OUR TIME PRESS | April 19 – 25, 2 018

| From the Villa ge of Brook ly n |

OUR TIME PRESS THE L OCAL PAPER WITH THE G LOBAL VIEW

| VOL. 22 NO. 16

April 19 – 25, 2018 |

Since 1996

WFP Endorses Cynthia Nixon for Gov. and Jumaane Williams for Lt. Gov.

Photo: Bernice Green

The Working Family Party announced Cynthia Nixon and Councilman Jumaane Williams as their choices to run for Governor and Lt. Governor of New York State, this fall. Some 200 supporters packed a room in the lower level of the Albany Hilton, located one block from the State Capital. But with the media present, the roar of Nixon-Jumaane supporters, including the Brooklyn contingent with Our Time Press occasional contributor Skip Roseboro, will be heard throughout the nation. Page 2

As We Go to Press:

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signed an executive order on Wednesday to restore voting rights to New York felons on parole.

The governor’s office notes that there are currently about 35,000 people in New York who have been barred from voting while on parole following a felony conviction.

The governor announced the executive order during a speech at the National Action Network’s annual convention. Standing next to him was former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who leads the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, a group focused on voting rights issues.

Cuomo said the state legislature had failed to make the change, so he would act alone.

“I’m unwilling to take no for an answer, I’m gonna make it law by executive order and I announce that here today,” the governor said to a standing ovation. (From the Huffington Post)

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MTEC SERVES UP SUPER ARRAY of ECOACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES AT P.S. 21 CARNIVAL, SATURDAY, APRIL 28

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OUR TIME PRESS April 5 – 11, 2018

VOL. 22 NO. 15

Highlights of Brooklyn CB8’s April 2018 General Meeting ■■

By Akosua K. Albritton

O Shadidi Beatrice Kinsey, D.Ac, Diplc.Ac (NCCAOM) Lic. Ac. (NYS)

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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 Web Editor www.ourtimepress.com Liani Greaves Contributors Victoria Horsford Abigail Rosen McGrath Fern Gillespie Akosua Albritton Margo McKenzie Priscilla Mensah Aishamanne Williams Marlon Rice

Working Families Party Endorsed Cynthia Nixon for Governor and Jumaane Williams for Lt. Governor

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LBANY, NY -- In a show of massive grassroots power, the Working Families Party voted today to formally back Cynthia Nixon as their candidate for Governor of New York and New York City Councilman Jumaane Williams (45th CD) for Lieutenant Governor. An overwhelming 91.5% of state committee members gathered in Albany and voted to endorse Cynthia, a major blow to Governor

Sports Eddie Castro Office Manager Joanna Williams Consultant Bernice Elizabeth Green © 2015, DBG MEDIA Publishers of Our Time Press, Inc., printed in New York City.

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Cuomo and a rejection of his divisive politics that threaten progressive policies and community groups.

In their endorsement the WFP said, “We can’t wait to get to work and elect Jumaane Wil➔➔ Continued on page 9

n April 12, 2018 Brooklyn Community Board 8 (BK CB8) came together at Weeksville Garden Community Center to do the important work of improving the quality of life for the residents, nonprofits and businesses within its borders. A spokesperson from NYS Assemblywoman Diana Richardson’s office, notified BK CB8 that Richardson will host an Overdose Prevention and Intervention seminar on April 24, 2018, 10:00 am at East Flatbush Village, 309 Clarkson Avenue in Brooklyn. During the seminar, attendees will be trained in administering Naloxone, which is a nasal spray that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.

Free intervention kits containing Naloxone will be distributed to the seminar attendees. Assemblywoman Richardson is on record for her concern over the drug epidemic in New York City and New York State as a whole. Richardson has brought asserting that that drug abuse had been dealt with as a criminal justice issue for many years.

The assemblywoman is on record for asserting that during the rampage of crack cocaine, “People were arrested and jailed; families were ripped apart and people received criminal records.” In more recent years, however, the opioid crisis is handled as a health issue.

More Money for Youth Program Richardson has requested restorative justice be instituted for those who went through the criminal justice system due to substance abuse.

Restaurant Safety Ratings On any given commercial corridor in New York City, people can spot white placards embossed with New York State’s insignia placed at the front windows of bars, lounges and eateries. These placards display the letter A, B or C to denote the enterprise’s sanitation grade. Keri Crayne, Special Projects and Communications Director of NYC DOHMH’s Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation (Bureau of Food Safety), came before BK CB8 to explain how the bureau goes about inspecting all food services throughout the five boroughs to ensure food safety requirements are enforced.

Crayne explained consultative inspections give restaurant owners the opportunity “to receive an inspection, ungraded and penalty-free to receive tailored advice about maintaining the best food safety practices at their establishments.” This type of inspection helps restaurants prepare for future inspections. The owners get information to improve their chances to earn an “A” rating.

Further, Crayne revealed that “there are uneven skill levels” within the body of inspectors, which may keep the public guessing about just how clean are the kitchen, storage room, eating utensils are at a given establishment. New York City’s bars and eateries are critical to the tourism industry.

There are also supervisory inspections.

These inspections operate wherein an inspector performs his/her duties and are followed up later by a bureau supervisor.

Crayne pointed out that supervisory inspections have such snags as, during the time between the field inspector’s review and the supervisor’s review, conditions may vary at the respective sites.

Home Ownership Tax Credit

St. Senator Velmanette Montgomery attended this BK CB8 meeting to make a periodic report to the community.

Montgomery commended BK CB8’s efforts in marketing the NYS Historic Residential Homeownership Rehabilitation Tax Credit (RHRTC).

This tax credit is available to “homeowners and is allowed a federal credit for the qualified expenses relating to the rehabilitation of a certified historic structure located in New York State, and all or part of the rehabilitation project is located within a census tract that is identified as being at or below 100% of the state median family income.” Over 130 RHRTC applications were approved for homeowners within the North Crown Heights Historic District.

2018 Census The state senator notified the body of the upcoming 2020 Census. Montgomery stated the need for more households to respond to the mailed survey instrument or the canvasser.

More Money for Youth Program Dreams YouthBuild is an educational and vocational program in service to young adults designed to lead them to self-sufficiency and higher education.

Montgomery informed the body that the Dreams YouthBuild budget for New York State increased from $300,000 to $600,000. Further, an important win was made for health care services to low-income youth and immigrant youth.

School principals may elect to construct School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs).

The principal must secure construction or renovation funding. There exists currently 28 such centers throughout the five boroughs. At least six operate from Brooklyn schools. Interested school leaders ought to confer with NYC Education Department’s Office of School Health. BK CB8’s Livable Streets Committee—formerly the Transportation and the Sanitation & Environment Committees—reported on the state of Flatbush Avenue since the institution of the Mayor’s Clear Curb Initiative.

Chairman Robert Witherwax stated this initiative entailed no parking or standing on Flatbush Avenue from Grand Army Plaza to Tillary Street for private and commercial vehicles during the 7 AM 10 AM and the 4 PM -7 PM periods. The committee believes

Clear Curb Rules Raise Objections Clear Curb Initiative is deleterious for the businesses that operate on Flatbush Avenue because the two time periods are when most businesses get deliveries in the morning and when residents are shopping and businesses receive deliveries in the evening. The rationale for “Clear Curb” is to reduce road congestion by parking automobiles elsewhere. The fact is the initiative moves parked cars from Flatbush Avenue—a major four-lane thoroughfare— onto residential roadways that are primarily one lane that provide sufficient passing space for passenger cars, delivery trucks and emergency vehicles. This is counterintuitive to road hierarchy. The committee intends to make a motion to rescind the Clear Curb Initiative and request the NYC Department of Transportation to work with the North Flatbush BID and BK CB8 to develop an alternative plan.

VOL. 22 NO. 16

Lawsuit Demands that NYC Do the Math on Class Size ■■

by Maitefa Angaza

The City of New York has been charged with reducing class sizes since 2008 when then-Public Advocate Bill de Blasio promised to be a nuisance until it was accomplished. The historic 13-year Campaign for Fiscal Equity had then been victorious in State Supreme Court and the state gave NYC $1.5 billion to abolish disparities between schools upstate and down. $750 million of that money was earmarked for reducing class sizes by hiring more teachers, among other planned initiatives. But class sizes only continued to grow. Fast-forward to the present and de Blasio is now the mayor as a brand-new lawsuit is brought to force the city to do what it has repeatedly and dismally failed to do.

The current lawsuit, filed in Albany on April 12th and demanding that class sizes be reduced in NYC public schools now, is brought by two advocacy groups – Class Size Matters and Alliance for Quality Education – along with nine parents whose children attend schools across the five boroughs. Named in the suit are: Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza, the Department of Education and NY Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia.

The mayor, former City Council Speaker, former Schools Chancellor and UFT leaders have pushed Gov. Cuomo and the state to release the remainder of funds owed to the city. But parents and educators want more. Last July, they asked Commissioner Elia to enforce the law established by the Campaign for Fiscal Equity by requiring New York City to follow through on the reduction of class sizes. But Elia ruled that the city’s obligation had expired, even though the class-size provision of the law remains in effect. So parents and advocates are asking the court to overturn the commissioner’s decision and order New York City to fulfill its obligations under the law to reduce class sizes over the next five years.

“The law remains on the books and New York City must live up to its duty to comply with the law and effectuate the constitutional rights of city school children,” said Wendy Lecker, senior attorney at the Educational Law Center.

Leonie Haimson, Executive Director of Class Size Matters said, “It is unconscionable that the state and the city have flouted the law and are subjecting over 290,000 students to overcrowded classes of 30 students or more. Class-size reduction is one of only a handful of reforms that have been proven to work to boost student learning and narrow the achievement gap. The fact that NYC test scores have stalled over the last four years, according to the most reliable national assessments, shows that our students desperately need smaller classes.”

“Studies have shown us time and time again that when class sizes are too big, children do not get the attention and resources they need to thrive,” said Public Advocate Letitia James. “Despite a legal obligation to reduce class sizes, the Department of Education has continued to allow classes in New York City to grow substantially, denying our children the education they

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OUR TIME PRESS April 19 – 25, 2018

Crazy Racism And A Possible Remedy

deserve and putting far too much pressure on teachers. I am proud to continue standing with Class Size Matters and parents until the city makes good on their commitment to our children.”

“My daughter has been in huge classes since kindergarten,” said Naila Rosario, a plaintiff whose children attend public schools in Brooklyn. “This year, in fifth grade, her class size is 34. Like other children, she needs and deserves more personal attention and feedback to thrive.”

JoAnn Schneider, a Queens parent and plaintiff, agreed: “The other day I encouraged my son to raise his hand during 5th-grade math. He had just received a “0” for participation. In a class of 32 kids, his chance to participate and his chance to learn has been squashed. He needs a smaller class size now.”

“Planning to Learn,” a newly-releasedreport by the New York City Council, acknowledges that “NYC has still not met the agreed-upon class-size reduction goals established in 2007.”

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By Maitefa Angaza

W

hat exactly is going on?! Incredulous Black people across the nation want to know. now.

While racist incidents have long been part of our consumption of news, it appears these they are more prevalent than ever. Some encounters are baffling and senseless, others clearly deliberate and heinous. They demonstrate the extent to which Black citizens can still be dismissed, discriminated against, and attacked – usually without any real fear of consequences.

Case in point, is the recent arrest of two young Black men in a Philadelphia Starbucks.

The incident drew nationwide (and worldwide) attention because of the inanity of the whole thing and its stark example of white privilege, whether wielded with arrogance and malice or cluelessness and petulance.

Take Rashon Nelson and his friend Christopher Norris were waiting in the coffeeshop for a business meeting with a real estate investor. They had not yet ordered, but they did seek to use the bathroom. Manager

Holly Harper refused to allow them access and asked them to leave, as they had not made a purchase. When they did not comply, she called police, who, upon arrival, also asked the men to leave, then handcuffed and removed them. Other customers in the shop at the at rime can be heard on videotape asking what the men had done wrong; some followed the cops outside to persist. The men were detained? Arrested?

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said that he was “ashamed” and met with Nelson and Norris to apologize. After Energetic protests were held outside the shop the next day and there were rumors of boycotts shaping up nationwide, with Black-owned coffee shops in several locales posted on social media.

Also discussed widely on social media is the recent incident in Macon, Georgia in which a 71-year-old white woman followed a two Black women soldiers into the Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen hurling insults because of their dispute over a parking spot. Judy ➔➔ Continued on page 9

Tenant & Homeowner Resource Event IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

April is Fair Housing Month

ATTEND OUR TENANT & HOMEOWNER RESOURCE EVENT Monday, April 30, 2018 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM T Building Auditorium, 2nd Floor 689 New York Avenue (T-Building entrance at the corner of New York Ave. and Clarkson Ave.) Brooklyn, NY 11203 2 5 Winthrop Street, B43, B44 Get information and assistance on Free Anti-Eviction services, Organizing Tenants in your building, applying for Affordable Housing, Financial Literacy & the connection to your next apartment, First Time Homebuyer, Post Purchase Homeowner Info & Foreclosure Prevention plus more.

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OUR TIME PRESS April 5 – 11, 2018

WHAT’S GOING ON ■■

By Victoria Horsford

THE 2018 MIDTERMS

two-term Obama Presidency, would explain why the Trump Administration’s plans for the 2020 Census would lead to an undercount of African-American residents. Today, 23 states have new restrictions in place for a presidential election. Derrick Johnson, new NAACP President/CEO, says organizations want compulsory voting, abolition of voter registration and an end to voter restrictions on the local level. He continues: “It is less important about taking back Congress than to focus on state and local elections. There are 88 state legislative bodies that are on the ballot. It is locally where voters have an opportunity to get rid of the bad District Attorneys and to influence spending on health and education.”

NY: The New York State gubernatorial race is already one of the most dramatic, ugly, intra-Democratic races, replete with plot twists and turns. Two-term Governor Andrew Cuomo may find Cynthia Nixon, that it is not that easy the third time around…… keeping his day job, that is. Cynthia Nixon, actress, lesbian, activist, former “Sex in The City” TV star and a fellow Democrat will oppose him in the primary. She is cutting her teeth on electoral politics, running on a progressive platform that criticizes Cuomo’s education and housing policies, for openers. Nixon's presence will force Cuomo to inch/lean more to the Left than his current progressive status. Left-leaning Citizen’s Action Group supports Nixon as the progressive. The WFP endorsement ensures a spot for Nixon on the November ballot if she loses the primary.

Nixon is friendly with Mayor de Blasio and his wife. She was invited to visit Brooklyn sites by Borough President Eric Adams.

THE NATION: Last month, the Brookings Institute reported that by 2045, the US would no longer be a white majority nation. That projection, along with the

Carver Bancorp, the holding company for Carver Federal Savings Bank, named Robert W. Mooney to its Board of Directors, bringing its trustee total to 11. Mooney retired last year from the FDIC as National Director for Minority and Community Development Banking, Division of Risk Management and Supervision. Carver sold its Harlem headquarters at 75 West 125th Street earlier this year. The bank relocated to the Lee Office Building on the northeast corner of 125th Street. Carver is the largest African-American and Caribbean-run bank in America. Michael Pugh is Carver President/CEO/Director.

Robert Tarter is Carver Chairman.

The latest Forbes magazine 2018 Special Issue, “The World’s Richest People,” lists billionaires from Algeria to Zimbabwe. Three African-Americans are among the Richest People. They are 1) Private Equity Engineer Robert Smith, who dons the magazine’s cover and discloses some secrets about his $4.4 billion fortune; 2) Multimedia executive Oprah Winfrey, who boasts about $2.7 billion;

APRIL CALENDAR Like any other month, April has its share of special days, weeks and monthlong observations. The following is a list of the few.

The month opens with frivolous April Fool’s Day (1st), Income Tax Awareness Pay Day (17th), Earth Day on April 22nd, The Boston Marathon (16th) and Sauvignon Blanc Day (24th). Monthlong celebrations are ArabAmerican Heritage, Poetry Month, Jazz Appreciation Month and National Financial Literacy Awareness Month.

BLACK ENTERPRISE

and 3) Michael Jordan, former basketball legend-turned-Charlotte Hornets franchise owner who is worth $1.6 billion.

Foreign Blacks who made the WRP cut include Angola’s Isabel dos Santos, daughter of former Angola President Jose dos Santos, who is rumored to be Africa’s richest woman worth $2.6 billion; Canada’s Michael Lee-Chin, $1.2 billion, mutual funds; Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote, A f r i c a ’s richest man with $14.1 billion from cement, sugar and flour; Mike Adenuga, $5.3 billion, telecom, oil; Folorusho Alakija, $ 1.5 billion, oil; South A f r i c a ’s Patrice Michael Lee Chin Motsepe, $2.4 billion, mining; the United Kingdom’s Mohammed (Mo) Ibrahim, $1.1 billion, telecommunications; and Zimbabwe’s Strive Masiyiwa, $1.4 billion, telecom.

The First Annual Kidpreneur Awards Gala 2018, “Shades of Africa,” will be held on Sunday, April 29 at the Jerry Orbach Theater, located at 210 West 50th Street, 3rd Floor or at 1627 Broadway entrance on the 3rd Floor. The event is a cocktail reception and awards ceremony. Cosmetics mogul Vera Moore and young actor/dancer Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, who played “Lion King” on Broadway, are among the 14 honorees.

The dress code is black-tie, tuxedo or formal African attire. [Visit kidswhobank.com/ka] The Harlem Business Alliance presents Jennifer Jackson, Small Business Administration(SBA), in a free two-part session re: Proposal Writing. The first will be held on April 24, 6-8 pm. Registration is necessary. Eligibility on a first-come, first-served basis. [Visit HBAReadySetWriteEventbrrite. com]

THE ART SCENE

Looking for a space to have your next meeting, party or special event? BMC is helping the owner of 375 Stuyvesant, BMC’s headquarters, book events. Starting at $75 per hour, depending on which room you use, the Stuyvesant Mansion can be an ideal location for gatherings between 15 and 100 people.

Contact us at Mansion@brooklynmovementcenter.org for details.

The Essie Green Galleries’ new exhibit, APRIL SPRING SURVEY, a group show featuring works by Norman Lewis, Romare Bearden and Charles Ethan Porter, opens on 4/21 and closes on 5/19 at 419A Convent Avenue at 148th Street, Harlem. To attend the 4/21 Call 212-368-9635 The Skoto Gallery’s new exhibition, “Painting Structures,” by Guyana-born dual citizen (US/Canada) Andrew Lyght, an abstractionist with a strong sense of linear design and vibrant color palette, opens on April 19 and runs through June 2. Gallery is located at 529 West 20th Street, Manhattan.

[Visit skotogallery.com] The Ellis Haizlip television era and “SOUL!,” the national PBS TV show which he conceived and hosted, curated myriad aspects of Black Americana from 1968 to 1973 and will unspool as “MR. SOUL!” in the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival HOT DOCS series. [Visit @mrsoulthemovie.com] Don’t miss the documentary

VOL. 22 NO. 15 screening of “IN THE FACE OF WHAT WE REMEMBER IN ORAL HISTORIES OF 409 & 555 EDGECOMBE AVENUE,” which will be followed by performances at the Miller Theatre, Columbia University, on April 27 at 7 pm. Those two apartment buildings boasted some of the Black America elites like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, WEB DuBois, Paul Robeson and Lena Horne.

Lena Horne The 5 International Jazz Day in Harlem will be supported by the Jazz Foundation of America, the law firm of Lipsig, Shapey, Manus and Moverman, the NY Jazz Society and the NY Metropolitan, Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolence will be celebrated on April 30 at the Dwyer Cultural Center, 258 St. Nicholas Avenue at 123rd Street, with performances by Bertha Hope, Terri Davis, Kim Clarke, Gene Ghee, Dr. John Mannan and Michael Flythe.

The International Independent Art Fair, a fine arts group exhibit showcasing the works of 20 artists, including Agaro Asano, Patricia Ayres, Kyoko Hamaguchi, Lily Wong and Jesse Ruis, opens on May 1 and will be housed at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, located at 230 Lenox Avenue. Some proceeds from the IIAF show will be allocated to the restoration of this Harlem landmark church.

[Visit iiaf.nyc] th

NEWSMAKERS Two public relations professionals move on. Nina Flowers, Apollo Theater PR Director, leaves after an incredible 13-year adventure which began with the much-ballyhooed state-of-the-art marquee, followed by unique remembrances of music legends like Michael Jackson, James Brown and Prince and current events like the BLACK PANTHER movie night and Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and ME” special events last month. Veteran Con Edison P.R. Chief Joy Faber, who worked at the Fortune 500 energy giant for decades, retires this month.

Nina Flowers

Ellis Haizlip

Aries Birthday greetings to Patricia McConnell, Marva Richard, Harold Thomas and NY celebrity photog Ronnie Wright, who just turned 60.

RIP: Winnie Mandela was honored with a state funeral and was cited an as antiapartheid icon, as the “Mother of a Nation,” and a force of nature She was eulogized by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Former S.A. Presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki attended the funeral service, as did the Presidents of the Republic of the Congo, Namibia and Swaziland.

VOL. 22 NO. 16

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OUR TIME PRESS April 19 – 25, 2018

Thinkers Notebook

How Do You Take Your Coffee?

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By Marlon Rice

Another week, another call to boycott another corporation. This week the corporation was Starbucks, and the call to boycott stemmed from an incident that took place at a Philadelphia Starbucks on April 12th.

Two Black men were arrested after the store manager called 911 to say that the two men were refusing to leave the store. The men were at the Starbucks waiting on another person. They did not purchase anything while they waited, and they were denied access to use the bathroom, the manager citing the policy that the rest rooms are for paying customers. And although Starbucks is known globally as a meeting place where you can hang around and wait for your friend, or use the bathroom if you need to, for some strange reason the unofficial norms did not apply to these two men, and they were arrested for loitering.

There are many ways to parse through this incident. You could blame the manager.

She obviously chose to deal with these two men with bias. People use Starbucks as a meeting place all of the time. Other than these men being Black, what did they do to warrant such punishment? You could blame the cops. Granted, they were called with information about loitering. However, when they arrived and saw for themselves that these two men were just there waiting on a friend, a friend who, by the way, showed up while the cops were on the scene, they most certainly could have chosen to leave the situation alone. They did not have to make

an arrest. You could blame the two men.

Common courtesy calls for reciprocity. If you are using a coffee shop as a meeting place, a place where you intend to conduct business, maybe use their Wi-Fi, common courtesy would call for you to patronize the business in some way. You could buy some tea while you wait for your friend. A small gesture such as that would’ve surely kept all of the drama at bay. You aren’t loitering if you’ve purchased a cup of tea.

On Tuesday, the corporation took a step to show that they are going to accept the blame. They announced that on May 29th they will close all 8,000 US stores for one day in order to conduct an afternoon of training intended to educate their employees about racial bias. Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson spent time in Philadelphia and after talking with members of the community, he decided that this was the right thing to do.

Even though the move can be seen as either an equitable step in the right direction or a Hail Mary PR move meant to save them from the boycott hell that stores like H&M are still going through, if one afternoon of sensitivity training was all it took to solve America’s racism problem, we’d be solved by now. Truthfully, the incident in Philadelphia alone doesn’t reveal any systemic discrimination from a corporate sense. Growing up here in Brooklyn, I can tell you about countless times when my friends and I were followed around in department stores all over the city simply because we were young Black men. I submit that such a policy enacted in a variety of

Protesters at Starbucks two men who were arrested for “trespassing.” department stores over the course of years speaks more to systemic discrimination than does what happened at the Starbucks. Are the arresting officers going to attend classes on racial bias? How about the media and the reporters who felt the need to state that the two men were real estate agents, speaking it sarcastically in their defense like if they were unemployed then arresting them would be okay? How about the other patrons who watched the whole thing go down and said nothing? How about the politicians who ignore the climate in our cities, or the white community that are so hypersensitive to the Black experience that they cry for blood via social media at every Caucasian-based fault? The problem of racism is deeper than

anything an afternoon class can solve. The Starbuck’s student body will attend class on May 29th. They will sign in. They will enjoy the lunch provided. They will listen to a lecture, watch some workplace videos and absolutely nothing at all will be solved because racism can’t be solved in class. It’s an affair of the heart.

I hope the two men that were harassed and arrested are compensated for their inconvenience. I hope that the move by Starbucks to take a corporate stand against all forms of discrimination becomes contagious. As for me, I’m going to stick with drinking Bustelo. I like my coffee strong, reasonably priced and sold in small businesses.

CENTRAL BROOKLYN JAZZ FESTIVAL 2018 APRIL 28, 12-5PM: Youth Jamboree/Wellness Day, Musical Tribute to Brooklyn Jazz

Hall of Famers Randy Weston: Kenny Barron music by 3 Trumpet Girls, exhibits by health care providers. MS #35 272 McDonough St. Bklyn, nr. Lewis Ave. 718.773.2252 x 103. comm@cbjcjazz.org.

WED. MAY 9, 2018

Irving Sidney “Duke” Jordan induction into the hall of fame class of 2018, performance by Louis Hayes Quartet. Billie Holiday Theatre @ Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration, 1368 Fulton St., BKN 11216, Information: 718.773.2252 x 103, comm@cbjcjazz.org, www.cbjcjazz.org Tickets purchased online through Eventbrite or www.centralbrooklynjazz.org

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OUR TIME PRESS April 5 – 11, 2018

Before you’re no longer able, tell the doctors what you want and who’s in charge

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dvance Directives, Their Importance and Interfaith Medical Center’s Commitment to Assist Monday, April 16th, 2018 was National Health Care Decisions Day and marked the beginning of National Health Care Decisions Week. National Health Care Decisions Week is an initiative of the Conversation Project with the primary goal of demystifying health care decision-making and bringing the topic of Advance Care Planning to the forefront of health care conversations.

Advance Care Planning is a key patient right, referenced in the New York State Hospital Patient’s Bill of Rights and protected by multiple laws on the local, state and federal level. Unfortunately, research shows that patients are often not aware or not taking advantage of Advance Care Planning.

Advance Directives are instrumental in explaining to patients, loved ones and providers how patients want their medical decisions to be made when they are too ill or incapacitated. These directives are legal documents that are relied upon by family, friends and health care professionals for information about the health care desires of the patient, including who is allowed to make health care decisions on the patient’s behalf. Advance Directives can be initiated through your health care provider; in addition, they can also be initiated by your attorney, a social worker and by existing state and city agencies such as the Office of Adult Protective Services.

Juan Contreras, Assistant Vice President of Patient Experience at Interfaith Medical Center, leads an effort at Interfaith to increase the number of patients who initiate Advance Directives. “On many occasions, patients often state, ‘My family will make my decisions,’ but it’s often not very clear which family member will make the decisions; this can cause confusion and discord,” said Mr. Contreras. He laments that “when patients don’t have an Advance Directive, the surrogate decision-maker can be someone who does not clearly understand the patient’s wishes, leaving decision-makers to make decisions without knowing what the patient would want.” Mr. Contreras references his experiences with patients and their families who did not have Advance Directives and believes they could have benefitted from them upon becoming incapacitated; he refers to these instances as his “call to action.”

At Interfaith Medical Center, Advance Care Directives are part of their commitment to patient-centered care. The directives are welcomed and seen as a sign of a patient who is an active and willing participant in their health care decision-making. “When patients have Advance Directives, it is a benefit because it eliminates guesswork in caring for

“Heroes of the Month” Ceremony, BP Adams Honors Brooklyn-Born Peter Wang, Victim of the Parkland School Massacre, Posthumously

patients in the way they would have wanted to be cared for,” states Dr. Oday Alhafidh, M.D. Interfaith Medical Center welcomes those in the community to reach out to Mr. Contreras and the Patient Experience team for more information on Advance Care Directives. The office of Patient Experience welcomes all calls at 718-613-4290.

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Photo Credit: Eugene Resnick/Brooklyn BP’s Office

Borough President Adams unveiled a ceremonial wreath in the Rotunda of Brooklyn Borough Hall dedicated to 15-year-old Brooklynborn student Peter Wang who was tragically killed on Valentine’s Day while bravely holding the door open in his classroom at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida; he was joined

by Wei Tang Liu (left) and Xiu Yan Li (right), the parents of fallen New York City Police Department (NYPD) Detective Wenjian Liu, who attended in an expression of solidarity.

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O

n Wednesday, February 14th, a 19-year-old assailant opened fire using an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle resulting in the death of 14 students and three staff members. Wang was a freshman at the school and had moved from Brooklyn to Parkland a year-and-a-half ago with his Chinese immigrant parents so that he could join the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program at the school.

Joined by the parents of fallen New York City Police Department (NYPD) Detective Wenjian Liu, Wei Tang Liu and Xiu Yan Li, Borough President Adams praised Wang as his “Hero of the Month” for February, for his courageous action amid the senseless gun violence that ultimately claimed his life.

“Peter was a Brooklynite, an American and a true hero,” said Borough President Adams. “It is my honor to salute him for his selflessness and bravery, which undoubtedly saved many lives.”

At the same ceremony held in the Rotunda of Brooklyn Borough Hall, Borough President Adams also presented “Heroes of the Month” honors for the months of January, March and April. He recognized HITN [Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network] TV President and CEO Mike Nieves, a son of Puerto Rican immigrants from Bushwick, as his January “Hero of the Month” for the comprehensive relief effort he organized through his Brooklyn Navy Yard-based television station in the wake of Hurricane Maria, including thousands of dollars in donations and the coordination of deliveries to communities in need. His March “Hero of the Month” Award was presented to NYPD School Safety Officer Tamara Jenkins, a Bedford-Stuyvesant resident who successfully used the Heimlich maneuver to save a choking fourth-grade student at PS 241 STEM Institute of Manhattan in Harlem on Wednesday, March 28th. For April’s “Hero of the Month,” Borough President Adams honored Bensonhurst native Jamil Luis Cruz, a Brooklyn College student and Eagle Scout who, after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) while in basic training for the United States Navy, has worked to raise awareness and research funds to combat the disease, including a fundraising walk taking place this Sunday in Hell’s Kitchen.

VOL. 22 NO. 16

7

OUR TIME PRESS April 19 – 25, 2018

1 IN 4 NEW YORKERS HAS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. DON’T GO UNCHECKED.

Get your blood pressure checked regularly for free at a pharmacy near you.

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If uncontrolled, it can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Visit nyc.gov/health/map to find a participating pharmacy near you.

The Community Council For Medgar Evers College, Inc. Presents its

2018 Annual Spring Scholarship & Leadership AWARDS LUNCHEON Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 12 noon nd Medgar Evers College 2 Floor Atrium Cafeteria Science Building 1638 Bedford Avenue (Corner Crown Street) Brooklyn, NY 11225 Tickets: $85 Telephone:

(718) 804-8866

Bill de Blasio Mayor Mary T. Bassett, MD, MPH Commissioner

Community Chest

K

Karen Mitchell Owner, True Indian Hair

aren Mitchell is an example of everything that is right about Brooklyn. Like most of us, she didn’t come from riches and didn’t graduate at the top of her class at some big-time business school. Everything she has accomplished has been of her own doing, and her hustle and business acumen have been the keys to her success.

Born in Jamaica, Karen immigrated to Brooklyn at age 12. She is the youngest of nine children. Her mother immigrated with five of them to Brooklyn, settling down in a two-bedroom apartment in East Flatbush. “I never knew we were poor because of the way my mother raised us. My friends were all in similar situations in their households with 4 or 5 family members living in a 2-bedroom apartment. I didn’t know anyone who lived in a fancy house, so it was normal to me.” Even as a teenager, Karen was always selling things.

Her entrepreneurship started simply enough as a way to make extra money. In high school, she used to buy bandanas in bulk and decorate them with rhinestones. She’d make beautiful patterns on the bandanas and then sell them to her schoolmates. In college, she found colorful bracelets at wholesale, and sold those to her friends and classmates. Her business sense was curated through her willingness to provide goods and services to her community, identifying trends and providing quality products that people liked.

Her breakthrough happened in a most inconspicuous way. After college, unable to find a job, Karen went to an employment agency and the agency placed her at a fashion company

as a receptionist. Her work ethic was noticed, and despite having no fashion background the company promoted her to Sales Assistant and then to the Production Department. Part of her work at this company involved travel. One of the places that she traveled to as a young woman was to India. In India, she was exposed to the human hair industry. Though she didn’t know it then, that exposure would shape her entire future.

While working at the fashion company, Karen opened a beauty supply store on Nostrand Avenue. It was a small business that never flourished. She had the store for about a year and then moved it to another smaller space hoping that she would spark some success. Still languishing, Karen was approached by a barber about turning the space into a barber shop. After giving it some thought, she accepted the idea and turned her beauty supply store into a barber shop. She had already began using her connections in India to bring in human hair extensions to sell to her friends. Once she opened the barber shop and business began increasing, she decided to place a showcase at the front of the shop and place the human hair extensions she was getting from India in the showcase for display, hoping that people would be interested. True Indian Hair was born. After the fashion company that she worked for closed, Karen made the decision to bet on herself. She sold the barber shop and opened her first True Indian Hair store on Flatbush Avenue. She now has three stores and an online boutique, and her business continues to grow and develop. She credits her success in the beauty business to three very key

Karen Mitchell points. First, because the beauty business is all about trends, it is important to stay ahead of the trends so that you can be the first to offer them to your customers. Second, the quality control of your product is important. We live in an age where everything is critiqued on the public stage of social media. If you design or create a product, make sure that the product will hold up to inspection. Finally, money management is very important in sustaining a business. No matter how much money your business makes, if you can’t manage the money properly you will fail in business.

Karen has come a long way from the 2-bedroom apartment in East Flatbush where she was raised, but she’s never left Brooklyn.

“I love Brooklyn. Brooklyn is home. I’ve never wanted to live anywhere else.” From selling bandanas and bracelets to controlling a leading company in the billion-dollar beauty industry, Karen has proven time and again that having a good work ethic, a great attitude and the will to create is enough to drive your dreams into fruition.

■■ By Marlon Rice

8

OUR TIME PRESS April 5 – 11, 2018

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19th ANNUAL CENTRAL BROOKLYN JAZZ FESTIVAL April 13 through May 13, 2018

Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium presents New York City’s longest, continuously running, grassroots festival dedicated to jazz. More than 500 artists are performing in over 50 events at mostly intimate venues throughout Brooklyn during this monthlong celebration of the music. The performances and programs are financially accessible and open to all.

The Nineteenth Annual Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival features varied events suitable for fans of all ages. At the Youth Jazz Jamboree, student musicians perform the music of Brooklyn’s Hall of Fame members, for their peers, family and residents. Jazz!

The Women’s Viewpoint, a forum that’s relevant to all, discussing the cultural and gender challenges experienced in the male-dominated music industry. The Brooklyn Jazz Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Sidney “Duke” Jordan occurs at The Billie Holiday Theatre in the presence of several living members of this select group.

Festival 2018 includes performances by internationally renowned artists, nationally recognized names and upcoming talent. NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Owens shares festival spotlight honors with Ahmed Abdullah, Ronnie Burrage, Akua Dixon, Louis Hayes, Pucci ➔➔ Continued on page 11

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VOL. 22 NO. 16

D

9

OUR TIME PRESS April 19 – 25, 2018

Dr. V. De Costa, distinguished Alumna of Medgar Evers College and successful medical practitioner passes on April 9th

r. Carol V. De Costa (“Dr. D”) was born November 28, 1956 in Georgetown, Guyana to the late Olga Van Rossurn and John Campbell. Her kindness, love for humanity, generosity and determination were unparalleled even as a youngster. No doubt God welcomed a new angel into his midst.

Carol came from humble beginnings, but she did not allow that to define who she was and where she was going in life. Her early education took place in the New York school system. For her undergraduate studies, she attended Medgar Evers College where she studied psychology, and she later earned a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University. Those credentials were impressive, but she had a passion for the medical field. While working full-time at Kings County Hospital and caring for her young son, she returned to

Medgar Evers to complete the prerequisites needed to attend medical school.

She successfully completed medical school with Dean’s Honors at the University of Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, completed an internship at St. Vincent’s Hospital, and did her residency at Mount Sinai Hospital and Medical Center. Those accomplishments would have been satisfying for some, but she had her sights set on opening her own practice and owning her own business.

After working for 5 years at Staten Island University Hospital as the Associate Director of Rehab, Carol did just that! She opened a successful private practice in Brooklyn Heights where she employed and mentored many. A few years later, she opened the collocated Aria Spa. Carol served on countless committees, organizations and was invited to join the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business

Initiative to enhance her knowledge of owning/managing a successful business.

Carol is a published author, studied Eastern Medicine in China and she also studied international medicine in and Carol worked with Olympic athletes at the Atlanta Olympics, Lake Placid and the U.S. Olympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She served as the team doctor for several local women’s basketball teams and flag football teams. She was the team doctor for all sports for her alma mater, Medgar Evers College.

Dr. D was willing to lend her skills to keep the everyday sports enthusiasts healthy and mentored students as well as supported them financially at Medgar, which was so dear to her heart. She embraced every opportunity to be of assistance and regularly gave wellness talks to community organizations.

Carol went as far as to write a book, soon to be published; educating patients on how

Crazy Racism And A Possible Remedy ➔➔ Continued from page 3 James Tucker hurled expletives at Stephanie Mitchell, 34, and Treasure Sharpe, 27, and called them “dumb bitches” and lesbians.

When Mitchell began videotaping her, Tucker became enraged and attacked Sharpe, lunging and slapping, even though Sharpe repeatedly yelled that she was pregnant.

“I’m pregnant!” Sharpe yelled, “Look at me! You’re pushing a pregnant lady!”

“Well, my husband is handicapped!” was Tucker’s reply.

When police were called, Tucker told them the incident started because, “she was white and it was a race issue.” Fortunately, the videotape revealed the actual progression of events, or the pregnant woman and her friend might have been taken to jail. Instead, Tucker was arrested and charged with assault and a local art school at which she teaches classes will no longer use her services.

Some good news on the racial bias front came from D.C. last week. It won’t necessarily assist in incidents like this one with Georgia, but it is directed toward policing. D.C. Mayor

WFP Endorses Nixon and Williams ➔➔ Continued from page 2

He is willing to do absolutely anything to win – except act like a real Democrat."

Following the committee meeting, hunliams so we can have a state that puts working families first, not real estate dreds of members of the Working Families billionaires and hedge-fund donors.” Party welcomed her to accept the nomination “I am proud to have received the support to chants of “Sí se puede” (yes you can), of the New York Working Families Party vowing to work alongside her to knock on today,” said Councilman Williams. “In a doors, organize and win the nomination. democracy where every voice matters, the Showing stark contrast in excitement and Working Families Party fights for people momentum compared to her opponent, from all walks of life from across our state.” Cynthia happily accepted the nomination to “I am honored to receive the endorsement a cheering crowd and spoke of her platform to fight economic, racial of the Working Families and gender inequality all Party and inspired by the "He is willing to do across New York: enthusiasm of progres- absolutely anything to “The WFP endorsesive working-class mem- win – except act like a real ment caps off a week of bers of the party,” said Democrat." five consecutive progresCynthia Nixon. “WFP activists and voters are the heart and soul of sive community organization endorsements, our movement to make New York a place including New York Communities for that belongs to all of us--a place with great Change (NYCC), Citizen Action of New schools for every child, good jobs, health York, Make the Road Action and the New care for all and an end to mass incarcera- York Progressive Action Network (NYPAN), tion. I’ve been a supporter of the WFP for representing 30 chapters across the state. years. It’s the party that I’ve always looked Today’s endorsement echoes growing disto as the political home for progressives in content among the progressive community New York State and a source of grassroots with centrist policies and backroom dealings in Albany that leave working-class and commuscle for the movement.”

In their released statement the WFP said, munities of color out in the cold.

“With chapters and thousands of active grass“After the Working Families Party enroots supporters in all corners of the state, dorsed Cuomo four years ago, he went back sealing the endorsement of the Working on his promises and his policies proved to exFamilies Party will help bring a broad base acerbate economic inequality and prioritize of support to Cynthia’s campaign. After an corporate donors over the needs of everyday extended campaign to pressure the party and New Yorkers. In the last 24 hours, Cuomo state committee members to endorse him on threatened the funding of the WFP and of the eve of losing the vote to endorse, Andrew community organizations who won’t endorse Cuomo withdrew his name from contention, him, a hallmark of his political brand. In the pretending that he never cared about winning coming months, Cynthia will work with the WFP’s support in the first place. Cuomo’s the thousands of activists and members of own words and actions have shown that this the WFP to grow a political movement to is an endorsement he badly wanted to win. become New York’s first woman governor.”

Muriel E. Bowser announced that local police officers will now be required to study Black history. Continued troubling interactions between Black citizens and members of the force despite a decrease in crime, makes the mandatory training a priority.

“We are committed to accountability, to strengthen the bonds of trust between MPD and our residents,” said Bowser. Members of the force will take a guided tour through the National Museum of African American History and Culture, attend a three-hour lecture on Black history, and take part in a

to, “Stay Out of My Exam Room!” Carol loved her family, her friends, her patients and God. She was an avid tennis player and “true” fan. And we all know she loved ➔➔ Continued on page 11

lesson on U Street which examines police brutality.

“People who were supposed to serve and protect had played in the enforcement of discriminatory, racist and unjust policies and laws, said Peter Newsham, Chief of Police. “This museum includes very honest and poignant stories of the role policing played in some of the historical injustices in our country.”

Close to 80 officers have taken the training since January and the program will now expand, with an aim to have all 3,800 cops and 660 civilian workers trained by the end of 2018. Perhaps other locales will follow D.C.’s example. New York City’s police force is much larger, but the need is not smaller.

10

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: KINGS COUNTY FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION; Plaintiff(s) vs. ROSITA TORO; et al; Defendant(s) Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s): ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 2 Summit Court, Suite 301, Fishkill, New York, 12524, 845.897.1600 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on or about September 29, 2015, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in Room 224 of Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201. On May 24, 2018 at 2:30 pm. Premises known as 176 NICHOLS AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11208 Block: 4121 Lot: 58 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. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment $519,666.58 plus interest and costs. INDEX NO. 10276/10 Michael F. King, Esq., Referee

OUR TIME PRESS April 5 – 11, 2018 highest bidder in Room 224 of Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201. On May 17, 2018 at 2:30 pm. Premises known as 9 W 9TH STREET, BROOKLYN, NY 11231 Block: 534 Lot: 46 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. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale.

Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment $852,493.88 plus interest and costs. INDEX NO. 7136/10 M. Randolph Jackson, Esq., Referee

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Index No.: 513225/2017 Date of Filing: April 6, 2018 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF KINGS REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC, Plaintiff, -against- KERRY BROWNE AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF UNEEDA VIOLA BROWN; CISLYN BROWNE AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF UNEEDA VIOLA BROWN.; COREEN BROWNE AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF UNEEDA VIOLA BROWN.; CHANTELL CLAIRMOUNTNOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT FOLKES AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT KINGS COUNTY JPMorgan Chase Bank, OF KIN OF UNEEDA VIOLA BROWN; National Association, Plaintiff against CHARLEEN GAMALDO AS HEIR AT Maxime Fleurimont, et al Defendants LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF UNEEDA Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s) Fein, Such & VIOLA BROWN.; NEW YORK CITY Crane, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW Rochester, NY 14614 Attorney (s) for Plaintiff YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure BUREAU ; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE and Sale Entered August 17th, 2017 I will sell DOE” 1 THROUGH 50, INTENDING at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the TO BE THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, Room 224 of Kings County Supreme Court, DISTRIBUTES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 on TRUSTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, May 24th, 2018 at 2:30p.m. Premises known AND ASSIGNEES OF THE ESTATE as 1260 East 84th Street, Brooklyn, NY OF UNEEDA VIOLA BROWN WHO 11236. Sec N/A Block 8062 Lot 67. All that WAS BORN IN 1928 AND DIED ON certain Plot, Piece or Parcel of Land, situate, JANUARY 8, 2017, A RESIDENT OF THE lying and being in the Borough of Brooklyn, COUNTY OF KINGS, WHOSE LAST County of Kings, City and State of New KNOWN ADDRESS WAS 1 FAIRVIEW York Approximate Amount of Judgment is PLACE, BROOKLYN, NY 11226, THEIR $507,700.22 plus interest and costs. Premises SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST IF ANY will be sold subject to provisions of filed OF THE AFORESAID DEFENDANTS Judgment Index No 501689/2014. Jeffrey L. BE DECEASED, THEIR RESPECTIVE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, AND Saltiel, Esq., Referee SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT AFORESAID CLASSES OF PERSON, IF COUNTY OF KINGS Wells Fargo Bank, THEY OR ANY OF THEM BE DEAD, AND N.A., as Trustee for the Certificateholders THEIR RESPECTIVE HUSBANDS, WIVES of Banc of America Mortgage 2007-4 OR WIDOWS, IF ANY, ALL OF WHOM Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES Series 2007-4,, Plaintiff AGAINST Reynold OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO Lavache; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a THE PLAINTIFF”; CITIBANK (SOUTH Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated DAKOTA), NA; CRIMINAL COURT March 21, 2016 I, the undersigned Referee OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK ; FORD will sell at public auction at the Kings County MOTOR CREDIT COMPANY; NEW Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Room YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF 224, Brooklyn, NY 11201 on May 10, TAXATION AND FINANCE ; UNITED 2018 at 2:30PM, premises known as 1162 E STATES OF AMERICA INTERNAL 99TH Street, Brooklyn, NY 11236. All that REVENUE SERVICE; UNITED STATES certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the OF AMERICA O/B/O SECRETARY OF buildings and improvements erected, situate, HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT lying and being in the Borough of Brooklyn, ; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL County of Kings, City and State of New York, CONTROL BOARD; ‘’JOHN DOES’’ and Block 8244 Lot 74. Approximate amount of ‘’JANE DOES,’’ said names being fictitious, judgment $912,416.49 plus interest and costs. parties intended being possible tenants or Premises will be sold subject to provisions occupants of premises, and corporations, of filed Judgment Index# 13593/08. Julie other entities or persons who claim, or may Clark, Esq., Referee Shapiro, DiCaro & claim, a lien against the premises, Defendants.

Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to anYork 14624 (877) 759-1835 Dated: March swer the complaint in this action and to serve 27, 2018 53122 a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s COURT: KINGS COUNTY GREENTREE attorney(s) within twenty (20) days after the SERVICING LLC; Plaintiff(s) vs. DAVID service of this summons, exclusive of the day ZOIMEN; et al; Defendant(s) Attorney (s) of service, where service is made by delivery for Plaintiff (s): ROSICKI, ROSICKI & upon you personally within the State, or ASSOCIATES, P.C., 2 Summit Court, Suite within thirty (30) days after completion of 301, Fishkill, New York, 12524, 845.897.1600 service where service is made in any other Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and manner, and in case of your failure to appear sale granted herein on or about May 17, or answer, judgment will be taken against 2017, I will sell at Public Auction to the you by default for the relief demanded in the

complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Honorable Noach Dear of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, signed on March 6, 2018, and filed with supporting papers in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Kings, State of New York. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by UNEEDA VIOLA BROWN to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR UNITED NORTHERN MORTGAGE BANKERS LIMITED, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS bearing date January 26, 2015 and recorded under CRFN 2015000049839 in the City Register of the City of New York, County of Kings on February 12, 2015. Thereafter said mortgage was assigned to REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC by assignment of mortgage bearing date April 14, 2017 and recorded under CRFN 2017000150830 in the City Register of the City of New York, County of Kings on April 19, 2017. That the mortgaged premises affected by said foreclosure action are situate in the County of Kings, State of New York and more specifically described in “Schedule A” annexed hereto and made a part hereof. Said premises being known as and by 1 FAIRVIEW PLACE, BROOKLYN, NY 11226. Date: April 5, 2018 Batavia, New York Megan Suttell, Esq. ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff Batavia Office 26 Harvester Avenue Batavia, NY 14020 585.815.0288 Help For Homeowners In Foreclosure New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. Mortgage foreclosure is a complex process. Some people may approach you about “saving” your home. You should be extremely careful about any such promises. The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. There are government agencies, legal aid entities and other non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about foreclosure while you are working with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department at 1-877-BANKNYS (1-877-226-5697) or visit the Department’s website at www.banking.state.ny.us. The State does not guarantee the advice of these agencies.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: KINGS COUNTY FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION; Plaintiff(s) vs. STEWART GRAY; et al; Defendant(s) Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s): ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 2 Summit Court, Suite 301, Fishkill, New York, 12524, 845.897.1600 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on or about October 16, 2017, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in Room 224

VOL. 22 NO. 15 of Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201. On May 10, 2018 at 2:30 pm. Premises known as 126 EAST 54TH STREET, BROOKLYN, NY 11203 Block: 4640 Lot: 18 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. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment $667,139.70 plus interest and costs. INDEX NO. 10655-13 Helene Blank, Esq., Referee NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County Of Kings The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York as Trustee for the Certificateholders of CWMBS, Inc., CHL Mortgage Pass-Through Trust 200523, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-23, Plaintiff AGAINST Chaim Kirschner, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 8/4/2017 and entered on 9/15/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY on May 03, 2018 at 02:30 PM premises known as 1296 East 34th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11210. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Kings, City and State of New York, BLOCK: 7633, LOT: 60. Approximate amount of judgment is $717,933.53 plus interests and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 502198/2012.

For sale information, please visit Auction. com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Jageshwar Sharma, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF KINGS WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST NATACHA LARECE, JEAN LARECE and JEANNETTE LARECE, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated November 29, 2017 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Room 224 of Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201, on April 26, 2018 at 2:30PM, premises known as 2406 CORTELYOU ROAD, BROOKLYN, NY 11226. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Brooklyn, County of Kings, City and State of New York, BLOCK 5168, LOT 57. Approximate amount of judgment $329,711.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment for Index# 511083/2014. Angelyn Johnson, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 52160 SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL CITATION File No. 2008-03203/A PA. No. 133944 SURROGATE’S COURT, KINGS COUNTY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: New York City Human Resources Administration, Attorney General of the State of New York, Garden Care Center, NY State Department of Taxation and Finance, Estate of VALLEE FELIDA a/k/a VALLEE POOLE, and to the spouse, if any, and any and all unknown distributees, and creditors of LEVY POOLE, deceased, whose whereabouts are unknown and if any of the aforesaid persons be dead, to their heirs at law, next of kin and distributees whose names and places of residence are unknown and if the ➔➔ Continued on page 11

VOL. 22 NO. 16

NEW BUSINESS FORMATIONS Notice of Formation of Bridge Hudson, LLC. Articles of Organization. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/18/2018.

Office: Kings County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC c/o Sandeep Puri 50 Bridge Street Unit 515, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Notice of Qualification of LIFE BY ME JAY STREET, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/23/18. Office location: Kings County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/01/18. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

LEGAL NOTICES ➔➔ Continued from page 10 persons died subsequent to LEVY POOLE, the decedent herein to their executors, administrators, legatees, devisees, assignees and successors in interest whose names and places of residence are unknown and to all other heirs at law, next of kin and distributees of LEVY POOLE, the decedent herein, whose names and places of residence are unknown and cannot after due diligence be ascertained, A second supplemental petition and second supplemental account having been duly filed by the Public Administrator of Kings County, who has offices at 360 Adams Street, Room 144A, Brooklyn, New York 11201, United States. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Kings County, at 2 Johnson Street, Room 319, Brooklyn, New York, on May 1, 2018, at 9:30 o’clock in the fore noon of that day why: A) The Supplemental Account of proceedings of the Public Administrator of Kings County as Administrator of the estate of Levy Poole, a summary of which has been served herewith, should not be judicially settled; (B) The Public Administrator of Kings County should not be paid his commissions pursuant to SCPA §2307 in the amount of $18,141.82, as set forth in Schedules C-1 and I of the Supplemental Account; (C) The Public Administrator of Kings County should not be paid his administrative expenses pursuant to SCPA §1106(3) in the amount of $5,054.85 as set forth in Schedules C-1 and J of the Supplemental Account; (D) The Court should not fix, determine and approve the legal Fees of Cullen and Dykman LLP, counsel to the Petitioner, in the amount of $30,329.08 as shown in Schedules C-1 and J of the Account; (E) The Court should not fix, determine and approve the disbursements of Cullen and Dykman LLP in the amount of $2,273.00 as shown in Schedules C-1 and J of the Account; (F) The unpaid balance of the claim of Garden Care Center in the amount of $27,911.26, as set forth in Schedule D of the Supplemental Account, should not be allowed and paid; (G) The claim of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, if any, should not be fixed and determined; (H) The Petitioner should not be permitted to distribute the net estate, after the payment of administration expenses and claims allowed, to the Estate of Vallee Felida a/k/a Vallee Poole, and in the absence of an appearance from said estate in this proceeding, that the net estate instead be deposited with the New York City Commissioner of finance to be held for the benefit of the Estate of Vallee Felida a/k/a Vallee Poole or the distributees or beneficiaries of said estate; (I) The Petitioner, upon

11

OUR TIME PRESS April 19 – 25, 2018

Notice of Formation of 1700 Neptune Avenue LLC. Articles of Organization. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on March 19, 1999. Office location: Kings County.

Princ. office of LLC: 1700 NEPTUNE AVE LLC, 439 S. Governor Printz Blvd, Essington, PA 19029. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of 4DX VENTURES MANAGEMENT, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/12/18. Office location: Kings County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/30/17. Princ. office of LLC: 178 N. 5th St., Apt. 3N, Brooklyn, NY 11211. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. fully complying with the Decree to be made in this proceeding, should not be released and discharged of and from any and all liability, responsibility and accountability with respect to the Petitioner’s acts and proceedings as Administrator as set forth and embraced in said account and the Court grant such other and further relief as it deems just and proper; Dated, Attested, and Sealed, March 1, 2018, HON. MARGARITA LOPEZ TORRES, Surrogate, Doreen A. Quinn, Chief Clerk; Joseph J. Borges, Esq., Attorney Firm: Cullen & Dykman LLP, Address: 44 Wall Street, NY, NY 10005-2407, (212)701-4175. [NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you, and you or your attorney may request a copy of the full account from the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney.]

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County Of Kings U.S. Bank, N.A. as Trustee, successor in interest to Bank of America, N.A. as Trustee, successor by merger to LaSalle Bank, N.A. as Trustee for Washington Mutual Asset-Backed Certificates WMABS Series 2007-HE2 Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST Marie Bonaventure, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 1/18/2018 and entered on 2/2/2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY on April 26, 2018 at 02:30 PM premises known as 958 East 83rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11236.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Kings, City and State of New York, BLOCK: 8019, LOT: 160. Approximate amount of judgment is $647,192.27 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 004835/2013. Bartholomew M. Verdirame, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF KINGS, AJ PARTNERS, LLC, PLAINTIFF, against, SUZIE BLACKSTOCK, et al., DEFENDANTS. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated December 11, 2017 and entered December 29, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at Room 224 of the Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, on the 26th day of April, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. those certain premises being in the County of Kings and State of New York known as

DE addr. of LLC: Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808-1674. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

THE SPINNING TOP LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/20/2018.

Office: Kings County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o LEGALINC Corporate Services Inc. 1967 Wehrle Drive, Suite 1 #086, Buffalo, NY 14221 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

MILANO ASSOCIATES LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/23/18.

Office: Kings County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Freshwater Group LLC, 2564 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

1246 New York Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11203 and more particularly described as follows: Block 4949, Lot 23. Amount of judgment $196,071.63, plus interest, costs and attorneys fees. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of judgment, terms of sale and prior first mortgage. Index No. 602349/2016. Joel Elliot Abramson, Esq., Referee. Lawrence & Walsh, P.C., Attorneys for Plaintiff, 215 Hilton Avenue, Post Office Box 1200, Hempstead, New York 11551.

SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF KINGS PENNYMAC CORP., Plaintiff against JAMES WESLEY NOEL A/K/A JAMES NOEL, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 13, 2018. 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 26th day of April, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. premises described as follows: 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.

Said premises known as 955 Crescent Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11208. (Block: 4529, Lot: 36) Approximate amount of lien $ 469,614.92 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 504307/2013.

Bruno F. Codispoti, Esq., Referee. Fein, Such & Crane, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, N.Y. 14614 (585) 232-7400 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: KINGS COUNTY WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.; Plaintiff(s) vs. KARON BAKERWILLIAMS; ADRIAN WILLIAMS; et al; Defendant(s) Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s): ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 2 Summit Court, Suite 301, Fishkill, New York, 12524, 845.897.1600 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on or about February 7, 2018, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in Room 224 of Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201. On April 19, 2018 at 2:30 pm. Premises known as 1550 EAST 91ST STREET, BROOKLYN, NY 11236-5216 Block: 8274 Lot: 61 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. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment $247,543.97 plus interest and costs. INDEX NO. 502725/2014 Bruno F. Codispoti, Esq., Referee

LRaymond Advisers LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/11//17. Office: Kings County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202 BROOKLYN, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

HATZLUCHA IBRUCHA LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/08/2018.

Office: Kings County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 892 Bedford Avenue, #3 Brooklyn, NY 11205. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

BEC N CALL AUTO GROUP LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/28/18.

Office: Kings County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, PO BOX 23781, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

19th ANNUAL CENTRAL BROOKLYN JAZZ FESTIVAL ➔➔ Continued from page 8 Amanda Jhones, Martha Redbone, and Lonnie Youngblood. Names to take note of include Lesedi Ntsane, Lisanne Tremblay and Giveton Gelin, who also display their artistry. Over 50 percent of the events are free, or less than ten dollars.

Brooklyn’s jazz legacy dates back over a half-century during the borough’s noted hard-bop styling era. Freddie Hubbard’s fiery session with Lee Morgan at Club La Marchal, Horace Silver’s gigs at the Club Continental and the boss bass man Reggie Workman at the East attracted mostly intrepid audiences into central Brooklyn’s clubs. “The Renaissance of the jazz scene here is due, partly, to the efforts of the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium. We reclaimed our “jazz destination status” based on the proliferation of venues with jazz music policies throughout central Brooklyn,” states CBJC’s Communications Director Bob Myers. ### If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bob Myers at 718.773.2252, Ext. 103 or e-mail at comm@ cbjcjazz.org.

Life Tribute ➔➔ Continued from page 9

to travel. She visited over 50 countries and was always up for a new adventure.

Dr. D could pack a two-week vacation in a carry-on bag! On those trips, she would often put on a one-woman fashion show, complete with hats and accessories, just from the clothes from that one carry-on.

Most importantly, Carol loved to laugh and dance.

If you look for the definition of love, you will find a picture of Dr. Carol V. De Costa, as she loved unconditionally. Carol leaves to mourn and cherish her: a beloved son, Victorious (Kamal); a devoted wife and partner, Colleen; several brothers and sisters and their spouses, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, godchildren and many other family members. She also leaves behind a host of friends whom she adored and who all loved her. Carol will be missed, but we know she is at peace and we now have our own personal angel to watch over us.

12

OUR TIME PRESS April 5 – 11, 2018

VOL. 22 NO. 15

Choir Director Larry Banks: In the Community, Planting Seeds

L

arry Banks is Brooklyn’s best-kept secret. He is a writer, choir director, philosopher, vocal trainer, poet, composer, lyricist and visionary. He sees with his heart and acts on his faith. Blind since 2005 due to complications caused by diabetes, Banks’ high energy and upbeat nature shows no signs of handicap. He says his music has gotten stronger since there are no more visual distractions. This is more internal, deeper. “With music, I really work from another side of my brain.”

Nine years ago, as a recreation specialist at Herbert Von King Park in BedfordStuyvesant, Banks learned of the ecologist Hattie Carthan from one of her mentees, Lemuel H. Mial, then manager of the park.

Tasked by Mr. Mial to create an Arbor Day song at the suggestion of a community resident, Banks scored even further. He wrote two songs in one day, “Planting Our Future” and “Like an Oak Tree.” Then took the song to a school without a music teacher, sent the song by CD to the others so the children, ranging in age from 3rd-6th grade, could learn them in a few days.

That Arbor Day remains a special day for adolescents who walk up to him today and sing the song to him. What made it unique for the teachers present in the park that Arbor Day observance, was how six schools with a total of 400-600 children gathered in the Almira Courtesy Amphitheatre sang the song exuberantly in unison. Possibly a United Schools of Brooklyn first-ever.

Banks sought no publicity nor promotion, and the song might have been forgotten. But fate would not have it that way. When there was a request from the Magnolia Tree Earth Center of Bedford-Stuyvesant for Mr. Mial’s participation at the dedication of a magnolia sapling at PS 21(to another superheroine,

educator Adelaide Sanford), Banks and “Planting Our Future” came to mind.

The gifted songwriter is currently the choirmaster of Open Door Church in Downtown Brooklyn. He celebrates 40 years as an Open Door worshipper this November with a cantata. Over the years, Banks has composed at least 1,000 songs for his church choir and another 1500 for just about everybody else, including the two now historic ones for the children of Brooklyn. While his music preferences run the gamut from jazz to even hip-hop, Banks favors writing about his Christian faith.

He is inspired by the Scriptures.

Six choirs use his material.

What sets Banks apart from songwriters of today is his involvement in the radical movements of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

A 60’s hippie rocker, 70’s bassist for Hot Ice (circa 1976) and 80’s partygoer, Banks satisfies all that a vintage-music nostalgic teen craves. The source of all the passion and musical creativity, according to Banks, was not from being content with society.

“We were gearing up for revolution. The music was pounding, full-throttle towards revolutions. I wrote music to attack social injustices in society--with funk--like the lack of opportunity for people of color.”

His music served as a catalyst to right those wrongs. “I wrote a lot of utopian-type songs during that time. But economics changed it. We were tired of being poor, being hippies.”

But there’s another side to Mr. Banks.

The Fort Greene native majored in classical

Saturday April 21st, 2018 1pm - 2:30pm

Bailey’s Café’s Earth Day Celebration In Collaboration With Magnolia Tree Center Recycling, Planting, Composting, Environmental Science Workshop For Children 2 to 5 Years Old and Their Parents

FREE / RSVP required email: ssiegel@baileyscafe.org Facilitated By Cecile Fandi Master Composter Gardener Educator Director of Kwabo Playgroup Leader of P.S. 262 School Garden

music and philosophy at Brooklyn College, which he attended for three years. Banks missed out on a degree because of his enthusiasm for the college’s SUBO House dance parties where James Brown and Berry Gordy reigned. The self-taught keyboardist, guitarist, drummer, bassist and younger brother of the renown jazz musician Stanley Banks, also writes… cantatas.

Baroque music holds a special place in his heart, right up there with Prince, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley. He riffs on Bach, Beethoven, Mendelsohn and Mozart with the best scholars. And philosophers Kierkegaard and Nietsche, haunted souls, he says, share a berth in Banks’ soul with Marvin Gaye.

To say Banks is creative, unique and ahead of his time, is not saying much. He also draws inspiration from other avenues – like film and drama – a world he’s about to enter.

If Sir Alfred Hitchcock was the Master of Suspense, Banks is that – as the Open Door Church choir awaiting his next song experience from week to week has experienced —and more.

Several years ago, Banks self-published “Drowning in a River called Time,” a novel which details the story of a woman coping with her drug addiction; who then magically swaps bodies with a pious Evangelist woman of another race.

Of all of his work, the PS 287 graduate says Arbor Day songs, entitled “Like an Oak Tree” and “Planting for Our Future,” underscore the importance of, and pays tribute to maintaining a healthy environment.

“I wrote it for the kids,” he said, with a hearty laugh. “We adults need to learn from them and be progressive and positive.

My music is unsaturated soul.”

The children from Bedford-Stuyvesant officially debuted Banks’ songs on Arbor Day, Friday, April 24, 2009. On Saturday, April 28, at 2:00pm, at the tree dedication for P.S. 21’s Carnival & Block Party (Marion St. and Patchen), the maestro himself --with his gravely voice that sounds like tree bark, if tree back could sing -- will perform his songs in public for the first time.

Mr. Mial and Mr. Banks also will perform Banks’ “Phenomenal Woman” song, written for Mial’s wife Charlotte, but dedicated that day to Ms. Sanford and Ms. Carthan.

When Banks gets a deal to record the songs to Brooklyn kids, all of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the Magnolia Tree Earth Center of Bedford-Stuyvesant.

(Bernice Elizabeth Green)

MTEC SERVES UP SUPER ARRAY of ECOACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES AT P.S. 21 CARNIVAL, SATURDAY, APRIL 28

T

oday, the Magnolia Tree Earth Center of Bedford-Stuyvesant (MTEC), in association with the Hattie Carthan Community Garden, distributed magnolia saplings to schools in Central Brooklyn.

In tribute to Earth Month, the Magnolia Center took its late founder Hattie Carthan’s 1960’s Community Sustainability message directly to the educators who are on the ground planting seeds of wisdom in our children.

The pickups continue into tomorrow, April 20, the day designated by the Department of Education for New York City schools to observe Earth Month. Some of the schools planting trees and dedicating them to community leaders and education advocates.

The schools include: P.S. 243/Weeksville School, dedicating its sapling to historian and preservationist Joan Maynard; P.S. 21, a planting tomorrow and tree dedication on Saturday, April 28 for living legend and educator Adelaide Sanford; and tomorrow P.S. 26, where the late Marcia Goldman, former MTEC Chair and Weeksville Executive Director graduated in 1948 as valedictorian.

(P.S. 26, now the Jesse Owens School, moved from its original Quincy Street location to Malcolm X and Lafayette several years ago.)

The school representatives were welcomed this morning by Earth Steward “Farmer Yon” Fleming and MTEC Board members. They viewed the photo exhibition on display of Hattie Carthan and took group photos in front of the celebrated Magnolia Grandiflora – New York City’s only Living Landmark (the center’s namesake) and the

famous Hattie Carthan Garden, where 60 urban farmers tend to an array of plots and a Farmers’ Market calls home.

Other MTEC Earth Week activities include: a gardening event for moms and their toddlers at Bailey’s Café on Saturday (21st) - see flyer on this page; and on National Earth Day at Macon Library (Lewis at Macon), a “From these Roots” initiative for all ages observing April Earth Month and April Poetry Month with readings by established and emerging writers. Also included will be a photography nature walk led by Horace Mann instructor Barry L. Mason; a workshop by Ms. Fleming on Hattie Carthan; Gha’il Benjamin’s salute to Nobelist Wangari Mathaai; readings and poetry of Fred Price, former Newsday executive who, inspired

by Carthan, helped develop the paper’s Brooklyn-wide Tree Initiative in the 1990’s; and writer Maitefa Angaza.

MTEC closes the week, Saturday, April 28 (12:00-5:00pm) as host of the tree dedication to educator Adelaide Sanford (2:00-2:30 pm) during P.S. 21’s Annual On-The-Street Carnival. The first-ever ecology songs, PLANTING OUR FUTURE and Like AN OAK TREE, written for Brooklyn’s young people, will be performed by composer Larry Banks, who will also debut publicly his “Phenomenal Women” song, with Lemuel Mial, the neighborhood’s most popular superhero parks manager. Eco-related arts and crafts, chess and other activities, including the construction of a supervillage on-site by neighborhood children, will be offered by MTEC. (Bernice Elizabeth Green, Project Green Global)