New York Trend NYC: January 21-27, 2021

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NEWMAYOR YORK TREND DAVID DINKINS, REP. CHARLES RANGEL, Serving New York City, Nassau & Suffolk Counties

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THE ALTERNATIVE VOLUMEPERSPECTIVE 26 ISSUE 40

Since 1989 NYC $1.00 newyorktrendnyc.com

December 17, 2015 - December 23, 2015

VOLUME 31 ISSUE 2

Since 1989

January 21st, 2021 - January 27th, 2021

C E L E B R AT I N G HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 30 BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

BLACK AMERICA POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR

The Black Stars News 2015 Annual Awards Dinner will honor Mayor The strong andDinkins, early planRep. and Charles designated for minority-serving CDFIs. David commitment by the Biden  Institute a Direct Minority Rangel, Rep. Yvette Clarke, Administration to elevate racial justice R. Donahue Peebles, Barbara Business Contracting Requirement as a top priority has sent a powerful Arnwine, Inez Barron, Sabrina for all Federal Agencies. The Biden message about its importance and Lamb, Crew, Stephen Administration should institute a centrality withinDr. thisRudy administration. direct minority business contracting Byrd, calls Alia for Jones, and As the nation an end to the Centralrequirement for all federal agencies of Park Five survivors of gross injustice structural disparities, the federal 20%. on December 18examine from 6:00pm – government has a duty to its  Reverse the Racist Housing 10:00pm at MIST own house to determine howHarlem, it still 46 West Policies of the Last Four Years and perpetuates fosters institutional 116thand Street.

Beyond. President Biden should

restorative supports for children.

Environmental Climate Justice  Prioritize Opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs in the Green Economy.

President Biden should expand on the Environmental Justice Interagency Directive (Presidential Executive Order 12898) to ensure that racial justice is defined to include equitable distribution of quality access as we shift away from a

racism.

YEARS!

York and a former chancellor of the New York public schools system.

Pioneering producers Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones, through their provides clear, comprehensive, company Front Row and Production, culturally meaningful about brought “Catinformation on a Hot Tin Roof” vaccines and therapeutics prior to and “A Streetcar Namedtheir Desire” widespread distribution. with a multi-ethnic cast to  Guarantee HealthInCare Forthey All. bring Broadway.

2016 President Biden should call for a “Eclipsed” with Oscar Winner guarantee of health care for all in his first Nyong ’O to Broadway.

BudgetLupita proposal.

Honorees, the so-called Central

Reconstructing Criminal Justice Park 5, are collectively and  Accelerate Compassionate Release individually heroes. They are in Federal Prisons. President Biden one of the ugliest David Dinkins Charles Rangel should survivors accelerateof compassionate release miscarriage of justice in New York’s consideration of all federal prisoners over history; having been railroaded majority.

She now leads The was a member of the New York the age of 60 and order the immediate convicted for a crime Transformative Justice Coalition. releaseand City Council, representing the of asunjustly many people as possible. th they did not commit and for which Arnwine was for 26 years executive 40 council district in Brooklyn,  Address Racial Violence by Police they served long prison sentences director of the Lawyers’ Committee succeeding her mother, Una S. and Impose National Accountability ranging from Biden sevenshould years to 13 years President for Civil Rights Under the Law. Standards.

T. Clarke. In the current 114th call on the Attorney General to prohibit before being exonerated when the Congress Clarke serves on Inez Barron, honoree, formerly afederal grants to police agencies without actual rapist confessed.

They are: the Energy and Commerce State Assembly member, is nowthe policies, training, and databases in Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Committee, responsible for a New York City council memberplace.

Economic The Empowerment gala starts at 6:00pm with a Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin consumer protection, food and a champion of education for  Boldly and Urgently Transform cocktail hourDebt. President to be followed by the Richardson, and Kharey Wise.  Cancel Student safety, energy development, public our youth. the Federal Judiciary. President Biden Biden should the Secretary of dinnerdirect and awards ceremonies.

There health, communications, the The Black Star News, which must develop and execute a vision and focuses Photo Credit: NAACP // naacp.org Education all entertainment student debt. by Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is will to becancel musical environment, and interstate and on investigative journalism, has a legendary radio talk show host strategy for securing strong, diverse  Fully Coversinger Unemployment opera Cassandra Douglas international commerce. been featured as a result of some if Insurance Federal phenomenondirect the Housing and Urban andeconomy. executive producer, radio DJ,representation on the courts for decades andThrough from harmonica fossil fuel its news scoops, on CNN, The New to come that includes civil rights lawyers.

R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is Funding. President Biden should poet, songwriter, music recording William Galison.

David Dinkins is Development Secretary to create a  Moratoria on Energy Shut-Offs York Daily News, The New York a leading developer and founder of includehonored funding for establishment and producer, rapper, writer Fully Resource Community Mental down payment assistance fund to forthe Lifetime Achievement Shouldartist Not be a Stop Gap Measure.

The Village Voice, and Brill’s Health Post, and Substance Abuse Programs.

The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest of a Federal Unemployment Insurance andBiden community activist.

— he was New York City’s first increase homeownership rates for Black President should direct the He beganPresident Biden must call on Congress Content magazine.

African American-owned real Secretary System in his first budget proposal. his of career as to a impose radio DJ Energy a in Buffaloto fund local communities to respond to African American mayor and alsohouseholds and reverse the July 23, estate firm with $3.5 billion worthmoratorium  Implement a Federal Minimum 2020 rule repealing the Affirmatively Past Blackhealth Star News honorees on15. energy at age Forshut-offs. over 30 years, he’s resident’s welcomed Nelson Mandela to the mental and substance of properties under development Wage. President Biden can issue an Furthering Fair Housing Rule. have included: Gil Noble (Like It been a talk show host at WBLS and city after his release in 1990. abuse needs. and Wellbeing Executive Order raising the minimum or management — and he was one HealthWLIB  Support Black Workers Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad radio in New York City. He Reform Federal Prosecutorial Rep. Charles Rangel, to also honored wage for all federal contractors  Audit Federal Efforts to Promote of the pioneering developerswho Incentivize Diverse and Inclusive Hiring O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, also has a Friday night radio talk Standards to Eliminate Racial $15.00/hour, indexedAchievement, for inflation. for Lifetime has and Promotion Equity. President Biden should helped turn aroundThe and revitalize Healthshow Practices.

Biden Voza Rivers (New Heritage on WBAI. Disparities. President Biden must Theatre), order a Cabinet-level audit of all federal served inUniversal Congress since 1971. He administration is  Implement Paid Sick should establish policies the once-blighted Anacostia Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel agencies to strengthen their Lamb, civil rights Honoree Sabrina founderdirect the Attorney General to instruct Leave. President can call on medal for a recipientBiden of The Bronze that close the wage gapinbetween Black D.C. neighborhood Washington, (Entertainer), Dr. William federalLarrieux prosecutors to refrain from and health equity efforts in implementing Congress to pass legislation of World of Money, is a champion wage earners and give equal helping save soldiersextending behind enemyand white A champion of African-American engaging in practices that lead to higher Pollard (Medgar Evers College), federalof policies and literacy programs. the paidline sick leave benefits of President attention to addressing the gender pay financial for youth-- shesentences, such as seeking sentencing during the Korean War. economic empowerment Peebles’ is Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba Obama’s Executive Order 13706 to all gap. contemplating a possible run for NYC  Conduct Robust Vaccineabout Education teaches knowledge handlingenhancements or life without the Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna Americans. and Ensure Equitable Vaccine Education money, budgeting and planning. possibility of parole for young people. mayor in 2017. member of the US House of Fountain (Columbia University), Distribution. President Biden should  Increase Funding for Minority Remove Police From Schools and Dr.Health Rudyand Crew, honoree, is one ofVotingLillian from New (DC37), Desiree Dancy order the Human Services Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil ServingRepresentatives CDFIs/MCDFIs. President RightsRoberts and Election Reform Restrict the Role of Law Enforcement th the nation’s leading educators.

He’s York whose 9 district covers Secretary to develop and disseminate (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local Biden should request a 40% increase in rightsPresident lawyer, isBiden a champion of  Enhance the VRA. President Biden in Schools. should call an education and outreach campaign central Before for the protecting fundingmuch for theofCDFI FundBrooklyn. for CDFIs and 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National president of Medgar Evers College rights of ethnic should encourage Congress to restore reallocation voting of funding for school plan that requireentering 40% of allCongress CDFI Fundinawards 2007,be she resource Network), provisions. and many others. of Thedistribution City University of New SectionAction minority — the and emerging and a vaccine 4(b) preclearance officers groups to intervention

“Each honoree chosen for The NAACP recommends the Biden recognition has demonstrated Administration implement the following exceptional leadership and vision in policies:her or his respective profession or Racialendeavor Equity, Opportunity and and in some significant Transformation measure has contributed towards  Create a Cabinet-level position creating a more just society in this focused on Racial Justice. President country,” says Black Star News Biden should create position ofMilton founder andthe publisher National Advisor on Racial Justice, Equity Allimadi. “Obviously much work and Advancement as an Assistant to the needs done and President with to an be office fully here resourced around the world.” and staffed to accomplish its mission.

INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: IS SUE : INSIDE THIS

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PAGE 2 FIRSTS & HISTORIES MADE NewYorkTrendnyc

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BluePage Sky EPIC pg.8LIKE YUH! 7 BAD

PAGE 3 MAKING POLICE HISTORY

December 17, 2015 - December 23, 2015

January 21, 2021 - January 27, 2021

Page 11 NYC NEW YEARS!

PAGE 11 CULTURE IN GREETINGS

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N AT ION AL

B o s t o n ’ s F i r s t E v e r B L A C K F E M A L E M AY O R

K im Jane y , the current city council

president of Boston, is set to become the first Black person and the first woman to serve as the city’s mayor. The news comes after Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh has been chosen by President-elect Joe Biden as his labor secretary.

Janey has been serving in the city council since 2017 and was chosen as the city council president in January 2019. She has proven to have been confident in facing the city’s challenges head-on since then.

Under the rules of the city of Boston, the council president would serve as the acting mayor should the role become vacant until a new election.

If Walsh resigns before March 5, a special election would be necessary within 120 to 140 days from his resignation. If he leaves after March 5, Janey would serve as the acting mayor until the new election in November.

However, Councilor Ricardo Arroyo said he is seeking to eliminate the need for a special election regardless of when Walsh resigns to avoid more costs and risk, especially during the pandemic. The petition has yet been approved by the state legislature.

Meanwhile, Janey, who is 56-years old, is expected to bring remarkable developments in Boston, which is

Photo Source: blacknews.com

still struggling from racial injustice as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am ready to take the reins and lead our city through these difficult times,” Janey said in a statement.

Rural Georgia County Gets First BLACK WOMAN SHERIFF Ti a Mc W i l l i ams has made history

as the first African American woman sheriff in rural Georgia. As the new sheriff of Taliaferro County, she is set to lead a staff of mostly men.

“This is a male-dominated world, but in the words of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, it’s a man’s world, but it wouldn’t be nothing without a woman or girl,” McWilliams, who is also a mother of two, told WJBF Augusta.

McWilliams has been with the sheriff’s office for over 19 years, most recently as a Chief Deputy.

Through those years, she focused on doing great in her job.

She was elected in November 2020

Photo Source: blackenterprise.com

SISTERS MAKE HISTORY

Sam arri a Dunson and Llor ia Ja me s are making national

headlines after they both recently became judges in Montgomery, Alabama. This is the first time in history that two siblings have simultaneously served as judges at the same courthouse in the city.

Dunson, 42, and James, 40, are just 18 months apart in age and both graduated at the same time from Lee High School and then from the University of Alabama. However, they initially chose different majors.

While James knew that she wanted to pursue law from the start, Dunson wanted to go to medical school at first but eventually shifted to law.

The sisters both continued their educations at the University of Alabama Law School. They helped each other go through law school, with Dunson who was a year ahead of James, giving the latter tips to

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make it through it easier.

After graduating and passing the Alabama Bar Exam, Dunson entered

At

James to support her while she was campaigning for the position.

Now, 42-year old Dunson has been

appointed to serve as a municipal judge for Montgomery and her sister James was has been appointed to

January 21, 2021 - January 27, 2021

McWilliams hopes to bring developments to the sheriff’s office including an expanded 911 operations center “to create a more comfortable space and working environment” and an in-house training area “for our officers to be able to train and grow and develop their potential skills.”

She expressed her gratitude in her Facebook post, saying, “Just a little country girl living the dream that God fathomed for me. THANK YOU Taliaferro County! I love you.”

Same Courthouse

Photo Source: blacknews.com

the health-care compliance law while James began her career as a prosecutor. Dunson was still behind

to replace former Sheriff Marc Richards who retired on December 31, 2020.

the circuit court.

The two credited their parents and how they have been brought up for their success. Both women hope to also encourage other children to broaden their horizons.

“I don’t think a lot of our children even know what to dream to be because people like us don’t spend enough time with them,” James told Montgomery Advertiser. “It’s our job as leaders in Montgomery to be in those places, in those spaces where kids, who may not have exposure to different careers or different people, can get that exposure.”

“It doesn’t just help them, but it helps us. It helps Montgomery,” Dunson also said. “If we’re helping to raise the new generation of professionals then that’s really what it’s about for us.”

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N AT I O N A L / N E W S Black Woman Appointed ACTING U.S. CAPITOL POLICE CHIEF YOGANANDA PITTMAN, a senior-ranking Black female law enforcement officer and HBCU graduate, has made history after her recent appointment as the Acting Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police Department.

Pittman began her law enforcement career with the United States Capitol Police in April 2001, and she has steadily worked her way up the ranks to be named Assistant Chief of Police in October 2019.

In 1991, she graduated from Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. In 2018, she completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and graduated from the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives’ CEO Mentoring Program. In 2019, she earned her Master’s Degree in

Public Administration from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York.

“It is very important for young female law enforcement officers to see someone who looks like them in leadership positions. It says to them that these positions are obtainable and available to them. I enjoy being a mentor. I was very fortunate to have great mentors myself. Often officers will stop me and ask my advice, and it means a lot to me to be able to discuss their future plans and offer my insights. I am very appreciative of WIFLE and its mission, and for their selecting me for this honor,” says Pittman.

Her appointment comes just one week after the nation’s Capitol was breached by hundreds of Trump supporters, which resulted in multiple injuries and at least 5 deaths.

Yogananda Pittman (Public Domain)

BLACK MEN LAUNCH VIRTUAL SCHOLARSHIP COACHING Million Dollar Scholar, an education social enterprise that empowers students with the knowledge and skills they need to compete for scholarships, is responding to COVID-19 by launching an array of virtual

opportunities that offset the costs of higher education and assist them in avoiding student debt.

COVID-19 has significantly changed the way school districts can deliver instruction and guidance counseling. This has

Derrius Quarles, Ras Asan, and Brian L. Williams Source: blackprwire.com

scholarship and financial-aid coaching services that will engage families across the United States. The coaching services will center on equipping families with the information they need to prepare their scholar(s) for success in applying for scholarship

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created major gaps in the ability of students to receive personalized guidance on the variety of topics that encompass making college and higher education programs affordable. “Student debt was a major policy and social issue in America well before COVID-19. In

the midst of this pandemic, it's a downright emergency. We have to equip families and high school students with the information they need to make the best decisions on making higher education affordable,” says Derrius Quarles, Co-Founder of Million Dollar Scholar.

The coaching services to be offered will be family-centered, with empathy for the roles both caretakers and students must play to achieve success in securing scholarships being incorporated. The coaches that families can expect to work with keenly understand the impact scholarships can have on life outcomes., “Scholarships changed my life. They allowed me to travel the world and have access to opportunities in ways I could have never imagined. As a scholarship coach my goal is to equip every student with the skills I gained from higher education,” says Robert Jackson, Lead Scholarship Coach at Million Dollar Scholar.

The new virtual scholarship coaching services will debut on December 15th, 2020 with the first cohort starting shortly thereafter. To learn more about

January 21, 2021 - January 27, 2021

Million Dollar Scholar, visit www. milliondollarscholar.com and be sure to follow Million Dollar Scholar on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube with the hashtag #MillionDollarScholar.  AB OUT MILLION DOLL AR SCHOL AR Before graduating from Kenwood Academy High School on Chicago’s Southside, Derrius Quarles became the first in his family to attend college after working tirelessly to secure over $1 million dollars in scholarships. In 2009, Derrius began hosting free community workshops for lowincome families in Chicago while attending Morehouse College.

The appreciation and positive feedback received from parents was tremendous.

So in 2013, Derrius teamed up with classmate Ras Asan to found Million Dollar Scholar. To date, Million Dollar Scholar has assisted students in securing over $25,000,000 in scholarship awards for higher education.

Million Dollar Scholar has been featured in some of the most globally acclaimed media outlets including CNN, Chicago Tribune, BET, HuffPost, NBC, TED, theGrio, and Rolling Out.

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COMMUNI T Y NE WS

COUNTY EXEC Announces FREE COVID-19 TESTING I am proud to announce a partnership with Nassau’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) to offer free COVID-19 testing for residents.

The COVID-19 testing will be available to all residents, regardless of insurance or immigration status, on evenings and Saturdays at the County’s FQHCs in Elmont, Freeport, Hempstead, Roosevelt and Westbury.

As everyone turns their focus to the vaccine, the County remains committed to offering easy and reliable COVID-19 testing for residents so we can contain disease spread while we wait for the vaccine to be widely available.

Our FQHCs have been real partners during this pandemic and I thank them for once again working with us to make sure all residents have access to COVID-19 testing and other critical health care services.

The testing will be at the following locations:  Westbury Health Center (682 Union Avenue, Westbury) Monday and Wednesday, 4:30pm to 8:30pm  Elmont Health Center (161 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont) Monday and Wednesday, 4:30pm to 8:30pm

Photo Source: Nassau County, NY

 South Ocean Care Health Center (101 South Bergen Place, Freeport) Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30pm to 8:30pm  Hempstead Health Center (135 Main Street, Hempstead) Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30pm to 8:30pm  Roosevelt Health Center (380 Nassau Road, Roosevelt) 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, 9am to 1pm

Owner/Publisher Executive Editor Editor-In-Chief Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams

Online Editorial Director Rachel Breton Hamlett

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Art Director Jessica R. Doughty

New York Trend welcomes letters to the editor.

Assistant to Publisher, Administrative Zoie Williams

Emeritus Office & Subscription Manager Sophie Taylor

International Correspondent Ann Brown

Social Media Zoie A. Williams

Travel Editor Jim Weaver Contributing Editor Justin Williams Circulation Manager Robert L. Taylor

Writers Ezra Mechaber Jim Weaver Anastasia Williams Justin Williams Teresa Williams

14 Bond Street, Suite 176, Great Neck, N.Y. 11021 Tel (347) 551-1545 Fax (516) 626-3966 ISSN#1083-58 Email NYTrend@aol.com Email: Website: www.newyorktrendnyc.com Website “Like Us” on Facebook: www.facebook.com/newyorktrendnyc New York Trend is published by TTW Associated, Inc. which holds copyright to the content of this publication. ISSN: 1083-5822 Mail inquiries to: New York Trend NYC, 14 Bond Street, Suite 176, Great Neck, N.Y. 11021.

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New York Trend reserves the right to edit all letters to the editor. Photographs and manuscripts will not be returned.

VOLUME 31 ISSUE 2

Due to federal and state regulations concerning the operations of non-essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and deliveries, please be advised that regularly scheduled deliveries may be delayed or adjusted to meet these regulations at the discretion of the distributors and publisher requires to adhere to the mandates. @2020

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January 21, 2021 - January 27, 2021

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Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 20090337H

Serious memory loss isn’t part of normal aging.

Stony Brook Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease As the only center of its kind on Long Island, and one of only 10 such centers in New York State, we provide early diagnosis and help enhance the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Our team includes geriatric psychiatrists, a geriatrician, a neuropsychologist and social workers. And we have partners throughout Long Island to effectively serve you and your loved ones where you live.

For Physicians and Healthcare Providers

Alzheimer’s Disease Virtual Symposium Person-Centered Care: Therapeutic Strategies in Dementia Care for Improving Quality of Life and Caregiver Support.

Friday, Nov. 6 • 8 to 10 am To learn more/register: ceadlongisland.org

• • • • •

Assessment and diagnosis of memory loss Comprehensive, individualized care plans Management of complex cases Technical help Educational resources for difficult diagnoses

• Second opinions

For Family Members • • • •

Recommendations on resources and support Language assistance Clinical trials information Advocacy with and on behalf of caregivers

(631) 954-2323 • ceadlongisland.org This center is supported by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

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January 21, 2021 - January 27, 2021

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ENTER TAINMENT

Onyx Spectrum TECH Wins INNER CITY AWARD Onyx Spectrum Technology is pleased to announce it is a winner of the 2020 Inner City 100 (IC100) award, which recognizes the 100 fastest-growing firms in under-resourced communities across America. The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) winners were selected based on revenue growth and job creation during the four-year period from 2015 to 2019.

This year's winners were revealed at the 2020 ICIC National Conference held virtually on December 8th. Onyx Spectrum Technology, led by CEO Adrienne R. Benton, was ranked #18. "We are honored to be included on the IC100 list," said Adrienne R. Benton. "In a year that has been very challenging for small and medium-sized businesses, especially minority owned inner city businesses, it is incredibly rewarding to be recognized alongside leaders from so many industries across the county."

Services and Engineering Services Firm headquartered in Boston, MA, with the Engineering Division based in Lawrence, MA. Onyx Spectrum Technology addresses the large and complex compliance, organizational, information management and sustaining engineering issues businesses and government agencies face.

For more information: www. onyxspectrum.com.

Contact: Adrienne R. Benton (CEO)  617.407.2826  abenton@onyxspectrum.com

Onyx Spectrum Technology, Inc. is a multidisciplinary IT Professional

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January 21, 2021 - January 27, 2021

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On this day when we honor Martin Luther King Jr., we remember his unwavering commitment to community.

By rallying others towards a just cause, he showed anything can be achieved when we come together towards a goal.

Celebrate with us at aarp.org/longisland

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January 21, 2021 - January 27, 2021

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EBUSINE VENT S S S BLACK

PANEL DISCUSSIONS ECONOMICS & COMMUNITY

THE FUTURE IS NOW 2021 conference takes place Feb. 8-12, 2021. This 5-day event will be jam packed days of amazing content and discussions. Recent developments and global conversations have been the catalyst to create panel discussions around relevant topics around the current and future landscape of Black economics and community.

Panel discussions will be held daily February 8 – 12, each with an impressive group of industry leaders who will focus on solutions for black economics and community empowerment, and offer perspective on what’s ahead.

Take advantage of forward-thinking keynote speakers, networking with influential attendees, and much more. Be a part of the change and register today for $97! Early bird pricing ends Jan 31. https://www. thefutureisnowconference.com.

The conference line up of dynamic presenters include the following:  FEBRUARY 8: Securing the Bag: Economic Security for Black Families & Communities., 9 am to 10 am EST  Moderator: Sasha Simmons, MPH, Phoenix, AZ; Owner, Speak Life, LLC  Panelists: •Chantel Jackson, United States; Assembly Member 79th District, New York State Assembly •Dr. Pamela Ellis, MBA, PhD, Dayton, OH; CEO, Compass Education Strategies •Constance Craig-Mason, York County, PA; CEO & Agency Owner, Concierge Financial Group •Stephen Jackson, New York, NY; CEO & Executive Director, Workshop in Business Opportunities (WIBO)  FEBRUARY 8: Being Black in Corporate America: An Intersectional Exploration., 12 pm to 1 pm EST  Moderator: Linda R. Taliaferro, Royal Oak, MI; Founder & CEO of The TEE - The Extra Effort; VP of Global Quality, Meritor Inc.  Panelists: •Dr. Elizabeth Carter, PhD, CPCU, Pittsburgh, PA; Director of Finance, Highmark, Inc •Bridget Leonard – Founder & CEO, Bridget Leonard Enterprises, LLC •Terry Allen, Dallas, TX; CEO, 1016 Media, Award-Winning Sales Leader. Public Relations & Marketing Executive and Community Advocate •Dr. Amina Gilyard James, Washington, DC; Founder & Principal of Influence|OD, CEO of

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on

EMPOWERMENT

Duke Ventures FEBRUARY 9: Becoming Black Women: Intimate Stories and Intersectional Identities., 9 am to 10 am EST  Moderator: Quinn Conyers, Middle River, MD; CTO, Quinn Conyers Consulting  Panelists: •Lisa Renee Johnson, Antioch, CA; CEO, Lisa Renee Johnson Enterprises •Dr. Elizabeth Carter, PhD, CPCU; Pittsburgh, PA; Director of Finance, Highmark, Inc •Carol Muleta, Baltimore, MD; Co-Founder, Gardener Parenting

•Jarriod Burch, Indianapolis, IN; CEO, Value on Purpose, LLC •Rasheed Graham – Charlotte, NC; Co-Founder & CFO, ClickUrban, LLC •Sunny E. Isuekebhor, Nigeria; International Keynote Speaker and Leadership Expert, CEO, SUEKS •Alex Bryant, Austin, TX; Media Relations Director, Trevor Romain Company  FEBRUARY 10: What Does Activism Beyond The Hashtag Look Like., 12 pm to 1 pm EST  Moderator: Sasha Simmons, MPH, Phoenix, AZ; Founder, Speak Life, LLC  Panelists:

Consultants & Talk Radio Host, Parenting 411 •Miara Shaw, Houston, TX; Founder, Maven Business Academy  FEBRUARY 9: How Does Systematic Racism Affect Access To Capital & Building Wealth For BIPOC People., 12 pm to 1 pm EST  Moderator: Jay Veal, M.Ed, Atlanta, GA; CEO of INC Education  Panelists: •Sunny E. Isuekebhor, Nigeria; International Keynote Speaker and Leadership Expert, CEO, SUEKS •Natajia Miller, The Bahamas; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant, Mind Fro •JJ Conway, Shreveport-Bossier City, LA; CEO, Building Wealth Together •Leonard Webb, Cumberland, MD; Founder & Educational Consultant, Webolutionary Motivations, LLC  FEBRUARY 10: Media Representations and Impact on the Lives of Black Men and Boys., 9 am to 10 am EST  Moderator: Carol Muleta, Baltimore, MD; Co-Founder & Partner, Gardener Parenting Consultants | Talk Radio Host, Parenting 411  Panelists:

•Toni Woodlon, CEO and Chief Consultant, EdAlly Consulting •Fabiola Paul, New Brunswick, NJ; CEO & Therapist, Enlightening Counseling & Educational Services, LLC •Rodney C. Burris, Baltimore, MD; Leadership Development Trainer, RodneyCBurris.com •Tamika Newman, MBA, Houston, TX; Founder & Chief Consultant, Grit and Grind Athletics LLC  FEBRUARY 11: Intersectionality and Stem: The Role of Race and Gender in Academic Pursuits of Black Women in STEM., 9 am to 10 am EST  Moderator: Linda R. Taliaferro, Royal Oak, MI; Founder & CEO of The TEE - The Extra Effort; VP of Global Quality, Meritor Inc.  Panelists: •JJ Conway, Shreveport-Bossier City, LA; CEO, Building Wealth Together •Sasha Simmons, MPH, Phoenix, AZ; Founder, Speak Life, LLC •Mireille Toulekima, Perth, Western Australia; Founder & Global Adviser in Energy and STEM, Public Figure, Global Influencer, MT Energy Resources, Ltd.

January 21, 2021 - January 27, 2021

 FEBRUARY 11: Do NOT Go Fund Me: Why Do We Need To Have A Will Made And How Do We Build A Legacy For Our Kids After We Are Gone Leveraging Life Insurance And More., 12 pm to 1 pm EST  Moderator: Jay Veal, M.Ed, Atlanta, GA; CEO of INC Education  Panelists: •Dr. Omai Kofi, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; Founder, The Board of Literacy •Constance Craig-Mason, York County, PA; CEO & Agency Owner, Concierge Financial Group •Ranada Dalton, Indianapolis, Indiana, CEO, Empowered Living Inc.  FEBRUARY 12: An 800 Credit Score is Worth More than $100k Cash: Why is Great Credit Needed in the Black Community and how to leverage it for Income Streams., 9 am to 10 am EST  Moderator: Dr. Elizabeth Carter, PhD, CPCU, Pittsburgh, PA; Director of Finance, Highmark, Inc.  Panelists: •Rasheed Graham – Charlotte, NC; Co-Founder & CFO, ClickUrban, LLC •Kelly Swann, Baltimore, MD; Founding Partner, KTR Partners •Constance Craig-Mason, York County, PA; CEO & Agency Owner, Concierge Financial Group  FEBRUARY 12: The Power of Owning Land and Real Estate to Build Wealth: A Deeper Look., 12 pm to 1 pm EST  Moderator: Tamika Newman, MBA, Houston, TX; Founder & Chief Consultant, Grit and Grind Athletics LLC  Panelists: •JJ Conway, Shreveport-Bossier City, LA; CEO, Building Wealth Together •Benaisha Poole-Watson, Mansfield, TX; Real Estate Investor, Developer, Custom Home Builder, Top 1% Real Estate Sales, Owner of The Bailey Watson Real Estate Group •Dr. Amina Gilyard James, Washington, DC; Founder & Principal of Influence|OD, CEO of Duke Ventures ABOUT #THEFUTUREISNOW2021 CONFERENCE: This event is targeted towards entrepreneurs, start-ups, business owners, organizations, companies, thought leaders, disruptors, innovators, and change makers who are making a real impact in the world with their message wanting to expand both locally and internationally.

Learn more at: https://www. thefutureisnowconference.com/

www.newyorktrendnyc.com

SP OR T S

BOSTON RED SOX Hire FIRST BL ACK WOMAN COACH

B I A N C A S M I T H is set to become the first African American coach in professional baseball team history.

Smith, who is 29-years old, will work with the minor league

players in the Boston Red Sox’s spring training complex in Fort Myers, Florida. She will be responsible for coaching position players.

“She was a great candidate

coming in,” Red Sox Vice President of Player Development Ben Crockett, who helped with the appointment, told the Boston Globe. “She’s had some really interesting experiences and has

been passionate about growing her skillset and development herself.”

Smith, who was a softball player during college at Dartmouth from 2010-12, has a lot under her belt. She served as a director of baseball operations and a graduate assistant at Case Western Reserve for about 5 years before serving as an assistant coach at the University of Dallas for a year.

Smith also had previous experience in the major league back in 2017 as an intern for the Texas Rangers and Cincinnati Reds baseball operations department.

Moreover, she will be officially announced as the new coach later this month. The Major League Baseball organization started hiring women just last year, with Smith as the first woman who is Black.

D E I O N S A N D E R S ’ S O N S Follows Legend

To

JACKSON STATE

Pro Football Hall of Famer D E I O N S A N D E R S , who is the current head coach of Jackson State University’s football team, will be joined by his two sons Shilo and Shedeur to play for the JSU Tigers.

“Pops said he needed some dawgs! So I’m joining my brother to help change the game at JSU and level the HBCU playing field,” Shilo, a redshirt freshman from the University of South Carolina, took to Twitter about his decision to transfer to JSU. He previously had 32 tackles and a pass deflection in nine games for the Gamecocks this season.

Shilo will be joining his younger brother Shedeur, who was a fourstar high school quarterback. He transferred to JSU from Florida Atlantic and also made it official recently.

The father-and-sons tandem hopes to take college football in HBCUs to the next level.

“This amazing HBCU has always enjoyed a high level of NewYorkTrendnyc

commitment academically and athletically,” said Deion when he joined JSU Tigers in September.

“It’s my desire to continue this

storied tradition and history of JSU and prayerfully bring more national recognition to the athletes, the university, the Sonic

January 21, 2021 - January 27, 2021

Boom of the South, and HBCUs in general. I am TRULY proud to be a part of the JSU Tiger family.

‘I BELIEVE.'” www.newyorktrendnyc.com | 9

HE ALTH B L A C K H E A LT H N E T W O R K N A M E S N E W E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R The California Black Health Network (CBHN) has announced the appointment of Rhonda M. Smith as its new Executive Director, effective January 4, 2021. Smith comes to CBHN off the heels of serving as its Interim Executive Director since July 1, 2020.

She will lead the organization’s efforts to achieve health equity for African Americans and Black Immigrants across California. Smith has an extensive background and experience that spans across a multitude of disciplines, including sales, marketing, consulting, business development, and nonprofit management. However, for the past decade Smith has developed an expertise in health disparities and has led strategic community-based initiatives aimed to improve health outcomes for the under-served and communities of color.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead CBHN, an organization that has such a legacy in the Black Community.

There is so much potential for CBHN in the years ahead for us to make an impact in improving the health and health outcomes for Black Californians.

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we take action to improve health outcomes for Black Californians, inspire hope for a new and better future, and ensure a racially just humanity. We also need to ensure that there are more effective education, advocacy, and

policy initiatives that mitigate those factors that contribute to the widening of the disparities gap due to COVID-19 and in the life expectancy of Black Californians”, said Smith.

Blacks in California have the shortest life expectancy at birth compared to all other racial and ethnic groups, and COVID-19 has only exacerbated this problem. Black Californians are three times more likely to contract COVID-19 than white residents and are nearly two times more likely to die from it.

In response to this issue, CBHN has launched “The Campaign for Black Health Equity”, a multi-year effort to mitigate the inequities that significantly impact the health, lives, and well-being of Black Californians. The goal is to decrease health disparities for Black Californians by 25% by 2023, and ultimately increase their life expectancy.

“Over the past seven months in her role as Interim Executive Director, Rhonda has demonstrated that she has what it takes to lead this organization to becoming a major leader in advocating for greater health equity African Americans and Black Immigrants across California. Throughout the history of CBHN, its primary goal has been ensuring that all African Americans and Black Immigrants are afforded the opportunity to live long, healthy lives. If ever there was a time to have a great leader at the helm, this is it,

we look forward to Rhonda’s expertise and leadership to move CBHN to the forefront of leading the charge on a Campaign for Black Health Equity,” said Brenda Shipp, Board Chair of CBHN.

California. CBHN works to ensure that all Black Californians, regardless of their education, socio-economic class, zip code, sexual orientation, gender identity, homelessness, or immigration

Photo Source: afrotech.com

For more information on CBHN and the Campaign for Black Health Equity, contact info@cablackhealthnetwork. org or 916-333-0613.

The California Black Health Network (CBHN) is the only Black-led, state-wide organization dedicated to advocating for health equity for all African Americans and Black Immigrants in

status have access to high quality and equitable primary and behavioral healthcare and avoid unnecessarily succumbing to disease. CBHN envisions a California where every African American and Black Immigrant has the opportunity to live long healthy lives, free from violence, racism, and health inequities.

A D U LT S M O K I N G R AT E i n N Y C D e c l i n e s The Health Department today announced that results from the 2019 Community Health Survey show an adult smoking prevalence of 11.9%, a decrease from 14.3% in 2015 and 21.5% in 2002. This meets the smoking target of less than 12% in Take Care New York 2020, which is the City's blueprint for giving everyone the chance to live a healthier life. Its aim is to improve every community's health, especially among those experiencing the greatest health inequities.

“More New Yorkers than ever have extinguished their smoking habit – or never even picked it up – and we’re all healthier for it,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi.

“But with the ongoing impact of COVID-19, all New Yorkers can take additional steps to protect their health.

If you smoke, it’s a great time to try to quit and we’ve got your back with resources to make it easier.”

Smoking increases the risk of respiratory infections and pneumonia, as well the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Smoking is also known to cause heart disease, stroke, type2 diabetes, many cancers and lung diseases such as emphysema.

In 2017, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed several bills to address tobacco and e-cigarette use, as well as

10 | NewYorkTrendnyc

secondhand smoke exposure. These policies included banning the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies; raising the minimum prices for all tobacco products; capping the number of tobacco and e-cigarette retailers citywide; and promoting smoke-free spaces in residential settings.

While these improvements are impressive, troubling inequities exist.

In 2019, adults with less than a high school education were twice as likely to smoke as those with a college degree (15.6% vs. 7.4%). Men were more likely to smoke than women (14.7% vs. 9.3%). Smoking was also particularly high among adults with serious psychological distress (SPD), compared to adults without SPD (26.7% vs. 11.0%) Historically, the tobacco and vaping industry have resisted increased regulation and oversight, while also using manipulative marketing tactics to target youth and specific communities, which have contributed to these inequities.

and 7.5% of 25-44-year-olds reporting current vaping. Vaping is now much more common among 18-24-yearolds than smoking (4.8%). White New Yorkers are two to three times more likely to use e-cigarettes (9%) than New Yorkers from other racial and ethnic groups. In response to the popularity of e-cigarettes among youth, this year, both the city and the state adopted laws prohibiting the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes. This will help protect young people from developing nicotine dependence and drive down the rate of adult smoking further because few

The New York City Community Health Survey (CHS) is a telephone survey conducted annually by the Health Department. The 2019 sample included approximately 8,800 randomly selected adults aged 18 and older from all five boroughs. Interviews are conducted in English, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese). In 2018, additional languages were added, including Bengali and Haitian Creole.

The best thing people who smoke or vape can do is to stop. Using counseling and cessation medications, such as nicotine patches and lozenges, can double the chances of quitting successfully. The New York State Smokers Quitline is available to help online at nysmokefree.com or by phone at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487).

While supplies last, up to three months of nicotine replacement gum is available for free to those who qualify.

For decades, New York City has been a leader in tobacco control policies, reducing the rates of smoking among youth and adults, with policies including the Smoke Free Air Act and raising the minimum age for tobacco sales to 21.

E-cigarettes are an ongoing area of concern, with 10.4% of 18-24-year-olds

people start smoking as adults. For support quitting, teens and young adults (ages 13 to 24) can text “DROPTHEVAPE” to 88709 to join This Is Quitting, a free Truth Initiative texting support program.

Photo by @eanlami via Unsplash

January 21, 2021 - January 27, 2021

New Yorkers can also talk to their health care provider about medication and counseling options. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover services to help you quit.

www.newyorktrendnyc.com

END NO TE S BLACK-OWNED GREETING C ARDS Dr. Dionne Mahaffey, founder of Culture Greetings, a woman-led and Black-owned greeting card company, announces the launch of a new printto-store integration partnership with Walgreens.

featuring imagery centered around and elevating the Black and Brown communities’ voices. Card options span all mainstream and cultural holidays and occasions, life milestones,

At

Walgreens Developer Program,” explains Dr. Mahaffey. “As we approach our two-year anniversary, this new integration marks a significant milestone for us, expanding the greeting

Through the technology integration with the Walgreens Photo Prints and Store Locator APIs, in addition to the Culture Greetings’ mail-to-recipient delivery option, customers will now have the choice to pick up their customized printed greeting cards in any of the 9,277 Walgreens or Duane Reed locations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

“The launching of this new partnership and integration reflects a significant first for the Walgreens API team,” said Andrew Schweinfurth, Manager, Walgreens Developer Relations. “As we welcome Culture Greetings and founder Dr. Dionne Mahaffey, we acknowledge that she is the first African American female founder to join the platform.”

Founded in 2018, Culture Greetings offers more than 2000 greeting cards

Photo Source: blacknews.com

social justice, LGBTQ+, and photo-card templates for customized personal greetings.

“We are excited be a part of the

"K I D C E O ’S " Reflect

Two national #1 best-selling kid authors (Kira and Skye, Co-Founders and CEO's of Kidz Mic), a pre-teen who earned six figures by the sixth grade (GaBBY, CEO of Confidence and Creator of GaBBY Bows), teen entrepreneur celebrated in media (Shai, CEO of Shai's World), a teen million dollar business builder and owner (Zandra, CEO of Zandra Beauty) and other strong young Black entrepreneurs will come together to help their generation lift their collective voice, reflect, heal and confidently rock their magic into 2021.  During the reflect on 2020 “Kidz Got Something To Say” panel presented

by Kidz Mic, Kid CEO’s are giving 21 of their best leadership secrets to other kids & inviting young voices to reflect on 2020 in an upcoming national summit.

(Register to view with your kids or class at no cost: KidzGotSomethingToSay. com)  2020 has been really impactful for everyone and kids of color experienced a lot of emotions this year. Some marched, questioned their safety, rooted harder for political candidates that most generations before them did when they were their age and did it all while trying to figure school, virtual school, and or simply having loved ones go through incredible changes.  This generation needs to know they matter, and one of the best ways to show them they do is to give them a voice. Kids have something to say, show them you hear them and sign up your kids, your class, or your youth group to join the no cost “Kidz Got Something To Say” National Kidz Leadership Summit at www.KidzGotSomethingToSay.com

NewYorkTrendnyc

On

card aisle, bringing more inclusive options, and providing customers with the instant gratification of picking up their customized card within minutes of creating it.”

Living , Learning

“We want to show kids like us that there is positivity in the world, and that like their life, their voice matters” 

Kira & Skye Kidpreneur Co-Founders & CEO’s of Kidz Mic, ( Fo un d ed w h e n t h e y we r e 9 an d 7 y r s o l d )

The panelists will share 21 secrets including how they found their own

and

Culture Greetings will continue to offer its flagship delivery method of mailing cards directly to the customer’s recipient. On the website, customers can choose a greeting card, write a personal note using handwriting fonts that mirror real penmanship and click “send,” which cues their state-of-the-art printing press. Gift cards from Target, Amazon, iTunes, and other brands can also be included in the mailing. The company then prints and mails the card directly to the recipient’s address the following business day, saving customers a trip to the store.

Culture Greetings is a Black-owned greeting card brand. Customers pick a card online and write a note inside using handwriting fonts that mirror real penmanship. Through innovative technology, Culture Greetings will print, stamp, and mail the cards directly to the recipient. The platform now offers same-day pickup in partnership with Walgreens in-store photo prints. For more information, visit CultureGreetings. com.

Leading

leadership voice and the panel will award participation prizes that make virtual school easier to other kids who attend the no cost summit as a way to support other kids while they are figuring the rest of this year out.

Since starting their company, Kira and Skye, the kidpreneur co-founders

of Kidz Mic have collected amazing success, leadership, mindset, and “how

January 21, 2021 - January 27, 2021

WALGREENS

In

America

to overcome” secrets from leaders, artists, and history shaking giants like Congressman & Civil Rights Hon. leader John Lewis, Kirk Franklin, the First Black Navy SEAL William H. Goines, Grammy Winner Anthony Hamilton, the legendary Isley Bros. and many more.

Their CD of hit songs is the best source for dope positive music, encouragement over hot beats, mindset boosting media that the whole family loves. Countless celeb’s & black leaders have shared success tips just for kids like yours through Kidz Mic’s videos. Kidz Mic’s kidpreneur founders tell their story in their bestselling book “Future So Bright”, it’s full of affirmations and STEM in music tips for kids. Overall, parents and teachers say that they bump Kidz Mic every day and it makes teaching kids the family values that "they" want their kids to have way easier, less squabbles, less attitudes, many more magic smiles!

Kids from all tribes are invited to get a great dose of this positivity and youth empowerment at the Kidz Got Something To Say National Summit on 12/14/20 at 4 PM. Get no cost access for your class or family when you register at www.KidzGotSomethingToSay.com and enter the name of this publication as the place you heard about the summit. People can learn more about the presenting kidpreneurs, Kidz Mic at www.KidzMic.com, follow them online www.Instagram.com/KidzMic (@ KidzMic) and contact Cherise@KidzMic. com to touch base on your organization or class can win prizes from Kidz Mic just for joining or to connect on collaborating, supporting, sharing the news.

www.newyorktrendnyc.com | 11

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WHAT IS THE AMERICAN DREAM?

A five-part discussion hosted by Carlos Watson.

Join the inaugural conversation on positively resetting the American Dream, together. #realtalk

Aida Rodriguez Producer, Stand-Up Comedian

Jalen Rose Athlete, Commentator

Carlos Watson Host

Jasmine Davis Trans Activist

Eddie Glaude Jr. Princeton Professor

John Kasich Former Governor of Ohio

Angela Duckworth Professor

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WATCH NOW ozy.com/realtalk

12 | NewYorkTrendnyc

January 21, 2021 - January 27, 2021

www.newyorktrendnyc.com