OUR TIME PRESS | February 8 – 14, 2018

| From the Villa ge of Brook ly n |

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

| VOL. 22 NO. 6

February 8 – 14, 2018 |

Since 1996

What will Save Brooklyn's "Bridges" from Falling?

Parents, students and advocates P.S. 25/The Eubie Blake School turned out to present their case for keeping the school open, to Department of Education and Community Education Council officials. Photos: Bernice Green

Parent Raphael Sanders Audrey Baker, Alumna. P.S. 25

PTA President Daisy Sanders

The Community Rallies in Support of P.S. 25

W

hen a school is the only one in its district to rise more than 20% in both the ELA and Math on the New York State exams, plus is outperforming the City and the District and is in good standing with the State, there should be commendations all around.

P.S. 25/The Eubie Blake School in North Bedford-Stuyvesant is a small school with a big success story, but there’s a proposal on the table to reward its achievement with closure at the end of the 2017-2018 school year. That’s if, at the end of this month, the Panel on Education Policy (PEP) votes

☞ INSIDE

McGrath on Basquiat: A Brooklyn Valentine to “Some Kid” – ➔➔ Page 12

to close it. The Community Education Council’s (CEC) decision to advise closure was based on its low population, despite its high performance.

Last Monday, a public hearing organized by the DOE was convened at the school with community residents, parents, students and teachers coming out in support of the school.

The hearing panel included school principal Anita Coley; for the DOE, Phil Weinberg, Deputy Chancellor for Teaching and Learning; Acting District 16 Superintendent Rahesha Amon,

Community Board 3: Our Community’s Health – ➔➔ Page 5

and NeQuan C. McClean, President, Community Education Council, the organization that initially recommended the closure.

To get ready for the evening, the PTA, under the leadership of President Daisy Sanders waged a strategic campaign to bring attention to the school using the tried and true method of the parent’s phone bank.

Letters were also sent to PEP, Councilman Robert Conergy, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and other leaders. Community ➔➔ Continued on page 6

Flu Epidemic in BedfordStuyvesant– ➔➔ Page 2

Cardi B’s “Money Moves”➔➔ Page 4

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OUR TIME PRESS February 8 – 14, 2018

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Black History, American History ■■

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Publisher DBG MEDIA Editor-in-Chief David Mark Greaves Consultant Bernice Elizabeth Green Legacy Ventures Web Editor www.ourtimepress.com Liani Greaves Copy Editor Maitefa Angaza Contributors Victoria Horsford Abigail Rosen McGrath Fern Gillespie Akosua Albritton Margo McKenzie Priscilla Mensah Aishamanne Williams Marlon Rice Sports Eddie Castro Office Manager Joanna Williams

ebruary is Black History Month, but when should Black history begin?

Certainly, not during the Civil Rights Movement or Reconstruction, or slavery or our arrival on these shores. Black history begins, as all human history does, in Africa.

Perhaps in the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania or in the Afar Triangle of Ethiopia threeand-a-half million years ago. And over that time, these hominids came into humanhood along the Nile and in North Africa and then onto to what is now Europe, Asia and throughout the world.

In northeastern Africa around 5000 B.C., agricultural communities were born while others were still nomads populating the earth.

The French historian Count Volney, writing in “The Ruins”, his work on ancient African empires, spoke of them this way: “They’re a people, now forgotten, discovered, while others were yet barbarians, the elements of the arts and sciences. A race of men, now rejected from society for their sable skin and frizzled hair, founded on the study of the laws of nature, those civil and religious systems which still govern the universe.”

These empires of Ethiopia, Egypt, Mali, Ghana lasted for hundreds of years before they fell. The United States of America has been a republic for 242 years and an empire for only 50 of that. This is so blindingly fast in historical time, that it cannot be measured in the proverbial blink of an eye, and its dissolution is at risk to be faster than that.

The nation is being led by a disturbed individual with a bad history and bad intentions.

He is being aided and abetted by a Republican Congress that has no need for what is taught

Co Op 3 mp en su le mm to te de up er gr se to e ss e on & io e ns no ye ar nav de of ai gr la stu bl e dy e e stu in d th e re nt e s mo Ca M n l c ic th u s r lu s An Ch obi at em olo om g i y & stry y Ph ys P ic h s & ysi ol M og or y e

HE AD -S TA RT TH IS SU MM ER

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By David Mark Greaves

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300 Jay Street Downtown Brooklyn facebook.com/citytech • @citytechnews

Me, The People Treasonous for not clapping for him at the “State of The Union” address? Un-American for Democrats to sit while Republicans stood and applauded? And now he’s told the Pentagon that he wants a big military parade to watch go by with tanks and armaments. In reaction, Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer for George W. Bush, tweeted: “Cool. Just like in North Korea and Russia.

But what do we do about those traitors who don’t clap during our Dear Leader’s speech?”

Week after week we hear the expression, “He’s hit a new low”, in reference to President Trump. I think we’ve learned by now that this will keep going on because the truth is that he has no bottom. There is no negative thought to be left unspoken. No price too high to protect his ego. The lives of hundreds of thousands of people, be they Dreamers or North and South Koreans, are dependent on a man who would sacrifice them all to have his way and protect himself. As we have determined, his sense of morality is a bottomless pit, the depths of which he is determined to explore and revel in. If you wanted to live in a time that mattered, that will be remembered as long as the republic lasts, welcome to now.

By Priscilla Mensah

D

GE TA

CITY TECH

and the American plutocrats have their operatives all focused on mitigating any damage and perhaps again surprising all. They are a formidable opponent and combating them will require skills in recognizing those who smile in your face as they plot your demise and the use of encryption and social media, instead of drums and lyrics in the field, giving word when the time to act has come.

Remember that a hundred years after the Silent Protest Parade, African-Americans still have to march and demonstrate against white violence and we’ve all seen in Charlottesville how quickly these “very fine people”, as Trump called them, can become emboldened.

These midterm elections are one more act in the Civil War that began in 1863 over race, and like the history of Black folks continues to this day. Historian W.E.B. DuBois wrote in “The Souls of Black Folks” in 1903 that, “The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line”. And now we see it remains the problem of the 21st century as well.

Dr. Chandra Warns: Don’t Flirt with the Flu This Year!

718.260.5500 • WWW.CITYTECH.CUNY.EDU/SUMMER NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

in every high school in the country, that ours is a system of “checks and balances” with equal branches of government. However, with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan receiving $500,000 from the Koch Brothers in campaign donations right after the tax bill passed, and other “legislators” receiving their cut of the tens of millions doled out in what are called campaign contributions, the nation is at risk of becoming, not “the shining city on the hill”, but a dark and dangerous place marked by fear, pain and early death. A place like that inhabited by Africans on this continent from the Transatlantic Slave Trade to the present day.

Black history is American history, and white people would be wise to be mindful of the lesson we’ve learned, that the everyday perpetrators of evil will not stop on their own accord, we’ve seen this before, the Indigenous People have seen this before, and we’ve seen that they know no limits.

What is happening to the country is not something that will get better on its own.

Watching his people being called in for questioning by the special counsel who already knows the answers, Trump hears the hounds of fate scratching at his door, and he will do whatever it takes to stop them. That is when the people have to rise up like they did in 1917, when African-Americans, dressed in their Sunday best marching ten thousand strong against lynching, race riots and white terrorism in general in the “Silent Protest Parade”, where only the sounds of footsteps and muffled drums were heard on New York’s 5th Avenue.

White Americans should again take note that there has been a century of Black marches and protests since then, and this is as far as it’s brought us. And I don’t think there is the luxury of a century to save the nation, more like ten minutes, relatively speaking.

Take it from a people who in the past have ruled for hundreds of years before falling on hard times, only resilience and resistance will carry you through. The midterm election results is the big prize and Vladimir Putin and the Russian oligarchs and Donald Trump

VOL. 22 NO. 6

www.citytech.cuny.edu

r. Prandeep Chandra warns Brooklynites not to flirt with the flu. The Chief Medical Officer at Brooklyn’s Interfaith Medical Center has seen firsthand the damage this year’s flu can do. It’s a strain that doesn’t care about your plans, obligations or deadlines; it’s coming soon to a home or workplace near you and it’s bringing the blues with it. Dr. Chandra thinks you should get a flu shot.

New York City has declared an official – and unusual – “flu emergency” as the epidemic careens across the city. According to Dr. Chandra, while flu season usually begins in November, it doesn’t end until May (!) with December through February seeing the greatest number of cases. And although Dr. Chandra is recommending it, he admits that this year’s flu vaccine is just “17% effective.

However, he says that it can also, “…prevent complications and decrease both the severity and duration of the flu.”

This season’s H3N2 strain of the flu is more aggressive than others and is particularly dangerous for young children, elders, diabetics, cancer patients, persons with HIV, heart failure or kidney disease and others with weakened immune systems. It starts like a cold, with congestion in the nose, significant fatigue, pain and high fever and can last, “… between seven to ten days,” says Dr.

Chandra, “unless treated by antiviral drugs like Tamiflu, which can reduce it to one to two days.”

Dr. Chandra recommends wearing a germ-protective face mask at the very least if, for example, you are against being vaccinated on grounds of religion. Those who object to taking the vaccine should take Tamiflu upon displaying the earliest symptoms, he says.

However, because of the recent uptick in flu incidences, Tamiflu has been sold out in many drugstores. So Dr. Chandra stresses the importance of considering being vaccinated during this particularly threatening flu season.

Priscilla Mensah, a highly spirited scholar, enjoys topics related to improving health and wellness. She is also a former Health Reporting Fellow at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. She can be reached at pmensahbrooklyn@gmail.com.

VOL. 22 NO. 6

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OUR TIME PRESS February 8 – 14, 2018

Healthfirst proudly celebrates

Black History Month Recognizing the legacy of African American community’s, past, present and future For more information about our health plans, call 1-888-974-9901 (TTY 1-888-542-3821), 7 days a week, 8am–8pm, or visit www.HFhealthplan.org.

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OUR TIME PRESS February 8 – 14, 2018

WHAT’S GOING ON ■■

By Victoria Horsford

USA/NEW YORK THE US: The US Dow Industrials dropped 1600 points on Monday before closing down by 1175. That was the single largest drop in the market’s history.

It wiped out all of the 2018 gains for the Dow and the S&P. Market was in free fall while President Trump was addressing an audience about his exceptional presidential tenure. Sean Hannity blames President Obama for the recent US stock market reverses. Trump maligns Congressional Democrats who attended his “State of the Union” last week who did not stand to applaud his so-called accomplishments are “treasonous”. He failed to compliment the Black Caucus legislators in attendance who were awash in African kente cloth splendor.

His governance style is compared to King George and King Henry VIII. NY RALLY: And more backlash to Trump’s remarks. #Proud Africans is a coalition of African, Caribbean and African-American activists, human rights and professional organization who will host a protest rally outside of the United Nations at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza on 47th Street, between First and Second Avenues, on February 15 at 11 am “to denounce the recent anti-Africa racist comments by President Donald Trump and to highlight

Ron Daniels

Africa’s past and continuing contributions in the creation of wealth and prosperity in the industrialized West”. Some of the coalition organizers include the United African Congress; Ron Daniels’ Institute of the Black World 21st Century; Milton Allimadi’s Black Star News; the African Diaspora Coalition for Justice; and Mamadou Niang’s Nextmedia.tv. For more info, call 212.541.4316, e-mail info@nextmedia.tv, Facebook: proudafricansempowerment.

BLACK ENTERPRISE Charles King, a Howard Law School graduate, is making a lot of things happy for people of color in Hollywood’s film

10 years, he spent 37 years at the Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem as senior pastor.

Dr. Walker’s wake and funeral will be held at Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia on Feb. 16 and 17. A memorial service will be held at Canaan Baptist Church at 132 West 116th Street on March 3.

FEBRUARY CALENDAR

Mary J. Blige is the smart thing to do,” he tells Bloomberg Business Week. In 2015, he launched Macro Ventures, which finances film and TV projects from nonwhite creators.

King’s backers include Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective and investors from Wall Street and Silicon Valley. Macro’s first movie, THE LAND, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016. Macro’s next film venture was August Wilson’s FENCES, starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. Macro’s third film, MUDBOUND, directed by Black director Dee Rees, was released by Netflix.

Mary J. Blige got an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress and Best Song in MUDBOUND. She dons the cover of NY magazine, its “FASHION WEEK” issue.

NEWSMAKERS Charles King and television cosmos. He arrived in Los Angeles and was determined to be an agent to change the power equation and the stories that would be produced about Blacks. He got a job at William Morris talent agency, starting in the mailroom before becoming the company’s first Black partner/superagent. CNN founder Ted Turner and BET co-founder Bob Johnson are his role models. He learned how hard it is for Blacks to get their stories greenlit in Hollywood.

He observed: “People there don’t want to create real change. Many decision-makers think that they have to cast people of color to appease people rather than thinking that it

RIP: Rev. Dr. Wyatt T. Walker, 88, died last month.

A co-founder and third executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, he was a chief strategist to Rev. Dr. Wyatt T. Walker Dr. Martin Luther King, who helped organize the “March on Washington”. A special assistant to NYS Governor Nelson Rockefeller for

Cardi B is “Making Money Moves” …

With Gen-Xers & Millennials ■■

B

Lisa Durden

orn Belcalis Almanzar on October 11, 1992 in the Bronx, New York, Cardi B grew up a wild child.

Although she looked like a nun in high school, she was far from it.

At the age of 16, she was a member of the Bloods street gang and going nowhere real Cardi B High at fast. her high school W h e n graduation. she was 19, Cardi B worked for two seconds at a local Manhattan supermarket before getting fired, then landed on a stripper pole as an exotic dancer in a hood club, in hopes of making enough money to escape poverty and her abusive relationship.

Although stripping is a perfectly legitimate, legal profession, it’s not perceived by most as a successful career move. Don’t judge! Everybody counted Cardi B out until she went viral as an #Instagram influencer, reaching over 17 million followers with her

larger-than-life personality, unapologetic foul mouth, sharing a healthy dose of her X-rated sexual exploits, dropping F-bombs and throwing shade at the haters. The girl had zero filter.

She didn’t just #SpillTheTea, she spilled that strong Lipton Tea with sour lemon. Now, Cardi B is “making money moves” with GenXers and Millennials. #ClapForThat!

Let me break it down for you.

Generation-Xers were raised to believe if you go to college, it was your way out of the ghetto. That sounded cute in theory, but we found out it was a big fat lie. The fact of the matter is, many of us graduated from college and landed right on the unemployment line or in a “go nowhere job”, which is why there was an exodus of Gen-Xers who left Corporate America in our thirties to start our own businesses in search of empowerment. However, the Millennials didn’t buy into the #WACK notion that the only road to success is through obtaining a degree and getting a 9 to 5 J.O.B. They see their ideas and skillsets as intellectual property with a high price tag attached.

This common denominator is why we all love Cardi B like a fresh fruit salad. She gives us life because she is the poster child for making it out of the ghetto on her own terms.

She was uneducated! She was the underdog!

She was dismissed! She was broke! But as my mother would say, “She ain’t beg nobody for a piece of bread." Almost overnight, Cardi

VOL. 22 NO. 6

Cardi B, all grown up.

B became an Internet celebrity and made big “schmoney” by brilliantly sharing her arrogance and confidence on social media.

Hilarious lines like, “People be talking like strippers don’t be working hard ..., like that’s some easy job, but you ... can’t walk a whole entire block with heels on and we be ... doing splits and somersaults for hours..., are classic Cardi B. Cardi B’s days of dancing in high school talent shows served her well as a stripper because she wasn’t just an exotic dancer, she was an entertainer. She was known as a “garbage bag girl”; she made so much money stripping it had to go in a garbage bag because it wouldn’t fit in a dance bag.

However, stripping was a means to an end, so she fixed her teeth, did a little nip and tuck and made some radical moves toward her rap career. Cardi B didn’t just dream, she took initiative! People try to trash Cardi because she doesn’t speak the king’s English, but you have to give her her props, she set a whole lot

Woodie King, Jr.’s New Federal Theatre celebrates Black History Month with a one-woman show, HARRIET’S RETURN, BASED UPON THE LEGENDARY LIFE OF HARRIET TUBMAN, written and performed by Karen Jones Meadows at the Castillo Theatre, located at 543 West 42nd Street. Playdates are February 8 to March 4.

[Visit newfederaltheatre.com] The NYS Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators convenes the 47th Annual Legislative Conference on February 16-18 at the Albany Marriott Hotel. Its conference theme is “On This Journey there is Still #HOPE”. The power elite weekend boasts a business expo, workshops, power breakfasts and lunches, the Annual Scholarship Dinner Gala, featuring Andrew Young as Guest Speaker, and myriad related events. The association is composed of NYS elected officials, assemblymen and senators. [Visit NYSABPRL.ORG. or call 518.427.8363] Education Op: Two scholarships, each spanning 4 years, are available at the Winchendon School in Brooklyn for middle school coed students, which covers 95% of the tuition. Interested students/parents should contact the following ASAP: Marcia Rowe-Reddick at mriddick@csdcnyc.org. or Sean Duncan at sduncan@winchendon.org.

One of the many NY Frederick Douglass Bicentennial events will be held at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, a CUNY campus, and will headline the historian’s greatgreat grandson Lloyd Weaver on February 26. Douglass was an abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman.

A Harlem-based management consultant, Victoria can be reached at Victoria. horsford@gmail.com. of folks all the way straight when she tore up social media with her popular kitschy content; amassing $4.5 million in media value.

As they say, “Build it and they will come”.

In 2015, Mona Scott-Young, the creator of VH-1’s “Love & Hip-Hop: New York”, said ka-ching when she learned of Cardi B’s viral Vine, over 17 million #Instagram followers and over 2 million #Twitter followers, so she sought her out and signed her on as a regular cast member of the popular show.

Of course, Cardi B killed it!! She became a huge reality TV star and the first female rapper to top the U.S. Billboard chart since Lauryn Hill in 1998 with her single “Bodak Yellow”. Cardi B is making money moves by signing a major recording deal with Atlantic Records, launching her Steve Madden shoe collection and her upcoming 2018 tour dates, including, as recently announced, hitting the road with Bruno Mars for his Grammysweeping “24K Magic”.

Generation-Xers and Millennials are feeling Cardi B because she’s real! Her truth is her brand! My favorite “Bodak Yellow” lyrics are, “I ain’t got no time to chill. Dropped two mixtapes in six months what ... working as hard as me. I’m a boss you a worker b___.”

In other words, don’t come for her unless you are grindin.’

Lisa Durden, TV personality and subject matter expert in the areas of pop culture, politics and social issues, who’s an “A-Plus Panel” Contributor at My9’s “Chasing News”. She also makes appearances on Dr. Oz, Pix11 Morning News, CT Style & Fox News Channel. Lisa’s voice is her activism!

Twitter: @lisardurden

VOL. 22 NO. 6

“Health clinics have been repeatedly downsized across “… one of the most unequal and segregated cities – New York City.” Dr. Torian Easterling

Dr. Easterling: Racism Impacts Health, Mortality Rates ■■

By Priscilla Mensah

W

hile the 24-hour news-cycle is consumed with the body politic, a “State of the Health” address at Community Board 3’s recent public meeting focused on the health of

An address on the “State of Health in Brooklyn Community Board 3,” was shared at Monday's meeting. Health and Social Service Committee Chair Edna Johnson introduced presenter Dr. Torian Easterling, Assistant Commissioner, Center for Health Equity, Brooklyn Neighborhood Health Action Center.

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OUR TIME PRESS February 8 – 14, 2018

our physical bodies – the center of our own personal worlds. Dr. Torian Easterling, Assistant Commissioner for the NYC Department of Health, made the connection between the overwhelming number of poor health outcomes in certain regions and the structural racism endemic within these communities.

Not sugarcoating anything, Dr. Easterling reminded attendees that premature births and infant mortality continue to disproportionately plague Community Board 3. Simply put – people in New York City are dying far too early. Neighborhoods like BedfordStuyvesant have some of the poorest health outcomes when compared to others and an average life expectancy of 71.1 years. When compared with the 80-years-plus life expectancy of residents of Washington Heights, that number is unacceptable, Dr. Easterling feels.

Fortunately, Dr. Easterling also outlined specific ways to achieve parity in health.

For example, he proposed making injustice visible, whether in the form of racism or socioeconomic discrimination. By eliminating racism, he believes, it will naturally follow that negative health outcomes will also be eliminated, as the two are inextricably linked.

Dr. Easterling was instrumental in creating and bringing to fruition a model for research and reform that seeks to eventually answer pressing questions pertaining to health in our communities, such as: “What are we doing around infant mortality?” and ➔➔ Continued on page 12

BP Eric Adams Helps His Mom Beat Diabetes

After Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams rid himself of diabetes with the help of his physician, he was able to help his mother as well.

Now her doctor has advised her that she now no longer needs to takes daily insulin shots.

One cold day in January of 2016, I witnessed my mother inject herself with insulin to deal with her Type 2 diabetes. Despite several years of being on this injection routine, the grimace on her face clearly showed that she had never gotten used to the sharp pain. When I left her home, I sat in my car and had a conversation with God. “I am not a doctor,” my plea began, “but I wish I could do something for my mother to address her diabetes.”

As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for.

A few months later, I was told that I, too,

was diabetic, and that my diagnosis came with far more severe symptoms than what my mother was showing. I was losing my eyesight, there was irreversible nerve damage in my hands and feet, I had high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and I had developed a small ulcer from years of stress. The poor health that had imperiled my mother’s life was now threatening to derail mine.

As I have shared in previous messages to you, I visited five doctors and they all told me that I would be on medicine, including ➔➔ Continued on page 11

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OUR TIME PRESS February 8 – 14, 2018

Parents and Friends of P.S 25 Rally For School ➔➔ Continued from page 1 residents and neighbors were alerted. Even though the hearing fell on the same night as Community Board 3’s regular meeting, about 100 were in attendance that cold night.

The hearing opened with a parade of children respectfully chanting, “Save Our School! Save Our School!” The placards lifted high gave similar messages: Give Our Kids a Chance; New York State Recognized P.S. 25 as a reward School. Why Shut it down? After the introductions and statements on hearing rules, the floor was open to the speakers starting with community leader Deidre Williams, and including the children, parents, community residents, community advocates, education activists and others.

Parent Raphael Sanders offered a solution

to the complex CEC/DOE “small school/ large space” dilemma. He said instead of closing the school, “Why not bring to P.S. 25 a small failing school and watch what happens!”

Another highlight was the appearance of former P.S. alumna Dr. Audrey Baker, a powerful Brooklyn education, community and civic leader, whose passionate comments received thunderous applause from the P.S. 25 family. “I am very disturbed that a school like this should be closed,” she said adding “this is something that has to be fixed.” Also well-received were the comments of Aprille M. Russell, representing her mother, the late Evelyn A. Russell, for whom a school P.S. scholarship has been created. (See story below.) has been created. Bernice Elizabeth Green

VOL. 22 NO. 6

High Achiever Kyamalit Gray, 10, a P.S. 25 fifth grader, recently won a top prize for her submission in the art category of the recent Central Brooklyn Martin Luther King Commission student competitions. Here, she presents to visitors and guests her award-winning submission, “Gamma,” a celebration of her grandmother.

(More, next week.)

Evelyn A. Russell Scholar Award Empowering Brooklyn Youth Through Books & the Arts

T

he Evelyn A. Russell Scholar Award is presented to an outstanding fifth grader at P.S. 25 in Brooklyn who demonstrates a commitment to

and appreciation for the language arts.

Ms. Evelyn Russell, a student at P.S. 25 in the late 1950s, loved reading and writing.

Evelyn was a dedicated scholar throughout her years in school and after. She received her degree in English from Brooklyn College.

She became an editor at Bowker Books in New York. Later, she moved to Washington, DC, and became an editor at Congressional Quarterly, where she tracked government bills as they went through Congress. Evelyn instilled a love of learning and books in her children Adam, Aprille and Aisha Russell.

Evelyn Russell passed away in 2005.

Evelyn’s children and her P.S. 25 best friend Bernice Green established the Evelyn A. Russell Scholar Award in her honor.

Evelyn believed that wherever she traveled, Brooklyn was a special place and it would always have a home in her heart.

She also believed that reading books was like traveling because books could take

Children who attend free, full-day, high-quality pre-K learn to problem-solve, ask questions, and work together.

you somewhere new. Evelyn Russell was a lifelong learner.

To apply for the Evelyn A. Russell Scholar Award, interested P.S. 25 students should submit to their teacher an essay of 300-500 words on why reading is important to them. The top three essays will be sent to the Russell family with the winning essay chosen based on the following criteria: 1.) following the assigned topic, 2.) vocabulary and 3.) creativity. A certificate and cash award will be presented to the student with the winning essay.

Community: When you See Something, Say Something

nyc.gov/prek New York City families with children born in 2014 can apply for free, full-day, high-quality pre-K for the 2018-19 school year.

Call 311 | Text “prek” to 877-877.

Receive automated recurring messages from NYC DOE. No purchase necessary. MSG and data rates may apply.

Reports of illegal use of 529 Monroe Street were made to Community Board 3 by block residents. On investigation, District Manager Henry Butler found that the 14-apartment building had been illegally converted to 40 rooms and that the residents are clients of HRA. Butler asked HRA why they were sending clients to an illegal building for which the fire department had even issued a summons as a fire hazard. He is still waiting for a response.

“As of right now, 529 Monroe Street is an illegally-converted building supported by HRA,” he said.

VOL. 22 NO. 6

"The Ruins" Challenged the World’s ‘Great Thinkers’ to Think Again

Monday Night Jazz

A

very long time ago in 1791, a controversial book was written by world-traveling Frenchman Constantin Françoise Chasseboeuf, comte de Volney. An iconoclast who renamed himself after two of his favorite authors, Voltaire and Ferney, Volney challenged much of the conventional wisdom of his time and place. It could be said that he was a study in contradictions. Volney believed in the essential goodness of human nature, yet thought government should be guided by the enlightened self-interest of individuals rather than by a social contract that sought to lift all boats.

An abolitionist who believed Africans were the founders of civilization, he nonetheless spent time at the Monitcello plantation of slaveholder Thomas Jefferson, whom he persuaded to anonymously translate a portion of his classic, Ruins of Empires (full title below) into English.

Interestingly, Jefferson’s translation omitted Volney’s words in tributes to the character and legacy of the Africans.

Volney was an ardent proponent of the separation of church and state and his work is still studied and cited today. He was fascinated by the people and cultures he encountered on his travels, most notably to Egypt and Ethiopia. His writings about them were first rejected wholesale. But as archeology began to prove some of his claims, historians outside Africa began to question the supposed hegemony of the Greeks.

Count Volney is quoted briefly in this excerpt of the preface to his seminal work, The Ruins; Or, Meditation on the Revolutions of Empires: and The Law of Nature.

“Having recently purchased a set of stereotyped plates of Volney’s Ruins, with a view of reprinting the same, I found, on examination, that they were considerably worn by the many editions that had been printed from them and that they greatly needed both repairs and corrections.

A careful estimate showed that the amount necessary for this purpose would go far towards reproducing this standard work in modern type and in an improved form. After due reflection this course was at length decided upon, and all the more readily, as by discarding the old plates and resetting the entire work, the publisher was enabled to greatly enhance its value, by inserting the translator’s preface as it appeared in the original edition, and also to

restore many notes and other valuable material which had been carelessly omitted in Prayer Book: Arganonä Maryam (The Organ of Mary) The the American reprint.

Metropolitan Museum of Art. An example of an important omission of this kind may be found on the fifteenth, religious systems which still govern sixteenth, and seventeenth pages of the universe.’ this volume, which may be approA voluminous note, in which priately referred to, in this connec- standard authorities are cited, tion. It is there stated, in describing seems to prove that this statement the ancient kingdom of Ethiopia, is substantially correct, and that and the ruins of Thebes, her opulent we are in reality, indebted to the metropolis, that, ‘There a people, ancient Ethiopians, to the fervid now forgotten, discovered, while imagination of the persecuted and others were yet barbarians, the despised negro, for the various elements of the arts and sciences. religious systems now so highly A race of men, now rejected from revered by the different branches of society for their sable skin and friz- both the Semitic and Aryan races. zled hair, founded on the study of This fact, which is so frequently rethe laws of nature, those civil and ferred to in Mr. Volney’s writings,

Jennifer Jones-Austin: Rallying New York City for the Fight ■■

J

7

OUR TIME PRESS February 8 – 14, 2018

Emma Jordan-Simpson

ennifer Jones-Austin, CEO and Executive Director of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (now known as FPWA), has said often, “I’m not a preacher, but this work is my ministry”. On the contrary, she is probably one of the most effective preachers I know. She preaches with her whole life. She stands in that legacy of Black women like Ida B. Wells Barnett who, deeply inspired by their religious faith, set out each day of their lives to use everything they had to challenge and confront the vision of America that did not include Black people, poor people and women.

Speaking truth to power with and on behalf of marginalized communities and creating platforms for people traditionally left out of policymaking discussions to be heard and contribute to change that affects their lives is in her DNA. A daughter of the late Rev. Dr. William A. Jones, one of the nation’s most effective civil rights activists and religious leaders, Jennifer has even widened the traditional civil rights lens beyond the imagination of her late father’s generation of leaders.

She has put the legion of “isms” that have fed inequity in New York for years on notice.

“With One Voice: A Vision for Economic Equity in NYC” – is FPWA’s 2017 report that examines systemic oppression in NYC and advances policy goals to move New Yorkers toward equity. This report is important because Trump’s agenda means very little if we are not fighting for New Yorkers in our own backyard. It is not enough for New York to be a national leader in “progressive antipoverty policies” when an obscene percentage of this city’s populace suffers daily against the backdrop of incredible wealth. The report states: “While New York City has been a national leader in implementing progressive antipoverty policies, 42% of New Yorkers still struggle every day to meet their basic needs. This economic insecurity is a result of systems of oppression – including racism, sexism, heterosexism, xenophobia and capitalism – which bar people of color, women, LGBTQ people, immigrants and low-income New Yorkers from accessing economic security and stability.”

With 160 partner organizations and 40 faith partners, “With One Voice” reframes how FPWA understands economic equity in New York City. ➔➔ Continued on page 11

February 12, 2018

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may perhaps solve the question as to the origin of all religions, and may even suggest a solution to the secret so long concealed beneath the flat nose, thick lips, and negro features of the Egyptian Sphinx. It may also confirm the statement of Dioderus that ‘the Ethiopians conceive themselves as the inventors of divine worship, of festivals, of solemn assemblies, of sacrifices, and of every other religious practice.’

That an imaginative and superstitious race of black men should

have invented and founded, in the dim obscurity of past ages, a system of religious belief that still enthralls the minds and clouds the intellects of the leading representatives of modern theology, that still clings to the thoughts, and tinges with its potential influence the literature and faith of the civilized and cultured nations of Europe and America, is indeed a strange illustration of the mad caprice of destiny, of the insignificant and apparently trivial causes that oft produce the most grave and momentous results.”

THE WILLIAM M. MOSS

BROTHERHOOD Presents The 63rd Annual

Brotherhood Awards Banquet Friday evening, February 23, 2018 | 6:30 pm | Memorial Hall Brotherhood Citation Awardees:

WAYNE DEVONISH, FOUNDER

500 MEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE, INC.

RICHARD FLATEAU, CHAIR COMMUNITY BOARD #3

BROTHER EDWARD BARRINGER

THE CONCORD BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHRIST

Donation: $50.00 FOR TICKETS:

Dr. Clarence Evans: (347) 365-8090 George Combest: (347) 446-4320 Robert Washington, Esq.: (917) 880-9475 Clarence Robertson: (718)434-4409 Tickets may also be purchased online: www.concordcares.org Note “Brotherhood Banquet” on memo line.

William M. Moss Distinguished Brotherhood Awardee & Keynote Speaker

JENNIFER JONES AUSTIN, ESQ.

CEO & Executive Director The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies Author, “Consider It Pure Joy”

THE CONCORD BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHRIST

833 Dr. Gardner C. Taylor Blvd. (Madison, Marcy & Putnam) | Brooklyn, NY 11216 | 718.622.1818 ext. 10 Info@concordcares.org | www.concordcares.org | Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Leading Pastor

8

OUR TIME PRESS February 8 – 14, 2018

NEW BUSINESS FORMATIONS KRECH, LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 11/14/2017 Office Location: Kings County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Roger Shum, 1213 73rd Street, Apt 2,

LEGAL NOTICES SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF KINGS Plaintiff designates KINGS as the place of trial situs of the real property INDEX NO. 502336/2016 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 530 LINWOOD STREET BROOKLYN, NY 11208 Block: 4034 Lot: 21 U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BANC OF AMERICA FUNDING CORPORATION 2007-3, Plaintiff, vs. OWUMI EDEMA if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; REBECA ORTIZ, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC.; AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE; CITIMORTGAGE, INC.; CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK; NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE; CITY OF NEW YORK PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; CITY OF NEW YORK TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; HOME FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK; CREDIT BASED ASSET SERVICING AND SECURITIZATION LLC; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; ROSLYN BROWN; LAQUASIA BROWN; DAVID VALENTIN; ROBIN BARRIOR; FREDDY TORRES, Defendants. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney within 20 days after the service of this

Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

MCNUTT ALEXANDRA LEE L.L.C. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 7/11/2017 Office: Kings County. summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) in the event the United States of America is made a party defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until (60) days after service of the Summons; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $456,000.00 and interest, recorded on April 23, 2007 in CRFN: 2007000210147of the Public Records of KINGS County, New York, covering premises known as 530 LINWOOD STREET, BROOKLYN, NY 11208. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. KINGS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. 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 the mortgage company will not stop the 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. Dated: October 27, 2016 RAS BORISKIN, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff Natalia Roban, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 106 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675.

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court of The State Of New York County Of Kings Action to Foreclose a Mortgage Index #: 513840/2017 Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Plaintiff vs Constance Turner If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., City Register Of The City Of New York, Kings County, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, Portfolio

SSNY designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the MCNUTT ALEXANDRA LEE L.L.C. 1408 PUTNAM AVE. APT 1R BROOKLYN, NY 11237. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of SIDE HUG LLC Recovery Associates, LLC, Kings County Clerk, People Of The State Of New York, United States Of America Acting Through The IRS, JOHN DOE (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.), Defendant(s) Mortgaged Premises: 708 Avenue C Brooklyn, NY 11218 BL #: 5376-4 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Kings.

The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. To Constance Turner Defendant in this Action.

The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Noach Dear of the Supreme Court of The State of New York, dated the Twenty-Second day of January, 2018 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Kings, in the City of Brooklyn. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed May 5, 2016 and recorded on May 25, 2016, in the Office of the City Register of the City of New York, Kings County at CRFN 2016000178131. Said Mortgage was subsequently modified by a Loan Modification Agreement executed by Constance Turner on February 1, 2016 and recorded June 2, 2016 in CRFN 2016000186921 in the Office of the City Register of the City of New York, Kings County. The property in question is described as follows: 708 AVENUE C, BROOKLYN, NY 11218 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work 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 Department of Financial Services

VOL. 22 NO. 6 Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/21/17. Office location: Kings County. Princ. office of LLC: 493 Park Pl., #4R, Brooklyn, NY 11238. 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. at 1-800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800-269-0990 or visit the department’s website at WWW.DFS. NY.GOV. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress.

You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE 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. DATED: January 29, 2018 Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy, LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 51717-2 SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF KINGS PENNYMAC CORP., Plaintiff against CEASAR ANTHONY JR., A/K/A CAESAR ANTHONY, CEASAR ANTHONY AND ANNIA MAE ANTHONY AS TRUSTEES OF THE LIVING TRUST OF CEASAR ANTHONY, JR. AND ANNIA ANTHONY, DAMON ANTHONY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 12, 2017. 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 15th day of March, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. premises described as follows: 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. Said ➔➔ Continued on page 9

VOL. 22 NO. 6

9

OUR TIME PRESS February 8 – 14, 2018

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LEGAL NOTICES ➔➔ Continued from page 8 premises known as 531 Van Siclen Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11207. (Block: 4074, Lot: 8) Approximate amount of lien $533,909.72 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 501103-13.

Vasilios Angelos, Esq., Referee. McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, P.C. Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 145 Huguenot Street – Suite 210 New Rochelle, New York 10801 (914) 636-8900 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: KINGS COUNTY FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION; Plaintiff(s) vs. ANASHA HOWARD; 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 November 30, 2017, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in Room 224 of Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

On March 15, 2018 at 2:30 pm. Premises known as 432 E 48TH ST, BROOKLYN, NY 11203. Block: 4695 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. 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 $322,559.41 plus interest and costs. INDEX NO. 2600/10 Mark A. Longo, Esq., Referee NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF KINGS, NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE, LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs.

PEARLENE CLARKE A/K/A PEARLENE CLARK, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly filed on September 11, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Kings County Supreme Court, Room 224, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY on March 15, 2018 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 524 Thatford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212. 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, Block 3626 and Lot 52. Approximate amount of judgment is $457,883.44 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 7267/13.

Bartholomew M. Verdirame, Esq., Referee Schiller, Knapp, Lefkowitz & Hertzel, LLP, 1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12, Amherst, New York 14228, Attorneys for Plaintiff NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF KINGS JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST William Buckman; Michelle Marino; 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 Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Room 224, Brooklyn, NY 11201 on March 8, 2018 at 2:30PM, premises known as 18 Eaton Court, Brooklyn, NY 11229. 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 NY, Block 8845 Lot 2186.

Approximate amount of judgment $514,679.82 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 509601/2014. Helene Blank, Esq., Referee Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 759-1835 Dated: December 22, 2017 50819

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SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF KINGS EASTERN SAVINGS BANK, FSB, Plaintiff against JENNIE BROWN, BENIGNA CARIDES, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 25, 2014 and entered on January 12, 2015 and the Order Permitting a Foreclosure Sale dated September 8, 2017 and entered on September 13, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Kings County Courthouse 360 Adams Street, Room 224, Brooklyn, NY on March 8, 2018 at 2:30 pm premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Brooklyn, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING on the Southerly side of New Lots Avenue, distant 19 feet 11 inches Westerly from the corner intersection of the Southerly side of New Lots Avenue with the Westerly side of Vermont Street; being a plot 101 feet 2 1/2 inches by 19 feet 11 inches by 101 feet by 19 feet 11 inches. Section: 14 Block: 4300 Lot: 10 Said premises known as 436 NEW LOTS AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY Approximate amount of lien $ 388,802.78 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index Number 10716/2012.

EDWARD H. LEHNER, ESQ., Referee KRISS & FEUERSTEIN LLP Attorney(s) for plaintiff 360 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1200, New York, NY 10017 SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF KINGS HSBC BANK USA, N.A., Plaintiff against RAMKUMARI SINGH A/K/A RAMKUMARI RAM, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 15, 2017. 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 22nd day of February, 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 389 Crescent Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11208.

(Block: 4170, Lot: 105).

Approximate amount of lien $ 428,793.46 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment ➔➔ Continued on page 10

10

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LEGAL NOTICES ➔➔ Continued from page 9 and terms of sale. Index No. 508896/2015.

Jeffrey R. Miller, Esq., Referee. Fein, Such & Crane, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, N.Y. 14614 (585) 232-7400 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF KINGS Wells Fargo Financial Credit Services New York, Inc. Plaintiff, -against- Ingrid Green a/k/a Ingrid Alleyne Green, Michelle A. Downer, as Heir and Administrator of the Estate of Patricia Downer, Michael Downer, as Heir to the Estate of Patricia Downer, Marcel Downer, as Heir to the Estate of Patricia Downer, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, United States of America, New York City Environmental Control Board, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, New York City Transit Adjudication Bureau and “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10”, the last ten names being fictitious and unknown to the plaintiff, the person or parties intended being the persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, Defendants.

SUMMONS Index # 515467/2016 Filed: 9/1/2016 Plaintiff designates Kings County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against 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. Dated: Bay Shore, New York August 11, 2016 FRENKEL, LAMBERT, WEISS, WEISMAN & GORDON, LLP BY: Todd Falasco Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 (631) 969-3100 Our File No.: 01-081726 SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF KINGS NEW YORK COMMUNITY BANK, Plaintiff -against- YAAKOV MOSKOVITS, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein on August 10, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Kings County Courthouse 360 Adams Street, Room 224, Brooklyn, NY on March 8, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. 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, known and designated as Block 8648 and Lot 16. Said premises known as 2643 EAST 64TH STREET, BROOKLYN, NY Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. We are a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Index Number 4525/2014.

STEVEN Z. NAIMAN, ESQ., Referee STAGG, TERENZI, CONFUSIONE & WABNIK, LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 401 Franklin Avenue, Suite 300, Garden City, NY 11530 SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF KINGS JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff against GEORGE LABATO; LINDA LABATO; TYSHAEIKA LABATO, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on June 28, 2016. 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 1st day of March, 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 County of Kings, City and State of New York. Said premises known as 640 Miller Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11207. Tax account number: SBL #: 3827-36. Approximate amount of lien $ 257,847.24 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 503447/2013. Sean R. Smith, 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 WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST; Plaintiff(s) vs. IOLANTA TYUTIN A/K/A IOLANTA TYUTINA; ALFRED TYUTIN; 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 July 26, 2017, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in Room 224 of Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. On March 1, 2018 at 2:30 pm. Premises known as 2041 ROYCE STREET, BROOKLYN, NY 11234-6220 Block: 8416 Lot: 19 ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Brooklyn, 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 $583,008.68 plus interest and costs. INDEX NO. 503382/2014 Gregory T. Cerchione, Esq., Referee NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF KINGS U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., CSMC Mortgage-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-6, Plaintiff AGAINST Satya Kaur; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated April 8, 2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in Room 224 of Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn NY 11201 on February 22, 2018 at 2:30PM, premises known as 52 Ashford Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207. 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 NY, Block 3923 Lot 39. Approximate

amount of judgment $919,053.58 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 3530/14. Richard A. Klass, Esq., Referee Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 759-1835 Dated: December 27, 2017 50928 SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF KINGS JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff against GEORGE LABATO; LINDA LABATO; TYSHAEIKA LABATO, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on June 28, 2016. 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 1st day of March, 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 County of Kings, City and State of New York. Said premises known as 640 Miller Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11207.

Tax account number: SBL #: 3827-36.

Approximate amount of lien $ 257,847.24 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 503447/2013.

Sean R. Smith, 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 FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“FANNIE MAE”), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; Plaintiff(s) vs. GREGORY HOERZ; 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 November 29, 2017, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in Room 224 at the Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York. On February 22, 2018 at 2:30 pm. Premises known as 701 PRESIDENT STREET, BROOKLYN, NY 11215 Block: 00956 Lot: 0065 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 $653,208.67 plus interest and costs. INDEX NO. 507054/2014 Jack Segal, Esq., Referee NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Kings MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST TANYA T. BROWN, DELORES BROWN, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 7/30/2014 and entered on 7/14/2014, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY on February 08, 2018 at 02:30 PM premises known as 849 Madison Street, Brooklyn, NY 11221. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Kings, City and State of New York, BLOCK: 1481, LOT: 52. Approximate amount of judgment is $399,821.50 plus interests and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 24545/08. Jeffrey R. Miller, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706

VOL. 22 NO. 6 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF KINGS JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Hugh Smith a/k/a Hugh C. Smith; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated November 20, 2017 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Room 224, Brooklyn, NY 11201 on February 15, 2018 at 2:30PM, premises known as 2264 Linden Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11208.

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 NY, Block 4360 Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment $491,759.17 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 509165/2014.

Stephen Barbaro, Esq., Referee Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 759-1835 Dated: December 21, 2017 50604 SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF KINGS GMAT LEGAL TITLE TRUST 2014-1, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE, Plaintiff -against- DELYS HALLEY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 5, 2017 and entered on May 30, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Kings County Courthouse 360 Adams Street, Room 224, Brooklyn, NY on February 22, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Brooklyn, County of Kings, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of East 53rd Street, distant 376 feet southerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the westerly side of East 53rd Street, with the southerly side of Clarendon Road; being a plot 100 feet by 24 feet by 100 feet by 24 feet. Block: 4773 Lot: 25.

Said premises known as 654 EAST 53RD STREET, BROOKLYN, NY Approximate amount of lien $811,056.00 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 8699/2013. JOHN M. BRICKMAN, ESQ., Referee, Jeffrey A. Kosterich, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff, 68 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Tuckahoe, NY 10707 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF KINGS U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF OWS REMIC TRUST 2015-1, Plaintiff, Against Index No.: 509325/14 CARLOS LIRIANO, JASSON LIRIANO, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered in the Kings County Clerk’s Office on 4/6/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at Room 224 of Kings County Supreme Court, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 on 2/22/2018 at 2:30 pm, premises known as 905 Belmont Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208, and 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, and designated on the tax maps of the Kings County Treasurer as Block 4228 and Lot 40. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $506,616.14 plus interest and costs. The premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 509325/14. Dominic J. Famulari, Esq., Referee. STIENE & ASSOCIATES, P.C. (Attorneys for Plaintiff), 167 Main Street, Northport, NY 11768 Dated: 12/14/2017 File Number: 201401018 TKS

VOL. 22 NO. 6

OUR TIME PRESS February 8 – 14, 2018

BP Eric Adams Thinker’s Notebook Helps His From Wakanda with Love Mom Beat Diabetes ■■

➔➔ Continued from page 5 insulin, for the rest of my life. Only once I looked beyond their prognoses did I discover the power to heal myself; after transforming my diet, all of my symptoms reversed in three months.

With my Type 2 diabetes in remission, I turned my attention to my mother, hoping to try this method of recovery with her. The approach needed to be tailored of course, since I did not want to create unnecessary complications for a 79-year-old woman.

Although my mother was taking three drugs to control her diabetes, her A1C level was still dangerously high. As such, I sought out a doctor who believed in nutrition-based healing and understood that chronic diseases can be reversed when the body is no longer poisoned with poor dietary choices.

I found the right partner in Dr. David Dunaief, who was opening his practice in Brooklyn Heights. Dr. Dunaief took my mother as a patient and immediately put her on a tailored food regiment to assist her body in reversing the various chronic diseases from which she was suffering, some of the same ailments that so many of our parents are going through (arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.).

Just like me, she experienced remarkable change. After several weeks, my mother noticed her blood sugar dropping due to the dietary transformation. After 30 days, she was able to get off insulin entirely.

The morning she called me to say that her injections were over, my prayers were answered. I realize now that God did not bury me with the weight of diabetes; he planted within me an opportunity to heal my mother. It shattered the myth that my mother and I had diabetes because we had shared the same bad DNA. It wasn’t our DNA — it was our dinners (and our lunches, breakfasts and snacks).

As Borough President, I have a family of more than 2.6 million Brooklynites to help care for, and I see my mother’s turnaround as only the first step. I set out four years ago to make Brooklyn a safer place to raise healthy children and families, and the next four years are going to see our work go deeper into communities to work hand-in-hand with neighbors in need of support. Health impacts us in so many ways, be it mental or physical, from the condition of our homes to the state of our finances. Proactive, preventive measures are our focus at Brooklyn Borough Hall, in addition to building the infrastructure that connects us with the tools that help us heal. I hope this special health-focused edition of One Brooklyn is a useful resource on our road to better health for our whole borough.

By Marlon Rice

O

ver a year ago, word hit social media that the Marvel Cinematic Universe was releasing Black Panther, a movie based on the comic book series of the same name. Immediately, the Internet took notice and the countdown began. We are going to be given the story of a Black superhero, a unique occurrence indeed. I’ve been around for a while, and the only Black superhero movies that I can remember are Meteor Man, Blankman, and Shazam. I would have added Blade to my list, but then you might’ve thought that I take my list seriously, which I don’t. You shouldn’t either, and that’s because other than Blade, which is a movie about a superhero vampire that happens to be Black, every other Black superhero movie has been a farce, a bunch of comedies that weren’t even good comedies. Actually, Black Dynamite was a good comedy, but he was much more LA pimp than Marvel superhero.

Black Panther is different. The title character is a real superhero straight from the same comic book era that all of our great superheroes come from. He has the distinctive costume and the underlying motif (the Black Panther suit). He has the base of operations (a fictitious African nation called Wakanda), and even has the death of a parent (his father, T’Challa, was killed in the last Captain

They are positioning, front and center, the conviction that systems of oppression must be dismantled. The hard work of change is even more urgent now. Washington has sent an ominous message to all Americans about who has value in our country. The Senate and House Republicans passed legislation that provides over $1 trillion in tax breaks

chance to see Black people on screen in roles of superiority has been so powerful that it has unnerved the entire industry with regards to what Blacks want to see. Ironically, this energy surrounding the movie harkens back to the days when movies like “Cleopatra Jones”, “Coffy” and “Shaft” energized an entire section of young Blacks to flock to the movies in the 70’s, excited to see examples of themselves that they could relate to. T’Challa is the culmination of everything that Pam Grier and Richard Roundtree represented with their characters, realized, confirmed and taken to the next level. We aren’t only able to fight the man in our streets, we can fight the man globally, universally at every level necessary. It is a subtle realization of the “Hope and Change” the Obama Presidency proved for us. Actually, Obama is T’Challa’s predecessor, a Black man powerful enough to accept the challenge of battling evil at the highest level. So, next week many will don their most elaborate African fabrics and they will go to the movies to watch “Black Panther”. It is going to be some sight, I’m sure. And the occasion should be celebrated, because this is an opportunity for us to define ourselves by supporting images that hold us in the highest esteem, and not those that confine us to stereotypical proportions. There are many in our nation that have never been accessed to multicultural diversity. They’ve never had Black friends, never been in a Black household. All they know of us is what they gather from television and the movies. “Black Panther” will change what they previously thought of the Black experience. Long live Wakanda!

The Asian American Business Roundtable Announced “The New Majority Alliance” Featuring some of the Nation’s Top Business Leaders

N

EW YORK, NY - The third annual Asian American Business Roundtable explored “The New Majority is the New Normal for Businesses” at a two-day Summit recently held at the JPMorgan Chase & Co. Conference Center in Manhattan, led by John Wang, Founder and President of The Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC), the Summit host. The announcement of the “New Majority Alliance” was a major part of the Summit, which is formed by the Asian American Business Development Center (“AABDC”), The Executive Leadership Council (“ELC”), and the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (“HACR”).

The Roundtable Summit discussions covered a wide-range of topics related to the multicultural-business model including redefining diversity in businesses, cultural identity for the new generation, minority women in STEM industries, the impact of shifting ethnicity on politics and case studies of collaboration across cultures.

Delivering keynote speeches were business luminaries Timothy F. Ryan, US Chair and Senior Partner of PwC; Carla Harris, Vice Chair, Global Wealth Management and Senior Client Advisor, Morgan Stanley,

Jennifer Jones-Austin ➔➔ Continued from page 7

America movie). He has every characteristic necessary to be classified as a real Marvel superhero. The production of this film meant that viewers would get the opportunity to witness a virtually all-Black cast complete with the African aesthetic that the storyline offers.

T’Challa is the new King of Wakanda after the death of his father. Being the king also means that he is the protector of the country, the Black Panther, as part of the Wakandan tradition.The movie comes out next week, but is already breaking records. The movie broke Fandango’s presale ticket record within the first 24 hours. The movie has already grossed close to $150 million, which places it atop every other superhero movie to have ever come out with regards to presales. A movie about a Black king and superhero, opening in February during Black History Month, written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler, makes this much more than just a movie. This is a cultural event, a cinematic milestone to be celebrated.

There will be many think pieces written about this movie, obtuse discussions about whether or not it is actually a Black film, articles that call for the boycott of the movie, calling it a racist movie because there is no white panther. People will question every aspect of the film over the coming months for one simple reason. The reaction from the Black community to being able to get the

11

over the next decade to the wealthiest Americans and corporations. The rich did not even have to fight or lobby hard for that consideration; it was the government’s gift to the wealthy. What does Washington’s disregard and New York City’s incredible wealth disparity mean for the 42% of New Yorkers who are fighting for their very lives?

In more than one way, Jennifer knows how to fight. She authored “Consider It

(L to R): Cid Wilson, President & CEO of Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (“HACR”) and co-founder of “The New Majority Alliance”; Timothy F. Ryan, US Chair and Senior Partner of PwC; John Wang, President & CEO of the Asian American Business Center and Founder of “The New Majority Alliance”; and Ronald C. Parker, President and CEO of the Executive Leadership Council, and co-founder of “The New Majority Alliance”.

Phyllis J. Campbell, Chair, Pacific Northwest and Vice Chair, JPMorgan Chase & Co, as

well as Jonathan Spector, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Conference Board.

Pure Joy”, which will be published this spring to share her experience with a fight that changed her life. Diagnosed with a leukemia that was an almost-certain death sentence, Jennifer fought with everything she had. She wants people who are facing adversity to fight, to be wide awake in the battle, and to appreciate every moment of grace. She has called for the faith community to go deeper into the fight for people’s lives by reimagining our collective power to bring about change and our shared responsibility to fight for

the marginalized.“Imagine if thousands of churches took on the Trump agenda and organized to say no to policies aimed at the most vulnerable. Just imagine,” she has said often. The Concord Baptist Church of Christ’s William M. Moss Brotherhood honored her father in 1985 with the same award that will be bestowed upon her later this month. Dr. Jones’ spirit will be in the room, but it will be Jennifer Jones-Austin’s own strategic leadership, passion, fighting spirit and faithful life preaching that will be celebrated.

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OUR TIME PRESS February 8 – 14, 2018

VOL. 22 NO. 6

First Thursday (Redux)

A Brooklyn Valentine to “… some kid”!

Did I ever tell you my Basquiat story?

He painted the walls for a disco club in my building.

When we left, his murals were still up.

A corporate office was moving in, so they painted over them.

-arm

Bottled by Abigail Rosen McGrath I don’t remember the first time I ever met Jean-Michel Basquiat or IF I ever met him. Our relationship was more star-crossed than hand-pressing.

Our theatre company owned a building in Chelsea which had a large empty second floor which we used for rehearsals. We rented this space out at night for parties and events.

One event planner asked to rent it on a full-time basis given the proviso that they could decorate it.

Part of this decoration process was painting the walls. We gave them permission if they restored the place when they left.

Meanwhile, my friend owned a paint company and one of his accountants had a son who was an artist. Since I was in the arts, my friend asked if I could be helpful in finding him a gallery. Of course, I declined because the son was an unstable high school dropout punk art-type kid who would never amount to anything.

At the same time, my friend Andy Warhol had given his studio on North Moore St. to some kid who painted on walls for free. We all clucked our teeth and thought

Andy was not only being played for a sucker, but worse yet, the kid paid him in worthless scribble-like paintings.

The next thing we know, this dopey-looking kid would come in at night and paint these scary-looking voodoo images all over our walls. They would light up under a certain light This was at the very beginning of “graffiti” art. It wasn’t a matter of “tagging”, it was creating issue-oriented art in public spaces because you wanted to, not because you were commissioned or hoped to sell it.

Street Art became more and more “in vogue” as New Yorkers became more and more intrigued with the idea of “freethinking”.

Social issues were being demystified in the visual arts.

Basquiat, Pere, reported that his son no longer had troubles finding a gallery; in fact, galleries were chasing him.

It was not until the father invited his boss and me to a party on North Moore St. that all three stars lined up. I realized what a big dummy I was. Jean-Michel, “the dopey kid”, was there and everyone in the art

August 12, 2018 marks the 30th Anniversary of the death of Jean-Michel Basquiat (born December 22, 1960) at age 27. Through March 11, the Brooklyn Museum of Art in Park Slope revisits the Brooklyn-born artist’s celebrity through One Basquiat, an exhibition of “Untitled”, Basquiat’s 1982 landmark painting which sold a year ago for more than $100 million dollars to a Japanese collector. In recurring First Thursday articles and Notes, Our Time Press will celebrate him and Black Brooklyn. In her column, Bottled, eminent writer Abigail Rosen McGrath, a former Fort Greene resident and founder of Renaissance House artists’ retreat, remembers a teenager – “some kid” -- who wrote graffiti on her walls and hung out with her friend Andy Warhol. scene was fawning all over him.

Ohhh! So this is the kid that Andy thought was so terrific.

Amongst the works was a portrait of his mother, Matilde, who it has been said encouraged her son’s creativity by taking him to museums, including the Brooklyn

Museum, enrolling him there as a junior member when he was only six. The picture was conventionally painted with no graffiti and no words. It was so strong an image; an emotional image, that you could feel the intelligence and kindness of this woman oozing out of the canvas and into your heart.

The father, Gerard, was a businessman: he owned several apt. buildings in Brooklyn. I remember he told landlord stories, but I forget if they were for or against tenants.

There was talk about JeanMichel not being friendly with his father because he dumped them for a white woman. Well, that could be true, but the two of them seemed to be getting along on this night.

With many people in the arts, they are not appreciated by their families. This was not true of Gerard. He knew his son’s worth and appreciated it.

The convergence came a tad late, however. The people who rented the space for an “after-hours” club went out of business and true

to their word, painted over those scary voodoo images. We went back to renting the space for weddings and birthdays.

Ahhhh! What had I done?

Will his legacy encourage street artists? I’m not sure. After all, JMB was a street artist with classical training. He chose to be a street artist.

Because of Gerard’s careful attention to JMBs work after he died, the legacy of being a highly valued artist endures, and that is good. It is important that young people understand that in America art is valued by fiscal reality as well as artistic.

Basquiat’s intelligence was such that whatever he chose to do would have been successful.

-To Be Continued.

(Abigail Rosen McGrath’s BOTTLED is a recurring feature in Our Time Press. Bernice Elizabeth Green is the creator and editor of the First Thursday and First Thursday (Redux).

Health Outcomes

➔➔ Continued from page 5

“Why are mothers dying?” The first community health profile was formulated in 2015 and Dr. Easterling hopes to reproduce it in 2019. Dr. Easterling referred to policy passed in the form of a lactation bill originally proposed by Robert Cornegy as an example of providing solutions.

But the number one unmet health need in Bedford-Stuyvesant is mental health, says Easterling.

He informed those gathered about the programs and trainings he’s implemented through partnerships with community organizations.

Lastly, Dr. Easterling discussed

the innovative Community Health Action Centers, which offer an array of free services to residents of communities such as BedfordStuyvesant and East Harlem. The Bed-Stuy Health Action Center at 485 Throop Avenue offers clinical services, a wellness suite, convening suites, kitchen, and a garden, among other amenities. All are invited to come and learn and restore.

Priscilla Mensah is a highly spirited scholar who enjoys topics related to improving health and wellness. She is also a former Health Reporting Fellow at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism and can be reached at pmensahbrooklyn@gmail.com.