and Reinternment of our Ancestors bones, which took place on Thursday, July 18, 2019. “Sankofa” is a
■■
By Amadi Ajamu
Swahili word meaning “looking back to go forward.” The park land is the actual resting place for those Africans who were prisoners of war, stolen from Africa, chained, shipped, and forced to build the foundation and development of the U.S. and other European colonies for centuries. Far too many died in the process… Council Member Inez Barron explained, “The preliminary excavation for the renovation of Schenck Park, located here on Barbey Street between Livonia and New Lots Avenues, was put on hold. Historical Photo: Lem Peterkin
Left to right: Rev. David K Brawley, St. Paul Community Baptist Church, Peggy Washington, Andre T. Mitchell, Chair Community Board 5 and Man Up, Inc, Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, Assemblyman Charles Barron, Council member Inez Barron, Minister Henry Muhammad, Nation of Islam , Chief Baba Neil Clarke and Rev. Brenda Ross, Trinity Pentecostal House of Prayer.
Photo: Lem Peterkin
The Barrons with Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Marty Maher at newlynamed park.
maps had previously revealed that the park, library and surrounding area was once a site where enslaved Africans were buried. Before starting the park renovations, archaeologists were employed to search for any possible desecrated remains. And indeed, remains including bone fragments of our Ancestors were found!” Assemblyman Charles Barron stated,
“This is an historic day! East New York has gone from having a slave holders’s names for this park “Schenck Park” to
➔➔ Continued on page 10
Ancestral Presence 2003: They Came Again, By Ship
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ur historians have informed us that tens of millions of our ancestors received their burial honors at sea, creating the infamous bridge of bones at the bottom of the Atlantic. Scientists now speak of cellular memory, passed through DNA, of all animals, including humans. Sharks still travel the waters of their ancestors, who followed the vessels which fed them living and dead captured Africans for a period of 300+ years. A few million Africans survived the journey and became the slaves of the Americas. Some of the strongest found themselves in a place named New Amsterdam. To you, it is Manhattan island. Over the years I have attended meetings in City Hall and watched New York’s citizens engage in timed games of chess in City Hall Park. I moved in and out of the Surrogates Court and the old bank buildings on Reade and Duane Streets as well as 26 Federal Plaza and Foley Square. The present is literally built on the past, and that past could not have become so vivid for me until 1991, when I learned of New Amsterdam’s African Burial Ground, which predates the vast majority of immigrants venturing here to find new freedoms and riches. It is a cemetery long forgotten by those who have too often written everyone else’s history and erased truth. A history forgotten by a people who once held the oral tradition of great ancestors. Craftsmen with pen in hand have stealthily over the years managed to deny the accomplishment of those who predated them, only to laud their own accomplishments as
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By Graham B. Weatherspoon
world-changing and -enhancing. Tablets had been removed, names erased, streets names changed and any evidence of the past gone forever – or so they thought. But as William Cullen Bryant once said, “A truth crushed to the earth shall rise again.” A vigil and prayers for the dead were offered up in 1991 or 1992 by clerics of every possible religious order. They came from Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, Canada, within the borders of the U.S., and, of course, from the Native people of this continent. All to offer prayers over the thousands whose sacred rest had once again been disturbed. But unlike the past, the spirits themselves have cried out and been heard by one who would return sanctity to their rest. As a member of the NYC Transit Police Guardians Association executive board, I, along with others on the council, served as security detail for the prayer vigil. I had already borne the caskets of coworkers on my shoulders, but this was quite different. It rained that afternoon, unlike any day I’d ever witnessed. Hundreds stood for hours in the rain as prayers were offered with the respect so often denied our people to this very day. Following the prayers, the security detail was allowed into the site first. We carefully descended the muddy slope, maybe 30 feet into the cavity of earth. A huge white canvas tent covered the unearthed graves. A rectangular platform allowed us to stand on three sides as we viewed. What happened next
shall forever stay in my heart. I knelt down and extended my hand into the earth, grasping whatever I could. As I looked around, I saw all the brothers who were with me doing the same. There were no words spoken prior to our descent, no plan, nothing. Some of us wept as we stood and realized that our presence had some spiritual emphasis. In the subsequent hours, the attendees we cautiously lowered to the site were allowed to view the open graves. To this day I still have the earth I held in my hand. Twelve years later, on behalf of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, I responded to an e-mail from the Schomburg Library outlining the need for assistance regarding the return of ancestral remains to New York City. October 3, 2003 greeted the 20 of us with blessed sunshine as we met at the Urban League offices at 120 Wall Street. Our assignment, as per Ms. Yancey, was to secure the VIP area on the river and escort these people to Duane Street during the procession. Ms. Yancey requested that I and six others accompany her to the pier. Unbeknownst to us, we and additional members would serve as pallbearers as the ancestors came ashore, to escort them to the site of the old Wall Street slave market. I knew that our women were as needed as the men for the task. Women and men, boys and girls, were all buried, excavated and now returning. After all, they came by boat centuries ago and now return the same way. They came in obscurity long ago and return
with pomp and ceremony, attended by kings and queens, diplomats and ambassadors, and the common man, awakening the sins of the fathers of this great nation. I cannot help but notice the New Jersey State Police boats and the troopers bearing our ancestors remains. The same agency which practiced racial profiling had not one Black man present to hand over the remains. They still do not consider the consequences of their actions. As I reflect, it was all too fitting that they were present. Where it not for their forefathers we would not have been here anyway. The four caskets, which carried only the full remains of a small boy and partial remains of an adult male, adult female and female child, were hand-carved in Africa’s Gold Coast along with the additional 400-plus caskets to be borne on horse-drawn wagons later in the day. Lorie Jones and Juvita Irving bore the first casket; Cliff Hollingsworth and I, the third. As I walked, tears came to my eyes for those who suffered and still suffer at the expense of power and man’s inhumanity. Over the years I have met and worked for many notable people. Mariah, Don King, Iron Mike, Rev. Sharpton, Alton Maddox, Jessie Jackson, Ethel Waters, David Dinkins, Nelson Mandela, Magic Johnson, Rosa Parks, Sharpe James and so on, but none have touched me as this one whom I do not know by name or sight. It is only by our spirits. Until we all meet again, Your brother, Graham
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OUR TIME PRESS July 25 – 31, 2019
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REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF KINGS CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff – against – JOSE E. ESTEVEZ, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 5, 2018. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 224 of the Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 on the 8th Day of August, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Brooklyn, County of Kings, City and State of New York. Premises known as 763 Drew Street, Brooklyn, New York 11208. (Block: 4291, Lot: 146) Approximate amount of lien $982,511.72 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 21005-13. Jack Aini, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 28 East Main Street, Suite 1700 Rochester, NY 14614-1990 Tel. 585/760-8218 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 Dated: May 31, 2019 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF KINGS REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC., V. CAROLYN WILSON, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated May 6, 2019, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Kings, wherein REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC. is the Plaintiff and CAROLYN WILSON, ET AL. are the Defendants. I, the
undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the KINGS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 360 ADAMS STREET ROOM 224, BROOKLYN, NY 11201, on August 8, 2019 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 605 THOMAS SOUTH BOYLAND STREET, BROOKLYN, NY 11212-5041: Block 3541, Lot 112: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH OF BROOKLYN, COUNTY OF KINGS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 520082/2016. Jeffrey Miller, Esq. - Referee. RAS Boriskin, LLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF KINGS U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NA SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-11AR, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-11AR, V. SARALEE HACK, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated May 08, 2019, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Kings, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NA SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
3, 2018. Off. Loc.: Kings Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to: CC And a Blessed One LLC 1417 New York Avenue, 3G, Brooklyn, NY 11210. Purpose : Any lawful act or activity. NOTICE OF QUALIFICATION of UPP Global, LLC, d/b/a NY Parking Co. Application of Authority Filed with Secy. Of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/16/19. Off. Loc.: Kings County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Purpose: any lawful activity. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN S TA N L E Y M O RT G AG E LOAN TRUST 2007-11AR, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 200711AR is the Plaintiff and SARALEE HACK, ET AL. are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the KINGS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 360 ADAMS STREET ROOM 224, BROOKLYN, NY 11201, on August 8, 2019 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 425 RUTLAND ROAD, BROOKLYN, NY 11203: Section 3, Block 4802, Lot 45: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, S I T UAT E , LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH OF BROOKLYN, COUNTY OF KINGS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 512136/2016. Jeffrey Miller, Esq. - Referee. RAS Boriskin, LLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. S U P R E M E C O U RT – COUNTY OF KINGS MTGLQ INVESTORS, L.P., Plaintiff against DEIDRE ABRAMS A/K/A DEIDRA ABRAMS; JOAN ABRAMS; MELROY ABRAMS, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 11, 2019. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 224 of the Kings County Courthouse, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. on the 8th day of August, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. premises described as follows: All that certain lot, piece or parcel of land, with the
➔➔ Continued on page 12
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OUR TIME PRESS July 25 – 31, 2019
Sports
Brooklyn Honors Tennis Pros ■■
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Margo McKenzie
hree New Yorkers were Emily Moore of a leisure activity and inducted into The Black Roosevelt, LI follooked to tennis. Tennis Hall of Fame at a lowed in her mentor Segregationist policies ceremony at Brooklyn Borough Myers’ footsteps and prevented them from Hall on June 22. New York Re- founded and still runs joining the United gional leaders, Arvelia Myers of Alliance Junior Tennis State Lawn Tennis Harlem (posthumously), Emily Development Program Association (USLTA), Moore of Roosevelt, Long Island on Long Island. so they exercised their Arvelia Myers and Phil Williamson of Mount Phil Williamson freedom and formed Vernon were among a national trained under Arthur Ashe and the American Tennis Association array of distinguished players and signed his first professional tennis (1916) which is now the oldest supporters of the game (living and contract at Ashe’s house. As director tennis association in America. deceased) who were acknowl- of the Hudson Valley Tennis Club in When two black tennis players edged for their Hastings-on- Hudson Kenneth Weir and Gerald Norman, innovative tenacity offers scholarships to Jr. attempted to play in a USLTA around the game of young blacks to partic- tournament (1929), the president tennis. ipate in tennis clinics. told them to play with their own Overcoming Each of the individ- kind. Despite the efforts of the poverty, sexism uals inducted upheld NAACP to intervene on their beand racism while tennis and education. half, Jim Crow in tennis prevailed. BP Eri Adams recognizing the welcomed Hall of Tennis coaches and en- It took a letter to the editor of power and signifiFame inductees trepreneurs provide the American Tennis Magazine by a cance of the game, mentorship, instruction Caucasian tennis player named entrepreneur, pioneer, educator, and support needed to compete on Alice Marble to get the USLTA and tennis player Arvelia Myers tennis courts and in life. to see the error of its ways and on founded Pyramid Tennis, in 1973, walked Althea Gibson and Arthur the first female-owned tennis Some History. Ashe. Although the USLTA is long program in Harlem. Through that The records show tennis was defunct, players such as Leslie program, she taught the game of a game designed for the elite in Allen, Zina Garrison, Chandra tennis and mentored children for England, and Mary Outerbridge Rubin, Rodney Harmon, Malivai four generations. Recognizing the is credited with bringing it to the Washington, James Black, Venus value of establishing linkages with United States via Staten Island. and Serena, Madison Keyes, Sloan other organization, she volunteered After reconstruction and the edu- Stevens, and rising stars Frances her services to the USTA to help cation of a few African American Taifoe and Coco Gauff along with advance the game throughout the doctors, lawyers, teachers and acacity. demics, these professionals sought ➔➔ Continued on page 12
Music as Mental Health Therapy is Focus of "Bed Stuy Sings the Blues" event, on Saturday, July 27th Beareather Sings Billie at Restoration
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ed-Stuy Sings the Blues: A Tribute to Billie Holiday,” an event supported by Council member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. and the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium (CBJC), will focus on the potential of jazz music to decrease stress and anxiety and improve mental health. It will be held on Saturday, July 27th, 2:004:00 p.m. at New Community Dance Space, located in Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza, 1360 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. The purpose is to gather community members and health care professionals in a collaborative space to explore mental health issues while providing resources that will inform our guests of the various ways to achieve mental wellness.
A highlight of the afternoon program will be a panel discussion with psychiatric clinicians from Interfaith Medical Center, professionals from The National Alliance on Mental Illness and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The program also features live performances from the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium and students from the Noel Pointer Foundation. “Music therapy provides a setting for expressing emotions and creates an atmosphere of comfort and safety. CBJC welcomes the opportunity to support health care throughout District 36,” said Chairman of Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium Clarence Mosley, Jr. Beareather Reddy told Our Time Press she is honored to perform Lady Day’s music on the 60th anniversary month of the great singer’s death.
City Takes Away Residential Parking ➔➔ Continued from page 1 She then called City Council Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights), who represents the area, and was told the DOT installed the “No Parking” signage along Greene Avenue in Clinton Hill as part of a pilot program. She then contacted Community Board 2, who had just been informed of the pilot program on July 10. “DOT is pursuing a citywide program called ‘Residential Loading Zone Evaluation’ that’s intended to evaluate the potential effectiveness of residential loading zones. The purpose of the program is to provide curb space to allow for the pickup and drop-off of passengers as well as loading and unloading goods,” e-mailed CB 2 Community Assistant Crystal Jalloh to Holliday. “The dedicated curb space for these particular activities are provided in hopes of reducing the number of double-parking-related incidents as well as unwanted standing behavior to create a safer, more efficient environment for all individuals on the road. The study is scheduled to occur for a year in order to adequately determine the effectiveness of the program,” she e-mailed. Then yesterday, Holliday’s son woke to find traffic enforcement agents putting tow boots on cars with notices that “they need to cough up $185 within two hours or the cars would be towed and they would have to pay an additional $185 to get them out of the Brooklyn Navy Yard City Pound.” Within two hours, DOT began towing cars. A car gets towed shortly after a boot is put on the tire. Holliday, who has lived on the block for 20 years, said she never saw
Photos: Sharon Holliday
“The change comes as residents in Clinton Hill have seen valuable residential parking already taken away through the installation of the City Bike program.” a double-parking problem on the block, but she did say there is a corner bodega on the block and the avenue is also used for the B 52 bus route. The change comes as residents in Clinton Hill have seen valuable residential parking already taken away through the installation of the Citi Bike program.
Cumbo responded that her office is continually exploring ways to improve safety throughout the district. “The latest parking measures are a recognition of just that, safety. We will also work with the community to ensure that their lives are enriched and such safety measures are not necessarily an inconvenience,” said Cumbo.
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DOT spokesperson Alana Morales said the new parking regulations are along Greene Avenue from Cumberland Street to Classon Avenue in Fort Greene; Bergen Street from New York Avenue to 6th Avenue in Crown Heights/Prospect Heights; and Manhattan Avenue from Ainslie Street to Bayard Street in Williamsburg. “DOT notified all affected Community Boards and elected officials before implementation and we will evaluate the effectiveness of the program over the next year,” said Morales.
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OUR TIME PRESS July 25 – 31, 2019
Congressional Black Caucus Launches Census 2020 Taskforce
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n Tuesday, the Congressional Black Caucus launched a new taskforce that will focus on the upcoming 2020 Census and the legacy of under counting the African American community. Members of the CBC will meet with stakeholders and leading professionals to discuss the current state of play. The Caucus will also discuss the tools required for effective outreach to hard to count communities across the United States. The taskforce will be led by Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV). Below, Chairwoman Bass and members of the taskforce released the following statement: “This time around, we are facing a big question regarding how the census is going to be administered in 2020 under the Trump Administration. With the census becoming digital, can you imagine working families receiving a postcard telling them to go online to fill out their census form? Many Americans might not have access to a computer or broadband services. That is why the Black Caucus is taking the lead to begin the work now. Through this taskforce, and under Congressman Horsford’s leadership, the Black Caucus will meet with African American leaders from around the country to discuss the current state of play and the tools needed for effective outreach to hard to count communities. Our community must be counted,” said Congresswoman Karen Bass, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. “The Constitution declares that we must count all persons in this country. The Trump administration has taken coordinated action
specifically to discourage and frighten people away from participating in the 2020 census, and now we are fighting back. I am taking part in this taskforce for my constituents in Nevada. Undercounting urban communities like mine can result in an unfair distribution of congressional seats and deny communities of color, specifically Black communities, access to representation in Congress. We only get one chance every ten years to get this right. Let’s make it count,” said,” Congressman Horsford, Chair of CBC Census 2020 Taskforce. “Vital services for each community are directly tied to Census Counts. I must act as a leader to ensure every person is counted on the 2020 Census which is why I am proud to join the CBC’s Census Task Force. We already know that Black communities are undercounted, underscored by the fact that my district, NY-09, has one of the hardestto-count districts in America. We must empower Black communities to understand the power of filling out the Census, so each community receives access to critically-needed resources in their backyards,” said Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09). “I am proud to join my colleagues to ensure that our census is not weaponized to silence communities of color. States like my home state of Texas would lose billions to fund essential programs and fair representation in Congress if this administration wins the fight to silence our communities--that’s why this task force is critically needed,” said Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33).
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SANKOFA PARK
➔➔ Continued from page 7
a liberated named “Sankofa Park”. Our youth can now feel proud to know that it was their Ancestors that built the roads and the homes; and cultivated the land of East New York, the community that they live in now. Every time they see the park named Sankofa and the street signs named African Burial Ground we can tell them about our Ancestors who built the foundation of East New York and were never paid. We now have a strong case for reparations. We must tell our youth how the land of the indigenous people; the Lenapi, Canarsie, and Rockaway or so called Indians, was stolen.
And how we were stolen from Africa to build it.” Ceremonial participants included Brooklyn Clergy members: Chief Baba Neil Clarke, who opened up the ceremony with an African libation to the Ancestors. Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, National Presiding Minister of The House of the Lord Churches, delivered the eulogy; Minister Henry Muhammad, Mosque #7C, Nation Of Islam; Rev. Dr. David K. Brawley, St Paul Community Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Anthony Graham, New Hope Family Worship Center and Rev. Brenda Ross, Trinity Pentecostal House of Prayer; and Community Board 5 Chairman Andre T.
Rev. Herbert Daughtry, House of the Lord Church Mitchell, among many other community activists and cultural artists including the phenomenal performances of Victory Music and Dance. Brooklyn Parks Commissioner, Marty Maher, was recognized as a partner on the
East New York's Lady Bunche, long time distributor of OTP celebrates Sankofa.
Francis Bell-Henry and Robert L. Henry, proprietors, Frank R. Bell Funeral Home, oversaw the reinterment rites.
Photos: Lem Peterkin
multi-million dollar Sankofa Park renovation African Burial Ground development project by the Assemblyman Barron and Council Member Barron. The renovation process will start this year and is expected to be completed by 2020.
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Tributes
A
s the residents of Fort Greene are battling gentrification, overdevelopment, tenant harassment, high taxes, the extinction of Mom and Pop stores and privatization of Public Housing, there was a spiritual release that took place in Fort Greene Park this past weekend with Gospel-Grammy Award-Winner Bishop Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church. “It was my desire to bring the Gospel into the local neighborhood to compel men and women to come to Christ,” said Walker. There seems to be a heaviness across the city due to certain hardships that local residents are going through, which has caused painful insecurities of how one may see their remaining future here, in a place that they love, which they call home.” Walker, a former resident of the Fort Greene Houses, is concerned about the original fabric of the place that he once called home and a place where generations of his family once lived. “It is painful to hear of the many plights that people are dealing with, that have caused fear to hover over this community,” he said, such as the attempt to buy NYCHA Air Rights, the proposal of a new jail being built not too far away, and the redesigning of Ft Greene Park. All are reasons that can cause stress in the hearts, mind and bodies of those who reside in the area.” Walker hosted a Pop-Up Gospel
11
OUR TIME PRESS July 25 – 31, 2019
Praise in the Park ■■
By Renee Collymore
Celebration for his former neighborhood that seemed to have brought joy to the day. It was a hand-clapping and foot-stomping experience. The choir, adorned in crisp summer white outfits sang happiness into the outside audience of 500 people, who sat on the mounds or in their beach chairs, and others standing along the side. We all enjoyed the uplifting service, watching the
live musicians play until our hearts were content. Social media responded with a barrage of appreciative comments on Facebook. However, one local resident pointed out that, “This wonderful gospel celebration is exactly where the Parks Department wants to rip up the Park, cut down 70 trees, destroy the mounds people perform on and
pour a 45’ wide concrete boulevard, with more than $10,000,000 of our tax dollars.” “It was a blessing for Fort Greene and we are so happy he came back home to the neighborhood,” said Isabella Lee, president of the Walt Whitman Tenant Association. “He prayed for me and I am just looking for him to return before the summer is over!”
Int'l. African Arts Festival at Commodore Perry Park
Festival Photos: Gary Williams
Tribute to the Ancestors at Coney Island
Tribute Photos: Winston Wharton
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OUR TIME PRESS July 25 – 31, 2019
Saturday, July 27th 1619-2019 400 YEARS OF RESISTANCE AND PERSEVERANCE CEMOTAP 135-05 Rockaway Blvd., Queens 2pm FREE. Three dynamic lecturers will speak about the 400 years since Africans arrived in Jamestown Virginia and all that has happened since then. Author, Dr. Gloria Browne-Marshall, Black Star News Publisher Milton Allimadi and Garvey Scholar and UNIA High Chancellor, Brother Raymond Dugue will address the topic. Attend this forum to hear about this critical period from the perspectives of an African born in the U.S. an African born in the Caribbean and an African born on the African continent. For info call 718-322-8454.
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voice to the everyday heroes advocating for human, civil, immigrant, LGBTQ, women’s and human rights. Enjoy poets Sonia Sanchez, Haki R. Madhubuti, Dakota Camacho, Rashidah Ismaili, Willie Perdomo and Julian Randall, along with music and dance by Chief Joseph Chatoyer, Garifuna Folkloric Ballet, Kelsey Pyro, Lone Piñon, and Raye Zaragoza. Baba Israel is MC. independent schools in the face of this public health crisis? Come and join the discussion.
RUTHIE FOSTER
R&B Festival at Metrotech Center 304 Bridge St. at the Metrotech Commons 12pm FREE. Gospel, blues, funk and soul are transformed by the powerful vocals of this Texan singer who moves hearts and spirits with her authentic talent.
Saturday, August 3rd THE 70S SOUL JAM PRINTMASTERS GALLERY TOUR Wilmer Jennings Gallery at Kenkeleba 219 E. 2nd St. at Avenue B, Manhattan 2-4pm FREE. Come see and learn about the diverse, beautiful and powerful art by gifted artists, including John Biggers, Camilee Billops, Bob Blackburn, Elizabeth Catlett, Ernie Chrichlow, Linda Hiwot, Yolene Legrand, Hayward Oubre, Charles Sallee, Hale Woodruff and others.
Monday, July 29th CALLING ALL ARTISTS! Rooted Theater Company is seeking 15-min socially relevant plays of any genre that are in line with our mission and vision (films and poems will also be considered). Submissions are due no later than August 19th at 12pm. Selected pieces will be produced by Rooted at our 2019 Fall Symposium tentatively scheduled for Nov. 1st-3rd. Send your submission (other than film) as a pdf to info@rootedtheaterco.org. Do not include your name on the play’s title page. Highly suggested to visit website for complete guidelines.
Wednesday, July 31st GET FREE SUMMER MEALS THRU AUGUST 30TH
LA CASITA
Lincoln Center Out of Doors 30 Lincoln Plaza, Manhattan 1pm, FREE. Through poetry, music, and stories, a community of artists and activists across cultures and traditions give
LEGAL NOTICES ➔➔ Continued from page 8 buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Brooklyn, County of Kings, City and State of New York. Said premises known as 492 Linden Boulevard., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11203. (Block: 4876, Lot: 4). Approximate amount of lien $ 398,221.80 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 505141-14. Angelique Moreno, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue – Suite 840 New York, N.Y. 10170 (347) 286-7409
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF KINGS U.S. BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE ACQUISITION CORP. 2006-FRE2 ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-FRE2, V. GILBERT MOORE JR, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated May 08, 2018, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Kings, wherein U.S. BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE ACQUISITION CORP. 2006-FRE2 ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES
Hot breakfasts and hot lunches are waiting for will be people 18 and under at many City schools. Cold breakfasts and lunches are available at pools, parks and libraries across the city. All menus are subject to change, but are pork-free, with no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. Visit www.schools.nyc.gov/summermeals.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Thursday, August 8th
Thursday, August 1
st
VACCINATION & EDUCATION ACCESS: LIFTING UP BLACK VOICES! Ancient Song Doula Services 521Halsey St. Doors open 6:30, Discussion at 7pm FREE. New York State recently voted to ban the use of religious exemption, which allowed unimmunized children to attend public schools. How will this new policy impact Black and brown children? What choices are available to parents who do not choose to immunize their children? What are the implications for
SERIES 2006-FRE2 is the Plaintiff and GILBERT MOORE JR, ET AL. are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the KINGS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 360 ADAMS STREET ROOM 224, BROOKLYN, NY 11201, on August 8, 2019 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 511 HEMLOCK STREET, BROOKLYN, NY 11208: Block 4217, Lot 13: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH OF BROOKLYN, COUNTY OF KINGS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 515120/2015. Steven Z. Naiman, Esq. - Referee. RAS Boriskin, LLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff.
Ford Amphitheater at the Coney Island Boardwalk 3052 W. 21st St. Doors at 6, show at 7pm. FREE. Three classic soul groups will serenade Brooklyn by the cooling water. This is one of Summerstage’s hundreds of free concerts across the boroughs. The Stylistics, The Manhattans and Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes.
THIRD WORLD R&B Festival at Metrotech Center 304 Bridge St. at the Metrotech Commons 12pm FREE. The Reggae Ambassadors are back! The long-standing reggae-fusion band celebrates 45 years rockin’ the house and movin’ the feet. They draw on everything from R&B, funk and pop, to rock dancehall and rap. Legends.
Brooklyn Honors Tennis Pros ➔➔ Continued from page 9 many others have swung their rackets under what is now the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Sheila Curry, executive director of the Black Tennis Hall of Fame, stated, “The roads that were paved that enabled Black players to participate in tennis as they currently do, were done so because of the comprehensive exclusion of Black players from White American tennis venues.” Quoting from the “Breaking the Barriers” video, produced in 2007 by the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum (Newport, RI), “The improvement of the inclusion of Black players in tennis internationally has without question grown and standards improved, at the same time, room for improvement continues to remain.” This induction recognized four who have blazed that path.
